Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”
The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Israel. The resolution -- adopted by a vote of 158-9, with 13 abstentions -- urges "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire," and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" -- wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month. At that time, Washington used its veto power on the Council -- as it has before -- to protect its ally Israel, which has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack. It has insisted on the idea of making a ceasefire conditional on the release of all hostages in Gaza, saying otherwise that Hamas has no incentive to free those in captivity. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood repeated that position Wednesday, saying it would be "shameful and wrong" to adopt the text. Ahead of the vote, Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon said: "The resolutions before the assembly today are beyond logic. (...) The vote today is not a vote for compassion. It is a vote for complicity." The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council, which has been largely paralyzed on hot-button issues such as Gaza and Ukraine due to internal politics, and this time is no different. The resolution, which is non-binding, demands "immediate access" to widespread humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, especially in the besieged north of the territory. Dozens of representatives of UN member states addressed the Assembly before the vote to offer their support to the Palestinians. "Gaza doesn't exist anymore. It is destroyed," said Slovenia's UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. "History is the harshest critic of inaction." That criticism was echoed by Algeria's deputy UN ambassador Nacim Gaouaoui, who said: "The price of silence and failure in the face of the Palestinian tragedy is a very heavy price, and it will be heavier tomorrow." Hamas's October 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. That count includes hostages who died or were killed while being held in Gaza. Militants abducted 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 44,805 people, a majority of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry that is considered reliable by the United Nations. "Gaza today is the bleeding heart of Palestine," Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said last week during the first day of debate in the Assembly's special session on the issue. "The images of our children burning in tents, with no food in their bellies and no hopes and no horizon for the future, and after having endured pain and loss for more than a year, should haunt the conscience of the world and prompt action to end this nightmare," he said, calling for an end to the "impunity." After Wednesday's vote, he said "we will keep knocking on the doors of the Security Council and the General Assembly until we see an immediate and unconditional ceasefire put in place." The Gaza resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present "proposals on how the United Nations could help to advance accountability" by using existing mechanisms or creating new ones based on past experience. The Assembly, for example, created an international mechanism to gather evidence of crimes committed in Syria starting from the outbreak of civil war in 2011. A second resolution calling on Israel to respect the mandate of the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and allow it to continue its operations was passed Wednesday by a vote of 159-9 with 11 abstentions. Israel has voted to ban the organization starting January 28, after accusing some UNRWA employees of taking part in Hamas's devastating attack. abd/sst/jgc/nro/desBarcelona, Bayern, and Arsenal secured vital wins as Manchester City’s defensive woes continued in a dramatic Champions League matchday. New Delhi: The UEFA Champions League delivered another thrilling matchday with exciting clashes and dramatic turnarounds across Europe. Teams battled fiercely to secure vital points as the league phase nears its conclusion. From commanding wins by Atalanta and Arsenal to a resilient fightback by Feyenoord against Manchester City, the action had it all. Standout performances included Charles De Ketelaere’s brilliance for Atalanta in their 6-1 demolition of Young Boys, while Bayern Munich edged past PSG with a gritty 1-0 victory. Elsewhere, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen showcased their dominance, while Inter Milan’s narrow win over RB Leipzig solidified their top spot. However, Manchester City’s six-match winless streak continued as they let a three-goal lead slip in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Manchester City 3-3 Feyenoord 😳❗️ From 3-0 to 3-3! pic.twitter.com/i38Xid1XS8 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 26, 2024 Manchester City’s struggles continued as they threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in a dramatic Champions League encounter. This result extends Pep Guardiola’s winless run to six matches, the worst streak of his managerial career. City appeared to be in full control when Erling Haaland struck twice, either side of Ilkay Gundogan’s deflected volley. The home side dominated for most of the match, with Feyenoord offering little resistance until the final 15 minutes. Guardiola even introduced Kevin De Bruyne and youngsters James McAtee and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, seemingly confident the game was sealed. But Feyenoord fought back. Anis Hadj Moussa punished a Josko Gvardiol error to pull one back. Substitute Santiago Gimenez then made it 3-2 with a close-range finish, before David Hancko stunned the Etihad with a late equaliser. Defensive lapses and Ederson’s poor showing left City reeling. The draw halts a five-game losing streak but feels like a defeat. City now sit 15th in the Champions League table, with their form raising serious concerns. A trip to Anfield looms on Sunday, where defeat could widen the gap to the league leaders. Guardiola and his side are now staring at a genuine crisis. FC Barcelona 3-0 Brest ⭐️ FULL TIME!!! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/gWM5mFGQwX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 26, 2024 Barcelona secured their fourth consecutive UEFA Champions League League Phase win with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Brest at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium. The victory solidified their place in the top eight and eased concerns after a recent dip in form. Though it took 65 minutes to settle into a comfortable lead, Hansi Flick’s side showcased their dominance and controlled the match throughout. The game started brightly for Barça, who took the lead after just ten minutes. Robert Lewandowski calmly converted from the penalty spot following a foul by Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot, marking his 100th Champions League goal. The hosts dictated the tempo, pressing high and recovering possession quickly, but struggled with their decision-making in the final third. Despite creating several chances, they couldn’t add to their lead before the break, with Brest’s defence and Bizot making crucial interventions. In the second half, Barcelona continued to dominate possession and create opportunities but found Brest difficult to break down. Dani Olmo came close, only to see his effort cleared off the line. Persistence paid off on 65 minutes when Gerard Martín’s pinpoint pass found Olmo, who evaded defenders and slotted home to double the advantage. Barça remained in control and sealed the win in stoppage time. Alejandro Balde delivered a perfect assist for Lewandowski, who finished with style to complete his brace. While the scoreline could have been more emphatic given their dominance, this comprehensive performance takes Barcelona a step closer to the Champions League Round of 16. In the second half, Barcelona continued to dominate possession and create opportunities but found Brest difficult to break down. Dani Olmo came close, only to see his effort cleared off the line. Persistence paid off on 65 minutes when Gerard Martín’s pinpoint pass found Olmo, who evaded defenders and slotted home to double the advantage. Barca remained in control and sealed the win in stoppage time. Alejandro Balde delivered a perfect assist for Lewandowski, who finished with style to complete his brace. While the scoreline could have been more emphatic given their dominance, this comprehensive performance takes Barcelona a step closer to the Champions League Round of 16. Bayern Munich 1-0 Paris St. Germain 🔔 FULL TIME – Victory at home! +3 in the #UCL 👏❤️ #FCBayern #MiaSanMia | #FCBPSG #UCL pic.twitter.com/BYE23dXXih — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) November 26, 2024 Bayern Munich edged out Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in a gritty encounter on Tuesday evening at the Allianz Arena in matchday five of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League League Phase. Vincent Kompany’s side earned a vital three points thanks to Kim Min-jae’s first-half header, moving them closer to a top-eight finish while delivering a blow to PSG’s chances. Kompany fielded a strong XI featuring Manuel Neuer, Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies in defence; Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield; and Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, and Harry Kane in attack. The opening minutes saw Bayern miss a golden chance as Musiala’s close-range effort was saved, while PSG immediately countered but failed to capitalise through Ousmane Dembele. Both sides exchanged half-chances, with Coman narrowly missing after a brilliant solo run and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery firing wide from a promising position. The breakthrough came just after the half-hour mark when Kim Min-jae rose highest to head home following a scrambled PSG clearance from a corner. Bayern nearly doubled their lead moments later, but Coman’s audacious lob bounced onto the roof of the net. As the half concluded, Leroy Sane forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Bayern heading into the break one goal up. The second half started with drama as PSG’s Dembele received a second yellow card for a foul on Davies, reducing the French champions to 10 men. Despite the numerical advantage, Bayern found PSG difficult to break down and missed opportunities to extend their lead. Musiala struck the post after a superb solo effort, while substitute Michael Olise came close immediately after his introduction but couldn’t find the finish. In the dying moments, Serge Gnabry stretched for a Thomas Muller cross but failed to convert, though it mattered little as Bayern secured the win. The result puts them in 11th place, just a point off the top eight, with a favourable schedule remaining. This defeat ends PSG’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Inter Milan 1-0 RB Leipzig ANOTHER BIG WIN 🖤💙 #ForzaInter #InterRBL #UCL pic.twitter.com/4ttb7pWpNQ — Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) November 26, 2024 Inter Milan edged past RB Leipzig 1-0 in their Champions League clash on Tuesday, thanks to an own goal by Castello Lukeba. The narrow victory at the San Siro sees the Italian champions move to the top of the standings, remaining unbeaten in the league phase. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Federico Dimarco’s dangerous free kick caused havoc in Leipzig’s defence, forcing Lukeba to turn the ball into his net inadvertently. Inter maintained control for most of the match, creating a few chances to double their lead, but failed to capitalise. Leipzig’s struggles were evident as they offered little going forward, extending their winless run to five matches in the competition. The German side remains rooted at the bottom of the table with no points, facing an early exit. Inter’s win takes them to 13 points, one ahead of Barcelona, who defeated Brest 3-0. Liverpool and Real Madrid, set to face off on Wednesday, will look to challenge the top positions. With one match remaining, Inter are firmly in control of their destiny and edging closer to securing a top-eight finish. Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 RB Salzburg Was. Für. Ein. Abend. 🔥😮💨 🔙 #B04SAL 5:0 pic.twitter.com/UkefkbESQY — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) November 26, 2024 Bayer Leverkusen reignited their Champions League campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over RB Salzburg on Tuesday night. Florian Wirtz starred with a brace, and Xabi Alonso’s side made light work of their Austrian opponents at the BayArena. The home side stormed into an early lead. Wirtz opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the eighth minute after Samson Baidoo’s handball, and Alejandro Grimaldo doubled the advantage three minutes later with a superb free kick. Wirtz added his second just before the half-hour mark, weaving through Salzburg’s defence to slot home. After the break, Leverkusen maintained their intensity. Patrik Schick made it 4-0 midway through the second half, and Aleix Garcia completed the rout with a well-taken goal in the 72nd minute. Salzburg’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager made several crucial saves to prevent an even heavier defeat. The win lifts Leverkusen to 10 points in the standings, putting them back on track for a top-eight finish. Meanwhile, Salzburg remain stuck on three points, having suffered their fourth loss in five games. Leverkusen’s attacking fluidity and defensive solidity will provide a massive boost as they prepare for their final league-phase fixtures. Sporting 1-5 Arsenal Putting on a show at Sporting 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Yi9MgRZEkl — Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2024 Arsenal delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Sporting CP at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, making a bold statement in their Champions League campaign. The win propels the Gunners into the top eight of the league phase, signalling a return to their dominant form. From the outset, Arsenal overwhelmed the Portuguese champions. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the 7th minute, capitalising on a superb cross from Jurrien Timber, who was excellent throughout. Kai Havertz doubled the lead with a simple finish after Bukayo Saka’s clever assist. Gabriel Magalhaes made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, converting a well-rehearsed corner that left Sporting stunned. Despite a strong response from Sporting early in the second half, including Gonçalo Inacio’s goal from a corner, Arsenal regained control. Martin Odegaard’s relentless pressing earned a penalty, coolly converted by Saka, restoring Arsenal’s dominance. Leandro Trossard added a fifth with a header late on, capping off a comprehensive performance. Defensively, Arsenal were superb, nullifying Victor Gyokeres, Sporting’s in-form striker. The win showcases Arsenal’s growing confidence and momentum. With their fluid attack and solid defence back to their best, the Gunners are emerging as serious contenders in Europe once again. BSC Young Boys 1-6 Atalanta FULL TIME | Per notti come questa 🌌 Nights like these ✨ #UCL #YoungBoysAtalanta 1-6 FT #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/6Ybd55PYAJ — Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) November 26, 2024 Charles De Ketelaere put on a masterclass as Atalanta crushed Young Boys 6-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, underlining their attacking prowess. The Belgian forward was the star of the night, contributing three assists and scoring twice in a scintillating display. Atalanta wasted no time, with De Ketelaere setting up Mateo Retegui to open the scoring in the 9th minute. Although Silvere Ganvoula equalised for Young Boys just two minutes later, the visitors quickly regained control. De Ketelaere restored Atalanta’s lead with a well-taken goal in the 28th minute and turned provider again three minutes later, delivering an assist to Sead Kolasinac for a third. The first-half onslaught continued as Retegui netted his second in the 39th minute, once again assisted by De Ketelaere, as the Italian striker made the most of a perfectly weighted pass. Atalanta carried a commanding 4-1 lead into the break. The dominance resumed after halftime, with De Ketelaere adding a fifth goal in the 56th minute. His low shot from the edge of the box took a deflection, leaving the Young Boys keeper helpless. Substituted in the 75th minute to a standing ovation, De Ketelaere had already sealed his status as the man of the match. Lazar Samardzic rounded off the rout with a stoppage-time goal, ensuring Atalanta’s emphatic victory. Click for more latest Football news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Nillohit Bagchi is enthusiastic young football journalist with a keen eye for detail, delivering fresh insights and dynamic coverage of global matches.
Independent candidate for Bradfield Nicolette Boele (Image: Private Media) When Liberal frontbencher Paul Fletcher gave a speech declaring the teals a “Green left con job”, it was clear he’d made a huge mistake. Fletcher insulted teal voters, suggesting they’d been “duped” by left-wing front groups. According to Bernard Keane , the bizarre conspiracy was the most interesting thing the Bradfield MP had ever said, arguing Fletcher had failed to grasp why traditional liberals were turning away. Letters from locals were equally scathing, with one declaring Fletcher “just signed [his] own dismissal notice”. It seemed like good news for independent Nicolette Boele, the self-styled “shadow member for Bradfield”, who reduced Fletcher’s margin to just 4.2% in 2022 (a redistribution has since cut it to 2.5%). North Sydney MP Kylea Tink, whose neighbouring seat is being abolished , then revealed she wouldn’t contest Bradfield, backing Boele while comparing Fletcher to “a child throwing his toys out of the cot”. Paul Fletcher’s grand conspiracy theory is the most interesting thing he’s ever said Read More On Tuesday, Fletcher announced his retirement — making him the second “moderate” to quit in as many weeks . Colleagues were surprised , telling Crikey he’d been campaigning for reelection. “Time to let somebody else have a go”, Fletcher said, downplaying teal chances by arguing “the local mood is discernibly different from 2022”, when voters were eager to remove Scott Morrison. Boele was already a community candidate to watch in 2025. But the outlook just became even brighter for the clean energy expert, who’s spent the entire term campaigning (an incumbent’s retirement usually costs their party 1-2% of its margin ). Her team has knocked on about 5,000 doors in the wealthy electorate, spending mornings at bus stops and train stations; she even kept her campaign office, from which “ Voices of Bradfield ” helped run Bradfield for Yes , becoming the only Liberal-held seat to vote in favour of the Voice referendum. Donations have increased since Fletcher’s remarks, allowing Boele to hire more people for her campaign, which is mostly powered by volunteers — the “secret sauce” of the movement. She credits Tink for the extra “momentum”, noting the “generous endorsement” saw several members of Team Tink join Team Nic. Did the backlash to the speech contribute to Fletcher throwing in the towel? “I don’t know what was in Mr Fletcher’s mind,” Boele tells me. “If you can see your main opponent, and it’s a two-horse race, has been in the field for that long ... Maybe the 12 letters to The Sydney Morning Herald as soon as he insulted everybody was a feedback loop that he needed.” Boele has been critical of the speech, arguing it showed little respect for Fletcher’s constituents. Her statement about it was titled , “Bradfield voters aren’t dopes, Paul”. When I ask how it made her feel, she gives a very teal answer. “It was disappointing, but it wasn’t a surprise. I get very protective, kind of a mum instinct, with the constituents. Like, hang on a second, what do you mean we’re dim-witted? Obviously there were some overtones about the gendered part of it, too, which I didn’t take very nicely to.” Hard Solo and human rights: Why Kylea Tink won’t go quietly Read More Boele ticks all the teal boxes, and then some (for the purposes of my pieces, “teal” refers to climate-focused independents who contest wealthy, Liberal seats , all of whom have so far been white, professional mothers, many of whom have unique names). Raised on the North Shore by socially conscious Dutch parents, along with a “Howard-voting, Hawaiian shirt-wearing, Barker boy” stepdad, Boele has a perfectly teal resume , having spent 35 years working in climate policy and finance. She previously ran a consultancy with her brother, who is now “chief purpose officer” at KPMG. “He’s human rights guy and I’m climate change gal,” she jokes, arguing he was a big influence on her. When Kevin Rudd was prime minister, Boele “had a moment”. After initially thinking Rudd had “got my back on climate”, Labor dismissed the findings of the Garnaut Review , setting a 15% emissions reduction target rather than the 25% science demanded. “I actually went to bed for three months,” says Boele, suggesting it was an early case of climate anxiety. “More and more people were turning up, feeling so overwhelmed, who were deep in the policy world ... And it wasn’t like we didn’t have the technology either. It was the political will.” Boele got back up again, with the help of some experts in postnatal depression. But it was then that she gave up on the policy work she’d been involved in (including lobbying on behalf of the Climate Institute and the Australian Conservation Foundation), turning to green finance, where she’s spent the past 15 years trying to “move money away from the harmful things, towards the really constructive and productive things for our economy and for society.” Like many teals, Boele originally had to be talked into running by her community, citing her voting-age son as a motivating factor. “As a mum, when you tell your kid, ‘don’t bother voting ’cause it’s such a safe seat, nothing’s going to change’...” But it was a chance encounter with Fletcher that cemented her decision, with the MP giving disappointing responses on climate. “There’s that point where you finish being an advocate, trying to change the mind of the parliamentarians, where you just go, ‘bugger it, I’ll just try to become one’.” Julian Leeser braces for the teals, Abbott meets JD Vance, and Kim Williams to sing at RN Xmas party? Read More For someone who had to be talked into running, Boele is now running hard , saying she’s fed up with the Liberals taking their moderate constituents for granted. She’s not concerned about who the Liberals preselect , noting they’ll still be expected to vote the same as Peter Dutton, who is “extremely divisive” on the North Shore. “I thought they would have learnt some lessons from 2022,” she adds, saying she hasn’t put much thought into what the dwindling number of moderates in the Liberal Party will mean. “I’m busy with our hundreds of volunteers, door knocking and having conversations.” As for Fletcher’s “recycled scare campaign,” suggesting people like her are a threat to a majority government ? “The premise that a majority government is a good thing is kind of crazy, given that he’s part of a minority Liberal National party,” she says. “A constructive crossbench can help push the parties on their ambition, on their integrity, and I think it’s a really healthy part of democracy. You move away from ideology, and you move towards what the people of Australia want. And I think that can only be a good thing.” Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
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NoneOpen enrollment for Medicare ends Dec. 7, but there are changes taking effect in 2025. Out-of-pocket prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000 for the first time, and Medicare enrollees can now pay by the month, instead of all at once, at the pharmacy. Medicare recipient Janie Flynn is on 12 prescriptions. It's why she's always looking to save every dollar she can. "It changes from year to year, not just every three years or something, so always have it checked out so you just know if you're going to save some money," Flynn said. RELATED STORY | Big medicare changes are coming. Here's how seniors can prepare for them Flynn saved $500 when she enrolled this year with help from KC Shepherd's Center — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting older adults. It was as simple as switching plans to find one that worked better for her this year that ended up saving her more, too. "It's just kind of working your way down all the choices," Flynn said. "And then the choices that'll take your prescription, and then the drugstore that has the best price that also takes your prescriptions." KC Shepherd’s Center has a number of senior volunteers who support seniors in the community. Flynn is a volunteer. Greg Lear is another, but before his time as a volunteer, he was a Medicare employee for nearly 30 years. For the last 15 years, he's counseled seniors through their Medicare enrollment. RELATED STORY | Biden administration wants Medicare, Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medicines "We say every year you need to take a look to see if your plan is still best for you," Lear said. "So, while in 2024 you may have a company that you're quite happy with and your drugs are relatively inexpensive, you may find in 2025 that there is a drug that they are no longer supporting." When comparing prices on your prescriptions during open enrollment, Lear recommends using Medicare.gov . It allows you to type in any of your prescriptions and compare what the best options are, so you get the best price. The solution to saving money might seem complicated, but for Flynn, it's worth it. "As my mom used to say, 'All they can do is say no,'" Flynn said. “So why not at least check it out to see if you can save some money?" This story was originally published by Elyse Schoenig at Scripps News Kansas City.
Smokers have been urged to kick the habit in the new year after new analysis shows how much of their lives are lost by each cigarette smoked. Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at or — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”Watch: Zach Ertz's OT touchdown clinches playoff spot for Commanders, Rams
Washington Commanders win in overtime to clinch play-off berth
A video posted to social media by a Texas lieutenant in the Department of Public Safety shows a young girl at the U.S.-Mexico border standing alone. She has traveled from El Salvador, and holds just a Post-It note with a phone number on it. "How old are you?" a trooper asks. The girl holds up two fingers. A second video posted by the same lieutenant shows 60 migrant children who journeyed by themselves to the U.S. arriving in Eagle Pass, Texas. Another image shows an accused smuggler running across the border with a 5-year-old in his arms, reportedly paid to bring the girl to her mother already in the states. The Texas Department of Public Safety, under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, openly supports President-elect Donald Trump's push to dramatically tighten immigration. Lt. Chris Olivarez began posting photos and videos of child migrants around the time Tom Homan, Trump's point-person on the border, visited Eagle Pass. "I guarantee some are in forced labor, some are in sex trades," Homan said. "We're going to save those children." RELATED STORY | Trump announces former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as new 'border czar' The arrival of unaccompanied minors is not a new phenomenon. Thousands have journeyed across the Mexican border each year, including during the first Trump term, according to a Scripps News review of data from the Department of Health and Human Services. The flow of unaccompanied minors, however, reached record highs during the first years of the Biden administration, as undocumented immigration soared. The numbers have fallen since 2022 but remain elevated today. The federal government tries to quickly place child migrants with a sponsor already in the country, usually a parent or other close family member. The sponsor pledges to care for the minor while ensuring they go through immigration proceedings. However, it is an approach that does not always work. RELATED STORY | Trump's mass deportation plan targets specific groups of immigrants A 2023 joint investigation by Scripps News and the Center for Public Integrity found many children end up disappearing from their sponsor homes. Thousands of unaccompanied minors run away, some winding up in dangerous illegal child labor jobs, or worse. "They've simply vanished into a dark underworld of sex and drug trafficking, forced labor, gang activity and crime," said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, during a November congressional hearing. McClintock and other Republicans say the Department of Health and Human Services is to blame for failing to properly vet sponsors. A 2023 report by a Florida grand jury obtained by Scripps News found some sponsor addresses were in fact empty lots or a strip club. One address listed 44 kids assigned to it. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says they are doing the best they can with a limited budget. "What we don't do is short-change the vetting process," Becerra said at a November hearing on Capitol Hill. "We make sure that we follow best practices in the child welfare field. "We do background checks on every individual," he added. RELATED STORY | The struggle to locate migrant children missing from US homes Just how many migrant children have disappeared from their sponsors is in dispute. Becerra says a frequently cited estimate of 85,000 missing kids is too high and doesn't account for many children who are safe but just not reachable by HHS officials who make three attempts to contact them. "They may be at school, they may be at a doctor's appointment, they may not have a phone working anymore," Becerra said. Homan and the rest of the Trump administration have not yet laid out what their policy will be for those children who make the perilous journey to the U.S. alone.NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to: Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (NYSE: AE)’s sale to an affiliate of Tres Energy LLC for $38.00 per share in cash. If you are an Adams shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: STAF)’s sale to Atlantic International Corp. for 1.202 Atlantic shares for each Staffing 360 share. If you are a Staffing 360 shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR)’s merger with Parker Wellbore. Per the terms of the proposed transaction, Nabors would acquire all of Parker’s issued and outstanding common shares in exchange for 4.8 million shares of Nabors common stock, subject to a share price collar. If you are a Nabors shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . AlloVir, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALVR)’s merger with Kalaris Therapeutics. If you are an AlloVir shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com
None‘Living in a home that damages health the norm for far too many older people’
A video posted to social media by a Texas lieutenant in the Department of Public Safety shows a young girl at the U.S.-Mexico border standing alone. She has traveled from El Salvador, and holds just a Post-It note with a phone number on it. "How old are you?" a trooper asks. The girl holds up two fingers. A second video posted by the same lieutenant shows 60 migrant children who journeyed by themselves to the U.S. arriving in Eagle Pass, Texas. Another image shows an accused smuggler running across the border with a 5-year-old in his arms, reportedly paid to bring the girl to her mother already in the states. The Texas Department of Public Safety, under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, openly supports President-elect Donald Trump's push to dramatically tighten immigration. Lt. Chris Olivarez began posting photos and videos of child migrants around the time Tom Homan, Trump's point-person on the border, visited Eagle Pass. "I guarantee some are in forced labor, some are in sex trades," Homan said. "We're going to save those children." RELATED STORY | Trump announces former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as new 'border czar' The arrival of unaccompanied minors is not a new phenomenon. Thousands have journeyed across the Mexican border each year, including during the first Trump term, according to a Scripps News review of data from the Department of Health and Human Services. The flow of unaccompanied minors, however, reached record highs during the first years of the Biden administration, as undocumented immigration soared. The numbers have fallen since 2022 but remain elevated today. The federal government tries to quickly place child migrants with a sponsor already in the country, usually a parent or other close family member. The sponsor pledges to care for the minor while ensuring they go through immigration proceedings. However, it is an approach that does not always work. RELATED STORY | Trump's mass deportation plan targets specific groups of immigrants A 2023 joint investigation by Scripps News and the Center for Public Integrity found many children end up disappearing from their sponsor homes. Thousands of unaccompanied minors run away, some winding up in dangerous illegal child labor jobs, or worse. "They've simply vanished into a dark underworld of sex and drug trafficking, forced labor, gang activity and crime," said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, during a November congressional hearing. McClintock and other Republicans say the Department of Health and Human Services is to blame for failing to properly vet sponsors. A 2023 report by a Florida grand jury obtained by Scripps News found some sponsor addresses were in fact empty lots or a strip club. One address listed 44 kids assigned to it. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says they are doing the best they can with a limited budget. "What we don't do is short-change the vetting process," Becerra said at a November hearing on Capitol Hill. "We make sure that we follow best practices in the child welfare field. "We do background checks on every individual," he added. RELATED STORY | The struggle to locate migrant children missing from US homes Just how many migrant children have disappeared from their sponsors is in dispute. Becerra says a frequently cited estimate of 85,000 missing kids is too high and doesn't account for many children who are safe but just not reachable by HHS officials who make three attempts to contact them. "They may be at school, they may be at a doctor's appointment, they may not have a phone working anymore," Becerra said. Homan and the rest of the Trump administration have not yet laid out what their policy will be for those children who make the perilous journey to the U.S. alone.
To The New York Times, it was a standard journalistic practice done in the name of fairness — asking someone involved in a story for comment. To the mother of the nominee for secretary of defense, it constituted a threat. On Wednesday, Pete Hegseth's mother accused the Times of making “threats” by calling about its story on an email she had sent to her son six years earlier that criticized his treatment of women. Penelope Hegseth sought and received an interview on Fox News Channel to support her son, whose confirmation chances are threatened by a series of damaging stories about his personal conduct. At one point, she said she wanted to directly tell President-elect Trump that her son “is not that man he was seven years ago.” She also called the Times “despicable” and attacked a basic tenet of journalism: giving someone the chance to speak for a story about actions that could be seen in a negative light. The Times' story, published Saturday , quoted from a private email that Penelope Hegseth sent to her son in 2018 while he was in the midst of divorcing his second wife. She criticized his character and treatment of women, suggesting that he get some help. “I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego,” she wrote to her offspring. “You are that man (and have been for many years).” She told the Times for its story that she had sent the email in a moment of anger and followed it up two hours later with an apology. She disavows its content now. When the Times called her for comment on the story, Hegseth told Fox News that, at first, she did not respond. She said she perceived the calls as a threat — “they say unless you make a statement we will publish it as is and I think that's a despicable way to treat anyone,” she said. “I don't think a lot of people know that's the way they operate,” she said, speaking about the story. She accused the newspaper of being in it "for the money. And they don't care who they hurt, families, children. I don't believe that's the right way to do things.” Charles Stadtlander, a spokesman for the Times, said Hegseth's claim “is flatly untrue,” and she was in no way threatened. “The Times did what it always does in reporting out a story, simply reaching out and asking for a comment, which we included,” he said. Such a call is the opposite of a threat — it's an attempt to be fair, said Tom Rosenstiel, a University of Maryland professor and co-author of “Elements of Journalism: What News People Should Know and What the Public Should Expect.” “She's basically saying that brake lights are a threat because they alert you that the car ahead of you is about to stop," he said. But many Americans would perceive that call as a threat, or certainly as rude and a violation of privacy, said Tim Graham, director of media analysis at the conservative Media Research Center. “She didn't write that email to be on the front page of The New York Times,” he said. A secondary question is the newsworthiness of publishing the content of the private email, one that Hegseth said she almost immediately regretted sending and doesn't reflect how she perceives her son. Graham suggested that the newspaper wouldn't do the same for the nominee of a Democratic president-elect. “The New York Times is out to destroy these nominees,” he said. In its initial story, the Times wrote that it had obtained a copy of the email “from another person with ties to the Hegseth family.” “This was a piece of independently reported journalism published in the name of public awareness of the nominee to lead the largest department in the federal government,” Stadtlander said. “We stand behind it completely.” In many circumstances, an email from a mother to her son would be considered a private matter and out of bounds to a news organization, Rosenstiel said. But in this case, Hegseth, a former Fox News weekend host chosen by Trump to lead the Pentagon, has built himself into a public figure and is up for a very important job — and one that leads the military, which involves waging war and in which character is considered a fundamental trait. “It makes this news, honestly,” Stadtlander said. The Times wrote about Penelope Hegseth's Fox interview on Wednesday, leading with her saying her son “was not the same man he was in 2018 when she fired off an email accusing him of routinely abusing women and lacking decency and character.” There was some question about whether Hegseth would appear for an interview at his former network on Wednesday, after CNN's Kaitlan Collins posted on X the night before that “multiple people” said that was expected. A Fox News representative said that no such interview had been scheduled, and the nominee was on Capitol Hill meeting with senators. He has faced a flurry of other damaging reports, including stories about a sexual assault allegation reported to police in 2017. No charges were filed then, and Hegseth said the relationship was consensual. The New Yorker magazine wrote about reports of financial mismanagement , sexist behavior and excessive drinking when Hegseth ran a veterans' organization, and NBC News wrote about people at Fox News concerned about his alcohol use. David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.John Pesutto’s job on the line after damning defamation findingOrchestra BioMed to Participate in the Piper Sandler 36th Annual Healthcare Conference
Final pheasant stocking in Laramie Region set for next weekThe Centre for Ageing Better said data analysed on its behalf suggested more than a fifth of people in this age group are living in a poor-quality home that could be making their existing health condition worse. It said people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, those living in London and those who have a serious health condition or disability are more likely to be affected. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing covering 2022/23 was analysed by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the charity. It found an estimated 4.5 million people aged 50 or older in England with a health condition aggravated by the cold are living in a home with one or more serious problems. Some 2.8 million were aged between 50 and 70, while 1.7 million were aged 70 and older. Health conditions included respiratory diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease and lung conditions, including asthma. Housing problems identified in the research included damp, water leaks, bad condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and decay. While some 2.2 million people over 50 with health and housing problems owned their home outright, the biggest proportion of people (51%) with such issues lived in rented accommodation. The charity said older renters with a health condition were up to three times more likely to have five or more issues with their home than someone in the same age group who owns their home. Those with a health condition that can be affected by poor housing who had a significant issue in their homes were most likely to live in London (52%) followed by the North East (35%) and the North West (35%), the West Midlands and the East of England (both on 28%), and the South West (27%). Almost half (46%) of people aged 50 and above from black and minority ethnic backgrounds with one of the health conditions had at least one problem with their home, which the charity said amounted to almost 500,000 people. Among white people in this age group it was just under one in three (32%). The research also suggested people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds living with a health condition were also more than twice as likely to have five or more issues with their housing compared with their white counterparts – 15% compared with 6%. Dr Carole Easton, the charity’s chief executive, said not only does the research show the difficulties faced by those living in poor housing, but it is also “very bad news” for both the economy and the NHS. She said: “Our latest research shows that our poor-quality housing crisis is putting people with health conditions in their 50s, 60s and beyond, in harm’s way. “This is obviously terrible for those individuals who live in homes that carry a very real risk of making them sick, particularly when winter comes around. “But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers living in homes that are making their health conditions worse are going to be less likely to be able to work and help grow the economy. “Older people whose serious health conditions are made worse by their homes will require treatment, putting additional winter pressures on our health system. “All could be averted if we tackled poor-quality housing with the urgency and priority it demands.” Holly Holder, deputy director for homes at the charity, said the Government must “fix this hidden housing crisis by delivering a national strategy to tackle poor quality housing across all tenures and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade”. She added: “No-one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. “By failing to address poor-quality homes we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. “Our new analysis shows that the combination of health and house problems are most likely to impact groups of people who are already disadvantaged by multiple health and wealth inequalities.” A Government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging inheritance faced by this Government, through our Plan for Change we’re taking action to improve housing conditions across all tenures and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable. “We’re consulting on reforms to the Decent Homes Standard next year to improve the quality of social and privately rented housing, and introducing Awaab’s Law to both sectors to tackle damp, dangerous and cold conditions for all renters in England. “Our warm homes plan will also help people find ways to save money on energy bills and deliver cleaner heating, with up to 300,000 households to benefit from upgrades next year.”
Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been shot and killed in what police say is a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference. The shooting rattled the city and set off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Police say 50-year-old Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk Wednesday became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had worked at the company for 20 years and had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, is fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Hegseth says, “We’re not backing down one bit." The Trump transition team is concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and is actively looking at potential replacements, according to a person familiar with the matter. Hegseth is under pressure as senators weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Beyond DeSantis, there have been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was named by Trump as his national security adviser, to the Defense Department Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants. The strikes hit in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people. It came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of Gaza. According to Palestinian medics, strikes in central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. The war in Gaza is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. Yoon's move baffled many experts. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Yoon hasn't commented on the impeachment bid. But the political instability he unleashed could make it more difficult for his government to nurse a decaying economy. Police say searchers don’t expect to find woman in Pennsylvania sinkhole alive UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania has become a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference Wednesday that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but that the search for her remains continues. Limani says crews have seen "no signs of any form of life or anything.” Pollard was last seen alive Monday evening when she went out looking for her cat in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Two students wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school PALERMO, Calif. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials say two students have been wounded in a shooting at a small religious school in Northern California and the gunman is dead. A Butte County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson says Wednesday the wounded students were taken to hospitals in unknown condition after the shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, north of Sacramento. The spokesperson says the suspect died after apparently shooting himself. A motive is unknown. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow.Medicare enrollment is complicated, but saving money doesn't have to be