By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry National Politics | Blinken faces GOP critics in Congress who say Afghanistan withdrawal ‘lit the world on fire’ Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — If Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has given any thought to the possibility of clinching a playoff berth in his first season with the team with a win at New England on Saturday, he isn't letting it show. “Just attacking, that’s our mindset. Win the next game," he said. Harbaugh's relative silence on the topic isn't a total departure from his usual business-first approach, but there could also be something else at play. Aside from wrapping up what would be Harbaugh’s fourth postseason trip in five years as an NFL head coach, since the Chargers (9-6) have the tiebreaker over the Denver Broncos but not against the Pittsburg Steelers, Los Angeles would appear destined to be the sixth seed in the postseason. That would mean a trip to Baltimore and a possible Harbaugh Bowl 4 matchup opposite older brother and Ravens coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens beat the Chargers earlier this season 30-23. But first things first. And that's taking care of the Patriots (3-12), who have lost five straight games but showed several signs of offensive improvement during their 24-21 loss at Buffalo last week. Jim Harbaugh sees a dangerous group. And his players say they are locked in on the present. “Always one week at a time. We’ve got a lot of respect for this Patriots team," Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said. "We know we’re going on the road and have to be prepared for everything.” Turnover prone If the Patriots are going to play the role of spoiler, it must start with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He has thrown a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games, tied with Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest such streak by a rookie in franchise history. But he has also thrown at least one interception in each of the past seven games. Overall, the Patriots have a minus-9 turnover margin. The Patriots did score 14 points in the first half during last week’s loss at Buffalo. Still, New England's offense has had trouble finishing drives, scoring touchdowns on only 47.7% of its chances in the red zone. Maye said that doesn't mean he plans to be timid over the final two games. “I think there’s definitely a way we need to cut down turnovers,” he said. “That starts with me protecting the football and throwing it incomplete or throwing it in the dirt or little things like that. I’m still going to be aggressive.” More offensive momentum? The Chargers could have a major weapon return in running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury against Baltimore on Nov. 25. With Dobbins out of the lineup, the Bolts have struggled to have any consistency on offense. Los Angeles has averaged only 74.8 rushing yards in the past four games, which is quite a drop from the 118.1 they were generating before Dobbins’ injury. Dobbins was listed as questionable, while Gus Edwards — who rushed for two touchdowns and a season-high 68 yards in last Thursday’s win over Denver — was ruled out with an ankle injury. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins would likely take over in the backfield if Dobbins also can't play. Justin Herbert, who has 20,466 career passing yards, needs 153 yards to surpass Peyton Manning for the most in a player's first five seasons in league history. Ladd McConkey is 40 yards away from becoming the first Chargers rookie receiver to reach 1,000 yards since Keenan Allen in 2013. Success heading East The Chargers have won 11 of their past 13 when playing in the Eastern time zone, including last year’s 6-0 victory over the Patriots. Los Angeles has five of its nine games on Eastern time this season for the first time since 2005. They are trying to become the ninth team since 1988 on Pacific time to win at least four games when having to travel at least three time zones. Better start needed The Chargers have given up two touchdowns and a field goal on the first possession in the last three games. They allowed only one touchdown on an opening drive in the first 12 games. Another cause for concern is that the Bolts have given up scores on the first two series in back-to-back games. ___ AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in Los Angeles contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press
Aaron Judge won't be bothered if Juan Soto gets bigger contract from Yankees than his $360M dealCHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2024-- Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) today announced plans to move to The Bell (225 West Randolph Street), a newly renovated Chicago landmark, from its current office at Two North Lasalle Street in May 2025. The new location, recently rebranded The Bell in a nod to its origins as the Illinois Bell Building, opened in 1966 and was designated a Chicago landmark in 2021. The firm will occupy floors 27 through 29 of the historic tower. Attorneys and staff will enjoy new offices designed to maximize natural light, featuring sit-stand desks in each office and workstation, and interactive technologies in conference rooms and collaborative workspaces. The firm will also have access to three floors of building amenities. CBRE represented NGE in the lease negotiations with The Onni Group, the building owner. Clune Construction Company is the general contractor for the office space construction, with Gensler heading the effort to design the new space. Novo Sustainability is advising the firm on sustainability and environmental impact. "As one of the largest single-office law firms in the country, we believe in downtown Chicago—in its diversity, its history, and the community we've been proud to be a part of for nearly 40 years," said Bobby Gerber, Managing Partner of NGE. "Our move to this historic building underscores our commitment to the city, and we look forward to calling it our home for many years to come." “NGE’s first relocation in over 30 years presented a significant opportunity to deliver new office space that excites and energizes the firm’s clients, attorneys and staff,” added Todd Lippman, Vice Chairman, CBRE. “NGE partnered with CBRE to outline the detailed priorities for their new space and undertook a careful selection process to identify the location in line with NGE's current needs and plans for future growth. Ultimately, The Bell's best-in-class amenities and optimal location in the heart of Chicago align with NGE's goal of providing premium office space in an innovative work setting.” A Positive Impact on Chicago In developing their new space, NGE ensured it was making a positive impact on Chicago. NGE required contractors to demonstrate how they give back to the city and actively foster a diverse workforce. “During the preconstruction phase, NGE COO Sonia Menon challenged us to move beyond conventional hiring practices, encouraging meaningful conversations with trade partners about their commitments to social, environmental, and governance principles,” said Andy Holub, Senior Vice President, Clune Construction Company. “This approach enabled us to build a diverse bidders list and prioritize companies based on partnerships with minority and women owned business enterprises, charitable initiatives, and efforts to provide a diverse on-site workforce. These discussions often served as tiebreakers in the selection process, rewarding trade partners whose values aligned with our teams. With the support of Gensler, CBRE, and NGE, we demonstrated the power of collaboration in achieving both project success and societal impact. Inspired by this process, we plan to incorporate these practices into future projects, making it easier to identify trade partners who share our core values while advancing equity, sustainability, and community engagement in the industry.” Championing a Greener Future NGE has long prioritized sustainability as part of its commitment to being a responsible organization in Chicago and around the world. This commitment was reaffirmed throughout the new office buildout and in the firm’s purchasing decisions. The firm hopes to achieve the highest possible LEED certification and Zero Carbon certification for its new space. In 2023, NGE was one of four firms globally to receive a top rating from the All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard assessment. "At Neal Gerber Eisenberg, sustainability is not just a goal—it is a fundamental value that influences every decision we make," said Sonia Menon, Chief Operating Officer for NGE and Chair of the firm’s Sustainability Committee. "Our new office at The Bell is a testament to this commitment. From implementing energy-efficient systems to reusing existing furniture and selecting zero-carbon-based materials, every aspect of our new space is designed to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier, more sustainable future. We are proud to set new standards for sustainability in the legal industry and look forward to expanding these initiatives at The Bell." NGE’s new office will feature materials and furniture from renowned sustainable brands such as Haworth, Andreu World, and Kielhauer, chosen for their focus on sustainability, innovative design, and lower environmental impact. The Bell’s redevelopment includes a state-of-the-art Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system for enhanced energy efficiency and superior climate control. Combined with double-paned argon-gas windows, this significantly reduces energy consumption. Additionally, Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) units with energy recovery wheels ensure a continuous supply of fresh air while minimizing energy loss. “NGE’s pursuit of LEED Platinum Certification and Zero Carbon Certification underscores their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability. With a strong focus on energy and water efficiency, as well as embodied carbon reduction through materials reuse and the prioritization of locally sourced products, this project will set a new standard for all professional services firms—and especially the legal industry,” said Laci Hoskins, founder and principal, Novo Sustainability. “Achieving these milestone certifications will inspire other organizations by proving what is possible when a firm truly integrates sustainable practices throughout the design, construction, and operations of its office.” Leading-Edge Design for Enhanced Collaboration The new office will promote in-person teamwork in the hybrid work era. Each corner of the new space will be devoted to a collaborative workspace. Conference rooms will feature the latest audiovisual technologies and tablets for easy booking. All individual offices will be a single size, with glass-fronted walls that let in natural light throughout the space—part of the firm's commitment to the “Right to Light”. “NGE’s new office at the top of The Bell is a milestone in Chicago law firm design. In addition to the project’s Net Zero and LEED Platinum objectives, the design prioritizes post-pandemic design principles: air, light and openness. Great care has been taken to achieve egalitarian daylight access, vertical connection of the firm’s collegial culture across three floors and optimization of spatial volumes that imbue a sense of hospitality and community engagement. This project sets a new standard for what balancing professional, timeless, forward-thinking spaces with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship can look like,” said Jim Prendergast, Principal, Gensler. Workplace as a Destination with Best-In-Class Amenities The Bell is set to redefine the workplace experience, offering a range of top-tier amenities designed to enhance the work-life balance of its tenants. These include a 10,500 square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center complete with wellness areas and a variety of fitness options to suit every preference. The building also boasts a 6,000-square-foot conference center with multi-purpose rooms, conference rooms, and pre-function space, accommodating up to 210 people. The Bell's expansive tenant lounges are designed for relaxation and socializing, with amenities like a library bar, pickleball courts, golf simulator, F1 simulators, cozy fireplaces, indoor/outdoor terraces, and vibrant social lounges. The 10,000 square-foot rooftop terrace features 360° views, private dining spaces, a Zen garden, firepits, and bookable cabanas. “We are excited to bring The Bell back to life. Re-imagining an iconic building in the heart of downtown Chicago is an exciting opportunity,” said Greg Wilks, Senior Vice President, Onni Group. “We sought to deliver a modern workplace that meets the changing needs of our tenants and their employees. NGE’s vision for their new home aligned perfectly with our plans. We look forward to welcoming NGE to take advantage of all The Bell has to offer.” About NGE Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a leading law firm dedicated to handling sophisticated matters for entrepreneurs, public companies, and private businesses and their owners. More than one-third of the lawyers at Neal Gerber Eisenberg are recognized in the most recent Best Lawyers in America listing and represent scores of the Fortune 100 and many of the best-known private companies. The firm is also a trusted advisor to startups, growth companies and entrepreneurs. The firm has built over thirty years of trusted partnerships with clients that span the globe, and we meet each unique client need with the same personalized service and collaboration that provide the most practical solutions for every matter. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210896055/en/ CONTACT: John Albrighton Marketing and Business Development Director p: (312) 269-8065 e:jalbrighton@nge.com KEYWORD: ILLINOIS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: LEGAL HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTING PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SMALL BUSINESS STATE/LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOURCE: Neal Gerber Eisenberg Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 04:17 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 04:15 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210896055/en
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