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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Trace Adkins shares the holiday video for ‘Naughty List’

Trace Adkins has shared the lighthearted holiday video for “Naughty List,” directed by Mike Stryker and co-produced by Greg Baker, Jason Fridenstine, and Andrew Rozario. The comical video features cameos from the legendary acts Vision in Red, Victoria Pratt, and their adorable furry family member, Gary.

“Naughty List” — co-written by Adkins with Monty Criswell and Derek George and produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George — — puts Adkins’ sense of humor in the spotlight.

See the video for ‘Naughty List’ – HERE.

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‘Superman’ teaser trailer shares first look at Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane

DC shared the first official teaser trailer for the new film Superman, a reboot of the ‘Superman’ film series based on the DC Comics character. The film is written, directed and produced by James Gunn (‘Guardians of the Galaxy)

Superman stars David Corenswet as the titular Kal-El – aka Clark Kent, a mid-20s journalist for the Daily Planet who is secretly Superman, a Kryptonian with superhuman powers. The trailer showcases Superman (Corenswet), his colleague and love interest Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), his archenemy Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan).

Warner Bros. and Gunn previously shared a short teaser for the film, that shows Superman soaring into the sky as crowds of people look up and marvel, and Brosnahan’s Lois Lane staring at what appears to be a live feed inside the Daily Planet newsroom. surrounded by Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), and Ron Troupe (Christopher McDonald).

Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025; see the trailer: HERE.

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Queen Latifah to host the 47th Kennedy Center Honors

CBS  and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced that Queen Latifah will serve as host of the 47th Kennedy Center Honors, airing at 8:30 p.m. EST on CBS and Paramount+ on Dec. 22. Latifah was among the recipients of the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors.

The Kennedy Center Honors gala, taking place at Washington’s Kennedy Center Opera House Dec. 8, “recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts, including music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television. Honorees are confirmed by the executive committee of the Center’s board of trustees. While the accolades are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement, the selection process has produced balance among various disciplines over the years.”

This year’s celebrated artists at the annual gala include Francis Ford Coppola, the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt and Arturo Sandoval. The Apollo Theater will also be honored.

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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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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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Jason Isbell to embark on 2025 solo tour

Jason Isbell will embark on a solo 2025 tour that will feature the country artist playing theaters and music halls in the United States without his usual band, the 400 Unit.

“An Intimate Evening with Jason Isbell” kicks off in Chicago, Illinois on February 15th, after which Isbell will travel the east coast for a number of shows in New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, DC. A string of west coast dates will include two evenings at the iconic Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles. as well as three nights in his home city of Nashville before wrapping up in Atlanta.

Isbell recently wrapped his latest residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, which featured appearances from Alice Randall, Caitlin and Liz Rose, and Iris Dement for a celebration of his latest album, Live From The Ryman Vol. 2.

Tickets for “An Intimate Evening with Jason Isbell” are available via Ticketmaster or Isbell’s website.

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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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