cockfight 2001

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_brook96No matter where you look, there are stars on the field for the Lions offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams highlight the wide receiver room, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are the 1-2 punch in the backfield, Sam LaPorta is holding things down at tight end, and Jared Goff is responsible for distributing the ball to these stars. Simply looking at the names on this offensive roster, it shouldn't be shocking that the Lions have the league's No. 1 scoring offense, averaging 32.7 points per game. Combine that with No. 2 scoring defense, and you have a team that many consider the Super Bowl favorite. The Lions may have to overcome some adversity in order to find their 11th win of the season and end their Thanksgiving losing streak. Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery are dealing with injuries ahead of their early-Thursday matchup with the Bears. Let's check in on the latest updates regarding both players' statuses. WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers Will Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery play this week? Injury update on Lions' WR and RB Both St. Brown and Montgomery have followed the same trend with their practice participation this week. They both missed practice on Monday, participated in a limited fashion on Tuesday, and fully practiced on Wednesday. Both have since been listed as "questionable" for Thursday's game. #CHIvsDET injury report presented by Henry Ford Health. pic.twitter.com/1UdPbZz9hh Considering both participated in full on Wednesday, it seems likely that both will be able to take the field against the Bears, meaning their "questionable" designations are merely a formality. Specifically pertaining to Montgomery, head coach Dan Campbell has expressed optimism that Montgomery will take the field, so it would be a surprise to see him sidelined. St. Brown provided confirmation himself that he plans to play, so expect to see him on the field. Lions' WR Depth Chart: Who is Amon-Ra St. Brown's Backup? The Lions' WR1 has been the picture of health over the last two years, missing just one game since the start of the 2023 season. This has been great for Lions fans and fantasy managers, but it has prevented us from getting a glimpse at this WR room without St. Brown in the picture. If St. Brown is a surprise inactive, expect Jameson Williams to take on a large role in the passing game. Tim Patrick, who has flashed this season, would assume WR2. Allen Robinson would be third on the depth chart. Lions' RB Depth Chart: Who is David Montgomery's Backup? If Montgomery suffers a setback and doesn't play on Thursday, it's safe to say that the Lions will turn to Jahmyr Gibbs to fill his shoes. Gibbs has proven to have an every-down skill set and could reasonably play 90 percent of snaps without Montgomery by his side. If another back were to mix in alongside Gibbs, it would be Craig Reynolds. The six-year veteran has 12 carries this season, most of which have come in blowouts. He would likely play here and there to spell Gibbs, but he wouldn't be a significant factor in the offense. WEEK 13 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE Stock Watch | Start 'Em, Sit 'Em | Sleepers | Busts | Usage Report | Flex Finder | Weather David Montgomery fantasy outlook Week 13 Montgomery has been about as steady of a fantasy producer as they come. He's averaging 16.3 PPR points per game and comes in as the per-game RB13. The quality of the Lions' offensive line allows him to be highly efficient, and he has been provided with 12 goal-line carries this season thanks to the quality of the Detroit offense. He's a talented back in a perfect situation, and he's an every-week fantasy starter. The situation is no different in Week 13, as he comes in as the RB16 in the Sporting News' RB rankings . He can be started with confidence this week despite the knee injury. Amon-Ra St. Brown fantasy outlook Week 13 St. Brown has been very similar to Montgomery in the sense that he is among fantasy's most consistent producers. A year after finishing as the WR3, St. Brown has been the WR2 through 12 weeks. St. Brown is a weekly threat for a 30-percent target share, and he is a regular recipient of short-yardage touchdowns. There are few receivers you'd rather have on fantasy rosters this season. Much like Montgomery, St. Brown is a shoo-in starter every week, and he shouldn't be viewed any differently in this Thanksgiving matchup. He's the WR8 in our rankings and belongs in lineups everywhere against the Bears this week.Runner's World: Top RBs take flight when Ravens entertain EaglesNova Scotia Liberal vote crumbles because of 'damaged' brand, leader tied to Trudeau HALIFAX — A day after Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston led the Progressive Conservatives to a massive majority win, the Liberals were licking their wounds and wondering why their party was almost wiped off the political map. Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press Nov 27, 2024 12:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill speaks to reporters following a televised leaders' debate in Halifax, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese HALIFAX — A day after Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston led the Progressive Conservatives to a massive majority win, the Liberals were licking their wounds and wondering why their party was almost wiped off the political map. On Wednesday morning, once all the ballots were counted, the incumbent Tories had secured 43 of the 55 seats in the legislature, an increase of nine. The NDP won nine seats, an increase of three, and the Liberals fell to only two seats, a dozen less than when the campaign started. One Independent candidate held her seat — a first for the province. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill, a 40-year-old former cabinet minister, lost his seat after a long, see-saw battle with his Tory rival in the riding of Yarmouth — Churchill's hometown on Nova Scotia's southwestern shore. The Liberals had to give up their role as official opposition and the party barely held on to official party status. "At the end of the day, this falls on my shoulders," Churchill said afterwards. "This loss belongs to me and me alone." But it would be wrong to blame Churchill for his party's collapse at the polls, says Tom Urbaniak, a political science professor at Cape Breton University in Sydney, N.S. "Zach Churchill was dealing with a damaged Liberal brand — damaged in large part by the current standing of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau," Urbaniak said in an interview Wednesday, adding that Houston took advantage of that weakness. "(Churchill) was portrayed as Justin Trudeau's junior protege. And that stuck with some Nova Scotians." Throughout the campaign, Houston and his Tory colleagues tried to link Trudeau — whose Liberals are trailing the federal Tories by about 20 points in the polls — with Churchill, a well-spoken career politician who was elected to lead the provincial party in July 2022. "We know Zach Churchill defends his federal cousins at every turn,” provincial Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith said in a statement early in the campaign. “Once again, when Zach Churchill had the choice to stand up for Nova Scotians or stand with Justin Trudeau, he chose Trudeau.” Churchill was also hobbled by a relatively low provincial profile, Urbaniak said. Despite the fact that he had held the riding of Yarmouth for the past 14 years and served in the cabinet of former Liberal premier Stephen McNeil, Churchill failed to leave much of an impression on the electorate, he said. Part of the problem was that McNeil, who served as premier from 2013 to 2021, rarely let his ministers spend much time in the limelight. "Stephen McNeil, at times, ran a one-person government," the professor said. "The premier made the big decisions .... That came back to hurt Zach Churchill." As well, Houston's decision to call an early election also stung the Liberals and the NDP, both of which were still nominating candidates when the campaign started. On another front, the Liberals in southwestern Nova Scotia were hurt by the fact that residents in several fishing communities had long complained about what they said was the federal Liberal government's failure to stop the illegal fishing of lobsters and baby eels. "The perceived federal mismanagement was a factor in some ridings," Urbaniak said, pointing to the Acadian riding of Clare, which had been held by the Liberals for the past 31 years. Liberal candidate Ronnie LeBlanc, a local fisherman, lost the riding to rookie Tory candidate Ryan Robicheau on Tuesday night by more than 1,000 votes. During the campaign, Churchill promised to establish an inquiry into illegal fishing, but voters on the South Shore were unimpressed. The Tories won all nine ridings in the region. It was Churchill's first election as leader. On Tuesday night, he declined to say if he would stay in the role. Neither Churchill nor Houston were available for an interview Wednesday. As for the NDP, party leader Claudia Chender said she was looking forward to taking on the large Tory majority. "I think what we take away from being the official Opposition is that people are looking for a strong voice and they are looking for a different voice,” said Chender, a 48-year-old lawyer. It was also her first election as leader. She said her priorities include pushing for more protection for renters, and reducing the number of people still seeking a doctor. The three additional seats won by the NDP are all in the Halifax area, part of the party’s traditional power base. Chender said the election results showed her party has room to grow, particularly along the South Shore and in Cape Breton. “In many ridings across this province there were tight two- or three-way races and we are building,” she said. “I think that work has started and will continue.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National News Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration in recent years, Carney says Nov 27, 2024 12:43 PM NDP ready to open 'gates' to pass Liberal GST holiday bill separate from $250 rebate Nov 27, 2024 12:42 PM Lawyers, loyalists and Wall Street executives: a look at who's on Trump's tariff team Nov 27, 2024 12:12 PM Featured Flyercockfight 2001 。

In a continent brimming with potential yet burdened by governance challenges, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is bent on transforming the public sector in Africa. Through its AIG Public Leaders Programme, AIG PLP, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that they exemplify this commitment by equipping public sector leaders with the skills and tools needed to tackle complex challenges, drive reforms, and create lasting impact across their respective organisations and communities At the heart of the mission of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is the belief that effective leadership is key to transforming public service delivery and enhancing the lives of citizens. The special purpose vehicle for this was by instituting AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP). Founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, this flagship initiative has been equipping public sector leaders with the necessary tools and skills they need to tackle any challenge, while driving reforms, and creating lasting impact in their various organisations and communities. Commitment to Public Sector Excellence The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation is dedicated to improving lives through transformed public service and better access to primary healthcare. Collaborating with governments, academic institutions, civil society, and private sector organisations, the foundation has made significant strides in strengthening public sector reform initiatives, providing capacity-building programmes, and supporting healthcare access. One of its central goals is to foster public sector leadership development, recognising the critical role that ethical, competent, and reform-minded leaders play in driving good governance. The Foundation has trained over 700 public servants to date, each one serving as a change agent within their ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The AIG Public Leaders Programme Launched in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the AIG PLP is an executive leadership programme tailored to senior public servants across Africa. Now in its fourth year, the programme is a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to building a critical mass of ethical and skilled leaders who are empowered to address the unique challenges of the African public sector. With a six-month curriculum that combines online and in-person learning, participants engage in discussions, simulations, and practical exercises designed to enhance their leadership capabilities. A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on capstone projects—real-world reform initiatives that participants develop to tackle pressing challenges within their organisations. These projects ensure that learning translates into actionable solutions, creating ripple effects of positive change. The latest cohort, which began in November 2024, comprises 68 public servants from across Africa. Participants will convene for an intensive residential week starting 18th November, where they will collaborate on group work, develop their capstone projects, and share insights with like-minded leaders. Filling the Gaps in Leadership Development Many public servants excel in technical expertise but lack the leadership competencies necessary for impactful decision-making. The AIG PLP bridges this gap by focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and high-stakes decision-making. Alumni leave the programme as well-rounded leaders capable of driving responsive, citizen-centred governance. This focus has already borne fruit, with alumni spearheading transformative reforms in diverse sectors. For instance, Abraham Oludolapo’s project on combating sexual harassment within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has provided a framework that ensures the safety of over 400,000 corps members annually. His work underscores the AIG PLP’s emphasis on ethical leadership and accountability, which are cornerstones of effective governance. Networking and Collaboration Public sector challenges are rarely confined to individual MDAs. Recognising this, the AIG PLP fosters collaboration among participants from different countries and sectors. By creating a space for knowledge-sharing and peer learning, the programme helps leaders develop innovative solutions to shared problems. This collaborative approach is key to ensuring more efficient and effective service delivery across the continent. Driving Policy and Social Impact The exposure to world-class training and best practices from developed countries equips AIG PLP alumni with the tools to drive policy innovation and systemic reforms. Dr Ibiwunmi Olokun’s reform project at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, which reduced patient wait times from 70 to 30 minutes, is a testament to the programme’s impact. By improving operational efficiency, her initiative has enhanced healthcare delivery for thousands of patients while setting a benchmark for other primary healthcare centres. Similarly, Mohammed Ahmed’s efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria through improved intelligence-sharing and regulatory compliance illustrate the transformative power of strategic leadership. His work has strengthened financial integrity and accountability, vital components of a robust economic system. PLP as a Catalyst for Change The achievements of AIG PLP alumni speak volumes about the programme’s transformative potential. From Arc Joy Osaretin Baderin’s implementation of a performance management system in Nigeria’s Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to Dr Chidinma Ogbonnaya’s health database upgrade at the Nigeria Immigration Service, each success story highlights the tangible benefits of investing in leadership development. Notably, the programme’s reach extends beyond Nigeria. Caroline Kendagor, a High Court Judge in Kenya and an alumnus of the third cohort, credits the AIG PLP for preparing her to navigate the demands of judicial leadership. Her story underscores the programme’s role in fostering ethical governance and strategic decision-making across Africa. Promoting Ethical Leadership and Accountability At its core, the AIG PLP champions ethical leadership and accountability. By nurturing leaders committed to transparency and integrity, the programme helps build public trust and reduce corruption. Alumni are trained to recognise and mitigate biases, fostering a culture of fairness and accountability within their institutions. Vision for Africa’s Future The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade. By aligning its initiatives with national civil service reform strategies, such as Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), the Foundation ensures its efforts are both relevant and impactful. The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens. The Call to Action As the AIG PLP continues to expand its impact, the need for partnerships with private sector and philanthropic organisations has never been greater. Collaboration is essential to scaling these initiatives and ensuring that the gains made in leadership development translate into widespread improvements in public service delivery. For policymakers, donors, and citizens alike, the message is clear: investing in leadership development is not a luxury but a necessity. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s efforts demonstrate that with the right training and support, public servants can rise to the occasion, delivering the transformative change that Africa so urgently needs. Undoubtedly, the AIG Public Leaders Programme exemplifies the power of leadership in driving systemic change. By equipping public servants with the skills, tools, and networks they need, the programme is building a future where public institutions work for the people they serve. As alumni continue to implement reforms and rise to positions of greater influence, the ripple effects of the AIG PLP will be felt across the continent, improving lives and shaping a brighter future for all. Quote The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade... The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens Caption Participants of the Cohort 4 AIG Public Leaders Programme with Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON; Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; and Executive Vice Chair, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, in Abuja for the Residential Week of the AIG PLP programme...recentlyLiverpool outclass Real Madrid in Champions League final dress rehearsal

Superstar skier Jakara Anthony will miss the next World Cup moguls event in Georgia after undergoing surgery on a broken collarbone. Australia's reigning Olympic champion started the season with a bang, finishing second in Finland before topping the podium in Idre Fjall, Sweden, last weekend. But Anthony suffered the injury in a training fall before the dual moguls event in Sweden, however didn't miss competing after it was cancelled due to poor visibility. "Jakara sustained an injury during World Cup training at Indre Fjall that will ruled her out of the upcoming event in Georgia," her manager Julia Brukner told AAP. "She has had surgery on her collarbone in Oslo and will travel to Australia to commence her rehab." Anthony is expected to arrive back in Melbourne early next week. With this weekend's World Cup round in Alpe d'Huez in France cancelled due to a lack of snow, Anthony was next targeting the event in Bakuriani in Georgia on December 20-21. The 26-year-old was looking to defend both the singles and dual moguls titles that she won there last season. There's more than a month before the next round in Waterville in the United States on January 24-25, giving her time to recover. With her Australian teammate, 2018 Olympic silver medallist Matt Graham requiring three rounds of collarbone surgery, Anthony won't take any chances by rushing back. Anthony and French skier Perrine Laffont are locked at the top of the World Cup standings on 180 points after both winning a gold and silver in the opening two events. The Australian dominated last season, storming to 14 World Cup victories, however it was in the absence of 2018 Olympic champion Laffont, who took the year off. The news comes after teenage snowboard sensation Valentino Guseli's season ended after he did his ACL while competing earlier this month in China. The 19-year-old fell during qualifying for the snowboard big air World Cup event in Beijing earlier this month, with scans revealing the extent of the injury. From the NSW far south coast, Guseli is now back in Australia as he begins his recovery ahead of the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, in early 2026. Making his Olympic debut at the last Games, Guseli is looking to qualify for three disciplines, competing in half-pipe, slopestyle and big air. Last year he created history, becoming the first rider to podium in all three park and pipe disciplines in one World Cup season. Meanwhile, the snowboard cross World Cup season gets underway this weekend in Cervinia, Italy with eight Australians in action including four Olympians. Dual winter Olympian Belle Brockhoff is missing from the women's field after suffering a horrific compound fracture in her arm in November. She is also recovering back in Australia following surgery.PITTSBURGH 74, LSU 63