NEW YORK — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez isn’t defending last week’s targeted execution of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, but believes companies like his act in a way that many people might see as life-threatening. “This is not to say that an act of violence is justified, but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them ,” the 35-year-old liberal lawmaker said in a video shared to social media this week. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest news, sports, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. People are also reading... "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. How many credit cards do you have? Number of Credit Cards Carried Drops Throughout the Years As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. Residents of More Populous States Have More Credit Cards on Average In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Average Number of Credit Cards Per Consumer is Similar Across the U.S. Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Older Consumers Have More Active Credit Cards on Average The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. Number of Cards Carried Increases Into Middle Age The average number of credit cards held by each generation follows the familiar pattern seen in credit card balances, which tend to increase in a consumer's middle age. It's not surprising that the number of credit card accounts follows a similar climb throughout young adulthood and middle age, then drops off in the retirement years. How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many? No matter how many credit cards you may have at the moment, keep in mind that the number of accounts has little if any bearing on one's FICO Score. Far more important is how consumers manage those accounts. This is easily demonstrable by quickly stepping through some of the factors that affect your credit scores . Longer credit histories do tend to have a positive effect on a consumer's credit score, but it's not something you can rush. Adhering to on-time payments and managing amounts owed will go far in improving credit scores, even absent a lengthy credit history. While accounts closed in good standing remain on your credit report for 10 years, canceling your oldest credit card account still has the potential to shorten your credit history when it is eventually removed. The impact of its removal depends on any other active credit cards in your credit file. The Bottom Line Ultimately, the number of cards a particular individual carries is a personal decision. Justifications can be found for carrying a travel rewards card, a cash back card, a balance transfer card, a card for business transactions and other types of credit cards that other consumers may not have either the need or qualifications for. However, keeping track of numerous credit cards, whether or not a consumer is actively using all of them, can be a mentally taxing exercise. Not only that, credit card fees can add up and dull the benefit of carrying several credit cards. Organized consumers can benefit greatly from a wallet full of specialized cards, but for those seeking a more zen-like financial future, some judicial pruning may be in order. Methodology: The analysis results provided are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database that may include use of the FICO Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared with other similar analysis. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and compilations of related statistical data. This story was produced by Experian and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. US consumers now carry fewer than 4 credit cards on average Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. Average Number of Cards Has Declined Since 2017 U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Pakistan Army plans to return to Bangladesh for the first time since 1971NoneWelcome to Medical Ethics Unpacked! 00:00 Introduction to Medical Ethics Unpacked 00:45 Key Issues in the Debate on Euthanasia and Mental Illness 07:25 Clinical Perspective on Capacity and Competence 12:45 Challenges in Evaluating Capacity in Mental Illness 19:32 Treatment Options and the Role of Social Structures In their inaugural episode of Medical Ethics Unpacked, hosts Steve Levine, MD, a psychiatrist, and Dominic Sisti, PhD, a bioethicist, begin a 2-part discussion examining medically-assisted suicide, often referred to as medical assistance in dying (MAID), and euthanasia, particularly in the context of severe psychiatric conditions . Part 1 of the discussion featured above focuses on foundational concepts and the broader context of MAID, laying the groundwork for an in-depth ethical discussion in part 2. Sisti, an associate professor in the Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy and the director of the Scattergood Program for the Applied Ethics of Behavioral Health Care at the University of Pennsylvania, introduces 2 critical questions at the heart of the debate: determining whether individuals with severe psychiatric illnesses have the capacity to make autonomous decisions about euthanasia and whether psychiatric conditions can be considered terminal. As Sisti notes, these questions are particularly challenging given the complexities of suicidality, which is both a symptom of certain psychiatric illnesses and a factor influencing the desire for euthanasia. Sisti also examines data from jurisdictions where psychiatric euthanasia is legal, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, noting trends like gender disparities and inconsistent capacity evaluations that raise concerns about equity and justice. He emphasizes the need for robust societal safeguards to ensure that MAID is not prematurely offered to individuals whose suffering might be mitigated through other means. Later, Levine provides a clinical perspective, delving into the distinction between capacity and competence, explaining how capacity evaluations are conducted by physicians, and discussing the nuances of suicidality as a dynamic and context-dependent phenomenon. He highlights the episodic nature of conditions like major depressive disorder and the potential for recovery through treatments, such as ketamine or psychedelics. However, he acknowledges the limitations of psychiatric care, including gaps in treatment effectiveness and accessibility, which complicate decisions regarding MAID. Levine also raises the philosophical question of whether a wish to die is always pathological or whether it can sometimes be an expression of autonomy, further blurring the lines in this debate. The episode sets the stage for part 2, which will explore the ethical considerations surrounding MAID and euthanasia in greater depth. Levine and Sisti aim to address the broader implications of permitting euthanasia in psychiatric populations, touching on justice, societal values, and the role of clinicians in these life-and-death decisions. Stay tuned for the continuation of this complex and thought-provoking discussion. Relevant studies and documentation mentioned in this episode: Doernberg, Samuel N., John R. Peteet, and Scott YH Kim. "Capacity evaluations of psychiatric patients requesting assisted death in the Netherlands." Psychosomatics 57, no. 6 (2016): 556-565. Kim, Scott YH, Raymond G. De Vries, and John R. Peteet. "Euthanasia and assisted suicide of patients with psychiatric disorders in the Netherlands 2011 to 2014." JAMA psychiatry73, no. 4 (2016): 362-368. Kious, Brent M., and Margaret Battin. "Physician aid-in-dying and suicide prevention in psychiatry: A moral crisis?." The American Journal of Bioethics 19, no. 10 (2019): 29-39. Nicolini, Marie E., Scott YH Kim, Madison E. Churchill, and Chris Gastmans. "Should euthanasia and assisted suicide for psychiatric disorders be permitted? A systematic review of reasons." Psychological medicine 50, no. 8 (2020): 1241-1256. Nicolini, Marie E., Chris Gastmans, and Scott YH Kim. "Psychiatric euthanasia, suicide and the role of gender." The British Journal of Psychiatry 220, no. 1 (2022): 10-13. Sisti, Dominic, J. John Mann, and Maria A. Oquendo. "Suicidal behaviour is pathological: implications for psychiatric euthanasia." Journal of Medical Ethics (2024). Relevant disclosures for Sisti include Lykos Therapeutics and Tactogen. Relevant disclosures for include Levine include Compass Pathways. Editor's Note: This podcast explores complex and sensitive topics, including medically assisted suicide and the ethics of euthanasia. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of HCPLive or MJH Life Sciences. This content is intended to encourage thoughtful discussion and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement of any particular position. Listeners are encouraged to approach these subjects with care and consult appropriate resources for further information.
The shocking murder of UnitedHealth Group executive, Brian Thompson, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, continues to shake the healthcare industry. Mangione, who was not a UnitedHealth customer, faces murder charges following the incident near a Manhattan hotel. While there's no clear link between Mangione's actions and his personal health struggles, the event has fueled widespread anger towards the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. Public figures, including UnitedHealth Group's CEO Andrew Witty, have condemned the glorification of the accused on social media. As healthcare companies reassess their security measures, public demands for transparency and better communication of coverage decisions grow louder. Meanwhile, analysts suggest the incident could represent a pivotal moment for potential change in the industry. (With inputs from agencies.)The husband-wife legal team working on two of today's biggest criminal cases
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Social media users are misrepresenting a report released Thursday by the Justice Department inspector general's office, falsely claiming that it's proof the FBI orchestrated the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The watchdog report examined a number of areas, including whether major intelligence failures preceded the riot and whether the FBI in some way provoked the violence. Claims spreading online focus on the report's finding that 26 FBI informants were in Washington for election-related protests on Jan. 6, including three who had been tasked with traveling to the city to report on others who were potentially planning to attend the events. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The FBI has admitted it has a budget of less than $500,000 to defend the nation against waves of suspicious drones plaguing New York City, New Jersey, military bases and the Mexican border. A US Homeland Affairs committee was “mind-boggled” when it was revealed that security forces were shockingly under-resourced to defend against drone attacks, including an incident where up to 30 drones stalked a Coast Guard boat this week. Committee members slammed the FBI for spending only a fraction of its $12 billion budget on “counter-drone” efforts, despite dozens of reports of large unidentified drones looming over New York and New Jersey in recent weeks. “Why isn’t the FBI taking this more seriously? That is obviously reflected in the budget.” Congressman Eli Crane questioned. Mystery drones have been flying over the New York City skyline. Picture: X They’ve also been spotted over the New Jersey skyline. Picture: X FBI Critical Incident Response leader, Robert Wheeler Jr, admitted the FBI still didn’t know the origin of the drones , noting some were “larger than a commercially available drone”. New Jersey Rep. Brain Bergen stormed out midway through the hearing and told reporters it was the “biggest amateur hour I have ever seen about anything.” “The biggest waste of five hours in my life ... this is a complete lack of effort, in my opinion, of trying to figure this out,” he told the press. Congressman Tony Gonzales said the lack of answers made him feel like he was “in the Twilight Zone”. “You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey. That’s crazy! It is madness that we don’t know,” he said. With authorities offering no explanations, some have come to their own conclusions about the origin of the mysterious drones. A New Jersey congressman claimed that an Iranian mothership off the east coast of the US was launching the drones. The Homeland Security House Committee heard that drones, otherwise known as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), were wreaking havoc all across the nation. Congressman August Pfleuger told the room that the FBI had just recently arrested a white supremacist in Tennessee who “planned to use a drone with an explosive payload to attack a power grid”. Customs and Border Patrol top official Keith Jones said his organisation had detected nearly 1000 suspicious UASs at the Mexican border every week, but had only intercepted 60 so far in FY24. The moment a US fighter jet shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon in 2023. Picture: Angela Mosley Some of those UASs were being used by Narcos gangs to smuggle weapons and drugs into the country. Others were spying on the border from Mexican airspace without ever crossing into US territory, which meant Border forces had no power to intervene. Mr Jones said some of the UASs plaguing the border were “potentially collecting information for the government of China”, as most of the drones used by Cartels were made by China. He also revealed that Customs and Border Protection had a “zero” budget dedicated to dealing with the UAS problem. New York Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was “astounded” that there wasn’t more action being taken, noting an incident in 2023 when a Chinese Spy Balloon flew over multiple military installations. “It is very concerning that we could be having this happen again. I, it’s astounding to me that this is even happening without any type of intervention,” Ms Malliotakis said. More Coverage Bombshell claim about mystery drone wave Frank Chung Biden commutes 1500 sentences, pardons 39 AFP Originally published as Congress members blast FBI ‘amateur hour’ response to growing drones threat Gadgets Don't miss out on the headlines from Gadgets. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Designers Surprising Aussie fashion trend revealed Buy-now pay-later giant Afterpay has revealed some surprising Aussie fashion trends in its latest Afterpaid report, with one colour dominating 2024. Read more Technology ‘Deeply personal’: Why Apple says its AI will bring joy to Aussies Can artificial intelligence really bring us joy? Create emotion? Enhance creativity and be personal, useful, intelligent and contextual? Apple thinks so, but there’s a trade-off. Read more
Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”Arsenal beat Ipswich to go second in EPL
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NEW YORK — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time,” said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. Related Articles He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.
These musicians bought a seat for cello worth $4.5M. Air Canada wouldn't let it on boardZymeworks Inc. (NYSE:ZYME) Director Ecor1 Capital, Llc Buys 16,692 Shares