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In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Hamas initiated the release of three Israeli and five Thai hostages on Thursday, marking the third such exchange since the ceasefire commenced earlier this month. Israel is anticipated to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in return. This truce aims to de-escalate the most devastating war between Israel and Hamas, ignited by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The ceasefire remains in effect despite a recent disagreement over the hostage release timeline. Hamas transferred Israeli soldier Agam Berger to the Red Cross in a ceremony held in Jabaliya's heavily damaged refugee camp. The Israeli government subsequently confirmed Berger's return. Another ceremony, attended by numerous individuals including masked militants, was scheduled in Khan Younis, near the destroyed residence of a deceased Hamas leader. In Tel Aviv, Israelis celebrated Berger's release, shown on large screens alongside a countdown clock tracking the hostages' captivity. Supporters displayed signs welcoming Berger home. Berger was among five female soldiers abducted on October 7; the other four were freed on Saturday. Two additional Israelis, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, were also slated for release on Thursday. The identities of the released Thai nationals haven't been officially confirmed. Numerous foreign workers, along with Israeli civilians and soldiers, were taken hostage during Hamas's attack. Twenty-three Thais were among the over 100 hostages released during a November 2023 ceasefire. Israel reports eight Thais remain captive, with two presumed dead. Among the prisoners slated for release from Israeli prisons are 30 serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis. Zakaria Zubeidi, a former prominent militant leader and theater director, is also included in this release. Israel stated that Yehoud's release was originally planned for Saturday, leading to a delay in opening northern Gaza crossings. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, mediators of the ceasefire following extensive negotiations, resolved the dispute, securing Yehoud's release on Thursday. Three more hostages and additional Palestinian prisoners are set for release on Saturday. On Monday, Israel permitted Palestinians' return to northern Gaza, the most heavily damaged area. Hundreds of thousands returned to find their homes reduced to rubble. Cease-fire holds for now but next phase will be harder In the ceasefire's first phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, encompassing women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are sick or wounded, in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel states that Hamas has confirmed the deaths of eight hostages in this phase. Palestinians celebrated the prisoner releases, viewing them as heroes who fought to end Israel's occupation of territories intended for a future Palestinian state. Israeli forces have withdrawn from most of Gaza, enabling the return of hundreds of thousands of people and allowing humanitarian groups to provide aid. The agreement stipulates negotiations for a second phase involving the release of remaining hostages and indefinite ceasefire continuation. The war could resume in early March if no agreement is reached. Despite Hamas's re-establishment of control over Gaza, Israel maintains its commitment to destroying Hamas. A key member of Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition already advocates for resuming hostilities after the first phase. Hamas insists on releasing remaining hostages only with a war end and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Tens of thousands killed Hamas initiated the war by sending thousands of fighters into Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 people. Israel's subsequent air and ground offensive ranks among the deadliest and most destructive in recent decades. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, more than half women and children, without specifying militant casualties. The Israeli military claims over 17,000 militants were killed, without offering evidence, maintaining efforts to minimize civilian casualties. It attributes civilian deaths to Hamas's operational tactics within residential areas. The Israeli offensive has devastated neighborhoods, leaving widespread destruction. Approximately 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, with hundreds of thousands residing in precarious conditions. —Krauss reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel contributed. ```

ARLINGTON, Va. — A passenger jet and an Army helicopter collided during a landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening, triggering a major search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. Initial reports provided no casualty information. All airport activity ceased following the incident, with law enforcement helicopters searching for survivors. Inflatable rescue boats launched into the Potomac River near the George Washington Parkway, north of the airport. President Trump received a briefing, his press secretary stated, and Vice President Vance urged social media users on X to pray for those involved. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the mid-air collision happened around 9 p.m. EST. A regional jet from Wichita, Kansas, struck a military Black Hawk helicopter as it approached the runway. Air traffic control tower audio reveals a controller asking the helicopter about the passenger jet's visibility moments before the apparent collision. Another pilot then reported the incident to the tower. The tower immediately diverted other aircraft. American Airlines acknowledged reports of its flight's involvement and promised further updates when available. Footage from a Kennedy Center observation camera shows two sets of lights, possibly aircraft, merging into a fireball. The airport reported an aircraft incident and confirmed emergency responders were on the scene. The event evoked memories of the 1982 Air Florida crash into the Potomac, which claimed 78 lives. That accident was attributed to poor weather conditions. Further details remain unavailable. —Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Meg Kinnard and Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — A Manhattan court sentenced former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to 11 years imprisonment on Wednesday. The conviction stems from charges of bribery involving gold and cash, and acting as an agent for Egypt – offenses that reportedly earned him the moniker "Gold Bar Bob." Following a tearful statement to the court, where Menendez expressed remorse for his actions and the loss of everything except his family, U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein delivered the sentence. Judge Stein remarked on Menendez's previous success and power, highlighting the senator's apparent deviation from public service to self-interest. The judge emphasized that such actions fuel public cynicism. The judge noted the lengthy, five-year investigation and the consequences for Menendez: the loss of his Senate seat, chairmanship, and reputation. Prosecutors initially sought a harsher sentence for the former Democratic senator, who faced multiple charges, including acting as an agent of Egypt in Washington and accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. Before sentencing, Menendez emotionally recounted his accomplishments. He pleaded with Judge Stein for a fair judgment, acknowledging past mistakes but emphasizing his contributions. Menendez's attorney, Adam Fee, urged the judge to consider his client's lengthy career of public service and personal sacrifices, acknowledging the negative publicity surrounding the "Gold Bar Bob" nickname. Prior to sentencing, Menendez's legal team argued for a sentence under two years, citing his years of service and his ascent from poverty to a prominent political figure. However, after hearing sentences given to two New Jersey businessmen involved in the bribery scheme, the defense revised their request to a maximum of eight years. Fred Daibes, a real estate developer, received a seven-year sentence and a $1.75 million fine, while Wael Hana, an entrepreneur, was sentenced to eight years, a $1.25 million fine, and a $125,000 forfeiture. Both men expressed remorse and made appeals for leniency in their statements to the court. A third businessman involved had previously pleaded guilty. Menendez resigned from the Senate following his conviction last year, losing his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the fall of 2023 upon the charges being revealed. The trial detailed Menendez's interactions with Egyptian officials and his actions on behalf of three businessmen who provided him with substantial gifts, discovered during a 2022 raid of his New Jersey home. This included hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez had accepted bribes in exchange for using his office to benefit Egypt, including protecting a meat certification monopoly and providing information about U.S. Embassy staff. Further allegations included attempts to influence a federal prosecutor on behalf of a real estate developer and efforts to secure a vehicle for his wife, possibly in return for favors. Menendez maintained his innocence, asserting that his interactions were standard for a Foreign Relations Committee chair and that he prioritized American interests. He denied the bribes and claimed the gold belonged to his wife. Nadine Menendez faces trial in March on similar charges, while battling breast cancer. Menendez's lawyers emphasized the significant personal and professional consequences he had already endured, including reputational damage and financial ruin. Court documents detailed Menendez's lengthy career of public service, which included overcoming hardship, serving as mayor, state legislator, and U.S. Representative before his Senate tenure. The former senator is notable for being the only U.S. senator to face indictment twice. A previous case involving accusations of bribery related to a Florida eye doctor resulted in a hung jury and was later dropped.

Super Bowl LIX, featuring a rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on February 9th, is generating considerable excitement. However, SeatGeek data indicates that resale ticket prices have dropped approximately 14% compared to the same point before last year's Super Bowl. As of Wednesday, the average resale ticket price for Super Bowl LIX is around $10,417, a decrease from the $12,128 average seen the same number of days before the 2024 Super Bowl. “The Super Bowl consistently ranks among the most in-demand sporting events, and this year's rematch adds extra appeal. Currently, we're observing strong early demand, especially from Eagles fans, who are leading ticket purchases,” commented Chris Leyden, SeatGeek's director of growth marketing. “Although prices are currently lower than last year at this point, Super Bowl ticket prices are known for their volatility, so we'll continue monitoring the market as game day nears.” The price reduction may be attributed to this year's venue, the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Last year's game, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—a significantly larger market—could account for the price difference. On Wednesday, SeatGeek's cheapest ticket, including fees, was $5,705, while the most expensive reached $20,674. Ticketmaster showed comparable pricing, with a low of $4,750 and a high of $17,842 (excluding fees). Further price decreases are anticipated as the game approaches. The Kansas City Chiefs aim for their third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Their last encounter with the Eagles, the 2023 Super Bowl, resulted in a three-point Chiefs win. An Eagles victory this year would mark their second Super Bowl win, following their 2018 triumph over the New England Patriots.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, exhibits a raspy, wavering voice due to spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological disorder causing vocal cord muscle spasms. Kennedy has openly discussed the condition's impact, expressing dissatisfaction with his voice and acknowledging the burden it places on listeners. He's noted that while his voice doesn't tire easily, its quality is poor. He attributes this to the neurological nature of the condition, suggesting that increased vocal use strengthens it. This article provides an overview of spasmodic dysphonia's prevalence, causes, and treatments. Understanding Spasmodic Dysphonia Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a rare disorder causing involuntary voice box movements, according to Saul Frankford, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Dallas who has studied the condition. Its prevalence is approximately [number]%. Two main SD types exist. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia, Kennedy's type, involves overly tight vocal fold closure during speech, leading to raspiness, creakiness, and voice breaks. The less common abductor spasmodic dysphonia causes sudden vocal cord opening, resulting in a breathy voice. SD is sometimes called laryngeal dystonia. This relates to other dystonias like writer's cramp and neck dystonia, all characterized by involuntary muscle contractions during movement, such as finger, hand, or forearm spasms. Causes of Spasmodic Dysphonia SD typically emerges in the 40s or 50s (Kennedy's diagnosis was in 1996), and its cause remains unclear. Frankford describes its onset as often sudden. However, some patients report preceding upper respiratory infections or periods of stress and anxiety as potential triggers. A genetic component exists, though its exact contribution is uncertain. Frankford estimates that 10% to 20% of individuals with SD have affected family members. Impact on Vocal Activities Spasmodic dysphonia is a task-specific dystonia primarily affecting regular speech. Other vocalizations, such as laughing, crying, whispering, and sometimes singing, are less likely to be impacted. Diagnosing Spasmodic Dysphonia SD diagnosis presents challenges due to its rarity and resemblance to other voice disorders. An accurate diagnosis often takes four to five years. The condition's overlap with muscle tension dysphonia adds to diagnostic difficulty. The lack of visible physical abnormalities complicates diagnosis. There are no detectable structural issues on MRI scans. Diagnosis often involves speech-language pathologist assessments of voice production and quality, and potentially, a doctor examining vocal folds via a small tube inserted through the nose into the voice box. Cure and Treatment for Spasmodic Dysphonia SD is a chronic, incurable condition, though its severity fluctuates with stress and fatigue levels. Treatment Options Botox injections into the larynx muscles are the standard treatment. This weakens the muscles, improving vocal quality, albeit temporarily. Side effects include breathiness. Retreatment is needed every two to five months. Kennedy reported receiving Botox every four months (in 2005, on The Diane Rehm Show). Research into drug therapies and surgical nerve severing is ongoing, but surgical outcomes are inconsistent. Vocal therapy may offer some benefit, particularly for muscle tension dysphonia, but not for SD itself. Living with Spasmodic Dysphonia SD's impact extends to mental health, with studies indicating high rates of anxiety and depression, and a heightened risk of suicide among those affected. Communication difficulties associated with the condition significantly affect quality of life, often leading to social withdrawal. Frankford emphasizes that SD is a neurological disorder, not a reflection of cognitive ability or character, and that those affected should not face ridicule. ```

A recent Trump administration directive, effective January 24th, initially impacted a significant portion of U.S. foreign aid projects, including the highly successful President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has enjoyed bipartisan support throughout its existence. State Department data indicates PEPFAR, currently costing approximately [amount redacted], has saved 25 million lives and curbed the AIDS epidemic in numerous countries. In 2023, over 2 million individuals, including 500,000 children, accessed antiretroviral therapy or pre-exposure preventative medications through the program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently granted PEPFAR a waiver, allowing some services to continue, though the long-term outlook and the future of preventative measures remain unclear. The program’s most recent Congressional reauthorization provided only one year of funding (until March 2025) instead of the customary five years, reflecting some Congressional concerns about its funding and use. TIME interviewed Dr. Deborah Birx, PEPFAR’s head from 2005 to 2014 and a Trump administration pandemic advisor, on Wednesday. Currently a senior fellow at [Organization Name redacted], she previously released statements expressing concern about the potential impact of funding cuts. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Can you explain the current situation with PEPFAR? Funding for current treatment is available. Funding for prevention through mother-to-child transmission is likely also released. The question is about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and a definitive answer is lacking. Do you think PEPFAR has a viable future, or is it endangered? The waiver suggests a viable future. However, ongoing reviews and external assessments during transitions are essential. PEPFAR has achieved remarkable results, particularly during the first Trump administration. However, ongoing adjustments and efficiency improvements are necessary as the program progresses. It seems you believe PEPFAR has already done the necessary work in reviewing its priorities. Are you surprised it’s in jeopardy? No. Recent additions to treatment are at a historic low, and the Mozambique incident raises serious questions. The administration's reassessment is warranted. A data-driven approach can improve efficiency and refocus the program. Less funding for better results? Improving efficiency within existing resources is always possible. Many countries have met their 2030 goals early. PEPFAR needs a revised plan, acknowledging that these programs weren't designed to be indefinite. Managing HIV as a chronic disease requires ongoing treatment, similar to managing diabetes or hypertension. Given the chronic nature of HIV, is it a good idea to [question redacted]? The WHO should reflect on its performance, enhance transparency, and inform the U.S. government of its improvement plans. Is freezing USAID funds for humanitarian assistance productive or counterproductive for pandemic preparedness? Secretary Rubio's announcement of waivers for humanitarian aid and life-saving treatments during the review is noteworthy. However, the planned review aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The goal should be to eliminate duplication with other programs to maximize reach. As a pandemic prevention specialist, are you concerned about [redacted]'s appointment to the Department of Health and Human Services? I haven't seen his hearings yet and plan to watch them to understand his current position. He seems to have a clear stance. If it remains unchanged, would you oppose it? I won't comment on Robert Kennedy. I prefer data-driven assessments. I'll wait to hear his testimony under oath before forming an opinion.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has presented an evolving stance on abortion, contrasting with the views of many in the current administration. During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 29th, Kennedy clarified his position, stating he would implement President Trump's abortion policies. Here's a look at Kennedy's past and present views on abortion. Kennedy's Past Statements on Abortion Historically a proponent of reproductive rights, Kennedy, a former Democrat, previously supported a woman's right to choose, even extending this to later-term pregnancies, while acknowledging each abortion as a "tragedy". He later clarified his position, suggesting support for abortion restrictions after fetal viability. In a subsequent statement, he elaborated on his evolving perspective on late-term abortions, acknowledging instances of elective procedures which caused him concern. He indicated a belief that viable fetuses merit protection. In a June Facebook post, he further refined his stance, stating that while he initially believed late-term abortions were primarily justified by life-threatening situations or fatal fetal conditions, he learned that wasn’t always the case. He expressed discomfort with elective late-term abortions and stressed the need for fetal protection after viability. His Current Stance on Abortion At the confirmation hearing, Kennedy aligned himself with President Trump's views, repeatedly stating that every abortion is a tragedy and that state control over abortion is necessary. These statements reflect Kennedy's shift in position to appeal to Trump's anti-abortion base. Several Democratic senators highlighted this change during the hearing, with Senator Sanders noting the rapid shift in Kennedy's stance. Senator Cortez Masto questioned whether a pregnant woman facing a life-threatening situation should receive emergency abortion care, even in a state with abortion bans. Kennedy's uncertain response underscored the complexities of his evolving position. A Clash with Conservatives and Shifting Positions Kennedy's evolving abortion views have clashed with more conservative Republicans who have enacted abortion bans in thirteen states. The anti-abortion agenda promoted by President Trump includes ending access to abortion medication, a primary method of abortion in the U.S. Concerns over this policy have led some providers to decrease their requests for such medication. Kennedy indicated that he would also defer to President Trump on the regulation of abortion medication, despite its FDA approval for safety and efficacy. He committed to implementing whatever policies President Trump decided upon.

A brief White House pause on federal grants and loans this week raised questions about its impact on financial aid applications. The Trump administration implemented this pause on Wednesday. However, the Department of Education clarified that direct aid to individuals, including federal student loans, remained unaffected. The FAFSA application remained accessible throughout this period. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators reported no complaints regarding FAFSA access from any schools. Despite this, many borrowers online inquired about the FAFSA's status. Is the FAFSA form paused? No. Student loans, Pell Grants, and other direct student aid programs were unaffected by the funding pause. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remains available for completion at [link removed]. “We continue to award and disburse [aid],” the Federal Student Aid Office of the U.S. Department of Education stated on its website. FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are due June 30th. After this date, the application will be unavailable online, though individual colleges may have earlier deadlines. How were college students affected by the Trump administration’s funding pause? Colleges nationwide issued statements expressing uncertainty about the memorandum's impact and stated they were assessing potential effects on students, staff, and programs. However, disruptions to student financial aid were not anticipated. “Funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs will not be paused,” the U.S. Office of Management and Budget announced. ___ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s [link removed] for working with philanthropies, a [link removed] of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. ```

WASHINGTON — The White House Office of Management and Budget revoked an order halting federal grant spending on Wednesday. This follows less than two days of widespread confusion and legal challenges nationwide, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Monday evening directive from the OMB created uncertainty about vital funding for states, schools, and organizations dependent on substantial federal dollars. The White House subsequently struggled to clarify which funding would be affected by the suspension. Sources, speaking anonymously to discuss internal communications, confirmed the OMB rescinded the order Wednesday in a brief, two-sentence notice to agencies. Administration officials stated that the loan and grant suspension aimed to ensure spending aligned with Trump's recent policies. Agencies were instructed to answer a series of yes/no questions about each federal program by February 7th. These questions included inquiries about whether programs promoted gender ideology or supported abortion. However, the vaguely worded memo, combined with inconsistent White House communication, left lawmakers, officials, and citizens unclear about which programs would be impacted. Even temporary funding interruptions could lead to job losses or service delays. The freeze, initially set to begin Tuesday at 5 p.m., was temporarily blocked by a federal judge until at least Monday following an emergency hearing requested by grant-receiving nonprofits. A separate lawsuit from Democratic state attorneys general was also pending. Trump administration officials asserted that programs offering direct aid to Americans—including Medicare, Social Security, student loans, and food stamps—would remain unaffected. However, they often struggled to provide clear explanations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially declined to specify whether Medicaid was exempt, but the administration later confirmed its exclusion. Despite Trump’s campaign promise to disrupt Washington, the impact of his funding pause extended far beyond the nation's capital. Organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Head Start, which rely on federal funding, expressed concerns about potential funding cuts. Democratic critics swiftly celebrated the order's reversal. “This is a significant victory for the American people,” stated Sen. , D-Wash. “The Trump administration's actions, through incompetence, harmful intentions, and disregard for the law, caused significant harm and chaos for millions.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York declared that “Americans resisted, and Donald Trump retreated.”

Introducing artificial intelligence tools to Gloria Steinem highlighted the potential of AI to advance equality or hinder progress. The crucial factor is the level of women's (and other marginalized groups') involvement in shaping this transformative technology. However, a stark reality emerged: there's an urgent need for greater female participation in AI development and usage. The underrepresentation of women in AI—a mere fraction of AI professionals and researchers globally—is a serious issue. This isn't solely a pipeline problem; women need to actively utilize AI in their daily lives and work. Women's participation in AI training programs is also significantly low. Studies indicate women are less likely than men to use AI tools at work, creating a vicious cycle where hesitation leads to further marginalization in an AI-driven world. Fortunately, accessing and using AI doesn't require specialized expertise or resources. Many tools are free and readily available. This presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress significantly. Imagine AI providing readily available mentorship, personalized skill development, and automation of time-consuming tasks. This technology could act as an equalizer, offering support and efficiency previously unavailable to many women. AI has the potential to overcome systemic barriers, particularly in mentorship. Many women lack the established networks men often benefit from. This lack of guidance hinders equality, with women less likely than men to receive advice from senior leaders—a disparity even wider for women of color. AI tools like ChatGPT offer personalized mentorship and support, compensating for these historical shortcomings. AI can also help address the confidence gap, combating self-doubt and societal biases that discourage women from taking risks. AI tools can provide feedback on communication style, assist with salary negotiations and presentations, and highlight achievements. Research shows that when women overcome initial hesitation, they often outperform their male counterparts. The key is not technical skills, but confidence and a willingness to experiment. The obstacle isn't ability, but access and training. Starting with simple AI tasks can demonstrate the benefits and encourage wider adoption. However, inherent biases exist within AI tools, posing real dangers for women. We've seen AI tools perpetuate biases, from discriminatory job recruitment algorithms to hypersexualized image generation and the spread of deepfakes. AI chatbots have even demonstrated biased responses based on gender. These risks necessitate increased female involvement. Women's involvement in AI isn't optional; it's essential. Women are uniquely positioned to identify and rectify gender bias in AI systems, ensuring the technology respects women's privacy and dignity. The solution is not to reject AI, but to integrate women's perspectives. AI's accessibility is key. Start with simple, free tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or NotebookLM. Share your experiences and encourage others to do the same. Collective knowledge sharing can drive significant change. The feminist movement has always championed progress. We face a crucial decision: will we let AI solidify existing power structures, or will we harness it to build a more equitable future? Can AI truly democratize opportunities for the underrepresented? Steinem's reflection on AI— "You’ve created a whole universe here that didn’t exist before"—captures the transformative potential. ```