(BETHLEHEM, West Bank) — The Nativity Store, operating in Manger Square since 1927, usually sells handcrafted olive wood items to tourists visiting Jesus’ birthplace. However, Bethlehem’s second Christmas overshadowed by the Gaza war sees a near absence of tourists, jeopardizing the store and other businesses. Bethlehem’s Christmas festivities this year will be subdued, reflecting the […]
(WASHINGTON) — On Monday, President Biden announced the commutation of sentences for 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row, changing their punishments to life imprisonment without parole. This action comes weeks before President-elect Trump, a vocal supporter of capital punishment, assumes office. The commutation spares the lives of individuals convicted of various crimes, […]
Blake Lively has filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department alleging sexual harassment by director and co-star Justin Baldoni during the filming of “It Ends With Us,” and a subsequent smear campaign to damage her reputation. The complaint, obtained by The Associated Press and filed Friday, names Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and Baldoni’s publicists […]
Lily Brown, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, frequently hears from patients that their anxiety intensifies at night despite feeling exhausted from a busy day. Evening anxiety and its negative impact on mental health are widespread. Researchers have observed a correlation between nighttime hours and increased anxiety, […]
Homelessness constitutes a profound, visible, and unacceptable health injustice. Research indicates homelessness significantly increases mortality risk. Following disasters leaving people without shelter, support, or safety, we readily mobilize aid. Agencies like FEMA and the National Guard deploy resources to provide essential needs, while communities offer assistance and support. During crises, we demonstrate neighborly compassion. However, […]
In our hyper-connected world, quiet moments are increasingly rare and valuable. From waking to sleeping, most face a constant barrage of notifications and endless online scrolling. This screen fixation isn’t just convenient; it’s become habitual, even addictive, as many users readily admit. But we rarely consider the cost. Constant digital engagement depletes not only our […]
The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation of nearly 120 million, is renowned for its vibrant Christmas celebrations beginning in September. However, this year, the holiday season has taken a somber turn for many Filipino families. Estrella Pagarigan, who had decorated her home with recycled parols, lost her home—which had survived previous disasters—in early November when […]
My husband and I are full-time employees of one of the world’s wealthiest companies. Why, then, can we not afford to have children? For four years, my husband, Andrew, and I have delivered packages for Amazon in Southern California. I find my work fulfilling; I deliver over 160 packages daily, contributing to my community. However, […]
Previous Yale CEO Summits haven’t matched the challenging context and positive outcomes of this week’s 150th summit. The day after, 200 leading American CEOs, defying threats and intimidation, met at New York’s Ziegfield Ballroom—32 steps from where UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson was murdered—in a powerful show of support for leadership and American values. Despite warnings […]
This is a retrospective on 2024’s most significant happenings.
The weight-loss medication Zepbound (tirzepatide) has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating obstructive sleep apnea, effective December 20th. In April, Lilly, the drug’s manufacturer, submitted data to the FDA showing that Zepbound helped overweight or obese individuals with sleep apnea reduce a standard measure of restricted breathing by 63%, resulting in […]
The impending government shutdown casts a shadow over this Christmas season. Without a last-minute agreement in Congress, a government shutdown will commence at midnight on Saturday. This leaves Americans concerned about its potential impact on their lives and holiday plans. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding for federal agencies. During a […]
Remembering some of the prominent figures who passed away in 2024.
Common winter respiratory illnesses like colds, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are familiar, but the CDC reports a rise in another: walking pneumonia. Since last spring, walking pneumonia infections have increased, with younger children disproportionately affected—an unusual trend, as it typically impacts school-aged children and older adults. Due to the lack of a national reporting […]
The Christmas narrative, much like a poorly-made crime drama with a readily identifiable antagonist—the unshaven man with a thick accent—features a clear villain. It’s not Joseph, who only believed Mary after a divine dream. Nor is it the innkeeper, whose refusal of lodging might be a simple misunderstanding. The true antagonist, subtly present throughout the […]
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the largest unit of Black women to serve overseas during World War II, processed approximately 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. Their crucial role was delivering mail from the home front to soldiers in the European theater between 1945 and 1946. This previously unsung operation is now the focus […]
Since its inception in 1966, Kwanzaa has become a widely recognized celebration of African culture and community in the United States and other nations with significant African descendant populations. This nationwide communal observance, emphasizing self-determination and unity against oppression, runs for seven days, from December 26th to January 1st. It’s marked by large, city-sponsored events […]
TORONTO — Facing mounting pressure, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will conduct a cabinet reshuffle on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Thursday evening that Trudeau will attend the swearing-in ceremony and preside over a meeting with his new cabinet later Friday. Trudeau’s leadership is facing increasing criticism, and the sudden resignation of his finance […]
BRISBANE, Australia — Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, an Australian breaker, has maintained a positive attitude towards the global jokes and criticism following her controversial Paris Olympics performance. However, “Raygun: the Musical” proved to be unacceptable. Comedian Stephanie Broadbridge canceled the show hours before its Sydney premiere after Gunn’s legal team contacted the comedy club venue, threatening […]
A disagreement over government funding, fueled by a debate about the debt ceiling, threatens a federal government shutdown in Washington. The President-elect insists that legislation preventing a shutdown must include a provision to raise or suspend the debt limit, a measure his party typically opposes. He stated this demand is crucial to avoid betraying the […]