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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump, making the announcement on his Truth Social account, said, “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office in less than two months. The U.S. has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. Trump has criticized the billions the Biden administration has spent in supporting Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is designed to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump's proposed national security adviser , U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg featured in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.Exeter Chiefs embarrass off-colour Gloucester in the Premiership Rugby Cup

Qatar tribune QNA Doha Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer has said that security, safety, and passenger comfort are the top priorities for the airlines. The airline operates about 300 aircraft, transports about 200,000 people daily, and cares highly about security, safety and customer service, he said. This came during a discussion session titled ‘News Maker’, which was held as part of the activities of the first day of the Doha Forum 2024 under the slogan: ‘The Inevitability of Innovation’. The CEO of Qatar Airways Group said that the airline is keen on enhancing customer experience, technology and technical development as interconnected priorities. As for the customer experience, in order to achieve an advanced customer experience, the carrier must be advanced in the fields of infrastructure, innovation and technology, Al Meer said stressing that they prioritise these fields. Eng. Al Meer pointed out that Qatar Airways focuses on the latest technological innovations to meet the needs of passengers. The carrier launched last October the world’s first Boeing 777 equipped with Starlink wireless internet connection service, he said pointing out the importance of electronic internet connection for customers. He explained that this project is progressing continuously and at a rapid pace, and by the end of this year, this service will be provided on 14 aircraft, and in May this service will be available on board 60 aircraft, and next year or the year after, this service will be available on all Qatar Airways fleet. In the same context, Al Meer stressed that Qatar Airways pays great attention to its employees alongside customers, noting that providing a sustainable work environment for employees and their love for their work motivates them to provide the best services, in addition to including them in intensive training programs. He pointed out that the national carrier’s strategy regarding the promotion and marketing process is based on modern methods to try to attract a certain level of customers who are not accustomed to the traditional method of promotion or marketing, adding that the company targets the young generations through social media by working with content developers and influencers who understand their wants and wishes. The airline want to target the new generation to become frequent customers. CEO of Qatar Airways Group, Engineer Badr Mohammed Al Meer stressed that the airline is working to meet its customers’ expectations that it is the best airline, pointing ‘it is a real challenge’. Al Meer said that Qatar Airways is the best airline in the world, the best airport in the world, and the best duty-free markets in the world. He pointed that it is not easy to maintain such status, stressing that the company has a professional staff and that it will continue moving forward. Copy 08/12/2024 10

Three earthquakes have rocked Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines on Wednesday morning, prompting the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a tsunami warning update. First, a 5.5 magnitude quake rocked the Talaud Islands, Indonesia at around 3am on Wednesday. Shortly after a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the northern Philippines the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said, as authorities warned of damage and aftershock from the tremor. Then a 3.6 magnitude quake was measured near Port Hedland in Western Australia just before 8am AEDT (5a AWST). The Bureau of Meteorology issued a statement on social media on Wednesday morning confirming there is currently there is “No tsunami threat to Australia from (an) earthquake felt in Port Hedland, WA (magnitude 3.6 near Western Australia). The Philippines quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), GFZ said. Philippine seismology agency PHIVOLCS said the quake struck the northern town of Bangui in Ilocos province and warned of aftershocks and damage from the quake. There were no immediate reports of damage from the tremor. Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies on the “Ring of Fire”, a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. Matt ShrivellIf you're someone who values privacy, you may want to pay attention to a recent discovery about one of Apple’s photo features. “Enhanced Visual Search” toggle in the Apple Photos app might be collecting data from your photos without your consent. When you enable Enhanced Visual Search, your device uses machine learning to detect regions of interest in your photos, such as landmarks. If you’re someone who values privacy, you may want to pay attention to a recent discovery about one of Apple’s photo features: “Enhanced Visual Search” toggle in the Apple Photos app might be collecting data from your photos without your consent. Here’s what you need to know about this feature and how it works. The Enhanced Visual Search feature, which is switched on by default, allows your device to share data from your photos with Apple. It’s designed to help you search for landmarks in your photos. For example, if you take a picture of a building, you can swipe up on the image and select “Look Up Landmark” to see if it can identify the structure. Also read: Can parents trust Apple’s App Store? New study raises red flags While this might sound like a helpful feature, it requires your photos to be analysed by Apple’s systems. When you enable Enhanced Visual Search, your device uses machine learning to detect regions of interest in your photos, such as landmarks. If a landmark is found, the data is turned into an encrypted vector embedding, which is then sent to Apple to compare with its global database, as reported by The Verge. The key issue is that the feature is turned on by default, meaning users must actively go into the settings to disable it. Also read: Tim Cook says Apple doesn’t plan to charge for AI features, here’s why If you’re worried about your privacy, you can easily find the Enhanced Visual Search toggle in the Photos settings on your iPhone or Mac. Just head to the iOS Settings app, and you’ll be able to turn it off if you don’t want your photos analysed by Apple. While Apple has worked to ensure privacy through encryption, making this feature opt-in would have been a better choice for user control. If you prefer to keep your photo data private, it’s worth checking your settings and disabling this feature. Also read: Apple sued for not implementing CSAM detection in iCloud Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full ProfileVegan-friendly staple Pure Kitchen is set to close one its downtown locations later this month. Co-owner and CEO David Leith said in an interview that its restaurant on the corner of William Street and Rideau Street in the ByWard Market will shut its doors on Dec. 22. Leith says the location, which opened two years ago, suffered from lower than expected sales and profits. He emphasized the decision was not based on crime in the area, noting that despite some issues during their first year in business, there have been improvements. "It's much better than it was," Leith said. "They've made some real improvements in the last six months." Pure Kitchen is well-known for its vegan and vegetarian eats, offering a wide variety of brunch, lunch and dinner options. The first Pure Kitchen location opened in Westboro in 2015. It opened a second location on Elgin Street in 2016 and a third in Kanata in 2018. A location on Preston Street closed in 2020. The closure follows a number of other ByWard Market restaurants and businesses that have closed this year, including Oz Kafe , long-time butcher Saslove's Meat Market and the Courtyard Restaurant . Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Mary Berg's Favourite Kitchen Products To Gift This Holiday Season The Best Gifts to Give Your Dad in 2024 Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories WINTER TRAVEL ADVISORY | Winter travel advisory in effect for Ottawa Pure Kitchen location in ByWard Market set to close What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 6-8 Eastern Ontario's 'walker runner' Bob Hardy takes on Ottawa Santa Shuffle Here are some creative and cost-efficient ways to wrap gifts this holiday season Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says ‘Numbers are not going down’: OPP charge 45 with impaired driving in first two weeks of RIDE campaign OC Transpo to open Trillium Line in three stages starting Jan. 6 CTVNews.ca Top Stories Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Digging themselves out: With Santa Claus parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm. Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023. Why finding the suspected CEO killer is harder than you might think He killed a high-profile CEO on a sidewalk in America’s largest city, where thousands of surveillance cameras monitor millions of people every day. 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Toronto Three people taken to hospital after triple shooting in downtown Toronto Toronto Police are on the scene of shooting that has sent three people to the hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning. Striking Canada Post workers continue annual Santa letter tradition, while also helping Toronto food bank Striking postal workers in Toronto’s west end are giving their time this holiday season to bring smiles to the faces of children in the community, while also helping their local food bank. ‘Hazardous’ driving conditions possible in GTA Saturday amid expected snow: Environment Canada Those getting around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) today may want to use a bit of extra caution on the roads. Montreal Bilingual municipalities take action as Quebec’s native English speaking population falls The 2021 Canadian census revealed the number of Quebecers whose mother tongue is English has continued to decline, and several municipalities where native English speakers were once the majority have now fallen below the 50 per cent threshold. Superior Court authorizes class action against junior hockey league over abuse of minors The Quebec Superior Court authorized the institution of a class action aimed at compensating all minors who suffered abuse while playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Man arrested for DUI after car crashed into Mile-End restaurant A man was arrested for drunk driving after allegedly losing control of his vehicle and hitting three parked cars before skidding off and crashing into a restaurant in Montreal's Mile-End neighbourhood early Saturday morning. 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Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals. Saskatoon Saskatoon under winter storm warning with freezing rain, heavy snow forecasted A winter storm warning has been issued for the city of Saskatoon and parts of west central Saskatchewan by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals. Sask. woman killed after vehicle crashes into bottom of embankment: RCMP A 50-year-old woman from Hudson Bay, Sask. was killed after the vehicle she was in left the roadway on Highway 9 on Friday. Vancouver B.C. 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NDP MLA for Chilliwack and newly appointed provincial director, Dan Coulter, is in hospital after suffering a “serious medical emergency,” according to the party. B.C. ombudsman to investigate delay in sending social assistance cheques amid post strike Thousands of social assistance cheques have not been distributed in British Columbia because of the Canada Post strike, prompting an investigation by provincial ombudsperson Jay Chalke. Long time coming: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arrives at final stop in Vancouver Pop superstar Taylor Swift greeted some 55,000 eager fans in downtown Vancouver Friday with what’s become a familiar opening line. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay Connected

Remembering Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Peace and PartnershipPARIS — 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!

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Qatar Museums (QM), in collaboration with the International Committee for Museology (Icofom) and the Arab Organisation of Museums (Icom Arab), concluded the Future of Museums and Museology Practices in a Changing World conference on Tuesday at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). The three-day event brought together global experts, scholars, and practitioners to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to museology in response to the rapidly evolving global landscape. The conference was inaugurated by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid al-Khater and QM CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi. There were multiple panel sessions, workshops, and cultural activities that addressed topics such as sustainability, inclusivity, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and the integration of new technologies in museums. The conference featured speakers such as Abdulla Yousuf al-Mulla, director of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum; Alberto Garlandini, a renowned museologist and former president of Icom; Alissandra Cummins, director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society; Dr Fatema Hassan al-Sulaiti, director of International Co-operation and Government Affairs, QM; and Prof Karen Brown, Icofom chair, among others. Key panels included The Future of Museology in a Changing World, where global leaders discussed the evolving role of museums in light of rapid changes. Speakers shared insights on sustainability, covering growth, limits, and tipping points across regions. The discussion also highlighted museums effectively addressing climate change and other global challenges, offering practical solutions for the sector's future. Other sessions examined the future of museums through good practice, highlighting successful initiatives across regions, and the future of museums through resilience and accessibility, addressing global challenges and aligning with the United Nations Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. Related Story QU Health sector convenes int’l advisory board meeting Qatar Foundation secures 11 awards at MEPRA 2024The best after-Christmas Amazon deals: Score Apple AirTags for a near record low and moreKINGSTON, Jamaica— The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Jamaica Travel Channel (JTC) have agreed on a collaboration to stream destination video content across several digital platforms through a redesigned Jamaica Travel Channel. Already boasting more than 250,000 monthly online viewers, the revamped channel showcases some of Jamaica’s best accommodations, breathtaking experiences, and stunning vistas. The channel will offer options on where to stay and what to do while visiting Jamaica and will be featured on the homepage of JTB’s popular VisitJamaica.com website with links to the JamaicaTravelChannel.com platform along with a presence on YouTube and other social media platforms. JTC said the move aligns with the growing trend toward online media consumption while influencing travellers on where and how best to explore and experience the island. “This relationship is in alignment with our mandate to increase awareness and bring heads to bed for the destination. We welcome this addition to promote Jamaica to wider audiences that will increase our appeal as the ideal destination to visit,” said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. Originally launched in 2015 as Jamaica’s first and only visitor in-room TV channel, the JTC already enjoys a robust presence in almost all hotel rooms islandwide, where it is viewed by tens of thousands of visitors to the island daily. JTC added that it is leading the Caribbean as an independent tourism video platform boasting expanded online streaming capability, an already successful print magazine and a vibrant social media following of more than 40,000. Kimani Robinson, founder and director of JTC emphasised the impact of this new venture. “We currently receive hundreds of emails monthly from tourists thanking us for our platform which acts as a guide for them while on island. Streaming the Jamaica Travel Channel online significantly boosts our visibility before travelers even arrive in Jamaica. With our unmatched showcase of hotels, excursions, and cultural experiences, the JTC is now Jamaica’s premiere social video influence,” said Robinson. The JTC video content features a mix of lifestyle, music, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that creates an immersive and visually stunning representation of the island’s unique offerings. In addition to providing valuable content for prospective travellers, the online channel may also serve as a resource for travel agents worldwide, helping them recommend Jamaica’s best experiences to their clients, JTC said Popular brands such as Dunn’s River Falls, RIU Hotel, Couples Hotel, Jakes Hotel, Island Routes, Mystic Mountain, The Artisan Village in Falmouth, are among some of the destinations featured in the channel’s online stream. “This initiative will expand our audience reach. The Jamaica Travel Channel has become a dedicated global platform, and this effort will effectively support JTB’s strategy to leverage media and technology in promoting Jamaica to a worldwide audience,” said Donovan White, director of tourism.

Donald Trump's lawyers have submitted a motion to dismiss his New York fraud verdict issued by a jury in May, citing President Joe Biden's full pardon of his son Hunter Biden. Norm Eisen and other legal analysts posted a screen capture of the filing, which uses several claims that experts said were unsupported by the facts. " Trump starts off by referencing [President Joe] Biden's pardon of his son yesterday," Eisen posted on Bluesky. "Whatever you may think of that (I support it)...it has absolutely nothing to do with the conviction on 34 counts here. I was in court every day of the trial, and the evidence was overwhelming." "Trump analogizes the Biden criticism of the federal prosecution, but that has nothing to do with this state prosecution. Alvin Bragg does not work for the U.S. Department of Justice," Eisen added. ALSO READ: Will Trump back the FBI’s battle against domestic extremists? He won’t say. "It's also false that 'this case would never have been brought were it not for President Trump's political views,'" he continued. "As I've written, falsification of business records cases have been brought [more than] 10,000 times since 2015." Trump in May was convicted by a New York jury on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Judge Juan Merchan delayed the sentencing indefinitely following Trump's election win and ongoing debate over presidential immunity.