Caprock Group LLC Sells 954 Shares of Fortive Co. (NYSE:FTV)In a recent survey conducted by foreign media outlets, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has revealed the top five surprise upsets of the year. Topping the list as the biggest underdog victory of the year is Zheng Qianwen's stunning win over former world number one, Petra Kvitova, at the Olympic Games, securing her title as the ultimate dark horse of 2021.
Despite the setbacks in the latest round of discussions, all parties involved have expressed a commitment to continue working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. President Zelensky has stated that he remains open to further dialogue with his international partners and is hopeful that a solution can still be found through diplomatic means. The United States and France have also reiterated their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging to stand by the country in its efforts to defend itself against external threats.
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However, the recent allegations against him have shocked the medical community and the public at large. The details of the investigation have not been disclosed, but it is believed that the accusations against Mr. Liu are serious in nature, prompting authorities to take swift action.The first crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of the mentally ill individual to provide testimony. In many legal systems, there are specific provisions regarding the testimony of individuals with mental illnesses. These provisions often revolve around the individual's ability to understand the nature of the proceedings, communicate effectively, and provide coherent and consistent testimony. In cases of rape against mentally ill individuals, the court may need to assess the individual's competency to testify and rely on additional evidence, such as medical records or witness testimonies, to establish the facts of the case.
The artist behind this powerful creation is Alessandro Rossi, a renowned sculptor known for his emotionally charged works that often explore themes of loss, grief, and redemption. Rossi was inspired to create this particular piece after hearing the heartbreaking story of a family torn apart by war and tragedy.
Tilly's, Inc. TLYS the ", Company", )) today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended November 2, 2024. "Our third quarter results included our best quarterly comp sales performance since fiscal 2021, our first month of positive comp sales since February 2022 during fiscal August, and our second consecutive quarter of year-over-year store traffic growth," commented Hezy Shaked, Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, we still have a long way to go to return to generating consistent sales growth and profitability. We are disappointed in our net sales performance in the early stages of the fourth quarter, yet somewhat encouraged by our improved product margins thus far in the fourth quarter." Operating Results Overview Fiscal 2024 Third Quarter Operating Results Overview The following comparisons refer to the Company's operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended November 2, 2024 versus the third quarter of fiscal 2023 ended October 28, 2023. Total net sales were $143.4 million, a decrease of 13.8%. This decrease was primarily attributable to the calendar shift impact of last year's 53rd week in the retail calendar, which caused a portion of the back-to-school season's sales volume to shift into the second quarter this year from the third quarter last year, resulting in a net sales reduction of $18.4 million in this year's third quarter. Total comparable net sales, including both physical stores and e-commerce ("e-com"), decreased by 3.4% relative to the comparable 13-week period ended November 4, 2023. Net sales from physical stores were $111.3 million, a decrease of 16.0%. Comparable store net sales decreased 5.6% relative to the comparable 13-week period ended November 4, 2023. Net sales from physical stores represented 77.6% of total net sales this year compared to 79.6% of total net sales last year. The Company ended the third quarter with 246 total stores compared to 249 total stores at the end of the third quarter last year. Net sales from e-com were $32.2 million, a decrease of 5.4%. E-com net sales increased 4.9% relative to the comparable 13-week period ended November 4, 2023. E-com net sales represented 22.4% of total net sales this year compared to 20.4% of total net sales last year. Gross profit, including buying, distribution, and occupancy costs, was $37.2 million, or 25.9% of net sales, compared to $48.7 million, or 29.3% of net sales, last year. Product margins were generally consistent with last year's third quarter, declining by 10 basis points. Buying, distribution, and occupancy costs deleveraged by 320 basis points collectively, despite being $0.7 million lower than last year, primarily due to carrying these costs against a lower level of net sales this year. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $51.3 million, or 35.7% of net sales, compared to $51.2 million, or 30.8% of net sales, last year. Lower store payroll and related benefits as well as lower non-cash store asset impairment charges were largely offset by increased e-com fulfillment costs. Operating loss was $14.1 million, or 9.8% of net sales, compared to $2.5 million, or 1.5% of net sales, last year, due to the combined impact of the factors noted above. Pre-tax loss was $12.9 million, or 9.0% of net sales, compared to $1.2 million, or 0.7% of net sales, last year. Income tax benefit was $5.0 thousand or 0.0% of pre-tax loss, compared to $0.3 million, or 28.0% of pre-tax loss, last year. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due to the continuing impact of the previously disclosed full, non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Net loss was $12.9 million, or $0.43 net loss per share, compared to $0.8 million, or $0.03 net loss per share, last year. Weighted average shares were 30.1 million this year compared to 29.9 million shares last year. Fiscal 2024 Year-to-Date Third Quarter Operating Results Overview The following comparisons refer to the Company's operating results for the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2024 ended November 2, 2024 versus the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2023 ended October 28, 2023. Total net sales were $422.2 million, a decrease of 6.2%. Total comparable net sales, including both physical stores and e-commerce ("e-com"), decreased by 6.8% relative to the comparable 39-week period ended November 4, 2023. Net sales from physical stores were $336.4 million, a decrease of 6.6%. Comparable store net sales decreased 7.4% relative to the comparable 39-week period ended November 4, 2023. Net sales from physical stores represented 79.7% of total net sales this year compared to 80.0% of total net sales last year. Net sales from e-com were $85.8 million, a decrease of 4.7%. E-com net sales decreased 4.6% relative to the comparable 39-week period ended November 4, 2023. E-com net sales represented 20.3% of total net sales this year compared to 20.0% of total net sales last year. Gross profit, including buying, distribution, and occupancy costs, was $111.4 million, or 26.4% of net sales, compared to $119.0 million, or 26.4% of net sales, last year. Product margins improved by 130 basis points primarily due to the combination of improved initial markups and lower total markdowns. Buying, distribution, and occupancy costs deleveraged by 140 basis points collectively, despite being $1.3 million lower than last year, primarily due to carrying these costs against lower net sales this year. SG&A expenses were $147.1 million, or 34.9% of net sales, compared to $141.4 million, or 31.4% of net sales, last year. The $5.7 million increase in SG&A was primarily attributable to increases in store payroll and related benefits of $1.6 million due to wage rate increases, software as a service expense of $1.4 million, corporate payroll and related benefits of $1.2 million, e-commerce fulfillment expenses of $1.0 million, and non-cash store asset impairment charges of $1.0 million. These increases were partially offset by a variety of smaller expense decreases. Operating loss was $35.7 million, or 8.5% of net sales, compared to $22.5 million, or 5.0% of net sales, last year, due to the combined impact of the factors noted above. Pre-tax loss was $32.6 million, or 7.7% of net sales, compared to $18.8 million, or 4.2% of net sales, last year. Income tax benefit was $21.8 thousand or 0.1% of pre-tax loss, compared to $4.9 million, or 26.0% of pre-tax loss, last year. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due to the continuing impact of the previously disclosed full, non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Net loss was $32.6 million, or $1.08 net loss per share, compared to $13.9 million, or $0.47 net loss per share, last year. Weighted average shares were 30.0 million this year compared to 29.8 million shares last year. Balance Sheet and Liquidity As of November 2, 2024, the Company had $51.7 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and no debt outstanding. Total inventories increased 11.8% as of November 2, 2024 compared to October 28, 2023, largely due to pulling forward new inventory receipts to improve distribution center efficiencies. Total year-to-date capital expenditures at the end of the third quarter were $6.7 million this year compared to $10.5 million last year. Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter Outlook Total comparable net sales through December 3, 2024 decreased by 15.3% relative to the comparable period of last year ended December 5, 2023, with meaningfully improved product margins compared to last year. On a shifted basis, lining up the timing of this year's Thanksgiving holiday with last year's, total comparable net sales through December 3, 2024, decreased by 9.6% relative to the comparable period of last year ended November 28, 2023. Based on current and historical trends, the Company currently estimates the following for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024: Net sales to be in the range of approximately $149 million to $156 million, translating to an estimated comparable net sales decrease in the range of approximately 9% to 5%, respectively, relative to the comparable 13-week period last year; Product margin improvement of approximately 200 basis points relative to last year's fourth quarter; SG&A expenses to be approximately $52 million before factoring in any potential non-cash store asset impairment charges that may arise; Pre-tax loss and net loss to be in the range of approximately $13.0 million to $9.5 million, respectively, with a near-zero effective income tax rate due to the continuing impact of a full, non-cash valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; and Per share results to be in the range of a net loss of $0.43 to $0.32, respectively, with estimated weighted average shares of approximately 30 million. The Company currently expects to have 239 total stores open at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The Company opened three new stores in November and currently expects to close 10 predominantly underperforming stores near the end of the quarter. Conference Call Information A conference call with analysts to discuss these financial results is scheduled for today, December 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT). Analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 300-8521 (domestic) or (412) 317-6026 (international). The conference call will also be available to interested parties through a live webcast at www.tillys.com . Please visit the website and select the "Investor Relations" link at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register and download any necessary software. A telephone replay of the call will be available until December 12, 2024, by dialing (844) 512-2921 (domestic) or (412) 317-6671 (international) and entering the conference identification number: 10193481. About Tillys Tillys is a leading, destination specialty retailer of casual apparel, footwear, accessories and hardgoods for young men, young women, boys and girls with an extensive selection of iconic global, emerging, and proprietary brands rooted in an active, outdoor and social lifestyle. Tillys is headquartered in Irvine, California and currently operates 249 total stores across 33 states, as well as its website, www.tillys.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding our current operating expectations in light of historical results, the impacts of inflation and potential recession on us and our customers, including on our future financial condition or operating results, expectations regarding changes in the macro-economic environment, customer traffic, our supply chain, our ability to properly manage our inventory levels, and any other statements about our future cash position, financial flexibility, expectations, plans, intentions, beliefs or prospects expressed by management are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, but they involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the impact of inflation on consumer behavior and our business and operations, supply chain difficulties, and our ability to respond thereto, our ability to respond to changing customer preferences and trends, attract customer traffic at our stores and online, execute our growth and long-term strategies, expand into new markets, grow our e-commerce business, effectively manage our inventory and costs, effectively compete with other retailers, attract talented employees, or enhance awareness of our brand and brand image, general consumer spending patterns and levels, including changes in historical spending patterns, the markets generally, our ability to satisfy our financial obligations, including under our credit facility and our leases, and other factors that are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those detailed in the section titled "Risk Factors" and in our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.tillys.com under the heading "Investor Relations". Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This release should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Form 10-K. Tilly's, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except par value) (unaudited) November 2, 2024 February 3, 2 024 October 28, 2 023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 26,407 $ 47,027 $ 44,425 Marketable securities 25,321 48,021 49,523 Receivables 6,136 5,947 7,118 Merchandise inventories 92,481 63,159 82,753 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 11,781 11,905 11,816 Total current assets 162,126 176,059 195,635 Operating lease assets 181,117 203,825 216,205 Property and equipment, net 42,603 48,063 49,220 Deferred tax assets, net — — 13,229 Other assets 1,424 1,598 1,685 TOTAL ASSETS $ 387,270 $ 429,545 $ 475,974 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 32,577 $ 14,506 $ 27,025 Accrued expenses 12,771 13,063 14,688 Deferred revenue 13,333 14,957 13,520 Accrued compensation and benefits 8,127 9,902 10,590 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 49,944 48,672 50,063 Current portion of operating lease liabilities, related party 3,345 3,121 3,048 Other liabilities 210 336 330 Total current liabilities 120,307 104,557 119,264 Long-term liabilities: Noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities 135,724 160,531 171,388 Noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities, related party 16,736 19,267 20,081 Other liabilities 192 321 391 Total long-term liabilities 152,652 180,119 191,860 Total liabilities 272,959 284,676 311,124 Stockholders' equity: Common stock (Class A) 23 23 23 Common stock (Class B) 7 7 7 Preferred stock — — — Additional paid-in capital 174,516 172,478 171,754 Accumulated deficit (60,527 ) (27,962 ) (7,410 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income 292 323 476 Total stockholders' equity 114,311 144,869 164,850 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 387,270 $ 429,545 $ 475,974 Tilly's, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2 024 October 28, 2 023 November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Net sales $ 143,442 $ 166,475 $ 422,165 $ 450,063 Cost of goods sold (includes buying, distribution, and occupancy costs) 105,314 116,825 307,939 328,297 Rent expense, related party 931 931 2,796 2,793 Total cost of goods sold (includes buying, distribution, and occupancy costs) 106,245 117,756 310,735 331,090 Gross profit 37,197 48,719 111,430 118,973 Selling, general and administrative expenses 51,118 51,101 146,734 141,035 Rent expense, related party 133 134 397 400 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 51,251 51,235 147,131 141,435 Operating loss (14,054 ) (2,516 ) (35,701 ) (22,462 ) Other income, net 1,174 1,341 3,114 3,625 Loss before income taxes (12,880 ) (1,175 ) (32,587 ) (18,837 ) Income tax benefit (5 ) (328 ) (22 ) (4,897 ) Net loss $ (12,875 ) $ (847 ) $ (32,565 ) $ (13,940 ) Basic net loss per share of Class A and Class B common stock $ (0.43 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (1.08 ) $ (0.47 ) Diluted net loss per share of Class A and Class B common stock $ (0.43 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (1.08 ) $ (0.47 ) Weighted average basic shares outstanding 30,060 29,872 30,017 29,834 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 30,060 29,872 30,017 29,834 Tilly's, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (unaudited) Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2 024 October 28, 2 023 Cash flows from operating activities Net loss $ (32,565 ) $ (13,940 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 9,586 9,547 Stock-based compensation expense 1,744 1,684 Impairment of assets 3,605 2,631 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets (45 ) 2 Gain on maturities of marketable securities (1,449 ) (1,156 ) Deferred income taxes — (4,732 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables 611 4,196 Merchandise inventories (29,322 ) (20,636 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets 900 5,980 Accounts payable 18,047 11,033 Accrued expenses (159 ) 106 Accrued compensation and benefits (1,775 ) 2,407 Operating lease liabilities (5,422 ) (4,545 ) Deferred revenue (1,624 ) (2,583 ) Other liabilities (335 ) (452 ) Net cash used in operating activities (38,203 ) (10,458 ) Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of marketable securities (59,557 ) (88,146 ) Purchases of property and equipment (6,678 ) (10,543 ) Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 83,500 80,000 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 24 9 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 17,289 (18,680 ) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options 294 210 Taxes paid on short-swing profits disgorgement payment — (173 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 294 37 Change in cash and cash equivalents (20,620 ) (29,101 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 47,027 73,526 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 26,407 $ 44,425 Tilly's, Inc. Store Count and Square Footage Store Count at Beginning of Quarter New Stores Opened During Quarter Stores Permanently Closed During Quarter Store Count at End of Quarter Total Gross Square Footage End of Quarter (in thousands) 2023 Q1 249 1 2 248 1,809 2023 Q2 248 — 2 246 1,792 2023 Q3 246 3 — 249 1,810 2023 Q4 249 3 4 248 1,801 2024 Q1 248 2 4 246 1,784 2024 Q2 246 1 — 247 1,791 2024 Q3 247 — 1 246 1,780 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205990996/en/ © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Presidential Pardon Power Grab
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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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, 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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.” 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 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 attackAs the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, it is essential for the authorities to address the situation promptly and transparently. The reputation of the judiciary and the credibility of the legal system are at stake, and swift action must be taken to restore public trust and confidence in the rule of law. The people of Heilongjiang province deserve nothing less than a full and impartial investigation into this scandal.
Alberta information and privacy commissioner wasn’t expecting bill changes after letter to minister
"Greed" is a universal concept that transcends boundaries and cultures. It is a powerful force that drives human behavior and shapes the course of history. In Taiwan, the choice of "贪" as the Representative Word of the Year serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities facing the nation in the 21st century.
The rumor mill had been working overtime in recent weeks, speculating about Yang Shize's alleged romantic entanglements with various co-stars and celebrity acquaintances. While many public figures might choose to ignore or deny such gossip, Yang decided to tackle the situation head-on with humor and creativity.
In response to the reopening of the case and Yu Huaying's appeal, Yang Niuhua issued a statement condemning the actions of the human trafficker and calling for justice to be served. Her impassioned plea for accountability and closure resonated with the public, who have rallied behind her in support of the victims of human trafficking.
As the day progresses, investors will continue to closely monitor the market movements and news developments to make informed decisions about their investment strategies. While today's high volatility and large trading volume may create short-term uncertainties, seasoned investors are advised to stay focused on their long-term investment goals and maintain a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.As Xiao Qian and Ning Sheng embark on their journey through the human world, their love blossoms amidst trials and tribulations. From the moment they lock eyes, they are drawn to each other like magnets, unable to resist the pull of destiny. Their love is pure and unconditional, defying societal expectations and cultural norms.