Review: ‘Black Doves’ is a holiday thriller of the heart

Here comes “Black Doves,” premiering Thursday on Netflix. How is this thriller different from other thrillers? It does what most do, in terms of action and suspense and complicated plotting, and does them very well, but what’s more interesting is that it’s also what might be called a “thriller of the heart.” To begin with, it’s the one with Ben Whishaw — he’s played Hamlet and Richard II (and also Marilyn Monroe) — and Keira Knightley, whom you’ve loved since “Bend It Like Beckham,” and Sarah Lancashire (“Julia,” “Happy Valley”), who, like Knightley, is an OBE, or officer of the Order of the British Empire. I’m sure Whishaw will get to be one eventually if he wants it. And it’s a Christmas story, not a “Die Hard”-type “at Christmas” story, but a legitimate, if twisted Yuletide tale, with arcs, in their unusual way, fitting for the season. Sentimental without irony, it manages to balance relatable relationships with hot- and cold-blooded murder. (It’s something of a feat.) There are Christmas trees, too, and Christmas presents, and Christmas music, and children in a nativity play, and a

In defense of criticism: A theater critic asks what good does it do in an upside-down world

Why would anyone want to be a critic? As I’ve admitted before, it wasn’t in my case an aspiration but a series of accidents that only in retrospect seem inevitable. When I was growing up, the most visible critics were those who appeared on television, like Rex Reed, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and local broadcasters like Stewart Klein from New York’s Channel 5. John Simon fit the acerbic bill so well that he even appeared on an episode of “The Odd Couple,” along with the more gentlemanly example of Los Angeles Times theater critic Daniel Sullivan. Statler and Waldorf from “The Muppet Show” made a long-running joke of dyspeptic critics. Never once in my teenage years did I point to the TV and say, “Mom and Dad, that is what I want to be when I grow up.” They already thought I was odd enough. Why compound their image with an outlandish ambition? Theater critic isn’t a category of profession, like doctor, teacher, firefighter or astronaut, that young people imagine. Today, as newspapers and magazines are slipping into extinction, I wonder if anyone under

Israeli strike on a Gaza tent camp kills at least 21 people, hospital says

By WAFAA SHURAFA DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed by an Israeli strike on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. Atif Al-Hout, the director of Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis said 28 people were wounded. The Israeli military said its aircraft struck senior Hamas fighters “involved in terrorist activities” in the area. The military said that the strike had set off secondary explosions, indicating explosives present in the area were set off. It was not possible to independently confirm the Israeli claims, and the strike could also have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the camp. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union. The strike in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people, near the southern city of Khan Younis, came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of the Palestinian enclave. Earlier strikes on central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. Israel’s war in

United Healthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York

NEW YORK (AP) — Even though Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S., he was largely unknown to the millions of people affected by his decision-making. Wednesday’s fatal shooting of the United Healthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk — which police call a targeted killing — thrust the executive and his business into the spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had run the insurance arm of health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. since 2021 and had worked at the company for 20 years. As CEO, Thompson led a business that provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The portfolio Thompson managed generated $74 billion in revenue in the most recent quarter, making it the largest subsidiary of Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual compensation package, including salary, bonus and stock

States poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding

By Phil Galewitz | KFF Health News With Donald Trump’s return to the White House and Republicans taking full control of Congress in 2025, the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is back on the chopping block. More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage should the GOP reduce the extra federal Medicaid funding that’s enabled states to widen eligibility, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, and the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. That’s because the states have trigger laws that would swiftly end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding falls. The states are Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. Note: Medicaid-expansion enrollment figures as of March 2024. Source: Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, KFF. (Credit: Lydia Zuraw and Phil Galewitz/KFF Health News) For instance, Michigan approved a trigger as part of its Medicaid expansion in 2013, when it was controlled by a Republican governor and legislature. Last year, with the government controlled by Democrats, the state eliminated its funding trigger. Six

USS Green Bay shifting its homeport to San Diego, creating payday for BAE shipyard

The USS Green Bay, a hulking warship that transports and lands Marines throughout the Indo-Pacific, will switch its home port to San Diego Monday, creating a big pay day for a local shipyard. The 684-foot vessel, which has been stationed in Japan for years, will enter the BAE Systems yard in Barrio Logan in February to undergo repairs and upgrades that could cost as much as $239 million, the Pentagon says. The contract could have a stabilizing influence on BAE, whose workforce has dropped by nearly half since 2023, falling to about 650. The company has struggled to pull in large new contracts, although things have picked up lately. BAE was recently awarded a $178 million contract by the Pentagon to repair and modernize the USS Halsey, a guided-missile destroyer. The agency also just gave Continental Maritime, a competing San Diego shipyard, a $64 million contract to repair and upgrade the USS Russell, another Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The Russell returned from a consequential eight-month deployment in October, part of which was spent helping to protect the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Middle East.

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?

By BARBARA ORTUTAY, AP Technology Writer It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. Australia’s new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they’re not ready for, the nation’s move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep. The ban won’t go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That’s not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people’s lives that going cold turkey will be difficult. Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids’ free expression

South Korean President Yoon’s martial law declaration raises questions over his political future

By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KIM TONG-HYUNG SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term and whether he will abide by democratic principles. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Here’s a look at the political firestorm caused by the martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years. Why did Yoon impose martial law? Yoon’s declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday night was accompanied by a pledge to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces at a single stroke.” He vowed to protect the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” Yoon, a conservative, cited repeated attempts by his liberal rivals in control of parliament to impeach his

UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in ‘targeted attack’ in NYC, officials say

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WPIX) – The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City on Wednesday morning, police said.   Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and leg by a masked gunman just before 7 a.m. in front of a Hilton hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, according to officials. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. NYC is the worst city for package theft in 2024: study The suspect had been waiting for Thompson to arrive at the hotel for an investors meeting, police said. The NYPD is offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case. This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP) “This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence. It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. At a press conference on Wednesday, police shared surveillance photos of the suspect holding a gun and fleeing

Mystery drones fly near military base, Trump’s golf course in New Jersey, FBI investigating

By Julia Reinstein and Aaron Katersky Wednesday, December 4, 2024 7:11PM The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed drone flight restrictions while authorities investigate. The FBI is investigating after large drones were spotted flying over central New Jersey over the last two weeks. The “cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft” have been recently sighted along the Raritan River, the FBI said. Larger than the typical drones used by hobbyists, the devices have raised questions due to their proximity to both a military installation and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed drone flight restrictions while authorities investigate. Local police have said there is no known threat to public safety. “Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon would like to inform everyone that the recent drone activity observed by many in our communities is being actively investigated. There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time,” the Morris County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Anyone with information about the drones is being asked to contact law enforcement. Multiple Morris and

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot dead in ‘brazen targeted attack’ with manhunt underway

NEW YORK — The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were discovered by detectives on the shell casings found at the scene where Brian Thompson, the CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare, was gunned down, police sources told ABC News late Wednesday evening. Thompson was shot to death at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning before he was set to attend an investor conference, according to police. The masked gunman, who remains on the loose, carried out a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. But the motive remains unknown, police said. NYPD detectives are working to determine whether the words were meant as a message from the shooter and a hint at his motive. The shooter appeared to be lying in wait at the hotel where he shot Thompson around 6:40 a.m., police said. Video captured the moment the gunman walked up behind the CEO, pointed his gun at him and fired. A witness fled as Thompson stumbled and fell to the ground. The gunman then walked closer to Thompson, firing more times before fleeing.

Fresno State to hire USC linebackers coach Matt Entz as next head coach, ESPN sources say

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 7:00PM PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Chatter on potential front-runners for Fresno State’s next head coach are beginning to heat up. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno State is working toward a five-year deal with USC assistant head coach and linebackers coach Matt Entz to be the program’s next head coach, ESPN sources say. Entz, who was hired by USC last offseason as part of the Trojans’ defensive restructuring, was the head coach at North Dakota State from 2019-23 where he went 60-10 and won two FCS national championships. According to the Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, Entz met with administration at Fresno State on Tuesday. Sources told Action News sports anchor Alec Entz was “a front-runner” alongside Montana State head coach Brent Vigen. The two-time FCS coach of the Year will replace Fresno State’s interim head coach Tim Skipper. Skipper took over the position in July after Jeff Tedford announced he would be stepping down because of health concerns. Before taking over as the coach at NDSU, Entz was the program’s defensive coordinator under Chris Klieman. Entz was promoted to head coach in 2019 when Klieman

Landmark Supreme Court case weighs gender-affirming care for transgender kids

Medical treatment for transgender children, endorsed by major American medical associations and safely used for decades, was the focus at the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday as the Biden administration and three families with transgender teenagers asked the justices to strike down a state law banning some gender-affirming care for minors. The landmark case — U.S. v. Skrmetti — comes from Tennessee, which is among 26 states that have moved to prohibit administration of puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy to minors who seek to identify with, or live as, a gender identity inconsistent with his or her sex at birth. Oral arguments, which began just after 10 a.m., marked the first time the nation’s highest court has openly considered a state law targeting transgender people. It is also the first time an openly transgender litigator, ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, argued a case in the Supreme Court chamber. The historic hearing thrusts the justices to the forefront of a cultural debate that has sharply divided the country and tested the limits of science and parental rights. MORE | What medical care for transgender minors is at

Wendy’s customers can get free Frostys for a year when they purchase this key tag

Wendy’s is giving away the gift of free Frosty treats this holiday season. On Wednesday, the chain announced that its Frosty Key Tags will be available for purchase in its restaurants and app from Dec. 9 until Feb. 15, 2025. For $3, customers can get unlimited free Jr. Frosty treats with purchase from Dec. 9, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025. Panda Express customers can get free merch when they purchase a meal: Here’s what you need to know Proceeds from each Frosty key tag will directly benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a nonprofit organization that works to find permanent homes for children in foster care in the United States and Canada. Customers interested in placing a bulk order for key tags can do so on the foundation’s website. The foundation has helped find forever families for more than 14,800 children. The Frosty keychains were first sold nationwide in 2014, raising millions of dollars for the foundation to date.

Los Angeles to cement sanctuary city status

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday will vote to cement protections for undocumented immigrants by officially making L.A. a sanctuary city. The vote reaffirms the council’s unanimous decision last month. After President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in November, officials in California and other Democrat-led states are preparing for him and his administration to follow through on promises to crack down on undocumented migrants. Trump has even claimed he will use the military to enact mass deportations. Officials voting on ordinance to formally make Los Angeles a ‘sanctuary city’  In Los Angeles, however, those deportation squads won’t receive any local help. “We will not be participating in any roundups of anybody with [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] or any other agency,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Once the bill is signed by Mayor Karen Bass, it will go into effect in 10 days, almost assuredly before Trump takes office in January. “I think it’s important to send a message to Angelenos, all Angelenos, and we are a city of immigrants,” Bass said.

Supreme Court leans in favor of state laws that ban hormone treatments for trans teens

WASHINGTON —  The Supreme Court’s conservatives said Wednesday they are inclined to uphold state laws in half the nation that prohibit the use of hormone treatments for transgender teens. Led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., they said there is an evolving medical debate over the use of puberty blockers and sex hormones for adolescents who suffer from gender dysphoria. “My understanding is the Constitution leaves this to the people’s representatives rather than the nine of us,” Roberts said, adding that none of them are doctors. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh agreed. “There is obviously an evolving debate” about the risks and benefits of these medical treatments, he said. “England is pulling back. That’s a yellow light.” He said there were risks and benefits to the use of these hormones, but said the court should not decide which side is correct. “It just seems to me the Constitution doesn’t take sides on how to resolve this,” he said. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Amy Coney Barrett appeared to agree. Justice Neil M. Gorsuch did not voice a view. But the court’s three liberals

In Syria, a long-dormant civil war reignites

BEIRUT —  Middle East observers would be forgiven for thinking they were in a time machine when Syria’s rebels blitzed last week through the country’s northwestern regions, capturing Aleppo in a stunning advance that has reignited the country’s long-dormant civil war. Over the past seven days, the rebels — long considered a fractured, hopelessly compromised force — have routed Syrian army troops from their bases and positions, making gains in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama provinces. The offensive represents the most serious threat since 2019 to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his backers in Iran and Russia. After an initial retreat, loyalist forces are regrouping, with reports of Syrian army units and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias mobilizing toward Hama to stay the opposition’s advance. Meanwhile, Russian warplanes have launched airstrikes on overrun neighborhoods of Aleppo and pounded rebel-held areas to the north. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a watchdog group with a network of activists in the country, says more than 600 people have been killed in the recent fighting, including more than 100 civilians. The clashes have brought back to attention a civil war that has

British band welcomed to California with armed robbery one day into West Coast tour

A British band kicking off its West Coast tour in San Francisco this week hit a bump in the road when a gunman robbed the members’ tour van at a Vallejo gas station. But as consummate professionals, the group said itwill continue its tour. “Just been robbed at gun point 10 minutes into the US tour,” the band, Sports Team, wrote in an Instagram post. “Man runs in saying some guys are smashing into a van. Ran out to try to stop it and find masked guys ransacking the van.” The post-bunk band is set to release a new album in February and has tour stops in San Diego, Los Angeles and Portland later this month. The band played the first show of its tour in San Francisco on Monday and made the drive to its next gig in Sacramento. But the members stopped first at a Vallejo gas station Starbucks on Tuesday, where the tour gods were not smiling down on them. One of the masked men pulled out a gun when the band members tried to stop the robbery, according to the band’s