
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. Related From Our PartnerTTD's green push: Plan to tackle legacy waste issue
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has set its sights on resolving one of Tirumala's pressing challenges—decades-old legacy waste. Legacy waste means municipal solid waste piled up for years in landfills, dumpsites or on barren land. These comprise biodegradable waste, plastic, clothes, metals, glass etc. With over 60,000 metric tonnes of untreated waste and daily additions compounding the issue, TTD is currently adopting a multi-pronged strategy aimed at sustainable waste management. "Our focus is not just on clearing the legacy waste but also on building a system that ensures efficient and eco-friendly waste management in the future. We are committed to transforming waste into resources and minimising its environmental impact", TTD executive officer Syamala Rao told Deccan Chronicle. According to the EO, approximately 2.45 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste has accumulated over the years. While 1.85 lakh metric tonnes has already been treated and disposed of, the remaining 60,000 metric tonnes present significant logistical and environmental hurdles. Additionally, the treatment process has yielded by-products, including 34,000 metric tonnes of treated soil, 15,000 metric tonnes of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and 10,000 metric tonnes of stones, all requiring repurposing strategies. Daily waste generation further intensifies the issue, with 60-70 metric tonnes of dry and wet waste being produced. This calls for immediate and long-term measures, explained the EO. To overcome these, TTD is implementing a blend of technology and expertise. "We are engaging consultants to devise a comprehensive plan for efficient waste management. Within a week, tenders will be called to appoint experts to provide innovative solutions," the EO announced. The TTD has begun incorporating insights from a study conducted three months ago by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS). Also, a consultant from the GVMC will assess Tirumala’s drainage and storm-water systems to suggest improvements, Rao said. A dedicated drainage division is in the works to address infrastructure challenges. "We are exploring advanced equipment and recycling systems to reduce dependency on freshwater resources. Separating underground drainage from storm-water systems is a priority to ensure efficient waste treatment," the EO explained. The TTD is also focusing on repurposing by-products from waste treatment to ensure sustainable utilisation. Treated soil is earmarked for landfilling, pending compliance with safety standards, while stones and RDF are being evaluated for innovative repurposing methods. TTD is also intensifying on-site treatment processes to address disposal challenges effectively. “This initiative is not just a clean-up drive but a transformative effort to create a greener and more sustainable Tirumala—one that future generations can take pride in”, emphasised Syamala Rao. - Tirumala is grappling with 60,000 metric tonnes of untreated legacy waste, out of a total of 2.45 lakh metric tonnes accumulated over the years. - While 1.85 lakh metric tonnes have been treated, the remaining waste poses logistical and environmental hurdles. - Around 60 to 70 metric tonnes of dry and wet waste are generated daily, adding to the crisis. - TTD is engaging consultants and leveraging technology to devise eco-friendly waste management solutions. - Within a week, tenders will be called to appoint experts for innovative waste management strategies. - Waste treatment has produced 34,000 metric tonnes of treated soil, 15,000 metric tonnes of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and 10,000 metric tonnes of stones. - Efforts are on to repurpose these by-products sustainably. - A dedicated drainage division is planned to improve waste management infrastructure. - Advanced recycling systems are being explored to reduce reliance on freshwater resources.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks' 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
Irish premier Simon Harris has said Fine Gael will gain seats in the General Election despite a further fragmentation of Irish politics. Fine Gael won 35 seats in the 2020 election, but 18 of those TDs did not seek re-election in Friday’s poll. An exit poll puts the party’s support at 21%, a fraction of a percentage behind the main opposition party Sinn Fein. Mr Harris, the outgoing Taoiseach, was elected with 16,869 first preference votes, well above the quota. He celebrated with his wife Caoimhe, his parents Bart and Mary, his sister Gemma and his political team at the count centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow. Ahead of his re-election, Mr Harris told reporters he was “cautiously optimistic” about the election result and said it was “clear that my party will gain seats”. “It’s also clear that Fine Gael will top the poll in at least 10 constituencies, many more than we did the last time, that we will gain seats in constituencies where we haven’t had seats in many years, like Tipperary South and Waterford, and that we will add second seats in other constituencies as well,” he said. “I think the people of Ireland have now spoken. We now have to work out exactly what they have said, and that is going to take a little bit of time.” In one of the five consecutive broadcast media rounds he did from the Greystones count centre, he said there were a lot of areas where there were “straight shoot-outs” between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for final seats. He described the Sinn Fein vote as “pretty significantly down”, the Fianna Fail vote as “marginally down” and the Fine Gael vote as “static” compared with its 2020 vote. He said it was “a very close, a very competitive election” and that “we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it”. He said: “It was predicted by many that I would become the Taoiseach for a brief period of time, take over from Leo Varadkar, and then have to rebuild my party from the opposition benches as Sinn Fein led a government. “We don’t know what’s going to happen on government formation yet, but that is now looking less likely than it was.” He acknowledged that it was “a very difficult day” for the Green Party and paid tribute to their work in the coalition government, alongside his party and Fianna Fail. “Definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented,” he said. Fine Gael minister Helen McEntee said that her party’s campaign had been “positive”. “The feeling on the doors was very much that people were relatively happy with the government,” she said on RTE Radio. “It will come down to the last seats and it will come down to transfers,” she said of the final result, adding that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were performing better than the exit poll estimated.Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game on Saturday. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekUS to transform white elephant destroyers by fitting hypersonic weapons
The Fabric and Apparel Accessory Manufacturer’s Association (FAAMA), a subsidiary association of the Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAF), hosted its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024, at Jetwing Colombo Seven on 29 October 2024. The event was attended by Chief Guest, US Embassy in Sri Lanka Deputy Chief of Mission Doug Sonnek, and Guest of Honour JAAF Sri Lanka Chairman Saif Jafferjee. The AGM also was attended by representatives of JAAF member associations including JAAF SL Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, and other distinguished guests such as Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka Director General Renuka M. Weerakoon and Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Director General P.B. Hemantha Jayasinghe. FAAMA outgoing Chairman Pubudu De Silva addressed the attendees, highlighting the association’s progress over the past financial year ending 31 March 2024. He highlighted several challenges faced by the textile and apparel industry due to uncertain global demand, brought about by geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuation. He explained that these challenges greatly impacted supply chains and costs of raw material. He went on to highlight that despite these challenges, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector was able to remain the largest contributor of the local economy. De Silva also addressed FAAMA’s pivotal role in the apparel industry, emphasising the fact that the association is working closely with stakeholders and Government to implement favourable policies for the apparel industry. He further highlighted that the association would continue its focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as beach clean ups and ocean strainers. He mentioned that FAAMA hopes to strengthen its partnership with JAAF and further expand global demand for Sri Lankan apparel. Thereafter, Guest of Honour JAAF Sri Lanka Chairman Saif Jafferjee addressed the attendees. During his address, Jafferjee stated that the JAAF, in spite of the challenges, will continue to collaborate with FAAMA to strengthen the apparel industry. He said the intention is to turn Sri Lanka’s apparel industry into an $ 8 billion industry over the next two years. Following this address, Chief Guest, US Embassy in Sri Lanka Deputy Chief of Mission Doug Sonnek addressed the gathering, “The United States is proud to be Sri Lanka’s top export market, with $ 2.8 billion in goods exported to the US in 2023. Organisations like FAAMA play a critical role in strengthening our bilateral economic relationship. By promoting good governance, supporting workers’ rights, and advancing environmental sustainability, FAAMA is not only driving the apparel industry forward but also contributing to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience and growth. The United States looks forward to continuing our partnership to create opportunities and prosperity for both our nations.” Samal Dissanaike was appointed as the new Chairman of FAAMA for 2024/2025. The new Board of Directors was also announced that evening. The following members were appointed to the Executive Committee. FAAMA’s 17th Annual General Meeting came to a successful conclusion with the associations newly appointed FAAMA Chairman Samal Dissanayake delivering the vote of thanks to all attendees, the new Board of Directors, and Executive Committee. This was followed by an evening of cocktails and fellowship.
Georgetown 100, Albany (NY) 68
The UCLA women's basketball team has upset No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 at Pauley Pavilion. This victory ends a 43 game winning streak for the Gamecocks, who had previously not lost since the 2023 NCAA Final Four, when they fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Gamecocks went undefeated and won the National Championship during the 2023-24 season. This is UCLA women's basketball's first win against an AP No. 1 team in school history. NO. 5 UCLA BEATS NO. 1 SOUTH CAROLINA TO WIN ITS FIRST GAME AGAINST AN AP NO. 1 TEAM IN PROGRAM HISTORY 👏 pic.twitter.com/zID7pZH3Y2 This story will be updated...
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:31 p.m. ESTTULSA, Okla. (AP) — Tulsa fired football coach Kevin Wilson on Sunday and will elevate wide receivers coach Ryan Switzer on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. The Golden Hurricane lost to South Florida 63-30 on Saturday, dropping their record to 3-8. The school's decision concludes Wilson's two-year tenure with a 7-16 record, including 3-12 in American Athletic Conference play. “With the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics, we know the importance of positioning our football program and athletic department to thrive and excel in the upcoming years,” athletic director Justin Moore said in a statement. “Our standard will be to play in bowl games every season, compete for conference titles, and build a program that everyone connected to the Golden Hurricane will be proud of." Wilson spent six years as Indiana’s head coach, going 26-47 from 2011 to 2016. He then joined Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State and stayed on under Meyer’s successor, Ryan Day, before taking over at Tulsa. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks' 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
Villa came into the game winless in eight matches in all competitions but they jumped back into the top half of the Premier League with a scintillating performance in the opening 45 minutes. Unai Emery has never gone nine matches without a win as manager but Brentford never posed a threat to prolong that run as Villa cashed in on a dominant first period with goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash. Brentford have only managed one point away from home all season and Mikkel Damsgaard’s effort after the break proved to be in vain as their miserable run on the road continued. Tyrone Mings made his first start in the Premier League since August 2023 in place of Pau Torres while Leon Bailey was brought into the side following their heavy loss to Chelsea. Bees boss Thomas Frank opted for Vitaly Janelt and Yehor Yarmoliuk over Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen. Kevin Schade completed his first career hat-trick at the weekend and showed his confidence six minutes in when his drilled shot was deflected narrowly behind. It took a quarter of an hour but Villa began to knock the ball about and Watkins bent an effort towards goal but Mark Flekken was brought into action for the first time to collect. The tension inside Villa Park alleviated as the hosts took the lead in the 21st minute. Boubacar Kamara’s beautiful turn in the middle of the park set Watkins on his way and he teed up Rogers outside the box who whipped into the far corner in magnificent fashion. The hosts almost added a second straight away as Bailey got in behind the Bees back line but blasted straight at Flekken. Villa had another opportunity to go two in front when Ethan Pinnock dragged Watkins down inside the area and the penalty was eventually given by referee Lewis Smith. And England striker Watkins dusted himself down and snuck his spot-kick into the bottom right corner from 12 yards. Emery’s side showed no mercy and added a third 11 minutes before the break as Lucas Digne’s cross fell to Cash who was waiting at the back post to slam home. Things threatened to get worse for Brentford after the interval when Flekken came to punch Youri Tielemans’ corner away but almost diverted it into his own goal before he got back to push behind for a corner. The Bees got themselves on the scoresheet in the 54th minute as Bryan Mbeumo’s cross was diverted into the path of Damsgaard who cut back and lashed high into the net. Watkins wasted an opportunity to restore Villa’s three-goal advantage as he pounced on a loose pass but aimed straight at Flekken. The visiting goalkeeper was again called on to deny substitute Jhon Duran but Villa settle dfor three goals as they returned to winning ways.OMAHA — Creighton did it again. In an in-state women’s college basketball series with Nebraska largely dictated by what happens beyond the 3-point arc, the Jays rallied with six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to beat No. 21 Nebraska 80-74 on Friday at Sokol Arena. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Jays made four straight 3-pointers. The Jays were 6 for 9 on threes in the fourth quarter and 13 for 29 for the game to give Nebraska its first loss to the season. The Jays outscored Nebraska by 24 points on 3-pointers. Creighton has won three straight in the series. Lauren Jensen had a game-high 31 points for the Jays with four 3s. Morgan Maly, a senior from Crete, scored 18. Alexis Markowski worked really hard for Nebraska, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds and calling for the ball inside where she often had an advantage. People are also reading... Recap: Here's how Joey Graziadei will win 'Dancing with the Stars' At the courthouse, Nov. 16, 2024 Zitel bound over to district court in death of child They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead on I-29 in Missouri Chamberlain among seven inducted into Nebraska Baseball HOF Just Askin': Dana Holgorsen noncommittal on future, ranking a big week for Nebraska Athletics No change in bond amounts in child abuse death case Harmonizers to perform Historical society appoints board members, elects officers BPS mini-marts offer help Beatrice High School first-quarter honor roll Beatrice native's latest film gets special engagement in hometown Courthouse lighting ceremony planned for Sunday Micheal J's to reopen Britt Prince added 20 points in the first game against her hometown school. Nebraska led 55-52 to start the fourth quarter. For the final 10 minutes, one of the questions was how much did Markowski have left? And also, could the Huskers defend the 3-point line just a little longer? The Jays made two of their first three 3-point attempts to start the quarter to regain a 60-57 lead. Molly Mogensen had the first one, and Jensen the second for her fourth of the game. When Mogensen made another three the Jays led 72-66. The Jays sealed the deal when Prince missed a 3-pointer with seven seconds left and the Jays made their free throws. Nebraska led 22-19 after the first quarter. It was an entertaining start. The game started with Markowski going at Maly inside the paint, the Nebraska natives who played in the same club in Lincoln. There were five combined 3-pointers, with three for the Jays and two for Nebraska (each from Prince). Creighton used a 13-2 run that included three 3-pointers to take a 15-8 lead. But Nebraska got back in it with a steal and layup from Allison Weidner and a take to the basket from Callin Hake. Creighton added two more 3-pointers in the second quarter, but Nebraska was able to keep a lead at halftime 37-35. Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Kobe Sanders scores 27 points, Nevada never trails in 90-78 win over Oklahoma StateWhy Union Pacific Should Be A Long-Term Core Holding
Bulldogs cap sweep with shutout of Beavers
Shares of The Boeing Company ( NYSE:BA – Get Free Report ) have received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the twenty-five ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, nine have assigned a hold recommendation, thirteen have assigned a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $190.37. Several equities analysts recently commented on BA shares. TD Cowen reduced their price target on Boeing from $200.00 to $190.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut shares of Boeing from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $195.00 to $169.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. DZ Bank downgraded shares of Boeing from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $152.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on shares of Boeing from $232.00 to $202.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 24th. Finally, Benchmark restated a “buy” rating and set a $250.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Boeing Institutional Inflows and Outflows Boeing Stock Up 4.1 % Boeing stock opened at $149.29 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $151.70 and a 200-day moving average of $168.36. Boeing has a 52-week low of $137.03 and a 52-week high of $267.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $92.29 billion, a P/E ratio of -11.57 and a beta of 1.57. Boeing ( NYSE:BA – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 23rd. The aircraft producer reported ($10.44) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($10.34) by ($0.10). The company had revenue of $17.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $17.81 billion. The company’s quarterly revenue was down 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($3.26) EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Boeing will post -16.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Boeing Company Profile ( Get Free Report The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .