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RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Barrington Hargress scored 24 points and Nate Pickens made two free throws with less than a second remaining to help UC Riverside slip past St. Thomas-Minnesota 81-79 in overtime on Sunday. Pickens' foul shots came after Nolan Minessale made a free throw on both sides of a timeout to tie the game with 13 seconds to go. Isaiah Moses made two free throws for UC Riverside with 17 seconds left to force OT tied at 73. Hargress shot 10 for 20, including 4 for 10 from beyond the arc for the Highlanders (9-5, 2-0 Big West Conference). Kaleb Smith added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Pickens scored 10. The Tommies (10-5), who had a six-game win streak snapped, were led by Minessale with 27 points. Drake Dobbs added 19 points and Miles Barnstable scored 10. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
WASHINGTON , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA continues to advance its campaign to explore more of the Moon than ever before, awarding Firefly Aerospace $179 million to deliver six experiments to the lunar surface. This fourth task order for Firefly will target landing in the Gruithuisen Domes on the near side of the Moon in 2028. As part of the agency's broader Artemis campaign, Firefly will deliver a group of science experiments and technology demonstrations under NASA's CLPS initiative, or Commercial Lunar Payload Services, to these lunar domes, an area of ancient lava flows, to better understand planetary processes and evolution. Through CLPS, NASA is furthering our understanding of the Moon's environment and helping prepare for future human missions to the lunar surface, as part of the agency's Moon to Mars exploration approach. "The CLPS initiative carries out U.S. scientific and technical studies on the surface of the Moon by robot explorers. As NASA prepares for future human exploration of the Moon, the CLPS initiative continues to support a growing lunar economy with American companies," said Joel Kearns , deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington . "Understanding the formation of the Gruithuisen Domes, as well as the ancient lava flows surrounding the landing site, will help the U.S. answer important questions about the lunar surface." Firefly's first lunar delivery is scheduled to launch no earlier than mid-January 2025 and will land near a volcanic feature called Mons Latreille within Mare Crisium, on the northeast quadrant of the Moon's near side. Firefly's second lunar mission includes two task orders: a lunar orbit drop-off of a satellite combined with a delivery to the lunar surface on the far side and a delivery of a lunar orbital calibration source, scheduled in 2026. This new delivery in 2028 will send payloads to the Gruithuisen Domes and the nearby Sinus Viscositatus. The Gruithuisen Domes have long been suspected to be formed by a magma rich in silica, similar in composition to granite. Granitic rocks form easily on Earth due to plate tectonics and oceans of water. The Moon lacks these key ingredients, so lunar scientists have been left to wonder how these domes formed and evolved over time. For the first time, as part of this task order, NASA also has contracted to provide "mobility," or roving, for some of the scientific instruments on the lunar surface after landing. This will enable new types of U.S. scientific investigations from CLPS. "Firefly will deliver six instruments to understand the landing site and surrounding vicinity," said Chris Culbert , manager of the CLPS initiative at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston . "These instruments will study geologic processes and lunar regolith, test solar cells, and characterize the neutron radiation environment, supplying invaluable information as NASA works to establish a long-term presence on the Moon." The instruments, collectively expected to be about 215 pounds (97 kilograms) in mass, include: Through the CLPS initiative, NASA purchases lunar landing and surface operations services from American companies. The agency uses CLPS to send scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to advance capabilities for science, exploration, or commercial development of the Moon. By supporting a robust cadence of lunar deliveries, NASA will continue to enable a growing lunar economy while leveraging the entrepreneurial innovation of the commercial space industry. Two upcoming CLPS flights scheduled to launch in early 2025 will deliver NASA payloads to the Moon's near side and south polar region, respectively. Learn more about CLPS and Artemis at: https://www.nasa.gov/clps View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-nasa-science-tech-will-fly-to-moon-aboard-future-firefly-flight-302335523.html SOURCE NASA
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By Titi Oshodi As the global community reflects on the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, one resounding message emerges: the transition to a sustainable future must prioritize the needs of developing nations and cities. With the announcement of a $300 billion climate finance package and a roadmap to scale this to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, there is renewed hope for a just transition. Yet, hope must translate into action. For Africa, the path to climate literacy, resilience and sustainability must not only address environmental challenges but also unlock profitable economic opportunities. The conversation around a just transition often highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations and cities. Rightly so. African nations, for instance, contribute less than 4% of global emissions yet bear the brunt of its consequences. However, climate justice cannot be reduced to reparations. It must include the tools, investments, and partnerships necessary for sustainable growth. Cities across Africa, from bustling metropolises like Lagos to emerging urban hubs like Malawi, are already reimagining climate action as a driver of economic transformation. Initiatives in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure are creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and reducing emissions. These efforts represent a blueprint for how developing nations can lead the way in the global green economy. However, achieving a just transition requires more than good intentions. It demands robust partnerships and an answer to the critical question: “What’s in it for those who choose to invest in this transition?” Incentivizing Partnerships: What’s in It for Organizations? For decades, collaborations with governments in developing regions have often been framed as philanthropic ventures. This mindset needs to evolve. Partnerships with these regions, especially in Africa, should be viewed as strategic business opportunities with measurable returns. Take the carbon credit market as an example. African nations are rapidly scaling projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy systems, all of which offer high-quality carbon credits. These credits are not just compliance tools but lucrative assets in the evolving EESG-driven global economy. Additionally, Africa’s young, urbanizing population and growing economies represent untapped markets for green solutions. Organizations that invest in innovative projects like waste-to-energy plants, sustainable housing, or clean transport systems gain not only financial returns but also the opportunity to shape the future of urban living and livelihoods on the continent. When organizations approach these partnerships as mutually beneficial ventures, they not only contribute to global climate resilience but also strengthen their own bottom lines. Climate Action as a Business Proposition At COP29, a clear argument was made: investing in Africa’s green initiatives is not just a moral imperative—it is smart business. Across the continent, public-private partnership models are being refined to ensure that both economic and environmental benefits are realized. These partnerships can deliver: • Access to investment-ready projects with scalable potential. • Opportunities to meet and exceed global ESG benchmarks. • Tangible financial returns through innovations like carbon credits and sustainable infrastructure development. • One critical takeaway from COP29 is the need for a paradigm shift: collaboration with developing regions must no longer be seen as mere social impact initiatives but as integral to global economic strategies. Sustainability and economic planning As African nations build on the momentum from COP29, integrating environmental sustainability into financial planning must become a priority. Governments are beginning to position sustainability as a core component of their economic development strategies. One example is ensuring that offices focused on climate and circular economy are embedded within economic planning institutions. This integration aligns climate objectives with fiscal policies, making sustainability a driving force for long-term growth. Such an approach enables nations to leverage green projects for job creation, attract international investment, and ensure resilience across sectors. The way forward The journey from COP29 must focus on turning commitments into action. African governments, cities, and private sector players are already proving that climate challenges can be reimagined as opportunities for innovation and investment. To accelerate this momentum, the global community must: • Incentivize partnerships through access to finance and technology. • Recognize the value of carbon markets as an economic driver. • Foster collaboration that prioritizes shared prosperity and measurable impact. Africa has the potential to be a global leader in the green economy. But this leadership will depend on forging partnerships that are ambitious, equitable, and mutually rewarding. The success of COP29 lies not just in the promises made but in the partnerships that will follow. The question is no longer whether developing nations and cities will lead the way—they already are. The question is whether the world is ready to partner with them for a sustainable, prosperous future. • Titi Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Lagos StatePresident-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/mdTOM UTLEY: The infuriating reason every Christmas at the Utleys begins with smiles... and ends with blood on the carpet
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — Jordan Roberts scored 19 points as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi beat Schreiner 103-44 on Sunday. Roberts went 7 of 11 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) for the Islanders (8-6). Dian Wright-Forde scored 14 points while shooting 4 of 7 from the field and 6 for 8 from the line and added three steals. Sheldon Williams shot 5 of 6 from the field and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Mountaineers were led by Beau Cervantes, who recorded nine points. Kamden Ross added seven points and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter calls the Baltimore star 'the most electric quarterback' in the history of the NFL ahead of Monday night's game
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'We're not afraid of anyone,' says Idah as Celtic gear up for golden opportunity in Champions League By STEPHEN MCGOWAN Published: 22:30 GMT, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 22:30 GMT, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments Adam Idah insists Celtic have nothing to fear when they go head to head with Europe’s elite in the Champions League . The Parkhead side face Club Brugge in Glasgow on Wednesday, with a golden opportunity to clinch a place in the last-16 play-offs. Currently on seven points after four games, ten points should be enough to secure a finish in the top 24 of the new league format. Estimates suggest that 16 points could even be enough to reach the quarter-finals automatically and, with fixtures against Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys and Aston Villa still to come, striker Idah sees a real opportunity to improve on the Euro woes of past seasons. ‘We feel we can compete with anyone,’ said the Irishman. ‘Dortmund (last month’s 7-1 defeat in Germany) wasn’t the best but, before the game, we had confidence we could win. ‘That’s what this season has been about. We are not afraid to play anyone. Idah responded with two late goals after he had been the target of missiles from the crowd The substitute celebrates with James Forrest after making it 3-0 at Tynecastle on Saturday Idah gets his second goal in a 4-1 victory over Hearts by converting a penalty in stoppage time ‘You saw that in the Leipzig game (a 3-1 win for Celtic). We showed what we were there to do and we feel we can go head-to-head with any team.’ Currently second in the Belgian Pro League behind Genk, Brugge are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions — bouncing back from a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the San Siro by overcoming Aston Villa at home thanks to a bizarre Tyrone Mings handball. ‘We do relish the home games,’ added Idah, who scored his first ever Champions League goal in the 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on match day one. ‘Every time you have a Champions League game, it’s really exciting — and you want to win these games. ‘We need to keep pushing and hopefully doing well.’ Largely restricted to being an impact substitute, Idah took his tally for the season to seven with a late brace in the 4-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle. Scoring a penalty atoned for a miss from 12 yards in Celtic’s last domestic defeat at the same venue in March. Targeted by missiles on Saturday after grabbing his first goal to make it 3-0, the striker said he took revenge the best way he could. ‘I enjoyed it,’ he said. ‘They gave me a bit when I was warming up so I gave it back. ‘I could probably buy all my Christmas presents with the amount of coins on the pitch! ‘But it’s all a bit of banter.’ Share or comment on this article: 'We're not afraid of anyone,' says Idah as Celtic gear up for golden opportunity in Champions League e-mail Add comment
