Latest news with #LizHayes
20-06-2025
- Politics
Court blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments in classrooms
NEW ORLEANS -- A panel of three federal appellate judges has ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in each of the state's public school classrooms is unconstitutional. The ruling Friday marked a major win for civil liberties groups who say the mandate violates the separation of church and state, and that the poster-sized displays would isolate students — especially those who are not Christian. The mandate has been touted by Republicans, including President Donald Trump, and marks one of the latest pushes by conservatives to incorporate religion into classrooms. Backers of the law argue the Ten Commandments belong in classrooms because they are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law. The plaintiffs' attorneys and Louisiana disagreed on whether the appeals court's decision applied to every public school district in the state or only the districts party to the lawsuit. 'All school districts in the state are bound to comply with the U.S. Constitution,' said Liz Hayes, a spokesperson for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which served as co-counsel for the plaintiffs. The appeals court's rulings 'interpret the law for all of Louisiana,' Hayes added. "Thus, all school districts must abide by this decision and should not post the Ten Commandments in their classrooms.' Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said she disagreed and believed the ruling only applied to school districts in the five parishes that were party to the lawsuit and that she would seek to appeal the ruling. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' order stems from a lawsuit filed last year by parents of Louisiana school children from various religious backgrounds, who said the law violates First Amendment language guaranteeing religious liberty and forbidding government establishment of religion. The mandate was signed into law last June by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. The court's ruling backs an order issued last fall by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who declared the mandate unconstitutional and ordered state education officials not to take steps to enforce it and to notify all local school boards in the state of his decision. Law experts have long said they expect the Louisiana case to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, testing the conservative court on the issue of religion and government. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion.' The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but served a plainly religious purpose. In 2005, the Supreme Court held that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin.
Los Angeles Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Court blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments in classrooms
NEW ORLEANS — A panel of three federal appellate judges has ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in each of the state's public school classrooms is unconstitutional. The ruling Friday marked a major win for civil liberties groups who say the mandate violates the separation of church and state, and that the poster-sized displays would isolate students — especially those who are not Christian. The mandate has been touted by Republicans, including President Trump, and marks one of the latest pushes by conservatives to incorporate religion into classrooms. Backers of the law argue the Ten Commandments belong in classrooms because they are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law. The plaintiffs' attorneys and Louisiana disagreed on whether the appeals court's decision applied to every public school district in the state or only the districts party to the lawsuit. 'All school districts in the state are bound to comply with the U.S. Constitution,' said Liz Hayes, a spokesperson for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which served as co-counsel for the plaintiffs. The appeals court's rulings 'interpret the law for all of Louisiana,' Hayes added. 'Thus, all school districts must abide by this decision and should not post the Ten Commandments in their classrooms.' Louisiana Atty. Gen. Liz Murrill said she disagreed and believed the ruling applied only to school districts in the five parishes that were party to the lawsuit and that she would seek to appeal the ruling. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' order stems from a lawsuit filed last year by parents of Louisiana schoolchildren from various religious backgrounds, who said the law violates 1st Amendment language guaranteeing religious liberty and forbidding government establishment of religion. The mandate was signed into law last June by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. The court's ruling backs an order issued last fall by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who declared the mandate unconstitutional and ordered state education officials not to take steps to enforce it and to notify all local school boards in the state of his decision. Law experts have long said they expect the Louisiana case to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, testing the conservative court on the issue of religion and government. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion.' The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but served a plainly religious purpose. In 2005, the Supreme Court held that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin. Cline and Brook write for the Associated Press.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jane Fonda, 87, shocks Melbourne crowd with X-rated Trump rant and admits her 'shop is closed due to flooding' in astonishing tell-all
Hollywood legend Jane Fonda certainly got her money's worth – and then some – during a rumoured $300,000 appearance in Melbourne, holding absolutely nothing back despite battling a pesky cold. The 87-year-old Oscar winner, known for her trailblazing activism and iconic aerobics videos, unleashed a tirade against Donald Trump, dropping the F-bomb not once but twice, to a stunned crowd of more than one thousand women. Fonda, who reportedly eased her jet lag with a lavish stay in a diplomatic suite at the Park Hyatt and a shopping spree down Collins Street, gave a marathon performance. She charmed fans during a meet and greet before her no-holds-barred interview with Liz Hayes. The veteran star hilariously recounted her past sex scenes with Jon Voight, quipping she wished she'd had an 'intimacy coordinator that was tough.' But it was her candid admission about her current love life that truly raised eyebrows: 'I've closed up shop due to flooding,' she declared, to roars of laughter. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The event, part of former Swisse Vitamins CEO Radek Sali's Wanderlust talkfest at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, began with a rather serene half-hour guided meditation on Thursday. However, any sense of calm was shattered once Fonda took the stage. It was Fonda's fiery 'call to arms' that proved the most explosive part of her appearance. She launched into a blistering attack on US President Donald Trump, labelling him 'that fu—er' as she urged the crowd to make a difference. The Grace and Frankie star was born in New York in 1937 to legendary Hollywood star Henry Fonda, and she is the sister of late actor Peter Fonda and aunt of retired actress Bridget Fonda. The seasoned activist, famously dubbed 'Hanoi Jane' for her stance against the Vietnam War, proudly spoke of her more recent arrests in her 80s for non-violent civil disobedience during climate change rallies. 'It feels so good to be arrested,' she confessed, highlighting her lifelong commitment to fighting for her beliefs. 'People who do things that are stupid, bad and cruel and hostile, like the people running my government now; they're not bad people, they're unwell,' Fonda declared, in her assessment of the former US leadership. The veteran actress also weighed in on American politics, acknowledging the millions who voted for Trump. 'In the United States, 78 million people voted for Trump, not all of them MAGA,' she noted. However, Fonda predicted a swift change of heart for many: 'But working class people are really hurting in the United States, men and women. They're going to have buyer's regret very soon about voting the way they did.' In a powerful and expletive-laden speech, Fonda roared: 'F--- those neoliberals and fascists and people who don't move to love. We have to move to love and empathy.' But it wasn't just politics on the agenda. During the pre-show meet and greet, the eternally youthful Fonda was quizzed on something far more personal: her sex life. And true to form, she answered with her signature bluntness. 'I don't get naked in bed with anybody anymore,' Fonda stated matter-of-factly. Then, in a candid admission that left jaws on the floor, she added: 'If I was going to have sex, I would want it to be with a 20-year-old. I like certain kinds of skin.' But I don't want to impose my old skin on somebody else, so I decided to quit altogether, and I'm so happy about it,' she concluded. Fonda was spotted at Sydney Airport on Friday, cutting a chic figure as she was wheeled through the terminal ahead of her highly anticipated one-off show, called In Conversation with Jane Fonda. Wearing oversized sunglasses, a sleek navy coat, face mask and sneakers, the Hollywood legend looked every bit the global icon as she rested in a wheelchair. Fonda will take the stage alongside Hayes at ICC Sydney Theatre on Sunday.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jane Fonda looks radiant as she lands in Sydney in a wheelchair ahead of special one-night show - after revealing she feels 'younger and healthier' at 87 than she did in her 20s
Jane Fonda has touched down in Sydney ahead of a special one-night show - and the 87-year-old icon says she's never felt better. The two-time Oscar winner and former fitness queen was spotted at Sydney Airport on Friday, cutting a chic figure as she was wheeled through the terminal ahead of her highly anticipated one-off show called In Conversation with Jane Fonda. Wearing oversized sunglasses, a sleek navy coat, face mask and sneakers, the Hollywood legend looked every bit the global icon as she rested in a wheelchair. The Grace and Frankie star kept her look polished and understated, accessorising with a patterned scarf. She completed her look with a designer tan leather handbag perched on her lap. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Wearing oversized sunglasses, a sleek navy coat and face mask, the Hollywood legend looked every bit the global icon as she rested in a wheelchair Jane is set to take the stage at the ICC Sydney Theatre on Sunday, where she will join Liz Hayes for an intimate discussion about her life, legacy and views on ageing with grace and purpose. 'I'm deeply honoured and excited to be coming to Australia to join Wanderlust True North for these special events,' Jane said in a statement. 'As I've gotten older, I've come to see ageing as a gift – a time to embrace life fully, share our knowledge... laugh a little more. 'Australia has always embraced me over the decades, and I can't wait to come back and meet everyone. I am very much looking forward to it and excited to share many secrets with my Aussie fans.' Despite using a wheelchair upon arrival, Fonda shows no signs of slowing down, mentally or physically. She recently stunned fans by revealing she feels healthier and more vibrant now than she did in her 20s. 'I'm 87, and I feel younger and healthier and a greater sense of well-being than I had in my 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s,' she told The Daily Telegraph. 'People have so many stereotypes of older people. I don't feel done yet.' Refusing to settle for what she calls 'sad roles' written for older women, Fonda remains choosy with her acting work - and unapologetically proud of her legacy. 'Roles that I'm offered are really sad. They are not worthy of my six decades in this industry,' she said. 'But I'm happy... I think one of the greatest things that we can attain is a robust sense of well-being, of happiness.' Fonda, who famously launched a home workout revolution in the 1980s with her record-breaking exercise videos, says she still trains daily - albeit at a slower pace. The Hollywood icon, who rose to fame in classics like Barbarella, Klute and 9 to 5, has continued to evolve across generations - from silver screen siren to activist, entrepreneur and environmental crusader. Jane was born in New York in 1937 to legendary Hollywood star Henry Fonda and she is the sister of late actor Peter Fonda and aunt of retired actress Bridget Fonda.
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Evil child-killer leaves veteran journalist Liz Hayes stunned
She has a face that for most Aussies is synonymous with prime time television, and a career in investigative journalism that stretches back 40 years. Liz Hayes has sat across from some of the world's biggest superstars in her role on 60 Minutes. She's also sat down with some of Australia's worst criminals – murderers, rapists and con-artists – and for the most part, nothing much ruffles the feathers of the down-to-earth girl from Taree. Yet in the latest episode of Gary Jubelin's I Catch Killers podcast, Hayes admits there was one interview that left her virtually speechless, so depraved was the person she was speaking with. 'Elisa Baker was the stepmother of Zahra Baker,' she begins. Zahra Baker was a 10-year-old Australian girl who made headlines around the world back in 2010 when her father's new wife – with whom she and her dad lived in North Carolina, USA – reported her missing. Watch the video in the player above Zahra's life had been a challenging one. Born in Wagga Wagga in 1999, Zahra's mum Emily gave up full custody to her father Adam when she was just eight months old, after a battle with post-partum depression. Five years later, Zahra was diagnosed with cancer, and as a result of treatment had a leg amputated and required hearing aids. Shortly after her cancer went into remission in 2008, her father Adam moved Zahra to the US, to live with his new partner Elisa – whom he'd met online. Just two years later, little Zahra would be dead – murdered by her stepmother who pleaded guilty in 2011 to second-degree murder and dismemberment, having discarded parts of the disabled schoolgirl's body in surrounding bushland. 'I interviewed her and I swear to God, that woman … wow,' Hayes exclaims. 'I did come away going, wow, there's no part of her that's taking responsibility for this, even though she pleaded guilty. She's not taking responsibility for this at all. She kept going on about how she didn't do it, and she's so sad, and she misses Zahra. Ugh.' Baker, who has claimed since pleading guilty that she only did so to avoid the death penalty and in fact is innocent of Zahra's murder, is currently serving a 28-year sentence and may walk free before her 70th birthday. 'Her own lawyer told her: 'the evidence is so overwhelming that there's not a chance for you here,'' says Hayes. 'But I was shocked at how hard she was going to go, claiming 'I didn't do this' … well then who did?' Hayes continues. 'I just thought at the time – my God, I just don't know if I can listen to this. I came away at the time just going … ugh. I just don't understand how anyone could do that to a little girl. Killing is one thing but mutilating them, cutting them up, hiding the pieces in the bush … I just can't get my head around that stuff.' Hayes admits that she was also shocked that a woman had been able to commit such a grisly crime, in spite of understanding that she shouldn't be. 'It's a big step for a woman,' she says, while Jubelin responds 'it's a big step for anyone I think, cutting a body up like that.' 'I think there's a misconception that women can't commit those kinds of violent crimes,' he continues, 'but they can't because I've seen enough of it myself. But even a jury finds it difficult to convict a person who's sitting there looking like their mum.'
