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As Real Madrid and Atalanta prepare to face off once again, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown between these two footballing giants. Real Madrid will be looking to maintain their winning streak against Atalanta and continue their quest for European glory, while Atalanta will be eager to finally break their opponents' stronghold and secure a statement victory. With both teams boasting talented squads and tactical acumen, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle that will keep them on the edge of their seats.The Nintendo Alarm Clock, with its sleek design and nostalgic charm, quickly captured the hearts of gamers and Nintendo enthusiasts alike. Featuring classic Nintendo characters and iconic sound effects, the alarm clock promised to not only wake you up in style but also transport you back to the golden age of gaming every morning.
In conclusion, the forthcoming UEFA Champions League matchday holds the promise of excitement, intrigue, and suspense as some of Europe's elite teams vie for supremacy. Whether it's Liverpool's quest for a sixth consecutive victory, Atletico Madrid's battle with Inter Milan, or Real Madrid's showdown with PSG, football enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling spectacle of elite footballing action. Brace yourselves for a night of pulsating drama and unforgettable moments in the world's most prestigious club competition. Let the games begin!KTR blasts Congress government over plight of students in GurukulsIn terms of monetary policy, the government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a stable financial system and ensuring the liquidity of the market. Measures to optimize the regulatory framework and prevent financial risks are welcomed by investors, as they provide a sense of security and stability in the financial markets. The focus on preventing systemic risks and promoting prudent financial practices is seen as essential for the long-term health of the market.
Pitt women's volleyball defeats Oregon in thriller to reach NCAA Tournament Elite 8
In the midst of the bustling railway stations and the hustle and bustle of the Spring Festival travel rush, the railway transport service for migrant workers in Shenzhen stands as a beacon of hope and connectivity, bridging the gap between the city and the rest of the country. It represents a commitment to inclusivity and compassion, ensuring that no one is left behind during this special time of the year.
BALTIMORE — One of Baltimore’s most prominent families was thrust into the spotlight this week, when a son of the clan, Luigi Mangione, was arrested by Pennsylvania police and charged in the Dec. 4 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Locally active in philanthropy, both via individual donations and through the Mangione Family Foundation, the Mangiones gave millions to Baltimore’s various institutions and nonprofits, including more than $1 million to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and more to the American Citizens for Italian Matters, Baltimore Opera Company and others. Loyola University, which counts Mangione alumni among their ranks, has an aquatic center named after the family, and GBMC previously had a high-risk obstetrics unit, since closed, that bore their name. Their story is a uniquely American one: The Mangiones went from deep poverty to massive wealth in just three generations, with one cousin, Nino Mangione, now a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates. Despite an eventually deep portfolio of development properties and government contracting for 20 years, the family patriarch, Nicholas Mangione Sr. , said he still faced prejudice for his background when he attempted to buy land to build the Turf Valley Golf and Country Club, now the Turf Valley Resort, in Ellicott City. “Tongues started wagging,” Mangione told The Baltimore Sun in 1995. “People (were) wondering where an unknown Italian could get the money for a $5 million project. In those days, there were no Italians in real visible positions (in Howard County).” Mangione said the implication was that he must have backing from the mob, so he countered sharply. “People thought I needed money from the Mafia to buy this place. They asked me what family I belonged to,” he said. “I told them, ‘I belong to the Mangione family. The Mangione family of Baltimore County.’” The family is now defending its name again. On Monday, members released a statement on social media expressing dismay at Luigi Mangione’s arrest, saying they were stunned by the news. “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,” the family wrote . “We are devastated by this news.” The family did not respond to a request for comment via a family attorney or their foundation. From poverty to philanthropic elite How they went from the Depression-era streets of the city’s Little Italy to its philanthropic elite is straight out of a Horatio Alger novel. Nicholas Sr. was born in Baltimore’s Little Italy, and spent his first eight years in a one-room apartment with an outdoor privy, according to a 2008 Sun article. He earlier told The Sun his Italian immigrant father, Louis, could neither read nor write, and worked in the city water department until he died of pneumonia. Today, the Mangione family is a sprawling one, with a business empire to match: Nicholas Sr., made the beginning of the family’s fortunes in the post-World War II years as a bricklayer and contractor . He built up his business holdings throughout the following decades, with his wife, Mary , growing their family to include five sons, five daughters, and 37 grandchildren, including Luigi. The family’s holdings range from construction to commercial real estate to local radio station WCBM-AM and a majority stake in Lorien Health Services, which operates multiple assisted living facilities in Maryland. Aside from the Turf Valley Resort, with its 10,000-square-foot ballroom, 220-room hotel, and 85-seat amphitheater, the Mangiones also own the Hayfields Country Club in Cockeysville and a slew of companies registered in Maryland . Its family foundation had net assets of $4.4M as of its 2022 tax filing , the most recent on record. The Mangione Family Foundation’s stated focus is supporting, “Organizations for any of the following purposes: religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition (as long as it doesn’t provide athletic facilities or equipment), or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.” Politically active across the aisle Politically, the Mangiones have been active across the aisle. Luigi Mangione’s parents, Louis and Kathleen Mangione donated $35,935 to state and local politicians from 2005 through 2023, according to data from the State Board of Elections. Half went to Nino Mangione ’s campaign account for his state delegate races from 2018 through 2023. Other donations went to Howard County executives Calvin Ball and Ken Ulman, both Democrats, and Allan Kittleman, a Republican, along with additional high-profile candidates of both parties, including former Govs. Martin O’Malley and Robert L. Ehrlich, and former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Large family The immense number of Mangiones also was briefly confusing for Baltimoreans on Monday. Aside from Nicholas Sr. and Mary Mangione’s 10 children and 37 grandchildren, city counts at least two other Mangione families, who were briefly inundated with phone calls from the media and queries from former schoolmates and acquaintances. One of Luigi Mangione’s two sisters is a physician at the University of Texas Southwestern, according to her LinkedIn profile. Another sister is a visual artist. Neither sister responded to requests for comment. His mother, Kathleen, comes from a family that owns a funeral home, the Charles S. Zannino Funeral Home in Highlandtown, the Baltimore Fishbowl reported , and now runs a travel agency, KZM Boutique Travel, which had removed its website as of Tuesday evening. His father, Louis was groomed to help take over the family’s business empire, according to a 2003 Washington Post article . ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.As Ghana readies for its ninth democratic elections on December 7, 2024, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has announced comprehensive preparations to ensure a transparent and credible process. At a press briefing in Accra, CODEO Co-Chairs Mrs. Elizabeth Joyce Villars and Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, detailed the coalition’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of impartial observation in strengthening Ghana’s democracy. Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, Co-Chair of CODEO, reiterated the need for all stakeholders to act responsibly during the elections. “We appeal to political parties, the Electoral Commission and other actors to prioritize the nation’s peace and stability by upholding integrity and accountability,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and calmness throughout the electoral period. “We remind Ghanaians to seek legal redress for any grievances instead of resorting to violence. Let us work together to ensure a process that reflects the best of our democracy,” Rev. Dr. Deegbe said. Addressing the media, he encouraged balanced reporting to avoid escalating tensions. “The media must rise to the occasion by disseminating accurate information. This is key to preventing misinformation and maintaining unity,” he added. Rev. Dr. Deegbe reiterated CODEO’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections. “This is a defining moment for Ghana. Let us demonstrate to the world our collective dedication to democracy, peace, and unity,” he said. Mrs. Elizabeth Joyce Villars, Co-Chair of CODEO, elaborated on the coalition’s operational plans for the elections. “CODEO will deploy 4,000 observers nationwide to monitor the electoral process comprehensively. This includes 3,401 stationed observers and 307 mobile monitors, in addition to representatives at all collation centers,” she disclosed. She highlighted CODEO’s continued use of the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology to verify the credibility of election results. “The PVT is an essential tool for assessing the quality of the electoral process and ensuring the official results align with the will of the people,” Mrs. Villars explained. Mrs. Villars also assured the public of CODEO’s readiness to address incidents that may compromise the elections. “Our critical incident desk will handle reports from observers on issues such as voter inducement or disruptions. Verified reports will be escalated to the relevant authorities for immediate action,” she noted. She further announced CODEO’s schedule for public updates on election day. “We will provide three key updates: a midday situational report, an end-of-day statement, and a preliminary observation briefing on December 8. These updates are crucial to keeping the public informed,” she added. In collaboration with international partners such as WADEMOS and WAEON, CODEO is well-positioned to promote free, fair, and transparent elections. As December approaches, the coalition remains resolute in its mission to uphold Ghana’s democratic ideals. Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh