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NoneHouse Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of 'regularly' paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress. The 37-page report was released Monday by the bipartisan panel after a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The report includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz took part in while representing Florida in the House. Congressional investigators concluded that he violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and he filed a lawsuit Monday trying to block the report’s release. Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. He's converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Biden says the commutations are consistent with a pause on executions put in place by his administration in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. Biden said he couldn't allow a new administration to resume executions. Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. The president-elect has talked subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. Relief, defiance, anger: Families and advocates react to Biden's death row commutations COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims’ families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions are sharing a range of emotions, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences. Biden announced Monday he would convert the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they’d long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump, a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's attorney complained during a brief hearing Monday that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Mangione was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his not guilty plea. Middle East latest: Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill at least 20 people, Palestinian medics say Palestinian medics say Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 20 people. One of the strikes overnight and into Monday hit a tent camp in the Muwasi area, an Israel-declared humanitarian zone, killing eight people, including two children. The Israeli military says it only strikes militants, accusing them of hiding among civilians. It said late Sunday that it had targeted a Hamas militant in the humanitarian zone. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage. Israel’s air and ground offensive has killed over 45,200 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland, the ice-covered semi-autonomous Danish territory. That's added to the list of allied countries he’s picking fights with, even before taking office on Jan. 20. Greenland insists it's not for sale and Trump's initial calls to purchase it in 2019 came to nothing. But his latest suggestion comes after the president-elect suggested the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal and that Canadians wanted their county to become the 51st U.S. state. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized. At the same time there are fears that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. A church a short walk from the scene of the attack has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening and killed five people. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond This holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They range from a “Calm Christmas” in West Virginia to an inclusive Hanukkah in New Jersey. Many disabled people, advocates and families want more houses of worship to know that there are ways to fully incorporate and welcome people with these and other disabilities and their families — and not just during the holidays but year round. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. They were the headliners among the Southeastern Conference's haul of 10 ranked teams. Iowa State, Duke and Alabama rounded out the top five. Kentucky had the week's biggest fall, sliding six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Illinois and Baylor rejoined the poll after stints in the rankings earlier this season. They replaced Memphis, Dayton, Michigan and Clemson. The Big 12 and Big Ten were tied for second with five teams each in the AP Top 25.
NEW YORK — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. Suspect Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. "We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that's possibly why he targeted that company," Kenny said. People are also reading... UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he had yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested on December 9, 2024, after a six-day manhunt and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest has sparked a viral social media movement, with many hailing him as a symbol of resistance against systemic healthcare failures. The #FreeLuigi movement gained significant traction, with his social media profiles amassing over 100,000 new followers before being suspended. Despite this, the movement continues to trend, highlighting public discontent with the U.S. healthcare system. Some social media users argue that Mangione's radicalization stemmed from the struggles faced by millions in obtaining necessary healthcare, and not from his university education. Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona led to the seizure of a "ghost gun," a suppressor, fake IDs, and a manifesto criticizing the healthcare system. While the manifesto seems to admit guilt, some users question Mangione's responsibility, pointing out discrepancies in surveillance photos. The fascination with Mangione has only intensified, with discussions about his attractiveness and comparisons to characters in Ryan Murphy's productions. The phenomenon is reminiscent of society's long-standing obsession with infamous criminals, blurring lines between horror and hero worship. Former FBI agent Rob D’Amico noted that Mangione is seen by some as a "Robin Hood" figure fighting against corporate greed, which complicates the investigation. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a " ghost gun " matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what law enforcement has called a "targeted attack." Mangione is from a prominent Maryland family with extensive business interests. The Mangione family is known for developing real estate and running businesses. Relatives expressed shock over the arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family. Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder, firearm possession, and forgery, in New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation was a success and that his pain improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.Nebraska governor signs medical marijuana initiatives into law
Mumbai, Nov 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in of the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra on December 5 evening as BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis emerged as the frontrunner for the post of chief minister. The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 5 pm at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. While there was no announcement yet on who would be the chief minister, BJP sources said Devendra Fadnavis, who has been chief minister twice and was deputy CM in the last Eknath Shinde-led government, was the frontrunner for the post. Shinde, who is holding the charge as caretaker chief minister and who headed to his native village Dare in Satara district a day before amid speculation that he was not happy with the way the new government was shaping up, has taken ill, an aide said. He was running temperature of 105 degree F, the aide said. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 5 pm at the Azad Maidan ground, said Bawankule in a post on X. PM Modi will attend the ceremony, he added. Speaking to reporters in Pune earlier in the day, NCP chief Ajit Pawar said the chief minister will be from the BJP, while there will be deputy CMs from the two allies — his party and the Shiv Sena. Pawar was a deputy CM in the last government. Talking about Shinde’s illness, Shiv Sena leader Shambhuraj Desai, who hails from Satara district, told reporters that Shinde and other party leaders returned from Delhi early Friday morning after meeting the top BJP leaders, and Shinde has had cough and cold since then. “Exertion affected him, so we advised him to take rest,” said Desai. Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena leader close to Shinde, said his party must get the home portfolio. Speaking to PTI, Shirsat also claimed that attempts were made to sideline Shinde. Meanwhile, a BJP leader said a meeting will be held on December 2 to elect the BJP legislature party leader. Fadnavis was likely to get the CM post this time, he added. Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena and who was chief minister since June 2022, attended a meeting of the ruling alliance leaders with senior BJP leader Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday night. Before that, he had made it clear that any decision on the chief minister’s post by the top BJP leadership would be acceptable to him. Shinde is under pressure from a group of Shiv Sena leaders who think he should not become a deputy CM, having been the chief minister for more than two years. Another group of party leaders insists that he must be part of the new government. The Mahayuti alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) retained power with a landslide victory in the assembly elections, the results of which were announced on November 23.Lument Finance Trust, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividends for its Common and Preferred Stock and Announces Special Cash Dividend Distribution
National interest must prevail over politics: Barrister AqeelUnum Group stock remains steady Tuesday, underperforms market
Maverick McNealy trails by one shot at the RSM Classic halfway point. Getty Images The third round of the 2024 RSM Classic begins Saturday morning at Sea Island’s Seaside course in Georgia. You can find full 2024 RSM Classic tee times for Saturday’s third round at the bottom of this post. Featured tee time for Round 3 After Thursday’s opening round at Sea Island’s Seaside course , Maverick McNealy was the story of the tournament. The 29-year-old fired a sizzling first-round 62 — a promising start in his quest to claim his maiden PGA Tour title. But leads are tough to maintain on the PGA Tour, and even though McNealy followed up his 62 with a round of two-under 70 on Sea Island’s Plantation course on Friday to reach 10 under overall, he’s now trailing 36-hole leader Patrick Fishburn (-11) by one shot heading into the weekend. Lee Hodges (-10) is T2 alongside McNealy after posting rounds of 69-63 to move 58 spots up the leaderboard. Fishburn is also seeking his first Tour victory, after posting four top-10 finishes in 2024, and will play alongside McNealy and Hodges in Saturday’s final grouping at 11:11 a.m. ET. You can watch Saturday’s third round of the 2024 RSM Classic on Golf Channel starting at 1 p.m. ET. You can also stream a live simulcast of the third round via NBCSports.com or the NBC Sports App with an active cable subscription. You can check out the complete Round 3 tee times for the 2024 RSM Classic below. 2024 RSM Classic tee times for Saturday: Round 3 (ET) Seaside Course – Tee No. 1 9:10 a.m. – Denny McCarthy, Brandon Wu, Kevin Chappell 9:21 a.m. – Austin Smotherman, Mark Hubbard, Harris English 9:32 a.m. – Adam Hadwin, Adam Schenk, Kelly Kraft 9:43 a.m. – Robby Shelton, Ryo Hisatsune, Matt Wallace 9:54 a.m. – Daniel Berger, Steven Fisk, Bud Cauley 10:05 a.m. – Joe Highsmith, Will Gordon, Ludvig Åberg 10:16 a.m. – Paul Peterson, Chandler Phillips, Austin Eckroat 10:27 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Martin Laird, Stewart Cink 10:38 a.m. – Mackenzie Hughes, Patrick Rodgers, Vince Whaley 10:49 a.m. – Nico Echavarria, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Callum Tarren 11:00 a.m. – Michael Thorbjornsen, Luke Clanton, Michael Kim 11:11 a.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Maverick McNealy, Lee Hodges Tee No. 10 9:10 a.m. – Andrew Novak, Sam Stevens, Patton Kizzire 9:21 a.m. – Jake Knapp, Christo Lamprecht, Phillip Knowles 9:32 a.m. – Blake McShea, Eric Cole, Joseph Bramlett 9:43 a.m. – Lanto Griffin, Brian Harman, Marcus Byrd 9:54 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Jonathan Byrd, S.Y. Noh 10:05 a.m. – Taylor Montgomery, Doug Ghim, Davis Thompson 10:16 a.m. – Taylor Moore, Joel Dahmen, Lucas Glover 10:27 a.m. – Henrik Norlander, S.H. Kim, Kevin Tway 10:38 a.m. – William McGirt, Garrick High, Martin Trainer 10:49 a.m. – Carson Young, Tyson Alexander, Adam Svensson 11:00 a.m. – J.T. Poston, Russell Knox, Hayden Springer Latest In News Golf.com Editor As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.
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Putin approves federal budget for 2025-2027
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ’s parting shot — “history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media” — spoken in January 2014 at the last press conference he addressed before demitting office resonated on Thursday night as condolences poured in following his death, with many of his former Cabinet colleagues and UPA allies quoting his words, to say indeed it will. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin credited Dr. Singh for steering India’s economic transformation. “His tenure marked an era of steady growth, social progress, and reforms that improved the lives of millions.” Reflecting on the DMK’s steady presence in UPA, he said, that Dr. Singh’s partnership with M. Karunanidhi was instrumental in advancing Tamil Nadu’s development. “Even during turbulent times, Dr. #ManmohanSingh and Thalaivar Kalaignar stood together, exemplifying the strength of coalition politics built on trust and respect for regional identities,” Mr. Stalin said. Obituary | Manmohan Singh, gentleman politician who opened up India’s economy in 1991 West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee recounted her time in the Union Cabinet, when the two closely worked together. “His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged,” she said, adding that she will miss his stewardship and his affection. She was the Railway Minister between 2009 to 2011 in Dr. Singh’s Cabinet. Calling Dr. Singh the father of economic reforms in the country, former deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav said that the former Prime Minister presided over a historic period of unprecedented growth and development of the country. His “wisdom, patience, foresight, humility and dedication will always be remembered.” “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!” senior RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj K. Jha wrote on X. RJD stayed with the UPA for both the tenures and remains a key Congress ally. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said that Dr. Singh’s work from 1991 till 2014 will be remembered as a “golden chapter in the history of India”. “I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements,” he wrote in a post on X. Mr. Chidambaram further said that Dr. Singh’s story has not yet been fully told and his achievements have not been fully recorded. “I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr. Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution,” he said. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who has probably one of the longest associations with Dr. Singh among his former Cabinet colleagues, commended Dr. Singh’s “steely resolve” while remaining “soft spoken, sober and always dignified”. “His Prime Ministership saw revolutionary legislation relating to rural employment, tribal rights, reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs, primary education, food security, and land acquisition. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark that enhanced India’s global status. His Prime Ministership saw the highest GDP growth rate in the country’s history,” he said. Mr. Ramesh said, he practises the politics of dialogue, consensus, and accommodation even under difficult circumstances. Humility and integrity defined him. “Those who sought to besmirch him revealed their own true colours. Many of the initiatives he took as PM were marketed, branded, and projected as his successor’s contributions. But Dr. Singh never minded and would give his trademark smile,” he wrote on X. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Sharad Pawar called Mr. Singh a “global statesman” whose legacy will inspire generations to come. K.T. Rama Rao, working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) which was part of UPA-1, calling Dr. Singh a silent architect of modern India, a visionary, a true intellectual and a gracious human being, said, “history will indeed be kinder and grateful to you.” Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said that it was a humbling learning experience to work with Dr. Singh. Former Union Ministers and one of the youngest members of Dr. Singh’s cabinet, Sachin Pilot said that the former Prime Minister will always be remembered for his wisdom and invaluable contributions to India’s economic growth. The former colleagues who have now parted ways with Congress also spoke with affection. Union Minister Jitin Prasada, who switched from Congress to the BJP, said that the country has lost a “learned and sensitive” leader. “I consider myself fortunate that I had worked in close proximity with Manmohan Singh for a long time,” he wrote on X. Published - December 27, 2024 12:15 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit death / Indian National CongressCity are now six games without a victory but appeared to be cruising towards three points before being stunned by the Eredivisie side, who hit them with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko to fight back from 3-0 down. Two goals from Erling Haaland, one of them a penalty, and one from Ilkay Gundogan had the 2023 European champions three up after 53 minutes as they sought the win that would help to get their ailing season back on track. After the team collapsed in the closing stages, Ake called on his team-mates to show their mettle if their campaign is not to wither away. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he was asked whether he believed the the team’s problem is a mental one. “Maybe it is,” he said. “It is difficult to say. Obviously we have not been in this situation many times but this is where we have to show our character. “When everything seems to go against us and everyone is writing us off, we have to stay strong mentally, believe in ourselves and stick together. “Every season there is a period when they write us off. We have to make sure we stay strong as a team and staff and make sure we get out of it.” The draw leaves City with work to do if they are to secure one of the eight automatic spots in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League. They are currently 15th in the table, two points outside of the top eight, and will need positive results in their next two games against Juventus and Paris St Germain to keep their hopes alive. They then face Club Brugge in their final league match on January 29. The result at least ended a run of five straight defeats in all competitions ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with leaders Liverpool at Anfield. “When you are three goals up it feels like a defeat when you give up three goals at home,” said Ake. “It is tough now, a tough night, but the only thing we can do is look forward to the next one. Liverpool is a big game and it is another challenge to overcome. “(We were) 3-0 up and we played quite well and were under control, but then it all changed. “You just have to stay strong mentally. At 3-1 they then push on but I think we need to go for it a bit earlier so we could keep the pressure on them, but we stayed playing at the back and maybe invited more pressure on us. “Then when you concede the second one there is even more pressure and then we have to stay stronger mentally.”
Reports: Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologizes to Commanders TE Zach Ertz
Nordstrom Family Reaches Deal to Take Retail Chain PrivateThe US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern.Mexico’s governors sign Sheinbaum pact to improve water use by industry
JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave,” he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in the cities of Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military didn't immediately respond to questions about Tedros' post but issued a statement saying it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel’s territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively.” The strikes came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad’s regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Iran-backed Houthis' media outlet confirmed the strikes in a Telegram post but gave no immediate details. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in Yemen in recent days. The United Nations has noted that the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014 . Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv . Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that the council condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying weapons to the rebels. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight , the territory's Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said that all were militants posing as reporters. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists were working for the local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, which ignited the war. The Israeli military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, had confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups operate political, media and charitable operations in addition to their armed wings. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. Sobbing young men attended the funeral outside the hospital. The bodies were wrapped in shrouds, with blue press vests draped over them. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel has banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accused six of its Gaza reporters of being militants . The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Separately, Israel's military said that a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza early Thursday. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation more than a year ago. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border in an attack on nearby army bases and farming communities. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities have been women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said that it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the name of the local news outlet is Al-Quds Today, not the Quds News Network. Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Gov. Jim Pillen signed a pair of initiatives into law that legalize and regulate medical marijuana in Nebraska on Thursday. With the stroke of a pen, Pillen fulfilled his statutory and constitutional duty, declaring the petitions circulated by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana "in full force and effect as part of the statutes of the State of Nebraska." The governor stressed that despite issuing the proclamations, he still has reservations about the legality of the measures, however. The signing was met with praise from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, which conducted the campaign to put the issue before voters in each of the last three election cycles. Crista Eggers, campaign manager for the ballot committee, called the signing a win for Nebraska patients and caregivers who have advocated for medical cannabis at the Capitol and across the state for more than a decade. People are also reading... "There was a brave and courageous group of parents who, years and years ago, saw the help this plant was giving to patients in other states," Eggers said in a phone interview. "That group began fighting, they began educating and opening other people's minds and hearts to change the lives of their fellow Nebraskans." Crista Eggers, statewide campaign coordinator of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (center) chats with volunteers Nicole Hochstein (from left) of Papillion, Taylor Hutton and Chelle Jones, both of Omaha as they collect signatures for a ballot initiative in support of medical cannabis during the Omaha Farmers Market in May 2022. Eggers said supporters planned to celebrate the "hours, days, months, and years" that went into passing the initiatives with an eye on the future. Eggers, whose son Colton has severe intractable epilepsy, said the proclamations declaring Initiative 437 and Initiative 438 as law give many individuals and families hope for the future. "There's really no words to describe the hope this is going to give to so many," she said. Pillen's signing comes a day after a Lancaster County District Court judge denied a request from a former state lawmaker to bar the governor from signing the initiatives into law. On Wednesday, Judge Susan Strong rejected a motion from former state Sen. John Kuehn, a marijuana opponent who sued Pillen and Secretary of State Bob Evnen , seeking to stop the governor from issuing the proclamations. Strong, at the end of a nearly 45-minute hearing, said there were no reasons to stop the proclamations from being issued, adding "the public interest does not favor the issuance of the injunction." The judge also declined to rule on Kuehn's argument that the statutes were in conflict with federal law and that they created a new regulatory agency without approval from the Legislature. Strong previously ruled against a separate lawsuit brought by Kuehn , who alleged widespread fraud and malfeasance among Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana circulators and notaries. At the end of a four-day civil trial that ended Nov. 4, Strong said there was no evidence to show the initiatives should be deemed "legally insufficient" and have the votes for each declared void. That case has been appealed . On Wednesday, the Nebraska Supreme Court took the case from the Court of Appeals. Legal challenges may continue While the proclamations, which state the number of votes for and against each measure, were signed by Pillen and Evnen, a news release sent Thursday from the governor's office indicated legal challenges against the issues could continue. Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers — whose office defended Pillen's obligation to declare the initiatives law during Wednesday's hearing — said they wanted to "caution the public on the limited nature of these proclamations." "The proclamations do not express a judgment on the validity of the measures," the governor and attorney general said. Pillen and Hilgers said they believe "serious issues" remain with the initiatives' legality under federal law. "The federal government has designated marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance," they said. "Under federal law, it is unlawful to either possess or sell Schedule I controlled substances. "The passed measures cannot, and do not, change federal law," the message concluded. Nebraska voters overwhelmingly supported both medical marijuana initiatives at the Nov. 5 election, joining 38 other states that have previously enacted medical cannabis laws. Initiative 437, which allows doctors to recommend cannabis to their patients and for patients who have been recommended cannabis by a doctor to possess and use it, passed with more than 70% of the vote. Initiative 438, which establishes a regulatory process for medical marijuana, received 67% support at the election. Both measures won 70 of Nebraska's 93 counties. With Initiative 438 taking effect, a new commission will be responsible for developing regulations for medical marijuana businesses before July 1, 2025. Medical marijuana outlets could then begin applying for licenses beginning Oct. 1, 2025. The commission will include three members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, with Pillen able to appoint two other members. Those nominees would need to be confirmed by a majority of the Legislature, which convenes for a 90-day session on Jan. 8. One member of the Liquor Control Commission, Harry Hoch Jr., will see his term expire in May next year, meaning Pillen could potentially appoint three members of the body responsible for drawing up regulations for medical marijuana in Nebraska. Eggers said Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and its supporters planned to celebrate the "hours, days, months, and years" that went into passing the initiatives with an eye on the future. "We know this is just one more step and we intend to fully continue advocating for safe and regulated access to medical cannabis," she said, adding the organization planned to participate in the regulatory process. Eggers said she plans to continue advocating for other parents of children with severe forms of epilepsy and other illnesses to be able to consult with their doctors about medical cannabis "and walk away with more hope for their child's future." "We don't stop fighting until that day happens," she said. Marijuana motion denied; petition aims to protect renters; 2025 football schedule Top Journal Star photos for December 2024 Norris' Evan Greenfield (22) scores a layup as Wahoo's Jase Kaminski (13) goes up to defend the basket in the second half on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at Wahoo High School. Ruby Augustine blows out the candles on her birthday cake during her 105th birthday party on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at the Legacy Retirement Community. Cicely Wardyn of Lincoln adjusts an outdoor heater next to a Nativity scene during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday at the Governor's Mansion. Eddie Walters, dressed as the Grinch, leads the pack of runners along the Billy Wolff trail during the Santa Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Nebraska plays against Florida A&M in an NCAA tournament game on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Fourth grade student Lulu Kulwick carries her review worksheet to meet with her teacher during computer science class. Each student was asked to analyze how fun, challenging and easy to understand each game was, and discuss what they thought was a good aspect to the game, and what could use some work. Ben Heppner is illuminated by morning light as he waits for the start of the Santa Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, inside the Fleet Feet store. Nebraska head coach Amy Williams (left) and Callin Hake (14) cheer for their team after a defensive stop during the third quarter of the game against Minnesota on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Members of the Lincoln Journal Star's 2024 Super State volleyball team compete in Dance Dance Revolution and air hockey while at a photo shoot on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at Round 1 Arcade. Lincoln North Star's J'Shawn Afun (10) and Mekhi Wayne-Browne (11) battle Lincoln Southeast's Jaydee Dongrin (21) for a rebound in the first half on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Lincoln Southeast High School. Miami's Flormarie Heredia Colon (left) and Ashley Carr celebrate a point against South Dakota State during an NCAA first-round match, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Devaney Sports Center. Workers pull up the Capitol Christmas tree on Monday at the Capitol. The 22-foot Colorado spruce from Walton was selected by the Office of the Capitol Commission to be this year’s annual Christmas tree. Jenni Watson helps to arrange chairs for New Covenant Community Church's first service in their repaired main auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at New Covenant Community Church. New Covenant Community Church is nearing completion of six months of reconstruction project after a fire in May damages the church. While the building was not fully consumed by fire, there was significant water damage to the main auditorium and the first floor south wing. Jack, the dog, lifts his leg on the Christmas tree that his owners David and Karen Petersen of Hickman chose as Max Novak helps them on Saturday at Prairie Woods tree farm in Hallam. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) kicks a game-winning field goal through the arms of Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) and Nash Hutmacher (0) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Lincoln Northwest senior Kynzee McFadden (top right) works with her teammates as they compete in an identifying game on the Anatomage Table on Tuesday at Lincoln Northwest High School. An Anatomage Table is a digital platform that allows students to perform virtual experiments on a life-size touchscreen. The table is a tool that provides an interactive view of the human body, allowing students to virtually work with different body parts. Dahlia Brandon of Lincoln tickles her 15-month-old daughter, Gema, with a stuffed animal while shopping at HobbyTown on Saturday. The toy and game store nearly doubled its sales on Black Friday from last year. Nebraska's Berke Büyüktuncel (left) and South Dakota's Max Burchill (3) reach for the ball during the first half of the game on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com . On Bluesky @chrisdunker.bsky.social Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Higher education/statehouse reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Girls basketball: Bulldogs, Wolf Pack, Jaguars set for Lions Club/Tom Hawkins tournament
GMA's Lara Spencer gives painful health update that leaves co-hosts in shock By RACHEL BOWMAN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 18:18 EST, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 18:21 EST, 12 December 2024 e-mail 45 shares 39 View comments Good Morning America's Lara Spencer has revealed she was off the airwaves this week due to two painful surgeries on both of her feet. The television host, 55, took to Instagram detailing her operations and shared a photo of her bandaged feet. She posted a photo with her surgeon thanking him for his help and declaring she is on the mend. 'If I look a little groggy it's thanks to this guy who just gave me a new pair of boots,' Spencer said. The mother-of-two explained why she needed each operation, revealing she suffered an agonizing injury in college . 'My right foot was easy - just had plate removed from surgery last year. The left is a bigger deal from a very old college diving injury. I was doing a reverse one-and-a-half and hit the board, shattering toes and joints,' Spencer said. 'Back then they said there was nothing you could do except tape it, let it heal, and live with the pain. Today there are much better options, thanks to surgeons like Dr. Marty O'Malley at HSS.' Colleagues and fans flooded her comments with well wishes and messages of a speedy recovery. Spencer attended Pennsylvania State University on an athletic scholarship for springboard and platform diving Lara Spencer, 55, revealed she was off the airwaves this week after undergoing two painful surgeries 'Jesus!!! Who does both feet at the same time???? My girl, that's who! So tough! Sending u speedy love to fast recovery! We've got dancing to do,' said GMA's former medical chief, Dr. Jennifer Ashton. 'Sweetie!! Feel better soon,' said chief business, economics, and technology correspondent Rebecca Jarvis. ABC News 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts said, 'Wow! Well no doubt you'll be twirling in no time!' Spencer attended Pennsylvania State University on an athletic scholarship for springboard and platform diving, and was a nationally ranked competitive diver. She was named an All American Athlete in 1991, her senior year, and graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. The TV host shared in a 2023 post that O'Malley previously operated on her foot due to a torn plantar plate and ligament that she said had been 'slowly getting worse and worse.' Last week, the Good Morning America crew unveiled its 2024 holiday card - but fans were left outraged after they noticed a major oversight. The card featured many of the morning show's anchors, including Spencer, Ginger Zee, Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos. The mother-of-two explained why she needed operations on both of her feet, revealing she suffered an agonizing injury in college Last week, the Good Morning America crew unveiled its 2024 holiday card The box was decorated with twinkling lights and various holiday-themed décor, and the GMA cast members stood in front of snowy trees. But some social media users were quick to point out that two of the network's top stars were missing from the holiday card - weekend host Gio Benitez and weatherman Sam Champion. People magazine shared the new holiday card to Instagram on Wednesday, and immediately, people took to the comment section to question why they weren't in it. 'You are missing Sam Champion and Gio Benitez,' one person commented. Another said, 'Sam is missing,' with a crying emoji. Instagram Share or comment on this article: GMA's Lara Spencer gives painful health update that leaves co-hosts in shock e-mail 45 shares Add comment
This Timberwolves roster is different than the one from a year ago. That much is obvious in games, as Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistent scoring and general size is missed, as is the playmaking and ball security of guys like Kyle Anderson and Jordan McLaughlin. ADVERTISEMENT But their absences have been felt in the locker room, as well. Towns was a consistent source of positivity for the team. Anderson was one of the loudest vocal leaders. The latter can be especially difficult to replace, especially because it can be uncomfortable to speak up when things are going poorly and something needs to change. That was the position Anthony Edwards has found himself in early this season. Edwards has been praised for his leadership through his first four years on Minnesota’s roster. Mostly, that all came via positivity and example. Edwards can be coached hard, which gave the greenlight for the coaches to treat everyone else the same way. Edwards was also quick to credit his teammates around him for their contributions to the cause, and was eager and willing to spend time with and talk to anyone on the roster, players No. 1-15. He’ll also stand up for any of his teammates if the occasion ever arises. That’s why he has been so beloved in the locker room and why he was viewed as such a leader, even at his young age. ADVERTISEMENT But with Anderson’s departure, Edwards was now tasked with leading even through choppy waters. And the waves have been rather large through the first quarter of the season. Minnesota’s defense has fallen off a cliff in comparison to where it was a year ago. After never even as many as three consecutive games during the 2023-24 regular season, the Wolves endured a four-game losing skid earlier this week. At that point, words were exchanged, both publicly and privately. A halftime hash out during Minnesota’s loss Wednesday to Sacramento got the conversation rolling. Mike Conley got the dialogue started, but all indications are that Edwards was a healthy participant. Edwards noted it’s difficult to know what to say in those times. “Because you look at everybody, and everybody got a different agenda. It’s like, ‘What the (heck) am I supposed to say?’ You know what I mean?” Edwards said. “I’m trying to get better in that aspect, figure out what the hell to say to get everybody on the same agenda, because everybody right now is on different agendas. I think that’s one of the main culprits of why we’re losing, because everybody out there got their own agenda. I guess their imagination of what’s supposed to be going on, and what’s really happening.” Nickeil Alexander-Walker told reporters at Friday’s shootaround that this is the most vocal Edwards has ever been. And while the intention of everyone’s messages are pure, “sometimes it’s not always worded the right way.” ADVERTISEMENT “I think we’ve crossed that line of, ‘Man, I feel like you’re not hearing the message.’ It’s tough to be called out, because you start to feel like, ‘OK, are you saying I’m the reason?’ No one wants to be at fault,” Alexander-Walker said. “But at the end of the day, I definitely think that guys are open to hearing it better. And I think it just came from a stand point of, at a point and time in the conversation, there was a comeback. It was going back and forth now, as opposed to receiving it (and saying), ‘OK, I got you.’ That’s how it’s going to be. It’s very rare that someone is just going to be able to be called out and not have anything to say. “It’s human nature to be defensive, at the end of the day. But kind of remembering what we’re here for, and if I’m being called out, chances are I’ve got to look in the mirror and be better.” It’s a delicate dance. There has to be an environment rooted in accountability, but you also have to be sure not to lose teammates, as Jimmy Butler was criticized for doing during his short stint in Minnesota a few years ago. ADVERTISEMENT And while it’s never ideal for a team to be living through a stretch of basketball the quality of which falls significantly short of the expectation, these stretches will likely lead to growth for Edwards, if not on the court, then in the locker room. You can’t steer a ship to a title if you don’t know how to navigate turbulent tides. Day by day, loss by loss, Edwards is learning how to spin the wheel. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .