Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • Xylitol Sweetener in Chewing Gum Linked to 57% Higher Heart Attack Risk, Study Finds

    Xylitol Sweetener in Chewing Gum Linked to 57% Higher Heart Attack Risk, Study Finds

    Medical News Today also consulted Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California. Dr. Chen was not involved in the study.

    Prioritizing Whole Foods for Natural Sweetness

    Dr. Chen emphasized the value of obtaining sweetness from whole food sources.

    “When possible, I recommend choosing naturally sweet foods, such as whole fruit, which provide sweetness along with fiber and other beneficial nutrients,” he said.

    Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes Management

    Dr. Chen acknowledged that artificial sweeteners can serve a practical purpose for individuals with diabetes, as they typically trigger a smaller immediate rise in blood glucose compared to sugar.

    Long-Term Health Requires a Broader Perspective

    However, he cautioned against viewing the absence of a short-term glucose spike as a blanket endorsement for high consumption.

    “However, avoiding a short-term glucose spike does not necessarily mean that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners is beneficial for long-term health,” he said.

    Dr. Chen stressed that cardiovascular health depends on a comprehensive approach rather than a single dietary swap.

    “The bigger picture matters: overall dietary quality, portion sizes, physical activity, weight management, and blood glucose control are all important components of cardiovascular health,” Chen concluded.

  • ESPN’s Chris Fowler Accused of Showing ‘Bias’ During U.S. Open

    ESPN’s Chris Fowler Accused of Showing ‘Bias’ During U.S. Open

    Tennis Fans Accuse ESPN’s Chris Fowler of Bias During Gauff vs. Jovic U.S. Open Match

    Controversy erupted on social media during Monday night’s Round of 16 match at the 2026 U.S. Open, as viewers accused ESPN lead play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler of displaying overt favoritism toward Coco Gauff during her victory over fellow American Iva Jovic.

    Fan Backlash Over Commentary Tone

    Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals with the win, continuing her pursuit of a second Grand Slam title. However, the broadcast drew sharp criticism from tennis fans who felt Fowler’s commentary crossed the line from enthusiastic support into unprofessional bias.

    One widely shared post, viewed more than 20,000 times, stated: “Chris Fowler is not only openly rooting for Coco Gauff but gets giddy when Iva Jovic makes unforced errors. Iva Jovic is an 18 year old American for crying out loud!!!!”

    Broader Criticism of ESPN’s Coverage

    The criticism extended beyond Fowler to the entire ESPN production team. Another fan wrote: “The whole ESPN broadcast is the Coco show It ís so biased Pegula the#3 ranked player in the world and who has won the most matches and is the highest ranked American hardly gets any exposure The US Open broadcast is the Coco Gauff show. It’s sickening,”

    A third viewer added: “The whole ESPN crew is insufferable. Kalinskaya plays a great passing shot and the commentary sounded like the #21 player was less skilled than her #26 ranked opponent,”

    Concerns about objectivity were summed up by a comment stating: “The announcers have lost all objectivity when covering American female tennis players,”

    Defense and Counterarguments

    Not all feedback was negative. One fan offered a sympathetic perspective: “Well, he wants her to win because we all want her to win. Cause we wanted her to move up the rankings, and we want her to be number one eventually,”

    Another viewer raised a structural concern about broadcast assignments: “All commentators glaze Coco. When Americians are playing they should not have American commentators,”

    Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Information

    The 2026 U.S. Open continues with quarterfinal matches scheduled for Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9. All matches will air on ESPN.

    This story was originally published by The Spun on September 8, 2026, in the Sports Media section.

  • Social Security Benefits in 2027: Key Changes Explained

    Social Security Benefits in 2027: Key Changes Explained

    Social Security remains the financial backbone for millions of retirees, yet the program often generates confusing headlines. As 2027 approaches, several key adjustments are set to take effect — ranging from the full retirement age and cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to taxable earnings caps and earnings limits. Here is a clear breakdown of what beneficiaries and workers can expect.

    Full Retirement Age Has Finished Climbing

    A persistent concern among retirement planners is the belief that the full retirement age (FRA) will continue to rise. According to Geoffrey Schmidt, a certified public accountant and founder of Holy Schmidt!, a retirement education resource, that climb has ended.

    “It doesn’t. It has finished its long, slow climb to 67. Anyone born in 1960 or later has a full retirement age of exactly 67, and that group reaches it in 2027,” Schmidt said. “Under current law, it does not go any higher. So if you’ve been worried they’ll keep moving the goalposts on you, at least on the retirement age, that increase is over.”

    Read more: What’s the retirement age for Social Security, 401(k)s, and IRA withdrawals?

    Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Expected Around 3.5%

    The annual COLA is a critical metric for beneficiaries. The official 2027 increase will be announced on October 14 following the release of the Consumer Price Index report. Current estimates place the adjustment in the 3.5% range.

    The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retiree in July was just over $2,000. AARP projects a 3.5% hike would add approximately $73 to that average check.

    “The average monthly benefit for a surviving spouse ($1,933) would rise by about $68, and Social Security Disability Insurance for the average worker with a disability ($1,635) would increase by about $57 a month,” AARP said in an analysis.

    Schmidt noted that if the final COLA lands near 3.6%, it would represent the largest increase since 2023. He also offered an important caveat regarding the net impact.

    “A COLA isn’t really a raise; it’s catch-up for inflation you already paid, and the 2027 Medicare Part B premium, which comes out later in the fall, usually eats part of it before you ever see it,” he added.

    Read more: Here’s what your Social Security COLA could be in 2027

    Maximum Taxable Earnings and Earnings Test Limits Rising

    Two additional adjustments will be finalized in October. High-income earners will see a higher maximum taxable earnings cap. The 2026 cap was $184,500; forecasts suggest the 2027 cap will be around $190,200. This would subject an additional $5,700 of income to Social Security tax, amounting to roughly $353 more per year for workers earning above the threshold.

    The earnings test limits — which apply to those who claim benefits before reaching full retirement age while continuing to work — are also expected to increase:

    • The lower annual threshold (for those under FRA all year) is likely to rise from about $24,480 to $25,200.
    • The upper threshold (for the year a worker reaches FRA) is projected to move from approximately $65,160 to near $67,200.

    “For most retirees who are simply collecting a check, neither one will affect you,” Schmidt said.

    What’s Not Changing: No Benefit Cuts in 2027

    Despite alarming headlines about the program’s long-term solvency, no benefit reductions are scheduled for 2027 under current law. Schmidt urged recipients to ignore the “scary headlines.”

    “Nothing taking effect in 2027 cuts your benefit or rewrites the rules against you. The ‘Social Security is running out of money’ conversation is about late 2032, not next year. Your 2027 check is not in jeopardy.”

    Read more: Will Social Security go broke in 2032? Here is what’s happening.

  • How Final Calls From 9/11 Became a Record of the Tragedy

    How Final Calls From 9/11 Became a Record of the Tragedy

    9/11 Timeline: Final Calls from Flights 11 and 175 Reveal Human Stories Behind the Attacks

    American Airlines Flight 11 Strikes the North Tower

    American Airlines Flight 11 departed Boston for Los Angeles carrying 76 passengers, 11 crew members, five hijackers, and approximately 10,000 gallons of jet fuel. At 8:46 a.m., the aircraft slammed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center between floors 93 and 99, erupting in a massive fireball. The fiery wreckage severed access to all three emergency stairwells from the 92nd floor upward, trapping hundreds of people on the upper floors.

    Within minutes, New York City’s 911 system was overwhelmed with calls. Around 8:50 a.m., one of the first recorded 911 calls from inside the North Tower came from 35-year-old Christopher Hanley, who was attending a conference at Windows on the World on the 106th floor.

    “We have smoke and it’s pretty bad,” Hanley told the operator, keeping his composure. “We can’t get down the stairs. We have about 100 people up here.”

    Neither Hanley nor the 911 operator knew a plane had crashed into the tower; they only knew there had been an explosion. Even some who witnessed the impact assumed it was an accident.

    “America today is a fundamentally different country than it was at 8:45 on Tuesday, September 11,” says Graff. “We weren’t a country that had experienced terror attacks like this. No one really understood in those first 17 minutes that this wasn’t an accident.”

    The 911 operator connected Hanley to a fire department dispatcher, who told him to stay where he was and “sit tight.” Hanley’s final words on the call were, “All right, please hurry.”

    Jim Gartenberg’s Live Broadcast from the 86th Floor

    Jim Gartenberg, a real estate executive who had come to the World Trade Center that morning to clear out his desk after accepting a new job, found himself trapped on the 86th floor of the North Tower. After failing to reach his wife, Jill, Gartenberg spoke to a reporter at The New York Times and then went live on a television news broadcast. The anchors initially spoke of him as if he had already evacuated.

    “It’s World Trade Center 1, and it’s not was—I am here and I’m stuck right now,” Gartenberg clarified, remaining remarkably calm. “If I’m on the air, I want to tell anyone who has a family member that may be in the building that the situation is under control for the moment and the danger has not increased. So please, all family members take it easy.”

    Gartenberg never escaped the North Tower, but he was able to speak with Jill one last time, telling her how much he loved her and their 2-year-old daughter, Nicole. Jill was three months pregnant with their second child.

    United Airlines Flight 175: A Father Hears His Son’s Final Moments

    At 8:15 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 took off from Boston, also bound for Los Angeles. Among its 51 passengers were Peter and Sue Hanson and their 2½-year-old daughter, Christine, who were traveling to Disneyland. Five hijackers were aboard. As on Flight 11, they attacked the crew and seized the cockpit.

    Peter Hanson called his father, C. Lee Hanson, to report the hijacking. Neither knew that a plane had already hit the World Trade Center, but Peter had a grim premonition that the hijackers intended to crash the aircraft.

    “Don’t worry, Dad,” Peter said. “If it happens, it will be quick.”

    As father and son spoke, Lee was watching television coverage of the North Tower engulfed in smoke. Suddenly Peter began to mutter, “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” Lee watched in horror as his son’s plane crashed into the South Tower.

    Bryan Sweeney’s Voicemail to His Wife

    Julie Sweeney Roth never spoke directly with her husband, Bryan Sweeney, a former Navy pilot aboard Flight 175. When she arrived home, she discovered a voicemail he had left that morning using a seatback phone.

    “Jules, this is Bryan,” began Sweeney. “Listen, I’m on an airplane that’s been hijacked. If things don’t go well, and it’s not looking good, I just want you to know I absolutely love you. I want you to do good, go have good times. Same to my parents and everybody, and I just totally love you, and I’ll see you when you get there.”

  • NBA Sophomores to Watch in 2026-27: Outlook for Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and Others

    NBA Sophomores to Watch in 2026-27: Outlook for Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and Others

    NBA Sophomore Watch: Five Breakout Candidates for the 2026-27 Season

    With the 2026 NBA offseason largely settled and September underway, attention shifts to the upcoming campaign. Following previous analyses of potential 2027 free agents and comeback candidates, here are five second-year players — excluding the top three Rookie of the Year finishers — poised to make significant leaps.

    Stephon Harper, San Antonio Spurs

    The fourth-place finisher in Rookie of the Year voting arrived with a reputation as a downhill shot-creator from Rutgers. The No. 2 overall pick delivered immediately, averaging 11.8 points on 50.5% shooting with 3.9 assists in 22.6 minutes off the bench. He became just the fourth guard since 1990 to shoot better than 50% from the field as a rookie, joining Ben Simmons, Ayo Dosunmu, and Jalen Williams.

    Harper elevated his game further in the postseason. He scored more efficiently, attacked the free-throw line more frequently, and held his own defensively against elite perimeter players including Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Brunson. His 25-point effort in Game 5 of the NBA Finals showcased preternatural poise for a teenager. With De’Aaron Fox managing a high ankle sprain, Harper occasionally looked like San Antonio’s second-best playmaker and perhaps its third-best player overall.

    Development areas remain — particularly his 3-point shooting off the catch and dribble — but the playoff performance signals readiness for expanded responsibility. Opportunity may be complicated by Stephon Castle’s emergence as a starter, Fox’s impending max extension, and general manager Brian Wright’s public expression of “ultimate confidence” in Fox.

    ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reported it was “expected that calls from Harper’s camp for a spot in the starting lineup will grow louder going into next season.” Harper himself told DJ Siddiqi of RG.org that whether he starts or comes off the bench is “not going to affect me and how I approach every day.” Key questions persist: Can he function as a primary facilitator without Fox or Castle alongside him? San Antonio’s two highest-turnover playoff games occurred when Fox sat against Oklahoma City. If Harper answers affirmatively, the Spurs may have another All-Star in the making.

    Isaiah Bailey, Utah Jazz

    Like Harper, Bailey entered the league as a highly touted prospect from Rutgers. Unlike Harper, he joined a franchise openly prioritizing draft position over wins. The 19-year-old navigated valleys — an early benching for defensive effort, a hip injury costing him 10 games — and peaks, closing the season averaging just over 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two stocks over his final 30 games, including three 30-point March outings.

    Bailey led the Jazz in minutes, finished fifth among qualifying rookies in scoring (13.8 PPG), splashed the third-most 3-pointers among freshmen, and earned All-Rookie Second Team honors. Head coach Will Hardy’s trust grew throughout the year.

    The context has shifted dramatically. Utah now features three 20-plus PPG scorers — Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Keyonte George — and drafted Kansas phenom Darryn Peterson as the new projected star wing. With Markkanen, Jackson, and George locked into the starting lineup alongside veteran center Jusuf Nurkić, only one starting spot remains for Bailey or Peterson. After 61 rookie starts, a sixth-man role would represent a significant adjustment.

    Competition for wing minutes intensified with the additions of Josh Okogie and Josh Green — proven low-usage 3-and-D contributors on playoff teams — alongside fourth-year wing Brice Sensabaugh and big man Kyle Filipowski. Bailey’s path to meaningful opportunity has narrowed considerably. A back spasm that limited his Summer League to eight minutes offered no clarity.

    Veteran teammate Kevin Love offered perspective last season: “He’s just so talented and he’s not even scratching the surface yet. There’s so many things that he does out there that you just say, ‘Wow.’” Consistent 3-point shooting and off-ball contributions — Bailey noted at Summer League that “in every workout he’d undergone, ‘we start with defense’” — could force his way into a crowded perimeter rotation.

    Jesse Beringer, Minnesota Timberwolves

    Minnesota’s draft-night maneuvering brought LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga but left a glaring hole at backup center. Rudy Gobert logged 2,752 combined regular- and postseason minutes in 2025-26. Of the 1,780 minutes he rested, 1,467 featured Naz Reid or Julius Randle — both now departed. No veteran center remains behind the 13-year pro, who has played 70-plus games in all four Minnesota seasons.

    That vacuum elevates Beringer, a 19-year-old with fewer than 350 rookie minutes, into a critical backup role behind a championship-aspiring core led by Anthony Edwards. The Wolves bet big on the 6-foot-11 center’s readiness for nightly minutes and rim-protection duties.

    Early indicators justify the confidence. In limited action, Beringer grabbed 16.1% of Minnesota’s missed shots (third among qualifiers) and blocked 7.2% of opponent 2-point attempts (also third). He finished 66.3% from the field on pick-and-roll dives, putbacks, and transition finishes.

    Head coach Chris Finch praised him in January: “He’s really good. He’s got good feel in the drop coverage. You don’t see that often for a guy his age. He goes after absolutely everything. He challenges everything he possibly can. He has switch capability, too.”

    President of basketball operations Tim Connelly echoed that optimism at Las Vegas Summer League: “I think he’s going to make a huge impact defensively. He doesn’t make mistakes offensively. He’s exactly the type of work-ethic, self-motivated, tough player we’re looking for, and I think he has a physical profile that only a handful of the guys in the league have.” A strong G League stint (15.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocks in 30.6 MPG) and a one-game Summer League cameo that convinced the Wolves to shut him down further bolster the case.

    Jordan Fears & KJ Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

    New Orleans made moves — hiring Jamahl Mosley, drafting Jaron Pierre Jr., re-signing DeAndre Jordan, acquiring Bennedict Mathurin, trading Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy — but retained a veteran core that complicates development paths for their 2025 lottery picks.

    Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and Yves Missi all remain. Over the past two seasons, Williamson, Murphy, Jones, and Murray shared the floor for just 149 total minutes. Executive VP Joe Dumars told Rod Walker of NOLA.com: “We have really good talent on our team and if we can stay healthy, we have a competitive team.”

    That competitive outlook squeezes Fears and Queen, both All-Rookie Second Teamers averaging 11-plus points and three assists. With Zion starting, Queen faces a frontcourt lacking spacing, rim protection, and defensive rebounding. His best fit likely remains the bench. If Murray starts, Fears stays at backup point guard — lineups featuring both rookies got outscored by eight points per 100 non-garbage-time possessions last year.

    Adding Mathurin — a high-usage, non-elite 3-point shooter with neutral defense — to the second unit further muddies creation opportunities. Mosley’s defense-first mandate may also curb minutes for two rookies who profile as damaging defenders. Their path to larger roles requires proving they can contribute without the ball and maximize possessions with it. Dumars and Mosley must thread a needle: experiment with small-ball lineups, potentially move Poole’s expiring $34 million contract for a better fit, and balance immediate competitiveness with sophomore development.

    Cameron Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors

    The 6-foot-7 South Carolina product posted arguably the league’s best defensive rookie season, posting 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 4.5 deflections per 36 minutes — the versatile, undersized havoc-wreaker archetype Toronto has long coveted alongside alumni Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby and current two-way star Scottie Barnes. The Raptors doubled down by drafting Santa Clara’s Allen Graves.

    Murray-Boyles posted a defensive estimated plus-minus of +1.5 (Dunks & Threes), matched only by Victor Wembanyama, Amen and Ausar Thompson, Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, and Jose Alvarado among rookies over the past six seasons. Offensively, he shot 58% from the field and 34% from three on limited volume, grabbed 12% of available offensive rebounds, and maintained a near 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

    He thrived in Darko Rajaković’s system, with Toronto outscoring opponents by 3.8 points per 100 non-garbage-time possessions during his minutes — the fifth-best on-off swing among Raptors with 1,000-plus minutes (Cleaning the Glass). Murray-Boyles described his approach: “I know who we have on our team. We have a really, really good roster, very talented guys that can score, that can put the ball in the rim. So it was just me finding where I fit in and sticking to it, just to elevate the team as much as possible.”

    The playoffs amplified his profile. Against Cleveland, he averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.4 combined blocks/steals in 27.9 minutes on 65.6% shooting. He guarded Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell, becoming a staple of fourth-quarter and crunch-time lineups alongside Barnes.

    Rajaković emphasized measured growth: “It has to be step-by-step […] It has to be slow and steady progress. He’s going to, obviously, be working on his shooting, but I’m not putting a prime focus on that.” A thumb injury derailed a Summer League attempt to expand his playmaking role. The arrival of another 6-foot-7 defensive disruptor with more offensive pedigree may further shape his usage.

    Still, Murray-Boyles projects as Toronto’s backup four behind Barnes, backup five behind Jakob Poeltl, and potential closing-lineup five in a switch-everything “Death Lineup” featuring Kawhi Leonard, Barnes, and Murray-Boyles — should Leonard return. Rajaković refuses to cap expectations: “At 20 years old, we don’t know what are his limits. We don’t want to put any cap on his development.”

    Other Sophomores to Monitor

    • Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies: Joins returning Zach Edey and mega-prospect Cameron Boozer in an exciting frontcourt.
    • Egor Dëmin, Brooklyn Nets: Strong Summer League suggests a fun backcourt partnership with Mikel Brown Jr.
    • Mohamed Diawara, New York Knicks: Could follow Deuce McBride’s path from bargain deal to major rotation role.
    • Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings: Offensive flashes stood out in an otherwise dim rookie season.
    • Yanic Konan Niederhauser, LA Clippers: Lisfranc injury sidelines him early, but showed promise as a screen-and-dive rim protector.
    • Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns: Barely 450 rookie minutes, but turned heads with a strong Summer League showing.
  • El Niño Returns: What It Means for DC Winter Weather

    El Niño Returns: What It Means for DC Winter Weather

    Washington D.C. Winter Forecast 2026–2027: Mild Temperatures, Below-Average Snowfall Predicted

    The Washington, D.C. region is entering the 2026–2027 winter season with a forecast that favors manageable conditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. While the DMV area recently dug out from a powerful storm that dumped snow and ice, canceled flights, and closed schools, the long-range outlook suggests a generally mild winter with above-normal temperatures and slightly below-normal snowfall.

    What the Almanac Projects for the Nation’s Capital

    Last winter delivered a major snowstorm that brought nearly 8 inches to the District and more than 12 inches to surrounding areas. This year, the Old Farmer’s Almanac indicates the capital will largely avoid the deep freezes and heavier snow totals expected in the Appalachians and central New England.

    Key Windows for Cold and Snow

    Even with a milder baseline, the forecast highlights specific periods when commute disruptions and winter weather are most likely:

    • Coldest periods: Early to mid-December, early to mid-January, and early and late February.
    • Snowiest periods: Late November, early and mid-January, early and late February, and late March.

    Climate Drivers Shaping the Season

    The Almanac attributes the outlook to a convergence of global atmospheric and oceanic patterns:

    El Niño’s Dominance

    Unusually warm waters in the Pacific are heavily influencing the North American jet stream. For the Mid-Atlantic, this strong El Niño translates to a largely warmer, drier winter baseline.

    Polar Vortex Threat

    While the season leans mild, D.C. remains vulnerable to the Polar Vortex. If this mass of Arctic air wobbles southward, the capital will experience sudden, biting temperature plunges.

    Global Wind and Ocean Anomalies

    A warm Atlantic pattern and a neutral-to-positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are altering high-altitude storm tracks. Combined with decreasing solar activity as Solar Cycle 25 wanes, these complex variables ensure that while D.C. will avoid a relentless winter, sporadic winter weather events will still hit the region.

    Source: Information for this forecast was sourced from the Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter Weather Forecast 2026–2027.

  • UnitedHealth Group Stock Surges 39.4% in 6 Months: How High Can It Rise?

    UnitedHealth Group Stock Surges 39.4% in 6 Months: How High Can It Rise?

    UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) shares have delivered a near 40% gain over the past six months, surging from March 2026 through mid-July before reversing course. The health insurance giant, once a market highflier, benefited from a significant shift in investor sentiment driven by strong earnings and turnaround optimism. However, the recent pullback raises questions about whether the stock will resume its upward trajectory or face continued pressure.

    Strong Earnings and Turnaround Hopes Fuel Mid-2026 Rally

    The extended rally began with a well-received Q1 earnings release. Confidence in UnitedHealth Group’s turnaround remained a top focus and was key to the stock’s surge from $275 to as much as $461.62 between April and July 2026.

    Analysts across Wall Street, including those at Goldman Sachs, BofA, and Morgan Stanley, upgraded the stock. They cited improving utilization trends and management’s commentary that the company’s $3 billion investment in artificial intelligence is already paying off two-to-one.

    Post-Earnings Weakness Reflects Fundamental Concerns

    Since hitting new 52-week highs during the summer, UnitedHealth Group shares have experienced waning enthusiasm. Now trading for just under $400 per share, investors are debating whether a “buy the dip” moment has emerged.

    Worries about fundamentals — not just profit-taking — may be driving the stock’s weak post-earnings price action. Even as favorable utilization trends and cost-cutting measures continue to boost the bottom line, management discussed persistent cost pressures on the Q2 2026 post-earnings conference call. Issues like independent dispute resolutions, as well as increased coverage of GLP-1 and anti-inflammatory drugs, remain key concerns when it comes to rising cost trends.

    Valuation and Long-Term Outlook

    Trading for 18 times estimated 2027 earnings, UnitedHealth appears reasonably priced compared to its historical valuation. If management’s AI-driven turnaround pans out and drives expected earnings growth in the mid-to-high teens over the next three years, recent volatility could seem like a hiccup in hindsight.

    As the company continues to release strong quarterly results, the stock appears to remain a solid long-term buy, even if recent volatility persists in the near-term.

    Analyst Perspective on Portfolio Alternatives

    Before buying stock in UnitedHealth Group, consider that The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team recently identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and UnitedHealth Group wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

    Historical context highlights the potential: when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004, a $1,000 investment at the time of recommendation would have grown to $421,997. When Nvidia made the list on April 15, 2005, a $1,000 investment would have become $1,413,876.

    Stock Advisor returns as of September 8, 2026. The service’s total average return is 978% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 213% for the S&P 500.

    Thomas Niel has positions in UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

  • Jim Cramer’s Top 10 Stock Market Things to Watch Tuesday

    Jim Cramer’s Top 10 Stock Market Things to Watch Tuesday

    Wall Street Faces Mixed Open as Inflation Data and AI Developments Drive Focus

    U.S. stock futures pointed to a mixed start Tuesday, with S&P 500 futures edging lower while Nasdaq futures climbed. Treasury yields pulled back from morning highs, offering equities some breathing room. Meanwhile, Brent crude surpassed $99 a barrel amid renewed Middle East conflict over the long holiday weekend, lifting oil prices.

    August Inflation Report and Fed Rate Expectations

    This week’s August inflation data carries significant implications for the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. Following Friday’s robust jobs report, traders now see a 60% probability of a rate hike at next week’s FOMC meeting, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. Apple’s iPhone launch event is scheduled for tomorrow, and the CNBC Investing Club will hold its September Monthly Meeting for subscribers at noon ET Thursday.

    OpenAI’s Astra Model Sparks AI Hardware Optimism

    OpenAI’s new Astra model is generating significant buzz. Ben Reitzes of Melius Research said it shows “OpenAI is so back,” a development expected to support the AI chip and hardware trade. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang posted on X that Astra was trained on 100,000 Grace Blackwell GPUs, adding: “400K GPUS coming online next,” he wrote.

    Intel Plans CPU Price Hike as Turnaround Gains Traction

    Intel, a Charitable Trust holding, is expected to raise CPU prices by another 10% this fall, according to Taiwan’s DigiTimes, aiming to improve gross margins rather than gain market share. Shares rose nearly 5% in premarket trading. Northland Securities upgraded Intel to buy from hold, citing material progress in its turnaround and the national security importance of Intel Foundry.

    Refiners See Massive Price Target Increases on Record Margins

    UBS significantly raised price targets for major refiners: Marathon Petroleum to $405 from $321, Phillips 66 to $300 from $235, and Valero to $450 from $355, while reiterating buy ratings on all three. The sector remains among the market’s hottest, driven by elevated refining margins. Diesel crack spreads, a key profitability gauge, hit an all-time high last week.

    Citi Upgrades Old Dominion and C.H. Robinson on Freight Cycle Inflection

    Citi upgraded trucker Old Dominion Freight Line and freight broker C.H. Robinson to buy from hold after a summer decline created what analysts called “quality at a reasonable price.” They argued the freight cycle inflection remains on track, which bodes well for Charitable Trust holding FedEx Freight.

    JPMorgan Initiates FedEx Freight Coverage with Buy Rating

    JPMorgan initiated coverage of FedEx Freight with a buy rating and $160 price target. The thesis aligns with the Club’s view following the spin-off from FedEx Corp: as a standalone entity, FDXF can improve profitability and service quality through self-help initiatives. While the stock has been sluggish post-spin, these are not overnight fixes.

    Pivotal Research Starts SpaceX Coverage, Highlights Starship Importance

    Pivotal Research initiated coverage of SpaceX with a buy rating and $220 price target. Analysts argued that for SpaceX to be a successful investment, the company must nail development of the reusable Starship rocket. Positive research flow mitigates concerns about additional shares entering the market from expiring IPO lockups.

    Stifel Raises Hinge Health Target After Management Meeting

    Stifel increased its price target on Hinge Health to $115 from $96, maintaining a buy rating after meeting with management. The digital physical therapy platform, with broader healthcare ambitions, has surged 47% in three months and nearly doubled year-to-date. CEO Daniel Perez presented a compelling story on “Mad Money” in May.

    UBS Upgrades Eaton on AI-Driven Electrical Demand and Data Center Expansion

    UBS upgraded Eaton, a Charitable Trust name, to buy from hold. Analysts cited improving margins ahead due to proactive pricing and better execution. Strong demand for Eaton’s electrical equipment continues, fueled by the AI infrastructure buildout. The recent acquisition of liquid cooling provider Boyd Thermal makes Eaton a more well-rounded data center supplier, as detailed for Club members last week.

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  • 86-Year-Old Tom Jones Alleges ‘The Voice U.K.’ Fired Him Over ‘Insurance’

    86-Year-Old Tom Jones Alleges ‘The Voice U.K.’ Fired Him Over ‘Insurance’

    Tom Jones Claims He Was Fired From ‘The Voice U.K.’ Over Insurance Issues

    Singer Tom Jones has stated he was removed as a judge from the singing competition show “The Voice U.K.” due to what he describes as a “financial difficulty with insurance.”

    Jones Addresses Departure on Social Media

    The 86-year-old Welsh singer posted a statement on social media clarifying his exit from the ITV program.

    “To be clear, I did not want to leave ‘The Voice’ as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” Jones posted on social media. “ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently. The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.”

    Jones disputed the network’s public framing of his departure.

    “They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me,” he continued. “They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that. So the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

    Decade-Long Tenure on the Show

    Jones, best known for hits such as “It’s Not Unusual,” has appeared on the show almost continuously since its inception in 2012, when it first aired on the BBC as a competitor to ITV’s “The X-Factor.” He spent three years on the coaching panel before taking a break and then rejoined when the show moved from the BBC to ITV in 2017. “The Voice U.K.” is currently produced by Lifted Entertainment, a subsidiary of ITV Studios.

    After almost a decade on ITV’s version of “The Voice U.K.,” rumors emerged over the weekend that Jones would not be rejoining the next season, prompting him to make his statement. Variety has contacted ITV for comment.

    Current Season and Coaching Panel

    Jones is currently appearing on Season 9 of “The Voice U.K.,” which launched on Aug. 22 and is airing every Saturday on ITV. The other coaches include will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Kelly Rowland.

    Industry Reactions

    Will.I.Am posted a series of crying emojis under the Instagram post while other artists expressed their support, such as AnneMarie who wrote “I love you.”

    Season 4 contestant Karl Loxley also replied, saying:

    “The best thing about being on The Voice was getting the chance to work with you @realsirtomjones . An absolute legend and a true gentleman. The Voice won’t be the same without you. [Sic]”

  • iPhone Air 2 Could Replace iPhone 18, Unverified Rumor Claims

    iPhone Air 2 Could Replace iPhone 18, Unverified Rumor Claims

    Apple’s upcoming “Surprise and Shine” event has the tech world watching closely, but a new rumor suggests the company may be planning a radical shift for its 2027 iPhone lineup. According to a post from the X account “Early Apple,” the company is reportedly “exploring the idea” of scrapping the standard iPhone 18 entirely and rebranding the iPhone Air 2 as the new $999 entry-level model when the more affordable devices launch in spring 2027.

    Rumor Details: A Three-Device Lineup in Flux

    The claim represents a significant departure from over a year of consistent rumors. Previous leaks have steadily described a three-device launch for spring 2027: the standard iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2. These models were expected to follow the fall debut of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

    If accurate, this move would collapse that three-way split into a two-device lineup, with the Air 2 absorbing the standard iPhone’s name and price point. However, given how firmly the three-device narrative has held across the rumor cycle, such a drastic rebrand this early appears unlikely.

    Source Credibility and Context

    The “Early Apple” account is a relatively new source of unknown origin with no established track record. While the outlet has covered previous leaks from this account—including an alleged iPhone 18 Pro prototype photo from April—the claim is best treated as an informed guess rather than a confirmed report. Coverage is provided for completeness due to the traction the rumor has gained online.

    Industry Precedent for Convergence

    The broader concept of the Air line eventually replacing the standard iPhone is not entirely new. Leaker Jon Prosser raised a similar possibility months ago, framing it as a longer-term shift rather than an immediate change for spring 2027. He suggested Apple’s ultra-thin design could eventually become the template for the mainstream iPhone rather than remaining a niche model.

    There is a reasonable case for such convergence over time. Apple has a well-established history of debuting design features on premium Pro models before trickling them down to standard iPhones in subsequent years. With the iPhone Air 2 expected to close a key functional gap by adding a second rear camera, one of the biggest practical differences between the Air and the standard iPhone would disappear. This makes it plausible that a future standard iPhone could eventually resemble the Air, even if an outright merger during the upcoming product cycle remains a stretch.

    What to Expect Tomorrow

    For now, the immediate focus remains on Apple’s event tomorrow, where the company is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and Air 2 are still projected to follow in spring 2027, barring any official confirmation of a strategic pivot.