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okebet.c WASHINGTON — As a former and potentially future president, Donald Trump hailed what would become Project 2025 as a road map for “exactly what our movement will do” with another crack at the White House. As the blueprint for a hard-right turn in America became a liability during the 2024 campaign, Trump pulled an about-face. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans written in part by his first-term aides and allies. Now, after being elected the 47th president on Nov. 5, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the detailed effort he temporarily shunned. Most notably, Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Those moves have accelerated criticisms from Democrats who warn that Trump’s election hands government reins to movement conservatives who spent years envisioning how to concentrate power in the West Wing and impose a starkly rightward shift across the U.S. government and society. Trump and his aides maintain that he won a mandate to overhaul Washington. But they maintain the specifics are his alone. “President Trump never had anything to do with Project 2025,” said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement. “All of President Trumps’ Cabinet nominees and appointments are whole-heartedly committed to President Trump’s agenda, not the agenda of outside groups.” Here is a look at what some of Trump’s choices portend for his second presidency. As budget chief, Vought envisions a sweeping, powerful perch The Office of Management and Budget director, a role Vought held under Trump previously and requires Senate confirmation, prepares a president’s proposed budget and is generally responsible for implementing the administration’s agenda across agencies. The job is influential but Vought made clear as author of a Project 2025 chapter on presidential authority that he wants the post to wield more direct power. “The Director must view his job as the best, most comprehensive approximation of the President’s mind,” Vought wrote. The OMB, he wrote, “is a President’s air-traffic control system” and should be “involved in all aspects of the White House policy process,” becoming “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” Trump did not go into such details when naming Vought but implicitly endorsed aggressive action. Vought, the president-elect said, “knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State” — Trump’s catch-all for federal bureaucracy — and would help “restore fiscal sanity.” In June, speaking on former Trump aide Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Vought relished the potential tension: “We’re not going to save our country without a little confrontation.” Vought could help Musk and Trump remake government’s role and scope The strategy of further concentrating federal authority in the presidency permeates Project 2025’s and Trump’s campaign proposals. Vought’s vision is especially striking when paired with Trump’s proposals to dramatically expand the president’s control over federal workers and government purse strings — ideas intertwined with the president-elect tapping mega-billionaire Elon Musk and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a “Department of Government Efficiency.” Trump in his first term sought to remake the federal civil service by reclassifying tens of thousands of federal civil service workers — who have job protection through changes in administration — as political appointees, making them easier to fire and replace with loyalists. Currently, only about 4,000 of the federal government’s roughly 2 million workers are political appointees. President Joe Biden rescinded Trump’s changes. Trump can now reinstate them. Meanwhile, Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s sweeping “efficiency” mandates from Trump could turn on an old, defunct constitutional theory that the president — not Congress — is the real gatekeeper of federal spending. In his “Agenda 47,” Trump endorsed so-called “impoundment,” which holds that when lawmakers pass appropriations bills, they simply set a spending ceiling, but not a floor. The president, the theory holds, can simply decide not to spend money on anything he deems unnecessary. Vought did not venture into impoundment in his Project 2025 chapter. But, he wrote, “The President should use every possible tool to propose and impose fiscal discipline on the federal government. Anything short of that would constitute abject failure.” Trump’s choice immediately sparked backlash. “Russ Vought is a far-right ideologue who has tried to break the law to give President Trump unilateral authority he does not possess to override the spending decisions of Congress (and) who has and will again fight to give Trump the ability to summarily fire tens of thousands of civil servants,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a Democrat and outgoing Senate Appropriations chairwoman. Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, leading Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said Vought wants to “dismantle the expert federal workforce” to the detriment of Americans who depend on everything from veterans’ health care to Social Security benefits. “Pain itself is the agenda,” they said. Homan and Miller reflect Trump’s and Project 2025’s immigration overlap Trump’s protests about Project 2025 always glossed over overlaps in the two agendas. Both want to reimpose Trump-era immigration limits. Project 2025 includes a litany of detailed proposals for various U.S. immigration statutes, executive branch rules and agreements with other countries — reducing the number of refugees, work visa recipients and asylum seekers, for example. Miller is one of Trump’s longest-serving advisers and architect of his immigration ideas, including his promise of the largest deportation force in U.S. history. As deputy policy chief, which is not subject to Senate confirmation, Miller would remain in Trump’s West Wing inner circle. “America is for Americans and Americans only,” Miller said at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Oct. 27. “America First Legal,” Miller’s organization founded as an ideological counter to the American Civil Liberties Union, was listed as an advisory group to Project 2025 until Miller asked that the name be removed because of negative attention. Homan, a Project 2025 named contributor, was an acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director during Trump’s first presidency, playing a key role in what became known as Trump’s “family separation policy.” Previewing Trump 2.0 earlier this year, Homan said: “No one’s off the table. If you’re here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.” Project 2025 contributors slated for CIA and Federal Communications chiefs John Ratcliffe, Trump’s pick to lead the CIA, was previously one of Trump’s directors of national intelligence. He is a Project 2025 contributor. The document’s chapter on U.S. intelligence was written by Dustin Carmack, Ratcliffe’s chief of staff in the first Trump administration. Reflecting Ratcliffe’s and Trump’s approach, Carmack declared the intelligence establishment too cautious. Ratcliffe, like the chapter attributed to Carmack, is hawkish toward China. Throughout the Project 2025 document, Beijing is framed as a U.S. adversary that cannot be trusted. Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, wrote Project 2025’s FCC chapter and is now Trump’s pick to chair the panel. Carr wrote that the FCC chairman “is empowered with significant authority that is not shared” with other FCC members. He called for the FCC to address “threats to individual liberty posed by corporations that are abusing dominant positions in the market,” specifically “Big Tech and its attempts to drive diverse political viewpoints from the digital town square.” He called for more stringent transparency rules for social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube and “empower consumers to choose their own content filters and fact checkers, if any.” Carr and Ratcliffe would require Senate confirmation for their posts.Conor McGregor brands victim 'liar' and blasts 'kangaroo court' as UFC star launches rant

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AP Business SummaryBrief at 12:31 p.m. ESTISTANBUL A group of eight countries, the Nordic and Baltic Eight (NB8), on Sunday expressed "serious concern" about what they called Georgia's political "crisis" since October's parliamentary elections. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden called for a "thorough and impartial investigation" into the irregularities that allegedly took place during Georgia's Oct. 26 elections. They also raised concerns about reports of "violence and intimidation" involving protesters, politicians, and media representatives. "As long-standing friends of Georgia, and supporters of the European aspirations of the Georgian people, we are alarmed by the country’s path toward deeper polarisation and crisis," the statement said. They urged Georgian authorities to implement the electoral recommendations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to consider the possibility of new elections. "Georgia urgently needs a way out of the crisis, and to restore public trust in its democratic institutions," the statement added. This statement follows accusations from Georgia’s opposition that Russia interfered in the Oct. 26 general elections, leading them to demand fresh polls. The European Parliament has also called for new elections, saying that the Oct. 26 polls were neither free nor fair, which has intensified protests led by opposition groups and pro-EU activists. Tensions in Georgia escalated further after passage of the controversial Transparency of Foreign Influence law, which critics claim restricts political freedoms. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's Nov. 28 announcement that he was suspending Georgia's EU accession talks until 2028 further fueled outrage. Separately, Mikheil Kavelashvili on Sunday was sworn in as Georgia's sixth president during a ceremony in the capital, after being elected earlier this month.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 happeningIf anyone needs to learn to read the room it is definitely Nate Silver. For example, if you're going to talk about how crime is actually down in New York City you might wait a day or even a week or two before saying so after a woman has been literally burned to DEATH on the subway by an illegal. The timing is just not great here, Nate. NYC has a considerably lower crime rate than most large American cities. It's also a city of 8+ million where lots of crazy shit happens on a daily basis. I don't blame anyone for being concerned but it's sort of a test for whether you think in terms of narratives or base rates. So hey, the data is good to know but the timing is not great. Like at all. Again, read the room bro, save yourself the trolling and dragging. Case in point, Greg Gutfeld with the TKO: "Sorry ma'am, your daughter was burned alive on a subway train by a maniac freely roaming the city, and while we understand your outrage - it shouldn't reflect poorly on the city's base rate of violence. Have a great day." https://t.co/mDEGYXXA60 Two hits. Greg 'hitting' Silver's post, Silver's post hitting the ground. It's wild how these big cities with Soros DA's and stripped down, emasculated police departments have lower crime rates, isn't it? I feel like statistical data is only as good as the info fed into it. GIGO. Nate Silver's latest "Well akshully..." is right up there with "You're wrong about paying more at the grocery store. Look at this chart of economic data!" Ouch. Deservedly so. Did Nate go to dinner with Don Lemon? Heh. We see what he did there. Listen up.... We realize some of you or your family members will die as a result of our immigration policies, and quite frankly, this is a sacrifice we are willing to make. - Democrats So we know this 'squirrel' is being snarky and even a little facetious but sadly we could see this coming from our pals in the Democratic Party. True story. Their idea of sacrifice 'for the greater good' is never a good thing for Americans as they've proven for the past four years. Thank God they lost in November. Media is great isn't it? Is it though? =========================================================================== Related: Elon Musk Responds to Anthony Scaramucci's Threat to Stay out of Politics As Only HE Can and LOL X BRUTALLY Reminds Rachel Maddow About Biden's JOKE Admin After She Mocks Trump's Hostage Envoy Picks SUCH a Tool: Anthony Scaramucci Threatens Elon Musk to Stay Out of Politics and HOOBOY Was THAT Ever Dumb Her Own Personal KRYPTONITE! Top Trump Campaign Pollster Shares Which of Their Ads NUKED Kamala the Most 'INSANE': Mollie Hemingway Takes House Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz APART with Just 1 Teensy Bit of Proof ===========================================================================

Union blasts comments by Quebec minister mulling law to intervene to end strikes MONTREAL — Canada's largest union is denouncing a statement by Quebec's labour minister, who suggested he might try to bring in legislation to give the province more power to end labour disputes. Canadian Press Dec 24, 2024 12:45 PM Dec 24, 2024 12:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet responds to the Opposition during question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot MONTREAL — Canada's largest union is denouncing a statement by Quebec's labour minister, who suggested he might try to bring in legislation to give the province more power to end labour disputes. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is describing Jean Boulet as "the Grinch trying to steal the right to strike." Boulet told CBC/Radio-Canada that he's mulling changing the province's labour code to allow the government to suspend a strike or lockout and impose arbitration. The legislation would be modeled on a similar law at the federal level that has been used to end strikes at Canada's ports, railways and at Canada Post. Boulet told the outlet he's also considering expanding the province's list of essential services, which could prevent workers in some sectors from striking. His office did not respond for a request for comment. CUPE says the right to strike is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and attempts to undermine it will be "inevitably" struck down in court. "The right to strike is a fundamental right, a cornerstone of our democracy," CUPE Quebec President Patrick Gloutney said in a news release. "Taking advantage of the holiday season to try to weaken it shows deep disdain for those who fight every day for fair working conditions." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024. The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National News Premiers urge Trudeau to extend deadline for charitable donations after postal strike Dec 24, 2024 12:17 PM Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada Dec 24, 2024 12:02 PM Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court Dec 24, 2024 11:41 AM Featured FlyerSyria’s prime minister said that most cabinet ministers were back at work on Monday after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad. However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.

NEW YORK , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH) between April 25, 2023 and October 22, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 11, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased Enphase securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Enphase class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25593 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 11, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about Enphase's business and operations. Specifically, defendants systematically overstated Enphase's ability to maintain its pricing levels and market share for microinverter products in Europe in the face of competition from low-cost, Chinese alternatives. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Enphase class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25593 https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28116 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enph-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-enphase-energy-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302338939.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi didn’t really move to England because Trump won , according to an insider. They were heading abroad regardless. Earlier this week, sources told TMZ the couple moved to the U.K. because Trump’s victory left them “ very disillusioned ” about living in the states and resolved to “get the hell out.” But it appears they’d been considering a change for a while. “They always wanted to have a new start once Ellen retired from her TV show,” said my source. “They were tired of their California life.” People in their circle thought they would move to Australia since Portia is from there. But they apparently listened to their Montecito neighbors Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on where to live in England. DeGeneres has been open about being “ kicked out of show business ” after staffers complained of a toxic workplace. **** Ryan Murphy and the cast of “ Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story ” get an “A” from a man who lived through it. Roger Smith was second in command to Jose Menendez at their video distribution company. He testified at the first trial. “Javier Bardem [who played Jose] got the perfect blend of charm and evil,” Smith told me. Smith came to believe the sexual abuse suffered by the boys after Leslie Abramson arranged a two-hour meeting with a leading sexual psychologist. “Jose was a macho Cuban known to be cheating on his wife with other women,” Smith says. “But this kind of parental domination isn’t about sex, it’s about control.” The two boys were perfectly cast. But Chloe Sevigny was “too classy” according to Smith. “I had dinner with Jose and Kitty at least a half dozen times and she was an alcoholic living under his thumb.” As to whether or not the publicity from the series gets the boys out early , Smith says that’s a tough decision. “They’ve done way more time than necessary. Gavin Newsom has to decide the political downside of letting them out.” **** Gay activist Allen Roskoff isn’t happy Donald Trump got reelected. He also isn’t happy with Mayor Eric Adams, Queens DA Melinda Katz, Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, South Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres and several other “notorious hackmeisters” featured on the invite to his 35th annual holiday party on Dec. 20. “It’s a legendary party. People wait with anticipation to see who gets skewered,” Roskoff said. The invitation shows Trump and First Lady Melania with Hitler mustaches. Matt Gaetz has his arm upraised in a Nazi salute. “The worst is yet to come,” proclaims the invite, accompanied by clips of “Springtime for Hitler” from Mel Brooks’ classic “The Producers.” Among past guests are Lance Bass from NSYNC, Jamie-Lynn Sigler from “The Sopranos,” “Law and Order” franchise actors Kathleen Chalfant and Kathryn Erbe and Kyan Douglas from “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” Invites also went out to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, State Attorney General Tish James, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Rep. Jerry Nadler. Mayor Adams attended previous parties, but isn’t invited this year “since he turned far right,” Roskoff told me. Roskoff, who heads the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, told me, “We are about to have a president who is a stark raving lunatic with unqualified and dangerous cabinet members and appointees. We are building a resistance to save democracy.” **** Brooke Nevin has been acting Hollywood since she was 14, but the 41-year-old has avoided multiple hook-ups. She’s been steady with actor Michael Traynor for 20 years, and they have a 6-month-old son, Griffin. “I’ve never swiped right in my life,” Nevin told me with a laugh. The actress is promoting “F*** Marry Kill” a Liongate/Buzzfeed movie coming out Dec. 6 about some young women afraid their dates are serial killers. “It’s a fun, irreverent, rom-com, thriller, mystery mashup,” said Nevin, who plays the older sister of one target. Nevin is broadening her resume by directing and producing and has a film out soon titled “Jingle Bell Love.” **** Wilbur Ross knows how to to launch a book. After several parties in the U.S. for “ Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life ,” Ross went to Harry’s Bar in London. His guests included architect Norman Foster, Emilia and Jose “Pepe” Fanjul, Laurence Graff, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild with her beau Lord Saatchi, and Lord William and Lady Annabel Astor. After the bash, Ross and his wife, Hilary Geary, were the guests of the Duke of Marlborough and his sister, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill at Blenheim Castle. After he caught his breath, Ross flew to California for another book-signing at the Nixon Foundation. **** How do you take a song that’s 47 years old and get it back in the Top Ten? For music curator Brad LeBeau, you choose the right record; get a contemporary mix and the promote it to the right ears. The Village People’s “Goddess of Love” — which came out 47 years ago — has given the band their first Top 40 record in 40 years. “The group has taken on mythical proportions since they first hit the scene in 1977. And this track was a natural,” said LeBeau. LeBeau’s firm Pro Motion — which has worked on records by Adele, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Madonna — just celebrated its 40th anniversary. **** This year’s New York Comedy Festival wrapped last Sunday after 11 days, more than 300 shows and 160 acts at more than 100 venues across the city. But one special event was at Gracie Mansion where Mayor Eric Adams honored the founder and queen of comedy Caroline Hirsch and her partner Andrew Fox for creating the festival 20 years ago. The Mayor recalled growing up in South Jamaica, Queens with his five siblings watching Flip Wilson’s show. “We were able to forget that being dyslexic and being bullied in school and being called dumb students would engulf your entire life. You see comedy as a performance. I see it as a life raft.” The mayor also recognized the significant impact comedy has on the city’s economy. More than 20 years later, laughter is still the best medicine. **** After “Saturday Night Live” ended and the cast celebrated at Mermaid Oyster Bar , Charli XCX and her crew partied at Fushimi . Charli, who hosted the show and was its musical guest, unwound with cast members Kenan Thompson and Michael Che while JPatt from The Knocks performed and included a track from Charlie XCX’s “Brat” album to the delight of the late night party crowd. **** Broadway star Michael James Scott , who started out in the “Book of Mormon” and now stars in “Aladdin,” will sing songs from his holiday album, “A Fierce Christmas,” at a benefit dinner for the Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF) on Dec. 3 at the private club Coco’s at Colette. The party also serves as a kick-off for the Snow Ball Gala in Aspen on Feb. 8. The Coco dinner, with guests including Candace Bushnell and Peter Thomas Roth, will be hosted by media executive Monica Elias and COSF founder Thomas Pierce, who is getting Oscar buzz for “The Brutalist,” which he produced. The film stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. **** Lauren Bush Lauren , granddaughter of President George H. W. Bush, was honored at a party hosted by James Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, who own the Wally Findlay Galleries. The gallerists donated 25K to help Lauren and her non-profit FEED provide school meals to the underserved in Africa and around the world. Lauren’s husband David Lauren (son of designer Ralph Lauren), mother Sharon Bush, Quest magazine’s Christopher Meigher, musician Lucia Hwong Gordon, divorce attorney Daniel Stock and socialite Lauren Day Roberts checked out the paintings of Bronx-born artist Ronnie Landfield and Hugo Greenville at the gallery’s East 57th Street location. **** Out & About: Leonardo DiCaprio, Janelle Monae and Robert De Niro are all expected to return to Miami Art Basel on Dec. 6 for the annual international art fair as famous for its parties as the art. Santina Semadar Panetta, the artist known for her neo-pointillism technique, will be exhibiting with Artifact Projects at the Red Dot Fair from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8 ... The victims of the Twin Towers tragedy and the war in Ukraine are being honored in videos by artists Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov in an exhibition at Mriya Gallery in Tribeca. The works are displayed using FRMD, a new digital art service that is revolutionizing how art collections are shown ... Natasha Lyonne, producer Steve Garrin and Park West Gallery COO John Block at the Netflix screening of “His Three Daughters” at AMC Theatres, Lincoln Square.

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