1. Luigi Mangione has officially been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Luigi is facing five charges. CNN reports that he was “charged with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of second-degree possession of a forged document, and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a firearm.” The Mangione family has broken their silence with a statement. “Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved. We are devastated by this news,” the family said. (CNN)
2. Small businesses and freelancers using payment platforms like Venmo and PayPal will face new IRS reporting requirements this tax season. Starting in 2024 the IRS will require businesses to report income from third-party payment apps if it exceeds $5,000 annually. That threshold will drop to $2,500 in 2025, and by 2026, any income over $600 will need to be reported. (WGME)
3. Two men were caught on camera taking off with a Christmas tree at a hotel in Rockland. The video shows the men unplugging the tree inside a hotel and heading out the door with it. The staff found it damaged, but still working. Police say they caught the suspects involved. (WGME)
4. Plans for another Carnaval Maine are on ice. The winter festival started in January 2020 on Portland’s Eastern Promenade. They previously said Carnaval Maine would return in December 2024, but the event has not materialized. Organizers are focusing their efforts on the Drive Fore Kids celebrity golf tournament in June instead. (PH)
5. Have A Bagel Day – Yes, please! Not to be confused w/ National Bagel Day which is in January.
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
