u bet 95
$1.9 million scammed from Edmontonians using fake AI video of Trudeau, Elon MuskTikTok ban won’t solve the problem: Social media needs regulation, not one company banJade Thirlwall shows off her vast array of bold of fashion choices as she shares behind-the-scenes snaps from an eventful 2024 Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By JORDAN BECK FOR MAILONLINE Published: 14:09 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 14:51 EST, 23 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Jade Thirlwall has shown off her vast array of fashion choices from over the course of the year. The former Little Mix star, 31, took to social media on Monday so showcase her many looks from over the course of the year. She captioned the Instagram post: 'fittings of 24' The post comprised of a series of rare behind-the-scenes snaps, each showing off a potential outfit choices for her many appearances. In one picture, the singer struck a sultry pose in a pair of tights and a green cardigan as she smoldered to the camera. Beside her was a pair of pink high heels an fasted under the cardigan was a white shirt and black tie. Jade Thirlwall has taken to Instagram off her vast array of fashion choices from over the course of the year In another, she wrapped up warm in a massive hat and coat and completed the bold look with a pair of Ugg boots In another, she wrapped up warm in a massive hat and coat and completed the bold look with a pair of Ugg boots. And in another daring look from her one of her many photoshoots, she showed off a pair of pink underwear that had been placed over a pair of tights. The Angel of My Dreams singer didn't stop there, as she shared a series of snaps which showcased her toned tummy. In the first of many mirror selfies, she she opted for a short crop jumper and a pair of pink glasses whilst posing in a pair of baggy brown shorts. In another, she wore an abstract long skirt and a white crop top, whilst in another she played at being a saucy bride. In further pictures, Jade put on a leggy display and short shirts as she stood tall in thigh high boots. For the final photograph in the post, Jade was completely covered up. She flaunted her hourglass figure in a floor-length dress complete with sleeves and ruffles. In another, she wrapped up warm in a massive hat and coat and completed the bold look with a pair of Ugg boots In the first of many mirror selfies, she she opted for a short crop jumper and a pair of pink glasses whilst posing in a pair of baggy brown shorts Beside her, an assistant knelt down to fasten it at the back and she wore a somewhat subdued expression on her face. Jade's post caught the attention of her fans and fellow celebrities alike, as several famous faces took to the comments section. Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens, who has been dating Jade since 2020 , left his approval in the form of emojis. X Factor twins Jedward wrote: 'Living iconic.' Actor and comedian Amrou Al-Kadhi said: 'Fittings of 24 backwards is “42 fo sgnittif” - makes you think don’t it girly.' In response, Jade left a string of emojis and said: 'ily.' In another, she wore an abstract long skirt that went all the way down to the floor and a white crop top In these two snaps, Jade put on a leggy display and short shirts as she stood tall in thigh high boots In one eye-catching snap, the pop star posed as a bride to be whilst an assistant held a veil over her face Jade had donned a wide variety of outfits for various photoshoots over the last 12 months and shared them will her 11 million followers Jade flaunted her hourglass figure in a floor-length dress complete with sleeves and ruffles in the final snap of herself that she shared Jade's post caught the attention of her fans and fellow celebrities alike, as several famous faces took to the comments section Instagram Little Mix Jade Thirlwall Share or comment on this article: Jade Thirlwall shows off her vast array of bold of fashion choices as she shares behind-the-scenes snaps from an eventful 2024 e-mail Add comment
Donald Trump nominates Ronald D. Johnson as US ambassador to Mexico
Could Kari Lake become Trump's ambassador to Mexico? Kari Lake, a two-time unsuccessful candidate for statewide office in Arizona, is a leading contender to be President-elect Donald Trump's pick for ambassador to Mexico, according to a new report from Semafor. Shelby Talcott, a politics reporter for Semafor who wrote the article, and Laura Davison, politics editor for Bloomberg, join "America Decides" to discuss.US clears export of advanced AI chips to UAE under Microsoft deal, Axios says
A Power Corporation of Canada POW-T unit has co-led a US$150-million equity investment into Valsoft Corp., a rapidly growing Montreal-based software rollup play that is aiming to emulate the success of acquisition machine Constellation Software Inc. Portage Capital Solutions, a growth equity arm within Power’s Sagard alternative asset-management business, is co-leading the deal with past backer Viking Global Investors, a U.S. fund-management giant, and Toronto-based Propelr Growth. All of the money is going to Valsoft, unlike many recent large tech financings that have largely been used to buy out investors and employees. The deal values Valsoft at more than US$2-billion. Valsoft is one of several companies, including Toronto-managed Banyan Software, that have sought to emulate Constellation’s strategy by buying up small, modestly growing software companies that focus on specific customer niches such as hotels, and face little to no competition or customer churn. Valsoft has amassed 107 companies, which collectively employ more than 3,500 people, generate more than US$550-million in revenue and US$125-million-plus in operating earnings. Like Constellation, it has split itself into multiple divisions that each pursue their own acquisitions. The company, which has 60 mergers and acquisitions dealmakers, typically buys small companies with less than US$10-million in revenue. It aims to pay one to two times revenues, although competition for deals has been heating up as flush private-equity firms look to deploy capital. Valsoft then works to expand its acquired companies’ revenues and profits by adding heft to their sales efforts. Like Toronto-based Constellation, Valsoft’s goal is to buy and hold, although it has divested two companies to date. Valsoft sold a minority stake to Viking in 2022 for US$150-million and this year raised US$170-million in debt from Viking and Coatue Management LLC to fund deals. It also has a nine-figure line of credit with Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal and National Bank of Canada. The company is “one of the top IPO candidates in the country” given its mix of size, revenue growth and profitability and the fact that it has “an established model that public market investors in Canada and globally have become extremely comfortable with,” said Propelr managing partner Sanjiv Samant. Valsoft chief executive Sam Youssef said in an interview that he hopes to “eventually” take Valsoft public, but not until revenue reaches US$1-billion. In the past two years, Valsoft has built up a payments-processing unit called Valpay used by 10 to 15 of its companies that now generates US$20-million-plus in annualized operating earnings, Mr. Youssef said. He credited Viking with the idea of building a financial-services offering for its companies. Valsoft is also building artificial-intelligence applications its companies can use to better serve customers and expand revenue. Both initiatives are of particular interest to Portage, which typically backs financial-technology companies. “For nearly a decade, Valsoft has proven itself to be a best-in-class acquirer and operator of software companies globally,” Dan Ballen, co-head of Portage Capital Solutions, said in a statement. “We are excited to help Valsoft pursue growth opportunities in its core software market and, as fintech-focused investors, through the launch of new products and monetization channels, such as embedded financial services and AI-powered customer tools.” Mr. Youssef and Valsoft co-founder Steph Manos graduated from Concordia University with computer engineering degrees in 2004 and built an affiliated online marketing business together. After discovering that pornography sold better than travel products and supplements, they became founding investors of Pornhub, now the world’s largest porn video site. They sold out in 2010, a year after the U.S. Secret Service seized US$6.4-million from accounts controlled by their personal holding company and long before the controversies that have dogged the business, now called Aylo Holdings SARL, in recent years. Mr. Youssef, an entrepreneur since he cut grass and shovelled driveways in his teens, decided to get out of the adult-entertainment business in the late 2000s because he started a family and “my moral compass changed,” he once told The Globe and Mail. “I’m very happy we got out of it, I’m very happy this is not my story and I’ve got a chance at writing another chapter.” Mr. Samant said that past foray “has nothing to do” with Valsoft, and that the founders “have had nothing to do with that other business for years.” In the early 2010s, Mr. Youssef immersed himself in the world of investing, devouring books by Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch and attending the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. Mr. Youssef put his money to work in the stock market. One of the companies he bought into was Constellation. He loved Constellation’s model and figured that buying modest niche software companies with few or no competitors was better than playing the markets as it offered high returns for shrewd acquirers. Valsoft bought its first company in 2016, three the following year and eight the next. It now buys about 20 to 25 companies annually. Mr. Youssef and Mr. Manos and a group of other investors oversee two other companies: Valnet Inc., a consolidator of digital-content sites that cater to movie buffs, celebrity watchers, gamers and others, and Valsoft spinoff Valstone Corp., which sells software to industrial companies.
A book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child. “Turning the pages of a high-quality, print book filled with colorful pictures and rich, expressive language is best,” said Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician. “While touchscreens and other electronic devices may be popular, they are typically passive or solitary experiences for children and do not offer the same benefits of interpersonal connection and relationship building.” Starting from infancy, reading aloud helps build the foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy development. Sharing books helps with language development and vocabulary, and gets them ready to listen and learn in school. And over the past decade, research has found that reading together helps foster positive interactions, strengthening the safe, stable and nurturing relationships young children must have to thrive. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books. Remember that the experience should be fun. You don’t have to finish a story if your child loses interest. Let your child choose the book, even if it means reading the same book over and over. You can invite your child to “read” to you from a familiar book that they have memorized. Navsaria suggests asking about the illustrations or what your child thinks will happen next. You can say: “Can you find all the blue things?” or “Show me all the things that can fly.” Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters and respond with enthusiasm to your child’s questions and comments. Local libraries offer a wide variety of children’s literature, including fairy tales, poetry and nursery rhymes, as well as non-fiction books on subjects children love, such as the ocean or dogs. Follow your child’s interests in choosing books. Children’s librarians can help you with high-quality book selections on a wide range of topics. And during the holidays, consider building your home library and reinforcing the value of great books by giving them as gifts. By age 4, a child can typically tell you which books they want to share with you; pretend to read a favorite book aloud to you; and tell you how a story is like things they have seen or done. They may ask you questions about books you are enjoying together or “correct” you if you skip a word or page in a favorite book. As children grow older, reading can help develop character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow. “It might be a book on kindness after your child experienced or witnessed cruelty,” Navsaria said. “It might be a book on expressing emotions after your child saw or heard scary news coverage, or maybe a book on understanding differences after your child saw someone who looked different than they expected.” The AAP and Reach Out and Read have compiled a list of books – organized by age and topic – to help you raise children who are curious, brave, kind, thoughtful and aware of the world around them. You can find the list here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx “Books are great conversation starters,” Navsaria said. “They’re also just a lot of fun and can help create wonderful memories, particularly during the holidays when you’re spending extra time together. A shared reading experience, as a tender, magical and loving time spent with your child, is truly a gift. It speaks to the heart of what parenting is.”
MINOT — Artificial intelligence. Whether you love it, hate it or are indifferent, it's here, and there are important questions about how it will be used and what sort of opportunities it presents for our region, which policymakers need to discuss. Rep. Josh Christy is a first-term Republican lawmaker from Fargo who is heading into his second legislative session. He's also what you could call an AI professional. He's an entrepreneur, software development executive and consultant who works with AI and AI policies on a regular basis. "Two years ago, generative AI was not something anyone was talking about," he said, referring to his first session in Bismarck. But now it's here. Teachers are using it. Students are using it. The business community is using it. On this episode of Plain Talk, Christy argued that it's time for North Dakota's laws to catch up. "With any type of technology, there's the good, the bad, the ugly," Christy said, and he's got legislative proposals for each of those. One bill he has developed in conjunction with Attorney General Drew Wrigley's office would address abusive uses of AI. Say, to develop images or videos of public figures for nefarious purposes or of children for sexual gratification. "People are using this to generate images of children in compromising positions," Christy said, and current law doesn't necessarily address that. But other initiatives Christy proposes would seek to welcome the AI industry into North Dakota as a partner. Christy proposes leveraging North Dakota's oil, gas and coal resources to help power data centers. He wants to develop "computing credits" that could help facilitate the data industry's move into the state. He'll be pushing these bills during the upcoming legislative session, which begins in January. Also on this episode, Chad Oban and I discuss the ongoing controversies around Burleigh County auditor Mark Spolonskowski, the efforts to recall Dickinson city commissioner Jason Fridrich, the arrest of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of gunning down an insurance industry executive in Manhattan, and what all those stories mean for our society's notions about right and wrong. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It’s super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you’re from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive
Groundbreaking Directive Ensures ALS Patients on Medicare Advantage Gain Access to Qalsody
A federal appeals court Friday upheld a controversial law banning the U.S. operations of TikTok – the massively popular video-based social networking app owned by Chinese company ByteDance – unless it finds a U.S. buyer. That gives the company just six weeks to keep fighting before the ax falls. We have our issues with TikTok, but we won’t be cheering that outcome. This impacts a lot of Americans, as there are 170 million U.S. users, about half the total population of the country and more than the combined numbers who voted for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The most dangerous aspect of TikTok, a potential Chinese state weaponization, is speculative. Lawmakers and the Department of Justice are arguing that the platform could be compelled to share data on users with authorities in Beijing, or used to gather information on potential spies or any number of other schemes running the gamut from plausible to Tom Clancy novel. Yet there’s no public hard evidence that any of this has actually happened or even been attempted; we specify “public” because these officials have insisted that there is secret evidence to suggest that these are real and present threats, and are acting on that secret evidence. We understand that there are sensitive techniques and information that must be classified for reasons of national security and safety – a principle, by the way, that the incoming president does not himself seem to grasp, and is skirting consequences for violating – but this isn’t how we should be doing things in this country. Effectively banning the operation of an entire company based on secret evidence that our political leaders simply assure us exists is not really in keeping with our principles of due process and transparency. We present no defense of TikTok, which previously has been caught censoring views that Beijing doesn’t like, and it is undoubtedly designed to be addictive and appeal in particular to kids and teens, who can get sucked into the endless scroll. It has been used to push harmful content and misinformation around things like eating disorders and vaccines, and its sheer breadth and reach make this information often spread before it can be moderated. If you’re thinking that could just as well be true of Meta and its Facebook and Instagram platforms, or Alphabet with YouTube, then you can see what we’re driving at. But what makes TikTok different is that those parents aren’t foreign owned, and owned by an unfriendly country. There are plenty of things to be concerned about with TikTok, just as there are plenty of things to regulate around all of these social media companies. At least these are attempting some kind of evenhanded moderation, unlike the platform formerly known as Twitter, which has become the cesspool of X under Elon Musk’s ownership. Moving to completely ban TikTok on what seems like thin and largely speculative national security grounds is a red herring drawing attention away from the fact that all these social media platforms have been allowed to run roughshod over our social and political fabric with a very light touch from regulators. We’d all be better served dropping this effort and taking aim at the broader system.The new DraftKings Promo Code unlocks a $150 welcome bonus for December 2024. DraftKings Sportsbook Mac Douglass | Special Correspondent As of Saturday, December 7, 2024, DraftKings Sportsbook is offering two distinct $150 bonus offers for new users. Whether you’re betting on the UFC 310 Main Event featuring Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura or the highly anticipated Big Ten Championship game between Oregon and Penn State, these promo codes provide opportunities to enhance your sports betting experience. DraftKings Promo Code Offer #1: Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly Available in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, NC, OH, PA, WY, or WV , this offer gives new users $150 in bonus bets instantly after placing a $5 wager. The new DraftKings Promo Code offers $150 in bonus bets in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, NC, OH, PA, WY, and WV when you place any $5 sports bet. DraftKings Sportsbook DraftKings Promo Code Offer #2: Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins For users in DC, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MD, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA, or VT , this promo code delivers $150 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. This DraftKings Promo Code unlocks $150 in bonus bets when you win any $5 sports bet in DC, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MD, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA, or VT. DraftKings Sportsbook How to Claim the DraftKings Promo Code Offer in Your State: Follow these steps to take advantage of the promotion: Sign Up : Create a new DraftKings Sportsbook account using any DraftKings promo code link in this article. Deposit : Make a minimum deposit of $5 or more. Place a Bet : Wager $5 on any sport or event, such as the UFC 310 Main Event or the Big Ten Championship game. Receive Bonus Bets : Instantly unlock $150 in bonus bets (Offer #1) or get $150 if your first bet wins (Offer #2). Bonus bets are credited as six $25 single-use bets, valid for 7 days. Make sure to use them before they expire! Saturday’s Top Betting Opportunities with Your DraftKings Promo Code: UFC 310 Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura Time : 10:15 PM ET, Saturday, December 7, 2024 Venue : T-Mobile Arena Betting Odds : Spread: Pantoja -9.5 (-150), Asakura +9.5 (+110) Over/Under 2.5 Rounds: Over -145 | Under +114 Moneyline: Pantoja -265 | Asakura +215 Bet on Pantoja to dominate as the favorite or take a chance on Asakura as the underdog. A $5 wager here qualifies for both promo code offers. Big Ten Championship: Oregon vs. Penn State Kickoff : 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 7, 2024 Venue : Lucas Oil Stadium Betting Odds : Spread: Oregon -3.5 (-105), Penn State +3.5 (-115) Over/Under: 50.5 (-115/-105) Moneyline: Oregon -185 | Penn State +150 With Oregon entering as slight favorites, this matchup is perfect for strategic betting. Dimers projections suggest a high likelihood of a closely contested game. DraftKings Promo Code Terms and Conditions: Offer #1: Available States : AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, NC, OH, PA, WY, or WV. Details : Instantly unlock $150 in bonus bets with a $5 wager. Offer #2: Available States : DC, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MD, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA, or VT. Details : Get $150 in bonus bets if your first $5 wager wins. Conclusion: Why the DraftKings Promo Code is Perfect for Saturday’s Action With a packed lineup of sports, including UFC 310 and the Big Ten Championship game, these DraftKings promo codes are designed to elevate your betting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or trying DraftKings for the first time, these offers provide flexibility and value. More Sports Betting Deals For This Weekend: Our guide to this week’s bet365 promo code Our guide to this week’s FanDuel promo code Our guide to this week’s BetMGM bonus code DraftKings Promo Code Disclaimer: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook . On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). More sports betting UFC 310: New FanDuel promo code unlocks $150 bonus bets and NBA League Pass trial Conference Championship Saturday: Extended BetMGM promo code CUSE1500 unlocks $1.5K in bonus bets UFC 310 tonight: Upgraded Bet365 bonus code “SYRACUSE” offers extended $150 Cyber Monday betting bonus Penn State vs. Oregon prediction, odds, best bets for Big 10 Championship Big 10 Championship tonight: Updated Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE secures $150 extended Cyber Monday betting bonus If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.France's iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral officially reopened its doors in Paris on Saturday evening in a global event that brought President-elect Donald Trump together with world leaders, royals, and business tycoons, marking the revival of the 861-year-old landmark five years after a devastating fire . "Here we are. The world is watching us. Let's reopen Notre-Dame!" French President Emmanuel Macron declared on X as the ceremony approached its 7 p.m. (1800 GMT) start time. The reopening celebration evolved into an unexpected diplomatic summit when Macron arranged an impromptu three-way meeting with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Élysée Palace before the cathedral ceremony. "It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now," Trump remarked upon his arrival at the French presidential residence, where Macron welcomed him with full presidential honors including a grand red-carpet reception typically reserved for sitting heads of state. Newsweek contacted the Trump-Vance transition team via email on Saturday for comment. The 90-minute palace meeting, including approximately 35 minutes with Zelensky, highlighted European leaders' efforts to maintain American support for Ukraine. Trump, who takes office on January 20, has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly, though without specifying how, raising concerns in Kyiv about future negotiations. The timing is particularly significant for Macron, who faces a deep political crisis at home after his government was ousted by parliament this week. The French president pursued a non-confrontational approach with Trump during his first term, though their relationship grew more fractious over time due to disagreements on climate, taxation, and Iran. Their complex diplomatic history includes Trump's attendance at France's Bastille Day military parade in 2017—an event that inspired Trump to organize his own military parade in Washington for Independence Day 2019. Macron hosted Trump for a White House state dinner in 2018, but tensions emerged the following year over Macron's comments about NATO 's status. The cathedral reopening drew an impressive array of attendees, including Britain's Prince William, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde . French luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault, whose LVMH group contributed millions to the restoration effort, attended alongside actress Salma Hayek and her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault. Macron's office emphasized that Trump was invited as president-elect of a "friendly nation," stating, "This is in no way exceptional, we've done it before." However, the red-carpet treatment highlighted European leaders' eagerness to cultivate relationships with the incoming U.S. administration, particularly given the complex global challenges ahead. President Joe Biden did not attend due to scheduling conflicts, with First Lady Jill Biden representing the United States on his behalf. Prince William is also scheduled to meet separately with both Trump and the First Lady, according to the British royal palace. French authorities mounted an extensive security operation, deploying more than 20 government security agents to work alongside the U.S. Secret Service. A special French police van provided anti-drone protection for Trump's convoy, while security was heightened around the U.S. Embassy and other Paris locations for the event. The visit marked Trump's fifth trip to France, following four visits during his 2017-2021 presidency, including D-Day anniversary ceremonies in 2019 – the same year Notre-Dame caught fire. During that crisis, Trump suggested using "flying water tankers" to combat the blaze, though French officials explained such an approach could have led to the cathedral's complete collapse. The ceremony also drew former French Presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry , outgoing French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk . Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo attended as a representative of the city's commitment to the restoration project. Looking ahead, potential challenges loom for U.S.-French relations. Trump's plans for sweeping tariffs on Europe and disagreements over the Ukraine-Russia conflict could create significant friction in his second administration. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump frequently mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening steep tariffs on French wine and champagne if France attempted to tax American companies. Prior to the Paris visit, Zelensky's top aide Andriy Yermak met with key members of Trump's team during a two-day trip, as the president-elect's staff works to get up to speed on global crises, including Ukraine and the Middle East. Trump, who was accompanied by incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles and a small contingent of staff, arrived amid heightened diplomatic activity as his team prepares for the transition to power. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Massachusetts ex-senator who seeks pardon from Trump wanted ‘post-trial contact with jurors’Align Technology Inc. stock rises Wednesday, outperforms marketOn paper, Luigi Mangione had it all: wealth, intellect, athleticism, good looks. But the child of a prominent Maryland family may have spurned it all in a spasm of violence, in a killing that has mesmerized Americans. The 26-year-old was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, a health insurance chief executive and father of two who was gunned down in Manhattan last week by someone who, evidence suggests, has endured his own debilitating health crises and grew angry with the privatized US medical system. The cold-blooded killing has laid bare the deep frustration many Americans feel toward the country's labyrinthine health care system: while many have condemned the shooting, others have praised Mangione as a hero. It has also prompted considerable interest in how a young engineer with an Ivy League education could have gone off the rails to commit murder. News of his capture at a Pennsylvania McDonald's triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. As Americans have looked for clues about a political ideology or potential motive, a photo on his X account (formerly Twitter) includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. Mangione lived in Hawaii in 2022 and, according to his former roommate R.J. Martin, suffered from back pain, and was hoping to strengthen his back. After a surfing lesson, Mangione was "in bed for about a week" because of the pain, Martin told CNN. Earlier this year, Martin said, Mangione confirmed he'd had back surgery and sent him photos of the X-rays. Police said the suspect carried a hand-written manifesto of grievances in which he slammed America's "most expensive health care system in the world." "He was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and in particular the health care industry," New York police chief detective Joseph Kenny told ABC. According to CNN, a document recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." video game character Luigi. Many expressed at least partial sympathy, having had their own harrowing experiences with the US health care system. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. Mangione hails from the Baltimore area. His wealthy Italian-American family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, according to local outlet the Baltimore Banner, and cousin Nino Mangione is a Maryland state delegate. A standout student, Luigi graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. A former student who knew Mangione at the elite Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," the person said. Mangione attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage. On Instagram Mangione shared snapshots of his travels, and shirtless images of himself flaunting a six-pack. X users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo includes an X-ray of a spine with bolts attached. Finding a political ideology that fits neatly onto the right-left divide has proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on online site Goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out multiple bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, in a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline, and retweeted posts on the impact mobile phones and social media have on mental health. ia/abo-mlm/nroNext on the schedule for the Houston Texans (7-4) is a division matchup against the Tennessee Titans (2-8) on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at NRG Stadium. You should head to TV in order to see this game. Watch live NFL games, NFL Network, 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. Start your risk free trial today and watch seven hours of commercial-free football from every NFL game every Sunday. Catch NFL action all season long on Fubo. Watch Thursday Night Football exclusively on Prime Video. Rep your favorite NFL players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Get tickets for any NFL game this season at StubHub.
Dear Eric: My husband and I are in our 70s and retired to a new community. We are engaged in church ministries and social groups that meet for dinner periodically. I volunteer and he is an avid golfer. My problem is not being able to turn new relationships into meaningful friendships. I have met many wonderful people but have a problem getting close with anyone. Any suggestions? — Feeling Isolated Dear Isolated: I know it doesn’t feel like it, but you’re not alone. Many adults struggle to make the deep connections they want, especially later in life or in new communities. I turned to my friend and friendship expert Anna Goldfarb, author of “Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections.” Here’s what she advises: “One of the best strategies for deepening a friendship is to provide what researchers call social identity support, which is seeing your friends for all the roles they play in their life: their race, class, gender and religion. This could look like asking to try their favorite dishes they grew up eating, including them in your cultural traditions and signaling that you’d like to be a part of theirs, too. “Another strategy is to recruit an accountability buddy. Identify a meaningful goal you both want to achieve — moving your body more, learning how to knit, watching every Matt Damon movie in chronological order — whatever floats your boat. Your friendship will deepen as you cheer on one another because you’re more invested in your successes.” Goldfarb told me, and I agree, that you’re off to a great start. So, you should congratulate yourself on making the effort and for continuing to try. It’s not always easy or as straightforward as we’d like, but you’re on the right path. Dear Eric: I enjoy your column and would like to make a comment regarding the letter from “Game Off” regarding her frustrations with her 10-year-old grandnephew who plays video games while on family vacation. I agree family time is important, and, in her own home, she should negotiate something with her niece so she can spend time with her grandnephew during visits. However, she’s completely out of touch regarding gaming. Many colleges now have competitive gaming teams supported by computing and graphic design faculty and they operate out of the athletics department just like other teams — it’s called “esports” and is becoming a big business. Her grandnephew may be headed to a successful career down the road through gaming. — Game Time Dear Game Time: You’re right, it’s all about balance. The letter writer can and should communicate her needs and wants regarding family visits. But she should also remain open to parenting choices that may not be what she would do in a similar circumstance. Additionally, while moderation is important when making decisions about gaming, you’re correct that it’s a growing and sometimes lucrative field of study and competition. The first esports college scholarship was given out in 2014 and there are currently more than 250 varsity-level esports programs across the United States and Canada, per the National Association of Collegiate Esports. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Blake Lively's Brother-in-Law Slams 'Microscope' on Her 'Few Bad Moments,' Says the 'Public Got Played' by Justin Baldoni