Posted: Saturday, December 7, 2024. 11:00 am CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: This week, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology launched USpace, a new initiative focused on learning through hands-on coaching. The Houses of Culture in Corozal and Orange Walk have been upgraded with technology to help communities build digital skills and foster innovation through culture. Visitors can access premium features, including computers, internet, coding and robotics training, competitions, Access501 to explore Belize’s heritage, and the People’s Archive Project to digitize culture in real-time. This initiative was done through a partnership with the Ministry, NICH, UNICEF, and the Belize National Library Service. The expansion of USpace will include turning all five remaining Houses of Culture nationwide and continuously adding new and engaging features. Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315. © 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The company that we all once knew as "General Electric" has undergone massive changes over the past couple years. Spinning off first GE HealthCare and then GE Vernova (its energy business), what emerged earlier this year from the chrysalis is a new and reinvented "GE" known as GE Aerospace ( GE 1.54% ) , a specialist in the manufacture of airplane engines for commercial aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus , and also for the U.S. military. What are this new company's prospects? Read on and find out, as we examine what GE Aerospace is today, what its plans are for the future -- and what Wall Street thinks of these plans. Where GE Aerospace stock is today Once upon a time, General Electric was a diversified industrial conglomerate, churning out products as diverse as light bulbs and washing machines, power plants and medical imaging devices... and airplane engines. Today, GE Aerospace basically just does that last thing. GE reported third-quarter earnings in October. Sales growth was only so-so, with revenue rising 6% year over year. But several numbers gave investors reason to hope growth will soon improve -- profit margins first and foremost. One year ago, GE's aerospace business was earning an operating profit margin of 18.8% on its sales. In Q3 2024, that number improved to 20.3%. Also encouraging was the growth in new orders. GE took in $12.6 billion in orders during the quarter, up 28% from a year ago, foreshadowing potentially enormous sales growth in future quarters. And supporting that view, CEO Larry Culp raised the company's earnings forecast for the rest of this year. Through the end of 2024, it now projects adjusted earnings of more than $4.20 per share, and free cash flow (FCF) exceeding $5.6 billion (roughly 12% ahead of prior predictions). What GE expects to do between now and 2028 The good news doesn't end there. In a March presentation to investors, GE laid out in broad strokes its financial goals through 2028. All are predicated on the gradual "normalization" of air travel and demand for airplanes (and airplane engines ), leading to "robust commercial aerospace" growth around the globe. What does this mean in dollars and cents? Beginning with 2025, management forecasts low-double-digit sales growth leading to operating profits of $7.1 billion or better, with free cash flow equaling or exceeding after-tax net income. Then, over the ensuing three years, management expects to settle into a stride: achievable, high-single-digit sales growth driving operating profits steadily higher. By the end point of the forecast in 2028, GE anticipates pre-tax earnings of $10 billion or more annually, with FCF continuing to equal or exceed reported net income. What analysts think GE will earn in 2028 Are these projections realistic? Wall Street thinks so -- in fact, analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence seem to think some of the numbers could be on the conservative side. For example, in 2025 alone, analysts have GE's operating profit pegged for not $7.1 billion but $7.3 billion. Their FCF forecast, granted, is for only $5.6 billion in cash profit -- but that may mean GE could deliver a positive surprise if it hits its numbers next year. Scrolling ahead to 2028, Wall Street is projecting 29% total sales growth, generating $10.8 billion in operating profit and $8.5 billion in positive free cash flow. Notably, if GE hits this mark, it will mean the company has succeeded in more than doubling its FCF over the five-year period from 2023 through 2028. Is GE stock a buy? At Friday's close, GE Aerospace stock had a $190 billion market capitalization. Based on current-year earnings, though, that's not exactly cheap, resulting in a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio around 35. But if GE stock grows as fast as it's promising -- and as fast as analysts say it's going to grow -- might that be enough to justify buying shares anyway? Much as I'd like to tell you "of course it is," I'm not so sure. Even if everything goes right and GE hits analyst forecasts, $190 billion in current market cap divided by the $8.5 billion in free cash flow GE is supposed to generate four years from now yields a price-to-FCF (P/FCF) ratio of more than 22. (And remember that this is a multiple based on profits the company won't earn for another four years -- and might in fact not earn.) Maybe this valuation would be justifiable if GE were still growing by rates in the 20% range four years from now, but neither the company nor the analysts forecast that. Rather, they're looking to see FCF growing at a steady 10% in 2028 -- a respectable number, but not enough to justify a P/FCF ratio of 22, in my view. All things considered, the 70%-plus gains GE's stock has made this year might have to do for a while. At current prices, the stock's unlikely to go up much more from here .To lure Juan Soto, Mets created a video of his statue outside Citi Field next to Tom Seaver's NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets wanted Juan Soto to know his future with them could be set in stone. When the free agent outfielder traveled to owner Steve Cohen’s house in Beverly Hills, California, for a presentation last month, the team unveiled a video that included an image of a future Soto statue outside Citi Field, next to the one erected of franchise great Tom Seaver. Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time Thursday after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. NFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC Bill Belichick is already the most decorated coach in NFL history. His next challenge is college football after he agreed to a five-year deal to coach at North Carolina. The reaction around the NFL ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. Others caution that the players he brings into UNC should prepare to have their limits tested. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. LeBron James ruled out of Lakers' game at Minnesota on Friday with foot soreness LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James has been ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game at Minnesota on Friday night due to soreness in his left foot. James will miss his second straight game when the Lakers return from a four-day break to face the Timberwolves. The top scorer in NBA history was away from the team this week with an excused absence attributed to “personal reasons,” coach JJ Redick said Wednesday. It’s unclear whether James will even make the quick round trip to Minnesota before the Lakers’ next game at home against Memphis on Sunday. Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Texas Rangers and RHP Nathan Eovaldi finalize $75 million, 3-year contract DALLAS (AP) — Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers have finalized a $75 million, three-year contract that keeps him in their starting rotation. The right-hander was the winning pitcher for Texas in its 2023 World Series clincher, and the Rangers said one of their primary goals this offseason was to re-sign Eovaldi. The sides agreed to financial terms earlier this week, pending a successful physical. To open a roster spot for Eovaldi, right-hander Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment. Eovaldi became a free agent Nov. 4 after declining a vested $20 million player option for the 2025 season. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.”
Jharkhand Election Results 2024: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc clinched a decisive victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, securing 56 of the 81 seats and forming the government for a second consecutive term. The majority mark stands at 41. Chief Minister Hemant Soren attributed the victory to the people's faith in democracy, saying, “We have passed the exam of democracy.” Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-9167143-2"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Jharkhand Election Results: JMM’s Resounding Performance The JMM emerged as the driving force behind the coalition’s success, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested. Its allies also performed commendably: the Congress won 16 out of 30 seats, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) four of six seats, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation two of four seats. Chief Minister Hemant Soren retained his Barhait seat for a third term, defeating BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes. His younger brother, Basant Soren, held on to the Dumka seat, defeating BJP’s Sunil Soren by 14,588 votes. Meanwhile, Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren, secured a significant victory in the Gandey constituency, defeating BJP’s Munniya Devi by 17,142 votes. However, not all family members saw success. Sita Soren, Hemant’s sister-in-law, lost in Jamtara to Congress candidate Irfan Ansari, who won by a margin of 43,676 votes. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-1253031-3"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Notably, Congress candidate Nisat Alam, wife of former minister Alamgir Alam, won the Pakur seat with the largest margin of 86,029 votes, defeating AJSU Party’s Azhar Alam. Jharkhand Election Results: As BJP Faces Defeat, Himanta Biswa Sarma Calls It 'Deeply Painful' The BJP, which ran an aggressive campaign focusing on alleged infiltration and corruption in the JMM-led government, managed to win 23 seats, falling short of its expectations. Party state chief Babulal Marandi won from Dhanwar and ex-CM Champai Soren, who switched to the BJP, claimed the Saraikella seat. However, BJP candidates Meera Munda (Potka) and Babu Lal Soren (Ghatsila) faced defeats besides Sita Soren who fought in her late father-in-law's seat. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, co-in-charge of BJP's campaign in Jharkhand, expressed disappointment over the results. “The loss in Jharkhand is deeply painful for me personally,” he said, adding that the party respects the people's mandate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the JMM-led coalition’s win and pledged to continue championing the issues of the people. I thank the people of Jharkhand for their support towards us. We will always be at the forefront of raising people’s issues and working for the state. I also congratulate the JMM-led alliance for their performance in the state. @HemantSorenJMM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2024 Union Home Minister Amit Shah thanked Jharkhand voters for supporting the BJP, which received the highest percentage of votes despite the defeat. Jharkhand Election Results: Hemant Soren Vows To Transform Jharkhand Into 'Golden State' In his victory address, Hemant Soren vowed to transform Jharkhand into a “golden state” with self-governance (“Abua Raj”). “Let’s resolve to remove Jharkhand’s ‘backward’ tag and make it developed,” he said, as quoted by news agency PTI. AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir affirmed that Soren would continue as Chief Minister. The Congress, a junior partner in Jharkhand’s coalition, faced a tough electoral landscape, performing poorly in Maharashtra while managing to maintain its footing in Jharkhand. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appreciated the people of Jharkhand for rejecting the "divisive and false politics" of the BJP. "Jai Johar! The people of Jharkhand have given priority to the issues of their rights, water, forests and land. They have rejected divisive and false politics. They have defeated the game of misuse of constitutional institutions. Thanks to Shri @HemantSorenJMM ji and all the leaders of the alliance. Heartfelt gratitude to every Congress worker. We have to fight for social justice, raise the voice of the people, and form an accountable government. Confidence remains intact, coalition government!" he wrote. जय जोहार ! झारखंड के लोगों ने अपने जनाधिकार, जल, जंगल, जमीन के मुद्दों को प्राथमिकता से चुना। उन्होंने विभाजनकारी और झूठ की राजनीति को नकारा है। संवैधानिक संस्थाओं के दुरपयोग के खेल को हराया है। श्री @HemantSorenJMM जी और गठबंधन के सभी नेताओं का धन्यवाद। कांग्रेस के हर... — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 23, 2024 Rahul Gandhi hailed the coalition's success as a victory for constitutional protection and the state's natural resources but called for introspection over Maharashtra’s outcomes. "Heartfelt thanks to the people of Jharkhand for giving a huge mandate to India. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, all the workers of Congress and JMM for this victory. This victory of the alliance in the state is a victory of the protection of water, forest and land along with the Constitution," he wrote for the Jharkhand win. झारखंड के लोगों का INDIA को विशाल जनादेश देने के लिए दिल से धन्यवाद। मुख्यमंत्री हेमंत सोरेन जी, कांग्रेस और झामुमो के सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को इस विजय के लिए हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं। प्रदेश में गठबंधन की यह जीत संविधान के साथ जल-जंगल-ज़मीन की रक्षा की जीत है। महाराष्ट्र के नतीजे... — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 23, 2024 The Jharkhand election results mark a significant boost for the INDIA bloc amid evolving political dynamics, with the JMM consolidating its position as the state's dominant force.
The U.S. Navy is transforming a costly flub into a potent weapon with the first shipborne hypersonic weapon, which is being retrofitted aboard the first of its three stealthy destroyers. The USS Zumwalt is at a Mississippi shipyard where workers have installed missile tubes that replace twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated because it was too expensive. Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, adding to the usefulness of the warship. The USS Zumwalt is seen at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard Nov. 21 in Pascagoula, Miss. “It was a costly blunder. But the Navy could take victory from the jaws of defeat here, and get some utility out of them by making them into a hypersonic platform,” said Bryan Clark, a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute. The U.S. has had several types of hypersonic weapons in development for the past two decades, but recent tests by both Russia and China have added pressure to the U.S. military to hasten their production. People are also reading... Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, with added maneuverability making them harder to shoot down. Last year, The Washington Post reported that among the documents leaked by former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defense department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27. While the Pentagon previously acknowledged the weapon's development, it had not recognized its testing. One of the U.S. programs in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the “Conventional Prompt Strike." It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. Each of the Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. In choosing the Zumwalt, the Navy is attempting to add to the usefulness of a $7.5 billion warship that is considered by critics to be an expensive mistake despite serving as a test platform for multiple innovations. The USS Zumwalt is seen at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard Nov. 21 in Pascagoula, Miss. The Zumwalt was envisioned as providing land-attack capability with an Advanced Gun System with rocket-assisted projectiles to open the way for Marines to charge ashore. But the system featuring 155 mm guns hidden in stealthy turrets was canceled because each of the rocket-assisted projectiles cost between $800,000 and $1 million. Despite the stain on its reputation, the three Zumwalt-class destroyers remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warship in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimize radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors. The Zumwalt arrived at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in August 2023 and was removed from the water for the complex work of integrating the new weapon system. It is due to be undocked this week in preparation for the next round of tests and its return to the fleet, shipyard spokeswoman Kimberly Aguillard said. A U.S. hypersonic weapon was successfully tested over the summer and development of the missiles is continuing. The Navy wants to begin testing the system aboard the Zumwalt in 2027 or 2028, according to the Navy. The U.S. weapon system will come at a steep price. It would cost nearly $18 billion to buy 300 of the weapons and maintain them over 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Critics say there is too little bang for the buck. “This particular missile costs more than a dozen tanks. All it gets you is a precise non-nuclear explosion, some place far far away. Is it really worth the money? The answer is most of the time the missile costs much more than any target you can destroy with it,” said Loren Thompson, a longtime military analyst in Washington, D.C. US Navy intercepts Houthi missiles aimed at American ships in Gulf of Aden The U.S. Navy intercepted Houthi missiles and drones targeting two warships and three merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. But they provide the capability for Navy vessels to strike an enemy from a distance of thousands of kilometers — outside the range of most enemy weapons — and there is no effective defense against them, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute, an independent forum focusing on national security issues, and former commander of an aircraft carrier strike force. Conventional missiles that cost less aren’t much of a bargain if they are unable to reach their targets, Spicer said, adding the U.S. military really has no choice but to pursue them. “The adversary has them. We never want to be outdone,” he said. The U.S. is accelerating development because hypersonics have been identified as vital to U.S. national security with “survivable and lethal capabilities,” said James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies. “Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defense department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence, and to build enduring advantages,” he said. Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help Image Credit: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock The financial challenges facing U.S. military households are a significant concern throughout the year. Holidays such as Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, or Veterans Day highlight the ongoing struggles that service members face, particularly amid rising costs for everyday essentials. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey shows a troubling trend: Military personnel and their families are finding it more difficult to cover basic household expenses such as food, housing, and transportation than the average American. Our analysis examines how service members are faring in today’s economy compared to civilian households, highlighting the states where military families report the greatest challenges in managing their finances. As we enter Giving Season, we’ve also highlighted meaningful ways to support service members and their families through charitable contributions, offering an opportunity to make a direct impact on those who serve our nation. Financial Challenges Facing Service Members Service members are struggling more financially than the average American. Image Credit: Upgraded Points According to recent Household Pulse Survey data, members of the armed services are experiencing financial strain at higher rates than the general U.S. population. Over 40% of service members report difficulty covering their usual household expenses, compared to 36.6% of all U.S. adults. The data also shows heightened anxiety among service members regarding rising prices. Nearly 80% of military personnel express stress about recent price increases, significantly higher than the 71.8% of all U.S. adults who share similar feelings. Furthermore, 81.8% of service members are concerned about future price hikes, reflecting widespread uncertainty about inflation’s long-term impact on household budgets. States Where Service Members Struggle To Cover Costs More than half of service members in certain states have difficulty covering basic household expenses. Image Credit: Upgraded Points Across the U.S., the financial burden on service members varies significantly from state to state, primarily influenced by local economic conditions. According to the most recent data, Utah leads with 53.7% of service members reporting difficulty covering basic household expenses, closely followed by Louisiana (52.9%) and Alaska (52.8%). Other states where over half of service members are struggling include Indiana (52.0%), Tennessee (51.2%), New York (50.8%), and Florida (50.3%). A key issue service members frequently raise is that their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) has not kept pace with the rapidly rising cost of housing. In states where service members face the greatest financial difficulties, such as Utah, Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida, home price increases have far exceeded the national average, exacerbating the strain on household budgets. Another critical factor affecting military families is the employment challenges military spouses face. According to the Department of Defense, the military spouse unemployment rate was 21% in 2023, compared to a national rate of 3.6% that year. Many military bases are located in rural or remote areas, limiting job opportunities for spouses, particularly in specialized fields. Additionally, frequent relocations make it difficult for spouses to sustain long-term careers, especially for those in professions requiring state-specific occupational licenses that can be difficult to transfer. Service members are also more likely to report financial struggles in states with higher-than-average unemployment rates, such as Louisiana, Alaska, and New York. Conversely, the state unemployment rate is below average in 9 of the 10 states where service members report the least financial difficulty. This suggests that strong local employment opportunities, particularly for spouses, significantly ease the financial burden on military households. How You Can Help: Top Military and Veteran Charities Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock One of the most impactful ways to support service members, veterans, and their families who are facing financial hardships is through donations to reputable charities. These organizations are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by military families and veterans, providing vital assistance in areas like housing, medical expenses, scholarships, and career training. To help guide your generosity, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated charities based on scores from Charity Navigator , CharityWatch , and GuideStar , which assess organizations on criteria such as impact, efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Here are some of the best charities supporting military families and veterans in need: 1. USO For over 80 years, the USO has provided crucial support to active-duty service members and their families. From financial assistance programs to community-building initiatives, the USO helps service members stay connected to loved ones while addressing their most pressing needs during deployments and transitions. 2. Homes For Our Troops This charity is focused on providing specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. It helps veterans regain independence. Homes For Our Troops also provides financial planning and household budgeting to ensure long-term stability for the recipients. 3. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Dedicated to advocating for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, IAVA works to improve government policies and programs that support military families. Its advocacy ensures veterans have access to financial resources, healthcare, and education opportunities. 4. Fisher House Foundation This foundation builds “comfort homes” near military and VA medical centers, allowing families to stay free of charge while a loved one is hospitalized. By reducing travel and lodging expenses, Fisher House eases financial stress during difficult times. 5. Hope For The Warriors Offering a range of programs focused on financial stability, wellness, social support, and education, Hope For The Warriors provides critical support to service members, veterans, and their families. Its services include direct financial assistance for transitioning service members and veterans in need, career training and job placement, and scholarships for spouses. 6. Semper Fi & America’s Fund Semper Fi & America’s Fund assists wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families through direct financial assistance and case management during hospitalization and recovery. The organization also provides educational support, career assistance, and health and wellness services. 7. Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) WWFS supports families of those wounded or killed in combat through programs like medical travel grants, meal and housekeeping assistance, in-home care services, and family retreats. By addressing these families' immediate and ongoing needs, WWFS alleviates the financial burdens of those suffering from recent tragic events. For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, see Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help on Upgraded Points . Methodology Photo Credit: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock Upgraded Points conducted the analysis using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey Phase 4.0–4.2 , covering the period from January 9, 2024, to September 16, 2024. Service members were defined as adults currently serving in the U.S. armed forces (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) and their spouses. This analysis focuses on 3 key questions from the survey: Statistics with fewer than 50 survey responses were omitted from the analysis. Additional statistics on home prices were sourced from Zillow’s Home Value Index , and unemployment rates were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates . For complete results, see Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help on Upgraded Points. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle could be in line for a big game against Carolina's 32nd-ranked run defense
Rain and field goals. The Los Angeles Rams got a crucial win at the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football , with both sides just exchanging field goals in a 12-6 result. Matthew Stafford endured a poor start but the Rams just showed enough over a 49ers side that didn't receive production from Brock Purdy, whose key turnover proved costly in a game of small margins. Purdy had a chance at a Hail Mary on the final play, but didn't even get the ball out, dropping San Francisco to 6-8 in what, though not mathematically, likely ends its postseason hopes. Los Angeles has won seven of its last nine and are 8-6, very well in the mix of things with three games to play. Let's analyze the game further with winners and losers: When it became clear the game would be affected by rain, Sean McVay turned to his RB1 to deliver. And Williams paid off the faith. Williams rushed for 108 yards on 29 carries, a 3.7 average that may not seem big but definitely had its impact on the Rams' final drive that killed the clock to under 20 seconds in the fourth. Purdy is due to get paid soon by the 49ers, and though he obviously deserves a raise given his achievements with the team on a low contract, San Francisco will need to be careful. The former Mr. Irrelevant threw for 142 yards on 14 of 31 completions with a pick, which ultimately turned the game in favor of Los Angeles. Purdy still has the mental capacity to improve, but his fundamental struggles limit the team and his inability to get going when the weather gets shaky is not the best sign. In a more delayed revenge game, former 49ers cornerback Witherspoon turned up against his old side. The Ram logged five tackles (four solo) but primarily stood out in coverage, recording three passes defended. In his first game since publicly taking to social media to complain about not getting the ball enough, Samuel Sr. didn't prove much on the field. He recorded just 16 receiving yards on three catches and seven targets, with two rushes for three yards. One inexcusable drop in the third quarter drew audible groans and boos from the home crowd. It will be interesting to see what the 49ers do with Samuel Sr. long term, as he just hasn't provided enough since getting a major pay day. When they've needed to see him do more, he's consistently failed to help. These are the types of games where kickers really earn their pay. With no touchdowns from either side, Rams' Joshua Karty nailed all four of his attempts. 49ers' Jake Moody made both, too, with his 53-yard attempt just sneaking in amid a second straight inconsistent season.
South Korean president's impeachment vote fails after ruling party boycotts it
Prospera Financial Services Inc lifted its position in shares of QuantumScape Co. ( NYSE:QS – Free Report ) by 34.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 129,143 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 33,065 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in QuantumScape were worth $743,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in QS. Signaturefd LLC increased its holdings in QuantumScape by 79.9% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 4,838 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 2,148 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in QuantumScape by 475.1% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 5,118 shares of the company’s stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 4,228 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in QuantumScape by 56.0% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,124 shares of the company’s stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 2,556 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. acquired a new stake in QuantumScape in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Alaska Wealth Advisors acquired a new stake in QuantumScape in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 29.87% of the company’s stock. QuantumScape Price Performance QuantumScape stock opened at $5.16 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $2.64 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.43 and a beta of 4.60. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $5.41 and a 200-day simple moving average of $5.74. QuantumScape Co. has a 12-month low of $4.65 and a 12-month high of $10.03. The company has a current ratio of 14.07, a quick ratio of 14.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on shares of QuantumScape in a report on Thursday, September 5th. They issued an “underperform” rating for the company. HSBC upgraded shares of QuantumScape from a “reduce” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $5.30 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a “hold” rating and issued a $6.00 price target on shares of QuantumScape in a research report on Tuesday, September 10th. Truist Financial reissued a “hold” rating and issued a $7.00 price target (up previously from $6.00) on shares of QuantumScape in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised shares of QuantumScape to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have given a hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $6.26. View Our Latest Stock Report on QS Insider Transactions at QuantumScape In related news, Director Jagdeep Singh sold 192,270 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.99, for a total value of $1,151,697.30. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 2,590,583 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $15,517,592.17. The trade was a 6.91 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, Director Fritz Prinz sold 12,908 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.04, for a total transaction of $65,056.32. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 241,195 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,215,622.80. This trade represents a 5.08 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last three months, insiders sold 702,057 shares of company stock valued at $3,982,909. Insiders own 12.03% of the company’s stock. About QuantumScape ( Free Report ) QuantumScape Corporation, a research and development stage company, focuses on the development and commercialization of solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles and other applications. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for QuantumScape Co. ( NYSE:QS – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for QuantumScape Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for QuantumScape and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .NIO Stock Price 2025 Prediction: Will NIO Fall Even Further Next Year?
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WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump pledged to “save TikTok” during his campaign, but experts say keeping that promise could be complicated. On Friday, a federal appeals court decision further threatened the social media app’s future in the United States. The panel upheld a law that could lead to a nationwide ban if TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, which is based in China, refuses to sell its stake by Jan. 19. That deadline is just one day before Trump takes office. The law at the center of the case, now potentially headed to the Supreme Court, passed earlier this year with broad bipartisan support in Congress. Anupam Chander, a professor of law and technology at Georgetown University, said Trump can’t undo the law with an executive order, but he can pressure lawmakers to repeal it. "He can't reverse the law with a stroke of the pen, but he can undermine the law in a variety of ways,” Chander said. If a ban takes effect, the law would prohibit app stores from offering TikTok and internet hosting services from supporting it. Chander said that under Trump’s leadership, the Justice Department could limit enforcement or impact the legal battle. "All he can do is implore either the judges to side with him or to implore the various companies to not actually obey the law,” Chander said. TikTok argues the law violates First Amendment rights, while supporters believe the app's ties to China pose a threat to national security. "Every technology company in China under Chinese law has to do whatever the Chinese government tells them to do,” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, told reporters earlier this year. Rubio, who Trump recently nominated for Secretary of State, is one of several cabinet picks who were previously at the forefront of efforts to crack down on TikTok. Florida Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, who has been tapped for National Security Adviser, supported the legislation. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, up for Homeland Security Secretary, banned TikTok from state-owned devices. “So you've got a team that now might try to change their boss' mind, or might have to then just do what the boss says,” Chander said. Trump previously supported a ban on TikTok during his first term but, more recently, he campaigned on rescuing the app. "For all of those who want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump. The other side is closing it up, but I’m now a big star on TikTok,” Trump said in a social media video in September. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the transition team, didn’t provide specific details about how Trump plans to intervene, but she said “he will deliver.” “The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail,” Leavitt furthered in a statement. It’s possible that Trump could try to negotiate a new deal with TikTok. The law allows for a three-month extension if a sale is in progress, but that could prove challenging. The companies have claimed divestiture is not possible. The Supreme Court could also put implementation on hold if the justices decide to take up the case.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. "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. 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.Australian couple stranded in the Outback were stalked by giant crocodile for days after their car was washed away in a floodJimmy Carter, the farmer, president and Nobel peace crusader, dies at age 100
Police say suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing wasn't a client of the insurer
Scottsdale police arrest man found with missing juvenileCoreCivic: Potential Policy Tailwinds, Not Enough To Move The NeedleGenenta Science S.p.A. ( NASDAQ:GNTA – Get Free Report ) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 3,100 shares, a growth of 121.4% from the November 30th total of 1,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 13,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, HC Wainwright reissued a “buy” rating and set a $25.00 price target on shares of Genenta Science in a report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GNTA Genenta Science Trading Down 5.2 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On Genenta Science A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Genenta Science stock. AlTi Global Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Genenta Science S.p.A. ( NASDAQ:GNTA – Free Report ) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 200,288 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $621,000. AlTi Global Inc. owned 1.10% of Genenta Science at the end of the most recent quarter. 15.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Genenta Science Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Genenta Science S.p.A., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, engages in the development of hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies for the treatment of solid tumors in Italy. Its lead product candidate is Temferon, which is in Phase 1/2a clinical trials for use in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme in patients with unmethylated MGMT gene promoter. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Genenta Science Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Genenta Science and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Mali’s military-controlled government has issued an arrest warrant for B coup arrick Gold Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow amid a dispute over mine revenues, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Mali authorities are also seeking to arrest Abbas Coulibaly, the general manager of Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in Mali. The authorities are accusing Bristow and Coulibaly of “money laundering.” On Nov. 26 Barrick reported that four employees of its Loulo-Gounkoto complex had been charged and detained pending trial. Barrick said at that time that it would “continue to engage with the Malian government to find an amicable dispute settlement that would ensure the long-term sustainability of the complex.” The Loulo-Gounkoto mine complex in Mali is the largest mine in the country and has accounted for around 14% of Barrick's total gold production. Loulo-Gounkoto, Mali’s biggest mining complex, is a tier one mine and a major gold producer for Barrick. Barrick owns 80% of the mine and is the operator, and the Republic of Mali owns 20%. Barrick reported that the mine produced 683,00 ounces of gold in 2023, with 546,400 of those ounces attributable to Barrick. That was 13.5% of Barrick’s total production of 4.05 million ounces of gold in 2023. As a comparison, Barrick’s 61.5% of the gold production from the Nevada Gold Mines operations totaled 1.87 million ounces in 2023, about 46% of the company’s total gold production for the year. A Bloomberg story on Friday by William Clowes and Katarina Hoije said the current dispute with Mali over revenues are putting Bristow’s “famed trouble-shooting skills” to the test. “In Mali and beyond, Bristow established a reputation for thriving in African jurisdictions considered overly risky by many rivals,” Clowes and Hoije wrote. Barrick President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow at a mine site. The story said Bristow developed mines from scratch, hired locals, and “delivered the royalties and taxes that governments expected.” Barrick said in its Investor Day report in November that 100% of the management team at Loulo-Gounkoto is Malian, and 97% of the workforce are nationals. Bristow developed Loulo-Gounkoto during his 20 years as chief executive officer of Randgold. Barrick acquired Randgold in 2018 and Bristow became CEO of Barrick following the completion of the acquisition of Randgold in 2019. A story in the Africa Report said that since the current military rulers in Mali came to power in 2021, “the state promised a fairer revenue distribution from the country’s foreign-dominated mining industry.” The West African country has been embroiled in crisis as it battles jihadists and a separatist insurgency and pivots toward closer ties to Russia, the story said. The Malian government and Barrick have not disclosed details of their disagreement, but there have been reports that Mali has asked Barrick for around $512 million in “unpaid taxes and dividends,” and the Bloomberg story on Friday said, “Barrick has offered about $370 million to settle a tax claim arising from a disputed government audit.” The story quoted Peter Leon, Africa-chair at London-headquartered law firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, saying that Mali’s approach “looks like a shakedown” and “is also short-sighted as it is not going to promote investment in the country.” Mali adopted a new mining code in August 2023 allowing the state to take up to a 30% interest in new ventures. Other mining companies operating in Mali have also been dealing with the country’s demand for more revenue. Resolute Mining CEO Terry Holohan and two Resolute employees were released from detention last month after the company announced it would pay about $160 million to Mali and comply with the country’s updated mining law. In other Barrick news Friday, Financial Times reported that British commodities dealmaker Ian Hannam has sued Barrick for up to $18 million over claims he engineered Barrick’s merger with Randgold but was "pushed out" of the deal at the last minute. On Wednesday Barrick’s stock price reached about $17.62 – about the same as at the start of 2024 – but the stock price has fallen about 4.7% since Wednesday, to about $16.79 Friday afternoon. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders game
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. 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.