WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Summer Lee overcame a primary challenge to return to office in January. Two of her close allies did not. While Lee of Swissvale easily dispatched Edgewood Council member Bhavini Patel last spring, challengers ousted two other members of the left-wing group of House Democrats known as the Squad. What Lee and the two Democrats who lost their reelection bids — U.S. Reps. Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri — had in common was that they have been among Israel's fiercest critics in Congress, even before Hamas launched an attack on the Jewish State on Oct. 7, 2023. "While the number of anti-Israel Democrats and their influence have been exaggerated, there's no doubt that the defeat of two of them should send a strong message to those who refuse to condemn the Iranian attack on Israel in April or voted against a resolution standing with Israel against Hamas or more recently has called on the administration to withhold weapons," said Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America. But while Bowman's and Bush's races attracted millions of dollars from the pro-Israel community, Lee's did not. Her district is more liberal than others — Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris received more votes in 2024 against Donald Trump than Joe Biden did in 2020 — and Nachama Soloveichik, a partner in ColdSpark, a Pittsburgh-based Republican consulting firm, said there wasn't the outrage over Lee's positions as there was in those other two districts. "I don't think she has suffered from the same kind of negatives," Soloveichik said. Lee did not respond to requests for comment. But a close ally, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said the millions of dollars spent by outside groups influenced the outcome of the races. "It's really heartbreaking to have members depart from here, especially in races that had the highest levels of special interest spending that we've seen in American history," Ocasio-Cortez said. "I don't think anyone feels good about that." A super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful pro-Israel lobby, spent $14.6 million on the Bowman race and $8.6 million on the Bush race, according to the research group OpenSecrets. Those were the PAC's two highest-spending races in 2024, and AIPAC-backed candidates won both, as they did in 96% of Democrats the group endorsed. AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittman said the results showed that "being pro-Israel is both good policy and good politics." Congressional Progressive Caucus leaders recommended that the Democratic National Committee ban super PACs from spending money in party primaries. Outgoing caucus chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said that the outside money was a big factor in Bowman's and Bush's defeats. "Those two individuals had a lot of big money come in against them," Jayapal said. "Every election you have to convince voters. It gets very difficult, when you get enormous amounts of money coming in, to make your case. I don't think there's any big lesson to learn from it other than big money." After all, she said, many other progressives were reelected despite the outside spending. "I think people want to look at those two instead of looking at the whole range of progressives that won, including ones that had a lot of big money against them," she said. "But we obviously think we need to get big money out of these primaries." Another caucus member, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., cautioned against calling the primary losses a backlash to progressive politicians. "There are unique factors to each of those districts, which I think we ought to refrain from making general statements," McGovern said. "Those districts are different, and there were a bunch of factors. I don't think it was a repudiation of the Squad or people wanted to move to the right. These are individual races." Still, Democratic strategist Joel Rubin, a Squirrel Hill native, said Lee should study why so much money was spent in those other races and why it worked. "It would benefit her and her political position to look at the lessons from the Bowman and the Bush races and rather than chalk it up to one generalized talking point, look deeper at why the money that went into the race had the impact on voters that it did," said Rubin. But Soloveichik cautioned that politicians aren't very good at personal introspection. "If Oct. 7, which was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, did not cause people to question their votes and their rhetoric, I don't think anything will," Soloveichik said. "They talk to people who think and vote just like them. Their supporters are hard-left activists, and their districts are overwhelmingly liberal. I doubt that we'll see anything." Lee's district includes the large Jewish community in Squirrel Hill, site of the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history when Robert Bowers gunned down 11 worshippers in a local synagogue in 2018. She obtained $1 million in federal funds to convert the Squirrel Hill synagogue into a memorial and education center, and another $547,000 for the 10.27 Healing Partnership, which helps those traumatized by the shooting. Soifer said the congresswoman needs to build a better relationship with her Jewish constituents. "One doesn't always have to agree, but one should always have open lines of communication with one's constituents," Soifer said. And Soloveichik warned that Lee's electoral success in 2024 didn't close the door on a future, more successful challenger if she continues on her current path regarding the Jewish state. "I feel pretty confident that the people who care about Israel are keeping an eye on her performance and if there is an opportunity to fire her electorally, they will jump on it," she said. One of those watching Lee is Pittsburgh resident Lou Weiss, a local pro-Israel activist and member of the Republican Jewish Coalition. "If the appropriate candidate pops up, we'd love to happen to her what happened to these others," he said. "Hopefully she joins her buddies Jamaal and Cori in early retirement." In the wake of the primary defeats of her Squad colleagues, Lee disregards her Jewish constituents at her own risk, Rubin said. "What kind of relationship does she want to have with these constituents and will that influence her positions?" Rubin said. "If it doesn't and if the way she's engaging continues to make them concerned and upset, then you bet they're going to be looking for alternatives. ...If you keep on having your voters and constituents upset, you increase the likelihood of a credible challenger appearing." So far, Lee hasn't changed her positions on Israel. She was one of 14 House members to vote against a Republican-led resolution condemning antisemitism and one of nine opposing a resolution expressing support for Israel and condemning Hamas for the October 2023 attack. Earlier this month, Lee helped lead a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging them to suspend transfers of offensive weapons to Israel. "Continuing to transfer offensive weapons to Netanyahu's government prolongs the suffering of Palestinian families, puts Israeli lives in further danger, and risks our own national security by sending a message to the world that the U.S. applies its laws and values selectively," Lee said. Among the 19 other lawmakers signing the letter were Bowman and Bush. But Lee acts at her own peril if she doesn't acknowledge that Bowman's and Bush's positions on Israel were factors in their defeats, said Sam Markstein, national political director for the Republican Jewish Coalition. "As a proud Squad member, Congresswoman Lee has embraced, time and again, the most radical elements in the Democratic Party," Markstein said. "Congresswoman Lee would be wise to change course, but we know she won't." (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com . 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Key nations raced Saturday to salvage UN climate talks after the poorest countries pushed back angrily for more than $300 billion a year in help from historic wealthy emitters. More than a day past the scheduled conclusion of two days of COP29 talks, host Azerbaijan urged bleary-eyed delegates to seek consensus to avoid failure. "I know that none of us want to leave Baku without a good outcome," COP president Mukhtar Babayev told a late-night session, urging all nations to "bridge the remaining divide". Developing power Brazil pleaded for at least some progress and said it would seek to build on it when it leads COP30 next year in the Amazon gateway of Belem. "After the difficult experience that we're having here in Baku, we need to reach some outcome that is minimally acceptable in line with the emergency we're facing," Brazil's environment minister Marina Silva told delegates. A number of nations have accused Azerbaijan, an authoritarian oil and gas exporter, of lacking the experience and will to meet the moment, as the planet again sets record temperatures and faces rising deadly disasters. Small island nations threatened by rising seas and impoverished African states on Saturday angrily stormed out of a meeting with Azerbaijan, saying their concerns had been ignored. The European Union, United States and other wealthy countries met directly with poorer nations to work out final details, with both blocs also concerned at efforts led by Saudi Arabia to water down calls from last year's summit to phase out fossil fuels. "If we don't do it, people at home -- in every home across the world -- would say, why did you not get an agreement? Because I believe we can," Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan told AFP. A draft of the final text seen by AFP proposes that rich nations raise to $300 billion a year by 2035 their commitment to poorer countries to fight climate change. It is up from $100 billion now provided by wealthy nations under a commitment set to expire -- and from $250 billion proposed in a draft Friday. That offer was slammed as offensively low by developing countries, which have demanded at least $500 billion to build resilience against climate change and cut emissions. Sierra Leone's climate minister Jiwoh Abdulai, whose country is among the world's poorest, called the draft "effectively a suicide pact for the rest of the world". As staff at the cavernous and windowless stadium began closing down, diplomats rushed to meetings with one another, some ready with food and water in preparation for another late night. Panama's outspoken negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, voiced anger at offers by rich countries but warned not to repeat the failure of COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. "I'm sad, I'm tired, I'm disheartened, I'm hungry, I'm sleep-deprived, but there is a tiny ray of optimism within me because this cannot become a new Copenhagen," he told reporters. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the revised offer of $300 billion was "a significant scaling up" of the existing pledge by developed nations, which also count the United States, EU and Japan among their ranks. Climate activists shouted "shame" as US climate envoy John Podesta walked the halls. "Hopefully this is the storm before the calm," he said. Wealthy nations say it is politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding. Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, returns to the White House in January and a number of other Western countries have seen right-wing backlashes against the green agenda. The draft deal posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources. Ali Mohamed, the Kenyan chair of the African Group of Negotiators, told AFP: "No deal is better than a bad deal." South African environment minister Dion George, however, said: "I think being ambitious at this point is not going to be very useful." "What we are not up for is going backwards or standing still," he said. "We might as well just have stayed at home then." The US and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China -- the world's largest emitter -- to chip in. China, which remains classified as a developing nation under the UN framework, provides climate assistance but wants to keep doing so on its own voluntary terms. The EU and other countries have also tussled with Saudi Arabia over including strong language on moving away from fossil fuels, which negotiators say the oil-producing country has resisted. "We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the new, few rich fossil fuel emitters," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. bur-np-sct/lth/giv
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NEW YORK — The last of the crystal triangles that make up this year's Times Square New Year's Eve ball were installed Friday morning. It's the first time in 10 years that all 2,688 were replaced at once. Singer Pitbull attends the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Crystal Installation on Friday at One Times Square in New York. Yuki Iwamura, Associated Press Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those on hand to help the organizers of the celebration put the final pieces in place atop One Times Square, the skyscraper from which the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere drops to mark the new year. Singer Pitbull, left, and Joy Mangano, right, founder of CleanBoss, install a crystal Friday during the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Crystal Installation at One Times Square in New York. Yuki Iwamura, Associated Press A New Year's Eve ball was first dropped in Times Square in 1907. Built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, the 700-pound, 5-foot diameter ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt lightbulbs. People are also reading... Six newer versions of the ball were featured in the century-plus since that first celebration. Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is displayed Friday at One Times Square in New York. Yuki Iwamura, Associated Press The only years no ball drop occurred were 1942 and 1943, when the city instituted a nightly "dimout" during World War II to protect itself from attacks. Crowds instead celebrated the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes rung from the base of One Times Square. How to set your 2025 mental health new year's resolutions How to set your 2025 mental health new year's resolutions As the new year approaches, many people begin thinking about their resolutions—typically focusing on physical health, saving money, or spending more time with family. One area that often gets overlooked is mental health. The pressure to "get fit" or "eat better" is well-known, but taking care of mental well-being is just as important as improving physical health, especially since mental health impacts every aspect of life. At first glance, mental health goals can seem intangible and subjective, but there are scientifically-proven ways to set achievable, measurable, and personalized mental wellness goals that will help anyone thrive in 2025. Vivian Chung Easton, a mental health therapist at Blueprint , a company focused on building AI-powered tools to help therapists, shares recommendations for setting mental health resolutions. Prioritize Self-Compassion and Resilience Building One of the most important mental wellness goals for 2025 is to prioritize self-compassion and resilience. In a culture that often celebrates hustle and perfection, it's easy to push yourself too hard, setting unrealistic expectations that only add to stress and anxiety. But research shows that self-compassion and resilience are critical factors in coping with stress and maintaining long-term mental well-being. A 2021 study by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer highlights that self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness when things don't go as planned—can reduce emotional distress and improve resilience. Instead of criticism for not meeting a goal or making a mistake, practice affirmations or positive self-talk. A simple goal, like being kinder to yourself during setbacks, can help reduce stress and boost mental wellness. A goal can look something like this: Create 10 positive affirmations (like "It's ok, I'm doing the best I can") to use for positive self-talk when you make a mistake. Practice mindfulness for 10 minutes a day, five days a week. Practicing mindfulness doesn't have to just mean meditating, being present in the moment can look different for everyone. The goal of mindfulness is to do one thing and only that thing—not multi-tasking. Whether reading, stretching, or washing the dishes, do what makes sense for your life. Use three coping strategies during stressful situations each week, like grounding exercises, breaking things down into smaller tasks, or rethinking a challenge positively. This can improve your ability to handle different situations with resilience and self-compassion. Making room for self-compassion this year can be a transformative step toward building resilience and enhancing overall mental health. Incorporate Social Connections Into Your Mental Health Goals Social connection is one of the most important factors in mental wellness, yet it's often overlooked in favor of individual self-improvement goals. Physical isolation can lead to loneliness, but social isolation is also strongly linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, according to a study by Juliannee Holt-Lundstad. Meaningful relationships and community support can improve how satisfied you feel in your life on a day-to-day basis. This year, make it a goal to strengthen and nurture social connections, whether that means reconnecting with old friends, regularly scheduling family time, or joining social groups and clubs—like a book club, gym, or church group. For example, a social wellness goal can look like: Reconnect with a friend or family member once a month. Join a support group to build a community of people who understand individual challenges. Attend social events (virtual events count too) to foster a sense of belonging. Building mental wellness isn't just about managing thoughts and feelings; it's also about fostering a strong support network. Social connections are integral to building emotional resilience. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques as a Foundation Just as physical fitness is associated with physical health, mindfulness is often associated with mental fitness. However, practicing mindfulness is just as important as going for a run or lifting weights when it comes to mental wellness. Mindfulness-based practices—such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises—have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being according to research by Stefan Hofman in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Incorporating mindfulness into a routine doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult. Start small by committing to 5–10 minutes of mindfulness practice a few times a week . Focus on breath, practice guided meditation, or even engage in mindful walking or eating. A simple goal might be: Meditate for five minutes daily . Practice mindful eating by turning off electronic devices, like your phone, TV, and computer when eating. These exercises are called a practice for a reason: doing them consistently and often can strengthen your ability over time. These practices not only reduce stress in the moment but also help to build resilience over time, making it easier to handle future challenges. Set Realistic and Achievable SMART Goals Whatever New Year's resolution you might have, a large obstacle is setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic. Whether it's aiming to exercise every day or cutting out all sugar, overambitious goals can lead to burnout and disappointment when progress isn't immediate. This is especially true for mental health goals, which often require patience and consistency. Using these suggestions for mental health goals, focus on how to personalize them to make them realistic and achievable for your life. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people are more likely to succeed in their resolutions when they set realistic and incremental goals. Instead of vague, broad goals like "be happier" or "stress less," focus on small, concrete actions that can lead to big changes over time. One effective approach is to use SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: Instead of resolving to "be happier," aim to journal for 10 minutes every morning, identifying one thing that brought you joy that day . Instead of "reduce stress," try committing to eating one meal without your electronic devices . Rather than "improve mental health," set a goal to find activities that lead to better mental health for you—like hiking or meeting a friend for coffee—and do it once a month. These specific, measurable actions make it easier to track progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Plus, they're more realistic and achievable, which increases your chances of success. Monitor Progress and Adjust Mental Health Goals Throughout the Year It happens every year—gyms always seem to empty out before spring starts. One of the challenges of New Year's resolutions is that many people abandon their goals as early as January. However, mental health goals require ongoing attention and flexibility. Unlike weight loss or fitness goals, mental wellness is a journey, not an endpoint. Regularly tracking progress is essential. By setting aside time to evaluate personal progress, it's easier to adjust your goals and make necessary changes to keep things on track. Research shows that regular goal check-ins increase the likelihood of long-term success. Consider setting quarterly check-ins with yourself to assess your mental health goals: Have you been practicing mindfulness regularly? Are you feeling more self-compassionate during setbacks? Are you meeting your social connection goals? If you're not meeting your targets, adjust them to make them more realistic. Mental health progress doesn't always follow a straight line, so it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself. Your Resolutions are Personal and Evolving The new year is inherently a time of change, and that can be a helpful mindset in seeing new potential for growth and taking action. As you set your resolutions for 2025, don't forget to prioritize mental wellness. By focusing on achievable, realistic goals—you're setting yourself up for a healthier, more fulfilling year. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and nurturing it can help to reach other goals more effectively. Even if, in a month or two, you feel like you're falling behind—mental health goals can and should be flexible and adaptable. You can always adjust your approach if things aren't serving you, and check in with yourself regularly to stay on track. Goals are personal, and you're always in control. Here's to a year of growth, balance, and emotional well-being in 2025. This stor y was produced by Blueprint and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock As anyone who’s ever started a business knows, getting one off the ground is not for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in the early years, from solidifying business plans to navigating the complexities of hiring employees and acquiring licenses and insurance. These hurdles often determine the fate of a startup, making the journey from an idea to a successful enterprise both difficult and uncertain. Each year, millions of Americans file new business applications , but only a fraction of these ventures transition to hiring employees. Among those that do, surviving the critical first few years can still be an uphill battle. However, survival rates differ significantly by location, influenced by a variety of factors such as economic conditions, state policies, and industry-specific demand. The good news is that businesses that weather the initial hurdles see a much greater likelihood of long-term success. This analysis explores the states where new businesses are most likely to survive their earliest years based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The findings reveal important insights into how location and time impact the chances of business success. Alberto Menendez Cervero How Likely Are New Businesses to Remain Open? The chances of staying in business increase dramatically after the first few years Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business One of the most significant challenges for new business owners is simply staying in operation. The risk of failure is highest during the first year, but it diminishes considerably over time. For those businesses that survive the initial hurdles, the likelihood of long-term success grows each year. According to recent BLS data, only about 79% of businesses survive their first year, making it the most difficult period for startups. However, for businesses that survive their first year, roughly 85% make it to the next. By the fifth year, 91% of businesses manage to continue operations, and for those that reach the 10-year mark, an impressive 93% make it through to another year. These figures underscore the importance of persistence and adaptability, especially during the critical early years when the risk of failure is highest. They also highlight that while starting a business is undeniably challenging, those who endure the startup years enjoy far better odds moving forward. Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed Washington & California lead the country in new business survival rates Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business New business success varies widely across the United States, with some states providing a more favorable environment for startups to thrive. Based on survival rates for the first three years of operation, Washington and California stand out as the nation’s leading states. Washington claims the top spot, with businesses in the state enjoying an 86.4% chance of surviving their first year, 89.3% in their second year, and an impressive 91.8% in their third year. These figures highlight Washington's robust support for young businesses, likely fueled by its thriving tech ecosystem and a generally favorable economic climate. California ranks second, with survival rates of 86.0% in the first year, 89.8% in the second, and 91.4% in the third. Despite challenges such as high costs of living and regulatory complexities, California’s strong economy, innovation hubs, and access to venture capital contribute to its high ranking. Outside of the West Coast, West Virginia —whose economy is deeply rooted in energy production, natural resources, and manufacturing—ranks third, boasting the highest third-year survival rates at 91.9%. North Carolina —a major banking center and home of the Research Triangle—follows closely with similar numbers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Minnesota businesses face the toughest challenges in their early years, with only 72.3% surviving their first year and 80.2% their second. These regional differences highlight the importance of local economic conditions in shaping a startup's odds of success. For entrepreneurs planning their next move, this analysis offers insight into where businesses are thriving and where challenges are more pronounced. Factors like industry presence, regulatory environments, and access to resources can create opportunities—or hurdles—that significantly affect survival rates in the critical early years. Choosing the right location isn’t just about personal preference; it can mean the difference between failure and success. This analysis was conducted by Simply Business —an online insurance marketplace for small businesses—using 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For complete results, see the original post: States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed . Methodology Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock The data in this report comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics . To determine the states where new businesses are most likely to succeed, researchers at Simply Business developed a business survival index. This index is based on a weighted average of the most recent survival rates for private-sector establishments during their first, second, and third years of operation, as of March 2024. The survival rates were calculated using sequential benchmarks. The first-year survival rate is the percentage of businesses still active one year after opening. The second-year rate is the percentage of those first-year survivors that remained operational for another year. Similarly, the third-year rate is the percentage of second-year survivors that continued into the following year. The data focuses exclusively on private-sector businesses with at least one employee. For complete results, see States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed on Simply Business. Alberto Menendez Cervero Stay up-to-date on what's happeningMENLO PARK, Calif. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GRAIL, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRAL), a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early when it can be cured, today announced that it has granted equity awards in the form of restricted stock units ("RSUs") underlying an aggregate of 115,093 shares of GRAIL's common stock to 46 recently hired non-executive employees as an inducement material to their acceptance of employment with GRAIL. The employment inducement awards were granted under GRAIL's Inducement Equity Incentive Plan and related form of restricted stock award agreement in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The inducement plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously employees of GRAIL, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as an inducement material to such individuals entering into employment with GRAIL, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The RSUs vest over an approximately four year period, with 25% of the award vesting November 30, 2025 , and on each one year anniversary of those respective dates thereafter, subject to continued employment with GRAIL (or any successor to or subsidiary of the Company) through the vesting dates. About GRAIL GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is focused on alleviating the global burden of cancer by using the power of next-generation sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art machine learning, software, and automation to detect and identify multiple deadly cancer types in earlier stages. GRAIL's targeted methylation-based platform can support the continuum of care for screening and precision oncology, including multi-cancer early detection in symptomatic patients, risk stratification, minimal residual disease detection, biomarker subtyping, treatment and recurrence monitoring. GRAIL is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with locations in Washington, D.C. , North Carolina , and the United Kingdom . For more information, visit grail.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grail-announces-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4-302321454.html SOURCE GRAIL, Inc.
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Princely Umanmielen’s return to the Swamp ends with a loss and a police escortISTANBUL: Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), is “ready to make a call” to back a new initiative by the Turkish government to end decades of conflict, Turkiye’s pro-Kurd party said Sunday. Two lawmakers from the DEM party made a rare visit to Ocalan on Saturday on his prison island, the first by the party in almost a decade, amid signs of easing tensions between the Turkish government and the PKK. On Friday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government approved DEM’s request to visit the founder of the PKK, which is designated a terror group by Turkiye and its Western allies. Ocalan has been serving a life sentence on the island of Imrali south of Istanbul since 1999. The government’s approval of the visit comes two months after the head of Turkiye’s nationalist MHP party, Devlet Bahceli, extended Ocalan a shock olive branch, inviting him to parliament to renounce terror and disband his group, a move backed by Erdogan. “I have the competence and determination to make a positive contribution to the new paradigm started by Mr.Bahceli and Mr.Erdogan,” Ocalan said, according to a DEM statement Sunday. Ocalan said the visiting delegation would share his approach with both the state and political circles. “In light of this, I am ready to take the necessary positive steps and make the call.” DEM party co-chair Tuncer Bakirhan lauded Ocalan’s appeal as “historic opportunity to build a common future,” in a message on social media platform X. “We are on the eve of a potential democratic transformation across Turkiye and the region. Now is the time for courage and foresight for an honorable peace,” he said. The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, claiming tens of thousands of lives. A peace process between the PKK and the government collapsed in 2015, unleashing violence especially in the Kurdish-majority southeast. The new initiative launched in October by Bahceli, who has been fiercely hostile to the PKK, sparked a public debate, with Erdogan hailing it as a “historic window of opportunity.” But a deadly terror attack in October on a Turkish defense company in the capital Ankara, for which PKK militants claimed responsibility, put those hopes on hold. Turkiye launched strikes on Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria after the attack, which killed five people. “Re-strengthening the Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is not only a historical responsibility but also... an urgency for all peoples,” Ocalan said, according to the DEM statement. He said all the efforts would “take the country to the level it deserves” and become a “very valuable guide for a democratic transformation.” “It’s time for peace, democracy and brotherhood in Turkiye and the region.” The new outreach by both sides comes as Islamist rebels consolidate their control in neighboring Syria after toppling its strongman president Bashar Assad. Turkiye hopes Syria’s new leaders will address the issue of Kurdish forces in the country, which Ankara sees as a terror group affiliated to the PKK. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his US counterpart Antony Blinken in a phone call on Saturday that Kurdish fighters “cannot be allowed to take shelter in Syria,” according to the ministry spokesman. According to the DEM statement, Ocalan said developments in Syria had shown that outside interference would only complicate the problem, and a solution could no longer be postponed.
SPOILER ALERT: This story discusses major plot points, including the ending for “ Gladiator II ,” currently playing in theaters. All hail Macrinus! In a world of political backstabbing, power and ambition, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus enters the arena in Ridley Scott ’s “ Gladiator II” with troops and guards under a canopy. He reeks of wealth and oozes power. The role has been a favorite of fans and critics, and Washington is earning some serious Oscar buzz. Scott’s sequel picks up 16 years after the original “Gladiator” ends. It tells the story of Lucius ( Paul Mescal ) whose town is attacked by Roman soldiers. The invasion leads to tragedy as Lucius’ wife is killed and he’s captured as a prisoner. Enter Macrinus, a wealthy trader who spots Lucius and buys him for his own. But audiences aren’t quite sure of Macrinus and his motives at first. It’s clear he’s a powerful player in all of this, but whether his intentions are good or bad isn’t immediately clear. Scott and his go-to team of collaborators told Macrinus’ story by planting clues to his true nature. Scott explains the idea behind Macrinus’ past. Washington’s character had been a prisoner of war, taken to Rome and turned into fodder for the arena. Still, “he earned his way out as a good gladiator,” says Scott. The idea was he eventually earned his freedom “maybe by getting a job as a supplier to the armies of Rome.” Macrinus rides under a canopy, and cinematographer John Mathieson says, “He’s remarkable looking. He’s very bling, flamboyant and he’s robed, and he’s obviously not from Rome, but he has done very well. He’s deeply mischievous, treacherous, and you feel that. He is incredibly polite and kind, even to those who owe him money.” Composer Harry Gregson-Williams, who stepped in for Hans Zimmer to score the film’s music, echoed this through his score: “We know we’re kind of attracted to him because he’s kind of a cool character, but he’s a slippery character.” When it came to Macrinus’ musical motif, he relied on the electric baritone violin and electric cello to hint at who he was. “I created this motif that is slippery and slides around.” Thematically, Macrinus’ material was “quite creepy that evolves into something much bolder” to reflect his scheming ways and ambition as he navigates his way through the halls of power in Rome. Production designer Arthur Max, who worked on the first “Gladiator” film, knew Macrinus would need a visual motif. In meeting with his fellow department heads, art was a huge inspiration for Macrinus — in particular Jean-Léon Gérôme — his 1872 Pollice Verso painting and other works by the artist. Max says, “He comes from the polytheistic pagan world of ancient Rome, which he’s a part of, they adopted gods from the animal world. We decided to give him two motifs and distributed those throughout his universe; one was the wolf and the other one was the snake.” The double snake motifs could be seen on the flags his troops were carrying, and the wolf heads could be seen around the curvature of his chariot — all hinting to the true nature of this man. Wealth was also reflected in Washington’s costumes, with rich fabrics draped over his 15 total tunics for every costume change. He collaborated closely with costume designer Janty Yates to build his look. At one point, there was an idea of putting him in a headpiece, but since Scott nor Washington liked the idea, it was quickly nixed. Yates says, “But Denzel did wear the earrings, which was great because that gives him a slightly off-center feel. It was brilliant.” They were clip-on earrings because Washington didn’t have pierced ears. When Macrinus is in the suburban colosseum with the baboons, his outfit is subtle and majestic. Once he goes to Rome, he sits in the royal box alongside the Emperors. Yates used original hand-embroidered drapes. One particular outfit is the green drape which was encrusted in jewels. Yates says, “It was bought in Milan from a man who imports ancient Indian fabrics and embroidery.” He also wore a bit of leopard skin print. Scott says Washington embraced his silk, and the idea of his adjusting his fabrics was his idea. “He chose to do that. That’s Denzel. He’s so inventive. I thought that’s really amusing.” But it also spoke to his character. Makeup artist Jana Carboni didn’t want to get in the way of Washington’s performance. She says, “We decided to go for something simple and straightforward. So the idea was to make him look very groomed and, in a way, vain. He wasn’t too loud because he needed to be chameleon-like and fit in everywhere. Also, we kept it simple because he was going to play with his jewelry.” The only tweak that was made was to his hair. “I said, ‘It’d be lovely if we could bring the silvery-gray out in your hair,’ and he loved the idea.” As Mescal’s Lucius hopes for and fights for a better Rome, Macrinus has other plans: a bloodthirsty quest for revenge. Twin emperors, played by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, stand in his way. “He’s a very sinister mercurial character,” says cinematographer John Mathieson. Scott says that Macrinus always coveted the throne, but the more time he spends around the emperors “the throne is becoming, ultimately, very practical. His plan might have been,’ I will wait until one of the twins dies, I can’t do anything else because otherwise it’d be too obvious, but then things start to present themselves to him as possibility.” Mathieson made sure to capture Macrinus, even when he was in the shadows, lurking. “I always put a ping of light in his eyes, these eyes that are just going through you. I made sure I caught him.” When the twins fall out, Scott says Macrinus has found a window and he seizes it. “I can get rid of one of these.” Yates dressed him in a white jacquard silk draped fabric with gold trim. “I wanted to keep him very elegant, but simple.” She explains, “He had reached the point where he was so close to the emperors, we wanted him to look sort of almost innocent.” Except the irony was that he wasn’t, and he seized that moment and beheads one of them. Yes, Macrinus is the true villain of the film, but it’s up to Lucius to restore order and power to Rome and defeat him. For his last scene, Yates put Macrinus in a majestic peacock blue tunic. Macrinus and Lucius face one another in an epic fight in a river that Max and his team built. It doesn’t end well for Macrinus. Lucius slices off his arm with a sword, and one final swing ends him. Says Scott, “I think he earned the right to die that way. 100 percent. What a bad guy. He still had a little bit of the gladiator in him, and was a good warrior. You see that come out with Paul’s character, he fights dirty.” Scott likens the final fight to an alleyway fight – fighting dirty. That’s what Lucius had to do. ”One of them had to die.”
‘American Idol’ Alum Caleb Kennedy Pleads Guilty, Gets 8 Years in Prison After Fatal DUI CrashPolice officers stand near a body covered by a tarp outside of Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Police officers stand near a body covered by a tarp outside of Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Police officers stand near a body covered by a tarp outside of Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said the 911 calls reported “an individual on campus who had fired shots at students," and said that the shooter did not appear to have a connection to the school.
NEW YORK — The last of the crystal triangles that make up this year's Times Square New Year's Eve ball were installed Friday morning. It's the first time in 10 years that all 2,688 were replaced at once. Singer Pitbull attends the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Crystal Installation on Friday at One Times Square in New York. Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those on hand to help the organizers of the celebration put the final pieces in place atop One Times Square, the skyscraper from which the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere drops to mark the new year. Singer Pitbull, left, and Joy Mangano, right, founder of CleanBoss, install a crystal Friday during the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Crystal Installation at One Times Square in New York. A New Year's Eve ball was first dropped in Times Square in 1907. Built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, the 700-pound, 5-foot diameter ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt lightbulbs. Six newer versions of the ball were featured in the century-plus since that first celebration. Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is displayed Friday at One Times Square in New York. The only years no ball drop occurred were 1942 and 1943, when the city instituted a nightly "dimout" during World War II to protect itself from attacks. Crowds instead celebrated the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes rung from the base of One Times Square. As the new year approaches, many people begin thinking about their resolutions—typically focusing on physical health, saving money, or spending more time with family. One area that often gets overlooked is mental health. The pressure to "get fit" or "eat better" is well-known, but taking care of mental well-being is just as important as improving physical health, especially since mental health impacts every aspect of life. At first glance, mental health goals can seem intangible and subjective, but there are scientifically-proven ways to set achievable, measurable, and personalized mental wellness goals that will help anyone thrive in 2025. Vivian Chung Easton, a mental health therapist at Blueprint , a company focused on building AI-powered tools to help therapists, shares recommendations for setting mental health resolutions. One of the most important mental wellness goals for 2025 is to prioritize self-compassion and resilience. In a culture that often celebrates hustle and perfection, it's easy to push yourself too hard, setting unrealistic expectations that only add to stress and anxiety. But research shows that self-compassion and resilience are critical factors in coping with stress and maintaining long-term mental well-being. A 2021 study by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer highlights that self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness when things don't go as planned—can reduce emotional distress and improve resilience. Instead of criticism for not meeting a goal or making a mistake, practice affirmations or positive self-talk. A simple goal, like being kinder to yourself during setbacks, can help reduce stress and boost mental wellness. A goal can look something like this: Making room for self-compassion this year can be a transformative step toward building resilience and enhancing overall mental health. Social connection is one of the most important factors in mental wellness, yet it's often overlooked in favor of individual self-improvement goals. Physical isolation can lead to loneliness, but social isolation is also strongly linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, according to a study by Juliannee Holt-Lundstad. Meaningful relationships and community support can improve how satisfied you feel in your life on a day-to-day basis. This year, make it a goal to strengthen and nurture social connections, whether that means reconnecting with old friends, regularly scheduling family time, or joining social groups and clubs—like a book club, gym, or church group. For example, a social wellness goal can look like: Building mental wellness isn't just about managing thoughts and feelings; it's also about fostering a strong support network. Social connections are integral to building emotional resilience. Just as physical fitness is associated with physical health, mindfulness is often associated with mental fitness. However, practicing mindfulness is just as important as going for a run or lifting weights when it comes to mental wellness. Mindfulness-based practices—such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises—have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being according to research by Stefan Hofman in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Incorporating mindfulness into a routine doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult. Start small by committing to 5–10 minutes of mindfulness practice a few times a week . Focus on breath, practice guided meditation, or even engage in mindful walking or eating. A simple goal might be: These exercises are called a practice for a reason: doing them consistently and often can strengthen your ability over time. These practices not only reduce stress in the moment but also help to build resilience over time, making it easier to handle future challenges. Whatever New Year's resolution you might have, a large obstacle is setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic. Whether it's aiming to exercise every day or cutting out all sugar, overambitious goals can lead to burnout and disappointment when progress isn't immediate. This is especially true for mental health goals, which often require patience and consistency. Using these suggestions for mental health goals, focus on how to personalize them to make them realistic and achievable for your life. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people are more likely to succeed in their resolutions when they set realistic and incremental goals. Instead of vague, broad goals like "be happier" or "stress less," focus on small, concrete actions that can lead to big changes over time. One effective approach is to use SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: These specific, measurable actions make it easier to track progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Plus, they're more realistic and achievable, which increases your chances of success. It happens every year—gyms always seem to empty out before spring starts. One of the challenges of New Year's resolutions is that many people abandon their goals as early as January. However, mental health goals require ongoing attention and flexibility. Unlike weight loss or fitness goals, mental wellness is a journey, not an endpoint. Regularly tracking progress is essential. By setting aside time to evaluate personal progress, it's easier to adjust your goals and make necessary changes to keep things on track. Research shows that regular goal check-ins increase the likelihood of long-term success. Consider setting quarterly check-ins with yourself to assess your mental health goals: If you're not meeting your targets, adjust them to make them more realistic. Mental health progress doesn't always follow a straight line, so it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself. The new year is inherently a time of change, and that can be a helpful mindset in seeing new potential for growth and taking action. As you set your resolutions for 2025, don't forget to prioritize mental wellness. By focusing on achievable, realistic goals—you're setting yourself up for a healthier, more fulfilling year. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and nurturing it can help to reach other goals more effectively. Even if, in a month or two, you feel like you're falling behind—mental health goals can and should be flexible and adaptable. You can always adjust your approach if things aren't serving you, and check in with yourself regularly to stay on track. Goals are personal, and you're always in control. Here's to a year of growth, balance, and emotional well-being in 2025. This stor y was produced by Blueprint and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock As anyone who’s ever started a business knows, getting one off the ground is not for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in the early years, from solidifying business plans to navigating the complexities of hiring employees and acquiring licenses and insurance. These hurdles often determine the fate of a startup, making the journey from an idea to a successful enterprise both difficult and uncertain. Each year, millions of Americans file new business applications , but only a fraction of these ventures transition to hiring employees. Among those that do, surviving the critical first few years can still be an uphill battle. However, survival rates differ significantly by location, influenced by a variety of factors such as economic conditions, state policies, and industry-specific demand. The good news is that businesses that weather the initial hurdles see a much greater likelihood of long-term success. This analysis explores the states where new businesses are most likely to survive their earliest years based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The findings reveal important insights into how location and time impact the chances of business success. The chances of staying in business increase dramatically after the first few years Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business One of the most significant challenges for new business owners is simply staying in operation. The risk of failure is highest during the first year, but it diminishes considerably over time. For those businesses that survive the initial hurdles, the likelihood of long-term success grows each year. According to recent BLS data, only about 79% of businesses survive their first year, making it the most difficult period for startups. However, for businesses that survive their first year, roughly 85% make it to the next. By the fifth year, 91% of businesses manage to continue operations, and for those that reach the 10-year mark, an impressive 93% make it through to another year. These figures underscore the importance of persistence and adaptability, especially during the critical early years when the risk of failure is highest. They also highlight that while starting a business is undeniably challenging, those who endure the startup years enjoy far better odds moving forward. Washington & California lead the country in new business survival rates Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business New business success varies widely across the United States, with some states providing a more favorable environment for startups to thrive. Based on survival rates for the first three years of operation, Washington and California stand out as the nation’s leading states. Washington claims the top spot, with businesses in the state enjoying an 86.4% chance of surviving their first year, 89.3% in their second year, and an impressive 91.8% in their third year. These figures highlight Washington's robust support for young businesses, likely fueled by its thriving tech ecosystem and a generally favorable economic climate. California ranks second, with survival rates of 86.0% in the first year, 89.8% in the second, and 91.4% in the third. Despite challenges such as high costs of living and regulatory complexities, California’s strong economy, innovation hubs, and access to venture capital contribute to its high ranking. Outside of the West Coast, West Virginia —whose economy is deeply rooted in energy production, natural resources, and manufacturing—ranks third, boasting the highest third-year survival rates at 91.9%. North Carolina —a major banking center and home of the Research Triangle—follows closely with similar numbers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Minnesota businesses face the toughest challenges in their early years, with only 72.3% surviving their first year and 80.2% their second. These regional differences highlight the importance of local economic conditions in shaping a startup's odds of success. For entrepreneurs planning their next move, this analysis offers insight into where businesses are thriving and where challenges are more pronounced. Factors like industry presence, regulatory environments, and access to resources can create opportunities—or hurdles—that significantly affect survival rates in the critical early years. Choosing the right location isn’t just about personal preference; it can mean the difference between failure and success. This analysis was conducted by Simply Business —an online insurance marketplace for small businesses—using 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For complete results, see the original post: States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed . Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock The data in this report comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics . To determine the states where new businesses are most likely to succeed, researchers at Simply Business developed a business survival index. This index is based on a weighted average of the most recent survival rates for private-sector establishments during their first, second, and third years of operation, as of March 2024. The survival rates were calculated using sequential benchmarks. The first-year survival rate is the percentage of businesses still active one year after opening. The second-year rate is the percentage of those first-year survivors that remained operational for another year. Similarly, the third-year rate is the percentage of second-year survivors that continued into the following year. The data focuses exclusively on private-sector businesses with at least one employee. For complete results, see States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed on Simply Business. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
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