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☆ Israel faces mounting pressure over detention of Gaza hospital chief
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Freddie Clayton | Freddie Clayton Is A Freelance Journalist Based In London. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

Israel faced mounting pressure Saturday over its detention of a Gaza hospital chief during a raid on one of the last functioning medical facilities in the battered north of the Palestinian enclave. An Israeli human rights group has filed a petition with the country’s top court demanding to know the whereabouts of Abu Safiya. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan hospital, shows the damage inside the hospital in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, on Dec. 18, 2024. Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital late last month, detaining scores of people and forcing the closure of the medical facility. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Friday that the three public hospitals operating in the northern Gaza Strip — Beit Hanoun Hospital, Indonesian Hospital and Kamal Adwan Hospital — are now all out of service.

Persons: Israel, Hussam Abu Safiya, Kamal Adwan, Abu Safiya, Tlaleng Mofokeng, Francesca Albanese, Abu Safiya's, Physicians for Human Rights — Israel, Abu, General Agnes Callamard, Stringer, Dorothy Shea, “, ”, Daniel Meron, Volker Turk, Turk, Matias Delacroix, Dr Marwan Al, Nadav Shoshani Organizations: United Nations, Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights, Palestinian, Amnesty International, Islamic, Biden Administration, Abu, U.S, Security, Kamal Adwan Hospital, Palestinian Health Ministry, NBC News, Israel Defense Forces, IDF, Islamic Jihad, World Health Organization, Shin, Hanoun Hospital, Indonesian Hospital, Kamal, Hams, Gaza’s Ministry of Health, NBC Locations: Gaza, Israel, Israeli, United States, Beit Lahiya, U.S, Tel Aviv

Emmy- and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser will make her debut as Globes emcee. In an interview with the Globes’ official website, Glaser said headlining the show was “scary,” but she was excited about the challenge. The Globes, unlike the Academy Awards, splits the best film prize into two categories: drama and musical/comedy. In the drama series race, Gold Derby gives the best odds to “Shōgun,” a saga set in feudal Japan. The other nominees in the drama series category are “The Day of the Jackal,” “The Diplomat,” “Mr.

Persons: NBCNews.com, Nikki Glaser, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Sandra Oh, Andy Samberg, Glaser, “, ” Glaser, “ Nikki Glaser, ”, Tom Brady, “ Anora, Emilia Pérez, “ Barbie, Romulus, Deadpool, don’t, ” “, Smith, Abbott, Karla Sofía Gascón, “ Emilia Pérez, Amy Adams, ” Cynthia Erivo, ” Mikey Madison, ” Demi Moore, ” Denzel Washington, Ridley Scott’s, Andrew Garfield, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Ramos, Anya Taylor, Joy, Ariana DeBose, Aubrey Plaza, Auliʻi, Awkwafina, Brandi Carlile, Catherine O’Hara, Colin Farrell, Colman Domingo, Demi Moore, Dwayne Johnson, Édgar Ramírez, Elton John, Gal Gadot, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Coolidge, Kaley Cuoco, Kate Hudson, Kathy Bates, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Washington, Margaret Qualley, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Keaton, Michelle Yeoh, Miles Teller, Mindy Kaling, Morris Chestnut, Nate Bargatze, Nicolas Cage, Rachel Brosnahan, Rob McElhenney, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sarah Paulson, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, Vin Diesel, Viola Davis, Zoë Kravitz, Ted Danson, Carol Burnett, Ryan Murphy, Norman Lear, Ellen DeGeneres, Oscar, Tony, Cecil B, DeMille, Eddie Murphy, Jane Fonda, Tom Hanks, Jeff Bridges, Oprah Winfrey Organizations: 82nd Golden Globe, “ Hollywood’s Party, Beverly Hilton Hotel, CBS, Paramount, Globes, NBC, HBO, Gold Derby, ”, NBC News, Netflix, Derby, Globe, “ Locations: U.S, Brooklyn, Mexican, Japan, “

In the scramble to rewrite Syria’s future, it is perhaps no surprise that the classroom would lay bare cracks in the country’s fragile unity. Widespread outcry followed an announcement that Syria’s new leadership was planning sweeping changes to the country’s education curriculum. Syria’s education ministry announced the changes in a post on Facebook on Wednesday, the first day of the new year, sharing 16 pages of planned modifications to the country’s educational curriculum. He added that "changes and amendments to the curriculum will occur only after the situation stabilizes in Syria. After more than a decade of civil war, the Assad regime fell in a swift burst of force from rebel groups last month.

Persons: Assad, Bashar al, Hafez al, Queen Zenobia, ”, Rima Flihan, Flihan, Suleiman Al, Chris McGrath, Hossam Jazmati, Nazir al, Qadri, Al, Ahmad al, Sharaa, Jazmati, “, — Organizations: Facebook, Syrian National Coalition, Halabi Elementary, NBC, NBC News, Islamic State Locations: Palmyra, Syrian, Damascus, Syria, Hayat Tahrir, Damascus ”, Germany, France, Al Qaeda

The ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans underscores how extremism online and political divisions at home have created “a perfect storm” for radicalization in America, experts say, with law enforcement struggling to track an increasingly fractured threat. And all that is playing into a perfect storm of factors that are leading to an increase in radicalization.”According to the federal government, the main terror threat to the U.S. now is lone actors inspired by extremism ideology. But sometimes, as in the New Orleans attack, the driving ideology is radical Islamism. Berger, an extremism researcher with the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said in an email. That shift had the center’s vice president, Oren Segal, worried even before the New Orleans attack, he said.

Persons: ”, Seamus Hughes, Christopher Wray, John Horgan, “, ” Horgan, Din Jabbar, Jabbar, —, Christopher O’Leary, Arie Kruglanski, J.M, Berger, Horgan, Shamsud, Oren Segal, it’s, ” Berger, ” Donald Trump’s, Ryan Routh, Trump Organizations: FBI, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, Education Center, University of Nebraska, Buffalo, Trump, Extremism, Georgia State University, Islamic State, Soufan, National Center for, Terrorism, University of Maryland, Center, Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies, New, YouTube, ISIS, The, Defamation League’s Center for Extremism, Justice, “ Locations: New Orleans, America, University of Nebraska Omaha, U.S, Washington, Trump, Florida, Shamsud, Las Vegas, The New Orleans, Orlando , Florida, Israel, Middlebury, Orleans, Iran, Ukraine

☆ Jeff Baena, writer, director and husband of Aubrey Plaza, dead at 47
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Jeff Baena, a writer and director whose credits include “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” has died, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Baena died at his home in Los Angeles on Friday. Baena was the husband of actor and comedian Aubrey Plaza. Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza in 2016. David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/Getty ImagesCNN has reached out to representatives for Baena and Plaza for comment.

Persons: Jeff Baena, Beth ”, ”, Baena, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin, Thomas Middleditch, Aubrey, David Crotty, Patrick McMullan, “, Robert Zemeckis, David O, Russell, I’ve, ” Baena Organizations: CNN, Angeles, Medical, Aubrey Plaza, Getty, Baena, Plaza, People, NYU Tisch Film School Locations: Los Angeles

☆ Biden to Dole Out 19 Medals of Freedom, and One Unmistakable Message
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Michael D. Shear | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

With 16 days left in a political career that spanned a half-century, President Biden is expected on Saturday to confer one of the nation’s highest honors on core members of the political, financial and celebrity establishment of which he has long been a part. President-elect Donald J. Trump will replace Mr. Biden on Jan. 20, determined to continue his assault on what he has long called “the swamp.” In 2016, Mr. Trump vowed to wage war against establishment members in both parties who he said had “reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.”But on Saturday, Mr. Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 Americans, including some of the brightest lights of the old guard that Mr. Trump wants to tear down. In doing so, the 82-year-old outgoing president is sending an unmistakable message of support for a democratic order he has said is threatened by Mr. Trump’s re-election. Among those receiving the award are Hillary Clinton, the former first lady, senator and secretary of state whom Mr. Trump threatened to jail; Robert F. Kennedy, the assassinated senator whose son has embraced Mr. Trump; and George Romney, the late father of Senator Mitt Romney, the Republican from Utah who repeatedly rejected Mr. Trump’s actions and philosophy.

Persons: Biden, Donald J, Trump, “, Trump’s, Hillary Clinton, Robert F, Kennedy, George Romney, Mitt Romney Organizations: Trump, Mr, Republican Locations: Utah

☆ The Lively-Baldoni battle is just beginning, industry pros say: 'Skeletons in the closet will come out'
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Industry pros told BI both stars' personal and professional lives will likely be damaged as the battle continues. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's reputations are likely to face even more damage as their legal battle intensifies, crisis PR and legal experts say. Baldoni's 87-page lawsuit rebuts Lively's claims in detail, offering a different perspective on the Times' bombshell story. ADThe text messages included in Baldoni's lawsuit cast Lively's claims in a different lightBaldoni at the world premiere of "It Ends with Us" in August. ADThe lawsuit, obtained by BI, stems from the complaint Lively previously filed with the California Civil Rights Department.

Persons: Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively's, Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni's, rebuts Lively's, Lively, Mike Fahey, Baldoni's, Fahey, Erik Bernstein, Bernstein, Lively's, Evan Agostini, Evan Nierman, Camron Dowlatshahi, Baldoni, Nierman, that's, Bryan Freedman, Freedman, Weinstein, Nathan Congleton, Scott A, NBC's, It's Organizations: New York Times, Industry, Times, Fahey Communications, Bernstein Crisis Management, BI, MSD Lawyers, Hollywood, NBC, Getty, California Civil Rights Department Locations: Los Angeles, New York

☆ Washington Post cartoonist quits after drawing of Bezos, other billionaires with Trump rejected
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Jesse Pound | In Jesse-Pound | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Ann Telnaes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, said in a blog post Friday that she quit the paper after a drawing was rejected. A Washington Post cartoonist has quit her role at the paper, saying that her bosses blocked publication of a satirical cartoon that depicted billionaires, including one resembling Post owner Jeff Bezos, kneeling before President-elect Donald Trump . The drawing was rejected by the paper outright, with no suggestions for potential changes, Telnaes told CNBC in an email. David Shipley, Washington Post editorial page editor, said in a statement that the cartoon was rejected because of its similarity to columns at the paper, not because of who it targeted. The Washington Post reported that Bezos spiked a planned endorsement of Trump opponent Kamala Harris by the paper ahead of the presidential election.

Persons: Telnaes, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, Patrick, Mickey Mouse, Ann Telnaes, Jeff Bezos, Donald Trump, David Shipley, Trump, Bezos, Kamala Harris, Shiong, Zuckerberg, OpenAI's Altman, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, it's, Will Lewis, Lewis Organizations: Trump, Meta, Los Angeles Times, Walt Disney, ABC, Washington Post, CNBC, Wall Street, Big Tech, NPR Locations: David Shipley , Washington, Meta, Mar

☆ Why Japan Won’t Stop Trying to Invest in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( River Akira Davis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As signs emerged that President Biden was gearing up to stop the Japanese steel maker Nippon Steel from acquiring Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel, top Japanese officials repeatedly warned that quashing the merger would hinder economic ties between the allies. Japan’s biggest business lobby, Keidanren, said in September that America’s investability would be tarnished if Nippon Steel’s $15 billion bid was blocked. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan reached out to Mr. Biden asking him to approve the deal during what he called a critical juncture. Mr. Biden on Friday stopped the merger from going forward, arguing that foreign control of U.S. Steel would jeopardize America’s national security. Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel assailed Mr. Biden’s decision, calling the deal’s review “deeply corrupted by politics” and its rejection “shocking.” The companies said on Friday they would consider taking legal action to try to revive the deal.

Persons: Biden, America’s, Shigeru Ishiba, Donald J, Trump, ” Organizations: Nippon Steel, . Steel, Nippon, U.S . Steel, Steel Locations: Pittsburgh, Japan, United States, U.S

☆ German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responds to Elon Musk's support for anti-immigration party: 'Don't feed the troll'
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Nathan Rennolds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to criticism from billionaire Elon Musk. Musk called Scholz an "incompetent fool" and signaled his support for Germany's AfD party. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to criticism from Elon Musk in a new interview with a German magazine. Musk has sparked debate in Germany in recent weeks by calling Scholz an "incompetent fool" and signaling his support for AfD, the Alternative for Germany party. Musk has criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and teased donations to the Reform Party, a right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage.

Persons: Olaf Scholz, Elon Musk, Scholz, Elon, Stern, Musk, Donald, —, Naomi Seibt, Friedrich Merz —, Germany's, Axel Springer, Karl Lauterbach, Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, Giorgia Meloni Organizations: European Union, Germany, Department of, Welt, Reform Party, Italy's Locations: France, Russia, Germany

☆ We asked 7 people how they knew they didn't want children
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Jessica HawkAge: 55Job: Retired high-school teacher and content creatorWhen she knew she didn't want to have kids: Hawk said she never felt the urge to be a mother, even as a child. Watching her friends become parents made it clear to Hawk that having kids wasn't for her. "I knew from my friends who started having kids in their 20s just how much time, effort, and energy, mentally and physically, kids took." How people have responded to her choice: Hawk didn't have pressure from her family to have children, which made her decision easier. Still, when she married her ex-husband — who also didn't want children — Hawk said people asked them within hours of the moment they said "I do" when kids were coming.

Persons: Jessica Hawk Jessica Hawk, Jessica Hawk, Hawk, I'm, —, — Hawk

Similar to prior quarters, we grouped company results into one of four categories. — Oct. 31 after the bell (Amazon is a core holding in the Club's portfolio; one of 12 stocks with this designation.) — Dec. 12 after the bell (Costco is a core Club holding.) — Nov. 20 after the bell (Nvidia is one of two "own it, don't trade it" stocks in the portfolio. — Oct. 30 before the bell (Lilly is a core Club holding .

Persons: Goldman Sachs, It's, it's, Jim Cramer's, —, hasn't, …, Morgan Stanley, Wells, Myers, Cobenfy, George Kurtz, Kurtz, Linde, That's, Salesforce, … We're, Jim, we're, Brian Niccol, Stanley Black, Decker, Investment Management's, Jim Cramer, Eli Lilly, Eli, Lilly, Jeff Marks, Larry Fink, BlackRock, David Dee Delgado Organizations: Investing, Communication, Devices, Broadcom, Nvidia, BlackRock, Management, Costco, Club, Apple, Investors, Federal Reserve, Abbott, Abbott Labs, Myers Squibb, Bristol, FDA, DuPont, Microsoft, Palo, Networks, GE, Starbucks, …, Constellation Brands Modelo, Corona, Constellation Brands, Honeywell, … Honeywell, Investment, pharma, CNBC, Jim Cramer's Charitable Locations: U.S, Eaton, China, New York City

☆ Hillary Clinton, George Soros and Denzel Washington will receive the highest U.S. civilian honor
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

US President Joe Biden and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton look on as former president Bill Clinton (not pictured) speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York on September 23, 2024. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington will be awarded the nation's highest civilian honor on Saturday in a White House ceremony. President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, George Soros, Denzel Washington, Fannie Lou Hamer, Robert F, Kennedy, George W, Romney, Ash Carter, Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump's, Utah Republican Sen, Mitt Romney, José Andrés, Bono, Lionel Messi, Earvin, Johnson, Michael J, Fox, William Sanford Nye, Bill Nye, Science Guy, Jane Goodall, Anna Wintour, Ralph Lauren, George Stevens Jr, Tim Gill, David Rubenstein, Biden, Medgar Evers, Nancy Pelosi, James Clyburn of, Michelle Yeoh Organizations: Global Initiative, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, Michigan, Utah Republican, Sports, Los Angeles Lakers, Science, Vogue Magazine, American Film Institute, The Carlyle Group Locations: New York, Democratic, United States, Spanish, James Clyburn of South Carolina

☆ Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted emerges as leading contender for JD Vance’s Senate seat
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Daniel Strauss | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Jon Husted is the leading candidate to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the US Senate, according to two Republican sources familiar with the deliberations. The two Republican sources stressed, however, that it’s not clear whether Husted would accept the appointment, as he has eyed the Ohio governor’s mansion for years. In the 2018 election cycle, Husted ran for governor against DeWine before dropping out to become DeWine’s running mate. But those same Republicans noted that an appointment to a Senate seat — which would initially spare him a contested primary — could make the job more appealing. Husted’s rising stock comes after other names, including state Rep. Jay Edwards and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken, emerged as possibilities in recent weeks.

Persons: Jon Husted, JD Vance, Mike DeWine, Donald Trump, Husted, It’s, Trump, DeWine, governor’s, Jay Edwards, Jane Timken, DeWine’s Organizations: CNN, Gov, Ohio Gov, Republican, DeWine, Mar, Lago, Trump, WEWS, Ohio Republicans, Republicans, Columbus Dispatch, NBC News, Ohio Republican, Senate, GOP, Buckeye State Locations: Ohio

☆ 5 renter-friendly ways to make an apartment feel more luxurious, according to interior designers
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Jordyn Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Choosing a focal point to decorate around can make a room feel more elegant. Designing a room symmetrically helps to add unity to a space. Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty ImagesDecorating around a specific element, like a fireplace or a piece of wall art, can bring symmetry and unity to a room. According to interior designer Tommy Kebbson of Kebbson & Co., this can instantly make a space feel more elegant. Lamps and art can be complimentary without matching perfectly to achieve a balanced, cohesive look.

Persons: Andreas von Einsiedel, Tommy Kebbson, Kebbson Organizations: Kebbson

☆ US vs. Chinese cruisers: China is building its top surface warship at breakneck speed, and it's a match for its US rival
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Benjamin Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Type 055 'Renhai'The commissioning of the first-in-class Nanchang in 2020 revealed China had launched one of the world's top surface combatants. ADEach Type 055, which NATO classifies as the Renhai-class, is fitted with 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, which launch missiles. The Type 055 is also brimming with modern radars, sensors, and other electronics. MC2 Malachi Lakey/US NavyThe size, armament, and mission of the Type 055 are often compared to the US Navy's Ticonderoga-class cruiser. MC2 Indra Beaufort/US NavyThe importance of the Ticonderoga and the Type 055 to their respective fleets is hard to overstate.

Persons: Chris Carlson, Fu Tian, Nanchang, SAMs, Yu, barelled, PJ, It's, Burke, Carlson, Malachi Lakey, Sparrow SAMs, Indra Beaufort, Carlos Del Toro, Arleigh Burke, Del Toro, Benjamin Brimelow Organizations: People's Liberation Army Navy, US Department of Defense, US Navy, China News Service, Getty, NATO, BMD, Arleigh, Cruisers, US, Seahawk, Ticonderoga, South Pacific, USS, Navy, Antietam, Global Affairs, Fletcher School of Law, Diplomacy, Business, Modern, Institute Locations: China, Nanchang, Shandong, Normandy, Lake, Alaska, Vanuatu, South, Royal, Taiwan, Norway, South China, Vella, Vicksburg, Cowpens, Leyte Gulf, West

☆ Here are big changes retirees can expect from Social Security and Medicare in 2025
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Djelics | E+ | Getty ImagesRetirees can expect to see some big changes in 2025 when it comes to their Social Security and Medicare benefits. The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for certain individuals who also have pension income from public work where Social Security payroll taxes were not paid. That includes the Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP, which reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive pension or disability benefits from employers who did not withhold Social Security taxes. The legislation marks the biggest change to Social Security since certain couples claiming strategies were phased out in 2016, said Martha Shedden, president of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. All Social Security beneficiaries to get 2.5% COLAIn 2025, all beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase to their Social Security benefit checks, thanks to an annual cost-of-living adjustment.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Martha Shedden, Shedden, Social Security's, —, George Gagliardi, Gagliardi Organizations: Getty, Social Security, Social, Finance, Congressional Research Service, National Association of, Analysts, Social Security Administration, Medicare Locations: Lexington , Massachusetts

☆ I lived in New York City and London. The British capital was cheaper and more welcoming, so I could plan my life long-term.
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Santiago Barraza Lopez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

As a lawyer, I got the chance to live in both New York City and London. I found New York City to be full of life, but it was too expensive and party-focused. ADI couldn't picture my life long-term in New York CityI first lived in New York City — in the center of Manhattan, to be precise. ADHowever, those attributes that made it so desirable for a short stay were exactly what made New York City a clear "no" for my long-term plans. New York City should be your sole option if you are young and ambitious.

Persons: I've, it's, That's Organizations: Apple, New York City, New York City —, Mexico City, New, Big Apple Locations: New York City, London, Wharf, New York, Manhattan, Mexico

☆ I flew across the country with a blind date, and we spent a week together. We're not a match, but I had the time of my life.
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Kate Huff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I met a blind date at the Atlanta airport, and we flew to Alaska together. Though we didn't end up having a romantic connect, we spent a week together with our friends. I never thought a blind date would include flying thousands of miles with someone to see if we were compatible, but when mutual friends set me up, I couldn't resist. My date was in the Air Force and on his way home to Alaska for a two-week leave. ADCapping off our trip, I climbed Bear Mountain and nearly kept up with the Airman and my native Alaskan Friends.

Persons: who'd, I'd, they'd, Kate Huff, I've, Settlers, didn't Organizations: Air Force, Catan Locations: Atlanta, Alaska, Anchorage, Portage, Georgia

☆ Ruben Gallego hopes his unusual path to the Senate will ‘nudge’ Democrats — and the chamber
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Edward-Isaac Dovere | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

So there’s like nothing really shocks or surprises me anymore when things happen,” Gallego told CNN as he walked back from his ceremonial swearing-in in the old Senate chamber on Friday. “I’m just very lucky to experience a lot of good stuff, at least.”Intense ambition and drive are what make Gallego like any other member of the Senate. He recorded an ad for Gallego in the Senate campaign. Gallego will be different from many in the Senate, but Kelly said that it comes down to being able to “nudge the thing in a certain direction. “So I think the future of this country is more in the line of what Ruben represents.

Persons: Ruben Gallego, Donald Trump, ” Gallego, “ I’m, Gallego, sullenly, Kamala Harris, hadn’t, “, we’re, ” –, Dave McCormick, Sen, Bob Casey, Kari Lake, Trump, elect’s, selfies, ”, Steve Zerlentes, ‘, ” Zerlentes, Zerlentes, Linda Connor, Gallego’s, John Bailon, John Kerry, George W, Bush, Gallego wasn’t, Joe, snoring, yank, isn’t, Bailon, Andrew Taylor, X, Taylor, ” Taylor, . Utah Sen, Mike Lee –, –, they’ve, Mark Kelly, he’s, Kyrsten Sinema, Kelly, ” Kelly, Ruben Organizations: CNN, Senate, Capitol, Republican, Marines, Capitol Visitor Center, of Congress, Delta Company 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Harvard, White, Trump White House, Democratic Party Locations: Iraq, Arizona, Chicago, Washington, Albuquerque, Ohio, . Utah

☆ I worried my son wouldn't talk to me when he started college. I have him send me a 'proof-of-life' selfie every day.
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Julie Dillon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I read horror stories online of college students who move out and don't talk to their parents. I required my college-aged son to send me a "proof-of-life" photo every day. He is just over five hours away, so I knew I would only see him a few times a year. I wanted to learn as much as possible to help my son transition to college. Related Video What new Citadel military college "knobs" go through on day one at the controversial schoolAs I started packing my son to leave for school, this topic came up.

Organizations: Citadel

☆ Luke Littler: Teenage sensation becomes darts’ youngest ever world champion
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Teenage phenomenon Luke Littler became the youngest ever darts world champion on Friday when he swept past three-time winner Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final. Despite still being just 17, Littler entered this year’s PDC World Darts Championship as both the odds-on favorite and as a star who has transcended the sport after his unexpected run to the final last year. He quickly built up a 4-0 lead and, though Van Gerwen came back to win three sets, the 35-year-old Dutchman, who was previously the youngest ever world champion aged 24, never really seemed able to challenge him. Luke Littler has become darts' most famous player. For his opponent Van Gerwen, however, Littler is a generational talent.

Persons: Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Littler, Palace serenaded, Van Gerwen, James Fearn, Van Gerwen’s, “, ”, you’ve, Keir Starmer, ” Luke Littler, Ben Stansall, I’ll Organizations: CNN, Van, Sky Sports Locations: Netherlands, AFP

☆ What Jason De León learned shadowing smugglers in Mexico
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Catherine E. Shoichet | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

CNN —The nuns inside a migrant shelter in southern Mexico gave Jason De León an ominous warning: “Whatever you do, don’t go outside. They were human smugglers — or, as they put it, guías (guides) for migrants traveling through Mexico and trying to reach the US. Life has gotten increasingly dangerous for migrants passing through Mexico, according to De León. De León's book also explores issues of race and migration, delving into the lives of Black smugglers he met in southern Mexico. This image from De León's field work shows two Garifuna smugglers in a safe house in Mexico City in 2019.

Persons: Jason De León, don’t, De León, ’, “, De, — “, hadn’t, — Juan Roberto Paredes —, De León’s, who’s, …, ” De León, it’s, They’re, There’s, Jason De Léon, —, Michael Wells, Covid, Trump, Jason De León I’m, we’ve, Jason De León I’ve, who’ve, I’ve, De Léon, What’s, you’ve, You’ve, Manu Chao Organizations: CNN, Cotsen, of Archaeology, Patrol, Trump Locations: Mexico, That’s, Pakal, Ná, Honduras, Venezuela, Haiti, Veracruz, United States, Chiapas, Central America, Mexico City, Phoenix

☆ Wealthy travelers are flocking to luxury trains costing more than $4,000 a night
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Wealthy travelers are increasingly booking luxury train vacations. Luxury train bookings are going loco-motiveGlacier Express' Excellence Class guests have amenities like an exclusive bar, a five-course meal, and window seats. ADThe train's most luxurious Grand Suites come with a private restroom (plus upgrades like bottomless bubbles) — for about four times the cost. In 2024, the company introduced two Grand Suites to the 40-year-old Royal Scotsman. BelmondNot everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars for a night on Belmond's trains.

Persons: Italy's, Samy Ghachem, Railbookers, Frank Marini, " Marini, doesn't, Andrew Channell, Railbookers Group's, Julie Durso, Scott Dunn, Gary Franklin, Belmond's, Franklin, —, Marni Organizations: Orient Express, Vita Orient, Vita, Orient, Express, Railbookers, Mountaineer, Prestige, Rocky Mountaineer, Venice, Royal, Dior, Oriental Express Locations: Venice, Orient Express Italy, Italy, Peru, Paris, Edinburgh, Scotland, Istanbul, Turkey, Malaysia, Dior

☆ Liri Albag: Family of hostage in latest Hamas video urges Netanyahu to take ‘opportunity to bring them back’
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-04 | by ( Tamar Michaelis | Tim Lister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

In the video, released by Hamas’ military wing, 19-year-old Albag references the New Year, but there is no definitive proof that the video was shot within the last few days. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said Albag’s family had authorized the release of two still frames from the latest video. All of them.”The Albag family has authorized the publication of this frame from the Hamas video. Among those attending the protests was the former hostage Almog Meir Jan, who was rescued after months in Hamas’ captivity. Yael Alexander, the mother of American hostage Edan Alexander – a video of whom was also released recently – also addressed the crowd.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Liri Albag, –, Albag, Israel’s, Albag’s, “, Almog Meir Jan, ”, Yael Alexander, Edan Alexander –, Donald Trump, Netanyahu, Shira, Eli, Israel, Isaac Herzog Organizations: CNN, Hamas Locations: Doha, Gaza, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, United States, Qatar, Egypt

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