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The fury over the state of U.S. health care isn't going away. It's been a week since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan. That shocking, targeted killing has also sparked a reckoning over the business he ran, in a country that has the most expensive health care in the world. Thompson led the largest U.S. health insurer, part of a massive, for-profit conglomerate that touches almost every part of how Americans access health care. His company has been widely criticized for making health care more expensive and more difficult to access. And those frustrations have boiled over in the response to his death, ranging from widespread jokes to outright celebrations. UnitedHealth has not directly responded to the widespread consumer criticisms since last week; a spokesperson for UnitedHealth declined to comment to NPR for this story. This week, after police arrested Luigi Mangione for the fatal shooting, some even rushed to support him. An online fundraiser for Mangione's legal defense had raised more than $65,000 by Thursday evening. Meanwhile, social-media videos showed "wanted" posters for other CEOs posted in downtown Manhattan. "We're facing an apocalyptic moment in the human story, where hundreds of thousands of Americans are going bankrupt because of medical bills – and the executive suites of these private health insurance [companies] are laughing all the way to the bank," says Sam Beard, an organizer of the Mangione legal-defense fundraiser. This rhetoric echoes the last time that consumers broadly mobilized to protest against powerful corporations and their wealthy executives, in the Occupy Wall Street movement in late 2011 that swept the country after the financial crisis. Those Occupy protests ultimately did not yield immediate consequences for the companies or CEOs they criticized; no Wall Street chief executives ever went to jail for the business decisions that led to the subprime mortgage crisis or the resulting waves of foreclosures. But those protests did articulate an overwhelming populist anger with the United States' stark income inequality . Now the response to Thompson's killing "has become a kind of marker of our age of inequality, where people feel fairly powerless," says Helaine Olen, managing editor at the American Economic Liberties Project, an anti-monopoly nonprofit. That populism and economic fatigue remains a powerful force in U.S. politics today, as inflation-weary voters recently demonstrated by reelecting former President Donald Trump. As Olen adds, "You've seen this really from the time of the financial crisis onward: There's just this sense of 'how can I get a fair deal'?" Consumers' sense of powerlessness is often amplified when dealing with health insurance companies, which govern the care that patients receive. But navigating those huge and opaque companies can be maddening at best , and consumers rarely have much of a say; for about 154 million Americans, employers select and provide health insurance coverage. UnitedHealth is the most dominant of these. It's the fourth-largest U.S. company by revenues overall, with divisions that employ doctors , provide pharmacy benefits , and process patients' medical claims. It — along with its largest competitors — is the subject of antitrust scrutiny , consumer lawsuits over widespread denials of claims, and bipartisan criticism. This week, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced legislation that would break up large healthcare conglomerates, including UnitedHealth. "The insurance companies are out of control. They need to be broken up," Hawley said on X . "No more buying up doctors' practices. No more owning pharmacies. Start putting patients first." Everyone interviewed for this story emphasized the need for change, and many health care providers are hoping that some good can come out of this tragic event. "This is not a heroic vigilante, and it's important that he be brought to justice," says Dr. A. Mark Fendrick of the University of Michigan. "That said, maybe there's a tiny lesson we could learn to move forward." Fendrick studies ways to improve health insurance and advocates for a more wholistic approach of what is known as "value-based" insurance. He published an article in a medical journal last week urging the healthcare industry to rethink how it does business and the kinds of services it charges higher prices for. "Now, in the wake of a tragedy that has captured the national conscience, might be the time to reframe the dialogue from how much we spend to how well we spend our medical care dollars," Fendrick wrote. Dr. Diana Girnita, a rheumatologist in Irvine, Calif., is already trying a different approach. After years of fighting with insurance companies, Girnita started a direct-care practice that bypasses insurance and offers her services to patients for often-lower fees. She published an article on LinkedIn last week in response to Thompson's death. Its headline asked : "How many more lives must be lost before we change healthcare?" Top executives at large healthcare companies have generally insisted that they are working to improve the quality of care available to all Americans. In an email to employees on Wednesday, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty remembered Thompson as "one of the good guys," and shared anonymous testimonials and notes of support from UnitedHealth customers. "I am super proud to be a part of an organization that does so much good for so many," Witty said.
President Carter, America’s 39th President, passed away at the age of 100. Ms Hanna said President Carter was the first US President to seriously engage with issues in Northern Ireland. The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said: “Throughout his life Jimmy Carter was an advocate for human rights, peace, humanitarianism and doing what’s right, no matter how difficult. Alongside his late wife Rosalynn, his legacy stretches far beyond his term as President and his achievements through the Carter Centre and with Habitat for Humanity are arguably just as meaningful as anything he achieved while in office. “At a time when violence was raging across Northern Ireland, Jimmy Carter ignored advice not to intervene and stuck his head above the parapet calling for the US to become directly involved in trying to secure peace here and promising investment after it was established. He was persuaded to get involved by Tip O’Neill, Ted Kennedy and others who updated him with the latest happenings here, though their own engagement with John Hume. “Carter’s intervention was a significant one, he was serious about his commitment to advancing the cause of peace around the world and shared Hume’s vision that the only solution to the conflict here could be a peaceful one. His statement sent a clear message to the then-British government that they could no longer act with impunity when it came to Northern Ireland. “Jimmy Carter leaves a lasting imprint not only on Northern Ireland, but around the world. He has left the world a better place as a result of his contribution throughout a lifetime of service and I can think of no greater legacy than that.” Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died on Sunday, December 29, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given. He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington, DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals. In 2018, it was revealed by official files that he had been previously suggested for a Northern Ireland peace process role. Speculation was mounting in January 1993 that president-elect Bill Clinton would appoint a special envoy. British Foreign Office official Jonathan Powell mentioned Mr Carter in a note disclosed in an archived British government file released by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast. Mr Powell described how former congressman Bruce Morrison, then head of the Irish Americans for Clinton lobby group, envisaged the envoy. Mr Powell wrote: “He (Morrison) did not envisage an Irish American filling the role. “An Irish American like (Bill) Flynn would have too much baggage. “He envisaged instead someone completely independent, like Jimmy Carter, or someone in the same mould but of lower profile.” Mr Carter only served one term in office but became a diplomat and mediator around the world. He worked on the Middle East peace process and tried to encourage talks between North and South Korea. In 1993 a statement from the Friends of Ireland in the US said: “On this St Patrick’s Day, the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress join with Irish Americans... in calling for renewed efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and justice in Northern Ireland.” In the event, former Democratic senator George Mitchell was appointed as envoy in 1995, securing a commitment to non-violence from the gunmen and ultimately becoming the architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.First Nation helps develop its own language learning app
Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in Miami
MARKHAM, ON , Dec. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - Enghouse Systems Limited ENGH announces its fourth quarter (unaudited) and audited year-end financial results for the period ended October 31, 2024 . All figures are denominated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Fourth Quarter and Annual Financial Highlights: Revenue increased 2.1% to $125 .7 million from $123 .1 million in the fourth quarter last year and 10.7% for the fiscal year to $502 .5 million from $454 .0 million last year; Recurring revenue, which includes SaaS and maintenance services, grew 1.1% to $88.2 million compared to $87.2 million in Q4 2023, and represents 70.2% of total revenue. For the fiscal year, recurring revenue increased to $346.6 million from $297.6 million in the prior year, an increase of 16.4%, as we continue to see increased demand for SaaS; Results from operating activities decreased to $33 .4 million compared to $35 .7 million in Q4 2023 and increased in the fiscal year to $133 .8 million, from $122 .1 million in the prior year; Net income was $22.6 million compared to $25.1 million in Q4 2023 and $81 .3 million in the fiscal year compared to $72 .2 million last year as we continue to grow our business with a focus on profitability; Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $35 .6 million compared to $37.9 million , while achieving a 28.3% margin for the quarter. Annual adjusted EBITDA was $143.8 million compared to $133 .8 million in the prior year, an increase of 7.5%; Cash flow from operating activities, excluding changes in working capital, was $40 .3 million compared to $43 .5 million in the prior year's fourth quarter and $151 .8 million for the fiscal year compared to $140 .5 million in the prior year. Cash and cash equivalents increased to record levels of $274.2 million as at October 31, 2024 . Fiscal 2024 yielded a third year of consecutive revenue growth following the COVID period, which saw an unprecedented spike in demand for our Vidyo applications. We achieved a significant milestone, with revenue for the fiscal year exceeding $500 million , representing double digit growth of 10.7%. During the year we deployed cash of $43.4 million on acquisitions and returned $53.1 million to our shareholders through dividends. At the same time, we increased our cash reserves to $274.2 million , with no external debt, which positions the Company well for further acquisition growth. We are also pleased to announce record annual SaaS and maintenance services revenue of $346.6 million , an increase of $49 .0 million or 16.4% compared to the prior year. SaaS and maintenance services continue to be an important source of revenue characterized by their predictable and recurring nature. They now represent 69.0% of total revenues for the year compared to 65.6% in the prior year. In addition to the SaaS and maintenance growth, our professional services and hardware revenue showed marked increases for the year. In the current business environment, demand for on-premise, perpetual software licenses has declined as more customers are choosing SaaS solutions that require less upfront capital investment. During this market transition, we continue to focus on maintaining profitability as demonstrated by the 12.6% increase in our net income to $81.3 million from $72.2 million in the prior year. We closed the year with a double digit increase in revenue and net income, significant expansion of our recurring revenue, record cash reserves and no external debt, positioning us to pursue opportunities that meet our acquisition criteria while continuing to pay dividends to our shareholders. The growth in revenue was achieved through our ability to acquire and effectively integrate new acquisitions into our business model. Quarterly dividends: Today, the Board of Directors approved the Company's eligible quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share payable on February 28, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 14, 2025 . Enghouse Systems Limited Financial Highlights (unaudited, in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the period ended October 31 Three months (Unaudited) Twelve months 2024 2023 Var ($) Var (%) 2024 2023 Var ($) Var (%) Revenue $ 125,702 $ 123,129 2,573 2.1 $ 502,505 $ 454,022 48,483 10.7 Direct costs 44,967 41,213 3,754 9.1 175,586 149,999 25,587 17.1 Revenue, net of direct costs $ 80,735 $ 81,916 (1,181) (1.4) $ 326,919 $ 304,023 22,896 7.5 As a % of revenue 64.2 % 66.5 % 65.1 % 67.0 % Operating expenses 47,133 46,115 1,018 2.2 191,464 179,438 12,026 6.7 Special charges 169 117 52 44.4 1,609 2,477 (868) (35.0) Results from operating activities $ 33,433 $ 35,684 (2,251) (6.3) $ 133,846 $ 122,108 11,738 9.6 As a % of revenue 26.6 % 29.0 % 26.6 % 26.9 % Amortization of acquired software and customer relationships (9,322) (11,205) 1,883 16.8 (40,505) (39,605) (900) (2.3) Foreign exchange gains (losses) 1,870 2,753 (883) 32.1 (1,680) 1,266 (2,946) (232.7) Interest expense – lease obligations (126) (164) 38 23.2 (556) (695) 139 20.0 Finance income 2,825 2,581 244 9.5 10,121 6,264 3,857 61.6 Finance expenses (8) (27) 19 70.4 (49) (163) 114 69.9 Other (expense) income (424) 17 (441) (2594.1) 89 (1,950) 2,039 104.6 Income before income taxes $ 28,248 $ 29,639 (1,391) (4.7) $ 101,266 $ 87,225 14,041 16.1 Provision for income taxes 5,607 4,517 1,090 24.1 19,938 14,977 4,961 33.1 Net Income for the period $ 22,641 $ 25,122 (2,481) (9.9) $ 81,328 $ 72,248 9,080 12.6 Basic earnings per share 0.41 0.45 (0.04) (8.9) 1.47 1.31 0.16 12.2 Diluted earnings per share 0.41 0.45 (0.04) (8.9) 1.47 1.31 0.16 12.2 Cash flows from operating activities 31,583 28,318 3,265 11.5 132,071 115,298 16,773 14.5 Cash flows from operating activities excluding changes in working capital 40,270 43,504 (3,234) (7.4) 151,803 140,492 11,311 8.1 Adjusted EBITDA Results from operating activities 33,433 35,684 (2,251) (6.3) 133,846 122,108 11,738 9.6 Depreciation 655 627 28 4.5 2,347 2,451 (104) (4.2) Depreciation of right-of-use assets 1,375 1,491 (116) (7.8) 5,981 6,764 (783) (11.6) Special charges 169 117 52 44.4 1,609 2,477 (868) (35.0) Adjusted EBITDA $ 35,632 $ 37,919 (2,287) (6.0) $ 143,783 $ 133,800 9,983 7.5 Adjusted EBITDA margin 28.3 % 30.8 % 28.6 % 29.5 % Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share $ 0.64 $ 0.69 ( 0.05) (7.2) $ 2.60 $ 2.42 0.18 7.4 Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (in thousands of Canadian dollars) As at October 31, 2024 As at October 31, 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 274,240 $ 239,532 Short-term investments 487 827 Accounts receivable 92,348 93,383 Prepaid expenses and other assets 16,100 15,515 Income taxes recoverable - 114 383,175 349,371 Non-current assets: Property and equipment 4,192 3,273 Right-of-use assets 11,473 12,242 Intangible assets 98,594 109,659 Goodwill 309,831 280,241 Deferred income tax assets 26,228 28,884 450,318 434,299 $ 833,493 $ 783,670 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 70,087 $ 67,769 Income tax payable 5,525 - Dividends payable 14,397 12,156 Provisions 1,834 2,238 Deferred revenue 114,080 109,019 Lease obligations 5,344 6,322 211,267 197,504 Non-current liabilities: Income taxes payable - 1,333 Deferred income tax liabilities 10,500 13,340 Deferred revenue 8,094 8,170 Net employee defined benefit obligation 2,081 1,912 Lease obligations 5,744 6,080 26,419 30,835 237,686 228,339 Shareholders' equity Share capital 118,217 107,701 Contributed surplus 9,764 10,404 Retained earnings 446,748 426,397 Accumulated other comprehensive income 21,078 10,829 595,807 555,331 $ 833,493 $ 783,670 Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income ( in thousands of Canadian dollars , except per share amounts) Three months Twelve months Periods ended October 31 2024 (unaudited) 2023 (Unaudited) 2024 2023 Revenue Software licenses $ 15,860 $ 17,467 $ 72,906 $ 80,054 SaaS and maintenance services 88,196 87,196 346,579 297,635 Professional services 18,469 16,483 70,046 67,273 Hardware 3,177 1,983 12,974 9,060 125,702 123,129 502,505 454,022 Direct costs Software licenses 397 622 3,501 2,910 Services 43,043 39,108 165,221 141,802 Hardware 1,527 1,483 6,864 5,287 44,967 41,213 175,586 149,999 Revenue, net of direct costs 80,735 81,916 326,919 304,023 Operating expenses Selling, general and administrative 22,642 23,702 94,303 90,889 Research and development 22,461 20,295 88,833 79,334 Depreciation 655 627 2,347 2,451 Depreciation of right-of-use assets 1,375 1,491 5,981 6,764 Special charges 169 117 1,609 2,477 47,302 46,232 193,073 181,915 Results from operating activities 33,433 35,684 133,846 122,108 Amortization of acquired software and customer relationships (9,322) (11,205) (40,505) (39,605) Foreign exchange gains (losses) 1,870 2,753 (1,680) 1,266 Interest expense – lease obligations (126) (164) (556) (695) Finance income 2,825 2,581 10,121 6,264 Finance expenses (8) (27) (49) (163) Other (expense) income (424) 17 89 (1,950) Income before income taxes 28,248 29,639 101,266 87,225 Provision for income taxes 5,607 4,517 19,938 14,977 Net income for the period $ 22,641 $ 25,122 $ 81,328 $ 72,248 Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income: Cumulative translation adjustment 2,882 12,394 10,249 19,800 Other comprehensive income 2,882 12,394 10,249 19,800 Comprehensive income $ 25,523 $ 37,516 $ 91,577 $ 92,048 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.41 $ 0.45 $ 1.47 $ 1.31 Diluted $ 0.41 $ 0.45 $ 1.47 $ 1.31 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ( in thousands of Canadian dollars ) Three months Twelve months Periods ended October 31 2024 (Unaudited) 2023 (Unaudited) 2024 2023 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income for the period $ 22,641 $ 25,122 $ 81,328 $ 72,248 Adjustments for non-cash items Depreciation 655 627 2,347 2,451 Depreciation of right-of-use assets 1,375 1,491 5,981 6,764 Interest expense – lease obligations 126 164 556 695 Amortization of acquired software and customer relationships 9,322 11,205 40,505 39,605 Stock-based compensation expense 112 368 1,188 1,639 Provision for income taxes 5,607 4,517 19,938 14,977 Finance expenses and other (income) expense 432 10 (40) 2,113 40,270 43,504 151,803 140,492 Changes in non-cash operating working capital (7,674) (11,624) (7,920) (11,244) Income taxes paid (1,013) (3,562) (11,812) (13,950) Net cash provided by operating activities 31,583 28,318 132,071 115,298 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of property and equipment, net (516) (453) (1,977) (1,060) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired* - (27,189) (43,448) (55,167) Recovery (payment) of purchase consideration for prior-year acquisitions - 13 171 (999) Sale (purchase) of short-term investments - 65 - (4) Net cash used in investing activities ( 516) (27,564) (45,254) (57,230) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Issuance of share capital 2,990 - 9,085 604 Normal course issuer bid share repurchases (3,088) (425) (5,994) (425) Repayment of lease obligations (1,283) (1,440) (7,030) (7,194) Dividends paid (14,397) (12,159) (53,139) (44,765) Net cash used in financing activities (15,778) (14,024) (57,078) (51,780) Impact of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents 1,238 4,018 4,969 8,140 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 16,527 (9,252) 34,708 14,428 Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 257,713 248,784 239,532 225,104 Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 274,240 $ 239,532 $ 274,240 $ 239,532 * Acquisitions are net of cash acquired of nil and $742 for the quarter and year ended October 31, 2024 , respectively and nil and $2,088 for the quarter and year ended October 31, 2023 , respectively. Enghouse Systems Limited Segment Reporting Information (in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the period ended October 31, 2024 Three months Twelve months IMG AMG Total IMG AMG Total Revenue $ 74,731 $ 50,971 $ 125,702 $ 308,920 $ 193,585 $ 502,505 Direct costs (25,900) (19,067) (44,967) (102,390) (73,196) (175,586) Revenue, net of direct costs 48,831 31,904 80,735 206,530 120,389 326,919 Operating expenses excluding special charges (21,235) (13,071) (34,306) (90,871) (47,238) (138,109) Depreciation (416) (239) (655) (1,574) (773) (2,347) Depreciation of right-of-use assets (940) (435) (1,375) (3,870) (2,111) (5,981) Segment profit $ 26,240 $ 18,159 $ 44,399 $ 110,215 $ 70,267 $ 180,482 Special charges (169) (1,609) Corporate and shared service expenses (10,797) (45,027) Results from operating activities $ 33,433 $ 133,846 For the period ended October 31, 2023 Three months Twelve months IMG AMG Total IMG AMG Total Revenue $ 78,578 $ 44,551 $ 123,129 $ 265,311 $ 188,711 $ 454,022 Direct costs (24,337) (16,876) (41,213) (78,788) (71,211) (149,999) Revenue, net of direct costs 54,241 27,675 81,916 186,523 117,500 304,023 Operating expenses excluding special charges (21,807) (10,450) (32,257) (84,493) (45,169) (129,662) Depreciation (485) (142) (627) (1,969) (482) (2,451) Depreciation of right-of-use assets (904) (587) (1,491) (4,184) (2,580) (6,764) Segment profit $ 31,045 $ 16,496 $ 47,541 $ 95,877 $ 69,269 $ 165,146 Special charges (117) (2,477) Corporate and shared service expenses (11,740) (40,561) Results from operating activities $ 35,684 $ 122,108 About - Enghouse Enghouse Systems Limited is a Canadian publicly traded company ENGH that provides mission-critical vertically focused enterprise software solutions. Our core technologies are used for contact centers, video communications, virtual healthcare, education, telecommunications, networks, IPTV, public safety and transit. The Company's two-pronged strategy to grow earnings focuses on both organic growth and acquisitions, which, to date, have been funded through cash flows from operating activities as the Company has no outstanding external debt financing. The Company is organized around two business segments, the Interactive Management Group ("IMG") and the Asset Management Group ("AMG") due to their unique customer segments and technology offerings. Further information about Enghouse may be obtained from the Company's website at www.enghouse.com . Conference Call and Webcast A conference call to discuss the results will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. EST . To participate, please call +1-289-514-5100 or North American Toll-Free +1-800-717-1738. Confirmation code: 59402 A webcast is also available at: https://www.enghouse.com/investors.php . The Company uses non-IFRS measures to assess its operating performance. Securities regulations require that companies caution readers that earnings and other measures adjusted to a basis other than IFRS do not have standardized meanings and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share as measures of operating performance. Therefore, these collective Adjusted EBITDA measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated based on results from operating activities adjusted for depreciation of property and equipment and right-of-use assets and special charges for acquisition related restructuring costs. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate operating performance as it excludes amortization of software and intangibles (which is an accounting allocation of the cost of software and intangible assets arising on acquisition), any impact of finance and tax related activities, asset depreciation, foreign exchange gains and losses, other income and restructuring costs primarily related to acquisitions. SOURCE Enghouse Systems Limited View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/12/c8792.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.11 graves with 15 bodies found near Mexican border with Guatemala
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Trump is named Time's Person of the Year and rings the New York Stock Exchange's opening bell NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange after being recognized by Time magazine as its person of the year. The honors Thursday for the businessman-turned-politician are a measure of Trump’s remarkable comeback from an ostracized former president who refused to accept his election loss four years ago to a president-elect who won the White House decisively in November. At the stock exchange, Trump was accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany and Vice President-elect JD Vance. Trump grinned as people chanted “USA” before he opened the trading day and raised his fist. YouTube TV is hiking its monthly price, again. Here's what to know NEW YORK (AP) — Are you a YouTube TV subscriber? Your monthly bills are about to get more expensive again. YouTube has announced that it’s upping the price of its streaming service’s base plan by $10 — citing rising content costs and other investments. The new $82.99 per month price tag will go into effect starting Jan. 13 for existing subscribers, and immediately for new customers who sign up going forward. YouTube TV has rolled out a series of price hikes over the years. When launched back in 2017, the going price of its streaming package was $35 a month. By 2019, that fee rose to $50 — and has climbed higher and higher since. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's brotherhood is still strong after 30 years with new album 'Missionary' LOS ANGELES (AP) — When it comes to music, there’s one person in particular Snoop Dogg trusts to steer the ship without question: hit-making producer Dr. Dre. Their bond, built over 30 years of brotherhood, began when Dr. Dre shaped Snoop’s game-changing debut, “Doggystyle,” a cornerstone of hip-hop history. From young dreamers chasing stardom to legends cementing their legacies, the duo has always moved in sync. Now, the dynamic pair reunites for Snoop’s “Missionary,” his milestone 20th studio album, which releases Friday. The 15-track project features several big-name guest appearances including Eminem, 50 Cent, Sting, Method Man, Jelly Roll, Tom Petty, Jhené Aiko and Method Man. Country star Morgan Wallen sentenced in chair-throwing case NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music star Morgan Wallen has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. He had been charged for throwing a chair from the rooftop of a six-story bar in Nashville and nearly hitting two police officers with it. Wallen appeared in court alongside his attorney on Thursday. He was sentenced to spend seven days in a DUI education center and will be under supervised probation for two years. According to the arrest affidavit, Wallen was accused of throwing a chair off the roof of Chief’s bar on April 7. The chair landed about a yard from the officers. Witnesses told police they saw Wallen pick up a chair, throw it off the roof and laugh about it. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. 'Vanderpump Rules' star James Kennedy arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Police say “Vanderpump Rules” star James Kennedy has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence. Police in Burbank, California, say officers investigated reports of an argument between a man and a woman at a residence late Tuesday night and arrested the 32-year-old Kennedy. He was released from jail after posting bail. A representative of Kennedy did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. The Burbank city attorney will decide whether to file charges. Kennedy is a DJ and reality TV star who has appeared for 10 seasons on “Vanderpump Rules” — the Bravo series about the lives of employees at a set of swank restaurants. The wife of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death moves to end their marriage MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The wife of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own drowning so he could abscond to Europe has filed a court action to end the couple's marriage. Online court records indicate Emily Borgwardt filed a petition in Dodge County Circuit Court on Thursday seeking to annul her marriage to Ryan Borgwardt. A hearing has been set for April. According to court documents, Ryan Borgwardt staged his own drowning by leaving his overturned kayak floating on Green Lake. He flew to Eastern Europe, where he spent several days in a hotel with a woman before taking up residence in the country of Georgia. He is charged with misdemeanor obstruction in Green Lake County. San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A block in downtown San Francisco has been renamed for acclaimed photojournalist Joe Rosenthal, who won the Pulitzer Prize for his iconic photo of U.S. Marines raising the flag on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during WWII. The longtime staff photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle, who died in 2006 at age 94, is also remembered for the 35 years he spent documenting the city's famous and not so famous for the daily newspaper. He photographed a young Willie Mays getting his hat fitted as a San Francisco Giant in 1957. He also photographed joyous children making a mad dash for freedom on the last day of school in 1965. Nearly half of US teens are online 'constantly,' Pew report finds Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online “constantly,” despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health. That's according to a new report published Thursday by the Pew Research Center. As in past years, YouTube was the single most popular platform teenagers used — 90% said they watched videos on the site, down slightly from 95% in 2022. There was a slight downward trend in several popular apps teens used. For instance, 63% of teens said they used TikTok, down from 67% and Snapchat slipped to 55% from 59%. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment.
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BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Underdog Fantasy Promo Code BETFPB for Oregon vs. Washington: $1,000 bonus for Rivalry Week Saturdaythe peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday, , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. A moderate Democrat, as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to as one of many health initiatives. the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes to Tee Higgins, including a game-winning scoring strike with 1:07 left in overtime, to give the host Cincinnati Bengals an electrifying 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Cade York could have given Cincinnati (8-8) the win with 2:43 to go in the extra session, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt hit the left upright. The Bengals' defense buckled down, though, forcing Denver to go three-and-out to get Burrow, Higgins and the rest of the offense back out on the field. Cincinnati proceeded to go 63 yards in five plays, with Higgins' 3-yard TD catch giving the Bengals their fourth straight victory. Higgins finished with 11 catches for 131 yards. Marvin Mims Jr. forced overtime by hauling in a 25-yard score on fourth-and-1 to draw the Broncos (9-7) even at 24 with eight seconds left in regulation. Burrow had put Cincinnati in front by plunging into the end zone from 1 yard out just 1:21 earlier. Burrow completed 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and the three touchdowns while Ja'Marr Chase had nine catches for 102 yards and set a single-season franchise record for receptions. He now has 117. Tight end Mike Gesicki played a key role in the Cincinnati passing game, grabbing a season-high 10 catches for 86 yards. Rams 13, Cardinals 9 Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon intercepted a pass in the end zone with 37 seconds left to preserve Los Angeles' win over Arizona in Inglewood, Calif. Witherspoon made a diving catch after the ball bounced high off the helmet of Arizona tight end Trey McBride on the pass attempt by Kyler Murray. The Rams (10-6), who lead the NFC West by one game, have won five straight, while the Cardinals (7-9) have lost five of their last six. Los Angeles could clinch a playoff berth on Sunday depending on the outcome of other games. Matthew Stafford threw for 189 yards while completing 17 of 32 pass attempts without a touchdown or interception. Puka Nacua finished with 10 receptions for 129 yards. Murray was 33 of 48 for 321 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. McBride made 12 catches for 123 yards to surpass 1,000 yards for the first time in his three NFL seasons. Chargers 40, Patriots 7 Justin Herbert passed for 281 yards and a season-high three touchdowns and Los Angeles clinched an AFC playoff berth with a dominating victory over New England in Foxborough, Mass. Ladd McConkey caught eight passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns and Derwin James had two sacks and a fumble recovery for the Chargers (10-6), who are playoff-bound in Jim Harbaugh's first season as coach. Derius Davis also had a scoring catch, J.K. Dobbins rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries and Cameron Dicker booted four field goals.Herbert completed 26 of 38 passes as the Chargers improved to 3-12 all-time in Foxborough, including playoffs. Drake Maye completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown for New England (3-13), which lost its sixth consecutive game. DeMario Douglas caught a scoring pass for the Patriots. -Field Level Media
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Tel Aviv, Dec 25 (AP) At least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank around the city of Tulkarem on Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, including three people it said were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a second somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Israel's bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas's attack on southern Israel in October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage by Palestinian militants. Around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, although only two thirds are believed to still be alive. Here's the latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes kill at least 8 Palestinians in West Bank, health officials say RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank on Tuesday. The ministry reported three of the dead were killed by airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. An Associated Press photojournalist captured images of Israeli forces detonating an explosive device planted by Palestinian militants during a raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Israel has carried out several large-scale raids in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. While airstrikes were once rare in the West Bank, they have grown more common since the outbreak of war as Israeli forces clamp down, saying they aim to prevent attacks on their citizens. Israeli fire has killed at least 800 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, Palestinian health officials say. In that time, Palestinian militants have launched a number of attacks on soldiers at checkpoints and within Israel. Syrians celebrate Christmas and dream of a new birth for Syria SAYDNAYA, Syria — A large crowd of Syrians gathered near a historic monastery in Saydnaya on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing green lights. Tuesday's celebration offered a rare moment of joy in a city scarred by over a decade of war and an infamous prison, where tens of thousands were held. Families and friends stood beneath the illuminated tree — some wearing Santa hats, others watching from rooftops — while a band played festive music and fireworks lit up the sky “This year is different, there's happiness, victory and a new birth for Syria and a new birth for Christ,” said Houssam Saadeh, one attendee. Another, Joseph Khabbaz, expressed hope for unity across all sects and religions in Syria, dismissing recent Christmas tree vandalism as “isolated incidents.” Earlier in the afternoon, pilgrims visited the historic Our Lady of Saydnaya Monastery, one of the world's oldest Christian monasteries, believed to be built in the sixth century. In Homs, a similarly grand Christmas tree was illuminated as security officers patrolled the area to ensure a safe and peaceful gathering, according to Syria's state media. UN says Israeli attacks on North Gaza have a devastating impact on Palestinian civilians UNITED NATIONS -- Recent attacks on hospitals in North Gaza, where Israel is carrying out an offensive, are having a devastating impact on Palestinian civilians still in the area, the U.N. humanitarian office says. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed deep concern at reports that the Israeli military entered the Indonesian Hospital on Tuesday, forcing its evacuation. The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, also expressed deep concern at attacks reported in recent days in and around the two other hospitals in North Gaza that are minimally functioning – Al Awda and Kamal Adwan. OCHA said the Israeli siege on Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and parts of Jaballiya in North Gaza continued for a 79th day on Tuesday, and while the U.N. and its partners have made 52 attempts to coordinate humanitarian access to besieged areas in December 48 were rejected by Israel. While four missions were approved, OCHA said the U.N. and its partners faced impediments as a result of Israeli military operations and “none of the U.N.-coordinated attempts to access the area have been fully facilitated.” Throughout the Gaza Strip, OCHA said that Israeli authorities facilitated just 40% of requests for humanitarian movements requiring their approval in December. Global monitor says famine is weeks away in north Gaza. A US diplomat calls the warning irresponsible WASHINGTON — A leading global food crisis monitor says deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in north Gaza as soon as next month. The U.S.-created Famine Early Warning System Network says that's because of a near-total Israeli blockade of food and other aid in that part of Gaza. The finding, however, appears to have exposed a rift within the Biden administration over the extent of starvation in northern Gaza. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, disputes part of the data used in reaching the conclusion and calls the intensified famine warning “irresponsible.” Northern Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel's restrictions on aid throughout its 14-month war with Hamas militants. Israel wants UN Security Council to condemn recent attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels UNITED NATIONS — Israel's foreign minister has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to condemn recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, and to condemn the group's Iranian allies for allegedly providing the group with weapons. Gideon Saar said in a letter Tuesday to Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the council presidency this month, that the Houthis are violating international law and council resolutions. “This Iranian-backed terrorist group continues to endanger Israel's and other nations' security, as well as the freedom of maritime navigation, in flagrant violation of international law,” Saar said. “All of this malign activity is done as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.” The U.S. Mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to an email asking when the council meeting will be held. The Houthis have said they launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea – and on Israel -- with the aim of ending Israel's devastating air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli war in Gaza followed Hamas' deadly October 2023 attacks in southern Israel. Israeli military says troops' presence inadvertently contributed to Hamas killing 6 hostages in August TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli military investigation has concluded that the presence of troops inadvertently contributed to the deaths of six hostages killed by their Hamas captors in Gaza. The hostages' bodies were discovered in a tunnel in late August, an event that shook Israel and sparked some of the largest anti-war protests since the war began. The investigation found that the six hostages were killed by multiple gunshots from their captors after surviving for nearly 330 days. The Israeli military's “ground activities in the area, although gradual and cautious, had a circumstantial influence on the terrorists' decision to murder the six hostages,” the report found. According to the investigation, the Israeli military began operating in the area where the hostages were being held in southern Gaza about two weeks before their discovery, under the assumption that the chances of hostages in the area was medium to low. On August 27, hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi was found alone in a tunnel, causing the Israeli military to halt operations for 24 hours to determine if there could be other hostages in the area. The military discovered the opening leading to the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were located on August 30. A pathological report estimated the six hostages were killed on August 29. The six hostages killed were Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose American-Israeli parents became some of the most recognized spokespeople pleading for the hostages' release, including addressing the Democratic National Convention days before their son's killing. “The investigation published tonight proves once again that the return of all hostages will only be possible through a deal,” the Hostages Families Forum said in response to the investigation. “Every passing moment puts the hostages' lives in immediate danger.” Israeli ceasefire negotiators are returning from Qatar after a significant week,' prime minister's office says JERUSALEM — The Israeli negotiating team working on a ceasefire returned from Qatar to Israel on Tuesday, the prime minister's office said, after what it called “a significant week” of talks. After months of deadlock, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to reach a deal. According to Egyptian and Hamas officials, the proposed agreement would take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel says Hamas is holding 100 hostages, over one-third of whom are believed to be dead. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “some progress” in efforts to reach a deal, but added he did not know how long it would take. Israeli soldiers force patients to evacuate a hospital in northern Gaza, some on foot, Palestinian health officials say CAIRO — Israeli soldiers took control of a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. Some of the patients had to walk to another hospital while others were driven by paramedics, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi. He did not specify how many patients had evacuated. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. The army later said its soldiers had left the hospital. The military said it had assisted with evacuating the patients and had not ordered the hospital closed. However, al-Wahidi said only one doctor and maintenance person were left behind. The Indonesian Hospital is one of three hospitals left largely inaccessible in the northernmost part of Gaza because Israel has imposed a tight siege there since launching an offensive in early October. The Israeli army said Tuesday's operation at the Indonesian Hospital came after militants carried out attacks from the hospital for the past month, including launching anti-tank missiles and planting explosive devices in the surrounding area. The Health Ministry accused Israel of “besieging and directly targeting” the three hospitals in northern Gaza. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said Israeli drones detonated explosives near the hospital and that 20 people were wounded, including five medical staff. The Israeli military declined to comment on the operation around the hospital. Syrian Christians protest to demand greater protections after a Christmas tree is burned DAMASCUS — Scores of Syrian Christians protested in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, demanding greater protections for their religious minority after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama a day earlier. Many of the insurgents who now rule Syria are jihadis, although Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and spent years depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. It remains unclear who set the Christmas tree on fire Monday, which was condemned by a representative of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who visited the town and addressed the community. “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations," the HTS representative said in a video widely shared on social media. "The Christmas tree will be fully restored by this evening.” On Tuesday, protesters marched through the streets of Bab Touma in Damascus, shouting slogans against foreign fighters and carrying large wooden crosses. “We demand that Syria be for all Syrians. We want a voice in the future of our country,” said Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church as he addressed the crowd in a church courtyard, assuring them of Christians' rights in Syria. Since HTS led a swift offensive that overthrew President Bashar Assad earlier this month, Syria's minority communities have been on edge, uncertain of how they will be treated under the emerging rebel-led government. “We are here to demand a democratic and free government for one people and one nation,” another protester said. “We stand united — Muslims and Christians. No to sectarianism.” Qatar says Gaza ceasefire negotiations are ongoing DOHA — Qatar's Foreign Ministry said that ceasefire negotiations to end the war in Gaza were ongoing in Doha in cooperation with Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators. “We will not leave any door unopened in pursuit of reaching an agreement,” said Majid al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday. Al Ansari added that rumors the ceasefire would be reached before Christmas are “speculation.” The ceasefire negotiations come at a time when winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. Families of the approximately 100 hostages who have been held for 445 days in Gaza are also worried their loved ones will not survive another winter. In a press conference, al-Ansari also called on the international community to lift sanctions on Syria as quickly as possible on Tuesday. “The reason was the crimes of the previous regime, and that regime, with all of its authority, is no longer in place, therefor the causes for these sanctions no longer exist today,” he said. US journalist missing in Syria since 2012 is believed to be alive, says aid group DAMASCUS, Syria — American journalist Austin Tice is believed to be still alive, according to the head of an international aid group. Nizar Zakka, who runs the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization, said there has never been any proof that Tice, who has been missing since 2012, is dead. Zakka told reporters in Damascus on Tuesday that Tice was alive in January and being held by the authorities of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad. He added that U.S. President Joe Biden said in August that Tice was alive. Zakka said he believes Tice was transferred between security agencies over the past 12 years, including in an area where Iranian-backed fighters were operating. Asked if it was possible Tice had been taken out of the country, Zakka said Assad most likely kept him in Syria as a potential bargaining chip. Biden said Dec. 8 that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, although he also acknowledged that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. A former Israeli hostage dies TEL AVIV, Israel — Hannah Katzir, an Israeli woman who was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, and freed in a brief ceasefire last year, has died. She was 78. The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the families of people taken captive, confirmed the death Tuesday but did not disclose the cause. Her daughter, Carmit Palty Katzir, said in a statement that her mother's “heart could not withstand the terrible suffering since Oct. 7.” Katzir's husband, Rami, was killed during the attack by militants who raided their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her son Elad was also kidnapped and his body was recovered in April by the Israeli military, who said he had been killed in captivity. She spent 49 days in captivity and was freed in late November 2023. Shortly after Katzir was freed, her daughter told Israeli media that she had been hospitalized with heart issues attributed to “difficult conditions and starvation” while she was held captive. Israeli air defense system intercepts projectile launched from Yemen TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's military said the projectile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, but it set off air raid sirens overnight in the country's populous central area, sending residents looking for cover. Israel's rescue service Magen David Adom said a 60-year-old woman was seriously wounded after being hurt on her way to a protected space. There was no immediate comment from Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. It was the third time in a week that fire from Yemen set off sirens in Israel. On Saturday, a missile slammed into a playground in Tel Aviv, injuring 16, after Israel's air defense system failed to intercept it. Earlier last week, Israeli jets struck Yemen's rebel-held capital and a port city, killing nine. Israel said the strikes were in response to previous Houthi attacks. (AP) AS AS (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Content Credits Launches The Cincinnati Exchange