gun online game New York City parents miffed over lack of special education services they're entitled toATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey gambling regulators have handed out $40,000 in fines to two sportsbooks and a tech company for violations that included taking bets on unauthorized events, and on games that had already ended. In information made public Monday, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement fined DraftKings $20,000. It also levied $10,000 fines on Rush Street Interactive NJ and the sports betting technology company Kambi. According to documents released by the state, Rush Street accepted 16 bets worth $1,523 in Nov. 2021 on a college basketball game between the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Tennessee Tech University after the game had already concluded with a UNC victory. Kambi told the enforcement division that a trader had failed to manually remove that game from its betting markets, saying it had stopped receiving messages from its own sports data provider due to a network connectivity error. Kambi said it has updated its guidelines and retrained its traders to prevent a recurrence. Kambi, which is based in Malta, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday. Rush Street declined comment, and DraftKings had no immediate comment Monday. DraftKings stopped using Kambi in 2021. In March 2022 Rush Street took seven bets totaling just under $2,900 on three Magic City Jai Alai games after the results were already known. Kambi told the division it experienced a connectivity issue that allowed the bets to be accepted after the games were over. An explanation of what Kambi did to address the situation was blacked out in documents released by the division. A month earlier Rush Street took 13 wagers worth $8,150 with pre-match odds on a Professional Golf Association match after the event had already begun. In this case, Kambi told the division a newly hired trader failed to enter the correct closing time time for bets on the event. The trader and a supervisor underwent retraining. DraftKings was fined for taking bets on unapproved events including Russian basketball for nine months in 2020 and 2021. It eventually voided over $61,000 in bets and returned the money to customers after being directed to do so by the state. In this case, Kambi told the division it misidentified this particular Russian basketball league as one that was approved for wagering in New Jersey. DraftKings told the state it did not catch the error, either. In 2020, DraftKings accepted 484 wagers on unapproved table tennis matches. Kambi incorrectly enabled the events for wagering without conditions required by the state, the division said. In Feb. 2022, the division said DraftKings took pre-season NFL bets involving specific players but did not give the state specific information on what information was to be included in the bets, drawing 182 wagers worth nearly $7,000 that were later voided and refunded to customers. Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

Trump, Zelensky, Macron Discuss "Crazy" World In ParisISLAMABAD: Following PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s complaints against the incumbent government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to resolve the issues between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the committee comprises Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahmad Khan Cheema. Other members include Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Engineer Amir Muqam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Jaffer Khan Mandokhel, and Bashir Ahmed Memon. The prime minister has tasked the committee with the responsibility of "political cooperation and resolving issues after detailed consultations with the ally." The committee will engage in discussions with the members designated by the Bilawal-led party to determine the future course of action, the statement added. After the February 8 general elections, the PPP formed a government in Sindh and announced its support for PML-N in the formation of the government in Centre and Punjab but refused to accept the ministries. Earlier this month, the PPP chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s policies and governance style, alleging that PML-N was violating its agreement with his party. Speaking to journalists, Bilawal voiced concerns over the lack of respect shown to his party and complained about the questionable politics being practised by their federal allies. He also expressed disappointment over the Centre’s persistent discrimination against Sindh, terming it a matter of grave concern for his party. He said that as an ally the PPP supported the federal government morally and expected the latter to keep their end of the bargain as per the agreed terms. Though Bilawal's outburst made headlines yet there is no threat to the regime, The News reported. All key PPP leaders know that despite their complaints against the PML-N, the party will not withdraw its support for the Shehbaz-led government, it added. The PPP had recently set up a negotiation committee to resolve its differences with the federal government. The negotiating team includes senior leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider are also part of the committee, which is tasked with presenting its findings to the CEC next month.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn't improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. This will be the first time Purdy has missed a start because of an injury since taking over as the 49ers’ quarterback in December 2022. Brandon Allen will start in his place. The Niners (5-5) are currently in a three-way tie for second in the NFC West, a game behind first-place Arizona, and have little margin for error if they want to get back to the playoffs after making it to the Super Bowl last season. Purdy has completed 66% of his passes this season for 2,613 yards, 13 TDs, eight interceptions and a 95.9 passer rating that is down significantly from his league-leading mark of 113 in 2023. Allen has been mostly a backup since being drafted by Jacksonville in 2016. Allen last started a game in Week 18 of the 2021 season for Cincinnati and has thrown just three passes the last three seasons — including none since joining San Francisco in 2023. Joshua Dobbs will be the backup on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

CHARLESTON, S.C. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today filed a Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stating that the Company concluded a material pre-tax noncash impairment charge, which may be up to approximately $415 million , is required for its EVERFI asset group and will be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2024. As previously disclosed, due to EVERFI performing below expectations, Blackbaud is considering a range of alternatives for EVERFI, one of which includes a potential divestiture of the business. The impairment charge was determined to be necessary as part of this process. "To comply with generally accepted accounting principles, we're planning to record this noncash charge in the fourth quarter," said Mike Gianoni , president, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors. "We want to emphasize that EVERFI remains well positioned to support its customers and continue helping companies dedicated to social impact reach communities through custom education and workplace solutions for today's key issues. In addition, Blackbaud's core business remains strong, and we are committed to helping customers around the world use technology to drive meaningful social impact. As we determine our long-term strategic approach to the EVERFI business, we will continue to provide updates." Additional details can be found in Blackbaud's Form 8-K filed today with the SEC. About Blackbaud Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud's essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud's solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, Quartz's list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States , Australia , Canada , Costa Rica , India and the United Kingdom , supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook . Media Inquiries media@blackbaud.com Forward-looking Statements Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K are forward- looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's estimates regarding the impairment charge related to the EVERFI assets. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although we attempt to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the risk factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from our investor relations department. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward- looking statements, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackbaud-announces-impairment-charge-related-to-everfi-assets-302330791.html SOURCE BlackbaudDaily Post Nigeria PDP NWC dismisses Ikenga Ugochinyere’s expulsion by ward EXCO Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Politics PDP NWC dismisses Ikenga Ugochinyere’s expulsion by ward EXCO Published on December 7, 2024 By Seun Opejobi The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the expulsion of the House of Representative member from Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, as null and void. PDP National Working Committee, NWC, said Ugochinyere’s expulsion by his Ward chapter of the party was of no effect. The PDP Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward chapter of the PDP had expelled Ugochinyere for gross indiscipline, insubordination and anti-party activities. Ugochinyere’s expulsion was contained in a letter from the Ideato LGA chapter of PDP, dated December 5, 2024. The letter was signed by the LG party chairman, ThankGod Okeke, and the secretary, Onyebuchi Umeh. Ugochinyere’s expulsion followed the report of the party’s disciplinary committee, dated November 27, 2024, which investigated misconduct charges against him in line with Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP Constitution, 2017, as amended. The lawmaker was initially suspended at his Umuopia/Umukegwu ward on October 14, 2024, after failing to honor an invitation to appear before the ward executive committee on October 5, 2024. He was summoned to answer allegations of disciplinary offenses, and ignoring reminders and further invitations sent to him on October 7, 2024. However, in a statement on Saturday, the PDP NWC insisted that Ugochinyere is a bonafide member of the party with all rights and privileges. Parts of the statement, signed by PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, read: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) @OfficialPDPNig has been drawn to the purported expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu @IkengaImo from the Party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter of the PDP in Imo State. “The NWC declares the said purported expulsion as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with the express provision of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules of our great Party.” The party relied on Section 57 (7) of its Constitution to affirm Ugochinyere’s continued membership. Meanwhile, the LG chairmen of the PDP in Imo State at the weekend named Ugochinyere the leader of the party in the state. Ugochinyere is the highest ranking government official elected on the PDP platform in Imo State. The Imo PDP local government leaders, who passed vote of confidence on Ugochinyere, also insisted that the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagun, and national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, should be immediately removed to pave way for the reinvigoration of the opposition party. Related Topics: Ikenga Ugochinyere PDP Don't Miss Imo PDP LG chairmen appoint Ugochinyere as state party leader You may like Imo PDP LG chairmen appoint Ugochinyere as state party leader PDP ta kori dan majalisarta na tarayya ‘Wike still member’ – Adeyanju knocks PDP for expelling Ikenga Ugochinyere PDP expels Rep Ikenga Ugochinyere for anti-party activities Delta: Ibori-Suenu dumps PDP for APC Tinubu pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty – PDP BoT chairman Wabara Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. 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. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion 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. 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 Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.Blake Lively has accused director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment during the making of “It Ends With Us,” and a subsequent effort to publicly smear her reputation, according to a legal complaint. Months after rumors first swirled of a behind-the-scenes feud between Lively and Baldoni , the actress is claiming on-set tensions hit such a fever pitch that a meeting was held in which she was forced to address “ repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior ” by Baldoni. In that meeting, attended by multiple people involved in the movie as well as Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni was allegedly ordered to alter his behavior. According to the complaint, which precedes a discrimination lawsuit in California, Baldoni was told to stop showing Lively photos and videos of nude women, stop mentioning his “alleged previous pornography addiction” or prior sexual conquests, and to stop referring to the cast and crew’s genitalia. The complaint says Baldoni was also ordered to stop adding “sex scenes, oral sex or on-camera climaxing by [Lively] outside the scope of the script [Lively] approved when signing onto the project,” according to TMZ, which first reported the suit. Lively alleges Baldoni and the studio soon embarked on a “multi-tiered plan” to “destroy” her reputation following that meeting, including planting news stories and engineering social media campaigns that were critical of Lively. The complaint reportedly includes text messages between Baldoni’s PR rep and a studio publicist, obtained through subpoena, which allegedly outlined their plan to “eviscerate” Lively if she went public with her concerns. Amid promotion for the film, production sources told multiple outlets that Lively, a co-producer of the movie, used her celebrity to take creative control from director Baldoni. Lively was accused of bringing in her husband to do last-minute rewrites and of hiring her own editor, resulting in two different cuts of the film . As those stories were circulating online, the crew appeared to side with Baldoni, as did much of the internet, in part due to his centering of the film’s promotion around its story of domestic violence, while Lively billed the movie as more lighthearted. During the press tour, Lively was widely criticized for making light of a troubling story in favor of promoting her hair care and alcohol brands. Many of her old, often dismissive interviews also surfaced online, compounding the public’s negative perception of her. But according to the complaint, Baldoni “abruptly pivoted away from” the movie’s marketing plan and “used domestic violence ‘survivor content’ to protect his public image.” Lively claims his “manipulation” campaign harmed her businesses and caused her to suffer from “grief, fear, trauma and extreme anxiety.” In a statement on Saturday, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, slammed the “false, outrageous and intentionally salacious” allegations, claiming the “Gossip Girl” alum is merely scrambling to “fix her negative reputation.” Freedman also refuted Lively’s accusations of a “coordinated” smear campaign, instead saying a crisis PR rep was “proactively” hired because she was creating problems during production. Freedman alleges she threatened to not show up on set or promote the movie “if her demands were not met,” but did not specify what those demands were. In her own statement to the New York Times, Lively said she hopes her legal action “helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.” Along with Baldoni, the complaint lists Wayfarer Studios, which Baldoni co-founded, and Baldoni’s publicists among the defendants. With News Wire Services

Brazil Medical Aesthetics Market Focused Insights 2024-2029: AbbVie, Bausch Health Companies, Candela, Cutera, Cynosure Lutronic, El.En Remain Leading Market Players - ResearchAndMarkets.com

CNN's Van Jones admits Democrats are 'relieved' after Kamala's humiliating 'brat to flat' loss

NoneThe meme coin market is buzzing with excitement, and it’s no wonder why. With the crypto world constantly evolving, meme coins have become more than just a playful trend; they’re redefining how we see value in digital assets. Right now, as the market takes a breather, investors are looking to snag the next big thing. From coins that make us laugh to those that carry deeper narratives, the opportunities are endless. And let’s not forget, these coins can turn a weekend hobby into a profitable adventure. Enter BTFD Coin (BTFD) — a project that’s rewriting the meme coin playbook. With its engaging presale, innovative features, and a storyline that hooks even the sceptics, BTFD is setting the stage for a meme coin revolution. But that’s just the start. Let’s dive into the best meme coins to invest in right now and see what makes each one shine. 1. BTFD Coin (BTFD): The Meme Coin That’s All About Timing BTFD Coin’s mantra is simple: buy the dips, win the game. This isn’t your average meme coin. With a Play-to-Earn (P2E) game, a staking programme offering a whopping 90% APY, and a referral programme that’s got everyone talking, BTFD Coin is the embodiment of the meme coin frenzy. Staking went live earlier this month, allowing holders to lock in their BTFD tokens and earn rewards that blow traditional APYs out of the water. And if that wasn’t enough, the beta version of its P2E game launched during Stage 10 of its presale. While the beta won’t dish out rewards just yet, it gives gamers a taste of what’s to come. Oh, and if you’re thinking about jumping in, don’t forget to use the bonus code BIG50 . This little gem gets you 50% extra $BTFD coins on your purchase without any additional effort! Curious about how to snag some BTFD? Here’s the lowdown: Visit the BTFD website , connect your wallet, apply the BIG50 code, and finalise your purchase. The coin’s performance speaks for itself: over $4.6 million raised and more than 60 billion tokens sold to over 7000 holders. Why did this coin make it to this list? BTFD’s presale performance, combined with its innovative features, proves it’s not just another meme coin but a pioneer in the space. Don’t miss your chance to grab this BIG50 deal as it’s only valid till 5th of January! 2. Snek Coin (SNEK): The Slippery Star of the Meme Coin Scene Snek Coin slithered its way into the crypto market with charm and cheekiness. Built around the beloved snake meme culture, SNEK taps into nostalgia while bringing a modern twist. This coin stands out for its community-first approach. It’s not just about making gains; it’s about creating a space where investors feel like they’re part of something bigger. Snek’s ecosystem includes a unique gamified staking mechanism. The longer you hold, the more your rewards grow. They’ve also hinted at collaborations with other meme projects, teasing a potential crossover universe of coins. That’s the kind of buzz that gets both newbies and seasoned investors itching to join. While Snek doesn’t boast the same presale fireworks as BTFD, it’s carving its own path by prioritising engagement. From weekly AMAs to quirky contests, Snek Coin is keeping its community active and loyal. Why did this coin make it to this list? Snek Coin’s community-centric approach and fresh ideas ensure it remains a top contender among the best meme coins to invest in right now. 3. Gigachad (GIGA): The Meme Coin for Alpha Investors If you’ve been online, you’ve seen the Gigachad meme — a nod to internet culture’s ultimate alpha male. GIGA takes this energy and channels it into a coin that’s all about standing out. With a tagline like “Invest Like a Chad,” it’s hard not to pay attention. What makes GIGA unique is its focus on exclusivity. They’ve created a members-only club for top holders, complete with exclusive NFT drops and early access to new features. Think of it as a crypto VIP lounge. But don’t mistake GIGA for style over substance. Its tokenomics are robust, with a deflationary model designed to increase scarcity and drive up value. Why did this coin make it to this list? Gigachad’s bold branding and innovative perks make it a standout in the meme coin space. If you’re looking for a coin with swagger, this is it. 4. Non-Playable Coin (NPC): Satire Meets Serious Gains Non-Playable Coin started as a satirical jab at the NPC meme but has since evolved into a legitimate crypto project. The coin’s premise? Mocking the monotony of modern life while giving investors a chance to break free from the ordinary. It’s a clever mix of humour and hustle. NPC has gained traction thanks to its DAO-driven model, where holders have a say in the project’s direction. This isn’t just a meme coin; it’s a social experiment in decentralised governance. Add in regular NFT airdrops and community events, and it’s clear NPC knows how to keep its audience engaged. Why did this coin make it to this list? NPC’s satirical edge and commitment to decentralisation make it one of the best meme coins to invest in right now. It’s proof that humour and innovation can coexist. 5. Simon’s Cat (CAT): A Purrfect Blend of Fun and Functionality Inspired by the internet’s favourite feline, Simon’s Cat brings a playful vibe to the crypto world. But don’t let the cute branding fool you; this coin means business. CAT’s ecosystem includes a charity initiative for animal shelters, making it a feel-good investment. The coin’s roadmap features plans for a P2E game where players can adopt virtual cats, earning rewards as they care for them. It’s like Tamagotchi meets blockchain. And with a portion of transaction fees going to real-world animal causes, Simon’s Cat is a project with heart. Why did this coin make it to this list? Simon’s Cat combines adorable appeal with real-world impact, proving it’s more than just a meme coin. Conclusion: The Time to Invest is Now The world of meme coins is as unpredictable as it is exciting. From the innovative features of BTFD Coin to the community-driven charm of Snek Coin, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Each of these projects brings something unique to the table, making them the best meme coins to invest in right now. Don’t wait too long to make your move. Whether it’s BTFD’s unbeatable presale offer or Gigachad’s exclusive perks, these coins are trending for a reason. Head to BTFD Coin’s presale page, use the BIG50 code, and start your journey today. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this wave. Website: https://www.btfd.io/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/BTFD_COIN Telegram: https://t.me/btfd_coin Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

Stanford prof accused of using AI to fake testimony in Minnesota case against conservative YouTuberUndercooked Australia lose the plot in Perth

By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump extends unprecedented invites to China’s Xi and other world leaders for his inauguration National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”

NexPoint Comments on Cancellation of United Development Funding IV (UDF IV) 2024 Annual MeetingPHILADELPHIA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a leading global agricultural sciences company, today announced the election of Anthony DiSilvestro to the company's Board of Directors, effective December 12, 2024 . DiSilvestro will serve on the Audit and Compensation and Human Capital Committees. DiSilvestro brings more than 40 years of broad financial experience in multi-billion dollar companies to FMC's Board. He currently serves as the chief financial officer of Mattel Inc., where he has been instrumental in the successful financial turnaround of the company. Prior to Mattel, DiSilvestro held various senior leadership positions at Campbell Soup Company, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he played a key role in the successful defense of an activist-led proxy contest and led significant cost reduction and divestiture programs. "We are pleased to welcome Anthony to the FMC Board of Directors," said Pierre Brondeau, FMC chairman and chief executive officer. "His extensive experience in leading large transformations, developing and executing corporate strategies, and collaborating with executive leadership teams will be invaluable to FMC. We look forward to benefiting from his expertise and insights." DiSilvestro expressed his enthusiasm for joining FMC's Board, stating, "I am honored to join the Board of Directors of FMC Corporation, a company with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to contribute to FMC's continued success and value creation for all stakeholders." About FMC FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture – enable growers and crop advisers to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 5,800 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn ® . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fmc-corporation-announces-election-of-anthony-disilvestro-to-board-of-directors-302330762.html SOURCE FMC Corporation

VANCOUVER — Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia. Data show the problem spiked during COVID-19 when children began spending more time online — but rates did not wane as police anticipated after lockdowns ended. In B.C., they soared, almost quadrupling from 2021 to 2023. Const. Solana Pare is now warning exploitation of children is likely here to stay, as a technological race between police and predators gains momentum. “Technology is becoming more and more available, and online platforms and social media sites are being used by children younger and younger, which provides an opportunity for predators to connect with them,” Pare said in an interview. Police say child exploitation cases in B.C. went from about 4,600 in 2021 to 9,600 in 2022 to 15,920 reports last year. The upwards trend is seen nationally, too. Statistics Canada says the rate of online child sexual exploitation reported to police rose by 58 per cent from 2019 to 2022, and police data show cases have continued to rise. The RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre reported that from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, it received 118,162 reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation offences — a 15 per cent increase compared with the previous year. Online child sexual exploitation, Pare explained, includes offences such as sextortion, child luring and the creation or distribution of sexually explicit images of a minor. “We don’t see these types of reports going away,” Pare said. “We only see them increasing because the use of electronic devices and social media, and kids being online earlier and earlier is becoming more common. There’s going to be more opportunity for predators to target children online.” Monique St. Germain, general counsel for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, said the most common type of child luring is communicating with a youth online in order get them to produce sexual abuse material. She said “the pandemic accelerated those types of cases, and it hasn’t slowed down.” “The tools (Canadian authorities) have to deal with this type of behaviour are inadequate for the scope and the scale of what’s going on,” she said. THE RISE OF ‘SEXTORTION’ Online exploitation gained international attention in 2015 in the case of Port Coquitlam, B.C., teenager, Amanda Todd, who died by suicide after being blackmailed and harassed online by a man for years, starting when she was 12. The month before the 15-year-old died, she uploaded a nine-minute video using a series of flash cards detailing the abuse she experienced by the stranger and how it had affected her life. It’s been viewed millions of times. Dutch national Aydin Coban was extradited to Canada for trial and, in October 2022, he was convicted of charges including the extortion and harassment of Todd. Since then, the term “sextortion” has made its way into the vernacular as more cases come to light. Among them was Carson Cleland, a 12-year-old Prince George, B.C., boy who died by suicide in October 2023 after falling victim to the crime. In New Brunswick that same month, 16-year-old William Doiron took his own life after falling victim to a global sextortion scheme. Mounties across Canada have issued news releases warning of increased cases in their communities, noting that the consequences for the victims can include self-harm and suicide. St. Germain said technology, such as artificial intelligence, is also becoming more user-friendly. “The existence of that technology and its ease of use and ready accessibility is a problem, and it is going to be an increasingly large problem as we move forward,” she said. Pare said police are also adapting to technological advancements in order to keep up with the ever-changing online landscape. “Police are constantly obtaining training on digital technologies to increase our knowledge and understanding of all the intricacies involving their use and how to capture any digital evidence,” she said. Pare said the true rates of the crime are impossible to determine, but pointed to increased social awareness and legislation across North America around mandatory reporting of child abuse material from social media companies as a potential reason for the increase. It’s not going undetected any longer, she said. “Additionally, there’s been a lot of use in artificial intelligence to detect child exploitation materials within those platforms.” Pare said “it’s up to each individual platform” to ensure there is no child sexual abuse material on their sites or apps. “With mandatory reporting, it’s putting the onus back on the electronic service providers to ensure they have measures in place to prevent this from happening, and if it is happening that it is being reported,” she said. “That being said, there are times when things don’t get located.” That is why the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has been advocating for the adoption of the Online Harms Bill that the federal government introduced in February, St. Germain said. “It’s shocking that up until now, we’ve relied on companies to self regulate, meaning we’ve just relied on them to do the right thing,” she said. “What we are seeing in terms of the number of offences and in terms of all the harm that is happening in society as a result of online platforms is completely tied to the decision not to regulate. We need to have rules in any sector, and this sector is no different.” ‘CANADA IS REALLY BEHIND’ The Online Harms Bill covers seven types of harms, from non-consensual sharing of intimate images to content that can be used to bully a child. Earlier this month, Justice Minister Arif Virani announced the Liberal government will split the bill into two parts: dealing with keeping children safe online, and combating predators and issues related to revenge pornography. “We are putting our emphasis and prioritization and our time and efforts on the first portion of the bill,” Virani told reporters on Dec. 5. Such measures would include a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada, which would compel social media companies to outline how they plan to reduce the risks their platforms pose to users, particularly minors. It would have the power to levy fines and evaluate companies’ digital safety plans. St. Germain said such a split “makes sense,” noting that most objections to the bill are related to changes to the Criminal Code and not measures around curbing harms to children. “There obviously are differences of opinion in terms of what is the best way forward, and what kind of regulatory approach makes sense, and who should the regulator be, but there does seem to be consensus on the idea that we need to do more in terms of protecting children online,” she said, adding that the organization is still in support of the second half of the bill. She said the United Kingdom previously passed its own Online Safety Act that will come into effect in 2025, which includes requiring social media firms to protect children from content such as self-harm material, pornography and violent content. Failure to do so will result in fines. “Canada is really behind,” she said. “The amount of information that has come out of the U.K., the amount of time and care and attention that their legislatures have paid to this issue is really quite remarkable, and we really hope that Canada steps up and does something for Canadian children soon.” In the absence of national legislation, province’s have filled the void. In January, B.C. enacted the Intimate Images Protection Act, providing a path for victims to have online photos, videos or deep fakes expeditiously removed. Individuals are fined up to $500 per day and websites up to $5,000 a day if they don’t comply with orders to stop distributing images that are posted without consent. B.C.’s Ministry of the Attorney General said that as of Dec. 11, the Civil Resolution Tribunal had received a total of 199 disputes under the Intimate Images Protection Act. It said the Intimate Images Protection Service had served more than 240 clients impacted by the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, adding that four awards of $5,000 each and one for $3,000 had been supplied as of mid-December. Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta and Saskatchewan have also enacted legislation targeting unauthorized distribution of intimate images. St. Germain said the use of provincial powers is also necessary, but it’s not enough. “A piece of provincial legislation is going to be very difficult to be effective against multiple actors in multiple countries,” she said, noting that the online crime is borderless. “We need something bigger — more comprehensive. We need to use all tools in the tool box.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today filed a Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stating that the Company concluded a material pre-tax noncash impairment charge, which may be up to approximately $415 million , is required for its EVERFI asset group and will be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2024. As previously disclosed, due to EVERFI performing below expectations, Blackbaud is considering a range of alternatives for EVERFI, one of which includes a potential divestiture of the business. The impairment charge was determined to be necessary as part of this process. "To comply with generally accepted accounting principles, we're planning to record this noncash charge in the fourth quarter," said Mike Gianoni , president, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors. "We want to emphasize that EVERFI remains well positioned to support its customers and continue helping companies dedicated to social impact reach communities through custom education and workplace solutions for today's key issues. In addition, Blackbaud's core business remains strong, and we are committed to helping customers around the world use technology to drive meaningful social impact. As we determine our long-term strategic approach to the EVERFI business, we will continue to provide updates." Additional details can be found in Blackbaud's Form 8-K filed today with the SEC. About Blackbaud Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud's essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud's solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, Quartz's list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States , Australia , Canada , Costa Rica , India and the United Kingdom , supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook . Media Inquiries media@blackbaud.com Forward-looking Statements Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K are forward- looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's estimates regarding the impairment charge related to the EVERFI assets. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although we attempt to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the risk factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from our investor relations department. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward- looking statements, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackbaud-announces-impairment-charge-related-to-everfi-assets-302330791.html SOURCE Blackbaud

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.Coalition leader Peter Dutton has pledged to “keep the lights on” as he unveiled a $331 billion plan to introduce nuclear energy to Australia by the mid-2030s. “We deliver a plan today which will get the energy mix right. It will lower costs, it will keep the lights on, and it will set our country up for generations to come,” he told a press conference in Brisbane on Friday. “This is a plan which will underpin the economic success of our country for the next century. “This will make electricity reliable. It will make it more consistent. It will make it cheaper for Australians, and it will help us decarbonise as a trading economy as we must.” The Coalition plans to convert seven coal-fired power station sites around the country to nuclear power between 2035 and 2050. This would include two small nuclear modular reactors - technology that is not yet proven - and five large-scale plants. They say this would provide up to 14GW of power by 2050. This would be supported, they say, by renewables - up to which would make up 54 per cent of power generation in the National Energy Market - as well as gas and storage. The Coalition would also keep coal fire power stations running beyond their current timeline, before they are transitioned to nuclear power plans. But the plan, which Mr Dutton claims will save Australians up to $263 billion compared to Labor’s renewables approach — a 44 per cent saving for taxpayers and businesses — assumes the country will use up to 45 per cent electricity by 2050 than Labor’s preferred plan. The Coalition claims Labor has overcompensated and been overzealous in its ambition of electric vehicle rollouts and green hydrogen, and their modelling will be more in line with what Australia actually needs. Katina Curtis When pressed on what guarantees he would give to Australians that the capital cost of his nuclear project would not follow all other nuclear projects in blowing out by up to three times their planned cost, Mr Dutton only said he was “confident” in the modelling projections. On Friday, he accused Labor of a “zealot-like approach” to renewables that was “going to cause a lot of grief to our country in the near term and in the long term.” Families were paying higher power bills under Labor, he argued. The Albanese Government has strongly disputed the Coalition’s costings. But the plan is set to be hugely controversial, dividing industry as well as politicians, industry, and the Commonwealth. A major hurdle the Coalition would need to overcome to get the first nuclear power plant up and running by 2036 would be convincing the states to overturn legislative bans. Asked what progress he had made convincing premiers to agree to nuclear power, Mr Dutton said being in Opposition, they weren’t “in a position to negotiate contracts” until they are elected. But, he said he was “confident” South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas would lead the charge. Energy Minister Chris Bowen dismissed the Coalition’s strategy as a “fantasy.” “It won’t pass the pub test, it won’t pass the sniff test,” he told ABC News. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis said it had identified “significant issues” with the proposals, arguing that recent projects in Europe and North America have experienced significant delays and cost overruns. “Nuclear is a costly pathway that would lead to higher power bills,” said Johanna Bowyer, IEEFA’s lead analyst. “We have found that nuclear reactor projects constructed in Europe and North America in the past 20 years have seen cost blowouts of 1.7 to 3.4 times original amounts.” However, nuclear engineers counter that there is no obstacle to achieving nuclear power within a decade besides politics. “Nuclear is...the only technology that’s proven to be workable to solve this climate change problem. Renewables just can’t cut it,” said Dave Collins, managing director and principal environmental engineer of Synergetics Consulting Engineers. The Australian political debate had been “unproductive,” he told The Nightly. Fortescue and Tattarang chairman, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest said nuclear “doesn’t stack up for Australian families or businesses dealing with the cost-of-living crisis today”. “We need the certainty of lower bills now, not at some distant point in the future. As our national science agency has shown, ‘firmed’ solar and wind are the cheapest new electricity options for all Australians,” he said. “The cost of electricity generated on a grid dominated by firmed renewable energy in 2030 will be half what you would have to pay if it came from nuclear, CSIRO found.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier appeared to mock the Coalition proposal ahead of its long-awaited announcement. “It’s Friday the 13th, an auspicious day, I’ve got to say, for Peter Dutton to drop his nuclear nightmare policy out there,” he said. “We know this is a plan for the 2040s and in the meantime, I’m not quite sure what he thinks will happen with energy security. “The truth is that renewables are the cheapest form of new energy. Everyone knows that that’s the case.” Mr Dutton’s long-awaited nuclear costings came days after a new GenCost report by the CSIRO backed the government’s stance by stating a nuclear power plant in Australia would likely cost twice as much as renewable energy, even accounting for increased longevity of reactors. Mr Dutton called the impartiality of Australia’s leading science agency into question – a charge CSRIO rejected in a statement on Thursday that stated: “we conduct our independent, rigorous research without fear or favour.” The Opposition have based their own costings on two analyses by consultancy Frontier Economics. Shadow Energy Minister Ted O’Brien explained that the costings in the report made clear that lower prices reflected costs over time. “The 44 per cent difference in the cost between Labor’s approach and the Coalition’s approach, it is very safe to assume it would be comparable when it comes to price differential of that period of time,” he said. Mr Dutton added more about the Coalition’s approach to the months-long drafting of the policy. “What we’ve looked at is the experience of every developed country around the world, the energy mix that they using,” he said. “And if you look to jurisdictions, for example, like Ontario or in Tennessee, they are paying 18 cents a kilowatt hour for their power at the moment because they have renewables firmed up by nuclear,” he argued. “In South Australia, at the moment, people are paying 56 cents a kilowatt hour, three times the rate. So is it any wonder that we’ve had a threefold increase in the number of manufacturing businesses which have closed in our country over the last two and a half years?” The Opposition Leader also addressed the question of the safety of nuclear power. “The Prime Minister signed up to the nuclear submarines, and therefore sent a very clear message to Australians that there are no safety concerns about the latest technology in relation to nuclear,” he said, referring to the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the US and the UK,” he said. “The AUKUS legislation that enables the nuclear reactor to be a part of our defence force and to be a key technology for us to defend ourselves, that has been facilitated through legislation, which has passed through the parliament already.”