NEW YORK (AP) — The masked gunman who stalked and killed the head of one of the largest U.S. health insurers had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” emblazoned on his ammunition, echoing a phrase used by industry critics, two law enforcement officials said Thursday. The words were written in permanent marker, according to one of the officials, who were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation into the shooting early Wednesday outside a Manhattan hotel and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. With the gunman still at large, police also released photos of a "person of interest" wanted for questioning in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The images, showing an unmasked man in the lobby of a Manhattan hostel, add to a collection of photos and video that have circulated since the shooting — including footage of the attack itself, as well as still frames of the suspected gunman stopping at a Starbucks beforehand. Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush as he walked from his midtown hotel to the company’s annual investor conference at a Hilton across the street, blocks from tourist draws such as Radio City Music Hall, the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, where the famed Christmas tree was lit Wednesday night. The reason for the killing remained unknown , but New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack. The messages on the ammunition mimic the phrase “delay, deny, defend,” which is commonly used by lawyers and insurance industry critics to describe tactics used to avoid paying claims. It refers to insurers delaying payment, denying a claim and then defending their actions. Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors and patients for denying claims or complicating access to care. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the Hilton and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. Inside a nearby trash can, they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that they say the gunman purchased from Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The city's crime lab is examining those items for DNA and fingerprints. The killing and the shooter’s movements in the minutes before and afterward were captured on some of the multitude of security cameras in that part of the city. The shooter fled on a bicycle and was last seen riding into Central Park. A tip that the shooter may have stayed at a hostel brought police Thursday morning to at least two such establishments on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. The photos made public Thursday were taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. “We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time,” hostel spokesperson Danielle Brumfitt said in an emailed statement. Members of the public have flooded police with tips — many unfounded. Police searched a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday night after a commuter claimed to have spotted the shooter, but they found no sign of the gunman. “We’re following up on every single tip that comes in,” Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves, a police spokesperson, said. ”That little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together.” Based on surveillance video and evidence from the scene, investigators believe the shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns and that the weapon was equipped with a silencer, one of the law enforcement officials told the AP. Investigators were also looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan, the official said. Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, leveling his pistol and firing several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the executive tumbled to the sidewalk. Cameras showed him fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza before getting on the bicycle. Police released several images of the man wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face — a look that would not have attracted attention on a chilly morning. They've also used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intensive search for the killer, while also interviewing Thompson's coworkers, searching his hotel room and scouring his social media. Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. His wife, Paulette, told NBC News on Wednesday 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. The insurer’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York to update investors on its direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson’s death. UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in more than $281 billion in revenue last year. It is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs. In October, UnitedHealthcare was named along with Humana and CVS in a Senate report detailing how its denial rate for prior authorizations for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. Balsamo reported from Washington.
MIKEL ARTETA says he will send a scan of Bukayo Saka’s injury to anyone claiming the winger was fit for England duty. Three Lions skipper Harry Kane questioned the commitment of some players after Saka and eight others withdrew from the latest squad. Saka scored for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury. Boss Arteta said: “We can send them the MRI scan, it’s very simple.” Saka scored one and made one in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Arteta added: “The communication was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL “He needed time to heal. He has done one training session.” Saka and club-mate Declan Rice were named in Lee Carsley’s original 26-man squad for the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Both had come off in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea. Arsenal sent Saka for a scan and the results were shared with England’s medical team who said the player should remain with the Gunners for treatment. Most read in Football FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS Rice pulled out as he was playing with a broken toe. Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill also withdrew, as did Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, plus Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite — those five all played for their clubs yesterday. Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) of Liverpool also called off Three Lions duty. Kane, who was himself carrying a knock, did not hide his disappointment. He had said: “England comes before anything. It comes before club.” Palmer, 22, played 90 minutes before and after the international break. But his Blues boss Enzo Maresca denies Chelsea are pressuring him to put club before country. He snapped: “Absolutely not. I’m not thinking about Harry Kane, or what he’s saying.”WASHINGTON , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new major enhancement to the Apollo ® Customer Experience Platform (CXP), dealers partnering with Team Velocity can now unlock the power of automated customer scoring and real-time alerts with Deal Alerts. As customers engage throughout their journey, Apollo's predictive technology dynamically ranks and scores them, sending instant notifications when they hit custom thresholds. Powered by Apollo and intelligent predictive technology, Deal Alerts deliver closing ratios 3-4x higher than traditional sales leads, often within just five days – and best of all, there's no cost to the dealer. "Deal Alerts take our platform's predictive capabilities to the next level," said David Boice , Co-Founder and CEO at Team Velocity. "With this latest innovation, we're making it easier for dealers to connect with customers who are truly ready to buy. By focusing on what really matters, dealers can now spend less time on guesswork and more time building genuine, productive relationships with qualified leads. It's about turning data-driven insights into impactful customer experiences that are proven to convert." This innovative enhancement empowers dealers to further leverage the Command Center, enabling them to proactively prioritize leads, close more deals, and bridge CRM gaps. Apollo's Deal Alert technology intelligently filters website activity, distinguishing between shoppers (inventory searches, trade value estimates) and buyers (based on purchase history, service activity, and intent). Once identified, buyers are segmented into one of three high-value categories – Previous Buyer, Service Customer, and Conquest Customer – and assigned a dynamic score that reflects their likelihood to purchase. Updated every 30 minutes, these scores ensure dealers have real-time insights to act on hot opportunities before they're missed. During beta testing, Murgado Automotive Group and Yark Automotive Group saw the immediate effects of Team Velocity's new Deal Alert rollout. Averaging 4 days from alert to sale, the dealer groups are a shining example of the importance of intelligent lead scoring technology. "Deal Alerts have revolutionized the way we handle leads, turning what used to be guesswork into a precise, efficient process," said Mario Murgado Jr. , Director of Marketing and Operations at Murgado Automotive Group. "Instantly identifying the customers most ready to buy lets our teams focus on high-value opportunities, driving results faster than we ever imagined." "We're now closing deals at lightning speed—often within just a few days. It's a true game-changer that's brought our stores to the next level," said Billy Yark , Vice President and CMO at Yark Automotive Group. To learn more about Deal Alerts or to schedule a demo, please visit https://teamvelocitymarketing.com/websites/ . About Team Velocity Team Velocity is revolutionizing the automotive industry with technology that digitizes the car buying and vehicle ownership processes. Made by dealers for dealers, our Apollo Customer Experience Platform provides a suite of integrated applications that make, manage, and measure frictionless consumer experiences from the initial engagement to a final transaction. Apollo empowers dealers to own the entire customer journey by delivering hyper-personalized campaigns across every touchpoint, maximizing ROI and lifetime revenue. For more information, please visit www.teamvelocitymarketing.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/team-velocity-announces-latest-breakthrough-technology-with-automated-deal-alerts-and-customer-scoring-302325163.html SOURCE Team VelocityCanadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words are a worrying sign of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.
Merck Recommends Rejection of TRC Capital’s “Mini-Tender” OfferAs it celebrates its 20th birthday, online video game “World of Warcraft” has demonstrated a rare longevity thanks to its loyal following and constant evolutions. “It is inspiring to be able to work on this rare game that has touched so many lives, and to also feel the burden of carrying that forward,” Ion Hazzikostas, the current director of the game, told AFP at the Gamescom trade show in Germany in August. As an early fan of “WoW” he joined California-based Blizzard, the American developer of the title, in 2008 before climbing the ranks. Although it was not the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (a genre known as MMORPG) when it was released in 2004, “World of Warcraft” was an instant success, quickly attracting several million players worldwide. It benefited from the popularity of the Warcraft brand, a saga of real-time strategy games launched ten years earlier by Blizzard, which was bought by Microsoft in 2023. In the game, two factions face off in a fantasy universe populated by orcs and elves where thousands of players can connect and cooperate simultaneously, in exchange for a monthly subscription of $15 a month. It was the social aspect of the experience, still in its infancy at the time, that appealed to players. “It was a precursor,” said Olivier Servais, a specialist in online communities. “Blizzard focused on guilds and communities on a human scale, bringing together between 30 and 200 players.” In these groups, “people flirt, they confide about their daily lives”, weddings and funerals are organized, and the game becomes “a pretext to socialize”, he said. “WoW” was born the same year as Facebook, and comprised key elements such as online interactions and communities that would help create today’s globalized social networks. “It was many people’s first real exposure and connection to people in a digital virtual environment. And that was part of the magic, and that’s a hard thing to replicate,” Hazzikostas said. Since then, other popular games such as “Fortnite” or “League of Legends” have adopted similar codes. ‘Monument’ At its peak in the 2010s, “World of Warcraft” claimed more than 10 million active accounts, though the number could be higher because many people often share one account, in Asia, in particular. Blizzard no longer reveals the number of accounts, but “WoW” remains popular across the world. “We are not resting on our laurels, or coasting gently off into the sunset,” Hazzikostas said. Its 10th extension, “The War Within”, was released in August with new domains to explore and other changes. “Twenty years later, it remains a monument but in a gaming market that has completely changed,” Servais said. Hazzikostas said Blizzard is “trying new ambitious things to shake up what we’ve done and keep that vibrant”. “I don’t see an end point to ‘World of Warcraft’ on the horizon today,” he said, drawing parallels with franchises such as Marvel or Star Wars. — AFPTikTok advertisers stay put after US appeals court upholds law forcing sale
Dem Group: Voters In The End Did Not Really Care That Trump Instigated Jan. 6 Attack
Andrew Luck, the most significant recruit during the Jim Harbaugh era at Stanford, a quarterback who led the Cardinal from also-rans to national prominence, is returning The Farm as the football team’s general manager. Luck will oversee “all aspects” of the program starting immediately, the school announced in a news release Saturday morning. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Dr. Saloni Sharma’s career journey is a remarkable testament to the power of interdisciplinary expertise and visionary leadership. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and a successful track record as a business leader, she has seamlessly blended her scientific acumen with entrepreneurial prowess. As the Co-founder and CEO of Dental Billing Assist Inc, Dr. Sharma has led her company to significant growth and success while maintaining a strong foundation in microbiological research and education. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights, challenges, and the driving force behind her achievements. Q1: Dr. Sharma, your journey from microbiology to becoming a CEO is fascinating. Can you tell us what motivated you to pursue this path? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My passion for microbiology was ignited during my undergraduate studies, and it deepened as I pursued my M.S. and Ph.D. in the field. The intricate world of microorganisms and their immense potential to impact various industries, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, captivated me. However, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of applying scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems and create value was very appealing. Co-founding Dental Billing Assist Inc. allowed me to blend my scientific expertise with business acumen, driving innovation and strategic growth in the healthcare sector. Q2: What were some of the key challenges you faced while transitioning from academia to the business world, and how did you overcome them? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Transitioning from academia to the business world presented several challenges. One of the main hurdles was shifting my mindset from a purely scientific approach to a more holistic business perspective. Academia taught me rigorous research methods and attention to detail, but running a business required additional skills such as strategic planning, marketing, and financial management. To bridge this gap, I pursued a B.S. in Education and gained practical experience in business development. Surrounding myself with a strong team and mentors who had expertise in business also played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Q3: Dental Billing Assist Inc. has grown rapidly under your leadership. What strategies did you implement to achieve such growth? Dr. Saloni Sharma: The growth of Dental Billing Assist Inc. can be attributed to several key strategies. First and foremost, we focused on understanding the unique needs of dental practices and tailoring our services to meet those needs effectively. We implemented targeted marketing campaigns and business development initiatives to acquire clients, ensuring that our solutions were visible and accessible to our target audience. Building strong relationships with our clients was also crucial; we prioritized client satisfaction and retention through consistent communication and exceptional service. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within our team helped drive continuous improvement and growth. Q4: Your research background is impressive, particularly your Ph.D. work on medicinal plants. How has your scientific expertise influenced your approach to business? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My scientific background has significantly influenced my approach to business. Research requires a methodical and analytical mindset, which I have applied to business strategy and problem-solving. My Ph.D. research on increasing biomass production and nutrient uptake of medicinal plants taught me the importance of innovation and efficiency, principles that I carry into my business practices. Scientific training also instills resilience and persistence, qualities that are essential for overcoming business challenges. By leveraging my scientific expertise, I have been able to implement data-driven decision-making and develop innovative solutions that address the specific needs of our clients. Q5: How do you balance your dual roles as a business leader and a microbiologist? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Balancing my dual roles requires careful time management and prioritization. I dedicate specific times of the day to focus on business operations and strategic planning, while also setting aside time for scientific reading and staying updated with advancements in microbiology. Delegation is key; I rely on my capable team to manage day-to-day operations, allowing me to focus on high-level decision-making and strategic initiatives. This balance ensures that I can lead Dental Billing Assist Inc. effectively while staying true to my passion for microbiology. Q6: As a leader, how do you foster a culture of innovation and excellence within your team? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Fostering a culture of innovation and excellence starts with leading by example. I encourage open communication and create an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas. Providing opportunities for professional development and continuous learning is also essential; we regularly conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance our team's skills and knowledge. Recognizing and rewarding innovation and excellence further motivates the team to strive for their best. By promoting teamwork and collaboration, we create a supportive atmosphere where creativity and high performance thrive. Q7: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of? Dr. Saloni Sharma: One of the most memorable moments in my career was the successful rebranding of Eapogee Inc. to Dental Billing Assist Inc. This transition marked a significant milestone, aligning the company's identity with our core business focus and setting the stage for future growth. Another achievement I am proud of is our rapid client acquisition, growing to serve over 100 dental practices in a relatively short period. These milestones reflect the hard work and dedication of our team and validate the strategic decisions we have made. Q8: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with a scientific background? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those with a scientific background, is to embrace your unique perspective and skills. Your scientific training equips you with analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic, which are invaluable in business. However, it's also important to broaden your skill set by learning about business development, marketing, and financial management. Don't hesitate to seek mentors and build a network of supportive professionals. Most importantly, stay resilient and adaptable; the entrepreneurial journey is challenging, but your scientific mindset can help you navigate and thrive in the business world. Q9: How do you stay ahead of industry trends and ensure your company remains competitive? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Staying ahead of industry trends requires continuous learning and adaptability. I make it a point to stay updated with the latest developments in both the dental billing industry and the broader healthcare sector. This involves attending conferences, networking with industry experts, and subscribing to relevant publications. Within the company, we conduct regular market analysis to identify emerging trends and potential opportunities. Encouraging innovation and maintaining a flexible approach to business strategy allows us to adapt quickly and stay competitive. By being proactive and forward-thinking, we can anticipate changes and position our company for sustained success. Q10: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Dental Billing Assist Inc. and your career? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Looking ahead, my primary goal for Dental Billing Assist Inc. is to expand our services and client base further, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional value to dental practices. I aim to leverage emerging technologies to enhance our solutions and streamline our processes, staying at the forefront of the industry. On a personal level, I am committed to fostering the growth of my team and supporting their professional development. Additionally, I aspire to continue contributing to the field of microbiology through research and collaboration. Balancing these ambitions will help me drive both my company's success and my personal fulfillment as a scientist and entrepreneur. Dr. Saloni Sharma’s journey is a remarkable example of how interdisciplinary expertise can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her ability to blend scientific knowledge with business acumen has driven the growth of Dental Billing Assist Inc. and positioned her as a visionary leader. Dr. Sharma’s story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists alike, demonstrating the power of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As she continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of business and microbiology, her contributions promise to leave a lasting impact on both fields.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA ) continues to dominate the artificial intelligence landscape, with CNBC’s Jim Cramer and Wall Street analysts reinforcing their bullish outlook following the company’s stellar third-quarter earnings report . What Happened : “The demand is accelerating because the payoff is so great,” Cramer said on Thursday, citing CEO Jensen Huang ‘s assertion that customers earn five dollars for every dollar invested in Nvidia chips. This compelling return on investment, Cramer argues, makes Nvidia’s products essential for major tech companies. “That means they have no choice but to buy Nvidia's chips,” he said. Don't Miss: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things. Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! The sentiment is echoed by Wedbush ‘s Dan Ives , who called the results a “jaw-dropper.” Ives predicts the Nasdaq could surge to 25,000, driven by an extraordinary multiplier effect where “one dollar spent on GPU chips translates to an $8 to $10 impact across the tech sector.” Why It Matters : Nvidia reported third-quarter revenue of $35.1 billion, up 94% year-over-year, with Data Center revenue alone reaching $30.8 billion. The company’s CFO Colette Kress projects gross margins will temporarily dip to the low 70% range as the new Blackwell systems ramp up production . Rosenblatt analyst Hans Mosesmann maintained a Buy rating while raising the price target from $200 to $220. This optimism is reflected in a recent Benzinga poll , where 48% of respondents believed Nvidia would continue to dominate the “Magnificent Seven” stocks in 2025, followed by Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA ) at 27%. Huang describes this period as “the beginnings of two fundamental shifts in computing,” highlighting the transition to machine learning and AI’s emergence as an industrial capability. The company projects fourth-quarter revenue of $37.5 billion, with Oracle Corp. (NYSE: ORCL ) already planning AI computing clusters scaling to over 131,000 Blackwell GPUs. Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. Interest Rates Are Falling, But These Yields Aren't Going Anywhere Lower interest rates mean some investments won't yield what they did in months past, but you don't have to lose those gains. Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities. Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund’s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%* , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, this one has a minimum investment of only $100. Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The Benzinga Real Estate Screener features the latest offerings. Image Via Flickr This article Jim Cramer Doubles Down On Nvidia: 'Demand Is Accelerating' As AI Customers 'Have No Choice' But To Buy Its Chips originally appeared on Benzinga.comKosovo arrested several suspects Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law," he said. The arrests follow a security meeting late Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The European Union denounced the explosion as a "terrorist attack". "It is a despicable act of sabotage on Kosovo's critical civilian infrastructure, which provides drinking water for considerable part of Kosovo's population and is a vital component of Kosovo's energy system," the bloc's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement. The United States, France and Turkey joined the international condemnation of the attack. "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region," Turkey's foreign ministry said. The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo likewise called for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalizing relations in our region." Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. Kosovo is due to hold parliamentary elections on February 9. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbk
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House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz ethics reportThis year marks the 75th anniversary of the Constitution. The Constitution – which was framed over a period of three years, and during the tumult of the Partition as well as the incorporation of the princely states into India – was a remarkable achievement for its time; the fact that it has endured for 75 years (the average lifespan of Constitutions is less than two decades) is equally remarkable. In many ways – such as the grant of universal adult suffrage in one stroke, or in its abolition of untouchability and forced labour – the Constitution was a leap of faith, which expanded the horizons of social and political imagination in the newly-born nation-State. The occasion of 75 years is also a chance, however, to reflect critically on the Constitution’s structure and design, and to ask whether some of those design choices might call for greater scrutiny. The framers of our Constitution were faced with numerous problems, on a vast scale: Problems of poverty and illiteracy, of communal violence, and of deep social inequalities. They, therefore, believed that a strong executive was necessary to tackle these problems at the speed – and at the scale – that they demanded. Thus, while the Constitution, in formal terms, guaranteed a parliamentary and federal structure of government, in the fundamental principles of design, it skewed heavily towards the executive. Consider, first, the question of Parliament. In parliamentary systems in general, the executive and the legislature are partially fused, and when elections throw up clear results, the former tends to dominate the latter even though, formally, the executive is “responsible” to Parliament. To mitigate this drift towards the executive, parliamentary systems provide a number of mechanisms: for example, an independent Speaker of the House, whose role it is to defend and represent the interests of Parliament to the executive; some (limited) space to the Opposition to set the agenda on certain days; spaces where the Opposition can critique the executive’s record, both on the floor of the House (such as through Prime Minister’s questions), and elsewhere (through parliamentary committees). Bicameral systems have the additional check of an Upper House on executive dominance. However, even as the Constitution codified many aspects of governance, it maintained a conspicuous silence on entrenching some of the features that might have guaranteed parliamentary independence from the executive. Furthermore, given that in colonial times, the British executive was structurally designed to dominate the provincial and central legislatures, there was no long-standing set of conventions guaranteeing the independence of Parliament (as in Britain). A combination of these factors meant that the Indian Parliament was born a structurally weak institution, depending on the goodwill of the executive for its functioning. The results of these design choices are with us today. Similarly, on the question of federalism, the Constitution seems to treat states more as administrative units rather than as repositories for linguistic or cultural self-determination. This is evident from how it grants to Parliament to rearrange the federal map at will, how it skews legislative, administrative, and fiscal powers towards the Centre, and how it entrenches the role of colonial-era governors in the post-colonial set-up. This might have been intelligible at the time of independence, when the state boundaries of newly independent India reflected British units of administrative governance. From very early on, however, that position changed: indeed, the first reorganisation of the states was on linguistic basis, after strong social movements. In 2024, it should be clear that the states are a lot more than just administrative units: they reflect genuine aspirations for internal self-determination within the territorial borders of India. The constitutional design, however, continues to reflect the old model, as is evident from enduring controversies over the role of the governor, conflict over the distribution of revenue (especially GST revenue), and the legislative and administrative dominance that the Union continues to exercise. We must therefore ask whether this structural skew is compatible with a truly federal system that we aspire towards. Furthermore, while the Constitution also reflects the pluralism within the country through “asymmetric federal” arrangements for certain states, these arrangements have come grudgingly, and often as political compromises in order to prevent more militant solutions (as in the case of Manipur and Nagaland). The dominant constitutional vision appears to still be in favour of homogeneity and uniformity, as was reflected in the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the effective abrogation of the most prominent example of asymmetric federalism in India – that of Article 370. Classic constitutional theory divides the powers of the State between three branches – the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. However, it has long been understood that the complexities of the modern State require the existence of a fourth branch of independent institutions that perform certain vital functions that require them to be independent of the executive. Examples include the Election Commission, human rights commissions, information commissions, and so on; these bodies are often tasked with holding the executive accountable, or implementing the infrastructure of important rights (such as the right to vote). Many modern Constitutions, therefore, specifically provide for the independence of these fourth branch institutions. The Indian Constitution, however, in its executive-trusting vision, either does not entrench fourth branch institutions at all, or – as in the case of the Election Commission – fails to adequately guarantee their separation from the executive, especially in the matter of appointments. Thus, long-standing concerns about the neutrality of the Election Commission, and executive interference in other bodies such as the Central Information Commission, can be traced back to the constitutional design itself. And finally, although the Constitution is enacted in the name of the people, it excludes the people, as collective actors, from engaging with public affairs through constitutional channels, and acting as external checks upon the executive; there are no guarantees of public participation in law-making, leading to a top-down process that actively discourages consultation with communities and groups specially affected by the actions of the State. Thus, as we look back on the last 75 years, there is much to celebrate about the Indian Constitution. We must also, however, refrain from hagiography, and recognise that the Constitution – for various reasons – is a centralising and executive-oriented document. While there may have been reasons for that in 1949, a public debate is needed about whether those reasons still hold – and what might an alternative constitutional vision look like. Gautam Bhatia is a New Delhi-based advocate. The themes in this article are explored in greater detail in his forthcoming book, The Indian Constitution: A Conversation with Power (HarperCollins 2025). The views expressed are personal.Omnicom Declares Dividend
