Man in custody had a gun, mask and writings tying him to killing of UnitedHealthcare CEOALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while being led into court Tuesday as new details emerged about his possible motivation behind the ambush. In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson , who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the police bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. ___ Scolforo reported from Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Contributing were Associated Press writers Cedar Attanasio and Jennifer Peltz in New York; Michael Rubinkam and Maryclaire Dale in Pennsylvania; Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio.
Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 women's basketball league launching this winter, signed LSU star guard Flau'jae Johnson to a name, image and likeness deal. Johnson is the second college player to ink an agreement with Unrivaled, following UConn's Paige Bueckers. They won't be participating in the upcoming inaugural season, but Johnson and Bueckers will have equity stakes in the league. Unrivaled dropped a video on social media Thursday showing Johnson -- who also has a burgeoning rap career -- performing a song while wearing a shirt that reads, "The Future is Unrivaled." The deal will see Johnson create additional promotional content for the league. Johnson, 21, was a freshman on the LSU team that won the 2023 national championship. Now in her junior year, Johnson is averaging career highs of 22.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game through 10 games for the No. 5 Tigers (10-0). She ranks eighth in Division I in scoring. Johnson has career averages of 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 82 career appearances (80 starts) for LSU. --Field Level Media
Luigi Mangione , 26, has been arrested and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in New York on Dec. 4. Mangione faces additional charges, including one count of forging a document and criminally possessing a firearm. Authorities arrested Mangione at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Dec. 9. In the wake of the arrest, various claims related to Mangione emerged online One image shared across social media appears to show an X post from Burger King, reading, “We don’t snitch.” The image was shared with posts commenting on Mangione’s choice to visit McDonald’s. Other social media users claim to have discovered a book review Mangione allegedly wrote for unabomber Ted Kaczynsky’s manifesto. Additionally, a YouTube video featuring a countdown clock with a description stating “if you see this i’m already under arrest” has been linked to Mangione, with some wondering if it was real . Others claimed Mangione is related to a Maryland lawmaker with the same last name. VERIFY fact-checked each of these claims. The viral image of what appears to be an authentic Burger King X post is fake. VERIFY reviewed Burger King’s social media accounts and found no evidence the post ever existed and a spokesperson confirmed it’s not real. “We can confirm that this did not come from the official Burger King X account. This is a fabricated tweet,” a Burger King spokesperson confirmed to VERIFY. There are indications the image is fake. The screenshot includes the terms “retweet” and “quote tweets.” But that terminology hasn’t existed on the platform since Elon Musk took over and rebranded Twitter as X. Tweets are now known as “posts.” A Goodreads account featuring Mangione’s name and picture that match his other social media accounts does exist , but VERIFY could not independently confirm its authenticity. Archived versions of the page show the account attributed to Mangione left 52 book ratings and 13 reviews. Among these, the account gave a 4 out of 5 star rating to unabomber Ted Kaczynsky’s manifesto on Jan. 23, 2024. The Goodreads profile lacks identifying details, such as location, that VERIFY could use to cross-reference and confirm its authenticity. A review of Mangione’s active X account and archived social media profiles reveals no specific references to the books listed on the Goodreads account. Confirming the authenticity of social media profiles presents significant challenges due to the ease with which spoof accounts can mimic real ones, a Law.com blogpost explains . The YouTube video labeled “The Truth,” featuring a countdown clock and the description, “If you see this I’m already under arrest,” is not connected to Mangione, a Google spokesperson told VERIFY. Jack Malon, Google’s policy communications manager, stated, “We terminated the channel in question for violating our policies covering impersonation , which prohibit content intended to impersonate another person on YouTube.” Google confirmed the YouTube account was an imposter by analyzing the channel’s metadata . Updates to the channel name and handle were made after Mangione’s arrest, Malon said. Additionally, Malon confirmed that three channels believed to belong to Mangione were removed under Google’s Creator Responsibility Guidelines , which allow for the removal of content or channels if the creator acts maliciously on or off the platform. Examples cited for removal include: Intending to cause malicious harm to others. Participating in abuse or violence, demonstrating cruelty, or participating in fraudulent or deceptive behavior that leads to real-world harm. Malon did not respond to VERIFY’s request for further details on how the three channels were verified as Mangione’s. Social media platforms often remove accounts under similar circumstances. Following Mangione’s arrest, Meta disabled his Instagram account . Meanwhile, his X profile was briefly suspended but later reinstated after X owner Elon Musk said he was “looking into” the suspension. Luigi Mangione’s cousin, Nino Mangione, is a Republican member of Maryland’s House of Delegates, serving Baltimore County. Nino Mangione confirmed the relationship on social media. Nino Mangione posted a statement to X on behalf of the family that reads, “Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Nino Mangione also cancelled a recent fundraising event , originally scheduled for Dec. 12, writing a “terrible situation involving my cousin” prompted the cancellation.Axon Peer In Buy Range After Flashing This Telltale Signal
"Primarily, I would believe that that would continue going forward with whoever is the governor and with Governor Malhotra there, I think we are in very good hands because he brings several, I would say, set of experiences," says KV Kamath , Chairman, NABFID & Veteran Banker In your understanding we are looking at end of an era, Shaktikanta Das. He has been rated as the best central banker for three years on the trot now and everyone will miss him. KV Kamath: Yes, I think indeed. He had to manage multiple challenges. Admirable. So, we all owe a big thank you to Mr Das. At Reserve Bank of India while it is an organisation which is built on a framework, but personalities also have had a very large role to play in the functioning of Reserve Bank of India. So, now that we have a new boss at RBI , what to your mind will change and what will not change? KV Kamath: I have had the privilege of actually looking at Reserve Bank closely from 1996 when I returned to India. And I find that if I look at the governor's system, there is always continuity. The institution itself is an institution which stands for firm policy and provides continuity to the system in the country. Primarily, I would believe that that would continue going forward with whoever is the governor and with Governor Malhotra there, I think we are in very good hands because he brings several, I would say, set of experiences. One, he brings an experience leading a financial institution. If I try to remember, I cannot remember any other governor who actually led a financial institution. Then, he led the Department of Financial Services, so that is second. Then, of course, he was the Revenue Secretary of the country. And then, of course, I would take a very important aspect of Mr Malhotra's background. He is an engineer with a background in computer science and that is what today really is key in the financial sector, not only in India, but globally. 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I do not want to say challenges that we have in the financial sector. But the way economics can be interpreted, there are a lot of ways. The way policy can be conducted, there are several measures. It is widely believed that a change of guard means a new thinking. New thinking in terms of innovation, new thinking in terms of interest rate dynamic, new thinking in terms of how to control inflation and how to kickstart growth. What to your mind could be a big departure from Mr Shaktikanta’s regime to now? KV Kamath: I think you earlier in your comments said that here we have Shaktikanta Das who has been selected in his own way as the best governor for three years running around the world. I think there are a lot of things that he has laid down, an agenda which the Reserve Bank can drive going forward. See, to me, economic policy, monetary policy is one set of equations. Another set of equations is to look at opportunity, which is now in terms of using new tools, using new instruments, using new types of approaches to do things. And I think all that is there on the table for Mr Malhotra as he comes in because India has set the path. It is not as if it is a closed door. It would be great to see how this could be further rolled out in the country. So, these are exciting times for India with the long runway. It is exciting times what is happening in the financial services sector. I am sure Mr Malhotra will marshal all these things and then drive business as it goes. The priority should be to get growth back, this GDP growth back above 7% because that in a sense is the base. Do you think the priority should be to keep inflation closer to 4% or the priority should be right now to defend the rupee and ensure the decline in rupee if arrested, that will take care of everything indirectly? KV Kamath: I think a very interesting trinity that you have put forth there. This is the trinity that all governors deal with. I think the art is in keeping these in balance. And I am sure Mr Malhotra will find a way to keep these in balance. But having said that, if you look at in the Indian context, none of these are actually out of control. We have interest rates which are not really out of control. We have inflation also which has been in control. Some moments upwards and down, but not gone out of control. Reserve Bank has always been able to control it. Exchange rate also, if you look at several currencies around the world, we are not done as badly as other countries. So, within limits, I think our exchange rate has done very well and then you mentioned growth. To me, growth at times also goes through cycles. We had two quarters where things slowed down and then it surfaced in the last quarter. To me, it is transition with the government spending coming back and expected to stay strong as we go along. Growth should come back. Let us look at the parameters for growth in India. The runway, nobody doubts, exists. The runway is the unfinished agenda for India. If that exists, the rest of it follows. There may be minor ups and downs as we are now probably looking at it. But I would think these are transitionary. As long as policy remains steady, the players in the system, whether it is corporates or the banking sector, remain healthy, then I think nothing can stop our growth. Now, if you look at what the Reserve Bank has done in the past, it is exactly that. Try to keep stability. We are getting carried away by short-term movements. So, I am sure as a country, this is how we will grow. And we look to a time of sustained growth. Rightly or wrongly but Reserve Bank of India in one front, in a sense, has been criticised that they have been tightening the liquidity. Credit has not gone below a certain threshold level, which is what we say in economics, bottom of the pyramid. And the evidence is there if I look at rural demand, if I look at two-wheeler demand, if I look at even soap and shampoo demand. Do you think this is a place where we need RBI policy to change and tilt, especially in the area of pushing credit down or making credit available at the bottom of the pyramid? KV Kamath: As I see, I will break it into three parts. A large part of momentum is provided by government spending in India, so that clearly we know was slow, that clearly we know is going to come back because that has already happened from the aggregates. If you see, aggregates are drawn down. So, we should see that impact in this quarter and the coming quarter, so that is number one. Second, if corporates have starved for credit, then you have a situation where, yes, liquidity has to be injected. But honestly, I have not seen corporates starve for credit. Why? Because corporates have never had balance sheets as good as this. In my 50 years, 54 years to be precise, of being in the financial services business, I have not seen corporate balance sheets as good as this. Corporates throwing out or throwing up as much cash flow, free cash flow, as they are now doing. So, there is no constraint there. Thirdly, if you look at the banking side, which is the provider of funds, again the balance sheets are pristine. I have never seen balance sheets as clean as this. So, given this, to me whatever challenges are there is transitional. Now, pumping credit without, I would say, being conscious of the risks, at least the Reserve Bank if you see in the last six months, Governor Das has been particularly on unsecured lending has been raising a cautionary flag. Clearly, some discomfort is felt on that front and that could be a reason why there is some set of people who do not have access to funding. But, say, larger call, would that loose lending actually have done good or it would have created more problems which would have required harder steps to resolve? So, I think it is a careful balance. But I would look at government spending, corporate free cash flow, corporate quality of balance sheet, and banks' quality of balance sheet, if these are you give a green mark to this or a green tick to this, then things happen. A lot also boils down to what kind of forex reserve or what kind of forex reserve policy the Reserve Bank of India really wants to maintain. We have $650 billion of forex reserve, which is sizable looking at our economy. Do you think that is a good enough number and now Reserve Bank of India should go all out to defend the rupee because that will automatically take care of a lot of imported inflation? KV Kamath: This is again a policy call. Typically, I do not comment on a policy call. But let me look at it in a structural broader way. Ultimately, the balance will go up and down depending on how strong you are and what you get in as flows. And there, it has been a steady growth over a number of years and I expect that growth to continue. Without putting a concrete number that we need to have X billion dollars in terms of reserves. I do not think that is a way to go about it. It will go about steady. As far as intervening, Reserve Bank intervenes very selectively and the rest of it, the economy has to perform and showcase the rupee as having strength, that has been happening. So, it is going to be judicious intervention as required. I am saying this from past experience, and I do not expect that to continue because this has worked well for us for a very long period of time. We are moving to an era of de-globalisation if I may use that word. Tariffs are a reality now. And when tariffs they go higher, inflationary threats they automatically go higher and that is where I think the world is headed and that is where I think the hints are coming from US President-elect Donald Trump. What can the regulator do or RBI do in this kind of a scenario where you know that some percentage points of growth will automatically get crippled? KV Kamath: I think, again, we would need to concentrate on our foundation and that foundation has to be stable and facilitate our own growth. I will give a counter argument to what you said. In India's context, the runway for growth is domestic. That is very clear if you actually drill down. Because there is an unfinished agenda, starting with infrastructure. Just imagine this that we have now infrastructure for, let us say, a 4 trillion economy. When you look at 8 trillion economy and I would look at that as five to six years from now, the infrastructure aggregates that you require are not double of what it is today. Even assuming that we have everything that we want today, which we are short of what we should have, but let us assume what we have today is good for 4 trillion. For 8 trillion, it is not double, it is three times because the aspirations of the people have changed. Money in their hands changes. So many other equations change. And to meet those expectations, you will need a whole set of infrastructure outlays, which are the far infrastructure investments actually on the ground and executed. I am saying not two times, but three times. To me, that is opportunity. So, we should concentrate on doing what is required for us. Once we do that, then, of course, aspirations of people at 8 trillion economy, we will need to look at in terms of their appetite for goods, manufactured goods. So, manufacturing sector will have to respond. So, every area and I can break it down into development at the urban level, development at the rural level, this is how the engine starts picking faster and faster. I am sure the regulatory context and the government context, they recognise this opportunity for growth that at 8 trillion and I am not thinking of beyond that, 16 trillion, at this moment 8, the requirement that we have for various aggregates is three times what we have today and that itself is a growth engine. There were a lot of events which were at play in 2024. It was like a big election year for the world, Indian elections, local elections, US elections. Then, somewhere in 2024, inflation topped out and Fed started talking about decreasing rates. 2024 was also a year when we saw a lot of geopolitical moves. What, to your mind, could be that big event or calendar event which could inject volatility in financial markets in 2025? KV Kamath: Actually, I would look at it the other way. I would think it is now time for stability globally. We have had turmoil now in one way or the other starting from March 2020. As we get into the fifth year, we need stability. And let me put that in context. I think the medical emergency of COVID is now behind us. The global conflict in Europe should settle with the changes that are happening. I would think this would provide a time of stability going forward and that plays into what we need at this point in time, stability. If inflation comes down globally, even to lower levels, the uncertainties across the world again reduce. Good for us. So, I think the regulators will have more leeway in doing things that they need to do or would like to do. So, I see a time of opportunity and I see good times. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )
ONEOK Inc. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitorsOriginally appeared on E! Online Hollywood is mourning one of their own. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Michael Cole , who became a household name when he starred on the TV classic " The Mod Squad ," died on Dec. 10. He was 84. No cause of death has been shared at this time, however his rep confirmed in a statement to People on Dec. 11 that he was "surrounded by his loved ones after living a full and vibrant life." "Cole's talent, combined with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era," the statement continued. " The Mod Squad not only made him a household name but also broke barriers by addressing themes of racial and social justice, with Cole's performance helping to bring authenticity and heart to the series." The message also noted that Cole would always be remembered for "his warm and generous spirit." "A storyteller at heart, he had a way of making those around him feel special," his rep said, "often regaling them with anecdotes from his Hollywood." PHOTOS Celebrity Deaths: 2024's Fallen Stars His rep added, "While his loss is deeply felt, his contributions to the arts and his enduring kindness ensure his memory will live on." Cole was born in Madison, Wis., on July 3, 1940. After breaking through in Hollywood, he appeared in several films and TV shows—including Gunsmoke , The Bubble and Chuka —before his role on "The Mod Squad" from 1968 to 1973 alongside Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton . In the five-season drama, the three starred as a group of rebellious, social outcasts who agree to work as undercover cops to avoid jail time. The tagline of the show was, "One White, One Black, One Blonde," which Cole poked fun at with his 2009 memoir, " I Played the White Guy . " Cole was the last surviving member of the trio. Lipton — mother of Rashida Jones with ex-husband Quincy Jones — died of colon cancer at the age of 72 in 2004, while Williams passed away in 2021 at 81, also from colon cancer. After his success with " The Mod Squad ," Cole was a fixture on the small screen, guest starring on hits like " Wonder Woman ," " The Love Boat ," " General Hospital" and " ER ." Cole is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shelley , as well as his children.
TORONTO — Canada's main stock index eked out a gain Friday as a rise in tech stocks helped outweigh losses in energy, while U.S. markets were mixed after employment reports on both sides of the border. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 11.76 points at 25,691.80. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 123.19 points at 44,642.52. The S&P 500 index was up 15.16 points at 6,090.27, reaching another all-time high, while the Nasdaq composite was up 159.05 points at 19,859.77, another record. Both Canada and the U.S. got fresh jobs data on Friday, but the two reports painted very different pictures, said Pierre-Benoît Gauthier, vice-president of investment strategy at IG Wealth Management. U.S. employers hired more than expected last month but the unemployment rate also ticked higher to 4.2 per cent. “This report was just good enough,” said Gauthier — not too weak, but also not too strong. The report sealed expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will announce a quarter-percentage-point interest rate cut later in December, said Gauthier. It shows the economy continues to handle higher rates well, he added. In Canada, the economy added 51,000 jobs in November, while the unemployment rate jumped to 6.8 per cent. The jobs number was undermined by the fact the gain was mainly public-sector hiring, said Gauthier. “The federal government creating jobs is in no way, shape or form an indication of the strength of the Canadian economy,” he said. The Bank of Canada is set to cut next week, and Gauthier thinks it could be an outsized half-percentage-point cut. “The rate cuts here cannot come fast enough,” he said. But the Bank of Canada will need to keep an eye on the increasing differential between rates in the U.S. and Canada, he added, which could put further downward pressure on the already weak Canadian dollar. “The Bank of Canada will be stuck between a rock and a hard place, because at some point they'll still have to defend the Canadian dollar," he said. A lower Canadian dollar could also result in some inflation as imports from the U.S. cost more. The Canadian dollar traded for 70.74 cents US compared with 71.24 cents US on Thursday. The January crude oil contract was down US$1.10 at US$67.20 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was essentially unchanged at US$3.08 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was up US$11.20 at US$2,659.60 an ounce and the March copper contract was up a penny at US$4.20 a pound. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press
AgriLife: Leave leaf litter alone for overwintering insectsToday inour Daily Dose of Social Media , we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Aryna Sabalenka updated her fans on her off-season as she resumed training for the 2025 season, while Barbora Krejcikova combined charity work with one of her passions: building Legos. Meanwhile, Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova were among the stars at the British Fashion Awards, and Liam Broady joined the debate surrounding a footballer who refused to wear the rainbow captain's armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community with a sharp remark. Sabalenkafocused on 2025: Shares insights from off-season training ArynaSabalenka updates fans on her off-season as she resumes training after hervacation. The World No. 1 shared an Instagram Reel showcasing her return to thecourts in Dubai, where she’s already preparing for the 2025 season. TheBelarusian faces a tough start to the year, defending 2,300 points in Januaryalone, including her Australian Open title, while continuing a fierce battlewith Iga Swiatek for the top ranking. However,the three-time Grand Slam champion appears to be the favourite at the start ofthe year and is gearing up to prove it on the court. Sabalenka shared glimpsesof her routine, both in the gym and on the tennis court, as well as moments offthe court, including meals and time spent with loved ones. You can watch theBelarusian’s video via the following link. Una publicación compartida de Aryna Sabalenka (@arynasabalenka) MariaSharapova and Venus Williams dazzle at British Fashion Awards MariaSharapova and Venus Williams attended the British Fashion Awards on Monday,December 2nd. Both Grand Slam champions continue to make appearances in thefashion world, and this time it was at one of the most prestigious fashionevents in the UK. Williams appeared in a black dress, while Sharapova chose anoff-white coat and skirt look. “BritishFashion Awards ✨ In Moncler X Jill Sander. Honoredto have presented Remo Ruffini the Trailbazer Award,” captioned Sharapova onher Instagram account. “Watching the Moncler team thoughtfully and creativelynavigate the fashion world from the board room to the Genius experiences hasbeen such a gift. Congratulations on this recognition!” Una publicación compartida de Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova) Una publicación compartida de Venus Williams (@venuswilliams) Ash Barty’s son charms in latest Wimbledon-themed post Ashleigh Barty is enjoying life off the court nearly two years after her retirement, buttennis remains a part of her life. She recently shared an adorable photo of herson Hayden dressed in Wimbledon attire, the tournament where Barty claimed thetitle in 2021 by defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final. The formerAustralian tennis star retired in March 2022 at the age of 25 to prioritise herfamily life. In July2023, Barty announced the birth of her son Hayden with her husband, GarryKissick. In a recent photo, she joyfully shared a glimpse of her son, nownearly 18 months old, walking around in an All England Club shirt."Wimbledon outfits make me smile like that too, Mate ," the three-time Grand Slamchampion wrote. The post received responses from several of her formercolleagues, including former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka , who commented,"Cutie ." Una publicación compartida de Ash Barty (@ashbarty) headln AlexanderZverev is already looking forward to the United Cup with Germany, where he willteam up with Laura Siegemund to kick off the 2025 season. Zverev will onceagain represent Germany in an international competition after missing the DavisCup Finals the Davis Cup Finals, which he decided to skip to take a break aftercompeting in the ATP Finals and the ATP Finals and finish a busy season. “First weekof the Year, obviously we’re all getting ready for Australian Open and we allwant to be in Australia and play against the best players in the world. Andthat’s what United Cup brings. Playing for your nation is obviously extremelyspecial and I have the best memories from this year.” Zverev led theEuropeans to the 2024 title alongside former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber, whenthey beat Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek's Poland in the final. “Representingyour country is always quite special and we have a lot of fun with the team,and tennis unites between male and female it is a great sign for sport,” SaschaZverev added. “We’re a fun team to support. We have great male and femaleplayers. Last year, obviously with Angie Kerber, we had an Australian Open champion as well. And I think is always fun and entertaining to watch Germany" Una publicación compartida de United Cup (@unitedcuptennis) Krejcikovaenjoys Legos at charity event in Czech Republic BarboraKrejcikova enjoys putting Legos together and participated in a recent charityevent in the Czech Republic. During her run to the Wimbledon title mid-year,the 29-year-old revealed her love for Legos, which she enjoys putting togetherin her spare time. Shortly afterwards she received an exclusive set themedaround her All England Club win, with the Wimbledon trophy and a racquet madeof Lego, as a gift from the company. In themidst of the holiday preparations, Krejcikova was featured in thegift-gathering campaign in her home country and was seen putting togetherChristmas Legos. “This weekend I participated in a charity event@legoczsk_official called Build To Give, where I built 5 hearts. For everyheart built and shared with the hashtag #BuildToGive on social media, LEGO willdonate one kit to a child who might not have gotten their hands on one,” sheposted. Una publicación compartida por Barbora Krejčíková (@bkrejcikova) Liam Broadymocks Ipswich captain’s LGBTQ+ stance Liam Broadyentered the fray over footballer refusing to wear rainbow jersey in support ofthe LGBTIQ+ community. The former Brit No. 1 criticized the Ipswich Town captain for refusing to wear the jersey on 'religious grounds'. The PremierLeague is conducting a campaign of inclusion against homophobia and Sam Morsywas the only captain among the 20 teams who did not wear the jersey andreceived support from his club. The newshas generated reactions beyond football and Liam Broady took part in the issue.For the former Wimbledon junior champion, it doesn't make much sense thatsomeone refuses to wear the jersey for religious reasons and yet has no problemwith wearing betting brand logos. “Interesting religion where you feel okay toadvertise gambling but can’t wear LGBTQ+ charity band to promote equality andacceptance? What’s the reverse of virtue signalling? ” Interesting religion where you feel okay to advertise gambling but can’t wear LGBTQ+ charity band to promote equality and acceptance? What’s the reverse of virtue signalling? https://t.co/MstaFRzE8n This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.Heat listening to Jimmy Butler trade offers with three teams on his wish list
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THOUSANDS of Syrian refugees returned home yesterday hoping for a brighter future after dictator Bashar al-Assad was toppled. Others feared the worst, as they gathered outside the tyrant’s death camp prisons waiting for news of loved ones. Assad had tens of thousands of opponents tortured and executed in jails after civil war broke out in 2011. Saydnaya, the most notorious, is the focus for those looking for relatives locked up during the government crackdown. More evidence of Assad’s brutality emerged when rebels found in a morgue the bodies of 40 people tortured to death. Despite the horrors, there was joy at the end of Assad’s rule and many continued to celebrate in Damascus . Among them was Jordanian Osama al-Bataynah, 56, who was enjoying freedom after 38 years in jail. Anas Idrees, 42, who had just returned from Lebanon after years as a refugee, and marked his country’s new-found freedom by visiting the famous Bakdash ice-cream parlour. He said: “I swear to God, it tastes different. It was good before but it’s changed because now we are happy inside.” Turkey, home to three million Syrian refugees, has increased the number that can return home every day from 3,000 to between 15,000 and 20,000. Its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan , pledged to open a sixth crossing point along the countries’ 560-mile border. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group which toppled Assad, began to form a government with Mohammed al-Bashir appointed interim prime minister until March. Syria’s new leaders promised to trace Assad officials responsible for torturing prisoners as the UN ramped up its investigation into his human rights abuses. Canadian prosecutor Robert Petit, who heads the UN body gathering war crime evidence, said: “There will be a massive amount of information.” His 82-strong team has never been allowed into Syria but is now likely to head there to prepare prosecutions for genocide, slavery and the use of chemical weapons. He said: “It’s the crime scene, so if we can have access to the crime scene it’s a game-changer for us.” HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said: “Rewards will be offered to those who will provide information about senior army and security officers involved in war crimes.”
Wherever you are between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, there’s probably a National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count within reach. Dedicated birdwatchers hop into more than one count, driving or flying to places that promise views of elusive birds. In Oregon alone, about 47 groups will join the effort. Connect with the Christmas Bird Count organizer at your local chapter . You’ll see Dec. 14 counts in Florence, Grants Pass, Port Orford, and Tillamook Bay, for instance. The Portland count will be Jan. 4 (visit birdalliance.org for details). Volunteers are needed to help gather information and experience isn’t necessary. Here are 10 tips to help first-timers enjoy the delight of tromping through fields, shorelines and mountain trails to contribute to a highly valued community science effort: Read about Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) and contact an Audubon chapter area leader organizing a count in advance to volunteer as a feeder watcher, if you live within a designated count circle and agree to tally the birds seen on CBC day, or become a field observer alongside experience birders, said Dawn Villaescusa of Seven Capes Bird Alliance in Lincoln City. Practice finding birds by listening and looking at exposed perches — snags, power lines, fence posts, tree tops — and scanning fields, mudflats, lakes, beaches, and other open areas using binoculars . If possible, scout your sector in advance and look on Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s eBird , a free, online platform for recording bird observations and tracking sightings, to see what’s been seen in the area. Identify birds with the help of Audubon’s Guide to North American Birds or Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID app , powered by eBird . “Brush up on resident birds that stay here year-round, and get a sense of what you might see on the count,” said Joe Liebezeit of the Bird Alliance of Oregon, who is in charge of Portland’s annual Christmas Bird Count. Check the weather and dress in layers to be comfortable all day. Be prepared for wind and rain, and wear “real rain gear or you’ll be soaked,” said Villaescusa. Rite in the Rain and other weatherproof notebooks can help keep data dry. Pack snacks and carry water. “It’s a long day,” said Villaescusa, “and some area leads don’t want to stop for lunch.” You may be dirty at the end of the day. Bring clean, dry clothes and shoes to change into for the get together. “The camaraderie is totally worth” attending the post-count party, said Villaescusa, whose group puts on a breakfast and a count-down chili and beer dinner. “It’s fun getting together and feeling you’re adding value to the information that’s out there.” Realize that while the social aspects of the annual count are the glue that holds the whole tradition together and while there are times to talk, you’ll be expected to be quiet while listening for birds. Unlike guided bird walks designed for beginners, where people will drop back and “chat about their sister’s brother’s cousin or recipes, and may not even see a bird, you can’t do that on bird count day,” said Villaescusa. Upload your photos and see photos posted from other participates at the CBC Live tracker at gis.audubon.org/cbclive . Photographing birds is challenging as they move in a lake, into a tree, across a field. Field biologist and photographer Frank Lospalluto said: “Know your camera, feel confident using it, and make sure the battery is charged and the memory card has space. Many cameras today work exceptionally well on auto.” Sign up at act.audubon.org/a/community-science-signup to see the results in Audubon’s American Birds newsletter and learn about other volunteer opportunities such as Climate Watch and The Great Backyard Bird Count . “Don’t be intimidated by people who have more experience than you do,” said Liebezeit. “This is about being outdoors, meeting new friends, learning and having fun.” — Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman
NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Prudential Financial, Inc. ( NYSE: PRU ) today announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Sullivan as its next CEO, effective March 31, 2025. Sullivan, who currently serves as executive vice president and head of International Businesses and Global Investment Management, will succeed Charles F. Lowrey. Lowrey will remain as Executive Chairman of the Board for 18 months, working with the Board and supporting and advising Sullivan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203419178/en/ Charles F. Lowrey will step down as CEO of Prudential Financial on March 31, 2025 and will remain as Executive Chairman of the Board for 18 months. (Photo: Business Wire) As part of Prudential’s executive leadership team, Sullivan has played an important role in driving the company’s strategy. He currently oversees both the company’s International Insurance segment and PGIM, the firm’s $1.4 trillion global investment management business. Since joining the company in 2011, he has held successive leadership positions, including heading all of the firm’s U.S.-based businesses. “Andy is an exceptional leader who brings a deep understanding of our businesses, our strategy, our people, and our customers to this role, and I have every confidence that he is the right leader to take Prudential into the future,” said Lowrey. “As we approach the 150th anniversary of Prudential’s founding, now is the right time to elevate the next generation of leadership, and I look forward to continuing to support Andy in my role as Executive Chairman.” “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this company as it embarks on its next chapter,” said Sullivan. “I would like to thank Charlie and the Board of Directors for their confidence and trust in me. Under Charlie’s leadership, Prudential has made substantial progress towards becoming a higher growth, more capital-efficient company, refined its business mix, invested in technology, and innovated new products. I look forward to working with Prudential’s leadership team and employees to advance our strategy and expand Prudential’s position as a leader in investing, insurance, and retirement security,” said Sullivan. Having successfully led Prudential’s U.S. Businesses since 2021, Caroline Feeney will expand her role to become Global Head of Insurance and Retirement, a newly created position overseeing Prudential’s market-leading domestic and international insurance and retirement businesses, effective March 31, 2025. Feeney and incoming head of PGIM Jacques Chappuis will both report to Sullivan in his role as CEO. “We see significant synergies across our U.S. and international insurance and retirement businesses, and bringing these capabilities together in one global division under Caroline’s leadership will create additional opportunities for collaboration and growth. I want to congratulate her on this expanded role,” said Sullivan. The Board also announced that Vice Chair Robert Falzon will step down from the Board, effective March 31, 2025, and retire from Prudential, effective July 11, 2025. Falzon’s 42-year career with Prudential has seen him serve as executive vice president and CFO of Prudential, as well as company treasurer and managing director of PGIM Real Estate, head of PGIM’s Global Merchant Banking and Global Real Estate Securities groups and CEO of its European business. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Charlie for his leadership and continued commitment to Prudential,” said Michael A. Todman, Prudential’s Lead Independent Director. “Among many other achievements, Charlie was the principal architect of a complex strategic transformation that has positioned Prudential to be a nimble, dynamic, and high-growth company for years to come. After thoroughly considering a diverse array of candidates for the CEO role, the Board is confident that Andy is the right leader to continue this progress. I also want to thank Rob for his leadership and his many contributions to Prudential and wish him well in his retirement.” ABOUT PRUDENTIAL Prudential Financial, Inc. ( NYSE: PRU ), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of Sept. 30, 2024, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better and create financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years. For more information, please visit news.prudential.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203419178/en/ CONTACT: Media Bill Launder Head of Corporate Communications bill.launder@prudential.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW JERSEY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INSURANCE FINANCE SOURCE: Prudential Financial, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:28 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203419178/en
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