7-777 EDMONTON — Muriel Stanley Venne, a trail-blazing Métis woman known for her Indigenous rights advocacy, has died at 87. Venne, born in Lamont, Alta., was one of the first appointees to Alberta's Human Rights Commission in 1973 and later served as chair. She founded the Women of the Métis Nation as well as Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. She also created programming for the Métis Nation of Alberta before serving as provincial vice president from 2008 to 2012. "Muriel devoted her life to advancing the rights and well-being of Métis and other Indigenous peoples," reads an online tribute to Venne made by the Métis Nation of Alberta. "Through her remarkable leadership, she transformed advocacy into action, creating lasting change in employment, education and justice." In 2017, Venne had a provincial government building named after her in Edmonton. It was the first time a provincial building was named after an Indigenous woman in Alberta. In a statement, the Women of the Métis Nation, also known as Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, said Venne was an inspiration to many Indigenous women. It said her advocacy work for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was a catalyst for change in the justice system, as was her advocacy for Cindy Gladue. In 2011, Gladue was found dead in a hotel bathroom. Ontario truck driver Bradley Barton was initially charged with murder but was found not guilty in 2015. Barton was found guilty in 2021 of manslaughter, but the initial trial drew outrage as Gladue was repeatedly referred to as a "prostitute" and "native" throughout proceedings. "She brought attention to incidents of discrimination, such as in the case of Cindy Gladue, as emblematic of the broader mistreatment of Indigenous women within the criminal justice system," the Women of the Métis Nation statement said. "Her work in justice profoundly influenced how Canadian law and the criminal justice system respond to systemic violence against Indigenous women." Women of the Métis Nation president Melanie Omeniho said in the statement that Venne's legacy will carry on for generations to come. "She was a true gift to us all, and her presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her," Omeniho said. Venne was the recipient of numerous accolades throughout her life. She was awarded the Alberta Human Rights Award in 1998 and, in 2005, was the first Métis person to receive the Order of Canada. She was named to Alberta's Order of Excellence in 2019. In a statement Monday, Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson said the province "lost a guiding light" with Venne's passing. "Muriel leaves behind a lasting legacy of advocating for the rights of Indigenous women and people," Wilson said. Venne ran as an NDP candidate in the 2012 provincial election, and the party said on social media Friday that "her life was an inspirational model of leadership, and her legacy is profound." "She made a real difference in many lives," said then NDP-leader and former Alberta cabinet minister Brian Mason on social media. "Her list of accomplishments and awards could take pages." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

Faraday Future director Chad Chen sells $23,550 in stockOn April 15, 2019, the world was saddened by the images of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral engulfed in flames. Five years later, the iconic church has reopened its doors, fully restored to its former glory after years of renovation and restoration work. The milestone came with a beautiful celebration, attended by an array of personalities. Business leaders, heads of state, royalty, and celebrities like Elon Musk and Donald Trump were among those on the guest list. One notable couple was Salma Hayek and her husband, François-Henri Pinault , who are closely tied to the cathedral and its reconstruction process, because without his €100 million donation, it may have never reopened. Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady celebrate their son Benjamin's birthday; 'Thanks for always making us laugh' Jennifer Lopez shows off her figure in stunning backless gown: Shares inspiring Christmas message Golden Globes 2025: 'Emilia Perez' and 'The Bear' secured the most nominations The event was led by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, who personally welcomed guests at the cathedral’s entrance. Salma and her husband were spotted among the attendees, smiling and visibly thrilled to witness the outcome of the restoration. They paid close attention during the formal reopening ceremony. It appeared to be a chilly night in Paris, as Salma was seen wearing an elegant green coat paired with a stole around her neck. She styled her hair in a high bun, allowing her pearl earrings to take center stage. Pinault’s Multimillion-Dollar Donation for Notre Dame’s Reconstruction The exact cause of the Notre Dame fire on April 15, 2019, is still unknown, but investigators believe it was accidental. One theory is an electrical issue, possibly from the wiring for the electric bells on the roof, which could have caused a short circuit. Authorities ruled out arson, but the investigation couldn’t confirm the exact cause because so much of the evidence was destroyed in the fire. Following the event, François-Henri Pinault expressed a desire to contribute to the reconstruction of the iconic landmark. He announced a generous donation to this effort, saying, “My father (François Pinault) and I have decided to allocate €100 million from Artémis immediately to participate in the work needed to completely rebuild Notre Dame,” he stated in a public announcement. At the time, Hayek also shared her deep concern on social media, expressing her sorrow over the tragic event. “As many others, I am deeply shocked and saddened to see the beauty of Notre-Dame turn to smoke,” she wrote. “I love you, Paris. Comme beaucoup d’autres, avec effroi et tristesse, je regarde la beauté de Notre-Dame partir en fumée... Paris, je t’aime! #Notredame #paris.”

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Pioneering Métis human rights advocate Muriel Stanley Venne dies at 87NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Libra - (23rd September to 22nd October) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, You are an icon of discipline Value the relationship with sincerity and honesty. Do not compromise on duties at the workplace. Financially you are good and your health is also fine today. Confirm a happy love life where you meet the demands of the lover and spend time together. Accomplish all assigned tasks at the workplace. Financial prosperity exists in the life. No major illness will trouble you. Libra Love Horoscope Today You need to realize that no relationship is permanent and many twists and unexpected events can make your day chaotic. Some unjustifiable comments can seriously impact the flow of love. You may go back to the old relationship after resolving all old issues with the ex-lover. Today is also good to have a romantic dinner where you may also surprise the lover with gifts. Female Libras will find fun in teasing the lover but ensure it does not personally impact him. Single Libras will be happy to fall in love today. Libra Career Horoscope Today Your commitment will work out at the office. Some media persons will also face challenges professionally. Stay away from office politics and ensure you stay in the good book of the management. Salespersons will travel for job reasons while businessmen will succeed in raising funds through promoters. Some Aries IT professionals will get opportunities to relocate abroad. Students will also be fortunate to clear competitive examinations. Entrepreneurs need to be confident while making crucial business decisions. Libra Money Horoscope Today Keep the financial status under control. Do not let expenditure shoot up in the way that it disturbs the income. Some Libras will be successful in the stock market but there can also be setbacks in the form of legal expenditure. Traders and businessmen may receive good funds but there will issues with funds from abroad. Take the help of a good financial planner to understand how to safely invest and enhance your wealth in the long run. Libra Health Horoscope Today Minor health issues may be there but your normal life will go on. Avoid stress-related issues by staying in a positive atmosphere. Maintain a balanced office and personal life and also stay in the company of people with positive attitudes. Some females will have skin infections while viral fever, sore throat, and allergies will also be common today. Libra Sign Attributes Strength: Idealist, Socially presentable, Aesthetic, Charming, Artsy, Generous Weakness: Uncertain, Lazy, Non-interventionist Symbol: Scales Element: Air Body Part: Kidneys & Bladder Sign Ruler: Venus Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Color: Brown Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Stone: Diamond Libra Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Good compatibility: Aries, Libra Fair compatibility: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Less compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)Paedophile sent to prison for 'despicable' historic abuse

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