This Week: UnitedHealthcare Tragedy, Fateh’s Campaign Launch, and NIL Breakthroughs

This week’s edition covers stories 
from November 28th to December 4th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 1000 words, an 8-minute read.

Hey folks, Mateo here.

Winter has officially settled in here in Minnesota—cold, windy, and unrelenting. While we brace for another long season, this week’s headlines take us far beyond the frost. From South Korea’s astonishing two-hour martial law to the tragic killing of a CEO in New York City, the news stretches across impactful moments worldwide. Closer to home, we’re tracking key political updates in the Twin Cities and sharing a story about a rising star making waves in the world of college sports.

---

Minnesota Mourns: UnitedHealthcare CEO
Fatally Shot in New York

This week, we’re reflecting on the shocking and tragic loss of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was fatally shot on Tuesday in what police are describing as a “targeted attack” in Midtown Manhattan. Thompson, who was visiting from Minnesota for a company event, was an influential leader in the healthcare and business communities, leaving a large impact both locally and nationally. The news of this senseless act has left our state shaken. Flags have been lowered to half-staff at UnitedHealthcare’s Minnetonka headquarters, and leaders across Minnesota, including Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar, have expressed their profound sadness. As this story continues to unfold, our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and all who were close to him during this difficult time.

---

South Korea’s Brief Martial Law: A Short-Lived Crisis

South Korea experienced an extraordinary moment in history as the country woke up to the shortest martial law ever recorded, lasting just two hours. President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law late Tuesday night, citing a need to “protect the nation,” but his move faced swift opposition from lawmakers. The National Assembly convened urgently and voted to overturn the declaration, restoring civilian control by morning. The attempted coup, South Korea’s first in over 40 years, sparked public outrage and protests. Critics condemned the president’s actions as a desperate bid to retain power amid record-low approval ratings. The event drew parallels to South Korea’s history of military rule, a chapter thought to be closed since the country transitioned to democracy in 1988. While life in much of the country continued as normal, the brief imposition of martial law left a mark on South Korea’s global image as a thriving democracy. 

---

Omar Fateh Challenges Frey: A Progressive Push for Minneapolis Mayor

Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh has officially entered the race for Minneapolis mayor, positioning himself as a progressive alternative to Mayor Jacob Frey, who is seeking reelection. Fateh’s campaign leans on his record of championing progressive policies in the state Senate, including free college for low-income Minnesotans, protections for Uber and Lyft drivers, and measures to combat the opioid crisis. He promises to bring meaningful action to issues such as policing and worker’s rights, areas where he believes Frey has fallen short.

Frey’s tenure has been polarizing, defined by intense debates over police reform and public safety. While he survived a bitterly contested reelection in 2021, Frey faced strong opposition from progressives critical of his approach to rebuilding the Minneapolis Police Department following George Floyd’s murder. His opposition to a ballot measure to replace the police department and his perceived middle-ground approach alienated some of the city’s most liberal voices. That race highlighted the city’s deep divide, with Frey ultimately prevailing through ranked-choice voting, securing just 49.1% of the vote after second and third choice ballots were counted. Fateh’s candidacy, along with other potential challengers, signals a push from progressives seeking a sharper departure from Frey’s leadership style.

---

Bueckers and Nike Unite: First-Ever NIL Player Edition Sneaker

Hopkins alum Paige Bueckers has been a standout in women’s basketball since she was the #1 recruit in the 2020 high school class. Her remarkable college career at the University of Connecticut has solidified her status as one of the most gifted players of her generation. As a freshman, Bueckers took the basketball world by storm, winning the Wooden Award, AP National Player of the Year, USBWA Player of the Year, among several others. She averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, leading UConn to a NCAA tournament run and establishing herself as a future WNBA star.

In subsequent seasons, Bueckers faced setbacks with serious injuries, including a devastating ACL tear that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 season. But her resilience and determination to return to the court have defined her career. While she was eligible for the 2024 WNBA Draft and was projected as a top pick, Bueckers opted to return to UConn to further cement her legacy and recover fully. Though she has another year of eligibility due to injuries, she is widely expected to declare for the 2025 draft.

Beyond her on-court dominance, Bueckers continues to make waves off it. She has already established herself as one of the most marketable athletes in college sports. In an exciting first for NIL athletes, Bueckers designed and launched her own Nike Player Edition basketball shoe: the Nike G.T. Hustle 3. The design, which features her favorite colors of baby blue and lavender, also includes personalized touches, such as area codes from UConn and her hometown in Minnesota, as well as a motivational message from her father “Be You. Be Great.” Her collaboration with Nike is just one example of the massive marketability Bueckers has built. With a $1.4 million NIL valuation, she ranks second among all NCAA women’s basketball players and 30th among all athletes. Her partnerships with major brands like Nike and Gatorade highlight her commercial appeal, and she made history in August by becoming the first college basketball player to secure equity in a professional basketball league. 

Bueckers also boasts a massive social media presence, with over five million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Her combination of skill, leadership, and star appeal makes Bueckers a must-watch player, and she is expected to be a key figure in the WNBA’s continued growth and popularity. Her transition from UConn to the WNBA is sure to be one of the most exciting storylines in the upcoming draft, one that is shaping up to be a turning point for the Dallas Wings, the team that just recently landed the #1 pick in the draft lottery.

---

Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team

---

Advertisements

---

About NewPrensa