WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill rallied around Pete Hegseth , Trump’s Pentagon pick, on Thursday even as new details surfaced about allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The GOP embrace of Hegseth came as another controversial Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz said it was clear he had become a “distraction" amid pressure on the House to release an ethics report about allegations of his own sexual misconduct. An attorney for two women has said that his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. Fresh questions over the two nominees' pasts, and their treatment of women, arose with Republicans under pressure from Trump and his allies to quickly confirm his Cabinet. At the same time, his transition has so far balked at the vetting and background checks that have traditionally been required. While few Republican senators have publicly criticized any of Trump's nominees, it became clear after Gaetz's withdrawal that many had been harboring private concerns about him. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” After meeting with Hegseth, though, Republicans rallied around him. “I think he’s going to be in pretty good shape,” said Wicker, who is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee in the next Congress. Republican senators' careful words, and their early reluctance to publicly question Trump's picks, illustrated not only their fear of retribution from the incoming president but also some of their hopes that the confirmation process can proceed normally, with proper vetting and background checks that could potentially disqualify problematic nominees earlier. Gaetz withdrew after meeting with senators on Wednesday. Sen. Thom Tillis said Gaetz was “in a pressure cooker” when he decided to withdraw, but suggested that it would have little bearing on Trump’s other nominees. “Transactions — one at a time,” he said. As the Hegseth nomination proceeds, Republicans also appear to be betting that they won't face much backlash for publicly setting aside the allegations of sexual misconduct — especially after Trump won election after being found liable for sexual abuse last year. Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance on Thursday 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.” A 22-page police report report made public late Wednesday offered the first detailed account of the allegations against him. A woman told police that 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. The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, said the incident was “fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false.” Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 as part of a confidential settlement to head off the threat of what he described as a baseless lawsuit, Palatore has said. Wicker played down the allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News host, saying that “since no charges were brought from the authorities, we only have press reports.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said after his meeting with Hegseth that he "shared with him the fact that I was saddened by the attacks that are coming his way.” Hagerty dismissed the allegations as “a he-said, she-said thing” and called it a “shame” that they were being raised at all. The senator said attention should instead be focused on the Defense Department that Hegseth would head. It's one of the most complex parts of the federal government with more than 3 million employees, including military service members and civilians. Sexual assault has been a persistent problem in the military, though Pentagon officials have been cautiously optimistic they are seeing a decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who will be the No. 2 Republican in the Senate next year, said after his meeting with Hegseth that the nominee is a strong candidate who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” Senate Republicans are under pressure to hold hearings once they take office in January and confirm nominees as soon as Trump is inaugurated, despite questions about whether Trump’s choices will be properly screened or if some, like Hegseth, have enough experience for the job. Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, who will be the top Democrat on the panel next year, said the reports on Hegseth “emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the FBI on the background of all the nominees.” It takes a simple majority to approve Cabinet nominations, meaning that if Democrats all opposed a nominee, four Republican senators would also have to defect for any Trump choice to be defeated. Trump has made clear he’s willing to put maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to give him the nominees he wants – even suggesting at one point that they allow him to just appoint his nominees with no Senate votes. But senators insist, for now, that they are not giving up their constitutional power to have a say. “The president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit, but the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent,” said Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. In the case of Gaetz, he said, “I think there was advice offered rather than consent.” Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves And Kevin Freking, The Associated PressLos Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Chargers by 1 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 8-4. Against the spread: Chargers 7-3-1, Falcons 5-6. Last meeting: Chargers beat Falcons 20-17 on Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Last week: Ravens beat Chargers, 30-23; Falcons had bye week following 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17. Chargers offense: overall (21), rush (13), pass (20), scoring (18). Chargers defense: overall (13), rush (10), pass (10), scoring (13). Falcons offense: overall (8), rush (14), pass (5), scoring (16). Falcons defense: overall (25), rush (19), pass (26), scoring (26). Turnover differential: Chargers plus-8, Falcons minus-3. Chargers player to watch RB Gus Edwards will move up as the lead back for Los Angeles after J.K Dobbins (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. Edwards was activated from IR earlier this month following an ankle injury and had nine carries for 11 yards with a touchdown in Monday night's 30-23 loss to Baltimore. Falcons player to watch WR Drake London has 61 catches, leaving him four away from becoming the first player in team history to have at least 65 receptions in each of his first three seasons. London has 710 receiving yards, leaving him 140 away from becoming the first player in team history with at least 850 in each of his first three seasons. Key matchup Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Chargers' run defense. Robinson was shut down by Denver, gaining only 35 yards on 12 carries, and the Atlanta offense couldn't recover. The Chargers rank 10th in the league against the run, so it will be a challenge for the Falcons to find a way to establish a ground game with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. A solid running attack would create an opportunity for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to establish the play-action passes for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Key injuries Besides Dobbins, the Chargers also placed S Alohi Gilman (hamstring) on injured reserve. CB Cam Hart (ankle) and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) also have been ruled out. ... The Falcons needed the bye to give a long list of injured players an opportunity to heal. WR WR KhaDarel Hodge (neck) did not practice on Wednesday. WR Darnell Mooney (Achilles), CB Kevin King (concussion), DL Zach Harrison (knee, Achilles) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) were hurt in the 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17 and were limited on Wednesday. CB Mike Hughes (neck), nickel back Dee Alford (hamstring), ILB Troy Andersen (knee), TE Charlie Woerner (concussion) and ILB JD Bertrand (concussion) also were limited on Wednesday after not playing against Denver. C Drew Dalman (ankle) could return. Series notes The Chargers have won the past three games in the series following six consecutive wins by the Falcons from 1991-2012. Los Angeles took a 33-30 overtime win in Atlanta in 2016 before the Chargers added 20-17 wins at home in 2020 and in Atlanta in 2022. The Falcons won the first meeting between the teams, 41-0 in San Diego in 1973. Stats and stuff Each team has built its record on success against the soft NFC South. Atlanta is 4-1 against division rivals. Los Angeles is 2-0 against the NFC South this season. The Chargers have a four-game winning streak against the division. ... Atlanta is 0-2 against AFC West teams, following a 22-17 loss to Kansas City and the lopsided loss at Denver. The Falcons will complete their tour of the AFC West with a game at the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 16. ... The Falcons are the league's only first-place team with a negative points differential. Atlanta has been outscored 274-244. Fantasy tip The loss of Dobbins, who has rushed for eight touchdowns, could put more pressure on QB Justin Hebert and the passing game. Herbert's favorite option has been WR Ladd McConkey, who has four TD receptions among his 49 catches for 698 yards. McConkey, the former University of Georgia standout who was drafted in the second round, could enjoy a productive return to the state against a Falcons defense that ranks only 26th against the pass. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated Press

Cerity Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Toll Brothers, Inc. ( NYSE:TOL – Free Report ) by 50.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,775 shares of the construction company’s stock after buying an additional 7,994 shares during the period. Cerity Partners LLC’s holdings in Toll Brothers were worth $3,673,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in shares of Toll Brothers by 14.1% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,571 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $7,319,000 after acquiring an additional 6,998 shares during the last quarter. Tidal Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Toll Brothers in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,647,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in Toll Brothers by 957.1% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 22,664 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $2,932,000 after acquiring an additional 20,520 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Toll Brothers during the 1st quarter worth $733,000. Finally, Old Port Advisors bought a new position in shares of Toll Brothers during the 1st quarter valued at $214,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.76% of the company’s stock. Toll Brothers Stock Performance NYSE:TOL opened at $165.17 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.68 billion, a PE ratio of 11.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 4.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Toll Brothers, Inc. has a 12-month low of $84.66 and a 12-month high of $169.52. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $153.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $137.51. Toll Brothers Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently issued reports on TOL. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $142.00 price objective on shares of Toll Brothers in a report on Wednesday, August 21st. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Toll Brothers from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. StockNews.com cut shares of Toll Brothers from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. Wedbush upgraded Toll Brothers from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $148.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Toll Brothers from $116.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an “underweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Toll Brothers has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $148.87. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Toll Brothers Insider Activity at Toll Brothers In other news, Director John A. Mclean sold 1,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.10, for a total value of $151,100.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,944 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,502,538.40. The trade was a 9.14 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CEO Douglas C. Jr. Yearley sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.51, for a total value of $7,725,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 246,382 shares in the company, valued at approximately $38,068,482.82. This trade represents a 16.87 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 106,000 shares of company stock valued at $16,435,800 in the last 90 days. 1.54% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Toll Brothers Company Profile ( Free Report ) Toll Brothers, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, builds, markets, sells, and arranges finance for a range of detached and attached homes in luxury residential communities in the United States. It designs, builds, markets, and sells condominiums through Toll Brothers City Living. The company also develops a range of single-story living and first-floor primary bedroom suite home designs, as well as communities with recreational amenities, such as golf courses, marinas, pool complexes, country clubs, and fitness and recreation centers; and develops, operates, and rents apartments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Toll Brothers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toll Brothers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .AFL 2024: 10 most-read stories of the year on Foxfooty.com.au, biggest AFL stories, GWS party drama, Isaac Heeney saved by Jack Buckley in mark, latest news

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP (“GPM”) reminds investors of the upcoming February 14, 2025 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired MGP Ingredients, Inc. (“MGPI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MGPI ) common stock between May 4, 2023 through October 30, 2024, , inclusive (the “Class Period”). If you suffered a loss on your MGPI investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/mgp-ingredients-inc-1/ . You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights. On October 17, 2024, MGPI disclosed that sales were expected to decline 24% in the third quarter 2024, compared to the third quarter 2023. The Company also announced it now expected financial results to be below its prior guidance due to soft demand and high inventories. On this news MGPI’s stock price fell $19.71, or 24.2%, to close at $61.86 per share on October 18, 2024, thereby injuring investors. Then, on October 31, 2024, the Company stated that excess inventories would have an “even greater impact” on sales in 2025 than previously stated, forcing the Company to scale back certain operations to save money. On this news, MGPI’s stock price fell $8.27, or 14.7%, to close at $48.04 per share on October 31, 2024, thereby injuring investors further. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) there had been a slowdown in consumption and oversupply in their products; and (2) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , Twitter , or Facebook . If you purchased or otherwise acquired MGPI common stock during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com , or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com . If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Contacts Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, Los Angeles Charles Linehan, 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 shareholders@glancylaw.com www.glancylaw.comConor McGregor must pay woman $250K in sexual assault case, civil jury rules

Agnes Flues obituaryFour Corners Is Overvalued Relative To Peers

The New York Yankees acquired closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, a prospect and cash considerations. Williams, a 30-year-old right-hander, is a two-time All-Star (2022, 2023) and former National League Rookie of the Year with 68 saves and a 1.83 ERA in six seasons with Milwaukee. Cortes, also 30, was an All-Star in 2022 and is coming off a 9-10 season with a 3.77 ERA in 31 games (30 starts) for New York. He is 33-21 with a 3.80 ERA in 135 games (86 starts) with three teams since 2018. Caleb Durbin, a 24-year-old infielder, batted .275 with 10 homers, 60 RBIs and 31 stolen bases in 90 games across three levels in the minors in 2024. The Brewers also received $4.5 million from the Yankees in the transaction, USA Today reported. Williams' final season with Milwaukee was bookended by an injury and a disastrous blown save. He began the season on the injured list with a stress fracture in his back and did not pitch in the majors until July 28. Once healthy, Williams posted a 1.25 ERA in 22 relief appearances to help Milwaukee win its second straight NL Central title. Williams secured the save in Game 2 of the Brewers' wild-card series against the visiting New York Mets but imploded in the decisive Game 3 the next night. He entered in the ninth with a 2-0 lead before surrendering four runs, including Pete Alonso's go-ahead three-run homer, as New York rallied to win 4-2. --Field Level Media

Greenhouse Heating and Cooling Systems Global Market Report Predicts Successive Growth to $26.65 Billion by 2028Red Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey Gasper

Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died

NoneDuke rallies from 14 down, beats Wake Forest 23-17 on final-play pass

$1000 Invested In Marathon Petroleum 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much TodayThe Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán on Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old Morán appeared in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.15 ERA, striking out 112 with 52 walks and holding opponents to a .208 batting average. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He originally was chosen in the seventh round of the 2015 draft.