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Asahi Shimbun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Monetary aid in reach for more communities near nuke plants
Residents who live near a nuclear power plant are checked for radioactive contamination during a drill in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2023. (Asahi Shimbun file photo) The government and ruling parties plan to increase access to financial assistance for local governments hosting nuclear power plants by broadening the geographical scope of eligibility. Secretaries-general and other officials of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito agreed on June 17 to provide aid to local governments within 30 kilometers of a nuclear plant, instead of the current 10 km or less. Cabinet Office officials also said they are considering revising the special measures law for development of areas around nuclear power generation facilities and other regulations. The change is designed to ensure that local governments can receive increased assistance if they are required to develop evacuation plans for nuclear accidents. 'We need to eliminate the discrepancy and provide support measures for completing evacuation plans,' Makoto Nishida, secretary-general of Komeito, told a news conference after meeting with his LDP counterpart and others on June 17. A case in point may involve Japan Atomic Power Co.'s Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, where around 920,000 individuals reside within 30 km from the premises, the highest concentration in the nation. While the central government has required 14 municipalities within the zone to draw up evacuation plans, six are still wrestling with how to safely move so many people. Under the special measures law, which was established in 2000, the central government offers financial assistance that is more generous than standard provisions when local governments hosting nuclear plants build roads and ports or reduce taxes to attract businesses. Local governments within 10 km of a nuclear plant are eligible in accordance with priority zones where it is required to establish countermeasures for potential nuclear accidents. However, following the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, these priority zones were expanded from a range of 10 km or less from a nuclear plant to within 30 km. As a result, some host governments have called for expanding the areas where greater assistance is provided, saying that the burden of taking countermeasures for nuclear accidents has only grown. The government has shifted its policy to making maximum use of nuclear power. Officials apparently hope that the change will make it easier to win local consent on restarting nuclear plants and other nuclear-related policies. (This article was written by Satoshi Shinden and Anri Takahashi.)
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rory McIlroy smashes tee marker and throws club in furious US Open meltdown as he issues three-word media snub
McIlroy has made a testing start at Pinehurst and his frustration only grew on day two Rory McIlroy left his frustrations get the better of him by throwing his golf club and smashing his tee marker following his disappointing start at the US Open. McIlroy came into this week aiming for a sixth major title and his second US Open, having narrowly missed out to Bryson DeChambeau at Pinehurst No. 2 last year. However, it's been a far from ideal start for the Northern Irishman, who recorded a four-over-par 74 in the first round. In need of a strong recovery on the second day, his round began disastrously with two double bogeys in his first three holes. As the cut line started to drift away, McIlroy finally managed a much-needed birdie at the par-four ninth, undoubtedly hoping for more as he made the turn. A par followed at the 10th, but his temper flared just two holes later. After a superb tee shot down the middle of the fairway of the 12th, McIlroy aimed to reach the par-five in two, but a wayward second shot sent his ball into the thick rough to the left of the hole. Clearly annoyed, the world No 2 angrily threw his club. Regaining his composure, he then scored a birdie at the 15th to get within reach of the weekend, but his Friday was far from over. Standing on the achievable par-four 17th, McIlroy pulled his shot left and vented his frustrations on the tee box, breaking it with his club. McIlroy scraped through with a par after deftly chipping out of the bunker and sinking two putts, teetering on the edge of the cut line with just one hole remaining. When the cut loomed around seven-over, a birdie at the 18th ensured McIlroy's place in the weekend action, leaving him six-over for the tournament and tied for 45th with a dozen others going into moving day. It's been yet another taxing week for McIlroy, who still appears to be riding the wave from his Masters victory. His win at Augusta National entered the annals of golf history, making him one of only six players to claim all four major titles. Following the end of his second round, at Pinehurst, media outlet GolfDigest reported that the Irishman then snubbed a question about his media availability as he headed to the clubhouse from the scorer's room, telling a USPGA official: "No, I'm good". It's the sixth round at the major on the spin that McIlroy has declined interview requests, although he did conduct a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the US Open getting underway. Rich Lerner, host of Golf Channel's Live From with Paul McGinley and Brandel Chamblee, could see the frustrations get the better of McIlroy as top stars struggled as he said: 'We've had guys who have been p***d off, Rory banging his club.' Chamblee added: "It's been bizarre. I think the guys are just resigned to the fact it's been difficult.' McGinley says cites incoming rain at Oakmont and potential mudballs which caused unrest at the PGA Championship as another reason why the players are going to hot under the collar and continued: 'Another source of frustration. Another reason for the term war of attrition.'
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What is the 2025 US Open cut line? Player tracker, who could miss projected cut
What is the 2025 US Open cut line? Player tracker, who could miss projected cut Show Caption Hide Caption Xander Schauffele ready for Oakmont's tough test Xander Schauffele calls Oakmont a true test, where hitting fairways and greens is the only way to survive. USGA The 2025 U.S. Open is no cakewalk and can be quite challenging to make it past the cut line and play into the weekend. Just around 40% of the 156-person field will tee off in the third round as the U.S. Open has one of the tougher cut lines to make than the other majors; only the top 60 players and ties will advance after 36 holes – the end of the second round. The third major of the year takes place at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh, and the 7,372-yard, par-70 course doesn't give out many freebies. Birdies are hard to come by, so mistake-free golf will likely be required to advance to the third and final rounds. First-round action is still underway with the second round on June 13, meaning there's plenty of time for golfers to improve or worsen their outlook. Here's what to know about the possible cut line at Oakmont. US OPEN LEADERBOARD: Scores, highlights from first round US Open projected cut line As of 4:30 p.m. ET on June 12, the projected cut line for the 2025 U.S. Open is +6, according to the predictive model used by The site notes there is a 36.2% chance the cut line is 6-over-par. Of course, the cut line could shift. gives a 34.9% chance the cut line is +7, and a 13.2% chance it goes to +5. While it seems high, the projected cut line is on par with what it's been at the course before. Oakmont last hosted the U.S. Open in 2016, and the cut line was +6. In 2007, the cut line was a dramatic 10+. Here is the recent history of what the cut line has been at the U.S. Open 2024: +5 (Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina) 2023: +2 (Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles) 2022: +3 (The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts) 2021: +4 (Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego) 2020: +6 (Winged Foot Golf Course in Mamaroneck, New York) 2019: +2 (Pebble Peach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California) 2018: +8 (Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Shinnecock Hills, New York) 2017: +1 (Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin) 2016: +6 (Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania) US Open 2025 cut line: Golfers to watch Scores as of 4:30 p.m. ET on June 12 Hideki Matsuyama: +4 Rory McIlroy: +4 Wyndham Clark: +4 Phil Mickelson: +4 Cameron Smith: +5 Dustin Johnson: +5 Patrick Cantlay: +6 Justin Rose: +7 Mason Howell: +7 Shane Lowry: +9 The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Globally-acclaimed musician hits Limerick with ‘spellbinding' show
Kristian Bezuidenhout, a South African-Australian pianist will perform two of Beethoven's most famous piano concertos; No. 2 and No. 4. The concerts will be held in Limerick at the University Concert Hall on June 19, Siamsa Tíre in Tralee June 20 and The Whyte Recital Hall in Dublin on June 21. Concerto No 2 is full of energy and shows Beethoven's early talent. Concerto No. 4 is more emotional and deep, written during a difficult time in the composer's life. Bezuidenhout is known for making this music feel fresh and powerful, just like it might have sounded in Beethoven's own time. This is Kristian's second time performing Beethoven with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. He will return next year to play Beethoven's big final concerto, No. 5. The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO), based at the University of Limerick, is known for its bold and creative performances. They work with dancers, DJs, actors, and artists from all kinds of backgrounds, mixing classical music with new ideas. A spokesperson said: 'Don't miss this spellbinding journey through Beethoven's genius with Kristian Bezuidenhout and ICO.' The concerts are supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
News18
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
People Are Flying To This US State To Watch A Giant Pencil Get Sharpened
Last Updated: This 20-foot-tall No. 2 pencil was once a beloved 180-year-old oak tree. Now it's the star of a bizarrely wholesome ritual. In the American state of Minnesota, a quiet residential neighbourhood transforms into a festival site once a year, but not for a concert or a parade. Instead, crowds gather to witness the sharpening of a giant pencil. Yes, an actual 20-foot (6-metre) tall sculpture of a No. 2 pencil stands in the front yard of a Minneapolis home, and every June, it undergoes a ceremonial sharpening with a custom-built, oversized sharpener. The tradition has evolved into an annual community celebration, complete with music, costumes and attendees flying in from across the country, and even overseas. 'Some man is sharpening a pencil on his lawn and this is what happens? Yeah, I'm going to be part of it. How can you not? Life is too short," said Rachel Hyman, while speaking to the Associated Press. She flew in from Chicago dressed in a pencil costume after learning about the event from a friend. From Fallen Tree to Cultural Icon This unusually wholesome event began after a 2017 storm destroyed a beloved 180-year-old oak tree in the yard of John and Amy Higgins. Most would have mourned and moved on, but the couple saw an opportunity. Actual footage of Minneapolis today. Stay awesome Minnesota!! #LotiPencil — Rachel (@empathy13) June 8, 2025 'We didn't want to do the typical carved bear or something rustic," Amy Higgins said while speaking to AP. 'We wanted something people could instantly connect to. Everyone knows a pencil." 'Why a pencil? Everybody uses a pencil," she added. 'Everybody knows a pencil. You see it in school, you see it in people's work, or drawings, everything. So, it's just so accessible to everybody, I think, and can easily mean something, and everyone can make what they want of it." They commissioned Minnesota wood sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad to transform the massive log into a giant version of a classic Trusty brand No. 2 pencil. 'People interpret this however they want to. They should. They should come to this and find whatever they want out of it," Ingvoldstad told the news agency. 'Whatever you want to bring, you know, it's you at the end of the day. And it's a good place. It's good to have pieces that do that for people." Giant Sharpener, Real Crowd To keep the pencil looking sharp (literally), Ingvoldstad also crafted a giant sharpener weighing nearly 100 pounds. It is hoisted with scaffolding, rotated around the pencil a few times, and shaves several inches from the tip, just like a regular sharpener would. 'It's about four feet large and weighs a hundred pounds," John Higgins said. 'We hoist that up and turn it around a few times and the pencil gets sharpened." Over the years, the event has attracted increasing attention. What began with a few hundred neighbours now attracts thousands. Last weekend's event featured alphorn players from Switzerland and free purple pencils distributed in tribute to Minneapolis music legend Prince, on what would have been his 67th birthday. What Happens When It Becomes a Stub? Naturally, each sharpening reduces the pencil's height. Depending on the year, anywhere from 3 to 10 inches (8 to 25 cm) are carved off. But the Higgins's are not worried about the pencil's longevity. 'We don't have answers to that, and we're fine with that," John Higgins said. 'But for today, for this moment, we're going to take what we have and make the most of it." For him, it's more than a gimmick, it's a reminder of hope, community, and creativity. 'We tell a story about the dull tip, and we're going to get sharp," he said. 'There's a renewal. We can write a new love letter, a thank-you note. We can write a maths problem, a to-do list. And that chance for renewal, that promise, people really seem to buy into and understand." Ingvoldstad agrees. 'Like any ritual, you've got to sacrifice something. So we're sacrificing part of the monumentality of the pencil, so that we can give that to the audience that comes, and say, 'This is our offering to you, and in goodwill to all the things that you've done this year.'" Location : Minneapolis, US First Published: June 11, 2025, 16:34 IST News viral People Are Flying To This US State To Watch A Giant Pencil Get Sharpened | Video
