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. Recommended Videos 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 Clintons react to Jimmy Carter's death Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.BRITS are being warned to take note of a firework rule ahead of New Years Eve - as cops warn you could face six months behind bars for breaches. As the festive period wraps up, UK households are being warned that using fireworks outside of designated times, among other things, could have devastating consequences. The designated times for setting off fireworks are not before 7am or after midnight. If you do, you could be breaching serious antisocial behaviour laws. And when buying fireworks, including sparklers, you can only do so from registered sellers for private use on specific dates. These are the 15 October to 10 November, the 26 to 31 December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops. If you use or sell fireworks illegally, you could be fined an unlimited amount and put behind bars for up to a whopping six months. The Met Police have warned the public about varying firework categories. These include category one, which are dubbed "throwdown fireworks" like firecrackers and bangers. Category two and three are retail "adult fireworks". And category four are professional-grade fireworks from speciality suppliers. Guidance reads: "Anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks. "Anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks. "Anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers. Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks. "Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place." The stern warnings come after the chaotic Bonfire Night in November that led to a number of arrests relating to fireworks. In one example, a hooded man with a homemade rocket launcher shot fireworks at people in Birmingham. Three teenage boys aged 17, 18, and 19 were arrested in Birmingham over the Bonfire Night chaos. And in Edinburgh, Manchester and Glasgow too, yobs hurled fireworks at riot cops on Guy Fawkes night. In Manchester , shocking footage showed louts making barricades from mattresses and pallets in clashes with police. Youths in the city started an illegal bonfire with waste and a motorbike, torched a car and hurled fireworks at emergency services. Three teen males, aged between 16 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of causing violent disorder. One bizarre scene from Edinburgh showed a yob putting a firework in his mouth .

Star third baseman Nolan Arenado seems to want to be a Los Angeles Dodger. However, Teoscar Hernández ’s recent re-signing with the Dodgers seems to close the door on that possibility this offseason. Arenado, who hails from Southern California, will have to hope the St. Louis Cardinals can negotiate a trade with a different team from his state if he wants to return home. Nolan Arenado Not a Trade Fit for Dodgers The Dodgers were one of six teams on Arenado’s wish list as the Cardinals started shopping him this offseason. His preferred destination is rumored to be the Dodgers. He caused speculation about it with a cryptic Instagram post with the song “Dodger Blue” by Kendrick Lamar. The two teams have had trade conversations around Arenado in the past, most publicly at the 2023 trade deadline. However, The Athletic has reported that the Dodgers have not considered trading for Arenado this offseason. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes publicly committed to Max Muncy as the team’s third baseman in 2025 at the Winter Meetings. While Arenado’s agent has said he is willing to switch to first base to make a deal possible, the Dodgers have that spot filled too with Freddie Freeman . Muncy is a much cheaper option at third base than Arenado. The incumbent third baseman stands to earn $24 million over the next two years compared to the $64 million still on Arenado’s contract. Muncy has also been more productive of late. In 2024, Muncy had an OPS of .852 compared to Arenado’s .719, although he missed a majority of last season due to injury. He played 79 fewer games than Arenado. With that, Muncy still managed a better WAR at 3.0 to Arenado’s 2.5. Even with the discrepancy in games played, Muncy hit just one fewer home run than Arenado in 2024. Hernández Signing Closes the Door Hernández’s three-year, $66 million deal with the Dodgers likely puts the organization back ahead of the New York Yankees for top payroll in 2025 for now. While Hernández and Arenado don’t play the same position, the signing likely extinguishes any rumor of Arenado ending up with the Dodgers. Arenado’s best hope was for the Dodgers to lose a high-impact bat and seek to replace it for a 2025 campaign. Even with LA’s extravagant ways, it’s hard to rationalize trading for an expensive player when there doesn’t seem to be an everyday spot for him defensively or in the lineup, especially with the DH duties going almost exclusively to superstar Shohei Ohtani . What’s Next in the Arenado Sweepstakes Cardinals insider John Denton believes Nolan Arenado partially turned down a trade to the Astros because he’s holding on to hope on going to the Dodgers. “Nolan Arenado wants to be told no by the Dodgers, that’s his first choice.” pic.twitter.com/YdsEiQ4zvi — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 19, 2024 Arenado has already used his trade veto rights once this offseason, nixing a trade to the Houston Astros . The other five teams on his wish list are the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels , Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. Teams will have to come up with prospects to tempt the Cardinals into trading Arenado. The organization showed it is willing to take on some of the money on Arenado’s deal in the declined trade to the Astros. The Cardinals were reportedly set to take on $15 million of Arenado’s remaining contract. Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told reporters during the Winter Meetings that it still is a possibility that Arenado will return to the club in 2025. The organization is motivated to cut costs this offseason , though Mozeliak said there are other ways of doing that. The situation sets up a game of chicken. The Cardinals may have to fold some of their expected return or Arenado may have to widen his acceptable trade partner list. If neither side blinks, Arenado will likely report to Jupiter for Cardinals spring training. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.CRAN CEO stresses AI’s potential for Africa at ICT forumSyrian government services come to ‘complete halt’ as workers stay at home

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Sam Darnold pinballed around his collapsed pocket to dodge a sack on third-and-8, before slicing through a skinny opening to sprint right in search of more space as Justin Jefferson’s hand shot up downfield. Darnold let rip an on-the-run throw that sailed 45 yards in the air and straight into Jefferson’s arms, where he was stunningly wide open inside the 10. He danced his way into the end zone to give the Minnesota Vikings a 21-13 lead, the harbinger of a fourth-quarter surge past the Atlanta Falcons . “I’m not going to tell you what I told him in regards to my opinion on how many guys make that throw,” coach Kevin O’Connell said with a smile. The 42-21 decision on Sunday not only gave the Vikings (11-2) their sixth consecutive victory but further validated their decision to let Kirk Cousins leave in free agency for a cheaper replacement. With O’Connell directing the quarterback development program and calling the plays and Jefferson leading a dangerous and diverse group of pass-catchers, Darnold has finally found a place he can thrive in after such an environment had long eluded the third overall pick in the 2018 draft — even in this roundabout way after the season-ending injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy. RELATED COVERAGE Cowboys set to host Bengals under open roof after falling debris thwarted that plan against Texans Cardinals’ sudden 3-game tailspin has turned their once solid playoff hopes into a long shot The 49ers’ playoff hopes are still teetering even after get-right game against the Bears Factor in a defense that’s allowing only 18.5 points per game, sixth best in the NFL , and leads the league in interceptions (20), and these Vikings are going to be a tough team to outscore in the playoffs. Darnold became the ninth quarterback in NFL history and the first since Aaron Rodgers in 2019 to hit these benchmarks in a game: at least 325 passing yards, five touchdown passes, a 75% completion rate, no interceptions and a 155-plus passer rating. The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for 15 catches, 265 yards and five scores. “This is definitely the ball that we want to play every single game,” Jefferson said. “Just the energy, the tempo that we had, just going out there and executing the plays.” None more spectacular than that on-the-run 52-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jefferson, who started the play in motion from left to right into a three-man bunch with Addison and Jalen Nailor to set up a favorable matchup with nickel cornerback Dee Alford. Addison ran a clear-out route toward the opposite corner, initially drawing the attention of three defenders. Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates, who was in a single-high alignment while the other Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons blitzed, diverted from Addison toward an uncovered Nailor on the other side while ignoring Jefferson streaking behind him. Cornerback Clark Phillips left Nailor to try to catch Jefferson, who’d blown by Alford. “He absolutely cooked the dude on the route,” Darnold said. The Falcons couldn’t have played their coverage worse, leaving three receivers open, but that’s the type of stress the Vikings can put on a defense with the way Darnold is throwing the ball. “We already knew what he was about once we got him on our team, that he could throw any pass,” Addison said. “He’s just put it on display for everybody else.” What’s working Though Darnold has been sacked 40 times this season, he has the athleticism and instinct to extend plays and find one of his tough-to-cover receivers on longer-developing routes even if pressure comes. What needs help The Vikings have allowed their two highest rushing yardage totals of the season in the last two weeks for an average of 4.95 yards per attempt, a trend worth watching for a defense that still ranks second in the NFL against the run. Their final two games against division rivals Green Bay and Detroit will pit them against two of the top five rushing teams in the league. Stock up Rookie Jalen Redmond made his first career start and played 39 of 74 snaps, the most among the interior defensive linemen, and had two tackles for loss and two deflected passes at the line. One came on a third-and-goal throw by Cousins that forced Atlanta to settle for a short kick right before halftime. Redmond went undrafted last year out of Oklahoma, was released by Carolina during the preseason and played this spring in the United Football League. Stock down Will Reichard made all six extra point attempts in his return from a four-game absence to let a quadriceps strain heal, but his only field goal try from 47 yards in the third quarter clanked off the left upright. Injury report CB Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) and backup OLB Patrick Jones (knee) were held out on Sunday. LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) must miss at least two more games. Key number .660 — O’Connell’s winning percentage at 31-16 during the regular season is the highest in Vikings history, ahead of Bud Grant (.621). He’s fourth among active NFL coaches, trailing Nick Sirianni (.703), Jim Harbaugh (.682) and Matt LaFleur (.677). Up next The Vikings finish their three-game homestand next Monday night against Chicago (4-9), three weeks after beating the Bears 30-27 on the road in overtime. The Vikings have a two-game edge on the Packers for the first NFC wild card, the No. 5 seed, and will clinch a spot in the playoffs with one more win or one more loss by the Los Angeles Rams, who were the last team to beat them on Oct. 24. The tiebreaker outlook in the NFC North, however, will likely require an additional loss by the Lions (12-1) in the next three games, even if the Vikings were to win their next three, to set up a division title game on the final weekend at Detroit. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

At a town hall meeting with the bureau workforce, Mr Wray said he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought”. Mr Wray’s intended resignation is not unexpected considering that Mr Trump had picked Mr Patel for the role in his new administration. Mr Wray had previously been named by Mr Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Mr Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey. Mr Trump had demonstrated his anger with Mr Wray on multiple occasions, including after Mr Wray’s congressional testimony in September. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Mr Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” Mr Wray continued: “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Mr Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorised to discuss the private gathering and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Mr Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice” and saying that Mr Patel’s confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again”. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI’s Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators”, raising alarm that he might seek to wield the FBI’s significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Mr Trump’s perceived enemies. Mr Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to “a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one”.uring the intense 2024 showdown between the and the , Dodgers' star outfielder found himself at the center of a controversial moment. In Game 4, held at , Betts made a spectacular effort to catch a foul ball hit by Yankees' As he reached into the stands to secure the ball, a fan named reached out and pried the ball out of Betts' glove, while another fan, , grabbed Betts' glove hand. The umpires quickly intervened, ruling it as fan interference and calling Torres out. The fans involved in the incident were ejected from the game, but the moment left a significant impact on Betts and the Dodgers. The game continued with tension in the air, and the Dodgers ultimately emerged victorious, solidifying their path to winning the World Series in five games. In the aftermath of the incident, Betts didn't hold back his feelings. During a special appearance on comedian duo show, Betts candidly shared his thoughts. "I would really say, 'F*** you guys,'" Betts remarked, reflecting the frustration and intensity of the moment. He did not hold back Mookie Betts admitted that in the heat of the incident, he contemplated retaliating by throwing the ball at the fans but quickly decided against it, recognizing it wasn't worth the trouble. Betts' reaction resonated with many fans and players who understood the pressure and emotions of playing in such high-stakes games. The incident also highlighted the fine line between passionate fan engagement and interference with the game. Despite the controversy, Betts' performance and composure throughout the series were instrumental in the Dodgers' success. As the Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory, the moment of fan interference became a footnote in their championship journey. It served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the intense emotions that come with competing at the highest level.

Holyhead parcel backlog: An Post says 16,000 parcels still to be delivered as additional air freight capacity secured

Ludhiana: A meeting called by two realtors to resolve a property dispute turned violent as gunshots were fired on the spot in Khasi Kalan village of Meharban on Wednesday afternoon. At least two persons suffered bullet injuries and have been admitted to the hospital. The realtors were partners in the past, but had later parted ways. The injured men, Sukhjeet Singh and Sukhdev Singh, are residents of Khasi Kalan. While Sukhjeet has been admitted to a private hospital in Mohali, Sukhdev is undergoing treatment at Christian Medical College and Hospital here. Sukhjeet’s condition is said to be critical. Investigating officer from Meharban police station, ASI Radhey Sham, said the initial inquiry revealed that both Sukhjeet and Sukhdev were partners in real estate business. Some time ago, they had a fight over a piece of land. To resolve the matter, the duo and their aides had gathered in the village. During this, they had a verbal spat which led to a scuffle. In the midst off all thise, gunshots were fired and both Sukhjeet and Sukhdev sustained bullet injuries. ASI said it is yet to be ascertained who fired at the spot and how many weapons were used there. Police are questioning the witnesses reluctant to talk to the police. tnn We also published the following articles recently Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa contemplates retirement after completing religious punishment Former MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa hinted at political retirement after completing religious penance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He performed services for two days, mirroring similar actions by other Akali leaders. Dhindsa clarified his earlier statement, stating his acceptance of any elected party president doesn't imply support for Sukhbir Badal. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa performs sewa at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib; says well accept Sukhbir if elected again Former MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa carried out religious services at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib following a directive from Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He condemned the recent gunfire incident at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, citing concerns about Punjab's law and order. Dhindsa affirmed acceptance of the party's elected president, including Sukhbir Badal, emphasizing the need for Akali Dal unity and generational transition. 16-yr-old girl succumbs to gunshot injury Tragedy struck Jamu village in Kanpur as a 16-year-old girl was found dead from a gunshot wound in her home. Police discovered a country-made firearm and cartridges at the scene. The girl was rushed to Bidhnu CHC, but declared dead on arrival. Authorities are investigating the incident, questioning the victim's father and relatives. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Kolkata, Dec 15 (PTI) IT industry veteran and Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy on Sunday emphasised the need for using advanced technologies, including Artificial intelligence (AI), in India, stating that technology is a “great leveller”. Technology can help reduce the gap between the well-to-do and the not-so-well people, Murthy said while speaking at the centenary celebration of the Indian Chamber of Commerce here. “Technology is about reducing cost. It’s about increasing revenues and profitability. So technology has a lot of value. It also does something that most people don’t realise. Technology is a great leveller. So we need technology in India if we want to reduce the gap between the well-to-do and the not-so-well. That’s what financial inclusion has done,” he said. “My personal view is there are areas where we cannot do without AI,” Murthy said. He said AI can be used in areas like automatic cars, precision operations, disease detection and hazardous operations in which human beings may be exposed to high risk. Murthy stressed the need for hard work and performance to earn respect for oneself and for the country. “I urge the youngsters to understand that we have a great responsibility to fulfil the pledge of our founding fathers (of the nation). We have greater responsibility as enunciated by scriptures. We have to show fairness and justice to create opportunities for the less fortunate one. That is why we have to work hard,” he said. Murthy also asked entrepreneurs to embrace “compassionate capitalism” which is practising capitalism while combining it with the best aspect of liberalism and the best aspect of socialism. PTI BDC NN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. 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