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winph4 President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees. But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern, if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fuelled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. ___ Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Bryce Thompson scores 17 points and Oklahoma State beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston ClassicNone

‘More than just people giving time or money’: She’s leading Singapore’s social service sector into the future

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. They were also prime trolling opportunities for Trump. Throughout his first term in the White House and during his campaign to return, Trump has spun out countless provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. There were his belittling nicknames for political opponents, his impressions of other political figures and the plentiful memes he shared on social media. Now that's he's preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. On Sunday, Trump turned a photo of himself seated near a smiling first lady Jill Biden at the Notre Dame ceremony into a social media promo for his new perfume and cologne line, with the tag line, “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!” The first lady’s office declined to comment. When Trudeau hastily flew to Florida to meet with Trump last month over the president-elect's threat to impose a 25% tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S., the Republican tossed out the idea that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. The Canadians passed off the comment as a joke, but Trump has continued to play up the dig, including in a post Tuesday morning on his social media network referring to the prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.” After decades as an entertainer and tabloid fixture, Trump has a flair for the provocative that is aimed at attracting attention and, in his most recent incarnation as a politician, mobilizing fans. He has long relished poking at his opponents, both to demean and minimize them and to delight supporters who share his irreverent comments and posts widely online and cheer for them in person. Trump, to the joy of his fans, first publicly needled Canada on his social media network a week ago when he posted an AI-generated image that showed him standing on a mountain with a Canadian flag next to him and the caption “Oh Canada!” After his latest post, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Tuesday: “It sounds like we’re living in a episode of South Park." Trudeau said earlier this week that when it comes to Trump, “his approach will often be to challenge people, to destabilize a negotiating partner, to offer uncertainty and even sometimes a bit of chaos into the well established hallways of democracies and institutions and one of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic.” Even Thanksgiving dinner isn't a trolling-free zone for Trump's adversaries. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump posted a movie clip from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with President Joe Biden and other Democrats’ faces superimposed on the characters in a spoof of the turkey-carving scene. The video shows Trump appearing to explode out of the turkey in a swirl of purple sparks, with the former president stiffly dancing to one of his favorite songs, Village People’s “Y.M.C.A." In his most recent presidential campaign, Trump mocked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, refusing to call his GOP primary opponent by his real name and instead dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious.” He added, for good measure, in a post on his Truth Social network: “I will never call Ron DeSanctimonious ‘Meatball’ Ron, as the Fake News is insisting I will.” As he campaigned against Biden, Trump taunted him in online posts and with comments and impressions at his rallies, deriding the president over his intellect, his walk, his golf game and even his beach body. After Vice President Kamala Harris took over Biden's spot as the Democratic nominee, Trump repeatedly suggested she never worked at McDonalds while in college. Trump, true to form, turned his mocking into a spectacle by appearing at a Pennsylvania McDonalds in October, when he manned the fries station and held an impromptu news conference from the restaurant drive-thru. Trump’s team thinks people should get a sense of humor. “President Trump is a master at messaging and he’s always relatable to the average person, whereas many media members take themselves too seriously and have no concept of anything else other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “President Trump will Make America Great Again and we are getting back to a sense of optimism after a tumultuous four years.” Though both the Biden and Harris campaigns created and shared memes and launched other stunts to respond to Trump's taunts, so far America’s neighbors to the north are not taking the bait. “I don’t think we should necessarily look on Truth Social for public policy,” Miller said. Gerald Butts, a former top adviser to Trudeau and a close friend, said Trump brought up the 51st state line to Trudeau repeatedly during Trump’s first term in office. “Oh God,” Butts said Tuesday, “At least a half dozen times.” “This is who he is and what he does. He’s trying to destabilize everybody and make people anxious,” Butts said. “He’s trying to get people on the defensive and anxious and therefore willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise entertain if they had their wits about them. I don’t know why anybody is surprised by it.” Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.Netflix 'totally ready' for XMas NFL games, WWE

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha recently shared their journey from their first meeting to their wedding last September in Udaipur. The couple spoke candidly during an interview with Rajat Sharma, revealing the personal moments that brought them together. The first meeting in London The couple first crossed paths at an awards ceremony in London. Parineeti Chopra was receiving the Outstanding Achiever Award in Entertainment, while Raghav Chadha was being honored for his contributions in Politics and Governance. Parineeti said, "I had gone there to accept an Outstanding Achiever Award in Entertainment, and he (Raghav) had come to accept an award in Politics and Governance." Encouraged by her brothers, who were fans of Raghav, Parineeti decided to meet him. "I told the organizers I wanted to meet Raghav. Raghav was sitting behind me. I went up to him. I said, 'Hello, I am Parineeti, my brothers are big fans of you.' He replied, 'How sweet.' He said, 'We will catch up.' I said, sure, we'll meet in Mumbai. Raghav replied: Why not meet here tomorrow? I was stunned." An unconventional first date Their first meeting the next morning was far from typical. Both arrived with entourages of managers and organizers. Parineeti shared, "It was not a date. An entire platoon was present. I said to myself, what is happening?" Despite the setting, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Describing the moment she realized Raghav was special, Parineeti recalled, "Suddenly, he said he was hungry, stood up, and brought a plate full of food. I thought, normally people remain reticent when they meet for the first time. I said to myself, 'Yaar, this is the right man for me.' And now the filmi moment began. He brought his plate of food and started eating. I was just watching him. A bell rang in my mind. I said to myself, I am going to marry this man." 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View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere 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 Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Parineeti’s curiosity and Raghav’s confidence After their meeting, Parineeti turned to Google to learn more about Raghav. "The moment the meeting ended, I rushed upstairs to my room and started Googling - Who is Raghav Chadha? Is Raghav Chadha married? I also put the 'main' question - What is Raghav Chadha's age?" Raghav, on the other hand, approached their next meeting confidently. He said, "Yes, I knew about her. When she agreed to meet the next morning, I decided, why not. Let me hit a Mauke Pe Chauka." Secret meetings in Punjab As their relationship progressed, the couple often met secretly while Parineeti was filming in India. Raghav shared, "At first we met clandestinely. I told my colleagues, I had to go to meet somebody. We met at 8:30 in the night. She completed her shooting, told her security staff to go, and came alone in the car. Then we went to a farm to sit alone." A private wedding in Udaipur The couple married on September 24 last year at The Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur. The ceremony was attended by close family and friends, marking the culmination of their heartfelt journey. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha also addressed widespread speculation regarding their wedding costs. Reports claiming that rooms at their venue cost Rs 10 lakh went viral online, prompting the couple to clarify the facts in a recent interview with Rajat Sharma. Setting the record straight Raghav Chadha explained, "It was a five-star and not a seven-star hotel in Udaipur where 40 to 50 rooms were booked for guests and where the wedding took place. None of the rooms cost Rs 10 lakhs as is being alleged." The couple's wedding at The Leela Palace Hotel was an intimate affair, with close family and friends in attendance, contrary to the exaggerated narratives circulating online. From London to Punjab: their journey The couple also shared insights into their relationship, recounting their first meeting in London and secretive encounters in Punjab that led to their marriage. Parineeti admitted to searching for details about Raghav online after their initial meeting, saying, "I Googled questions like, 'Is he married? What is his age?'" A high-profile yet private event Their wedding on September 24 last year became one of the most talked-about events, blending grandeur with privacy. Despite the media frenzy, Parineeti and Raghav continue to emphasize the personal and meaningful aspects of their union, countering rumors with transparency. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )With each team coming off a come-from-behind win, West Virginia and North Carolina Central square off Tuesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia (6-2) has won two straight games and is in the midst of a 16-day, four-game homestand that kicked off with a 73-60 win over Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Friday night. North Carolina Central (4-7) comes off a 78-77 road win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday night. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with a game-high 26 points against Georgetown as they overcame a second-half deficit with a decisive run. "The way we played in the second half (against Georgetown), I'll take that team everywhere," West Virginia coach Darian DeVries said. "You have to be able to do that every single night, every single possession you don't always get to go on a 16-0 run to pull you out of it. That's where we are still growing as a team." Eduardo Andre was questionable for the Georgetown game after he missed the Mountaineers' 83-76 overtime win against Arizona on Nov. 29. But the fifth-year senior center returned with four points, three rebounds and four blocks. "It was good to have him back in the lineup for a reason," DeVries said. "That presence, especially defensively and the ability to block shots, that's a huge deal for us." Against Gardner-Webb, Po'Boigh King led NCCU with 28 points, well above his 17.4 points per game average, as the Eagles rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to win on a late 3-pointer from Isaac Parson. On offense, the Eagles take care of the ball. They are seventh in the nation in turnover margin at plus-7.5 per game. They seek extra possessions on defense and are second nationally with 18.9 turnovers forced per game "We're good enough, we just need to fine tune some things," NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said. "We've got to cross some T's, dot some I's and close. We can't be a really good basketball team until we get the mindset that when winning time presents itself in the last five minutes, (the other team) has to earn it." --Field Level Media

On Tuesday, Wall Street experienced a downturn as investors anxiously awaited pivotal inflation reports that could shape the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision. Notably, the communication services sector saw a lift due to Alphabet's stock rally, following the unveiling of its new chip. Conversely, the technology sector faced setbacks, driven by a decline in Oracle shares after the company failed to meet Wall Street's expectations for its second-quarter results. Additionally, chipmakers, including Nvidia, suffered following China's announcement of an investigation into potential anti-monopoly violations, perceived as a retaliatory move against U.S. restrictions on China's chip industry. The S&P 500 dropped by 16.53 points to close at 6,036.32. In anticipation of upcoming consumer and producer price indices, investors remain cautious, with some hoping for signs that could indicate a pause in the Fed's easing cycle. The market remains vigilant for insights into the Fed's future interest rate trajectory. (With inputs from agencies.)Middle East latest: Israel bombs hundreds of sites across Syria as army pushes into border zone

The Latest: Police search for man who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO, new photos of suspect released The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. Canadian Press Dec 5, 2024 1:06 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo) The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest: Water bottle and protein bar wrapper may hold clues to the shooter’s identity Just minutes before the shooting, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the two items from a nearby Starbucks. Both the water bottle and protein bar wrapper were later recovered from a trash can in the vicinity of the killing, according to a police spokesperson. They’ve been sent to the city’s medical examiner for expedited fingerprint testing. Tips about the shooting, many unfounded, are pouring in through a police hotline As the suspect remained at large Thursday afternoon, New York police were sorting through a growing number of leads coming in through a public hotline. Many have been unfounded, including a tip from a commuter who claimed to have spotted the shooter on a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday evening. Police searched the train, but found no sign of the gunman. Members of the public have also provided police with several different names of people who bear a resemblance to the gunman — though they have yet to confirm the shooter’s identity. NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves urged anyone with information to contact the department “even if it seems trivial.” “We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together,” he said. Anger and vitriol against health insurers filled social media in the wake of Thompson’s killing Users’ reactions — and in many cases jokes — populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular. “I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isn’t covered under my healthcare plan,” one comment read on Instagram. “Thoughts and prior authorizations!” wrote another user. Police searched Upper West Side hostel seen in new images Images released by police of a person they say is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Both feature a black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semicircle. Matheus Taranto, a guest at the hostel who’s visiting from Brazil, says he saw police at the lodging Wednesday evening. He said an officer wouldn’t let him access a bathroom where he wanted to brush his teeth. “I asked why, he was like, no, nothing happened,” said Taranto, 24. He didn’t connect the dots with the shooting until later. Police in Minnesota say they believe bomb threat against Thompson’s home was a hoax In Minnesota, police in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, where Thompson lived, said Thursday they believe a bomb threat on Wednesday night was a hoax. Maple Grove police put out a statement Thursday saying a “suspected swatting investigation” was underway. The department said it received a report of a bomb threat directed at two addresses around 7 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office assisted, but investigators found no suspicions devices or other items. “The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax. No further comments will be made at this time,” the police statement said. Police reports provided to The Associated Press by the department show that officers made contact with family members at one of the homes and were told they had seen nothing suspicious and had received no direct threats. In Minnesota, authorities investigate reported bomb threat against Brian Thompson’s home Back in Thompson’s home state of Minnesota, authorities were investigating a bomb threat that reportedly was made against his home Wednesday night, after his death. It was first reported by TMZ. City Prosecutor Andrew Draper confirmed to The Associated Press via email Thursday that he received an email Wednesday night “regarding a bomb threat. I reported it to the Maple Grove Police Department and do not have any additional information.” Maple Grove police officials did not immediately respond to requests for details Thursday. Local ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said: “ATF was made aware of the incident in Maple Grove last night, but no ATF resources were deployed. We are unable to confirm any further details.” A local FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information on the FBI’s involvement in the investigation. Words on ammunition were written in marker, AP source says The words emblazoned on the ammunition used in the shooting – “deny,” “defend” and “depose” – were written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official. The official wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. — Jake Offenhartz What’s known about the search As of Thursday morning, police were still searching for the shooter. They released new photos of a person they said is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The images match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, including its black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semi-circle. An employee at the hostel said police had visited but declined to provide further information. Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the lodging, said in an emailed statement that they are cooperating with the NYPD but can’t comment due to the active investigation. According to the official who spoke to AP about the ammunition messaging, investigators are running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the shooting, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded. Additionally, they’re looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan. What is the criticism of insurers? Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens. UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS. Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs. Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits. How do Americans feel about insurers? In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer. Polls reflect those frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and insurance companies in particular. About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve “a lot of blame” for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February . Thompson’s wife said her husband had received previous threats Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. They’re similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. ▶ Read more about the messaging left behind by the shooter New photos released by the NYPD The New York Police Department released photos Thursday morning, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured. Police say the person is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. UnitedHealthcare’s history of claim denials A Senate panel has been investigating how frequently three major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, deny care to patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It has also investigated the use of artificial intelligence in deny those claims. Medicare Advantage is the private version of Medicare, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee’s report released earlier this year found that as UnitedHealthcare relied more on its automated system to review claims denials increased for post-acute treatment, which includes nursing home or rehabilitation care. The insurer denied nearly a quarter of claims, a rate that doubled over just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022. What’s known about the suspected shooter? Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives, says the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack. He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind. After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooter’s professionalism. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” Kenny said. Hunt for the shooting suspect brought New York police to at least two hostels Thursday morning The hostels were on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and police were following a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one of the residences, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the ongoing search. According to an employee of Kama Central Park, two detectives arrived at the hostel at 7 a.m. Thursday with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognized the man. They did not, the employee said, and the detectives left soon after. An employee at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police had visited the location Thursday, but declined to provide further information. — Jake Offenhartz New York Mayor Adams says he’s ‘never seen a silencer before’ New York Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday the shooter used a silencer — something he’d never encountered in his 22 years as a police officer. “In all of my years in law enforcement I have never seen a silencer before,” Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said in an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “And so that was really something that was shocking to us all.” Deny,’ ‘defend’ and ‘depose’: Ammunition used in CEO’s killing had writing on it, AP source says The masked gunman used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny had said earlier. — Mike Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak Just getting up to speed? Start here The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference. ▶ Read more about the key things to know about the fatal attack The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Health B.C. children's minister stepping away from role after colorectal cancer diagnosis Dec 5, 2024 1:57 PM Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesia Dec 5, 2024 1:39 PM Police release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Dec 5, 2024 1:26 PM

Covington’s office market rebounding as work-from-home mandates waneThe Latest: Police search for man who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO, new photos of suspect released

Donald Trump trolls Justin Trudeau and Jill Biden onlineWith sleek, ultra-flat, iconic stylish giant screen Innovative technology brand TECNO today unveiled its new AI-enhanced, second-generation flip smartphone, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G in the Philippines with Pia Wurtzbach as brand ambassador A remarkable fusion of on-trend aesthetic design and powerful technologies, the iconic phone will bring a fun, fashionable and functional flip phone experience to stylish individuals. Bringing pocket-sized ease and elegance to daily life, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is freshly equipped with TECNO’s brand-new TECNO AI suite of AI functions. The suite features an upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Writing and much more. It also upgrades the flip experience with a stunning infinity pool-inspired ThruPool cover screen, a flagship imaging system, an ultra-flat flagship main screen and a long-lasting 4720mAh Super Battery with 70W Ultra Charge. TECNO AI is a Masterpiece of Creativity Despite its tiny size, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is packed with innovative AI functions that deliver a massive creativity boost to content creators and fashion-forward individuals. TECNO AI is a new suite of AI functions that boost creativity, convenience and fun, helping every user stand out on socials with their creativity unlocked. Whether scrolling social media, managing work projects, or organizing a party with friends, TECNO AI’s Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant is always on hand to help. Ella offers online search capabilities and Smart Q&A to give intelligent answers based on real-time information, responding to questions fluently. In addition, users can interact more intelligently with over 400 system functions with Ella, from setting wallpapers to switching the system language. PHANTOM V Flip2 5G also features AI Text Summary and face-to-face AI Translation. Meanwhile, AI Writing functions, such as text summary, text generation, proofreading and rewriting capabilities also save users’ valuable time. Combining the limitless human imagination with the power of AI for mind-blowing results, TECNO AI’s creative tools allow users new ways to express themselves. With AI Artboard and AI WallPaper, anyone can create an artistic masterpiece, as AI turns users’ simple scribbled sketches into incredible works of art, while Magic AI Eraser allows users to rescue their photos by removing clutter or passersby, and One Click Cutout lets users automatically recognize and extract subjects with a long press, enabling quick and effortless image sharing. Picture-perfect ThruPool Cover Screen An icon of sleek and flowing design, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G’s ThruPool Cover Screen is a stylish creation inspired by infinity pools. The cover features a 3.64” screen that is perfectly integrated with the slightly curved main body, while the suspended camera lens is immersed in the pixels that beautifully flow across the display. PHANTOM V Flip2 5G reimagines everyday uses of the cover screen, supporting over 2,000 apps to make life easy for users who often won’t even need to open up the main screen. The screen is larger and more regular in shape to make it natural to use, while it’s 413PPI display is delicate and dynamic. Users can set up shortcut icons for instant access to useful features like step count and weather. The screen also supports a full keyboard display for easy dialing and typing, including quick replies. Users can also bring more character to their smartphone interactions with customizable displays and adorable interactive pets. The cover screen can be personalized with a range of styles, from magazine to graffiti or contrast. There are also five new animal additions to Outer Screen Cute Pet 2.0, bringing even more cuteness to the display. Users can stroke their pet to engage in cute interactions. For game lovers, the screen offers a host of mini-games such as Cute Pet Jump, 2048 Landmark Edition, Cute Pet Elimination Music, Sudoku, and more, so users can have fun without even opening the main screen. Flagship Imaging Elevated by FreeCam Despite being perfectly pocket-sized, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G delivers a flagship candy bar smartphone level camera system, with a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide angle camera, and front 32MP camera, while its flip form unfolds new shooting perspectives. The powerful rear cameras offer amazing optical grade lossless zoom results, with 2x extended focal length and 2x-10x zoom. Image quality is maintained even when zoomed in. For photos of friends or unforgettable party moments in low light, a 1/1.57” large main camera sensor and 1μm pixels produce clear, detailed photos with improved clarity, brightness, and tone. The main camera also supports 4K@30fps Ultra Steady video stabilizer for clear, stable videos, even on the move. The 32MP shining selfie front camera is ideal for capturing super selfies or shooting exciting vlogs, with advanced phase detection autofocus (PDAF) with more accurate human eye autofocus that achieves finer feature recognition. Equipped with a front flash and physical-level fill light, it also solves the problem of no light source for selfies in low-light environments, making selfies clearer, brighter and more realistic. With its foldable design, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G flips standard shooting on its head for a more creative imaging experience. Capable of hovering at any angle from 30-150°, users can explore new perspectives with FreeCam shooting. FreeCam Selfie, FreeCam Group Selfie and FreeCam Video all let users make the most of the folding design to capture exciting hands-free shots. Hovering the phone also lets users shoot incredible FreeCam Timelapse and FreeCam Long Exposure shots without the need for a tripod. Besides FreeCam, the foldable dual screen design allows even more unexpected shooting methods. With Ultra Selfie, users can shoot highly detailed, ultra wide-angle selfies without unfolding the device, using the device’s flagship-level rear cameras. With Cover Screen Preview, the shooting screen is displayed on both the main screen and the cover screen so the subject of the shot knows exactly how the shot will look in real-time. With Retro DV Mode, users can feel the classic video camera vibes with the device hovered, creating atmospheric shots with built-in templates and filters. Ultra-flat Flagship 120Hz Main Screen Aside from its iconic ThruPool cover screen, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G also features an immaculate ultra-flat 6.9” flagship main screen to bring users an immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz LTPO self-adaptive refresh rate display offers seamless and dynamic screen interactions. The AMOLED FHD+ display with 100% P3 color gamut delivers a rich viewing experience, while 2160Hz high-level PWM dimming controls brightness to reduce the impact of usage on the eyes. Even with regular folding and unfolding, the main screen’s crease line is kept to a minimum, thanks in part to the device’s double helix star track water drop hinge. Constructed using aerospace-grade super strength steel, the hinge ensures a tight fit when opened and closed, while providing a lifetime of at least 400,000 normal temperature folds, 150,000 high temperature folds and 100,000 low temperature folds. The main screen and strong hinge also enable FreeForm hovering. With the cellphone at any angle from 30-150°, users can hover the device and use it in new ways. FreeForm supports a wide range of apps, including system applications like Camera and Visha Player, as well as popular third-party apps such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Netflix, Disney+, Zoom, Google Meet and Messenger. Fast Charge, Big Battery PHANTOM V Flip2 5G lets users chill all day without worrying about charging, boasting one of the largest battery capacities and fastest charging speeds in its category. A powerful 4720mAh Super Battery makes it a reliable companion for all-day activities. Meanwhile, 70W Ultra Charge achieves 50% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in 43 minutes. This combination of a large battery capacity and rapid charging technology guarantees uninterrupted usage and superior convenience, making PHANTOM V Flip2 5G the perfect flip companion for hours and hours on the go. Combining an iconic aesthetic and innovative AI, TECNO’s new PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is a futuristic flip phone that brings forward-thinking individuals an amazing creative boost. Through advanced technologies and eye-catching design, it promises to take everyday experiences to a new level of pocket-sized style and fun. Set the trend, order ahead! The PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is priced at Php 34,999 officially. From 11.28 to 12.08, customers in Luzon region and the cities of Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo can preorder the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G by paying a reservation fee of only Php2,000. The first 200 customers will receive a limited edition PHANTOM luggage plus a customized PHANTOM Flip 2 pin and digital video phone case. After the limited edition items run out, customers who will preorder will receive the digital video phone case. During the open sale from 12.09, customers who will purchase offline will also receive a digital video phone case. They will also have the option to pay over 18 months at 0% interest through Home Credit. Special discounts on Tiktok Shop and Shopee On 12.06-12.12, customers can purchase the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G during its first sale at a special price lowest to Php27,999 at TECNO Mobile PH in TikTok Shop . Starting from 12.08, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G will also be available on TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee , TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Lazada , as well as at TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide. Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.

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Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trollingSINGAPORE, Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly published collaborative study [1] in the Journal of Hepatology, featuring HistoIndex – a global leader in stain-free digital pathology solutions for managing fibrotic diseases – alongside Merck & Co., MSD, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), The National Institutes of health (NIH) and a panel of distinguished international liver pathologists showcased how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the evaluation of liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASH, a condition often linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, causes liver inflammation and fibrosis. Accurate staging of fibrosis is crucial for diagnosing MASH and determining treatment options. In addressing the inherent variability in fibrosis staging, HistoIndex's AI digital pathology platform has been shown to enhance the reliability of clinical trial outcomes by offering a more objective approach in evaluating fibrosis. The study, which analyzed 120 digitized histology slides from two separate Phase 2b MASH clinical trials (NCT03517540, NCT03912532), revealed that AI assistance significantly improved inter-pathologist agreement on fibrosis staging, particularly for early-stage fibrosis (F0-F2). Compared to traditional methods, the HistoIndex's stain-free digital pathology platform using Second Harmonic Generation/Two Photon Excitation Fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) provided a more consistent, accurate and detailed assessment of fibrosis severity across the disease spectrum (Figure 1). Thus, enabling pathologists to address the long-standing challenge of intra- and inter-pathologist variability in MASH biopsy evaluation. "I am excited about the findings of this study, which highlight how AI-assisted SHG/TPEF imaging and quantitative fibrosis scoring have improved inter-pathologist agreement, especially for early-stage fibrosis (F0-F2)." said Dr. Arun Sanyal, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Molecular Pathology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and Principal Investigator of the study. "This increased accuracy not only enhances confidence in staging but also has the potential to streamline clinical trial processes and reduce the need for third-pathologist adjudication." "Witnessing the journey of this study from concept to fruition has been incredibly rewarding, made possible by the collaboration across global teams." said Dr. Gideon Ho, CEO of HistoIndex, "The findings, especially the improvement in inter-pathologist agreement with AI-assistance, are set to transform both clinical trial assessments that transcend into precise and personalized care for MASH patients." This study marks a significant step forward in leveraging AI to aid pathologists in both MASH clinical trials and routine patient care, offering a promising pathway for improving consistency and accuracy in diagnosing and managing MASH as a global health challenge. About MASH Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive form of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by steatosis and inflammation, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure, and an increased risk of liver cancer. The presence of ballooned hepatocytes (enlarged and damaged liver cells) is a key feature distinguishing MASH from simple steatosis. Pathologist assessments of liver biopsy remain the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of MASH. Histological categorial scoring systems are often used as surrogate endpoints to evaluate drug efficacy in clinical trials. These endpoints are limited in capturing the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease. As a result, there is a growing need for more accurate and reliable tools, such as AI-based digital pathology solutions, to improve the assessment of treatment response and disease severity in MASH. About HistoIndex Founded in 2010, HistoIndex pioneers in stain-free, fully automated imaging solutions for visualizing and quantifying fibrosis in biological tissues. By combining cutting-edge biophotonic technology with AI-based analysis, HistoIndex provides innovative tools to improve the assessment of fibrosis changes and drug efficacy. HistoIndex's breakthrough digital pathology solutions are currently used in accelerating clinical research, expediting pharmaceutical drug development, and transforming medical standards. References: [1] "Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH" DOI: class="prnews_a" href="" rel="nofollow" 1016/j.2024.11.03 [2] Adapted from Graphical Abstract in "Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH" by Desiree Abdurrachim et al. SOURCE Histoindex Pte. Ltd. MENAFN08122024003732001241ID1108969450 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.