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The word "Merci" was projected on to the front of Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral as it reopened, in thanks for its salvation after a devastating fire that brought the 860-year-old building close to collapse five years ago. or signup to continue reading The first responders who helped preserve the Gothic masterpiece and some of those who subsequently restored it received a standing ovation after the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, struck the doors of Notre-Dame three times with his crozier before symbolically reopening the building. "I stand before you to express the gratitude of the French nation, our gratitude to all those who saved, helped and rebuilt the cathedral," French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday. "Tonight we can together share joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic and long live France." Minutes earlier, the cathedral's bells rang out and Macron welcomed guests including US President-elect Donald Trump. Pope Francis said it was a day of "joy, celebration and praise". In a message read aloud, the pope hoped "the rebirth of this admirable church would constitute a prophetic sign of the renewal of the Church in France". Notre-Dame has been meticulously restored, with a new spire and rib vaulting, its flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles returned to their past glory and white stone and gold decorations shining brightly once again. Getting Trump to attend, and organising a meeting between him and Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Elysee Palace ahead of the Notre-Dame ceremony, was a coup for Macron as he faces a political crisis at home, after parliament ousted his prime minister. Trump shook hands with Britain's Prince William and heads of state and government as he made his way to the front of the cathedral. He sat next to Macron in the front row. Earlier, guests stood and applauded as Zelenskiy walked into the cathedral. Tesla billionaire Elon Musk also attended, as did Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former French presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. Earlier, tourists snapped pictures with the restored building in the background as final preparations for the event went on inside. Some Parisians were particularly thrilled. "What does Notre-Dame mean to me? This. Look, it's here," said careworker Pascal Tordeux, displaying a tattoo on his arm representing the cathedral. "It means everything." On the evening of April 15, 2019, dismayed Parisians rushed to the scene and TV viewers worldwide watched horrified as the fire raged through the cathedral. "The planet was shaken on that day," Macron said ahead of Saturday's event. "The shock of the reopening will – I believe and I want to believe – be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope." Visitors can now book a free ticket online, on the Cathedral's website. But on Saturday, the first day bookings could be made for the coming days, all tickets were gone, a message on the site said. Group visits will be allowed next year and the Catholic Church expects the cathedral to welcome 15 million visitors each year. Thousands of experts - from carpenters and stonemasons to stained glass window artists - worked around the clock for the last five years, using age-old methods to restore, repair or replace everything that was destroyed or damaged. "Notre-Dame is more than a Parisian or French monument. It's also a universal monument," said historian Damien Berne. The cathedral's first stone was laid in 1163, and construction continued for much of the next century, with major restoration and additions made in the 17th and 18th centuries. Money poured in for the renovation from all over the world - more than 840 million euros ($A1.4 billion). DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. 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New Delhi, Nov 24 (IANS): In a bid to strengthen their collective voice and coordinate their actions in the upcoming Parliament session, the floor leaders of INDIA bloc parties are scheduled to meet at the Parliament House office of Congress President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. According to sources, the interaction in the meeting of opposition leaders will be aimed at formulating a unified strategy ahead of the session that begins on Monday. The opposition parties, including Congress, CPI, CPI-M, TMC, AAP, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and others, have consistently sought to challenge the central government’s policies and agenda in Parliament. With several key issues on the agenda, from economic issues to social justice, the INDIA bloc leaders are set to discuss their collective strategy to ensure that there is no sign of disunity throughout the parliamentary proceedings. Mallikarjun Kharge, who is an experienced leader and parliamentarian, has the skill to deal with complexities of politics. So he is expected to take a leadership role in the meeting. As the LoP in the Rajya Sabha, he has effectively spearheaded opposition strategies in the past. The floor leaders of the opposition parties will address key topics such as formulating a coordinated response to the government’s legislative agenda and discussing the approach for raising crucial national and regional issues. The meeting is also expected to highlight the importance of unity within the opposition on various issues related to the government's policies. With the session expected to cover a range of significant topics, the opposition is keen to leverage this opportunity to make their voice heard and hold the government accountable. The Winter Session of Parliament which is commencing from Monday (November 25) is scheduled to last until December 20. The government has listed 16 bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, for consideration. At the same time, the opposition is keen to raise the issues of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.

NoneFormer Nebraska head coach Scott Frost has landed his first college job since his time with the Huskers, and it's a familiar location. Frost is set to take over at UCF, the program he coached from 2016-17 before heading to Nebraska, according to multiple reports. 247Sports and The Orlando Sentinel reported the news Saturday. Previous reports indicated that UCF was down to two candidates, Frost and UNLV head coach Barry Odom, in its quest to replace the fired Gus Malzahn. The Knights chose to reunite with Frost over the 48-year-old Odom, who led UNLV to a 10-win season this fall. Frost rebuilt a UCF football program coming off a winless season into a six-win squad, then a 13-0 team during the 2017 season which stands as the best in UCF's program history. Frost had been out of the college game since his firing at Nebraska in September 2022. He compiled a 16-31 record at his alma mater, completing four losing seasons before being fired three games into the 2022 campaign. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Shoplifting investigation leads to arrest for possession of controlled substance At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Nebraska football signing day preview: Potential flips and a 5-star up for grabs Gage County Sheriff's Office helps catch Fairbury suspect Mother to Mother supporting families Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win Beatrice company seeks to break China's stranglehold on rare-earth minerals Hospice foundation helps with extra support Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City Holiday Lighted Parade happening Saturday Shatel: Emotions are still simmering, but Nebraska delivered the bottom line for 2024 — a bowl game Clarissa Ruh Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault The former Nebraska head coach's first job since was with the Los Angeles Rams this fall, where he briefly worked as an analyst. Having failed to rebuild at Nebraska, the 49-year-old Frost now returns to the school where he thrived as an up-and-coming offensive coach. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Prospect Capital's COO Eliasek purchases $23,000 in stock

NoneWhile not quite a household name just yet, Aldis Hodge is one of the most respected talents of his time, with scene-stealing roles in many great movies and TV shows alike, including in the title role of the new Amazon Prime original TV show , Cross . His road to leading man status has been a long one, having started his career when he was just a child. Let’s review trace the actor’s journey by reviewing some of his greatest hits, below. Cross (2024-Present) Starring: Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa What it’s about: Widowed forensic psychologist Alex Cross uses his ability to get into the mind of a criminal to solve complicated cases. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge TV shows: As the star of the entertaining crime thriller, Cross , which is available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription , Aldis Hodge became the third actor (after Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry) to portray the eponymous, iconic Black detective , who was created by author James Patterson. How to watch Cross Stream Cross on Amazon Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995) Director: John McTiernan Starring: Bruce Willis , Samuel L. Jackson , Jeremy Irons CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News What it’s about: Lt. Det. John McClane and Harlem shopkeeper Zeus Carver are forced to play a game of “Simon Says” to appease a German bomber terrorizing New York. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: An Aldis Hodge appearance you may have missed was his credited acting debut in one of the best ‘90s action movies , Die Hard with a Vengeance , as Zeus’ young nephew, Raymond. How to watch Die Hard with a Vengeance Stream Die Hard with a Vengeance on Hulu Rent or buy Die Hard with a Vengeance on Amazon Buy Die Hard with a Vengeance on Blu-ray on Amazon Leverage (2008-2012) Starring: Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf, Aldis Hodge What it’s about: A team of skilled hackers and thieves offer their services to innocent people who have been wronged by the wealthy and corrupt. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Hodge’s first starring role on a series was as technologies specialist Alec Hardison on the fun TNT crime drama Leverage , which was briefly rebooted as the Freevee original, Leverage: Redemption . How to watch Leverage Stream Leverage on Amazon Prime Buy Leverage on DVD on Amazon Straight Outta Compton (2015) Director: F. Gary Gray Starring: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., Aldis Hodge What it’s about: The story of how gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. came together, were torn apart, and changed the music industry forever. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: The actor stars as MC Ren in Straight Outta Compton , which is considered one of the best music biopics of its time for its stunning performances and wildly engaging dramatization of N.W.A.’s storied legacy. How to watch Straight Outta Compton Stream Straight Outta Compton on Max Rent or buy Straight Outta Compton on Amazon Buy Straight Outta Compton on Blu-ray on Amazon Hidden Figures (2016) Director: Theodore Melfi Starring: Taraji P. Henson , Octavia Spencer , Janelle Monáe What it’s about: Three mathematically gifted Black women are tasked with helping make sure young NASA recruit John Glenn has a safe trip into space in the 1960s. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Also one of Glen Powell’s best movies is Hidden FIgures – another acclaimed biopic featuring Hodge as civil rights activist Levi Jackson, who was married to Mary Jackson. How to watch Hidden Figures Stream Hidden Figures on Peacock Rent or buy Hidden Figures on Amazon Buy Hidden Figures on Blu-ray on Amazon Brian Banks (2018) Director: Tom Shadyac Starring: Aldis Hodge, Greg Kinnear, Sherri Shepherd What it’s about: The true story of a Black aspiring NFL player who struggles to prove his innocence in a crime he did not commit and pursue his dream. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: An acclaimed sports biopic starring Hodge is Brian Banks , in which the actor gives one of his strongest and most inspiring performances in the title role. How to watch Brian Banks Stream Brian Banks on Hulu Rent or buy Brian Banks on Amazon Buy Brian Banks on Blu-ray on Amazon One Night In Miami... (2020) Director: Regina King Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr. What it’s about: Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gather to discuss their roles in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Another film in which he delivers a stunning performance as a real-life football player (in this case Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown) is One Night in Miami... – a fictionalized account of one of the most important nights in civil rights history, based on writer Kemp Powers’ 2013 stage play. How to watch One Night in Miami... Stream One Night in Miami... on Amazon Prime Buy One Night in Miami... on Blu-ray on Amazon Underground (2016-2017) Starring: Aldis Hodge, Jurnee Smollett What it’s about: The harrowing struggles of the pre-Civil War United States, as seen through the eyes of a group of slaves seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Created by Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, Underground is a powerful historical drama in which the star plays a resourceful and freedom-hungry blacksmith named Noah. How to watch Underground Stream Underground on Hulu Stream Underground on Tubi Buy Underground on DVD on Amazon Clemency (2019) Director: Chinonye Chukwu Starring: Alfre Woodard, Aldis Hodge, Danielle Brooks What it’s about: A prison warden forms a bond with a young death row inmate that inspires her to reconsider her feelings about capital punishment. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Hodge starred as a man seeking freedom in another powerful drama called Clemency , which is also one of Danielle Brooks’ best movies . How to watch Clemency Rent or buy Clemency on Amazon Buy Clemency on Blu-ray on Amazon The Invisible Man (2020) Director: Leigh Whannell Starring: Elisabeth Moss , Aldis Hodge What it’s about: After escaping her marriage to an abusive tech millionaire, a woman begins to suspect that her husband has figured out a way to continue taunting her without being seen. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Leigh Whannell crafts one of the most intense, frighteningly plausible, and simply best horror movie remakes of all time with The Invisible Man , in which Hodge plays a cop and friend of Elisabeth Moss’ character who comes to her aid. How to watch The Invisible Man Stream The Invisible Man on Freevee through Amazon Buy The Invisible Man on Blu-ray on Amazon City On A Hill (2019-2022) Starring: Kevin Bacon , Aldis Hodge What it’s about: A Black assistant district attorney forms an unlikely alliance with a corrupt FBI agent while collaborating on a revolutionary case in 1990s Boston. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Once again, Hodge gives a wonderful performance in a historically significant series – in this case Showtime’s critically acclaimed period crime drama, City on a Hill . How to watch City on a Hill Buy City on a Hill on Amazon Buy City on a Hill on Blu-ray on Amazon Black Adam (2022) Director: Jaume Collett-Serra Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge What it’s about: Thousands of years after he was imbued with godly powers, a powerful warrior is awakened from his tomb. Why it is one of the best Aldis Hodge movies: Hodge stars as Carter “Hawkman” Hall, who is enlisted, along with the rest of the Justice Society of America, to help contain the title character of Black Adam – a DC villain who becomes the hero of the story in this Dwayne Johnson movie . How to watch Black Adam Stream Black Adam on Max Rent or buy Black Adam on Amazon Buy Black Adam on Blu-ray on Amazon Aldis Hodge is currently working on a thriller called The Dutchman and an upcoming horror TV show called The Forever House . Until those are released, enjoy his best movies and TV shows so far!

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — EJ Farmer's 22 points helped Youngstown State defeat Oakland 66-50 on Saturday. Farmer shot 7 for 13 (5 for 8 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Penguins (5-5, 2-0 Horizon League). Nico Galette scored 11 points and added nine rebounds and six assists. Juwan Maxey and Jason Nelson both added 11 points. Allen David Mukeba Jr. led the Golden Grizzlies (3-5, 1-1) in scoring, finishing with 17 points. Tuburu Niavalurua added 12 points for Oakland. D.Q. Cole had 11 points. NEXT UP Up next for Youngstown State is a Saturday matchup with Toledo at home, and Oakland plays Michigan State on Tuesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Liverpool shines in Champions League, dumping Real Madrid down the table. Dortmund rises to 4th Liverpool leads as the class of the Champions League this season. A 2-0 win at Anfield dumped title holder Real Madrid into an almost unbelievable 24th place in the 36-team standings. Liverpool's second half ghoals came from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, either side of Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé having a penalty saved. Borussia Dortmund, is up to fourth place after beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0. Monaco missed a chance to go second losing 3-2 at home to Benfica. The best comeback was at PSV Eindhoven. Te home team trailed Shakhtar Donetsk by two goals in the 87th minute of a 3-2 win. Daniel Jones is signing with the Vikings after his release from the Giants, AP source says A person familiar with the decision says former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement hasn’t been finalized. Jones will join Minnesota’s practice squad less than a week after the Giants released the former No. 6 overall draft pick. Sam Darnold has helped the Vikings start 9-2. Jones joins Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien in Minnesota’s quarterback room. Rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy had season-ending knee surgery in August and a second procedure on his knee earlier this month. LIV Golf will hire sports and entertainment leader Scott O'Neil to replace Greg Norman, report says Scott O'Neil is set to become the next CEO of Saudi-funded LIV Golf. The Athletic is reporting the move for the former head of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. O'Neil recently was CEO of Merlin Entertainments. The company that owns resorts like Legoland announced O'Neil was leaving for a new opportunity. O'Neil would replace Greg Norman at LIV Golf. Sports Business Journal reported last month that Norman would move to a different role that has not been announced. Norman has been CEO of the rival golf league since it launched in 2022. The PGA Tour and Saudi backers are still negotiating an investment deal. West Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in overtime in the Battle 4 Atlantis NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Javon Small scored five of his 31 points in overtime and Tucker DeVries added key free throws late in regulation and finished with 16 points as West Virginia beat No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Small’s layup with under 2 minutes left in OT gave West Virginia a 79-75 lead. After a Gonzaga miss, Sencire Harris hit two free throws to make it a six-point lead. With 27.1 seconds left, Harris made a steal and scored on a dunk for an eight-point lead, putting the game out of reach. Braden Huff scored 19 points and Khalif Battle 16 for Gonzaga (5-1). Two companies drop McGregor after civil jury ruled he must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her LONDON (AP) — Two companies have cut ties with Conor McGregor after a civil court jury in Ireland ruled last week that he must pay nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) to a woman who accused the mixed martial arts fighter of raping her. Proximo Spirits, the owner of Irish whiskey brand Proper No. 12, will no longer feature McGregor’s name or image. Video game developer IO Interactive ended its collaboration with McGregor, who had played a character in a game. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. Staley counsels some South Carolina fans to keep calm after No. 4 Gamecocks 1st loss in two seasons COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is not in panic mode, even if some of famous “Fams” are following her team's first loss in two seasons. The Gamecocks had won 85 of their previous 86 games, including a program record 43 in a row before falling to UCLA 77-62 this past Sunday. South Carolina slipped from No. 1 to No. 4 in the rankings while the Bruins took over the top spot. Still, it caught Staley by surprise that some supporters were worried about the November loss. Staley said the defending national champions are still finding their way. Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, with other games, times and odds The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here is a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley prepare for earliest matchup ever between 1,300-yard running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry combined for 395 yards rushing on back-to-back nights at SoFi Stadium as the dynamic playmakers keep proving that investing in running backs can pay off in the right situation. Next, they will play on the same field at the same time when Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles take on Henry and the Baltimore Ravens in the first matchup ever between two 1,300-yard runners in Week 13 or earlier. Before this year, no player had rushed for at least 1,300 yards and 10 TDs in the first 12 weeks of the season since Shaun Alexander in 2005 as teams moved away from bell-cow backs and diminished the importance of the position. Raiders will start O'Connell at quarterback when they visit the Chiefs HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O’Connell will start at quarterback when the Las Vegas Raiders visit their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says O’Connell had progressed well after breaking his right thumb on Oct. 20 in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Gardner Minshew broke his left collarbone on Sunday in a game against the Denver Broncos and is out for the season. The Raiders could have gone with Desmond Ridder to replace Minshew. Luis Suarez signs to stay with Messi and Inter Miami for 2025 season FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Luis Suarez is going to play alongside Lionel Messi for at least one more year. Suarez and Inter Miami have agreed on a one-year contract extension for the coming season, the team announced Wednesday. The financial terms weren’t disclosed. Suarez made $1.5 million this year in his first Inter Miami season, one in which the Uruguayan striker scored 20 goals — tied with Messi for the team lead — in Major League Soccer regular season play and a team-best 25 goals across all competitions.Alexander and Boston University secure 80-74 OT win over Albany

NoneDETROIT (AP) — Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will not be charged with a crime after he was found with a gun in a car driven by his brother, a prosecutor said Monday. The gun on the floor was registered to Williams, but he didn't have a concealed-carry permit. His brother did. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Multan [Pakistan], November 24 (ANI): Pver 1200 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, including members of national and provincial assemblies, were in the Multan division of Pakistan, as the former Prime Minister Imran Khan-founded party was gearing up for its massive nationwide protests. Around 1257 workers have been detained, with over 200 detained while marching towards Islamabad in response to the party's call, as reported by ARY News. Also Read | India's Image Now Transformed Into World's 'Deep Tech Hub' From 'IT Outsourcing Centre' Due to Government's Reforms: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Those detained include leaders such as Zain Qureshi, Amir Doggar, Nadeem Qureshi, Waseem Badozai, Moinuddin Qureshi, and Rana Tufail Noon. The arrests were made near Qadirpur Raan, where PTI members of the assembly and other leaders and workers had gathered to start their march towards Islamabad from outside a local hotel. Also Read | Chinese Man Sues Company He Worked at for 20 Years After He Was Fired for Sleeping at Desk, Awarded INR 40 Lakh in Compensation. According to the ARY news, the arrests were made while PTI leaders were leading a convoy to Islamabad for the protest on Sunday. The arrests were made amid heightened political tensions and preparations for PTI protests across the country. Authorities have sealed the entry and exit points of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and police conducted raids throughout the night to detain party workers. PTI had announced to hold a countrywide protest on Sunday on the call of its founder, Imran Khan. The party has been actively preparing for this protest, despite the government's efforts to prevent it. Police conducted raids throughout the night in a crackdown against party workers. Notably, mobile and internet services are expected to remain suspended in several areas of Pakistan, especially in Islamabad, ARY News reported. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that mobile internet services will be halted starting November 22, with firewalls being implemented to reduce internet speeds and disrupt access to social media apps. The sources also indicated that authorities could shut down internet and mobile services in certain areas based on the evolving situation. Earlier, Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi due to reports of potential unrest ahead of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest. This decision was made during a district intelligence committee meeting chaired by Rawalpindi DC Hassan Waqar Cheem. The notification stated that public gatherings, rallies, and assemblies of more than four people have been prohibited in Rawalpindi due to reports of potential 'unrest,' 'extremism,' and 'terrorism.' The decision came in the wake of Imran Khan's call for nationwide protests on November 24. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)The intersection of faith and governance is not only a global phenomenon but also a deeply personal one for many of us in the vastness of 13 islands we call the Cook Islands. Let alone the 94 thousand living in Aotearoa or 21 thousand in Australia. Especially now as our government must consider our Christian nation status. It is vital we look at the broader context of religious restrictions and governments around the world and move beyond calls of hate or preference. A 2019 Pew Foundation report highlighted this dynamic with profound insights. With over a decade of tracking, the report revealed increasing global government preference toward specific religious groups, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In these areas, Islam is predominantly preferred, often enshrined in their state constitutions, laws, and societal norms. For instance, 19 of the 20 countries in the MENA region officially recognize Islam, with legal systems often deferring to Islamic law. In Egypt, for example family law is dictated by the religion of the spouses, defaulting to Islamic law when there is a disparity. Their governments have no problem declaring and enforcing Islam as their state religion and its flow into their laws and practices. Across Asia, Africa, and even Europe, governments have shown increasing preference toward dominant religious groups. In Thailand, constitutional amendments have elevated Theravada Buddhism, while in Europe, countries like Greece and Iceland maintain close ties between state and Christian denominations. Even in secular states such as Fiji, constitutional provisions ensure equality of religion while recognizing the predominant influence of Christianity on their cultural fabric. Watch a game of Rugby and hear them sing hymns before and after the game, giving thanks to God for their safety and participation. Closer to home, Pacific nations like Samoa and Tonga explicitly declare their Christian identities within their constitutions. Samoa, for instance, amended its constitution in 2017 to affirm itself as a Christian nation, while Tonga’s constitution upholds the sanctity of Sunday and requires its monarch to be Protestant. As we deliberate on the Cook Islands’ identity as a Christian nation, these global and regional precedents offer valuable lessons. They illustrate how nations both Islam, Buddhist or Christian have balanced their religious heritage with their self-determined principles of inclusion and freedom of religion if that is their choice. But each is free to determine that as they see fit. At its heart, this is not just a legal or constitutional question but a deeply spiritual, deeply moral and deeply cultural one. Christianity has been central to the Cook Islands’ identity since prophecies of its arrival by Taunga in Rarotonga and Enuamanu, and the arrival of its message and gospel. It shapes our values, our community spirit, and the very fabric of our society, our traditional leaders and government. It would be remiss of me to suggest that the God of the Bible is not singular in his desire for worship and honour, clearly stating there are no other Gods before him. Or that if Jesus is God, then he is not as Islam states merely a prophet of God. This distinction in each other’s scripture is more than just a difference of opinion, it is a crossroad that sends both faiths in opposing directions and on roads that never cross again. Ultimately, the question of the Cook Islands as a Christian nation and religious diversity is not just about constitutional amendments or legal frameworks. It is about what kind of society we aspire to be, our identity and our laws, our values and the basis of our internal and external moral code within the diversity of the world we now live in. A leader who knew diversity was King Solomon, who in the Hebrew book of proverbs inscribed, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In this simple verse, a rule, or standard, composed of two alternatives, there is no middle ground, and there are two causes and each with its own effect. Therefore, we pray for our leaders the wisdom to discern, courage to choose and conviction to lead our nation.The Texas Supreme Court on Friday overturned a lower court ruling that state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in a whistleblower lawsuit at the heart of impeachment charges brought against him in 2023. The court on Friday said Paxton’s office does not dispute any issue in the lawsuit by four former Paxton employees and agreed to any judgment in the case. “In a major win for the State of Texas, the state Supreme Court has sided with Attorney General Paxton against former OAG employees whose effort to prolong costly, politically-motivated litigation against the agency has wasted public resources for years," a statement from Paxton's office said. An attorney for one of the plaintiffs declined immediate comment, and a second attorney did not immediately return a phone call for comment. The former employees allege they were improperly fired or forced out for bringing to the FBI allegations that Paxton was misusing his office to protect a friend and campaign donor, who in turn, they said, was helping the attorney general to conceal an extramarital affair. The Supreme Court ruling noted that the Texas governor and Legislature have expressed a desire to hear testimony from the witnesses prior to agreeing to appropriate funds to settle the lawsuit. The court said forcing Paxton, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster, Chief of Staff Lesley French Henneke and senior advisor Michelle Smith to testify earlier could improperly be used for legislative purposes in deciding any appropriation. Under the preliminary deal , Paxton agreed to apologize to the former employees for calling them “rogue” employees, settle the case for $3.3 million and ask the state to pay for it, prompting the state House to reject the request and begin its own investigation, leading to the vote to impeach him. Paxton was ultimately acquitted after a Senate trial. The Supreme Court termed its ruling conditional upon the lower trial court complying with the decision, while saying it is “confident the trial court will comply” with the order. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Sarawut Petchapanomporn, a candidate from the ruling Pheu Thai Party who received support from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra , appears likely to win the provincial administrative organisation chairman election in Udon Thani province on Sunday. At 8pm when the vote count was 54% completed, he had received 203,078 votes while the first runner-up, Kanisorn Khurirang from the opposition-core People’s Party (PP), had 165,024 votes. Thaksin, father of Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, campaigned for Mr Sarawut in the northeastern province on Nov 13 and 14. He told supporters on that occasion that Pheu Thai needed a landslide; otherwise, he would be embarrassed. Political observers viewed the provincial election as a test of the political strength and popularity of Pheu Thai and PP ahead of the next general election.

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World leaders watch Notre-Dame reopen with a 'merci'Louisiana Tech 85, S. Illinois 79, OT