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THERE is no festive cheer for Britain this Christmas thanks to Keir Starmer and the decisions taken by his cruel and incompetent Labour Government. Record tax rises are about to hit businesses and charities hard, pensioners have been left in the cold to freeze , and our food production is being put at risk with their attack on our family farms . Since Starmer walked through the doors of 10 Downing Street, we’ve seen Labour mired in scandal and sleaze, ministers failing to stand up for British interests on the world stage by cosying up to China and giving away the Chagos Islands, and manifesto promises discarded like unwelcome Christmas gifts. The sheer duplicity of Labour, who said one thing at the election and gave the British people false hope that Brexit would be safe on their watch, is heinous. Sun readers will be alarmed by Starmer’s plans to betray Brexit and drag Britain back into the EU through the back door. Starmer, his Foreign Secretary David Lammy and most of the Labour Party have never accepted the referendum result. read more on keir starmer Remember, they spent years trying to block Brexit, campaigned for a second referendum and refused to trust the judgment of the British people. Now they are in Government they are working hard to reverse our Brexit freedoms. In recent days we’ve learned that a dedicated unit has been set up in the Cabinet Office to “reset” the relationship with Brussel s. This “surrender squad” consists of more than 100 civil servants and no doubt thousands more will be working across Government departments, allowing the bureaucratic tentacles of the EU’s unaccountable institutions to once again infiltrate our laws and undermine our democracy. Most read in The Sun When we should be cutting the size of the state to ease the burden on taxpayers, Starmer is insulting hard-working families and businesses, forcing them to bankroll his ideological dream of putting Britain back under EU control. Labour will deny that they want to put Britain back into the EU , but they cannot be trusted. The facts speak for themselves. As well as mobilising the machinery of government and civil service to orientate towards the EU, Labour is trying to ram through new laws to empower ministers to align our laws and rules with those set by Brussels . With a failed domestic agenda and growing public anger in him, Starmer is seeking comfort in the platitudes, friendships and company of European leaders. They sense his desperation to secure some form of “reset” and are eager to extract a high price from him. Talk of youth mobility schemes (immigration rights and subsidised tuition fees for the EU’s young people) are high on the EU’s agenda, as will be our fishing stocks and our money. Sun readers should be left in no doubt that these sinister plans to take Britain back under the EU’s control will harm our national interests by chaining our country to Europe’s slow-growth, high-regulation, high-tax model, rather than addressing issues at home and developing opportunities with faster-growing parts of the world. Not only are the actions of Starmer undemocratic, they are unnecessary. Four years ago, on Christmas Eve 2020, Boris Johnson secured a comprehensive trade deal with the EU as part of our post-Brexit vision for Britain. It was a deal many thought could not be secured, but gave us trading opportunities on good terms that meant no tariffs or quotas. It supported our exporters and our world-leading financial services sector. It ensured that we could continue to co-operate and work closely with our European friends and allies when it was in our interest to do so, but no longer be controlled by them. Alongside this new trade deal, worth £660billion at the time, we put in place a security deal to enable us to work jointly to tackle cross-border crime while the end to free movement meant we could put tougher controls on criminals trying to enter the UK. Unleashed from the EU, we have been able to pursue new trade deals including joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. It was Boris Johnson’s Conservative government which respected the referendum result and delivered Brexit. A firm government which ended the years of political deadlock and acrimony that the country hated and which held us back. That Conservative government battled the institutions, the naysayers, the doomsters and the Brexit saboteurs, including Starmer, and gave our country the firm leadership needed to establish our vision of Global Britain. Kemi Badenoch went on to pass the law that ended the supremacy of EU law in this country and led the way to the repeal and reform of 2,000 EU laws. So fast forward to 2025 and it’s clear that Starmer and his Labour Party are desperate to reopen those wounds for ideological reasons. Their mission is to take Britain backwards, on to a path of endless negotiations with Brussels, to take us back into the largest bureaucratic club, where he can hand over decision making and continue to blame someone else for his political failures: Handing our sovereignty over to the EU’s unaccountable penpushers and bureaucrats. READ MORE SUN STORIES Starmer’s combination of his ideological obsession with the EU, his naivety and his incompetence will undermine our national interests, send Britain backwards and betray Brexit. For those of us who care about the democratic freedom of our country and the freedoms the people voted for in 2016, I can tell you now that the Conservative Party will never lay down for this great Labour betrayal of our people and our country — and we will be on the front lines to halt Starmer’s foolish betrayal.
Heron Therapeutics Announces Corporate Headquarters Relocation to Cary, North CarolinaThe finale of Shrinking Season 2 is just around the corner. The finale episode will begin streaming on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, exclusively on Apple TV+. ET Year-end Special Reads Gold outshines D-St with 20% returns, but 2025 may be different The year of the pause: How RBI maneuvered its policy in 2024 2024, the year India defeated China's salami-slicing strategy While fans are excited for the conclusion of the comedy-drama’s extended second season, the holiday release timing has sparked mixed reactions. For viewers juggling Christmas festivities, the release schedule offers some flexibility. Apple TV+ drops episodes at 12 a.m. ET, which translates to 11 p.m. CT on Tuesday, December 24, or 9 p.m. PT for those on the West Coast, as mentioned in a report by Showsnob. This means some fans might sneak in an early watch on Christmas Eve, avoiding the busier Christmas Day schedules. Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development 12-Factor App Methodology: Principles and Guidelines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Web Development Maximizing Developer Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique in Practice By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program What to Expect in the Finale As Season 2 approaches its conclusion, several unresolved storylines promise an emotional and dramatic finale. Jimmy continues to struggle with his emotional turmoil, facing a strained relationship with his daughter Alice, who remains close to Louis, as per a report by Showsnob. Meanwhile, Gaby finds herself at odds with Derek2 following a significant fight, compounded by her mother's insistence on moving in with her. Other key characters are also grappling with pivotal changes. Sean is ready to move out and find his own place, while Brian and Charlie are preparing for the arrival of their baby. Fans are also deeply concerned about Paul’s declining health, which has been a major emotional arc this season. Given the complexity of these storylines, viewers can expect a mix of heartfelt moments and drama, capped off by a likely cliffhanger. Fortunately, fans can take solace in knowing that Shrinking has already been renewed for a third season, promising a continuation of the beloved characters’ journeys. A Supersized Second Season Unlike its debut season, which featured 10 episodes, Shrinking Season 2 expanded to 12 episodes. The additional episodes have allowed the series to dive deeper into its characters and their relationships, exploring a broader range of emotional and comedic arcs, as mentioned in a report by Showsnob. The show’s mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling has been widely praised, with Season 2 delving into themes of personal growth, grief, and family dynamics. The extended runtime has proven beneficial in building on the foundations laid in Season 1, giving fans a richer narrative experience. Looking Ahead to Season 3 While the finale will likely leave fans with a cliffhanger, there’s plenty to look forward to in Shrinking Season 3. The renewal ensures that the show’s intricate character arcs and unresolved conflicts will continue to unfold. FAQs Is Shrinking Season 2 over? The Season 2 finale of Shrinking is set to premiere on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, exclusively on Apple TV+. Is there a season 3 of Shrinking? The return of Shrinking for Season 3 is no longer in doubt—it’s simply a matter of when. The series was officially renewed for a third season, with the announcement made public just one day after the premiere of Season 2 (as reported by Deadline ). ET Year-end Special Reads An Indian's guide to moving abroad as the world looks for 'better' immigrants The year of the HNIs: How India's rich splurged in 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.
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AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:44 p.m. ESTBefore Christa McAuliffe was an astronaut, she was a vibrant teacher in New England keen on showing her students how everyday people left extraordinary marks on U.S. history. Nearly four decades later, a new documentary focuses on how she still inspires others and less on her fate aboard the space shuttle Challenger. “Christa: From Ordinary to Extraordinary” from New Hampshire PBS explores her close relationship with the state and its capital, Concord, where she was picked from more than 11,000 applicants to be the nation’s first teacher in space. “You say ‘Christa’ in New Hampshire, everyone knows exactly who you’re talking about,” Gov. Chris Sununu says in the film. Its release Dec. 19 came three months after a bronze statue of McAuliffe was unveiled at the Statehouse, on what would have been her 76th birthday. The documentary features interviews with community members, footage of scenes such as a Main Street parade for McAuliffe, and some of her comments — including her parting speech to Concord High School seniors in 1985. It reflects the pride and joy felt by residents then and now for an enthusiastic teacher who loved learning and telling stories. McAuliffe was 37 when she died, one of the seven crew members aboard the Challenger when the space shuttle broke apart on live TV on Jan. 28, 1986. The documentary briefly touches on the tragedy. “We all want to be remembered for who we were, what we cared about, what we loved, what we did, and not how we died,” Jeanne Gerulskis, the recently retired executive director of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, says in the film. History through the eyes of ordinary people McAuliffe taught social studies at Concord High School beginning in 1983. She created a course on the history of American women that’s still taught there today. People in the documentary said she wanted students to see the role ordinary people, particularly women, can play in history. McAuliffe saw herself as one of them. A lover of field trips, she looked forward to bringing back her thoughts and journal from the shuttle mission “like a woman on the Conestoga wagon pioneering the West,” she said in an interview. Holly Merrow, a former student of McAuliffe’s in the women’s history class, feels the documentary embodies her spirit of wanting to inspire children. “We felt like we were going to space, as well,” Merrow, now a teacher in Maine, said about McAuliffe at a recent screening of the film. Educating future generations The documentary also talks about the importance of telling children who McAuliffe was. In New Hampshire, many children learn about government beginning in fourth grade. They visit the Statehouse. McAuliffe’s statue stands near the entrance, a good starting point for a discussion. It’s the first statue added to the grounds in more than a century, and the first woman. At Concord High School, Kimberly Bleier teaches social studies in a room where McAuliffe once taught. In the film, she says she often reminds herself that “there’s a lot of responsibility there” to ensure that what McAuliffe brought to the school, such as her love of hands-on learning, is still remembered and talked about. Bleier currently teaches Street Law, a general introduction to the legal system that emphasizes criminal and juvenile law. McAuliffe taught that class, too. Bleier was a sixth grader when she watched the shuttle launch on television. She recalled how devastating it was. “I don’t want to watch the shuttle blow up again,” she said. “I want to watch her. I want to hear her.” Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, traveled to Atlanta to host the inaugural SBA AI Small Business Summit and officially launch SBA’s AI for Small Businesses Resource Hub . SBA’s first AI Small Business Summit, held in conjunction with Georgia Tech and in collaboration with leading technology companies, innovators, and investors, highlighted the launch of SBA’s AI for Small Businesses Resource Hub – a space for small business owners to learn about AI and AI innovators to learn about the resources available to them at the SBA and across the federal government. “Artificial intelligence has the capacity to drive exponential growth for the United States economy and for small businesses across the country,” said Administrator Guzman. “From Main Street shops to manufacturers, staying up to date with the latest technology is essential for business growth and resilience. And it is our nation’s innovative startups that will help deliver AI for the future. So, whether you are creating the next tech solution or leveraging it, SBA’s AI for Small Businesses Resource Hub can provide you with a launch point to access partners, tools and resources for a seamless integration of AI.” In addition to SBA Administrator Guzman, the AI Small Business Summit’s speakers included Microsoft, Google, Mailchimp, and OpenAI, as well as small businesses and experts from co-host Georgia Tech. The summit discussions were an opportunity for small business owners to hear from experts and gain a greater understanding of the possibilities AI has within the daily operations of their businesses. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the country has seen more than 20 million new business applications filed nationwide – including over one million in Georgia alone. The SBA just released new data showing significant spikes in SBA lending including a continued upward trend doubling small dollar loans under $150,000 and increased lending to underserved communities: Black-, Latino-, minority, rural and women-owned small businesses, as well as lending in rural communities. ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov . SBA HQ Press Team U.S. Small Business Administration press_office@sba.gov
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. 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, 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. Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor 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,” 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. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. 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 is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. 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. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.NORAD's Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids