casino game quest 2

roulette png TIRUCHY : As many as 201 places prone to flooding including the 12 most vulnerable spots were identified in Mayiladuthurai district during the northeast monsoon season and the flood prevention measures are underway while 4,500 first responders are deployed on duty across the district, said Collector AP Mahabharathi on Wednesday. Detailing the flood prevention activities initiated by the district administration in the review meeting conducted by the monitoring officer Kavitha Ramu, the Mayiladuthurai Collector Mahabharathi said, officials from all departments are asked to be alert at any time and they were given proper instructions while the taluk level first respondents were given proper training. Stating that make-shift relief camps are readied in educational institutions, marriage halls and other places, the Collector said, fishermen warning facilities are established in as many as 25 coastal hamlets. Meanwhile, as many as 157 Anganwadi buildings were selected for evacuating the people who reside in the low-lying areas. The Cooperative Department has been asked to have adequate stock of commodities to be utilised during the monsoon season. He asked the officials to attend to the complaints from the people at the earliest and the fishermen were asked not to venture into the sea until the district administration allowed. He also said that the toll-free number 1077 can be contacted round the clock for any complaints.Rockfire Resources (LON:ROCK) Shares Down 8.9% – Should You Sell?Kashmiri pandits on Saturday hit out at the BJP-led central government for not acknowledging their displacement from Kashmir over three decades ago as ‘genocide’ and reiterated their demand for the implementation of ‘Margdarshan resolution’. Observing the 33rd homeland day anniversary here, the displaced community also demanded enhancement of relief measures, adequate security for PM-package employees working in the valley and ample employment opportunities for the youth of the community in Jammu. The Kashmiri pandits highlighted the demands in two resolutions passed at the 33rd ‘National Homeland Day Convention’, hosted by Panun Kashmir, one of the leading organisations representing Kashmiri migrant pandits, a spokesperson of the group said. He said the event, themed ‘Kashmiri Hindus caught between Jehad (holy war) and denial of genocide’, marked 33 years since the ‘Margdarshan resolution’, which was passed by the community on this day in 1991 after mass migration from Kashmir. The spokesperson said the first resolution strongly condemns the ‘denial of the genocide’ and calls for urgent measures to address the frequent terrorist attacks targeting the community in the valley. “It reaffirms the commitment to the Margdarshan resolution, demanding the creation of a separate Union Territory for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus,” he said. He said the second resolution deals with the alleged state’s apathy towards displaced Kashmiri Hindus, urging the Indian government to withdraw the humiliating “migrant” label and to take immediate action to enhance relief measures, provide security for Prime Minister-package employees working in the valley, and create employment opportunities in Jammu. Earlier in his address, a prominent Kashmiri pandit leader, Tito Ganju acknowledged the significant contributions of all those who have fought for the cause of Kashmiri Hindus and reaffirmed the collective resolve to not rest until justice is served. “The road ahead may be long, but we will continue our fight for justice, dignity and a secure homeland. We are united in our cause, and together, we will make our voices heard,” Ganju said. Amidst the solemn reflections and speeches, the convention also featured remarkable cultural performances, underscoring the strength and unity of the Kashmiri Pandit community. A soulful rendition of Kashmiri folk songs – transporting the audience to a time before exile and traditional Kashmiri music filled the atmosphere with energy and vibrancy during the event, the spokesperson said. Chairman of Panun Kashmir, Ajay Chrungoo condemned what he called denial of the genocide faced by Kashmiri Hindus, criticising both the state’s indifference and the world’s silence. “The fight for justice was not merely about land but about acknowledging the pain and suffering that the community has endured,” he said. He reaffirmed the Margdarshan Resolution for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus. He said such a move was not just an aspiration but a necessity, given the continuing terror threat and the alleged inability of the current political establishment to address the community’s plight.

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:46 p.m. ESTJimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

None

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. ( OTCMKTS:INGXF – Get Free Report ) declared a dividend on Tuesday, December 24th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 1st will be paid a dividend of 0.0649 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Innergex Renewable Energy Stock Performance Shares of INGXF stock opened at $5.63 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.14 billion, a P/E ratio of -11.48 and a beta of 0.64. Innergex Renewable Energy has a 12-month low of $5.26 and a 12-month high of $7.90. The business’s 50 day moving average is $6.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $6.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.50. Innergex Renewable Energy ( OTCMKTS:INGXF – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $179.04 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $192.68 million. Innergex Renewable Energy had a negative return on equity of 1.70% and a negative net margin of 13.73%. Analysts expect that Innergex Renewable Energy will post -0.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Innergex Renewable Energy Company Profile Innergex Renewable Energy Inc operates as an independent renewable power producer in Canada, the United States, France, and Chile. It acquires, owns, develops, and operates renewable power-generating and energy storage facilities primarily in hydroelectric, wind, and solar power sectors. The company operates through three segments: Hydroelectric Power Generation, Wind Power Generation, and Solar Power Generation. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

None

The Boston Bruins will have four players represent Team USA at the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Jeremy Swayman will join defenseman Charlie McAvoy in the round-robin tournament. McAvoy was previously named one of the first six players to the United States’ roster over the summer. Four Bruins in total will participate in the event: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is serving as the general manager for Team Canada. Two former Bruins players were also included on the rosters as Linus Ullmark (Sweden) and Erik Haula (Finland) will participate. Hampus Lindholm was left off Sweden’s roster. The Bruins defenseman has been dealing with a lower-body injury since November. While it’s unclear of the severity, then coach Jim Montgomery it would sideline Hampus Lindholm for weeks. Interim coach Joe Sacco didn’t have much of an update ahead of Boston’s Centennial game on Sunday, telling reporters he was still weeks away from a return. There was no media availability to ask questions of Swedish leadership to determine what they knew about Hampus Lindholm’s injury and whether they didn’t expect him to be back in time. Canada and Sweden open the tournament on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m., while the United States and Finland play on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. The entire schedule looks like this: Thursday, Feb. 12 at Montreal Canada vs. Sweden, 8 pm. Friday, Feb. 13 at Montreal USA vs. Finaland, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at Montreal Finland vs. Sweden, 1 p.m. USA vs. Canada, 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 at TD Garden Canada vs. Finland, 1 p.m. USA vs. Sweden, 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at TD Garden Championship Game 8 p.m. More Bruins content( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) Interview: Ambi Robotics founder sees 'huge opportunities' in new markets December 28, 2024 by David Edwards The founding of Ambi Robotics is somewhat obscured by the mist of history, but it started with some abandoned robots in a basement and the co-founders meeting at University of California Berkeley in 2018. Within about a year, the five founders made a breakthrough in simulation-to-reality transfer learning systems for robotics, calling it Sim2Real AI, which, in turn, led to the establishment of Ambidextrous Laboratories Inc, and a year later to the commercialization of the technology in the form of the AmbiSort parcel sorting system. The lightning quick pace of development led to huge interest from investors, who poured in $21 million into the startup by 2021, and another $32 million the following year. Now, three years on, Ambi Robotics can look back on numerous multimillion-dollar commercial installations and look forward to many more diverse deployments in the years ahead. In this interview, we speak to Jeff Mahler (main image), one of the founders of Ambi Robotics and its chief technology offer, and ask him about himself, his company and the future of robotics. Robotics & Automation News: Let's start by telling readers about yourself and your job at Ambi Robotics. Jeff Mahler : I'm Jeff Mahler, co-founder and chief technology officer of Ambi Robotics. I lead the engineering and product teams at Ambi, executing our technology strategy to develop highly dexterous AI-powered robotic systems that help people handle more in commercial logistics operations. I earned my Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, where my research focused on AI for robotic grasping. It was in Professor Ken Goldberg's AUTOlab where I met Stephen McKinley, David Gealy and Matt Matl, and we began combining our complementary skills to later become the co-founders of Ambi Robotics. My experiences in both industry and academia, including co-launching UC Berkeley's course on robotic manipulation and publishing award-nominated research on robotics and AI, have given me a strong foundation to develop advanced technologies and lead the creation of transformative robotic systems at Ambi Robotics. R&AN: And let's also introduce the company, Ambi Robotics, to readers. What are the main services and products and what is its position in the market. JM : Ambi Robotics is an AI and robotics company developing advanced solutions that scale ecommerce operations to meet demand while empowering humans to handle more. Our flagship solution, AmbiSort A-Series, uses robotic arms combined with advanced gantry technology to automate the sorting of mixed parcels into destination containers. It's modular and configurable, supporting customer demand for both bin-fed and conveyor-fed operations for high-efficiency parcel sorting. All of our robots run on our proprietary operating system, AmbiOS, which uses simulation-to-reality (Sim2Real) AI to train the robots 10,000 times faster in virtual simulations and then transfer those learnings to the real world, enabling the robots to handle any bag, box, envelope or unpackaged item with high speed and accuracy. With continuous learning capabilities, our technology's performance improves and evolves over time. Ambi Robotics is leading the way for AI-powered automation to solve operational challenges for shippers, positioning us at the forefront of innovation in the booming e-commerce shipping and logistics space. R&AN: What are the key problems that Ambi Robotics solves? When Ambi Robotics is asked to do a job, does it take over from human-centred systems or does it generally improve on a previously implemented technological system? Maybe give us a use case or two. JM : We're tackling some big challenges in ecommerce and supply chain, especially with the increasing demand for faster and more accurate parcel sorting. The AmbiSort A-Series system automates the sorting of mixed parcels from deep bins or automated conveyor induction into destination sacks, a traditionally manual and time-consuming process prone to errors, injuries and bottlenecks. By bringing in our AI-powered robotic systems, warehouses can boost throughput, accuracy and cut costs-all without needing to completely overhaul their existing process. Powered by Sim2Real AI, solutions from Ambi Robotics are ready to go from day one and add immediate value and cost savings. For example, during a partnership with a global shipping and mailing company, we deployed our AmbiSort products into their existing middle-mile operations to help automate and speed up parcel sortation. During our time together, we sorted 87 million packages and trained over 400 of their parcel handlers for higher-value, certified robot operator roles. With this move, their employees were able to focus on more complex and higher-value work while cutting operational costs. R&AN: What are the current challenges in parcel sortation? And how do you see the future playing out in terms of parcel sortation technologies? JM : Many warehouses run into problems with labor shortages combined with rising parcel volumes, especially around the peak holiday season, and inefficiencies in their traditional technology that may cause delays and errors. They also often struggle to scale operations to meet growing ecommerce demand while keeping costs manageable. For example, rising transportation costs are an ongoing challenge to meeting customer desires for lower shipping rates. Looking ahead, we see advanced robotics and automation taking on a larger role within warehouses, leveraging AI to create highly repeatable, efficient, scalable and flexible systems that can integrate with human workers and existing infrastructure to handle diverse parcel profiles efficiently. In addition, intelligent automation can create a fountain of data on every item handled in order to empower operations management to make smarter decisions on how to boost productivity. R&AN: At the moment, most of the end effectors on robots tend to be suction devices of some kind. Is there an alternative to this? Do you use any soft end effectors or human-like hands to deal with specific kinds of items? Is this diversification something that is relevant for you? JM : We primarily use suction-based end effectors because they are highly reliable and effective for handling a variety of parcel types, especially ones with non-porous, flat surfaces like cardboard. Our robots have multiple suction cups of different sizes and flexibility, so they can choose the best“fingertip” for whatever they're handling. While suction cups work great for a lot of items, we know there are objects, like irregularly shaped or delicate ones, that might need a different touch. To address this, we're looking into other types of end effectors, like parallel grippers, to extend the range of items our robots can handle. This flexibility is key as we keep improving our robots to handle an even wider range of objects efficiently and accurately. R&AN: What is the overall market potential for a company like yours? How big could it become, given the growth in e-commerce and so on, and considering the competition you are already up against? JM : The market potential is huge, especially with the massive growth in ecommerce. In 2022 there were over 150 billion packages shipped worldwide, and each one of those packages was touched by a human hand about 10 times. That means that there are over 1 trillion package“touches” occurring each year, and this number is growing rapidly. As more people shop online, the demand for fast, efficient and scalable fulfillment solutions is only going to keep rising. With robots like ours that can handle parcel sortation and even adapt to different types of packages, we're in a strong position to meet that demand. Our competitive edge is the ability to handle a wide variety of objects with precision and speed, thanks to our AI-driven system, and our ability to easily integrate with whatever warehouse layout is needed. As automation becomes a bigger part of the supply chain, we see a ton of room to grow and capture a significant share of the market. We're working alongside global leading logistics companies and continuing to evolve our technology to meet their needs as they grow. R&AN: While you currently specialise in parcel sortation, was that always what you had in mind? And could you diversify into new markets in the future. If so, which markets? JM : Ambi Robotics is all about real-world impact, and parcel sortation was where we saw the biggest opportunity to apply our technology due to the massive market opportunity. That being said, we've always had the vision to make our robots more versatile, and as we grow we can definitely see ourselves branching out into other markets. There are huge opportunities to provide robots that automate repetitive motions in other industries with high-volume material handling such as ecommerce order fulfillment, retail distribution, manufacturing and even recycling. MENAFN28122024005532012229ID1109037657 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuels — and whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96

SINGAPORE: Pacing up and down near the Singapore Sports Hub's Water Sports Centre, with brows furrowed and sweat trickling down their faces, they checked their phones every 10 seconds. Then, amid the charged atmosphere of nervousness mixed with excitement, a shout: “One minute and one second ... second place!” The team, dressed in bright turquoise T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Different Dragons", erupted into cheers and hugs as they celebrated their silver medal at the Singapore Regatta Waterfest in November. At this annual dragon boat race, hundreds of competitors - from educational institutions, business organisations and other entities - vie to be the quickest over a 200m distance in the Kallang Basin. For Different Dragons, a second-place finish in the adaptive open category was especially sweet - and perhaps more so for nine members who are paddlers with disabilities of both physical and intellectual nature. “I find it difficult to paddle because of a back problem I’ve had, and it’s also difficult to paddle at the same speed as everyone,” said Jarran Ng, who has Williams syndrome. The genetic condition affects physical features, cognitive development and other parts of the body like the heart. “(But) the team never made me feel like I couldn’t do it and I felt like I belonged." SERIOUS ABOUT HAVING A GOOD TIME At the Singapore Regatta Waterfest, one of the biggest dragon boat contests in the country, teams were heard chanting "in it to win it". Different Dragons, which was founded in 2019, has other goals in mind. “We’re a very chill team, having fun is one of the most important aspects for us,” said Rayson Oon, a volunteer coach since the team started out. This approach should not be mistaken for a lack of focus and determination. They had trained for the November race all year, aiming to prove their abilities matter more than their disabilities - which they ultimately did. Naturally, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. The past few years have been a constant exercise in trial-and-error, patience and positivity, as volunteers sought to find the right ways to teach the sport, even in basics such as holding a paddle. When Tan Cher Hui first signed up with Different Dragons as a volunteer, she struggled to support her twin brother with autism, who had also joined the team as a competitor. Race rules dictate that each paddler with a disability can be accompanied by one able-bodied caregiver or volunteer inside the boat. For instance, her brother couldn't cope with changes to the training schedule caused by rain, and would often have meltdowns. "Because to him, dragon boating happens every Sunday,” said Tan, 26, who added that this was a huge challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when such activities came to a halt. “It took a toll on him and I didn’t know if it was worth carrying on." But the encouragement and perseverance of other volunteers that pushed her to stay on, and the siblings have now reaped the rewards. “I learnt how to interact and engage with people of all different disabilities, and even picked up sign language," she said. "And it was heartwarming to see the other members be welcoming and inclusive with my brother." ANOTHER FAMILY For members of Different Dragons, being part of a team - and one that empathises with each other - was something especially precious. Jimmy Chan, a deaf paddler, told CNA how his condition made it tough in work settings and that he often felt isolated during conversations. "I wanted a space where I would not feel judged or different, and the team offered that," he said through sign language. The 53-year-old relies on vibrations from the dragon boat drum beat, along with the strokes of the first paddler seated in front, to sync with the rest of the team. “We share resilience, teamwork and a drive to break barriers. Each step feels like a victory, and our strong bonds make every challenge worthwhile, keeping us going,” Chan said. Outside of training, the team makes a conscious effort to do activities together, from meals to hikes and an annual Christmas party. “There are days when the paddlers aren’t feeling their best, but they look forward to seeing each other and that motivates them to come for trainings,” said Hamza Lu, another volunteer coach. “We may not be as competitive as other teams, but we have more of a family bond. When I miss sessions, they’ll be spamming my phone and asking me when they’ll see me next.” Take Teng Der Shuin, a paddler with an intellectual disability, who every Saturday makes sure to remind his mother Teo Leng Leng that he needs to wear his "dragon boat clothes" the next day. "(He) isn’t very active when he’s at home. It was a very big problem that I was worried about. So I’m happy that this is an activity that he enjoys,” said Teo, 57. “This gave him an opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to the world outside." Outside of training, the team makes a conscious effort to do activities together, from meals to hikes and an annual Christmas party. “There are days when the paddlers aren’t feeling their best, but they look forward to seeing each other and that motivates them to come for trainings,” said Hamza Lu, another volunteer coach. “We may not be as competitive as other teams, but we have more of a family bond. When I miss sessions, they’ll be spamming my phone and asking me when they’ll see me next.” Take Teng Der Shuin, a paddler with an intellectual disability, who every Saturday makes sure to remind his mother Teo Leng Leng that he needs to wear his "dragon boat clothes" the next day. "(He) isn’t very active when he’s at home. It was a very big problem that I was worried about. So I’m happy that this is an activity that he enjoys,” said Teo, 57. “This gave him an opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to the world outside." MOVING DISABILITY SPORTS FORWARD Having an adaptive category in a prestigious dragon boat event like the Regatta Waterfest gives people with disabilities access to the right resources and a level playing field, said Ms Kelly Fan, executive director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council. “Inclusive sports focus on creating platforms where persons with and without disabilities can play together. "The primary goal is to foster firsthand understanding and appreciation of the challenges that individuals with disabilities overcome to participate in sports, while also providing opportunities for meaningful social interaction,” she added. Singapore is set to launch an Enabling Sports Fund next year, which aims to "encourage impactful community-initiated disability sports initiatives.” The government will match dollar for dollar donations made to this fund, which hopes to raise at least S$10 million (US$7.4 million) by 2030. It's part of Singapore's Enabling Masterplan 2030 , a national roadmap for people with disabilities to live and participate more actively in the community. Progress has been made but more needs to be done to continue promoting inclusivity, said Ms Fan, pointing to costs and accessibility as remaining barriers. “It is not just about ramps or lifts within a venue," she said. "It extends to the awareness that sport opportunities exist for persons with disabilities; the affordability of sport involvement on top of enhanced costs of living of a (person with disability); the proximity and accessibility of an accessible venue; and the readiness of a venue to cater to disability sports.” Members of Different Dragons, meanwhile, are happy to continue playing their part in not just raising awareness, but sending out a more profound message - that paddlers with disabilities can be capable of anything, said Lu, the volunteer coach. “The perception many have is that members with disabilities can’t paddle as well as able-bodied individuals, but that’s not true,” said Oon, the other coach. Paddler Lee Wei Kiong, who has an intellectual disability, told CNA how the team has inspired him to work hard and keep practising. “I never thought we could beat other teams, but our process is getting better,” he said, while standing next to a trolley filled with bottled drinks he lugged from home to give out to his teammates. “When I was younger, people used to say that I have a low IQ (intelligent quotient) and I wouldn’t be able to do anything. But I learnt that whatever others can do, I can do too." "Normal people can dragon boat, so can I.”Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: A somber announcement The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A Southerner and a man of faith In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Gore remembers Carter for life "of purpose” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. The Associated Press

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. People are also reading... “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Sports Week in Photos: NBA Cup, NFL snow game and more Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!

Chargers more worried about the cold than the opponent, thrash Pats and secure playoffsPunjab Farmers Bring Traffic to Halt with Statewide BandhNone

None

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) Stock Price Down 0.4% – What’s Next?