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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops stormed one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, forcing many staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather , the territory’s health ministry said. The army denied claims it had entered or set fire to the complex and accused Hamas of using the facility for cover. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods, according to staff. The ministry said a strike on the hospital a day earlier killed five medical staff. Israel's military said it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area and had ordered people out of the hospital, but said it had not entered the complex as of Friday night. It repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan but provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. The Health Ministry said troops forced medical personnel and patients to assemble in the yard and remove their clothes. Some were led to an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israel raid this week. Israeli troops during raids frequently carry out mass detentions, stripping men to their underwear for questioning in what the military says is a security measure as they search for Hamas fighters. The Associated Press doesn’t have access to Kamal Adwan, but armed plainclothes members of the Hamas-led police forces have been seen in other hospitals, maintaining security but also controlling access to parts of the facilities. The Health Ministry said Israeli troops also set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan, including the lab and surgery department. It said 25 patients and 60 health workers remained in the hospital. The account could not be independently confirmed, and attempts to reach hospital staff were unsuccessful. “Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital,” an unidentified staff member said in an audio message posted on social media accounts of hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. The staffer said some evacuated patients had been unhooked from oxygen. “There are currently patients who could die at any moment,” she said. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, denied the accusations. “While IDF troops were not in the hospital, a small fire broke out in an empty building inside the hospital that is under control,” he said Friday night. He said a preliminary investigation found “no connection” between military activity and the fire. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movements of Palestinians in Gaza and has barred foreign journalists from entering the territory throughout the war, making it difficult to verify information. “These actions put the lives of all of these people in even more danger than what they faced before,” U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told journalists, and noted colleagues' reports of “significant damage” to the hospital. It should be protected as international law requires, she added. Since October, Israel’s offensive has virtually sealed off the northern Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and leveled large parts of them. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced out but thousands are believed to remain in the area, where Kamal Adwan and two other hospitals are located. Troops raided Kamal Adwan in October, and on Tuesday troops stormed and evacuated the Indonesian Hospital. The area has been cut off from food and other aid for months , raising fears of famine . The United Nations says Israeli troops allowed just four humanitarian deliveries to the area from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23. The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights-Israel this week petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice, seeking a halt to military attacks on Kamal Adwan. It warned that forcibly evacuating the hospital would “abandon thousands of residents in northern Gaza.” Before the latest deaths Thursday, the group documented five other staffers killed by Israeli fire since October. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza vowing to destroy Hamas after the group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third believed to be dead. Israel’s nearly 15-month-old campaign of bombardment and offensives has devastated the territory’s health sector. A year ago, it carried out raids on hospitals in northern Gaza, including Kamal Adwan, Indonesian and al-Awda Hospital, saying they served as bases for Hamas, though it presented little evidence. Israel’s campaign has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians, more than half women and children, and wounded more than 108,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been driven from their homes, most now sheltering in sprawling tent camps in south and central Gaza. Children and adults, many barefoot, huddled Friday on the cold sand in tents whose plastic and cloth sheets whipped in the wind. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s Fahrenheit (below 10 Celsius), and sea spray from the Mediterranean can dampen tents just steps away. "I swear to God, their mother and I cover ourselves with one blanket and we cover (their five children) with three blankets that we got from neighbors. Sea waters drowned everything that was ours,” said Muhammad al-Sous, displaced from Beit Lahiya in the north. The children collect plastic bottles to make fires, and pile under the blankets when their only set of clothes is washed and dried in the wind. At least three babies in Gaza have died from exposure to cold in recent days , doctors there have said, and the Health Ministry said an adult — a nurse who worked at the European Hospital — also died this week. Khaled and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Narions contributed to this report.LPL Financial Reports Monthly Activity for October 2024mcw casino open now 。

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn't improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.

Pakistan's investment-to-GDP ratio has been enervating. At a meager 13.1% in Fiscal Year 2024 — the lowest in the past 64 years — the country continues to grapple with economic incoherence. This underscores that, despite the much-celebrated “ stabilisation ” following the IMF’s programme, the current recovery is neither sustainable nor sufficient. Economic vulnerabilities remain high unless there is a comprehensive overhaul of the government’s mechanics at both the strategic (policy) and operational levels. Historically, Pakistan’s investment-to-GDP ratio has seen a troubling decline. The 1960s recorded the highest average at 18.7%, followed by the 1980s and 1990s at 18.5%. However, since 2011, the ratio has averaged just 15.2%, reflecting a concerning trend for economic durability as our GDP panorama has remained primarily consumption-driven. Additionally, a regional comparison reveals an even grimmer scenario. While South Asia averages 31.8%, countries like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam report significantly higher ratios of 33.74%, 30.95%, and 32.75%, respectively. This disparity embodies the shortsightedness of Pakistan’s policy-makers in fostering global competitiveness vis-à-vis our neighbours. Investment is a bedrock for economic growth, fomenting the creation of capital assets like infrastructure, factories, and technology. A low investment ratio signals insufficient capital formation, which hinders long-term productivity and concurrent growth. Low investment also limits modernisation in industries and the adoption of advanced technologies, increasing dependence on imports and exposing the economy to global economic shocks, perennial current account deficits, and volatile exchange rates. Lack of fiscal discipline is another visceral problem in the economic milieu, causing trouble and leading to an informal economy, which in turn deteriorates investment in the economy It also reflects limited private sector participation, driven by an unfavourable business environment, regulatory barriers, high borrowing costs, and weak investor confidence. This is evident from banks' preference to invest in government securities rather than lending to consumers. As highlighted by PwC’s 2024 Banking Publication , credit to the private sector as a percentage of GDP is a mere 12% in Pakistan, compared to 50% in India, 38% in Bangladesh, and 47% in Sri Lanka. These figures, coupled with declining business confidence and a deteriorating ease of doing business, paint a dire picture for private sector investment. Bridging The Gender Gap In Pakistan's Climate Finance Lack of fiscal discipline is another visceral problem in the economic milieu, causing trouble and leading to an informal economy, which in turn deteriorates investment in the economy. The government is guilty of incessant current expenditure (an increase of around 30% YoY in Budget-25, with around 56% of the budget allocated to interest payments), sapping the revenue pool and forcing the FBR to heavily tax. Like other governmental machinery, the FBR also has a penchant for taking the easy way out is taxing the taxed , owing this myopia first to the lethargic post-colonial administration and second to the deepening of elitist pockets. There is hostility and a lack of trust between the State and its citizens, causing trouble both for the government in running its affairs and for individuals in thriving like those in business-friendly economies The lack of governance and fruitful policies in revenue mobilisation is obvious from the following instances: Per FBR’s report on 2023-24 performance, an analysis of the income tax collection indicates that withholding tax accounts for 29% of the FBR’s total collection and represents 60% of the income tax collected. Further, B-25 has set an exorbitant target of Rs12.9 trillion in tax revenue (couched within an enormous withholding-station ), representing a 40.2% growth from the previous period. Salaried individuals as well as non-salaried individuals/AOPs are to be taxed heavily under a kaleidoscopic mosaic of the normal tax regime, surcharge, and super tax—one of the most vibrant taxation tapestries worldwide. In other words, a person may end up working for six to seven months just to pay taxes. And not to mention, the exorbitant corporate tax rate of 29% (compared to the worldwide average of 23%), plus additional super tax and tax on dividend distribution. With a myopic taxation landscape and a lack of conducive business clime (obvious from WB’s Ease of Doing Business rankings and Business Ready Report ), the government is warding off corporatisation and dissuading urban high-income and upper-middle-income segments from remaining within the documented economy. Consequently, the informal economy is where savings thrive, as evident from high cash circulation; people prefer keeping savings in gold, real estate, or cash rather than channeling them into the formal economy. There is hostility and a lack of trust between the State and its citizens, causing trouble both for the government in running its affairs and for individuals in thriving like those in business-friendly economies. Imran Khan's Global Leadership And Bridging Borders In South Asia To provide economic opportunities to more than 2.5 million young people entering the labor market annually, there is a need to double investment levels. Another impasse hampering investment is the plummeting development budget: a decrease of around 156% since FY16. Pakistan could not even spend 50% of the meagre Rs950 billion it allocated for the PSDP in FY 2023-24, as per the last quarterly report (2024) of the Ministry of Planning and Development. The state of planning is so dire that to complete the overall backlog of development projects, the country would need Rs10.7 trillion (more than 14 times the budget allocation of Rs727 billion in 2022-23). There is no silver bullet for Pakistan's current disposition. The only way to address Pakistan’s investment challenges is through a comprehensive reform agenda. The government must prioritise fiscal discipline by cutting current expenditures (this includes sequestration of SOEs bleeding resources, eliminating unfunded pensions, and curbing elitist rent-seeking) and implementing robust debt management strategies to create fiscal space for public sector development programmes (PSDP), which can have a multiplier effect on economic growth. These projects should be free from political maneuvering, be ‘development-based’ rather than purely ‘infrastructural,’ and contribute to the welfare, economic growth, or development of the people. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could also play a significant role by attracting private investment and fostering joint ventures between local and Chinese investors, particularly in export-oriented industries Tax reforms are critical—rather than overburdening the already taxed sectors, efforts should focus on bringing the undocumented economy into the tax net. Pakistan needs a fairer, more transparent, and simpler tax system that encourages compliance, fosters sustainable economic growth, and achieves fiscal sovereignty. Additionally, a national programme to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should be launched to encourage entrepreneurship and safeguard social development indicators. Gender Gap In Climate Leadership: Why COP29 Must Elevate Women And Young Girls In Climate Action Political consensus is equally vital; political parties must recognise the gravity of the economic situation and make swift, informed decisions to enable meaningful reforms. Governance improvements are essential at both political and bureaucratic levels to ensure efficient decision-making and effective resource allocation. Pakistan must prioritise empowering the private sector to engage with interested investors in China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. Government-to-government transactions face complexities stemming from challenges such as limited capacity within ministries, weak audit practices, and legal complications. The government needs to offer a package of financial and regulatory incentives free from rent-seeking and ill-governance. Leveraging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could also play a significant role by attracting private investment and fostering joint ventures between local and Chinese investors, particularly in export-oriented industries. Industry-centric strategies must be adopted to enhance value addition, improve production efficiency, promote technology adoption, and address specific investment needs. To sustain long-term growth, the government should prioritise the development of human capital through investments in education and vocational training, particularly in technology and high-growth sectors. Partnerships with international institutions to enhance skill-building programmes can bridge the gap between workforce capabilities and industry requirements. Lastly, creating a robust framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) could accelerate infrastructure development and provide shared accountability, ensuring efficient use of resources. These measures, collectively, can pave the way for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan. Without immediate and synchronised efforts from all stakeholders, Pakistan risks falling further behind in global competitiveness, with dire consequences for future generations. Pakistan faces a Rape Epidemic: Has Pakistan failed its women?BOSTON (AP) — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen , who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel dies at 78

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Vistra VST has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 30.38% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 43.46%. Currently, Vistra has a market capitalization of $47.52 billion. Buying $1000 In VST: If an investor had bought $1000 of VST stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $6,120.95 today based on a price of $139.68 for VST at the time of writing. Vistra's Performance Over Last 5 Years Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time,” said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.

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Happy Monday Saints. Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As we wrap up 2024, Romans 12:2 challenges us to resist the world’s patterns and seek transformation by renewing our minds. The world tries to pull us into conformity—pushing us to embrace its fears and values. With social media and cultural norms shaping our thoughts, it’s easy to stray from God’s path. As we gear up for 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on how much we’ve let these influences affect our mindset. God offers us a different way to live, starting with a transformed mind. This isn’t just about changing our behaviour; it’s about shifting our perspective to align with His Word. Think about how powerful it would be if we let Scripture renew our minds every day. How would that change our actions, decisions, and relationships? Take a moment to think about your thoughts. Are they in line with God’s will? Are there areas where you’re conforming to what the world says? As we step into the new year, make a commitment to spend time in prayer and Scripture. Ask God to show you where you need renewal. Let His Word guide your thoughts and actions. Transformation often means stepping out of our comfort zones. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to change—whether it’s in your relationships, work, or spiritual life. Take practical steps toward that change, trusting God will help and strengthen you. As you prepare for 2025, set goals that reflect your desire for transformation. What do you want to grow in? Write them down and pray over them, asking for God’s guidance and strength. As you transition into 2025, embrace this journey of transformation. Allow God to renew your mind and heart. May the coming year be filled with growth, purpose, and a deeper understanding of His will for your life. Have a fabulous day preparing for the new year. God bless and lots’a love, Warren #THRIVEIN2025 Author Recent Posts Be Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind In 2025 - December 30, 2024 How are we sharing the light of Jesus with others? - December 27, 2024 “They saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped Him” - December 27, 2024 RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR “They saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped Him” Gods Unconditional Love and Mercy A Joy Anchored in Christ LEAVE A REPLY

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ( NASDAQ:HST – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Saturday, December 28th, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.20 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.45%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Host Hotels & Resorts has increased its dividend payment by an average of 48.1% per year over the last three years. Host Hotels & Resorts has a payout ratio of 87.0% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the company’s earnings tumble. Equities research analysts expect Host Hotels & Resorts to earn $1.96 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 40.8%. Host Hotels & Resorts Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ HST opened at $17.98 on Friday. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $18.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 2.90 and a current ratio of 2.90. Host Hotels & Resorts has a 52 week low of $15.71 and a 52 week high of $21.31. The firm has a market cap of $12.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.46 and a beta of 1.32. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HST has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Host Hotels & Resorts from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Host Hotels & Resorts from $23.00 to $20.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Host Hotels & Resorts from $21.00 to $20.50 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 22nd. UBS Group cut their price target on Host Hotels & Resorts from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Host Hotels & Resorts from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $21.39. Read Our Latest Report on Host Hotels & Resorts About Host Hotels & Resorts ( Get Free Report ) Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc is an S&P 500 company and is the largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. The Company currently owns 72 properties in the United States and five properties internationally totaling approximately 42,000 rooms. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Host Hotels & Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Host Hotels & Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Solly returns but it's another night of frustration for Albion