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PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MISTRAS Group, Inc. MG —a leading "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions—today announced that the Company's Board of Directors has appointed Natalia Shuman as MISTRAS Group's new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2025. Ms. Shuman brings over two decades of leadership experience to MISTRAS Group, having held executive roles at prominent global organizations in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry. Most recently, as Group Executive Vice President and Group Operating Council Member for Eurofins Scientific, she led over 12,000 employees, driving growth strategies, operational excellence, and strategic value creation. Known for scaling billion-dollar enterprises through organic growth and M&A, Ms. Shuman has a proven track record of fostering strong teams and delivering innovative, value-driven solutions. Building on a Strong Foundation Ms. Shuman succeeds Manuel (Manny) N. Stamatakis as the CEO, who has been serving as both Interim CEO and the Executive Chairman of the Board since October 2023. Mr. Stamatakis will continue in the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, providing strategic oversight and support to the CEO and the Company's leadership team. The Board of Directors extends its gratitude to Mr. Stamatakis for his exemplary service as Interim CEO during a pivotal time for the Company, helping to advance key initiatives and positioning MISTRAS Group for future growth. Mr. Stamatakis expressed the Board's confidence, stating: "Today's announcement is the result of a deliberate, rigorous search to find the right leader to continue MISTRAS Group's pursuit of profitable growth and sustainable improvement in shareholder value. Natalia's extensive experience, proven leadership, and fresh perspective make her the ideal choice to guide MISTRAS toward achieving its strategic goals and unlocking its full potential." "I'm honored to join MISTRAS Group to lead the Company into its next phase of growth," said Ms. Shuman. "Working alongside Manny, the Board of Directors, and the leadership team, I am committed to building on the strong foundation established and driving meaningful value for all our stakeholders." Leadership Excellence in TIC and Across Global Industries A global business leader with extensive experience across diverse industries and cultural landscapes, Ms. Shuman has demonstrated a strong ability to achieve results in business-to-business services, spanning manufacturing, energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial services, and construction. As North American CEO for Bureau Veritas, Ms. Shuman oversaw 7,000 employees across 130 offices and laboratories in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. She spearheaded a period of significant growth and transformation, steering the company to a diversified, more resilient business model. She also championed a unified "one company" culture, elevating brand recognition in North America. Before joining Bureau Veritas, Ms. Shuman led international business operations at Kelly Services, a global staffing and human resources outsourcing company. She is also recognized as a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, receiving accolades from several prominent organizations. Ms. Shuman earned a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School and London Business School. About MISTRAS Group, Inc. - One Source for Asset Protection Solutions ® MISTRAS Group, Inc. MG is a leading "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions, helping to maximize the safety and operational uptime for civilization's most critical industrial and civil assets. Backed by an innovative, data-driven asset protection portfolio, proprietary technologies, strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, and a decades-long legacy of industry leadership, MISTRAS leads clients in the oil and gas, aerospace and defense, renewable and nonrenewable power, civil infrastructure, and manufacturing industries towards achieving operational and environmental excellence. By supporting these organizations that help fuel our vehicles and power our society; inspecting components that are trusted for commercial, defense, and space craft; building real-time monitoring equipment to enable safe travel across bridges; and helping to propel sustainability, MISTRAS helps the world at large. MISTRAS enhances value for its clients by integrating asset protection throughout supply chains and centralizing integrity data through a suite of Industrial IoT-connected digital software and monitoring solutions. The company's core capabilities also include non-destructive testing field and in-line inspections enhanced by advanced robotics, laboratory quality control and assurance testing, sensing technologies and NDT equipment, asset and mechanical integrity engineering services, and light mechanical maintenance and access services. For more information about how MISTRAS helps protect civilization's critical infrastructure and the environment, visit https://www.mistrasgroup.com/ . Contact: Nestor S. Makarigakis Group Vice President, Marketing and Communications MISTRAS Group, Inc. marcom@mistrasgroup.com +1 (609) 716-4000 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a06ebcd-e31e-4295-892e-c6b91f4b67fb © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.CBS News And Stations Promotes Talent Executives To VP RolesThe Conservatives have chosen their candidate for next year's Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election. Former Mansfield MP and Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley was in the running but at Saturday (December 7) afternoon's nomination meeting at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, leader of North Lincolnshire Council Rob Waltham was voted in as Conservative candidate, according to BBC political reporter Sharon Edwards. Prior to the nomination meeting, Mr Waltham had said: "Many residents from across Lincolnshire have been in touch asking me stand to be mayor and it will be for them to decide who the best person for the job is. "I would like to think I bring proven leadership and a strong vision. As the leader of one of England’s highest performing local authorities, I’ve delivered outstanding results, improving lives and protecting communities from inappropriate development. "The creation of a mayor for Lincolnshire is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure better paid jobs, improve travel times, and create a brighter future for our children and young people." Five candidates went into Saturday's contest and had the chance to make their final pitches to party members, who could ask questions before casting their vote. The following five political figures contested the candidature: Marc Jones, the Lincolnshire Police & Crime Commissioner, dropped out of the race this week, saying he wouldn’t be able to balance a five-month campaign with his work commitments. Prior to the contest, Mr Bradley had said: “My name is in the hat. I’d love to be selected by Conservative members as their candidate, but that’s not my decision, so I look forward to that process playing out over the coming weeks.” Mr Bradley lost his Mansfield seat in the July General Election and stepped down from as leader of Nottinghamshire County Council last Thursday, when Sam Smith took over the position. Former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns has been confirmed as the candidate for Reform UK, while Labour will be represented by Jason Stockwood, vice-chairman of Grimsby Town Football Club. The Liberal Democrats have also indicated they will announce a candidate in the New Year. The mayoral election will be held on Thursday, May 1, alongside local elections. The newly-created role will devolve a broad range of powers from central government to Lincolnshire, including transport, housing skills and investment. They will have a budget of £24m, which is guaranteed for the next 30 years. The election will be the final stage in Lincolnshire’s long-running devolution saga. Plans for a £450m deal were originally drawn up in 2016, but were scrapped after Lincolnshire County Councillors objected to the idea of having a directly-elected mayor. A new deal was signed in 2023 after several more authorities had already gone through the process.
Marrakech Film Festival Bestows Palestinian Film 'Happy Holidays' With Top Award
David Beckham posts emotional tribute to Man United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps and shares image of his last visit to 'the heartbeat of the club' after her death at the age of 85 Man United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps passed away at the age of 85 David Beckham was one of several former United stars to pay tribute to Phipps By WILL PICKWORTH Published: 22:36 GMT, 5 December 2024 | Updated: 23:39 GMT, 5 December 2024 e-mail 5 shares 6 View comments David Beckham has paid tribute to Manchester United 's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after she passed away at the age of 85. United announced news of her passing on Thursday and shared a heartfelt 454-word statement to honour Phipps, who worked for 55 years in a variety of roles at the club. In the tribute, United hailed Phipps as an 'omnipresent figure since the late 1960s' and a 'one-woman institution'. Several former United players and staff members also paid tribute to Phipps and Beckham penned his own message to her on Thursday evening. Taking to Instagram alongside a photo of him holding Phipps' hand, Beckham said: 'Forever in our hearts... The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game. 'She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her. David Beckham has paid tribute to Manchester United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps Beckham hailed Phipps, who appeared in his Netflix documentary, as the 'heartbeat of Manchester United' and said 'Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile' United announced news of Phipps' passing at the age of 85 on Thursday and paid tribute to her 'I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: "I'll look after your boy for you don't you worry", and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that's exactly what she did ❤️. 'Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors... We love you.' Phipps, who appeared in Beckham's Netflix documentary about his life, started working at United as the club's first switchboard operator back in 1968 during Sir Matt Busby's reign. In May 2022, after over five decades of service, she was honoured with a Service to Football Award - with Beckham admitting the 'amazing' receptionist 'really deserved' the honour for her services to football and United in general. In a statement earlier on Thursday, United had said: 'We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85. 'An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title. 'Having become a key member of the club's office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford's directors' entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes. 'For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club's culture. Wayne Rooney was among the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on Instagram Harry Maguire (left) and Patrice Evra (right) also paid tribute with heartfelt social media messages United legend Paul Scholes described Phipps as 'the heart and soul' of the football club 'If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors. 'Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: "I can't imagine doing anything else." Well, we can't imagine the place without her. 'Rest in peace, Kath.' Several of Beckham's former team-mates also shared similarly heartfelt messages towards Phipps. This included Wayne Rooney, who said: ' The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.' Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also posted: 'A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.' Meanwhile, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club's emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji. Fellow ex-United skipper Patrice Evra, displayed a photograph of him hugging Phipps and said: 'Losing a family member is never easy.' The long-serving receptionist meeting new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024 Phipps with Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick after winning her Service to Football Award Man United loanee Jadon Sancho - who currently plays for Chelsea - also penned an emotional farewell to Phipps on social media. Sancho wrote: 'I'm grateful that I've had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely kind hearted soul. She always made sure I was OK and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath. 'My condolences go out to her family through this tough time'. Former Red Devil Scott McTominay, now at Italian club Napoli, added: 'You were loved and adored by everybody Kath. You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace'. Mike Phelan - who worked alongside legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson - also paid a touching tribute to Phipps. He said: 'RIP Kath Phipps. The Real Assistant Manager'. United legend Rio Ferdinand added: 'Kath. An absolute mainstay of Manchester United. 'Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile! Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless & would put others first! RIP'. Club legend Paul Scholes was another who shared an emotional tribute to Phipps as he posted: 'The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace... RIP Kath'. Former Man United assistant coach Mike Phelan shared a touching tribute to Phipps online Ex-United defender Ferdinand labelled Phipps 'an absolute mainstay' at the Red Devils In loving memory of Kath Phipps: friend, confidant and treasured colleague. United will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/CHJCIcohz2 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2024 It didn't take long for United to release an emotional tribute to Phipps in the form of a two minute video on social media. The caption to the video read: 'In loving memory of Kath Phipps: friend, confidant and treasured colleague. United will never be the same.' Speaking in 2022 after she collected her Service to Football Award alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick, Phipps had reflected on the 'great honour' and opened up on her role at the club. 'In September 1968, I just applied for the job to Les Olive and got it within a couple of days,' she told United's website. 'Sir Alex was my longest-serving manager. He's always been there for me, every time. He's absolutely brilliant to work for. 'I don't think we've ever had a cross word all these years I've known him. Even on matchdays. We're like brother and sister – he talks to me like that. 'I just get up every morning as a happy person. I come here and I just love seeing them all. I'll miss them one day, when I'm not here, but I don't want to give it up just yet.' David Beckham Instagram Manchester United Share or comment on this article: David Beckham posts emotional tribute to Man United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps and shares image of his last visit to 'the heartbeat of the club' after her death at the age of 85 e-mail 5 shares Add commentShopping on Shein and Temu for holiday gifts? You're not the only one
Jamiya Neal's monster game leads Creighton past UNLVWorld Chess Championship 2024 Game 11 LIVE Streaming: The Game 11 between D Gukesh and Ding Liren will be played on Sunday (8 December 2024) with scores tied at 5-5 after Game 10 also ended in a draw . The last seven games in the World Chess Championship 2024 have ended in a draw and the last time a player won a game was in Game 3 when Gukesh defeated Liren while Ding’s only win came in Game 1. As per the tournament’s rules, the first player to 7.5 points will win the championship but if the scores remain tied till the end of 14 games then tiebreakers with fast time control will be played. Gukesh and Ding both understand the importance of the last four games and the 18-year-old Indian challenger admitted post Game 10 that the value of the remaining encounters has risen as scores remain tied . “Now, the cost of one game is higher than it was maybe ... a few games before,” Gukesh said. “But my approach and my goal is still the same: to play good games in every single game.” Ding added that the room for error has decreased significantly now that the end is in sight. “There’s not so much room to make mistakes, every loss will result in a very bad situation. We need to be careful with every move,” said Liren. Game 10 had Ding playing with white pieces as he opted for a London System opening but both players were guilty of playing safe and not taking enough risks as it ended in a draw after 36 moves. D Gukesh and Ding Liren Game 11 LIVE streaming and match details D Gukesh and Ding Liren Game 11 Date: 8 December 2024 (Sunday) D Gukesh and Ding Liren Game 11 time: 2.30 PM IST (5 PM local time) D Gukesh and Ding Liren Game 11 venue: Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore D Gukesh and Ding Liren Game 11 LIVE streaming: Game 11 of World Chess Championship 2024 will be live-streamed on FIDE’s YouTube and Twitch accounts. The match will have no TV telecast in India.
Paveletzke's 23 lead Ohio past Morehead State 88-76MINEOLA, Nassau County (WABC) -- An initiative by New York State's Department of Education is aimed at expanding and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for students on Long Island, but while some districts and parents are welcoming the idea with open arms, others are not on board. Parents packed into a press conference in Mineola on Thursday, armed with signs comparing the new state plan to "robbery." "It is like the Communist Party. Communist Party of the New York State," said Manhasset parent Jennifer Zhang. The reaction came from parents from school districts on Long Island who say they don't like a new initiative from the state that could regionalize some aspects of their children's public education. They say it shouldn't be about politics, but the tone suggested otherwise. "This is just another attack on the suburbs by state government, which is completely controlled by left-wing progressive politicians, from New York City," said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The goal of the initiative is mainly to maximize resources and limit costs for certain districts, and according to the association that represents more than 100 districts on Long Island, some support it, and others oppose it. "There are some districts that are supportive of it, there are some districts that are concerned about it and kind of waiting to see how things develop, particularly at the next Board of Regents meeting in December," said Robert Vecchio of the Nassau Suffolk School Board Association. However, there are none who want forced collaboration, and some school districts joined the Nassau County executive on Thursday, saying they plan to seek an injunction, and won't stop fighting until the plan is more clearly designated as optional. "We continually ask: can you please put in the record that this is voluntary with no penalty? And no one will do that up in Albany," said Cold Spring Harbor Superintendent Joe Monastero. Jeff Matteson of the New York State Department of Education said it's a local decision. "Anything in a plan sent to the state has to be an idea coming from that district," Matteson said. Many people who have moved to Long Island from the city with kids, say the big reason why is because of the schools. They plan to fight hard to maintain that control. "I am afraid of the eventual pooling of resources in such a way that it will take away and distract from my child's education," said East Williston parent Ellie Konstantatos. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul weighed in on the initiative with a statement to say she didn't create this plan, nor does she have any oversight of it. "The truth is that this plan is coming directly from the Board of Regents whose appointments are all made by the state legislature -- not the Governor. Rather than hosting bogus press conferences or spreading false rumors, these politicians should consider actually doing their job by conducting oversight over the State Education Department," the governor said in the statement. ---------- * More Long Island news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.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 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. 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. “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. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts 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.” 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.
Country singer Caleb Kennedy, who competed in American Idol Season 19, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following his involvement in a 2022 car crash that killed a man in Pacolet, South Carolina. Kennedy pled guilty last week to the felony charge of driving under the influence resulting in death, according to the Greenville News . He was initially sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $25,100 fine, but he had that sentence and fine reduced to eight years and $15,100, with three of those years served in home detention. He also received credit for the nearly three years he has already served. Additionally, the singer will serve five years of probation, and he is required to attend mental health and substance abuse counseling. The legal update comes nearly three years after Kennedy, then 17, struck and killed 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris while driving his Ford F-150 on February 8, 2022. Warrants alleged that Kennedy was under the influence of marijuana at the time, and he was arrested on the DUI charge on the day of the crash. Ryan Beasley, Kennedy’s attorney, told the News that the sentencing was fair. “He’s got no record, and he was a minor when this happened,” Beasley said. “This wasn’t such an egregious act that you see most of the time, where people were drinking and driving then they hit somebody at night or going the wrong way down the road. This was a weird reaction from his prescription medicine and possibly THC.” Beasley also said that Kennedy is “very remorseful” and that the sentencing “starts the healing process for everybody involved in this situation.” (The News notes that Parris’ family wanted the maximum 25-year sentence.) Kennedy made it to the Top 7 of American Idol Season 19 but withdrew from the competition after a video of him standing next to a person wearing a Ku Klux Klan-style hood resurfaced. “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse,” Kennedy said, in part, on social media at the time. “I wanna say I’m sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down.” More Headlines:Businesses in Ottawa's Chinatown neighbourhood are expressing concerns over a planned Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment centre, also known as a HART hub, that is slated to open in the area. Some business owners say they have been dealing with consistent issues relating to homelessness in the area and are not sure the addition of the hub, which will replace the safe consumption site in the Somerset West Community Health Centre, will help solve that. The hub is set to open inside the centre at 55 Eccles St. off Booth Street. The proposed HART hub will offer a mix of health and social services for addiction care, which could include withdrawal support, walk-in healthcare and counselling, other addiction management and housing supports. The site will not offer safe consumption services or a needle exchange. Wahid "Alessandro" Mirzadeh, owner of Ciao Italia on Somerset Street West, says he has seen his share of issues in the area. He says would-be thieves once tried to brazenly take an expensive bottle of vodka from his shelves and says he had to wrestle the bottle away before the group of three left. He says he's seen issues of vandalism and drug use in the area related to the homelessness and wants people and his customers to feel safe. "It's bad sometimes," he said. "I'm not saying it's happening everyday – but it's happening." Further down the street, owner of Lim Bangkok Grocery says he is seeing similar problems. He says he's seen a 30 per cent decline in his customer base in the last decade. "It's been very difficult, plus we haven't counted the loss of shoplifters," he said. The centre is set to close its safe consumption site under a provincial mandate to close sites near schools and childcare centres by March 2025. The health centre says the hub will support those with the largest needs. "Everyone wants to feel safe and secure in their community. We share that same desire," said executive director for the Somerset West Community Health Centre Suzanne Obiorah. She says the new hub will provide more funding for services the hub already offers. The services would include extended hours for the Eccles Street location. The hub will not be a treatment or detox centre but will help connect people with those services. Obiorah says providing support where people need it most is vital. "It's going to deepen our reach and it's going to increase access for all members in our community," she said. The Chinatown BIA says a recent vote showed 86 per cent of its members oppose the hub. Businesses and owners like Mirzadeh say it's not about the services but the location itself. "They are finishing with something," he says of the closing of the safe consumption site. "But they (are) starting with something new that is not really solving any problems for this area." The Somerset West Health Centre was one of 10 sites identified by the province that would be required to close its supervised consumption site because it is within 200 metres of a school or childcare centre. The Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre in Ottawa's west end also applied with the province in October to become a HART hub. Ontario intends to launch 19 new HART hubs across the province plus 375 highly supportive housing units at a cost of $378 million. 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. 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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 Pure Kitchen location in ByWard Market set to close WINTER TRAVEL ADVISORY | Winter travel advisory in effect for Ottawa Chinatown businesses concerned over plan to open HART hub 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 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." 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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. Northern Ontario How to watch this year's CTV Lions Children's Christmas Telethon Dec. 7 marks the first Saturday of December, which means it is time for the annual CTV Lions Children's Christmas Telethon. Here is what you need to know. 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Biden is considering preemptive pardons for officials and allies before Trump takes officeIn the aftermath of the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson , while Thompson’s colleagues grieve and politicians decry his murder, some online discussion has shown little sympathy for Thompson or the industry he represented. Instead, social media has been in engulfed in expressions of anger at many Americans’ dire experiences at the hands of health insurance companies and outrage at the large profits that they generate. That belies the shock also generated by the brutality of Thompson’s death. The killing appeared premeditated and calculated. A gunman dressed in black waited for Thompson outside the midtown Manhattan Hilton where he was scheduled to speak at an investor’s meeting, approached him from behind with a handgun fitted with a silencer, and shot and killed the executive, according to police. He fled on an ebike into Central Park. A manhunt is ongoing. The motive is unknown. Andrew Witty, CEO of the parent company, UnitedHealth Group, called the attack “a terrible tragedy” in a message sent to company employees and shared with the Guardian. “Our hearts are with his family, especially his mom, his wife Paulie, his brother and his two boys, who lost a father today,” Witty said. Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic US Senator from Minnesota, described the killing as “a horrifying and shocking act of violence”. But in contrast, one commenter on CNN’s Instagram post about Thompson’s death wrote: “Can’t find the room to care over my daughter’s $60,000 cancer treatment. Thoughts and prayers.” Another said: “An innocent victim was gunned down in cold blood. Have a heart regardless of your health insurance.” Vacillating between the condemnation of violence and dark humor, celebratory memes and outright violent rhetoric, comments on social media highlight the deep and often unpleasant connection Americans have with their own health system. An expert in political violence told the Guardian he sees this as part of the US’s growing acceptance of violence as a way to settle civil disputes. “Now the norms of violence are spreading into the commercial sector,” said Robert Pape, director of the University of Chicago’s project on security and threats. “That’s what I saw when I saw this.” Although the motive for the killing is unknown, it has not stopped rampant speculation that there was an obvious candidate – Thompson’s work in corporate health insurance. That speculation was only furthered by the discovery of shell casings scrawled with the words “deny”, “depose” and “defend” in permanent marker. “What I think we’re really experiencing as a country is the erosion against norms,” said Pape, with the little sympathy among the “body politic” expressed in social media as one more example. “That means, basically, seeing violence as the more normal tool, or acceptable tool, to resolve what should be straightforward civil disputes resolved in nonviolent ways.” Thompson’s killing also laid bare the threat that healthcare executives face in a season of American violence – from insurers to pharma to hospitals . “It doesn’t seem paranoid to worry that someone who’s had services denied that they may believe are important might be in an emotionally unstable state and could take some action,” Michael Sherman, former chief medical officer at Point32Health, told Stat , a health industry publication. “The most likely targets would be the chief medical officer ... or the CEO.” Comments online did not single out Thompson, a 50-year-old licensed accountant who reportedly kept a low profile . Instead, they were targeted at an industry often seen as a despised fact of life in America. Comments laced “jokes” with the sting of denial, delay, debt and impenetrable bureaucracy, all ubiquitous and reviled experiences for the throngs of Americans who are now or have been insured through a private company. Another comment: “Does he have a history of shootings? Denied coverage.” Ranked by size, UnitedHealth Group is one of the biggest companies in the world. Measured by its market capitalization of $539bn it tops household names such as Mastercard and ExxonMobil. The company is one of the biggest private insurers in the nation, providing health coverage to more than 50 million Americans spanning employer insurance all the way to the elderly through Medicare Advantage. Thompson ran the insurance division of the company as a reportedly longtime employee who kept a low profile. With an enormous footprint, it is also the subject of near constant scrutiny. Thompson himself was part of an investigation into insider trading at the company. Early this year, after the Department of Justice began an inquiry into monopolistic practices, executives at United sold $101m in stocks, including Thompson, who sold $15m, before the public became aware of the investigation, according to Crain’s New York Business . Witty was hauled in for congressional testimony over a cyber-attack in February that caused severe disruptions across the healthcare industry. UnitedHealthcare has been criticized as denying care to vulnerable patients . While security executives for leading Fortune 500 companies gathered on Wednesday, others marveled in public that Thompson was unaccompanied on his way to the annual investor conference. Michael Julian, CEO of MPS Security & Protection, told Axios that he “was shocked the guy didn’t have a protective detail”, implying that a head of an American healthcare giant would be an obvious target for the potentially aggrieved. “Whether this technically will fit the pigeonhole of political violence or not, it obviously will be an important issue,” said Pape, whose recent study showed a dramatic increase in instances of violent threats against both Democrats and Republicans since about 2017, the beginning of the first Trump term. “But it also misses the bigger picture of what’s been happening in our country.”Underdog Fantasy Promo Code BETFPB for Oregon vs. Penn State: $1,000 bonus for Big Ten Championship - Dec. 7
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Chinatown businesses concerned over plan to open HART hubSubscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, please join us as a member . A gallery participating in the Scope Art Show in Miami Beach was asked by fair organizers to remove a portrait of Donald Trump, which depicts the Republican president-elect mid-speech with the word “huge” overlaid in neon letters. The Miami-based gallery L Kotler Fine Art said it had been “forced” to remove the piece by artist Shyglo, titled “HUGE” (2016), and is now auctioning the work online instead, where it is listed with an estimate of $15,000 to $30,000. “May the conversation continue,” the gallery said in an Instagram story. A representative for Scope Art Show denied that the work was targeted on the basis of its content, telling Hyperallergic that the gallery is one of at least 40 exhibitors asked to rehang or remove artworks that “weren’t part of their original accepted proposal.” Art galleries are required to submit an application months in advance with a booth presentation proposal including the artworks they plan to show. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities “SCOPE Art Show is a steadfast champion of freedom of expression and has never asked a gallery to remove a work based on political or personal views in its 23-year history,” the spokesperson said. “L. Kotler Fine Art was asked to remove or rehang multiple works — not only the work in question — because they were not part of their original proposal and not installed according to the specifications given to all galleries.” Lindsay Kotler, the gallery’s owner, told Hyperallergic that Scope had featured works by Shyglo in its last three editions and that she was surprised when the fair’s director approached her booth and asked her to take down the piece on opening day, Tuesday, December 3, in front of visitors. “Most of the art in my booth wasn’t part of my original curation. This was the only one that was singled out and demanded to be removed immediately,” Kotler told Hyperallergic . “The previous piece that was on view was sold. We didn’t want to display something that you can’t acquire, so we switched it out,” Kotler explained. Shyglo’s paintings are typically rendered in a photorealistic style, portraying political leaders and notable figures such as late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, artist Frida Kahlo, and Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour juxtaposed with words like “icon” or “lucky” scrawled in neon cursive lettering. “When I created ‘HUGE’ it was meant to spark conversation, not conflict,” Shyglo told Hyperallergic . “So when we learned the piece was removed from the Scope Art Show, we were shocked. It wasn’t intended to offend; it was meant to engage. To have it silenced felt like a loss of the very purpose of art: inspiring thought, dialogue, and emotion,” the artist said. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn FacebookNederland Middle/Senior parents raising money to restore library services
Trump uses image of Jill Biden to sell his perfumes and colognesDocuSign Stock Soars On Q3 Earnings Beat, Revenue Beat, Strong Guidance
‘Should I just buy a new Mazda instead?’: Woman drives this Lexus home. Then she gets cold feet about paying $50,000Shopping on Temu can feel like playing an arcade game. Instead of using a joystick-controlled claw to grab a toy, visitors to the online marketplace maneuver their computer mouses or cellphone screens to browse colorful gadgets, accessories and trinkets with prices that look too good to refuse. A pop-up spinning wheel offers the chance to win a coupon. Rotating captions warn that a less than $2 camouflage print balaclava and a $1.23 skeleton hand back scratcher are “Almost sold out.” A flame symbol indicates a $9.69 plush cat print hoodie is selling fast. A timed-down selection of discounted items adds to the sense of urgency. Pages from the Shein website, left, and from the Temu site, right. Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit is always just a click away. By all accounts, we’re living in an accelerating age for consumerism, one that Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, its fierce rival , supercharged with social media savvy and an interminable assortment of cheap goods, most shipped directly from merchants in China based on real-time demand. The business models of the two platforms, coupled with avalanches of digital or influencer advertising, have enabled them to give Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season. A Christmas tree ornament purchased on Temu. Software company Salesforce said it expects roughly one in five online purchases in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada to be made through four online marketplaces based or founded in Asia: Shein, Temu, TikTok Shop — the e-commerce arm of video-sharing platform TikTok — and AliExpress. Analysts with Salesforce said they are expected to pull in roughly $160 billion in global sales outside of China. Most of the sales will go to Temu and Shein, a privately held company which is thought to lead the worldwide fast fashion market in revenue. Lisa Xiaoli Neville, a nonprofit manager who lives in Los Angeles, is sold on Shein. The bedroom of her home is stocked with jeans, shoes, press-on nails and other items from the ultra-fast fashion retailer, all of which she amassed after getting on the platform to buy a $2 pair of earrings she saw in a Facebook ad. Neville, 46, estimates she spends at least $75 a month on products from Shein. A $2 eggshell opener, a portable apple peeler and an apple corer, both costing less than $5, are among the quirky, single-use kitchen tools taking up drawer space. She acknowledges she doesn’t need them because she “doesn’t even cook like that.” Plus, she’s allergic to apples. “I won’t eat apples. It will kill me,” Neville said, laughing. “But I still want the coring thing.” Shein, now based in Singapore, uses some of the same web design features as Temu’s, such as pop-up coupons and ads, to persuade shoppers to keep clicking, but it appears a bit more restrained in its approach. Shein primarily targets young women through partnerships with social media influencers. Searching the company's name on video platforms turns up creators promoting Shein's Black Friday sales event and displaying the dozens of of trendy clothes and accessories they got for comparatively little money. But the Shein-focused content also includes videos of TikTokers saying they're embarrassed to admit they shopped there and critics lashing out at fans for not taking into account the environmental harms or potential labor abuses associated with products that are churned out and shipped worldwide at a speedy pace. Neville has already picked out holiday gifts for family and friends from the site. Most of the products in her online cart cost under $10, including graphic T-shirts she intends to buy for her son and jeans and loafers for her daughter. All told, she plans to spend about $200 on gifts, significantly less than $500 she used to shell out at other stores in prior years. “The visuals just make you want to spend more money,” she said, referring to the clothes on Shein's site. “They're very cheap and everything is just so cute.” Unlike Shein, Temu's appeal cuts across age groups and gender. The platform is the world’s second most-visited online shopping site, software company Similarweb reported in September. Customers go there looking for practical items like doormats and silly products like a whiskey flask shaped like a vintage cellphone from the 1990s. Temu advertised Black Friday bargains for some items at upwards of 70% off the recommended retail price. Making a purchase can quickly result in receiving dozens of emails offering free giveaways. The caveat: customers have to buy more products. Despite their rise, Temu and Shein have proven particularly ripe for pushback. Last year, a coalition of unnamed brands and organizations launched a campaign to oppose Shein in Washington. U.S. lawmakers also have raised the possibility that Temu is allowing goods made with forced labor to enter the country. More recently, the Biden administration put forward rules that would crack down on a trade rule known as the de minimis exception, which has allowed a lot of cheap products to come into the U.S. duty-free. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to slap high tariffs on goods from China, a move that would likely raise prices across the retail world. Both Shein and Temu have set up warehouses in the U.S. to speed up delivery times and help them better compete with Amazon, which is trying to erode their price advantage through a new storefront that also ships products directly from China. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.