Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantisTransDigm Group Inc. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitors
In light of these complex dynamics, there have been discussions within the U.S. government about potentially deepening cooperation with the SDF despite objections from Turkey. Some argue that the SDF's continued support is crucial for preventing the resurgence of ISIS and maintaining stability in Syria. Others, however, caution against alienating a key NATO ally like Turkey by aligning too closely with groups they consider to be terrorists.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.Inter Milan's solid defensive organization, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline have been key factors in their success. Players like Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, and Nicolo Barella have been in top form, helping Inter Milan maintain their high ranking in the Club Strength Rankings. The club's mentality and never-say-die attitude have seen them overcome tough challenges and emerge as genuine title contenders.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, rejuvenated under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have also thrown their hat into the ring. The Red Devils have shown remarkable resilience and consistency in their performances, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford leading the charge in attack. With a formidable squad and a never-say-die attitude, Man United are determined to reclaim their status as title contenders.
Behind a dominant performance by running back Cam Skattebo, the No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils beat the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones 45-19 in the Big 12 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday. With the win, ASU clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. As was the case throughout the season, Skattebo was the driving force behind Arizona State's success on Saturday, as he racked up 170 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, plus two receptions for 38 yards and a score for the Sun Devils. Skattebo, who went over 2,000 total yards and 20 total touchdowns on the season in Saturday's win, was praised emphatically by college football fans and analysts on social media: Arizona State improved to 11-2 on the year with the victory over ISU, and it is among the hottest teams in college football, having won six consecutive games since a loss to Cincinnati. Given their recent rise, the Sun Devils were heralded as a potential dark-horse team in the CFP with a chance to make some noise: After a field goal on Arizona State's first drive, Iowa State took a 7-3 lead on a three-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Hansen, but it was all ASU from there. The Sun Devils outscored the Cyclones 21-3 for the remainder of the half with Skattebo delivering multiple long runs and two short touchdowns during that timeframe: Arizona State entered the half with a 24-10 lead, and things only got worse from there for Iowa State. Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt threw a pair of touchdown passes to Xavier Guillory in the third quarter, and he also hit Skattebo for a 33-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 35. Skattebo struck the Heisman pose multiple times during Saturday's game, and while Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter is the heavy favorite to win the hardware, Skattebo has perhaps earned a trip to New York City as a finalist. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has the best chance to knock off Hunter for the Heisman after rushing for 2,497 yards, scoring 30 total touchdowns and leading the Broncos to the CFP, but Skattebo isn't far behind. With over 2,000 total yards, 20 touchdowns and a CFP berth of his own, Skattebo would likely be widely considered the best running back in college football if not for Jeanty. While Skattebo waits to see his Heisman status, the Sun Devils will also await word on whether they will have to play a first-round game in the CFP. Since Boise State entered conference championship weekend ranked No. 10 in the poll, it is fairly unlikely that the Broncos will get bypassed by the Sun Devils. While ASU's drubbing of Iowa State was more impressive than Boise State's 21-7 win over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game, it will be a surprise if the Sun Devils leap five spots to go above Boise State. There is one other potential path to a bye, and that is if No. 17 Clemson beats No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game, but Clemson would probably end up ranked ahead of ASU in that scenario. Assuming the Sun Devils do not receive a bye, head coach Kenny Dillingham's team has the makings of a very tough matchup for a first-round opponent such as Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, Penn State, Georgia, Texas or Oregon, depending on the result of the SEC and Big Ten Championship Games.MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking time with Manchester City is far from over. The City manager has signed a two-year contract extension, ending speculation about his future by agreeing to a deal that would prolong his tenure to 11 seasons. Guardiola’s contract was due to expire at the end of this season. The four-time defending Premier League champions announced the deal Thursday. “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here. We have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club,” the 53-year-old Guardiola said. “That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.” The Catalan coach has overseen a period of unprecedented dominance since joining City in 2016. He has gone on to win six Premier League titles in seven years and also lifted the Champions League among 15 major trophies at the club. Under Guardiola, City became the first team to win four-straight English league titles. He also led City to the treble in 2023, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in one season — matching Manchester United's achievement in 1999. “I have said this many times before,” Guardiola continued in his statement, “but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.” Guardiola’s decision to stay also comes as City faces a slew of alleged financial breaches . Punishment could be as extreme as expulsion from the league. City faces more than 100 charges ranging over a nine-year period when it was trying to establish itself as the biggest force in English soccer. The club denies the charges and Guardiola had said in September — when a closed-door hearing was scheduled — that he welcomed the chance to clear the club’s name. A verdict is not expected until next year. Guardiola has managed City for longer than any his former clubs, having spent four years at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich. City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said he was “delighted” that Guardiola is staying. “His hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of that will continue to be our players and coaching staff, the culture of our club, and the English game at large,” he said. "This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to re-write the managerial record books.” James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Title: Manchester City in Crisis: Guardiola's Position in Jeopardy after Losses to 1-2 and 2-2!For those who are considering purchasing the Nintendo Alarm Clock at the third-party price of $1500, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. While the allure of owning a limited-edition piece of Nintendo merchandise is undeniable, the hefty price tag may not be feasible for everyone. It's always wise to consider your budget and priorities before making a purchase of this magnitude.