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madagascar circus NEW YORK — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. Suspect Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. "We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that's possibly why he targeted that company," Kenny said. People are also reading... UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he had yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested on December 9, 2024, after a six-day manhunt and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest has sparked a viral social media movement, with many hailing him as a symbol of resistance against systemic healthcare failures. The #FreeLuigi movement gained significant traction, with his social media profiles amassing over 100,000 new followers before being suspended. Despite this, the movement continues to trend, highlighting public discontent with the U.S. healthcare system. Some social media users argue that Mangione's radicalization stemmed from the struggles faced by millions in obtaining necessary healthcare, and not from his university education. Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona led to the seizure of a "ghost gun," a suppressor, fake IDs, and a manifesto criticizing the healthcare system. While the manifesto seems to admit guilt, some users question Mangione's responsibility, pointing out discrepancies in surveillance photos. The fascination with Mangione has only intensified, with discussions about his attractiveness and comparisons to characters in Ryan Murphy's productions. The phenomenon is reminiscent of society's long-standing obsession with infamous criminals, blurring lines between horror and hero worship. Former FBI agent Rob D’Amico noted that Mangione is seen by some as a "Robin Hood" figure fighting against corporate greed, which complicates the investigation. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a " ghost gun " matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what law enforcement has called a "targeted attack." Mangione is from a prominent Maryland family with extensive business interests. The Mangione family is known for developing real estate and running businesses. Relatives expressed shock over the arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family. Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder, firearm possession, and forgery, in New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation was a success and that his pain improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.An international crime ring may be behind burglaries targeting the homes of professional athletes across the US, although experts caution that local groups could also be responsible. In recent weeks, several NFL players and an NBA player have been robbed while traveling for games, including Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce and his teammate Patrick Mahomes. The FBI is investigating whether the burglaries could be connected to a transnational crime operation with links to South America, a source familiar with the investigation told the BBC's US partner CBS News. "It's a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they've focused on NBA and NFL players, and it's all over the country," a source familiar with the situation told NFL.com. But Michael Tabman, a former FBI special agent, said there could be a simpler explanation. "It could be possible that you have some capable burglars in Kansas City who maybe have some inside information," he said. "And you'll notice, when a crime starts getting covered a lot, it starts popping up elsewhere, so like a copycat." The BBC has contacted the FBI and Kansas City police for comment. The burglaries have been taking place across the country. Kelce's home was robbed on 7 October as he was starting a game against the New Orleans Saints. Officials said $20,000 (£15,900) in cash was stolen from his $6m home. A burglary was also discovered at Dallas Cowboys player Linval Joseph’s home on Monday, while Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis was robbed earlier this month. The athletes make for easy targets in part because they have valuable belongings and public schedules, security experts said. "In any professional football event, for instance, there's 106 players, 53 on each team, that are not going to be home, not including coaches. And some of those players may have very lucrative contracts and live in nice places," said former FBI agent Jeff Lanza. The NFL has been warning players about the crimes, sending a memo this week which said "organised and skilled groups" appeared to be targeting them. The memo said the groups were tracking the players' whereabouts on social media and through public records. It said criminals had been conducting surveillance by posing as joggers, maintenance workers or delivery people, eventually gaining access to the homes through side doors or even scaling walls to get through windows and balconies. Those details suggests the criminals have some level of sophistication, Mr Lanza said. "You'd have to have people that would maybe do some surveillance to see the comings and goings of the potential targets, that no one else is home, maybe people to understand if there's an alarm system that's been employed," he said. Mr Lanza said the FBI's involvement in the investigation - which would normally be handled by local officials - suggests the crimes are "more orchestrated and organised and tied to a bigger organisation". But other explanations are also likely, he said. "It could be some punks that just know the Chiefs are playing that day and that Patrick Mahomes and Kelce are going to be at the stadium, along with their families, because they show them on TV," he said. Mr Tabman, meanwhile, said law enforcement are likely to catch whoever is behind the thefts, especially if they are able to track down items that were stolen and are being sold. Police have already found a watch stolen from Kelce's Missouri home, ABC News reported. “You'll pull on that one thread that will make this unravel," Mr Tabman said. "It won't happen tomorrow, but I believe there's a very good chance that the FBI, in co-operation with local law enforcement, will be able to break the case."

AP News Summary at 5:05 p.m. EST

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Stefanos Tsitsipas Reveals Favorite Childhood Memory Which Amuses Tennis CommunityWomen will for the first time make up a majority of state legislators in Colorado and New Mexico next year, but at least 13 states saw losses in female representation after the November election, according to a count released Thursday by the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics. While women will fill a record number of state legislative seats in 2025, the overall uptick will be slight, filling just over third of legislative seats. Races in some states are still being called. "We certainly would like to see a faster rate of change and more significant increases in each election cycle to get us to a place where parity in state legislatures is less novel and more normal," said Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the CAWP, which is a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. As of Wednesday, at least 2,450 women will serve in state legislatures, representing 33.2% of the seats nationwide. The previous record was set in 2024 with 2,431 women, according to the CAWP. The number of Republican women, at least 851, will break the previous record of 815 state lawmakers set in 2024. "But still, Republican women are very underrepresented compared to Democratic women," Debbie Walsh, director of the CAWP, said. From left, House Maj. Whip Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, Rep. D. Wonda Johnson, D-Church Rock and Rep. Cristina Parajon, D-Albuquerque, talk July 18 before the start of a special session, in Santa Fe, N.M. By the most recent count, 19 states will have increased the number of women in their state legislatures, according to the CAWP. The most notable increases were in New Mexico and Colorado, where women will for the first time make up a majority of lawmakers. In New Mexico, voters sent an 11 additional women to the chambers. Colorado previously attained gender parity in 2023 and is set to tip over to a slight female majority in the upcoming year. The states follow Nevada, which was the first in the country to see a female majority in the legislature following elections in 2018. Next year, women will make up almost 62% of state lawmakers in Nevada, far exceeding parity. Women in California's Senate will make up the chamber's majority for the first time in 2025 as well. Women also made notable gains in South Dakota, increasing its number by at least nine. Four of South Carolina's Sister Senators, from left, Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Walterboro, Sen. Mia McLeod, I-Columbia, Sen. Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington, and Sen. Penry Gustafson, R-Camden, stand in front of the Senate on June 26 with their John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award in Columbia, S.C. At least thirteen states emerged from the election with fewer female lawmakers than before, with the most significant loss occurring in South Carolina. This year, the only three Republican women in the South Carolina Senate lost their primaries after they stopped a total abortion ban from passing. Next year, only two women, who are Democrats, will be in the 46-member Senate. No other state in the country will have fewer women in its upper chamber, according to the CAWP. Women make up 55% of the state's registered voters. Half the members in the GOP dominated state were elected in 2012 or before, so it will likely be the 2040s before any Republican woman elected in the future can rise to leadership or a committee chairmanship in the chamber, which doles out leadership positions based on seniority. A net loss of five women in the legislature means they will make up only about 13% of South Carolina's lawmakers, making the state the second lowest in the country for female representation. Only West Virginia has a smaller proportion of women in the legislature. West Virginia stands to lose one more women from its legislative ranks, furthering its representation problem in the legislature where women will make up just 11% of lawmakers. Many women, lawmakers and experts say that women's voices are needed in discussions on policy, especially at a time when state government is at its most powerful in decades. Walsh, director of the CAWP, said the new changes expected from the Trump administration will turn even more policy and regulation to the states. The experiences and perspectives women offer will be increasingly needed, she said, especially on topics related to reproductive rights, healthcare, education and childcare. "The states may have to pick up where the federal government may, in fact, be walking away," Walsh said. "And so who serves in those institutions is more important now than ever." November 7, 2024: Trump Victory Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Demolition of former Marion County Jail could begin by year’s endThe original line-up of Sugababes - Mutya Buena, Siobhan Donaghy and Keisha Buchanan - delivered a medley of their chart-topping hits on tonight's Strictly Come Dancing results show. Greeted with enthusiastic applause as they graced the BBC ballroom dancefloor, their vocal performance, however, seemed to leave several fans "underwhelmed". Iconic for their noughties pop anthems like Too Lost In You, Freak Like Me and Push The Button, the trio donned coordinated black ensembles for their Strictly spectacle preceding the results announcement. Nonetheless, their live rendition provoked a spectrum of reactions on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. One particularly unsparing fan wrote: "Sugababes couldn't be more out of tune if I sang for them #Strictly." Another viewer blunt steered clear of future concerts: "Well, I won't be booking tickets for Sugababes any time soon #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." A third spectator labelled the appearance as "Sorry, but the Sugababes were totally underwhelming," reports OK! . Meanwhile, another lamented: "I like the Sugababes but this performance is bad #StrictlyComeDancing." On the flip side, someone else expressed admiration: "Loved the medley from the Sugababes, some fantastic songs...#strictly." With similar enthusiasm, another declared: "The looks, the vocals, the talent... the original SUGABABES are everything and more... #StrictlyComeDancing." Amidst their performance, the audience and viewers also enjoyed a dance segment featuring professional dancer Neil Jones and his partner Nancy Xu on the ballroom floor. After a thrilling performance, viewers were on the edge of their seats to find out which celebrity would advance in the dance contest and who would be sent home. Ultimately, it was EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick who missed the cut for the quarter-final, becoming the ninth star to exit the stage. The 30 year old soap star and his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas found themselves in the nail-biting dance-off against 38 year old Olympian Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe. Following a tense second performance from both duos, the panel of judges reached a unanimous decision to save Montell and Johannes, resulting in Jamie and Michelle's departure. Jamie lauded Strictly Come Dancing as "magic" and expressed his deep appreciation for the entire team behind the scenes. He said: "Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here (the judges), but everyone who works on this show, I have such a good bond and relationship with and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time." "We have laughed like you wouldn't believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you," he further added. Strictly Come Dancing returns next weekend on BBC One.

NoneNumber of women who are state lawmakers inches up to a record high

NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE: LFT ) ("LFT" or the "Company") announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock with respect to the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company also announced the declaration of a one-time special cash dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock due to real estate investment trust tax considerations. These dividends are payable on January 15, 2025 , to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024 . The Company also announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.4921875 per share of 7.875% Cumulative Redeemable Series A Preferred Stock. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2025 to preferred stockholders of record as of the close of business January 2, 2025 . About LFT LFT is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments. The Company primarily invests in transitional floating rate commercial mortgage loans with an emphasis on middle-market multi-family assets. LFT is externally managed and advised by Lument Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Additional Information and Where to Find It Investors, security holders and other interested persons may find additional information regarding the Company at the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov/ or the Company website www.lumentfinancetrust.com or by directing requests to: Lument Finance Trust, 230 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10169, Attention: Investor Relations. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," "will," "seek," "would," "could," or similar expressions or other comparable terms, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company on the date of this press release or the date on which such statements are first made. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release and should consider carefully the factors described in Part I, Item IA "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 , which is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , and in other current or periodic filings with the SEC, when evaluating these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company's control. Except as required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lument-finance-trust-inc-declares-quarterly-cash-dividends-for-its-common-and-preferred-stock-and-announces-special-cash-dividend-distribution-302330846.html SOURCE Lument Finance TrustOne nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter?

AFP – Six men linked to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba face trial from tomorrow, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion of millions of euros and holding the player at gunpoint. The case at the Paris criminal court has shocked the French football world – all the more so because the perpetrators include three childhood friends and Pogba’s own brother Mathias. The development comes as Pogba battles professional woes, as Juventus this month cancelled his contract following his suspension until March 2025 for doping. In total, the group are accused of attempting to squeeze EUR13 million (USD13.5 million) out of the player. Mathias was himself the one to go public in the case, publishing a video on social networks in August 2022 in French, Italian, English and Spanish. He promised revelations about his younger brother that were “likely to be explosive” while remaining vague about the details. In a subsequent clip, Mathias accused his younger brother of casting an evil spell on his France teammate Kylian Mbappe. Paul Pogba’s lawyers and his agent Rafaela Pimenta said in a statement later in August 2022 that the videos “came on top of threats and attempts at extortion as part of a criminal gang” against their client. He had already filed criminal complaints in Italy and France in July that year. Pogba told French investigators that he had in March 2022 been “tricked by childhood friends” from the neighbourhood in Roissy-en-Brie outside Paris where he and Mathias grew up. He accused them of snatching him before he was held at gunpoint by two hooded men with assault rifles, demanding EUR13 million for “services rendered” – blaming the footballer for failing to help them financially since his professional success. Pogba said at the time that he had paid them only EUR100,000. The footballer said he had also been pressured at the France national team’s training centre in Clairefontaine, at one of his homes in Manchester, and at Juventus’ training ground. Pogba added that he had also paid a bill of more than EUR57,000 that the same friends had racked up at the Adidas store on Paris’ glitzy Champs-Elysees avenue.