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Earliest version of Mickey Mouse, along with Minnie, Tigger to become public domain in 2024

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — M-I-C-K-E-Y will soon belong to you and me.With several asterisks, qualification and caveats, Mickey Mouse in his earliest form will be the leader of the band of characters, films and books that will become public domain as the year turns to 2024.In a moment many close observers thought might never come, at least one version of the quintessential piece of intellectual property and perhaps the most iconic character in American pop culture will be free from Disney's copyright as his first screen release, the 1928 short “Steamboat Willie," featuring both Mickey and Minnie Mouse, becomes available for public use.“This is it. This is Mickey Mouse. This is exciting because it’s kind of symbolic," said Jennifer Jenkins, a professor of law and director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain, who writes an annual Jan. 1 column for “Public Domain Day.” ”I kind of feel like the pipe on the steamboat, like expelling smoke. It’s so exciting."FILE - An a...

Man found dead with gunshot wounds in Manor Walmart parking lot, police say

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in the Walmart parking lot in Manor, according to police. The Manor Police Department said on social media at 5:30 a.m. they were on the scene of a shooting in the parking lot of Walmart located at 11923 Hwy 290. A man was found dead with "multiple gunshot wounds," police said. Manor PD added investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the public. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

4 displaced after total loss house fire in southwest Austin

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two children and their parents were displaced after their home was lost in a fire overnight.The Austin Fire Department said on social media crews from AFD and Westlake Fire responded to the house fire, which was in southwest Austin near Lost Creek and Loop 360. House in southwest Austin a "total loss" after overnight fire, AFD says. Four people were displaced. (Photo: Austin Fire Department) House in southwest Austin a "total loss" after overnight fire, AFD says. Four people were displaced. (Photo: Austin Fire Department) AFD said crews were called to the scene at 3:30 a.m.Fire spread from the back of the house to the attic and throughout the house, according to AFD. Everyone got out safely after smoke detectors alerted them to the fire, and no injuries were reported. The house was a total loss in the fire, AFD said.

5 things to know this Thursday, December 14

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Happy almost Friday! According to Meteorologist Kevin Appleby, we can expect some nighttime clouds after a sunny morning this Thursday. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The holiday season is also cold and flu season. Officials in Warren County are taking precautions to fight some of the common illnesses during this period. Mask mandates have gone into effect in New York hospitals in light of this. Also, with the College of Saint Rose closing its doors in Spring 2024, Siena College is helping current students there with transferring. These stories, and more, are covered in your five things to know this Thursday morning. 1. Mask mandates going into effect at NY hospitalsIt’s that time of year again. The holiday season is also cold and flu season. Officials in Warren County are taking precautions to fight some of the common illnesses during this period.2. Siena talks next steps for Saint Rose studentsThe College of...

Ask Amy: Financial instability can wind up generational

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

Dear Amy: My son married a wonderful woman several years ago. They have a 1-year-old child.I genuinely like her side of the family and have a good relationship with her mother, “Marianne.”My issue is with Marianne’s financial irresponsibility, which is an apparent generational ingrained pattern.My son and his wife just purchased their first home. They both make enough to pay the bills — but just barely.Her mother has a good career and makes very good money at her job.However, she has very little to show for it, with no savings or home ownership.There are many examples of her being impulsive and wasteful.The issue is her regularly needing and asking for help with her bills or unexpected expenses.If she was less impulsive with her spending, she wouldn’t have to do this.This puts a burden on my son and his wife and creates friction.My DIL’s extended family are in no position to help.Related ArticlesAsk Amy | Ask Amy: Patience with the elderly in-laws is waning Ask...

Fisheries ministers adopt 2024 fishing opportunities for the North-East Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

On 12 December, the Council agreed on fishing opportunities for 2024 for the fish stocks managed by the EU in the Atlantic, Kattegat and Skagerrak, as well as the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “We had intense negotiations spanning over three days. For the Commission and me personally, it was important to reach an agreement that is both balanced and responsible - preserving fishers' livelihoods in the long term, and improving the chances for stock recovery and healthier stocks. Finally, I would like to thank fishers for their tremendous efforts over recent years to fish sustainably and to live up to their key role.”In the North-East Atlantic, the Council set 14 total allowable catches (TACs) in line with maximum sustainable yield (MSY) advice as proposed by the Commission. This includes an increase for megrims, anglerfish, hake, horse mackerel in the Iberian waters, as well as undulate rays. The Council has...

Israel-Hamas war prominent topic on the agenda of EU leaders meeting in Brussels

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

Spain, Ireland, Belgium and Malta want EU leaders to debate the situation in Gaza and jointly call for a lasting humanitarian ceasefire that would end the conflict, they said in a letter to Charles Michel. Developments in the war between Israel and Hamas will be a prominent topic on the agenda of European Union leaders who meet Thursday and Friday in Brussels, writes Yossi Lempkowicz.In his invitation letter to the 27 leaders, European Council President Charles Michel wrote: "We must call for all hostages to be released and vigorously address the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza."He added: "We have to be strong in supporting Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself against Hamas, as well as in unequivocally defending international law and international humanitarian law.""Our broader reflection will include working towards security and stability in the region and prospects for lasting peace based on the two-state solution," he wrote."We should also address all forms of hat...

Enjoy the gift of an easy move in

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

For new-home buyers moving in anytime from November through January, organization can make all the difference in the experience. So, too, can treating the move-in process as a holiday gift in itself.The upcoming move might be the perfect excuse for a minimalistic holiday season. Instead of elaborately decorating the old house like usual, save time and energy for more constructive pursuits that will simplify the move and ensure you don’t forget important tasks.To prepare, let’s review a checklist of tasks to finish in advance so there are as few surprises as possible come moving day.Plan storage systemsThere’s nothing better than a beautiful new home. Except, perhaps, a well-organized, beautiful new home.The decision to have closet and garage organization and storage systems installed before move in can save the new homeowner time. If the systems aren’t in place on moving day, you’ll either not want to unpack or you’ll have to repack and unpack again later.During the last stages of c...

Putin says there will be no peace in Ukraine until goals are achieved, while offering rare details

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting with judges of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation marking the national holiday celebrated on December 12 - Constitution Day, at the Novo-Ogaryovo State residence outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (Mikhail Tereshchenko, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)(AP/Mikhail Tereshchenko) Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting with judges of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation marking the national holiday celebrated on December 12 - Constitution Day, at the Novo-Ogaryovo State residence outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (Mikhail Tereshchenko, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)(AP/Mikhail Tereshchenko) ...

Orban tests the European Union’s promises to help Ukraine as he stands firm on blocking aid

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:25:42 GMT

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders struggled at the start of a two-day summit Thursday to keep their two most elementary promises to Ukraine at war intact — to give it the money and wherewithal to stave off the Russian invasion and maintain its hope that one day it will be able to join the wealthy bloc.And stunningly, the threat to that commitment does not come from outside, but from within, from its increasingly recalcitrant member Hungary. The vision of its prime minister, Viktor Orban, heartily shaking hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin two months ago still hung heavy over the summit.Orban came into the summit vowing to both block the plans by his 26 fellow leaders to officially declare that membership negotiations with Ukraine can start, and more pressingly, deny Kyiv 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in financial aid that the country dearly needs to stay afloat.“The European Union is about to make a terrible mistake and they must be stopped — even if 26 of them want t...