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Cruces en la frontera entre México y EE.UU. alcanzan récord en diciembre: lo último sobre la crisis migratoria entre Estados Unidos y México

 La crisis en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México continúa, con una oleada de migrantes que abruma a las autoridades, los pueblos fronterizos y otras ciudades estadounidenses. Aquí te contamos algunos de los últimos desarrollos.

Los cruces fronterizos en diciembre alcanzan récord, según cifras preliminares

Las autoridades fronterizas registraron más de 225.000 migrantes a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México en diciembre, lo que representa el total mensual más alto registrado desde el año 2000, según estadísticas preliminares de Seguridad Nacional compartidas con CNN.

Este mes, los funcionarios del Gobierno de Biden lidiaron con una nueva oleada de migrantes que superó los recursos ya escasos y provocó conversaciones urgentes con funcionarios mexicanos para tratar de detener el flujo de migrantes.

  • Biden aumenta la presión sobre López Obrador mientras el alza de migrantes en la frontera aviva un viejo problema político

Entre el 1 de diciembre y el 28 de diciembre, la Patrulla Fronteriza de Estados Unidos detuvo a más de 225.000 migrantes que cruzaron ilegalmente la frontera entre EE.UU. y México, según muestran datos preliminares. A lo largo del mes, las autoridades lidiaron con más de 10.000 migrantes que cruzaban diariamente hasta hace poco, cuando esas cifras comenzaron a disminuir.

Los funcionarios estadounidenses y mexicanos se reunirán nuevamente en Washington el próximo mes mientras intentan reducir los cruces fronterizos en el corto y largo plazo.

Uno de los desafíos clave de los últimos meses es que múltiples sectores, especialmente aquellos en áreas remotas, están sintiendo la presión del aumento de los cruces fronterizos, lo que afecta el procesamiento habitual.

La crisis migratoria podría “aplastar las economías locales”

Incluso las ciudades estadounidenses alejadas de la frontera con México están llegando a un punto de quiebre al tratar de gestionar la afluencia de inmigrantes, dijeron varios alcaldes a CNN el viernes.

Desde el año pasado, el gobernador republicano de Texas, Greg Abbott, ha transportado en autobús a más de 80.000 inmigrantes a ciudades de todo el país, según su oficina. Esas ciudades incluyen Los Ángeles, Denver, Chicago, Filadelfia, Nueva York y Washington, todas ellas dirigidas por alcaldes demócratas.

  • Llegan migrantes desde Texas a Chicago, enviados por el gobernador Greg Abbott

“La crisis internacional que estamos experimentando en este momento está siendo subsidiada por las economías locales”, dijo el viernes el alcalde de Chicago, Brandon Johnson, a “CNN This Morning”.

“Eso no es sostenible, y es por eso que necesitamos que el Congreso realmente tenga asignaciones para asegurar que lo que reciban los refugiados de Ucrania, tenemos que preguntarnos… ¿por qué no se brindan esos mismos servicios de apoyo a las personas que vienen del continente de Ucrania? ¿África y América Central y del Sur?”

El sistema de albergues para inmigrantes en Chicago ha alcanzado su capacidad, dijo el alcalde. Y sin una solución coordinada, la crisis migratoria “aplastará las economías locales”, afirmó Johnson.

Se espera que Denver gaste alrededor del 10% de todo el presupuesto de su ciudad en alojamiento y ayuda para inmigrantes el próximo año, de acuerdo con el alcalde Mike Johnston.

La ciudad de Nueva York ha recibido más de 161.000 inmigrantes desde 2022, y la afluencia probablemente costará unos US$ 12.000 millones en tres años, dijo el alcalde Eric Adams.

“Esta crisis nacional está impactando –y tiene el potencial de desestabilizar– las obligaciones financieras que tenemos en nuestras ciudades”, dijo Adams.

Aseguró que la ciudad de Nueva York podría llegar a un “punto de quiebre”, que podría incluir recortes forzosos en los programas escolares, el Departamento de Policía, la recolección de basura y los recursos para las personas mayores.

“Todas las agencias y la prestación de servicios en mi ciudad se verán drásticamente afectadas por las acciones de pagar la cuenta de US$ 5.000 millones este año fiscal, US$ 12.000 millones en tres años”, dijo Adams.

La oficina de Abbott ha defendido la práctica de Texas de transportar inmigrantes en autobuses a otros estados, diciendo que “la misión de transporte en autobús está brindando un alivio muy necesario a nuestras abrumadas comunidades fronterizas”.

En cuanto al Gobierno federal, la administración Biden ha reconocido las solicitudes de algunos alcaldes para ayudar a aliviar la crisis de alojamiento y agilizar la autorización de trabajo para los no ciudadanos elegibles.

El Departamento de Justicia dice que demandará a Texas por su nueva ley

El Departamento de Justicia amenazó con demandar a Texas por su nueva ley de inmigración en una carta este jueves, según una copia de la carta obtenida por CNN. La amenaza marca la última escalada entre el presidente Joe Biden y el gobernador republicano Greg Abbott sobre el manejo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México.

A principios de este mes, Abbott promulgó el Proyecto de Ley 4 del Senado, que otorga a las autoridades locales el poder de arrestar a migrantes y faculta a los jueces para expulsar a inmigrantes de Estados Unidos. Se espera que la medida entre en vigor en marzo.

La Casa Blanca criticó la nueva ley, calificándola de “increíblemente extrema”.

Migrantes en México se movilizan hacia la frontera norte para llegar a EE.UU.

En una carta a Abbott, el Departamento de Justicia argumentó que la medida “se adelanta y viola la Constitución de Estados Unidos” y corre el riesgo de interferir con la capacidad del gobierno federal para hacer cumplir la ley de inmigración.

“En consecuencia, Estados Unidos tiene la intención de presentar una demanda para prohibir la aplicación de la SB 4 a menos que Texas acepte abstenerse de hacer cumplir la ley”, afirma la carta, firmada por el fiscal general adjunto principal Brian Boynton. “Estados Unidos está comprometido a asegurar la frontera y garantizar el procesamiento de los no ciudadanos de conformidad con la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA). La SB 4 es contraria a estos objetivos”.

Abbott criticó la carta del Departamento de Justicia más tarde el jueves y acusó al presidente Joe Biden de “destruir Estados Unidos”.

“La administración Biden no solo se niega a hacer cumplir las leyes de inmigración estadounidenses actuales, sino que ahora quiere impedir que Texas haga cumplir las leyes contra la inmigración ilegal”, dijo Abbott en una publicación en X. “Nunca había visto tanta hostilidad hacia el Estado de derecho en Estados Unidos”.

  • La nueva ley de inmigración de Texas “viola la Constitución de EE.UU.”, advierte Gobierno de Biden

La amenaza legal del jueves se produce después de que el Departamento de Justicia demandara a Texas por el uso de barreras flotantes en el Río Grande. Esa demanda todavía está transitando por los tribunales.

7,000 detenciones en un día marcan un descenso

Las autoridades fronterizas detuvieron este miércoles a más de 7,000 migrantes a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México, según un funcionario de Seguridad Nacional.

Los arrestos del miércoles siguen siendo inferiores a los de principios de este mes (cuando las detenciones diarias superaron las 10.000) y reflejan cierto alivio para las autoridades fronterizas. Ha habido una “reducción bastante significativa de los cruces fronterizos” en los últimos días, dijo el miércoles un alto funcionario de la administración.

A principios de diciembre, el promedio de encuentros diarios de siete días rondaba los 9.600, un salto desde finales de noviembre, cuando ese promedio era de 6.800.

Funcionarios estadounidenses y mexicanos describieron las conversaciones de alto nivel del miércoles como “productivas”, a medida que México intenta redoblar esfuerzos en materia de control de inmigración y combatir a los traficantes de personas.

Alrededor de 2.000 arrestos fronterizos tuvieron lugar el miércoles en el sector de Del Río, según una fuente policial.

La misma fuente dijo que el total de detenciones del lunes fue de aproximadamente 2.000, una caída con respecto al promedio diario de 3.000 detenciones de migrantes de la semana pasada.

El sector de Del Río incluye Eagle Pass, Texas, que tenía miles de migrantes esperando afuera para ser transportados para el procesamiento de inmigración la semana pasada.

Funcionarios mexicanos visitarán Washington

Funcionarios mexicanos y estadounidenses se reunirán en Washington el próximo mes para discutir cómo frenar la afluencia de inmigrantes a Estados Unidos, según el Consejo de Seguridad Nacional de EE.UU.

La visita se producirá después de la visita de la delegación estadounidense de alto nivel de esta semana a la Ciudad de México, que incluyó al secretario de Estado, Antony Blinken, y al secretario de Seguridad Nacional, Alejandro Mayorkas.

Un portavoz del Consejo de Seguridad Nacional calificó el viaje de “productivo” y dijo que el presidente mexicano Andrés Manuel López Obrador “ha tomado nuevas e importantes medidas de aplicación de la ley” en lo que respecta a la migración.

La secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores de México, Alicia Bárcena, dijo a los periodistas que las conversaciones también cubrieron la importancia de la relación económica entre Estados Unidos y México, así como las causas fundamentales de la migración, como la pobreza, la desigualdad, la violencia y la reunificación familiar, según una grabación proporcionada a CNN por la cancillería de México.

Los funcionarios estadounidenses dijeron que México compartía planes para combatir a los traficantes de migrantes, lo que está contribuyendo al reciente aumento en la frontera.

México también ha asumido un papel de liderazgo en “llevar a cabo una gestión fronteriza humana, incluidas las repatriaciones”, dijo un alto funcionario de la administración estadounidense, y que este año se llevaron a cabo más repatriaciones que nunca.

Históricamente, Estados Unidos se ha apoyado en México para que actúe como amortiguador y detenga el flujo de migrantes que viajan hacia la frontera sur de Estados Unidos. Pero México, al igual que Estados Unidos, enfrenta dificultades similares a medida que el número de migrantes que cruzan hacia su país supera sus limitados recursos.

Muchos migrantes que vienen del lado mexicano de la frontera son de América Central y del Sur, así como del Caribe, Cuba y Haití.

La inmigración ha sido una vulnerabilidad política para Biden, quien ha enfrentado feroces críticas de los republicanos e, incluso, de algunos miembros de su propio partido por la situación en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México.

Los funcionarios estadounidenses reconocen que ambos países deben trabajar más.

“Continuamos abordando las causas fundamentales y construyendo vías legales que incentiven la migración ordenada y la aplicación de nuestras leyes”, dijo un funcionario del Consejo de Seguridad Nacional.

Las reuniones de enero “evaluarán el progreso y decidirán qué más se puede hacer”, dijo el funcionario del Consejo de Seguridad Nacional.

(CNN) —

Hershey sued for selling Reese’s chocolates without ‘cute’ decorations

October usually brings a cavalcade of Halloween-themed candies evoking bats, pumpkins or ghosts for trick-or-treaters and sugar fiends. But a new lawsuit argues that for snack company Hershey, there’s a fine line between a delightfully decorated Halloween treat and an unsightly blob of chocolate and peanut butter.

Under scrutiny are several of Hershey’s themed Reese’s Peanut Butter products, which are advertised in their packaging to contain decorative designs carved into shaped chocolates: a smiling jack-o-lantern face, the eyes and mouth of a ghost or the laces of a football.

Cynthia Kelly thought that was what she would be getting when she purchased a Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin after noticing its packaging, with a “cute looking” carving of a jack-o-lantern, near the checkout registers in a supermarket, the lawsuit alleges.

But the chocolates don’t contain those decorations, the lawsuit says, which adds that the packaging misled shoppers like Kelly who were expecting the designs on their Halloween-themed treats.

Todd Scott, a spokesperson for Hershey, told The Washington Post that the company does not comment on pending litigation.

The class-action lawsuit, filed Thursday in Florida district court, accuses Hershey of using packaging that falsely advertise decorations on its Reese’s products. It cites Kelly’s experience and numerous YouTube videos from consumers and food reviewers expressing disappointment at the undecorated Reese’s chocolates.

“This is a trick, this is not a treat,” one reviewer says, holding up a Reese’s white chocolate in its wrapper, which shows a white ghost with carved eyes and a mouth.

Hershey joins a long list of food companies that have faced lawsuits in recent years over the advertising of their products – with mixed results. In 2022, a class-action suit accused Burger King of deceptively presenting its Whopper burgers in advertisements to be larger than they were in real life. Kellogg faced multiple lawsuits claiming that it falsely advertised the strawberry content of its strawberry Pop-Tarts. Customers have also sued over the marketing of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, Starbucks’s Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade, TGI Friday’s mozzarella sticks and Red Bull’s energy drinks.

The cases against Taco Bell and Kellogg were dismissed, while the Starbucks and Burger King lawsuits are ongoing. The Red Bull and TGI Friday’s cases reached settlements. Kelly’s attorney, Anthony John Russo Jr., represented plaintiffs in the suits against Taco Bell and Burger King.

“Little situations – what some would consider to be a little situation like this – could lead to unfettered behavior from big corporations,” Russo previously told The Post of the Burger King case.

The lawsuit against Hershey accuses the company of deceiving customers and alleges that the misleading packaging is an attempt to boost sales. Previous versions of packaging for the same shaped Reese’s candies displayed them accurately with plain, undecorated surfaces and no carved designs, according to the lawsuit, and the packaging only changed between two and three years ago.

Kelly would not have purchased her Reese’s chocolate pumpkin if not for the eye-catching designs, the lawsuit states. It also links to a dozen YouTube videos of other consumers sharing Kelly’s disappointment. One video notes that small text on the Reese’s packaging appears to describe the carved decorations on the chocolates as a “decorating suggestion.” Another video calls the undecorated Reese’s chocolate pumpkin “deformed” and “faceless.”

“I’m flabbergasted,” says another reviewer, before taking a bite of the chocolate. “And the most annoying thing about this is, it’s quite nice.”

Houston Roughnecks Undergo Transformation in the United Football League Merger

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Exciting news for Roughnecks fans—the Houston Roughnecks are gearing up for a fresh start in the upcoming season of the newly formed United Football League (UFL).

The UFL is the result of a merger between the XFL and the USFL, both of which had a significant presence in Houston. As part of this merger, the Houston Roughnecks will undergo a rebranding, aligning with the legacy of the former USFL team, the Houston Gamblers.

In a strategic coaching shift, Wade Phillips, the former head coach of the XFL Roughnecks, will now take the helm for the San Antonio team. On the other side, Curtis Johnson, the former head coach of the USFL Gamblers, will assume leadership of the revamped Houston Roughnecks.

Mark your calendars for the inaugural UFL season, set to kick off on March 30, 2024. The league will be divided into two conferences: the USFL Conference and the XFL Conference.

USFL Conference Teams:

  • Birmingham Stallions
  • Houston Roughnecks
  • Memphis Showboats
  • Michigan Panthers

XFL Conference Teams:

  • Arlington Renegades
  • D.C. Defenders
  • San Antonio Brahmas
  • St. Louis Battlehawks

Fans eager to witness the action can secure their seats by purchasing tickets available now at theufl.com. The anticipation is building as the Houston Roughnecks prepare for a new era in the United Football League, promising an exciting season ahead.

Universal Kids Resort: A Glimpse into North Texas’ Family-Centric Theme Park

Universal Destination and Experiences provided a sneak peek into the upcoming family-friendly theme park taking shape on nearly 100 acres in Frisco, North Texas. Unveiling the project during a press conference on Friday, Universal leaders, alongside Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, introduced the public to the Universal Kids Resort, an under-construction theme park designed for families and young children.

Easily identifiable by a dedicated roadway named Universal Parkway leading into the park, the Universal Kids Resort is anticipated to feature at least four immersive themed lands. While specific details about the attractions remain under wraps, a 300-room themed hotel with a resort-style swimming pool is part of the ambitious plan.

During the press conference, speculation arose about potential themed lands featuring characters from popular franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants, Shrek, or the Trolls movies. Universal’s past use of SpongeBob in parades and plans for Shrek and Trolls characters at the Universal Orlando Resort hint at the diverse possibilities for the North Texas theme park.

Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney expressed confidence in the economic impact of the Universal Kids Resort, believing it will “serve this community for generations.” The city and its development corporations are investing $12.7 million in economic incentives to support the project, which is slated to open its doors by June 30, 2026, according to city records.

Universal assured the public that the theme park, which broke ground in November, will not only create thousands of jobs but will also be a positive addition to the community. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring the resort adds significant value to the local area.

Addressing concerns raised earlier this year about potential traffic impacts, Mayor Jeff Cheney compared the expected traffic from the Universal Kids Resort to be less impactful than the recently opened H-E-B store in the area.

While Houstonians have longed for a theme park since the closure of Astroworld in 2005, Frisco residents are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Universal Kids Resort. The park promises not only a vibrant landscape but also interactive shows, merchandise, diverse food and beverage options, and character meet-and-greets.

Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, highlighted the resort’s mission, stating, “Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery, and most importantly—play. We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.” The excitement builds as Universal progresses in making the Universal Kids Resort a reality, set to captivate families and bring a new dimension of entertainment to North Texas.

Sam Houston Race Park Unveils Exciting 2024 Season Schedule

Bryan Pettigrew, the Vice President and General Manager of Texas Racing Operations for PENN Entertainment, recently revealed the much-anticipated schedule for the 2024 season at the Sam Houston Race Park during a luncheon hosted by the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce on November 14.

Established in 1994 and under the ownership of PENN Entertainment, the Sam Houston Race Park has become a premier destination for businesses, group outings, and families, offering a diverse array of attractions.

Pettigrew highlighted that, over the years, Texans have developed a keen interest in horse racing. In celebration of its 30th season, Sam Houston Race Park is set to feature thoroughbred racing, showcasing top-notch horses known for excelling in longer distance races.

Responding to popular demand, Pettigrew also announced the return of concerts during the upcoming season. “One of the things I’m most excited about is on Friday nights, we’re starting to bring back concerts after the races,” Pettigrew shared, mentioning that these concerts will kick off with performances by local bands.

While the annual Houston Racing Festival on January 27 is expected to be a highlight, the quirky and entertaining ostrich, wiener dog, and corgi races are anticipated to be the standout events of 2024.

Sam Houston Race Park will host Family Fun Days every Sunday in March, featuring a range of family-friendly activities such as face painting and petting zoos.

The racing excitement continues with quarter horse racing starting on April 19, leading up to the much-anticipated 150th Kentucky Derby Day on May 4 and 5, known as the biggest betting day at the track.

Here is a glimpse of the 2024 schedule of events:

  • Jan. 5-April 7: Thoroughbred racing
  • Jan. 27: Houston Racing Festival
  • Feb. 10: Wiener dog races
  • Feb. 17: Texas Preview Day
  • March 8-9: Camel and ostrich races
  • March 17: St. Patrick’s Day party
  • March 23: Texas Champions Day
  • March 3, 10, 17, and 24: Family Fun Days
  • April 19-June 15: Quarter horse racing
  • May 3: Corgi dog races
  • May 4 and 5: Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby Day
  • May 18: Preakness Stakes and Josh Ward concert
  • June 8: Belmont Stakes—classic car show

As the Sam Houston Race Park gears up for an action-packed season, horse racing enthusiasts and families alike can look forward to a blend of thrilling races, entertaining events, and live music throughout the coming year.

For specific dates, times, and location details, visit www.shrp.com.

Anticipating Rainy Start to 2024: Weather Outlook for the Coming Weeks

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As a cold and overcast day settles in, the forecast predicts the arrival of widespread rain later tonight, signaling a potentially wet beginning to the new year.

Q: Are there any substantial rain chances as we head into the new year?

Absolutely! The outlook indicates a heightened likelihood of widespread rain in the days ahead. The first two weeks of 2024 are expected to be characterized by an active weather pattern sweeping across the country. Multiple weather systems are poised to traverse southeast Texas, bringing with them the potential for rain and even storms. The initial system is forecasted to pass through Tuesday night, ushering in widespread showers. Rainfall estimates range between half an inch to one inch, with precipitation tapering off by Wednesday afternoon. Subsequently, a similar weather system is anticipated on Friday, followed by another one the following Monday.

Q: What can we expect in terms of temperatures during this period?

With these successive rainy systems, the weather forecast anticipates not only overcast conditions but also cooler temperatures. Consequently, the first two weeks of 2024 might see a stretch of below-average temperatures. While mornings could be chilly, potentially dipping into the 30s, no precipitation is foreseen during these colder periods. Moreover, there remains the possibility of occasional warmer afternoons, as some days are expected to be bright and sunny, offering a varied mix of weather conditions throughout this early phase of the new year.

Controversial California Firearm Ban to Take Effect Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

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As the clock ticks into the new year, California residents face the implementation of a contentious law prohibiting the carrying of firearms in most public places. Despite a recent ruling by a U.S. district judge, the law is set to take effect on January 1, with a court case challenging its constitutionality still in progress.

The district judge, in a decision issued on December 20, blocked the law, asserting that it infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of individuals and hinders their capacity to defend themselves and their families. However, a federal appeals court intervened on Saturday, issuing a temporary hold on the district judge’s ruling. This decision allows the law to be enforced while the legal battle unfolds.

Legal proceedings are set to continue as attorneys prepare to present arguments to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in both January and February. The ongoing case questions the constitutionality of the law signed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

The legislation, supported by Governor Newsom, imposes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms in 26 specific locations, encompassing public parks, playgrounds, churches, banks, and zoos. The enforcement of this law has ignited a heated debate over the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights, with advocates and opponents closely watching the legal developments shaping the fate of California’s firearm regulations.

Disney’s Iconic Steamboat Willie Enters Public Domain: A New Era for Classic Characters

In a significant development, the beloved 1928 animated short film “Steamboat Willie,” featuring the early, non-speaking versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, has officially entered the public domain in the United States. This milestone, occurring on January 1, 2024, marks a historic moment for Disney enthusiasts and creative individuals alike.

The expiration of Disney’s copyright on “Steamboat Willie” means that the earliest renditions of Mickey and Minnie are now accessible to the public without the need for permission or associated costs. This move opens the door for cartoonists and other creatives to freely reimagine and utilize these iconic characters in their works.

However, Disney has clarified that more modern versions of Mickey Mouse remain protected by copyright, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the rights to contemporary iterations of the beloved character.

Under U.S. copyright law, characters can be protected for up to 95 years, and the characters in “Steamboat Willie” have now officially entered the public domain. This allows for legal sharing, performance, reuse, repurposing, and sampling of the early versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Joining these classic characters in the public domain are various films, books, music, and characters from the year 1928. This includes Charlie Chaplin’s silent romantic comedy “The Circus,” AA Milne’s book “The House at Pooh Corner” introducing Tigger, Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” and DH Lawrence’s “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.”

The expiration of copyright on “Steamboat Willie” has been a long-awaited event, and Disney’s previous efforts to extend copyright terms, dubbed by some as the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act,” have finally come to an end. Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Duke Centre for the Study of the Public Domain, described this moment as “deeply symbolic” and emphasized its significance due to Disney’s perceived role in prolonging copyright terms.

While the public can now freely use the early versions of Mickey and Minnie, Disney maintains a trademark on Mickey as a brand identifier and corporate mascot. This means certain limitations on commercial use, preventing the creation of merchandise that could be mistaken for official Disney products.

Despite the expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright, Disney remains dedicated to preserving its brand and characters. A spokesperson for the company assured that Mickey Mouse’s association with Disney as a global ambassador would persist, with modern versions playing a leading role in storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise.

As the iconic characters enter this new chapter of accessibility, enthusiasts and creators alike are eager to explore the creative possibilities while Disney continues to navigate the delicate balance of protecting its legacy and embracing a new era of public access to its cherished classics.

Unsealed Court Filings Reveal New Details in Jeffrey Epstein Case Involving Prominent Figures

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In a significant development, a slew of sealed court filings connected to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is poised to become public this week, potentially exposing several high-profile names, including Britain’s Prince Andrew and former President Bill Clinton. The unsealing comes after U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska ruled that there was no legal justification to keep the identities concealed.

The documents originate from a 2015 civil lawsuit centered around allegations that Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, played a role in facilitating the sexual abuse of Virginia Giuffre, an alleged trafficking victim. Giuffre implicated Epstein, Maxwell, and others, including Prince Andrew. The prince, denying the accusations, settled a lawsuit filed by Giuffre.

While many names in the documents are already linked to Epstein in some capacity, the unsealed records could shed new light. Notably, a significant portion of the records involves “Jane Doe 162,” a witness who claimed to be present at Epstein’s New York mansion in 2001 with Prince Andrew, Maxwell, and Giuffre.

Though Giuffre made no allegations against Clinton, his association with Epstein has long been scrutinized. Personal flight logs revealed that Clinton had traveled on Epstein’s private jet to various international destinations. However, there is no record of Clinton visiting Epstein’s private island.

The court records set for unsealing represent the eighth and likely final release since 2018, following the Miami Herald’s intervention for access to the records. Previous releases included deposition transcripts of Maxwell and Giuffre, along with unproven allegations against several well-known individuals.

Clinton, identified as “Doe 36” in the documents, is mentioned in more than fifty redacted filings. Giuffre’s legal team attempted to subpoena Clinton for deposition in 2016, initiating informal discussions that were ultimately denied by the court. Clinton’s lawyers asserted his testimony would not be helpful, emphasizing he had never been to Epstein’s island.

The unsealing is expected to encompass names of additional associates, alleged perpetrators, victims, witnesses, and former Epstein employees. While Giuffre’s allegations against Prince Andrew have been widely reported, these records may contain additional details, offering fresh insights into a case that continues to captivate public attention.

New Year’s Day 2024: What’s Open and What’s Closed for Shopping and Errands

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As we usher in the new year, if you find yourself in need of last-minute shopping or errands, it’s crucial to know which businesses will be open on New Year’s Day and which ones will remain closed for the holiday. Many stores, restaurants, and mail carriers will observe the holiday, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, TJ Maxx, Aldi, Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, and Panda Express.

Both FedEx and UPS will suspend their pick-up and delivery services on New Year’s Day, with the exception of urgent and critical delivery services. Additionally, their retail locations, along with the U.S. Postal Service, will be closed for the day.

However, for those who need to venture out for essential tasks, here is a list of businesses expected to remain open on New Year’s Day 2024:

Retail Stores:

  • H-E-B stores: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Walmart: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Target: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Whole Foods: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Kroger: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • Dollar General: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • Dollar Tree: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • Five Below: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Home Depot: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • IKEA: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • Lowe’s: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Big Lots: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • JCPenney: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Macy’s: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Kohl’s: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Old Navy: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Party City: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • CVS: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Walgreens: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Fast Food Chains:

  • Whataburger: 24 hours (hours may vary)
  • Trill Burgers: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • Smashburger: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (hours may vary)
  • Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: 10:30 am. to 10 p.m.
  • McDonald’s: 24 hours (hours may vary)
  • Burger King: 24 hours
  • Wendy’s: 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. (hours may vary)
  • Chick-fil-A: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Taco Bell: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Shake Shack: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As for the New Year’s Eve, several businesses will have adjusted hours, so plan accordingly for any last-minute needs. Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year!