Audit to generate revenueProbe into harassment claims about Netanyahu's wifeinihahalili 。

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. Investors: Please contact the Portnoy Law Firm to recover your losses. December 16, 2024 Deadline to file Lead Plaintiff Motion.Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results (window.adq = window.adq || []).push((api) => api.addSlot({"key":"card","index":"1","searchTerm":null,"fullSearchTerm":null})); Bad Tidings Comedy Drama 2024 Tim Kirkby Summary: A feud between neighbours Neil and Scott ends in the power being cut to the whole street, with all the other residents leaving the two on guard while they stay elsewhere. The two end up being the only line of defence when local crime family the Brennans try to burgle their entire street in one night. Festive comedy, starring Lee Mack and Chris McCausland RT says:: If you’re lamenting the lack of a Not Going Out festive special, do give this a go instead. Slapstick and wordplay abound in this cartoonish caper which stars Lee Mack and Chris McCausland as neighbours at war who are forced to put their differences aside at Christmas. When a power outage strikes in their cul-de-sac, Neil (Mack) and Scott (McCausland) volunteer to stay behind and look after the street while everyone else makes alternative plans for the big day. Feeding a cat and watering plants is one thing. Taking on a gang of burglars proves quite another... Written by Ghosts’ Laurence Rickard and Martha Howe-Douglas, there are Home Alone -style japes and a feel-good message in this jolly romp. FRANCES TAYLOR How to watch Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Drama Comedy 2023 Kelly Fremon 105 mins PG Summary: Coming-of-age comedy drama starring Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams, featuring Kathy Bates. After her family moves from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret tries to settle in and make new friends. She must also navigate the trials of puberty, learn how to talk to boys - and figure out her place in a family that has been divided by religion. How to watch Jurassic World: Dominion Action Drama 2022 Colin Trevorrow 154 mins 12 Summary: Sci-fi adventure sequel starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, featuring Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum. Four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, dinosaurs are roaming the earth once more. When dino-protectors Owen Grady and Claire Dearing discover that biogenetics company BioSyn is collecting dinosaurs for sinister research, they team up with the experts who survived the dangers of the original Jurassic Park. RT says:: It racked up more than $1 billion at the global box office and had the original Jurassic Park trio of Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum on board, so this sixth film in the saga clearly did something right. Like the revived dinos of the movies, the franchise will be roaring back again in summer 2025, with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali heading up the cast of Jurassic World Rebirth . A good move? Well, to paraphrase a certain scientist, just because you can, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should... ELLIE PORTER How to watch Gareth Southgate OBE, Football Manager Music Summary: Gareth Southgate is the most successful England men's football manger in the modern game. He holds the record as the man who has represented England in more games than anyone else, with 102 games as men's senior team manager, 57 caps as a player and 37 as men's under-21 head coach, leading to a total of 196 games in which he has been involved as a player or coach. He talks to Lauren Laverne about his life and career and selects eight favourite recordings to take to the BBC's mythical island RT says:: Britain’s longest-running radio show welcomes England’s most successful men’s football manager, Gareth Southgate. Having stepped down this summer after Euro 24, it’s a good time to reflect on his life and career. He talks to Lauren Laverne about kindness in sport, that inspiring “Dear England” letter and the time Ed Sheeran gave his players a private concert. Whether it’s too soon to cue up Three Lions is anyone’s guess. MATT GLASBY How to listen (window.adq = window.adq || []).push((api) => api.addSlot({"key":"card","index":"2","searchTerm":null,"fullSearchTerm":null})); She Said Drama History 2022 Maria Schrader 128 mins 15 Summary: Two New York Times reporters break a story that helped ignite a movement and shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood. Drama, starring Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan How to watch Death in Paradise 2024 Drama Crime/detective Summary: A holiday-maker is killed while dressed as Father Christmas but Commissioner Patterson worries about the team's ability to tackle such a case without the guiding hand of a chief investigator. So he is relieved to learn that a British detective inspector, Mervin Wilson, is currently holidaying on the island and arranges for him to extend his stay - just as reports come in that a second Santa has been shot dead. Don Gilet joins the team as DI Mervin Wilson, with Marcus Brigstocke, Jim Howick, Dex Lee, Elizabeth Carling and Angela Griffin RT says:: Such is the popularity of Death in Paradise that the prospect of a new detective inspector arriving on Saint Marie is now met with almost Doctor Who levels of anticipation. So, what to make of Don Gilet as the latest series lead, Mervin Wilson? Well, the first thing to note is that he’s refreshingly free of oddball quirks, his key idiosyncrasies being a bucket hat and an irritated air. But to be fair to him, he does have a point about his team being under-resourced, as there are so many murders on this island, you’d expect the police force to be staffed like CSI. Yet this annoyance does tend to alienate those around him, with Darlene giving Mervin the nickname “DI Fancy Pants” and Catherine labelling him “rude”. For viewers, though, the lively Gilet is undeniably fun to watch and his debut case suitably tricksy, involving as it does three Santas shot at the same time with a single firearm. The result is a satisfying, twist-filled slay ride. DAVID BROWN How to watch Inside No 9: The Party's Over Documentary and factual News and current affairs Summary: Documentary examining the making of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's dark comedy anthology, which ran for 10 years from 2014. The programme follows the creative process for the final series, covering everything from the writers' room to the make-up trailer, and from the prop store to set design RT says:: Inside No 9 was British television at its best. This documentary follows co-creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith as they prepare to film the show’s finale, Plodding On , which aired earlier this year. The two friends have known each other since they met at college and have been making Inside No 9 for ten years, so emotions are mixed. “I feel like I’m sick of being asked how I feel,” to quote a tired Pemberton. For fans, the interesting stuff is being taken through the duo’s creative process. There are notebooks of scribbled ideas; sessions of silence to work out twists; and a running joke where whoever arrives at the office first pretends to be dead. STEPHEN KELLY How to watch My Epic Camel Adventure with Gordon Buchanan 2024 Documentary and factual Science and technology Summary: The wildlife cameraman takes a ride through the Gobi desert, starting in the west of Mongolia and crossing blistering sand dunes, endless rocky plains and the treacherous Bumbat Mountain with only his camels for company. To succeed he must befriend the animals, learn as much as he can about them, and try to win their trust and respect, discovering how these creatures have evolved in the most unusual ways to survive and prosper in one of the most hostile environments on the planet RT says:: Camels can be ornery as Gordon Buchanan discovers on his two-week expedition across Mongolia. He wants to experience the inhospitable Gobi Desert as nomads have for centuries so he borrows a couple of these “funky looking creatures”, pops on a traditional robe and sets off. At least he would if he could make Squeaks and Chewy, as he names them, move when asked. He’s thrilled to see wildlife, especially the elusive Gobi bears that he catches on his camera trap. But there’s a tense moment when he wakes up one morning to find his camels are missing. JANE RACKHAM How to watch Sounds Like It's Christmas with Ken Bruce Documentary and factual Entertainment Summary: Ken Bruce and friends curate the ultimate festive playlist, as Jona Lewie, Liz Mitchell, Roy Wood, Paul Young and many more share the stories behind the hits and add their picks to the yuletide mix RT says:: This will jingle your bells. It’s a seasonal playlist of hits from Christmasses past bolstered by reminiscences of chart-topping celebrities such as Roy Wood, Aled Jones and Gareth Malone. There are plenty of Christmas crackers to enjoy so your favourite is bound to be here: maybe Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You or Wham!’s Last Christmas or even the Pogues’ Fairytale of New York . It adds up to a jolly wallow in pop nostalgia that will undoubtedly put you in a celebratory mood. JANE RACKHAM How to watch A Christmas Carol: The Read with Anne-Marie Duff Arts and culture Summary: Anne-Marie Duff takes audiences on a spirited journey through Victorian London with Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal classic, A Christmas Carol. The actress brings to life the miserly Scrooge, as he's visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come RT says:: Dickens’s covetous sinner Scrooge is brought to life by Anne-Marie Duff, who sits in a candlelit office of dark wood and thick ledgers for a carefully abridged retelling of this classic story. The writer’s conversational but vivid style suits the set-up, and Duff is in her element as she gives voice to the admonitions of Jacob Marley and the bonhomie of Fezziwig, the only accompaniment to her words being the odd silhouette at windows fringed with snow. Higher budget versions of this tale will no doubt be watched over the days ahead, but the power of the original text and the message it conveys remain priceless. DAVID BROWN How to watch

TROY – Earlier in the week, Troy coach Gerad Parker stated, “It’s 100 percent critical that we finish this season the right way.” Consider it done. The Trojans continued their late-season surge by absolutely demolishing Southern Mississippi 52-20 in the season finale at Veterans Memorial Stadium before a crowd of 19,521 on Saturday afternoon. It gave Troy wins in three of its final four games to complete Parker’s first season in charge at 4-8 overall, 3-5 in Sun Belt Conference play. “I couldn’t be more happier where it finished,” Parker said. “That will build momentum for our current roster as well as in recruiting, and we’re going to fight to get that done to make sure we start the right way in 2025. “I think you’re going to see a hunger when these guys get back on January 14 for the second semester of school. They’ll know what this wants to look like – more understand where we fell short and also what our momentum is. Troy's Jordan Stringer (7) and Ian Conerly-Goodly (39) pursue a USM running back. “I don’t think you’ll have to ask anybody in our locker room to prepare or be ready for offseason workouts, because they know what they want to accomplish in ’25.” It was a good day for individual accolades as well. Troy receiver Devonte Ross and running back Damien Taylor both went over the 1,000-yard mark for the season – Ross in receiving by catching five passes for 70 yards on Saturday and Taylor in rushing by gaining 169 yards on 23 attempts with three touchdowns. When Taylor scored on a 35-yard touchdown run with just under six minutes to play in the game, he had totaled 999 yards on the season. He was aware one more yard was needed to reach the 1,000-yard mark. “The defense looked at me and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to get you the ball back,'” Taylor said of conversations on the sidelines. "And then the offensive line looked at me and said, ‘Hey, one yard.’ I knew I had to get one more.” LJ Green got an interception for the Trojans on the ensuing possession and returned it 49 yards to the 16. Taylor went over the 1,000-yard mark with a carry on the next play for 11 yards – putting him at 1,010 yards for the season. On the next play, Jordan Lovett went in from 5 yards for a score, making it 52-20 after the PAT. It was the first time since 2012 that Troy had a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in the same season. “It means a lot,” Ross said. “Being here three years and being around some great receivers ... showing me what it takes to be a great receiver. My teammates. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without them pushing me hard and the O-line doing their job coming together at the end of the year and not allowing sacks.” Defensively, Brendan Jackson led the way with nine tackles, while Ian Conerly-Goodly and Phillip Lee each had seven. Lee also had two sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses and was seemingly in the Southern Miss backfield all game. “The last game of the season, I just wanted to put on tape what’s coming for next year,” Lee, a junior bandit linebacker, said. “For every team, I want to let them know, I’m eating and I’m not stopping.” Things didn’t start out so rosy for the Trojans. Troy tight end Trae Swartz can't come up with a catch against USM. Troy forced a three-and-out on the first series of the game, but the ensuing punt bounced off the helmet of Troy’s Joe Lott and the Golden Eagles recovered at the Trojans’ 41. On first down, quarterback Tate Rodemaker connected with Ti Mims down to the 1. Two plays later, Kenyon Clay went in for the score. The Golden Eagles then converted a try for 2 as Bryce Loften passed to a wide-open Kyirin Heath to make it 8-0. The Trojans scored on their first offensive series when Taylor ran in from 6 yards out on a third-and-goal situation. Scott Taylor Renfroe kicked through the extra point to pull Troy within 8-7 with 7:28 left in the opening quarter. Troy took its first lead of the game with just under three minutes left in the first quarter when Renfroe nailed a career-long 50-yard field goal, putting the Trojans ahead 10-8. Matthew Caldwell runs for a touchdown during Troy's win. Matthew Caldwell scored on a 14-yard keeper around the right side to make it a 17-8 Troy lead following the PAT with 8:50 left in the second quarter to complete a 13-play, 67-yard drive. In what was a scary incident in the first half, Troy senior safety Cecil Powell suffered a non-contact, non-football related medical emergency in the first quarter, was treated on the sideline and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. He was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon and Parker said he was being moved from Troy to a hospital in Montgomery. Taylor got the scoring going in the third quarter with a 56-yard run one play after USM was stopped on a fourth-and-7 try when linebacker Jackson shot through to sack Rodemaker for a 7-yard loss. Renfroe added the PAT to make it 24-8 with 6:04 left in the third. Southern Miss wide receiver Ti Mims stretches for yardage after a catch. Southern Miss quickly answered when Rodemaker connected with Larry Simmons on a 75-yard touchdown pass, the longest completion of the year for the Golden Eagles. Simmons caught the pass at the USM 40 and then broke away for the score. USM failed on a try for 2, leaving the score 24-14 in Troy’s favor. Troy responded on its next possession, driving 75 yards in 10 plays to score when Caldwell spotted tight end Trae Swartz over the middle for a 10-yard TD. Renfroe’s PAT made it 31-14. For the game, Caldwell completed 14-of-26 passes for 187 yards and the one touchdown. Midway through the fourth quarter, Southern Miss got a TD on a 4-yard pass from Rodemaker to Mims. The extra point kick failed, but USM had pulled within 31-20 with 7:05 left. Taylor got Troy back on the scoreboard with a 35-yard TD run with just under six minutes left. Renfroe’s kick made it 38-20. The Trojans virtually put it away on the next USM possession when safety Conerly-Goodly intercepted a pass and returned it 31 yards for a score, making it 45-20 after the PAT before Lovett’s final touchdown run. Southern Miss ended its season at 1-11 overall and 0-8 in the league. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Lynne Roberts wasn't looking to leave as Utah women's basketball coach. Then she got a call from LAThe suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed he is their person of interest in the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a father of two, last week in broad daylight in Manhattan in a case that laid bare deep frustration and anger with America's privatized medical system. News of his capture in Pennsylvania -- following a tip from a McDonald's worker --triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. No explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, its website says. A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. A former student who knew Mangione at the Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," this person said, asking that their name not be used. "Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said. Mangione went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on the online site goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out a string of bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione called Kaczynski "rightfully imprisoned," while also saying "'violence never solved anything' is a statement uttered by cowards and predators." According to CNN, handwritten documents recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nro/dwATLANTA (AP) — Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will not return after he was hit on his throwing hand on the final play of an ugly first half Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship game against Texas. Beck was hit by outside linebacker Trey Moore, forcing a fumble recovered by Anthony Hill Jr., who then lost the ball on an errant attempt to extend the play with a lateral as time expired. Beck was one of the last players to return to the field following halftime. He was holding his helmet but did not warm up remained on the sideline as backup Gunner Stockton led the offense to its first touchdown on the Bulldogs' first drive of the second half. Georgia coach Kirby Smart told ESPN Beck would not return to the game and said he had no details on the hand injury. Beck had the right arm wrapped in ice on the Georgia bench. No. 2 Texas outgained No. 5 Georgia 260-54 but led only 6-3 at halftime. The Bulldogs netted minus-2 yards rushing and Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Rajasthan United FC staged a stunning second-half comeback to beat hosts Namdhari FC 3-1 in the I-League here on Saturday (November 30, 2024). Namdhari took a fortunate lead in the 18th minute when Rajasthan defender Wayne Vaz, under pressure from Akashdeep Singh, scored an own goal. The hosts dominated early, with Akashdeep coming close to doubling the lead in the 34th minute, only for Rajasthan goalkeeper James Kithan to deny him with a superb save. Rajasthan grew into the game and equalised in the 51st minute after William Neihsial was fouled in the box and Alain Oyarzun converted the resultant penalty with ease. Namdhari nearly regained the lead in the 70th minute, but Cledson Dasilva’s header drifted narrowly wide. Three minutes later, Seiminmang Manchong dribbled past multiple defenders and fired in a low shot that eluded goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh, putting Rajasthan ahead. Namdhari’s hopes faded after a red card in the 80th minute, and Wayne Vaz redeemed himself in the 85th minute, tapping in from close range to seal Rajasthan’s victory. Later in the evening, Dempo SC clinched their maiden victory of the season, defeating hosts Shillong Lajong FC 2-0. Goals from Pruthvesh Pednekar (53’) and Matija Babović (90’) sealed a crucial away win for Samir Naik’s men, building on their opening draw against Aizawl FC. The match began evenly, with Lajong’s Damaitphang Lyngdoh testing Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi early on. Despite creating chances, Lajong failed to convert, with Daniel Gonçalves missing a key opportunity. Dempo’s disciplined defense soaked up the pressure, keeping the first half goalless. The Goan side shifted gears after the break when Pednekar broke the deadlock, heading home a corner from Cristián Pérez. Lajong’s attempts to equalise were thwarted by Sibi’s stellar saves, including a vital stop against Phrangki Buam. Babovic sealed the win in stoppage time with a sensational long-range strike that left Lajong goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu rooted. Published - December 01, 2024 05:12 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Football / sport

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — The last man to face — and beat — Rafael Nadal in professional tennis, 80th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp , converted his 10th match point Friday to finally close out a 6-4, 6-7 (12), 6-3 victory over Daniel Altmaier and help the Netherlands reach its first Davis Cup final by sweeping Germany. Tallon Griekspoor, who is ranked 40th, sealed the 2-0 win for the Dutch in the best-of-three-match semifinal by hitting 25 aces and coming back to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4. When it ended, appropriately, on an ace, Griekspoor shut his eyes, dropped to his knees and spread his arms wide. “We have been talking about this for two, three years,” Griekspoor said. “We believed in ourselves so much. We always felt like this was possible. To do it now feels unbelievable.” The other semifinal is Saturday, with No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner and defending champion Italy taking on Australia . The championship will be decided Sunday. “We don’t have that top 5 player. We don’t that top 10 player. We don’t have that top 15 player,” Dutch captain Paul Harhuuis said. “But it’s a team effort. ... So proud of these guys.” In Friday's opener, van de Zandschulp was up a set and just a point away from leading 5-2 in the second when Altmaier began playing more aggressively and interacting more with the German fans, yelling and throwing uppercuts or raising his arms after key points. In the tiebreaker, Altmaier managed to save five match points before converting his own fourth set point to extend the contest. But van de Zandschulp — who upset four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open — quickly moved out front in the final set, even if he eventually needed five more match points in the last game before serving it out. “At some point, I didn’t know what to do any more on the match points,” van de Zandschulp said. “I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday (against Nadal), so everything that comes next is maybe a little bit easier.” In the quarterfinals, van de Zandschulp outplayed Nadal for a 6-4, 6-4 result that marked the end of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career because the Netherlands went on to eliminate Spain 2-1. The 38-year-old Nadal announced last month that the Davis Cup would be his final event before retiring. Presumably because people purchased tickets ahead of time with plans to watch Nadal compete in the semifinals, there were hundreds of unoccupied blue or gray seats surrounding the indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martina Carpena in southern Spain on Friday. Now truly a neutral site, the place was not nearly as loud and rowdy as on Tuesday, although there were shouts of “Vamos, Rafa!” that drew laughter while van de Zandschulp played the 88th-ranked Altmaier. It took Griekspoor more than 75 minutes and nearly two full sets to figure out how to break No. 43 Struff and then did it twice in a row — to lead 6-5 in the second set, and then go up 1-0 in the third. That was plenty, because Griekspoor saved the only two break points he faced. The Netherlands hadn’t been to the semifinals since 2001. The Germans — whose best current player, two-time major finalist Alexander Zverev, is not on the team in Malaga — have won three Davis Cups, but not since 1993, when 1991 Wimbledon champion Michael Stich led them to the title. AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

DENVER , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Predictive Safety is thrilled to unveil our new strategic alliance with DISA Global Solutions, a leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. This collaboration marks a major milestone in our mission to enhance workplace safety, ensure compliance, and promote employee well-being across industries. Workplace Safety & Compliance for a Safer, More Productive Workforce At Predictive Safety, we are committed to reducing workplace incidents by addressing human factors and fostering safer work environments. DISA shares this commitment, making this partnership a perfect synergy to enhance both companies' client offerings. Jeff Akers , CEO of Predictive Safety, states, "We are thrilled to bring our AleterMeter ® technology to DISA's extensive network. This partnership represents the next steps in workplace safety and compliance." This collaboration strengthens DISA's ability to provide tailored compliance programs that address evolving workplace challenges. Together we will help organizations elevate safety by leveraging AlertMeter's ® advanced alertness reporting and KPI metrics, to create thriving, safe work environments. Gold Sponsorship at Day with DISA Predictive Safety is proud to join DISA's annual Day with DISA event. "We are excited to be supporting this great event and an opportunity to connect with DISA's tremendous client base to help raise awareness and credibility with all Predictive Safety has to offer" said Peter Hay , VP of Marketing. Day with DISA offers attendees the chance to explore Predictive Safety's innovative tools and how they complement DISA's comprehensive services. About Predictive Safety Predictive Safety SRP, Inc. is a leader in workforce safety and operational readiness, offering solutions to mitigate risks related to fatigue, impairment, and emotional distress. Our flagship tools, AlertMeter ® and AlertMeter ® FRMS (Fatigue Risk Management System), use advanced science, real-time data, and predictive analytics to proactively address human performance challenges, reduce incidents, and boost productivity. About DISA Global Solutions Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. With headquarters in Houston and over 35 offices across North America and Europe , DISA offers services including background screening, drug and alcohol testing, DOT & HR compliance, occupational health, and I-9/E-Verify. DISA helps employers make informed staffing decisions while building safer workplaces. For more information please contact Predictive Safety https://predictivesafety.com/ Peter Hay Peter.hay@predictivesafety.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/predictive-safety-announces-partnership-with-disa-global-solutions-302335351.html SOURCE PREDICTIVE SAFETY SRP, INC. Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.

Sir Keir Starmer will set out a “plan for change” with milestones set in key policy areas to achieve the targets laid out in Labour’s manifesto, Downing Street has said. The Prime Minister will this week kick off what he has called the “next phase” of Government, as he announces the markers for his “missions” that Number 10 say will allow the public to hold Sir Keir and his team to account on their promises and will be reached by the end of the Parliament. The milestones will run alongside public sector reform, Downing Street said. This will include a focus on reforming Whitehall, spearheaded by the as-yet-unannounced new chief civil servant the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet ministers, so it is geared towards the delivery of Labour’s missions, according to Number 10. The same focus will also influence decisions for next year’s spending review, it has been suggested. Writing in The Sun on Sunday, the Prime Minister compared “focusing the machinery of government” to “turning an oil tanker” and said that “acceptance of managed decline” has “seeped into parts of Whitehall”. “The British people aren’t fools. They know a ruthless focus on priorities is essential,” he wrote. The Sunday Times reported that one of the milestones would focus on early education, with the aim to raise the number of children who are ready for school, educationally and socially. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said that “it’s estimated that more than a million school days worth of teacher time each year is spent dealing with” children who are not prepared for school. Labour’s missions, as laid out in their July election manifesto, focus on economic growth, energy security and cleaner energy, the NHS, childcare and education systems, as well as crime and criminal justice. Ahead of revealing the details, Sir Keir said in a statement: “This plan for change is the most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation. “Mission-led government does not mean picking milestones because they are easy or will happen anyway – it means relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people. “We are already fixing the foundations and have kicked-started our first steps for change, stabilising the economy, setting up a new Border Security Command, and investing £22 billion in an NHS that is fit for the future. “Our plan for change is the next phase of delivering this Government’s mission. “Some may oppose what we are doing and no doubt there will be obstacles along the way, but this Government was elected on mandate of change and our plan reflects the priorities of working people. “Given the unprecedented challenges we have inherited we will not achieve this by simply doing more of the same, which is why investment comes alongside a programme of innovation and reform.” The so-called “missions” outlined in Labour’s election manifesto focused on five key policy areas: kickstart economic growth; make Britain a clean energy superpower; take back our streets; break down barriers to opportunity; and build an NHS fit for the future. 🚨 New polling with Keir Starmer has seen an 8 point drop in his net approval rating after a significant uptick in the number disapproving of his performance. 22% approve of his performance vs. 54% who disapprove. This gives Starmer a net rating of -32%. — Opinium (@OpiniumResearch) The announcement comes after a first five months in office that has seen anger over Budget proposals and reports of tension in Number 10. Polling for The Observer newspaper by Opinium indicates that more than half of the public disapprove of the Prime Minister’s performance. According to the survey of approximately 2,000 adults, 54% of people disapprove of his performance, compared with 22% who approve, leaving him with a net rating of -32%.An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look onThe price of bitcoin surged past $100,000 for the first time on Thursday, continuing a post-election run buoyed by the pro-crypto promise of the incoming Trump administration. On Election Day, bitcoin — one of the most popular decentralized digital assets available — was worth $69,374, according to the cryptocurrency trading platform Coinbase. Within a month, it had spiked more than 44 percent. Other cryptocurrencies like ethereum and XRP also shot up during that period.Cryptocurrencies’ sudden increase in value is a sign of investor optimism about President-elect Donald Trump’s policies and those of his picks to head several key regulatory agencies, some of whom have explicitly promised deregulation of the crypto industry. “That bitcoin hit the $100,000 mark reflects the expectation of both political support and regulatory latitude under the incoming administration,” said Ramaa Vasudevan, an economics professor at Colorado State University who has been critical of crypto. “The nomination of crypto-enthusiasts for administrative posts is a clear signal of the embrace of bitcoin and crypto triggering the flood of money into these markets.” Bitcoin’s rally is also a product of its increased legitimacy. Trump’s election may have sparked its rally, but the financial establishment’s embrace of the asset in recent months provided the tinder. While bitcoin was once a niche curiosity, it is now a mainstream digital currency that everyday Americans can now buy through reputable retail investment accounts. Even if bitcoin ultimately turns out to be a bubble, as many economists have argued it may, these investment vehicles have assured it some staying power.The policies of the incoming Trump administration are fueling optimismTrump has been an ardent cryptocurrency supporter throughout his most recent presidential campaign, and his choices to lead key government agencies related to its regulation reflect that enthusiasm. Bitcoin hit its highest valuation ever following the nomination of Paul Atkins on Wednesday to head the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is in charge of regulating tradable securities like stocks. Atkins was previously an SEC commissioner for six years during former President George W. Bush’s administration.Atkins is “not necessarily the sort of burn-it-all-down type of nominee that Trump has decided upon for other positions,” Molly White, a cryptocurrency researcher and critic, told Vox. “He’s fairly establishment; he has the SEC background, but he also was a very strong advocate for deregulation when he was in the SEC and certainly since then.” Atkins is also a co-chair of the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s Token Alliance, an industry lobbying group that advocates for lax regulation of cryptocurrencies.Perianne Boring, the CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, is rumored to be one of Trump’s top picks for another key position: head of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which makes rules around the trading of futures and commodities. Currently, cryptocurrency is under the purview of the SEC, but the Trump administration is reportedly weighing regulating it as a commodity instead. If that change is made, cryptocurrency would come under the purview of the CFTC, which is often seen to be more hands-off in its approach to regulation. Billionaire crypto enthusiast David Sacks, whom Trump named Thursday as his crypto and AI czar, will be tasked with helping formulate crypto and AI policy from the White House. In that role, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, Sacks will work closely with both the SEC and CTFC to develop a legal framework to regulate crypto.Trump himself is also connected to cryptocurrency via his family’s cryptocurrency and trading venture World Liberty Financial. Pro-cryptocurrency groups spent $245 million in this year’s elections, more than any other industry, to support candidates across the country seen as friendlier to crypto. All of that likely means that the regulatory landscape under a Trump administration will be much friendlier for crypto following heavier regulations and a slew of lawsuits against crypto companies during current SEC chair Gary Gensler’s tenure. “The recent wave of investment in the crypto space is largely driven by the growing belief that years of regulatory uncertainty and lawfare may finally be giving way to clarity,” said Christian Catalini, founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab.Gensler’s SEC cracked down on trading platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken, arguing that the buying and selling of cryptocurrency should have the same oversight as something like a stock or bond, and that investors should have access to the same kinds of information about crypto companies as they would have about a company that they are buying stock in. Crypto trading platforms and associated companies, however, argue that crypto tokens aren’t the same as stocks and therefore shouldn’t have the same regulations applied.The SEC has brought lawsuits against several major crypto platforms, including Coinbase, which are ongoing. But they could be dropped under the Trump administration, and regulation around bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is likely to change significantly under Trump.Under a Trump regulatory regime, cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and Coinbase could operate with less threat of litigation, making it easier for people to trade on their platforms. Enthusiasts say this will spur innovation in the industry, but it could also mean that individual traders using such platforms are more exposed to fraud, theft, and the volatile nature of the currency.Bitcoin has become an established digital assetOver the past five years, and particularly following the downfall of crypto trading platform FTX in 2022, the narrative around cryptocurrency’s utility has changed. Now, it’s being touted more as an investment instrument rather than a form of currency that can be used like cash, White said. And that pivot is also helping its valuation. In January, the SEC gave the green light to the first bitcoin exchange-traded funds (or ETFs) in the US. ETFs are baskets of financial instruments (such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or in this case, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin or ethereum) that are bought and sold on a regulated stock exchange.ETFs offer anyone indirect access to cryptocurrency, if they choose to invest. Put simply, if the value of bitcoin increases, so does the value of these ETFs — but because of the bundled nature of ETFs and their presence on a regulated exchange, investors are more insulated from loss if bitcoin’s value declines. Firms including BlackRock, Invesco, Fidelity, Grayscale, and Ark Invest have rolled out bitcoin funds, which offer new investors, especially those who might be more risk-averse, easy ways to purchase or gain exposure to cryptocurrency.Previously, investors had limited options for trading bitcoin. They could go on a cryptocurrency exchange to directly buy bitcoin, but then would have to figure out how to safely and conveniently store it long-term. (Cryptocurrency held on an exchange can be vulnerable to theft, while crypto stored offline is safer but difficult to trade.) They could also invest in risky bitcoin futures, agreeing to buy or sell the currency at a later date at a certain price. Now, ETFs offer an establishment-backed option.“While no one can predict the exact inflection point or when the price will stabilize, the long-term driver of bitcoin’s rise is its evolution — not just as digital gold, but as a foundational layer of global financial infrastructure,” Catalini said.However, Vasudevan said that there is still reason to believe that crypto’s climb won’t last forever. Bitcoin has surged before, only to crash precipitously. In November 2022, bitcoin’s value dropped 20 percent, to below $16,000, in a matter of days after the spectacular downfall of the crypto exchange FTX. The concern remains that the price of crypto is based purely on speculation, rather than any inherent value.“This has all the makings of another bubble, one that is being stoked by the prospect of a more favorable regulatory environment and the possibilities it is opening for new products and funds that can draw in more and more people into these markets,” Vasudevan said.Wall Street stocks were little changed on Thursday while Asian equities rose in thin Boxing Day trade, extending their "Santa Claus Rally" with several bourses still shut for the holiday. Japan's Nikkei index closed up 1.1 percent, boosted by comments from the Bank of Japan governor and share price gains for top-selling automaker Toyota. China's plans for massive bond issuances in 2025 also bolstered investor sentiment. "Even though many in the region are still shaking off a bit of a holiday hangover, with several markets closed for Boxing Day, Asian stocks opened higher, riding a favorable wave from China's financial bond juggernaut," said Stephen Innes from SPI Asset Management. In New York, major indices veered in and out of positive territory in a sleepy post-Christmas session. The broad-based S&P 500 finished down less than 0.1 percent. Large technology companies that have led the market in much of 2024 mostly took a breather. These included Netflix, Tesla and Amazon, all of which declined. "What's interesting today is that we're seeing small stocks bounce back a little bit," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers, noting that the Russell 2000 index put on 0.9 percent. Holiday consumer data showed a 3.8-percent increase in US retail spending from November 1 to December 24, according to a Mastercard SpendingPulse review of a key period for retailers. London Stockton, an analyst at Ned Davis Research, noted that the "Santa Claus rally could still be alive, with strong seasonality into the end of the year." Stock markets have traditionally fared well in the last five trading days of the year and the first two in the new year, a trend known as the "Santa Claus rally." Among a number of possible reasons advanced by experts include the festive holiday mood and purchasing ahead of the end of the tax year. Innes said remarks from Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda in which he refrained from signaling a potential interest rate hike next month also "influenced bullish regional sentiments." Japanese market heavyweight Toyota ended nearly six percent higher after reports in the Nikkei business daily said it aimed to double its return on equity -- a key measure of a company's financial performance. New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 43,325.80 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 6,037.59 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,020.36 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.1 percent at 39,568.06 points (close) Hang Seng: UP 1.1 percent at 20,098.29 points (Tuesday close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,398.08 points (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0424 from $1.0414 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2526 from $1.2538 Dollar/yen: UP at 158.00 yen from 157.06 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 83.05 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 percent at $69.62 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $73.26 per barrel bur-jmb/aha

DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Landcar Casualty Company (Landcar), a subsidiary of Asbury Automotive Group (Asbury), received AM Best’s upgraded Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent). AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher, and data analytics provider which completes an annual rating review of Landcar. This refined assessment from AM Best establishes Landcar to the classification from stable to positive. “We are pleased to receive this enhanced recognition from AM Best demonstrating the financial strength of the company,” says Kimberlee Reese, President of Landcar. “We continue to work hard to ensure we conduct all business with the utmost integrity and efficiency while providing best-in-class service to our guests.” “Landcar maintains its balance sheet strength at the very strong level, supported by AM Best’s strongest risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and solid balance sheet liquidity,” shared AM Best. “Landcar benefits from its niche business profile as a writer of auto-related insurance products through a network of affiliated automotive dealerships as a part of the Asbury group. Landcar’s expansion has diversified its geographic footprint and enhanced its growth opportunities.” About Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. In late 2020, Asbury embarked on a multi-year plan to increase revenue and profitability strategically through organic operations, acquisitive growth and innovative technologies, with its guest-centric approach as Asbury’s constant North Star. As of September 30, 2024, Asbury operated 153 new vehicle dealerships, consisting of 202 franchises and representing 31 domestic and foreign brands of vehicles. Asbury also operates Total Care Auto, Powered by Landcar, a leading provider of service contracts and other vehicle protection products, and 37 collision repair centers. Asbury offers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; parts and service, which includes vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts and collision repair services; and finance and insurance products, including arranging vehicle financing through third parties and aftermarket products, such as extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection debt cancellation, and prepaid maintenance. Asbury is recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024 by the Financial Times and the Company is listed in World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2024 by Newsweek. For additional information, visit www.asburyauto.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical fact, and may include statements relating to goals, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations and assumptions, projections regarding Asbury's financial position, liquidity, results of operations, cash flows, leverage, market position, the timing and amount of any stock repurchases, and dealership portfolio, revenue enhancement strategies, operational improvements, projections regarding the expected benefits of Clicklane, management’s plans, projections and objectives for future operations, scale and performance, integration plans and expected synergies from acquisitions, capital allocation strategy, business strategy. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, adverse outcomes with respect to current and future litigation and other proceedings, including, without limitation, our inability to realize the benefits expected from recently completed transactions; information and cybersecurity, and other issues related to technology; our inability to promptly and effectively integrate completed transactions and the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business and regular business responsibilities; our inability to complete future acquisitions or divestitures and the risks resulting therefrom; any supply chain disruptions impacting our industry and business, market factors, Asbury's relationships with, and the financial and operational stability of, vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers, acts of God, natural disasters, acts of war or other incidents and the shortage of semiconductor chips and other components, which may adversely impact supply from vehicle manufacturers and/or present retail sales challenges; risks associated with Asbury's indebtedness and our ability to comply with applicable covenants in our various financing agreements, or to obtain waivers of these covenants as necessary; risks related to competition in the automotive retail and service industries, general economic conditions both nationally and locally, governmental regulations, legislation, including changes in automotive state franchise laws, and Asbury's ability to execute its strategic and operational strategies and initiatives, including its five-year strategic plan, Asbury's ability to leverage gains from its dealership portfolio, Asbury's ability to capitalize on opportunities to repurchase its debt and equity securities or purchase properties that it currently leases, and Asbury's ability to stay within its targeted range for capital expenditures. There can be no guarantees that Asbury's plans for future operations will be successfully implemented or that they will prove to be commercially successful. These and other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements are and will be discussed in Asbury's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional information, visit www.asburyauto.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209397997/en/ CONTACT: Morgan Irwin Head of Corporate Communications, Asbury Automotive Group mirwin@asburyauto.com | (678) 537-6593 KEYWORD: GEORGIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING INSURANCE SOURCE: Asbury Automotive Group Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 06:00 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 05:58 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209397997/en

Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing charged with murder in New York, court records show

How major US stock indexes fared Thursday, 12/26/2024PARIS — 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!A senior White House official claimed on Thursday that Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation, is advancing its long-range ballistic missile program, which could potentially enable it to reach targets beyond South Asia, including the United States. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said Islamabad's conduct raised "real questions" about its intentions. "Candidly, it's hard for us to see Pakistan's actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States," Finer said in a speech to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Meanwhile, Pakistan denounced the new U.S. sanctions on the country's ballistic missile program as "discriminatory" that put the region's peace and security at risk. Pakistan's foreign ministry warned in a statement that the sanctions "have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond." It also cast doubt on U.S. allegations that targeted businesses were involved in weapons proliferation because previous sanctions "were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever." It also accused the U.S. of "double standards" for waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries. The sanctions freeze any U.S. property belonging to the targeted businesses and bar Americans from doing business with them. The U.S. State Department said one such sanctioned entity, the Islamabad-based National Development Complex, worked to acquire items for developing Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program including the SHAHEEN series of ballistic missiles. The other sanctioned entities are Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Wednesday on X that the U.S. had "been clear and consistent about our concerns" over such weapons proliferation and that it would "continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues." The sanctions were also opposed by the party of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Zulfiqar Bukhari, Khan's spokesman, took to the social platform X to criticize the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, saying "We strongly oppose U.S. sanctions on the National Development Complex and three commercial entities." The latest U.S. sanctions came months after similar measures were slapped on other foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute after the U.S. State Department accused them of working for the National Development Complex, which it says was involved in the development and production of Pakistan's long-range ballistic missiles. Analysts say Pakistan's nuclear and missile program is primarily aimed at countering threats from neighboring India. Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali called the sanctions "short-sighted, destabilizing and divorced from South Asian regional strategic realities." Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998, when it conducted underground nuclear tests in response to those carried out by its rival and neighbor India. The two sides regularly test-fired their short, medium and long-range missiles.