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The targeted killing carried out in the early morning in Midtown Manhattan was shocking enough. The top executive of a major health care insurance company gunned down on his way to an investors' meeting. The reaction on social media was swift and cruel, the collective wrath of Americans fuming over too many medical claims denied by an industry that cashed in on their misery. As Boston College historian Heather Cox Richardson noted in her blog, Luigi Mangione, the alleged young killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, became an instant folk hero. Days later, when he was apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, police found in his backpack a three-page handwritten note that expressed remorse but said, “These parasites had it coming.” The manifesto noted that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world but is 42nd in life expectancy. ( ) Mangione, the 26-year-old, Ivy League graduate and former high-school valedictorian, in his twisted way, has put health care coverage and its rising costs at the center of our public dialogue. President-elect Donald Trump has given Robert F. Kennedy Jr. permission to “ ” on reforming the health care system if he becomes secretary of Health and Human Services, a nomination that unnerves both Democrats and Republicans. But first, the anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist has to be confirmed by a majority of the Senate. His long career as an attorney and activist who confronts corporate power could boost his chances. He meets the moment that is now before us. “I always had the feeling that we were all involved in some great crusade,” Kennedy once , explaining how his early fights as an anti-corporate environmental lawyer led him to become an anti-government health crusader. In the Trump era, there’s a market for speaking truth to power if power is defined by elite Democrats or the Deep State. Challenging the existing order is what Trump wants Kennedy to do, and it’s what Kennedy wants to do. The fury over UnitedHealthcare’s 32 percent denial rate—high by industry standards—cries out for someone with the courage to defy the existing order and its army of well-paid lobbyists. Deny, depose, defend—the watchwords of an insurance industry that did well for itself, but not enough for others. RFK Jr. has stayed quiet during this interregnum while his record is being scrutinized and senators weigh their options—except his daughter-in-law as CIA director to investigate the agency’s possible involvement in his uncle’s 1963 assassination. RFK Jr.’s daughter-in-law meets with Trump’s chosen CIA director about possible job — Nick Baumann (@NickBaumann) Democrats are not going to save Kennedy if Republicans are willing to sink him. It would take four Republicans to short circuit his nomination. But if he’s going to win anyway, I could see some Democrats rolling the dice. Maryland Sen. Cory Booker, for example, loves the healthy living agenda that RFK Jr. celebrates. Vermont’s Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts are natural fits for his anti-corporate positions. Paul Equale, a longtime lawyer and former lobbyist parts company with RFK Jr. on vaccines but, like others randomly questioned, is “right there with him on corn syrup and Big Ag and unhealthy food.” “During the Trump era, if someone is half right, liberals have to be a little bit gratified,” Equale tells the Daily Beast. Whether RFK Jr. makes it through the gauntlet depends on how much political capital Republicans will expend in their face-off with Trump. “RFK Jr. has such a wide range of toxicities, I can’t imagine any sane Democrat going for him,” Jonah Blank, a former Senate staffer, told the Daily Beast. “If Jared Polis were a senator, maybe,” he added, referring to the Democratic governor of Colorado who has cheered Kennedy’s nomination. Polis took heat for telling CNN, “I truly believe that RFK is not beholden to big pharma.” He also called the Kennedy scion “somebody who means what he says when he cares about reducing chronic disease through better nutrition” who can “do some good for public health.” Democrats lost the presidential election despite a strong economy and a legislative record that rivals FDR—not to mention a GOP presidential candidate who was a convicted felon, serial fabricator, adjudicated sexual abuser and an anti-immigrant , among other things. Trump did what Democrats failed to do: He tapped into the anger that our political and economic systems are not working for most Americans. “Trump cynically fuels the flames of discontent so he’s both the arsonist and the fireman while Democrats are just looking at the fire and saying how awful it is,” says the former Democratic Senate staffer. After Jan. 20, Trump will bear the burden of all the problems he blamed on Biden, including the accessibility and cost of health care. If RFK Jr. is confirmed as HHS secretary, will Trump give him free rein to assail the health insurers in charge? Where will budget cuts be made so Trump can fulfill his promise to extend tax cuts for billionaires? At last count, Trump has named eleven billionaires to his Cabinet. One thing we know, he’s not going to make them worse off. Will he listen to the multitude of voices on social media demanding change when that change could be costly for himself and his party?
Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration
A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.Slovakia protests against minister who tests culture, LGBT limits
WASHINGTON There is no evidence to suggest that mysterious drones spotted for weeks above New Jersey, including near a sensitive military site, are the work of a foreign adversary, the White House said Thursday. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said a federal investigation of visual images has so far determined that "many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully." There are no confirmed reports of the drones entering restricted airspace. "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus," he told reporters. "The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they're working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin," he added. Kirby said "very sophisticated electronic detection technologies" provided by federal agencies have not been able to corroborate any of the reported sightings. New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia wrote on X Wednesday that the first sighting was reported Nov. 18, and that they "operate in a coordinated manner," oftentimes flying with lights turned off. She said the aircraft, some of which are up to 6 feet (2 meters) in diameter, "appear to avoid detection by traditional methods," including via helicopters and radio frequencies, and do not appear to be flown by hobbyists. Authorities do not know where the drones are taking off from, or where they are landing.'It’s disgraceful' - Hutch vows to tackle housing crisis
Big Ten could place four teams in playoff, thanks to IU's rise
Topline A New York Police Department official said Thursday they have “no indication” that Luigi Mangione—the 26-year-old suspect in last week’s fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—was a client of UnitedHealthcare, a development that comes as police gather more physical evidence allegedly connecting Mangione to the crime. Key Facts Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . What We Know About Brian Thompson’s Murder Thompson, 50, was the CEO of the health insurance division of the $550 billion UnitedHealth Group and was in New York City on Wednesday for UnitedHealth Group’s investor meeting. He was shot from behind just before 7 a.m. on Dec. 4 outside of the New York Hilton Midtown—where the meeting was being held—and was hit in the back and right calf, after which the suspect fled the area on foot and on an electric bike. A Minnesota resident, Thompson had served as chief executive since April 2021 and had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2004. A video of the shooting showed the suspect walk out behind Thompson—who did not have a security detail—before firing multiple times. Prior to Mangione’s arrest, police said they believed the shooting was “a brazen targeted attack” and searched New York City before saying they believed the suspect had left the city on a bus. Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News “there had been some threats,” but didn’t provide details on what the threats were. Thompson had two sons, one who just graduated from high school and one still in high school. Police had been searching for the gunman by utilizing diving teams in Central Park, flying helicopters, searching through security cameras in the area, maintaining drones and using dogs. They released several photos of the suspected shooter since Wednesday. What Do We Know About Luigi Mangione? Mangione, a Maryland native, was last known to be living in Honolulu, has no prior arrest history in New York or elsewhere in the country, and he may have attended college in Pennsylvania, police said. Social media pages that appeared to be Mangione’s said he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with bachelor's and master's degrees in computer and information science in 2020, after attending the Gilman School for high school. A LinkedIn page appearing to belong to Mangione describes internships at the Johns Hopkins Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics and Firaxis Games before going on to work as an engineer for TrueCar, a car shopping website based in California, where he’d been employed for four years. The Times also reported Mangione worked as a counselor in the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Program in 2019. How Was Luigi Mangione Caught? New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Mangione was recognized in a McDonald’s in Altoona and was reported to local police, who then found he had “multiple fraudulent IDs,” a U.S. passport, a firearm and suppressor similar to what was used in the murder and a “handwritten document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset.” Officers reportedly asked Mangione if he was in New York recently, which resulted in him becoming quiet and shaking, according to a description of his arrest. A man named Larry who said he was a regular at the McDonald’s told Fox News his friend recognized Mangione and said he “looks like the shooter from New York,” but Larry thought he was kidding—“but then as it turned out, it was him.” Though his face was largely covered in most pictures law enforcement released, officials credited the images that were circulating of Mangione for him eventually being spotted and taken into custody. Pennsylvania State Police released a new photo Tuesday morning of Mangione eating what appears to be a McDonald’s hash brown with his mask down and wearing a beanie and dark coat. They are asking for help and information about Mangione’s “travel and recent whereabouts in Pennsylvania,” though Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said authorities believe Mangione had been all over the state and officials had “already identified businesses, for example, that he frequented in this area and activities that he engaged in.” A hotel clerk in Altoona told ABC News that Mangione tried to get a room at the hotel—which is about a 17-minute walk from McDonald’s—the morning he was arrested, but the hotel didn’t have any clean rooms, so Mangione, who the clerk described as “cagey, just looking around, making sure he wasn't being watched,” was turned away. What Has Luigi Mangione Been Charged With? He faces second-degree murder , gun and forgery charges in New York state. In New York, first-degree murder charges are reserved for killings with aggravated circumstances, such as those involving police officers, torture or if someone is hired to kill. Mangione was also initially charged in Pennsylvania with forgery, carrying firearms without a license, tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of a crime and providing false identification to law enforcement. He was ordered in his arraignment Monday night to be held without bail, and has been placed in a single cell at the “maximum custody level,” Maria Bivens, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, told CNN . The New York Times reported Tuesday afternoon that Mangione will be moved from a prison in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, to Blair County Prison, where he will wait for his New York arrest warrant to be executed. When Will Luigi Mangione Appear In Court Next? Mangione appeared in court in Pennsylvania shortly after 1:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 10 for an extradition hearing and said he would be fighting extradition. He was arraigned on the Pennsylvania charges the night of Dec. 9, and a preliminary hearing in that state is scheduled for Dec. 23. On Thursday, a judge set a hearing for 1 p.m. on Dec. 30 to address Mangione’s extradition fight and request for bail. What Do We Know About Mangione’s Prison Conditions? NewsNation conducted an interview outside of the prison Mangione is being held in on Wednesday with inmates who were watching the show on television and yelling answers out to a field reporter. Inmates can be heard yelling “Luigi’s conditions suck!” and “free Luigi!” in the interview. CBS News reported Mangione is being held in a single cell, but is not in solitary confinement. A prison official told CBS Mangione does not get to interact with other inmates, but he has not been violent and is not on suicide watch. What Has Luigi Mangione’s Lawyer Said About The Case? Thomas Dickey told reporters he had been hired to represent Mangione in this case but refused to disclose if Mangione’s family was paying to retain his services. In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, he said he had not seen any evidence that the police have arrested the right guy in this case, adding that the New York officials requesting Mangione’s extradition will have to convince him. Dickey also disclosed that several people had emailed his staff offering to foot Mangione’s legal bills, but said while his “client appreciates the support that he has,” he “probably wouldn’t” accept the offers. In a CNN interview Wednesday , Dickey questioned the evidence police had against Mangione—specifically the ballistics and fingerprint evidence—saying those two forms of evidence have “come under some criticism in the past, relative to their credibility, their truthfulness, their accuracy.” What’s Known About Luigi Mangione's Alleged Ghost Gun? A description of Mangione’s arrest notes officers found a 3D-printed pistol and 3D-printed silencer in his backpack. The pistol was loaded with a Glock magazine containing six nine-millimeter full metal jacket rounds. A loose nine-millimeter hollow point round was also found in the backpack. Authorities have said the gun and silencer are consistent with the firearm used in the shooting of Thompson. Have Police Named A Motive? Police have not named a formal motive in the killing of Thompson—but have suggested Mangione had issues with the insurance industry. Officers found three 9mm rounds at the scene and bullet casings had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” on them, which echo a phrase commonly used to criticize tactics insurance companies use to reject claims. At a Monday press conference, NYPD’s Kenny said a three-page handwritten manifesto found on Mangione when he was arrested is in the possession of Altoona police, but “it does seem that he has some ill will toward corporate America.” Kenny also said there were no other “specific threats” to people in the document. Citing an unnamed law enforcement official, the Associated Press reported that in the document mentioned Mangione admitted to working alone, stating: “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone.” The note added, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” What Has The Response To Luigi Mangione Been Online? There has been a flood of people supporting Mangione on social media platforms, with some offering to pay his bills and a number of GoFundMe campaigns popping up to offer financial support (though GoFundMe told Fox Business the fundraisers violated policy, were removed and donors were reimbursed). Some social media users have commented on his physical appearance and called him a hero , and accounts providing updates on Mangione have popped up on sites like X, formerly known as Twitter. On Tuesday, The Cut reported “Magione merch is everywhere” and The Washington Post reported merchandise with the words reportedly found on the bullet casings found at the scene was being sold on sites like Amazon and Etsy, though much of it was later removed. An assistant professor at Mangione’s alma mater received backlash after calling Mangione the “icon we all need and deserve” on Instagram and saying in a TikTok she had “never been prouder to be a professor” at the University of Pennsylvania, USA Today reported . The professor, Julia Alekseyeva, later apologized , but at least one lawmaker has called on the university to fire her, Fox News reported Thursday. One expert in social media told The New York Times the response supporting Mangione was “organic” as “people are legitimately actually pissed off at the health care industry, and there is some kind of support for vigilante justice.” On Wednesday, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner said the impact of the situation is “similar to that of a domestic terror attack,” adding: “That is already being reflected in this torrent of online vitriol that we’ve been in the midst of since last Wednesday and the lionization of the alleged perpetrator of the murder as a hero.” What We Know About An Online Fundraiser For Mangione's Legal Defense An online fundraiser on GiveSendGo to cover Mangione’s legal defense costs has raised more than $45,000 as of early Thursday. The fundraiser and accompanying messages further highlight the support the alleged shooter has gained online. Several donations on GiveSendGo have been accompanied by messages from people expressing anger about the U.S. healthcare system and health insurers. One message from an anonymous donor who gave $100 read: “Luigi has shone a light on an important social issue. Healthcare insurers have been killing people for years with their policies. Why aren’t they charged with murder?” The group raising the funds identifies itself as the “December 4th Legal Committee” and it doesn’t appear to have any affiliation with Mangione. In its most recent update on Wednesday night, the fundraising group said it has written to Mangione informing him about the money raised for his legal defense and adds that if he doesn’t want the funds, it will be put “toward the defense of other political prisoners.” Was Luigi Mangione Reported Missing? Mangione’s mother, Kathleen Mangione, reported him missing to the San Francisco police last month. According to the San Francisco Standard, the missing person report was filed on Nov. 18 although it is unclear if Mangione was supposed to be present in the city when his mother filed the report. Although he was born and raised in Maryland, Kenny said he has “ties to San Francisco” and most recently resided in Honolulu. What Do We Know About Luigi Mangione’s Life At Penn? Mangione graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with bachelor's and master's degrees in computer and information science, according to social media accounts appearing to belong to him and the university’s alumni database. The Daily Pennsylvanian—Penn’s student newspaper— reported that Mangione founded the school’s Game Research and Development Environment club and that he was inducted into the Eta Kappa Nu honor society for excellence in electrical and computer engineering before graduating in 2020. A post on an Instagram account seeming to belong to him as well shows him affiliated with the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. What Do We Know About Luigi Mangione’s Time At The Gilman School? Mangione attended the prestigious, all-boys K-12 Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated in 2016 as the valedictorian. The New York Times reported his valedictorian speech described his class as “coming up with new ideas and challenging the world around it.” Mangione reportedly wrestled and played soccer while he was a student there and was captain of the school’s robotics team. A number of Mangione’s former classmates from the Gilman School told CBS News he was a “nice” kid, and one former classmate told The New York Times Mangione was “a big believer in the power of technology to change the world.” The Gilman School lists its tuition for 2024-25 high school students as $37,690 and describes its mission as working to “unlock the greatness within each boy by educating the entire boy — mind, body, and spirit.” What Do We Know About Luigi Mangione’s Time In Hawaii? In Honolulu, where police said Mangione’s last known address was, he was a member of a co-working space called Hub Coworking Hawaii, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported . Mangione would reportedly come and work at the location with his roommates from a nearby co-living space called Surfbreak. On its website, Surfbreak describes itself as a “co-living and co-working community for digital nomads and remote workers.” Surfbreak founder and CEO R.J. Martin expressed shock about Mangione’s arrest and told the Honolulu Civil Beat , “I loved this guy...In some ways I feel like my members are my kids.” According to the report, other residents of the co-living space described Mangione as a “natural leader” and said he helped found a book club in the community. Martin and another resident told the outlet that they had suggested the book club should read “Industrial Society and Its Future”—a book written by Unabomber Ted Kaczynski —as “a joke.” What Did Mangione Say About The Unabomber’s Book? A Goodreads account seeming to belong to Mangione gave the book a four-star review in January. The review written by the account—which was made private on Monday—said “It's easy to quickly and thoughtless write this off as the manifesto of a lunatic, in order to avoid facing some of the uncomfortable problems it identifies. But it's simply impossible to ignore how prescient many of his predictions about modern society turned out.” The review also quoted another person’s take about how “violence is necessary to survive.” The New York Times reported Tuesday that Mangione told a writer in England, Gurwinder Bhogal, he disapproved of the Unabomber’s actions, but Bhogal said Mangione “was fascinated by [the Unabomber’s] ideology, and shared his concerns about rampant consumerism gradually eroding our agency and alienating us from ourselves.” Are Mangione’s Social Media Accounts Still Up? Shortly after his arrest, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X and Goodreads accounts that may have belonged to him were discovered. He also appeared to be active on Reddit, writing about back pain issues, Forbes reported . Nearly all social media accounts with reported ties to Mangione had been switched to private or taken down by platforms—with one notable exception. Mangione’s account on X was briefly taken down Monday evening, but X owner Elon Musk said it was done “without his knowledge” and he was looking into it. Shortly after, the account was reinstated. Mangione’s X account—which has a cover photo featuring an apparent spinal injury—had almost 400,000 followers as of Wednesday morning. Mangione’s X account gained a blue checkmark Tuesday. Did Luigi Mangione Have A Youtube Account? A YouTube account with Mangione’s name posted a video Monday that said “If you see this, I’m already under arrest” and had a countdown that ended by hinting at more information or videos to be released Wednesday. YouTube confirmed to Forbes the page was not associated with Mangione, though, saying “the channel’s metadata was updated following widespread reporting of Luigi Mangione’s arrest, including updates made to the channel name and handle.” YouTube added it terminated three other accounts that were linked to Mangione, but said they hadn’t been active in more than seven months. What Do We Know About Mangione’s Health Issues? Mangione’s friends in Hawaii told various news outlets that he was suffering from a serious back problem that caused him significant pain. Mangione left Hawaii to get back surgery last year and then returned to Honolulu to rent an apartment. Surfbreak’s Martin told The New York Times that Mangione said his spine was misaligned and “said his lower vertebrae were almost like a half-inch off, and I think it pinched a nerve.” Martin added that Mangione had confided to him about not being able to date people because of his back problem as “being physically intimate with his back condition wasn’t possible.” Martin told the Times he texted Mangione after his surgery asking how it had gone and got the response “long story” without further details. Although the two had promised to catch up over the phone later, Mangione eventually went “ radio silent. ” An account on Reddit that is believed to have belonged to Mangione was active in the subreddit “r/spondylolisthesis,” where people discussed the condition in which vertebrae in the spine slip out of place. “When my spondy went bad on me last year (23M) it was completely devastating as a young athletic person,” the alleged Mangione account wrote, Forbes reported. On Dec. 12, Kenny also told NBC New York it seems Mangione’s “life-changing, life-altering injury ... may have put him on this path,” the station reported. What Is Known About The Mangione Family? The Baltimore Banner reported Mangione comes “from a prominent Baltimore family.” According to the Banner, his grandfather was a self-made real estate developer who owned country clubs, nursing homes and a radio station, and that his grandmother was “a supporter of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center” and the Baltimore Opera Company. The Mangione family has owned Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley, Maryland—northwest of the city of Baltimore—since 1986, according to the Banner. Who Is Nino Mangione? Luigi Mangione is related to Nino Mangione , a Republican representative in the Maryland House of Delegates, The Baltimore Sun reported Monday. The Sun reported the two are cousins who are friends on social media. Forbes has reached out to Mangione for comment. A statement issued on his social media accounts on behalf of the Mangione family said they could not comment on the news reports. “We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Further ReadingThe Kremlin fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday in response to Kyiv's use this week of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russia, President Vladimir Putin said. In a televised address to the country, the Russian president warned that U.S. air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile, which he said flies at ten times the speed of sound and which he called the Oreshnik — Russian for hazelnut tree. He also said it could be used to attack any Ukrainian ally whose missiles are used to attack Russia. “We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities,” Putin said in his first comments since President Joe Biden gave Ukraine the green light this month to use U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike at limited targets inside Russia. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia’s missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate range missile based on it’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. “This was new type of lethal capability that was deployed on the battlefield, so that was certainly of concern," Singh said, noting that the missile could carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. The U.S. was notified ahead of the launch through nuclear risk reduction channels, she said. The attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro came in response to Kyiv's use of longer-range U.S. and British missiles in strikes Tuesday and Wednesday on southern Russia, Putin said. Those strikes caused a fire at an ammunition depot in Russia's Bryansk region and killed and wounded some security services personnel in the Kursk region, he said. “In the event of an escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond decisively and in kind,” the Russian president said, adding that Western leaders who are hatching plans to use their forces against Moscow should “seriously think about this.” Putin said the Oreshnik fired Thursday struck a well-known missile factory in Dnipro. He also said Russia would issue advance warnings if it launches more strikes with the Oreshnik against Ukraine to allow civilians to evacuate to safety — something Moscow hasn’t done before previous aerial attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov initially said Russia hadn’t warned the U.S. about the coming launch of the new missile, noting that it wasn't obligated to do so. But he later changed tack and said Moscow did issue a warning 30 minutes before the launch. Putin's announcement came hours after Ukraine claimed that Russia had used an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Dnipro attack, which wounded two people and damaged an industrial facility and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, according to local officials. But American officials said an initial U.S. assessment indicated the strike was carried out with an intermediate-range ballistic missile. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that the use of the missile was an "obvious and serious escalation in the scale and brutality of this war, a cynical violation of the UN Charter.” He also said there had been “no strong global reaction” to the use of the missile, which he said could threaten other countries. “Putin is very sensitive to this. He is testing you, dear partners,” Zelenskyy wrote. “If there is no tough response to Russia’s actions, it means they see that such actions are possible.” The attack comes during a week of escalating tensions , as the U.S. eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-made longer-range missiles inside Russia and Putin lowered the threshold for launching nuclear weapons. The Ukrainian air force said in a statement that the Dnipro attack was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, on the Caspian Sea. “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is,” Zelenskyy said hours before Putin's address. “And how afraid he is.” Russia was sending a message by attacking Ukraine with an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of releasing multiple warheads at extremely high speeds, even if they are less accurate than cruise missiles or short-range ballistic missiles, said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. “Why might you use it therefore?” Savill said. "Signaling — signaling to the Ukrainians. We’ve got stuff that outrages you. But really signaling to the West ‘We’re happy to enter into a competition around intermediate range ballistic missiles. P.S.: These could be nuclear tipped. Do you really want to take that risk?’” Military experts say that modern ICBMs and IRBMs are extremely difficult to intercept, although Ukraine has previously claimed to have stopped some other weapons that Russia described as “unstoppable,” including the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missile. David Albright, of the Washington-based think tank the Institute for Science and International Security, said he was “skeptical” of Putin’s claim, adding that Russian technology sometimes “falls short.” He suggested Putin was “taunting the West to try to shoot it down ... like a braggart boasting, taunting his enemy.” Earlier this week, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use the U.S.-supplied, longer-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia — a move that drew an angry response from Moscow. Days later, Ukraine fired several of the missiles into Russia, according to the Kremlin. The same day, Putin signed a new doctrine that allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power. The doctrine is formulated broadly to avoid a firm commitment to use nuclear weapons. In response, Western countries, including the U.S., said Russia has used irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and behavior throughout the war to intimidate Ukraine and other nations. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that Russia’s formal lowering of the threshold for nuclear weapons use did not prompt any changes in U.S. doctrine. She pushed back on concerns that the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western missiles to strike deeper inside Russia might escalate the war. ′′They’re the ones who are escalating this,” she said of the Kremlin — in part because of a flood of North Korean troops sent to the region. More than 1,000 days into war , Russia has the upper hand, with its larger army advancing in Donetsk and Ukrainian civilians suffering from relentless drone and missile strikes. Analysts and observers say the loosening of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western missiles is unlikely to change the the course of the war, but it puts the Russian army in a more vulnerable position and could complicate the logistics that are crucial in warfare. Putin has also warned that the move would mean that Russia and NATO are at war. “It is an important move and it pulls against, undermines the narrative that Putin had been trying to establish that it was fine for Russia to rain down Iranian drones and North Korean missiles on Ukraine but a reckless escalation for Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons at legitimate targets in Russia,” said Peter Ricketts, a former U.K. national security adviser who now sits in the House of Lords. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Lawless and Emma Burrows in London, and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraineIn 2011, we trapped a wild-born feral in our neighborhood, Sox. After getting her fixed and microchipped, we kept her in a half bath with a window for five months, spending time with her daily. It took years for her to trust us, but she eventually became a happy, content indoor cat, even bonding with two of our other cats. We moved across the country with Sox and four other pets, making stops to ensure they were comfortable. Sox remained cautious in our new home but eventually started exploring the house and stopped hiding. She would flop on her back, purr and show us just how happy she had become. She never did want us to touch her or pick her up, though. Sadly, we lost Sox in December 2022 to kidney disease and hypothyroidism. She was so ill at the end that I was able to pick her up for the first time and hold her. We miss her terribly, but we’re grateful for the wonderful life she had with us. — Ken, Las Vegas Dear Ken: Unfortunately, not all feral cats can transition to indoor life as well as Sox did. Cats have a much smaller socialization window than dogs, and if they miss that critical period, they may never adjust to living indoors. Some ferals become severely stressed or fearful in confinement, to the point where their quality of life suffers. In these cases, caretakers often make the tough decision to let them live outdoors. Injuries like the one described in the column are heartbreaking reminders of the risks and challenges outdoor cats face. It also underscores the importance of spaying and neutering pets to reduce the number of unwanted cats left to fend for themselves on the streets. Dear Cathy: My dog, Oliver, is about 2 years old. We’ve had him for a year. He was a stray captured by a Washington, D.C., animal shelter, who was fostered, neutered, vaccinated and operated on for a urinary tract issue. He was later adopted by a family whose “first” dog didn’t want a “little brother.” When we brought him home, his anxiety was understandably high, and he barked aggressively at new faces and visitors. Over time, this behavior has improved — his barking is now less aggressive and shorter. He approaches, backs up and barks a little more but calms down after a few minutes and becomes the friendly, quiet Oliver we love. He’s a terrier mix with a DNA profile showing a mix of about 15 breeds, including bully breeds and husky. He’s a small to medium-size dog. Any suggestions on how to build his confidence when greeting visitors? — Oliver’s Mom, Washington, D.C. Dear Oliver’s Mom: One way to help Oliver feel more secure is to practice controlled greetings. Start with familiar friends. When they arrive, have them enter quietly, avoid direct eye contact and let Oliver approach on his terms. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise, reinforcing that visitors are positive experiences. To strengthen these associations, guests may also offer him a favorite treat or toy upon arrival. The goal is to get Oliver to see new faces as opportunities for fun and rewards, not threats. Pair that with teaching him to sit when new people arrive, since dogs have a more difficult time barking when they are sitting. For extra support, tools like an anxiety wrap, pheromone collar or over-the-counter calming chews can help soothe Oliver and set the stage for success. Puzzle toys filled with high-value treats, reserved specifically for when guests arrive, can also redirect his energy. With consistency and by celebrating small wins, his greeting behavior will likely improve as he builds confidence and learns he is safe.
Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay woman $250K in sexual assault case, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has found that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The Dublin jury awarded the woman more than $250,000 for her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on Dec. 9, 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified he never forced her to do anything and that the woman had fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. The jury found for the woman on Friday. At least 15 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 160,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.
Profit, dividend repatriation rises to $807m in July-October KARACHI: The repatriation of profits and dividends from foreign investments in Pakistan increased by 66.26 per cent to $807.2 million in the first four months of this fiscal year, the central bank data showed on Tuesday. Multinational firms and foreign investors who participated in the local stock market sent $413.8 million to their home countries in October, compared with $18.7 million a month earlier. Since the start of the fiscal year 2025, foreign companies operating in Pakistan have been sending home a significant amount of their repatriated revenues due to the ongoing improvement in the nation’s external account. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank rose by $29 million to $11.29 billion as of November 15.The current account balance recorded a surplus for the third consecutive month in October. Pakistan posted a current account surplus of $349 million in October, bringing the cumulative surplus from July to October to $218 million. Analysts say that although the figures seem higher on an annual basis, they actually show normalised repatriation because the government stopped repatriating profits for several months last year in order to manage external liabilities. Normalised repatriation implies that the government is permitting foreign companies to move their profits overseas. Data from the SBP shows that the amount of profit repatriation from foreign direct investment increased from $456.2 million in July-October of last year to $772.5 million in July-October of FY25. Profits and dividends from investments were paid out in July-October totalled $34.7 million, compared with $29.2 million a year earlier. In July-October FY25, the food sector saw the biggest outflow of profits and dividends, with $186 million, up from $68.4 million last year. After $115.5 million in repatriations, the power sector came in second, while the financial businesses came in third with $94.4 million in outflows in the first four months of the current fiscal year.Bucks County's Ryan Abramson and Oakridge Leaders Promotes Positive Brand Identity 12-13-2024 10:38 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Brand Push Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/1a4d8bf233bf36201ea6635ddfe57d4c.jpg Oakridge Leaders [ https://www.oakridgeleaders.com/ ] was founded in Bucks County, PA by Ryan Abramson [ https://www.oakridgeleaders.com/ryanabramsonlanghorne ] with a singular mission: to provide professionals, business leaders, and students with the skills and ideas necessary to find their authentic voice. By fostering confident, clear, and positive expression, Oakridge Leaders promotes the idea that individuals must articulate their views, brand, and ideas through blogs, essays, and public speaking. Why Positive and Authentic Communication Matters Before delving into the strategies encouraged by Oakridge Leaders, it's important to define two core values that shape their approach: - Ryan Abramson, Authenticity: The quality of being genuine, real, and true to one's character or beliefs. Authentic communication resonates because it aligns with an individual's or organization's values, creating trust and emotional connection. - Ryan Abramson, Positivity: The practice of emphasizing constructive, uplifting, and solution-oriented communication. Positivity inspires action, fosters goodwill, and leaves lasting impressions. When combined, authenticity and positivity create a powerful dynamic. They humanize communication, making it not only relatable but also memorable. This is the core of the Ryan Abramson [ https://www.ryanabramson.net/ ] approach to marketing and communication. Ryan Abramson: The Evolution of Communication Styles Over Time Effective communication has undergone significant shifts throughout history. From face-to-face dialogues in ancient marketplaces to digital interactions in the age of social media, the medium and style of communication have continually evolved: - Face-to-Face Era: As a speaker, Bucks County, PA Expert Ryan Abramson believes that personal communication dominated before the advent of mass media, with authenticity conveyed through tone, gestures, and presence. - Broadcast Era: The rise of newspapers, radio, and television introduced one-way communication, where brands controlled the narrative but struggled with authenticity due to the lack of interaction. - Digital Era: The internet revolutionized communication, with social media enabling real-time, two-way interactions. Today, 86% of consumers value authenticity in deciding which brands to support, according to a study by Stackla. Statistics on Authenticity and Positivity in Marketing The emphasis on authenticity and positivity is more than a trend; it's a necessity for modern communication: - Authenticity Drives Engagement: According to a Harvard Business Review study, 63% of consumers prefer brands that communicate authentically, and 57% are willing to pay more for a product or service from a brand they trust. - Positivity Builds Brand Loyalty: Research from Gallup shows that positivity in branding increases customer engagement by 23%, resulting in higher retention and advocacy rates. - Consistency Matters: HubSpot reports that consistent branding across platforms increases revenue by 23%. Authentic and positive messaging plays a critical role in maintaining this consistency. The Role of Blogs in Sharing Ideas and Building Brands One of the most effective tools for maintaining focus and sharing views is the blog. Oakridge Leaders, emphasizes the importance of blogging as a foundational element of communication strategy. As the Ryan Abramson Blog [ https://www.ryanabramson.net/news-about-ryan-abramson ] demonstrates, authenticity and positivity are not just buzzwords-they're cornerstones of effective communication. Here's why: - Knowledge Sharing: Blogs are a platform to share insights, experiences, and expertise. A blog post can educate and inspire others while establishing the writer as a thought leader. - Enhanced Visibility: Companies that blog receive 55% more website visitors, according to HubSpot. Blogs also improve search engine rankings, making it easier for audiences to discover content. - Sustained Focus: Writing a blog helps refine and clarify ideas, ensuring that the message remains consistent and impactful. - Community Building: Blogs foster engagement and interaction. Readers often comment, share, and discuss blog posts, extending the reach of ideas. The Importance of Consistent, Positive Branding A brand is more than a logo or tagline; it's the sum of every interaction and impression. Oakridge Leaders, believe that consistent, positive branding is essential for long-term success. When based on data, this approach works. Why? Because: 1. It Builds Trust: Consistency in tone, visuals, and messaging reassures audiences, helping them feel connected and secure. 2. It Reinforces Identity: Positive communication strengthens a brand's identity, ensuring it remains memorable and relevant. 3. It Drives Growth: Brands with strong, consistent messaging are 3.5 times more likely to achieve higher brand visibility and recognition. Oakridge Leaders: Helping Individuals Find Their Voice Oakridge Leaders in Bucks County was born from a desire to help others harness the power of positive communication. Whether it's through writing blogs, crafting essays, or speaking confidently, the goal is to help individuals and organizations: - Define Their Unique Voice: By aligning communication with values and vision, Oakridge Leaders ensure that messages resonate authentically. - Connect with Audiences: Positive and authentic communication fosters meaningful relationships, whether in business, education, or personal development. - Make a Lasting Impact: Their strategies empower clients to influence, inspire, and lead through effective storytelling. For more insights, follow the Ryan Abramson Blog [ https://www.oakridgeleaders.com/ryanabramson ] and explore how Oakridge Leaders promotes positive, authentic communications to accurately tell a story. Media Contact Contact Person: Ryan Abramson Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=bucks-countys-ryan-abramson-and-oakridge-leaders-promotes-positive-brand-identity ] Country: United States Website: https://www.oakridgeleaders.com This release was published on openPR.
Apple nears switch to in-house Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip for iPhone, smart home, Bloomberg reports
“Wanted” posters with the names and faces of health care executives have been popping up on the streets of New York. Hit lists with images of bullets are circulating online with warnings that industry leaders should be afraid. Related video above: In an interview with CNN, security services firm talks efforts to protect CEOs The apparent targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the menacing threats that followed have sent a shudder through corporate America and the health care industry in particular, leading to increased security for executives and some workers. In the week since the brazen shooting, health insurers have removed information about their top executives from company websites, canceled in-person meetings with shareholders and advised all employees to work from home temporarily. An internal New York Police Department bulletin warned this week that the online vitriol that followed the shooting could signal an immediate “elevated threat.” Police fear that the Dec. 4 shooting could "inspire a variety of extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence," according to the bulletin, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “Wanted” posters pasted to parking meters and construction site fences in Manhattan included photos of health care executives and the words “Deny, defend, depose” — similar to a phrase scrawled on bullets found near Thompson’s body and echoing those used by insurance industry critics. Thompson's wife, Paulette, told NBC News last week that he told her some people had been threatening him and suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Investigators believe the shooting suspect, Luigi Mangione , may have been motivated by hostility toward health insurers. They are studying his writings about a previous back injury, and his disdain for corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Mangione’s lawyer has cautioned against prejudging the case. Mangione, 26, has remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday. Manhattan prosecutors are working to bring him to New York to face a murder charge. UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said this week it was working with law enforcement to ensure a safe work environment and to reinforce security guidelines and building access policies, a spokesperson said. The company has taken down photos, names and biographies for its top executives from its websites, a spokesperson said. Other organizations, including CVS, the parent company for insurance giant Aetna, have taken similar actions. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. has announced that its investor day will be held online, rather than in-person as originally planned. Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm, said last week it was temporarily closing its six offices for security reasons and would have its employees work from home. Heightened security measures likely will make health care companies and their leaders more inaccessible to their policyholders, said former Cigna executive Wendell Potter. “And understandably so, with this act of violence. There’s no assurance that this won’t happen again,” said Potter, who’s now an advocate for health care reform. Private security firms and consultants have been in high demand, fielding calls almost immediately after the shooting from companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing and finance. Companies have long faced security risks and grappled with how far to take precautions for high-profile executives. But these recent threats sparked by Thompson's killing should not be ignored, said Dave Komendat, a former security chief for Boeing who now heads his own risk-management company. “The tone and tenor is different. The social reaction to this tragedy is different. And so I think that people need to take this seriously,” Komendat said. Just over a quarter of the companies in the Fortune 500 reported spending money to protect their CEOs and top executives. Of those, the median payment for personal security doubled over the last three years to just under $100,000. Hours after the shooting, Komendat was on a call with dozens of chief security officers from big corporations, and there have been many similar meetings since, hosted by security groups or law enforcement agencies assessing the threats, he said. “It just takes one person who is motivated by a poster — who may have experienced something in their life through one of these companies that was harmful," Komendat said. ___ Associated Press reporters Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco, contributed to this report.Sleuths from Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) arrested a fraudster from Chittigarh in Rajasthan for a trading fraud in which a victim lost over Rs 8.14 crore. Police had started investigations based on a complaint received from the trader, a resident of Banjara Hills, filed on October 21. The trader stated that he was induced to join a trading-related WhatsApp group and later persuaded to invest in block trades and IPOs through a fraudulent application. Since August, the victim had transferred Rs 8,14,48,000 to accounts linked to the scam, Shikha Goel, TGCSB director, said in a press release on Sunday. After releasing the fraud the victim reported to the state cybercrime helpline. “We formed special teams and identified the accused through his server as Sharvan Kumar Sharma alias Shravan Kumar Sharma (43) and arrested him from his house in Rajasthan,” Shikha said. During interrogation the accused Sharma revealed that he used to pose as a representative of reputed trading firms and target victims through social media platforms Once the victims join, Sharma and his accomplices conduct online sessions to explain trading strategies and promote fake stock broking applications, she said. They persuade victims to invest in high-yield schemes, such as IPOs and block trades, by promising guaranteed allotments through institutional investor routes, claiming exclusivity and high returns. When victims attempt to withdraw funds, the app displays errors or imposes additional demands such as regulatory fees, inspection charges, or penalties for transaction irregularities. Investigations are underway to uncover the entire network involved in the fraudulent activities. Meanwhile, the bureau has urged the public to remain vigilant against online financial frauds and avoid clicking on unsolicited links or joining unverified investment groups on social media platforms. One can report frauds on the cybercrime helpline 1930.Published 4:19 pm Friday, December 13, 2024 By Data Skrive The Gonzaga Bulldogs versus the UConn Huskies is one of many strong options on Saturday in college basketball play — suggested picks against the spread for 10 games are available below. Watch men’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .
