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A civil jury in Ireland finds that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor assaulted a woman in a hotel. (CORRECTS: A previous APNewsAlert misstated the claim the jury found him liable for.)Kidman, Pearce, Blanchett and Watts nominated for Golden Globes
Montreal Alouettes sign kicker Jose Maltos to two-year contractMatt Gaetz says he won’t return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney generalMan City blow three-goal lead in Champions League, Bayern beat PSG
The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed his identity as their person of interest, crediting his arrest to a tip from a McDonald's worker. He has been connected by police to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week in broad daylight, in a case that has laid bare deep frustrations and anger with the nation's privatized medical system. News of his capture triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media try to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine, though no explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, per the club's website. A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. He went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive. Mangione has linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nro
New Hampshire courts hear two cases on transgender girls playing girls sports
'Block Nuke Missile Supply To Ukraine': Trump Ally Slams 'Insane' Biden For Escalating Russia WarThroughout the last three months, 6 analysts have evaluated ITT ITT , offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish. Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 4 2 0 0 0 Last 30D 1 0 0 0 0 1M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 2M Ago 3 2 0 0 0 3M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for ITT, presenting an average target of $168.0, a high estimate of $183.00, and a low estimate of $163.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $158.83, the current average has increased by 5.77%. Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study A clear picture of ITT's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Vladimir Bystricky Citigroup Raises Buy $183.00 $176.00 Joseph Giordano TD Cowen Raises Buy $165.00 $150.00 Michael Halloran Baird Lowers Outperform $163.00 $165.00 Nathan Jones Stifel Raises Buy $167.00 $157.00 Jeffrey Hammond Keybanc Raises Overweight $164.00 $155.00 Joe Ritchie Goldman Sachs Raises Buy $166.00 $150.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to ITT. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company. Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of ITT compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of ITT's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time. Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of ITT's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on ITT analyst ratings. Unveiling the Story Behind ITT ITT Inc is a diversified manufacturer of engineered critical components and customized technology solutions predominantly for the transportation, industrial and energy markets. The company's products include, brake pads, shock absorbers, pumps, valves, connectors, switches and others. Its operating segments are; Motion Technologies (MT), Industrial Process (IP), and Connect & Control Technologies (CCT). The majority of the revenue is generated from the Motion Technologies segment which is a manufacturer of brake pads, shims, shock absorbers, energy absorption components and sealing technologies. Geographically, the company generates majority of the revenue from North America, and also has its presence in South America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. ITT's Financial Performance Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale. Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, ITT showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 7.68% as of 30 September, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Industrials sector. Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 18.2%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control. Return on Equity (ROE): ITT's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 6.05% , the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance. Return on Assets (ROA): ITT's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.44% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns. Debt Management: ITT's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.34 , reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach. Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions. Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Ancient tablet carved with Ten Commandments set for auction
Romanian politicians have voted in favour of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.
President-elect Donald Trump 's picks for top jobs in his administration were making the rounds on Capitol Hill on Monday ahead of potential confirmation hearings next month. Some of the choices come with controversy and face pointed questions from Republican senators. Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth has had to deal with multiple allegations of misconduct and sexual impropriety, which he's denied. Tulsi Gabbard, tapped to be the director of national intelligence, has been scrutinized over her views on Russia and a 2017 meeting with Syria's Bashar Assad. Kash Patel, a longtime Trump ally chosen for FBI director, has vowed to take on the alleged "deep state" and Trump's enemies. MORE: How fierce Trump ally Kash Patel could help reshape the FBI or Justice Department Trump defended his selections during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired in full on Sunday. Patel was meeting with Sens. John Cornyn, Joni Ernst, Mike Lee, Shelley Capito Moore and Chuck Grassley. Cornyn, a key Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said after their meeting that he is inclined to support Patel and believes some of his more extreme views -- such as firing agents or closing the FBI headquarters in Washington -- are "hyperbolic." "My position, as I told Mr. Patel, is that no one should have to go through what President Trump went through by ... a partisan Department of Justice and FBI -- and my goal would be to restore the non-partisan functioning of the chief law enforcement agency in the country -- the FBI and the Department of Justice. To me, that is the goal," Cornyn said. Hegseth was back for more one-on-one meetings with GOP lawmakers after four straight days last week trying to assuage concerns about reports of financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct and public drunkenness. Trump's defense secretary pick met again with Ernst, a top Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and herself a combat veteran and survivor of sexual assault. Ernst notably was not ready to voice support for Hegseth after their meeting last Wednesday. Over the weekend, Ernst said she believed Hegseth should be thoroughly vetted and that she wanted to hear him address how he'd approach sexual assault in the military. Hegseth exited the meeting praising their conversation but would not say whether he felt Ernst was swayed to support him. "She has been dedicated to making the Pentagon work for warfighters for a long time. We've had great, extensive conversations about that. I just appreciate her commitment to the process and am looking forward to working together," Hegseth said. When pressed by reporters again if he could say whether he was able to get Ernst to back him, he demurred. "I would never speak for her," Hegseth said. Ernst later released a statement thanking Hegseth for his "responsiveness and respect for the process." While Ernst didn't explicitly say she would vote yes on Hegseth's confirmation, she said she would "support" him through the process. "Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women -- based on quality and standards, not quotas -- and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks," she said. "As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources." A conservative nonprofit group with ties to billionaire Elon Musk is wading into Hegseth's confirmation fight. Building America's Future is spending half a million dollars on a new ad pushing the Senate to confirm Hegseth as defense secretary, a spokesperson confirmed to ABC News. The ad will run on national television and specifically target digital platforms in Iowa, Ernst's home state. Arriving Monday for her first slate of meetings was Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and military veteran with no intelligence experience. Gabbard's been accused of voicing support for U.S. adversaries like Russia. She was set to meet with Sens. Mike Rounds, James Lankford and Lindsey Graham. MORE: Trump promised to disrupt Washington. His Cabinet picks would do just that: ANALYSIS Linda McMahon, Trump's pick for education secretary, also was on Capitol Hill to meet with GOP Sen. Roger Marshall and other lawmakers. McMahon told ABC News as she will "fall in" with Trump's education policies if confirmed to the position. However, she distanced herself from Trump's comments about shuttering the Department of Education. "President Trump and I have had lots of conversations, and I think his views he's making clear on his own," McMahon said, adding "I'm not going to get ahead of his policy." ABC News' Benjamin Siegel and Oren Oppenheim contributed to this report.Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate