Mikaela Shiffrin suffers abrasion on hip during crash on final run of World Cup giant slalomMcConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leader
A day after The Asian Age reported the flaws in Maharashtra District Good Governance Index (DGGI) 2024 report, the Maharashtra government on Saturday swung into action to rectify the report. The state government has also suspended its website, namely https://dggi.maharashtra.gov.in, where the report was published. The Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), an arm of the planning department of the state government, has called a meeting of the officials to remove errors from the data. A senior official of the state government said that they are verifying the data, which led to the suspension of the website. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday released the DGGI report, which is riddled with inaccurate data. The report is based on 161 benchmarks across 10 development sectors, namely Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Public Health, Public Infrastructure and Utilities, Economic Governance, Commerce and Industry, Social Development, Judiciary and Public Safety, Human Resource Development, Citizen Centric Governance and Environment. As per the data in the report, the total cultivated area under crop insurance in Kolhapur district in Rabi season was 4,30,067.06 hectares, which is 22 times more than the total cultivated area in Kolhapur district. Flaws can be observed in the data as each sector in the report contains a 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial year's data, which can't reflect the actual position of 2023-24. According to the sources, the actual crop insurance was taken for five percent of the total cultivated/sowing area in Kolhapur district. The senior official said that the website has been suspended on the instructions of the state government officials. “We’re under maintenance! Our website is currently undergoing maintenance. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. Please check back later,” reads the website, if it is accessed. An official from the DES said, “We have called a meeting on holiday to conduct a verification of the data on the instruction of the state government.” Officials said that the DES has sought reports from various departments to conduct a verification of the data, which were earlier provided by respective departments. “It will be matched with existing data and make corrections wherever is needed,” the officials said. The senior official said that there is always a scope of improvement in the existing system. “The report will help to bring more transparency in the governance. We will soon publish a revised report after making a correction in it,” he said. An official from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) said that the report is likely to be updated by next week.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.GraniteShares 2x Long COIN Daily ETF (NASDAQ:CONL) Shares Gap Down – Time to Sell?
Iran Eases Internet Restrictions: WhatsApp and Google Play UnblockedSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Most ruling party lawmakers were boycotting a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority sought by the opposition to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law , as protests grew nationwide calling for his removal. The likely defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon's impeachment apparently because it fears losing presidency to liberals. Impeaching Yoon would require support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties who brought the impeachment motion have 192 seats, meaning they need at least eight additional votes from Yoon’s People Power Party. The opposition-controlled parliament began a vote earlier Saturday, but only three lawmakers from PPP took part with opposition members. If the number of lawmakers who cast ballots doesn't reach 200, the motion will be scrapped at midnight, according to National Assembly. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik urged ruling party members to return to the chamber to participate in the vote, stressing that it was closely watched by the nation and also the world. “Don’t make a shameful judgment and please vote based on your convictions,” Woo said. “I plead to you, for the future of the Republic of Korea.” Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose martial law. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country's political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office." “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s bizarre and poorly-thought-out stunt has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners, including neighboring Japan and Seoul’s top ally the United States, as one of the strongest democracies in Asia faces a political crisis that could unseat its leader. Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon's martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. The passage of Yoon’s impeachment motion appeared more likely Friday when the chair of Yoon’s party called for his removal on Friday, but the party remained formally opposed to impeachment. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people packed streets near the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing and singing along to K-pop songs with lyrics changed to call for Yoon’s ouster. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied in separate streets in Seoul, decrying the impeachment attempt they saw as unconstitutional. Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife. Some lawmakers from Yoon’s party were seen leaving the hall after that vote, triggering angry shouts from opposition lawmakers. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. Opposition lawmakers say that Yoon’s attempt at martial law amounted to a self-coup, and drafted the impeachment motion around rebellion charges. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. On Friday, PPP chair Han Dong-hun, who criticized Yoon's martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities." Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing Friday that Yoon called after imposing martial law and ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians. The targeted politicians included Han, Lee and Woo, according to Kim Byung-kee, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting. The Defense Ministry said it had suspended the defense counterintelligence commander, Yeo In-hyung, who Han alleged had received orders from Yoon to detain the politicians. The ministry also suspended the commanders of the capital defense command and the special warfare command over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who has been accused of recommending Yoon enforce martial law, has been placed under a travel ban and faces an investigation by prosecutors over rebellion charges. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has testified to parliament that it was Kim Yong Hyun who ordered troops to be deployed to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law.MAN Energy Solutions has announced the successful retrofit of the main engine of the ‘Maersk Halifax’ to a dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-LGIM unit. MAN PrimeServ, MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division, carried out the work, the first such project globally involving a VLCV (Very Large Container Vessel). The 15,000 teu vessel entered service in 2017 and was originally powered by an MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 prime mover. The retrofit to an 8G95ME-LGIM Mk10.5 engine enables the Maersk Halifax to operate on green methanol, making it possible to reduce its CO2 emissions by 90%. The retrofit also included an upgrade to the vessel’s engine-control system to MAN Energy Solutions’ latest Triton system. Following the completion of sea-trials, Maersk Halifax has returned to operation and is now servicing A.P. Moller – Maersk’s (Maersk) Trans-Pacific trade. Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk, said: “Since we set the ambitious climate goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040, we have explored the potential in retrofitting existing vessels with dual-fuel engines. In the coming year, we will take learnings from this first conversion of a large vessel. Retrofits of existing vessels can be an important alternative to newbuilds in our transition from fossil fuels to low-emission fuels.” MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 The Halifax retrofit is expected to serve as a blueprint for future retrofit projects. Indeed, Maersk has already placed a preorder for MAN PrimeServ to convert an additional 10 vessels from its fleet to methanol operation. Michael Petersen, Senior Vice President and Head of PrimeServ Denmark, praised the project collaboration with Maersk and Asia Pacific and said: “Retrofits are one of the five growth areas identified in MAN Energy Solutions’ ‘Moving Big Things To Zero’ strategy, enabling shipowners to drastically reduce CO2 emissions without having to commission newbuilds. Retrofitted engines are able to switch between fuels with minimal disruption, flexibility that is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and reliability. At PrimeServ, we estimate that more than 4,000 existing marine engines have the potential to be converted to operation on green fuels like e-methanol and e-methane.” Speaking at a recent event at Asia Pacific Dockyard in Zhoushan to mark the project’s conclusion, Sarath Prasannan, Senior Vice President and Head of Region Asia Pacific, said: “This groundbreaking project marks a pivotal moment in the shipping industry’s journey towards decarbonisation. We hope that China’s policies and infrastructure will continue to foster an environment where shipyards can carry forward this commendable work.” Source: MAN Energy SolutionsTinubu’s sudden removal of fuel subsidy shows preparedness to govern – Reno Omokri
Agartala: Tripura Police on Saturday detained 10 Bangladeshi nationals, belonging to the Hindu community, after they illegally entered India by fleeing their village due to unrest and tensions in the neighbouring country, an official said. A police officer said that the 10 Bangladeshi nationals including two women, three teenagers and an elderly person were detained from the Ambassa railway station in Tripura before boarding a Silchar (Assam)-bound train. “We would initiate legal proceedings against the Bangladeshi nationals as per law,” the official said. Sankar Chandra Sarkar, who led the intruders, said that after facing continuous threats and intimidation, they fled from their Dhanpur village in Kishoreganj district. “After trekking the forested hills of an arduous route overnight, we entered India on Saturday through Kamalpur (in Tripura’s Dhalai district). We were trying to go to Silchar in Assam to stay in a rented house. “We would never return to Bangladesh under any circumstances. The situation in Bangladesh is very grim. Attacks on the lives and properties of Hindus have become an everyday affair,” Sarkar, who worked as a driver to run the house, said. Talking to the media, he said that they sold some of their properties before fleeing into India, but they had to abandon many of their properties and household goods and assets. Sarkar claimed that thousands of Hindu families wanted to come to India, but they were unable to do so for various reasons. “During the Awami League government headed by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we were happy and there was no enmity between the Hindus and Muslims in our areas. But after the caretaker government headed by Muhammad Yunus assumed office, they were continuously harassed and threatened,” the visibly panicky middle-aged man said. Over the last four months, over 550 Bangladeshi nationals and over 63 Rohingyas were arrested by the Government Railway Police, Border Security Force (BSF), and Tripura Police from the Agartala railway station and various other places in Tripura after they illegally entered India. After the Bangladesh unrest began in June-July, BSF enhanced surveillance along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border with the neighbouring country to prevent transborder crime and infiltration, BSF officials said. Five Indian states – West Bengal (2216 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam ( 263 km) share a border with Bangladesh. The BSF on a number of occasions foiled several infiltration attempts by hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals comprising Hindus and Muslims.As it often happens, the Charlotte Hornets have players down with an injury. This includes face of the franchise LaMelo Ball , who has had a sensational season thus far. Ball, who sustained calf strain, is out for at least another week . However, backup Tre Mann will be sidelined for at least as long as him due lower back soreness. OFFICIAL: LaMelo Ball has been diagnosed with a left calf strain. Additionally, further evaluation of Tre Mann’s low back soreness has been diagnosed as disc irritation. — Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 30, 2024 This has led to former EuroLeague star Vasilije Micic being promoted to the first unit. In his first game as the Hornets’ starting point guard, Micic tallied nine points and eight assists. Yet, he was unable to consistently connect from beyond the arc, going 1-5 from three. As a career 27.4 percent three-point shooter in the NBA, the 30-year-old likely won’t look like a Splash Brother anytime soon. Still, he holds plenty of value as a playmaker due to his basketball IQ and passing prowess. So, with rookie KJ Simpson the only other point guard in the roster, his experience is all but invaluable at this juncture. However, Simpson has a terrific opportunity in front of him. Hornets Rookie KJ Simpson Has Terrific Opportunity In Wake Of Injury Updates Drafted 42nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Hornets signed Simpson to a two-way contract . If he has aspirations of having his deal converted to a standard deal, his performance while Ball and Mann are sidelined can go a long way towards making that a reality. On Friday, he played his third career game. For the first time, was on the floor for over 10 minutes. In those 16-plus minutes, he recorded 11 points, two assists, two steals, and one block. Though he went just 1-5 from three-point land, he was 5-10 overall because of his ability to make plays happen inside the circle. KJ Simpson had a career night with LaMelo out, dropping 11 points on 50% shooting in 16 minutes. Showed good scoring instincts, especially when attacking downhill, and was super active on defense as well, getting 2 steals and a block. One of the Hornets’ intriguing young weapons. pic.twitter.com/pwxjuzkDYK — HornetsHoops (@hornetshoops_) November 29, 2024 Call it youthful energy, but his hustle and enthusiasm helped him outshine even a player of Micic’s stature. His sheer ability was notable as well. Perhaps because he’s more seasoned than the average rookie after spending three seasons at Colorado, he wasn’t deterred by the Knicks rotations or afraid to attack their defense. With Simpson averaging 19.7 points per game in his junior season, the second-highest mark in the Pac-12, its not hard to see why. Forcing his way onto the Hornets’ roster will take a fair bit more than that. Regardless of that though, he’s already flashed the ability to be a rotation-caliber player. With the Denver Nuggets showing interest in Micic, Simpson could earn a standard contract by or after the trade deadline. He just has to prove he deserves it. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.
Prospects for President Yoon's impeachment are dim with ruling party boycotting vote
Border measures aimed at responding to Trump's tariff threat begin to take effectAs the leaves fall, the heat goes on, the temperatures drop and the sweaters and jackets are pulled from storage, it’s also a great time to think about making a pot of soup. Soup is one of the best comfort foods, perfect for those New England fall and winter days. Whether you fancy clam or corn chowder, a roasted butternut squash soup, a classic Italian sausage orzo or something unique like lasagna soup, there’s a special place in everyone’s heart for that big pot on the stove. We have found five recipes that are sure to make your mouth water. No matter what soup preference you may have, you’ll find something to cook for the whole family. Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Directions Clam Chowder This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Directions Real Lasagna Soup This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Noodles: Soup Base: Cheese Mixture: Garnish: Directions Italian Sausage Orzo Soup This recipe is by juliasalbum.com . Ingredients Directions Cheesy Potato Soup This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Directions
Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold riseTE Connectivity PLC stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitors
Inventurus Knowledge IPO set to open for subscription on December 12Minnesota will try to bounce back from two straight losses when it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers (5-3) are coming off a 57-51 loss against Wake Forest on Friday, which followed a 68-66 overtime loss against Wichita State on Thursday. Both games took place at the ESPN Events Invitational in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Minnesota coach Ben Johnson cited inconsistency on offense as the main reason for his team's recent skid. "We're painfully figuring that out," Johnson said. "I thought our defense, though, (Thursday and Friday) has proven this is a top-40 or top-30 defense. We've got to be able to show up with offense and free throws." Golden Gophers starter Lu'Cye Patterson said he and his teammates remain confident in their potential as the Big Ten conference season approaches. "We just have to keep doing what we're supposed to do and keep our level of defensive play up," Patterson said. "It's going to win us a lot of games. The offense is going to come." Bethune-Cookman (2-5) will try to play spoiler on the road. The Wildcats have split their past two games as they beat North Dakota 79-67 on Tuesday and lost to Gardner-Webb 79-64 on Wednesday, both games played in the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. Four players for Bethune-Cookman scored in double digits in their most recent game. Reggie Ward Jr. and Daniel Rouzan led the way with 14 points apiece, Trey Thomas scored 13 and Brayon Freeman chipped in 10. Bethune-Cookman is coached by Reggie Theus, who enjoyed a long NBA career and coached the Sacramento Kings for parts of two seasons. Theus said the Wildcats were in better position to compete this season compared with a season ago. "We've got a lot of depth, and we have age and experience," Theus said. "One of the biggest differences in our team is that we have great size now, where last year we were pretty small." Dawson Garcia leads Minnesota with 18.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Patterson is next with 10.1 points per contest. Bethune-Cookman is led by Freeman, who is averaging 15.9 points per game. Thomas (11.7 points per game) and Ward Jr. (11.0) also are scoring in double digits. --Field Level MediaWizards vs. Grizzlies Injury Report Today – December 8 Published 4:33 pm Saturday, December 7, 2024 By Data Skrive The Memphis Grizzlies’ (15-8) injury report has five players listed heading into their Sunday, December 8 matchup with the Washington Wizards (2-18, seven injured players) at Capital One Arena, with a start time of 7:00 PM ET. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. The Wizards are coming off of a 137-101 loss to the Mavericks in their most recent outing on Thursday. Marvin Bagley III’s team-leading 16 points paced the Wizards in the losing effort. The Grizzlies came out on top in their most recent matchup 115-110 against the Kings on Thursday. In the Grizzlies’ win, Marcus Smart led the team with 18 points (adding four rebounds and five assists). Washington Wizards Injury Report Today Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report Today Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Wizards vs. Grizzlies Game Info Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use
This week’s episode explores how resilience and innovation help Japan face growing environmental challenges. In Japan’s Hokuriku region, the scars of recent natural disasters serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of those who endure it. Ishikawa Prefecture’s Wajima City, still reeling from the devastating Noto earthquake earlier this year, is hit by torrential rains that overwhelm the region. In just 24 hours, over 400 millimetres of rain fall, causing rivers to overflow and submerging parts of the city in a muddy torrent. “The river is overflowing due to the heaviest rain ever recorded,” observes the narrator as scenes of destruction unfold. For the residents of Wajima, this flood is not just another disaster—it is a cruel sequel to an already devastating earthquake. Homes, businesses, and lives are thrown into disarray as the community grapples with the aftermath of what locals call a "double disaster." The destruction is palpable in the voices of those affected. One resident remarks, “It was like a river... we were immersed up to the waist.” Amidst the wreckage stands Yuko Oomukai, a Wajima lacquerware artisan, who sifts through flood-damaged tools and inventory. Wajima lacquerware, a traditional craft emblematic of the region’s cultural heritage, lies soaked in water and coated with mud. Oomukai recalls how the New Year’s earthquake had already destroyed her workplace. “We used this place to store everything, but it was damaged by the water, so we are getting them out again,” she explains, frustration and determination blending in her voice. The disaster has shaken not only businesses, but also the sense of stability among the residents. Shinsuke Gushima, a Shinkin bank worker and lifelong resident of Wajima, embodies the community’s determination to rebuild. Visiting flood-hit businesses daily, he listens to their stories and offers support wherever possible. For some, the challenges are overwhelming. One business owner confesses, “I thought I couldn’t take this anymore,” as he surveys the damage to his shop. Despite the hardship, Gushima is undeterred, seeing his role as integral to the recovery effort. At the heart of the devastation is Takashi Mitsuji, who owns a packaging materials shop that has been severely impacted. As workers clear mud and debris from his warehouse, Mitsuji laments the losses. “The chunks of wood amount to around seven million yen (S$61,000),” he reveals. The financial strain is immense, but the sight of neighbours and volunteers rallying together to restore what can be saved underscores a community united in resilience. In the wake of such disasters, innovative solutions emerge as a beacon of hope. Among these is Mr Waterstopper, a device designed to replace traditional sandbags in flood prevention. Invented by 45-year-old Shunichi Koyama and developed by Nagoya-based Inaki Rubbers, the water stopper effectively blocks water up to 30 centimetres high and is gaining traction across Japan. “The amount of leaked water is one-fortieth compared to sandbags,” explains Koyama. Scenes of its installation in factories, shops, and residential areas illustrate its practicality and effectiveness. “It’s quite light and flexible,” remarks one user, highlighting its adaptability for various settings. While communities work to prevent future damage, others focus on immediate rescue efforts. Ko Sasaki, 67, a self-taught inventor, is one such individual. Sasaki’s mission began after losing a friend in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and resulting tsunami. Driven by this loss, he developed airboats specifically designed for rescue operations which has since been adopted by the Tokyo Fire Department and the Rapid Response Unit. These boats proved their worth during the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis floods and were deployed again during the recent rains in Yamagata Prefecture. However, the size and weight of Sasaki’s airboats weighing in at 1.3 tons, limit their use in mountainous areas. Recognising this, Sasaki begins developing a smaller, more portable airboat. His latest design, which is powered by an engine he calls Air Strider, weighs only 70 kilograms a significant reduction, making it easier to transport and deploy. “Floods will occur again, anywhere, right? I want this to be used by municipalities, one by one,” Sasaki shares, expressing his vision for a more prepared and responsive future. The increasing frequency and severity of such natural disasters raise questions about preparedness and adaptation. Since 2013, flood-related damages across Japan have exceeded seven trillion yen, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and innovative technologies. In Wajima, where over half the businesses remain closed, the challenges of recovery are immense, yet the spirit of its people remains unbroken. Amid the devastation, there are moments of profound human connection and strength such as when Shinkin bank employees work tirelessly alongside Wajima residents, clearing debris and offering support. One resident expresses their appreciation: “They’re truly here for us. I can only feel gratitude.” These acts of solidarity remind us that even in the darkest times, the light of communal resilience shines through.
Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug useManchester City find themselves in an unprecedented poor run of form under manager Pep Guardiola . Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League made it just one win in their last 12 matches for City. The result left them languishing in seventh in the table and while they are four points off the top four, they are also 12 behind leaders Liverpool who hold a game in hand over them. It seems the hopes of winning the title are starting to slip away from the Blues . However, it still remains to be seen what is in store for City between now and the end of the campaign. MEN Sport has taken a look what some of the country's leading pundits have had to say on City between the campaign beginning and present day. Guardiola leaves Before Guardiola signed his contract extension, Roy Keane predicted on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet , that this would be the Catalan head coach's last season at City. "This is Pep’s last season. Pep will leave City. I’m putting it out there," the former Manchester United captain explained in August. City still favourites As recently as November, Alan Shearer was still predicting City to win the Premier League . "I would still say the favourites are Man City, but it's close," he told The Rest is Football podcast . "Liverpool have been much better than I thought they would be. I didn't think they'd be challenging but they are, there's no doubt about that. "I don't think they're going to go away. I've been disappointed with Arsenal and I tipped them before the season started. "You'd still say Man City are just favourites because they've been around the block." Gary Lineker agreed with his Match of the Day colleague, adding: "I think I agree. "City have been there, done it four times on the bounce now. You wonder if that will catch up with them at some point because it's so difficult to keep having that absolute drive that gets them over the line. "I would say they're still favourites. I backed them at the start of the season and I wouldn't change my mind now." Match of the Day host Gary Lineker had his say on Man City (Image: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Premier League) Change of heart At the end of November, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher had changed his mind on City winning the Premier League but also predicted further misfortune for the Blues. "I actually think Arsenal might finish above Manchester City because of the problems they have got in midfield," he told Sky Sports . "I’m going to go Liverpool to win the league now. I think it will be the bookies’ favorite and they have got a sizable lead. "I still think it’s obviously going to be a tight run-in, whether that’s Manchester City trying to get at them or Arsenal coming back at them as well. I went for Arsenal second, Liverpool third and Tottenham Hotspur fourth. "Liverpool and Arsenal will be in there. I just hope one of them is at the top end of the table." Potential hope for City Over the weekend, Gary Neville assessed the landscape in the Premier League and hinted at a way City could get back into the title race. "Liverpool are clearly the best team in the Premier League at this moment in time," he explained on his namesake podcast . "They’re the clear favourites for the title. Man City’s drop-off has been spectacular, I’m not sure anyone really knows how it’s gone so badly wrong. " Chelsea had a tough game today but they’re doing well and having a good season. I think the one team Liverpool need to watch are Arsenal if they can get their tail up and close that gap going in March and April. "But at this moment in time Liverpool are clear favourites. I think the biggest risk for them is injuries – if they were to lose [Virgil] Van Dijk and [Mohamed] Salah that would hurt them. "Van Dijk is like Rodri for Liverpool, he holds it all together. Keeping him fit is absolutely crucial. "There’s some big challenges coming up so we’re nowhere near the point that you can hand Liverpool the title but they’re in a great position and at this moment in time they’re by far the best team in the league and the table tells us that."NexOptic Technology Corp. ( CVE:NXO – Get Free Report )’s stock price dropped 20% during mid-day trading on Saturday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. Approximately 480,200 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 387% from the average daily volume of 98,644 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. NexOptic Technology Trading Down 20.0 % The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$0.03 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.02. The company has a market cap of C$3.90 million, a P/E ratio of -1.00 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a current ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.33. NexOptic Technology Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) NexOptic Technology Corp., a technology company, develops artificial intelligence and imaging products. It engages in developing All Light Intelligent Imaging Solutions (ALIIS), a suite of intelligent imaging solution that processes raw images and video in real time; and NexCompress technological solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for NexOptic Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NexOptic Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Fritz Heinemann (My Turn, Dec. 19) makes some observations about how different people deal with challenges to their perception of how things should be. He noted a lack of “resilience” and “maturity” ascribed to people seeking “safe spaces” and “refusing service” to members of the new administration, as if such things were commonplace. Have such occurred? Yes. Are such things commonplace? No. Heinemann implies that such actions are due to those whose party lost the election. He conveniently ignores the petulance and immaturity of Mr. Trump who claimed (with little to no evidence) about a rigged election system in 2020 (but not 2024). Heinemann ignores the hateful and divisive rhetoric that continues from Trump’s political supporters even after the election. And Heinemann also misses the proposed approach to “rebuilding” our democracy using retribution against supposed enemies and acts to stifle honest debate and free speech. Such things are much more damaging to the future of our system of government than reports of people seeking safe spaces. I largely agree that we need more people to act as adults. We should “return to the principles of courtesy and respect.” But we should not make this return while wearing political blinders. So, when I see Trump and his team step away from divisive rhetoric, insulting those who disagree, using the legal system to silence dissent and, instead, take up actions that works for all, I’ll agree we are moving ahead to rebuild our resilience and maturity. Jim Maneval, Lewisburg“We are sending a very clear message in Pennsylvania, the use of AI to harm others, especially our children, will not be tolerated,” said state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick.
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