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Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dele Alake, has called on investors worldwide to take advantage of Nigeria’s geo-data digital platforms to access information on the country’s rich mineral resources. Alake also announced plans to fund more geological research and leverage the findings from both private and public institutions to build additional data. A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan, on Wednesday noted that the minister highlighted the benefits while addressing Chief Executive Officers of global mining conglomerates at the ongoing annual Mines & Money Conference, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, United Kingdom. The minister said Nigeria has adopted digital technology to market its minerals, making business enquiries easier and promoting transparent transactions. He listed three web platforms—Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System (NMRDSS), Electronic Mining Cadastral (EMC+), and National Geo-Data Centre—as key information resources for serious investors. Describing the NMRDSS as a web application that provides read-only access to geo-scientific and geo-economic data, Alake said it allows users to analyse mineral occurrence locations and make informed decisions regarding mining activities. He said, “By providing publicly available data about the geology and mineral wealth of Nigeria, this dynamic resource, updated regularly to keep the data as current as possible, enables investors to explore the environment of their chosen mineral occurrences. It answers queries on hydrology, demography, geography, urban planning, and transportation. Explaining EMC+, the minister said it is an online, real-time system for administering mineral titles throughout their lifecycle, offering efficiency and transparency. “This means investors can research and plan their application for titles remotely, as long as they have the necessary data for the application process,” he noted. Related News FG, France sign MoU to boost mining Benue govt set to enact electricity law Niger invites Russian firms to exploit uranium, other resources He also assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to acquiring more geological data to enhance the value of these platforms. On certifying the quality of the data, Alake, who also serves as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group comprising African mining ministers, commended the efforts of African geoscientists in developing a new coding system to certify research reports. He stressed the need for value addition and beneficiation in the downstream segment of the mining value chain, stating that recent exploration has positioned Nigeria as a key player in supplying critical minerals to the world. “The deliberate investment in accurate geoscientific data, particularly for critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth minerals, has positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global transition to a green economy. This transition aligns with our commitment to sustainability and our role in the global fight against climate change,” he said. He urged major mining companies to partner with the Tinubu administration in its efforts to diversify the economy in favour of the solid minerals sector, adding that such collaboration would unlock the country’s vast mineral resources. He concluded his address with a strong pitch to top decision-makers in the global mining sector: “The future of Nigeria’s solid minerals is brimming with promise... Our doors are open to partnerships, and we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.” Chief executives at the event included Barrick’s President and Chief Executive, Mark Bristow, Traxys’ Chief Executive Officer, Mark Kristoff, and Anglo-American’s General Counsel, Kate Southwell. Earlier, the Minister engaged with investors at the Ministry’s exhibition booth, answering enquiries about mining opportunities.An ex-detective accused of abusing women died in an apparent suicide as his trial was startingDavid Tepper is a billionaire based in the United States. The hedge fund manager is also the owner of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL) and the Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). Tepper was born on September 11, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After growing up on the east end of Pittsburgh, Tepper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics at the University of Pittsburgh. The type entered service in July 1999. After he graduated, Tepper joined the finance industry, working for Equibank as a credit analyst. However, he found this role underwhelming and returned to school at Carnegie Mellon University to earn a Master of Science in Industrial Administration (MSIA), the then-equivalent of a Master of Business Administration (MBA). By 1985, Tepper had joined Goldman Sachs, and he played a major role in reviving the company after the 1987 stock market crash. After being passed over as a partner for the financial services provider, Tepper eventually created his own hedge fund called Appaloosa Management. His role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of this hedge fund has provided Tepper with some of the largest payouts of any executive in the world, including a $2.2 billion paycheck in 2012. This has allowed him to accumulate a net worth of over $21 billion. Due to his accumulated wealth, Tepper purchased the Carolina Panthers in May 2019 and helped bring an MLS franchise to Charlotte in 2019. Because of Tepper's extreme wealth, it is no shock that he operates a private jet . This business jet provides him with the ultimate luxury while traveling, including allowing him to depart whenever he pleases, fly direct routes to most airports, and even fly to a wide variety of airports that may not be operated by commercial airlines. Let's take a closer look at this large business jet , as well as some of the aircraft's statistics. About David Tepper's private jet Currently, David Tepper owns and operates a Bombardier Global 5000 registered as N793AP. According to JetSpy, this Global 5000 was first manufactured in 2011 and has a serial number of 9454. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , the registered owner of this aircraft is Delaware Trust Co, although the main operator is designated as David Tepper. The aircraft is utilized frequently by Tepper and his team. According to JetSpy, his Global 5000 has flown a total of 154 times. These flights have amounted to a total of just over 250 flight hours. These flights have utilized over 125,000 gallons of jet fuel, which has accumulated approximately 1,211 metric tons of carbon emissions. Additionally, Tepper's Global 5000 has visited the following airports the most frequently in 2024: Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) in Morristown, New Jersey Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach, Florida About the Bombardier Global Express series The Global 5000 is one of the aircraft that falls into Bombardier's Global Express series of aircraft. This family began with the Global Express. Bombardier began the development of this popular business jet after its acquisition of Canadair in 1986. Canadair had previously introduced the Challenger 600 series, which saw immediate success in the private aviation industry. However, Bombardier wanted to develop a private jet with a longer range. Because of this, by the early 1990s, Bombardier , along with engineers from Canadair, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries , and BMW Rolls-Royce, began work on developing the new aircraft. The design was loosely based on the successful Challenger 600, which had the same cross-section as the regional airliner, the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) . The first prototype conducted its maiden flight in October 1996, and it officially entered service in July 1999. Since then, Bombardier has released several upgraded variants. This includes the Global 5000, which was introduced in February 2002. Additionally, Bombardier has released the following other variants in this aircraft series: Bombardier Global Express XRS Global 6000 Global 5500 Global 6500 This aircraft series has been produced since 1998 and is still in current production. Overall, nearly 1,000 total aircraft variants have been produced since its introduction, making it one of the most popular business jets in the industry. Design features and performance specifications of the Bombardier Global 5000 The Global 5000 is one of the most popular aircraft of the Global Express series, with over 200 aircraft still in service. This aircraft features a fuselage with the same cross-section as the Bombardier Challenger 600 and the CRJ series. However, the Global 5000 features a shorter fuselage and a shorter range, although it can still hold a maximum of 16 passengers. Overall, the Global 5000 features the following interior cabin measurements: Cabin length: 40 feet nine inches Cabin height: six feet two inches Cabin width: seven feet eleven inches The fuselage section allows for up to four interior spaces, which can include a crew rest area, a galley, both forward and aft lavatories, and several other options. Inside the cockpit, the Bombardier Global 5000 utilizes the Bombardier vision flight deck which is based on the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite. The Global 5000 is powered by Rolls-Royce BR700 turbofan engines. These powerful engines each provide the aircraft with just under 15,000 pounds of thrust. Overall, the Global 5000 has the following performance specifications: Length 96 feet ten inches Height 25 feet six inches Wingspan 94 feet Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 92,500 pounds Typical cruise speed 487 knots (560 miles per hour) Range 5,200 nautical miles (5,984 miles) Service ceiling 51,000 feet
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Ayesha Verrall walks a fine line with Lester Levy accusation; Christopher Luxon underplays critical Aukus decision – Audrey YoungIt's almost Christmas once again, so it's time to dream a little and hope Santa grants our wishes. or signup to continue reading As many people wrap up their working year, a lot head off on a road trip either to be with family for festivities, or for a long-awaited holiday break. With this in mind, the editorial team has put together a list of its dream road trip cars. Whether it's a low-slung sports car, comfortable executive tourer, all-terrain beast, or a mixture of all of the above, there's no hypothetical budget holding us back this time around. While many of us lust over classic cars, for this challenge we've stuck strictly with new cars that you can currently buy in Australia. Here's what we chose for our ultimate road trip cars. There is nothing like a Rolls-Royce, and when it comes to a road trip, I couldn't think of a better car to eat up the miles in as you cruise from one destination to another. Having spent a lot of time in both the and , my only reason for choosing the Roller is its presence on the road. Otherwise, either of these British super luxury SUVs is ideal for any road trip. To be fair, my is 90 per cent as good as the Cullinan for about 1/7th the price, so that's a far cheaper and more practical solution for a road trip, and you won't look completely out of place the minute you leave the CBD. The open-ended nature of this question forced me to think especially hard about my priorities, and I landed at adequate seating for family and friends, plenty of boot space to stack up presents, a luxurious cabin, and sweet driving dynamics for a beachside blast. Pretty fussy, I know. But thankfully such a car exists, in the form of the . Based on the , the BMW Alpina B3 GT Touring is like an with a prettier face, unique features, and arguably even more curb appeal. Under the bonnet it packs a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 389kW of power and 730Nm of torque... healthy to say the least. The B3 also gains unique Alpina styling – just check it out in Alpina Green Metallic paint with the 20-spoke gold alloys! Inside, I'd opt for the full merino leather package in brown, which dials comfort up to 11. You'll be paying around $200,000 for a fully specced example of the BMW Alpina B3 GT Touring, but I can't imagine a better vehicle in which to rack up kilometres over the Christmas break. My ultimate road trip car would need to be a large off-road SUV, to fit all my gear and allow me to head off the beaten track, and the hottest property in that market segment right now is the new . But as good as it looks and drives, the new 250 Series also brings mega price hikes, so much so it makes even the look cheap. While the Prado now starts at a cool $72,500 before on-roads, you can get a rear-drive twin-turbo four-cylinder turbo-diesel Everest with more power and a 10-speed auto from just $54,240 before on-roads, or the 4×4 version from only $59,240 before on-roads. Or you could get a lusty Everest Sport V6 from $74,640 before on-roads – about $2000 more than a base Prado – or even the go-anywhere Tremor V6 from $76,590 before on-roads, which is still less than a Prado GXL (from $79,990 before on-roads) and way more affordable than its 2.8-litre Prado Altitude equivalent (from $92,700 before on-roads). Given it delivers similar off-road capability, seven-seat flexibility, technology and refinement for far more sensible money, it's no wonder Aussies are voting with their feet for the locally designed and engineered Everest, which will become the nation's favourite large SUV for the first time this year. Bit of a random one, but in a world dominated by SUVs, I didn't want to pick something a little different. The is a forgotten gem, using the capable A6 Avant as a base, jacking it up and fitting adaptive air suspension for a cushy ride. As standard, the A6 allroad's '45 TDI' spec V6 diesel offers a healthy 183kW and 600Nm for effortless and refined cruising, while claiming to use just 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle – meaning nearly 1000km per fill of its 63-litre tank. It's a shame the allroad is now on its way out to make way for the new A6 e-tron coming in 2025. Perhaps we'll see a hybridised A7 allroad at some point, or even an all-electric A6 allroad e-tron somewhere down the track. Anyway, #savethewagons Given I have no budget this time, I'm going all out. My ideal road trip means long stints on the highway and the occasional off-road jaunt, which leaves me with a few options. One that stands out the most is the , which soaks up highway kilometres like nothing and can also carve up virtually any off-road track. In particular I'd go for the 110 OCTA which is a new twin-turbo V8 flagship, set to arrive in local showrooms from March 2025. I know it's a little late for a Christmas present, but Santa knows no bounds. At $355,588 drive-away for Victorian buyers in Edition One guise it's eye-wateringly expensive, but it's filled to the gills with standard equipment and unique touches. I'll take it in Faroe Green exterior paint with the Khaki/Ebony perforated Ultrafabric upholstery. Although it doesn't feature JLR's iconic 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, I'd still gladly take the keys to this BMW twin-turbo V8-powered off-road beast and go for a fang. Both the and are large, comfortable sedans with air suspension and available fuel-efficient powertrains. The A8 50 TDI and long-wheelbase 50 TDI L pack a 210kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system, and fuel economy of between 6.6 and 6.7L/100km. The LS, in contrast, offers an available 3.5-litre V6 hybrid with 264kW and claimed fuel economy of 6.8L/100km. While I haven't driven the A8, I have spent time with an LS which wafted down the road like a feather floating onto a cloud. And that was the "sporty" LS500 F Sport! Ok, perhaps something with a bit more ground clearance than these two would be preferable if we're road-tripping through regional Australia and its often shocking roads, but I'm a sedan man at heart. So which is it, a German diesel or a Japanese hybrid? I'm not sure. Give me around $230,000 and I'll try to figure it out. You're going to want to be comfortable on a road trip, and there's no doubt the is more than capable of meeting that criteria. The luxury Prado is large outside, spacious inside, and equipped with everything you could possibly need like a 14.0-inch infotainment system, five USB-C ports, tri-zone climate control, as well as even a full-size spare wheel for some extra security. Better yet, the "base" GX550 Luxury is a seven-seater capacity, which means all your friends and family can come along for the ride. If you're like me who would probably be taking a road trip through Victoria's High Country and out to the state's east coast, you'll likely be travelling some rough rural roads and some steep inclines all on the same route. I've found the GX is able to deal with each scenario fairly well, with its comfortable ride and quiet cabin making for comfortable hours behind the wheel. It'll have no problem with power either, because that 3.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 packs plenty of punch at 260kW and 650Nm. Fuel economy might be the only concern given Lexus quotes 12.3L/100km on the combined cycle, but expect that figure to be lower after prolonged stints on higher-speed roads. Equally, there is quite the price to overcome at $116,000 before on-road costs. If you can get past that, why not road-trip in (GX550) Luxury? A fast wagon. That's just about every Dad's dream, provided you don't want to go off-road or look at any potholes. As I get older, my desire for practicality has risen, but the love for performance hasn't faded. The takes what is an extremely capable performance car and adds extra space with minimal compromise to either its go-fast characteristics or luxury styling. I'm not interested in going off the beaten path, I just want to get to my destination in comfort, but once there I want to explore the countryside and not regret passing up on a suitable car for the twisties. I was fortunate enough to drive the B3 GT sedan back-to-back with an M3 a few years ago, and the Alpina reminded me of my old G6E Turbo – if it was all-wheel drive, even more powerful and lavishly equipped with modern technology. I truly believe that so long as you're not going off-road, it's the jack of all trades, plus it has the 'if you know, you know' feeling which you just can't get in the hot BMW M cars. Now this is a topic I can weigh in on! I plan on doing a lap of Australia in the near future, and while my holds a special place in my heart, if I had to pick my ultimate road trip car, it'd be a . I know, shocker, right? But hear me out! When it comes to outback reliability, Toyota really is unmatched. The LC70 might look and feel like it time travelled straight from the 90s, but that's exactly what makes it perfect. The basic electronics means you can splash through creek crossings without turning your rig into an expensive paperweight — and if anything does go wrong, every country town will have the parts you need. Now, I'd love to brag about having the V8, but since Toyota has recently axed it, I'll have to settle for the 2.8-litre four-cylinder (my left leg will thank me later). And of course, I wouldn't hit the road in a stock LC70 — where's the fun in that? No, I'm dreaming big here. Think roof conversion (when available for the new model), rear fitout, ECU remap, lifted suspension, 35s, bullbar, snorkel, and obviously an exhaust upgrade loud enough that you would be able to hear me coming from a mile away. Basically, if I won the lottery tomorrow, the mods list would be longer than the trip itself! But in summary, tough as nails, packed with space, and impossible to kill – the LC70 is my perfect road trip rig! Money no object, I'd be climbing into a , with the Ram Box and a canopy fitted. It's the peak of comfort and practicality, it's reasonably economical at highway speeds, and will handle virtually any terrain you could throw it at. Plus, it looks downright bad-ass in black-on-black. I think this one is a no brainer. A vehicle that can go anywhere, is quick, makes noise and can be decked out with endless accessories is all that you'll ever need for a road trip. And it's the perfect vehicle to help recover Alborz when he gets stuck in his land-going houseboat. Content originally sourced from: Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementThe government is setting the stage for an environmental disaster by legalising destructive fishing practices that threaten to leave Thai seas barren and marine biodiversity in ruins. Despite the relentless decline of Thailand's marine resources due to overfishing, the government is amending fishery laws to permit the use of uan lom jab, or surrounding nets, at night. These nets, which employ light fishing and fine-meshed designs stretching for kilometres, pose a dire threat to already fragile marine ecosystems. Like trawlers, this method does not target a single species -- it sweeps up everything in its path, from juvenile fish to rare marine species vital to ocean health. When trawlers were first introduced in Thailand in 1961, the catch per hour was 300 kilogrammes. By 2009, this had plummeted to just 14kg, with only 30% of the catch having economic value. Fine-meshed nets used by trawlers and anchovy fleets scoop up "trash fish," which are sent to the agro-industry to produce animal feed, further accelerating the depletion of fish stocks. The anchovy fleet's use of light fishing and fine-meshed nets has worsened the crisis. Small-scale fisherfolk pressured the government to ban surrounding nets at night, limit anchovy fleets, and push trawlers out of coastal waters. These measures offered a lifeline to marine ecosystems, but the proposed amendment threatens to undo that progress. The Pheu Thai-led coalition government, with support from the opposition and the so-called progressive People's Party, now seeks to change this. The seeds of this crisis were sown in 1996, when anchovy fleets were permitted to use light fishing at night with lift nets and falling nets, though surrounding nets were still prohibited. Even so, fish stocks plummeted. Annual catches of pla tu (mackerel), which once exceeded 140,000 tonnes, dwindled to near extinction. Juvenile pla tu are now sold as dried food or animal feed, representing a tragic loss of future stock and economic value. For Thailand's 300,000 small-scale fishing families, sustainable fishing and healthy marine ecosystems are essential to their livelihoods. They have long fought against industrial fishing practices, but their voices are often drowned out by powerful industry lobbyists and politicians. Now, they are standing firm against the new amendment, which would legalise surrounding nets at night for the first time in Thai history. Proponents of the amendment claim it is a technical correction, arguing the current law was hastily implemented under the military junta to address EU sanctions for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, critics say this justification obscures the true intent: to roll back progress and prioritise the profits of large fishing businesses at the expense of ecological sustainability. While proponents insist that surrounding nets will only be allowed beyond 12 kilometres from shore, they fail to mention that these nets will intercept pla tu migration routes in the Gulf of Thailand, cutting off fish before they can reach coastal areas. Surrounding nets with fine-meshed designs spanning kilometres indiscriminately scoop up juvenile fish, devastating the ocean's food chain, fish stocks, and long-term economic potential. One year's worth of juvenile fish lost to this method could generate billions of baht if allowed to mature, yet they are discarded as bycatch or sold as cheap animal feed, squandering a renewable resource for short-term gain. Thailand is already among the region's worst offenders for allowing small net sizes. While neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh enforce minimum mesh sizes of 6cm or larger, Thailand's "standard" of 2.5cm often shrinks to a mere 3mm in practice, destroying marine biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems critical to sustainability. What's at stake is more than just fish stocks. Pla tu is not only a source of food but a cultural symbol connecting generations. Losing this species would be both an ecological and cultural tragedy. This reckless decision also jeopardises the country's food security. Healthy seas are vital for providing affordable protein to millions of Thais. Destroying juvenile fish populations will push small-scale fisherfolk further into poverty, exacerbate inequality, and drive up seafood prices for consumers. The government and opposition parties must recognise the long-term consequences of siding with big industry. This amendment is a step toward ecological collapse. On Nov 29, small-scale fishermen from 15 provinces petitioned the House of Representatives to halt this impending disaster. The petition was submitted ahead of the draft law's reading in the upcoming parliamentary session. Parliament must reject this amendment and focus on restoring marine ecosystems. Supporting small-scale fisherfolk is not just the right thing to do -- it is essential for Thailand's future. If the government proceeds, it will go down in history as the architect of Thailand's marine demise.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuels — and whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96NEW 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. 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. Related From Our Partner
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The current week has seen an unprecedented surge in global events with the Canary Islands witnessing the highest number of migrant arrivals from West Africa, challenging local capacities in managing the situation. In Europe, Slovakia expelled two individuals amid suspicions of energy infrastructure monitoring, and Germany promised military aid to Ukraine, signaling steadfast support against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Iraq is deploying fighters to Syria, but Hezbollah refrains from involvement. Further developments include the U.S. enhancing its military support to Ukraine with a substantial weapons package, Georgia's president requesting Western backing amid governmental tensions, and Israel and Hezbollah exchanging strikes. Colombia's military accuses armed groups of exploiting peace talks to bolster strength, and France faces potential governmental collapse due to no-confidence motions. (With inputs from agencies.)As the doors of St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh closed at 11am, you could hear a pin drop inside its historic walls. Around 500 invited guests gathered on Saturday to remember the life of Scotland’s former first minister Alex Salmond, after his sudden death at the age of 69. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, First Minister John Swinney, and figures from across politics, business and entertainment had all taken their seats. But Mr Salmond’s successor Nicola Sturgeon, who she once described as her mentor, was not present. The pair had a spectacular fall out and the rift never healed. Mr Swinney was met by a chorus of ‘boos’ as he entered the service, showing tensions remain between supporters of Mr Salmond and the party he used to lead. The splendour of the 900-year-old church added to the sense of occasion, as the cathedral’s choir took to their feet to perform ‘God Be In My Head’. There was a reading in Gaelic by Josh Robertson, a young independence activist, and close friend, Tory MP David Davis, and SNP MSP Fergus Ewing gave readings. Some of the most moving movements of the one hour ceremony came during the musical performances, which all encapsulated Mr Salmond’s love of Scotland. There was time to quietly reflect when Alasdair Fraser on the fiddle and Natalie Haas on the cello performed ‘Theme for Scotland’ and ‘The Referendum’. The personal and the political were weaved together throughout the ceremony. Mr Salmond’s niece Christina Hendry recalled memories of her ‘Uncle Alex’, including visiting the Turriff Show with her uncle and her sister where “he was the one asking us to go on the rides with him”. Perthshire-based singer and songwriter Dougie MacLean followed with a performance of his 1978 song ‘Caledonia’ and its yearning for home. Long-time friend and Acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of a man”. Mr MacAskill, a former SNP minister who quit the party to join Alba, said the cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”. Sapphire fishing disaster off coast of Peterhead remembered Duncan Hamilton KC, who served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said he was “proud to be a fishing MP and fiercely loyal to those he represented in his beloved north-east”. He recalled an interview Mr Salmond gave in 2017 in which he said he wanted to be remembered for his , which sank off the coast of Peterhead on October 1, 1997. Mr Hamilton told the congregation: “He said this: ‘If I go to the Pearly Gates and my maker says, ‘What did you ever do with your life as an MP and all the rest of it?’ I might well say, ‘I helped raised the Sapphire’.” He added: “Some of those families are here today. The point is this – he understood that politics is about people – and that at its core it is about community.” He added: “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country.” Scottish band The Proclaimers got feet tapping across the cathedral for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line: “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Led by piper Hamish Moore, the congregation poured out into the square outside St Giles which was lined with hundreds of people paying their respects. Chants of ‘Alex, Alex, Alex’ and the ‘The dream shall never die’ rang out across the square. Geoff Aberdein, former chief of staff to Mr Salmond, said the memorial was a “hugely fitting” tribute. Asked how his former boss will be remembered, he said: “He transformed Scotland. He pushed Scotland almost to the brink of independence and in his resignation speech, he said the dream of independence shall not die. “It’s now for others to ensure it stays alive.”
Specsavers Barry has teamed up with ETO, a shop run by social enterprise Awesome Wales, to provide more than 200 branded vests. They will be given to children in the area to help them be more visible to drivers on the road throughout the winter months. The initiative starts on December 1 and will run throughout the Christmas season, which is a time when darker mornings and evenings increase the risk of road-related accidents. Jamie Pullen, retail director at Specsavers Barry, said: "At Specsavers Barry, our commitment to the community goes beyond ensuring clear vision and hearing. "We are proud to work with ETO to improve road safety for children in Barry. "These high-visibility vests are a simple yet impactful way to help ensure their safety during the darker months." The initiative was announced in line with Road Safety Week, which takes place from November 17 to November 23. This is the UK’s biggest annual road safety campaign, which this year aims to raise awareness about safe and sustainable travel. Amy Greenfield, director at Awesome Wales, said: "We’re thrilled to partner with Specsavers Barry for this important initiative. "At Awesome Wales, we’re passionate about giving back to the community, and these high-visibility vests will make a real difference in keeping children safe as they navigate their daily journeys." The vests will be given out to parents for free at ETO, which is located on Holton Road. Parents are encouraged to visit the shop from December 1 to collect the vests for their children. For more information about the partnership and other community initiatives by Specsavers Barry, visit their website or Awesome Wales. Specsavers also provides home visits for customers unable to visit stores due to disability or illness.CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig explains how Trump's criminal cases filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith could have reached a different outcome if Attorney General Merrick Garland had moved quicker.
At least 36 MPs who voted in favour of assisted dying have indicated that they could change their minds at a later stage, new analysis suggests. An analysis of statements made by MPs about Friday’s vote shows that a significant number of parliamentarians suggested that their ongoing support would be conditional on how the bill stands up to scrutiny. The bill , which allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a life expectancy of six months or less to seek assistance to end their lives, passed in the Commons by 55 votes. 330 MPs voted in favour of the legislation, with 275 against. 18 Labour MPs and three Conservative MPs did not vote on Friday, meaning their votes are also to play for in the next stage. Under the proposed plans, a terminally ill adult would have to get approval from two doctors and a High Court judge before they would be helped to end their life. With the bill now entering committee stage, MPs will get a chance to scrutinise the plans and propose any amendments. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who proposed the bill, has said that there is “absolutely still a lot of work to do” on the bill and that “slight changes” are part of the process. Some MPs warned in Friday’s debate that their support was conditional on additional safeguards being put in place or parts of the bill being changed. Sir David Davis, who backed the bill, said he was concerned that a clause within it seemed to say that doctors could suggest an assisted death as a treatment option for their patients. Armed forces minister Luke Pollard voted for the bill but wrote to Ms Leadbeater calling for further safeguards to be added. Labour MP for Wrexham Andrew Ranger said that letting the bill pass through to the report and committee stages would allow for amendments and “areas of possible concern to be addressed”. He said that when the bill comes back to the Commons for its third reading, likely in Spring next year, he would then “arrive at a final decision”. Lib Dem MP for Chelmsford Marie Goldman said that her vote in favour on Friday was “by no means a guarantee of my vote for the bill at third reading”. Fellow Lib Dem Andrew George MP said he was in principle broadly in favour of assisted dying, but that he had not reached a final decision. In a letter to constituents, he wrote that he would carry out a study “especially in respect of the robustness of the law and the clinical judgements required to underpin its operation”. He added that, while he was not convinced that the law would put pressure on vulnerable people, he would “keep an open mind”. On Saturday, the Association for Palliative Medicine said that there is a risk the funding needed to pay for doctors and the courts to oversee assisted dying could divert money away from care for the dying. Labour MP Diane Abbott told the BBC that she was “very worried that vulnerable people will get swept up in the assisted dying route, when actually what they really need is access to hospice care and proper end-of-life care.”6 dead in New Jersey after car flies off overpass, bursts into flames
Australia's first Noise Camera trial starts at Brighton-Le-SandsPresident-elect Donald Trump called his meeting with Justin Trudeau productive and says the prime minister made a commitment to work with the United States to end the drug crisis amid the threat of stiff tariffs. Trudeau flew to Florida Friday evening to attend a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump's transition team is based. The in-person meeting came at the end of a rocky week in which Trump threatened to impose stiff tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, unless the two countries stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the U.S. In a post on Truth Social, Trump says he and Trudeau discussed the drug crisis, particularly fentanyl, illegal immigration, as well as trade, energy and the Arctic. Trump's post did not directly mention tariffs. Trudeau told reporters in West Palm Beach Saturday morning that he had an excellent conversation with Trump’s transition team. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2024. The Canadian Press
