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OTTAWA - The Métis National Council says it has elected a new president after months of turmoil that saw the once-united organization splinter and have its legitimacy questioned. In a news release, the council announced Victoria Pruden will be its new president, replacing Cassidy Caron, whose term expired in September. The Métis National Council has been in a state of flux after the Manitoba Métis Federation pulled out of the organization in 2021, followed by the recent departures of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of British Columbia. It’s unclear who was heading the council before the election, and the only two remaining members are the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Métis National Council says Pruden will work toward advancing the rights and aspirations of Métis across the homeland. It adds the council will continue to fulfil the vision of its ancestors while paving the way for future generations. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024.

In principle, the money pledged by developed nations for the developing world, of $300 billion a year in climate finance, makes sense. One could dicker over the amount, and many affected countries in the Third World have already described the amount as too little. However, it is only right that the developed world pay the cost of the repair and rehabilitation of the ravages of climate change. After all, climate change is occurring because the developed countries paid no attention to pollution while developing, and poured greenhouse gasses into the skies with abandon. Even now, headed by US President-elect Donald Trump, there are climate change deniers, who feel that there is no need to switch from nonrenewable fuels, and who feel that there should be unrestricted development of fossil fuels allowed. This sentiment exists in developed countries, but also in other countries anxious for development on the Western model. There is also the problem of where to find the money. That it is felt that trillions of dollars are not enough, means that the sums involved are colossal. Only the developed countries can put up the money. However, there is a problem. The countries worst affected by climate change are the ones already the most heavily indebted. The developed world is lending the money, not giving it, and is going to charge interest. The previous loans to underdeveloped countries at least were supposed in theory to lead to development which would generate the revenue that would help pay off the debt. Instead, the loans were meant to be embezzled by the elites the developed world had left behind when they left their colonies, so as to buy their political loyalty. The elites decamped with their ill-gotten gains to the metropoles, leaving behind heavily indebted countries. This time around, the loans will not be used for revenue generation, but to replace losses, or fortify existing structures against damage caused by climate change. There is thus even less chance of enabling repayment. It will encourage embezzlement by the corrupt, and avoidance of debt by the honest. The developed nations are grossly mistaken to think that they can shut the worst affected countries up by getting them further into debt. Perhaps most importantly, they should not forget that they will suffer the effects of climate change too. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

Donald Trump's Project 2025: Is big change coming soon?NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL: Siena flies south to Florida for Fort Myers Tip-OffArtificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there's a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here's a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: FILE - Director of Photography Jac Cheairs and his son, actor Wyatt Cheairs, 11, take part in a rally by striking writers and actors outside Netflix studio in Los Angeles on Friday, July 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. FILE - In advance of Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri's Congressional testimony, to illustrate the harms children face on social media, parent activists brought an "Instagrinch" to the Capitol building in Washington, Dec. 7, 2021. (Eric Kayne/AP Images for ParentsTogether, File) New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. FILE - Parents, students, and staff of Chino Valley Unified School District hold up signs in favor of protecting LGBTQ+ policies at Don Antonio Lugo High School, in Chino, Calif., June 15, 2023. (Anjali Sharif-Paul/The Orange County Register via AP, File) In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. FILE - Christian F. Nunes, president of National Organization for Women speaks as abortion rights activists and Women's March leaders protest as part of a national day of strike actions outside the Supreme Court, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. FILE - Gov. Tim Walz speaks before a crowd gathered for a rally on the steps of the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday evening, Aug. 7, 2019. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, center left, and his wife Gwen Walz, center right, stand by him. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP, File) A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with "binary triggers" that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. FILE - A man talks on his cell phone while driving in Los Angeles, Monday June 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn't banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. FILE - Surrounded by members of the legislature and signs touting saving families money, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announces her 'Axe the Food Tax' campaign at Dillons grocery store in Topeka, Kan., Monday, Nov. 8, 2021 by holding an axe. (Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal via AP, File) Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona's nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. FILE - Election board inspector Pat Cook readies "I Voted" stickers for voters during early voting in Oklahoma City, Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. "I think it's very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens," Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office after attending the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) A delegate looks at her phone during the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie's Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump look on as a bus carrying Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris passes by following a campaign event, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Rochester, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Attendees look on at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to speak during a campaign rally, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A supporter greets Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump after a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A political advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is displayed on the Sphere, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks toward reporters to speak before boarding Air Force Two, as she departs Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, en route to Arizona. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A voter works on her ballot at a polling place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. Before testimony resumes Tuesday, the judge will hold a hearing on prosecutors' request to sanction and fine Trump over social media posts they say violate a gag order prohibiting him from attacking key witnesses. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor of the event from backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is prayed over with Pastor Paula White during the National Faith Summit at Worship With Wonders Church, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Powder Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Forgiato Blow wears a necklace with a likeness of former President Donald Trump before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs President Biden during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is reflected in the bullet proof glass as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, bottom center, greets supporters after speaking during a campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, shares a laugh with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, after reuniting in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, aboard Air Force Two, just before taking off from Pittsburgh for her final campaign rally in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) With tears streaming down her face, a supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Bikers show their support for President-elect Donald Trump while riding on I-84, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Lords Valley, Pa. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands on stage with steelworkers as he speaks during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters cheer as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A delegate wearing a small American flag on his ear watches as Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs a child after speaking during a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Washington Crossing, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A voter watches the stage before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Parent Trespassed from School After Wearing Wristband to Girls' Game Against Trans Athlete Now Deemed a 'Threat'

Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died

Talks between China and Japan's foreign ministers in Beijing have paved way for Japan to host China's foreign affairs chief next year, and mutual agreement to hold a security dialogue as soon as possible, Japan said on Wednesday. No details were given for when the events will take place but Japan's Takeshi Iwaya told reporters after his meeting and a working lunch with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that both agreed on continued high-level talks, including potentially an economic dialogue during the 2025 visit. The one-day visit is Iwaya's first to the Chinese capital since becoming Japan's foreign minister in October, to discuss thorny issues with his country's largest trading partner. It follows an agreement between leaders of both countries to work towards a mutually beneficial strategic relationship. Ties between the neighbours, trade partners with close economic and investment ties but rivals in security and territorial claims, are complicated with long-standing geopolitical disagreements and historical wartime sensitivities. Iwaya raised several security concerns, urging China to take "necessary action" including removing a buoy Japan had identified and believe was installed by China in the exclusive economic zone near one of Japan's southernmost islands. "I also expressed my serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea...and the increasing activity of the Chinese military," he said. On regional concerns, Wang and Iwaya discussed North Korea. Iwaya sought for China to partake in "a responsible role in maintaining peace and security in the international community," he said. Japan has expressed "grave concern" over North Korea's security alliance with Russia, in which North Korea stands to gain advanced military technology and combat experience. Wang stressed in the meeting that the significance of the countries' relationship went beyond bilateral ties. "If China-Japan relations are stable, Asia will be more stable," Wang said at the start of their meeting. VISA RULES AND SEAFOOD BAN In reciprocity to China's eased visa rules, Japan will remove some requirements for three-year multiple entry tourist visas for Chinese citizens and allow those on group visas to stay up to 30 days from the previous 15. The country has also introduced a new 10-year multiple entry tourist visa. Last month, Beijing expanded its visa-free arrangements to include Japan until the end of 2025, restoring a policy that was suspended during the pandemic. China also extended the stay period to 30 days from 15. Japanese citizens were able to enter China without a visa for up to 14 days before COVID-19. Iwaya pointed out that addressing the safety and security of Japanese nationals was important to increase travel between Japan and China. Cases of Japanese nationals detained under China's anti-espionage law and the lack of transparency around the law have led to Japanese people feeling hesitant about travelling to China, Iwaya said, calling for more transparency and the release of those detained. Their discussion of China's ban on Japanese seafood, highly expected on the agenda, did not indicate any easing on restrictions, but only that both sides agreed to "properly implement" a recent agreement. A major sticking point in bilateral ties has been Japan's discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant that Beijing strongly opposed and responded to by tightening inspections on Japanese goods. China was Japan's largest export market for aquatic products until Beijing fully banned them in protest against Tokyo's actions. Both governments reached an agreement in September that obligates Japan to set up a long-term international monitoring arrangement allowing stakeholders such as China to conduct independent sampling of the treated water. That was expected to restart the imports but China still wants reassurances from Tokyo that it would fulfil its commitment before "adjusting relevant measures" and gradually restore imports that meet standards and regulations. However, both countries were ready to restart talks on resuming Japanese beef and rice imports. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

The % Club fans were left fuming after spotting a major change to the ITV programme. The quiz show, hosted by Lee Mack, was back for a brand new series this Monday evening, as eager fans played along with the contestants, who had to answer a series of questions to make it through each round and have a chance to win the prize pot. However, fans have noticed a big change with the new series and have been left fuming. Viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the new accompanying app, which is much different than before. Now, fans of the show can answer the questions given to the contestants on the show but can keep proceeding quicker than those on the show can - meaning all the questions and answers can be revealed immediately. Fuming over the change, one fan wrote: "The app not being linked to the show is a bit s***! What's the point watching it if you can just finish the questions right away! #The1PercentClub ," whilst another added: "Aww The app doesn't play along with the programme like it used to do. You can just whiz through the questions. Done them all already, so don't need to watch anymore." A third wrote: "Why isn’t #The1PercentClub app playalong synced with the TV show anymore? You can now play the entire game and find out what all the questions for the episode are before Part 1 has even finished," with a fourth adding: "Is there any point watching #The1PercentClub anymore if you can just blast through all the questions on the app before they are shown on the programme?" Another said: "Why has the app for #the1percentclub changed? It used to play along live with the show but I've already been able to answer the first 3 questions while the first was still in." Fans of the show were left fuming for another reason tonight. The show airs on Saturday evenings usually, but this series will air every night this week on ITV1, leaving fans very puzzled. The official Twitter account explained: "A 90% question for you: The 1% Club is usually on Saturday nights (and will be again for S4). But there are also 4 BRAND NEW episodes on @itv this week as well. Are they on: A) Just Monday at 9pm B) Monday to Thursday every night at 9pm? Your 30 secs start now! #the1percentclub ." However, some were not happy. One wrote: "This is not the quiz for a weeknight - celebrity chase, who wants to be a millionaire- perfect mid-week quiz. This one is for a Saturday night with alcohol because then we can blame the booze for not understanding the question." Another shared: "Why have they moved this to a Monday? Much more fun trying to play this after a bottle of red on a Saturday night." While a third penned: "Wait, it is Monday ain't it? New episode of #the1percentclub on telly. I've always thought Saturday night formats could draw an audience in the week. But like it matters what I think." *The 1 Percent Club will air all this week on ITV1 and ITVX.

Eagles seek 7th straight win while Rams try to keep pace in crowded NFC West raceFamily of Lyle and Erik Menendez told a judge Monday they want the men freed from the life sentences they are serving for the shotgun murders of their parents, as their court case suffered a delay. The pair have been in prison since a blockbuster trial in the 1990s that became almost compulsory viewing for millions of Americans. Television audiences were riveted by the gruesome details of the slayings of Jose and Kitty Menendez at the family's luxury Beverly Hills mansion. The two men, who have spent more than three decades behind bars, had been due to appear by videolink at a hearing in Los Angeles, their first court appearance in 28 years as a campaign to set them free gathers pace. But technical difficulties scuppered the appearance and the hearing was pushed back to the end of January. Nevertheless, Judge Michael Jesic called the two men's elderly aunts to the stand to hear them plead for the brothers to be freed. "I would like to be able to hug them and see them," Jose Menendez's older sister Terry Baralt, 85, said. "I would like them to come home." Kitty's sister, Joan Vander Molen, echoed that. "No child should go through what Erik and Lyle went through," she said. "They never knew if tonight will be the night when they would be raped." Prosecutors painted the crime as a cold-hearted bid by the then-young men -- Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 -- to get their hands on their parents' $14 million fortune. But their attorneys described the 1989 killings as an act of desperate self-defense by young men subjected to years of sexual abuse and psychological violence at the hands of an abusive father and a complicit mother. The case saw a huge surge of renewed interest this year with the release of the Netflix hit "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." The hearing comes after a campaign to secure their release, supported by Kim Kardashian and other celebrities. "Set them free before the Holidays!" wrote Tammi Menendez, Erik's wife, on social media last week. Public interest was such that the court held a lottery for the 16 seats in the public gallery. Nick Bonanno, a former high school classmate of Erik's, was the first to arrive at the court, taking his place at the head of the line at 4:30 am (1230 GMT). "I wanted to show support to... Eric and Lyle," he told AFP ahead of the hearing. "It's all about supporting and healing, not just for the families, but for us as a culture." Elena Gordon, 43, said she wanted "to witness a part of our local history." The hearing was intended as a starting point for lawyers working on three routes to free Erik Menendez, 53, and Lyle Menendez, 56. Attorney Mark Geragos has filed a writ of habeas corpus, an attempt to effectively vacate the brothers' first-degree murder conviction, which could free the brothers immediately. Another route is an effort to get the men re-sentenced on the same conviction, which would open the way for them to request parole. Finally, Geragos has submitted a clemency request to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Journalist Robert Rand, who wrote a book about the case, and who is in regular touch with the brothers, said the family was optimistic. But, he said, no one was expecting any quick fixes. "They're hopeful," he said. "They don't know what's going to happen. "I believe this could take much longer than was originally anticipated. It could be six months, could be eight months, could be a year, but eventually they will get out." With excitement over the case near fever pitch, tourists are regularly making pilgrimages to the Beverly Hills home where the killings took place. Australian Christian Hannah, who was born almost two decades after the double murders, made sure the home was a stop on his tour of celebrity hotspots, because of his fascination with the Netflix show. "It's really awesome seeing it in person," he told AFP last week. "It's just because you see it on TV and you see it in person, just feels really cool." pr-hg/amz/jgc

New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire gunsA coalition of housing advocates and renters launched on Monday “Tenants Not Tourists,” a campaign to challenge New York City Council’s recent introduction of a bill that critics say threatens to exacerbate the city’s housing crisis. During a heated rally outside of City Hall on Dec. 9, t he coalition of representatives from various housing organizations voiced strong opposition to the measure, urging the City Council to reject it and protect the city’s scarce housing supply. Intro. 1107 , introduced last month, looks to amend current codes surrounding short-term rentals in New York. The bill would permit a permanent occupant with registration under the short-term rental law to host a short-term rental for a maximum of four guests along with their children. However, members of the coalition view it as a potential catalyst for removing tens of thousands of rental units from the market. Advocates argue that the bill would enable private equity firms to dominate the rental market, fueling rent increases and further destabilizing the city’s housing landscape. “The City Council can’t claim to be fighting for more housing and against deed theft while carving out loopholes that incentivize private equity vultures and weaken enforcement against bad actors,” said Whitney Hu, director of civic engagement and research for Churches United for Fair Housing. “We know New Yorkers are struggling to find affordable, stable housing in the middle of a crisis that demands immediate action — not giveaways to Airbnb and other corporate interests draining our housing supply.” The rally coincided with the three-year anniversary of Local Law 18, known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law, which was designed to regulate the short-term rental market by requiring hosts to register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE). This law aimed to bolster enforcement against illegal short-term rentals and protect the availability of affordable housing in the city. OSE revealed data indicating that at least 55% of Airbnb’s revenue in New York City stems from illegal short-term rentals, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective enforcement prior to the law’s introduction. Despite Airbnb’s claims to the contrary, advocates maintained that Local Law 18 was a critical step toward enhancing accountability among landlords and homeowners engaging in illegal short-term rental practices. “Amid the ongoing housing crisis, it is nonsensical to convert residential homes into short-term rentals for tourists, instead of using this housing stock to help New Yorkers secure permanent housing,” said Robert Desir, staff attorney in the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “Intro 1107 directly contradicts the goals of Local Law 18 of 2022, which sought to expand our housing stock’s availability to low- and middle-income New Yorkers who are increasingly being priced out, and those seeking to move from shelter into permanent housing.” According to the coalition, there has been a reported decline in listings on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb since Local Law 18 was implemented. ‘Making things work’ Local homeowners who supported Intro 1107, however, had a lot to say during the rally outside of City Hall — arguing that the bill represents economic opportunity for more New Yorkers rather than hurting renters. Shortly after the event started, they showed up with signs like “home sharing + home affordability” and “home sharing helps me support my family.” Homeowners in favor of Intro 1107 disrupted the rally shortly after it started. Photo by Jada Camille During conversations with amNewYork Metro, many pro-Intro. 1107 residents asserted the need for the law which would allow for short-term rentals for larger groups. “I have a legal two-family home that I want to rent in the short term. I want to be able to use my home to meet my financial needs. I want to be able to support my family,” Jeanne Raleigh, a homeowner in support of Intro 1107, told amNewYork Metro at the rally. Raleigh, who previously rented part of her home out for short-term rentals, said the rentals were like a stream of income for her family. Alex, another homeowner who chose not to share her last name, said that her previous short-term leases made the most sense for her and her family. Some residents said home sharing helps them support their families. Photo by Jada Camille Opponents of Intro 1107 are particularly alarmed by its provisions, which would exempt owners of one- and two-family homes from enforcement and remove the requirement for short-term rental hosts to be present during guest stays. This, they argue, sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to a significant increase in residential properties being used solely as short-term rentals, thereby diminishing the available housing stock for New Yorkers in need. Alex, who has owned her home in the East Village for 35 years, rejects these claims. “I’m not a rich person, so home-sharing has allowed me to continue living in my house,” she said. “If I’m just renting my place out for the week, it doesn’t suddenly go on the market. It’s still my home. I still own it. I’m just making things work.” Airbnb representatives said that while Local Law 18 looked to protect affordable housing, the housing market has remained unaffected by its provisions. “This bill aims to fix an overly restrictive short-term rental law that, in the last year, has failed to decrease rents in NYC and only increased hotel rates exorbitantly for travelers,” Nathan Rotman, director of Policy for Airbnb, said in a statement. “The bill [Intro 1107] makes common sense and marginal updates to the existing law [Local Law 18] by allowing New Yorkers to share their primary homes and yet, the big hotel chains are using scare tactics to exploit one of the biggest social challenges of our time to boost their profits with sky high nightly rates – it’s time to fix a broken law that hasn’t helped housing but has padded hotel industry pockets at everyone else’s expense.” The “Tenants Not Tourists” coalition includes a diverse range of organizations focused on housing rights, including Citizen Action of NY, the Coalition Against Illegal Hotels, Make the Road New York, the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council and others. Intro. 1107 would make amends Local Law 18 by: raising rentals maximums from two people to four allowing listing to go unhosted at the time of a guest stay; hosts must currently be presents throughout the entire rental allowing the host to restrict guest from areas i.e.closets, offices

The Sudanese government strongly rejected on Sunday a report backed by the United Nations which determined that famine had spread to five areas of the war-torn country. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) review, which UN agencies use, follows repeated warnings from the United Nations, other aid groups and the United States about the hunger situation in the northeast African country. IPC said last week that the war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had created famine conditions for 638,000 people, with a further 8.1 million on the brink of mass starvation. The army-aligned government “categorically rejects the IPC’s description of the situation in Sudan as a famine”, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement called the report “essentially speculative” and accused the IPC of procedural and transparency failings. It said the team did not have access to updated field data and had not consulted with the government’s technical team on the final version before publication. The IPC did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment. On its website, IPC says its process is “evidence-based” and ensures “a rigorous, neutral analysis.” On August 1, the IPC had already declared a famine at Zamzam camp for displaced people near El-Fasher, a city in Sudan’s western Darfur region besieged by the RSF. At a press conference in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, the government’s commissioner for humanitarian aid, Salwa Adam Benya, said “the rumours of famine in Sudan are pure fabrication,” Sudan’s state news agency reported. Along with representatives from the agriculture, media and foreign ministries, she said some aid agencies were using “food as a pretext” to push political agendas. The Sudanese government, loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been based in Port Sudan since the capital Khartoum became a war zone when fighting began in April 2023. It has repeatedly been accused of hindering international efforts to assess the food security situation. The authorities have also been accused of creating bureaucratic hurdles to humanitarian work and blocking visas for foreign teams. The International Rescue Committee, a charity which has called Sudan the “biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded”, said the army was “leveraging its status as the internationally recognised government (and blocking) the UN and other agencies from reaching RSF-controlled areas”. In October, experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council accused both sides of using “starvation tactics” and demanded that the army and RSF “stop immediately obstructing aid delivery in Sudan.” Last month, the World Food Programme said Sudan risks becoming the world’s largest hunger crisis in recent history. At the same time, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announcing an additional $200 million of new funding for Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, said people are forced to eat grass and peanut shells to survive in parts of the country. The war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and uprooted more than 12 million, including millions who face a worsening hunger crisis. Across the country, more than 24.6 million people – around half the population – face “high levels of acute food insecurity,” according to IPC, which said: “Only a ceasefire can reduce the risk of Famine spreading further”.41 bag first class as Salem varsity graduates 499

What Project 2025 Says About H-1B VisasLOS ANGELES — Londynn Jones scored 15 points, making all five of her 3-pointers, and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday, ending the Gamecocks’ overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories. The Gamecocks (5-1) lost for the first time since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat them in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points and Tessa Johnson scored 14 for the Gamecocks, whose road winning streak was third-longest in Division I history. It was the first time UCLA took down a No. 1 team in school history, having been 0-20 in such games. The program's previous best wins were over a couple of No. 2s — Oregon in 2019 and Stanford in 2008. Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points as one of five Bruins in double figures. UCLA (5-0) dominated from start to finish, with the Bruins' suffocating defense preventing the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. Takeaways South Carolina: The Gamecocks trailed by double-digits at halftime for the first time since Dec. 21, 2021, against Stanford, according to ESPN. Chloe Kitts, who averages a team-leading 14 points, finished the game with 2 points on 1 of 7 shooting. UCLA: The Bruins led 43-22 at halftime. Eight different players scored and contributed to 11-0 and 7-0 runs in the first and second quarters as they shot 52% from the field. Key moment The first quarter set the tone for a game in which the Gamecocks never led. They missed their first nine shots and were 4 of 18 from the floor in the quarter. UCLA ran off 11 straight points to take a 20-10 lead into the second quarter. Key stats The Bruins dominated the boards, 41-34, and held the Gamecocks well under their scoring average of 80.2 points. Up next South Carolina travels to Florida to meet Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tipoff on Thanksgiving. UCLA travels to the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Hawaii to play UT Martin on Friday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball