By Connor Hart-- Cigna Group is again pursuing a merger with rival Humana after efforts to combine disintegrated late last year, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. -- The two health insurance giants are in early talks, having held informal discussions recently about a potential deal, according to the report. -- Cigna intends to close the sale of its Medicare Advantage business, expected to occur in the coming weeks, before it commits to other transactions, Bloomberg reported. -- Representatives for Cigna and Humana declined to comment, Bloomberg said. Full article at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-18/cigna-resumes-merger-discussions-with-humana-after-talks-ended-last-yearWrite to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com(END) Dow Jones Newswires10-18-24 1716ET

“Now the man calls himself ‘the father of IVF,’” Harris said with a laugh. Support Free Journalism Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone. The state legislature passed a bill to protect IVF treatments in Alabama shortly after.

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By Connor HartWalmart has reached a proposed settlement agreement in connection with three lawsuits regarding its distribution of prescription opioids. The settlement, which doesn't include any admission of liability, is subject to court approval, the retailer said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday. Under its terms, insurance carriers would pay the company $123 million, minus any awarded attorneys' fees and litigation expenses, and the company would maintain certain corporate governance practices for at least five years. If approved, the settlement would resolve certain shareholder derivative actions and release other potential derivative claims, Walmart said. Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com(END) Dow Jones Newswires10-18-24 1703ET

A deep-learning method using endoscopic ultrasound images could detect pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, according to research published October 17 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. “The iEUS precisely diagnosed pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and other confusing pancreatic lesions, thus could assist endosonographers in achieving more accessible and accurate endoscopic diagnoses via endoscopic ultrasound,” Ni and colleagues wrote. While endoscopic ultrasound is sensitive in detecting pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, the modality is operator-dependent and time-consuming. Previous research has explored AI assistance for endoscopic ultrasound, but Ni et al pointed out a lack of data on AI assistance for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Both CNN models demonstrated superior accuracy to that of novice endoscopic ultrasound users and comparable to that of intermediate and expert ultrasound users.

Palestinian medical officials say a new Israeli strike in Gaza has killed 11, hours after another killed at least 10Palestinian medical officials say a new Israeli strike in Gaza has killed 11, hours after another killed at least 10

Emmanuel Clase is the best closer in baseball, but on Thursday night, he looked like anything but. The Cleveland Guardians reliever allowed just two home runs in the entire regular season, pitching to a miniscule 0.61 ERA. But in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, he allowed two home runs in a five-pitch span. Clase came on for a four-out save but allowed the game-tying and go-ahead solo home runs to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. After the game, Clase took to Instagram to show off all his accolades.

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North Carolina nursing homes working to recover after Hurricane Helene Some nursing homes in the Asheville, North Carolina, area are still without water three weeks after Hurricane Helene.

For the first time in its history, Israel now is involved in a direct military conflict with Iran. But, just like the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks—in which Osama bin Laden aimed to destroy American power in the Middle East and spearhead an Islamist takeover of the region— Sinwar’s bloody gambit didn’t quite go to plan. In the short term, it has showcased Israel’s military strength, defanged the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” and made the aspirations of Palestinian self-determination more remote than ever. “But this came at a very high cost and in reality hasn’t moved the United States an inch in its support of Israel. Yet, while the Palestinian cause is front and center of global attention once again, it is definitely not on Sinwar’s terms, said Firas Maksad, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Stephen Kreider Yoder, a longtime Wall Street Journal editor, joined his wife, Karen Kreider Yoder, in retirement in late 2022. In this monthly Retirement Rookies column, the 67-year-olds chronicle some of the issues they are dealing with early in retirement . Back home, the onus is now on me to go out and find tasks, and I’m not good at that. KarenHome again, home again, and there is so much I get to do, now that I’m retired. Now that Steve has confessed to buying those Northern Tier bike maps, I’ve already started researching campsites along the route.

Donald Trump has now taken a 52% to 48% lead in the 538 forecast, though Kamala Harris is still favored to win the popular vote. G. Elliot Morris: “You might be tempted to make a big deal about our forecast ‘flipping’ to Trump, but it’s important to remember that a 52-in-100 chance for Trump is not all that different from a 58-in-100 chance for Harris — both are little better than a coin flip for the leading candidate. While Trump has undeniably gained some ground over the past couple weeks, a few good polls for Harris could easily put her back in the ‘lead’ tomorrow. Our overall characterization of the race — that it’s a toss-up — remains unchanged.”Nate Silver’s forecast also shows Trump with a 52% chance at winning.

Foster parents sentenced in abuse case involving Turpin children The foster parents and their daughter in California have been sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple child abuse charges involving nine children, including several of the Turpin siblings.

ABC News Live Prime: Friday, October 18, 2024 Harris, Trump both stump in up-for-grabs Michigan; Israel shows moment they surrounded Hamas leader; ABC’s Alex Perez talks to Natalia Lafourcade about teaming with LA Philharmonic.

Menendez brothers’ interview with Barbara Walters: Never-seen-before moment In a never-before-seen moment from Barbara Walters' exclusive interview with the brothers after their conviction, Lyle described a bond formed from shared trauma.