PR in the Philippines

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Authorities apprehended a Florida resident, Shannon Depararra Atkins, 46, on Friday night following an FBI tip about online threats targeting President Trump, according to a West Palm Beach police statement issued Saturday. The arrest, which occurred during a traffic stop, resulted in charges of written or electronic threats to kill, inflict bodily harm, or commit acts of mass violence or terrorism. Further, the discovery of cocaine led to an additional drug charge. Atkins is currently held without bail. Efforts to obtain a comment from his public defender’s office on Saturday were unsuccessful due to its closure. Details regarding the specific threats remain undisclosed. While Atkins resides a short distance from President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, there's no evidence suggesting any attempt to approach the property. West Palm Beach police have indicated that the Secret Service will be determining the potential for federal charges.

Raymond Farabaugh, president of D-Patrick Inc. in Evansville, Indiana, received the 56th annual award recognizing industry achievements and community contributions at the 108th National Automotive Dealers Association Show. NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 25, 2025 – At the 108th National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, Raymond Farabaugh, president of D-Patrick Inc. in Evansville, Indiana, was named the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year. This prestigious industry accolade, in its 56th year, is one of the most respected in the automotive sector. Farabaugh's selection stems from his exceptional contributions to the auto industry and his dedication to community betterment. A prominent member of the Automobile Dealers Association of Indiana, he's held various leadership roles, including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and currently serves on the board of directors. His dealership group provides substantial annual funding and sponsorships to numerous local organizations, such as the Ark Crisis Children’s Center, Boone County Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club of Evansville, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ohio Valley, Special Olympics Indiana, Tri-State Food Bank, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Southwest Indiana, and many others. TIME CEO Jessica Sibley and Ally’s President of Dealer Financial Services, Doug Timmerman, presented the award to Farabaugh at a New Orleans ceremony honoring all 49 nominees. Farabaugh was chosen from over 16,000 franchised dealers nationwide. “TIME remains firmly committed to acknowledging the exceptional contributions of automotive dealers,” Sibley stated. “The TIME Dealer of the Year award celebrates individuals who not only excel professionally but also significantly impact their communities. We’re delighted to continue this tradition with Ally.”  “The TIME Dealer of the Year award spotlights top dealers who understand that business success is intertwined with community support and growth, and Raymond embodies these qualities perfectly,” Timmerman said. “Raymond, and all the nominees, exemplify excellence in their industry and commitment to their communities and dealership teams.” The TIME Dealer of the Year winner and finalists are chosen by a panel from the University of Michigan's Tauber Institute for Global Operations. The panel selects finalists from each of the four NADA regions, culminating in a national winner. Besides Farabaugh, the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year finalists include: Sean P. Baxter, Kayser Ford Inc., Madison, Wisconsin George Haddad, Haddad Toyota, Pittsfield, Massachusetts Con Paulos, Con Paulos Chevrolet, Jerome, Idaho Cathy Stender, Woody Anderson Ford, Huntsville, Alabama  As the exclusive sponsor for 14 consecutive years, Ally provides grants to eligible 501c3 charities chosen by nominees, finalists, and the winner. Ally’s contributions to the program total nearly $1 million. This year, Ally will donate $10,000 to Farabaugh’s chosen charity and $5,000 to each charity selected by the finalists. Each of the 49 nominees will also receive $1,000 for their chosen charities. For more information on the nominees, finalists, and winner, please visit: . About TIME TIME, a 101-year-old global media brand, reaches over 120 million worldwide through its magazine and digital platforms. With unparalleled access to influential figures, global consumer and partner trust, and convening power, TIME’s mission is to chronicle the people and ideas shaping the world. TIME also encompasses TIME Studios (Emmy Award®-winning film and television), an expanded live events business built on the TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises, TIME for Kids, Red Border Studios, TIME CO2, and more. About Ally Financial Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and a leading auto financing business, committed to serving customers and communities. The company serves approximately 11 million customers through online banking (deposits, mortgages, credit cards), securities brokerage, and investment advisory services. It also offers corporate finance, auto financing, and insurance products. For more information, please visit .  For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit .  For further images and news on Ally, please visit .  About the NADA Show  The annual NADA Show gathers over 20,000 franchised dealers, employees, industry leaders, manufacturers, and exhibitors to explore the latest automotive tools, trends, products, and technologies.

WASHINGTON — On Friday, the State Department implemented a comprehensive freeze on new funding for nearly all U.S. foreign aid programs. Exceptions were made for emergency food initiatives and military assistance to Israel and Egypt. This action immediately jeopardized billions of dollars in U.S.-funded projects globally, impacting areas such as health, education, development, job training, anti-corruption efforts, and security assistance. The U.S. is the world's largest provider of foreign aid, allocating roughly $60 billion in 2023—approximately 1% of its national budget. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's directive, communicated via cable to U.S. embassies worldwide, specifically excluded emergency food programs, such as those addressing the famine in Sudan. The cable details the enforcement of President Trump's executive order, signed on Monday, halting aid disbursement. The omission of life-saving health programs, including clinics and immunization initiatives, from the exemptions deeply disappointed humanitarian organizations. PEPFA, a globally recognized anti-HIV program, is among those affected by the freeze, which is expected to last at least three months. PEPFAR has been credited with saving 25 million lives, including 5.5 million children, since its inception under President George W. Bush. Some aid projects received stop-work orders Friday afternoon. Leading aid organizations interpreted the directive as an immediate halt to U.S.-funded projects globally, according to a former senior U.S. Agency for International Development official, who spoke anonymously. Many organizations will likely cease operations to avoid accumulating further costs. Oxfam America's head, Abby Maxman, stated that the funding suspension "could have life or death consequences" for children and families worldwide. Maxman further commented, "By suspending foreign development assistance, the Trump administration is threatening the lives and futures of communities in crisis, and abandoning the United States’ long-held bipartisan approach to foreign assistance which supports people based on need, regardless of politics,” At the United Nations, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq remarked, “These are bilateral decisions but nonetheless we expect those nations who have the capability to generously fund development assistance.” While Rubio's order exempted military aid to Israel and Egypt, no similar exemption was granted for vital U.S. military assistance to Ukraine. The Biden administration expedited military aid to Ukraine before leaving office due to concerns about Trump's potential discontinuation. However, approximately $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding remains for future arms shipments to Ukraine, a decision now resting with President Trump. The sweeping freeze fulfills a pledge by Trump and other Republicans to curtail U.S. aid programs. Additionally on Friday, the State Department agency overseeing refugee resettlement instructed associated agencies to immediately "suspend all work" under their foreign assistance funding. The guidance lacked clarity, but suggests resettlement agencies assisting refugees, including those Afghans who arrived on special immigrant visas, might face temporary operational halts. Florida Republican Representative Brian Mast, the new chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, vowed this week that Republicans would scrutinize “every dollar and every diplomat” in the State Department’s budget to ensure alignment with their standards. The freeze aims to ensure that “appropriations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy,” according to the global cable. Within the next month, standards for reviewing all foreign assistance will be established to ensure alignment with President Trump's foreign policy agenda. A government-wide review is expected to conclude within three months, resulting in a report for Rubio to provide recommendations to the president. —Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Rebecca Santana contributed.

Immanuel Kant pondered the aesthetic appeal of nature, considering the implications of replicas. He posited a scenario: an innkeeper using a boy and a reed to mimic a nightingale's song. Kant believed that upon discovering the deception, the enchantment would vanish. Why, if the sounds were identical? Kant's assertion seems less relevant today, given the abundance of nature's copies. Artificial plants and synthetic turf are prevalent in our urban landscapes, public spaces, and homes. The global artificial flower market is projected to reach $1.78 billion this year. Surprisingly, artificial flowers are even marketed as an eco-friendly option. With realistic artificial plants that require no maintenance, and increasingly convenient lifestyles, many question the rationale for choosing natural over artificial. However, research consistently demonstrates that interaction with real nature, from houseplants to gardening, offers significant and undeniable mental health benefits. What inherent value in genuine nature cannot be replicated artificially? Philosophers have long recognized a unique pleasure derived from natural entities: their capacity to satisfy our inherent desire for understanding. Aristotle believed that the pursuit of knowledge, through questioning, is inherently rewarding. Real nature provides answers that make even the most unfamiliar organisms—plants, sea urchins, and sponges—comprehensible. Questions like, "Why does my plant blossom?" and "Why does it have brown spots?" reveal insights into the organism's identity and needs. This intellectual satisfaction is absent with artificial plants. The only explanation for their features relates to the designer's intent—to mimic nature's appearance. Asking "why" leads back to human design, not inherent natural processes. All other interactions with artificial plants are purely physical or chemical. Consider a real and a fake plant in sunlight: both will warm. However, in the real plant, sunlight facilitates photosynthesis, crucial for its growth. The temperature of the artificial plant is irrelevant to any internal processes; heat or cold neither benefits nor harms it. The life of a real plant allows for a unique form of care unavailable with replicas. We can nurture an acorn into an oak, but not a plastic one. Even if an artificial plant was designed to simulate the need for care, it would remain inert. It cannot die or thrive. The ability to understand fosters care. We learn how to promote a plant's well-being—watering, providing light, etc. This brings the joy of nurturing something for its own sake—the pleasure of growth and the sorrow of failure. One cannot exist without the other. This understanding extends to the environmental impact of artificial copies. The production of these perfect replicas inevitably generates waste. The majority of artificial plants are manufactured in China's Pearl River delta, a major pollution hotspot. Viewing plants as independent beings with their own purposes alters our perspective on our relationship with them. They are separate yet knowable, alien yet familiar. Observing their life cycles fosters a profound sense of connection, bringing joy and inspiring care. Ultimately, who truly cares for a fake plant?

Following President Trump's crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, numerous federal agencies have started removing online resources supporting underrepresented groups. In adherence to Trump's directive, agencies have also cancelled DEI-related training programs and service contracts. Trump has mandated that all DEI staff be placed on paid leave, ultimately leading to layoffs. Websites of agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management, the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security have removed DEI documents. Links previously directing to DEI pages now show "Page Not Found — 404" errors or indicate archived content. These materials were designed to aid in diverse workforce recruitment and foster employee inclusivity. Critics fear these changes could drastically alter hiring practices and reinstate discriminatory methods. Among the removed resources was a webpage dedicated to the Inaugural Treasury Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, established during the Biden administration. Georgetown law professor Dorothy Brown, a committee member, highlighted the order's wide-ranging effects on workforce diversity. “Conservatives argue it’s wrong to target individuals based on race – yet that’s precisely what Trump is doing,” she stated. On Wednesday, the State Department dismantled its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, removing its website link. Established by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, this office had produced reports outlining strategies for attracting minority and female candidates. The Education Department announced Thursday that it had removed or archived hundreds of guidance documents, reports, and training materials. Over 200 pages, once offering diversity, equity, and inclusion resources for K-12 schools and colleges, were removed. The department cancelled over $2.6 million in DEI training and service contracts. Removed materials included resources like “Resources for LGBTQI+ Students,” an overview of civil rights laws concerning discrimination, and guidance on “Avoid the Discriminatory Use of Artificial Intelligence.” An Education Department statement described the deleted pages as promoting “harmful ideological programs.” Trump has labeled DEI programs as "discrimination," advocating for strictly "merit-based" hiring. Conservative groups have applauded the changes. Parents Defending Education, which has challenged school diversity initiatives legally, praised Trump's actions to "permanently eliminate these programs." Attacks on DEI frequently target pipeline programs, which don't alter hiring standards but encourage recruiters to broaden their applicant pools, such as by reaching out to historically Black colleges, explained Antonio Ingram, senior counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He noted that current racial and gender disparities are historical consequences of excluding women and people of color, not arbitrary outcomes. He predicted the long-term impact of eliminating these programs and policies on creating a diverse government workforce. “Generations will be unaware of missed opportunities due to this erasure, revision, and redirection of federal resources,” he said. “The true tragedy is the loss of tools that could have fostered greater belonging and justice.” At schools, advocates claim this crackdown will eliminate resources vital for historically disadvantaged students' success, including tools helping teachers address achievement gaps and classroom biases. The Education Department's now-defunct bodies include the Diversity & Inclusion Council (established under President Obama) and the Employee Engagement Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Council (housed under its Office for Civil Rights). The department's Equity Action Plan, enacted under President Biden, has also been withdrawn. The plan aimed to improve college access, affordability, and completion rates for underserved students, advance equity in career and technical education, and increase mental health resources for disadvantaged youth.

(Subscribe to the TIME CO2 Leadership Report newsletter for this story.) At President Trump's inauguration, leading global companies witnessed his pledge to rescind the Green New Deal and expand fossil fuel drilling. However, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the narrative shifted. Major banks highlighted clean energy financing opportunities in developing nations. Manufacturers emphasized climate risks to their supply chains. Energy companies showcased renewable energy investments. This suggests that businesses will continue pursuing profitable climate initiatives, even under Trump's administration, sometimes without explicitly framing them as such. Ingka Group (IKEA) CEO Jesper Brodin stated, "Leading companies are undergoing tech and climate transformations. The benefits are clear, and this is irreversible." This commitment isn't purely altruistic. Many companies have integrated climate programs into long-term plans, investing billions in projects difficult to reverse, like clean technology manufacturing and energy efficiency upgrades. Retracting would mean wasted capital. The financial incentives for clean energy and electric vehicles remain strong. María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, noted that "despite the noise, market fundamentals remain solid." Furthermore, companies are addressing climate risks. Recent extreme weather events have disrupted supply chains, raising concerns. A WEF report indicated unprepared companies could face up to a 25% earnings reduction by 2050 without adaptation measures. While this timeframe may seem distant, the impact of fires, droughts, and floods on supply chains is immediate. Torsten Lichtenau of Bain & Company stated, "Sustainability strategy is outdated; it's now about business strategy integrating sustainability." Counterarguments exist. Trump's presidency might hinder investment in sectors reliant on government support, potentially impacting technologies like hydrogen and biofuels. Also, conference attendance bias exists. Davos attendees may be less likely to discuss plans to reverse climate initiatives, and European businesses, often more environmentally conscious than their American counterparts, are overrepresented. Therefore, showcasing successful climate-friendly business practices is crucial. Brodin presented Ingka Group's financial performance alongside its emissions reduction: a 30% emissions decrease coupled with a 24% revenue increase since 2015. He challenged the notion that climate-conscious practices are costly. The apparent alignment of climate initiatives with pro-Trump stances is complex. Trump's reception at Davos was less than overwhelmingly enthusiastic. However, many companies see no conflict or disregard it. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta, for example, continue investing heavily in clean electricity for their data centers, illustrating a focus on what they likely view as sound business practices.

Dan Fogelman excels at surprising viewers. His hit NBC series, *This Is Us*, introduced four characters turning 36, revealing three were siblings—two fraternal twins and an adoptee—and the fourth, their deceased father. This setup fueled six seasons of emotional storytelling across multiple timelines. Fogelman’s new Hulu series, *Paradise*, premiering January 28, surpasses *This Is Us* in its narrative twists. Initially appearing as a political thriller, the show takes a significant turn at the end of its first episode. Instead of focusing solely on a family's trauma, *Paradise* broadens its scope and tackles major contemporary issues. While compelling scene by scene, the series' ambitious themes are somewhat undermined by underdeveloped characters and world-building. The result is a large-scale, twisty narrative that sometimes feels absurd, sacrificing insightful commentary for sensational entertainment. The protagonist is Xavier Collins (*This Is Us*’ breakout star), President Cal Bradford’s head of security. He discovers the President dead, becoming a prime suspect. His decision to secure the premises rather than immediately report the apparent assassination is initially standard thriller fare. However, odd details, like Cal’s unconventional residence and ambiguous term in office, hint at something unusual. Further plot details would reveal the twist. *Paradise* blends speculative fiction with political thriller elements. Fogelman tackles climate change, the self-interest of politicians, and the influence of billionaires. A cryptic line from Cal— “The world is 19 times more f-cked than anyone realizes”— sets the tone. Mandy Moore, plays a powerful tech mogul, Samantha, whose connection to Cal and his father raises concerns. The cast includes Cal’s and Xavier’s children, Xavier’s colleagues, his boss (who was sleeping with Cal), and a member of Samantha's team who inexplicably believes in Xavier’s innocence. Multiple timelines manage the backstories. The show maintains momentum with frequent plot twists, but the numerous mysteries and their often unbelievable resolutions leave viewers questioning the overall narrative. The complexity demands a high level of narrative structure, comparable to sci-fi series like *Westworld* or *Lost*. However, unlike those shows, *Paradise* fails to fully develop its world or characters, resulting in plot holes that detract from the themes. The absurdity of the central premise overshadows the intended message. *Paradise* suffers from a lack of attention to detail, employing tired tropes of prestige drama: parallel timelines, trauma plots, and genre conventions. The show's soundtrack, featuring '80s rock songs and their somber covers, is emotionally heavy-handed and lacks thematic relevance. A crucial flashback to a pivotal moment in Xavier’s life is delayed until the penultimate episode, preventing deeper exploration of the show’s political and moral dilemmas. The focus on sensationalism overshadows meaningful engagement with the narrative and themes.

In today's digital age, internet access is essential. However, a significant portion of the global population lacks connectivity, hindering their participation in the digital economy and society. The Edison Alliance, a World Economic Forum initiative, addresses this by providing digital access and vital services in finance, healthcare, and education to underserved communities. Our collaborations with governments, businesses, and NGOs foster lasting, systemic change. The World Economic Forum played a crucial role in establishing and guiding the Alliance, creating a platform for stakeholders to unite around actionable strategies. CEOs, government officials, and heads of international organizations leveraged public-private partnerships to address connectivity barriers and develop scalable solutions. The Edison Alliance's achievement of the 1 Billion Lives Challenge in 2024, a year ahead of schedule, demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts. Through partnerships with telecoms, financial institutions, tech companies, and policymakers, the Alliance delivers impactful programs globally. Examples include connecting rural Indian communities to healthcare via digital tools, empowering millions in Africa and the U.S. with mobile banking, and expanding educational opportunities in Latin America through digital literacy programs. Our initiatives highlight the transformative power of digital connectivity. For a Kenyan farmer, it means real-time market data leading to increased income. For a Peruvian student, it provides access to online learning. For an Indonesian entrepreneur, it opens new markets. Connectivity unlocks potential and reduces inequality. The 1 Billion Lives Challenge is more than a milestone; it's a testament to solving complex global issues through focused collaboration. However, our work is ongoing. While one billion people gained better access, billions remain unconnected, and the rise of AI technologies threatens to exacerbate the digital divide. This remains a critical issue, and the Alliance is committed to bridging the gap. The World Economic Forum continues to be vital to our work, inspiring ambitious goals and ensuring accountability. Its multi-stakeholder approach facilitates tangible progress. This collaborative spirit fostered the Edison Alliance and will drive future initiatives such as the World Economic Forum's AI for Prosperity and Growth in Africa, launched at this year's Annual Meeting. Our vision is a world with universal connectivity. This necessitates sustained effort, innovation, and investment. We must address barriers such as affordability, infrastructure limitations, digital literacy, and policy frameworks. We must continue to explore solutions and pool resources. We urge increased public-private sector collaboration to achieve these ambitious goals. Together, we will create a digitally inclusive world.