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NoneWASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s personnel choices for his new Cabinet and White House reflect his signature positions on immigration and trade but also a range of viewpoints and backgrounds that raise questions about what ideological anchors might guide his Oval Office encore. With a rapid assembly of his second administration — faster than his effort eight years ago — the former and incoming president has combined television personalities , former Democrats, a wrestling executive and traditional elected Republicans into a mix that makes clear his intentions to impose tariffs on imported goods and crack down on illegal immigration but leaves open a range of possibilities on other policy pursuits. “The president has his two big priorities and doesn’t feel as strongly about anything else — so it’s going to be a real jump ball and zigzag,” predicted Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s 2017-21 term. “In the first administration, he surrounded himself with more conservative thinkers, and the results showed we were mostly rowing in the same direction. This is more eclectic.” Indeed, Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio , the Florida senator who has pilloried authoritarian regimes around the world, is in line to serve as top diplomat to a president who praises autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon has been tapped to sit at the Cabinet table as a pro-union labor secretary alongside multiple billionaires, former governors and others who oppose making it easier for workers to organize themselves. The prospective treasury secretary, Scott Bessent , wants to cut deficits for a president who promised more tax cuts, better veterans services and no rollbacks of the largest federal outlays: Social Security, Medicare and national defense. Abortion-rights supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump's choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which Trump’s conservative Christian base has long targeted as an agency where the anti-abortion movement must wield more influence. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich allowed that members of Trump’s slate will not always agree with the president and certainly not with one another. But he minimized the potential for irreconcilable differences: “A strong Cabinet, by definition, means you’re going to have people with different opinions and different skills.” That kind of unpredictability is at the core of Trump’s political identity. He is the erstwhile reality TV star who already upended Washington once and is returning to power with sweeping, sometimes contradictory promises that convinced voters, especially those in the working class, that he will do it all again. “What Donald Trump has done is reorient political leadership and activism to a more entrepreneurial spirit,” Gingrich said. There's also plenty of room for conflict, given the breadth of Trump's 2024 campaign promises and his pattern of cycling through Cabinet members and national security personnel during his first term. This time, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign goods, end illegal immigration and launch a mass deportation force, goose U.S. energy production and exact retribution on people who opposed — and prosecuted — him. He's added promises to cut taxes, raise wages, end wars in Israel and Ukraine , streamline government, protect Social Security and Medicare, help veterans and squelch cultural progressivism. Trump alluded to some of those promises in recent weeks as he completed his proposed roster of federal department heads and named top White House staff members. But his announcements skimmed over any policy paradoxes or potential complications. Bessent has crusaded as a deficit hawk, warning that the ballooning national debt , paired with higher interest rates, drives consumer inflation. But he also supports extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that added to the overall debt and annual debt service payments to investors who buy Treasury notes. A hedge-fund billionaire, Bessent built his wealth in world markets. Yet, generally speaking, he’s endorsed Trump's tariffs. He rejects the idea that they feed inflation and instead frames tariffs as one-time price adjustments and leverage to achieve U.S. foreign policy and domestic economic aims. Trump, for his part, declared that Bessent would “help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States.” Story continues below video Chavez-DeRemer, Trump promised, “will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.” Trump did not address the Oregon congresswoman’s staunch support for the PRO-Act, a Democratic-backed measure that would make it easier for workers to unionize, among other provisions. That proposal passed the House when Democrats held a majority. But it’s never had measurable Republican support in either chamber on Capitol Hill, and Trump has never made it part of his agenda. When Trump named Kennedy as his pick for health secretary, he did not mention the former Democrat’s support for abortion rights. Instead, Trump put the focus on Kennedy’s intention to take on the U.S. agriculture, food processing and drug manufacturing sectors. The vagaries of Trump’s foreign policy stand out, as well. Trump's choice for national security adviser , Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, offered mixed messages Sunday when discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, which Trump claims never would have started had he been president, because he would have prevailed on Putin not to invade his neighboring country. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Waltz repeated Trump’s concerns over recent escalations, which include President Joe Biden approving sending antipersonnel mines to Ukrainian forces. “We need to restore deterrence, restore peace and get ahead of this escalation ladder, rather than responding to it,” Waltz said. But in the same interview, Waltz declared the mines necessary to help Ukraine “stop Russian gains” and said he’s working “hand in glove” with Biden’s team during the transition. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence , the top intelligence post in government, is an outspoken defender of Putin and Syrian President Bashar al Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Perhaps the biggest wildcards of Trump’s governing constellation are budget-and-spending advisers Russell Vought, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Vought led Trump’s Office of Management and Budget in his first term and is in line for the same post again. Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, and Ramaswamy, a mega-millionaire venture capitalist, are leading an outside advisory panel known as the “Department of Government Efficiency.” The latter effort is a quasi-official exercise to identify waste. It carries no statutory authority, but Trump can route Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s recommendations to official government pathways, including via Vought. A leading author of Project 2025 , the conservative movement’s blueprint for a hard-right turn in U.S. government and society, Vought envisions OMB not just as an influential office to shape Trump’s budget proposals for Congress but a power center of the executive branch, “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” As for how Trump might navigate differences across his administration, Gingrich pointed to Chavez-DeRemer. “He might not agree with her on union issues, but he might not stop her from pushing it herself,” Gingrich said of the PRO-Act. “And he will listen to anybody. If you convince him, he absolutely will spend presidential capital.” Short said other factors are more likely to influence Trump: personalities and, of course, loyalty . Vought “brought him potential spending cuts” in the first administration, Short said, “that Trump wouldn’t go along with.” This time, Short continued, “maybe Elon and Vivek provide backup,” giving Vought the imprimatur of two wealthy businessmen. “He will always calculate who has been good to him,” Short said. “You already see that: The unions got the labor secretary they wanted, and Putin and Assad got the DNI (intelligence chief) they wanted. ... This is not so much a team-of-rivals situation. I think it’s going to look a lot like a reality TV show.”So what happened in the first week of the season? We have you coveredThe administration of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come under heavy criticism over its handling of the flood crisis in the four southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Comparisons have been drawn between the delayed response and insufficient support for flood victims in the South and the quicker and more effective management of flooding in the northern provinces in August. The Bangkok Post spoke with political observers about the flood relief efforts and asked if there is a double standard in the government's flood response between the North and South. They were asked to explain whether the government's handling of floods was due to politics, as the ruling Pheu Thai Party is known to have limited support in the South. Setback for Pheu Thai Sathit Wongnongtoey, a former Democrat MP from Trang, said resentment towards the ruling party among some southern residents is deep-rooted due to the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and his infamous remarks about prioritising provinces that supported his party. Moreover, the Pheu Thai-led government's lack of attention to the southern region has been observed, and the prime minister's apparent lack of urgency in taking action has led some residents to believe the region is being neglected, he said. Asked about the premier's remark that she had assigned her deputies to oversee flood management in the South, Mr Sathit criticised the prime minister and said she should be aware of public expectations and be ready to equally serve all citizens. The former MP said the coalition government should take responsibility for the state of the country because it has not done enough to give people hope. Mr Sathit said the government's popularity will be affected as it has been unable to deliver on its economic promises. Sathit: Deliver economic promises Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat MP from Phatthalung, said flood relief efforts are being carried out by state agencies involved, although the prime minister has yet to make a trip to the four southernmost border provinces to inspect the floods. This has left the impression the government is not giving sufficient attention and care to the situation, he said, adding that even if the entire cabinet were to visit, they would not have the same morale-boosting effects as the prime minister's presence. Due to the geography of the region, much of the floodwater in affected areas will have already subsided by the time the prime minister makes a visit and she will not be able to witness the full severity of the flooding, he said. When asked if Ms Paetongtarn has no incentive to visit because Pheu Thai has limited support in the South, he said it is hard to believe the country's leader would neglect the South simply because it is not her party's political stronghold. "I don't want to assume that she is neglecting the South simply for that reason. But the delay has cost her significant political goodwill," he said. Mr Nipit also said he believes Ms Paetongtarn cares about the well-being of the southern people, but she and her close aides lack political experience, which may have led them to miscalculate the situation. Asked if the Pheu Thai Party still has a chance to establish a stronghold in the South, Mr Nipit said it is unlikely to gain significant ground in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala due to several factors, including the recent flooding and the Tak Bai case in Narathiwat. Nipit: PM cares about people Political void During last year's general election, the Pheu Thai Party did not capture a single seat in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Its coalition partner, the Prachachat Party, then led by Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, won all three seats in Yala. In Pattani, where five seats were available, the Prachachat Party won three seats in Constituency 1, 3 and 5, while the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the Democrat Party won each in Constituency 2 and Constituency 4, respectively. The five seats in Narathiwat were shared among the PPRP (Constituency 2 and 3), United Thai Nation (UTN) Party (Constituency 1), Bhumjaithai (Constituency 4) and Prachachat Party (Constituency 5). The Democrat Party won the largest share of seats, six out nine, in Songkhla (Constituency 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9) with the UTN winning in Constituency 2, the PPRP in Constituency 4 and the Bhumjaithai Party in Constituency 7. Defending the government, Pheu Thai list-MP Chanin Rungthanakiat said the mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, which coincided when the South was hit by severe flooding, had been planned weeks in advance and could not be cancelled. The prime minister, he said, decided not to inspect the flooding during its worst phase to avoid adding a burden to local officials who were focusing on relief operations. Even so, several cabinet ministers were assigned to oversee the flood relief efforts, he noted. Mr Chanin stressed the Pheu Thai Party is doing its best to refute the claim the party does not prioritise the southern region. Under the Srettha Thavisin administration, several projects in the South were given support, he said. Chanin: Let local officials work Symbolic gesture Meanwhile, academics criticise the government for its lack of preparedness in terms of evacuation shelters and failure to decentralise power to enable local authorities to more effectively manage the flood crisis. As a result, the public perceives that only the prime minister's visit and intervention can solve the issue, even if the prime minister's visit to the flood-ravaged area is more of a symbolic gesture rather than a direct solution to the problem. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, a political scientist at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani campus, said that given the size of financial aid and recovery efforts by the Interior Ministry, the government's response in both the North and South is not much different. The cabinet previously approved a change in the criteria for flood compensation payouts. Now, all affected households stand to receive a one-time payment of 9,000 baht. Under the old criteria, households flooded for 30 days or less would receive 5,000 baht, while those inundated for more than 30 days but less than 60 received 7,000 baht. Households flooded for more than 60 days were the only ones given 9,000 baht. Mr Srisompob said provincial authorities, the military, the private sector and various charity and rescue foundations have mobilised their resources to assist flood victims. Media coverage has shown the struggles and plight of the flood-ravaged communities. This has led to comparisons with the role of the government, particularly the prime minister whose visit would have eased tension and provided reassurance to those severely affected by the flooding, he said. "Ms Paetongtarn's comments about her husband being a native of the southern region have not been particularly helpful. "She shouldn't have said it at all under this situation. She should have talked about policies. When her comments are seen as out of place, the issue is dramatised," he said. Early this month, the prime minister defended herself against social media criticism about allegedly neglecting flood-hit southern provinces while touring the northern region, emphasising that providing aid takes priority over making public appearances. She responded that her family had connections to the South through her husband. "How could I neglect the South when my husband and his family are Southerners?" Srisompob: Comments aren't helpful Poor disaster management Mr Srisompob said the issue of evacuation shelters has been a pain point for the southern region for a decade and despite having the resources, the government has yet to invest in permanent shelters for disaster relief. "The government needs to rethink its approach to disaster management, especially in the southern region where flooding is exacerbated by rising sea tides," he said. Nuttakorn Vititanon, a political scientist at Chiang Mai University, said the government needs to revamp its disaster warning and emergency response systems to ensure residents are fully informed about risks and adequately cared for. "The flood came at night and no one evacuated in the dark. Moreover, there were no shelters for them. Telling people to evacuate... but to where? So, they stayed home," he said. He was referring to recent flood situations in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in August. Mr Nuttakorn said the government appears to be avoiding confronting local communities and resorts that block water drainage and is instead trying to build flood barriers, which is not a sustainable solution. He said the prime minister does not need to visit any flood-hit areas to make instructions if local authorities have the full power to manage the situation. "But the governor doesn't and he can't instruct other agencies like the Department of Royal Irrigation. Remember when a floodgate was broken and the governor was blamed for not coordinating? "The problem was solved after the prime minister's visit. As a result, people have become accustomed to the idea that if they want something fixed, the prime minister must intervene," Mr Nuttakorn said. Nuttakorn: 'No shelters for them'

The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning reelection despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The judge in the election case granted prosecutors' dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday evening. The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence it planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors' request to do so “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is “consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.” But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One of them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump's lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict." Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Getting blown out at Green Bay following another squandered late lead the previous week against Seattle has quickly turned the San Francisco 49ers from a Super Bowl contender into a team just fighting to get back to the playoffs. If San Francisco doesn't get healthy and eliminate the errors that led to Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Packers, the focus will turn from playoff permutations to what offseason changes are necessary. “I think everyone understands completely outside and inside what the situation is,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. “That’s why the Seattle game was so tough of a loss and that’s why last night was even worse. We know what we got ahead of us. We know exactly what the playoff situation is. That is what it is. But really, all that matters is this week when you do need to go on a run and put a lot of wins to even think of that.” The task doesn't get any easier as the Niners (5-6) get set to play at Buffalo on Sunday night. The 49ers are hoping to get injured stars Brock Purdy , Nick Bosa and Trent Williams back for that game, but their presence alone won't fix everything that went wrong on Sunday . The defense got repeatedly gashed early and put San Francisco in a 17-0 hole before the offense even generated a first down. The running game never got going as Christian McCaffrey has looked nothing like the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year in his three games back from Achilles tendinitis. And whenever the Niners appeared to do something right, a penalty came back to haunt them. It added up to the most lopsided loss for San Francisco since the 2018 season, before Shanahan had turned the Niners into perennial contenders. “It’s probably one of the worst ones I’ve been a part of,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “It is embarrassing. You’ve got to take it on the chin, take it like a man and move on.” Despite the doom and gloom, the 49ers are only one game behind Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West standings with six games to go. But San Francisco already has three division losses and a difficult schedule featuring games against the Bills this week and Detroit in Week 17. “My optimism is not broken by any means,” tight end George Kittle said. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back and I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays. I have no worry about that. But definitely an uphill grind. We'll see what we’re made of, which I’m looking forward to.” Red-zone passes to Kittle. Backup QB Brandon Allen connected on a 3-yard TD pass to Kittle late in the second quarter for San Francisco's only TD. Kittle leads the NFL with eight touchdown catches in the red zone, which is tied with Vernon Davis (2013) for the most in a season for a Niners player since 2000. Kittle was the only consistent part of the San Francisco offense with six catches for 82 yards. Avoiding penalties. San Francisco had nine penalties for 77 yards and they were costly and sloppy. The Niners had 12 men on the field on defense on back-to-back plays, three false starts, a pass interference in the end zone and three penalties on special teams, including a holding on Eric Saubert that negated an 87-yard kickoff return by Deebo Samuel to open the second half. Rookie Dominick Puni had three penalties after being penalized just once in the first 10 games. DE Leonard Floyd. There were few positive performances on defense, but Floyd had both of the team's sacks. Run defense. San Francisco allowed 169 yards rushing, including 87 in the first quarter for the team's second-worst performance in the opening quarter since 1991. The Niners missed 19 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus, as Josh Jacobs gained 83 of his 106 yards rushing after contact. Purdy took part in a light throwing session without pain on Monday and Shanahan is hopeful he can return to practice Wednesday after missing the Green Bay game with a shoulder injury. ... Bosa (hip, oblique) and Williams (ankle) also could return this week after sitting out Sunday. ... LG Aaron Banks, DT Jordan Elliott and WR Jacob Cowing all in the concussion protocol. ... RG Dominick Puni (shoulder) and CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee) underwent MRIs on Monday and the team is waiting for results. ... CB Renardo Green (neck) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) are day to day. 11 — The Niners generated only 11 first downs, tied for the fewest in any game in eight seasons under Shanahan. They also had 11 in the 2022 NFC title game loss at Philadelphia when Purdy hurt his elbow and in Week 2 against Seattle in Shanahan's first season in 2017. The 49ers visit Buffalo on Sunday night. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The NFC North is a collective of juggernauts, with three different teams entering Week 14 with at least nine wins, all of them on track to reach the playoffs. On Thursday night, two of them will square off in a prime-time showdown that could shake up the entire divisional race, with the Detroit Lions due to play host to the Green Bay Packers one month after the two clashed at Lambeau Field. At 11-1, Detroit is in pole position to claim this year's top seed in the NFC playoff picture, boasting the top-scoring offense in football. The Packers are no slouches, however, winning seven of their last eight thanks to their own top-five attack, plus an opportunistic defense that ranks fifth in takeaways. With a win Thursday, Green Bay would advance to 10-3, pulling within a half-game of the rival Minnesota Vikings . The Lions got the best of this matchup in November, when Jared Goff and Co. weathered the Wisconsin cold to claim a 24-14 decision. Can Love pull off his own road victory? Either way, this one's must-see material. So how can you tune in? Which players could be X factors? And who's primed to walk away with the crucial win? Here's our preview and sports betting prediction: Lions vs. Packers where to watch Date: Thursday, Dec. 5 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET Location: Ford Field (Detroit) Stream: Prime Video Follow: CBS Sports App Odds: Lions -3.5, O/U 51.5 ( FanDuel Sportsbook ) Check out the latest FanDuel promo to get in the game. Key matchups Lions RB David Montgomery vs. Packers LB Eric Wilson : Second-year speedster Jahmyr Gibbs is the home run hitter of Detroit's backfield, but Montgomery is the tone-setter, leading the club with 47 first downs on the ground. With rookie Edgerrin Cooper banged up at the heart of Green Bay's linebacker corps, Wilson has stepped up with seven tackles for loss on the season. He could be chiefly responsible for plugging the gaps to contain Detroit's fourth-ranked rushing attack. Packers WR Christian Watson vs. Lions CB Terrion Arnold : While Jayden Reed headlines the Packers' deep receiving corps, Watson is the unit's top field-stretcher, averaging more than 30 yards per reception in a couple of recent big-play breakouts. Arnold, meanwhile, is still getting acclimated as an NFL cover man, fresh off a return from injury. Their matchup on the outside could help determine how much Jordan Love actually airs it out under the lights. Lions WR Jameson Williams vs. Packers CB Keisean Nixon : If Watson is the Packers' big-play threat out wide, then Williams serves a similar purpose in Detroit, offering electrifying downfield juice to Amon-Ra St. Brown's high-volume work. After back-to-back games with relatively quiet numbers, he could have a chance to break out against Nixon, who's in his first year working heavily on the outside but has stayed around the ball with four pass breakups and four tackles for loss. Burning questions Lions: Can Detroit control the ball? The Lions are a machine on offense, but their production dips significantly if they turn the ball over just once; they're averaging just 23.7 points per game when they lose possession versus a whopping 40.2 when they are turnover-free. The Packers, meanwhile, are ballhawks, with 23 takeaways on the year. If Goff is under more pressure due to an injury to left tackle Taylor Decker , Green Bay could be even better positioned to pry one loose. Packers: Can they take advantage of Detroit's secondary? Their last time together, Love completed just 59% of his throws, failing to reach the end zone through the air. While the Lions are a top-two scoring defense, they surrender the eighth-most passing yards of any team, and veteran corner Carlton Davis is set to play through injury on the perimeter. Even with injuries of their own up front, the Packers should be able to push the ball downfield. The challenge will be parlaying that into points. Prediction For several stretches this season, the Lions have looked like the closest thing to an unbeatable contender. That was certainly the case the last time these rivals met, when Goff shed the notion he can't win big-time matchups away from the cozy confines of Ford Field. This time, Detroit should benefit even more from hosting on its own turf, especially against a Packers front that ranks just 25th in pressure rate. We'd expect Matt LaFleur's offense to make more noise, even with the O-line battling injuries, but given that both clubs are coming off post-Thanksgiving rest, the across-the-board edge still goes to Motown. Don't be stunned if this baby comes down to a Jake Bates field goal. Pick: Lions 27, Packers 26 Bonus: SportsLine guru R.J. White, who is on a 73-31-2 roll on Packers games, has released his best bets for the Week 14 Packers vs. Lions "TNF" matchup. White is leaning Over on the total, but who is he backing to cover? Find out right here at SportsLine .

The world’s 10 richest people: The wealthiest have $100 billion or moreAmerican Water Works Co. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the day

Trump 2.0 has a Cabinet and executive branch of different ideas and eclectic personalities

The U.S. stock indices failed to set any new record closes today, following yesterday's historic highs for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq. All three major indices ended the day lower, with the sharpest decline seen in the small-cap Russell 2000, which fell 1.25%. The Russell 2000 continues to seek a new record close, a milestone it hasn’t reached since November 2021. To achieve this, it needs to surpass 2442.74. Notably, on November 25, the index came within 0.73 points of that record but fell short. Last Friday, it rallied to 2434.72 but retreated before the session ended. The final numbers for the major indices shows: Dow Industrial Average -248.33 points or -0.55% at 44765.71 S&P -11.38 points were -0.19% at 6075.11 Nasdaq index -34.86 points or -0.18% at 19700.26 Russell 2000 -30.39 points or -1.25% at 2396.16 Below are some of the big winners today: American Airlines (AAL): +16.87% Roblox (RBLX): +8.07% GameStop Corp (GME): +5.92% Papa John's (PZZA): +4.39% Stellantis NV (STLA): +4.01% Tesla (TSLA): +3.23% United Airlines Holdings (UAL): +3.21% Rivian Automotive (RIVN): +3.18% Moderna (MRNA): +3.15% Palantir (PLTR): +2.89% Deutsche Bank AG (DB): +2.66% Delta Air Lines (DAL): +2.35% Merck & Co (MRK): +2.15% Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG): +2.11% Below are some of the big losers today Uber Tech (UBER): -9.58% Chewy (CHWY): -7.19% Aspen Aerogels Inc (ASPN): -5.99% Intel (INTC): -5.47% Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT): -4.42% SoFi Technologies (SOFI): -4.29% Lam Research (LRCX): -3.90% Celsius (CELH): -3.73% Snap (SNAP): -3.68% Beyond Meat (BYND): -3.64% ARK Genomic Revolution (ARKG): -3.56% Goodrx (GDRX): -3.35% Block (SQ): -3.05% Ford Motor (F): -2.38% Robinhood Markets (HOOD): -2.70% Arm (ARM): -2.42%The administration of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come under heavy criticism over its handling of the flood crisis in the four southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Comparisons have been drawn between the delayed response and insufficient support for flood victims in the South and the quicker and more effective management of flooding in the northern provinces in August. The Bangkok Post spoke with political observers about the flood relief efforts and asked if there is a double standard in the government's flood response between the North and South. They were asked to explain whether the government's handling of floods was due to politics, as the ruling Pheu Thai Party is known to have limited support in the South. Setback for Pheu Thai Sathit Wongnongtoey, a former Democrat MP from Trang, said resentment towards the ruling party among some southern residents is deep-rooted due to the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and his infamous remarks about prioritising provinces that supported his party. Moreover, the Pheu Thai-led government's lack of attention to the southern region has been observed, and the prime minister's apparent lack of urgency in taking action has led some residents to believe the region is being neglected, he said. Asked about the premier's remark that she had assigned her deputies to oversee flood management in the South, Mr Sathit criticised the prime minister and said she should be aware of public expectations and be ready to equally serve all citizens. The former MP said the coalition government should take responsibility for the state of the country because it has not done enough to give people hope. Mr Sathit said the government's popularity will be affected as it has been unable to deliver on its economic promises. Sathit: Deliver economic promises Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat MP from Phatthalung, said flood relief efforts are being carried out by state agencies involved, although the prime minister has yet to make a trip to the four southernmost border provinces to inspect the floods. This has left the impression the government is not giving sufficient attention and care to the situation, he said, adding that even if the entire cabinet were to visit, they would not have the same morale-boosting effects as the prime minister's presence. Due to the geography of the region, much of the floodwater in affected areas will have already subsided by the time the prime minister makes a visit and she will not be able to witness the full severity of the flooding, he said. When asked if Ms Paetongtarn has no incentive to visit because Pheu Thai has limited support in the South, he said it is hard to believe the country's leader would neglect the South simply because it is not her party's political stronghold. "I don't want to assume that she is neglecting the South simply for that reason. But the delay has cost her significant political goodwill," he said. Mr Nipit also said he believes Ms Paetongtarn cares about the well-being of the southern people, but she and her close aides lack political experience, which may have led them to miscalculate the situation. Asked if the Pheu Thai Party still has a chance to establish a stronghold in the South, Mr Nipit said it is unlikely to gain significant ground in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala due to several factors, including the recent flooding and the Tak Bai case in Narathiwat. Nipit: PM cares about people Political void During last year's general election, the Pheu Thai Party did not capture a single seat in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Its coalition partner, the Prachachat Party, then led by Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, won all three seats in Yala. In Pattani, where five seats were available, the Prachachat Party won three seats in Constituency 1, 3 and 5, while the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the Democrat Party won each in Constituency 2 and Constituency 4, respectively. The five seats in Narathiwat were shared among the PPRP (Constituency 2 and 3), United Thai Nation (UTN) Party (Constituency 1), Bhumjaithai (Constituency 4) and Prachachat Party (Constituency 5). The Democrat Party won the largest share of seats, six out nine, in Songkhla (Constituency 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9) with the UTN winning in Constituency 2, the PPRP in Constituency 4 and the Bhumjaithai Party in Constituency 7. Defending the government, Pheu Thai list-MP Chanin Rungthanakiat said the mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, which coincided when the South was hit by severe flooding, had been planned weeks in advance and could not be cancelled. The prime minister, he said, decided not to inspect the flooding during its worst phase to avoid adding a burden to local officials who were focusing on relief operations. Even so, several cabinet ministers were assigned to oversee the flood relief efforts, he noted. Mr Chanin stressed the Pheu Thai Party is doing its best to refute the claim the party does not prioritise the southern region. Under the Srettha Thavisin administration, several projects in the South were given support, he said. Chanin: Let local officials work Symbolic gesture Meanwhile, academics criticise the government for its lack of preparedness in terms of evacuation shelters and failure to decentralise power to enable local authorities to more effectively manage the flood crisis. As a result, the public perceives that only the prime minister's visit and intervention can solve the issue, even if the prime minister's visit to the flood-ravaged area is more of a symbolic gesture rather than a direct solution to the problem. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, a political scientist at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani campus, said that given the size of financial aid and recovery efforts by the Interior Ministry, the government's response in both the North and South is not much different. The cabinet previously approved a change in the criteria for flood compensation payouts. Now, all affected households stand to receive a one-time payment of 9,000 baht. Under the old criteria, households flooded for 30 days or less would receive 5,000 baht, while those inundated for more than 30 days but less than 60 received 7,000 baht. Households flooded for more than 60 days were the only ones given 9,000 baht. Mr Srisompob said provincial authorities, the military, the private sector and various charity and rescue foundations have mobilised their resources to assist flood victims. Media coverage has shown the struggles and plight of the flood-ravaged communities. This has led to comparisons with the role of the government, particularly the prime minister whose visit would have eased tension and provided reassurance to those severely affected by the flooding, he said. "Ms Paetongtarn's comments about her husband being a native of the southern region have not been particularly helpful. "She shouldn't have said it at all under this situation. She should have talked about policies. When her comments are seen as out of place, the issue is dramatised," he said. Early this month, the prime minister defended herself against social media criticism about allegedly neglecting flood-hit southern provinces while touring the northern region, emphasising that providing aid takes priority over making public appearances. She responded that her family had connections to the South through her husband. "How could I neglect the South when my husband and his family are Southerners?" Srisompob: Comments aren't helpful Poor disaster management Mr Srisompob said the issue of evacuation shelters has been a pain point for the southern region for a decade and despite having the resources, the government has yet to invest in permanent shelters for disaster relief. "The government needs to rethink its approach to disaster management, especially in the southern region where flooding is exacerbated by rising sea tides," he said. Nuttakorn Vititanon, a political scientist at Chiang Mai University, said the government needs to revamp its disaster warning and emergency response systems to ensure residents are fully informed about risks and adequately cared for. "The flood came at night and no one evacuated in the dark. Moreover, there were no shelters for them. Telling people to evacuate... but to where? So, they stayed home," he said. He was referring to recent flood situations in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in August. Mr Nuttakorn said the government appears to be avoiding confronting local communities and resorts that block water drainage and is instead trying to build flood barriers, which is not a sustainable solution. He said the prime minister does not need to visit any flood-hit areas to make instructions if local authorities have the full power to manage the situation. "But the governor doesn't and he can't instruct other agencies like the Department of Royal Irrigation. Remember when a floodgate was broken and the governor was blamed for not coordinating? "The problem was solved after the prime minister's visit. As a result, people have become accustomed to the idea that if they want something fixed, the prime minister must intervene," Mr Nuttakorn said. Nuttakorn: 'No shelters for them'

TORONTO -- The Utah Hockey Club said players were forced to walk to their game against the Maple Leafs after their bus got stuck in Toronto traffic Sunday night. The team posted a video on social media of team members walking to Scotiabank Arena, with player Maveric Lamoureux saying the bus was "not moving at all." Several city streets had been closed during the day for the annual Santa Claus parade. The Maple Leafs earned their fourth consecutive win by defeating Utah 3-2. Editor's Picks NHL head-coach hot seat index: After Bruins and Blues make changes, who's next? 7h Greg Wyshynski The viral incident prompted Ontario Premier Doug Ford to call the congestion "embarrassing" and "unacceptable," highlighting his government's plan to address the city's gridlock through bike lane legislation. It wasn't the first time a Toronto visitor had to ditch their vehicle to make it to an event on time. In June, former One Direction band member Niall Horan had to walk through traffic to get to his concert at Scotiabank Arena.Marrakech Film Festival bestows Palestinian film 'Happy Holidays' with top award

Wheel of Fortune contestants regularly whiff their bonus puzzles, but the winner of Monday, December 2’s episode was in for a particularly heartbreaking spin. Her additional letter choices added ZERO letters to a tricky puzzle, which was even more shocking since she had the advantage of a Wild Card wedge. The tough break involved Kelsey Sowders, a mom of three and steak/wine savant from Tomball, Texas. After an astounding performance, she proceeded to the coveted bonus round, having racked up $40,398 in cash, a prize trip to Japan, and the elusive Wild Card. This meant she got to pick five additional letters instead of four, which often spells success. Selecting “What are You Doing?” as her category, with the off-side support of her eldest son Grant and husband, Sowders joined Ryan Seacrest center stage. She landed on the star portion of the wheel, and the host assured, “Perhaps it’s good luck.” “I hope so,” Sowders said. The two-word puzzle read as “_EE_N_’ ‘_ _ S_,’ and she chose an additional “MFDA,” and H.” However, Vanna White didn’t move an inch as the letter choices were useless, making the puzzle very difficult. “Oh no!” Sowders exclaimed in disappointment. She went through the five stages of grief, staring in disbelief, blowing a raspberry in frustration, and recollecting herself. Seacrest wished her the best, “You’re doing great so far tonight.” But the cruel twist of fate left Sowder unable to solve the puzzle under the 10-second timer, which ended up being “KEEPING BUSY.” She was close, even able to get the first word, but nowhere near the second. “Oh no!” Sowders exclaimed once more as the full puzzle was displayed. Then, cutting back to the contestant and Seacrest, the second dagger came. The host revealed from his prize card contained $75,000 and she hid her face from it. “I don’t want to see that,” she said as Seacrest winced at the camera. “Don’t worry,” the host told her as she emotionally recovered and told him, “That’s okay.” The game show shared the big miss on YouTube, where fans expressed their shock and empathized with the player’s reaction. “That was a tough one. I didn’t get it either. Props to her for getting the first word right, but that second word was tricky as hell. I’m glad she’s not walking away empty-handed, though. She still won up until that point and nobody can take that from her,” one fan wrote. “Impossible without the right letter choices. Been a few of those this season,” wrote another. “If she would have won, she would have won over $100,000 cash without actually landing on the envelope! That’s really disappointing. Also, the fact that she had 5 letters but didn’t get a single one?! Should I be disappointed or impressed?” asked a third. Related 'Wheel of Fortune' Fans Demand Change After 'Crazy' Bonus Puzzle Pattern “Ouch!” wrote a fourth. “You don’t see $75,000 all that often!” Meanwhile , Seacrest had huge shoes to fill replacing the legendary Pat Sajak after four decades for Season 42. His debut month was the strongest ratings month for WoF in the past three years, and viewers were already treated to a viral moment (via a round of sausage) . That said, there have been some questionable host moments according to fans. In September, Seacrest suffered what fans dubbed his “first blooper” , involving a delayed reaction to rewarding a bonus round. Fans also called out the host for ruling against another player before the timer was up. Most controversially, fans recently called out the host for not reminding a player to pick a letter , leading to him losing the game in a misunderstanding and by a mere $147. Another puzzling pattern has emerged, which is that no player has won the bonus round in a full week , many fans blaming the players, not the host. As for Sowders, another contestant recently botched their bonus puzzle in a similar way after choosing poor letters, but in that instance, they didn’t have the boost of the Wild Card wedge. Wheel of Fortune , Weeknights, Check your local listings More Headlines: ‘Mistletoe Murders’: Sarah Drew Teases ‘Epic’ Finale Cliffhanger & Reveals Season 2 Hopes ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Devastated by Botched $75k Bonus Round Despite Big Boost How Did ‘Severance’ Season 1 End? ‘The Voice’ Season 26 Finale: Everything to Know ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Go Wild Over Vanna White’s ‘Hot’ Son Nikko, 30, in Rare Video

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Luke Richardson was fired as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, the NHL club announced, after the team stumbled to the league's worst record so far this season. Swede Anders Sorensen, coach of the Blackhawks' top developmental club, was named interim coach for the NHL squad. Richardson, a 55-year-old Canadian, went 57-118 with 15 overtime losses in three seasons with Chicago. The Blackhawks are 8-16 with two overtime losses this season for a league-low 18 points after going 19-54-9 last season, second-worst in the NHL, and 26-49-7 in 2022-23, third-worst in the league. "Today I made the difficult decision to move on from Luke as our head coach," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said. "As we have begun to take steps forward in our rebuilding process, we felt that the results did not match our expectations for a higher level of execution this season and ultimately came to the decision that a change was necessary." The Blackhawks are on a four-game losing streak and 3-9-1 in their past 13 starts with 2.42 goals a game this season, second worst in the NHL. They have reached the Stanley Cup playoffs only once over the past seven seasons. "I fully support Kyle's decision in making this change as he continues to do what is needed to move our team forward," Blackhawks chairman and chief executive Danny Wirtz said. "I have the utmost confidence in him and the rest of our hockey operations team as they begin their search for the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks." Richardson became the third NHL coach fired this season after Boston dumped Jim Montgomery last month. He was hired five days later by St. Louis after the Blues fired Drew Bannister. js/bbPARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral on Nov. 29 in Paris. Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen Nov. 29 in Paris. Sarah Meyssonnier, Associated Press The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. People gather near France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, hours before formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, on Saturday in Paris. Bernat Armangue, Associated Press “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail followed Trump. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) Sarah Meyssonnier The tabernacle of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP) Sarah Meyssonnier Windows in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson French President Emmanuel Macron, center, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson French President Emmanuel Macron, third right, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson People gather as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated Notre Dame Cathedral Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) Michel Euler French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he visits the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson The nave, the western Rose window and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin A man takes a picture of Notre Dame Cathedral as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated cathedral, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) Michel Euler The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin Part of the nave and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The facade of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris, is seen Friday Nov. 29, 2024, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Stephane de Sakutin The facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson Part of the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Christophe Petit Tesson People stand inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) Sarah Meyssonnier