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UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione waives extradition, facing federal charges in New York

Luigi Mangione, the suspect indicted in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, waived his right to an extradition hearing during an appearance in court in Blair County, Pennsylvania and was transported via plane and helicopter to New York on Thursday afternoon to face federal charges. Mangione, 26, had appeared Thursday morning in Blair County, Pennsylvania, for a preliminary hearing, where he waived extradition and was subsequently taken into the custody of the NYPD.

Mangione was arrested on Dec. 9 in Pennsylvania after nearly a week on the run, he faces charges including allegedly possessing an untraceable ghost gun. Mangione had a 9 mm handgun with a 3D-printed receiver, a homemade silencer, two ammunition magazines and live cartridges when apprehended, prosecutors said.

Mangione has been charged in a four-count federal criminal complaint with stalking, murder through the use of a firearm and a firearms offense involving a silencer.  He is accused of gunning down Thompson outside a Hilton hotel on Dec. 4 as the UnitedHealthcare CEO headed to an investors conference.

In New York, Mangione is also charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one of which is charged as killing as an act of terrorism; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.

The federal charges could make Mangione eligible for the death penalty. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted of the state charges. Mangione will be remanded into custody at MDC Brooklyn, the same federal lockup where Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently jailed.

Mangione’s New York lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said in a statement: “The federal government’s reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.”

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Former chief advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with bribery, money laundering

A former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on bribery and money-laundering charges, along with her son.

Prosecutors on Thursday accused Ingrid Lewis-Martin, aformer chief adviser to Adams, of using her City Hall influence to help a hotel chain with construction plans. Lewis-Martin, who resigned her position on Sunday, was seen entering the lower Manhattan office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg early Thursday morning.

Lewis-Martin, was indicted along with her son Glenn Martin II and two real estate investors, Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi. All the defendants were charged with Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. Vaid and Dwivedi are charged with Bribery in the First Degree, while Lewis-Martin and Martin III are charged with Bribe Receiving in the First Degree and Money Laundering in the Third Degree.

According to a statement by Bragg, Lewis-Martin “engaged in a long-running bribery, money laundering and conspiracy scheme by using her position and authority… and to illegally influence Department of Buildings and other city decisions in exchange for more than $100,000 in cash and benefits for herself and her son, Glenn Martin II.”

Bragg told reporters: “The indictment unsealed today can be summarized in three words — quid pro quo. Today’s indictment alleges and portrays a clear picture: ‘You do this for me and I will do that for you.’ It was not what is in the best interest of the city of New York and those who live here.”

Lewis-Martin, 63, has been one of the mayor’s closest confidants throughout his political career, serving in senior roles under Adams over the past nearly two decades.  Adams himself was indicted by a federal grand jury three months ago on bribery, campaign finance and conspiracy charges, in which the mayor was accused of allegedly received lavish gift and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, including from Turkish interests to help that government bypass New York City safety guidelines to open a new consulate building.

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Jelly Roll shares video for ‘Run It’ from ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ film

Jelly Roll has released a new, original song for the upcoming film Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which premieres Dec. 20. The Instagram account for the Sonic film posted: “RUN IT with Jelly Roll and #SonicMovie3. 🔥 Listen now!”

Jelly Roll co-wrote “Run It” with collaborators including OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, DJ David Guetta, and songwriter Sean Cook, who co-produced the track as well. The song marks Jelly Roll’s first collaboration with Tedder and Guetta.

In the newly-released visual for ‘Run It’, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles race around an arena prior to Jelly Roll’s performance of the song, with the video sharing footage in the recording studio and scenes from the upcoming film. Later, Jelly Roll transforms into a video game avatar of himself, accompanied by Shadow, with collaborators David Guetta and stars Jim Carrey, James Marsden, and Tika Sumpter also making cameo appearances. Check out the video: HERE.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters Dec. 20; take a listen to ‘Run It’ – HERE.

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BTS’ Jin shares video for ‘Running Wild’ from new solo album

BTS member Jin has released the video for ‘Running Wild’, taken from his first solo album Happy. Happy features six tracks, including the main track “Running Wild” as well as “I’ll Be There,” “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window” (with Wendy), and “I Will Come to You.”

Per a press release, Happy “explores Jin’s journey to discover true happiness. Throughout the album, Jin candidly and wholeheartedly shares a range of emotions, such as love, excitement, and courage—essential ingredients to reaching true happiness.”

The “Running Wild” video shows Jin and his dog enjoying a day in sunny California– as a disaster destroys the world around them. Jin also previously dropped the music video for “I’ll Be There,” which opens with Jin singing with a band under a bridge. The music video ends with Jin playing air guitar, dancing, and running around the vast, sunlit street by himself in a moment of sheer joy.

Jin also recently dropped the full version of the viral hit, “Super Tuna,” an extended rendition of the original track released in 2021. The release followed Jin’s performance of the track at 2024 BTS Festas, which took place in June in celebration of BTS’ debut anniversary.  See the video for Super Tuna: HERE.

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Police launching investigation after 5 family members are found dead in Utah home

Police are launching an investigation after five family members, including three children, were found dead in a home in Utah on Tuesday. Another minor, age 17, was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound; authorities said that the victims were all shot to death.

A concerned family member discovered the injured 17-year-old boy in the garage of the home Tuesday afternoon, which led to the discovery of the five bodies. The family member had grown concerned after not being able to contact the woman who lived at the residence for some time, and police were dispatched to the house. However, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside and found no emergency. The next day, the family member returned to the house after the woman who lived there failed to show up for work, and gained entrance to the residence via the garage, where she found the injured 17-year-old boy.

According to Roxeanne Vainuku, a spokesperson for the West Valley City Police Department, the deceased victims have been identified as a 42-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, an 11-year-old boy, 9-year-old girl and a 2-year-old girl. The circumstances surrounding the deaths were unclear as of Wednesday, and Vainuku said at a news conference:  “Absolutely horrific. This is something that certainly will weigh heavily on investigators in this case,” adding that authorities do not believe there is a suspect on the loose, and believe the shooting is something that was “isolated to this home.”

According to CBS affiliate KUTV, Vainuku said that due to the fact the 17-year-old “is injured and he’s in the hospital, there are some challenges in communicating with him and finding out more information. In any case where people have died, loved ones have been lost, we want to make sure that we do the most absolute thorough job possible so that we can bring justice to the victims.”

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1 person killed, nine others hospitalized in Maryland mass shooting

A shooting in Baltimore County, Maryland, Tuesday left one person dead and nine others wounded, police said.

Baltimore County Police Department officials responded to the area of Loch Raven Boulevard in Towson around 7:15 p.m. following multiple reports of a shooting, and confirmed in a post on X that the incident took place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, shortly before 7:15 p.m. local time. Baltimore County police wrote in an update on X: “9 people have been transported to area hospitals 1 person is deceased. Around 7:15 p.m. officers responded to the scene following multiple reports of a shooting. This is considered a mass shooting.”

The Baltimore Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to the scene, the agency confirmed to ABC News. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski called the event a shocking tragedy: “This type of violence is rare in Baltimore County. This is an incident that is shocking, particularly for those of us in Baltimore County. These types of incidents are really unheard of here, so it really shocks the conscience.”

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough later shared at a press conference that one person died at the scene and nine others were taken to local hospitals with injuries, and that authorities believe the incident was targeted: “When officers arrived, they found a vehicle on its side and in flames. Multiple victims were discovered, and the fire department was alerted to provide assistance. This appears to be intentional. We believe the individuals involved knew each other, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”

The investigation is still in its early stages. Police are trying to piece together what led to the crash and shooting. Evidence of gunfire was found on the façade of a nearby building, and shell casings were recovered from the area.

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Josh Groban teams with The War and Treaty for “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Josh Groban has teamed up with the country duo The War and Treaty for their version of the holiday classic, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

The visualizer features Groban and Michael and Tanya Trotter — the married couple who comprise The War and Treaty –  recording the song in the studio.

Groban shared in a statement he first met the couple at the Stand Up for Heroes benefit concert: “We pledged that we would find the right song to collaborate on and we’re so excited to sing a Christmas song we’ve all loved since we were little. We wanted to give it a new and fresh interpretation and I love what came out of it. Singing with them is an experience I’ll always cherish and hope everyone loves it as much as we did in the studio.”

Michael and Tanya added, “Josh Groban is our brother. [We] believe in this day and age people are looking for family connections. From the first moment we met it felt like we’d known one another forever. His voice is one to study and will be studied for generations to come. His class and dignity shine bright much like his character, but his smile and laughter is a smile you wanna always see and a laugh you want to always hear.”

The War and Treaty will also appear on Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidays, the upcoming CBS special that focuses on the joys of adoption and foster parenting. It airs Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and also features James Bay, Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly.

Listen to “Do You Hear What I Hear? – HERE.

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See the trailer for “One of Them Days” starring Keke Palmer and SZA

Sony has released the first trailer for “One of Them Days,” the buddy comedy pairing Keke Palmer and SZA, in her acting debut. Palmer and SZA first joined forces on “Saturday Night Live” in a December 2022 episode, which saw Palmer hosting, and SZA as musical guest.

Lawrence Lamont is directing the TriStar Pictures film from a script by Syreeta Singleton, which also features co-stars Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage and Amin Joseph.

Per the logline of the film, One of Them Days centers on best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who learn that Alyssa’s boyfriend has squandered their rent money. The pals must scramble to avoid eviction in a race against the clock, while also striving to keep their friendship intact.

SZA is coming off the success of her Grammy-nominated album Saturn, while Palmer’s recent projects includes the films Nope and Hustlers. She can be seen in the upcoming heist comedy The Pickup opposite Eddie Murphy and the Aziz Ansari-directed Good Fortune also starring Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves.

“One of Them Days” releases to theaters on Jan. 24; check out the trailer – HERE.

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Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect Rex Heuermann charged in seventh murder

The man accused of a string of serial killings in Gilgo Beach on Long Island, was charged with a seventh murder on Tuesday.

According to a superseding indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors charged the suspect, Rex Heuermann, in the November 2000 death of Valerie Mack, whose remains were found 24 years ago. Mack’s decapitated body in a wooded area of Manorville on Long Island on Nov. 19, 2000, with her remains bound with rope inside a black plastic bag which was wrapped with duct tape. Both of her hands had been severed from her body and one of her legs was cut off, according to a bail application that accompanied the new indictment. The rest of Mack’s remains were found more than a decade later, in April 2011, along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach.

Heuermann, a New York architect, has been charged in the deaths of six other women, all suspected sex workers, whose remains were discovered in a remote spot along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach and parts of eastern Long Island. Prosecutors said they linked Heuermann, 61, to Mack’s death in part through a mitochondrial DNA analysis of a female hair found on Mack’s body which matched the profiles of Heuermann’s wife and daughter. At the time of Mack’s murder, Heuermann’s daughter would have been between 3-4 years old. Heuermann was also linked to Mack’s death through evidence recovered on some of the 350 electronic devices they seized from him that include his “significant collection of violent, bondage and torture pornography” dating back to at least 1994.

Heuermann, 61, was charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with Mack’s death; he appeared in court on Tuesday shackled in a suit and told the judge, “Your honor, I am not guilty of any of these charges.” In June, Heuermann entered not-guilty pleas in the deaths of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. In July 2023, he was charged in the deaths of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman.

Judge Timothy Mazzei continued to hold Heuermann without bail. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said at a news conference Tuesday that Mack’s parents “are very grateful for the small bit of closure.”

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Motive of teen girl involved in Wisconsin school shooting remains under investigation

Officials in Madison, Wisconsin are trying to determine why a 15-year-old girl allegedly opened fire at her school, Abundant Life Christian School, on Monday, killing a fellow student and teacher before taking her own life from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police said on Tuesday were interviewing friends and family and examining the online presence of the shooter, identified by police as Natalie Rupnow, to determine what drove her to open fire in a classroom at her private Christian school.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said on Tuesday that investigators are looking into online posts and a possible manifesto that Rupnow, who also went by Samantha, may have left behind: “We have been made aware of a manifesto, if you want to call it that, or some type of letter that’s been posted by someone who alleged to be her friend.”  Barnes said they are also examining Rupnow’s cell phone and computer to see if there were any transmissions between her and someone else, and are looking into how the 15-year-old obtained a gun and whether her parents were negligent.

Barnes told ABC News on Tuesday that The suspect’s parents are cooperating with the investigation: “they were cooperative. Despite this tragedy, they still lost a child. They still lost a member of their family. It is certain that they have probably more questions than anyone because they knew her. They lived with her and so we wanted to get an account from them of what kind of child she was.”

Two students were hospitalized in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while another three students and a teacher suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

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