Latest news with #Bryant
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Here's How Much Kristi Noem Is Worth
Kristi Noem testified before a House committee in May about the Department of Homeland Security's budget Noem made headlines last month when a thief snatched her purse inside a Washington, D.C., restaurant and made off with $3,000 in cash, prompting a question: Exactly how much money does the homeland security secretary have? About $5 million, Forbes estimates, after analyzing property records and financial filings. The root of the fortune begins 1,200 miles away from the nation's capital, in eastern South Dakota, where waves of grain fill the landscape and houses pop up every once in a while. The family farm where Noem grew up sits outside of Hazel (population: 132), surrounded by cropland. Her current home lies in Castlewood (population: 698) on a 200-acre plot of ranchland. And in the tiny town of Bryant (population: 471) lies an unassuming, single-story office building that serves as the key to the Noem family's finances, housing her husband's Noem Insurance, which has generated $1.1 million in salary and profits for him over the past two years selling insurance policies on homes, cars, farms and lives. Bryon Noem, Kristi's husband, purchased the agency from a South Dakota bank in 2010. The cash flow seems to have taken off starting around 2015, when, on Noem's disclosures filed while she served in Congress, she reported that the income jumped from a range of $50,000-$100,000 in 2014 to $100,000-$1 million the following year, never falling back again. Today, Forbes estimates that, if Bryon were to sell his agency, he might get $2 million for it after debt. That makes it the single biggest chunk of the Trump Cabinet member's personal portfolio. Other major assets include a car wash co-owned by Bryon, their home and land, and an eclectic mix of Noem's pensions, multiple cash and investment accounts, livestock and farming equipment and a loan to their 28-year-old daughter's yoga studio. It all adds up to an estimated $5 million in wealth. The Department of Homeland Security did not return requests for comment. Reached by phone, Bryon disputed Forbes' valuation of Noem Insurance, but declined to answer further questions or elaborate. Born in 1971 to farmer-ranchers Ron and Corrine Arnold in Watertown, South Dakota, Kristi Noem raised animals during her childhood—including, as she recounted in an autobiography, raccoons, parakeets, a goat, a sheep, a miniature horse and 'a small herd' of between 20 and 30 cats. She married Bryon, whom she met in high school, in 1992. Tragedy struck in 1994 when, while Noem was in college and eight months pregnant, her father died in a farming accident. She stopped her classes to help keep the farm running. Meanwhile, she built a family with Bryon, adding three kids in a decade. They ran a hunting lodge attached to the farm, until Bryon began managing Bryant State Bank's insurance business in 2003. Three years later, the pair bought a 31-acre plot in Castlewood, South Dakota for $7,500, according to assessor records. There, they constructed the home they still live in today and, in 2008 and 2010, also purchased roughly 170 acres of neighboring plots to use as pastureland for grazing animals. Forbes estimates that the home and land together are worth about $1.1 million, before factoring in a roughly $200,000 mortgage against the house. The same year Noem moved to Castlewood, she won a seat in the South Dakota statehouse. 'I figured we needed someone in the legislature who was still active in agriculture and business,' Noem wrote in her first book. The part-time gig came with a salary of $12,000. Pierre, the state capital, was three hours away, but Noem lived with a family friend while in town for her first forty-day session. She befriended other Republicans in leadership, and, after winning another term in 2008, became assistant majority leader. In 2010, both Kristi and Bryon got promotions. He bought the insurance agency he managed, spinning it into Noem Insurance. She won South Dakota's only seat in the House of Representatives, beating back a speeding ticket scandal—she'd reportedly racked up almost two dozen over the years and hadn't paid all of them on time, leading to two arrest warrants—and ousting a Blue Dog Democrat in the Tea Party wave. Noem's brothers bought her out of her share of the farm and she headed off to Washington, where her new job came with a salary of $174,000. She served as a liaison between House Republican leadership and the sizable class of new GOP members, carved out a reputation for trying to protect federal farm subsidies and ultimately spent four terms in Congress, gaining a pension Forbes estimates is worth about $140,000 today. She also finally finished college while in office thanks to online classes, earning a political science degree from South Dakota State University in 2011. Noem, whose family had been impacted by the estate tax after her father's death, sought to repeal it while in Congress and supported the 2017 GOP tax bill that lowered it. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Noem's political ascent continued in 2018, when she won South Dakota's gubernatorial race, reducing her annual pay to $113,000. But the office helped build her national brand, and Noem soon began traveling widely to conservative events. A recent investigation by the Associated Press found that, while governor, taxpayers covered over $150,000 in travel expenses, mostly security costs, unrelated to her work as South Dakota's chief executive. While in office, Noem wrote two memoirs. 'Not My First Rodeo' came out in 2022 and flopped, selling around 700 print copies, according to Circana Bookscan, an industry data service. The second, 'No Going Back,' hit shelves in 2024 and attracted controversy for a now-infamous anecdote in which she describes killing a rambunctious 14-month-old dog after a pheasant hunting trip. With Noem reportedly under consideration for the VP slot on Trump's 2024 ticket at the time, she sold over 36,000 copies. Bryon also launched a new venture of his own during this time, buying a plot of land next to a Pierre Walmart in 2021 with a partner and building a car-wash on it; Forbes estimates that his share of the business is worth around $300,000 after debt. Though he passed her over for vice president, Trump—no stranger to scandal—brought Noem on board in his administration. As Homeland Security secretary, she draws a salary of $235,100. She also has a higher profile and a bigger budget than ever. DHS spent $140 billion last year, roughly 20 times South Dakota's state budget. On top of that, the Republican tax-and-spending bill moving through Congress now would, per a New York Times analysis, give the department an additional $138 billion over 10 years for immigration enforcement and border security measures, partially offset by $67 billion in revenue from higher immigration fees. But she hasn't forgotten where she came from. In her first speech to DHS employees after being sworn in, Noem remembered building a fence with her father at age 10, noting that he would expect her to have tools ready for him before he needed them so he could work quickly. 'That is what our job is here, as well, at the Department of Homeland Security,' she told assembled staff. 'We prepare ahead, and think three steps ahead, so that people have what they need before they need it.'
Daily Express
15 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Embassy chips in for flying doctor service
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Johan, Maria and Bryant with the medical equipment. Kota Kinabalu: The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur presented a substatial donation of medical equipment to Sabah Health Departments' Flying Doctor Service (FFS) Thursday. The simple ceremony was held at the Layang-Layang Aerospace hangar located in Tanjung Aru. The generous donation, included portable ultrasound machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen concentrators, and various medical kits. The items were handed over to Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman who thanked the crucial role FDS plays in providing healthcare to remote and underserved communities across Sabah, often facing significant logistical challenges. She highlighted that the donated equipment will significantly enhance the FDS's capacity to diagnose, treat, and save lives, particularly in areas with limited access to medical facilities. 'This contribution is not merely a collection of machines and tools; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and compassion between our nations,' the lady director said. Advertisement She further emphasized the donation's impact on the FDS's ability to provide timely and effective care, strengthening their mobile clinics and empowering medical personnel. The donation ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the US Army Civil Military Support Element, the US Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation, and officials from the Sabah State Health Department and Layang-Layang Aerospace personnels. Also present to witness the ceremony was Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd Managing Director Hj Johan Poong Abdullah. During the morning function, US Army (Military Support Equipment) Captain Bruant Y. Kim highlighted the donation as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia, underscoring a commitment to improving healthcare access for all. Bryant together with his group also expressed the Embassy's interest in future collaborations to monitor the impact of the donated equipment. 'First and foremost, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Layang Layang Aerospace team for allowing us to conduct this ceremony here today. Your support and hospitality have helped make this meaningful event possible… We are here to mark a donation that we hope will have a lasting impact,' Bryant said. He said through the provision of helicopter-related medical equipment, our goal is to strengthen the capabilities of the Sabah State Health Department's Flying Doctor Service in delivering healthcare to those who need it most— especially in remote and underserved areas of the vast and beautiful state of Sabah. The Flying Doctors Service plays an extraordinary role in connecting communities with lifesaving care, often in places where there are no roads and no other means of access. The challenges are many, but so too is the determination and dedication of the Flying Doctors Service team. This effort reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia. We believe that when we work together government to government, and people to people—we can achieve great things. He said it ( donation) means helping to bring healthcare to those who might otherwise go without. May this contribution serve as a symbol of our friendship and as a tool to help you reach those in need, he concluded. On his part, Johan said the donated equipment is expected to immediately improve the FDS's operational capabilities, enabling them to provide more efficient and effective medical services to Sabah's most vulnerable populations. He said the event served as a powerful demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to improving healthcare access in Sabah. Johan agreed with the State Health Director that the donation will enhance ability to diagnose, treat, and save lives more effectively. From the most basic diagnostic tools to more advanced life-saving apparatus, each item will be put to immediate and impactful use, strengthening our mobile clinics and enabling our doctors and nurses to perform their critical work with greater efficiency and confidence, Johan qouted Maria as saying. He said the act of generosity underscores the strong bond between the United States and Malaysia, and specifically, the commitment of the US Embassy to supporting the well-being of the people of Sabah. 'It reflects their broader goal of deepening cooperation and mutual respect…This donation is a powerful reminder that when nations come together, driven by shared values of humanity and mutual respect, remarkable things can be achieved,' Johan emphasized. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alligator sightings increasing across Arkansas
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark. – When an alligator came across Trey Moss's job at a Jefferson County cotton field, it was not the sighting that excited him but the gator's size. 'Us living down here in the south, it's just a normal day for one that's small, but you get one that big and it's just like oh my gosh, that joker is massive!' Moss said. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission joins other agencies on website for tips on living with alligators He estimated the gator he photographed on May 18 was 12 feet long. When he posted the picture online, it went viral. Moss said more people near him have been seeing more gators lately, which is no surprise to Amanda Bryant of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Bryant as the AGFC's conservation herpetologist, is responsible for all the state's reptiles and amphibians. She explained that alligators were one of the inaugural endangered species in the early 1960s. Due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, alligators were relocated to southern and central Arkansas by the thousands over a generation, building a healthy enough population to reintroduce a permitted hunting season in 2006. 'There are many, many many people in the state that didn't grow up having to be aware of alligators that didn't grow up with alligators in their backyard yard even though they would have been there 100 years before,' Bryant said. Many states have seen an increased number of nuisance calls due to alligator sightings in recent years. It is why 11 southeastern states launched The site teaches six alligator basics to educate people on how to respect and coexist with alligators. For example, don't leave food near their habitat because it can make alligators interested in humans. GatorWise is following the success of the website which 15 southeastern states launched for black bears in 2018. Bryant admitted many of the tips are consistent, but alligators are usually harder to spot and lack that cuddle factor people may associate with bears. 'People's immediate jump is there's an alligator here it must be a problem, when the alligator lives there. It's totally fine to see an alligator as long as it continues to show no interest in people it's perfectly safe. You've just got to be aware,' Bryant added. Hunting seasons have also played a part in reducing nuisance calls according to Bryant. Hunters looking to bag an alligator in The Natural State can apply for permits for public land hunts from June 15-30 each year. Alligator hunting on private property is managed through a quota system. Anyone may purchase a private land alligator hunting permit, but hunting season ends early if the quota for the alligator zone is met. Arkansas hunters bring in 181 alligators during hunting season Alligator hunting in Arkansas is open from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the last two weekends each September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First Target, now Dollar General: Why Dr. Jamal Bryant is asking for people to boycott the company
After he announced a consumer boycott of all Target stores, New Birth Cathedral Pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant, has now started a new boycott against discount store giant Dollar General. Bryant started the Target boycott earlier this year after the retail giant rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in step with an executive order by President Donald Trump. Now, he is asking people to boycott Dollar General because they have done away with their DEI programs as well. 'What is your ask?' Channel 2's Audrey Washington asked Bryant on Friday. 'We're asking several things. One is a revisitation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. That they will be in partnership with Black farmers and vendors, and that there will be an investment into the Black community,' Bryant said. Bryant said he hopes the Dollar General boycott will pressure executives and shareholders to change course. TRENDING STORIES: 'The Wire' actor says his son was 'thrown 300 feet' from their home in Henry County tornado A trip to a GA Burger King's drive-thru led to a high school graduate's dream he never saw coming Grandfather dies saving twin granddaughters from falling tree limb in Dacula 'This is what we are calling the summer of discontent,' Bryant said. 'We're asking people to call, and email, and post on social media if that is their only option. If they are in other areas, we are asking them to walk away.' Washington emailed the Dollar General corporation about the boycott. A spokesperson sent her a statement, saying: 'Our mission is not 'Serving Some Others' – it is simply 'Serving Others.' We are proud to serve millions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life in our 20,500+ stores, offering everyday necessities at affordable prices, often in areas that other retailers have chosen not to serve. Likewise, we are proud to offer our employees respect and opportunity in a work environment built on the dignity and differences of each unique individual. We continuously evolve our programs in support of the long-term interests of our customers, employees, and shareholders.' 'Only 2% of their executives are people of color. They get somewhere in the orbit of $40 billion a year in profit, yet they have never given to a HBCU or an organization or given to a Black movement,' Bryant said. The boycott is slated to run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Black America Web
a day ago
- Business
- Black America Web
Pastor Jamal Bryant Calls For Electronic Boycott of Dollar General For DEI Rollbacks
Source: Bossip/Getty Images After a months-long boycott of Target over the rollback of DEI initiatives, Pastor Jamal Bryant now calls for a boycott of another major retailer. The pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church revealed exclusively to USA Today that he is calling for an electronic boycott of Dollar General, saying that the company had 'walked away from DEI.' 'Target is canceled since they have betrayed and walked away from our community, and we've gone on from there,' Bryant said. 'We're done with Target, and then our next focus will be around Dollar General.' RELATED: Unlike the Target boycotts, Bryant is not calling for his congregation to stop shopping at the store because 'a lot of our family members in rural communities are at the hands of Dollar General because of food deserts that bring a whole other conversation.' Instead, Bryant is calling for a massive campaign consisting of mass telephone calls, emails, and the use of social media to pressure Dollar General to reinstate its DEI initiatives. 'Like other corporations, Dollar General has bowed to pressure from the Trump administration and rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,' Bryant said. 'Dollar General also needs to be held accountable for failing to invest in the very Black and low-income communities that make up the backbone of their customer base. This isn't just a corporate retreat − it's a betrayal of the people they profit from.' Bryant's group is calling for the retailer to restore and strengthen DEI infrastructure, create a community reinvestment fund, expand contracts to Black-owned vendors, and address systemic racism within the company. The new boycott follows a long-standing boycott of Target stores, which was prompted by its decision to roll back DEI initiatives. On May 25, New Birth and more than 50 other Black churches around the country organized peaceful protests outside Target stores to coincide with the 5th anniversary of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis. The effort was a continuation of a 'Target Fast' to pressure the Minnesota-based retailer to reinstate the DEI initiatives it launched following Floyd's death. Since that boycott began, Newsweek reports a 3 percent drop in Target's sales compared to the first quarter of last year. CEO Brian Cornell admits that the drop is due to 'ongoing pressure in our discretionary business, plus five consecutive months of declining consumer confidence, tariff uncertainty and the reaction to the updates we shared on belonging in January.' SEE ALSO Pastor Jamal Bryant Calls For Electronic Boycott of Dollar General For DEI Rollbacks was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
