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British Columbia’s new official Opposition leader is facing the first major test of his leadership. Thirteen BC Conservative MLAs have written a letter to Leader John Rustad demanding action to restore “confidence in the core values” of the Conservative caucus, and singling out one of their caucus colleagues. The letter, first obtained by CKNW Radio host Jas Johal , comes just weeks after the fledgling BC Conservative party came within three seats of forming a majority government in B.C.’s provincial election. The issue revolves around Surrey-Cloverdale Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko’s response to the Nov. 22 ouster of Vancouver Police Board vice-chair Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba, following a series of posts she made on social media. In screenshots of the Instagram stories posted to Reddit , Sakoma-Fadugba suggested Christianity underpins Canadian culture and values, raised concerns about secular education “erasing Christian values from the lives of our children,” and mused that exposure to Diwali celebrations in schools could lead to Hinduism becoming the “dominant cultural influence.” The posts also raised concerns about gender transitioning among children and a “woke culture that pits children against their parents,” and criticized “mass immigration” and a “growing aversion to assimilation.” Police board Chair Frank Chong subsequently said he asked for Sakoma-Fadugba’s resignation, stating the social media posts “do not reflect the value of the Board and are inconsistent with our code of conduct.” In their letter to Rustad, the MLAs express dismay that Sturko subsequently appeared in a CBC interview where she “endorsed the resignation on the basis that these views were ‘offensive’ and undermined trust in police.” “Under your leadership, the Conservative Party of BC has consistently denounced ‘cancel culture’ and stood for the Charter rights of British Columbians to enjoy free expression and freedom of religion,” the letter states. The MLAs then add that “there are unanswered questions regarding the extent to which Ms. Sturko’s statements were vetted in advance by senior staff.” The letter claims Sturko’s comments caused Sakoma-Fadugba “undue harm” and calls on Rustad to “invite” the Surrey MLA to apologize to her and to “advance conciliatory discussions” with the former board member. In the alternative, it asks Rustad to apologize on the party’s behalf. Rustad has previously pledged that his MLAs would be free to speak their minds. Signatories to the letter include MLAs from around the province, including South Surrey MLA Bruce Chapman who was forced to apologize for resurfaced social media comments in which he called Palestinians “little inbred walking talking breathing time bombs.” Sturko declined to comment, while Rustad’s communications staff said there was no update to share at this time. The full list of signatories includes:Intel CEO Gelsinger retires; Zinsner and Johnston Holthaus named interim co-CEOsUkraine must be in strong position for negotiations, Starmer says179 killed as Jeju aircraft landing gear malfunctioned; two rescued A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea crashed on arrival on Sunday (December 29, 2024) , smashing into a barrier and bursting into flames, leaving all but two feared dead. A bird strike was cited by authorities as the likely cause of the crash — the worst ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil — which flung passengers out of the plane and left it “almost completely destroyed”, according to fire officials. A total of 179 people were killed the plane crash in South Korea, the country’s fire agency said as it announced a final toll from the disaster. “Of the 179 dead, 65 have been identified,” the fire agency said of the crash at Muan International Airport, which two members of the crew survived. SA vs PAK first Test: South Africa wins thriller against Pakistan, books WTC final spot Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen turned batting heroes on Sunday (December 29, 2024) as South Africa edged Pakistan by two wickets to win a thrilling first test at Centurion and book themselves a place in next year’s World Test Championship final. Rabada scored 31 and Jansen 16 in an unbeaten partnership of 51 off 50 balls to see South Africa over the line and deny Pakistan a dramatic comeback victory after Mohammed Abbas took six wickets as he shredded through the home batting order. The test had a finish more like that of a Twenty20 match as the tailenders delivered success after South Africa had slumped dramatically before lunch and seen Pakistan on the verge of success. Azerbaijan accuses Russia of trying to hide causes of plane crash; says the plane was shot from Russia Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday (December 29, 202) said the Azerbaijan Airlines jet that crashed this week was shot at from Russia and called for Moscow to admit “guilt” in the disaster. He said the jet which crashed this week, killing 38 of the 67 people onboard, was hit “by accident” by Russia. On Saturday (December 28, 2024), Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised for the crash but stopped short of accepting that it might have been hit by Russian fire. Koneru Humpy is World rapid champion Koneru Humpy regained the women’s World rapid chess championship after a gap of five years on Sunday (December 29, 2024). The 37-year-old from Vijayawada finished with 8.5 points after beating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in the final round in New York. The win helped Humpy move ahead of the other six joint leaders, including compatriot D. Harika, who had to settle for fifth place. Among other Indian women, Divya Deshmukh (seven points) finished 21st, Padmini Rout (6.5) was 26th, R. Vaishali (5.5) 52nd and Vantika Agrawal (five) 67th. Former PM Manmohan Singh’s ashes immersed at Astha Ghat in Delhi The ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have been immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full State honours at Nigambodh Ghat. The family of the late Dr Manmohan Singh will perform rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas . Impeached South Korean president defies summons third time in a row South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol refused a summons to appear for questioning on Sunday (December 29, 2024), the third time he has defied investigators’ demands in two weeks. Investigators probing Yoon had ordered him to appear for questioning at 10 am (GMT 0100) on Sunday, a demand he rejected. Yoon, a former prosecutor, also failed to attend a hearing he was summoned to last Wednesday, giving no explanation for his absence. Boy who fell into borewell in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna dies “A 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 140-feet borewell in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district, lost the battle for life despite hectic efforts by multiple agencies for 16 hours to save him,” officials said on Sunday (December 29, 2024). The boy, Sumit Meena, slipped into the open shaft of the borewell at around 5 p.m. on Saturday (December 28, 2024) in Pipliya village under Raghogarh assembly segment, located 50 km from the Guna district headquarters. Outgoing Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan bids adieu to the State after a five-year politically tumultuous tenure Outgoing Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who often broke the conventionalities of the gubernatorial office by recurrently adopting an arguably combative stance against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, left student unions and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] during his five-year politically tumultuous tenure, left the State on Sunday (December 29, 2024) to assume charge as the new Governor of Bihar. Mobbed by journalists at the Thiruvananthapuram airport, Mr. Khan refused to stir further controversy by declining to hold forth on why the State government had not accorded him a ceremonial farewell with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his cabinet colleagues and opposition figures in attendance. Internet shut down 60 times in 2024, fewer than last year India saw the fewest number of mobile internet shutdowns in eight years in 2024 , rounding out a period where the country became the most frequent deployer in the world of the measure, according to data from the Internet Shutdowns Tracker maintained by the Software Freedom Law Centre, India. The reduction — there have been 60 shutdowns so far this year, with 96 last year — comes with fewer shutdowns imposed in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, where administrations have imposed a disproportionately high number of curbs in past years. Ind vs Aus 4th Test Day 4: Australia extend lead to 333 against India at stumps A genius, high on speed and tempered with sense, largely owned a Sunday under Melbourne’s deep blue skies . Jasprit Bumrah’s inroads into Australia’s second innings and the host’s gritty lower-order resistance left the fourth Test poised on the razor’s edge. At close on the fourth day, Australia posted 228 for nine in its second innings and has an overall lead of 333. The last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland resisted all that the visitors flung at them and frustrated Rohit Sharma’s men. After India finished its first innings at 369 in the morning with centurion Nitish Kumar (114) being the last man to be dismissed, Australia had the task of converting the 105-run lead into a challenging target. Bumrah, though, had other ideas and relentlessly probed around the stumps. How Composite Skill Labs help bridge education and practical skills Education is evolving at breakneck speed, with rapid technological innovations playing an increasingly critical role in the learning process. The traditional approach, which relies heavily on theoretical learning and rote memorisation, is no longer enough to meet the needs of students who are preparing for a future shaped by rapid technological advancements and a constantly evolving job market. Recognising this, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced Composite Skill Labs (CSLs), an initiative that emphasises practical skills, critical thinking, and a more personalised approach to learning. While conventional schooling provides a solid foundation in academic subjects, it often doesn’t fully prepare students for the challenges of the real world. CSLs aim to fill this gap by blending classroom learning with practical, hands-on experiences that help students understand what they are learning and apply it in meaningful ways. Delhi polls: AAP MP Sanjay Singh alleges BJP trying to get his wife’s vote deleted AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday (December 29, 2024) alleged that the BJP was trying to get his wife’s name deleted from the voters list of the New Delhi Assembly constituency ahead of the polls in February. Addressing a press conference, the senior AAP leader accompanied by his wife Anita Singh alleged that the BJP was trying to delete the names of Purvanchali people settled in Delhi. PM remembers Raj Kapoor, Mohd Rafi, ANR, Tapan Sinha in 2024’s last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (December 29, 2024) remembered four icons of Indian cinema — Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Tapan Sinha — during their birth centenary year in his final Mann Ki Baat address of 2024. Speaking in his monthly radio broadcast, the Prime Minister said: “In 2024, we are celebrating the birth centenary of several film personalities who were instrumental in bringing global recognition to the country. The lives of these personalities are a source of inspiration for our film industry.” “Through his films, Raj Kapoor ji made the world aware of India’s soft power,” Mr. Modi noted. It’s a great program: Trump appears to side with Musk in H-1B visa row President-elect Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters. Mr. Trump, in an interview with the New York Post on Saturday (December 28, 2024), praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. The topic has become a flashpoint within his conservative base. Published - December 29, 2024 06:30 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Buffalo Bills secure No. 2 seed after 40-14 win against JetsPrime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being handed over the gavel of Asean Chairmanship by Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane, Laos, in October. — Bernama photo THE Year 2025 is fast approaching. For Malaysia, 2025 will be the year we take over the Chairmanship of the world’s fifth largest economic bloc, with its 680-million strong population. As one of this regional grouping’s founding fathers in1967 – together with Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – Asean has been such an integral part of Malaysia’s past, present and future that our chairmanship in 2025 is nothing less than a defining moment on how we could lead the region towards realising its current potential fully. Year 2025 is equally significant for Asean because it also marks the 10th anniversary of the Asean Economic Community (AEC). The theme for Malaysia’s Chairmanship is ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ – two key values which have drawn upon Malaysia’s Madani values of ‘Sustainability’, ‘Compassion’, ‘Respect’, ‘Innovation’, ‘Prosperity’ and ‘Trust’. Tackling key regional challenges For the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), it is exactly those values that will underscore the outcome-driven economic agenda we will be promoting through Asean’s Economic Pillar. ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ as Malaysia’s Asean 2025 value proposition is admittedly very simple, even prosaic. But it truly encapsulates the brutal simplicity of what is facing our region: if Southeast Asia cannot become more inclusive and sustainable, other propositions such as economic prosperity and tech innovation may prove to be empty wins. Indeed, decades have been spent talking about the need for a ‘people-centric Asean’, of ensuring the economic wins of regional integration benefit all, including women, youth and micro-medium and small enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, our economies and people will also be left behind if we cannot create a regional ecosystem that maximises the benefits of e-commerce and digitalisation. Furthermore, our lands and economic ecosystems will also be devastated if we fail to embrace sustainability and transition towards greener energy and carbon neutrality. The Madani Government, too, espouses prosperity that must not only benefit the rich and elites, and must not be at the expense of our environment, which is already fragile from the impact of centuries of carbonised economies and industries. So, in effect ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ is the perfect theme for Asean 2025 because it is what the region, and I dare say even Malaysia, need to succeed in the future. ‘A packed, outcome-driven 2025’ The ‘main events’ will of course be the two Asean Summits in Kuala Lumpur, along with Related Summits like the Asean+3 or East Asia Summits. It will be very exciting to see the leaders of our region and the wider world all descend upon our soil. But in fact, our year-long commitment involves different levels of meetings across different ministries to progress Asean’s political-security, economic and social-cultural integration agendas. For Asean’s Economic Pillar, which the MITI and several other ministries are responsible for, we will classify our Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) into four key thrusts: enhancing trade and investment; creating an inclusive and sustainable pathway; promoting integration and connectivity of economies; and building a digitally resilient Asean. More details about what we hope to achieve will be provided as time goes on. My colleagues in the Cabinet will, of course, have their own initiatives on their own and in collaboration with each other. At the working level, the Senior Economic Officials Meeting just concluded in Kota Kinabalu (Dec 4-5, 2024). Moving forward, on the Economic Pillar’s ‘plate’, we also have, among others, the 31st Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in Johor (February 2025), the Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur (April 2025), and the 57th AEM and AEM Dialogue Partners Consultations, together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur (September 2025). Many will wonder what the impact of all these Meetings will really have. Allow me to briefly explain. Bear in mind that Asean will become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2050. Its GDP last year stood at US$3.8 trillion compared to US$2.5 trillion in 2015. Regional trade in 2023 was US$3.5 trillion compared to US$2.3 trillion in 2015. Asean: What’s In It for Malaysia? As I have repeatedly mentioned, there is so much room for growth, particularly with current intra-Asean trade at just 23 to 25 per cent. Increasing trade is one of the matters high on MITI’s agenda next year, including by ensuring we can either conclude or upgrade the various free trade agreements (FTAs) that Asean has ratified with key trading partners. Increased trade within Asean also means increased trade for Malaysia. In fact, the best way to appreciate the value of Asean is to imagine a Southeast Asia without it: no visa-free access for business and travel to other countries in the region; no Asean lanes at immigration in various airports; tariffed Malaysian goods exported to Southeast Asia and vice-versa; no FTAs with crucial trading partners like China, India and Japan, which could mean laboriously negotiating individual bilateral trade deals, one by one. Imagine, too, if each Asean member state had to individually negotiate cross-border issues like the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change – surely these issues could be better negotiated as a grouping with more clout and bargaining power. All these may be too conceptual for the masses to appreciate, because most of us have, for example, taken for granted the relatively free movement of goods, services and people among Asean countries, facilitated by plenty of government-to-government (G2G) negotiations over the decades. Granted, Asean still has a lot of work to do to become a more integrated economic community – which is why MITI is determined to achieve as much as possible on the economic front, to ensure that the benefits of a more integrated Asean economy will be felt long after Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship ends. MITI is equally determined to help Malaysia shape the future of our region. So, we will be both proactive and passionate about Asean. We may not see results immediately, but how Malaysia drives Asean’s agenda and manages difficult regional issues vis-à-vis the grouping will have an impact on Malaysians and our businesses in the long run. So, the short answer on whether all these meetings will really have an impact on Malaysia is this – yes, we stand to gain a lot from it, which is why it must matter a great deal to Malaysia. This is also why I am excited about Asean’s economic agenda – it will be a lot of hard work for MITI and the various ministries involved, but we are determined to deliver on our Economic Pillar Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), because I am confident their positive impact on our region will transcend long after Malaysia’s chairmanship ends, and even beyond our lifetimes. * Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz is Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.Human rights court rules against Venezuela in 2013 election case

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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. Alberto Menendez CerveroIf you're looking for some extra workout motivation now that it's cold AF outside—or just a good excuse to shop chic new apparel —this is a reminder that your favorite activewear brands are probably offering Black Friday specials RN. Case in point: I found sooo many hidden gems at lululemon ahead of Black Friday, so you can give your wardrobe a much-deserved upgrade (as long as they don't sell out first). Here's the deal: lululemon pretty much never participates in holiday weekend events—except Black Friday . We're anticipating official lululemon Black Friday deets to drop any day now, which could include special prices on everything from buttery soft leggings to viral Everywhere Belt Bags. In the meantime? I'm seeing tons of coveted clothing hidden away in lululemon's 'We Made Too Much' section (ICYMI, that's where the brand lists its overstock inventory at limited-time prices). Head straight to lululemon's 'WMTM' section Right now, WMTM is stocked with editor favorites like the buttery-soft Align leggings or the Hotty Hot shorts , as well as seasonal picks like a snuggly wool sweater and a quilted coat that's definitely going on my personal Black Friday shopping list. I also spotted a $29 price tag on the beloved Belt Bag , perfect for all your holiday gifting needs .(The Center Square) – The latest federal numbers show the U.S. deficit is soaring as President Joe Biden heads out of office. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office released its monthly budget review on Monday, which showed that in the first two months of this fiscal year, the federal government has run up a deficit of $622 billion. “That amount is $242 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year,” CBO said in its report . That figure means the deficit is nearly 40% higher than this time last year. “The most alarming turkey in November was the federal government’s inability to live within its means,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement. “We are only two months into the fiscal year, and we have already borrowed a staggering $622 billion, with $365 billion in the month of November alone." Deficits never surpassed one trillion dollars before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, they remain well above one trillion and for this next fiscal year are well beyond the pace to surpass $1 trillion. More from this section The deficit last fiscal year was about $1.8 trillion. Billionaire Elon Musk, now an advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, lamented the debt, which is about $36 trillion, on X Monday. “If we don’t fix the deficit, everything will suffer, including essential spending like DoD, Medicare & Social Security,” Musk said. “It’s not optional.” CBO did explain that some of the increase is from accounting changes. From CBO: The change in the deficit was influenced by the timing of outlays and revenues alike. Outlays in October 2023 were reduced by shifts in the timing of certain federal payments that otherwise would have been due on October 1, 2023, which fell on a Sunday. (Those payments were made in September 2023.) Outlays in November 2024 were boosted by the shift to that month of payments due December 1, 2024, a Saturday. If not for those shifts, the deficit thus far in fiscal year 2025 would have been $541 billion, or $88 billion more than the shortfall at this point last year, and outlays would have been $38 billion more.”

Barclays PLC grew its holdings in Waystar Holding Corp. ( NASDAQ:WAY – Free Report ) by 701.7% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 64,934 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 56,834 shares during the quarter. Barclays PLC’s holdings in Waystar were worth $1,811,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Amalgamated Bank acquired a new position in Waystar during the third quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Smithfield Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of Waystar in the third quarter valued at approximately $68,000. RiverPark Advisors LLC bought a new position in Waystar in the 3rd quarter valued at about $78,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new position in shares of Waystar during the second quarter worth approximately $145,000. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp acquired a new position in shares of Waystar during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $204,000. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently commented on WAY shares. Raymond James raised Waystar from an “outperform” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and set a $40.00 price target for the company in a report on Friday, November 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Waystar from $34.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on Waystar from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Waystar from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of Waystar from $27.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $32.90. Waystar Stock Performance NASDAQ WAY opened at $37.92 on Friday. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $31.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 2.29 and a quick ratio of 2.29. Waystar Holding Corp. has a 52-week low of $20.26 and a 52-week high of $38.35. Waystar ( NASDAQ:WAY – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $240.10 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $223.82 million. The firm’s revenue was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Waystar Holding Corp. will post 0.03 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Waystar news, CFO Steven M. Oreskovich sold 16,666 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.89, for a total value of $564,810.74. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 173,642 shares in the company, valued at $5,884,727.38. This represents a 8.76 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Waystar Profile ( Free Report ) Waystar Holding Corp. is a software company which provide healthcare payments. Waystar Holding Corp. is based in LEHI, Utah. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WAY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Waystar Holding Corp. ( NASDAQ:WAY – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Waystar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Waystar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Elite class to be brought into tax net: finance ministerThe Fresno City Council made by city staff along two northeast city roads. A stretch of Friant Road from Shepherd to Copper avenues changed from 50 miles per hour to 45. On Friant between Copper Avenue and Copper River Drive, the 55 MPH limit is now 50. On Audubon, between First and Del Mar, the limit dropped from 40 MPH to 35. The area of Friant and Audubon is known for its traffic accidents and deaths. A neighbor in that area even set up a YouTube channel documenting accidents called . Videos depict collisions caused by speeding, red light runners and general bad driving. Scott Mozier, the city’s public works director, said accidents are not a factor in setting new speeds. The new standards are based on state law, Mozier said. The city conducted a speed survey for the roads. The new limit (rounded by five) is set at the 85th percentile of traffic. In recent years, the city made traffic safety improvements on Friant Road, including no right-hand turns, more visible traffic lights, and crosswalks. “We are not aware of any design flaw in that area. Certainly grade separations are ... nearly always preferred, but those are extremely expensive projects to build bridges and grade separate roadways,” Mozier said. The city council voted 7-0 on the consent calendar agenda, without further discussion. More Parks Made High Priority Through Measure P The formula to spend Measure P funds on parks in the highest need will include more parks, the city council decided. The current spending plan calls for spending at least 33% in neighborhoods in the highest-need areas. A consultant tested changing that threshold to 10%, 25% or 50%. Survey respondents said they wanted to expand to 50% and the city council agreed. At the 33% level, 23 parks are covered. The new definition also includes empty lots controlled by the parks department At 50%, 64 parks and facilities are covered. Of the estimated $38 million that is collected in the Measure P three-eights of a percent sales tax, 46% goes to maintaining current parks, and 21.5% goes to new parks. The rest is for trails and various programs. The city uses 11 metrics to determine what neighborhoods are considered “high need.” existing conditions, demographics of the neighborhood, and pollution burden. The follows a 6-0 recommendation form the parks commission. City Councilmember Nelson Esparza voted against changing the allocation percentage. “Raising the threshold too much defeats the purpose of highest need and spreads thin the amount of dollars available to some of the neediest District 7 parks,” Esparza told Politics 101. City Council Initiates Food Vendor Law The city council regulating mobile street vendors. Among the changes are locations were vendors can sell, the requirement for bossiness and health permits, and no cooking in public. Several street vendors spoke, asking the city council to delay its decision to allow more time to understand the impact. Even with a reduction of fines from the original plan, $25 is too much one vendor said. Councilmember Miguel Arias — who helped formulate the plan — defended the ordinance. He said the policy gives vendors time, a six-month grace period. Arias said regulations are needed for health and safety. “I can understand why people don’t like rules, but rules are there to keep people safe,” Arias said. Other City Council Action