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'Belligerent critic': 75 Nobel Laureates beg senators to shut down major Trump nomination
Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil insists he is happy to look fans in the face and take the criticism which comes his way after his team were jeered off after losing 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”Colby Rogers made 6 of 9 3-pointers and scored 28 points as host Memphis defeated No. 16 Ole Miss 87-70 on Saturday afternoon. Rogers fouled out and finished one 3-pointer and one point short of his career-highs in both categories and Memphis never trailed. PJ Haggerty added 17 points, Dain Dainja had 16 and Moussa Cisse, an Ole Miss transfer who's in his second stint with the Tigers (10-3), had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sean Pedulla scored 13, Jaylen Murray had 12 and Malik Dia added 11 to lead the Rebels (11-2), who had won their last five games. Memphis scored the first five points of the second half to increase its lead to 43-36. Pedulla made a layup for Ole Miss' first points, but Nicholas Jourdain made consecutive field goals to push the lead to nine. Mikeal Brown-Jones made two free throws for the Rebels before Haggerty made a 3-pointer and Cisse added a tip-in for a 52-40 lead. Pedulla made a jumper before Brown-Jones was ejected for committing a Flagrant 2 foul. Haggerty made both of the technical free throws and Rogers added two 3-pointers to push the lead to 16. Ole Miss got within 11 points four times, but couldn't get any closer until Matthew Murrell's dunk trimmed the lead to 76-67 with five minutes remaining. Rogers answered with a 3-pointer and Dainja added two field goals to increase the lead to 16. Murray made a free throw, but the Rebels didn't make a field goal during the final 5:32. The Tigers scored the first four points of the game and Haggerty had four as they opened a 9-2 lead. The Rebels made consecutive field goals before Memphis scored eight straight points for a 17-6 lead. Eduardo Klafke made a 3-pointer to end the run, but Rogers' 3-pointer helped the Tigers increase the lead to 27-14. Ole Miss scored the next seven points before Cisse's basket ended the run. The Rebels closed within four points four times Brown-Jones made two free throws to trim the lead to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level MediaBrainy, 'normal guy': the suspect in US insurance CEO's slaying
Get a $122 Discount on the Sony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesThe intricate world of semiconductors has turned into a battleground for global influence, with China striving to assert its own might against Western dominance. Amid increasing U.S. pressures , China has unveiled a monumental plan, pouring $41 billion into its lithography sector to bolster its semiconductor capabilities. China’s ambition to become technologically independent is manifesting through strategic investments in its semiconductor industry, a journey it embarked on back in 2014. Spearheading these efforts is SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation). This Chinese giant grapples with competing against ASML, the Dutch leader with a stronghold on cutting-edge photolithography technology. Photolithography is pivotal in cutting-edge chip production, and ASML’s EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) equipment is crucial for creating chips at the extremely fine scale of 3 nanometers. Despite facing export curbs backed by the U.S., which significantly hampers China’s access to such advanced machinery, Beijing remains undeterred. Focusing on technology giants like SMIC, Hua Hong Semiconductor, Naura Technology Group, and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment, China’s massive financial injection aims to develop its own advanced alternatives to ASML’s tools, though this endeavor is fraught with technical and time-related challenges. Last year, the debut of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, a smartphone boasting a domestically-made 5G processor, marked a symbolic victory for China against harsh international sanctions. However, as ASML accelerates toward its High-NA EUV systems, the next frontier in chip technology, the West continues to safeguard its technological lead. This clash over chip supremacy holds wide-reaching implications, influencing not only technological progress but also strategic autonomy and geopolitical power. The question remains whether China’s relentless investment can truly shift the balance of power in the semiconductor industry. Inside China’s Billion-Dollar Semiconductor Strategy: Can It Challenge Western Dominance? The global semiconductor industry is witnessing a significant tectonic shift as China intensifies efforts to boost its technological prowess against Western strongholds. With an ambitious push to achieve technological independence, China has announced an impressive $41 billion investment directed at its lithography sector, marking a serious commitment to strengthening its semiconductor capabilities. China’s Strategic Investment Path The push toward technological sovereignty has been a long-term goal for China, initially setting the wheels in motion in 2014. Leading the charge is SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), which faces formidable Western competitors like ASML, renowned for its cutting-edge photolithography technology essential for high-precision chip production. With photolithography playing a pivotal role in producing state-of-the-art chips, China’s quest to develop domestic alternatives to ASML’s EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) technology is both strategic and challenging. Emerging Trends and Innovations China’s advancement in semiconductor capabilities is not just a matter of keeping pace with Western technology but also involves spurring innovation within its borders. Companies like Hua Hong Semiconductor, Naura Technology Group, and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment are at the forefront of these efforts. Through this substantial financial injection, China aims to achieve milestones that could revolutionize its semiconductor industry, although the path is laden with technical and time-related hurdles. Pros and Cons of China’s Semiconductor Ambition – Pros: – Technological Sovereignty: Breaking free from Western technology dependency enhances China’s strategic autonomy. – Industrial Growth: Bolstering the semiconductor industry could lead to job creation and economic growth. – Innovation Drive: Encourages local innovation which might drive new technological breakthroughs. – Cons: – Export Curbs: Restrictions from the U.S. and its allies pose significant barriers to accessing the latest technology. – Technical Challenges: Developing alternatives to established technologies is both costly and time-consuming. – Global Tensions: Increasing focus on self-sufficiency could escalate geopolitical tensions, impacting international trade relations. Market and Technology Predictions The semiconductor arena is poised for transformative changes. While China’s relentless investment may not immediately dethrone Western dominance, it could lead to a more competitive, diverse, and dynamic market. A notable breakthrough in China’s lithography capabilities could potentially recalibrate the balance of power in global chip production. As Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro smartphone demonstrated, which featured a domestically-made 5G processor, there are signs of China’s growing confidence in overcoming international sanctions. Meanwhile, Western companies like ASML remain committed to advancing frontier technologies with their next-generation High-NA EUV systems, maintaining a technological lead in the immediate future. Security and Sustainability Aspects Increased self-reliance in semiconductor production not only strengthens national security but also encourages sustainable industry practices. By focusing on homegrown production, China potentially reduces the carbon footprint associated with global shipping and logistics of semiconductor components. Conclusion: The Path Ahead The semiconductor sector remains a battleground in the broader struggle for global technological leadership. Despite numerous challenges, China’s strategic approach and hefty investments signal a determined advance toward reshaping the semiconductor industry landscape. While the outcome of this investment remains to be seen, the possibility of China emerging as a formidable force in the semiconductor domain cannot be ignored. Readers interested in further information on this topic may explore leading technology analysis platforms or authoritative sources such as ASML and SMIC .
Citigroup Inc. Grows Stock Position in Nuvalent, Inc. (NASDAQ:NUVL)
Big 12 action continues as the No. 19 BYU Cougars take on the Houston Cougars in a big cat battle. After starting 9-0, BYU has lost two straight, making their road the the Big 12 title game murky. This game kicks off at 7:15 p.m. PT/10:15 p.m. ET (9:15 p.m. CT) on Saturday, November 30 with a live broadcast on ESPN , and streaming live on demand . • WATCH : BYU vs. Houston football live for FREE with Fubo (free trial), with Sling (cheapest streaming plans, $25 off your first month), or see more streaming options below. What TV channel is the Cougars vs. Cougars football game on today? When : Kickoff takes place at 7:15 p.m. PT/10:15 p.m. ET (9:15 p.m. CT) on Saturday, November 30. Where : LaVell Edwards Stadium | Provo, UT TV Channel : ESPN How to watch live stream online : If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which is $25 off for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network, SEC Network and a few other sports channels. If you have a cable or satellite subscription already, you can watch the game on Watch ESPN or the ESPN app by signing in with your provider information. What TV channel is ESPN on? You can find out more about which channel ESPN is on in your area by using the channel finders here: Comcast Xfinity , DIRECTV , Dish , Verizon Fios , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice . BYU vs. Houston spread, latest betting odds Moneyline : BYU: -650 | HOU: +425 Point spread : BYU: -13 | HOU: +13 Over/Under : 41.5 Get promo codes, signup deals and free bets from our Oregon Betting News home page .
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints quarterback Derek Carr was willing to risk his health to improve New Orleans’ chances of playing meaningful football in mid-December. Now the Saints, who’ve remained mathematically alive in the playoff race by winning three of four, might have to play without Carr again — and it didn’t go well the last time. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi declined on Monday to rule out Carr for any of New Orleans' final four games because of his injured non-throwing hand or his concussion . Both injuries occurred when he tried to leap for a first down and crashed hard to the turf during the fourth quarter of New Orleans' 14-11 victory over the reeling New York Giants on Sunday. “We’re not going to rule him out just yet,” Rizzi said. “We have to see in the next day or two what the healing process is like and see if he can function. “The good news it’s not his throwing hand,” Rizzi said. “The bad news is we’re obviously dealing with an injury here that we have to kind of play it by ear.” Rizzi noted that Carr must clear the concussion protocol first. After that, he said, the Saints can see how well Carr can operate with his hand injury. “It's been done before,” Rizzi said when asked about the prospect of an NFL QB playing with an injured non-throwing hand. “It appears at moment that it's non-surgical, which is a big aspect of it. ... That's why we're going to discuss the options.” Last season, Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a fractured finger on his non-throwing hand . Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has played part of this season with an injured non-throwing hand . If Carr can't play, his replacement will be either second-year pro Jake Haener or rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler started three games earlier this season when Carr had an oblique injury — all losses by New Orleans, which was in the midst of a seven-game skid. “We've just got to surround whomever it is and pick him up and get him rolling with the rest of us,” guard Lucas Patrick said. “It's just another step of adversity in this long season that we’ve had.” What’s working New Orleans' interior defensive line is coming off one of its better games. Defensive tackles Bryan Bresee and Khalen Saunders accounted for both New Orleans' sacks in New York. The Saints also held the Giants to 112 yards rushing — a lower opponent rushing total than in seven other games this season. What needs help The Saints' 92 yards rushing offensively was their fourth-lowest total all season and the lowest in any of their victories. Stock up Running back Kendre Miller's future is looking a bit brighter now. He has played in just three games this season because of hamstring injuries and his lack of readiness was criticized by since-fired coach Dennis Allen earlier this season. Miller also has yet to rush for more than 36 yards in a game. But against the Giants, he earned praise for the speed, strength and elusiveness he was able to show on a couple of clutch runs, including an 8-yard run for his first and only touchdown this season. Patrick said Miller deserved credit on his scoring run for staying upright and continuing to push forward — with the help of some teammates — after he was met at the 5-yard line by a Giants defender. Patrick said if Miller didn't give the extra effort and stay on his feet, his teammates would not have had the chance to help push him across the goal line. “Kendre's definitely a bright, young runner and he's exciting to block for,” Patrick said. Stock down Blake Grupe was 0 for 2 on field goal attempts, although both were from beyond 50 yards and one was blocked. Those were Grupe's first two failures from beyond 50 yards this season. Injuries In addition to Carr, reserve linebacker D’Marco Jackson left Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Key number 0 — The number of games the Saints have won when Carr does not play. They've gone 5-5 in his starts this season. Next steps The Saints are back home Sunday against Washington in what could be ex-New Orleans cornerback Marshon Lattimore's first game with the Commanders. The game also marks the return to Louisiana of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Troply last year at LSU. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at EvertonUNC GREENSBORO 105, VIRGINIA-LYNCHBURG 50Current and former Arizona Wildcats are making news. We’ve got views. News : The UA men’s basketball team blows out Southern Utah to get back to .500. Michael Lev is a senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star , Tucson.com and The Wildcaster . Views : It’s interesting — though hardly unusual — that Tommy Lloyd is still tinkering with roles and rotations. Remember 2022-23? Arizona’s season took off after Pelle Larsson moved from the starting lineup to the sixth-man role. That happened Jan. 19. KJ Lewis thrived coming off the bench vs. Southern Utah, playing perhaps the best all-around game of his career. His 15-point performance on 6-of-7 shooting with eight rebounds, five assists and two steals earned a career-best “game score” of 17.8, per Sports-Reference.com . Lewis as the sixth man might be the way the pieces fit together best. We’ll see. The other notable development from that game was the spark Conrad Martinez provided off the pine. The sophomore played a career-high 15 minutes and tied his career best with four assists without committing a turnover. (He has yet to commit a turnover in 44 minutes this season.) Arizona guard Conrad Martinez, shown vs. Old Dominion on Nov. 9, played a career-high 15 minutes vs. Southern Utah and played well, giving Tommy Lloyd another option to consider when assessing his lineup rotations. StatBroadcast.com tracks an advanced metric called “floor%,” which it defines as “the percentage of a player’s possessions on which at least one point is scored.” Martinez clocked in at 100% vs. the Thunderbirds. Of course, doing that against SUU is not the same as doing it vs. UCLA, Arizona’s opponent Saturday in Phoenix. Even Lloyd, who’s been Martinez’s biggest advocate, has been hesitant to give him extended minutes against anyone but mid-majors. But amid this process of figuring out who the 2024-25 Wildcats are, it might be time for Lloyd to give Martinez some run. He’s the only pure point guard Arizona has. News : The UA women’s basketball team loses to Grand Canyon to fall to 7-4. Views : Someone asked me an intriguing question the other day: “How is the women’s team doing compared to the men’s team?” My response: “The women have a better record but against lesser teams. If you’re going by the eyeball test, the men are actually better.” Arizona coach Adia Barnes communicates with her team during the second half of the game against Grand Canyon in McKale Center on Dec. 5, 2024. It's been a rough stretch for Adia Barnes’ team, which began the season 5-0, including a quality win over UNLV. The Wildcats have gone 2-4 since, including losses to both in-state mid-majors, NAU and GCU. Ouch. Barnes’ squad is still young — most of the main rotation players are sophomores or freshmen — and there’s still time for growth and maturation. The offense, in particular, needs a lot of work. The Wildcats remain under water in assist-to-turnover ratio and it’d take a dramatic turnaround for them to rise to the surface. Arizona is averaging 12.7 assists and 19.6 turnovers per game. The latter ranks 299th nationally . The Wildcats’ 0.65 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks 15th in the 16-team Big 12. Barnes has her share of critics, especially when it comes to coaching offense. But she hasn’t had a team with an assist-to-turnover ratio this lopsided since 2016-17, her first season as Arizona’s head coach. It’s actually impressive that the Wildcats’ record is as good as it is with an assist-to-turnover ratio that’s that bad. News : UA junior offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Views : This was an expected move by the three-year starter, who, I’m told, is a top-50 prospect for next year’s draft. He has popped up in the bottom half of the first round in many mock drafts and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he came off the board on the first night. Savaiinaea is more likely to play guard than tackle in the NFL, but I wouldn’t bet against him. He seamlessly moved from right guard to right tackle to left tackle during his UA career. When he first moved from the right side to the left side this year, he did so without having taken any practice reps there. I can’t begin to tell you how difficult that is. Savaiinaea probably wasn’t as effective a player as he would have been had he remained at one position. But the fact that he put the team’s needs above his own will endear him to NFL organizations. Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea (71) lines up against TCU linebacker Cooper McDonald (44) during the first half of their game Nov. 23, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. The other aspect of Savaiinaea’s UA career that separates him from others: He started — and was a reliable performer — from Day One. Offensive linemen typically require the longest developmental timeline. Not Big Jonah. He was plug-and-play. Aside from his natural size — he carries 330-plus pounds on his 6-foot-5 frame with ease — and athletic ability, Savaiinaea possesses ideal makeup. I’ve yet to hear a negative word about his character or work ethic. News : UA football signs 20 players for the class of 2025. Views : The Wildcats undoubtedly would have placed higher in the team rankings if they hadn’t lost quarterback Robert McDaniel to UCLA. Rivals ranks Arizona’s class — high school and JC recruits only — ninth in the Big 12, while 247Sports has the UA 11th. I have the utmost respect for my colleagues who scour the prep ranks to rate players, but I’m sure even they would concede it’s easier to grade skill-position players than linemen. A quarter of the Wildcats’ class consists of offensive linemen. They need to hit on at least two or three of them. In the stellar class of 2022 , Savaiinaea was a relative unknown from Hawaii who had minimal camp exposure because of the pandemic. He was the eighth-ranked player among Arizona’s signees that year, per 247Sports, behind Tetairoa McMillan, Rayshon Luke, Keyan Burnett, Ephesians Prysock, Sterling Lane II, Kevin Green Jr. and Jonah Coleman. That’s five skill-position players, a cornerback and an edge rusher if you’re scoring at home. The only team ranking that truly matters anymore is what 247Sports now calls the “overall rank” — recruits plus transfers. We won’t know how that shakes out for a while. But we’re already getting an idea of who won’t be back. Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu (5) indicates a turnover on downs after the Wildcat defense swarmed Northern Arizona running back Darvon Hubbard (23) in the first quarter on Aug. 31 at Arizona Stadium. News : Twenty UA players (and counting) enter the transfer portal, including linebacker Jacob Manu. Views : Nothing surprises me when it comes to the portal, but Manu putting himself out there comes close. Every indication — as recently as this past weekend — was that Manu was going to stick around. Then he decided to bet on himself at a time when his stock isn’t exactly soaring. Manu suffered what’s believe to be a torn ACL on Oct. 19 vs. Colorado. The typical recovery timeline is about nine months, so Manu is looking at a summer return at best. He is an undersized linebacker — generously listed at 5-11 — whose game isn’t for everyone. Manu can be a disruptive force (17 tackles for loss in 32 career games), but he also plays out of control at times (37 career missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus ). Given his health status, a program would have to take a leap of faith to invest in Manu. He’d be an asset in any locker room, but there’s no telling when he’ll be back to form physically. Manu also was part of the 2022 signing class. As of this writing, only eight of those 23 players remain with Arizona — and that includes McMillan, who’s certain to declare for the draft. Players who stick with one school for the entirety of their college careers are increasingly rare these days. When the coach who recruited them leaves for another job, that effect is exacerbated. Regardless, this feels like the end of an era that was all-too-fleeting. An all-time great recruiting class in 2022. A glorious 10-win season in ’23. A step back in ’24. Uncertainty entering ’25. Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com . On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @ michaeljlev.bsky.social Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter/Columnist
The first sign that something was amiss at UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s investor day was when Brian Thompson didn’t show up to his early morning hair and makeup appointment. At around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday of last week, Thompson, 50, was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in a killing that gripped the world. On Monday, police arrested a man in connection with the shooting who local officials found in Altoona, Pennsylvania, carrying a gun and a handwritten three-page manifesto decrying the health-care industry’s profit motives. While the police investigation unfolds, the $500 billion health-care company is simultaneously trying to cope with the personal tragedy of losing a top executive and a spiraling PR crisis that risks long-term reputational harm in a country where so many have turned against it. Interviews with people familiar with the events show a company under siege. UnitedHealth locked down its Minnesota, New York City and Washington, DC, offices to external visitors and urged workers with safety fears to stay home, according to messages seen by Bloomberg News. A new management structure was put in place to navigate the situation, one message said, without detailing who was running UnitedHealth’s largest division in the wake of Thompson’s death. A private funeral for friends and family was set for Monday, while the company is still working on logistics to safely hold a memorial service, according to people familiar with the matter. Instead of eliciting sympathy from the public, the death of the insurance division’s chief executive officer has spawned a hate machine against the insurance industry that’s only getting louder as the days drag on with little insight into the killer’s motives. The man in custody, Luigi Mangione, 26, was noticed by a McDonald’s employee while he was eating at the restaurant, police said. The manifesto he was carrying speaks to both his “motivation and mindset,” New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday. It’s a crucial break in a case that dragged on for days in what police say was a targeted and premeditated killing. Bullet casings recovered at the scene bore the words “denied,” “depose,” and “delay,” loosely echoing the book title Delay, Deny, Defend, which describes tactics allegedly used by insurers to deny claims. “Our hope is that today’s apprehension brings some relief to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation,” a UnitedHealth spokesperson said in a statement. Inside the company, meetings and presentations were canceled after the shooting. A crisis communications firm was tapped to help. And tributes to Thompson poured in. “The news of Brian's passing has been overwhelming for all of us and we feel his loss profoundly,” said UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said in an email to staff on Wednesday that was seen by Bloomberg News. But outside the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based insurer, a groundswell of anger against the for-profit insurance industry continues to intensify across the U.S. A singer posted a folk song about the shooting on social media. Saturday Night Live even joked about the reaction to the killing over the weekend. Thompson’s death has become a symbol of revenge over denied medical bills and lack of access to necessary care, an issue that some UnitedHealth employees say they’re growing increasingly anxious about. While the company has sent a series of messages extolling Thompson and decrying his killing, some employees say they want to see a more direct response to the vitriol against the company. A company under siege On the morning of the shooting, some executives noticed a frenzy of police cars on one of the hotel’s side streets as they arrived for the investor meeting. They were redirected by the New York Police Department into a different hotel entrance, according to people familiar with the events who asked to speak anonymously as law enforcement continues its investigation. The executives headed into the building and upstairs to the conference area where they sipped coffee, chatted and proceeded to get their hair and makeup done. Executives began to speculate about what happened outside the hotel. A person had collapsed — maybe a heart attack, some suggested. Others thought there had been a shooting. They did not immediately think it was related to the absence of their colleague, known affectionately as “BT,” according to the people. As the minutes ticked closer to the start of the investor meeting, unease grew. It was unusual for Thompson, a 20-year veteran of UnitedHealth who’d climbed the ranks to run its key insurance division, to not show up for an important day like this. Colleagues suspected he’d overslept or was sick in bed, and planned to send someone to his room at a nearby hotel to check on him. They prepped a backup speaker to give Thompson’s presentation if he didn’t arrive on time, the people said. It took a few minutes for the 8 a.m. event to begin, after some 275 people showed up. It’s unclear why they didn’t start on time. But as Witty, the company’s CEO, began his opening remarks, a handful of executives were alerted of a security emergency. They stepped away from the event. They were told Thompson had been killed outside of the hotel that morning. As the investor day presentations continued, the small group of company executives in the know were questioned by police. The executives immediately started trying to reach Thompson’s family. They wanted to tell his wife and kids before the media got a hold of the story. Meanwhile, Witty was told of Thompson’s death on the sidelines of the conference. He was distraught, people familiar with the event said, but had to make quick decisions about the safety of his employees and what to do about the ongoing investor meeting. As all of that was happening, the news got out. Mobile alerts about Thompson’s death started pinging attendees’ phones. There were gasps. People in the audience started looking around to see if others knew. Around 9 a.m., Witty cut the investor day short. “Some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” he said. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I apologize for.” Thompson had been dead for two hours. While conference-goers dispersed in a haze of confusion and grief, UnitedHealth executives and some employees were pulled into a room together at the hotel, the people said. With no information about the shooter’s motive, some feared for their own personal safety. Later that day, the company pulled down bio pages of its top executives and board members, while other employees deleted their profile pages on Linkedin. Tidal wave The vitriol following the shooting sparked a reckoning among some UnitedHealth employees. Much of the public animosity was aimed at the way insurance companies prevent Americans from getting the care their doctors prescribe. Some employees grappled with the idea that their paychecks were padded in part by the practice of denying care. Witty, in a video to staff last week, attempted to address the rage but failed to change the narrative for some workers. “As you've seen, people are writing things we simply don't recognize, are aggressive, inappropriate and disrespectful,” he said, urging employees to ignore the media. “There’s no value in engaging. ”One employee said they wanted to see accountability from Witty. The episode made them question whether they could keep working for UnitedHealth both mentally and morally, this person said. It wasn’t enough to extol Thompson as a leader, colleague, friend and family man, according to some workers who declined to speak publicly for fear of retribution. The noise had become too loud to ignore and they wanted to see management address it head on. This growing disconnect between Americans and their insurers is an increasing threat to the industry, said Wendell Potter, a former Cigna communications executive who has written books critical of health insurance. “They have to demonstrate quarter-to-quarter that they’re managing medical expenses because that’s what Wall Street expects,” Potter said. “They’re certainly not managing the expectations of the people that they serve.” In the company’s limited external communications, UnitedHealth said in a statement Thursday: “Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brian’s family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.” The constrained response may be intentional. “If they were my client, I would say go radio silent unless they have new news,” said crisis communications specialist Bruce Hennes, who is not working with UnitedHealth. “This is not the time to get into extended arguments and discussions with people on social media. There’s nothing to be gained.” Investors are also reacting to the impact of the outrage on the company, which sent shares down 10% in the days following the shooting. The killing “has cast a dark shadow” over the health-care insurance industry, Jared Holz, a health-care equity strategist at Mizuho Securities, wrote in a note to clients about UnitedHealth’s stock drop. “We believe the majority of the pressure, if not all, is related to the idea that the crime was based on some level of dissatisfaction with the insurance industry, its tendency to deny coverage for patients (in some circumstances) and the emotional toil this can take on patients and families,” Holz said. In some ways, UnitedHealth is in an impossible situation. “I don’t know what they can do other than hope that it does go away,” Potter said. Insurance behemoth UnitedHealth, the country’s largest insurer, is known among those in the industry as a place with sharp elbows: It’s unafraid of high-profile legal battles or tough negotiations with medical providers. On Wall Street, the company gained a reputation for reliably hitting — and usually exceeding — financial targets, even if it meant slashing jobs to do so. The culture at the top was shaped for years by veterans of the defunct accounting firm Arthur Andersen, where Chairman and former CEO Stephen Hemsley once worked. A previous CEO, William McGuire, unceremoniously left the company and settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission over backdating stock options that regulators alleged enriched him and other executives. In recent years, a series of acquisitions have consolidated UnitedHealth’s position so much that when a cyberattack took out its Change Healthcare subsidiary, doctors offices and hospitals across the country were paralyzed. That market dominance has come under review by the Department of Justice, Bloomberg News has reported. Members of Congress have called for a breakup of the conglomerate. Thompson was one of a handful of executives who sold UnitedHealth shares after the company learned it was under investigation by the DOJ, but before that information was shared with the public, Bloomberg reported. The company’s stock fell when the DOJ investigation was reported. Thompson sold $15.1 million worth of shares, according to Bloomberg calculations. Growing through so many acquisitions rapidly turned UnitedHealth into a company with around 400,000 employees. Some former employees call it too big to manage effectively, with layers of management slowing down decision making and pressure on divisions to buy services from other parts of the company because UnitedHealth is in so many lines of business that feed off one another. Before the investor day last week was cut short, Witty used some of his time on stage to acknowledge the widespread dissatisfaction with his industry. “You only have to walk into a room with five people to hear four stories of frustration. ‘I couldn't find a doctor, I didn't know where to go. It's too difficult to understand,’” he said in a room full of financial analysts and investors. For now, Witty’s trying to reassure his employees that the narrative hasn’t spiraled out of the company’s control. “We will work through this together. But it's going to be difficult,” he told workers in a video address last week. “Life won't be the same again.” (With assistance from Antonia Mufarech, Gerry Smith, Madison Muller, John Lauerman and Myles Miller.) ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global mechanical connectors market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.77 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for mechanical connectors in automotive industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards product launches. However, fluctuating raw material prices of mechanical connectors poses a challenge.Key market players include 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Aluminum, Copper, Brass, and Others), Application (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace and defense, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Mechanical Connectors market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for fixed broadband connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber optic connectors and coaxial cables are popular choices for high-speed data transfer in various sectors. Internal cables & connectors are essential for electronic systems integration in industries like Telecom, Defense, and Oil & Gas. External cables & connectors are crucial for power and signal transmission in Infrastructure Development and Data Centre Investments. Miniature connectors find applications in consumer electronics, automotive sector, and automation technology. Factors like urbanization, raw material prices, and governmental policies impact the market. Fiber optic connectors, copper, and high-speed connectors are key products driving the market. Emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and autonomous vehicles also provide opportunities. Industries like Aerospace and Defense, Energy & Power, and Submarine Communication are significant consumers. The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth as key players are strategically expanding their product portfolios through new product launches. In February 2022 , Nexans introduced a new mechanical power connector to their GPH cable connectors and cable lugs range for medium-voltage cables. Likewise, HellermannTyton launched cast resin cable joints in May 2022 , featuring a cable connector and constant force springs with straight ends for effortless installation. These new offerings enable companies to cater to diverse end-user requirements and boost their market presence. International and local players dominate the market, with new product launches being a popular growth strategy. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This mechanical connectors market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Aluminum- Aluminum connectors are cylindrical components used for terminating electrical wires in machines and electrical equipment, particularly in applications where vibration is a concern. These connectors are commonly found in military, automotive, industrial, and medical equipment. Military-grade aluminum connectors have metal outer shells for sealing. Commercial-grade aluminum connectors are also widely used in industries and automotive applications. TE Connectivity Ltd. And 3M are notable vendors offering aluminum connectors like the AMPLIMITE Ultra-Lite D-Subminiature connector and the metal D-SUB aluminum lightweight connector, respectively. The increasing demand for lightweight miniature connectors is driving market growth, making aluminum connectors a significant segment in the overall market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, finding extensive applications in various industries. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in numerous systems, including those used in Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Electronic systems, and Electrical systems. Signal transmission and power transmission are the major applications for mechanical connectors. Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Automotive segment, Advanced safety features, Autonomous vehicles, and the Telecom sector are some key areas driving the market's growth. The market is also influenced by raw material prices and technological advancements such as 5G technology and IoT technology. Market Research Overview The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, with the former gaining popularity in telecommunications, data centers, and infrastructure development due to their superior signal transmission capabilities. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in various industries, including Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Submarine Communication, Digital Data Storage, Automotive Sector, Electric Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development. The market is also driven by the growing demand for High-Speed Data Transfer, Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Autonomous vehicles, Telecom sector, 5G technology, IoT technology, Miniature connectors, PCB connectors, and Quick connectors. Raw material prices, Electronic systems integration, Copper's electrical conductivity, Industrialization, Governmental policies, High-speed connectors, and applications in Aerospace and defense are other factors influencing the market's growth. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mechanical-connectors-market-to-grow-by-usd-4-77-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-demand-in-automotive-industry-ai-transforming-the-market-landscape---technavio-302313566.html SOURCE Technavio
(The Center Square) – Legislators in Washington, D.C., have taken a number of steps over the past few days to push for insurance and pharmaceutical reforms to be passed before the end of the year. On Wednesday, a bicameral group of Republican and Democrat lawmakers held a press conference discussing the need for pharmacy benefit manager reform to protect small pharmacies across the country and “save lives.” “Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or an independent, we all want the same thing. We want accessible, affordable, quality health care,” said Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga. “We’re not here today to just discuss one bill or to discuss just one patient’s story. We're here because there's broad, bipartisan pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, reform that is needed to save lives.” Pharmacy benefit managers are the middlemen responsible for managing the drug prices covered by health insurance plans. According to the Harvard Political Review , the problem with pharmacy benefit managers is that they “have vertically integrated with pharmacy chains and health insurers through massive conglomerates.” That then allows them to abuse their power to cut out small pharmacies and increase prices. Carter also signed a letter that was released last week calling on the Department of Justice to dig into the role pharmacy benefit managers played in the opioid epidemic. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., Deborah Ross, D-N.C., and Cliff Benz, R-Ore., all joined him in signing that letter. “The opioid crisis has devastated communities in North Carolina and across the country, and PBMs may have fueled it by prioritizing profits over people,” Ross said on social media . “That’s why I joined a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate their role and hold these bad actors accountable.” The letter looked at recent reports on the largest pharmacy benefit managers, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx which state that they “colluded and conspired to steer patients towards OxyContin in exchange for $400 million.” OxyContin is a trade name for the narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, a painkiller available by prescription only. This and the general “lack of transparency” is just one of the many complaints that legislators aired on Wednesday. “My colleagues who are joining me today, Democrats and Republicans ... all recognize that PBMs are decreasing the accessibility, the affordability, and therefore the quality of health care in America,” Carter said. “We have an opportunity, right now, to advance bipartisan legislation that increases reporting requirements, which would heighten transparency and shine a light on the opaque practices of these PBMs.” Carter was also joined by Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who is leading the effort to get legislation passed in the U.S. Senate. “This year, we're losing about one pharmacy a day in America,” Lankford said. “We want leadership to be able to take this up and to bring it up in the end-of-year package ... Stop holding up legislation that is bipartisan, bicameral, and solving a problem that Americans need solved.”None
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Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil insists he is happy to look fans in the face and take the criticism which comes his way after his team were jeered off after losing 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”Colby Rogers made 6 of 9 3-pointers and scored 28 points as host Memphis defeated No. 16 Ole Miss 87-70 on Saturday afternoon. Rogers fouled out and finished one 3-pointer and one point short of his career-highs in both categories and Memphis never trailed. PJ Haggerty added 17 points, Dain Dainja had 16 and Moussa Cisse, an Ole Miss transfer who's in his second stint with the Tigers (10-3), had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sean Pedulla scored 13, Jaylen Murray had 12 and Malik Dia added 11 to lead the Rebels (11-2), who had won their last five games. Memphis scored the first five points of the second half to increase its lead to 43-36. Pedulla made a layup for Ole Miss' first points, but Nicholas Jourdain made consecutive field goals to push the lead to nine. Mikeal Brown-Jones made two free throws for the Rebels before Haggerty made a 3-pointer and Cisse added a tip-in for a 52-40 lead. Pedulla made a jumper before Brown-Jones was ejected for committing a Flagrant 2 foul. Haggerty made both of the technical free throws and Rogers added two 3-pointers to push the lead to 16. Ole Miss got within 11 points four times, but couldn't get any closer until Matthew Murrell's dunk trimmed the lead to 76-67 with five minutes remaining. Rogers answered with a 3-pointer and Dainja added two field goals to increase the lead to 16. Murray made a free throw, but the Rebels didn't make a field goal during the final 5:32. The Tigers scored the first four points of the game and Haggerty had four as they opened a 9-2 lead. The Rebels made consecutive field goals before Memphis scored eight straight points for a 17-6 lead. Eduardo Klafke made a 3-pointer to end the run, but Rogers' 3-pointer helped the Tigers increase the lead to 27-14. Ole Miss scored the next seven points before Cisse's basket ended the run. The Rebels closed within four points four times Brown-Jones made two free throws to trim the lead to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level MediaBrainy, 'normal guy': the suspect in US insurance CEO's slaying
Get a $122 Discount on the Sony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesThe intricate world of semiconductors has turned into a battleground for global influence, with China striving to assert its own might against Western dominance. Amid increasing U.S. pressures , China has unveiled a monumental plan, pouring $41 billion into its lithography sector to bolster its semiconductor capabilities. China’s ambition to become technologically independent is manifesting through strategic investments in its semiconductor industry, a journey it embarked on back in 2014. Spearheading these efforts is SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation). This Chinese giant grapples with competing against ASML, the Dutch leader with a stronghold on cutting-edge photolithography technology. Photolithography is pivotal in cutting-edge chip production, and ASML’s EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) equipment is crucial for creating chips at the extremely fine scale of 3 nanometers. Despite facing export curbs backed by the U.S., which significantly hampers China’s access to such advanced machinery, Beijing remains undeterred. Focusing on technology giants like SMIC, Hua Hong Semiconductor, Naura Technology Group, and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment, China’s massive financial injection aims to develop its own advanced alternatives to ASML’s tools, though this endeavor is fraught with technical and time-related challenges. Last year, the debut of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, a smartphone boasting a domestically-made 5G processor, marked a symbolic victory for China against harsh international sanctions. However, as ASML accelerates toward its High-NA EUV systems, the next frontier in chip technology, the West continues to safeguard its technological lead. This clash over chip supremacy holds wide-reaching implications, influencing not only technological progress but also strategic autonomy and geopolitical power. The question remains whether China’s relentless investment can truly shift the balance of power in the semiconductor industry. Inside China’s Billion-Dollar Semiconductor Strategy: Can It Challenge Western Dominance? The global semiconductor industry is witnessing a significant tectonic shift as China intensifies efforts to boost its technological prowess against Western strongholds. With an ambitious push to achieve technological independence, China has announced an impressive $41 billion investment directed at its lithography sector, marking a serious commitment to strengthening its semiconductor capabilities. China’s Strategic Investment Path The push toward technological sovereignty has been a long-term goal for China, initially setting the wheels in motion in 2014. Leading the charge is SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), which faces formidable Western competitors like ASML, renowned for its cutting-edge photolithography technology essential for high-precision chip production. With photolithography playing a pivotal role in producing state-of-the-art chips, China’s quest to develop domestic alternatives to ASML’s EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) technology is both strategic and challenging. Emerging Trends and Innovations China’s advancement in semiconductor capabilities is not just a matter of keeping pace with Western technology but also involves spurring innovation within its borders. Companies like Hua Hong Semiconductor, Naura Technology Group, and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment are at the forefront of these efforts. Through this substantial financial injection, China aims to achieve milestones that could revolutionize its semiconductor industry, although the path is laden with technical and time-related hurdles. Pros and Cons of China’s Semiconductor Ambition – Pros: – Technological Sovereignty: Breaking free from Western technology dependency enhances China’s strategic autonomy. – Industrial Growth: Bolstering the semiconductor industry could lead to job creation and economic growth. – Innovation Drive: Encourages local innovation which might drive new technological breakthroughs. – Cons: – Export Curbs: Restrictions from the U.S. and its allies pose significant barriers to accessing the latest technology. – Technical Challenges: Developing alternatives to established technologies is both costly and time-consuming. – Global Tensions: Increasing focus on self-sufficiency could escalate geopolitical tensions, impacting international trade relations. Market and Technology Predictions The semiconductor arena is poised for transformative changes. While China’s relentless investment may not immediately dethrone Western dominance, it could lead to a more competitive, diverse, and dynamic market. A notable breakthrough in China’s lithography capabilities could potentially recalibrate the balance of power in global chip production. As Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro smartphone demonstrated, which featured a domestically-made 5G processor, there are signs of China’s growing confidence in overcoming international sanctions. Meanwhile, Western companies like ASML remain committed to advancing frontier technologies with their next-generation High-NA EUV systems, maintaining a technological lead in the immediate future. Security and Sustainability Aspects Increased self-reliance in semiconductor production not only strengthens national security but also encourages sustainable industry practices. By focusing on homegrown production, China potentially reduces the carbon footprint associated with global shipping and logistics of semiconductor components. Conclusion: The Path Ahead The semiconductor sector remains a battleground in the broader struggle for global technological leadership. Despite numerous challenges, China’s strategic approach and hefty investments signal a determined advance toward reshaping the semiconductor industry landscape. While the outcome of this investment remains to be seen, the possibility of China emerging as a formidable force in the semiconductor domain cannot be ignored. Readers interested in further information on this topic may explore leading technology analysis platforms or authoritative sources such as ASML and SMIC .
Citigroup Inc. Grows Stock Position in Nuvalent, Inc. (NASDAQ:NUVL)
Big 12 action continues as the No. 19 BYU Cougars take on the Houston Cougars in a big cat battle. After starting 9-0, BYU has lost two straight, making their road the the Big 12 title game murky. This game kicks off at 7:15 p.m. PT/10:15 p.m. ET (9:15 p.m. CT) on Saturday, November 30 with a live broadcast on ESPN , and streaming live on demand . • WATCH : BYU vs. Houston football live for FREE with Fubo (free trial), with Sling (cheapest streaming plans, $25 off your first month), or see more streaming options below. What TV channel is the Cougars vs. Cougars football game on today? When : Kickoff takes place at 7:15 p.m. PT/10:15 p.m. ET (9:15 p.m. CT) on Saturday, November 30. Where : LaVell Edwards Stadium | Provo, UT TV Channel : ESPN How to watch live stream online : If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which is $25 off for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network, SEC Network and a few other sports channels. If you have a cable or satellite subscription already, you can watch the game on Watch ESPN or the ESPN app by signing in with your provider information. What TV channel is ESPN on? You can find out more about which channel ESPN is on in your area by using the channel finders here: Comcast Xfinity , DIRECTV , Dish , Verizon Fios , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice . BYU vs. Houston spread, latest betting odds Moneyline : BYU: -650 | HOU: +425 Point spread : BYU: -13 | HOU: +13 Over/Under : 41.5 Get promo codes, signup deals and free bets from our Oregon Betting News home page .
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints quarterback Derek Carr was willing to risk his health to improve New Orleans’ chances of playing meaningful football in mid-December. Now the Saints, who’ve remained mathematically alive in the playoff race by winning three of four, might have to play without Carr again — and it didn’t go well the last time. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi declined on Monday to rule out Carr for any of New Orleans' final four games because of his injured non-throwing hand or his concussion . Both injuries occurred when he tried to leap for a first down and crashed hard to the turf during the fourth quarter of New Orleans' 14-11 victory over the reeling New York Giants on Sunday. “We’re not going to rule him out just yet,” Rizzi said. “We have to see in the next day or two what the healing process is like and see if he can function. “The good news it’s not his throwing hand,” Rizzi said. “The bad news is we’re obviously dealing with an injury here that we have to kind of play it by ear.” Rizzi noted that Carr must clear the concussion protocol first. After that, he said, the Saints can see how well Carr can operate with his hand injury. “It's been done before,” Rizzi said when asked about the prospect of an NFL QB playing with an injured non-throwing hand. “It appears at moment that it's non-surgical, which is a big aspect of it. ... That's why we're going to discuss the options.” Last season, Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a fractured finger on his non-throwing hand . Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has played part of this season with an injured non-throwing hand . If Carr can't play, his replacement will be either second-year pro Jake Haener or rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler started three games earlier this season when Carr had an oblique injury — all losses by New Orleans, which was in the midst of a seven-game skid. “We've just got to surround whomever it is and pick him up and get him rolling with the rest of us,” guard Lucas Patrick said. “It's just another step of adversity in this long season that we’ve had.” What’s working New Orleans' interior defensive line is coming off one of its better games. Defensive tackles Bryan Bresee and Khalen Saunders accounted for both New Orleans' sacks in New York. The Saints also held the Giants to 112 yards rushing — a lower opponent rushing total than in seven other games this season. What needs help The Saints' 92 yards rushing offensively was their fourth-lowest total all season and the lowest in any of their victories. Stock up Running back Kendre Miller's future is looking a bit brighter now. He has played in just three games this season because of hamstring injuries and his lack of readiness was criticized by since-fired coach Dennis Allen earlier this season. Miller also has yet to rush for more than 36 yards in a game. But against the Giants, he earned praise for the speed, strength and elusiveness he was able to show on a couple of clutch runs, including an 8-yard run for his first and only touchdown this season. Patrick said Miller deserved credit on his scoring run for staying upright and continuing to push forward — with the help of some teammates — after he was met at the 5-yard line by a Giants defender. Patrick said if Miller didn't give the extra effort and stay on his feet, his teammates would not have had the chance to help push him across the goal line. “Kendre's definitely a bright, young runner and he's exciting to block for,” Patrick said. Stock down Blake Grupe was 0 for 2 on field goal attempts, although both were from beyond 50 yards and one was blocked. Those were Grupe's first two failures from beyond 50 yards this season. Injuries In addition to Carr, reserve linebacker D’Marco Jackson left Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Key number 0 — The number of games the Saints have won when Carr does not play. They've gone 5-5 in his starts this season. Next steps The Saints are back home Sunday against Washington in what could be ex-New Orleans cornerback Marshon Lattimore's first game with the Commanders. The game also marks the return to Louisiana of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Troply last year at LSU. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at EvertonUNC GREENSBORO 105, VIRGINIA-LYNCHBURG 50Current and former Arizona Wildcats are making news. We’ve got views. News : The UA men’s basketball team blows out Southern Utah to get back to .500. Michael Lev is a senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star , Tucson.com and The Wildcaster . Views : It’s interesting — though hardly unusual — that Tommy Lloyd is still tinkering with roles and rotations. Remember 2022-23? Arizona’s season took off after Pelle Larsson moved from the starting lineup to the sixth-man role. That happened Jan. 19. KJ Lewis thrived coming off the bench vs. Southern Utah, playing perhaps the best all-around game of his career. His 15-point performance on 6-of-7 shooting with eight rebounds, five assists and two steals earned a career-best “game score” of 17.8, per Sports-Reference.com . Lewis as the sixth man might be the way the pieces fit together best. We’ll see. The other notable development from that game was the spark Conrad Martinez provided off the pine. The sophomore played a career-high 15 minutes and tied his career best with four assists without committing a turnover. (He has yet to commit a turnover in 44 minutes this season.) Arizona guard Conrad Martinez, shown vs. Old Dominion on Nov. 9, played a career-high 15 minutes vs. Southern Utah and played well, giving Tommy Lloyd another option to consider when assessing his lineup rotations. StatBroadcast.com tracks an advanced metric called “floor%,” which it defines as “the percentage of a player’s possessions on which at least one point is scored.” Martinez clocked in at 100% vs. the Thunderbirds. Of course, doing that against SUU is not the same as doing it vs. UCLA, Arizona’s opponent Saturday in Phoenix. Even Lloyd, who’s been Martinez’s biggest advocate, has been hesitant to give him extended minutes against anyone but mid-majors. But amid this process of figuring out who the 2024-25 Wildcats are, it might be time for Lloyd to give Martinez some run. He’s the only pure point guard Arizona has. News : The UA women’s basketball team loses to Grand Canyon to fall to 7-4. Views : Someone asked me an intriguing question the other day: “How is the women’s team doing compared to the men’s team?” My response: “The women have a better record but against lesser teams. If you’re going by the eyeball test, the men are actually better.” Arizona coach Adia Barnes communicates with her team during the second half of the game against Grand Canyon in McKale Center on Dec. 5, 2024. It's been a rough stretch for Adia Barnes’ team, which began the season 5-0, including a quality win over UNLV. The Wildcats have gone 2-4 since, including losses to both in-state mid-majors, NAU and GCU. Ouch. Barnes’ squad is still young — most of the main rotation players are sophomores or freshmen — and there’s still time for growth and maturation. The offense, in particular, needs a lot of work. The Wildcats remain under water in assist-to-turnover ratio and it’d take a dramatic turnaround for them to rise to the surface. Arizona is averaging 12.7 assists and 19.6 turnovers per game. The latter ranks 299th nationally . The Wildcats’ 0.65 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks 15th in the 16-team Big 12. Barnes has her share of critics, especially when it comes to coaching offense. But she hasn’t had a team with an assist-to-turnover ratio this lopsided since 2016-17, her first season as Arizona’s head coach. It’s actually impressive that the Wildcats’ record is as good as it is with an assist-to-turnover ratio that’s that bad. News : UA junior offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Views : This was an expected move by the three-year starter, who, I’m told, is a top-50 prospect for next year’s draft. He has popped up in the bottom half of the first round in many mock drafts and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he came off the board on the first night. Savaiinaea is more likely to play guard than tackle in the NFL, but I wouldn’t bet against him. He seamlessly moved from right guard to right tackle to left tackle during his UA career. When he first moved from the right side to the left side this year, he did so without having taken any practice reps there. I can’t begin to tell you how difficult that is. Savaiinaea probably wasn’t as effective a player as he would have been had he remained at one position. But the fact that he put the team’s needs above his own will endear him to NFL organizations. Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea (71) lines up against TCU linebacker Cooper McDonald (44) during the first half of their game Nov. 23, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. The other aspect of Savaiinaea’s UA career that separates him from others: He started — and was a reliable performer — from Day One. Offensive linemen typically require the longest developmental timeline. Not Big Jonah. He was plug-and-play. Aside from his natural size — he carries 330-plus pounds on his 6-foot-5 frame with ease — and athletic ability, Savaiinaea possesses ideal makeup. I’ve yet to hear a negative word about his character or work ethic. News : UA football signs 20 players for the class of 2025. Views : The Wildcats undoubtedly would have placed higher in the team rankings if they hadn’t lost quarterback Robert McDaniel to UCLA. Rivals ranks Arizona’s class — high school and JC recruits only — ninth in the Big 12, while 247Sports has the UA 11th. I have the utmost respect for my colleagues who scour the prep ranks to rate players, but I’m sure even they would concede it’s easier to grade skill-position players than linemen. A quarter of the Wildcats’ class consists of offensive linemen. They need to hit on at least two or three of them. In the stellar class of 2022 , Savaiinaea was a relative unknown from Hawaii who had minimal camp exposure because of the pandemic. He was the eighth-ranked player among Arizona’s signees that year, per 247Sports, behind Tetairoa McMillan, Rayshon Luke, Keyan Burnett, Ephesians Prysock, Sterling Lane II, Kevin Green Jr. and Jonah Coleman. That’s five skill-position players, a cornerback and an edge rusher if you’re scoring at home. The only team ranking that truly matters anymore is what 247Sports now calls the “overall rank” — recruits plus transfers. We won’t know how that shakes out for a while. But we’re already getting an idea of who won’t be back. Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu (5) indicates a turnover on downs after the Wildcat defense swarmed Northern Arizona running back Darvon Hubbard (23) in the first quarter on Aug. 31 at Arizona Stadium. News : Twenty UA players (and counting) enter the transfer portal, including linebacker Jacob Manu. Views : Nothing surprises me when it comes to the portal, but Manu putting himself out there comes close. Every indication — as recently as this past weekend — was that Manu was going to stick around. Then he decided to bet on himself at a time when his stock isn’t exactly soaring. Manu suffered what’s believe to be a torn ACL on Oct. 19 vs. Colorado. The typical recovery timeline is about nine months, so Manu is looking at a summer return at best. He is an undersized linebacker — generously listed at 5-11 — whose game isn’t for everyone. Manu can be a disruptive force (17 tackles for loss in 32 career games), but he also plays out of control at times (37 career missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus ). Given his health status, a program would have to take a leap of faith to invest in Manu. He’d be an asset in any locker room, but there’s no telling when he’ll be back to form physically. Manu also was part of the 2022 signing class. As of this writing, only eight of those 23 players remain with Arizona — and that includes McMillan, who’s certain to declare for the draft. Players who stick with one school for the entirety of their college careers are increasingly rare these days. When the coach who recruited them leaves for another job, that effect is exacerbated. Regardless, this feels like the end of an era that was all-too-fleeting. An all-time great recruiting class in 2022. A glorious 10-win season in ’23. A step back in ’24. Uncertainty entering ’25. Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com . On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @ michaeljlev.bsky.social Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter/Columnist
The first sign that something was amiss at UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s investor day was when Brian Thompson didn’t show up to his early morning hair and makeup appointment. At around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday of last week, Thompson, 50, was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in a killing that gripped the world. On Monday, police arrested a man in connection with the shooting who local officials found in Altoona, Pennsylvania, carrying a gun and a handwritten three-page manifesto decrying the health-care industry’s profit motives. While the police investigation unfolds, the $500 billion health-care company is simultaneously trying to cope with the personal tragedy of losing a top executive and a spiraling PR crisis that risks long-term reputational harm in a country where so many have turned against it. Interviews with people familiar with the events show a company under siege. UnitedHealth locked down its Minnesota, New York City and Washington, DC, offices to external visitors and urged workers with safety fears to stay home, according to messages seen by Bloomberg News. A new management structure was put in place to navigate the situation, one message said, without detailing who was running UnitedHealth’s largest division in the wake of Thompson’s death. A private funeral for friends and family was set for Monday, while the company is still working on logistics to safely hold a memorial service, according to people familiar with the matter. Instead of eliciting sympathy from the public, the death of the insurance division’s chief executive officer has spawned a hate machine against the insurance industry that’s only getting louder as the days drag on with little insight into the killer’s motives. The man in custody, Luigi Mangione, 26, was noticed by a McDonald’s employee while he was eating at the restaurant, police said. The manifesto he was carrying speaks to both his “motivation and mindset,” New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday. It’s a crucial break in a case that dragged on for days in what police say was a targeted and premeditated killing. Bullet casings recovered at the scene bore the words “denied,” “depose,” and “delay,” loosely echoing the book title Delay, Deny, Defend, which describes tactics allegedly used by insurers to deny claims. “Our hope is that today’s apprehension brings some relief to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation,” a UnitedHealth spokesperson said in a statement. Inside the company, meetings and presentations were canceled after the shooting. A crisis communications firm was tapped to help. And tributes to Thompson poured in. “The news of Brian's passing has been overwhelming for all of us and we feel his loss profoundly,” said UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said in an email to staff on Wednesday that was seen by Bloomberg News. But outside the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based insurer, a groundswell of anger against the for-profit insurance industry continues to intensify across the U.S. A singer posted a folk song about the shooting on social media. Saturday Night Live even joked about the reaction to the killing over the weekend. Thompson’s death has become a symbol of revenge over denied medical bills and lack of access to necessary care, an issue that some UnitedHealth employees say they’re growing increasingly anxious about. While the company has sent a series of messages extolling Thompson and decrying his killing, some employees say they want to see a more direct response to the vitriol against the company. A company under siege On the morning of the shooting, some executives noticed a frenzy of police cars on one of the hotel’s side streets as they arrived for the investor meeting. They were redirected by the New York Police Department into a different hotel entrance, according to people familiar with the events who asked to speak anonymously as law enforcement continues its investigation. The executives headed into the building and upstairs to the conference area where they sipped coffee, chatted and proceeded to get their hair and makeup done. Executives began to speculate about what happened outside the hotel. A person had collapsed — maybe a heart attack, some suggested. Others thought there had been a shooting. They did not immediately think it was related to the absence of their colleague, known affectionately as “BT,” according to the people. As the minutes ticked closer to the start of the investor meeting, unease grew. It was unusual for Thompson, a 20-year veteran of UnitedHealth who’d climbed the ranks to run its key insurance division, to not show up for an important day like this. Colleagues suspected he’d overslept or was sick in bed, and planned to send someone to his room at a nearby hotel to check on him. They prepped a backup speaker to give Thompson’s presentation if he didn’t arrive on time, the people said. It took a few minutes for the 8 a.m. event to begin, after some 275 people showed up. It’s unclear why they didn’t start on time. But as Witty, the company’s CEO, began his opening remarks, a handful of executives were alerted of a security emergency. They stepped away from the event. They were told Thompson had been killed outside of the hotel that morning. As the investor day presentations continued, the small group of company executives in the know were questioned by police. The executives immediately started trying to reach Thompson’s family. They wanted to tell his wife and kids before the media got a hold of the story. Meanwhile, Witty was told of Thompson’s death on the sidelines of the conference. He was distraught, people familiar with the event said, but had to make quick decisions about the safety of his employees and what to do about the ongoing investor meeting. As all of that was happening, the news got out. Mobile alerts about Thompson’s death started pinging attendees’ phones. There were gasps. People in the audience started looking around to see if others knew. Around 9 a.m., Witty cut the investor day short. “Some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” he said. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I apologize for.” Thompson had been dead for two hours. While conference-goers dispersed in a haze of confusion and grief, UnitedHealth executives and some employees were pulled into a room together at the hotel, the people said. With no information about the shooter’s motive, some feared for their own personal safety. Later that day, the company pulled down bio pages of its top executives and board members, while other employees deleted their profile pages on Linkedin. Tidal wave The vitriol following the shooting sparked a reckoning among some UnitedHealth employees. Much of the public animosity was aimed at the way insurance companies prevent Americans from getting the care their doctors prescribe. Some employees grappled with the idea that their paychecks were padded in part by the practice of denying care. Witty, in a video to staff last week, attempted to address the rage but failed to change the narrative for some workers. “As you've seen, people are writing things we simply don't recognize, are aggressive, inappropriate and disrespectful,” he said, urging employees to ignore the media. “There’s no value in engaging. ”One employee said they wanted to see accountability from Witty. The episode made them question whether they could keep working for UnitedHealth both mentally and morally, this person said. It wasn’t enough to extol Thompson as a leader, colleague, friend and family man, according to some workers who declined to speak publicly for fear of retribution. The noise had become too loud to ignore and they wanted to see management address it head on. This growing disconnect between Americans and their insurers is an increasing threat to the industry, said Wendell Potter, a former Cigna communications executive who has written books critical of health insurance. “They have to demonstrate quarter-to-quarter that they’re managing medical expenses because that’s what Wall Street expects,” Potter said. “They’re certainly not managing the expectations of the people that they serve.” In the company’s limited external communications, UnitedHealth said in a statement Thursday: “Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brian’s family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.” The constrained response may be intentional. “If they were my client, I would say go radio silent unless they have new news,” said crisis communications specialist Bruce Hennes, who is not working with UnitedHealth. “This is not the time to get into extended arguments and discussions with people on social media. There’s nothing to be gained.” Investors are also reacting to the impact of the outrage on the company, which sent shares down 10% in the days following the shooting. The killing “has cast a dark shadow” over the health-care insurance industry, Jared Holz, a health-care equity strategist at Mizuho Securities, wrote in a note to clients about UnitedHealth’s stock drop. “We believe the majority of the pressure, if not all, is related to the idea that the crime was based on some level of dissatisfaction with the insurance industry, its tendency to deny coverage for patients (in some circumstances) and the emotional toil this can take on patients and families,” Holz said. In some ways, UnitedHealth is in an impossible situation. “I don’t know what they can do other than hope that it does go away,” Potter said. Insurance behemoth UnitedHealth, the country’s largest insurer, is known among those in the industry as a place with sharp elbows: It’s unafraid of high-profile legal battles or tough negotiations with medical providers. On Wall Street, the company gained a reputation for reliably hitting — and usually exceeding — financial targets, even if it meant slashing jobs to do so. The culture at the top was shaped for years by veterans of the defunct accounting firm Arthur Andersen, where Chairman and former CEO Stephen Hemsley once worked. A previous CEO, William McGuire, unceremoniously left the company and settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission over backdating stock options that regulators alleged enriched him and other executives. In recent years, a series of acquisitions have consolidated UnitedHealth’s position so much that when a cyberattack took out its Change Healthcare subsidiary, doctors offices and hospitals across the country were paralyzed. That market dominance has come under review by the Department of Justice, Bloomberg News has reported. Members of Congress have called for a breakup of the conglomerate. Thompson was one of a handful of executives who sold UnitedHealth shares after the company learned it was under investigation by the DOJ, but before that information was shared with the public, Bloomberg reported. The company’s stock fell when the DOJ investigation was reported. Thompson sold $15.1 million worth of shares, according to Bloomberg calculations. Growing through so many acquisitions rapidly turned UnitedHealth into a company with around 400,000 employees. Some former employees call it too big to manage effectively, with layers of management slowing down decision making and pressure on divisions to buy services from other parts of the company because UnitedHealth is in so many lines of business that feed off one another. Before the investor day last week was cut short, Witty used some of his time on stage to acknowledge the widespread dissatisfaction with his industry. “You only have to walk into a room with five people to hear four stories of frustration. ‘I couldn't find a doctor, I didn't know where to go. It's too difficult to understand,’” he said in a room full of financial analysts and investors. For now, Witty’s trying to reassure his employees that the narrative hasn’t spiraled out of the company’s control. “We will work through this together. But it's going to be difficult,” he told workers in a video address last week. “Life won't be the same again.” (With assistance from Antonia Mufarech, Gerry Smith, Madison Muller, John Lauerman and Myles Miller.) ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global mechanical connectors market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.77 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for mechanical connectors in automotive industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards product launches. However, fluctuating raw material prices of mechanical connectors poses a challenge.Key market players include 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Aluminum, Copper, Brass, and Others), Application (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace and defense, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Mechanical Connectors market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for fixed broadband connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber optic connectors and coaxial cables are popular choices for high-speed data transfer in various sectors. Internal cables & connectors are essential for electronic systems integration in industries like Telecom, Defense, and Oil & Gas. External cables & connectors are crucial for power and signal transmission in Infrastructure Development and Data Centre Investments. Miniature connectors find applications in consumer electronics, automotive sector, and automation technology. Factors like urbanization, raw material prices, and governmental policies impact the market. Fiber optic connectors, copper, and high-speed connectors are key products driving the market. Emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and autonomous vehicles also provide opportunities. Industries like Aerospace and Defense, Energy & Power, and Submarine Communication are significant consumers. The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth as key players are strategically expanding their product portfolios through new product launches. In February 2022 , Nexans introduced a new mechanical power connector to their GPH cable connectors and cable lugs range for medium-voltage cables. Likewise, HellermannTyton launched cast resin cable joints in May 2022 , featuring a cable connector and constant force springs with straight ends for effortless installation. These new offerings enable companies to cater to diverse end-user requirements and boost their market presence. International and local players dominate the market, with new product launches being a popular growth strategy. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This mechanical connectors market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Aluminum- Aluminum connectors are cylindrical components used for terminating electrical wires in machines and electrical equipment, particularly in applications where vibration is a concern. These connectors are commonly found in military, automotive, industrial, and medical equipment. Military-grade aluminum connectors have metal outer shells for sealing. Commercial-grade aluminum connectors are also widely used in industries and automotive applications. TE Connectivity Ltd. And 3M are notable vendors offering aluminum connectors like the AMPLIMITE Ultra-Lite D-Subminiature connector and the metal D-SUB aluminum lightweight connector, respectively. The increasing demand for lightweight miniature connectors is driving market growth, making aluminum connectors a significant segment in the overall market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, finding extensive applications in various industries. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in numerous systems, including those used in Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Electronic systems, and Electrical systems. Signal transmission and power transmission are the major applications for mechanical connectors. Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Automotive segment, Advanced safety features, Autonomous vehicles, and the Telecom sector are some key areas driving the market's growth. The market is also influenced by raw material prices and technological advancements such as 5G technology and IoT technology. Market Research Overview The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, with the former gaining popularity in telecommunications, data centers, and infrastructure development due to their superior signal transmission capabilities. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in various industries, including Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Submarine Communication, Digital Data Storage, Automotive Sector, Electric Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development. The market is also driven by the growing demand for High-Speed Data Transfer, Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Autonomous vehicles, Telecom sector, 5G technology, IoT technology, Miniature connectors, PCB connectors, and Quick connectors. Raw material prices, Electronic systems integration, Copper's electrical conductivity, Industrialization, Governmental policies, High-speed connectors, and applications in Aerospace and defense are other factors influencing the market's growth. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mechanical-connectors-market-to-grow-by-usd-4-77-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-demand-in-automotive-industry-ai-transforming-the-market-landscape---technavio-302313566.html SOURCE Technavio
(The Center Square) – Legislators in Washington, D.C., have taken a number of steps over the past few days to push for insurance and pharmaceutical reforms to be passed before the end of the year. On Wednesday, a bicameral group of Republican and Democrat lawmakers held a press conference discussing the need for pharmacy benefit manager reform to protect small pharmacies across the country and “save lives.” “Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or an independent, we all want the same thing. We want accessible, affordable, quality health care,” said Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga. “We’re not here today to just discuss one bill or to discuss just one patient’s story. We're here because there's broad, bipartisan pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, reform that is needed to save lives.” Pharmacy benefit managers are the middlemen responsible for managing the drug prices covered by health insurance plans. According to the Harvard Political Review , the problem with pharmacy benefit managers is that they “have vertically integrated with pharmacy chains and health insurers through massive conglomerates.” That then allows them to abuse their power to cut out small pharmacies and increase prices. Carter also signed a letter that was released last week calling on the Department of Justice to dig into the role pharmacy benefit managers played in the opioid epidemic. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., Deborah Ross, D-N.C., and Cliff Benz, R-Ore., all joined him in signing that letter. “The opioid crisis has devastated communities in North Carolina and across the country, and PBMs may have fueled it by prioritizing profits over people,” Ross said on social media . “That’s why I joined a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate their role and hold these bad actors accountable.” The letter looked at recent reports on the largest pharmacy benefit managers, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx which state that they “colluded and conspired to steer patients towards OxyContin in exchange for $400 million.” OxyContin is a trade name for the narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, a painkiller available by prescription only. This and the general “lack of transparency” is just one of the many complaints that legislators aired on Wednesday. “My colleagues who are joining me today, Democrats and Republicans ... all recognize that PBMs are decreasing the accessibility, the affordability, and therefore the quality of health care in America,” Carter said. “We have an opportunity, right now, to advance bipartisan legislation that increases reporting requirements, which would heighten transparency and shine a light on the opaque practices of these PBMs.” Carter was also joined by Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who is leading the effort to get legislation passed in the U.S. Senate. “This year, we're losing about one pharmacy a day in America,” Lankford said. “We want leadership to be able to take this up and to bring it up in the end-of-year package ... Stop holding up legislation that is bipartisan, bicameral, and solving a problem that Americans need solved.”None
Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing charged with murder in New York, court records show
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