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Reuters-Legal

Title: Man Charged with Murder in West Virginia National Guard Shooting

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

A‍ man suspected ‌of fatally ‍shooting a National Guard member ‌in Maryland is expected to face murder charges,‍ a U.S. attorney announced Monday. The suspect, identified‌ as⁣ 38-year-old Kristofer Kelley of Owings Mills, allegedly shot 21-year-old Ethan Rivera on Sunday in‌ baltimore County.

The shooting has prompted heightened security concerns and a swift response from law enforcement, as authorities investigate the ⁣motive behind the⁣ attack and its potential connection to the victim’s military service. Rivera was off-duty at the time of the shooting, and the incident has shaken the Maryland National Guard community. Kelley‍ is currently in custody and further details regarding the⁣ charges are anticipated.

According to a ⁣statement from U.S. Attorney Erek Barron, Kelley will be charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses.The shooting ⁤occurred around 5:30⁤ p.m. Sunday in‌ the 7700 block of Liberty⁢ Road in‌ Randallstown, Maryland.‍

Baltimore County ⁢Police responded to reports of a⁣ shooting and found Rivera with a gunshot wound. He was ⁣transported ⁢to⁤ a local ⁢hospital where he later died. Kelley was apprehended shortly after ⁣the incident following⁣ a search⁤ involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

“We are committed to ensuring that justice is⁣ served in this case,” Barron said in a press release. “The ⁤loss of a young life‍ is always tragic,and we extend our deepest condolences to the Rivera family.”

The maryland National Guard confirmed ⁤rivera was a member of the 175th Cyber Operations ⁢Group. Maryland Governor Wes ‍Moore ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rivera.

The examination is ongoing,⁣ and authorities are urging anyone with information to come ⁣forward. The case is‍ being prosecuted by ⁣the U.S. Attorney’s ‌Office for the District of Maryland.

November 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

Apollo, other firms accused of of blocking debt refinancing in US antitrust lawsuit

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 25, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Apollo Global Management and‌ several other firms are facing‍ an antitrust lawsuit alleging they systematically blocked ‌debt refinancing deals, inflating borrowing costs for companies and enriching themselves, the U.S.Department of Justice announced Thursday. The DOJ alleges ⁢the firms, which include Vista Credit Partners and Ares Management, colluded to avoid competing with each other⁣ when providing financing to companies seeking to refinance ⁤existing debt, effectively creating a cartel.

The lawsuit centers on “club deals” – ‌privately‌ negotiated ‍loan agreements – where the ⁤firms allegedly‍ agreed not to pursue deals that would⁢ undercut each other, resulting in higher interest rates and stricter terms‍ for borrowers. The DOJ contends this practice harmed businesses across various sectors, increasing financial strain and potentially hindering growth.The complaint alleges these actions violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The firms accused – Apollo, Vista, Ares, and ‍others – are major players in the private credit market, managing billions of dollars in assets. According to the DOJ, the alleged conspiracy spanned from at least 2018⁤ and involved dozens of deals. The‌ department seeks to halt the alleged anti-competitive ‌practices and is pursuing civil penalties.

“american companies rely on competitive ⁢credit markets to invest and grow,” said Assistant Attorney General jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division‌ in ⁢a statement. “The⁤ Department will vigorously enforce the antitrust laws ‍to ensure that private credit firms compete fairly and do not ⁤exploit borrowers.”

The lawsuit details instances where⁣ the firms allegedly discussed and coordinated their approach to potential deals,sometimes explicitly agreeing ‌to “pass” on opportunities to avoid ‌bidding wars. In one ‌example cited in the complaint, Apollo allegedly informed Vista that it would ⁤not pursue a refinancing deal for a specific company, allowing Vista to⁢ proceed with‍ more favorable terms.

Apollo, Vista, and Ares have all ⁤denied the allegations and stated their ‍intention to vigorously defend themselves against the lawsuit. “Apollo is confident that the facts will demonstrate that the firm acted lawfully and in the best interests of its clients‌ and the borrowers it serves,” a spokesperson for Apollo said in a statement.Vista and Ares issued similar statements asserting their commitment to fair competition.

the case is being closely watched by industry observers, as it could have significant ⁣implications‌ for the ⁤rapidly ⁣growing private credit market. A prosperous outcome for the DOJ could lead to‍ increased scrutiny of lending practices and potentially reshape ‍the landscape of corporate finance. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to prevent future anti-competitive conduct and monetary damages for affected borrowers.

November 25, 2025 0 comments

Health

Exclusive: Americans waiting for Obamacare subsidies delay or drop health insurance

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 24, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Millions of Americans are ⁢delaying or forgoing health insurance ‍coverage despite being eligible ‍for significant subsidies⁣ under the Affordable⁢ Care ⁢Act (ACA),a Reuters examination⁤ has found. the delays, stemming from persistent issues with the Biden ⁣administration’s rollout of enhanced financial assistance, are leaving individuals uninsured and potentially facing ‌notable medical ⁢debt.

The problems center⁤ on inaccurate ⁣income ⁢projections used to calculate subsidy amounts, leading‍ to⁤ unexpectedly⁤ high premiums⁤ for some ⁤and delayed ⁣processing for others. while the administration ⁢aimed ‌to make health⁢ insurance more affordable, the ‍flawed implementation is creating new barriers to‍ access, particularly‍ for lower-income individuals⁣ and families.⁤ This disruption threatens to undermine ‌the⁢ ACA’s ⁢goal of expanding coverage and could have ripple effects‌ on the healthcare ⁣system and upcoming elections.

the issues began surfacing ⁤in early ⁤2024 as⁤ Americans began enrolling in‍ plans ⁤for the current year. Many discovered their expected monthly premiums were far higher than anticipated after⁣ the government underestimated their income, resulting in reduced subsidies. Others experienced significant delays – some‍ waiting months – for their applications to be processed,leaving them without‌ coverage during critical periods.

“I was shocked when ⁣I saw ⁢the premium,” said Maria ⁤Rodriguez,⁢ a self-employed ⁤graphic designer in‍ Phoenix, Arizona. “It was almost ⁤$600 a month, even with the subsidy. I just couldn’t afford it, so I had to let my coverage lapse.” Rodriguez,who earns $35,000 annually,had previously received a subsidy that lowered her monthly premium to around $150.

The ⁢Centers for Medicare‌ & ‌Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees⁤ the ACA marketplaces, ‍acknowledged the ⁤problems and attributed them to “unforeseen challenges”⁤ related to the implementation of the enhanced subsidies authorized by the Inflation Reduction act. A CMS⁢ spokesperson stated the agency is “working diligently” to resolve the issues and has implemented several fixes, including increased staffing and‌ improved data processing.

Though, interviews with ‌over ⁤two dozen individuals, insurance brokers, and healthcare advocates reveal the problems persist. ⁣Brokers report‍ spending ⁤hours‍ on hold with CMS trying to resolve ⁢discrepancies in ⁤subsidy calculations.Advocates are fielding a ⁢surge of calls ⁤from frustrated consumers facing ‌coverage⁣ gaps or ⁣unaffordable premiums.

“We’re seeing a lot of people who are ⁤eligible for significant subsidies‍ but are getting stuck in a bureaucratic nightmare,” said Sarah Miller, a healthcare ‌advocate with the non-profit ‌group Families ‌USA. ”It’s incredibly disheartening, especially for those who have been uninsured⁢ in the past and were finally able to get coverage through the ACA.”

The‌ delays and inaccuracies are particularly concerning given the⁤ upcoming ‍November⁣ elections. Healthcare remains a top issue for ⁣voters, and the Biden ‌administration’s handling of the⁣ ACA could become ‍a focal point of political debate.

According to data analyzed‌ by Reuters,approximately 2.5 million Americans are currently receiving enhanced subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act. ⁣The number of individuals affected by the implementation issues is difficult to determine precisely,⁤ but brokers and advocates estimate‌ it could be⁣ in⁣ the tens of thousands.

CMS officials say they are committed to ensuring all eligible Americans receive ⁢the financial⁤ assistance they deserve. They are urging consumers⁢ experiencing problems to contact their⁢ insurance brokers or the HealthCare.gov call center for assistance. ‍However, ‍for many, the damage ⁤is already done, leaving⁢ them vulnerable to financial hardship and without the ⁣peace of mind that comes with health insurance coverage.

November 24, 2025 0 comments

News

Title: Judge Slams Colleagues Over Blocked Texas Congressional Map

by David Harrison – Chief Editor November 20, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

A federal judge ‌sharply criticized his colleagues on a three-judge panel for halting the implementation of‍ a Texas congressional map that he believes would ⁤have⁣ increased representation for minority⁢ voters. Judge Jerry Smith, in a ⁢dissenting opinion issued Friday, accused the majority of prioritizing procedural concerns over the potential for fairer elections.

The map, initially approved by a district court, was blocked by the Fifth Circuit Court of appeals on Thursday pending further review. Smith argued the pause effectively maintains a map he‌ contends illegally diminishes the voting power of racial minorities in Texas, a state gaining critically important population.The case centers on allegations that the existing map violates the Voting ‌Rights Act by diluting⁤ the influence of Hispanic voters. The Supreme Court will now consider whether to allow the⁤ new map⁣ to be used in the upcoming 2024‌ elections, with a decision⁣ expected soon.

The dispute arises from the redrawing of texas’ 38 congressional districts following the 2020 census. Civil rights groups and the Department of Justice sued,arguing the map ‍created by the Republican-controlled state legislature intentionally weakened minority voting strength. The district court found evidence of discriminatory intent in the map’s creation, specifically regarding the drawing of districts in ‌the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston. ‍

The court ordered the legislature to create two additional districts where minority⁢ voters would⁤ have a greater opportunity to elect their preferred candidates. The blocked map complied with that order.The majority on the Fifth circuit, though, stayed the lower court’s ruling, ⁣citing‍ concerns about the proximity ‍to the election and the potential for disruption.

Smith ‌countered that delaying the ‍implementation of the ⁣new map ‌would perpetuate what he views as an ongoing violation of ‌the Voting Rights Act. He wrote that the majority’s decision “disregards the importance of allowing minority voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote in an⁣ election that is fair and representative.” The case is EveryVote Action Fund v. Abbott, No. 23-5083, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

November 20, 2025 0 comments

World

Italian Court Approves Handover of Ukrainian Nord Stream Suspect to Germany

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 19, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Rome, Italy – Italy’s highest court on Thursday approved the extradition‍ of‌ a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the ⁣2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions‌ to Germany, paving the way for‌ his potential‌ trial there. The suspect, identified as ⁤Andriy Melnyk, was arrested⁢ in ⁣Germany ⁢earlier‍ this ⁣year ⁤and an international arrest warrant was issued,‍ leading to his subsequent arrest in Italy.

The handover marks a ⁣significant step in the ongoing investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, critical infrastructure transporting natural gas from Russia to⁣ Europe. The incident, which occurred in September 2022, caused⁣ ample environmental damage and heightened energy security concerns across the continent. Germany is leading the investigation, believing the attacks were a deliberate act of sabotage with perhaps ⁣far-reaching geopolitical implications. Melnyk is suspected of procuring ⁤equipment⁤ used in the operation, though details‍ remain under ⁣seal as the investigation continues. His extradition allows German authorities to pursue prosecution and potentially uncover‌ further details about the ⁤planning and execution of the pipeline damage.

November 19, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Whirlpool sues to block Samsung, LG microwave imports in patent dispute

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 19, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Whirlpool has filed a lawsuit with the U.S. International Trade Commission‍ seeking to halt‍ imports ⁤of microwave ovens from Samsung and‍ LG Electronics, ‌alleging patent infringement. The complaint, filed Tuesday, centers on technology related to inverter technology used in the ⁤appliances.

The dispute impacts a significant segment ⁤of ‌the U.S. microwave market, potentially disrupting supply‍ and pricing for consumers. ⁤Whirlpool asserts that Samsung and LG have been unlawfully utilizing its patented⁤ inverter technology,which‌ improves efficiency and cooking performance. A ruling in Whirlpool’s favor could lead to import ‌bans,forcing the ⁤South Korean companies to redesign their microwave⁣ products or seek licensing agreements.

According to the complaint, Whirlpool’s patents cover key aspects of inverter technology used to power microwave ovens, allowing for more precise and efficient heating. The‌ company ⁣claims ⁢Samsung’s and LG’s microwaves ‌infringe on these patents, giving them an unfair competitive advantage.

“Whirlpool has made substantial investments in developing innovative microwave oven⁢ technology,”⁣ a⁢ company spokesperson stated. “We will ‍vigorously protect our intellectual property rights.”

The U.S. International Trade Commission will investigate the claims and determine whether a violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 ⁢has occurred. This law allows U.S. companies to seek⁢ relief from unfair competition resulting from patent infringement⁤ by imported goods. ‍

The inquiry is expected ⁣to take approximately 18 ⁢months, with a final decision potentially leading to import ⁣bans or cease-and-desist orders. ⁢Samsung and‌ LG have⁢ not yet publicly ⁤commented on the‌ lawsuit. Blake Brittain of Reuters reports that the case is Whirlpool Corp. v. Samsung‌ Electronics ‍Co. Ltd. et al., U.S. International ‍Trade Commission, 2024-0011.

November 19, 2025 0 comments

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