Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.Web3 hosting solutions are fundamental in supporting the growth and running of decentralized applications and blockchain technologies. They provide the infrastructure that ensures security, scalability, and integration into blockchain protocols for decentralized platforms. Let’s learn how Web3 hosting solutions work and what features make them essential to the decentralized ecosystem. Decentralized Infrastructure: Web3 hosting uses blockchain protocols and smart contracts to allow dApps to operate without relying on traditional, centralized servers. This infrastructure is very important for blockchain projects to maintain security and independence. Improved Security: Web3 hosting solutions use advanced encryption algorithms during data transmission and storage. The majority of Web3 hosting services offer DDoS protection. Hosting solutions are also designed to run securely within protected data centers, which prevents physical and cyber hacks while maintaining a high level of uptime. Scalability: Web3 hosting services allow users to add nodes and resources as needed to ensure high performance even as demand grows. This scalability is important for dApps, which must handle a high volume of transactions and data requests while ensuring fast user response times. Decentralized Data Storage: Decentralized data storage is one of the fundamental characteristics of Web3 hosting solutions. Most services utilize the InterPlanetary File System to store data in a distributed way. This means dApp data will not be stored on a single central server but spread over a decentralized network of nodes. This increases the application's security and resilience by protecting it from data breaches and server outages. Community Integration: Web3 hosting allows for interoperability between other applications within the much larger Web3 ecosystem. Its connection with developers, projects, and communities empowers them to interact within a collaborative platform that would be beneficial for their apps. In this respect, many hosting providers interface with decentralized finance, DAOs, and various other initiatives. Performance Optimization: For Web3 applications to be successful, they need to be optimized for high transaction volumes, smart contract executions, and data. Web3 hosting services ensure the infrastructure is tuned for high performance and provide reliable services under heavy load. Compliance Support: As the decentralized ecosystem continues to expand, governments are increasingly interested in regulations surrounding blockchain technologies and their respective decentralized applications. Web3 hosting services can ensure compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks, ensuring that developers create applications that operate according to legal standards. Some Web3 hosting services have taken the lead in decentralized infrastructure for dApps. IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) : IPFS is a protocol for peer-to-peer data storage. Content addressing, version control, and resilience against censorship make it an excellent solution for distributed hosting of dApp assets . Fleek : Fleek provides decentralized hosting with a focus on user experience. It offers free hosting options and up to the most comprehensive packages explicitly tailored for Web3 applications. Dedicated Node Hosting Providers: Companies such as Servers.com offer dedicated bare metal and cloud node hosting specifically for different blockchain protocols. The services offered come with 24/7 support, thus maintaining blockchain applications' high uptime and performance. There are two main models for Web3 hosting solutions: Fully Decentralized Hosting: In this model, decentralized platforms host all components of a decentralized application for utmost security and censorship resistance. Although such deployment provides greater security, it increases the complexity of deployment and management. Hybrid Hosting: Hybrid hosting combines decentralized smart contracts with centralized front-end hosting, making it easier to deploy dApps. Although hybrid hosting is simple, it introduces vulnerabilities because of its reliance on centralized systems. As Web3 technologies evolve further, the requirement for hosting services is likely to be more crucial. It will allow developers to create more efficient and robust decentralized applications, further enhancing the growth and sustainment of the Web3 ecosystem.
South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over martial lawBy Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. Related Articles Real Estate | Want to rent? Lehigh Valley is No. 1 in US in competition for apartments, study finds Real Estate | Easton residents denounce plans for massive warehouse at old Pfizer plant near residential area Real Estate | Average rate on 30-year mortgage snaps 3-week slide and rises to highest level since late November Real Estate | US home sales hit fastest pace since March with more properties up for sale Real Estate | Plans for warehouse near busy I-78 intersection in Northampton County move forward: ‘These areas can accommodate additional development’ First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .
BJP leaders on Saturday slammed Congress leader Bhai Jagtap for allegedly insulting the Election Commission(EC) with derogatory remarks. Talking to a news agency, its national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala hit out at Congress leader Bhai Jagtap for his alleged ‘kutta’ (‘dog’) remark for the poll panel.He accused the grand old party of insulting the constitutional institution and criticised the party for doubting the poll panel. “Insulting the constitutional institution has become the identity of Congress. This is not a coincidence, it has become a habit of Congress...now they are doubting the EC, when the election in Jharkhand, J&K, Wayanad, Karnataka and Telangana, the Election Commission is fine...otherwise in Haryana and Maharashtra, become ‘Kutta’ (‘dog’)...they are the one who insults the Constitution.,” he said. Advertisement Meanwhile, another BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and wrote a letter to the EC over Congress leader Bhai Jagtap’s “kutta” (dog) remark regarding the poll panel. Talking to the news agency, Somaiya said, “I have written to the Election Commission and also filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner. Such a kind of insult, the humiliation of the Election Commission which is a constitutional body can’t be tolerated. Action should be initiated against Bhai Pratap.” Further, the BJP leader said Congress had been targeting the EC because they are scared of the local body Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections due in March 2025. “In the last two days, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) everybody has been targeting the EVM and EC because everyone is scared of the local body Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections due in March 2025,” the BJP leader added. Earlier, Congress leader Bhai Jagtap doubled down on his derogatory remarks against the EC amid the row over the usage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMS) and said that the country’s democracy has been “disreputed” because of ECI’s “sycophancy.” Notably, Jagtap refused to apologise over his objectionable “kutta” remark for the poll panel. “I will not apologise at all, not even a bit...If they are working under pressure from the PM and other ministers then what I have said is right. I will not apologise...The EC exists to further strengthen the democracy of the country, and not to serve someone. I stand by what I said. The EC should work like TN Seshan...Democracy is being disreputed because of the sycophant attitude of EC,” he said. He further said that Congress brought the EVM technology because it was being used in France, and the US, but after 2009, doubts started arising over its use. Jagtap further said, “Ours is the biggest democracy in the world. If any such doubt is raised, it should be answered. Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court on this. A decision on the same was pronounced in April 2024. It was said that VVPAT slips should be counted, if you do not want ballot paper. The petition stated that 50 per cent of the VVPATs should counted but the Supreme Court said that it should be 5 per cent but it wasn’t done.” AdvertisementManila, Philippines – On 23 October 2024, DEWALT, the global leader in power tools, unveiled its latest line of outdoor power tools at a grand launch event held at the Grand Ballroom, City of Dreams in Manila. This launch not only marks a major milestone in DEWALT's legacy of 100 years of excellence but also highlights the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. The event brought together a wide range of professionals, influencers, retail partners, dealers, and members of the United Architects of the Philippines to witness firsthand the next generation of outdoor power tools. With a strong focus on reducing environmental impact, DEWALT's new tools feature energy-efficient motors, ergonomic designs, and robust materials. In his keynote address, Kevin Lowe, Vice President for Southeast Asia at DEWALT, emphasized the significance of this launch in the context of DEWALT’s century-long commitment to both performance and sustainability. “With our advanced cordless technology, we empower our customers to reduce their carbon footprints without compromising on performance," Lowe said. Joanne Mercado, Product Manager for DEWALT Outdoor in the Philippines, showcased the innovative range of cordless outdoor tools designed to meet the diverse needs of Filipino consumers. This new product lineup includes powerful pressure washers, lawn mowers, and trimmers engineered for efficiency and ease of use. Mercado emphasized the versatility of the tools, which are available in both 20V and 60V options. “DEWALT is committed to providing sustainable solutions that enhance the user experience,” Mercado stated. “Our cordless outdoor tools eliminate harmful gas emissions and prioritize user well being and comfort, all while maintaining the high standards of quality and performance our customers expect.” The new line integrates DEWALT’s cutting-edge battery technology, such as the DEWALT XR® and the Flexvolt® battery, which automatically adjusts voltage to suit different tools, enhancing convenience and performance. Mercado also highlighted the DEWALT PowerstackTM battery, which uses breakthrough pouch cell technology to offer longer-lasting power and a reduced environmental footprint due to its lower heat and resistance. The company’s confidence in its products is reflected in the robust 3-year warranty protection, available through DEWALT’s SERBILIS program, which ensures convenient tool repair services in partnership with DHL. As part of the launch, the event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on Environmental Preservation, Beautification, and Sustainability. The panel included prominent figures like eco architect James Hao, known for his sustainable projects, and architect Richard Manlulu Garcia, a leader in green architecture. The discussion highlighted the growing need for companies and homeowners to adopt sustainable tools and materials that support eco-friendly architectural practices. James Hao is a recognized Eco Architect known for his sustainable designs and innovative projects featured in various media outlets. He holds a Master’s degree in City Design & Social Science from the London School of Economics. Richard Manlulu Garcia is a co-founder of GARCIA LEE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (GALA Architecture), specializing in mixed-use developments. As a Green Architect, he has contributed to multiple LEED-certified projects and has held several leadership positions in the United Architects of the Philippines. Jao underscored the importance of harmony between function, design, and the environment. He noted that there is a growing demand from companies and homeowners to address the need to protect people and planet through the use of sustainable materials and tools that support green architecture. On the topic of profitability versus sustainability, Garcia emphasized that sustainable architecture adds value to real estate and that long-term financial gains are partly the result of cost-effective measures ingrained in green design. Energy-efficient buildings have lower operational costs, reduce utility bills, and increase savings for property managers, occupants, and owners. Lowe highlighted DEWALT’s commitment to listening to users. With its end user obsession, DEWALT continues to transform the industry by proactively looking ahead to meet the needs of the trades for sustainable and cutting-edge power tools that offer greater efficiency and productivity, and contribute to a greener future. Mercado addressed concerns on affordability. Her advice was to start small when investing in outdoor power tools and to consider the long-term value and extended lifespan of the tools. As part of the Outdoor Power Revolution, DEWALT invites customers and industry partners to join its commitment to a greener future. This launch serves as a testament to DEWALT's ongoing efforts to empower individuals with cutting-edge tools while prioritizing environmental sustainability. For more information about DEWALT’s Outdoor Power Revolution and its innovative product lineup, please visit https://www.dewalt.com/products/outdoor .
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Article content PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ‘s heart from beating again. Recommended Videos 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 Ile de la Cite, 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. Monumental feats of restoration 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. RECOMMENDED VIDEO 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 Francois Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the (euro)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.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO 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.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western facade, 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. Macron’s political woes 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 is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Ile de la Cite — 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.SMU wins ACC basketball debut, holds UVA without a field goal in final 10 minutesKerala a jewel in India's startup crown: Tharoor
The 140-year-old Government Higher Primary School (GHPS) at Attavar, in the heart of Mangaluru, has 268 Kannada and English medium students from classes 1 to 4. The school requires four additional classrooms, 15 desks/benches, four boys/girls washrooms, ₹22 lakh worth of computer laboratory, a smart classroom, ₹5,000 worth sports material, and ₹5,000 worth charts/maps. Similarly, the 111-year-old bilingual GHPS in Mannagudda, also in Mangaluru, having 235 students, needs four additional classrooms; a toilet each for boys, girls, and special children, incinerator, metre long compound wall, smart classroom, computer lab, laboratory room, two laptops, two maps/charts, projector, printer, drinking water facility, and rainwater harvesting facility. The infrastructure needs of nearly 350 government schools in Dakshina Kannada are mentioned in the new portal ‘Namagaagi’ cf.dakshinakannada.org developed by Dakshina Kannada district administration to facilitate raising of funds for improving infrastructure of government schools. This portal has been developed by Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri. It was officially launched by district in charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao during the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme meeting in Mangaluru on December 23. The portal has a list of schools that are classified into Mangaluru North, Mangaluru South, Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur, Sullia, and Moodibidri blocks. On clicking the photo of the school, brief details about the school, specific needs of the school, and the mobile number of the school headmaster appear. The donor has to select the item he/she wants to donate, where the amount calculated per the prevailing rate appears. After submission, message passes to the headmaster concerned, who will contact the donor to complete the donation process. “We have created the portal that facilitates donors across the country to fund infrastructure needs. Once the articles are purchased or upon completion of construction, the headmaster uploads the picture to the portal. Following an inspection by the concerned Block Education Officer, we send a digitally signed appreciation letter to the donor. We have put in place a transparent system that gives a clear idea to the donor how funds donated were used,” Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K. Anandh told The Hindu . Dr. Anandh said the portal was conceptualised by Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan. The infrastructure needs mentioned on the portal are those provided by the school headmasters. Dr. Anandh said infrastructure needs will be continuously updated on the portal. This portal will be in addition to the present way of donors directly donating to schools, he said. Published - December 25, 2024 07:32 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditWestern Michigan beats Eastern Michigan 26-18 to become bowl eligible