
It was another unique championship final weekend for Cloverdale minor football. Once again, the Cloverdale Community Football Association (CCFA) sent four teams into championship games with the possibility of only three taking home banners. “We did well at the B.C. championship games,” said Yeera Sami, CCFA president. “Some surprises though ... after the VMFL finals.” Sami oversaw the unique feat of having two CCFA teams playing each other in the Vancouver Mainland Football League (VMFL) championships, held at South Surrey Athletic Park Nov. 17. Both his Atom Lions and Atom Tigers played each other in the final, with the Tigers coming out on top 8-6. Sami also sent his Junior Bantam Cougars and Peewee Bobcats into the VMFL finals that weekend, with both teams winning and all three advancing to the provincial finals in Langford. At the time, Sami thought it was a first for any community football club in B.C. to send two club teams matched up in a divisional final. But last week Sami got to enjoy another unique feat: having two club teams face each other in provincials—which he believes is also a first—once again involving his Atom Lions and Tigers. “Never say Never,” Sami told the Sami explained that a couple days before provincial finals were set to be played, the B.C. Provincial Football Association called him. BCPFA let him know the Kelowna Minor Football Association had pulled their Atom team out of provincials, opening up a pathway for his Atom Lions to get a shot at redemption and for Cloverdale to once again write their name in the record books. “The team accepted the offer and quickly put together a team and left Friday morning for the championship game,” Sami explained. "A few coaches couldn't make it though and two players couldn't make it." He said despite not having any time to prepare for the final, the Lions did well. “Both our teams played an excellent game with the Tigers winning the 2024 provincial championship 22-0.” And while his Atom Lions didn’t win in their Cinderella moment, Sami said he was still happy his squad could play in the final. He said he was very proud of both CCFA teams and thankful that so many kids from Cloverdale could get to experience a provincial championship game. “Outstanding players in the game were Jaxson Shandil for the Tigers and Taylor Sapinsky for the Lions,” Sami added. “Both were selected MVP for their teams as well.” Along with the two Atom squads, the Peewee Bobcats and the Junior Bantam Cougars also competed in provincials after both teams ran over their competition in the VMFL finals. The Peewee Bobcats finished their season like they started it: with a win. They won the championship 34-13 over Kelowna. “The Bobcats were firing on all cylinders, took full control of the game, and won the provincial championship with an undefeated record of 13-0 for the season,” Sami noted. “Ryson Lopez was chosen game MVP and Trey Dunn was chosen for the most sportsmanlike award.” As for the Junior Bantam Cougars, it just wasn’t their day. The team was unable to cap off a perfect season. Sami said despite losing to the Westshore Warriors in the final, the squad has a lot to be proud of. “Unfortunately, for our Cougars their undefeated record came to an end when they faced a very good team with size and aggressiveness on the line,” he explained. “It was still a very close, entertaining game to the end.” The Cougars lost by nine points, 30-21, but the game was closer than the scoreline. It was only 23-21 for the Warriors with a minute left, when they added a late touchdown. “Cougars’ star, speedy running back Shaan Patel, won the game MVP,” Sami added. “He scored two TDs for the Cougars.”Technological developments have completely changed the landscape for type 1 diabetes patients in New Zealand this year. Are there further leaps in technology on the horizon? Nearly 15,000 New Zealanders with diabetes are now able to measure their blood sugar levels almost instantly, rather than pricking their fingers multiple times a day. Pharmac began funding continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for type 1 diabetics in October. The wearable sensors, the size of a $2 coin, measure a person’s blood sugar levels and relay the information to a smartphone. They can be connected to an insulin pump which automatically injects the wearer to stabilise their blood sugar (known as a hybrid closed-loop). “It completely changes people’s lives,” said Dr Rosemary Hall, an endocrinologist at the University of Otago’s Department of Medicine.
Following a "technical issue" that grounded all American Airlines flights during one of the busiest travel periods of the year on Tuesday (local time), the airline stated that it had resumed operations, with service being restored by 8 am ET today (6:30 pm IST), as reported by CNN. US News: Following a "technical issue" that grounded all American Airlines flights during one of the busiest travel periods of the year on Tuesday (local time), the airline stated that it had resumed operations, with service being restored by 8 am ET today (6:30 pm IST), as reported by CNN. According to CNN, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had lifted its nationwide ground stop order for all American flights after the airline requested the halt on Christmas Eve and further directed all enquiries to American Airlines for further details. American Airlines issued an apology for the disruption, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to customers. "We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience," American Airlines said in a statement, as quoted by CNN. According to CNN, travellers were informed of the issue early Tuesday morning and expressed frustration at the lack of updates at the gate. Some passengers took to social media to complain about delays and flights returning to the gate, citing a software issue preventing weight and balance calculations, CNN reported. Initially, American Airlines' stock dropped nearly 3 per cent in premarket trading but later rebounded, rising by 1 per cent after the issue was resolved. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.
Marler to retire from rugby on Friday, a month after quitting international duty with EnglandSam Hicks, defense lead Abilene Christian over Northern Arizona 24-0 to extend 1st trip to playoffsParis, Dec 7 (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 splendour. 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. Macron's political woes Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices raised in song flooded the space, filling it with harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation's politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France's unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square metres 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, is resounding 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 euros (USD 950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was sombre,” he said. “It's night and day.” Adding to the ceremony's visual splendour, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colourful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. 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 recognise 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 travelled 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. 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 armour 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. (AP) GRS GRS (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
AP News Summary at 2:33 p.m. ESTNo secrets as Bucs visit Dave Canales, Panthers for NFC South showdown
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Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, raised another $6 billion in funding, TechCrunch reported via the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission . The filing reports that each investor, of nearly 100, had to give a minimum of $77,593. The investors were not named in the filing, but X wrote in a press release that key investors included "A16Z, Blackrock, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Kingdom Holdings, Lightspeed, MGX, Morgan Stanley, OIA, QIA, Sequoia Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Vy Capital, amongst others." "xAI’s most powerful model yet, Grok 3, is currently training and we are now focused on launching innovative new consumer and enterprise products that will leverage the power of Grok, Colossus, and X to transform the way we live, work, and play," the press release stated . "The funds from this financing round will be used to further accelerate our advanced infrastructure, ship groundbreaking products that will be used by billions of people, and accelerate the research and development of future technologies enabling the company’s mission to understand the true nature of the universe." Tech Crunch reported that this doubles xAI's total raised funds and brings it to $12 billion. According to CNBC , xAI was aiming for a $50 billion valuation in November. Forbes reported on Monday that the valuation has reached over $40 billion since the $6 billion funding bump.Vancouver Canucks (12-7-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (10-11-2, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Sunday, 12:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Vancouver Canucks visit the Detroit Red Wings after the Canucks took down the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime. Detroit has gone 5-6-1 at home and 10-11-2 overall. The Red Wings have gone 3-3-2 in games they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents. Vancouver has a 12-7-3 record overall and a 9-2-0 record on the road. The Canucks have a +two scoring differential, with 71 total goals scored and 69 given up. Sunday's game is the first time these teams square off this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Dylan Larkin has 12 goals and six assists for the Red Wings. Lucas Raymond has six goals and four assists over the past 10 games. Quinn Hughes has five goals and 20 assists for the Canucks. Elias Pettersson has scored five goals with eight assists over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Red Wings: 4-5-1, averaging 2.5 goals, 4.3 assists, 2.9 penalties and 6.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Canucks: 5-5-0, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.7 assists, 3.7 penalties and 9.1 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game. INJURIES: Red Wings: None listed. Canucks: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated PressLONDON (AP) — Barely a month after quitting international rugby , former England prop Joe Marler has brought forward his retirement plans and will end his time in the sport completely this week. Marler's last match will be for Harlequins, his team since 2009, at home to Bristol in the English league on Friday. The 34-year-old Marler had indicated he would continue playing club rugby until the end of the season. He has made 285 appearances for Harlequins since arriving in 2009 and retires with two English league winners medals. “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game,” he said Wednesday. The charismatic Marler announced on Nov. 3 that his 95-cap test career was over, days after he left England’s camp ahead of the November internationals because of personal reasons. He had baited New Zealand in the build-up to England's first autumn test match by criticizing the Haka, stating on social media that it is “ridiculous” and “needs binning." He later apologized for the comments. AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
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