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ph seven 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. 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 the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.

SPEAKING OUT On this 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, we pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of a man whose love for his country and his people knew no bounds. Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, once declared: “Death does not matter if one dies for those one loves - his country and for others dear to him.” His words resonate today, reminding us of the profound dedication and patriotism that fueled his life and legacy. Rizal’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines was evident in his words and actions. Through his novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” he exposed the injustices and ignited a movement for reform. His intellect, courage and passion became the catalyst for change, inspiring Filipinos to rise against oppression. On Dec. 30, 1896, Dr. Rizal faced his execution with the same bravery and dignity that defined his life. He was very calm as he walked his final steps from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan. Moments before he was shot, a Spanish doctor felt his pulse and found it incredibly normal. Denied of his request to be shot facing the firing squad, Rizal made the supreme effort to turn around, upon being hit by the firing squad’s bullets. He fell to the ground on his back, his face towards the sky. His sacrifice was not in vain as it united a nation and fueled the drive for freedom. Today, we look back with gratitude and admiration for a man who taught us that true patriotism is not just about loving one’s country, but also about being willing to sacrifice for it. As we commemorate this solemn day, let us reflect on Rizal’s enduring legacy. May his words and actions continue to inspire us to work toward a better future for our nation. Let us embody the same love, dedication, and selflessness that he demonstrated, always striving for the greater good. Long live the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal! Prayers and wishes for 2025 As we welcome the New Year, let us collectively hope and pray for new beginnings, boundless opportunities, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. As we celebrate , let us also express our hopes and dreams for our beloved Philippines. Let us hope and pray for unity and harmony within our nation. May we continue to bridge divides, foster understanding, and work together as one resilient and compassionate community. Let us cherish our shared heritage and build a future where every Filipino feels a sense of belonging. Let us hope and pray for prosperity and progress. May the Philippines thrive in all aspects –economically, socially, and culturally. Let innovation and creativity flourish, bringing forth opportunities for growth and development that will uplift every Filipino. Lastly, let us hope and pray for peace and safety. May our country be a sanctuary of peace, free from conflict and fear. Let us stand strong together, protecting and supporting each other, so that every Filipino can live a life of security and freedom. As we embark on this New Year, let us carry forward the spirit of hope, love, and determination. Here’s to a prosperous 2025 for our beloved Philippines. Mabuhay! ( [email protected] )- Vince Dunn has been outspoken about the Kraken’s recent struggles—and, for the most part, he’s been right. The candid defenseman wasn’t alone in his frustration after the team dropped three straight games, including two consecutive losses to the San Jose Sharks. But whether it was Dunn's words or Head Coach Dan Bylsma’s message, the Kraken responded with a new sense of urgency, turning the tides on the Hurricanes with a big Tuesday night in Carolina. Dunn returned to the lineup this week after missing 19 games due to . Tuesday night he earned his third assist of the season with a pass to Eeli Tolvanen, giving the Kraken a 2-1 lead in the second period. Upcoming Games: Thurs.Dec. 5th @ , Fri. Dec. 6th @ , and Sun. Dec. 8th @ Make sure you bookmark site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Want to join the discussion with others in your hockey community? Check out the !

SAN FRANCISCO – Even in the face of their otherwise excellent start, the Warriors on Monday night endured the same lesson they’ve been enduring so often this season. Can’t say they’ve learned that lesson, as failures still are too frequent. Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 The recipe to Golden State’s 128-120 loss to the Brooklyn Nets included one part of their typically poor free-throw shooting, one part unusually indifferent defense and – what surely is the most maddening – four parts of voluntary charity. The surest way to compromise any defense is by giving the opponent live-ball turnovers. “It’s impossible to defend it,” said Stephen Curry, who committed three turnovers. “And that can decide a game. We won the possession game, got 10 more shots than they did. Almost the same amount of threes (19 to Brooklyn’s 20). They got 15 more free-throw makes. But that 14 points on easy buckets or easy possessions, whether it’s them knocking down transition threes or getting to the basket, there’s no defense for it.” The Warriors handed out 13 turnovers, not a horrible number. What was damaging is that those turnovers gave Brooklyn 26 points and essentially paved a path to Golden State’s first back-to-back defeats this season – both of which came after coughing up large third-quarter leads. They led by 17 inside the final two minutes of the third quarter at San Antonio on Saturday and lost by 10 . They led by 18 with less than seven minutes remaining in the third quarter Monday and lost by eight before a sellout crowd (18,064) at Chase Center. The Nets began their surge over those final seven minutes and continued until the final buzzer. They outscored the Warriors 60-34 over the final 19 minutes. “We’ve generally done a better job of taking care of the ball, for the most part,” coach Steve Kerr said. “Thirteen turnovers [are] not a bad number, but they scored every time off them. There were some bad ones that really hurt; they were kind of automatic conversations. The ones that we had really took our momentum away, so we’ve just got to keep getting better.” The Warriors are averaging 14.6 turnovers per game, roughly the same as last season (14.3). The league has changed such that they were 23rd in turnovers last season yet have climbed to 15th-best this season. This is, however, the fifth game this season in which their donations have given opponents at least 20 points. The Nets scored 10 points off turnovers in the third quarter, which they closed with a 21-6 run. Much of what fueled their comeback can be attributed to Golden State’s live-ball turnovers. “We can’t set up our defense,” Gary Payton II explained. “At that point, we’re scrambling around. And if we’re scrambling, somebody is going to be open at some point and they get a good look. And teams are hitting them. “If we take away the live turnovers and get back on defense, I’d like our chances with our set defense.” By the time the Warriors reduced their live-ball turnovers, the energy had gone to the Nets, who scored five more gift points while finishing the Warriors in the fourth quarter. Brooklyn after halftime shot 56.1 percent from the field, including 45.5 percent from distance. That’s successive games in which the Warriors staggered toward the finish. The Warriors sit in second place in the Western Conference. They have an impressive 12-5 record. Yet even with their revamped roster, they’re displaying disturbing shades of last season, which ended with them trudging into an offseason without playoffs. “You don’t want to overreact, right?” Kerr said. “Two games ago, everyone was feeling great. We were 12-3. We’ve had big leads in late third in both games. We have to address what’s happened in these last two games. I don’t think it’s a fatigue thing. I think it’s an execution thing. “We need to execute better, and that’s on me as the coach,” he added. “We’ll get them in here tomorrow for a practice, which we need, and we’ll get back to executing better. Giving up 41 in the fourth, that’s tough to overcome.” Practice will, without a doubt, focus on execution. There also will be sufficient time to practice free throws. Either the Warriors will curb their tendency to give free money to opponents, or their impressive first month will be a distant memory – or a wistful game of “If Only” – when confronting the final weeks of the regular season. Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately. Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen quits a tournament in a dispute over jeans NEW YORK (AP) — The International Chess Federation says top ranked player Magnus Carlsen has left the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after refusing to change out of the jeans he wore to the competition. The federation said Friday that its regulations include a dress code that bars participants from wearing jeans at the event. The Norwegian chess grandmaster says he accepted a $200 fine but refused to change his pants out of principle before leaving the competition in New York. The federation said the dress code is designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants. Trailblazing model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning NEW HOPE, Pa. (AP) — A trailblazing former “Sports Illustrated” model who pushed back against age discrimination has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities in Bucks County found 76-year-old Dayle Haddon, dead in a second-floor bedroom Friday morning after emergency dispatchers were notified about a person unconscious at the Solebury Township home. A 76-year-old man who was also in the home was hospitalized in critical condition. As a model, Haddon appeared on dozens of magazine coverage in the 1970s and 1980s. She then reentered the industry in the 1990s after landing contracts with cosmetic companies to promote their anti-aging products. 2 Oregon men die from exposure in a forest after they went out to look for Sasquatch STEVENSON, Wash. (AP) — Officials say two Oregon men have died in a Washington state forest after they failed to return from a trip to look for Sasquatch. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office says the 59-year-old and 37-year-old appear to have died from exposure. The sheriff's office says it based that conclusion on the weather and their lack of preparedness. Both men were from Portland. They were found in a heavily wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest northeast of that city. Family reported them missing after they failed to return from a Christmas Eve outing. Sasquatch is a folkloric beast thought by some to roam the forests, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

After a spectacular three-season run, Ted Lasso has firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, earning 13 Emmy Awards and widespread acclaim. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise The Apple TV+ series concluded its third season with what appeared to be a definitive ending: Coach Ted returning to America after three years of coaching AFC Richmond. While fans believed this marked the end of the road for the heartwarming sports comedy, recent comments from co-creator Bill Lawrence suggest that there may still be room for Ted Lasso Season 4. Creative Freedom in the Streaming Era In a recent interview with Collider, Lawrence shared insights into the potential continuation of the series. Highlighting Jason Sudeikis’ pivotal role in shaping the show, Lawrence expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that brought Ted Lasso to life. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program “With Ted Lasso, I always have to make sure I highlight Jason Sudeikis because he had a vision for the show,” Lawrence said, as mentioned in a report by Collider. “You can always tell a new story with new characters in this streaming world. He’s driving it creatively. But man, I’m excited to even still peripherally be a part of it.” Lawrence’s remarks underline the flexibility that streaming platforms offer, allowing creators to revisit beloved universes with fresh perspectives while preserving the integrity of the original story. Jason Sudeikis at the Heart of It All Sudeikis’ portrayal of the titular character remains the cornerstone of the series. Beyond his performance, he has been deeply involved in writing and crafting the show’s narrative arcs, ensuring that every character’s journey feels authentic. Despite a slight dip in critical reception for Season 3—scoring 82% among critics and 77% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes—Ted Lasso remains a fan favorite. The Season 3 finale left Ted’s story in a natural resting place, but the enthusiasm from Lawrence and the creative team suggests that any new installment would build on the show’s legacy without diminishing its charm. A Stellar Cast The series has been bolstered by a talented ensemble cast that has brought AFC Richmond and its world to life. Brett Goldstein stars as Roy Kent, transitioning from a fiery player to a coach. Phil Dunster shines as Jamie Tartt, a once-arrogant player who evolves into a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple deliver standout performances as Rebecca Welton, the team owner, and Keeley Jones, respectively. What’s Next for Ted Lasso? While Ted Lasso Season 4 has yet to be officially greenlit, the excitement from the creative team indicates that discussions are serious. Lawrence emphasized that the team would only proceed if they were confident they could add value to the story without undermining what has already been achieved. FAQs Is Ted Lasso on Netflix? No, Ted Lasso is exclusively available on Apple TV+ and cannot be streamed on any other platform. Is Ted Lasso for adults? Parents should be aware that Ted Lasso is an uplifting and heartwarming sports comedy, but it contains mature themes and content. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

LPGA, USGA to require players to be assigned female at birth or transition before puberty

Chimezie's late layup lifts Boston University past Maine 59-56( MENAFN - UkrinForm) Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday that his country would consider actions in response to Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit from January 1, 2025. According to Ukrinform, this was reported by radio Svoboda . “After January 1, we will assess the situation and the possibility of taking retaliatory measures against Ukraine,” Fico said in a video posted on the social network. According to the politician, if necessary, Bratislava will stop supplying electricity, which Ukraine desperately needs, or agree on another course of action. As Ukrinform reported, on December 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine was ready to transit gas to European countries if it was not gas of Russian origin. This year, the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine signed between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gazprom expires. Kyiv's position on this issue is unwavering: there will be no new contract with the aggressor state. MENAFN27122024000193011044ID1109035945 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.