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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 system, the CDC relies on emergency room testing data to estimate yearly cases, showing an increase in positive tests from 0.7% to 3.3% since last spring across all age groups. Walking pneumonia outbreaks typically occur every three to seven years, likely due to cyclical antibody development. The current surge might be attributed to the end of this cycle and a pandemic-related antibody decline, according to Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and American Lung Association spokesperson. Here's what experts advise knowing about this illness. What is walking pneumonia? Walking pneumonia, a milder form of pneumonia, shares symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue, but its name reflects the often less severe symptoms that don't necessitate bed rest or hospitalization. According to Dr. Teresa Lovins, a family physician and American Academy of Family Physicians board member, symptoms include malaise, mild shortness of breath, and a cough, but generally allow for continued activity. Unlike the flu or cold, walking pneumonia rapidly affects the chest, potentially causing shortness of breath. Congestion, if present, is often brief, lasting less than 24 hours, says Lovins. What causes walking pneumonia? Both pneumonia and walking pneumonia are lung infections, caused by various viruses or bacteria. Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* bacteria, while pneumonia can result from bacteria like *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Haemophilus influenzae*, *Legionella pneumophila*, or viruses including influenza, the common cold virus, or RSV. How do I know if I have it? Diagnosis involves testing for *M. pneumoniae* or chest X-rays. While emergency rooms and urgent care centers offer bacterial testing, primary care physicians often diagnose based on lung auscultation. Lovins explains that pneumonia has a distinctive sound upon auscultation. Although a *Mycoplasma* test exists, it's not routinely used in primary care; the physical exam is often key to diagnosis. If a cough persists for over a week or fatigue continues post-illness, consulting a doctor to assess walking pneumonia is recommended. While at-home tests aren't yet available, Galiatsatos anticipates the development of *M. pneumoniae* testing kits in the future. Is there a treatment for walking pneumonia? Appropriate antibiotics treat walking pneumonia, highlighting the importance of testing, even if not always accessible. Galiatsatos explains that while doctors often initially prescribe strong antibiotics (penicillin or fluoroquinolones) for suspected pneumonia, these are ineffective against *Mycoplasma*, which requires azithromycin. How can I protect myself from getting it? Preventive measures mirror those for other respiratory illnesses: minimizing time in poorly ventilated, crowded indoor spaces (and using masks when necessary), frequent handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes to limit transmission.

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 story, is Herod the Great. Modern scholars possess considerable knowledge of Herod the Great, largely due to the writings of the Judaean historian Josephus, who had access to royal records. The Roman Emperor Augustus bestowed upon Herod the title "King of the Judaeans," despite Herod's incomplete Jewish heritage. Rome favored this strategy of seemingly civilized rule by employing local strongmen to carry out its less palatable tasks. Herod was simply the most successful military leader in the region. Initially, Rome granted Herod control over Jerusalem and Galilee, gradually expanding his dominion. While some significant cities maintained independence, Herod's 30-year reign was marked by a relentless pursuit of a policy resembling "Make Judaea Great Again." In a sense, he succeeded. He oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple, making it more magnificent than ever. This was part of his strategy to legitimize himself and his heirs as the true "Kings of the Judaeans," drawing on ancient prophecies that identified the Temple-builder as the king who would prepare Jerusalem for God's glorious return. He also significantly invested in Judaean communities across the Mediterranean. Through his multiple marriages, he founded a dynasty lasting half a century, although it existed in a precarious balance with Roman authority. He was a prolific builder. Today's pilgrims to the Holy Land are often surprised by the numerous impressive structures attributed to Herod. His innovative engineering developed the port of Caesarea Maritima, transforming it into a major Mediterranean trade hub, generating substantial economic growth through tariffs. However, his rule was tyrannical, earning him widespread fear and hatred. On his deathbed, he ordered the execution of prominent figures to ensure widespread mourning rather than celebration—an order thankfully revoked after his death. Matthew's Gospel account of a violent reaction to the rumor of a newborn king aligns with Herod's typical behavior: to eliminate the potential threat, he ordered the slaughter of Bethlehem's male infants. This was his customary method of maintaining power. Matthew's inclusion of this story transcends mere dramatic effect. His Gospel highlights a stark contrast in models of kingship. Jesus' kingdom-manifesto (the Sermon on the Mount) emphasizes God's restorative work through the meek, the mourners, the justice-seeking, and the peacemakers. Even when John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, expresses doubt, Jesus points not to conquered territories or constructed buildings, but to the healing of the lame and blind. This represents a different kind of kingdom, a different kind of king. When Jesus' closest advisors seek high positions in his nascent administration, he rebukes them, asserting that worldly power dynamics don't apply; the first will be last, and the last first. True greatness lies in service. Jesus' path to power culminated in a brutal Roman crucifixion. This echoes significant themes of kingship from Israelite scripture. Psalm 72, for instance, depicts a future king who champions the poor and needy, showing compassion for the weak, and rescuing the oppressed. Other scriptures emphasize caring for widows, orphans, and strangers. This, they assert, is how divine glory would permeate the world. Herod the Great seemingly failed to grasp these lessons. But they formed the foundation of Jesus' life, beginning with his family's flight to Egypt to escape Herod's agents. Many children participate in Christmas pageants. The narrative of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi from the East is often the focus. Skeptics dismiss it as fiction, while believers affirm the existence of astronomers who might have interpreted celestial events to indicate the arrival of a new king. However, Matthew's original audience would have understood the central point: two contrasting approaches to power—Herod's and Jesus'. Those celebrating Christmas amidst global power struggles should consider Matthew's account of Jesus, from the initial conflict with Herod to the final declaration that all authority in heaven and earth now resides, in a radically transformed form, with him. The modern church readily accepts Jesus' heavenly authority. However, we are still grappling with the implications of Jesus—the Jesus of the humble birth in Bethlehem, of the Sermon on the Mount—possessing earthly authority. ```

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 of a major Hollywood production. Netflix's The Six Triple Eight, directed by Tyler Perry and released December 20th, features a prominent cast. Kerry Washington portrays battalion leader Major Charity Adams, showcasing her fight for equal respect and opportunities for Black service members. Sam Waterston plays President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Susan Sarandon portrays First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Oprah Winfrey embodies Mary McLeod Bethune, the first Black woman to head a federal agency, who advised FDR on matters concerning Black Americans. The Six Triple Eight follows Lena Derriecott King (Ebony Obsidian), a Philadelphia woman who joins the Army aspiring to be a nurse after her boyfriend's death overseas. King, and her suitor Abram, were real individuals. In the film, King's mother, a synagogue caterer, disapproves of their interracial relationship, fearing discrimination. Abram's death overseas and the subsequent discovery of an undelivered letter from him highlight the battalion's vital mail organization work. Here's more about the 6888th and their remarkable achievements. What it was like to be in the 6888 Despite their accomplishments, the women of the 6888th faced significant discrimination. Adams, a South Carolina native, was a high school valedictorian and a member of the first Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) officer class. While Black and white women trained together, segregation persisted in their daily lives, including on buses and in living quarters. The film depicts scenes of Black soldiers enduring tear gas and physical training, only to be subsequently denied equal access to public spaces. These indignities were commonplace, as detailed in Kevin M. Hymel's book about the 6888th, which inspired the film. Adams' assignment to organize mail was unexpected, revealed mid-flight. The film shows Bethune assuring President Roosevelt of Adams' troops' capabilities. The 6888th worked in a dilapidated Birmingham, England warehouse, formerly a school. The movie shows their efforts to transform it into an office; it was reportedly overrun with rats amongst the mailbags, according to Major General Mari K. Eder's The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II. “I know how this looks, ladies,” Adams said, according to Eder’s book, “And I know what you’re probably thinking. But we have a job to do, and we’re going to get it done. Now let’s get organized.” They tackled letters addressed to nicknames, damaged care packages, and other logistical challenges. “They clear the backlog faster than any civilians or military personnel who had been there before,” Lena S. Andrews, author of Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II, told TIME in 2023. “By making sure all the mail got delivered, she really helped to keep up morale for troops in the European Theater,” Matthew F. Delmont, author of Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, told TIME in 2022. Eder notes that some 6888th members experienced more freedom in England than in the segregated U.S., forming friendships with locals and engaging in social interactions. After the war After processing 17 million pieces of mail, the 6888th was deployed to France, clearing a two-year backlog in just three months. Adams' promotion to lieutenant colonel made her the highest-ranking Black woman in the U.S. Army. Following their work organizing civilian mail in Paris, the unit was deactivated in 1946. King pursued design school in Leicester, England, and later resided in Las Vegas for many years. In 2022, the battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal. One side depicts Adams, the other a stack of mail with the inscription “clearing the backlog.” In 2023, a U.S. Army base previously named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams, honoring Adams and Arthur Gregg. The Six Triple Eight director showed the film to Lena Derriecott King shortly before her death. In an Instagram video, King expressed gratitude for the film's recognition of Black women's contributions. King passed away on January 18, 2024, at age 100. Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the 6888th demonstrated Black women's capabilities. “What we had was a large group of adult Negro women who had been victimized, in one way or another, by racial bias,” Adams wrote in her memoir. “This was one opportunity for us to stand together for a common cause.”

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 as well as smaller community and family gatherings across the country. Kwanzaa's popularity has grown steadily since its founding, currently celebrated by 3% of the U.S. population (according to a 2019 AP-NORC survey). Former Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama have all issued Kwanzaa proclamations, and the U.S. Postal Service began issuing commemorative stamps in 1997. However, it remains an unofficial federal holiday. Kwanzaa’s origins Kwanzaa emerged during the 1960s Black Freedom Movement, aiming to reconnect Black communities in the U.S. with vital African cultural traditions disrupted by the transatlantic slave trade. It also champions unity and liberation. “It was profoundly shaped by that transformative decade of intense struggles for freedom, justice, and equality waged by Africans and other people of color globally in the 1960s,” Maulana Karenga, the holiday's founder, stated in his 2023 Kwanzaa address. “Kwanzaa, therefore, originated, established itself, and flourished as an act of freedom, a tool for freedom, a celebration of freedom, and an embodiment of freedom.” Karenga, an African American author, activist, and professor, established Kwanzaa following the 1965 Watts Riots (Watts Rebellion) in Los Angeles. Karenga described Kwanzaa as a “politically motivated holiday” in an interview with Henry Lewis Gates Jr. for PBS. “The goal is for African and African-descended people to gather around family, community, and culture, creating spaces where, in Dr. Karenga's words, we feel fully African and fully human simultaneously,” explained Janine Bell, president and artistic director at the Elegba Folklore Society in Richmond, Virginia. The basics Many who observe Kwanzaa, a secular holiday, celebrate it alongside religious festivals like Christmas. Individuals of any faith, race, or ethnicity can participate. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits” or “first harvest.” The final “a” was added to represent the seven children present at the first Kwanzaa celebration, each receiving a letter. The holiday is guided by seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, each highlighted daily: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). The Nguzo Saba are symbolized by a kinara, a seven-candle holder. Each night, a candle is lit. The candle colors match the Kwanzaa flag: black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for their hope. Large Kwanzaa celebrations take place annually across the U.S., including cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Detroit. These events often include storytelling, music, and dance. Bell noted that this year's Capital City Kwanzaa Festival in Richmond focuses on “knowledge of self,” with a randomly selected African descendant receiving a free DNA test to discover their ancestry. The holiday is also observed in homes, often centering on children, seen as crucial to cultural preservation and community development. Corn frequently represents this focus on children and the future. “The intention is for it to be a year-round practice,” Bell stated. “The need for these principles and their strengthening values don't disappear on January 2nd.” Family celebrations involve gift-giving and sharing African American and Pan-African foods, culminating in the Karamu, a feast showcasing dishes from the African diaspora. This might include Southern staples like sweet potato pie or African dishes such as jollof rice. Activities throughout the seven days aim to strengthen community ties, remember the past, and recommit to key African cultural ideals. This can include dance, poetry readings, ancestor veneration, and the daily kinara lighting.

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 minister on Monday may prove insurmountable. A growing number of Liberal MPs are urging Trudeau's resignation, but newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated Thursday that Trudeau retains the "full support of his Cabinet." LeBlanc acknowledged the views of Liberal lawmakers advocating for Trudeau's resignation. “They're expressing their opinion. The prime minister listened attentively, responded to some specific points raised, and indicated he would carefully consider the matter,” LeBlanc explained. LeBlanc emphasized the government's continued focus on its work and addressing the threat of a 25% tariff on all Canadian products from President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration next month. “We shouldn't be preoccupied with internal matters,” LeBlanc stated. LeBlanc plans to meet with Tom Homan, Trump's incoming "border czar," after Christmas to discuss Canada's border security plan to mitigate the tariff threat. Trudeau, who has led the country for almost a decade, has seen his popularity decline in recent years due to various factors, including the high cost of living and inflation. Currently, there's no immediate mechanism within Trudeau's party to remove him. He could resign, or a "no confidence" vote in Parliament, leading to a likely Conservative victory, could force his Liberal party from power. As more Liberal MPs called for Trudeau's resignation this week, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson suggested, “We should all give him some time for reflection.” Concerns over Trudeau's leadership intensified Monday when Chrystia Freeland, his finance minister and deputy prime minister, resigned. Freeland was highly critical of Trudeau's economic management in light of Trump's tariff threats. The housing minister also resigned shortly before Freeland's announcement. Because Trudeau's Liberals lack a majority in Parliament, they've relied on the support of the leftist New Democratic Party (NDP) to pass legislation and maintain power. However, this support has dwindled—the NDP leader has also called for Trudeau's resignation—potentially paving the way for a "no confidence" vote. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, however, hesitated to commit to bringing down the government immediately, partly due to the potential for crippling tariffs from Trump and the need for Parliament to respond accordingly. Parliament is currently adjourned for the holidays until late next month, with a potential "no confidence" vote scheduled afterward. “It seems Trudeau will step down eventually, but the timing remains uncertain,” noted Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. “The cabinet shuffle aims to fill vacancies and alleviate ministerial workloads, but it won't improve the Liberal party's standing in the polls; it's too late for that.” LeBlanc also confirmed that Mark Carney won't be joining the Cabinet. Trudeau had been attempting to recruit Carney, the former head of the Bank of England and Bank of Canada, to his government. Carney had expressed interest in politics and potentially leading the Liberal Party. “Mr. Carney won't be Canada's finance minister anytime soon,” LeBlanc clarified. “The prime minister tasked me with preparing for a spring budget.” ```

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 legal action. Broadbridge informed her social media followers that Gunn’s lawyers had trademarked the musical's poster and claimed exclusive rights to Gunn’s signature kangaroo dance from the Paris performance. Gunn, a 37-year-old Sydney university lecturer, stated that her Olympic breaking debut in August left her “devastated” and prompted her retirement. Despite this, she expressed appreciation for the attention from celebrities such as late-night host Jimmy Fallon. “I don’t think I’m in a place yet to watch it but I will watch it at some point,” she commented. On Thursday, Broadbridge updated her Instagram, announcing the musical's rebranding as “Breaking: The Musical,” with the tagline: “A completely legal parody musical.” A new, satirical poster features a kangaroo silhouette in Raygun’s iconic pose. In a Thursday statement, Gunn confirmed that her legal team had reached an agreement with Broadbridge. “She still gets to go ahead with the musical, she’s got a new name, new poster, and she still gets to take that show on the road. So I’m really happy for her and I wish her all the best with the show and with the tour,” Gunn stated. She denied reports of demanding a 10,000 Australian dollar ($6,230) payment for the use of her name. “We have not sought any costs from all this. So there’s a lot of talk around this $10,000 … that was from really early on, like day one, my lawyers were acting on my behalf.” Earlier media reports indicated Gunn’s lawyers were requesting at least $10,000 in legal fees from the musical’s promoter and iD Comedy Club owner Anthony Skinner. Skinner, who intended to donate the show's proceeds to a Sydney women’s shelter, was quoted in Australian media expressing his delight at the unexpected publicity for the production, now scheduled for Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney in early next year. In her social media video, Gunn clarified that the decision to remove her name wasn't about an inability “to take a joke.” “I really do strive to support creativity and have loved the ways my performance has sparked so many different artistic interpretations, and there was so many fantastic memes that were clever, and funny and creative,” she explained.

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 nation. Republicans initially complied, incorporating a two-year debt ceiling suspension into a revised spending bill. However, this bill failed a House vote, leaving the situation unresolved. This explains the debt ceiling debate and its role in the government shutdown crisis: What is the debt ceiling? The debt ceiling, or debt limit, represents the maximum amount the U.S. government can borrow to fulfill its legal obligations. Congress must raise this limit to allow the Treasury Department to borrow beyond it. The current federal debt is approximately $36 trillion. Post-pandemic inflation has increased government borrowing costs, resulting in debt service exceeding national security spending next year. The debt limit was last addressed in June 2023, with a suspension until January 1, 2025. At that time, the limit will automatically adjust to match the amount of debt issued. Recent debt limit votes have been used politically, leveraging this necessary bill to include additional priorities. What is the debt ceiling fight all about? The President-elect links the debt ceiling issue to the government funding dispute, asserting that both must be addressed concurrently. He previously stated his desire for the debt ceiling issue's resolution before assuming office. He warned Republicans that failure to address the debt ceiling adequately would result in political consequences. What happens if the debt ceiling isn’t raised? Raising the debt limit isn't immediately necessary. Upon the January 1st trigger date, the Treasury Department can employ “extraordinary measures” to prevent default. These measures could potentially postpone a default until summer 2025—a scenario the President-elect aims to prevent to avoid a debt ceiling increase while he is in office. Lawmakers have always acted to raise the debt ceiling due to the severe consequences of default. A default would be unprecedented and could have catastrophic effects on the economy and global markets. Raising or suspending the debt limit doesn’t authorize new spending or tax cuts; it simply acknowledges existing budget laws and allows the government to meet obligations. This has led some to advocate for eliminating the debt limit entirely. What could the debt ceiling fight mean for Speaker Mike Johnson? The debt ceiling issue could significantly impact Speaker Johnson's political standing as he seeks re-election. The President-elect stated that Speaker Johnson’s continued leadership depends on decisive action to address the debt ceiling, creating a challenging situation just before the holidays. The previous Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, worked with President Biden to raise the debt ceiling. Despite a bipartisan agreement, this deal was deemed insufficient by House Republicans, ultimately costing McCarthy his position. Now, the President-elect wants Johnson to pass a debt ceiling extension before the potential government shutdown. What are Democrats saying about the debt ceiling debate? After a caucus meeting, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries ruled out helping Republicans resolve the shutdown threat. Jeffries stated on social media that Democrats wouldn't help Republicans raise the debt ceiling if it results in cuts to social security. Jeffries and other Democrats urge Republicans to uphold the spending agreement reached before the President-elect’s involvement. They have called the new GOP plan inadequate. —Kinnard reported from Charleston, South Carolina.

(NEW YORK) — The individual suspected in the murder of Brian Thompson was transported back to New York by air and helicopter on Thursday to face new federal charges. These charges include stalking and murder, potentially carrying the death penalty upon conviction. Mangione agreed to his return to New York following a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania, where his arrest occurred last week, five days after the shooting. He subsequently appeared in a Manhattan federal court for an afternoon hearing resulting in a detention order. Following his Pennsylvania court appearance, Mangione was immediately taken into custody by NYPD officers present in the courtroom and escorted to a plane for Long Island. He was then flown to a Manhattan heliport and walked to a pier, heavily guarded. The unsealed federal complaint details two counts of stalking and single counts of murder via firearm and a firearms offense. The murder charge carries a potential death penalty, although federal prosecutors haven't confirmed if they will seek it. A New York state indictment, filed earlier this week, charged Mangione with murder, carrying a potential life sentence without parole. New York does not have capital punishment. In Thursday's federal court appearance, Mangione showed minimal reaction to the magistrate's reading of the complaint's murder accusation. His lawyer described the simultaneous state and federal prosecutions as highly unusual, stating, “Frankly I’ve never seen anything like what is happening here.” The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate stands accused of ambushing and shooting Thompson on December 4th outside a Manhattan hotel, where the UnitedHealth Group CEO was en route to an investor conference. Authorities reported that Mangione possessed the murder weapon, a passport, fake IDs, and approximately $10,000 at the time of his arrest on December 9th while eating breakfast at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. Mangione, who initially resisted extradition, made two brief court appearances on Thursday, waiving a preliminary hearing on forgery and firearms charges before consenting to his transfer to New York. Investigators believe Mangione's actions stemmed from anger towards the U.S. healthcare system and corporate greed, despite not being a UnitedHealthcare client. The federal complaint cites a notebook found on Mangione containing handwritten pages expressing animosity toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives. An August entry reportedly stated that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box,” while an October entry allegedly detailed an intention to “wack” an insurance CEO at an investor conference. The killing sparked widespread discussion regarding resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies and prompted reactions within corporate America, with some social media users framing the shooting as retribution. Video footage shows a masked gunman shooting Thompson, 50, from behind, followed by additional shots. Despite widely circulated images of the suspect’s unmasked face, he evaded capture until his arrest in Altoona, approximately 277 miles (446 kilometers) west of New York. Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent Maryland family, carried a handwritten letter denouncing health insurance companies as “parasitic” and criticizing corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin. One of his lawyers urged the public against prejudging the case. Mangione frequently posted on social media about how spinal surgery alleviated his chronic back pain, encouraging others with similar conditions to advocate for themselves. In a late April Reddit post, he advised someone with a back problem to seek multiple surgical opinions and, if necessary, claim the pain prevented work. “We live in a capitalist society,” Mangione wrote. “I’ve found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life.” He reportedly distanced himself from family and close friends in recent months. His family reported him missing in San Francisco in November, issuing a statement expressing shock and devastation at his arrest. Thompson, raised on an Iowa farm, was a trained accountant. A married father of two high schoolers, he had worked at UnitedHealth Group for 20 years, becoming CEO of its insurance arm in 2021. ___ Scolforo reported from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writers Mike Rubinkam in Allentown, Pennsylvania; and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; contributed.

Gisele Pelicot, the 72-year-old woman whose case culminated in the conviction of 51 men, including her husband, is rightly celebrated as a hero. The public Avignon trial, attracting global attention, was possible due to Pelicot’s willingness to be identified as the victim of her husband's crimes: drugging her and facilitating sexual assaults by other men. For her bravery and conduct during the trial, she's been lauded as a symbol of resilience and courage. While Pelicot embodies these qualities, her case might not become the hoped-for catalyst for other rape survivors to come forward. Unlike most sexual assault cases, Pelicot’s was exceptionally clear-cut. The strength of her case might inadvertently raise the bar for proof, potentially deterring others from reporting. The Pelicot trial was remarkable in many respects. She had been married to her assailant, Dominique Pelicot, for decades before he began secretly sedating her and soliciting men online using the term "sans le savoir" ("without her knowledge"). Numerous men, many married themselves, participated in the assaults, even when she was clearly unconscious. Her deteriorating health, including hair loss and memory problems, went undiagnosed for years. Only after Dominique Pelicot was apprehended for upskirting and police discovered videos of the assaults on his computer did Gisele learn the truth about the decade-long abuse. At trial, many of the men claimed they believed they had her husband's consent, a defense the court rejected. The court found 50 defendants guilty of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. Dominique Pelicot, who confessed, received the maximum 20-year sentence; others received sentences up to 15 years. Large crowds attended, many displaying support for Pelicot and echoing her declaration that "shame must shift" from victims to perpetrators. Data from the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that fewer than half of all sexual assaults are reported. While reporting has increased recently, the societal shame associated with sexual assault remains a significant barrier. The #MeToo movement has encouraged more survivors to come forward, yet a simultaneous backlash from men claiming unjust accusations creates a narrative that the system is biased against them. The result: continued doubt surrounding survivors' testimonies and persistent hesitation among women to report. Pelicot's exceptional bravery should not overshadow the fact that her case was unique and exceptionally strong. Her age, career, and complete unawareness of the assaults—she wasn't a young woman at a party, a sex worker, or anyone capable of consent—set it apart. The evidence was overwhelming. Most sexual assaults lack such clear, irrefutable evidence (Dominique Pelicot left a digital trail). For most women, coming forward might invite skepticism and victim-blaming. Ideally, no woman should need to be literally unconscious to avoid accusations of complicity. Yet, the reality is that survivors face accusations of encouraging the assault, not resisting enough, sending mixed signals, or consenting then changing their minds. Pelicot’s case, however, was exceptional; her behavior played no role whatsoever. After the trial, Gisele Pelicot expressed concern for her children, other affected families, and all sexual assault survivors. She acknowledged the struggles of unrecognized victims and expressed hope, stating her belief in a future of harmony, respect, and mutual understanding. This, too, demonstrates remarkable courage.

For weeks, the White House has urged Congress to approve $100 billion in disaster relief funding to replenish depleted resources and aid communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and other severe weather events. This funding was a key component of a bipartisan spending agreement that collapsed on Wednesday. The deal's failure followed a series of social media posts from Elon Musk criticizing the agreement and President-elect Donald Trump's demand to renegotiate, specifically targeting the national debt limit. This setback represents a significant defeat for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had brokered a deal to avert a government shutdown before Christmas, only to see it undermined at the eleventh hour by his party's leader and the world's wealthiest individual. Lawmakers are now racing against time to forge a new agreement before the government's midnight Friday deadline, triggering a shutdown of all non-essential services. A shutdown would result in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed without pay until a new spending plan is approved. National Parks might close, and food and environmental inspections could be delayed. While Social Security payments and Medicare would continue, many related services, including benefit verification and application processing, would be curtailed. Musk and Trump's actions have jeopardized the disaster relief funds, a provision with bipartisan support. Republican senators from hurricane-affected states, including Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, are adamant about securing this funding. Following Trump and Musk's actions, Senator Tedd Budd of North Carolina declared on X that there would be no stopgap funding bill without disaster relief for Western North Carolina. The White House is blaming Republicans for obstructing disaster relief and other essential spending. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated Wednesday night that Republicans must cease politicizing the bipartisan agreement, warning of harm to American workers and national instability. She accused President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance of ordering the government shutdown, thereby undermining disaster recovery efforts, as well as harming farmers, ranchers, and community health centers. The last federal government shutdown, during Trump's first term, lasted five weeks—the longest in U.S. history—resulting in approximately $3 billion in economic losses, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Republican strategist and pollster Whit Ayres notes that the 2013 government shutdown negatively impacted the GOP's approval ratings, taking a full year to recover. He suggests that Republicans risk similar damage if they fail to prevent another shutdown. For months, Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, has been advocating for a standalone disaster relief package. In a November communication to lawmakers, she highlighted the two-year absence of comprehensive disaster funding from Congress. Additional funding is crucial for recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, severely impacted by Hurricane Helene—the deadliest U.S. mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005—and Florida's subsequent Hurricane Milton. Other affected areas requiring funds include Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Mexico, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The requested $100 billion includes approximately $29 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster relief fund for immediate recovery efforts such as debris removal, infrastructure repair, and financial aid for displaced individuals. Another $21 billion was earmarked for farmers facing crop and livestock losses. Remaining funds were allocated for highway and bridge repairs, housing assistance, and low-interest loans for small businesses. Without congressional action, the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program will soon be depleted, potentially impacting employment in storm-ravaged communities. When efforts to pass a separate bill failed, lawmakers attempted to include the disaster funding in a broader spending bill that ultimately failed. This bill would have maintained largely level federal spending through March, when President Trump assumes office. ```