Dolton-Calumet City Elementary School District 149 has informed parents a mealworm was found this week on a middle school table where students were eating lunch. Rumors circulated on social media of students coming home sick after finding bugs in their spaghetti. However, District 149 Superintendent Maureen White said Thursday she received no reports of children falling ill and the single mealworm found on the table did not come from the kitchen. “There was absolutely no mealworm in the food or in the food supply, and not even where the food is prepared,” White said. “It was a hoax.” White said students told her the mealworm was brought to the table as part of a social media challenge. However, she said the district took “precautionary measures” to sanitize the cabinets where food trays are stored and clean tables more frequently. “We’re just doing an extra clean to assure that there are no bugs of any kind getting on the table,” White said. ostevens@chicagotribune.comHEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a young RAF specialist following his tragic death. David Enbom, 21, passed away on Saturday, leaving his loved ones devastated. Advertisement 3 David Enbom, 21, passed away on Saturday Credit: RAF 3 David was based at RAF Lossiemouth Credit: Alamy The young recruit, known as Davey, was a class 1 air specialist and based at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray since August last year. He has been described as a hugely popular member of the engineering and logistics wing. His colleagues hailed him as a "sharp-witted character with a real spark". David was a former pupil of St Geradine's Primary School and Lossiemouth High School, impressing in sports. Advertisement Read more Scottish news BEAST JAILED Scots hotel boss who abused sleeping boy & shared pics given extended sentence 'SCARRED FOR LIFE' Husband ‘stabbed wife nine times on Scots isle before shooting spree' After leaving education, he joined the RAF last year, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. David completed the first stage of his training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire , before training to become a logistics supplier at MOD Worthy Down in Hampshire . Wing Commander, Sharon Evelegh-Hall, who commands RAF Lossiemouth's engineering and logistics wing said: "The tragic and untimely loss of AS1 David Enbom has sent shockwaves not only through his Flight and Squadron but across the whole unit. "In spite of his relatively short time in the RAF, his impact was extensive. An extremely professional and popular individual, he invested a great deal of his time enhancing the social fabric of the Wing, organising functions and volunteering for duties to help out his friends and colleagues. Advertisement Most read in The Scottish Sun THIS IS THE STRIFE Amy Macdonald slams BBC's Scottish football coverage in X-rated blast LAST WORDS Mum wrote 'I was murdered' before she 'took own life after years abuse from ex' Gossip GELD STAR Rangers 'keen to land Championship star labelled human wrecking ball in January' SCOTT WHEELS McTominay spotted buying stunning new car with unique personalised feature "David will be sorely missed but his legacy and our memories will endure. My thoughts, and those of everyone on the Engineering and Logistics Wing, are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time." Squadron leader Jack Savage, who commands Lossiemouth's logistics and supply squadron, said: "The news of AS1 Enbom’s death has hit the Squadron hard. Although he initially came across as quiet, it quickly became clear that Davey was a sharp-witted character with a real spark. Prince William is taking to the skies in a new helicopter donated to the London Air Ambulance Charity at RAF Northolt "He had become a very popular lad during his 15 months with us and could usually be found at the centre of the Squadron’s social activities. He put his hand up for everything - guard duties over Christmas, Poppy Appeal collections, organising our Christmas Draw. "Davey loved his job, and had a lot of potential, but the most important thing to remember is that a family has lost a son, brother, and grandson at far too young an age, and a large number of our enlisted aviators have lost a friend. I’d like to offer our condolences to his family at this terrible time." Advertisement Warrant Officer Neil Mackie, warrant officer of the logistics support squadron, said: "AS1 David Enbom was a genuinely very polite character who was hard working and always willing to get involved in wider aspects of Sqn & Service life. "Being a very popular member of the Logistics Support Squadron, his tragic loss has been devastating and he will be sorely missed by everyone whom he worked with, the wider Station and local community. "My sincere condolences and thoughts go out to David’s family and friends at this extremely sad time." RAF Lossiemouth's chaplaincy and welfare staff are supporting David’s heartbroken family and friends. Advertisement A statement from the base read: "It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Air Specialist Class 1 David Enbom who sadly passed away on Saturday 23 November. "AS1 Enbom, known as Davey to his friends, was a hugely popular member of the Engineering and Logistics Wing, who had served at RAF Lossiemouth since August 2023. "David attended St Geradine’s Primary School and Lossiemouth High School, where he excelled at sports, until he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather when he joined the RAF in 2023. Read more on the Scottish Sun REY-LY EXCITING US pop superstar announces first Scots show in almost 10 years BALLSED UP Lorraine apologises on air for using phrase she 'didn't know' was a swear word "After completing his initial training at RAF Halton in May 2023, David trained as a Logistics Supplier at MOD Worthy Down, before returning home to Moray for his first RAF posting last August. Advertisement "His passing is deeply felt by all at RAF Lossiemouth and our thoughts remain very much with his mother Donna, father Steven, sister Chelsie, his Grandparents and his wider family and friends at this sad time." 3 David's RAF colleagues paid tribute describing him as "a real spark" Credit: FacebookThe moment I'm A Celeb campmates learn that Tulisa has fled Australia revealed as ITV drops first look at Coming Out special episode - and her emotional message to co-stars By FREYA BARNES Published: 15:02 EST, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 15:20 EST, 12 December 2024 e-mail 11 View comments The moment I'm A Celeb campmates learned that Tulisa had fled Australia has been revealed as ITV drops a first look at the special Coming Out episode. Tulisa Contostavlos, 36, deleted all traces of the show from her social media after she was evicted and flew home to Manchester just hours later, swerving her appearance on the spin-off show. In the upcoming special episode, which will air on Friday night, viewers will see the moment her fellow campers found out she had broken the tradition of eliminated stars remaining Down Under for the final. When there were just the three finalist left, all of the evicted campmates reunited at the hotel in their best outfits to enjoy some drinks together. As they got reacquainted with each other in their glamorous looks, GK Barry had a special message for them. The social media star and podcast sensation stands up and says: 'Guys as we know someone isn’t here and that someone is Tulisa but fear not because I’ve got a message from her.' The moment I'm A Celeb campmates learnt that Tulisa had fled Australia has been revealed as ITV drops a first look at the special Coming Out episode When there were just the three finalist left, all of the evicted campmates reunited at the hotel in their best outfits to enjoy some drinks together As they got reacquainted with each other in their glamorous looks, GK Barry had a special message for them from Tulisa The N-Dubz singer appears on a TV screen and says: 'Hello everybody, I’m so proud of you all, you’ve absolutely smashed it, now I want you to go and eat yourselves into an oblivion. 'I’m so sorry that I can’t be there so have a big old drink for me. I love you lots like jelly tots and I will see you soon.' In the Coming Out show, the celebrities are followed with cameras from the moment they leave camp and so producers had enough footage of her departure that they were able to use, before she decided to fly home. Upon leaving camp, she was greeted by her friend Michelle and talk immediately turned to the Bushtucker Trials with Tulisa commenting how rancid her eating challenge with Richard was. Both Tulisa and Michelle laugh at how much they looked forward to indulging with wine, pizza and pasta. She adds: 'I said I was going to come out a different person but I don’t feel different, I feel more strong in who I am.' Dean and Jane surprise Tulisa back at the hotel with a visit to her room bringing with them wine and pizza much to her surprise and enjoyment. When she was back home, Tulisa took to her Instagram to address the speculation about her sudden departure to say she had become 'overwhelmed' by the whole thing. The N-Dubz singer appears on a TV screen and says: 'Hello everybody, I’m so proud of you all, you’ve absolutely smashed it, now I want you to go and eat yourselves into an oblivion. I’m so sorry that I can’t be there so have a big old drink for me. I love you lots like jelly tots and I will see you soon' Upon leaving camp, she was greeted by her friend Michelle McKenna and talk immediately turned to the Bushtucker Trials with Tulisa commenting how rancid her eating challenge with Richard was On Sunday, Tulisa finally posted about her jungle experience, sharing a slew of photos of herself on the show alongside a short caption where she apologised to her campmates for skipping the final. She wrote: 'Looking back at some of my favourite moments from the @Imacelebrity jungle. It’s been a whirlwind. 'Thank you to @itv for the experience and sending so much love to my Jungle Fam before the final tonight. Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you all ❤️'. Her fellow eliminated campmates were quick to show their support, with Maura Higgins commenting: 'Miss you wanna squeeze you love you ❤️❤️' Dean McCullough wrote: 'we love you ❤️ you are with us in spirit my babe and can’t wait to see you when we get home xxxx' while Oti Mabuse added a string of heart emojis. Tulisa shocked fans by not staying at the £1,000-a-night JW Marriott on Australia’s Gold Coast, where her fellow evicted campmates are staying until Sunday's final . Those who are booted off early as usually expected to be present at the final to cheer on the King or Queen of the jungle. But, according to The Sun, Tulisa flew straight back to the UK and used a 'a private terminal so as not to be seen by paparazzi'. Despite suggestions that she had fallen out with her friends that she had put in charge of her social media, insiders have now claimed that she left Australia over struggles with her mental health. Tulisa Contostavlos was spotted having her car MOT at a local garage as she got back to reality following her stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle The N-Dubz singer, 36, wrapped up in a black bomber jacket over a hoodie, while adding a pair of gym leggings and trainers to her ensemble The I Need You singer furiously deleted all trace of her time in the Jungle and has not attended any of her scheduled appearances with ITV (the top of her feed is seen) A source told the outlet: 'Tulisa was pretty miffed and utterly baffled by the suggestion she had fallen out with Michelle – they are as close as ever. They have flown back to the UK together and have been laughing about all the speculation. 'The truth of the matter is that Tulisa was struggling with her mental health, which is what she told fans. 'She wanted to be back at home, with her close friends and home comforts, and after a meeting with ITV, it was agreed by all parties that this would be the best thing for her. 'It's nothing more than that, despite what people are saying.' In a video earlier this week, Tulisa addressed her fans for the first time. Speaking on Instagram, she said: 'I'm just doing a little video to clear a couple things up. Just so you know, when I came out of the jungle, I felt fine first of all and then that evening my friends went to bed. 'But because it's been a while for me I can get overwhelmed quite easily. 'I just started to feel overwhelmed. I thought, "Do you know what, I really just need to take a bit of time for me and just chill." 'You know, it's OK to feel a little bit overwhelmed. I've been out of the spotlight for a long time. 'I'm still trying to overcome those things. I've still got my little demons.' Reports surfaced Tulisa had a bust-up in the hotel after she was evicted from the show with her best friends, Michelle McKenna and her boyfriend, Daniel Johnson - something which her representatives have denied. It was said she was not happy with how her best friends ran her Instagram while in the Jungle, deeming their posts about her to be 'inappropriate'. Tulisa later took to her Instagram stories denying she had argued with Michelle and Dan A source told MailOnline: 'They were only in Australia because of Tulisa. It felt like they were revelling in the situation and taking liberties with her kindness. 'Michelle and Daniel were there, on a trip funded by ITV and only because of Tulisa. They were there because of her and she trusted them with her social media. 'When she got out of the jungle and saw what had been put on there, she was upset and it prompted a huge row. You can't help but think that seeing her friends living it up like that while she was roughing it in the jungle must have really annoyed her. 'They were in a five-star hotel, with most expenses paid, so it does all feel a little bit rotten for Tulisa,' they added. 'She is so upset. She was distraught to see what had been posted and she wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible.' The Ouch singer pulled out of joining I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked with Joel Dommett, Kemi Rodgers and Sam Thompson the day after she was evicted, citing 'personal reasons'. Tulisa later took to her Instagram stories denying she had argued with Michelle and Dan. While show sources insist there is 'no bad blood' between Tulisa and the network , neither she nor her friends have been seen since her Lorraine interview on Tuesday morning. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Coming Out will air on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Friday, December 19. Tulisa ITV Manchester Share or comment on this article: The moment I'm A Celeb campmates learn that Tulisa has fled Australia revealed as ITV drops first look at Coming Out special episode - and her emotional message to co-stars e-mail Add comment
WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies. The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20, 2025. Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack , President Joe Biden’s agriculture secretary who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. Recommended Videos Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as his former domestic policy chief. She is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. Rollins, 52, previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Rollins’ pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House once again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. Trade Representative and head of the small business administration. Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has vowed to strip ultraprocessed foods from school lunches and to stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries from using food stamps to buy soda, candy or other so-called junk foods. But it would be the USDA, not HHS, that would be responsible for enacting those changes. In addition, HHS and USDA will work together to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are due late next year, with guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal nutrition programs. ___ Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writers Josh Funk and JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report.Raiders find winning formula again in topping Saints
OpenAI’s Sora Video Generator Leaked by Artists: A Protest Against Unpaid Labor and Artwashing
Julia Wick | (TNS) Los Angeles Times As California politicos look ahead to 2025, the biggest question looming is whether Vice President Kamala Harris — a native daughter, battered just weeks ago by presidential election defeat — will enter the 2026 California governor’s race. Related Articles National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump National Politics | What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP-NORC poll Harris has yet to give any public indication on her thoughts and those close to her suggest the governorship is not immediately top of mind. But if Harris does ultimately run — and that’s a massive if — her entrée would seismically reshape the already crowded race for California’s highest office. Recent polling suggests Harris would have a major advantage, with 46% of likely voters saying they were somewhat or very likely to support her for governor in 2026, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey co-sponsored by The Times. “If Vice President Harris were to choose to run, I am certain that that would have a near field-clearing effect on the Democratic side,” Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, said during a recent UC Irvine panel interview . Porter, a high-profile Democrat who has been eyeing the wide-open governor’s race, has yet to say whether she plans to run. Porter’s point was broadly echoed in conversations with nearly a dozen California political operatives and strategists, several of whom requested anonymity to speak candidly. Most speculated that a Harris entry would cause some other candidates in the race to scatter, creating further upheaval in down-ballot races as a roster of ambitious politicians scramble for other opportunities. “In politics, you always let the big dogs eat first,” quipped Democratic political consultant Peter Ragone. The current gubernatorial field is a who’s who of California politicians, but lacks a clear favorite or star with widespread name recognition. The vast majority of California’s 22 million voters have yet to pay attention to the race and have little familiarity with the candidates. The list of Democratic candidates includes Los Angeles’ first Latino mayor in more than a century ( Antonio Villaraigosa ); the first female and first out LGBTQ leader of the state Senate ( Toni Atkins ); the sitting lieutenant governor and first woman to hold that post ( Eleni Kounalakis ); the state superintendent of public instruction ( Tony Thurmond ) and the former state controller ( Betty Yee ). Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is serving his second term as California governor, meaning he is ineligible to run again. Several other Democrats, including Porter, outgoing Health and Human Services Director Xavier Becerra and state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta have also publicly toyed with the idea of a run. They could be less likely to enter the fray should Harris decide to run. What the billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso — who has also been exploring a run — would choose to do is an open question, as Caruso might contrast himself with Harris as a more centrist candidate. The real estate developer was a registered Republican until November 2019. It’s unlikely that Harris will proffer a public decision in the immediate term, leaving plenty of time for political insiders to game out hypotheticals in the weeks and months to come. Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment. “I think every candidate for governor is trying to get some kind of intel,” Mike Trujillo, a Los Angeles-based Democratic political consultant and former Villaraigosa staffer, said of a potential Harris run. Trujillo speculated that Harris’ current state was probably similar to Hillary Clinton’s hiking sojourns in the Chappaqua woods after losing to Donald Trump in 2016, or Al Gore growing a beard in the bruising aftermath of his 2000 defeat. “The first thing she’s probably thinking about is, ‘Well, can I run again for president in four years?’ Not, ‘Do I run for governor in two years?’” said one political operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. Harris maintains a home in Brentwood and previously served as California’s senator and attorney general. A successful run for governor in 2026 would almost certainly impede a grab for the presidency in 2028. (Though if history is any guide, an unsuccessful run for California governor does not definitively preclude a bid for the Oval Office: Two years after losing the White House to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon lost the 1962 contest for governor to Pat Brown . The Yorba Linda native became the nation’s 37th president in 1969.) As the chief executive of a state that doubles as the world’s fifth-largest economy, Harris would have more power to steer policy and make changes as a California governor than she did as vice president, where her job required deference to President Biden. But leading a state, even the nation’s most populous, could feel like small potatoes after being a heartbeat (and a few dozen electoral votes) from the presidency. The protracted slog to November 2026 would also be a stark contrast to her ill-fated 107-day sprint toward the White House, particularly for a candidate whose 2020 presidential primary campaign was dogged by allegations of infighting and mismanagement. “I don’t think Kamala Harris has a deep psychological need to be governor of California, or to be in elective office in order to feel like she can contribute to society,” said the operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. “I think some of these people do, but she’s somebody who has enough prominence that she could do a lot of big, wonderful things without having to worry about balancing California’s budget or negotiating with Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel,” the Encino Democrat who chairs the Assembly’s budget committee. Technically, Harris has until March 2026 to decide whether she enters a race. But political strategists who spoke to The Times theorized that she probably would make a move by late spring, if she chooses to do so. “People will be more annoyed if she drops in in June,” a Democratic strategist involved with one of the gubernatorial campaigns said. Sending a clear signal by February would be more “courteous,” the strategist continued, explaining that such a move would give candidates more time to potentially enter other races. Kounalakis is a longtime friend and ally of Harris’ , and the vice president also has long-term relationships with some of the other candidates and potential candidates. California has eight statewide elected offices and campaign finance laws allow candidates to fundraise interchangeably for them, meaning money already raised for a candidate’s gubernatorial campaign could easily be redirected should they decide to run for, say, lieutenant governor instead. There are already a number of candidates running for lieutenant governor, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, former state Sen. Steven Bradford and former state Treasurer Fiona Ma. But that office probably would see even more interest should Harris enter the gubernatorial race. It’s a largely ceremonial position, but one that has served as a launching pad for the governorship. Still, even if Harris does enter the race, Republican political strategist Mike Murphy threw cold water on the idea that she would have an automatic glide path to the governor’s office. “It’s like Hollywood. Nobody knows anything. She’s famous enough to look credible in early polling. That’s all we know for sure,” Murphy said. “Does that predict the future? No. Are there a lot of downsides (to a potential Harris candidacy)? Totally, yes.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Broncos have lost both Baron Browning and Alex Singleton , trading the former and seeing the latter land on IR early. A hybrid player ahead of a third-round NFL entrance, Drew Sanders is on track to help a strong defense soon. Denver is activating Sanders from the reserve/PUP list, 9News’ Mike Klis notes . Sanders has been down since April, having suffered an Achilles tear during the early days of the team’s offseason program. The Broncos waived Greg Dulcich to make room on their roster and have since seen the former third-rounder land with the Giants via waiver claim. With Sanders coming back, the Broncos needed to clear a spot. As Josh Reynolds moves toward coming off IR, the 7-5 team will need to make another move if it wishes to activate the free-agency pickup. The Broncos only have three activations remaining. Fortunately for the team, the Sanders transaction will not count against that total due to the LB being on the PUP list. Sanders delivered an interesting final college season, displaying versatility by pairing 9.5 sacks with 103 tackles. The Broncos, who had previously moved Browning from an off-ball linebacker role to the edge years ago, have an interesting option in Sanders. They used Sanders as a spot starter last season; the ex-Arkansas and Alabama cog made four starts and played in all 17 games, making 24 tackles and recovering a fumble. Sanders’ experience both on and off the ball stands to give Vance Joseph options. The team’s latest third-round pick, Jonah Elliss , has settled in as the team’s top rusher off the bench. Elliss has four sacks this season, working behind Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto . Sanders’ blitzing experience stands to help there, while Joseph could also opt to use him at ILB due to Singleton’s injury. Justin Strnad has worked as the primary fill-in alongside Cody Barton , though veterans Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham remain in the mix at that position as well. This marks a fairly quick recovery from an Achilles tear, with Sanders following the likes of Cam Akers , Michael Crabtree and Terrell Suggs in coming back after an offseason tear. The Broncos certainly could look to keep Sanders’ workload light due to barely seven months passing since his injury. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has been dealing with a toe injury, is active for Sunday's home game against the Indianapolis Colts in East Rutherford, N.J. Nabers was listed as questionable after missing practice on Thursday and being a limited participant on Friday. He had called himself a game-day decision on Thursday. Nabers, 21, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants and leads the team with 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches in 13 games (12 starts). The Giants (2-13) long have been out of playoff contention, while the Colts (7-8) are fighting to stay alive. "It's tough on everybody. It's not just tough on me. It's tough on everybody," Nabers said of the team's troubles. "I'm continuing to keep my mental (attitude) strong, continue to move forward, continue to try to better the team, better myself. Lead by example. I feel like that's really all we can do in this state of mind that we're going through." Selected sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers has caught 10 or more passes on three occasions but has just one touchdown catch over the past 10 games. Nabers needs three receptions to join former Giants Steve Smith (107 catches in 2009) and Odell Beckham Jr. (101 in 2016) as the only players in franchise history to haul in 100 receptions in a single season. The Giants inactives are defensive lineman Cory Durden, inside linebacker Micah McFadden, center John Michael Schmitz, cornerbacks Greg Stroman and Dee Williams, and emergency third quarterback Tim Boyle. The Colts inactives include quarterback Anthony Richardson, who already was ruled out. The others are defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, defensive end Isaiah Land, tight end Will Mallory and guard Dalton Tucker. --Field Level Media
The internet titan on Thursday unveiled an Android XR operating system created in a collaboration with Samsung, which will use it in a device being built in what is called internally "Project Moohan," according to Google. The software is designed to power augmented and virtual reality experiences enhanced with artificial intelligence, XR vice president Shahram Izadi said in a blog post. "With headsets, you can effortlessly switch between being fully immersed in a virtual environment and staying present in the real world," Izadi said. "You can fill the space around you with apps and content, and with Gemini, our AI assistant, you can even have conversations about what you're seeing or control your device." Google this week announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to date, as the world's tech giants race to take the lead in the fast-developing technology. CEO Sundar Pichai said the new model would mark what the company calls "a new agentic era" in AI development, with AI models designed to understand and make decisions about the world around you. Android XR infused with Gemini promises to put digital assistants into eyewear, tapping into what users are seeing and hearing. An AI "agent," the latest Silicon Valley trend, is a digital helper that is supposed to sense surroundings, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals. "Gemini can understand your intent, helping you plan, research topics and guide you through tasks," Izadi said. "Android XR will first launch on headsets that transform how you watch, work and explore." The Android XR release was a preview for developers so they can start building games and other apps for headgear, ideally fun or useful enough to get people to buy the hardware. This is not Google's first foray into smart eyewear. Its first offering, Google Glass, debuted in 2013 only to be treated as an unflattering tech status symbol and met with privacy concerns due to camera capabilities. The market has evolved since then, with Meta investing heavily in a Quest virtual reality headgear line priced for mainstream adoption and Apple hitting the market with pricey Vision Pro "spacial reality" gear. Google plans to soon begin testing prototype Android XR-powered glasses with a small group of users. Google will also adapt popular apps such as YouTube, Photos, Maps, and Google TV for immersive experiences using Android XR, according to Izadi. Gemini AI in glasses will enable tasks like directions and language translations, he added. "It's all within your line of sight, or directly in your ear," Izadi said. gc/dw
Elected in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, the former governor of Georgia, ran as a Washington outsider and rose to the White House with a strong sense of morality, an engineer's mind and a progressive, moderate approach to governing. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100 , after going into hospice care in February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, served only a single term in office but devoted the decades that followed to bettering the lives of countless people across the U.S. and around the world. He faced massive crises during his presidency — sky-high oil prices, double-digit interest rates and inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis — and his failure to effectively address them resulted in his failure to win reelection in 1980. He also had some major accomplishments, including the negotiation of a peace deal between Egypt and Israel. But it is his widely lauded post-presidency, characterized by tireless peace and humanitarian efforts, that is likely to be his most enduring legacy. After leaving office in 1981, Carter became an important diplomatic figure, securing the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua in 1986 and of American Aijalon Gomes from North Korea in 2010. He served as a negotiator with North Korea during the Clinton administration, and even offered his services to then-President Trump in talks with North Korea. Along with his wife, Rosalynn Carter — who died at age 96 on Nov. 19, 2023 — he founded the Carter Center in 1982, a nonprofit human rights organization that took on as its broad mission the alleviation of human suffering. Through the work of the Carter Center, he devoted himself to preventing and resolving global conflicts, promoting freedom and democracy, and improving the health of millions of people around the world. Among other initiatives, the Carter Center oversaw efforts to conduct free and fair elections in dozens of countries in the developing world, and helped lead global efforts to eliminate Guinea worm disease , which spread through unfiltered drinking water and once sickened millions across Africa. Carter was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work in advancing democracy and human rights through the Carter Center. "We have transformed the lives of, I would say, millions of people, primarily in the poorest and most destitute and forgotten communities in the world," he told CBS News ' Rita Braver in a 2006 interview. The Carters also worked for decades with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need. Carter first became involved in 1984 and remained active building homes with the organization for decades. The day after he fell in his Plains, Georgia, home in October 2019 , leaving him with a black eye and stitches at the age of 95 , Carter still traveled to Tennessee to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He and Rosalynn sponsored the Carter Work Project at Habitat for Humanity for over 30 years. According to the organization , the Carters have worked "alongside 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,390 homes." A devout Christian, the former president also made an impact in his local community as a teacher. He taught Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains until nearly the end of his life. He also taught at Emory University in Atlanta for nearly 40 years. Carter acknowledged that his post-presidential activities had earned him higher regard than he'd experienced in office. "Certainly my reputation has been better in the post-presidential years than maybe in the White House," he said in that 2006 interview . "But I think that when people look at back on what we did in the White House, I think there's a lot there of justifiable pride." Throughout his post-presidency, he was never afraid to speak out when troubled by policies of those who succeeded him in the White House. He was an early and vocal critic of the war in Iraq begun under President George W. Bush, and he opposed the Obama administration's use of drone strikes to target suspected terrorists. He criticized Trump for " exacerbating " racial tensions and being " careless with the truth ," telling CBS News' John Dickerson in 2018, "I think I went through my campaign and my presidency without ever lying to the people or making a deliberately false statement, and I think that would be a very worthwhile thing to reinsert into politics these days." He added that he wished Trump well "and I pray for him." Carter joined fellow past presidents in condemning the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and he marked the date one year later by writing : "I now fear that what we have fought so hard to achieve globally — the right to free, fair elections, unhindered by strongman politicians who seek nothing more than to grow their own power — has become dangerously fragile at home. ... For American democracy to endure, we must demand that our leaders and candidates uphold the ideals of freedom and adhere to high standards of conduct." Carter wrote 33 books, including memoirs about his life and career, as well as books on other topics like faith and aging. He and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years, and were known for their devotion to one another. They are survived by their four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Azincourt Energy Corp. ( CVE:AAZ – Get Free Report ) shares were up 50% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. Approximately 253,181 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 2% from the average daily volume of 259,671 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.01. Azincourt Energy Stock Up 50.0 % The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.02. The company has a market capitalization of C$4.48 million, a P/E ratio of -1.50 and a beta of 2.78. Azincourt Energy Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Azincourt Energy Corp., an exploration and development company, focuses on the alternative fuels/alternative energy sector in Canada and Peru. It explores for uranium and lithium deposits, as well as other clean energy elements. The company owns interest in the East Preston project covering an area of approximately 25,000 hectares located in Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Big Hill Lithium project covering approximately an area of 7,500 hectares located in southwestern Newfoundland, Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Azincourt Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Azincourt Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Bauchi lecturers declare two-week warning strike