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Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump's defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host's personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth met with legislators on Capitol Hill, conducted a radio interview and released an opinion article denying allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. He insisted he was “not backing down one bit," that Trump was still supporting him and he planned to return Thursday for more meetings with lawmakers. But the president-elect's team was looking at alternatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump himself remained quiet about Hegseth while issuing a flurry of statements on social media Wednesday about other nominees and his news coverage. Hegeth, asked if he'd meet with Trump on Thursday, said he'd meet with him “anytime he'd like." Hegseth is the latest nominee-designate to be imperiled by personal baggage after the recent withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vulnerabilities were well-documented. But Hegseth’s past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies, was not widely known. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people, showcasing the uneasy intersection between law, politics and individual rights. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism of arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, will return to serve in Donald Trump’s second administration, the president-elect announced Wednesday. Navarro, a trade adviser during Trump’s first term, will be a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump said on Truth Social. The position, Trump wrote, “leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.” The appointment was only the first in a flurry of announcements that Trump made on Wednesday as his presidential transition faced controversy over Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Pentagon chief. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, and Trump has considered replacing him with another potential nominee. As he works to fill out his team, Trump said he wanted Paul Atkins, a financial industry veteran and an advocate for cryptocurrency, to serve as the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He wrote on Truth Social that Atkins “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Trump also said he was changing course on his choice for White House counsel. He said his original pick, William McGinley, will work with the Department of Government Efficiency, which will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending. Now David Warrington, who has worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and a lawyer for his campaign, will serve as White House counsel. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants “involved in terrorist activities” in the area, without providing additional details, and said it took precautions to minimize harm to civilians. The strike on the Muwasi tent camp was one of several deadly assaults across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. An Israeli attack in central Gaza killed at least 10 more people, including four children, according to Palestinian medics. Israel’s devastating war in Gaza, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, shows no signs of ending after nearly 14 months. Hamas is still holding dozens of Israeli hostages, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced and is reliant on international food aid to survive. Israel is also pressing a major offensive in the isolated north, where experts say Palestinians might be experiencing famine. The Biden administration has pledged to make a new push for a Gaza ceasefire now that there's a truce in Lebanon between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, ending more than a year of cross-border fighting. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump demanded this week the release of hostages held by Hamas before he is sworn into office in January. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term and whether he will abide by democratic principles. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Here's a look at the political firestorm caused by the martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years. Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday night was accompanied by a pledge to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces at a single stroke.” He vowed to protect the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” Yoon, a conservative, cited repeated attempts by his liberal rivals in control of parliament to impeach his top officials and curtail key parts of his budget bill for next year. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. President-elect Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support the Republican over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. About two-thirds of voters said they own a dog or cat, but pet owners don't usually get much attention from politicians. This year, however, past comments by Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue — and Taylor Swift signed her Instagram endorsement of Harris in September as “Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.” Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who owned a cat but not a dog. Still, those voters were a relatively small slice of the electorate, and pet owners as a whole did not seem to hold Vance's remarks against the GOP ticket. Childless or not, women who only owned a cat were more likely to support Harris than were dog owners, or voters who had a cat and a dog. About 6 in 10 women who owned a cat but not a dog supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast. She did similarly well among women who did not own either kind of pet.

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Billboard shares Taylor Swift video from a contentious Kanye West music, apologises to the singer; here's what the controversy isUS officials recommend encrypted messaging to evade #hackers in telecom networksUS officials are urging Americans to make calls and send text messages over encrypted apps to minimize the risk of private information falling into the hands of foreign adversaries who might still be lurking in America’s telecommunications networks, . Two officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) spoke with news outlets, including Tuesday on the lasting effects of a . The attack, which was tied to Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, impacted companies including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Lumen Technologies, first reported in October. later reported that included phone numbers for people in the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris campaigns. Two months after the initial report of the hack, malicious actors to sensitive information about Americans’ communications from the telecom networks. An FBI official on the call, who was not identified in press reports, reportedly said hackers accessed information including call records showing phone numbers called and the times of the call, and in some cases actual live phone calls of certain targets. that hackers could have gained access to unencrypted texts as well. Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, told reporters on the call that the scale of the hack was so great that agencies could not possibly predict when there would be a “full eviction” of malicious material, writes. “Encryption is your friend, whether it’s on text messaging or if you have the capacity to use encrypted voice communication,” Greene said, according to . “Even if the adversary is able to intercept the data, if it is encrypted, it will make it impossible.” Services like and WhatsApp offer end-to-end encrypted messaging that can obscure communications outside of the users involved in the call or text. Law enforcement’s embrace of encrypted apps is particularly notable given that the FBI has previously railed against tech companies’ protectiveness over the technology. Though the FBI it does not oppose encryption, it has strict parameters on its support. The agency’s website states that it “does not want encryption to be weakened or compromised so that it can be defeated by malicious actors,” but wants companies that “manage encrypted data to be able to decrypt that data and provide it to law enforcement only in response to U.S. legal process.” That’s something tech companies say could undermine the whole system. The bureau engaged in following a shooting in San Bernadino, California in 2015, because the company refused to break the encryption on the shooter’s iPhone to give investigators access, warning that to do so would endanger users’ privacy across its products. The FBI eventually .

The draw for the FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup is coming up. Here’s what to know

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir held an urgent meeting of top security brass on Friday after a shootout at the home of powerful former spy chief Akol Koor, who was sacked almost two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot. Gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in the capital Juba, sparking concerns about the stability of the world's youngest country that is already plagued by power struggles, ethnic infighting and a deep economic malaise. The shooting around the home of Koor, who was fired by Kiir in early October and placed under house arrest, caused panic among local residents before it was contained after about an hour. Following the meeting, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said the incident took place after a "misunderstanding" between security forces attempting to relocate the ex-head of the National Security Services. Koang said Koor had now agreed to the relocation "with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook" elsewhere in the city. He would be provided with additional army protection at his new residence, but Koang emphasised he was not under "their (army) detention." He said four people, two civilians and two soldiers, had been killed during the confrontation. The meeting convened by Kiir included the heads of defence, police, national security and military intelligence. A source in the presidency press unit said Koor was also present. The Sudans Post newspaper quoted a security official as saying the meeting had "resolved all outstanding tensions" and that the spy chief and his family "have been assured of their safety". In an alert to its staff on the ground on Thursday, the United Nations in South Sudan had said the shooting was linked to the arrest of the former spymaster and advised people to take cover. Koang told AFP that Koor "remains at his house", and denied claims circulating on social media that he had fled to the UN compound in Juba. There was a heavy deployment of military forces around his home in the Thongpiny district, an AFP correspondent said, but traffic has resumed and people were going about their daily business. Police spokesman John Kassara said the situation was now calm but that Thongpiny remained sealed off and residents "should remain vigilant". Koor became head of the feared National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan's independence in 2011 but was sacked in October leading to widespread speculation he had been planning to overthrow Kiir. After his dismissal from the NSS, Koor was appointed governor of Warrap State, Kiir's home state, but this was abruptly revoked by the president before he took the oath of office. Koang said there had been a "misunderstanding" between two security services forces present at Koor's residence when a third unit arrived for the relocation. "That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard," he said. Four people, two servicemen and two civilians, were killed in the incident, he said, and two civilians were wounded. Koor's sacking came just two weeks after Kiir again postponed by two years, to December 2026, the first elections in the nation's history. The delay has exasperated the international community, which has been pressing the country's leaders to complete a transitional process, including unifying rival armed forces and drawing up a constitution. The NSS was at the centre of controversy in July when parliament approved amendments to legislation allowing the agency to continue to arrest -- without a warrant -- anyone accused of offences against the state, raising alarm among rights groups and South Sudan's international partners. The country has struggled to recover from a brutal civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and his now deputy Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018 that killed about 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes. It remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on the planet and continues to be plagued by chronic instability and climate disasters. str-txw-rbu/givATLANTA — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats grappled Monday with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She, along with Biden and other White House officials, insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who argues that indictments and a conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote on social media. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., posted: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper wrote on social media. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump’s apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP’s pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House: “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite,” the players’ association said . The Braves said Carty left on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise’s first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season. We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue Jay and 15-year MLB veteran Rico Carty. A member of the Caribbean Baseball and Latino Baseball Halls of Fame and a humanitarian in the Dominican Republic – Carty’s legacy and impact will be remembered forever. Our...

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Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another recordAfter Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will unveil a refreshed frontbench line-up in late January, with Bill Shorten’s exit from parliament opening the door to a junior minister being promoted, months out from the next federal election. Senior government sources, who asked not to be named so they could speak freely, say Albanese is considering two options for his frontbench shake-up, with responsibility for Shorten’s former portfolios of Government Services and the NDIS to be handed on as the federal election is not due until May 2025. Anika Wells, Matt Keogh, Amanda Rishworth and Mark Butler are all being considered to assume outgoing Bill Shorten’s responsibilities. Credit: In the reshuffle, government sources said the first and more likely option was that Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth and Health Minister Mark Butler would be handed responsibility for one of each of the portfolios, with NDIS a better fit for Rishworth as the disability agency is part of her department. This would mean the number of cabinet ministers would shrink from 23 to 22 people. The second option being considered is promoting a member of the outer ministry, with Queensland-based Aged Care and Sports Minister Anika Wells and WA-based Veterans and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh considered the frontrunners. Both are in the Labor Right faction, like Shorten. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton must also replace a senior shadow minister on his frontbench after opposition Senate leader and foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham announced on Thursday that he was quitting politics. The first details of how Albanese could recast his frontbench have emerged after a successful end to the parliamentary year for the government, which included the passing of 31 new laws on the final day , after months of delay and lengthy negotiations with the Coalition or the Greens and the crossbench. As parliament wound down for the year, Labor won Senate votes on housing, food prices and a ban on social media apps for under 16s, and other measures. Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have to release a mid-year budget update before Christmas that could foreshadow more cost-of-living relief, while Dutton has hinted at more detail on the opposition’s nuclear and housing policies before Christmas too. Either scenario would mean that Victoria’s influence around the cabinet table would be reduced with Shorten’s exit, but Labor hopes to gain seats in Queensland and hold on to the swag of seats it picked up in Western Australia in 2022. Promoting a talented new minister from Queensland or WA is seen, internally, as tactically astute and unlikely to cause a fuss, whereas promoting another NSW MP to cabinet at the expense of Victoria would likely put noses out of joint. Shorten’s combined portfolios of the NDIS and Government Services were given to him when Labor won government as he had been one of the disability insurance scheme’s earliest champions. He had also been a frontrunner in pursuing and supporting the robo-debt royal commission, which made Government Services a natural fit. The government sources said the prime minister would ponder the changes during a short Christmas break. Dutton, like Albanese, is expected to be back at work by early January as both men gear up for what is widely expected to be a close election in which a hung parliament is considered a distinct possibility given the size of the crossbench. Both leaders are also planning, at this stage, to make major policy announcements in the second half of January, with a prime ministerial appearance at the National Press Club around Australia Day pencilled in and some members of both main parties anticipating an election to be called days later, though Albanese has indicated he is leaning towards May. The most recent Resolve Political Monitor conducted for this masthead in early November showed the opposition’s primary vote had risen by one percentage point to 39 per cent, while Labor’s held steady at 30 per cent. These primary votes would deliver either major party, at best, a razor-thin majority in the next parliament. While Dutton will feel the loss of Birmingham, a former finance, education, trade and tourism minister at various times under Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull, the need to replace a foreign affairs spokesperson heading into a domestic political campaign is less urgent. While Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley and shadow cabinet ministers Jane Hume, James Paterson and Dan Tehan have all been put forward as possible replacements for Birmingham , moving shadow ministers from domestic portfolios months out from an election could disrupt the shadow expenditure review committee process that is now working on election policies. Another option would be for Dutton to take the portfolio in a caretaker capacity, or for former shadow cabinet minister Julian Leeser to be returned to the frontbench while former ambassador and foreign policy wonk Dave Sharma would be handed an assistant role. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter .NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. People are also reading... Trump, Musk can learn from North Carolina, Raleigh writer says Statesville native Tomlin leads Delaware State to MEAC volleyball title, NCAA berth Top vote-getter Houpe: Why am I not chairman of Iredell board of commissioners? Letter to the editor: Charging kids to play baseball at Jennings Park is poor idea Iredell-Statesville Schools closed Tuesday due to snow, ice Iredell-Statesville Schools nutrition department receives award 'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe North Dakota man brings shed-building expertise to Troutman 4 pounds of marijuana, gun seized by Mooresville police officers Tiny, 4 more dogs seeking homes at Iredell County Animal Services New school chairman rules 2 fellow board members out of order in Iredell Lake Norman residents voice concerns with Marshall Steam Station changes 3 Eagle Scouts and 1 grateful Iredell County resident Women report widespread misogyny in churches tied to religious group 'The Message' Iredell County woman celebrates $100,000 scratch-off win The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan talks to local journalists in Dinajpur on Tuesday (December 24). The impatience that is going on over next elections is disrupting the government's reform activities, said LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan on Tuesday (December 24). "This is creating obstacles to reforms programmes taken by the present interim government," he said while talking to local journalists after distributing winter clothes among the needy at Kaharol upazila in Dinajpur district and exchanging views with upazila-level officials. He said, "We will appeal to political parties to cooperate with each reform commission by giving their opinions as the reform process will be completed based on their opinions. This will realize the hopes and aspirations of the people's mass uprising." The adviser said, "I am not a member of the anti-discrimination student movement now, I am serving as an advisor to the current interim government. It is not possible for me to say what political decisions or what the anti-discrimination student movement is doing." He said the interim government has given a timeline, elections will be held between the end of 2025 and mid-2026. However, it completely depends on the reform process. "The reform commissions have already been in place. Discussions will be held with the political parties on the reports of the reform commissions. And after implementing the reform work, we will go to the elections," the adviser said. Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam and Superintendent of Police Md Nazmul Hasan, Deputy Secretary to the Adviser Md Abul Hossain, Kaharol Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Aminul Islam and anti-discrimination student leaders were present, among others.

Speakers at an event yesterday criticised the exclusion of indigenous communities from reform commissions and demanded a dedicated minority commission to address concerns specific to those communities. They also called for constitutional recognition of the indigenous communities to ensure the rights they are entitled to as citizens of the country. They made the statements at a discussion titled "The Condition of Indigenous People in Bangladesh and the Way Forward," organised at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka by the Kapaeeng Foundation, a human rights organisation. Addressing the event, Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, demanded the abolishment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) ministry and suggested it be replaced with a diversity commission. He said the ministry had failed in its duty toward indigenous people. "The Chittagong Hill Tracts Ministry, established under the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, has completely failed to protect the rights of indigenous people. It should be abolished... The ministry has become development-centric, subjecting indigenous people to majority rule." He further criticised the ministry for focusing on infrastructure projects that erode indigenous heritage and culture rather than prioritising the rights of local communities. Iftekharuzzaman, who also serves as the head of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission, emphasised the importance of constitutional recognition for members of the indigenous communities. "Some argue that constitutional recognition alone won't solve all problems, but they fail to explain why it would be problematic. Recognition is undeniably a right, given their heritage and culture." He added that the rights of indigenous people would never be upheld unless all citizens viewed their struggles as a collective national concern. Regarding the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, he said, "No force, not even the prime minister, could implement the Peace Accord alone. The only entity capable of doing so is the Bangladesh Army. Just as they have been recognised globally for establishing peace, I hope they will play a similar role in the hills. We know that if you [the army] want, you can do it." Sarwar Tusher, a member of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said the country's constitution is not race-neutral. "What is needed is a constitution that is both non-communal and race-neutral." He expressed concerns over the potential travesty in reform commissions, citing the example of the interim government appointing former bureaucrats as the chief election commission and commissioners under the existing laws. "These bureaucrats were complicit in the misrule under the previous regime and have never apologised for supporting authoritarian governance." Tusher also criticised Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for suggesting that reforms would not occur without the consensus of political parties. "Dr Yunus, you must remember that political parties did not lead the uprising; it was the students and the masses who brought about change." He called for the establishment of two additional commissions -- an education commission and a minority commission -- and urged citizens to move beyond the narrative that only the Awami League is the defender of minority rights. Jahangirnagar University teacher Snigdha Rizwana pointed out that indigenous communities were excluded from all commissions due to the unchanged mindset of the ruling authorities. "The indigenous communities have not been represented because the rulers' mindset has not evolved. Despite their unique culture, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has not taken any steps to preserve it [indigenous culture]. In some cases, instead of protecting their rights, the state has taken their lands in the name of development." She argued that the state is reluctant to recognise indigenous communities because such recognition would necessitate granting them special rights. Prothom Alo Joint Editor Sohrab Hossain also stressed the importance of constitutional recognition for indigenous people. "Without it, the crisis will intensify," he warned. Shamsul Huda, executive director of the Association for Land Reform and Development, called for the establishment of additional commissions on Land Reform and Agriculture, alongside the education and minority commissions. Nai U Prue Marma, a member of the Rangamati Parbatya Zila Parishad, demanded the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord and the inclusion of the 1900 Regulations in the constitution's schedule. Prodip Kumar Mahottam, an additional secretary of the CHT Ministry, highlighted the state's efforts to improve the conditions of indigenous communities. The event also featured a visual presentation on the overall situation of indigenous people by Pallab Chakma, executive director of the Kapaeeng Foundation. Ajoy A Mree presided over the session. Among others, ILO official Amexius Chicham, Bangladesh Adivasi Parishad leader Philemon Baske, and indigenous leader Flora Bably Talang, also spoke at the event.Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote

Imagine standing on the edge of a diving board, looking down at the water below. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and every part of you screams, What if I fail? What if I belly flop in front of everyone? Now, imagine a world where you embrace that fear, dive in, and realize that the splash wasn’t a failure—it was a lesson. Every dive, whether graceful or messy, brings you one step closer to mastering the art of swimming. This is the essence of how we should approach failure. Fear of failure is something everyone experiences—it’s a natural part of life. But it’s also something we can learn to manage and even welcome. What if, instead of avoiding failure, we learned to lean into it and view it as a stepping stone to success? This is the essence of how we should approach failure. Fear of failure is something everyone experiences—it’s a natural part of life. But it’s also something we can learn to manage and even welcome. What if, instead of avoiding failure, we learned to lean into it and view it as a stepping stone to success? I still remember the first time I was made to feel that failure was something bad. It was in school, and I had just bombed a test I studied hard for. I could feel the weight of disappointment settle in my chest as I walked to the teacher’s desk. The look of concern on my teacher’s face only deepened the sense of shame. It wasn’t just the low grade—it was the way it made me feel about myself. It was as though that single test result was a reflection of my worth, as if failure was a stain I couldn’t wash away. I felt as if I had failed not just the test, but my own potential. It took years to unlearn that deeply ingrained belief. The idea that failure was something to be feared, something to hide from, was so deeply rooted in my mindset. But what if I told you that failure, in its purest form, is not the enemy? What if I told you that it is, in fact, one of the most powerful tools for personal growth? The fear of failure is something everyone experiences at some point. It stems from the . We learn to avoid failure at all costs, but this fear of making mistakes can hold us back from fully living. We become paralyzed by the thought of falling short. But here’s the truth: failure is not a reflection of who you are. It’s simply a part of the process, an inevitable part of the journey toward growth and success. Winston Churchill rightly said that “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, and it is the courage to continue that counts. The first step to overcoming the fear of failure is reframing it. Instead of seeing failure as something to be avoided at all costs, we must learn to view it as an essential part of success. Failure isn’t an obstacle—it’s an opportunity. Here’s how you can begin to shift your mindset: I used to think that anything less than perfect was a failure. The pressure to be flawless can be overwhelming. But perfection is not only impossible—it’s counterproductive. The constant pursuit of perfection often keeps us stuck, afraid to make mistakes. The truth is, we don’t need to be perfect; we just need to make progress. Every small step forward, even with missteps along the way, gets us closer to where we want to be. For example think of Thomas Edison. His famous quote, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” illustrates the idea that failure isn’t about being wrong—it’s about learning. Each failure brought him closer to discovering what would work. Failure is a lesson, not a defeat. One of the most transformative shifts I made was learning to view mistakes as lessons rather than defeats. Each mistake provides feedback, helping us adjust our approach and make better decisions. It’s this mindset that turns failures into opportunities for growth. Every time you fail, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? Imagine you’re trying to learn a new language. At first, you might struggle with pronunciation or grammar. It can feel like failure, but with each mistake, you learn something new. You refine your approach and get closer to fluency. Mistakes are simply milestones along the journey. When I think of failure and success, I’m reminded of the story of J.K. Rowling, the famous author of the Harry Potter series. Before she became one of the world’s most celebrated authors, Rowling faced rejection after rejection. In fact, her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected by 12 different publishers. One even told her to get a “day job” because she would never make it as a writer. Imagine that—a book that would eventually become a global phenomenon was dismissed as unworthy. Most people would have quit, thrown the manuscript away, and believed that failure was a sign to stop. But Rowling didn’t give up. She believed in her story, in her characters, and in her craft. She learned from each rejection and, eventually, found a publisher who believed in her too. Today, Rowling’s success is a testament to the idea that failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s often the beginning of something greater. Her story is a powerful reminder that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” What would have happened if she had listened to the critics and stopped writing? She would have never discovered her true potential. Failure doesn’t diminish you—it refines you Indeed there is wisdom in even seemingly negative experiences, it reminds me of Khalil jibran’s quote I have learnt kindness from unkind, tolerance from angry which reflects that negative experiences are our teachers and can teach us valuable lessons. Another critical piece in overcoming failure is practicing self-compassion. It’s easy to beat yourself up when things go wrong, but self-criticism only keeps you stuck in a cycle of fear and shame. Instead, treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend. Failure doesn’t make you unworthy—it makes you human. The fear of failure will always be there—it’s natural. But it doesn’t have to control you. The key is learning how to embrace failure as a necessary part of growth. Every time you fail, you gain valuable insights that propel you forward. When you stop fearing failure and start seeing it as a stepping stone, you unlock new levels of potential. So the next time you face a setback, remember: failure is not the end—it’s a beginning. Just like the diving board, it might be scary at first, but with each dive, you get closer to mastering the art of swimming through life’s challenges. Embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and allow them to guide you toward the success you deserve. ” — Benjamin Franklin Remember, failure is not the opposite of success, it’s a part of it. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you toward your next big win.

Gary Neville has aimed a cheeky dig at Pep Guardiola after Manchester City were drawn against Salford in the FA Cup . The reigning Premier League champions will host local fourth-tier opposition in the third round in January after the two clubs were paired together in Monday night’s draw at Old Trafford . Such a fixture is certainly not short on narrative, with League Two side Salford co-owned by United’s famous ‘Class of 92’ stars in Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt. And Neville could not resist a playful jab at Guardiola on social media straight after Monday’s draw, writing on X: “He’s getting sacked in the morning @SalfordCityFC.” That is a reference to the chants aimed at the Catalan - to which he responded by holding up six fingers as a reminder of how many Premier League titles he has won - by the gleeful home fans at Anfield as Premier League leaders Liverpool deepened the sense of crisis at City with a 2-0 win on Sunday that moved them nine points clear at the top of the table. City are now winless in their last seven matches across all competitions, having last tasted victory at home to struggling Southampton on October 26. Their recent uncharacteristic slump has included an initial run of five successive defeats and now four consecutive Premier League losses, while they also inexplicably threw away a 3-0 lead at home to Feyenoord in the Champions League to draw 3-3. By far the worst run of his illustrious managerial career to date has taken its toll on Guardiola, who said before watching his team fall 11 points off the Premier League title pace on Merseyside: “I don’t like it. I don’t enjoy it at all. “I don’t sleep as good as when I won every game. Maybe it’s more unusual to win four Premier League titles in a row. In that moment I was stable enough, I was happy because I eat better and sleep better.” Among the multitude of other compelling narratives to emerge from Monday’s FA Cup third round draw was League One Peterborough being handed a trip to face Premier League strugglers Everton at Goodison Park - a match that could see the Toffees’ veteran winger Ashley Young go up against his son Tyler, 18. “WOW.......... Dreams Might Come True #FaCup #GoosebumpsMoment #YoungVsYoung,” Young Sr wrote on X.‘We’re not drafting constitution’