SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean legislative push to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law fell through on Saturday after most lawmakers from his conservative governing party boycotted the vote. Related video above: Thousands protest, march to president's office in S. Korea (12/05/24) The defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon's ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president's impeachment. Yoon's martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon's impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. Impeaching Yoon required support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties who brought the impeachment motion had 192 seats, but only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn't reach 200. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP's earlier story follows below: Most ruling party lawmakers were boycotting a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority sought by the opposition to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as protests grew nationwide calling for his removal. The likely defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon's ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president's impeachment. Yoon's martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon's impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. Impeaching Yoon would require support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties who brought the impeachment motion have 192 seats, meaning they need at least eight additional votes from Yoon's People Power Party. The opposition-controlled parliament began a vote earlier Saturday, but only three lawmakers from PPP took part with opposition members. If the number of lawmakers who cast ballots doesn't reach 200, the motion will be scrapped at midnight without the ballot counting, according to the National Assembly. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. There are worries that Yoon won't be able to serve out his remaining 2 1⁄2 years in office because his leadership took a huge hit. Many experts say some ruling party lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties' efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik urged ruling party members to return to the chamber to participate in the vote, stressing that it was closely watched by the nation and also the world. "Don't make a shameful judgment, and please vote based on your convictions," Woo said. Democratic Party leaders visited a hall on the floor below the main chamber where PPP lawmakers were gathered, attempting to persuade them to vote. After being blocked from entering, they angrily accused the conservatives' leadership of preventing its lawmakers from voting freely. Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology over the martial law decree, saying he won't shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose martial law. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country's political turmoil, "including matters related to my term in office." "The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot," Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a "den of criminals" bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate "shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces." The turmoil resulting from Yoon's bizarre and poorly thought-out stunt has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon's martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. Yoon's speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon's early exit from office. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, told reporters that Yoon's speech was "greatly disappointing" and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon's martial law "unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup." The passage of Yoon's impeachment motion appeared more likely Friday when the chair of Yoon's party called for his removal on Friday, but the party remained formally opposed to impeachment. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people densely packed several blocks of roads leading up to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing and singing along to K-pop songs with lyrics changed to call for Yoon's ouster. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP's headquarters near the Assembly, angrily shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon's supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied in separate streets in Seoul, decrying the impeachment attempt they saw as unconstitutional. Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon's wife. Some lawmakers from Yoon's party were seen leaving the hall after that vote, triggering angry shouts from opposition lawmakers. On Friday, PPP chair Han Dong-hun, who criticized Yoon's martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law, Yoon ordered the country's defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of "anti-state activities." Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians. The targeted politicians included Han, Lee and Woo, according to Kim Byung-kee, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders, including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit, over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.The dramatic toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime at the hands of rebel forces this weekend could have far-reaching consequences for Syria, global and regional powers, and alliances. It also may prove to be a replay of earlier events in Iraq courtesy the western powers. Over the past fortnight, rebel forces led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) carried out a lightning-fast offensive across Syria, seizing key cities along the way. The faction finally claimed the capital Damascus at the weekend (7 December), prompting President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country and seek refuge in Russia. The overthrow of Assad was greeted cautiously by Western nations who are wary of the potential for further bloodshed and of a power vacuum in Syria, if a chaotic and contested transition of leadership takes place. But it would not be wrong to say that these Western powers themselves will take decisions which may lead Syria to further chaos. An example of this was evident when in-spite of American president-elect Donald Trump claiming on social media that ‘It’s NOT our war.’ However, the Biden administration and Israel started aerial pounding to eliminate alleged chemical weapons in Syria. It reminds one of the Iraq story, and the future events might be duplication of it yet again. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it has struck more than 75 targets, including ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps, to ensure that the group does not take advantage of the chaotic situation following the end of Assad’s rule. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on Monday that the country targeted suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria while asserting that the strikes were aimed at preventing these weapons from falling into hostile hands. Al Jazeera reported Israel carrying out 480 air strikes in just two days (9-10 December) across Syria. Meanwhile, Israeli troops have moved into the buffer zone on the edge of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. This was a longstanding Israeli dream, and in strategic terms it means that whosoever controls Golan Heights, could be a threat to Israel, as from the western Golan, it is only about 60 miles – without major terrain obstacles – to Haifa and Acre, and Israel’s industrial heartland. A UN spokesman described this as “constituting a violation” of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria. Additionally, Israel’s military offensive in Syria could well be part of the pro-western plan to tame the rebels from day one. The bigger question here is, who gave the right to the US and Israel to bomb Syria, a sovereign state. They do not have the UN mandate or the wider acceptance by other western powers. So how could they act as the international militia? At the geopolitical level, the Syrian saga has not yet ended, but it has just begun. After the installation of any care-taker government, the western powers led by the US and Israel will continue to interfere in the country’s political process besides undermining its defence capabilities, in the name of countering ISIS or al-Qaeda. Meanwhile Syria’s old supporters Russia and Iran will try to carve out a more robust engagement with the new government. Though for the moment, Al Jolani aka Sharra has indicated his animosity towards Iran, but real-politick and pressure from the Iranian proxies in Syria may make him change his tune. For now, however, the fall of the Assad dynasty after over 50 years in power has more immediate global ramifications, with Russia and Iran seen as “losers” after the ousting of the Syrian dictator, while the US, Turkey and Israel are viewed among the main beneficiaries from the regime change. Europe could also be a beneficiary of the regime change in Syria, if it means fewer displaced refugees entering the region – a development that has fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment and the rise of populist right-wing parties in recent years, accompanied with a rise in Islamophobia. The major immediate geopolitical “winners” are Israel and Turkey, with the former seeing its regional nemesis Iran weakened further, thanks to Assad’s downfall – while Ankara could emerge as “the most influential” foreign actor in the country. Israel is seen as a beneficiary of Assad’s fall because of its impact on Iran, which has used Syria as a supply route to its proxy in Lebanon, the Hezbollah. Israel has looked to severely weaken this supply chain as part of its military campaign against Iranian proxies in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Additionally, there is no doubt that Russia will be concerned over the amount of much influence – and good will – it can expect from a new leadership in Syria. Moscow has a vested interest in keeping the new government on its side, as it operates an air base in Hmeimim, along with a naval base in Tartus that gives it access to the Mediterranean Sea. Reuters reported citing Russian news agencies that though the rebel forces have given the Kremlin assurances that they would guarantee the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions in Syria, but Russia’s long-term military presence in the country is seen as far from certain. However, the events of the last 15 days have taken many by surprise. And it may seem like taking another page out of the Arab Spring saga. Just like the Arab Spring, it was a simple act of rebellion. A teenager, a spray can, and a wall. But what happened next would change the course of history, leaving a nation in ruins and a dictator fighting for survival. This is the story of Mouawiya Syasneh, a 14-year-old whose graffiti lit the fuse of the Syrian Civil War. A conflict that has now come full circle as Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power has been crushed. But how did a teenager spark a revolution, and where does Syria stand today? Let’s take you back to 2011, to the dusty streets of Daraa in southern Syria. Alex Croft, in his article in The Independent writes that Mouawiya Syasneh and his friends were like any other teenager – curious, mischievous, frustrated with the world around them. But Syria wasn’t just any place. It was a nation ruled with an iron fist, where dissent was dangerous and silence was survival. Armed with nothing but a spray can, Mouawiya sprayed a message on a school wall. The message was a warning which read ‘Ejakel door, yadoctor’, which means ‘Now it’s your turn, Doctor’. The doctor in the message was President Bashar al-Assad, whose background as an ophthalmologist had earned him the nickname. The graffiti wasn’t just a jab. It was a spark of defiance against a regime that had held Syria in a chokehold for decades. What happened next was brutal. Mouawiya and his friends were arrested by Syria’s secret police, the notorious Mukhabarat. For 26 days, they were held in captivity, tortured, and humiliated. When their parents and neighbours demanded their release, the regime responded with violence – tear gas, bullets, and bloodshed. But instead of silencing the people, the regime’s actions ignited something unstoppable. On March 15, 2011, Syrians organised the first “Day of Rage”. Inspired by the Arab Spring that had toppled dictators in Tunisia and Egypt, Syrians from all walks of life took to the streets, demanding freedom, justice, and the downfall of the Assad regime. Jason Burke, in his article in the UK-based news website Middle East Eye (MEE) says that for most of the last two decades, the new de facto ruler of much of Syria has not used his real name at all. Ahmed al-Sharaa, who grew up in a progressive household in a prosperous neighbourhood of Damascus and studied medicine, entirely disappeared. In his place was Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a nom de guerre formulated according to the convention of jihadis, seeking new identities redolent of historic Muslim glory and offering the shield of anonymity. So, it was Jolani who fought US soldiers in Iraq alongside jihadi insurgents between 2003 and 2006, and was then incarcerated there for five years in detention camps. It was Jolani too who returned to Syria in 2011 to play important roles in the campaigns of both the Islamic State (IS) and then al-Qaida. It was Jolani who took over the Islamist group HTS and from 2017 imposed his rule on two million people in the north-western Syrian enclave of Idlib. Last month, it was Jolani who launched a rebel coalition dominated by HTS on its blistering 12-day campaign that ended in Damascus on Sunday (8 December). In Aleppo, the first city to be captured by the rebel alliance when it launched its offensive last month, HTS offered amnesties to former regime foot soldiers, went door to door to reassure Christian residents they would not be harmed, and sent a message to Kurds saying “diversity is a strength of which we are proud”. Sharaa himself is reported to have led diplomatic efforts to win over Ismaili Shia leaders and so secure key towns for the rebels without loss.. Now the question is will Sharaa come to the centre stage of power in Syria? However, the fast-paced developments also lead one to wonder whether the western powers led by the US and in this instance helped by Israel are trying to replay the Iraqi story once again in Syria. The realities are simple to understand, first create a conflict, then sell arms to the victim country, thirdly destroy its infra-structure. All for the sake of profit making, first through arms sale and then reconstruction of that country by western companies, once the so-called aims of these powers have been allegedly attained or due to increasing international ostracism.
Eagles’ Saquon Barkley reaches 2,000-yard milestone as Philadelphia clinches NFC East | CNN
Suder scores 16 as Miami (Ohio) downs Mercer 75-72
Tweet Facebook Mail A man has been killed and a teenage boy and woman have been taken to hospital after a tree branch fell onto their car near the Victorian/NSW border last night. The trio were reportedly travelling through a camping area at Loop Track in Yarrawonga about 7.10pm when the branch fell during a "significant weather event". Over the past 24 hours, wild weather, including heavy fog, thunderstorms, and rain, has lashed the state. READ MORE: 'Stop violence before it starts': How a simple question can help change men's attitudes towards women Sydneysiders flock to beaches and waterways as heatwave rolls in View Gallery Damaging winds swept through Yarrawonga last night, prompting the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a severe storm warning just before the branch fell. The driver, a man who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. A teenage boy was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries while a woman was taken to hospital for observation. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and police will prepare a report for the Coroner. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Depa will lead on the discovery and deployment of emerging technologies to help address business challenges and shape the future with confidence Brings deep experience in identifying new ways that can practically help business transformation through an innovation mindset and culture shift LONDON , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The EY organization announces today the appointment of Joe Depa as the new EY Global Chief Innovation Officer, effective immediately. Within this role, he will spearhead applied innovation to help improve service delivery and guide EY teams to address and solve business challenges. Depa joins the EY organization at a pivotal moment, as a range of emerging technologies are reshaping businesses and industries, creating a multitude of new challenges and opportunities. To keep pace, the EY organization is continuing to make significant investments in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and blockchain, and most recently formed the EY.ai Global AI Advisory Council. In his new role, Depa will be leading the organization's global innovation strategy. This will include overseeing efforts to successfully implement emerging technologies for tangible business applications, both internally and across work of EY member firms with clients. Raj Sharma, EY Global Managing Partner of Growth and Innovation, says: "At this time of constant disruption, success would require a forward-thinking approach and willingness to make bold decisions, which are at the heart of an innovative mindset. We're thrilled to have Joe's deep experience and knowledge around AI and data to lead on our strategic approach to innovation so that EY teams can help clients shape their future more confidently." Throughout the last decade, Depa has worked closely with C-suite leaders and boards to bring innovative products and services to market, improve client and employee experiences, and help enhance operational efficiencies through technology. Most recently, he served as the inaugural Chief Data and AI Officer at a leading university and health care organization. At the university, he helped to promote AI literacy, launch a responsible AI governance program and enable a secure data foundation. Prior to that, he acted as Senior Managing Director and Global Lead for Data and AI at a global multinational professional services company, where he led a team of AI strategists and data engineers in developing and implementing new products and services. Joe Depa , EY Global Chief Innovation Officer, says: "I'm truly excited to join an organization that is 'All in' on its commitment to the transformative potential of emerging technologies. I look forward to working with the EY teams and clients to help empower them to apply innovation in bold, new ways that help create value for clients through data, AI and emerging technologies to make the world a better place." A renowned thought leader in the field of AI, Depa has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Global Leaders" by World Summit AI and has received Fast Company's "World Changing Idea" award, among other accolades. For more information, visit: ey.com. About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567765/EY_Joe_Depa.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/381362/EY_Logo.jpgRestaurant Brands International: Staying Cautious On Comparable Sales Growth TrendsPublished 5:21 pm Monday, December 23, 2024 Shirley Ann Miner, 81 Shirley Miner, age 81, earned her place in Heaven’s Bake Shoppe after having passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Fieldcrest Nursing Home in Hayfield, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Tacoma, Washington on June 10, 1943, to William and Mildred Roddewig. On August 30, 1963, Shirley married Merrideth (Skeeter) Miner after meeting him on a blind date while he was stationed in the Army. They moved back to Minnesota and raised their family on the Miner Family Farm until moving to Hayfield in 1986. Shirley enjoyed crocheting and making quilts, many of which were donated for local area raffles. Bowling, Word Finds, Jigsaw Puzzles, Bingo and trips to the Casino were some of her other favorites. She was also a Minnesota Sports enthusiast and could be found watching the Vikings and Timberwolves, but most importantly to her were the Twins baseball games. Her greatest passion was baking cookies, bars and making candies including family favorites of Monster Cookies, Chocolate Revel Bars, Caramels, Chocolate Covered Cherries, Fudge, Maple frosted Long Johns and Skeeter’s fondest, Sugar Cookies. During their 61 years of marriage, Shirley and Skeeter spent a lot of time traveling to various states, as well as regularly attending sporting events that their grandchildren participated in, along with cattle showings at the county and State fairs. Being in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was Shirley’s most favorite place. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mildred; step-father, Joe Cortina; brothers, Duane, Jim, and Ron; infant son, Thomas Wayne; son-in-law, Paul Hansen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Merrideth (Skeeter) Miner; children, Brenda Hansen, Janet (Bill) Brown, Curt (Kim), and Warren (Kari); seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; sister Sharon; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Milda Lou and Dave Weness; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be Friday, December 27, 2024, 4:00-7:00 PM at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, MN with a celebration of life to honor Shirley on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM with visitation one hour before and lunch to follow at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 1st Street SE, Hayfield, MN. Burial will be at Waltham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley’s name are preferred to Fieldcrest Nursing Home, Trinity Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice. To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota, 507-477-2259. Blessed be his memory.
Fiscal Third Quarter Total Revenues of $2.160 Billion , Up 15.8% Year Over Year Subscription Revenues of $1.959 Billion , Up 15.8% Year Over Year PLEASANTON, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ: WDAY), a leading provider of solutions to help organizations manage their people and money , today announced results for the fiscal 2025 third quarter ended October 31, 2024. Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results 1 See the section titled "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in the accompanying financial tables for further details. Comments on the News "Workday's solid performance in Q3 reflects the trust our customers place in us across industries, the global momentum around our AI-driven innovations, and the strength of our partner ecosystem," said Carl Eschenbach , CEO, Workday. "Organizations are increasingly consolidating on the Workday platform to reduce total cost of ownership, simplify their operations, and to unlock the power of our best-in-class AI solutions. Workday gives them the ultimate advantage – and that positions our business for long-term success." "In Q3, we once again made good progress across a number of our key growth areas," said Zane Rowe , CFO, Workday. "Looking ahead, we expect fiscal 2025 subscription revenue of $7.703 billion , growth of 17%, and fiscal 2025 non-GAAP operating margin of 25.5%. We are focused on executing in our seasonally strongest quarter, as we lay the foundation for durable, profitable growth at scale." Recent Highlights 1 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for 1,000+ Employee Enterprises, Ranadip Chandra, Sam Grinter, Ron Hanscome, Chris Pang, Anand Chouksey, Josie Xing, Harsh Kundulli, David Bobo, Laura Gardiner, Hiten Sheth, Emi Chiba, Travis Wickesberg, and Michelle Shapiro, 23 October 2024. 2 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Service-Centric Enterprises, Robert Anderson, Denis Torii, Sam Grinter, Naveen Mahendra, Tomas Kienast, Johan Jartelius, 4 November 2024. 3 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Financial Planning Software, Regina Crowder, Vaughan Archer, Matthew Mowrey, Michelle Carlsen, 18 November 2024. Financial Outlook Workday is providing guidance for the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter ending January 31, 2025 as follows: Workday is updating its guidance for the fiscal 2025 full year ending January 31, 2025 as follows: 1 The Company has not provided a reconciliation of its forward outlook for non-GAAP operating margin with its forward-looking GAAP operating margin in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the amount and timing of adjustments that are used to calculate this non-GAAP financial measure, particularly related to stock-based compensation and its related tax effects, acquisition- related costs, and realignment costs. Earnings Call Details Workday plans to host a conference call today to review its fiscal 2025 third quarter financial results and to discuss its financial outlook. The call is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET and can be accessed via webcast . The webcast will be available live, and a replay will be available following completion of the live broadcast for approximately 90 days. Workday uses the Workday Blog as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. About Workday Workday is a leading enterprise platform that helps organizations manage their most important assets – their people and money . The Workday platform is built with AI at the core to help customers elevate people, supercharge work, and move their business forever forward. Workday is used by more than 10,500 organizations around the world and across industries – from medium-sized businesses to more than 60% of the Fortune 500. For more information about Workday, visit workday.com . © 2024 Workday, Inc. All rights reserved. Evisort, Workday, and the Workday logo are registered trademarks of Workday, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding Workday's fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 subscription revenue and non-GAAP operating margin, growth, momentum, and innovation. These forward-looking statements are based only on currently available information and our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. If the risks materialize, assumptions prove incorrect, or we experience unexpected changes in circumstances, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not rely on any forward-looking statements. Risks include, but are not limited to: (i) breaches in our security measures or those of our third-party providers, unauthorized access to our customers' or other users' personal data, or disruptions in our data center or computing infrastructure operations; (ii) service outages, delays in the deployment of our applications, and the failure of our applications to perform properly; (iii) privacy concerns and evolving domestic or foreign laws and regulations; (iv) the impact of continuing global economic and geopolitical volatility on our business, as well as on our customers, prospects, partners, and service providers; (v) any loss of key employees or the inability to attract, train, and retain highly skilled employees; (vi) competitive factors, including pricing pressures, industry consolidation, entry of new competitors and new applications, advancements in technology, and marketing initiatives by our competitors; (vii) our reliance on our network of partners to drive additional growth of our revenues; (viii) the regulatory, economic, and political risks associated with our domestic and international operations; (ix) adoption of our applications and services by customers and individuals, including any new features, enhancements, and modifications, as well as our customers' and users' satisfaction with the deployment, training, and support services they receive; (x) the regulatory risks related to new and evolving technologies such as AI and our ability to realize a return on our development efforts; (xi) our ability to realize the expected business or financial benefits of any acquisitions of or investments in companies; (xii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; and (xiii) changes in sales, which may not be immediately reflected in our results due to our subscription model. Further information on these and additional risks that could affect Workday's results is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K and other reports that we have filed and will file with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. Workday assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by law. Any unreleased services, features, or functions referenced in this document, our website, or other press releases or public statements that are not currently available are subject to change at Workday's discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at all. Customers who purchase Workday services should make their purchase decisions based upon services, features, and functions that are currently available. Workday, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) (unaudited) October 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,311 $ 2,012 Marketable securities 5,846 5,801 Trade and other receivables, net 1,404 1,639 Deferred costs 244 232 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 273 255 Total current assets 9,078 9,939 Property and equipment, net 1,263 1,234 Operating lease right-of-use assets 335 289 Deferred costs, noncurrent 490 509 Acquisition-related intangible assets, net 383 233 Deferred tax assets 1,031 1,065 Goodwill 3,479 2,846 Other assets 365 337 Total assets $ 16,424 $ 16,452 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 74 $ 78 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 323 287 Accrued compensation 476 544 Unearned revenue 3,447 4,057 Operating lease liabilities 102 89 Total current liabilities 4,422 5,055 Debt, noncurrent 2,983 2,980 Unearned revenue, noncurrent 64 70 Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 278 227 Other liabilities 53 38 Total liabilities 7,800 8,370 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 0 0 Additional paid-in capital 11,115 10,400 Treasury stock (1,208) (608) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 16 21 Accumulated deficit (1,299) (1,731) Total stockholders' equity 8,624 8,082 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 16,424 $ 16,452 Workday, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands and per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenues: Subscription services $ 1,959 $ 1,691 $ 5,678 $ 4,843 Professional services 201 175 557 494 Total revenues 2,160 1,866 6,235 5,337 Costs and expenses (1) : Costs of subscription services 329 264 924 759 Costs of professional services 201 181 606 552 Product development 647 619 1,952 1,829 Sales and marketing 620 538 1,804 1,581 General and administrative 198 176 609 512 Total costs and expenses 1,995 1,778 5,895 5,233 Operating income (loss) 165 88 340 104 Other income (expense), net 62 41 178 114 Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes 227 129 518 218 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 34 15 86 25 Net income (loss) $ 193 $ 114 $ 432 $ 193 Net income (loss) per share, basic $ 0.73 $ 0.43 $ 1.63 $ 0.74 Net income (loss) per share, diluted $ 0.72 $ 0.43 $ 1.61 $ 0.73 Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share, basic 265,411 262,153 265,062 260,747 Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share, diluted 268,549 266,377 268,936 264,087 (1) Costs and expenses include share-based compensation expenses as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Costs of subscription services $ 35 $ 30 $ 108 $ 90 Costs of professional services 28 29 86 87 Product development 162 162 498 494 Sales and marketing 78 65 226 212 General and administrative 65 63 204 188 Total share-based compensation expenses $ 368 $ 349 $ 1,122 $ 1,071 Workday, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions) (unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 193 $ 114 $ 432 $ 193 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talkMajor storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier
Build Professional Websites Without Coding or Paying More Than OnceMCG teams to scan markets for single-use plastic
After closing the books on a banner year for US stocks, investors expect to ride seasonal momentum into mid-January when a slew of economic data and a transition of power in Washington could send markets moving. The S&P 500 rose almost 27% in 2024 through Dec. 26, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index, which surpassed 20,000 for the first time in December, is up 33.4%. November through January is traditionally a strong period in the market, said Michael Rosen, chief investment officer at Angeles Investments. Additionally, stocks tend to do well in the last five trading days of December and into the first two days of January, a phenomenon dubbed the Santa Claus rally, which has driven S&P gains of an average of 1.3% since 1969, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. For the last four trading sessions, the S&P rose 2.91%, while the Nasdaq is up 3.3%, lifting hopes for a repeat. "The underlying data suggests that that's likely to continue," Rosen said. Just how long that momentum lasts will depend on several forces that could help drive markets in 2025. Monthly US employment data on Jan. 10 should give investors a fresh view into the health and strength of the US economy. Job growth rebounded in November following hurricane- and strike-related setbacks earlier in the year. The market's strength will be tested again shortly after, when US companies start reporting fourth-quarter earnings. Investors anticipate a 10.6% earnings per share growth in 2025, versus a 12.16% expected rise in 2024, according to LSEG data, although excitement over President-elect Donald Trump's policies is expected to boost the outlook for some sectors, like banks, energy and crypto. "There's the hope that taxes and regulations will be lowered or reduced next year, that will help support corporate profits, which are what drive the market in the first place," said Rosen. Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 could also throw the markets some curve balls. He is expected to release at least 25 executive orders in his first day on a range of issues from immigration to energy and crypto policy. Trump has also threatened tariffs on goods from China and levies on products from both Mexico and Canada, as well as to crack down on immigration, creating costs that companies could ultimately pass on to consumers. Helen Given, associate director of trading at Monex USA, said a new administration always brings with it a large degree of uncertainty. There is also a good chance the impact of the Trump administration's expected trade policies is far from fully priced into global currency markets, she added. "We're looking ahead to see which of those proposed policies actually are enacted, which might be further down the pipeline," Given said, adding she expected a big impact on the euro, Mexican peso, the Canadian dollar, and the Chinese yuan. The conclusion of the Federal Reserve's first monetary policy meeting of the year in late January could also present a challenge to the US stocks rally. Stocks tumbled on December 18 when the Fed implemented its third interest-rate cut for the year and signalled fewer cuts in 2025 because of an uncertain inflation outlook, disappointing investors who had expected lower rates to boost corporate profits and valuations. Still, that could be good for alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. The incoming crypto-friendly Trump administration is adding to a number of catalysts that are boosting crypto investors' confidence, said Damon Polistina, head of research at investment platform Eaglebrook Advisors. Bitcoin surged above $107,000 this month on hopes of friendlier Trump policies. "Crypto is viewed broadly as a kind of risk on assets. So, any Fed cutting rates is a positive... Any positive economic data in early January will help maintain the momentum that we're seeing," Polistina added.A WOMAN has landed a lottery jackpot after a simple suggestion. She was in disbelief over the sweet payday , and her family could hardly believe what had happened. The Baltimore, Maryland , resident was not a frequent player but decided to try her luck after a family member's suggestion, per a November 25 release from the Maryland Lottery. Earlier this month, the family member told the woman, a waitress at a local restaurant, that he was going to buy some tickets on his drive home from work. Taking his advice that it's fun to take chances every once in a while on the lottery , she told him to buy her a ticket using the last $5 in her purse. "I told him I didn't care which game, any would do," the woman told officials. Read More on the Lottery He chose the $5 Deluxe Crossword scratch-off game and gave it to her to scratch that evening. When she did, it revealed the game's grand prize amount of $50,000. "When I scratched the ticket that night, I was amazed," she recalled. "Totally in shock." Most read in Money LUDICROUS LUCK The woman said she ran into the other room to show her family the big win, and they all thought she'd "gone crazy" initially. After confirming it for themselves, she said they "all went a little bit crazy." Maryland Lottery officials confirmed that the woman purchased the scratch-off at the Carroll Fuel gas station in Baltimore. The gas station will get a bonus for selling the winning ticket. Since the prize was over $25,000, the woman must have made an appointment with the Lottery Claim Center in Baltimore to get the cash. While there, she would've been confronted with two options to collect the money — a lump sum distribution or annuity payments. Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity? The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize. Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years. Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well. Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once. Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you'll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity. Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity . GONE IN A FLASH Annuity payments split the money through distributions over several years with less tax implications. The lump sum allows a winner to get the prize all at once but sees significant taxes placed on it upfront. The federal government imposes a 24% tax on all lottery winnings above $5,000, and states set their rates. Maryland's is 8.75% for state residents and 8% for non-residents. That means instead of $50,000, the woman will walk away with around $33,625. Taxes taken out total around $16,375. Read More on The US Sun A Michigan player recently won $2 million from a scratch-off ticket but was forced to hand over $700,000 immediately for taxes. In Massachusetts, a man who won $1 million also instantly lost $300,000 due to his decision.
By Sarah Ferris & Jeremy Herb for CNN The House Ethics Committee has found evidence that former Republican Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions, including paying a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, according to the panel's report. The committee concluded in its bombshell document - released on Monday, local time - that Gaetz violated Florida state laws, including the state's statutory rape law, as the GOP-led panel chose to take the rare step of releasing a report about a former member who resigned from Congress. "The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress," panel investigators wrote. The panel investigated transactions Gaetz personally made, often using PayPal or Venmo, to more than a dozen women during his time in Congress, according to the report. Investigators also focused on a 2018 trip to the Bahamas - which they said "violated the House gift rule" - during which he "engaged in sexual activity" with multiple women, including one who described the trip itself as "the payment" for sex on the trip. On the same trip, he also took ecstasy, one woman on the trip told the committee. Earlier this month, the House Ethics Committee secretly voted to release its report after initially voting against doing so . The vote to put out the report - which was opposed by panel Chairman Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican - was the culmination of a years-long probe into allegations surrounding Gaetz. He was President-elect Donald Trump's first pick to be attorney general but dropped out amid opposition from GOP senators and after CNN reported key details of this same ethics report. And it's a political jolt that could have reverberations for years to come, as the Capitol Hill panel takes aim at a long-time Trump loyalist and now conservative anchor at One America Network. Gaetz filed a civil complaint in federal court Monday morning unsuccessfully seeking to halt the release of the report, claiming he was not notified of the panel's plans to release the report nor was he provided copies of the materials. "As such, Plaintiff has been afforded no opportunity to respond to any report or investigative conclusions of Defendants," the complaint reads. "Plaintiff has frequently and vehemently declared his innocence regarding the alleged misconduct, and requested Defendants cease their investigation and provide him appropriate due process rights." Gaetz claimed the panel has been "unresponsive" to those demands. Gaetz wrote in the lawsuit that he told the committee in writing in May that allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, misuse of campaign funds and other actions were all false. The lawsuit serves as a route for Gaetz to formally claim in writing that the committee's findings are false and that he believes his privacy has been invaded and the committee is defaming him. But his unusual ask of a federal court to block congressional action is now essentially moot because the report has been released publicly. District Judge Amit Mehta asked Gaetz to explain by the end of the day why the lawsuit should not be dismissed because the report has been publicly released. CNN has reached out to Gaetz and his lawyers for comment. The committee posted the report on its website Monday morning while noting in a statement the "significant and unusual amount" of reporting about the panel's probe of Gaetz. Without identifying specific stories, the committee stated that some reporting about its probe had been "inaccurate". The committee condemned any potential unauthorised disclosures but emphasised that committee witnesses are permitted to disclose information about their interactions with its investigators. The panel also released appendices with its evidence, including financial documents and text messages cited in the report. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has pointed to the Justice Department declining to bring charges against him in 2023. In a statement Gaetz released on X last week after CNN reported that the committee had voted to release the report, Gaetz denied having sex with a minor or paying women for sex. "In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated - even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years," Gaetz said. "It's embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanised, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now." Although the committee alleged that Gaetz violated state laws, the panel wrote that it did not find Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws, writing that "although Representative Gaetz did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex, the Committee did not find evidence that any of those women were under 18 at the time of travel, nor did the Committee find sufficient evidence to conclude that the commercial sex acts were induced by force, fraud, or coercion." Women told committee they were paid for sex The report documents the evidence the committee gathered of Gaetz's numerous interactions with women who say they were paid for sex by Gaetz and his friend, Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector who is serving an 11-year prison sentence and co-operated with federal investigators. The committee wrote that it spoke to more than a half dozen witnesses who attended parties, trips and events with Gaetz between 2017 through 2020. "Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz," the panel wrote. One of the sexual encounters involved a 17-year-old girl, the committee said. The woman told the committee she had sex with Gaetz twice at a July 2017 party when she was 17. CNN first reported on the second sexual encounter last month. "The Committee received testimony that Victim A and Representative Gaetz had sex twice during the party, including at least once in the presence of other party attendees," the committee wrote. "Victim A recalled receiving $400 in cash from Representative Gaetz that evening, which she understood to be payment for sex. At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school." The then-17-year-old did not tell Gaetz she was a minor at the time, and he did not ask her age, the committee found. The committee did not receive any evidence Gaetz was aware of her age. The woman told congressional investigators she was under the influence of ecstasy at the party and that she recalled seeing Gaetz use cocaine at the party. Gaetz has denied having sex with a minor. "I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18," the Florida Republican wrote on X last week. "Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court - which is why no such claim was ever made in court." Committee cites online payments and text messages in report The committee found that the sexual encounters were often organised by Greenberg through a website, SeekingArrangement.com. "Mr Greenberg told the Committee that Representative Gaetz was aware that the women they had sex with and paid had met Mr Greenberg through the 'sugar dating' website," the panel wrote. Congressional investigators found that Gaetz made payment to women using multiple platforms, including PayPal, Venmo and CashApp. The committee listed payments Gaetz made to 12 women, including to his former girlfriend, as well as Greenberg. The committee wrote that Gaetz did not appear to negotiate specific payment amounts for sex with the women he paid. "Many of the women interviewed by the Committee were clear that there was a general expectation of sex," investigators wrote. "One woman who was paid more than $5,000 [NZ$8800] by Representative Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 told the Committee that '99 percent of the time that (Representative Gaetz and I) were hanging out, there was sex involved,'" the panel said. Gaetz' then-girlfriend "appeared to act as an intermediary" between Gaetz and women he paid for sex, the committee found, citing text messages it obtained. The committee said it found evidence that "Representative Gaetz's then-girlfriend sometimes participated with him in sexual encounters with other women who were active on the website or otherwise involved in sex-for-money arrangements." The committee bolstered its findings by citing those text messages, including when Gaetz's then-girlfriend wrote to women that "the guys (Representative Gaetz and Mr. Greenberg) 'wanted me to share that they are a little limited in their cash flow this weekend ... (M)att was like(,) if it can be more of a customer appreciation week... ." In another text message exchange cited by the committee, Greenberg exchanged messages with a woman in September 2018, writing, "If you have a friend that is down, perhaps all four of us can meet up later." The woman responded she did have a friend who could meet up, adding, "I usually do $400 per meet." Greenberg responded by sending a photo of Gaetz holding out a phone and taking a selfie. "Oooh my friend thinks he's really cute!" the woman responded. "Well, he's down here only for the day, we work hard and play hard," Greenberg wrote. "Have you ever tried molly." The panel wrote that several women told the committee they would not voluntarily participate in the investigation, and some were "clear at first contact that they feared retaliation or were unwilling to voluntarily relive their interactions with Representative Gaetz". "While all the women that the Committee interviewed stated their sexual activity with Representative Gaetz was consensual, at least one woman felt that the use of drugs at the parties and events they attended may have 'impair(ed their) ability to really know what was going on or fully consent,'" the panel wrote. "One woman said, 'I think about it all the time ... . I still see him when I turn on the TV and there's nothing anyone can do. It's frustrating to know I lived a reality that he denies.'" Report alleges Gaetz 'used or possessed illegal drugs' on multiple occasions Committee investigators concluded that between 2017 to 2019, Gaetz "used or possessed illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions." "There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz used cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. At least two women saw Representative Gaetz using cocaine and ecstasy at different events," the committee wrote. "Additionally, nearly every witness interviewed observed Representative Gaetz using marijuana." The committee wrote that Gaetz appeared to set up a "pseudonymous e-mail account from his House office in the Capitol complex for the purpose of purchasing marijuana." Gaetz denied using illicit drugs in his correspondence with the panel, the committee said. The committee investigation also focused on other violations of House rules. That included a September 2018 trip to the Bahamas where the committee found that Gaetz accepted gifts of transportation and lodging in excess of permissible amounts. Gaetz travelled to the Bahamas with two other men and six women. He flew to the Bahamas on a commercial airline but returned on a private plane, the committee found. "The attendees stated that this was a social trip - they sunbathed, chartered a boat, and went to dinners and to a casino as a group. Representative Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with at least four of the women on the trip," the committee wrote. The Justice Department had investigated whether the Bahamas trip was part of an effort to illegally influence Gaetz in the area of medical marijuana, CNN previously reported. The Ethics Committee probe also found that Gaetz helped a woman he met through Greenberg and had sex with to obtain a new passport. Committee investigators wrote that Gaetz connected the woman with his chief of staff, and Gaetz's top aide helped the woman get a passport appointment at a Miami passport office, saying she was his constituent even though she lived outside Gaetz's district. Committee resumed investigation following closure of federal case The committee's investigation into Gaetz began in 2021 but was put on hold work while a separate, years-long federal sex-trafficking investigation into the former congressman was underway. The federal investigation closed in February 2023 without any charges being filed against Gaetz. Once the federal case closed, the Ethics Committee resumed its work. When Gaetz resigned from Congress last month during his failed bid to become Trump's attorney general, the committee initially voted not to make public its final report on the former congressman. Weeks later, after the drafting of the report was officially complete, the panel reversed its decision. Gaetz was Trump's first pick to lead the Justice Department, but the ephemeral campaign to convince senators the MAGA firebrand should helm the department ended in late November after it became clear Gaetz did not have the votes to get confirmed. In a dissenting statement included in the report, Guest, the committee chair and a Mississippi Republican, wrote that he and a minority of other members on the panel opposed the release of the report because Gaetz was no longer a member of Congress. "The decision to publish a report after his resignation breaks from the Committee's long-standing practice, opens the Committee to undue criticism, and will be viewed by some as an attempt to weaponise the Committee's process," Guest said. Gaetz is now set to join the right-wing One America News Network as an anchor in January. House Speaker Mike Johnson had said he did not think the report should be released because Gaetz was no longer a member of Congress, while some lawmakers believed his resignation was an attempt to bury the investigation. It is rare for an ethics report to be released after a member has left Congress, though it has happened on a couple of occasions in the past. The committee noted that Gaetz did not answer most of their questions even as he corresponded with the panel over the course of its probe. "In addition to alleging that the Committee's process was being 'weaponised' against him, Representative Gaetz repeatedly alleged that the Committee Members and staff were leaking information to the press, that the Committee's non-partisan staff were actually acting as Democrats, or that the Committee was working on behalf of former-Speaker Kevin McCarthy," the committee wrote. - CNNHow mum of Arsenal rising star is protecting youngsters from dodgy agentsMickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby
In a recent segment on the '7 PM in Brooklyn' podcast, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony looked back on the trade that sent J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to play with LeBron James. Carmelo still resents the Knicks for that deal and recently described his reaction after hearing the news all those years ago: "F--k them! I told LeBron, I said 'That's what we doing?' When it happened, the only thing going through my mind was LeBron. I know this is a chess game... I gotta get these guys away from him," said Anthony . "Sh-t is f---ed up because I could have used Shump and J.R. to go win a championship. That's why I flipped out like that in the locker room because you do not touch this nucleus right here! I don't give a f--k what you do. I said 'Y'all can't say sh-t to me. Do y'all know what the f--k you just did? You're gonna send them to him?" The Knicks /Cavaliers trade happened back in January of 2015. It was a three-team deal that involved sending Dion Waiters to the Thunder , Shumpert, and Smith to the Cavaliers, while the Knicks received Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk, Lance Thomas, and a 2019 second-round pick. The Knicks were not a championship team by any stretch, but many saw the deal as a step-down for the team, including Carmelo Anthony , who described how he went off in the locker room after finding out about the trade. The worst part about it for Melo is that they were sent to play with LeBron James, his biggest rival at the time. At the height of his career, Anthony was competing with LeBron James for supremacy in the East. With career averages of 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 44.7% shooting, Anthony was an expert three-level scorer who often went toe-to-toe with some of the game's top superstars. LeBron James, however, was arguably his biggest competitor. The two were known to be close friends, and it's a relationship that stands even now , but they were also rivals back in the day who played the same position in the same era of the game. When Carmelo forced his way to the Knicks in 2011, it put him in the same Conference as LeBron and he knew that it was going to take a massive effort to defeat him. Sadly, Carmelo never got further than the second round in his Knicks tenure. He eventually left the team in disgrace after a falling out with Phil Jackson and his career took a rapid decline from here. Meanwhile, LeBron James is still going strong to this day as a 4x MVP, 4x champion, and the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He defeated a lot of people on his way to victory and Carmelo was just one of many of them. Of course, the Knicks helped Lebron win all those years ago by gaining him the support he needed to beat the competition. If only they had done the same for Carmelo, his career might have taken a radically different turn. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.