Cigna executive-turned-whistleblower says Wall Street drives up health care costs
Wendell Potter left his job as a vice president at Cigna and became a whistleblower speaking out about the high cost of health care in the U.S.
Forexlive - Dec 18th, 2024
For reference: Here was the November FOMC statement
On November 7, the FOMC cut rates by 25 basis points and released this statement:Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Since earlier in the year, labor market conditions have generally eased, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has made progress toward the Committee's 2 percent objective but remains somewhat elevated.The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.In support of its goals, the Committee decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point to 4-1/2 to 4-3/4 percent. In considering additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‐backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Thomas I. Barkin; Michael S. Barr; Raphael W. Bostic; Michelle W. Bowman; Lisa D. Cook; Mary C. Daly; Beth M. Hammack; Philip N. Jefferson; Adriana D. Kugler; and Christopher J. Waller.I wouldn't be surprised if the changes to that statement are minimal but the market will also be closely watching the dot plot and central tendencies for changes from the prior. This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.
Indiewire - Dec 18th, 2024
The 9 Best Undistributed Movies of 2024
Some of the best films we saw in 2024 are still waiting for a chance to become some of the best films of 2025.
Gizmodo - Dec 18th, 2024
This Food Warming Mat Is Nearly 50% Off, Helping You Keep Your Holiday Meals Warm
No need to keep running back and forth to the microwave with this handy warming mat.
ABC News - Dec 18th, 2024
Formula 1 team Red Bull drops driver Sergio Perez after four seasons
Formula 1 team Red Bull drops driver Sergio Perez after four seasons
Pcworld - Dec 18th, 2024
This super-fast USB-C cable is a great last-minute stocking stuffer
If you’re still in need of stocking stuffers for your techie friends and family, then here’s something everyone will appreciate: a super-fast Anker Nano USB-C cable, now just $19 on Amazon with Prime. (Don’t have Prime? Sign up for a 30-day free trial and snag this discount anyway!)You can use this cable with pretty much any device, including your laptop, because it can handle up to 240W of ultra-fast charging. Paired with the right wall plug, you can restore 50 percent of your laptop’s battery in half an hour. Your phone will charge even more, faster.Anyone who gets this as a gift from you will love it, if not for the fast speed then for it being 6 feet long. Who likes being tethered to the wall while waiting for their phone to charge? This length is perfect for anyone who wants to comfortably doom-scroll in bed.The Anker Nano cable is built to last thanks to the recycled braided cord. Anker estimates it can withstand some 30,000 bends, so unless there’s an accident, you could be using it for a decade.If you want this one delivered before the holidays, get it ASAP. It’s the perfect upgrade for anyone, and you can grab this fast-charging USB-C cable for just $19 on Amazon right now.This $19 uber-fast USB-C cable is the perfect stocking stufferBuy now at Amazon
Nj - Dec 18th, 2024
Trump trolls Canada again after taunting prime minister
"I think it is a great idea."
Lehighvalleylive - Dec 18th, 2024
Amazon has this enormous 98-inch QLED 4K UHD TV on sale for an unbelievable 50% off just before Christmas
Amazon has slashed 50% off the price of this 98-inch TCL QLED 4K UHD Google TV in a huge holiday sale. Here's the massive smart TV deal to shop before Christmas.
Pr Newswire - Dec 18th, 2024
Introducing the most powerful media platform designed for executives in student housing and university real estate
CAPE FEAR, N.C., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The SHURE Initiative and the Student Housing Network have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking international media and marketing platform that will empower industry executives worldwide. This collaboration will redefine how leaders...
The Mirror Us - Dec 18th, 2024
Justin Bieber shares cryptic message following ex Selena Gomez's engagement news
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have been getting plenty of nice messages from their celebrity pals since announcing their engagement and it seems Justin Bieber has responded
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Zerohedge - Dec 18th, 2024
Five Falsehoods About The Anti-ESG Movement
Five Falsehoods About The Anti-ESG Movement Authored by Stefan Padfield via RealClearMarkets.com,Proponents of ESG (environmental, social, and governance factors used in corporate decision-making) argue they are merely improving long-term decision-making.Meanwhile, critics argue that ESG is in practice a Trojan horse for leftist agendas.However, rather than debating critics, ESG proponents frequently resort to false narratives and ad hominem attacks.The newly elected Trump administration should not be misled by these lies.For example, this past July, an article titled Anti-ESG Proposals Surged in 2024 But Earned Less Support attacked shareholder proposals critical of ESG, including many from my employer.What follows are responses to five misrepresentations about the anti-ESG movement contained in that piece, which was authored by Heidi Welsh.False Claim #1: The “Anti-ESG” Movement is Motivated by Animus Toward LGBTQ PeopleWelsh claims that “LGBTQ antipathy” and “a strong animus against LGBTQ people cropped up” in our proposals. These are lies that may constitute actionable defamation because our concerns are not only legitimate, but pro-child.For example, the Trevor Project still states the following on its website despite the underlying supporting research having been effectively debunked: "Medical affirming care can include [1] treatments that postpone physical changes [i.e. puberty blockers] as well as [2] treatments that lead to changes that would affirm one’s gender identity [i.e. surgery]" (citing WPATH, 2012).Approaching this from another perspective, consider the following:· Is it loving to sow the seeds of gender dysphoria in young children by pushing on them the idea that they might have been born in the wrong body?· Is it loving to push on young children, at a time when they are highly vulnerable to suggestion, the idea that if they are anxious about their gender identity, then they should take puberty blockers or undergo life-altering sex-change surgery?· Is it loving to push these ideas on children behind the backs of their parents?· Is it loving to do these things when the alleged consensus around this "gender affirming care" is quite predictably crumbling before our very eyes?One can quite reasonably -- and without any "animus" -- answer "no" to all these questions.False Claim #2: The “Anti-ESG” Movement is Waging a Racist and Bigoted War Against Value-Enhancing DEIWelsh argues that: “The anti-ESG proposals continued to focus largely on disrupting the current business world consensus that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) improves companies and benefits investors.” One of the problems here is that this purported consensus is largely based on debunked research. As the National Center for Public Policy Research noted in a recent report: “The primary sources typically cited for the claim that the business case for diversity has been proven are a series of studies by corporate consultant McKinsey & Company, but these studies suffer from two glaring flaws: data mining and causation errors.” Furthermore, “consider that in approving a diversity-related rule for Nasdaq, the SEC was unable to make that [business case for diversity] claim after considering all the relevant studies.”Yet, none of this stops DEI proponents from calling critics bigots. In fact, I recently engaged a self-described “Workplace Inclusion Expert” on LinkedIn who took merely two replies to assert: “saying you’re anti-DEI is the same as saying you’re anti anyone who’s not a straight, white male.”This recourse to debunked studies and ad hominem attacks suggests DEI has a totalitarian underbelly that pushes an unfalsifiable, divisive narrative with the zeal of fanatical religious adherents.False Claim #3: The “Anti-ESG” Movement is Waging an Anti-Science War Against the Climate Science ConsensusOn the issue of corporate initiatives purported to address climate change, Welsh wrote:The key idea expressed in the recent uptick [in anti-ESG proposals] is that efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions are too expensive, likely futile, and based on questionable science. This view flies in the face of widespread scientific and investor consensus that climate change poses the most disruptive set of risks and opportunities we have ever faced.This is essentially a non-sequitur. Even assuming that “climate change poses the most disruptive set of risks and opportunities we have ever faced,” it does not follow that all corporate efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions are (1) cost-effective, (2) actually address the stated problem, or (3) are based on sound science. Evidence abounds that the rush to “do something” has led corporations to undermine their profitability without any legitimately offsetting climate benefit (see, e.g., here and here).False Claim #4: The “Anti-ESG” Movement Encourages Hate Speech and MisinformationIt is interesting to note that Welsh views proposals designed to rein in biased and abusive applications of “hate speech” and “misinformation” policies as “anti-ESG.” If being concerned about the weaponization of “hate speech” and “misinformation” policies is anti-ESG, then perhaps concerns about ESG being a Trojan horse for totalitarian control of society by leftists aren’t so far-fetched. Given that simply asking “What is a woman?” has been deemed “hate speech,” it is reasonable to conclude there are risks of weaponizing “hate speech” and “misinformation” policies against conservatives. False Claim #5: The “Anti-ESG” Movement Undermines PhilanthropyWelsh lists proposals questioning charitable donations and political contributions as “anti-ESG.” However, if shareholders ask a corporation to review whether it is donating to any organizations that promote sex change surgeries for minors, given the reputational risks involved, one might be forgiven for wondering why that would be deemed "anti-ESG." In the past, we've been told that ESG is simply a non-partisan method for improving information gathering, but to call such proposals "anti-ESG" exposes yet again the thinly veiled radical leftist agenda behind the acronym.When the inevitable time comes for the new Trump administration to get its hands dirty unwinding the ESG-industrial complex, there will be no shortage of lies spouted in defense of ESG. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize of free markets undistorted by the forced imposition of ESG agendas. Tyler DurdenWed, 12/18/2024 - 06:30
Courant - Dec 18th, 2024
CT executive gets prison for $4M+ theft. He also has to pay it back.
Federal authorities said he fraudulently diverted money from his employer for "his own use and covered up his conduct through false entries in the firm’s books and records."
Baltimore Sun - Dec 18th, 2024
Ravens WR Zay Flowers says Steelers’ defense doesn’t do anything to stress him
Ravens WR Zay Flowers says the Steelers' defense doesn't stress him, but Baltimore's offense struggled with Pittsburgh in Week 11.
The Sun - Dec 18th, 2024
Kim Kardashian slammed as ‘reckless’ as she debuts high-heel ankle cast and goes braless at Billie Eilish gig
Coming Soon - Dec 18th, 2024
Tom Cruise Receives Public Service Award by US Navy
Tom Cruise was recently honored with a public service award by the U.S. Navy. Naturally, fans are now curious to know more about this new development in the 62-year-old actor’s life. So what was the award for and what is its significance? Here’s everything you need to know. Tom Cruise honored with public service award [...]The post Tom Cruise Receives Public Service Award by US Navy appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Globe Newswire - Dec 18th, 2024
Auction of Treasury Bills on 20 December 2024
The treasury bills for sale have the following stock exchange codes:
Watch as Bai produces magnificent break of 128 in German Masters qualis
"Bai Yulu shows her class with a magnificent break of 128 in the German Masters qualifiers at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Stream top snooker action live and on-demand on discovery+"
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Coming Soon - Dec 18th, 2024
Is 9-1-1 Canceled or Renewed for Season 9?
Fans all over the globe are on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear if 9-1-1 will be back for Season 9. The series showcases the brave work of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters who risk their lives to help others. Now, those who love this popular show are curious to find out if [...]The post Is 9-1-1 Canceled or Renewed for Season 9? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Sun Sentinel - Dec 18th, 2024
Tiny cottages for homeless people could be coming to Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County officials are moving forward with a plan to offer "tiny cottages" to help people experiencing homelessness.
Huffpost - Dec 18th, 2024
Herschel Walker's New Trump White House Role Slammed As 'S**t Show'
Critics mocked the former NFL star with a series of blunt reminders.
