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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 local news delivered to your inbox!ST.PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz, alongside the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, presented Minnesota’s official Thanksgiving turkey on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the Minnesota State Capitol reception room. The tom presented by Walz on Tuesday weighed in at 41.8 pounds. Paisley VonBerge, who has helped raise the bird since it was six weeks old, said the turkey will return back to her family’s farm in Hutchinson “to be enjoyed the way that turkeys are intended to be enjoyed.” ADVERTISEMENT President Joe Biden pardoned two Minnesota turkeys, Peach and Blossom, on Monday, Nov. 26, a contrast to Minnesota’s tradition of selecting a turkey to celebrate before it heads to the Thanksgiving dinner table. “We do it differently than in D.C. because here in Minnesota, we know turkeys are delicious, and we do not hide that fact, we celebrate that fact,” Walz said. During the presentation, Walz touted Minnesota’s turkey industry, which, with 600 farms, 40 million birds and 450 turkey farmers across the state, is number one in the nation, according to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA). MTGA President Jake Vlaminck said that the turkey industry in Minnesota has generated $16.5 billion for the state of Minnesota. Vlaminck said Minnesota’s rich industry is what allowed MTGA, alongside Walz, to donate $10,000 worth of turkey to Minnesota families ahead of Thanksgiving this year. “We delivered hundreds of turkeys last week to a long line of people waiting in the cold waiting for their Thanksgiving meal,” Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O’Toole said. “We could see the difference in their faces. It's moments like this that give Minnesota its reputation for a uniquely generous spirit.” Regarding the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump, his proposed tariff increases and their potential effect on some of Minnesota’s agriculture sectors like the turkey Industry, Walz said he will “watch those moves closely.” “Agriculture pays the heaviest price, states like Minnesota pay the heaviest price for that,” Walz said. “And I think at this time we're waiting to see what the forecast comes in.” ADVERTISEMENT Thom Peterson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture commissioner, said Mexico and Canada are some of Minnesota’s biggest markets and that 74% of Minnesota’s exports go to Mexico. Peterson said he and Gov. Walz are already beginning to have conversations with federal officials on how new trade agreements or tariffs could affect Minnesota. “When we were in D.C. yesterday with Peach and Blossom, we were honored to be joined by both Mexican and Canadian embassies,” Peterson said. “Trade is a lot of our [Minnesota’s] relationships. We're going to be active and engaged in that, those conversations. So we we do a lot of that ourselves, but we also have to partner with the federal government if they have a trade agreement.” After the formal presentation of the tom, Walz took a few off-turkey-topic questions — his longest stretch of answering questions from the press since returning from Minnesota. When asked if he regretted running with Vice President Kamala Harris, Walz said his only regret in life is not getting a dog sooner. “I'm proud to have been part of that. I think we put a message out that 75 million Americans liked, but not quite enough,” Walz said. “I was just glad to be out there, to be honest, glad to tell the Minnesota story, that we get things done together.” Walz said after coming home to a split legislature, he is hopeful leaders will be able to work things out and that he expects productivity from his partnered branch of government. ADVERTISEMENT “Look, we are in a split legislature like we were in 2019 and we got a lot done during that time, and it’s my expectation that we can do it, that we will compromise, we will continue to focus,” Walz said.jili 178 register login download 。

SANTA CLARA, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Couchbase, Inc. (NASDAQ: BASE ), the cloud database platform company, today announced it has granted equity awards under its 2023 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan to new employees who joined Couchbase. On November 21, 2024 , Couchbase granted 9 non-executive employees equity awards in the form of service-based restricted stock units ("RSU Awards"), representing the right to receive up to 19,905 shares of Couchbase, Inc. common stock in the aggregate, with fifty percent (50%) of the shares subject to such RSU Awards vesting on the first quarterly vesting date following the one (1) year anniversary of the vesting commencement date, and twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of the shares subject to such RSU Awards vesting on each quarterly vesting date thereafter conditioned upon each employee's continued employment on the vesting date(s). The inducement grants were approved by Couchbase's Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, as required by Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4), and were granted as a material inducement to employment in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4). About Couchbase Modern customer experiences need a flexible database platform that can power applications spanning from cloud to edge and everything in between. Couchbase's mission is to simplify how developers and architects develop, deploy and run modern applications wherever they are. We have reimagined the database with our fast, flexible and affordable cloud database platform Capella, allowing organizations to quickly build applications that deliver premium experiences to their customers– all with best-in-class price performance. More than 30% of the Fortune 100 trust Couchbase to power their modern applications. For more information, visit www.couchbase.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @couchbase . Couchbase ® , the Couchbase logo and the names and marks associated with Couchbase's products are trademarks of Couchbase, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Couchbase, Inc.

UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New YorkNone

Reports: Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologizes to Commanders TE Zach ErtzNEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year,” Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Change your relationship with money Think about how you currently deal with finances — what’s good, what’s bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there’s shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it’s time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. Know your “why” When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it’s important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you’re saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. Budget, budget, budget “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. “Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year.” McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. Pay down outstanding debt “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Take control of your credit card interest rate “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. Set realistic, practical goals When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma’s Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you’ll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. Don’t ‘flamingo’ or bury your head in the sand “You can’t manage what you can’t see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025,” said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that’s one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers’ credit scores. Automate savings, where possible Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Slow down Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Focus on financial wellness Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution,” said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. “Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake said his side must “show character” if they are to end their winless streak after Feyenoord scored three times in the final 15 minutes to claim a 3-3 draw in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium. City are now six games without a victory but appeared to be cruising towards three points before being stunned by the Eredivisie side, who hit them with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko to fight back from 3-0 down. Two goals from Erling Haaland, one of them a penalty, and one from Ilkay Gundogan had the 2023 European champions three up after 53 minutes as they sought the win that would help to get their ailing season back on track. FULL-TIME | A point apiece. 🩵 3-3 ⚫️ #ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/6oj1nEOIwm — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 26, 2024 After the team collapsed in the closing stages, Ake called on his team-mates to show their mettle if their campaign is not to wither away. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he was asked whether he believed the the team’s problem is a mental one. “Maybe it is,” he said. “It is difficult to say. Obviously we have not been in this situation many times but this is where we have to show our character. “When everything seems to go against us and everyone is writing us off, we have to stay strong mentally, believe in ourselves and stick together. 🔢 pic.twitter.com/diyhxQXsdF — Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) November 26, 2024 “Every season there is a period when they write us off. We have to make sure we stay strong as a team and staff and make sure we get out of it.” The draw leaves City with work to do if they are to secure one of the eight automatic spots in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League. They are currently 15th in the table, two points outside of the top eight, and will need positive results in their next two games against Juventus and Paris St Germain to keep their hopes alive. They then face Club Brugge in their final league match on January 29. The result at least ended a run of five straight defeats in all competitions ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with leaders Liverpool at Anfield. “When you are three goals up it feels like a defeat when you give up three goals at home,” said Ake. “It is tough now, a tough night, but the only thing we can do is look forward to the next one. Liverpool is a big game and it is another challenge to overcome. “(We were) 3-0 up and we played quite well and were under control, but then it all changed. “You just have to stay strong mentally. At 3-1 they then push on but I think we need to go for it a bit earlier so we could keep the pressure on them, but we stayed playing at the back and maybe invited more pressure on us. “Then when you concede the second one there is even more pressure and then we have to stay stronger mentally.”Actor Sean Penn says he is “proud” that President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden ahead of what he called president-elect Donald Trump’s “dangerous clown show” administration. “Any father that didn’t do that [pardon their son] would have been remiss,” Penn told Variety . “I don’t know if I want to have a beer with somebody who wouldn’t have pardoned Hunter Biden, being their son.” As Breitbart News reported , many people took issue with the fact that Biden had spent months insisting he wouldn’t pardon his son, only to go back on his word. Penn seemingly tried to justify that concern, telling Variety , “I do not believe that Joe Biden, had he won the presidency, would have pardoned his son. I don’t think it was a lie; I think it was a change of mind and circumstance.” The actor — who is notably a close friend of Hunter Biden, whose paintings Penn has on his walls — went on to call the now-cleared felony charges against Hunter “one of the horrible hit jobs of all time” and “existentially insane.” The Mystic River star then called Hunter Biden “one of the finest people I know.” “This is a guy who has taken on the most severe addiction, and has so much to offer people who are suffering or families who are suffering through that,” Penn said. “And I just I’m glad that the possibility is there now that he’ll have the time and space to be able to offer that support to people, which I know is what he wants to do.” “We would be proud to have him,” the Milk star added. “He’s also a fantastic painter.” Penn went on to tell Variety that he views Trump’s incoming presidential administration as “a dangerous clown show.” The majority of America, however, disagrees with Penn’s assertion — as evidenced by Trump’s landslide victory in the 2024 election, in with the 45th and soon-to-be 47th president won not only the Electoral College, but also the popular vote, as well as every single swing state. The 2024 election also resulted in Republicans taking the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives — a clear message from the American people. Alana Mastrangelo is a reporter for Breitbart News. You can follow her on Facebook and X at @ARmastrangelo , and on Instagram .Dominion Energy Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gains

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The eighth annual South Wales Health and Care Awards will be taking place on Wednesday, December 4. The ceremony at Rodney Parade will celebrate the health and care providers across South Wales, and the finalists have been revealed. Arian Care believes that happy, well supported and valued staff provide the best possible standard of care and support to individuals so therefore invests heavily in its staff team. Among things it does are: above average rates of pay and mileage; supportive office team, open door policy, regular meetings and social opportunities provided; snacks, drinks always available for staff ( and their children) when they visit the office; box of toys and activities for children that visit the office with their parent - this is to support Arian Care's vision of being a family focused employer; period, menopause and andropause positive employer that supply's sanitary products to all staff available from the office. St David's Hospice Care employs just over 200 staff and every single person is important and contributes to the over all success of the hospice. It is a fair and equal employer which supports staff in many ways. A menopause support group has been established, a number of mental health first-aiders have been trained to support staff and an annual well-being survey is undertaken to 'check in' with staff to see how they are feeling about work, life and everything. Their comments and thoughts are requested to see where things can be improved and what needs to be done differently. The CEO sends out a monthly briefing to all staff to ensure everyone is aware of what is going on and any news across the hospice. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Monmouthshire and Monmouthshire County Council believe the working environment is the best place to work due to the integration and innovative ideas continually produced. Both organisations endeavour to treat all employees with respect and equality through all levels of staffing and look at how to improve and if wanted progress careers. Both organisations encourage employees to take pride in their work, often with successes being shared on the intranet, via email, Good News items on agendas, and included in newsletters.It's four days before 2024 concludes. Let's walk down memory lane and look back at some of the defining moments of the year that will soon pass. Yes, Virginia, a cartload of events came our way—improvements in basic services, particularly in disaster preparedness following a number of natural calamities that visited the country, and the brewing political discord. Notable among these events was the early change in Senate leadership, with independent Senator Miguel Zubiri stepping down as Senate President and being replaced by Francis Escudero. Then, who could forget the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte as Secretary of the Department of Education and vice chairperson of the anti-insurgency body? This effectively ended the already fragmented UniTeam alliance and practically confirmed the long-held observation of a political rift between the two highest elected officials of the land. Another noteworthy development with implications for the coming year, potentially affecting business, was the impeachment case filed against the Vice President, consisting of 24 offenses, including failure to account for her spending of confidential funds. The progress of this impeachment case hangs in the balance due to time constraints, with lawmakers soon to be busy campaigning for the mid-term elections in May 2025. And, of course, the assumption of operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport by the San Miguel Corporation-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. promises to improve the premier gateway and potentially boost the tourism industry. As San Miguel President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang stated in his Christmas message, the upgrading of NAIA to international standards is a work in progress. "We work to provide you with a gateway we can all be proud of... to provide a better airport experience and elevate NAIA to world-class standards.” From a business perspective, 2024 was a year of recovery, recapturing lost opportunities. “It was the year that operations nearly equaled pre-pandemic performance. It’s the year that most companies have equaled their 2019 figures,” enthused Victory Liner Inc. President Marivic del Pilar. Rowena Ruaro, whose events concierge and dermatology clinic businesses virtually slumped during the lockdown, echoed this view. “The year taught me adaptability and patience. But still, I am grateful for the journey. Our business adapted to pre-pandemic era finances.” For finance professional educator and Vice President and Head of Business Development & Market Education Departments at First Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation, “momentum” encapsulates 2024. “This year has been marked by resilience and transformation. The banking sector, fueled by technological advancements and a renewed focus on sustainability, continues to redefine customer experiences. The middle-class market has proven to be the cornerstone. For the economy, it’s about seizing opportunities amidst challenges, driven by the collective efforts of businesses, policymakers, and everyday Filipinos.” For millennial Kyla, it was a healing process that made her stronger and more prepared to take on new challenges in both her personal life and business. From my corner of the Business Corridor, as the end of the year approaches, let’s take stock of the experiences and lessons learned to prepare us better for the year ahead. Talkback to me at [email protected]

US stock indices pushed to fresh records Tuesday, shrugging off tariff threats from President-elect Donald Trump while European equities retreated. Trump, who doesn't take office until January 20, made his threat in social media posts Monday night, announcing huge import tariffs against neighbors Canada and Mexico and also rival China if they do not stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Both the Dow and S&P 500 notched all-time highs, with investors regarding the incoming president's words as a bargaining chip. "In theory, higher tariffs should not be good news for stocks. But, you know, I think the market's chosen to think of (it) as a negotiating tactic," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "You have bullish sentiment," said LBBW's Karl Haeling. "People are tending to look at things as positively as possible." But General Motors, which imports autos from Mexico to the United States, slumped 9.0 percent, while rival Ford dropped 2.6 percent. Overseas bourses were also buffeted by the news. European stocks followed losses in Asia, despite Trump excluding Europe as an immediate target for tariffs. "These are his first direct comments on tariffs and tariff levels since becoming president-elect, and they have roiled markets," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB trading group, ahead of the Wall Street open. "It is early days, and there are plenty of opportunities for Trump to direct his attention to Europe down the line," Brooks added. The US dollar rallied against its Canadian equivalent, China's yuan and Mexico's peso, which hit its lowest level since August 2022. In other economic news, the Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose to 111.7 this month, up from 109.6 in October, boosted by greater optimism surrounding the labor market. "November's increase was mainly driven by more positive consumer assessments of the present situation, particularly regarding the labor market," said Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board. Pantheon Macroeconomics chief US economist Samuel Tombs added in a note that the increase in consumer confidence overall "likely was driven by euphoria among Republicans." "The index also jumped in late 2016, when Mr. Trump was elected for the first time," he said. Federal Reserve meeting minutes showed policy makers expect inflation to keep cooling, signaling a gradual approach to interest rate cuts if price increases ease further and the job market remains strong. New York - Dow: UP 0.3 percent at 44,860.31 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.6 percent at 6,021.63 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.6 percent at 19,174.30 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.4 percent at 8,258.61 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.9 percent at 7,194.51 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.6 percent at 19,295.98 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.9 percent at 38,442.00 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 19,159.20 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,259.76 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0482 from $1.0495 on Monday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2567 from $1.2568 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 153.06 yen from 154.23 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 83.41 pence from 83.51 pence Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.3 percent at $72.81 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $68.77 per barrel bur-jmb/stPinstripes Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

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MAKURDI – Arc Asema Achado, member, representing Gwer West/Gwer East, Federal Constituency, Benue State, at the House of Representatives (HoR), has called on the people of the state to advise the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to desist from actions that were detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state. The lawmaker who also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) not allow the Police in Benue to be used as tools of oppression and intimidation, appealed to the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to caution Governor Alia, against the governor’s “onslaught” on APC leaders in Benue, unless he was counting on leaving the APC for another political party. Achado disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, over what he termed the “Unlawful closure of the (his) business premises and sustained harassment by the Benue State Government” on his person and other APC leaders in the state by the Governor. Other business premises that experience a boom in sales during this season that were shut down, include Balcony, situated at George Akume way, Precious Events center located opposite Benue hotels, Makurdi among others. He lamented that the closure of one of his business concerns, City Bay among other ventures on 23rd December, 2024, has rendered the businesses owned by tenants at the facility, comatose and without a means to erk a living during this yuletide season, adding that most of the tenants in the place had already made purchases of perishable items that have gone back over the closure of the facility. The lawmaker who noted that he and others were a target of witch-hunt by the governor explained that the long holiday granted civil servants was to ensure that the facility, including his Microfinance Bank, Benysta, remain under lock and key in order to frustrate his businesses. He stressed that worse still is that before the closure of the recreational center, the management was asked to pay a sum of N20,000, for registration of the premises and another N219,000 as default fees, which it did promptly, adding that the facility was later reopened but on the 23rd some government agencies in other security agencies came back in gestapo style and locked up city bay. According to him, “I address you on critical developments that affect the socio-economic well-being of our dear Benue State. This briefing has become imperative to clarify misinformation and provide factual account of recent events concerning the actions of the Benue State Government under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia. “Before my election to the House of Representatives, I established the Archtik Group, a conglomerate comprising subsidiaries with interest in hotels, recreational parks, banking and educational institutions. These enterprises were designed to contribute to the socio-economic growth of Benue State and Nigeria by providing employment opportunities, enhancing economic development and aesthetics of their locations. “Upon assuming public office as a member of the House of Representatives in 2023, I relinquished all executive roles within the organizations, delegating leadership to my son, Dr. Edward Achado. “Two key subsidiaries of Archtik Group, namely —City Bay Park, a recreational facility, and Benysta Microfinance Bank, both situated in Makurdi—have been the focal points of this controversy. These businesses employ numerous Benue citizens and contribute significantly to the local economy. “From its commencement, Benysta Microfinance Bank has given out loans to over 1,000 small scale enterprises in Benue State, worth more than N5 billion. In City Bay Park, many indigenous people hold and operate businesses at the park. Many of the businesses are owned by people whom the Governor fondly calls the ‘masses’. Some of them purchased frozen fish and chicken and other perishable food items, preparatory for the Christmas, with most of the items sadly now rotten as a result of the forceful sealing of the park by the government.” Therefore, Achado, who spoke at the press briefing said, “The people of Benue State should advise Governor Alia to cease actions detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state. “The Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Police in Benue State are not used as tools of oppression and intimidation but for the maintenance of law and order. “Also, the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution Governor Alia on his onslaught against APC Leaders in Benue State, unless he has concluded plans to move to another political party.” He further explained that some of the side effects of what the closure of the recreational facility has done is that there were “Significant financial losses by the sub-tenants within City Bay Park, particularly those dealing in perishable goods; psychological trauma: weddings and other events which were scheduled to be held at the park were altered, grossly affecting the people involved leading to psychological trauma and loss of huge resources; the disruption of the livelihoods of employees and sub-tenants have been severely impacted. Efforts by the company’s management to resolve the matter with relevant authorities have been futile, as both premises remain sealed. “These actions are not only a gross abuse of power but also politically motivated. Governor Alia’s administration has consistently threatened key APC stakeholders, including myself, who were instrumental in his election victory. We finances his elections and made sure he won the election. This pattern of oppression raises serious concerns about his commitment to good governance. “The actions of the governor suggest a calculated attempt to silence dissent and undermine our contributions to the state’s development”, he stressed. Narrating on the incidences which led to the closure, Achado explained that “On December 23, 2024, officials from the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside law enforcement agencies, forcibly entered and sealed the premises of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank. They presented demand notices dated December 12 and 13, 2024, regarding business premises registration fees. “Despite City Bay Park’s status as a government property, which arguably exempts it from such fees, the management of the park swiftly paid ₦20,000 for registration and ₦219,000 as default charges to avoid conflict. These payments were made on the 23rd December, 2024 and receipts of these payments duly issued by Benue State Internal Revenue Service, which copies are available for reference. “Shockingly, after an additional ₦20,000 was demanded and paid to unseal City Bay Park, a more aggressive enforcement team arrived and resealed both premises. This second operation was marked by excessive force, harassment, including the use of tear gas, which caused injuries and distress among customers, including children and the elderly. Some individuals fainted, while others sustained serious injuries in the process. “The arbitrary and heavy-handed sealing of these business premises by the state government is executed without authorization from any competent court of law empowered to issue such an order. This action constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of democracy, the fundamental rights of the people operating therein, reflecting the highest degree of abuse of power, suppression, and persecution by the state. “The sealing of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank and other business centres owned by members of APC is emblematic of a broader issue threatening democratic principles, economic stability, and the rights of citizens in Benue state. I urge all patriotic Nigerians to join in advocating for justice and fairness to preserve the socio-political harmony of our state”, the lawmaker appealed. End.

A recent study found there is a stark difference in what Gen Z and Boomers think about financial success. In its study published on Friday, Empower said , “Is there a secret to financial success? Most Americans (52%) say ‘yes’ — and the average salary considered successful is $270,000 per year, and $5.3 million in overall net worth.” For Gen Z, financial success looks like an annual salary of $587,797, while Boomers think it is $99,874. When it comes to barriers to financial success, Empower noted: More than one third say the economy (35%) and income instability – irregular or insufficient income streams (30%) is a culprit, along with lack of knowledge about managing finances (20%). Nearly a third say the biggest obstacle to success is not setting clear financial goals (28%). Over 1 in 4 (26%) say procrastination or delaying financial planning or decision-making gets in the way. People see a lack of savings (35%), overspending and not budgeting effectively (37%) and debt (36%) as barriers to success. ... The Empower “Secret to Success” study is based on online survey responses from 2,203 Americans ages 18+ fielded by Morning Consult from September 13-14, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+). A report from November 2023 showed the majority of adults in America were living paycheck to paycheck in President Joe Biden’s (D) economy, per Breitbart News. The following month, a Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies found about two-thirds of households at the bottom 20 percent of the income bracket pay more than half their income for rent and utilities, causing a significant strain on them. “The challenge for low income families to afford basic housing costs suggests President Joe Biden’s so-called ‘Bidenomics’ of growing the economy from the ‘middle out and the bottom up’ is not working,” the Breitbart News article read. A study from May showed that Gen Z was having a hard time financially with low income and higher debt-to-income ratios than Millennials endured at their age. The Breitbart News article also noted that “high interest rates and increasing inflation under the Biden administration have left many Gen Z adults dealing with more credit card debt.”

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.

UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York

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