Stock Markets

Baltimore gun battle highlights surge in US mass shootings

Published

2 years ago

July 3, 2023

Baltimore gun battle highlights surge in US mass shootings

© Reuters. A police officer secures crime scene tape to a pole after a mass shooting at the scene of a Fourth of July holiday weekend block party in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. July 2, 2023 in a still image from video. REUTERS/Stringer

By Brendan O’Brien and Gabriella Borter

(Reuters) – A shooting at a holiday block party in Baltimore over the weekend that left two people dead and 28 injured highlights a sustained surge in mass shootings in the United States since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

As of Monday, 340 mass shootings have taken place across the country so far this year. At that pace, the United States will experience 679 mass shootings in 2023, the second most in a calendar year since 2014, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

In 2019, the year before the pandemic caused far-reaching changes in the way Americans work, play and interact with one another, the number of mass shootings reached 417, or about 61% fewer than the projected total for 2023.

Just after midnight on Sunday, gunfire erupted at the scene of an outdoor neighborhood block party in South Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes community. Fifteen of the injured victims were between the ages of 13 and 17, and the rest were over 17, Baltimore’s acting police commissioner Richard Worley told reporters on Monday. The two people killed were 18 and 20.

Seven people were still hospitalized on Monday, four of whom were in critical condition, officials said. Investigators have asked for the public’s help in tracking down multiple suspects. Police said they were concerned about retaliation for the shootings.

The rise in mass shootings over the last three years is partly due to the impact the pandemic has had on Americans, according to James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University.

“Lots of people are struggling, financially and emotionally, from the pandemic,” Fox said, adding that gun sales have increased since the beginning of COVID-19. “Then you also have the tremendous divisions now and polarization in our country.”

Gun ownership, guaranteed under the second amendment of the Constitution, is widespread in the United States, and it is a contentious political issue that heats up after particularly shocking shootings such the one that took place in Baltimore.

MAYOR CALLS FOR MORE GUN CONTROL

“This is the United States of America. This is our longest standing public health challenge,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a Monday news conference, urging more gun control at the national level.

“We pride ourselves on being the leaders of the free world, but we cannot seem to get to a point where we’re going to have the lives of American citizens meaning more than American citizens’ ability to have guns,” he said.

At the pace of the first half of this year, mass shootings over the 2023 calendar year would reach 679 or about double the 336 recorded in 2018. That would mark the second highest annual total over the last nine years, behind only the 690 recorded in 2021, according to data collected by the nonprofit group that tracks shootings.

The past weekend alone saw five other mass shootings, including one that wounded eight at a Wichita, Kansas, nightclub early on Sunday, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as any in which four or more people are wounded or killed, not including the shooter.

Among the deadliest mass shootings in 2023 was an attack in a Monterey Park, California, ballroom that left 11 people dead on Jan. 21 and another in Allen, Texas, where eight people were killed at a mall on May 6.

The definition of a mass shooting differs among organizations and media outlets that track gun violence.

For example, the online database Mass Shooting Tracker defines a mass shooting as any in which four or more are shot, including the shooter or shooters. The FBI defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are murdered with a gun.

Stock Markets

Binah Capital Recognized Among Industry Leaders in the Financial Planning’s Top Deal Makers List Top IBD Moves and M&A Deals of 2024

Published

1 hour ago

January 3, 2025

Recognition Underscores Binah’s Transformative Impact on the Financial Services Industry

NEW YORK, Jan. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Binah Capital Group, (NASDAQ: BCG) (“Binah” or the “Company”), a financial services enterprise that owns and operates a network of industry-leading firms empowering independent financial advisors, is honored to be recognized for its significant role in four of the most impactful financial transactions of the year, as featured in the Financial Planning’s premier “Top IBD Moves and M&A Deals of 2024” list. Through its affiliate, Binah Capital has solidified its position as a leader in driving transformative growth within the financial advisory sector. The highlighted transactions, in which a Binah subsidiary was involved, include Americana Partners, Merit Financial Advisors, Wentworth Management Services, and Perigon Wealth Management. These transactions exemplify Binah’s expertise in facilitating partnerships, scaling operations, and expanding market presence for its affiliates.

Craig Gould, CEO of Binah Capital, commented: These landmark transactions demonstrate Binah Capital’s dedication to empowering independent advisory firms with the strategies and tools needed to thrive in an evolving marketplace. Being recognized in the Financial Planning’s list, particularly in a year with significant industry consolidation, is a testament to the strength of our team and consistent execution of our vision.

This recognition highlights Binah Capital’s role as a transformative force in the financial services industry. The company remains committed to driving innovation and delivering strategic success for its affiliates and partners nationwide.

About Binah Capital
Binah Capital Group (NASDAQ: BCG) is a financial services enterprise that owns and operates a network of industry-leading firms that empower independent financial advisors. As a national broker-dealer aggregator, Binah specializes in delivering value through its innovative model, making it an optimal platform for RIAs navigating today’s complex financial landscape. Binah’s portfolio companies are built to help advisors run, manage, and execute their business seamlessly while providing best-in-class resources to support their practice. Binah Capital Group stands alongside RIAs as a trusted ally, delivering the structure, flexibility, and cutting-edge solutions they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Contacts
ir@binahcap.com
media@binahcap.com

Stock Markets

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group promotes Jeff Mumford to Executive Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing

Published

1 hour ago

January 3, 2025

TEMECULA, Calif., Jan. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group, part of Nikkiso Co. Ltd.’s Industrial Business segment, has appointed Jeff Mumford be its new Executive Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing, effective January 2, 2025. In this role, his responsibilities will include the oversight of global operations and manufacturing as well as management of corporate departments including IT, Facilities, Safety Health Environmental and Quality (SHEQ), and Project Management.

Mumford joined Nikkiso in 2016 as a project manager and has since been promoted several times into leadership roles including Procurement Director, Project Management Director and General Manager at the Group’s Las Vegas operations. During his tenure at Nikkiso Jeff has created efficiencies while continuing to grow the business.

Mumford has a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Linguistics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Jeff is a proven leader with an admirable dedication to continuous improvement. He is recognized for his ability to drive transformational change while maintaining focus on growing the business.

Adrian Ridge
President and CEO, Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group

About Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group
Nikkiso’s Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group is a leading provider of cryogenic equipment and solutions around the world. It facilitates the cryogenic and liquid side value chains of hydrogen, ammonia, CO2, LNG, and other industrial gases for the energy, transportation, marine, aerospace, and industrial gas markets while remaining independent of the molecule. The Group is headed by Cryogenic Industries, Inc. in Southern California, U.S. ” a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikkiso Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6376).

Media contact
pr@nikkisoceig.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9ce420b1-d6ab-4dc1-af1f-4858d989f1d6

Jeff Mumford promotion announcement EVP Operations and Manufacturing

Effective Jan. 2, 2025, Jeff Mumford is Executive Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing for Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases

Source: Cryogenic Industries

Stock Markets

Simon Property Group director Daniel Smith acquires $56,309 in stock

Published

1 hour ago

January 3, 2025

Daniel C. Smith, a director at Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE:), a $64.8 billion market cap retail REIT with a GREAT financial health score according to InvestingPro, recently acquired additional shares of the company’s common stock. According to a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Smith purchased 334 shares on December 30, 2024, at a price of $168.59 per share. This acquisition, valued at approximately $56,309, was made through the reinvestment of dividends received on restricted stock, as part of the Simon Property Group, L.P. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. The company currently offers a 4.88% dividend yield and has maintained dividend payments for 31 consecutive years. Following this transaction, Smith holds a total of 30,113 shares in the real estate investment trust. InvestingPro subscribers can access 8 additional key insights and a comprehensive analysis of Simon Property Group’s financial metrics.

In other recent news, Simon Property Group has seen noteworthy developments. The company’s third quarter performance showcased a solid financial and operational stance, with a real estate funds from operations (FFO) increase of 4.8% year-over-year to $3.05 per share, and a dividend hike to $2.10 per share, marking a 10.5% rise from the previous year. Despite a non-cash loss related to Klépierre exchangeable bonds, the company maintained strong occupancy rates and leasing momentum.

Analysts at Jefferies upgraded Simon Property Group’s stock from Hold to Buy, citing factors like the resilience of the consumer market and the company’s ability to convert temporary leases to permanent ones. Jefferies also projected a growth in the company’s occupancy rate to 96.7% by the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

However, Deutsche Bank (ETR:) initiated coverage on the company with a Hold rating, expressing concern over the impact of tariffs on trading multiples across the mall sector. This could potentially overshadow the company’s strong underlying business performance. These recent developments provide investors with a snapshot of Simon Property Group’s current position within the real estate market.

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