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PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral on Nov. 29 in Paris. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen Nov. 29 in Paris. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed ... As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. People gather near France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, hours before formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, on Saturday in Paris. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” Notre Dame's thunderous great organ was heard in public for the first time since 2019 at the cathedral's reopening ceremony Saturday night. The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail followed Trump. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) The tabernacle of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP) Windows in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron, center, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron, third right, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) People gather as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated Notre Dame Cathedral Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he visits the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) The nave, the western Rose window and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) A man takes a picture of Notre Dame Cathedral as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated cathedral, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Part of the nave and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The facade of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris, is seen Friday Nov. 29, 2024, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Part of the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) People stand inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Cincinnati Bengals , led by quarterback Joe Burrow , meet the Dallas Cowboys , led by quarterback Cooper Rush in Week 14 of the NFL season on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 (12/9/24) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV, which is offering half off your first month. — DirecTV Stream is offering $30 off on Entertainment with Sports Pack featuring NFL RedZone, BIG Ten Network and more. — fuboTV plans start at $79.99 per month. — Sling TV is offering plans for as low as $20 for your first month An alternate broadcast set in “The Simpsons” animated universe can be watched with a subscription to Disney+ or ESPN+ . Here’s what you need to know: What : NFL Monday Night Football Who : Bengals vs. Cowboys When : Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 (12/9/24) Where : AT&T Stadium Time : 8:15 p.m. ET TV : ABC/ESPN Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTVStream (free trial) *** Here’s a preview capsule via the Associated Press: Cincinnati (4-8) at Dallas (5-7) Monday, 8:15 p.m. EST, ESPN BetMGM NFL Odds: Bengals by 5 1/2. Against the spread: Bengals 6-6; Cowboys 4-8. Series record: Cowboys lead 10-4. Last meeting: Cowboys beat Bengals 20-17 on Sept. 18, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Last week: Bengals lost to Steelers 44-38; Cowboys beat Giants 27-20. Bengals offense: overall (9), rush (27), pass (1), scoring (T5). Bengals defense: overall (27), rush (22), pass (27), scoring (31). Cowboys offense: overall (20), rush (31), pass (7), scoring (21). Cowboys defense: overall (26), rush (31), pass (13), scoring (T29). Turnover differential: Bengals minus-1; Cowboys minus-7. Bengals player to watch Joe Burrow is one of five QBs in NFL history with at least 30 touchdown passes and no more than five interceptions through 12 games. Aaron Rodgers has done it three times, with one each for Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees and Tom Brady. The worst record among the six previous instances was 9-3, while Burrow sits at a hard-to-imagine 4-8. Two of those teams started 12-0: Green Bay with Rodgers in 2011 and Tom Brady with New England in 2007. Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards (3,337), completions (302) and touchdowns (30) entering Week 14. Cowboys player to watch LB DeMarvion Overshown had a coming-out moment with his spectacular 23-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Giants. The second-year player, who missed his rookie season with a knee injury, tipped a pass from Drew Lock, ran down the deflection and scored untouched to put Dallas ahead for good. There’s talk of him forming quite a tandem with two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons. It’s a little early for that, but the “Monday Night Football” audience will be looking for an encore. Key matchup WR Ja’Marr Chase vs. the Dallas secondary. The question is whether 2021 All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs will be among the defenders going up against his former Southeastern Conference rival (Chase played for LSU; Diggs for Alabama). Diggs has missed two games with groin and knee issues. There was some trash talk involved in Dallas' 20-17 win two years ago when the Bengals were defending AFC champs. Chase finished with 54 yards as Cincinnati was held to 254 yards and one touchdown. If Diggs can’t go, 2023 All-Pro DaRon Bland figures to see plenty of Chase. Bland is set for his third game after missing the first 10 following surgery for a stress fracture in his foot. Chase leads the league in receiving yards (1,142) and touchdowns (13) entering Week 14. Key injuries Bengals K Evan McPherson (groin) and LB Logan Wilson (knee) were placed on injured reserve this week. Cade York, the LSU kicker when Burrow and Chase led the Tigers to the 2019 national championship, was signed to replace McPherson. ... LT Orlando Brown Jr. is out again with a fibula injury after ending a three-game absence with a return against the Steelers. ... Cowboys RG Zack Martin has opted for ankle surgery that will end an injury-filled season for the seven-time All-Pro. Martin missed the past two games. ... It appears Dallas will have to wait at least one more week before DE DeMarcus Lawrence returns from a foot injury. His practice window hasn’t opened, and he stayed in the rehab group to start the week. Lawrence hasn’t played since Week 4. ... Rookie LT Tyler Guyton has been dealing with a shoulder injury and added an ankle sprain last week. He is likely to sit this week in favor of veteran Chuma Edoga, who made his season debut against the Giants after injuring a toe in training camp. Series notes The Cowboys have beaten the Bengals five times in a row and are 7-1 at home against them. The loss was at old Texas Stadium in 1988. The most recent victory for Cincinnati was 26-3 in 2004. Stats and stuff The Bengals are on their second three-game losing streak of the season and still looking for their first victory over a team with a winning record. The Cowboys have won two in a row coming off a five-game losing streak and just ended a six-game skid at home. ... Seven of Cincinnati’s losses have been one-score games, including the past three. ... The Bengals have the second-best touchdown rate inside the 20-yard line at 71.1%. The Cowboys have the second worst at 43.8%. ... It’s the second Monday night game of the season for both teams. Cincinnati lost to Washington in Week 3. Dallas lost to Houston in Week 11. ... Burrow is one of six QBs with at least three consecutive games of 300-plus yards passing and at least three TDs. Steve Young set the record with five for San Francisco in 1998. Burrow has lost all three games on his streak, while the other five QBs were a combined 15-6 during their streaks. ... WR Tee Higgins is one of three NFL receivers with at least five touchdowns in each of the past five seasons. Mike Evans and Justin Jefferson are the others. ... LT Orlando Brown Jr. returned against Pittsburgh following the first stint of his seven-year career on the inactive list with a leg injury sustained Oct. 27. ... The Bengals benched starting LG Cordell Volson against the Steelers in favor of Cody Ford. Coach Zac Taylor said Ford played well enough to keep the starting job. ... Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson entered the week still leading the NFL with 11 1/2 sacks but has just half a sack during the current three-game losing streak that followed his career-high four sacks against Las Vegas. But Hendrickson does have 4 1/2 sacks in his past four road games and 9 1/2 in eight Monday night games. ... Cowboys QB Cooper Rush’s second career start, and first as a five-game fill-in for the injured Dak Prescott in 2022, was a Dallas victory over the Bengals. Rush passed for 235 yards and a touchdown in the first of four consecutive games without an interception, all victories. Rush is 2-2 this season as the replacement for Prescott, who is out for the season following surgery on a torn hamstring. ... RB Rico Dowdle is coming off his first career 100-yard game, with 112 yards rushing and a touchdown against the Giants. ... CeeDee Lamb needs 120 yards receiving to become the first Dallas wideout to reach 1,000 yards in four of his first five seasons. ... Dallas has 16 sacks in the four games since two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons returned from a high ankle sprain. The Cowboys are tied with Denver for the most sacks in that span. Parsons has 5 1/2 of them. Fantasy tip RECOMMENDED • nj .com How to watch the Dallas Cowboys game tonight (12/9/24) | FREE LIVE STREAM, time, TV channel for NFL Monday Ni Dec. 9, 2024, 2:00 p.m. How to watch the Cincinnati Bengals game tonight (12/9/24) | FREE LIVE STREAM, time, TV channel for NFL Monda Dec. 9, 2024, 2:00 p.m. Bengals RB Chase Brown has at least 90 scrimmage yards in the past four games, including a team-best 100 last week against the Steelers. Dallas has the second-worst run defense in the NFL. (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
One of the top wide receivers in the NFL is shutting it down for the rest of the season. The have announced that star wide receiver will be out for the . The team put out the following statement Thursday about the decision: "Additional examinations and scans this week on CeeDee Lamb’s shoulder have determined that his injury has now progressed to a point that he will be listed as 'Out' for the remaining two games of the season. He will undergo a process of treatment and rehabilitation for his shoulder, is not currently expected to require surgery and is projected to make a full recovery." Lamb had been dealing with an AC joint injury in his shoulder since . He did not practice Wednesday before the against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lamb had played well through the injury, especially in the last two weeks. The ' leading receiver had 314 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. The Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs before their Week 16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on " ." They close out the regular season on the road against the Eagles in Week 17 and at home in Week 18. Lamb's been one of the most prolific wide receivers in the NFL this year. Here's his stats and how they rank league-wide entering Week 17: 152 (2nd) 101 (tied for 2nd) 1,194 (3rd) : 6 (tied for 21st) Tight end is next behind Lamb in receptions with 54 and wide receiver is second to Lamb in receiving yards with 482 and tied with six receiving touchdowns. With Lamb out, here's how the rest of the depth chart looks for Dallas: Jalen Tolbert The team also has wide receivers , , and signed to the practice squad.Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — A high-level meeting of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom on Monday explored their plans to further strengthen economic ties and expand investment opportunities between the two countries. The Saudi – UK Business Roundtable 2024 was held in the presence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi and high ranking British officials, in addition to business leaders and senior executives from both countries. The meeting discussed bilateral opportunities in several areas, most notably: financial services, clean energy, healthcare, innovation, education, and major projects; which in turn are in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and enable promising investment sectors. The meeting also highlighted the main sectors targeted for enhancing investments, including sustainable financing such as cross-border financing, and improving access to capital markets. Saudi bond issuers have raised more than SR268.7 billion in London since 2022, half of which is for green, social and sustainable financing. The two sides explored opportunities in the energy sector to advance efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, with key projects in this area including Al Fanar Green Fuels in the UK, which will become the largest sustainable aviation fuel project of its kind in Europe. On the healthcare front, the two sides discussed prospects for further joint studies and investments, as well as the potential role of British companies in Saudi Arabia’s drive to establish 4,000 new primary health clinics. Academic exchange was also a key area ripe for investment, with seven British schools currently in Riyadh, which will increase to 10. There are also 14,000 Saudi students who are pursuing higher studies in Britain. Saudi Arabia and Britain are strengthening their cooperation in technology and innovation through several initiatives, such as the Saudi-British Technology Centre, which was established in 2022. Saudi mega-projects also provide global investors with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge innovations, including the NEOM project, which opened its first international office in Britain last year. Trade between the two countries reached a record high of SR78.9 billion in 2023, and the planned comprehensive free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council is expected to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries. It is noteworthy that the total Saudi investments in Britain amounted to SR40 billion until 2022, while British foreign direct investments in the Kingdom amounted to SR18 billion until 2023. More than 60 British companies have launched regional headquarters in the Kingdom, and approximately 30,000 British employees are part of the Saudi workforce. < Previous Page Next Page >
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With the end of firearms deer season, and the seemingly perfect timing of winter’s onset including a number of nights with lows less than zero degrees and days staying well below freezing, sportsmen are making the mental shift toward ice fishing at a rapid rate. In the hurried efforts to get flipover shacks and pop-up tents ready, batteries charged, and augers tuned to cut those first holes of the hardwater season, anglers would be wise to take stock of where their local lakes sit before heading out and keep in mind some helpful tips and reminders about ice thickness, formation and safety as first ice settles in. There are quite a few established guidelines for what various thicknesses of good clear ice can support. In general, if the ice is less than four inches, anglers should stay off, even if it formed well in a cold and calm stretch of weather without precipitation. After that point, anglers can begin exploring the newly frozen surface of a lake in single file and spread out. At thicknesses of six inches, good clear ice can typically support a snowmobile or a light ATV. At 12 inches, a small car or truck can generally drive on good clear ice. Most agencies recommend at least 16 inches of ice before driving a full-size pickup on the ice. Again, these are guidelines for solid, clear ice which formed under ideal conditions, which rarely happens lake-wide or from water to water. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.
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Cambodia’s economy grew 5.6 per cent in 2023 and is projected to rise to 5.8 per cent in 2024, driven by garment, footwear, and tourism exports. In June, the World Bank admired Cambodia’s economic activity, which peaked in the first quarter of 2024, driven by a revival of services and goods exports despite subdued domestic demand. The country’s economic growth has been 5.6 per cent in 2023, which is expected to improve marginally to 5.8 per cent in 2024, strengthen to 6.1 per cent in 2025 and reach 6.4 per cent in 2026. The projections are based on a revival in garment, travel goods, footwear exports, and tourism expected to propel the ongoing recovery. While the international tourist arrivals improved in the first quarter to 84 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, the exports of garments, travel goods, and footwear rebounded with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region emerging as Cambodia’s second largest export market after the US. Rising foreign investment in manufacturing and agriculture also contributed to the recovery. Inflation also declined to zero in March with deceleration in food prices. Later in October, IMF (International Monetary Fund) projected economic growth in 2024 at 5.5 per cent. However, the growth drivers – strong rebound in garment and tourism as also observed by the World Bank, remained common in both projections. The inflation projection is around 1.5 per cent prior to an expected convergence to the long-term trend of 3 per cent. In the first half, the inflation moderated to an average of 1.6 per cent, y-o-y. IMF recommended structural reforms to diversify growth drivers and improve productivity. January-September trade The international sales (exports) of various articles of apparel and clothing accessories – both knitted and non-knitted, footwear gaiters, leather and fur goods, as well as some processed textiles, reached $966.98 million in the month of January, accounting for 49.16 per cent of Cambodia’s total export value of $1,967 million. This was 21.64 per cent up from January 2023 and attributed to the global recovery towards the end of 2023, a decrease in the stock levels of textile products at overseas companies, and revitalisation of global tourism, which boosted the demand for GFT products in key markets of the US, EU, Japan, Canada and the UK. By February end, Cambodia cumulatively exported more than $1.6 billion worth of textile products to international markets, surging by nearly a quarter compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in exports was also due to an increase in shipments to member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Between January and May 2024, Cambodia exported $4.969 billion worth of garments, footwear and travel goods (GFT), growing by 20% y-o-y. In this, combined exports of apparel and textiles accounted for $3.628 billion, rising 22 per cent y-o-y. The positive trend marked a turnaround after 18 months of continuous decline. The GFT sector comprises around 1,680 factories and branches, employing nearly 918,000 workers, mostly female. Export of footwear was worth $615 million—up by 10 per cent YoY, while the figure for travel goods was $726 million—up by 18.8 per cent y-o-y. During the five-month period, the country’s total trade volume increased 12.5 per cent over $19.2 billion during the same period last year. Combining all three quarters from January to September, Cambodia exported textile products, encompassing knitted articles of apparel and clothing accessories (HS Code 61), non-knitted articles (Code 62), other textiles (Code 63), and footwear and gaiters (Code 64), worth $8.758 billion which reflected a 24.51 per cent increase over $7.034 billion (2023). This represented 44.16 per cent of the country’s total export revenue of $19.833 billion. Code 61 products generated revenue of $5.034 billion (up 21.5 per cent), Code 62 amounted to $2.353 billion (up 31.9 per cent), Code 63 accounted for $155.69 million (up 37.7 per cent), and Code 64 brought in $1.214 billion (up 22.4 per cent). The growth in exports over 2023 was largely attributed to Cambodia’s political stability within ASEAN, especially in comparison to Bangladesh and Myanmar. The country’s favourable investment laws, the efficiency of its workers and the availability of skilled labour, the quality and quantity of production, improved transportation infrastructure, and a growing number of international buyers were other major growth drivers. The country also attracted many foreign financiers who are currently investing in textile manufacturing. In terms of country (not region), Canada remained the fourth largest market, after the top three of the US, Japan and Spain, for Cambodian apparel exports during the first six months of 2024. Cambodia’s total apparel exports totalled $5.548 billion, and Canada accounted for 8.29 per cent of the total. During the period, Canada was supplied with apparel worth $452.916 million, with trousers and shorts having the largest share of 36.06 per cent and valued at $163.392 million. Among other apparel categories, jerseys, valued at $74.217 million, had a 16.39 per cent share in total apparel exports; T-shirts amounted to $38.560 million, contributing 8.51 per cent; shirts were worth $31.012 million, had a 6.85 per cent share; and coats, valued at $20.969 million, contributed 4.63 per cent share. EU-switch garment project The four-year tenure of the EU-Switch Garment Project, which promoted sustainable energy practices in the Cambodian garment sector, ended in May. The European Union SWITCH-Asia Grants Programme funded the project. It jointly implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), TAFTAC (Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association), and Geres in partnership with the MoE (Ministry of Environment) and MISTI (Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation). The event was attended by over 100 participants and featured the project’s detailed achievements, and networking opportunities to discuss the future of sustainable garment production in Cambodia. The EU-Switch Garment project aimed to improve the environmental sustainability of the country’s garment industries by offering technical assistance in the form of energy audits, capacity building, technical guidelines, and improved financing access. During the tenure, the Model Green Factory Program—a voluntary tool to become a greener factory—was developed, acknowledged by MoE and MISTI, and adopted by TAFTAC for implementation. The project also contributed to bringing sector stakeholders together to enhance better access to finance. The National Steering Committee held its first meeting on June 20, 2024 in Phnom Penh, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of State, MoE. At the meeting, the Committee members listed work streams for 2024-2025 and decided to focus on two priority work streams that are expected to have a significant impact on Cambodia’s green economic transaction efforts: Enhancing the Government’s technical capacity in economic foresight and fiscal policy: This work stream would support policymakers in using data to make informed decisions and in systematically assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of fiscal and economic decisions. Additionally, integrated planning, modelling, and sustainable budgeting would help the Cambodian Government optimise resources, attract new financing, and align with development priorities. Promoting a circular economy with a focus on reducing single-use plastics and implementing the 4R principles within the garment industry: This work stream would aim to decarbonise the garment sector by reducing carbon emissions through technological innovation, aligning with the UNFCCC Fashion Charter principles. It focuses on reducing fabric waste, promoting circular fashion, and supporting the government’s target to reduce plastic use and promote the 4R principles as part of the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028. On the occasion, PAGE (Partnership for Action on Green Economy) also presented a summary brief, developed based on the last year’s policy scoping study conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Development Resource Institute, outlining five priorities that serve as a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to identify the obstacles and opportunities for fostering a green economic transition in Cambodia. Workshop on green initiatives A workshop ‘Reporting on Human Rights Due Diligence (HREDD) and Sustainability Requirements for International Buyers’ was organised on September 19, 2024, by GOPA Consulting Group’s team leading the GIZ-funded project “Services to strengthen capacities for sustainable management in the textile sector” in association with TAFTAC. The workshop marked the end of the project. Held in the headquarters of TAFTAC, the workshop lauded the efforts of 45 TAFTAC member factories for the successful completion of the Model Green Factory Program. The training at the workshop had three main objectives – environmental data management, energy efficiency, and job and data management, which are integral to international sustainability standards. Minimum wages revised The National Council on Minimum Wage (NCMW) – a tripartite body comprising equal representation of labour unions, employer’s associations, and the government, increased the minimum wage for the textile, garment, footwear and travel product industries for 2025, through Prakas 211 which will come into force with effect from January 1, 2025. The new minimum wages will be $208 pm (per month) and $206 pm for regular and probationary workers, respectively. Earlier wages were $204 pm and $202 pm. Prakas 211 also outlined the minimum wage provisions for piece rate workers, who are compensated based on their level of output. These workers have the potential to earn more than the minimum wage if their production yields a higher pay rate. However, if their production results in earnings lower than the minimum wage, their pay is adjusted to meet the minimum wage threshold of $208 pm for regular workers or $206 pm for probationary workers. In addition to the minimum wage, workers will also receive the attendance bonus of $10 pm; travel and accommodation expenses of $7 pm; meal allowances of $0.50 per day; and overtime and seniority bonus of $2 to $11 pm for those between their second to the eleventh year of work. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SB – WE)FG must scrutinise romance with France – Atiku’s aide
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Government releases factsheet regarding memorial for former PM Manmohan SinghSPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police, saying he should not have been charged a second time after reaching a deal with prosecutors. Court Finds Special Prosecutor Should Not Have Intervened The ruling, which did not address Smollett’s continued claims of innocence, was the latest twist in a yearslong saga. Smollett, who is Black and gay, made headlines around the world after he told police in January 2019 that two men assaulted him in his downtown Chicago neighborhood, spouting slurs, tossing a noose around his neck, and yelling that he was in “MAGA country,” an apparent reference to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” presidential campaign slogan. The report prompted a massive search for suspects by Chicago police before investigators announced that they believed the attack was a hoax. The state’s highest court found that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after Smollett reached a deal with the Cook County state’s attorney in which charges against him were dropped in exchange for him forfeiting his $10,000 bond and performing community service. The deal prompted outrage in part because it did not include any condition that Smollett apologize or admit he staged the attack. “We are aware that this case has generated significant public interest and that many people were dissatisfied with the resolution of the original case and believed it to be unjust,” Justice Elizabeth Rochford wrote in the court’s 5-0 opinion. “Nevertheless, what would be more unjust than the resolution of any one criminal case would be a holding from this court that the state was not bound to honor agreements upon which people have detrimentally relied.” Related Story: Smollett’s Defense and Prosecution Reactions Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago, and prosecutors alleged he staged the attack because he was unhappy with the studio’s response to hate mail he received. Testimony at trial indicated he paid $3,500 to two men whom he knew from “Empire” to carry it out. Smollett testified that “there was no hoax” and that he was the victim of a hate crime. Smollett declined to comment Thursday through a publicist. His attorney, Nenye Uche, said Smollett was happy and relieved but also disappointed to have been “dragged through an unfair process.” “Even though this is over now and Jussie just absolutely wants to move his life forward, people should start asking questions. How did this happen? Why should this even happen? What can we do to make sure this doesn’t happen again?” Uche said at a news conference in Chicago. The special prosecutor, former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb, said he disagreed with the court’s ruling while noting that it “has nothing to do with Mr. Smollett’s innocence.” “The Illinois Supreme Court did not find any error with the overwhelming evidence presented at trial that Mr. Smollett orchestrated a fake hate crime and reported it to the Chicago Police Department as a real hate crime, or the jury’s unanimous verdict that Mr. Smollett was guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct,” Webb said. Related Story: Legal and Political Fallout After Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office dropped the initial 16 counts of disorderly conduct, the backlash was swift, with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel calling it “a whitewash of justice.” Webb was appointed special prosecutor and a grand jury restored charges, leading to Smollett’s 2021 conviction on five counts of disorderly conduct. Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail — six of which he served before he was freed pending appeal — and was ordered to pay about $130,000 in restitution. Chicago officials are pursuing reimbursement for that amount in police overtime through a civil case. Foxx told The Associated Press that she was not surprised that the high court found her handling of the case “proper — if unpopular, proper.” She criticized Webb’s ensuing “legal machinations,” which she said ignored the tenet of prosecutorial discretion and landed the issue in the “same position we were in in March 2019.” “What they were doing in going to the court to re-prosecute someone because you didn’t like the outcome would have set a horrendous precedent, in which anyone could come in and undermine the work of a prosecutor’s office,” said Foxx, who did not seek a third term this year. Related Story: Eileen O’Neill Burke, the incoming Cook County state’s attorney, declined to comment. Smollett, a child actor who appeared in 1992 movie “The Mighty Ducks,” has credited his role as a singer on the hip-hop drama “Empire” for turbocharging his career. This year, he starred in the movie “The Lost Holliday” with Vivica A. Fox. Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and Justice Joy Cunningham took no part in Thursday’s decision.
Controversial streamer Nick Fuentes has reportedly been arrested from Brewin, Illinois on Friday in a case of assault on a woman named Marla Rose, last month. Fuentes has reportedly been charged with battery after allegedly macing an activist who confronted Fuentes for a misogynist comment the 26-year-old made after Donald Trump won the election. According to the New York Daily News, Brewyn Police Department booked Fuentes on November 27, and is expected to make his first appearance in court on December 19. What Did Nick Fuentes Do? According to reports, after Nick Fuentes made a controversial comment about abortion rights activists on the social media platform X, it sparked widespread outrage. Mocking the popular feminist slogan. "My Body, My Choice," Fuentes wrote: "Your Body, my choice. Forever" After this, Fuentes' address was shared on social media amid the backlash. A Chicago coman, named Marla Rose, went to Fuentes' home and confronted the 26-year-old. Fuentes then allegedly maced the woman. He sprayed something on her and seized and stomped her phone. Nick Fuents' Police Report Viral A police report, filed by Detective Phillip Quattrocchi of the Berwyn Police Department, documents the arrest of Nicho Fuentes on November 27, 2024. Fuentes was charged with one count of Class A misdemeanor battery under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/12-3(a)(2)), stemming from a complaint filed by Marla Rose, the activist Fuentes assaulted. At 7:03 p.m., Fuentes was in the lobby of the police department and was escorted to a private area for processing. He underwent a search for weapons, fingerprinting for identification and received a citation. He signed a notice to appear in court on December 19, 2024, at the Maybrook Courthouse. The arrest process concluded around 7:20 p.m.. Detective Quattrocchi contacted Marla Rose at 7:50 p.m. to inform her of the charges and provide court details. The case was marked closed following these actions. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.None