The NBA got viewers for Christmas, even while going up against NFL games. The NBA's five-game Christmas lineup was the league's most-watched in five years, with the games averaging about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, the league said Thursday based on Nielsen's preliminary numbers. It's an 84% rise over the NBA's Christmas numbers from 2023. The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors — a game pitting Olympic teammates LeBron James and Stephen Curry — averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked with about 8.32 million viewers toward the end of the contest, the league said. Those numbers represent the most-watched NBA regular season game in five years. “I love the NFL,” James said in his televised postgame interview Wednesday night. “But Christmas is our day.” The NBA said all five Christmas games on its schedule — San Antonio at New York in Victor Wembanyama's holiday debut, Minnesota at Dallas, Philadelphia at Boston, Denver at Phoenix and Lakers-Warriors — saw year-over-year viewership increases. Wednesday's numbers pushed NBA viewership for the season across ESPN platforms to up 4% over last season. The league also saw more than 500 million video views on its social media platforms Wednesday, a new record. For the NBA, those are all good signs amid cries that NBA viewership is hurting. “Ratings are down a bit at beginning of the season. But cable television viewership is down double digits so far this year versus last year," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “You know, we’re almost at the inflection point where people are watching more programing on streaming than they are on traditional television. And it’s a reason why for our new television deals, which we enter into next year, every game is going to be available on a streaming service.” Part of that new package of television deals that the NBA is entering into next season also increases the number of regular season games broadcast on television from 15 to 75. AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBAThe killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson appears to have added fresh fuel to already tense discourse online about wealth, the role of corporations in American health care and power in society. Thompson , 50, was in New York City for an investor conference, where he was shot dead by a masked assailant. Days later, the gunman’s whereabouts and identity remained unknown as did the reason for the killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack. Steven Downing, associate professor of criminology and media at Ontario Tech University, said some posts were celebratory in nature and that reactions may reflect people’s frustration with the health insurance industry in the United States. A thread on a Reddit community, inviting people to share their worst experiences with UnitedHealthcare, drew hundreds of comments, mostly negative, and over a thousand upvotes. “There seems to be some effect here where people are sharing their own narratives,” Downing said. “People are strangely bonding over this.” Social media users reacted to the killing, with the term ‘CEOs’ trending on the social media website X. “I’ve seen very little sort of post being sympathetic to the victim,” Downing said. “Certainly, there is an anti-elitist sentiment that we’re seeing here.” Downing said that while this is a tragedy for those who knew Thompson, the social media reaction indicates a broader anti-elite social sentiment. He said there are also posts “valourizing” the shooter. “I saw a tweet specifically mentioning Robin Hood. The parallels are not exact, but there is this class element embedded in that, like an us versus them,” he said. The shooting has shaken corporate America and the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to reevaluate security plans and delete photos and biographies of executives from their websites, the Associated Press reported. A different Minnesota-based health care company said Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home. UnitedHealthcare is a multinational health insurance and services company and is the largest insurer in the United States . In 2023, Thompson earned a total compensation of $10.2 million, according to a disclosure by UnitedHealth Group. It included his annual salary, bonus and stock option awards. UnitedHealthcare brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. The killing has come amid growing tensions and anger as income inequality remains a persistent challenge, and after the U.S. election saw conversations around health care and the further privatization of insurance and care access in the spotlight. Caitlin Slavens, an Alberta-based psychologist, said posts valourizing a killer may not be a genuine endorsement of violence, but may reflect misplaced anger or desperation. “In this case, the shooter may symbolize rebellion against a system people feel has failed them — like health care or insurance industries. For some, it’s easier to justify or glorify such actions than to sit with the helplessness or rage they feel toward those larger systems,” she said. Amie Grant, a therapist based in Cleveland, Ohio, said prolonged exposure to an oppressive system or situation – like being denied life-saving care – can lead to people’s collective frustrations boiling over into extreme narratives. Social media offers an easy space for people to vent. “Social media amplifies these feelings by creating echo chambers where resentment can turn into dark humor or misplaced validation,” she said. Grant said growing income-inequality, stagnant wages and rising prices have led to a growing collective anger. “Online spaces provide a fertile ground for these feelings to take root, often through humor, memes, and dark satire that make complex issues more accessible. Social media acts as a pressure valve, allowing people to articulate their frustrations in ways that feel both rebellious and communal,” she said. Feeling powerless in the face of large corporations can feel dehumanizing, Slavens said. Sharing those experiences online can be cathartic for some. “Sharing personal stories, especially about struggles with insurance companies, can be incredibly validating. It allows people to feel seen and heard while connecting with others who have faced similar experiences,” Slavens said. “For some, it’s a way to reclaim power over a situation that feels dehumanizing, turning their pain into a call for systemic change.” Matthew Polacko, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Toronto whose work focuses on the effects of income inequality on political behaviour, said anti-elite sentiments are not limited to the United States. Canada, too, has seen simmering anger since the pandemic. “It’s definitely on the rise, this dissatisfaction with billionaires, in Canada with grocery stores and the rising prices. There is this perception of collusion on their part,” he said. Where that anger goes next remains unclear. Downing said these sentiments could well snowball into populist political movements in the future. “There’s a movement towards populist sentiments,” he said. “If you look at Occupy Wall Street, there were analogous or simultaneous movements in Canada. I do think there will be (more such movements in the future).” Polacko said it’s unlikely that more violence will follow this incident. “This is more of an isolated incident,” he said, “I don’t think we have to worry about more violence happening here (in Canada). I don’t think this is likely to keep happening.”None
Column: The looming GOP divide over school vouchersThe Black Friday on Amazon feature two exciting Xbox consoles at a record low price: the Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition and the Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console , both offering huge savings and advanced gaming experiences. The Xbox Series X digital edition is priced at $399 which is an 11% discount from its original price of $449. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X disc drive console is available for $448 , which is a 10% savings off its list price of $499. See Xbox Series X Digital Edition at Amazon See Xbox Series X Disc Drive Edition at Amazon Both consoles come with Amazon’s early Black Friday price guarantee : if the price drops further during the sale period, you will receive a refund for the difference. Furthermore, Amazon has extended its return policy until January 31, 2025 so that you’ll have ample time for holiday gift returns or exchanges. Microsoft Power Consoles As you probably know, both Microsoft consoles are powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 processor with eight cores clocked at 3.8 GHz and an AMD RDNA 2 GPU that delivers up to 12 teraflops of graphics power. This hardware enables true 4K gaming at frame rates of up to 120 FPS and provide a visually stunning and smooth gaming experience. Both of them also feature a 1TB custom NVME SSD. The key difference lies in their design and features: The Xbox Series X Digital Edition is an all-digital console meaning it lacks a physical disc drive and makes it ideal for players who prefer to download their games directly from the Xbox store . This model retains all the performance capabilities of the standard Series X including support for HDR content and quick resume functionality. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X SSD console includes a physical disc drive which allows gamers to play both digital and physical copies of games. This can be advantageous for those who have an existing library of physical games or prefer to buy used titles. On the long term, it will be cheaper if you’re willing to sell your games. In terms of connectivity, both consoles come equipped with three USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port and support for Ethernet connections for robust online gaming capabilities. They also feature Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound experiences and can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi 6. When considering which console to purchase, you should weigh their preferences for physical versus digital media: If you primarily buy games digitally or subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox Series X Digital Edition might be the better choice due to its lower price point and sleek design. See Xbox Series X Digital Edition at Amazon See Xbox Series X Disc Drive Edition at Amazon
A group of pro-Palestinian protestors targeted The Great Synagogue in Sydney on Wednesday evening as members of the Jewish community were holed up inside. The synagogue was hosting an event to mark 100 years of the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion), with esteemed professors, artists and political thinkers headlining the occasion. Outside, the protest group Stop the War of Palestine led chants of ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ and held up a slogan calling for the eradication of the state of Israel. Sky News reported that when police arrived on the scene, the Synagogue was in lockdown with those inside unable to leave, according to a senior source involved in the situation. NSW Police said that two men – one aged 37 and another aged 50 – “not associated with the event” were seen carrying a flag. “The man – aged 37 – was approached by police for breach of peace and issued a move on direction, which he complied,” authorities said in a statement. “The second man – aged 50 – allegedly failed to comply with the move on direction, and issued an infringement notice for failure to comply.” Rabbi Yossi Friedman was inside the synagogue to lead the prayers for Israel, the IDF and the hostages still held in Gaza. “We gathered in peace to celebrate the amazing achievements of Israel (and the Technion in particular) in tech and innovation,” he posted on Instagram. “Achievements, I add, that have benefitted not only israel but the entire world! Inside the very iPhones of those protestors is technology that has come out of the Technion. Yet those protestors are ignorant of this and choose to ignore it. They only know of hate and come to disrupt and scream. When will the world (and our government) WAKE UP and see??” The group of protestors, which was apparently “supported by staff and students” from UTS and Sydney University, claimed it was only protesting against Technion, despite gathering outside the home of Sydney’s oldest congregation and a significant religious site.
NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.Mariah Carey debunks Spotify video after AI theory: Just ‘bad lighting and a red lip’
(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491
