Girl Flooded With Donations After Insurer Denies Prosthetic Arm Pays It ForwardNone
Huawei Technologies Co. unveiled its new flagship Mate 70 series and Mate X6 foldable phones on Tuesday, which come with a significant boost to performance, an array of AI features and satellite communication capabilities. The new models reaffirm the company’s focus on high-end smartphones and its independent HarmonyOS ecosystem. Despite the rising cost of memory, the new phones match previous model prices. The Mate 70 series range from 5,499 yuan ($759), while the Mate X6 starts at 12,999 yuan, with models going on sale from Dec. 4 and 6. Huawei also launched a smartwatch at 23,999 yuan, as well as tablets, and headphones.
The veteran TV journalist Bob McNeil has died. McNeil began his career in newspapers and radio but was best known for his 20-year stint as a reporter on TV3 - a role that took him to countless countries and made him a household name in New Zealand. Colleagues paying tribute on social media this morning recalled his kindness, humour and empathy for the people he interviewed. Veteran TVNZ Pacific reporter Barbara Dreaver described him as "a damn fine journo and a gentleman", while former TV3 investigative reporter Karen Rutherford said he was "one of the kindest, most genuine journos with such great wit". Journalist David Farrier described meeting McNeil in 2020, when his old friend and mentor was already battling Alzheimer's disease. "He was the master of forming trusted relationships with pretty much anyone, loved, loved, loved stories, and using humour as a way to tell them," Farrier said. McNeil's first job out of school was at the Taranaki Daily News in New Plymouth. He trained at Palmerston North Teachers College in 1961-1962, and taught at various schools, mostly in Taranaki, until 1970. In that year he took a job at Radio Waikato in Hamilton, covering major news events such as the Springbok tour protests while working at 1ZH. In 1987 he joined radio 1ZB in Auckland. A few years later, in 1989, he was hired as a news reporter by the fledgling TV channel TV3. He soon built up a reputation among his colleagues and the public for his kindness, wit and love of a good story. He retired from journalism in 2010 at the age of 67. McNeil was born in Wellington and spent his childhood in Otago, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay. He met his wife, Jeanette, during an OE in Britain. Their three children include Seven Sharp reporter Sacha McNeil. The funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.Real Madrid forward Rodrygo reportedly down a lucrative offer from Manchester City in the summer to stay in Spain. Pep Guardiola 's side have all but surrendered their Premier League title given the club are in seventh place with 27 points, 12 fewer than first-placed Liverpool despite having played a game more than the Reds. The champions were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, their ninth loss in their last 12 matches in all competitions. Phil Foden might have found the back of the net late on, but City did not appear to be particularly threatening, with striker Erling Haaland looking an isolated figure up front. The Daily Mail claims that City tried to strengthen their attack in the summer, reporting that a significant offer was made to Rodrygo but that he ultimately turned it down despite seriously contemplating a switch to England. Much has been made of City's defensive weaknesses, and while the champions do look vulnerable during counter-attacks, Guardiola's side have only scored 14 goals in their past 12 fixtures in all competitions. Haaland's form has been alarming considering the Norwegian has only netted three times in his last 12 Premier League games, whereas he had scored 10 goals in his first five league games of 2024-25. Foden's goal against Villa was his first for City in the Premier League this season and just his fourth in 24 games for club and country. Rodrygo's Real Madrid have not been particularly strong this campaign, and he has often had to play on the right side of attack despite preferring to operate on the left, but has still managed to score five goals and produce three assists in 977 La Liga minutes. While Rodrygo would not have helped solve City's defensive issues, he would have undoubtedly offered the team a different option in the forward line, especially as his versatility and instinct in front of goal could have helped alleviate the burden on the likes of Haaland. Guardiola has himself indicated that without the return of players such as Rodri from injury, and without reinforcements in January, City's poor form is likely to continue . Kevin De Bruyne is also out of contract at the end of the season, and there is a real possibility that fans could be seeing the last of the City legend in England. Additionally, other key figures such as Ederson and Kyle Walker have come under significant scrutiny for their poor performances of late, and it would seem that several areas of the squad may have to be addressed in the upcoming transfer windows. The threat of being punished by the Premier League for breaching the division's financial rules is also a cloud that continues to hang over the Citizens. Fans will hope that Rodrygo's reported rejection is an isolated case, and that the club are able to attract several new arrivals across the January and summer transfer windows.Nordstrom Non-GAAP EPS of $0.33 beats by $0.11, revenue of $3.46B beats by $110M
'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Big Lots reaches deal to keep hundreds of US stores open The discount chain Big Lots has reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores open. Big Lots said it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, which specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers will then transfer Big Lots’ stores to other retailers. Variety Wholesalers, which owns more than 400 U.S. discount stores, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand. Big Lots filed for bankruptcy protection in September, saying inflation and high interest rates had cut back on consumer demand for its furniture and other products. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Trump's request Friday came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The brief said Trump opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Stock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling, as early as January 14th, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. The department has taken such action in the past. But once those measures run out the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Canadian Cabinet ministers meet with Trump's nominee for commerce secretary in bid to avoid tariffs TORONTO (AP) — Two top Canadian Cabinet ministers have met with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago as Canada tries to avoid sweeping tariffs when Trump takes office. New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. The meeting was a follow up to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping tariffs if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States.GUWAHATI: A bus carrying 28 passengers from both India and Bangladesh met with a minor accident on Saturday in Brahmanbaria while the vehicle was travelling towards Dhaka from Agartala. There was no causality. Officials said that the Dhaka-bound bus owned by Shyamoli Paribahan of Bangladesh carrying 28 passengers -- 17 Indian and 11 Bangladeshi nationals -- left Agartala on Saturday morning. When the bus reached Ashuganj (in Brahmanbaria), 31 km from the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post, a goods-laden truck tried to overtake it and the bus collided with an auto-rickshaw, leading to a commotion among the local people, the official said. Of the 17 Indian passengers were supposed to go to Kolkata by another bus from Dhaka. Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury in a social media post said that local residents of Brahmanbaria threatened the Indian passengers travelling on the bus and raised anti-India slogans, made derogatory remarks and even threatened the passengers onboard. 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After a bilateral agreement, Agartala-Dhaka bus service was introduced in 2003 and a direct bus service from Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala was started in 2015. The bus service was suspended in March 2020 after the outbreak of Covid-19 and the restrictions imposed on cross-border movement, and it resumed in June 2022. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Real Estate Crowdfunding: How Investors Are Changing Property Market
Pep Guardiola admitted his Manchester City team are ‘fragile’ after they collapsed in the final 15 minutes of their Champions League tie to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium. City avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions but alarm bells continue to ring at the Etihad Stadium after a dramatic late capitulation. A double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan, all in the space of nine minutes either side of the break, looked to have ensured a return to winning ways. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. City almost snatched a late winner when Jack Grealish hit the woodwork but there was no masking another dispiriting result, with Guardiola accepting his team are in trouble ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash against Liverpool at Anfield. “The game was fine at 3-0, playing good, but then we concede a lot of goals because we were not stable,” said Guardiola. “We gave them the first and then the other one, that is why it was difficult. “We lost a lot of games lately, we are fragile and of course we needed a victory, the game was good for the confidence. We were playing a good level but the first time something happened we had problems. "I don't know if it is mental. The first goal cannot happen and the second as well. After that we forget what happen, we were desperate to win and do well, we do well but don't win games. “The situation is what it is. We played a good game but at that level we can't give them away. “Right now I am not ready to think about that [need to win final three games to finish top eight]. We have to recover and prepare for the next game. If we are not able to win games like we did today it is difficult to do it.” City defender Nathan Ake was asked whether the problems gripping City are as much mental and physical and he offered this verdict: “Maybe it is. 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. “It’s difficult. 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. “If you are 3-0 up at home you can never give it away like this. It is what it is at the moment. The only thing we can do is fight back and stay strong.”Liz Kendall vows to cut the number of Brits on benefits as she warns the welfare epidemic is “terrible” for the country
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has defended the Government's proposal to create a "smoke-free generation" by incrementally increasing the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, stating that there is "no freedom in addiction". If the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is passed into law, individuals born after January 1, 2009, will be prohibited from legally smoking. The Bill encountered criticism during its second reading, with Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell arguing in favour of individual choice, while the Liberal Democrats expressed concerns regarding civil liberties. On Tuesday, the Bill successfully cleared its initial hurdle in the House of Commons, with a majority of 368 votes (415 to 47) in favour of its approval. The voting records revealed that Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was among those who voted against the Bill during its second reading. Conservative MPs were granted a free vote, with 23 Tories, including former health secretary Victoria Atkins, voting in support of the Bill, while 35 voted against it. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter The proposed legislation includes a comprehensive ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, aligning with existing tobacco restrictions, to prevent displays visible to children and young people, such as those on buses, in cinemas, and shop windows. In his opening statement for the second reading debate, Mr Streeting declared: "This Bill will come down on the vaping industry like a ton of bricks to prevent a new generation of children and young people from getting hooked on nicotine." Conservative MP Bob Blackman has urged for tougher measures on tobacco companies, including a levy on their profits to make them accountable "for the blight on our population's health". "Both of my parents died from smoking-related cancer. My late mother was only 47, and she was a very heavy smoker all her life. I was then left as a 23-year-old with three younger sisters to bring up as a family," he recounted. "I don't want any families in this country to have to go through what our family went through then. So this for me is personal, as well as political." The Harrow East MP, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for smoking and health, advocated for the "implementation of a polluter pays tobacco levy on the profits of big tobacco, addressing issues of both market prices and limiting the profitability of the industry". Romford MP Mr Rosindell countered by saying "banning things very rarely works", and argued: "Surely we should be promoting the concept of freedom with responsibility and allowing people to make choices about their own lives?" In response, Mr Streeting highlighted the unique dangers of tobacco, stating: "There is no liberty in addiction. There is no freedom in addiction, and the logical extension of the libertarian argument he puts forward would be the end of the ban on indoor smoking." Liberal Democrats' health spokesperson Helen Morgan expressed concerns regarding the gradated smoking ban, highlighting: "The introduction of a phased smoking ban is problematic and not because Liberal Democrats want to see people smoke themselves into an early grave far from it but because it raises issues of practicality and raises issues of civil liberties." She cautioned against potential implications of the Bill for personal freedoms, elaborating that it "raises the prospect of an ID card, because those people who do choose to start smoking will potentially be forced to carry an ID card or some other form of ID with them for the rest of their lives, and that is a concern for a Liberal Democrat who is strongly opposed to requiring people to carry their ID around with them for various issues of privacy and personal liberty". Health minister Andrew Gwynne reassured: "Most retailers already follow recommended practice and regularly ask customers for ID." Explaining the government's approach, he stated, "We are stopping people from ever starting smoking and 83% of smokers start before the age of 20, this means that someone who has never previously smoked is highly unlikely to want to take up smoking later in life." Gwynne further shared positive projections, noting, "And our published modelling shows that smoking rates in England for 14 to 30-year-olds could be close to 0% as early as 2050, with the measures in this Bill." Reflecting on the Government's approach, Reform UK MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock James McMurdock urged Ministers to "think very carefully" about their "remit". He said: "I would just ask everyone in the room to consider what kind of world and country we actually want to live in, one where we could send one of the kids down to the shop, pick something up for us, or one where we literally are forced to police people's behaviour in parks? And I think we should think very carefully about what our remit is as a Government." The Bill aims to curb smoking in areas popular with children. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Streeting explained plans to consult on a smoking ban outside schools, hospitals, and playgrounds. He clarified that pubs and other hospitality spaces would be exempt from the consultation. The legislation will also grant powers for authorities to licence retailers selling tobacco and vaping products across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Fines of £200 will be handed out to retailers who fail to verify the age of customers. ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities. We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all! To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. 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What's New A Utah family turned their struggle with an insurance denial into a gesture of holiday kindness. After Select Health refused to cover a prosthetic arm for 9-year-old Remington Bateman, citing it as "not medically necessary," the Batemans launched a GoFundMe and raised over $30,000. When CrowdHealth stepped in to cover the cost of her Hero Arm, the family used the donations to help an 8-year-old boy in Maryland who also needed a Hero Arm. Newsweek has contacted Select Health and the Bateman family for comment but has not received a response at the time of publication. Why It Matters Insurance denials for transformative medical devices pose a significant challenge for families. Devices like the Hero Arm, equipped with advanced sensors to replicate natural hand movements, offer valuable benefits for children's growth, health, and overall well-being. Yet, insurance providers often classify these devices as nonessential, forcing families to depend on public generosity to afford them. The Batemans' efforts highlight the critical gaps in insurance coverage and the role of community support in overcoming these challenges. "The reason we shared Remi's story in the first place was to raise awareness of the impact insurance denials have," said Jami Bateman, Remi's mother to Open Bionics. "Remi absolutely needs this device to aid her in two-handed tasks and activities. It is going to support her spinal and shoulder health as she grows too," she added. What To Know Remington's campaign went viral after her mother, Jami Bateman, shared the family's frustrations over the insurance denial. The GoFundMe page rapidly exceeded its goal, raising over $30,000. Shortly afterward, CrowdHealth stepped in to cover the full cost of Remi's Hero Arm. With the financial burden lifted, the Batemans used the funds to assist another child, Taj, who also faced insurance challenges. Taj's family was overwhelmed by the generosity. "We are just so grateful to Remi and her family. This is a blessing," Taj's mother said, according to Open Bionics. Remington was equally excited about the opportunity to help others. "As soon as I saw that I had raised enough money to help someone else, I wanted to," she said. "Being able to help Taj means a lot to me." Remi's prosthetics team emphasized the Hero Arm's potential to enhance her quality of life. Elise Dreiling, her clinician, explained, "We determined that Remi could utilize this technology to great effect. It will improve her life and health. We hope insurance companies will begin to approve more devices for upper-limb amputees." What People Are Saying Elise Dreiling, Remington's clinician, Open Bionics Colorado: "We're so glad that Remi will get her Hero Arm. After a careful evaluation, we determined that Remi could utilise this technology to great effect and it would improve her life and health. We hope insurance companies will begin to approve more devices for upper limb amputees that can significantly impact their health and quality of life." Dave Stark, Internet user, on Instagram: "The biggest story here is that in the richest Nation on Earth that a child or even a parent would have to raise money for something like this." Karissa Barbados, Internet user, on Instagram: "Love this girl's heart, but denial of insurance coverage is sickening in a situation like this." What Happens Next The Batemans plan to keep their GoFundMe campaign active, aiming to assist additional children in need of prosthetics.Paymentus to Participate in Upcoming December 2024 Investor ConferencesNone
Bill Plaschke: Most Valuable Ever! Shohei Ohtani wins MVP with best season in LA sports history.Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader. The Kentucky Republican revealed he will assume the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. The role dovetails with his constant message that America needs a bulked-up military to deter threats from adversaries such as Russia, Iran and China. The transition comes as McConnell is ending his role as the longest-serving Senate leader in history, just as Republicans prepare to take majority control of the chamber after big gains in this month's election. Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune , a top deputy to McConnell, as the next Senate majority leader. McConnell, 82, said Thursday he will assume the subcommittee chairmanship at a critical time. “America’s national security interests face the gravest array of threats since the Second World War," the senator said in a statement. “At this critical moment, a new Senate Republican majority has a responsibility to secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy.” McConnell frequently evokes Ronald Reagan’s mantra of “peace through strength” when discussing foreign policy risks and how the U.S. should respond. McConnell's stance could clash with President-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine on foreign affairs. McConnell worked with Trump on a tax cuts package and the appointment of conservative judges — including three justices to the nine-member Supreme Court — during Trump's first term as president. Fighting back against isolationism within his own party, McConnell has championed sending weapons and other aid to Ukraine as it fends off Russia’s invasion. McConnell said Thursday he's also set to become chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which is often a more low-key panel at the center of big issues, both at the Capitol and in the country. The committee oversees the administration of the Senate side of the building, including during inaugurations. But it also puts McConnnell at the center of weighty topics, namely federal elections and voting rights as well as the procedures of the Senate, including the debate around the filibuster. McConnell said the committee will have important work in the coming two years. “Defending the Senate as an institution and protecting the right to political speech in our elections remain among my longest-standing priorities,” he said. There had been considerable speculation about what roles McConnell would take after stepping down as Republican leader. He has two years left in his current Senate term and has not signaled whether he will run for reelection in Kentucky in 2026. McConnell has been a prolific appropriator for the Bluegrass State, a role he’s well positioned to continue.
Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 Palestinians The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank. The ministry said three of the dead were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The attacks took place around the city of Tulkarem and nearby refugee camps. 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 somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza. Most festivities were cancelled and crowds of tourists were absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning.HOUSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 27 points before being one of six people ejected after a fight in the final minute of the Miami Heat’s 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Herro was thrown to the ground by the Rockets’ Amen Thompson with 35 seconds left and the Heat leading 99-94. Players and coaches from both benches then came onto the court. Both players were thrown out along with Rockets guard Jalen Green, coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier was also ejected for Miami. Houston led 92-85 after Fred VanVleet’s layup with 8:10 to play, but the Rockets missed their next 11 shots, allowing Miami to tie the game when Herro found Haywood Highsmith for a 3-pointer with 4:47 to play. Herro’s jumper with 1:56 to play put the Heat on top for good. MAGIC 102, NETS 101 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Cole Anthony drove for a layup with 0.2 seconds left to complete Orlando’s 17-point fourth-quarter comeback in a win over Brooklyn. Cam Thomas missed a jumper from the corner at the final horn. Anthony scored 10, and Tristan da Silva scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter for Orlando, which was down 71-51 midway through the third quarter. Goga Bitadze added 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. The Magic’s comeback was their second in eight days after Orlando rallied from 25 points down to beat Miami 121-114 on Dec. 21. Thomas came off the bench with 25 points to lead the Nets in his first game since Nov. 25. Jalen Wilson added 16 points including two free throws with 6.2 seconds left. Thomas, Brooklyn’s leading scorer with 24.7 points per game, played 25 minutes after missing 13 games with a strained left hamstring. PACERS 123, CELTICS 114 BOSTON (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points and Indiana rebounded from a 37-point loss to Boston two nights earlier by winning the rematch. Andrew Nembhard, who returned after missing Friday’s game with tendinitis in his left knee, added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Pacers. Pascal Siakam chipped in with 17 points and Bennedict Mathurin had 14. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 31 points and six assists. Jayson Tatum had 22 points, nine boards and six assists. Payton Pritchard added 21 points and Derrick White scored 17. The Celtics lost their sixth game at home already this season. Last season, they went 37-4 at TD Garden during the regular season and 9-2 in the playoffs en route to the NBA championship. HAWKS 136, RAPTORS 107 TORONTO (AP) — Trae Young had 34 points and 10 assists, De’Andre Hunter scored 22 points and Atlanta routed Toronto for their fourth straight win. Clint Capela had 11 points and 13 rebounds as the Hawks opened a six-game trip by handing the reeling Raptors their 10th consecutive loss. Scottie Barnes scored 19 points and RJ Barrett had 17, but the Raptors fell behind by more than 30 points and allowed more than 130 for the second straight game. Toronto gave up a franchise-worst 155 points in Thursday’s loss at Memphis. Young shot 7 for 13 from 3-point range, singlehandedly making as many shots from distance than the entire Raptors team, who combined to go 7 for 24. Toronto’s Bruce Brown made his season debut after sitting out the first 31 games recovering from right knee surgery. Brown soared for a one-handed dunk for his first points shortly after entering the game in the first quarter. He finished with 12 points in 19 minutes. THUNDER 130, GRIZZLIES 106 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and Oklahoma City won their 11th straight game, beating short-handed Memphis in a matchup of Western Conference leaders that turned lopsided before halftime. Rookie Ajay Mitchell scored 17 points, Aaron Wiggins contributed 16 and Jalen Williams added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder (26-5), who opened a five-game lead over second-place Memphis. Gilgeous-Alexander made 14 of 19 shots to go along with seven assists, six rebounds and a team-high four blocks. He sat most of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City blocked nine shots, including three by center Isaiah Hartenstein. The Thunder led 76-50 at halftime behind 23 points from Gilgeous-Alexander and 12 each from Mitchell and Kenrich Williams, who combined to go 5 for 7 on 3-point shots. Oklahoma City outscored the Grizzlies 42-19 in the second quarter to take control. Desmond Bane had 22 points and nine rebounds for Memphis (22-11), which played without star Ja Morant (shoulder) and Zach Edey, the team’s No. 9 overall draft pick, who was in concussion protocol. Jay Huff added 17 points but Jaren Jackson Jr., the team’s leading scorer at 21.9 points per game, managed 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting.