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mega swerte casino Helena Capital football, , stands atop Class AA for the 13th time in program history. Wednesday at noon, Bruins players will ride atop a Helena fire truck to commemorate that victory. Departing from Capital High School, the route takes the team along N. Benton Ave. past Carroll College and into downtown Helena on N. Park Ave. and N. Last Chance Gulch. The return journey toward Capital will be along Hauser Blvd. past C.R. Anderson Middle School and down Henderson St. The date and time was chosen as to not conflict with winter sports practices and to take advantage of no school that day. Capital has now won two state football titles in three seasons and eight dating back to 2000.

President Joe Biden spoke Sunday on the collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad, calling the moment a "fundamental act of justice" after more than two decades of oppression. "After 13 years of civil war in Syria and more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office and flee the country," Biden said. "We're not sure where he is but there's word that he's in Moscow. At long last the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." RELATED STORY | The fall of Bashar Assad after 13 years of war in Syria brings to an end a decades-long dynasty President Biden, speaking from the White House just hours after rebels overthrew the Syrian government and Assad fled the country, said while the news is positive for the Middle East, warned that it marks "a moment of risk and uncertainty." "As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risks," he said. "You know, for years, the main backers of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. But over the last week their support collapsed — all three of them. Because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office." RELATED STORY | Family of kidnapped American reporter still believes he is alive in Syria Meanwhile, President Biden also spoke on Austin Tice, a former U.S. Marine and freelance journalist who disappeared in August 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. Tice's family believes he is still alive in Syria, and President Biden said his administration will continue to work to locate him and bring him home. "We believe he's alive. We think we can get him back. But we have no direct evidence of that yet and Assad should be held accountable," he said. "... We want to get him out."

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James Wong Hua Kiong KUCHING (Dec 9): The upgrading projects for Tanjung Embang deepwater port and Kuching International Airport (KIA) are set to elevate Sarawak status as a core player in the global economy, says James Wong Hua Kiong. In this regard, the president of Malaysia Hu Kiu Leuk Yek Wong Clan Association and deputy chairman of Sarikei Chamber of Commerce and Labourer Association, has urged all sectors of society to collaborate towards transforming these infrastructure initiatives into key nodes that connect the region to global markets; thereby crafting a more competitive future for Sarawak. He views the development of Tanjung Embang deepwater port as not only enhancing logistics efficiency, but also serving as a crucial driver for economic diversification. “By constructing a smart port system, cargo turnover rates can be significantly improved, operational costs reduced, and more international investors attracted. “Similarly, the expansion of KIA should balance functionality with innovation, meeting the growing demand for flights while introducing more direct international routes to boost tourism and business exchanges,” he said in a statement yesterday. Wong suggested that the port should form strategic alliances with major global ports to facilitate more efficient cargo transport and trade. Such collaboration could not only lower transportation costs, but also enable mutual benefits through shared resources and information, he added. On the KIA, Wong noted that the airport’s expansion would not only accommodate the increasing demand for flights, but would also foster the growth of tourism and business activities. “By attracting more airlines and routes, Sarawak can draw in more tourists and business people, further stimulating local economic growth,” he said. As an active responder to global climate issues, Wong said these major projects should integrate the principles of a green economy. He recommended introducing low-carbon technologies during the initial planning stages, such as using renewable energy sources, developing hydrogen-powered freight fleet and implementing efficient waste management systems. He also suggested that the construction of the port should utilise eco-friendly materials and consider ecological impacts in its design to minimise environmental harm. “Similarly, the airport’s design should focus on energy efficiency, employing smart energy management systems to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. Through these measures, Sarawak can secure a place in the global green economy and attract investors who prioritise sustainable development.” Wong thus called upon the government and businesses to actively explore opportunities for green investment in these projects to promote sustainable development. He said by providing tax incentives and policy support, more green enterprises could be encouraged to invest in Sarawak, fostering sustainable local economic growth. Wong also highlighted the importance of the public-private partnership (PPP) model, which would allow the government to reduce financial burden, while bringing in international capital and advanced technologies to invigorate the projects. “By collaborating with internationally renowned companies, Sarawak would not only gain access to advanced management practices, but would also receive technological support; thereby, increasing the feasibility and sustainability of the projects. “We must cultivate local professionals who can navigate modern technology and complex management demands. “Talent development is not only crucial for project success, but also the foundation for the long-term growth of Sarawak’s economy. “By establishing partnerships with international universities, Sarawak can introduce advanced educational concepts and curricula that align with market needs,” he pointed out. Wong also called upon all sectors to work together to transform these projects into Sarawak’s new economic engine. “Sarawak must transcend the limitations of traditional resource-based economics, achieving a more influential global role through technological innovation, regional cooperation and sustainable development,” he said. He said Sarawak should actively integrate into the global economic system, seeking cooperation opportunities with other countries and regions. “By strengthening collaboration with Asean countries, Sarawak can better utilise regional resources and drive economic diversification. “Establishing regional economic cooperation mechanisms should enable Sarawak to occupy a more advantageous position in international markets, enhancing its global competitiveness,” he added.Jackson scores 23, Purdue Fort Wayne beats Robert Morris 82-77

NoneLucy Johnson of Cheverus shoots in the second half against Scarborough on Sept. 12. She is the second straight Stags player to win the Miss Maine Field Hockey award after her sister, Lily, took it last year. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer AUGUSTA – After setting the career goals record, winning 71 of 72 games and earning three state championships, there was one more accolade for Lucy Johnson to win. She took care of that Sunday afternoon. The Cheverus senior was named the 26th winner of the Miss Maine Field Hockey award, becoming the second straight Stags player and member of the Johnson family to win it after sister Lily took it last year. “I was very nervous, but it’s great, and I’m very proud of the accomplishments myself and I’m glad that my sister and I get to share this bond, for sure,” Johnson said. “It shows that I have a lot of heart and dedication to the game. ... I’ve been playing since I was five, and I just can’t imagine my life without it.” Lucy Johnson after she was awarded Miss Maine Field Hockey on Sunday at the Augusta Civic Center. Drew Bonifant/Portland Press Herald It’s the second time two sisters have won the award, with the first being Greely’s Amanda and Julia Chase in 2002 and 2004, respectively. Johnson beat out Biddeford’s Ayla Lagasse for the award, and earned an honor many likely felt was inevitable since her sophomore season when she scored 49 goals, the second most goals tallied in a season. With 34 this fall, Johnson finished with 152 goals, 41 higher than the record she broke and 14 clear of Winthrop’s Madeline Wagner in second place. “It’s good ... to have something to reach for to make you a better player. I hope some girl out there right now sees that number, 152, and smashes it, and that’s how Lucy will know she really succeeded,” Cheverus coach Andrea Musante said. “When you see someone like Lucy and what she’s done, that’ll only help grow the game.” Johnson, who will play next alongside Lily at Boston University, said that legacy point has been significant to her as she’s wrapped up her high school field hockey career. “I definitely think so,” she said. “I try to set really good examples for many people in the future, and for people coming into Cheverus. I know a few of the younger girls, they’ve told me they look up to me and it really means a lot to me. I try to set that example for them, hopefully they see it through.” While much has been said about Johnson’s speed, stick handling, ball control and lethal shot, Musante said her competitiveness stood out most, which was exemplified in her playing through frequent knee pain this season and her ability to raise her game when the Stags needed it. “She would fight, she would show up and produce the same results no matter what the situation was,” she said. “She never laid down, it doesn’t matter if she was double- or tripled-team. She always found a way.” Musante pointed to the 2023 Class A final, when Johnson was marked heavily by Skowhegan defenders but still scored the winning goal with 58 seconds left in a 2-1 victory. Lucy Johnson of Cheverus celebrates after scoring her first of two goals against Biddeford on Nov. 6. She will play for Boston University next year. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer “It was like, ‘She showed up. She did it again,’ ” Musante said. “When she hits the field and the whistle blows, she has an incredible fire and passion.” It all culminated in the award Sunday, which Johnson said is more meaningful considering it follows Lily’s victory a year ago. In her acceptance speech, Johnson addressed her sister who was away at school, saying “no one has chemistry like us.” “It’s definitely very special,” she said. “I always think of her every day, I miss playing with her and I’m really excited to play with her next year so we can share this bond.” We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous

• Hedges high inflation, interest Outperforming the average returns at the Nigerian stock market and the entire financial services sector, the share value of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has delivered an impressive 375 per cent capital gains to investors in nearly five years. Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) at the weekend indicated that investors in UBA have continued to earn an average annual return of about 75 per cent over some five-year period, highlighting UBAs impressive records as a high-yielding, inflation-hedging stock. Nigeria’s benchmark interest rate- Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) stands at 27.25 per cent. The inflation rate stands at 33.88 per cent, according to the October 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Basically, analysis of trading reports for the period between December 31, 2019, and December 06, 2024, indicated that UBA recorded a cumulative capital gain of 374.83 per cent during the period, representing an average annual gain of 74.97 per cent. Putting this into perspective, this implies that an investor who had invested N500,000 in the shares of UBA at the year’s opening price for 2020, now has a real, immediate market value of more than N2.374 million, due to accumulated capital gains. This excludes accrued cash dividends over the five years. With an average year-to-date return of 35.26 per cent, UBA is ahead of the market by more than twice the average year-to-date return of 15.53 per cent for the banking sector. Also, UBA is ahead as the average year-to-date return for the benchmark index, the All-Share-Index (ASI) of equities on NGX which closed the weekend at 31.34 per cent. UBAs share price had opened 2020 at N7.15 per share, its closing price for December 31, 2019. It closed the weekend at N33.95 per share, 35.26 per cent above its 2024s opening price of N25.10 per share, its closing price for December 30, 2023. The three-digit capital gain highlights UBA as a major driver of the bullish trend in the Nigerian stock market, which has sustained five years of consecutive positive returns. As an investor-friendly stock in terms of consistent and above-average cash dividend payment, UBA is reputed to pay dividends twice a year, an interim dividend and a final dividend. It recently paid an interim dividend of N2 per share on its first half of 2024 results, the highest payout by any bank and one of the three highest yields in the entire stock market. Such an investor who had invested N500,000 at the 2020s opening price would have received a cash dividend of some N139,860 as an interim dividend for the 2024 business year, more than a quarter of his initial investment. UBA is currently offering existing shareholders exclusive opportunities to increase their shareholdings in the bank with its ongoing N239.4 billion rights issue. The pan-African banking group is offering 6.84 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N35 per share. The rights issue is pre-allotted on the basis of one new ordinary share of 50 kobo each to every five ordinary shares held as at November 05, 2024. The rights issue is scheduled to close on December 24, 2024. Shareholders have hailed the decision on a rights issue as a deliberate incentive. In a survey, minority retail shareholders, who constitute nearly three-quarters of UBAs nearly 280,000 shareholders, were excited about the rights issue, with most indicating the possibility of applying for more than their pre-allotted shares. Extant rules in the Nigerian market allow shareholders to apply for more shares and also for the company to consider such requests for additional shares. Shareholders can also trade their rights on the stock market. Shareholders said UBAs track records of solid financial performance, dividend policy and capital gain were competitive advantages for the pan-African banking group. Speaking, a longstanding UBAs shareholder and Founder of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, said “UBA has proven to be dependable and resilient, attributes that have endeared the stock to all cadres of investors. “The bank is doing well, so also are its subsidiaries. From whatever angle you look at it, UBA is a good buy. And I’m talking as a long-time shareholder. It is one bank that prioritises shareholders’ happiness. Go down the lane and check the bank’s dividend history and critical decisions when it comes to shareholders’ issues. “Its a bank one can rest on, so, I’m advising other shareholders to pick up their rights, it’s an opportunity. We are picking up ours and even asking for more.” Another major UBA shareholder and President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Faruk Umar described UBA as a solid bank with a lot more to offer the shareholders in the future. “I strongly advise shareholders to pick up their rights as I am very hopeful the price will go up after the rights offer is concluded. All members of our Association are going to buy their rights as we strongly believe in the quality of the board, management, and staff of the bank,” Umar said. Market analysts are unanimous that share prices are illustrative of the fundamental values of quoted companies. For the nine-month ended September 30, 2024, UBA reported 83.2 per cent growth in gross earnings to N2.398 trillion, almost a double of N1.308 trillion recorded in the third quarter of 2023. Operating income rose from N1.02 trillion in the third quarter of 2023 to N1.54 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of about 51 per cent. Profit before tax increased to N603.48 billion compared with N502.09 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2023. After taxes, net profit also rose from N449.26 billion in the third quarter of 2023 to N525.31 billion in the third quarter of 2024. Earnings per share thus improved from N12.93 to N14.78. Group balance sheet size expanded by 54 per cent to N31.80 trillion by September 2024 as against N20.653 trillion recorded at the end of December 2023. The bank benefitted largely from its technology-led initiatives targeted at improving customer experience over the past few years, with total deposits rising to N26.50 trillion, representing a 52.7 per cent rise from N17.355 trillion at the end of December 2023. The deposit base was driven by increased brand appeal across the retail and corporate markets. Customer deposits had jumped from N14.8 trillion to N22.97 trillion while deposits from banks increased from N2.46 trillion to N3.53 trillion. Loans and advances to customers grew by 46.8 per cent from N5.23 trillion in December 2023 to N7.68 trillion in September 2024. While the paid-up share capital remained unchanged at N17.10 billion, total equity jumped by 76.8 per cent from N2.03 trillion in December 2023 to N3.59 trillion in September 2024. Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe, said share pricing at the stock market thrives on a concept of forward-pricing mechanism, where investors take into consideration the potential future return based on available track records and emerging developments. Managing Director, of HighCap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri, said share price is a reflection of the market value for a company, comprising both past performances and future expectations. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowNEW YORK, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Several key players in President-elect Donald Trump's new cryptocurrency venture head to Abu Dhabi on Monday for the largest bitcoin gathering in the Gulf region as the digital currency sets record highs. Speakers include the president-elect's son Eric and billionaire Steve Witkoff, the new White House envoy for the Middle East and co-founder of World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform launched in September that Donald Trump and his family helped form. Eric Trump will deliver Tuesday's keynote address at the Bitcoin MENA conference, which is projected to draw more than 6,000 people, and will then hold a "whale-only" chat in the conference's VIP lounge, according to the event's agenda. Witkoff will also speak separately to that more exclusive crowd, which requires a $9,999 "whale" pass, a nickname for large players who have potential to move a market. The president-elect is World Liberty Financial's chief crypto advocate, and sons Eric, Don Jr. and Barron are ambassadors, according to the WLF website. Company filings show Donald Trump is entitled to 22.5 billion WLF tokens and a share of its revenues. "The bitcoin conference carries a lot of significance for crypto as it's one of the longest-running conferences focused on bringing our industry together," said Marshall Beard, chief operating officer of Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Trump backers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. "It’s been incredible to see the rise of bitcoin alongside the growth of the conference ... and crypto became a major campaign issue in this year’s presidential election." Other speakers also have close ties to World Liberty Financial, including Justin Sun, the 32-year-old Chinese founder of blockchain platform Tron. Three weeks after Trump won the Nov. 5 election, Sun posted on X that he bought $30 million worth of WLF tokens, making him the venture's largest investor. Sun was charged with crypto-related fraud and securities violations under the Biden administration. The Gulf gathering is occurring at an inflection point for the industry as Trump, once a crypto skeptic, has vowed he will be the " crypto president" and make America the new "crypto capital of the planet." Buoyed by these promises, bitcoin smashed records last week when it hit $100,000 . Trump also named a White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, former PayPal executive David Sacks, a close friend of Trump adviser and megadonor Elon Musk. Musk, whose companies include X, SpaceX and Tesla, spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect Trump in 2024, records show. Other technology and digital asset veterans also gave millions to candidates friendly to the industry, according to analytics firm Breadcrumbs. Trump's 2016 campaign manager, Paul Manafort, will address the conference on "A Life of Politics with the Man Closest to Donald Trump." Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who served a four-month U.S. prison sentence this year for crypto-tied money-laundering law violations, will also hold a whale session at the conference. Trump, his family members, other speakers and their firms did not respond to requests for comment. Sign up here. Reporting By Michelle Conlin; editing by Megan Davies and Cynthia Osterman Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Michelle Conlin is an award-winning journalist at Reuters, where she has covered Americans in debt, the 2016 presidential election, mortgage fraud, the foreclosure epidemic, pandemic evictions and national breaking news. Her reporting at Reuters has had wide-ranging impact, including contributing to new legislation addressing zombie homes, new rules banning banks’ practice of gagging homeowners, and the end of governmental financing support of bonds backed by Wall Street’s foray into single-family homes.

BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advantage Media Partners, a top digital marketing agency in Beaverton, Oregon, announces the addition of 15 new team members to strengthen its services, with a primary focus on search engine optimization (SEO). This strategic expansion reflects the company's commitment to helping businesses improve their online visibility, drive organic traffic, and achieve higher rankings on search engines. The new hires will enhance SEO capabilities and support key departments, including Google Advertising, Web Development, and Sales. This growth positions Advantage Media Partners to meet the rising demand for robust digital marketing solutions. "SEO is essential for businesses to stand out in today's competitive online environment,” said Nathan Baker, VP of Advantage Media Partners. 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Children are being recruited into Haitian armed gangs at an alarming rate, UNICEF saysDragon Claws Overview As an investor that tries to maintain a blend between growth and income, I am always on the hunt for the perfect hybrid fund that can provide the best of both worlds. Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in QDPL over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

PARIS — Notre Dame Cathedral , its air thick with the smell of incense, hosted its first Mass on Sunday since the catastrophic fire of 2019, a moment that transcended religious significance to become a powerful symbol of Paris’ resilience. Beneath the glow of traditional chandeliers and modern spotlights, which illuminated its intricately carved stonework , the cathedral emerged reborn, its grandeur restored after five years of reconstruction. For Catholics, it marks the revival of the city’s spiritual heart, a place where faith has been nurtured for centuries. For the world, it signals the rebirth of one of global heritage's most famous landmarks. The event was both solemn and historic. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich presided over the morning Mass, including the consecration of a new bronze altar. The liturgy was attended by 2,500 people, including French President Emmanuel Macron — enjoying a brief respite from France's political tumult and economic troubles — clergy, dignitaries and a few lucky members of the general public who stood in long lines to enter. Nearly 170 bishops from France and around the world took part, along with one priest from each of the 113 parishes in the Paris diocese, accompanied by worshippers from these communities. Macron, in line with France’s strict division of state and church, did not take communion. Notre Dame’s journey from ruin to resurrection was defined by extraordinary craftsmanship, nearly $1 billion in global donations and a collective, unyielding determination to rebuild. After the Mass, faithful attendees, priests, nuns, and other guests lingered in the cathedral, their awe evident. Many took pictures and selfies in front of the altar, the baptistery, and vibrant rose windows, their joy mingling with reverence. Others knelt to pray at chapels dedicated to saints, savoring a spiritual intimacy many had not experienced since the fire. Later Sunday, the cathedral opened its doors to members of the public who secured reservations last week for the first fully public Mass. The Associated Press learned that tickets for this service were claimed within 25 minutes, underscoring Notre Dame’s enduring appeal. What’s more extraordinary is that this is taking place in a country with a strong emphasis on secularism and a low rate of church attendance. The public watches on — from a distance Public viewing areas along the Seine on Sunday morning drew hundreds of people who wished to witness the historic moment from afar, although their numbers were likely subdued by rainy and miserably cold weather conditions. Retired engineer Claude Lancrenon, watching from a viewing area, expressed both awe and disappointment. “There is so much security,” he said, gesturing toward the barriers. “Yesterday, that seemed appropriate. But today, I had hoped it would be more open so we could approach the cathedral. I still hope we’ll be able to get closer.” Tight security — akin to that of the Paris Olympic Games — reflected the importance of the occasion, ensuring the safety of dignitaries and the public alike. Nathalie Martino, a retired event organizer visiting Paris, recalled the anguish of watching the cathedral burn. “I cried so much that day,” she said. “And now, here I am. I had to come. It was something I needed to do.” A sacred space reborn Sunday’s Masses follow Saturday evening’s ceremonies in which Ulrich symbolically reopened the cathedral’s massive wooden doors by striking them three times with a crosier crafted from charred beams salvaged from the fire. As the doors swung open, choirs filled the air with song and the cathedral’s great organ — silent since the fire — resounded with majestic melodies. Inside, the restoration reveals a cathedral transformed with now-gleaming limestone walls cleaned of centuries of grime. The restored stained-glass windows project dazzling patterns of color across the nave. “No one alive has seen the cathedral like this,” said the Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, Notre Dame’s rector. "It is more than restored — it is reborn.” The consecration of the new altar was a pivotal moment in Notre Dame’s return to full liturgical life. The altar houses relics of five saints tied to Paris, including St. Catherine Labouré and St. Charles de Foucauld, continuing a centuries-old tradition of embedding sacred artifacts at the heart of worship spaces. The consecration, involving holy water, chrism oil, incense and prayer, transforms the altar into a sacred centerpiece of the cathedral. That was the most moving moment of the day for Marie Capucine, 37, a consecrated virgin representing her Parisian parish of Saint Germain des Prés at the reopening. She recalled the day the fire raged, and the ‘’communion in prayer all over the world'' for the cathedral to be saved. “That shows that the Church gathers, no matter whether people are believers or not, it says something to the world, something beautiful,” she concluded. A moment of unity The reopening of Notre Dame is also a moment of cultural and national unity. Macron, who vowed to restore the cathedral within five years after the fire, called the project “a jolt of hope” for France, a nation often divided by political crises. The Sunday Masses underscore Notre Dame’s dual role as a place of worship and a symbol of communal resilience. They also ensure that members of the broader Catholic community can partake in the cathedral’s spiritual revival. Challenges overcome The path to restoration was fraught with challenges. Lead contamination forced work to pause, and the COVID-19 pandemic added delays. Yet the project, overseen by architect Philippe Villeneuve, has been hailed as a triumph of human ingenuity and collective resolve. Cutting-edge fire prevention systems, including thermal cameras and a misting system, have been installed to safeguard the cathedral’s future. Villeneuve described the effort as “restoring not just a building but the soul of a nation,” emphasizing the personal and national significance of the work. A sacred future and an ‘octave’ With its spire once again piercing the Parisian sky, Notre Dame is poised to reclaim its role as a global beacon of faith and art. The cathedral, which previously welcomed 12 million annual visitors, is expected to draw 15 million in its new chapter. This monumental revival is not confined to a single day. Ulrich has announced an “octave” of celebrations — eight days of special religious services, each with its own theme, running through Dec. 15. These daily liturgies, open to diverse groups from local parishioners to international pilgrims, emphasize Notre Dame’s role as a unifying spiritual hub. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today

Recently, aespa went viral on a Korean online community for allegedly using body makeup. It is no secret that South Korean beauty standards put a lot of emphasis on pale skin. K-Pop idols with lighter skin tones are often praised for their complexion, which includes the aespa members. But recently, a video went viral on social media platforms for pointing out that all aespa members appear to be wearing body makeup to make their complexion appear lighter. A Korean netizen posted a compilation of a few such videos from TikTok on Nate Pann , attracting over 170,000 viewers as of writing. The viral post has since sparked some debate. While some argued that it could be the effect of lighting, others pointed out that using body makeup is a standard practice in K-Pop, and targeting aespa alone was done in bad taste. However, some netizens also agreed that upholding such beauty standards did not agree with the perspective of a global audience. “But isn’t it also because of the lighting? In the past, when SNSD’s Tiffany looked so brown under the podium, but once she went up on the stage and the flashes went off, her skin looked white.” “But it’s not just aespa that does this. All the idols do it as well. So why are aespa the only ones getting posts like this written about them? Honestly, Karina and Winter were always fair-skinned.” “aespa’s real skin is already on the pale side, so this kind of a doesn’t affect them at all, haha. If you look at their candid early debut photos, even the ones where they are unstyled, their legs are really white. Why would anyone post something about body makeup for aespa? Of course, as celebrities, they need to pay attention to every visible part of their body, so they probably use some tone-up cream, but their skin is already naturally fair. Photos like those just have differences in lighting and shadows, which create more contrast, that’s all. aespa’s skin has always been naturally fair...” “Do you think the idol you like doesn’t use body makeup? Pretty much every celebrity does it, so why act like only aespa does? In fact, aespa’s were already fair to begin with.” “But is it a bad thing to use body makeup? It’s true that aespa’s skin is fair, and it’s also true that they use body makeup. So why are people insisting they don’t use whitening cream? These days, body makeup is a basic thing for celebrities.” “Since they are going global, idols and actresses’ obsession with being fair is heavily mocked overseas.” “Your natural skin tone isn’t the same all over your body, so it just seems like people are overreacting.” aespa NCT’s Taeyong Sparks Heated Debate After Publicly Liking Female Idol’s Post On Instagram Aespa’s Karina Undergoes Hair Transformation Aespa’s Karina Completely Upgrades Her Visuals After One Change Aespa’s Karina Spotted Looking Stressed-AF Listening To (G)I-DLE Soyeon’s “2024 MMAs” Speech See more aespaAt Gulf bitcoin gathering, Trump family and allies to bask in crypto industry's euphoriaWEST FARGO — When Happy, a sweet but oblivious-to-danger 9-year-old mare scraped up her back leg once again, owner Alicia Severson was able to call on Casselton Veterinary Service to visit her Gandin, N.D., farm and patch up Happy. But when it comes to a recurring ligament injury Happy sustained while competing in a barrel competition, Severson and many other horse and farm animal owners are finding it more difficult every year to find big animal veterinarians, and especially ones that specialize in certain care. "There is absolutely a shortage," Severson said. For decades, ranchers have been sounding the alarm about a shortage of rural veterinarians and new big animal vets, and especially those who specialize in caring for horses, cows, pigs and sheep. The problem persists despite land grant universities such as North Dakota State University, who often send undergraduates interested in the profession to far-away schools for continuing education. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , 500 counties across 46 states reported critical shortages of big animal vets. And while large animal veterinarians have long been a challenge to find in rural areas, where they are most needed, veterinarians who specialize in horses are also waning. That's despite the increasing popularity and availability in North Dakota and Minnesota for younger generations to compete in equine activities. According to an online database, about 43,200 horses call North Dakota home, which is about one horse per 18 people in the state. Leon Glasser, president of the North Dakota Quarter Horse Racing Association, has been breeding, raising and racing horses for more than 40 years, working to improve the quality of racehorses born in North Dakota. Over the years, he's watched the number of veterinarians willing to work with horses dwindle quickly. "Are we short of equine vets in this area? Absolutely, we are," Glasser said. He said a veterinary clinic in New Salem, N.D., will now only provide simple paperwork needed for owners to transport horses across state lines for care and Missouri Valley Vet Clinic in Bismarck has also limited equine services in the same way. Most newer veterinarians prefer to work on dogs and cats exclusively, he said. Severson agreed, noting it is also difficult to find a veterinarian who has experience treating goats, as the Seversons have two goats at their farm along with the horses and a cat. For Happy's ligament issue, of which she's had recurring surgeries and needs sporadic treatment, Severson worked with an equine sports medicine specialist based in the Twin Cities but would travel into western Minnesota. However, that veterinarian recently retired, leaving Severson on the hunt to find another specialist within a few hundred miles of the Red River Valley. "Nothing takes the place of a seasoned veterinarian," Severson said. "Thankfully, Casselton [Veterinary Service] is fabulous when it comes to when my horse is injured. But when it comes to long-term stuff that she's dealing with, it's difficult." Access to education and access to vets Dr. Alexa Weyer at Casselton Veterinary grew up in Snohomish, Wash., a farm town north of Seattle, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Dakota before finishing her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in Alabama. Following graduation, she began working at Casselton Veterinary in early 2021. "There is definitely a shortage of people interested in large animal practice, and we would love to see more interest," Weyer said. To be a veterinarian requires a doctorate degree from a veterinary school or program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, which is an extensive 360-question exam on all species (dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats, pigs, birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish and more) and all aspects of veterinary medicine. Veterinarians can choose to either go straight into general practice after graduation or they can seek further education to become a specialist. To be a veterinarian technician requires a two- or four-year veterinary technology degree, depending on the program. Derine Winning, a veterinarian at Valley Veterinary Hospital in Fargo and public policy adviser for the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, said the vast majority — about 70% — of new graduate veterinarians became companion animal practitioners in 2023. Almost 10% became mixed animal practitioners and only 6% became equine practitioners. The data comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2024 Economic State of the Profession Report. "There are a lot of different areas in which veterinarians can become board certified through advanced education and training," Winning said. Animal specialists of any kind can be difficult to find locally, although Winning said the Red River Animal and Emergency Hospital and Referral Center in Fargo does have some specialists in oncology, surgery, internal medicine and emergency and critical care. Casselton Veterinary provides many large animal services from emergency on-call care to posting a doctor and technician for nights and weekends. In addition to their vets traveling to farms, the clinic has a large treatment area with two stocks and stalls for hospitalization and breeding care. The clinic also has several portable imaging tools. Weyer said the trend of vets moving away from rural areas can be seen in the growing need for referrals. "Unfortunately, most referral facilities across the country for large and small animals are in areas of high population density. For large animals, there are even fewer facilities and they tend to be at universities with veterinary schools or in areas of high equine concentration," she said. While the Casselton doctors work with a variety of places for specialty referrals, Sturgis Equine in western South Dakota and the University of Minnesota are probably most used by the clinic. Still, the closest drive is about four hours. Weyer said referrals are typically needed for colic surgery, arthroscopic surgery, advanced imaging or advanced hospitalizations. "In general practice like we are, there are always times to refer. For our clients, it would be nice to have a closer option, but a lot of areas in the country are even farther from referral than we are," Weyer said. Beth Carlson, deputy veterinarian with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, said rural areas most in need of large animal veterinarians may not attract college graduates with those abilities. "The ratio of large animal veterinarians has shifted quite a bit," Carlson said. "Certainly there are areas of the state where it is difficult to hire veterinarians for a variety of reasons. In some cases it's challenging to hire veterinarians even in urban areas as well." One challenge is the cost of becoming a veterinarian. The USDA offers a program that provides up to $75,000 in veterinary school loan repayment to graduates who agree to work in underserved rural communities a minimum of three years. While some in Congress have recently proposed increasing that amount, it can still be daunting as new veterinarians, on average, face about $190,000 in school debt over the eight years needed to become a veterinarian. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the mean starting salary for a veterinarian working predominantly in the treatment of food animals is about $85,000, but it was more than $100,000 for those who specialize in pet care. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture does work with residents interested in attending veterinary school. Carlson said her office assists with applications for veterinary loan repayment programs. "There are a few different ways that the state and federal government has approached that issue," Carlson said. While NDSU has a veterinarian technician program, there are currently no veterinary schools in North Dakota. In fact, there are only about 30 veterinary schools nationwide. The closest to North Dakota and some of the most renowned veterinary medicine schools are the University of Minnesota, University of Iowa and Kansas State. "NDSU is a great agricultural school and has a great veterinary technician program," Weyer said. "It might be nice to have a veterinary doctorate program at NDSU, but I am not sure that the population is there yet to support one."

Pat Viencek threw touchdown passes to Adam Bastarache and Cody Underwood on Sunday in the Greenfield Touch Football League championship game, leading Gill CC Woodworking to the title with a 12-0 victory over the Titans. Jaylen Sanders, Alex Bourassa and Kayshawn Brantley played well in the win while Julio Rodriguez, Victory Rodriguez and Reni Baez had strong games for the Titans. Here are the award winners from the season: League MVP: Jalen Sanders, Gill CC Woodworking. Playoff MVP: Cody Underwood, Gill CC Woodworking; Offensive Rookies of the Year: Jarod Hart, Namaste Pink Panthers and Colin Cloutier, Sirum; Defensive Rookie of the Year: Trevor Thomas, Namaste Rockets; Offensive Most Improved: Carlos Saurez, The Blitzing Bears; Defensive Most Improved: Lew Borden, Namaste Rockets; Offensive Lineman of the Year: Victor Rodriguez, The Titans; Defensive Lineman of the Year: Derek Hillie, Gill CC Woodworking; Offensive Player of the Year: Parker Hickey, Sirum; Defensive Player of the Year: Keyshawn Brantley – Gill CC Woodworking; QB of the Year – Pat Viencek – Gill CC Woodworking; DB of the Year: Tyson Dowdy, Namaste Rockets; Tight End of the Year: Reni Baez, The Titans; WR of the Year: Cody Underwood – Gill CC Woodworking; Sportsmanship: Diana Nunez, Namaste Pink Panthers; Comeback Player of Year: JoJo Ratcliffe, The Blitzing Bears Ludlow 4, FCHA 10U 3 — Ben Thompson, Patrick Malloy and Danielle Zraunig scored for FCHA in a loss to Ludlow on Sunday. Joshua Currier dished two assisted while Owen Castine added an assist in the loss. The Greenfield High School cooperative hockey team will be holding its annual Fill-A-Skate fundraising drive on Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The fundraiser will take place at the intersection of Main and Federal Streets in Greenfield. Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess The Greenfield hockey co-op is primarily a self-funded team consisting of student athletes from most of the high schools in Franklin County. The Greenfield Public School system does not charge a player fee and as a policy does not allow a student athlete to pay any sort of fee to participate in any sport. That allows all students to participate in any sport regardless of economic circumstances. The Fill-A-Skate fundraiser is very important to the viability of this program. The team asks that the public come out and support the student athletes. The public’s support is greatly appreciated.Mrunal Thakur Celebrates 1 Year Of ‘Hi Nanna’ With Unseen Pictures, VideosScreen tests aren’t just for movie stars

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. households won't be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying they are "going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened additional tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire . Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy , including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as his pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we're not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are -- things do -- things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better health care for less money.”For years, appearing more interested in accumulating and exercising power than in pursuing the interests of the American people, both national parties have approached politics as a fixed-rules game. At all levels of public office, Democrats and Republicans played the same game, and, upon winning, claimed their victories to be the result of superior strategies. Few considered that their successes were made possible by the failures or overreach of their opponents. But, in politics, the rules can change in ways status quo careerists miss – as they did in Election 2024. Many registered voters are Democrats or Republicans simply because their families are or were. In many cases, party identity is emotional rather than logical, and voters often align with a party based on their personal histories and feelings rather than for practical reasons. As a result, many busy people leading normal lives who don’t focus on politics are unaware that their party’s policies don’t match their political and social priorities. This year, quite a few hard-working, rather conservative registered, including minority Democrats, fell into this category. In November, many of them were repelled by their party’s miscalculations, and liberal excesses, and, for practical reasons, were drawn to and voted for Donald Trump, because he changed the rules. Trump spoke to them, while national Democrats, individually and as a group, had lost sight of the fact that good governance is the primary responsibility of public servants. Furthermore, politics is – or should be – about ideas. And ideas necessarily involve principles. Trump and Republicans focused on the economy, spending, debt, crime and immigration, among other issues on which Democrats fell short. But, another reason Democrats lost is because they refused to factually engage. They were unwilling to try – or unable – to persuade voters and win votes by defending their records, clearly contrasting the differences between the parties’ principles, and communicating and connecting the value to the lives of voters and their families. Kamala Harris’ most consistent campaign messages were redundant, clearly-rehearsed, semi-coherent sound-bites. Her canned stump speeches focused on insulting and slandering Trump. In fact, Harris advanced no real ideas to correct the problems she and President(ish) Joe Biden created. Their administration’s and Harris’ campaign failures have effectively neutered national Democrats, many (most?) of whom remain in denial. Now, crossover voters view Election 2024 results as a clear statement of things that must be done and expect the new administration to take that statement seriously. Accordingly, Republicans have something to prove. They were given an opportunity, in their leader’s words, to Make America Great Again. Fortunately, Election 2024 results will give Donald Trump/his cabinet great latitude to make necessary changes that, in past years, might have been politically difficult, even impossible. Democrats will hate and resist them, but the people have spoken, so obstruction will only set their party back further. Just for starters, in the next two-plus years: Democrats’ pursuit of high taxes and unrestrained spending will at least be arrested, and most likely reversed. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) will fade away, primarily because Americans, generally, believe in merit and dislike discrimination in employment and education. Election 2024 discredited the massive corporate, government and cultural pressure to impose and enforce DEI. Parents will be given greater control of their children’s education. Deeply unpopular, open borders will be closed, and illegal aliens deported. Obstinate sanctuary cities and states will risk losing funding. Voting rights will be denied to all but properly registered, legal American citizens. America will stop suppressing the production of carbon-based energy, and end mandates and subsidies for expensive, unreliable renewables. America’s military will ban “wokeness” and restore its lethality. Americans might tolerate another “trans visibility day” provided it doesn’t fall on Easter again, the celebrants agree to stay out of sight of our children, and let the rest of us alone the rest of the year. “America first” will become a national mantra. America will throw a helluva 250th birthday celebration in 2026! Retrospectively, due to the GOP’s focused message and highly effective voter outreach efforts, and because Democrats had blundered and overreached, Republicans more closely reflected the mood of the American electorate in November. But, that mood can change, and it will if Republicans fail to address the Democrats’ failures and misguided priorities that contributed to the GOP’s sweeping, historic victory. Contact columnist Jerry Shenk at jshenk2010@gmail.com