Geneva — United Nations agencies say the imminent U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and Paris climate agreement will have serious consequences for global health and efforts to slow down climate change. “The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the organization,” the WHO said…
<!– Global tourism recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2024 — United Nations – Antigua News Room MORE STORIES This post was originally published on here
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a noted critic of President Trump, said he avoided watching Monday’s inauguration coverage to prepare for the evening’s game against the Boston Celtics.
“I chose to watch the Celtics tape,” he said with a laugh.
The Warriors lost in a 125-85 blowout, the worst home defeat since Kerr took the coaching job in 2014.
Kerr traded barbs with Mr. Trump throughout the Republican’s first term. The Warriors did not visit the White House after their NBA championships in 2017 and 2018.
Kerr spoke at last year’s Democratic National Convention, predicting a landslide victory for Kamala Harris, the party’s presidential nominee, as he imitated star guard Steph Curry’s “night, night” celebration. After November’s election, the nine-time NBA champion struck a conciliatory tone.
“I believe in democracy,” Kerr said after Mr. Trump’s triumph. “I think the American people have spoken and voted for Trump. I want him to do well the next four years. I want our country to do well.”
When it comes to starting a business, location is everything. Some states roll out the red carpet for entrepreneurs, while others practically shut the door in their faces. In 2025, the divide is starker than ever, with sunny Florida reigning supreme and struggling Rhode Island scraping the bottom of the barrel, according to a recent WalletHub study.
Florida: The Land of Opportunity
It’s no surprise that Florida has claimed the top spot for starting a business this year. With an overall score of 59.66, the Sunshine State shines bright thanks to its business-friendly environment, lack of personal income tax, and booming industries like tourism, tech, and healthcare.
Florida ranks #1 in Business Environment, offering:
Explosive Growth: From bustling beaches to growing cities like Miami and Orlando, markets are as diverse as its population.
Ease of Doing Business: Forget about complicated regulations—Florida keeps it simple.
Skilled Workforce: Whether it’s hospitality, tech, or healthcare, there’s plenty of talent to go around.
But it’s not all smooth sailing—Florida’s Business Costs Rank (28th) reminds entrepreneurs to keep an eye on their budgets.
Rhode Island: Dead Last
And then there’s Rhode Island. With a dismal overall score of 33.51, the Ocean State ranks dead last, making it the worst place to launch a business in 2025.
Here’s why Rhode Island flops:
A Stale Business Environment (#50): Rhode Island’s small size isn’t just geographical—it’s economic, too. Scaling businesses here face limited market opportunities and sluggish innovation.
Weak Resources (#40): Good luck finding funding or skilled workers. Entrepreneurs often hit a wall when it comes to accessing the tools they need to succeed.
Sky-High Costs (#40): Taxes, rent, utilities—you name it, Rhode Island makes it expensive. For cash-strapped startups, these costs can be deal-breakers.
Rhode Island’s (Missed) Potential
Rhode Island isn’t all bad—on paper, at least. Its strategic location near Boston and New York could be a game-changer, offering access to major markets. The state is also seeing pockets of growth in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. But until policy changes address the sky-high costs and lack of resources, don’t expect a business boom anytime soon.
Other States to Watch
Georgia (#2): Affordable costs and a booming economy make it a top contender.
Utah (#3): Silicon Slopes continue to rise, though higher costs (29th) raise eyebrows.
Mississippi (#14): If you’re looking to cut costs, this is your spot. Mississippi boasts the lowest business costs in the nation.
Bottom Line
Florida is the clear winner for 2025, offering entrepreneurs a golden ticket to success. Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s low ranking should be a wake-up call for policymakers. Until the state tackles its high costs and lack of support for small businesses, it’ll remain a tough sell for startups.
So, whether you’re chasing your dreams or crunching numbers, choose your state wisely—your success might just depend on it.
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The 5th edition of Cairo International Book Fair.
1- Official Opening
The Cairo International Book Fair will officially open on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and will be held under the slogan “Read… In the Beginning, It Was the Word.” The fair will run until February 5.
2-Featured Personalities of the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair
The organizing committee has chosen Dr. Ahmed Mostagir as the featured personality of the 56th edition in recognition of his significant contributions to science and literature. Dr. Mostagir was a renowned biologist specializing in biotechnology, a distinguished university professor, and a creative poet. His poetic works, characterized by intellectual depth and linguistic beauty, earned him a broad readership and highlighted his sense of responsibility toward his nation.
For the Children’s Book Fair, the Ministry of Culture has selected veteran writer Fatma Al-Maadoul. Representing Egypt in the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) for three terms (2004, 2006, 2010), she has authored over 100 books, plays, and film scripts for children across various age groups. She is also notable for being the first to create and present theater for children with special needs and held prominent positions, including Director-General of Child Culture and Head of the Artistic Folk and Performance Arts House.
3-Participating Publishers
This year’s fair will feature 1,345 publishing houses and 6,150 literary and intellectual exhibitors from 80 countries, including 10 participating for the first time. The Ministry of Culture has also provided an online platform where visitors can locate publishers’ booths within the exhibition halls.
4-Guest of Honor
Oman has been selected as the guest of honor for this year’s fair.
5-Opening Hours
The Cairo International Book Fair will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, except on Thursdays and Fridays when it will remain open until 9:00 PM.
6-Ticket Prices
The ticket price is set at just 5 EGP. Tickets can be booked through the fair’s digital platform or purchased at the ticket booth near the main entrance. Payments can also be made via Bee, Masary, or Aman services.
7-How to Book Tickets Online
1. Visit the online ticket booking link.
2. Fill in the required visitor details, such as a phone number.
3. Once the details are completed, a copy of the ticket will be sent via text message and email, including the date and time of the visit.
Rebecca Yarros fans have been celebrating the hotly-anticipated release of Onyx Storm. The third book in the The Empyrean series is finally gracing bookshelves today, January 21, much to the delight of eager readers. The fantasy saga, which began with Fourth Wing’s release on April 5, 2023, and quickly followed by Iron Flame on October…
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Over the past few years, millions of educators have embraced the science of reading, in many cases radically transforming how the youngest students learn how to read. But a new book argues that the current approach remains deeply flawed. Though…
The highly-anticipated third book in The Empyrean Series – “Onyx Storm” – was released on Tuesday morning. Author Rebecca Yarros announced in March 2023 that the book would be released on Jan. 21.The book also includes a deluxe edition with a design on the pages including dragons.Independent bookstores throughout metro Detroit have the book on sale now. Here’s where you can get it.Booksweet in Ann Arbor – The store did a midnight release party and the website shows the deluxe edition in-store.
Brooks Books in Wyandotte – The store said it will also have collector packs available for purchase when you pick up the book.
Eras Bookshop in Oxford – The store did a midnight release and has a limited amount of the deluxe version available.
Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor – The store’s website shows both the deluxe edition and standard edition available.Pages Bookshop in Detroit – Though the shop is closing on Jan. 31 as the owner retires, Onyx Storm is available for purchase.Sidetrack Bookstop in Royal Oak – The store’s website shows both the deluxe edition and standard edition available in-store.If your bookstore is selling Onyx Storm and would like to be included, please email [email protected] independent bookstores 27th Letter Books in Detroit – The store’s site does not show any availability in stock, but you can check for updates on their site.The Book Beat in Oak Park – You can check the store’s website and Instagram page for updates.
Many American voters are hopeful that President Donald Trump’s second term, which began on Jan. 20, will usher in a period of economic prosperity — much like they felt during his first term. However, the economy he is inheriting this time around is markedly different from the one he inherited eight years ago, pre-pandemic. And…
It seems most everyone has an opinion on the re-inauguration of President Donald Trump and the confirmation of key administration positions, and the travel industry is no exception. As can be expected, major organizations whose mission is closely tied to any presidential administration preferred to reignite their relationship with the president and his cabinet officials…