Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione’s arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione’s family and upbringing Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather’s obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione’s education and work history Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. Time in Hawaii and reports of back pain From January to June 2022, 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, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone’s lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Police report a darker turn Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. ___ Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement
Though it’s no one’s idea of a juggernaut, the Mets starting rotation is looking a little clearer than it did at this point last offseason. A lot of work needed to be done to replace the production left by Jose Quintana, Luis Severino and Sean Manaea—and to the front office’s credit, that work seems to have wrapped up before the new year. It certainly helped to replace Manaea with Manaea, who just signed a three-year, $75 million contract to stay in Queens. Perhaps that won’t be the last starting pitching move David Stearns makes this offseason, but it feels like the last big move, one that puts a final piece in place of what looks to be a competitive staff. The big question about the Mets rotation is not necessarily the pecking order, but whether the team will employ a five or six-man rotation to start the year—something we’ll get into a little later. But for now, let’s get pecking: Kodai Senga No one should quibble with the idea of Senga being the ace of this team. Over the last two seasons, Senga has led all Mets pitchers in both Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement (4.6) and Fangraphs WAR (3.6) despite making only one regular-season appearance in 2024. Senga also flashed some brilliance in three limited postseason outings, even if they will mostly be remembered by the numerous walks and earned runs. A healthy Kodai Senga is still the most talented and potentially productive starter on the roster, and as someone with extensive high-leverage experience as an ace pitcher in Japan’s NPB, there’s no better candidate to take up the same role for the Mets. Put it this way: The fact that the Mets are considering running a six-man rotation has mostly to do with optimizing their ace—without that factor, the Mets likely wouldn’t consider extending a starting rotation with a lot of question marks on it. Sean Manaea Perhaps he didn’t quite pitch to the level of an ace, but when the Mets needed a horse during their flaming-hot second half in 2024, Manaea galloped to the front of the rotation. Manaea led all Mets pitchers in wins (12), strikeouts (184), and bWAR (3.0), and from July onward led all MLB pitchers in innings pitched (105 1/3, over seven innings more than second-place Nathan Eovaldi). He even turned it up in the playoffs, pitching effectively in three starts before tiring out against the Dodgers in the knockout Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. And it’s that fatigue factor that might make a six-man rotation work for Manaea, as well. The soon-to-be 33-year-old registered his career high in innings pitched last season (181 2/3), much of those while tinkering with an ultimately successful mechanical adjustment. If the Mets can find some more rest for Manaea between starts, it could limit the lefty’s injury liability and cement him in the top of the rotation for a healthy majority of the season. David Peterson Imagine at this point last year thinking Peterson would be cemented in the Mets starting rotation for the 2025 season—much less in the front half of the rotation. But that testifies to the progress that Peterson made in 2024—a year that showed a lot of concerns with his underlying metrics , but also one that proved Peterson’s ability to limit runs in high-pressure situations. Maybe the incremental changes he made with pitch selection (i.e. throwing his sinker more) will once again manifest into big-league production—or maybe Peterson will regress to being the fringe-level starter he’s been most of his career. Either way, the lefty will get a chance to prove himself once again. Frankie Montas The Stearns-era Mets bought low last year on two oft-injured, high-talent starters in Manaea and Severino, and it worked nearly to perfection. This time, the project turns to free agent signing Frankie Montas, who is on his fifth team in the last three seasons. Montas pitched 150 2 ⁄ 3 rather meh innings for Milwaukee and Cincinnati in 2024, slightly underperforming compared to his expected numbers (which, to be fair, were not that exciting, either). But the righty also got Cy Young votes pitching for Oakland in 2021 and found a lot of success with his sinker last season, meaning a Severino-like resurgence for the Mets isn’t entirely out of the question. Clay Holmes It feels a little premature to put a pitcher who last started a game in 2018 as the fifth starter in the rotation, but all reports show the Mets are committed to making Holmes a regular MLB starter. Perhaps it’s to exorcise the demons from the totality of the Seth Lugo experience, or perhaps it was seeing how well the Giants converted Jordan Hicks to a starter (at least for the first two months of 2024)—whatever the reason, Holmes will get his chance to start at the back end of a five (or six) man rotation. But what about that sixth spot? Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, José Buttó If the Mets orient their staff around a six-man rotation, there are a few interesting options to bring up the caboose of the staff. Megill seems born for this role, as a high-variance pitcher with a talented arm that has provided enough juice to stick around but has yet to “prove it.” If Megill does indeed “prove it” with solid production from the back end, that could give the Mets a dangerous rotation, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of Philadelphia’s starting staff. Of course, it’s hard to justify Megill for that role when Buttó has been the better pitcher over the last two seasons. But the dilemma the Mets had with Buttó last year is the dilemma they’ll face this year—namely, do they reach for good production from Buttó as a starter or pencil in effective relief outings for a bullpen that will likely need it? Call it the Lugo quandary, only with Buttó and a sixth starter at stake. And then there’s Blackburn, who has much more MLB experience than either Megill or Buttó, but hasn’t been better than fine in any of his Major League seasons. Fun fact though: He’s one of three Mets starters on the active roster with an All-Star appearance (Senga, Holmes)...so that’s something. Blackburn might also be the best fit for the starting role since Megill and Buttó saw so much time in the bullpen last year, anyway. Any configuration that gets all three of these pitchers on the active roster could make the Mets stronger, especially since it’s not entirely clear who for sure will support Edwin Díaz in the bullpen. The Rest Call them depth, call them backup plans, call them emergency starters—the Mets certainly have them. First up is Griffin Canning, who is by the strictest definition a Major League starter—just not a very good one last year, giving up an American League-high 99 runs in 31 starts for the Los Angeles Angels. Then there’s Dylan Covey and Max Kranick, both on the 40-man roster with Major League starting experience. Kranick, however, spent most of 2024 with Triple-A Syracuse and hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2022, while Covey has started only one MLB game since 2019, a span that included two years spent in Taiwan. Safe to say, if either of these pitchers starts more than two games for the Mets in 2025, then something has gone terribly wrong. And last to mention are the prospects. Christian Scott (technically not a prospect anymore) is expected to miss the entire 2025 season recovering from Tommy John Surgery, though the sparks of talent he showed in 2024 make him an interesting candidate to slot in the 2026 rotation. The same could be said of top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat, who has big arm talent but was pretty bad in seven starts in Syracuse last season. Much like with Covey and Kranick, it’s probably best for the Mets if they don’t see MLB action this season. Especially Scott. No baseball for him just yet!
Former Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson returns to San Francisco on Monday, leading the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, owners of the NBA's best record, into a showdown with the host Warriors. Atkinson, in his first season at the helm for Cleveland, spent three seasons working alongside Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, including in the Warriors' 2021-22 championship-winning campaign. Atkinson introduced a high-tempo offensive approach in Cleveland akin to Golden State's signature style, and it has paid immediate dividends for the Cavaliers. They come into Golden State on a six-game winning streak and winners in 10 of 11 after opening a four-game, Western Conference road swing on Friday with a 149-135 win over the Denver Nuggets. The 149 points marked the season high for a Cleveland offense producing 122.7 points per game, second-most in the league. Friday's victory also showcased the Cavaliers' scoring balance, with Donovan Mitchell's 33 points leading four players who notched at least 22. Mitchell's 23.6 points per game lead Cleveland, Darius Garland is putting up 20.6 ppg, and Evan Mobley is averaging 18.8. A key to Cleveland's potent offense -- and a quality similar to that of the Golden State teams which Atkinson coached -- has been the Cavaliers' 3-point shooting. They hit 23 triples in Denver and head into Monday's contest making 16.3 attempts per game. "Don't leave me open. Don't leave nobody open on our team," Mobley told Cleveland.com. "(With) the depth of our team, everybody can shoot. Also, our shot quality is one of the tops so we're not just forcing 3s, we're taking the good ones night in and night out." That shot quality shows up in Cleveland averaging a league-leading 40.9 percent from beyond the arc. Golden State comes into Monday's contest not far behind Cleveland in 3-pointers made per game with 15, but the Warriors' percentage lingers around the middle of the NBA at 36.2. Two-time Most Valuable Player Steph Curry is shooting 40.6 percent from outside, but his 4.2 made per game are on pace to be his fewest in a full season since 2017-18. But with Curry averaging a team-leading 22.5 points per game, Golden State is seeking more scoring options to step up alongside him in the Warriors' push for the postseason. Following the Warriors' 109-105 win over Phoenix on Saturday that put them above .500 after a stretch losing six of seven, Draymond Green told reporters that Golden State is looking for more contributions from Buddy Hield in particular. "We need Buddy Hield to play great, we need Buddy Hield to make shots," Green said. "It's simple. We're 16-15. We don't love this. So do we just keep doing the same thing and sit back on our hands, 'Oh, it's going to change at some point.' Or do we make a change?" Hield went from Philadelphia to Golden State in an offseason trade and is scoring 12.9 points per game while shooting almost 40 percent from behind the arc. Jonathan Kuminga has provided offensive punch for Golden State in the last two outings, improving his season scoring average to 16.7 ppg with back-to-back 34-point efforts on Friday against the Clippers and in the win over Phoenix. "This is exactly what we're looking for, and it's fun to see him deliver," Kerr said of Kuminga. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.CBP Uncovers 22,000 Fake Vehicle Inspection Stickers Worth Over $1.4M!
From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turnNone
( MENAFN - Gulf Times) In recent years, the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has gained significant attention from the international community, including the UN and the G20, as a new policy paradigm for development. But understanding the risks of DPI is crucial to ensuring that its potential benefits materialise. The risks stem from the fact that“digital public infrastructure” lacks a clear definition. The term encompasses the many digital technologies that serve as economic and social infrastructure, from digital identification and payment systems to data exchanges and health services. As a policy initiative, though, DPI refers to a vague vision of using these technologies to serve the public interest. This could result in the Internet and technological innovation working for everyone – or just as easily turn them into tools for political control. In discussions about DPI, policymakers often point to cases that highlight how technology and connectivity can spur development. They frequently cite India's Unified Payments Interface, which has expanded financial inclusion and reduced the costs of digital transactions for its hundreds of millions of users. It is also understood that such infrastructure is to be built with Digital Public Goods (DPGs), a concept that encompasses open-source software, open standards, and other non-proprietary components. This definition is partly intended to position DPIs as being“for the public” but also to enhance competition and mitigate concentrations of power in the global digital economy. Lastly, proponents point out that DPI could bolster international co-operation, particularly as the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) approaches. This important UN initiative has provided the framework for countries to collaborate on digital development. Although authoritarian states have previously sought to assert greater control over the Internet's governance during these negotiations, a focus on promoting DPI could avoid this politicised debate and instead foster a constructive agenda to bridge digital divides. But basing policy on such an ill-defined concept poses significant risks. Ideally, governments would convene other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for DPI and safeguard users' rights and interests. It is easy to imagine, however, that some governments will place their own interests above civil liberties and fundamental rights, using this infrastructure for surveillance and targeting in the name of law enforcement or national security. An especially pernicious example could involve the monitoring and regulation of individual behaviour through dystopian social-credit systems. Moreover, while many proponents hope that DPI could chip away at Big Tech's outsize power, it has also been associated with narratives of digital sovereignty that could contribute to the Internet's fragmentation – a systemic threat to global communications. For example, one can imagine scenarios in which some governments challenge the multi-stakeholder model for governing global Internet resources like IP addresses and domain names on the grounds that they constitute DPIs. The policy vision of DPI will continue to evolve, and ongoing discussions, it is hoped, will help identify and clarify further opportunities and risks. Initiatives such as the UN's Universal DPI Safeguards Framework, which seeks to establish guardrails for DPI, are a promising start. But much more must be done. For example, the UN's framework has recognised the need for continuous learning to ensure that the right safeguards are in place. As the concept of DPI gains traction in the UN system and other multilateral organisations, vigorous and informed debate regarding its potential advantages – and pitfalls – will be essential. With clear-cut policy guidelines and protections, we can help prevent these technologies from becoming tools for surveillance and repression, ensure that everyone benefits from the burgeoning digital economy, and keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. – Project Syndicate MENAFN23122024000067011011ID1109025649 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2024 / LQWD Technologies Corp. (TSXV:LQWD)(OTCQB:LQWDF) ("LQWD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement financing of CDN$3,000,000 (the "Private Placement"), which was previously announced on November 15, 2024. Under the Private Placement, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,000,000 units of the Company at a price of CDN$1.50 per unit to raise gross proceeds of CDN$3,000,000. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant is exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of CDN$2.00 per share at any time up to 18 months following the closing date of the Private Placement. The shares and warrants from the Private Placement are subject to a 4 month hold period before becoming free trading. If the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is equal to or greater than CDN$2.50 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving written notice that the warrants will expire on the date that is not less than 10 days from the date notice is provided by the Company to the warrant holder. The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for, but are not limited to, continuing to expand LQWD's Lightning Network business, additional Bitcoin purchases, and general working capital purposes. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company did not pay a finder's fee. Alex Guidi, a non-executive director of the Company, and 210K Capital LP, a significant shareholder of the Company, participated in the Private Placement by purchasing 247,666 units and 256,333 units for aggregate subscription prices of $371,499 and $384,500, accordingly. Also, an Affiliate of 210K Capital LP, Beach Chair 615 LLC, participated in the Private Placement by purchasing 188,667 units for an aggregate subscription price of $283,000. Therefore, the Private Placement constitutes a "related party transaction" for the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval under MI 61-101 as the fair market value of each insider's participation in the Private Placement does not exceed more than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as set forth in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. About LQWD Technologies Corp. LQWD is a Canadian-based, publicly traded company focused on expanding Lightning Network transaction infrastructure to enable instant, low-cost, internet-powered payments. The Company is committed to delivering enterprise-ready solutions for open payments at scale using the Lightning Network. For further information: Ashley Garnot, Director Phone: 1.604.669.0912 Email: ashley@lqwd.money Website: www.lqwdtech.com X: @LQWDTech Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Units, nor shall there be any sale of the Units in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Units being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. SOURCE: LQWD Technologies Corp. View the original on accesswire.com
Mary Magdalene may have been identified among the 300 tangled figures depicted in Michelangelo’s celebrated Sistine Chapel masterpiece after a centuries-long hunt. Sara Penco, an Italian art restorer, said her research suggested that a blonde woman in The Last Judgment artwork, who is depicted kissing a wooden cross held by a figure said to be Jesus Christ, was the famous female disciple. “I am firmly convinced that this is Mary Magdalene ... the intimacy with the cross, the yellow dress and the blonde hair but also the whole context in which Michelangelo places this figure to underscore her importance,” Penco told a media conference in Rome on December 10. Art experts have long tried to identify the wide-eyed woman who appears in the far right-hand corner of the fresco on the wall behind the Vatican chapel’s altar. However, Penco, who specialises in Renaissance and baroque art, said her research should finally put an end to the mystery. She said: “The fresco was screaming that something was missing. Michelangelo was an expert painter, he was very cultured, he was someone who knew the dynamics of the church very well, he knew the gospels, and he could not have forgotten her.” Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome. Credit: Eric Nathan / Alamy Stock Photo Mary Magdalene, according to the gospel, was one of Christ’s loyal disciples who accompanied him as he spread his message. Once portrayed as a repentant prostitute, she is now widely regarded as a saint by Catholic and other Christian faiths.New Syria PM calls for 'stability and calm'
Article content WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favours the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Laura Loomer, the conspiracy theorist and Trump surrogate, as well as other far right accounts are pushing the idea that Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-born, US citizen who was selected to advise Trump on AI policy is not fit for the job seemingly because he was born in India. pic.twitter.com/rInKGOQ9er Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Nobody can afford to live off of $70,000 a year in today’s America. Stop crying about declining birth rates when you want us to live like a bunch of welfare queens. Can’t have a family and keep having more kids while making $70,000 a year and also working 80 hours a week.... pic.twitter.com/l11g1KEMql Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks, whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government, weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect, was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration, including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club, and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
Jimmy Carter, former US president, dies at 100
World leaders and US politicians reacted to news that former US President Jimmy Carter, who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died at age 100 . US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well." US vice president Kamala Harris "President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith in God, in America, and in humanity. Jimmy Carter's life is a testament to the power of service as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion." US incoming president Donald Trump "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers." President George W Bush "Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family. James Earl Carter, Junior, was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." Former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton "From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity, he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." Egypt president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi "In this moment of sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former American President Jimmy Carter, as well as to the President and the people of the United States of America. His significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world's most prominent leaders in service to humanity." US secretary of state Antony Blinken "Throughout decades of public service, President Carter embodied integrity, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the freedom, security, and welfare of others. He channelled that spirit in his foreign policy, from negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to its host nation, to developing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union. And he brought it to his every exchange and conversation, from heads of state to ordinary citizens. President Carter also showed us what can be achieved through tireless and principled diplomacy, mediating a landmark deal with Israel and Egypt that helped forge peace between two nations that had spent decades at war. His efforts are an important reminder of what's possible, especially amidst renewed conflict and suffering in the region." Canada prime minister Justin Trudeau "Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former President and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come." Panama president Jose Raul Mulino "I offer my condolences to the family and to the people and Government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His stint in the White House was marked by difficult times, and were crucial for Panama in negotiating and signing the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which transferred the (Panama) Canal into Panamanian hands and made our country truly sovereign. May his soul rest in peace." Venezuelan government of president Nicolas Maduro "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regrets the death of former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, and extends its most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Former President Carter was a man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue. His contributions to global politics and his dedication to peace have left an indelible mark on the world." French president Emmanuel Macron "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people." Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese "President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the Presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter's legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted." Incoming US vice president JD Vance "Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace." US senate majority leader Chuck Schumer "Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality." British prime minister Keir Starmer "I was very sorry to hear of President Carter's passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace prize. Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad." US senator Mitch McConnell "Elaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter. President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most." US house speaker Mike Johnson "Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carter's story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace." US senator Mark Warner "President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home." US senate majority whip Dick Durbin "Jimmy Carter proved that excellence in public service can extend beyond the White House. His life was an inspiration to those of us who aspire to lead a life of service." -ReutersCoote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to. The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s***”. He then describes Klopp as a “c***”, and, asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” and had accused him of lying. “I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f****** arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,” Coote said. Later in the video, Coote again refers to Klopp, this time as a “German c***”. The Football Association opened its own investigation into that video, understood to be centred on that last comment and whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote’s contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.