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1882: 'Riches have wings.' Some of the old St. Louis fortunes that have vanishedCentral ISD Superintendent Justin Risner said the school’s holiday fundraiser shows “compassion, kindness, sacrifice and love.” “Showing someone else they are loved and they matter is the best gift we can teach and give,” he said. Risner said the Empty Stocking Fund was created to ensure that less fortunate students at CISD can celebrate Christmas morning with presents under their trees. The fundraiser has been helping Central families for more than 30 years, and it is made possible by support from the school and the Central community, Risner said. “Each campus and department does fundraising, as well as local businesses and individuals of the Central community," Risner said. "These donations go to help all ages of students at Central in all grade levels." He added that many student groups and students create ways to fundraise each year, donating their time and money, because they support and enjoy the program. Celista Brown organizes the community program. “The Empty Stocking Fund is blessed to receive over $20,000 this year, which will all go back to the students and their siblings,” he said. Gifts will be picked up from the school Dec. 20, but Risner said money is accepted all year to help students with various needs. On Sunday, members of the Central ISD Student Council also helped the community by assisting with the annual Toys for Tots Drive. Students helped shop for gifts at the local Walmart. “I enjoy helping with Toys for Tots, because it makes me feel like I’m a part of the community and allows me to help people who are in need,” Central student Rachel Modisette said on the council’s Facebook page.
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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras will be out for six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Zegras had surgery Thursday, the team announced. Zegras was injured last week on a fairly innocent-looking play during the Ducks' 4-1 loss to Vegas in Anaheim. Zegras and William Karlsson only briefly got their skates and stick blades entangled, but Zegras needed help to get off the ice after taking a fall. Zegras' torn meniscus is his third major injury in just over a year, although a torn meniscus is likely a fortunate outcome for a knee injury that could have been much worse. He was limited to 31 games last season by two injury setbacks, including a broken ankle that required surgery. Zegras has four goals and six assists in 24 games this season for Anaheim, which had lost four straight heading into its road game against Toronto on Thursday night. The Ducks surprisingly activated forward Robby Fabbri from injured reserve before they faced the Maple Leafs. Fabbri had arthroscopic knee surgery on Nov. 15 and is progressing much faster than his initial predicted timeline of six to eight weeks. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHLAP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:35 p.m. EST
Brunella Torpoco mourns the death of her former entertainer ‘Salsófilo’: “Oh, my God. What pain”Man United coach Amorim says argument between Hojlund and Diallo a 'very good sign'The inclusive development and prosperity of Laos can only be achieved if all individuals have the freedom to preserve their cultural practices and actively contribute to the country’s future, according to Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. Concluding her 10-day official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on 30 November 2024, Xanthaki called on the government to uphold cultural diversity and human rights amid its economic development initiatives. While praising Lao PDR’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms, Xanthaki voiced concerns over policies that marginalize ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. These policies, she noted, often emphasize assimilation into the dominant Lao ethnic group and the promotion of state-approved “good culture” for national unity and tourism purposes. “Cultural rights are enshrined in Lao legislation, yet their implementation is undermined by prejudice against non-dominant cultural practices, often labelled as ‘backward,’ and by policies that fail to accommodate cultural diversity in education and governance,” Xanthaki said. She also highlighted issues of: Village Relocations : Widespread resettlement in the name of development threatens traditional lifestyles. Xanthaki stressed that such relocations should only occur with the free, prior, and informed consent of affected communities and include fair compensation. Lack of Recognition for Ethnic Minorities : The refusal to acknowledge ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples as distinct groups denies them protections under international human rights standards. Limited Civic Space : Shrinking public participation and fear of retaliation prevent meaningful consultation with communities affected by development projects. Call for Inclusive and Equitable Development While acknowledging the government’s successes in poverty reduction and economic growth, Xanthaki argued that these achievements must be coupled with a broader understanding of development that includes human rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. “Development is not solely about economic progress,” Xanthaki said. “It must also ensure that diverse cultural practices and perspectives are valued and allowed to flourish.” She criticized the lack of human rights assessments in development projects, inadequate compensation for land loss, and the narrow socio-economic lens through which development is often viewed. “Development partners and international organizations have a duty to uphold human rights in their engagement with Laos,” Xanthaki added. “They must address these shortcomings and avoid complacency in the face of diminishing civic space.” Promising Developments and Local Initiatives Xanthaki noted some encouraging steps toward greater community involvement, including consultation efforts for the proposed World Heritage designation of Hin Nam No Park. However, she cautioned that these isolated examples cannot substitute for systemic changes. “The government’s insistence that all people understand and agree to development projects is not realistic,” she said, calling for greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. Key Recommendations The UN expert called on Lao PDR to: Recognize and protect the rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. Ensure that relocations occur only with consent and proper compensation. Expand civic space to enable meaningful dialogue and public participation. Embrace a more comprehensive approach to development that includes cultural and human rights considerations. Next Steps During her visit, Xanthaki met with government officials, civil society representatives, United Nations agencies, and villagers in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Khammouane Province. She plans to present a detailed report on her findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026. “This is a pivotal moment for Lao PDR to harmonize its economic ambitions with its cultural heritage and human rights obligations,” Xanthaki concluded.