Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes. Loosened rules on tiny home construction. Bans on “outing” LGBTQ students and parking near intersections. These are a few of the California laws that will go into effect in 2025, with broad influence on the state’s economy, schools, streets, environment and workplaces. A few of the more noteworthy laws: Cannabis and alcohol Amsterdam’s famed cannabis “coffeeshops” are coming to California via Assembly Bill 1775, which allows dispensaries to serve non-cannabis food and drinks to customers who can relax and smoke on the premises. These new business will officially be known as “cannabis consumption lounges.” San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat, sponsored the law. RELATED: New law could help California renters facing eviction stay in their homes A counterpart in the state Senate, Scott Wiener, also a Democrat, sponsored Senate Bill 969. The law allows cities to create “entertainment zones” where customers can wander while carrying open alcoholic drinks. Wiener pitched the idea as a tool to revitalize cities by removing “needless restrictions.” “Getting people out in the streets to enjoy themselves is critical for communities across our state to bounce back from the pandemic,” he said in a September statement. Crime A majority of voters passed Proposition 36 in November, which toughens penalties for people repeatedly convicted of shoplifting and drug crimes. It aims to use the threat of jail as leverage to divert more people into behavioral health treatment. The popular new law went into effect on Dec. 18. It follows a package of bills that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in August to crack down on retail theft and other property crimes. Artificial intelligence Assembly Bill 2602 makes it illegal to use an AI-generated likeness of an actor’s image or voice without their permission. Assembly Bill 1836 also allows a deceased artist’s estate to collect damages when their artificial likeness is used without permission. The pair of bills seek to curb the growing use of AI in Hollywood, which was a sticking point for striking writers and performers last year. Education With Assembly Bill 1780, the children of wealthy donors or alumni can no longer get special treatment in admissions decisions by colleges and universities in California, in a practice that disproportionately benefitted white and wealthy students. The law was sponsored by three Democrats, including former Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, now the mayor of Sacramento. Most Republican lawmakers opposed it, along with the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. Public school employees won’t be able to disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to their parents — or anyone else — under Assembly Bill 1955. The law, sponsored by San Diego Democratic Assemblymember Chris Ward, also protects staff who support LGBTQ students and requires the California Department of Education to provide those students with resources. The law passed on a party-line vote, with Democrats in support and Republicans in opposition and several lawmakers abstaining. History teachers will be required to teach the negative consequences of Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush, and the perspectives of contemporary Native Americans, under Assembly Bill 1821. Housing Laws introduced by Democrats, who control both chambers of the state Legislature, aim to speed up housing construction and provide more options for unhoused people. Senate Bill 1395, sponsored by Democratic Menlo Park state Sen. Josh Becker, seeks to ramp up construction of so-called tiny homes by exempting them from the California Environmental Quality Act. The goal? Using tiny homes temporarily to house homeless residents. That’s a strategy embraced by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, though with some controversy. The new law had bipartisan support and faced little opposition from interest groups. California’s Attorney General will have more power to crack down on local governments that flout state housing mandates with Senate Bill 1037. Sponsored by Wiener, the law allows AG Rob Bonta’s office to fine cities and counties $50,000 per month for violating state housing law. That will make it easier for the state to meet its housing goals when local governments aren’t on board, a spokesperson for Wiener said in March. RELATED: Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law More than 80,000 accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, have been built in California in the last seven years because of laws encouraging them, according to the pro-housing advocacy group California YIMBY. Senate Bill 1211 allows a homeowner to build more detached ADUs on their property than what was previously allowed. The law was sponsored by outgoing Berkeley Sen. Nancy Skinner. Other laws Under Assembly Bill 2123, employers won’t be able to require employees to take two weeks of vacation before accessing California Paid Family Leave benefits. Starting March 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 375 will require food delivery platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub to provide customers with the first name and photo of delivery drivers. Assembly Bill 2475 was introduced after a stabbing in San Francisco by a man with a history of psychosis and violence. The law allows state-run hospitals to delay the release of patients for 30 days if they have a history of severe mental illness and violent crime. The additional time will allow police and public health staff to plan for a patient’s release, Haney said in a March statement. Chula Vista state Sen. Steve Padilla, a Democrat, introduced Senate Bill 1105 to protect farmworkers from wildfire smoke and the intense heatwaves that have wracked California in recent years. Under the law, farmworkers can use paid sick leave to avoid smoke, extreme heat and also flooding conditions. Avoiding these disasters will be considered “preventative care.” And Assembly Bill 413 aims to protect pedestrians by outlawing parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked intersection. The idea, called “daylighting,” is to make pedestrians more visible and prevent collisions. The law, which can fine violators, is a response to California’s concerning uptick in traffic deaths.
BETHLEHEM: Hundreds of people gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark another solemn Christmas overshadowed by the war in Gaza. Missing for a second consecutive year were the festive decorations, and the crowd paled in comparison to the throngs of tourists and pilgrims of Christmases past — a reflection of the somber mood as the Zionist war in the Gaza Strip drags on. At Manger Square, the heart of the Palestinian city dominated by the revered church that marks the site where Christians believe Jesus Christ (PBUH) was born, a group of scouts held a small parade that broke the morning’s silence. “Our children want to play and laugh,” read a sign carried by one of them, as his friends whistled and cheered. The Zionist war in Gaza has left 45,338 people dead, mostly civilians. Traditionally in Bethlehem, a grand Christmas tree would light up Manger Square, but local authorities opted against elaborate celebrations for a second year. “This year we limited our joy,” Bethlehem mayor Anton Salman told AFP. Prayers, including the church’s famed midnight mass, will still be held in the presence of the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarch, but the festivities will be of a more strictly religious nature than the festive celebrations the city once held. Despite the gloomy mood, some Christians in the Holy Land — who number about 185,000 in Israel and 47,000 in the Palestinian territories — are finding refuge in prayer. “Christmas is a feast of faith... We’re going to pray and ask God to end our suffering,” Salman said. In a message to Christians all over the world, Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked them for supporting the Zionist entity’s fight against the “forces of evil”. Elsewhere in the Middle East, hundreds of people took to the streets in Christian areas of Syria’s capital to protest the burning of a Christmas tree. The incident took place in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah in central Syria just over two weeks after Islamist-led rebels spearheaded an offensive that ousted president Bashar Al-Assad. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, the fighters who set fire to the tree were foreigners. A demonstrator in Damascus who gave his name as Georges told AFP he was protesting “injustice against Christians”. “If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore,” he said. A religious leader from Syria’s victorious Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) addressed residents, maintaining that those who torched the tree were “not Syrian” and promising they would be punished. “The tree will be restored and lit up by tomorrow morning,” he said. Syria’s new rulers have vowed to protect the country’s religious minorities, including Christians. But some Syrian Christians, including secular longtime opponents to Assad’s rule, fear the new leadership’s Sunni Islamist ideology will mean their community’s political aspirations and those of other minorities will not be taken into account in the transition. In Germany, Christmas was overshadowed by a deadly attack at a market, prompting President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to issue a message of healing. A Saudi doctor, Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, 50, was arrested Friday at the scene of the attack, in which a rented SUV ploughed at high speed through a crowd of revelers, bringing chaos to the festive event. “A dark shadow hangs over this Christmas,” said the head of state. “Hatred and violence must not have the final word. Let’s not allow ourselves to be driven apart. Let’s stand together.” Pope Francis will mark Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a special ceremony launching Jubilee 2025, a year of Catholic celebrations set to draw more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The motto of the Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope”, and the Argentine pontiff is expected to repeat his calls for peace in a world riven by conflict, particularly in the Middle East. He drew an angry response from the Zionist entity at the weekend for condemning the “cruelty” of Zionist strikes in Gaza that killed children. Organized by the Church every 25 years, the Jubilee is intended as a period of reflection and penance. – AFPStock market 12-23-24: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week
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Report: Chargers expect WR Ladd McConkey, LB Khalil Mack to play vs. RavensBURLINGTON, Mass., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: NEUP) (" Neuphoria ” or the " Company ”) is pleased to announce that its previously announced scheme of arrangement in relation to Bionomics Limited's proposed re-domiciliation from Australia to the United States, under which Neuphoria will become the ultimate parent company of Bionomics Limited, has been implemented today, December 23, 2024 New York time (December 24, 2024 Sydney time). The shares of common stock of Neuphoria (" Neuphoria Shares ”) issued today in connection with the re-domiciliation are expected to commence trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol "NEUP” on December 24, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, Neuphoria will issue options to acquire shares of common stock in Neuphoria (" Neuphoria Options ”) to holders of options to acquire shares in Bionomics (" Bionomics Options ”) that were issued by Bionomics, in exchange for their Bionomics Options. Neuphoria will also issue a warrant to purchase 1,054,381 shares of common stock in Neuphoria (" Neuphoria Warrant ”) to an institutional investor that holds a warrant to purchase 12,652,572 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs”) of Bionomics (" Bionomics Warrant ”), in exchange for the Bionomics Warrant. Further details regarding the implementation of the redomiciliation can be found in a Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed by Neuphoria with the SEC. Neuphoria (Nasdaq: NEUP) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies that address the complex needs of individuals affected by neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuphoria is advancing its lead drug candidate, BNC210, an oral, proprietary, selective negative allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, for the acute, "as needed” treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD) and for chronic treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). BNC210 is a first-of-its-kind, well-tolerated, broad spectrum anti-anxiety experimental therapeutic, designed to restore neurotransmitter balance in relevant brain areas, providing rapid relief from stress and anxiety symptoms without the common pitfalls of sedation, cognitive impairment, or addiction. In addition, Neuphoria has a strategic partnership with Merck & Co., Inc. (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) with two drugs in early-stage clinical trials for the treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and other central nervous system conditions. Neuphoria's pipeline also includes the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor next generation and the Kv3.1/3.2 preclinical programs, both in the lead optimization development stage. Forward-Looking Statements Neuphoria cautions that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may,” "could,” "will,” "would,” "should,” "expect,” "plan,” "anticipate,” "believe,” "estimate,” "intend,” "predict,” "seek,” "contemplate,” "potential,” "continue” or "project” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Neuphoria that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business and other risks described in the Company's filings with the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and its other reports. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Neuphoria undertakes no obligation to revise or update this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties and other factors is included in Neuphoria's filings with the SEC, copies of which are available from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and on Neuphoria's website (www.neuphoriatx.com) under the heading "Investor Center.” All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Neuphoria expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this press release. Not an offer of securities This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in any jurisdiction. The Neuphoria Shares, Neuphoria Options and Neuphoria Warrant have not been registered under the US Securities Act and may not be offered or sold except in a transaction registered under the US Securities Act or in a transaction exempt from such registration requirements and applicable US state securities laws.
ONE of the UK's oldest comic book shops has announced its huge closure sale as an "epic" 43 years of business comes to an end. Mega City Comics was set up by university student Martin Kravetz in 1981. 2 Martin Kravetz has run Mega City Comic for all his adult life 2 The shop is based in Camden, London Martin is retiring after 43 years in business, 37 of which were in the same Camden-based shop. The final clearance sale will drop in early January but customers will need to be quick to bag the best bargains, an online statement revealed. Dealers, bulk buyers and re-sellers have also been advised to email in advance if they are interested in bulk orders of 1,000 to 10,000 items. The store hoped to pass on the mantle to a new owner but unfortunately couldn't find one. read more in store closings SHUTTERS DOWN Cinema chain with more than 100 UK branches suddenly closes town centre site LAST ORDERS Heartbroken MasterChef star tells of 'lost dream' after shutting top restaurant Despite this, the team at Magic City Comic say they are "happy to discuss" funding with potential last-minute buyers. In fact, at least one other comic book retailer in London has shown interest in the store, Bleeding Cool reports. Authors, editors and artists such as Alan Moore, Jamie Hewlett, Pat Mills, Simon Bisley, Brain Bolland, Gilbert Shelton, Craig Thompson and Matt Wagner have all made guest appearances. And Martin even taught The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln some lessons about the character he would end up playing - Rick Grimes. Most read in Money CAMERA, ACTION Much-loved Glasgow cinema to reopen as music venue & community hub next year ISLE SAY Stunning home with panoramic views for sale for just £135k - but there's a catch FRESH FACE First look inside MAC store opening this week - plus all the freebies on offer HO HO NO! ‘Rip off’ ride at popular Scots Christmas market slammed by furious parents With a new owner, the store could even hope to regain its King Of Camden honour of excellence in local retailing title, which it first earned in 2010. 8 major London parks and Winter Wonderland closed in ’emergency’ as Storm Bert safety fears mount Posting to social media the store said: "The end of an era! "Mega City Comics was established in 1981, and has been operating from our shop in Camden Town since 1987. "After 43 years (and 37 years in the same shop), Martin, the owner, is taking retirement, and the shop will be closing at the end of Jan 2025. "We had originally hoped to pass on the mantle to a new owner, but a suitable candidate has unfortunately, not been forthcoming (although do read to the end!). "It has been a joyous ride (for Martin, all of his adult life), and we have had some great staff and some great customers (a crazy number who have been here pretty much from the start, and stuck with us throughout). "So it is a bitter sweet event to be closing the doors. "The mail-order/standing order service will be winding up at the end of the year, and final parcels will be going out no later than early Jan 25. "We are not quite finished yet, and we will be going out with an upbeat bang! So if you can make it into the shop over the next two months, there will be some once-in-a-lifetime deals to be had. "The back room back issue stores are being opened up, and the shop is bursting to the seams with comic goodness, ranging all the way back to 1940's Golden Age, through classic Silver and Bronze, and right up to modern day books. "We have always offered up a huge range, but for the final run, there is more on show and available than ever before! "Fine tune those wants lists, raid the piggy bank, and head on in and fill your boots . "The final clearance sale will be launched in early Jan, but we recommend you get in earlier than that, and get your choice pick of everything we have, as there are deals to be had NOW and negotiations to be made! Read more on the Scottish Sun 'DISAPPOINTED' Harry Potter steam train blasted by passengers who 'dreaded' return journey COLD BEERS SPFL side spotted going for a PINT after their bus got stuck in the snow "Dealers, bulk buyers and re-sellers – we will have some clearance offers on excess stock available soon – drop us an email if interested in taking 1,000 plus to 10,000 items. "Wholesale inquiries are by invitation only – you can't just drop in unannounced – but we welcome you registering any interest now."When the snow is falling and hot chocolate is piping, few activities are more refreshing and relaxing than plopping down on the couch and turning on the television. Some will watch live Christmas events from Rockefeller Center, while others will tune into a bowl game. But if you’re of a certain age, you clearly remember the excitement when Nickelodeon began to roll out its litany of timeless Christmas specials. From Kenan & Kel in the 1990s to Danny Phantom in the late 2000s, Nickelodeon has entered the pantheon of networks that have consistently rolled out classic holiday specials. While Nickelodeon’s legacy is cemented, the ranking of its best holiday season episodes is and will always be hotly contested. Not to start a debate at the holiday dinner table, but here are the 10 best classic Nickelodeon holiday specials. Show: Keenan & Kel Air Date: December 14, 1996 Kel ( Kel Mitchell ) loves orange soda and Kenan ( Kenan Thompson ) loves Christmas. He spends the entire year saving money to buy a new bike and takes an extra job as Santa at the mall to help get the last few dollars he needs. However, his plans are derailed when he comes across a brother and sister who dream of a great Christmas filled with presents that their mother can’t afford. In a selfless mood, Kenan uses the money he makes as Santa to surprise the kids and their mom with presents. Kenan’s upset that he didn’t get the bike he wanted, but he knows he did the right thing and Santa rewards him with a bike of his own. As with many Nickelodeon holiday specials, Kenan’s act of giving underscores the importance of family, friends, community, and giving throughout the holiday season. Show: Invader Zim Air Date: December 10, 2002 Name two more idiotically entertaining rivals than Zim ( Richard Steven Horvitz ) and Dib (Andy Berman). I’ll wait. While I wait, also figure out why Dib’s dad, Professor Membrane ( Rodger Bumpass ), named him Dib. Anyway, Zim and Dib’s rivalry takes center stage when Zim learns about the lure of Santa, kidnaps a man dressed up in a Santa suit and drains his brain. Normal holiday festivities, right? Once Zim drains the man’s brain and learns more about the lure of Santa, he devises a plan to build a Santa suit and convince all of humankind that he’s worthy of following and giving their undying devotion too. For the most part, it works and Zim is close to bringing all of human kind to the Tallest in order to extend his rule. However, Dib intervenes and garners the support of his sister, Gaz (Melissa Fahn), and his father, Professor Membrane, and stops Zim before he’s able to fully takeover. Overall, it’s a pretty weird storyline for a kid’s show during the holiday season, but Invader Zim is at its best when it’s weird. Show: Rocko’s Modern Life Air Date: December 1, 1994 Rocko ( Carlos Alazraqui ) is a better person than most because his grace throughout this Christmas special is unmatched. For nearly the entire episode, Rocko works to put together beautiful holiday decorations and host a lovely holiday party. Instead, his friends treat him poorly, other characters bully him, and no one except a magic elf shows up to his party. The elf works his magic and creates a memorable snowfall around Rocko’s house and Rocko’s house only. When the blizzard leaves a perfect amount of snow and holiday cheer around his house, Rocko’s friends show up at his front door to apologize and make the most of the holiday party. Rocko, being the kind soul he is, lets them in and thanks them for coming. Show: iCarly Air Date: December 13, 2008 Timmy Turner ( Tara Strong ) isn’t the only character in the Nickelodeon multiverse to have their dreams come true during the holiday season. When Carly’s brother, Spencer ( Jerry Trainor ), builds an electromagnet Christmas tree that sets fire to holiday gifts, Carly ( Miranda Cosgrove ) wishes that her brother was a bit more normal. However, things aren’t as great as Carly hoped they’d be. Spencer becomes a “normal” lawyer dating Ms. Benson (Mary Scheer) while Freddie ( Nathan Kress ) no longer has a crush on Carly, and Sam ( Jennette McCurdy ) is in a juvenile detention center. Most shockingly, Carly, Spencer, and Freddie were never friends in this alternate universe and never launched a webcast. The weirdness of the episode pays off in the end because Carly realizes what we’ve always known: her life is pretty great as is. Show: As Told by Ginger Air Date: December 10, 2001 As Told by Ginger is one of the most underrated series in the Nickelodeon catalog for various reasons, including its humor and ability to reach both young and older audiences. Case in point, the show’s “Even Steven” holiday special is immaculate. In the tertiary plot, Ginger (Melissa Disney) discovers that her grandfather is Jewish and immediately pivots from celebrating Christmas to celebrating Hanukkah. Her shift from Christmas to Hanukkah happens so quickly that it causes a rift between her and Dodie (Aspen Miller) because Ginger refuses to go to Dodie’s Christmas party and hosts her own instead. Splitting the room down the middle, half of Ginger’s party is devoted to celebrating Hanukkah, and the other half is adorned with Christmas decorations. Meanwhile, Hoodsie ( Tress MacNeille) is writing letters to Santa, asking him to give him rhythm for Christmas. Yes, you read that correctly. He genuinely asked Santa for rhythm, the ability to dance on beat. When Ginger’s brother, Carl (Jeannie Elias), finds Hoodsie begging Santa for rhythm, he not only makes fun of him, but also declares that Santa isn’t real. As a result, Carl spends the remainder of the episode attempting to prove that Santa is real. Through this effort, he learns that Carl is not a fan of the holiday season because he routinely asked Santa to bring his father home for Christmas as a kid, and his dad rarely stopped by on the holidays. With this information, Hoodsie runs up to a man dressed as Santa on the street and asks him to bring Hoodsie’s Dad home for Christmas. Little does Hoodsie know, the man dressed up as Santa is Carl’s dad. In the end, Carl’s dad visits him for Christmas, and while they’re talking in the driveway, a fire starts inside as Ginger is hosting her holiday party. Carl’s dad runs in, puts out the fire, and saves the day, making Ginger realize that the most important part of the holidays is being surrounded by family and friends. And no, Carl does not get rhythm. Show: The Fairly OddParents Air Date: December 12, 2001 Clichés may be annoying, but they’ve stood the test of time for a reason. However, when an elder said, “Be careful what you wish for,” Timmy Turner clearly wasn’t listening. Instead, he had to learn the hard way when he told Wanda (Susanne Blakeslee) and Cosmo ( Daran Norris ) that he’d like it to be Christmas every day. In his head, there’d never be school, and he’d get presents every time he woke up. Conversely, Wanda and Cosmo are magically depleted, his parents can’t work, and the other holidays become envious of Santa Claus. As a result, Timmy must make a trip up to the North Pole all alone. Tough luck for a kid who can literally wish for whatever he wants every other day of the year already. Show: Drake & Josh Air Date: December 5, 2008 Give a little girl named Mary Alice the best Christmas ever, or go back to jail. That’s essentially the plot of “Merry Christmas, Drake and Josh.” Drake ( Drake Bell ) desperately wants to host a party on the rooftop of Josh’s workplace, Premier Theater. To the surprise of just about everyone, Josh’s boss agrees to let Drake host the party as long as he volunteers to dress up as Santa for kids in the mall. Drake agrees, but things go haywire when a woman tries to kiss him, and he runs away. While hiding, he runs into a little girl named Mary Alice ( Bailee Madison ) and promises to give her the best Christmas ever. Drake finishes his shift as Santa and gets to host the party after all, but it’s cut short when a few uninvited guests show up, and Josh ( Josh Peck ) calls the police. However, there’s a mixup when the police arrive and Josh gets arrested. Being the good stepbrother he is, Drake tries to break Josh out of jail. Unfortunately, Drake gets arrested, too. When Drake and Josh get to speak to a judge, they explain that they need to get out to fulfill Drake’s promises to Mary Alice. The judge releases them, but warns that they will be brought back if they do not give Mary Alice the best Christmas ever. No pressure, right? Show: Rugrats Air Date: December 6, 1992 It may not seem like it, but there is not much of a difference between The Boondocks ‘ Huey Freeman ( Regina King ) and the children of Rugrats . Huey chases Santa around the mall with a BB gun, screaming, “You gon’ pay what you owe.” Meanwhile, Tommy ( Elizabeth Daily ), Chuckie (Christine Cavanaugh), and the crew are setting dangerous traps for Santa , so they can question him about his character. “The Santa Experience” kicks off at the mall where Angelica (Cheryl Chase) bum rushes the line to see Santa and tells Mr. Claus how much she needs a dream dollhouse for Cynthia. While Mr. Claus pushed her away, mall staff gave her a box of free toys to apologize for Santa rightfully pushing her away. Even with the free presents, Angelica is ungrateful and doesn’t want them. Meanwhile, Tommy and Chuckie are debating whether or not Santa is a good person. You know, typical baby stuff, right? Tommy is convinced Santa is a great guy, while Chuckie is, of course, scared of Saint Nick and thinks he’s a bad guy. In the kitchen, the parents are having a relatable conversation about their challenges and struggles, trying to ensure each of their children has a good holiday season. Later, the kids and parents head north to celebrate Christmas in a cabin. There, Chuckie and Tommy set up a booby trap to catch Santa. Much to their disappointment, the trap only manages to catch Stu ( Jack Riley ). Ultimately, everything turns out for the best as Santa just rings the front doorbell and delivers the presents face-to-face. Angelica gets her doll house, Chuckie determines Santa is a good person after all, and the Rugrats get the perfect Christmas. Show: SpongeBob SquarePants Air Date: December 6, 2000 If you ask most fans of SpongeBob SquarePants about Squidward (Rodger Bumpass), most would say he’s closer to being the Grinch than Santa Claus. However, “Christmas Who?” proves otherwise. Spongebob ( Tom Kenny ) visits Sandy ( Carolyn Lawrence ) and finds the proud Texan setting up Christmas decorations around her house. Instead of helping her, Spongebob freaks out because he thinks the lights and decorations have started a fire. It would be nearly impossible to start a fire that far underwater, but I digress. Anyway, Sandy stops him and explains to Spongebob who Santa Claus is and what happens on Christmas. Excited and enchanted, Spongebob shares the story of Christmas and Santa Claus with nearly everyone in Bikini Bottom. As a result, everyone but Squidward sends letters to Santa and spends all night caroling. When Santa doesn’t show up, everyone calls Spongebob a fraud and mocks him, including Squidward. However, Spongebob turns Squidward’s heart from coal to gold when he gives him a handcrafted clarinet for Christmas so that he won’t go without a gift. In return, Squidward dresses up as Santa and surprises Spongebob, who is delighted, and wishes him a merry Christmas. Squidward didn’t account for all of the other citizens of Bikini Bottom spotting him and asking for gifts. Instead of ruining the charade, Squidward ends up giving away nearly everything in his home away as a gift. Thankfully, Squidward is rewarded when the real Santa Claus sends a letter thanking Squidward for helping keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Show: Hey Arnold! Air Date: December 11, 1996 “Arnold’s Christmas” is not only the best Nickelodeon late-year holiday special, but it’s arguably one of the best episodes of the entire series. The series revolves around Arnold (Toran Caudell) attempting to pull off a Christmas miracle for his neighbor, Mr. Hyunh (Baoan Coleman). Through this endeavor, much of Mr. Hyunh’s backstory is revealed, including the heartbreaking story of how he and his daughter, Mai (Hiep Thi Le), have been separated for more than 20 years. While Arnold and his best friend, Gerald (Jamil Walker Smith), fall short in their quest to find Mai and reconnect her with Mr. Hyunh, Helga (Francesca Marie Smith) unexpectedly saves the day and gets Mai in touch with her father. Helga never gets the credit for creating this touching reunion, but she will always be remembered for being the driving force behind one of the most touching moments in Nickelodeon history. More Headlines:
Distt Admin Baramulla signs MoU with NHPC to improve healthcare services
July 28, 1956 - December 19, 2024 Beloit, WI - Terry V. Phillips, 68, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was born on July 28, 1956 to Edward and Dorothy (Stietz) Phillips. Terry graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1974. Terry was employed by Durst Corporation, Fairbank, Specialty Tools, and Husco as a tool grinder. In his leisure time, Terry liked to fish, hunt, and do woodworking. He enjoyed driving around taking photographs, especially of eagles. He loved watching all kinds of professional sports. He was so proud to be a lifetime Packer fan, that he became a shareholder. Terry would go see the players at training camp, and was thrilled to see a game at Lambeau Field. He collected figurines of wildlife and all kinds of Santas, with over 1500 Santas. Terry is survived by his sister, Penny Thomas; brother, Scotty Phillips; sister-in-law, Sandy Phillips; many nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and great nephews; three maternal aunts; many cousins; son, Brian; daughter, Laura Dobbs; and friends. Terry was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Dorothy; brother Randy; brother-in-law, Danny Thomas; sister-in-law, Barbara Phillips; many aunts, uncles and several cousins. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be sent to St. Jude Research Hospital. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at a later date. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com .Caroline Dwane Stanley announces resignation from Sinn Fein
Magdeburg mourns market attack victimsAP Business SummaryBrief at 2:36 p.m. ESTWalmart , the world’s largest retailer, is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a list of major corporations that have been under pressure by conservative activists. The company confirmed on Monday to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. That would include chest binders intended for youth who are going through a gender change, the company said. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer will also be reviewing grants to Pride events to make sure it is not financially supporting sexualized content targeting kids. For example, the company wants to makes sure a family pavilion is not next to a drag show at a Pride event, the company said. Walmart will also no longer consider race and gender as a way to increase diversity when it offers supplier contracts. The company said it didn't have quotas and will not do so going forward. It will stop collecting demographic data when determining financing eligibility for those grants. “We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone,” the company said in a statement. Walmart confirmed the changes after conservative political commentator and anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck posted on X that he was in touch with the retailer about a story he was doing about “wokeness” and he said he ended up having "productive conversations” with Walmart. "This is the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America," wrote Starbuck, who has gone after companies including Deere & Co., Lowe's, Tractor Supply and Boeing.