PR in the Philippines

(BETHLEHEM, West Bank) — The Nativity Store, operating in Manger Square since 1927, usually sells handcrafted olive wood items to tourists visiting Jesus' birthplace. However, Bethlehem's second Christmas overshadowed by the Gaza war sees a near absence of tourists, jeopardizing the store and other businesses. Bethlehem's Christmas festivities this year will be subdued, reflecting the ongoing Gaza conflict. Manger Square will lack its usual large Christmas tree, marching bands, bright lights, and festive decorations. Rony Tabash, the third-generation owner of the Nativity Store, expresses despair, stating, “Last year, we had more hope before Christmas, but now, again near Christmas, we have nothing.” Israel's conflict with Hamas has raged for almost 15 months without resolution, despite repeated ceasefire attempts. Tourism in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank has plummeted since the war began. Following Israel's restriction on entry for most of the 150,000 West Bank Palestinians with permits, the Palestinian economy contracted by 25% this past year. The Christmas celebrations – shared by Armenian, Catholic, and Orthodox denominations – usually provide a significant economic boost to Bethlehem, where tourism comprises 70% of annual income. This year, however, the streets are deserted. Tabash reports opening his store daily, but often goes a week without a single sale. He employs over 25 local families who craft religious items from olive wood, but the lack of customers has halted their work. Lots of room at the inn Visitor numbers have plummeted from approximately 2 million annually pre-COVID (2019) to fewer than 100,000 in 2024, according to Jiries Qumsiyeh, spokesperson for the Palestinian tourism ministry. Mirroring the biblical story of Mary giving birth in a stable due to lack of lodging, nearly all of Bethlehem's 5,500 hotel rooms are vacant. Hotel occupancy has drastically fallen from around 80% in early 2023 to approximately 3% currently, reports Elias Al Arja, head of the Bethlehem Hoteliers Association. His hotel, the Bethlehem Hotel, has reduced staff from over 120 to just five. Bethlehem boasts over 100 shops and 450 workshops specializing in traditional Palestinian handicrafts, Qumsiyeh notes. Yet, a week before Christmas, Manger Square remains largely empty, with only two of its eight main stores open. Qumsiyeh fears that, even when tourism recovers, many families with generations of traditional skills might be gone, leading to a loss of Palestinian heritage. Significant emigration is occurring, particularly among tourism sector workers, adds Qumsiyeh. A Christmas without joy Approximately 500 families have left Bethlehem in the past year, according to Mayor Anton Salman; this only includes those with official residency visas. Many others have departed on temporary visas, working illegally, with uncertain return prospects. About half of the Bethlehem area population, including nearby villages, works in tourism or in Israel. Bethlehem's unemployment rate is roughly 50%, says Salman, while the West Bank's unemployment rate is even higher, according to the Palestinian Economy Ministry. Salman explains that canceling Christmas festivities highlights the plight of Bethlehem and the Palestinian territories. He states, “This year we want to show the world that the Palestinian people are still suffering and they haven’t the joy that everybody else in the world is having.” This adds to the Holy Land's declining population over the past decade due to emigration and low birth rates. Christians constitute a small percentage of the population: about 182,000 in Israel, 50,000 in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and 1,300 in Gaza, as per the U.S. State Department. Finding the light in the night Father Issa Thaljieh, parish priest of the Greek Orthodox Church at the Church of the Nativity, reports many families struggling financially, unable to afford rent, school fees, or Christmas celebrations. The church’s social services are assisting, but the need is immense. Thaljieh's Christmas message this year encourages Palestinians in Bethlehem to persevere despite hardship. “A church without Christians is not a church,” he observes, as workers polish brass candelabras in the largely empty church a week before Christmas. He adds, “The light that was born when Jesus Christ was born here is the light that moves beyond darkness, so we have to wait, we have to be patient, we have to pray a lot, and we have to stay with our roots because our roots are in Bethlehem.” Some families are preserving elements of festive joy. Bethlehem resident Nihal Bandak, 39, heeded her children's request for a Christmas tree this year, after foregoing one last year. Decorating it is a favorite Christmas activity for her 8-year-old daughter, Stephanie. Mathew Bandak, 11, is both happy about the family tradition and troubled by the situation in Gaza, stating, “I was happy because we get to decorate and celebrate, but people are in Gaza who don’t have anything to celebrate.” Rony Tabash, the Nativity Store owner, will maintain his store's operation, upholding his family's legacy. “We are not feeling Christmas, but in the end, Christmas is in our hearts,” he says, expressing hope for a ceasefire and peace. “We have a big faith that always, when we see Christmas, it will give us the light in the night.”

(WASHINGTON) — On Monday, President Biden announced the commutation of sentences for 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row, changing their punishments to life imprisonment without parole. This action comes weeks before President-elect Trump, a vocal supporter of capital punishment, assumes office. The commutation spares the lives of individuals convicted of various crimes, including the murder of police officers and military personnel, offenses committed on federal land, deadly bank robberies and drug trafficking, and the killing of guards or prisoners in federal facilities. Only three federal inmates remain facing execution: Dylann Roof, the perpetrator of the Charleston, South Carolina church massacre; Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the 2013 Boston Marathon bomber; and Robert Bowers, responsible for the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue. In a statement, President Biden explained, “Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole. These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.” The Biden Administration initiated a moratorium on federal capital punishment in 2021 to review execution protocols, effectively suspending executions throughout his term. However, Biden's prior commitment to ending federal executions was more extensive, excluding only terrorism and hate-motivated mass killings. During his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden's website stated he would "work to pass legislation to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level, and incentivize states to follow the federal government’s example.” This language was absent from Biden's reelection website before his July announcement. Biden's statement included, “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss. But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice president, and now president, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.” He directly addressed Trump, stating, “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.” Trump, set to take office on January 20, has repeatedly advocated for expanding executions. In a speech, Trump called for the death penalty for those "caught selling drugs," later extending this to drug and human smugglers, and praising China's stricter drug enforcement. During his first term, Trump oversaw a resumption of federal executions. There were 13 federal executions during Trump’s first term, exceeding any modern president's total, possibly contributing to overcrowding at the federal death row facility in Indiana. These were the first federal executions since 2003. The final three occurred after the November 2020 election but before Trump left office in January 2021, marking the first time a lame-duck president executed federal prisoners since Grover Cleveland in 1889. Biden faced pressure from advocacy groups urging action to prevent Trump from increasing federal executions. This announcement follows Biden’s recent granting of clemency to 78 individuals released from prison to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes—the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The announcement also came after Biden’s post-election pardon of his son Hunter on federal gun and tax charges, despite prior statements to the contrary, creating controversy in Washington. This pardon raised questions about potential clemency for administration officials and allies who the White House fears may face unjust prosecution in a second Trump administration. Speculation about Biden commuting death sentences intensified last week after the White House announced his planned Vatican visit next month. Biden, a Catholic, will meet with Pope Francis, who recently appealed for commutation of death sentences. Martin Luther King III, who publicly urged Biden to act, stated that the president “has done what no president before him was willing to do: take meaningful and lasting action not just to acknowledge the death penalty’s racist roots but also to remedy its persistent unfairness.” Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” ___ Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Blake Lively has filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department alleging sexual harassment by director and co-star Justin Baldoni during the filming of "It Ends With Us," and a subsequent smear campaign to damage her reputation. The complaint, obtained by The Associated Press and filed Friday, names Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and Baldoni's publicists as defendants. It precedes a potential lawsuit. Lively accuses Baldoni and the studio of a coordinated effort to harm her reputation after she and Ryan Reynolds confronted them about Baldoni's and a producer's behavior on set. This alleged plan involved spreading negative information online, orchestrating social media campaigns, and planting critical news stories about Lively. The complaint alleges Baldoni used publicists and crisis managers in a calculated retaliation to silence Lively, aiming to "bury" and "destroy" her if she went public. “To prevent Ms. Lively from revealing the truth about Mr. Baldoni, the BaldoniWayfarer team created, planted, amplified, and boosted content designed to destroy Ms. Lively’s credibility,” the complaint states. “They used the same techniques to bolster Mr. Baldoni’s credibility and suppress any negative content about him.” The complaint also states Baldoni shifted the film's marketing strategy and used "domestic violence 'survivor content' to protect his public image. Bryan Freedman, Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and their representatives' attorney, dismissed the claims as "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” He countered Lively's allegations of a coordinated campaign, stating the studio proactively hired a crisis manager in response to Lively's "multiple demands and threats" during production. Freedman also claimed Lively threatened to boycott the film's set and promotional activities unless her demands were met. While the statement didn't specify these demands, Lively's complaint lists 30, which she said Baldoni and others agreed to after a tense meeting about her hostile work environment concerns. These included demands to cease showing nude videos or images of women on set, avoid discussions about pornography, sex, or genitalia, and to refrain from discussing her weight, religious beliefs, or deceased father without her consent. The complaint also stipulated the presence of an intimacy coordinator during scenes with Baldoni, preventing him from entering her trailer or the makeup trailer while she was undressed, and prohibiting unscripted kissing or the addition of unapproved sex scenes. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” Lively stated to the Times. A representative for Lively referred the AP to the Times report, where she denied planting or spreading negative information about Baldoni or the studio. It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, debuted in August with $50 million in revenue. However, speculation about discord between Lively and Baldoni surrounded its release. Baldoni took a less prominent role in promoting the film, while Lively and Reynolds were actively involved in publicity. Baldoni, known for his work on "Jane the Virgin," "Five Feet Apart," and the book "Man Enough," responded to criticism that the film romanticized domestic violence, stating that critics were "absolutely entitled to that opinion." “If anybody has had that real-life experience, I can imagine how hard it would be to imagine their experience being in a romance novel,” he said. “To them, I would just offer that we were very intentional in the making of this movie.” ___ Philip Marcelo in New York contributed to this report.

Lily Brown, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, frequently hears from patients that their anxiety intensifies at night despite feeling exhausted from a busy day. Evening anxiety and its negative impact on mental health are widespread. Researchers have observed a correlation between nighttime hours and increased anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and substance misuse, particularly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. A 2024 study in *Psychiatry Research* revealed anxiety peaks at various times daily (8 a.m., 4 p.m., and 1 a.m.), with evening hours exhibiting the most intense racing thoughts. Why does anxiety worsen at night? Let's explore the reasons. The nighttime anxiety link Our internal biological clock regulates various bodily functions, including sleep and brain activity, explains Rebecca Cox, an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis. As wakefulness extends, sleep pressure increases, impacting cognitive function and emotional regulation, according to Cox. This impaired regulation contributes to increased vulnerability to self-harm and substance abuse during nighttime hours. Isolation further exacerbates nighttime anxiety. The lack of social interaction during evening hours hinders emotional regulation, explains Cox. Reduced distractions at night also contribute to anxiety, notes Dr. Jeffrey Strawn, director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Daytime activities and responsibilities diminish at night, creating an environment conducive to worry and overthinking. Morning relief? The notion that a good night's sleep improves anxiety appears supported by research. Anxiety and sleep are interconnected; poor sleep can predict future anxiety, and adequate sleep is often associated with reduced anxiety, according to studies. "Sleep is medicine," says Strawn. Good sleep habits are crucial for anxiety management. This includes creating a conducive sleep environment (cool, dark, quiet), limiting caffeine, managing light exposure, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and waiting until tired before bed, advises Brown. Avoid self-medicating with alcohol or other substances. Managing nighttime anxiety Proactive strategies are key, according to Brown. Scheduling a short "worry time" each day allows for structured time for addressing concerns. Redirect worries outside of this designated time. For persistent nighttime anxiety, Brown recommends keeping a bedside journal for quick notes about worries, signaling acknowledgment without immediate problem-solving. However, Strawn cautions against lengthy writing, which could prolong anxious thoughts. Leaving the bed if anxiety persists is important to avoid associating the bed with worry, suggests Strawn. Engage in calming, non-stimulating activities like reading or meditation. Return to bed when feeling sleepy and calmer.

Homelessness constitutes a profound, visible, and unacceptable health injustice. Research indicates homelessness significantly increases mortality risk. Following disasters leaving people without shelter, support, or safety, we readily mobilize aid. Agencies like FEMA and the National Guard deploy resources to provide essential needs, while communities offer assistance and support. During crises, we demonstrate neighborly compassion. However, in cases of job loss, health crises, relationship breakdowns, mental illness, or addiction, our response often falters. Assistance is infrequent, empathy wanes, and inaction becomes the norm. There’s no equivalent mobilization of resources. An underlying sentiment suggests those experiencing homelessness don’t deserve help. Collaboration between policymakers and content creators can address this. Hollywood and institutions like Harvard have crucial roles in alleviating homelessness's suffering. How we perceive homelessness While homelessness is a widespread concern, the focus often lies on removal rather than rehousing. Public officials increasingly utilize force to displace people experiencing homelessness, fueled by legislation permitting arrests for public sleeping, as detailed in Kevin Adler and Donald Burns’ When We Walk By, highlighting our failure to act as neighbors. This contrasting response exposes a larger community crisis: defining ourselves as individuals and a nation. This self-definition is crucial in addressing a growing homeless crisis, impacting millions nightly and far more annually. Progress requires acknowledging the crisis as a collective responsibility. People without homes are our neighbors, and any of us could face homelessness. Our treatment of the unhoused reflects our character, mirroring our response to disaster victims. Countering the dehumanization of those on the streets through storytelling is vital. This dehumanization exacerbates the crisis and fosters a sense of irresponsibility. How Hollywood can help address homelessness Sharing stories of homelessness allows us to consider personal vulnerability. This empathetic shift mirrors our responses to disaster victims. Strategic storytelling can positively impact health crises. Studies show that watching films addressing climate change (like An Inconvenient Truth and The Day After Tomorrow) increases climate action intent. The effect is amplified when films (such as Don’t Look Up) are paired with educational videos from influencers. Regarding mental health, the Norman Lear Center found that watching shows depicting mental health storylines reduces stigma. Our work at the Harvard Chan School shows exposure to positive mental health narratives on TikTok reduces stigma in comments and may encourage help-seeking behavior. Similar strategies should be used to address homelessness in various media. Films like The Pursuit of Happyness, The Soloist, and Nomadland successfully humanize homelessness. We also need projects exploring systemic issues causing housing instability. Encouraging public figures and influencers with personal experience to share their stories on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is crucial. We can all participate by listening to our neighbors' stories. Sharing these narratives strengthens community bonds. We can become the caring neighbors Fred Rogers encouraged us to be. Everyone—from screenwriters to influencers to ordinary citizens—can contribute to changing the narrative. People losing homes, whether due to disasters or homelessness, need assistance. Storytelling can initiate this. Collective action, fostered through empathy and a shared sense of responsibility, is essential for change. By imagining ourselves in the situation of others, we strengthen our connections to both those suffering and ourselves.

In our hyper-connected world, quiet moments are increasingly rare and valuable. From waking to sleeping, most face a constant barrage of notifications and endless online scrolling. This screen fixation isn't just convenient; it's become habitual, even addictive, as many users readily admit. But we rarely consider the cost. Constant digital engagement depletes not only our time, but also our peace of mind. Silence is vital for mental health, much like essential vitamins are for physical well-being. This is especially important in our fast-paced, screen-dominated world. People meticulously choose their food, seeking organic, non-GMO, or other healthy options. Yet, they often overlook the mental "food" they consume. The constant sensory input overwhelms our cognitive capacity. As our bodies need external nutrients, our minds require essential ones, primarily silence. Quiet moments allow the brain to process information, restore cognitive resources, and decompress. The myth of multitasking boosting productivity is demonstrably false. Research consistently shows that multitasking reduces efficiency, focus, and work quality. Switching between tasks is extremely energy-intensive for the brain. The pressure to be constantly connected prevents us from experiencing the restorative power of inactivity, or what the Dutch call [Dutch term missing]. We’ve grown so used to stimulation that inactivity feels unproductive. However, these moments are crucial for memory consolidation, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Even briefly observing nature, like looking at clouds for 30 seconds, can provide the brain with a much-needed break. Silence isn't emptiness; it's a space for problem-solving and possibility, as Leonard Koren suggests in his book [Book title missing]. We live in an age of sensory overload. Constant flashing screens and artificial noise tax the brain's limited attention, hindering deep thought, introspection, and creativity. The dangers of this overload are increasingly recognized. Even a walk in nature—shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing in Japan—reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and improves cognition. Nature's subtle sounds and tranquil atmosphere soothe both mind and body. Green spaces and natural soundscapes provide relief from overstimulation. Studies show that time in nature reduces anxiety, improves mood, and enhances concentration and memory. Natural environments help the brain recover from the demands of modern life, making walks beneficial. The digital world offers little silence. At work, home, or on vacation, screens constantly demand attention. The human brain isn't designed for this relentless engagement. We need pauses to regain composure and optimize brain function. Consider how often you reach for your phone during idle moments. Waiting in line, meeting a friend, or even mid-conversation, the urge to check devices is strong. The concept of quiet contemplation seems unthinkable. Yet, silence is a vital mental nutrient. Quiet moments foster clarity, creativity, and peace of mind. They allow for introspection, reflection, and self-connection impossible amidst the noise of modern life. Incorporating silence doesn't require drastic changes. Turning off notifications for an hour or taking a phone-free walk suffices. Small acts of disconnection create space for silence. Over time, these moments of stillness become refreshing and vital for mental and emotional well-being. In our culture of constant activity and connection, seeking silence can feel rebellious. But it's an act of self-preservation. Silence allows us to recharge and rediscover clarity often obscured by modern life. Next time you reach for your phone, resist the urge. Sit in silence. Your brain—and sanity—will thank you.