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2025-01-24
Nate Johnson scores 25 as Akron defeats Alabama State 97-78The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings passes the ball in the first half of the ACC championship game against Clemson on Saturday in Charlotte, N.C. Coming up short The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Oregon offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu celebrates after winning the Big Ten championship game against Penn State on Saturday in Indianapolis. First round byes Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. Automatic byes and bids made the bracket strange The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. hits Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton during the second half of the SEC championship game on Saturday in Atlanta. First round matchups No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21: Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21: The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20: Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner gets ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, Dec. 21: The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Wall Street stocks were little changed on Thursday while Asian equities rose in thin Boxing Day trade, extending their "Santa Claus Rally" with several bourses still shut for the holiday. Japan's Nikkei index closed up 1.1 percent, boosted by comments from the Bank of Japan governor and share price gains for top-selling automaker Toyota. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.slot games tricks

There are incredible football stadiums all over the globe, but Britain is blessed with some of the very best. Whether it's England, Scotland or Wales, there are impressive football grounds all throughout Great Britain. Some of the more modern venues are held in high regard, but there are also those historic stadiums that hold significant value for both casual fans and the traditionalists. Ranking the best of the best stadiums in Britain can be quite the task, but ChatGPT has done just that. The AI model has listed the 20 greatest stadiums in British football history. Let's take a look at the venues that made ChatGPT's list. ChatGPT's 20 Greatest Stadiums in British Football History Rank Stadium Location Capacity 1 Wembley Stadium London 90,000 2 Old Trafford Manchester 74,310 3 Anfield Liverpool 61,276 4 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium London 62,850 5 Emirates Stadium London 60,704 6 Ibrox Stadium Glasgow 50,817 7 Celtic Park Glasgow 60,411 8 Stamford Bridge London 40,341 9 Etihad Stadium Manchester 53,400 10 Villa Park Birmingham 42,640 11 St. James' Park Newcastle 52,000 12 Carrow Road Norwich 27,244 13 Molineux Stadium Wolverhampton 32,050 14 Bramall Lane Sheffield 32,050 15 Craven Cottage London 25,700 16 King Power Stadium Leicester 32,261 17 Selhurst Park London 25,486 18 Pride Park Derby 33,597 19 The Hawthorns West Bromwich 26,688 20 Boleyn Ground London 35,016 Four clubs in the current Premier League, including Manchester United, are looking to move stadiums before the end of the decade. 20 Boleyn Ground - London What ChatGPT said: Although no longer in use (replaced by the London Stadium), Upton Park (the Boleyn Ground) holds a special place in English football history. Home to West Ham United for over 100 years, its passionate atmosphere and historic significance make it one of the greats in British football. There was an uproar when West Ham decided to leave the Boleyn Ground after a century and it’s not difficult to understand why. Their former ground had a charm to it that’s lacking at the London Stadium. It may no longer be in use, but it’s still remembered fondly by football fans. Especially those of a claret and blue persuasion. 19 The Hawthorns - West Bromwich What ChatGPT said: While not as large as many of the other stadiums on this list, The Hawthorns offers a traditional football ground experience. The home atmosphere, especially in derbies, is fierce and creates a unique atmosphere. The first real surprise inclusion on the list, there won’t be many who immediately think of West Bromwich Albion’s The Hawthorns when it comes to the best stadiums in British football history. With that said, there’s no denying the incredible atmosphere that permeates throughout the venue during the Baggies’ biggest matches. Still, it’s not quite on the same level as some of the other grounds included here. 18 Pride Park - Derby What ChatGPT said: Home to Derby County, Pride Park is a modern stadium with great facilities. The atmosphere, particularly during big matches, is vibrant, and the passionate fanbase contributes to making it a difficult away venue. Derby might not have called Pride Park home for long, with the ground replacing the iconic Baseball Ground in 1997, but it’s quickly won over the hearts of many. It had some huge shoes to fill but has done a fine job of that. The passionate Rams’ faithful, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities. It’s been a match made in heaven so far and is fully deserving of a spot here. 17 Selhurst Park - London What ChatGPT said: Known for its loud and loyal supporters, Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace, has a raucous atmosphere, especially in the Holmesdale End, where fans generate an incredible amount of noise. With their promotion back to the top flight of English football in the 2010s, Crystal Palace have had some pretty incredible moments over the last decade and Selhurst Park has played host to many of them. It is hard to argue with ChatGPT’s decision to include the Eagles’ ground on its list of the best stadiums in the history of British football. It’s not quite up there with some of the others venues, though. 16 King Power Stadium - Leicester What ChatGPT said: Home to Leicester City, the King Power Stadium gained fame for its role in Leicester’s shock Premier League title win in 2016. The fan experience is fantastic, and the atmosphere during their successful years has been electric. King Power played home to one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of football, so its spot on this list is rather fitting. It’s iconic and few grounds in the world have hosted a more iconic moment than Leicester lifting the Premier League with 5000-1. Pair the incredible moments with the electric fanbase, there’s no doubt that the King Power belongs on this list. 15 Craven Cottage - London What ChatGPT said: Situated by the River Thames, Craven Cottage is one of the most charming and unique stadiums in the country. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it remains a favorite among football fans for its intimate setting. Craven Cottage is actually one of the more underrated football stadiums in England and is rarely mentioned among the country's best venues. It's been around and seen it all, though, playing home to Fulham for nearly 130 years. With billionaire owners in the Khan family, Fulham could have turned to a more modern ground in recent years, but have stuck with their historic home and there’s good reason for that. 14 Bramall Lane - Sheffield What ChatGPT said: One of the oldest stadiums in the world, Bramall Lane’s traditional feel and intimate atmosphere make it a special venue. Sheffield United’s loyal fans create a formidable home advantage. There are few football fans quite as passionate as the Blades’ Yorkshire faithful and Bramall Lane is always bouncing whenever Sheffield United take to the pitch. Originally a cricket ground, the stadium was first opened in 1855 and has been home to United since the club was formed in 1889. As one of the oldest stadiums in the world , few grounds have the historical significance that Bramall Lane possesses and ChatGPT is right to have included it here. 13 Molineux Stadium - Wolverhampton What ChatGPT said: Molineux is a traditional stadium with a rich history. Despite its smaller size compared to others on this list, the atmosphere during Wolves’ matches is electric, especially in the passionate North Bank stand. The Molineux isn’t held in the same high regard as other stadiums on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fine arena and one that Wolverhampton Wanderers have been proud to call home for 135 years. The club have played at the Molineux for all but 12 years of their illustrious history, ensuring it fully deserves a place on this list. 12 Carrow Road - Norwich What ChatGPT said: Known for its intimate atmosphere, Carrow Road offers a wonderful fan experience, and Norwich's passionate supporters make it a tough venue for visiting teams, especially during Premier League games. Another surprising inclusion, there aren’t many who would immediately think of Carrow Road when the topic of the best stadiums in British football history is raised – especially as it's one of the least intimidating grounds around . Norwich City’s home ground isn’t as big as some of the heavier hitters and its maximum capacity is significantly lower, but the Canaries have called it home for nearly nine decades. The ground was actually built in just 82 days and specifically for Norwich. 11 St. James' Park - Newcastle What ChatGPT said: Newcastle United’s iconic ground is known for its steep stands and intense atmosphere. The passionate Geordie fanbase ensures that St. James' Park is always a thrilling place to watch football. There are few football fans quite as rambunctious and rowdy as Newcastle United’s hardcore supporters. That is on full display at St. James’ Park too and there aren’t many venues on the planet with an atmosphere quite like it. It is a ground any football fan worth their salt will want to visit at least once, although it doesn’t offer the best viewing experience for visiting supporters. 10 Villa Park - Birmingham What ChatGPT said: One of the oldest football grounds in the UK, Villa Park is filled with history and has a reputation for generating a fantastic atmosphere, particularly in local derbies and key fixtures. Villa Park has just about seen it all over the years. From Aston Villa’s glory days, to their struggles in the 2010s, the club has been on a real rollercoaster. Their one constant, though, is their incredible home ground and the electric atmosphere that radiates within it on matchdays. With their recent success, the ground is seeing iconic European nights once again and there aren’t many stadiums that feel more suited to hosting such events. 9 Etihad Stadium - Manchester What ChatGPT said: Home to Manchester City, the Etihad is one of the most modern football stadiums in the UK. The atmosphere has been growing in recent years with the club’s successes, and the fan experience is top-notch. There weren’t many Manchester City fans who were thrilled when it was announced that the club would be leaving Maine Road for a brand-new stadium in 2003. After two decades, though, the Etihad has won supporters over. Not only has it played host to the most successful period in the club’s history, including playing witness to Sergio Aguero’s iconic last-minute strike to hand the team their first-ever Premier League title in 2012, but it’s also hosted multiple events outside of football, including the Commonwealth Games and musical concerts. 8 Stamford Bridge - London What ChatGPT said: Chelsea's home, Stamford Bridge, may be smaller than others on this list, but its atmosphere, especially during big games, is intense. The mix of historical charm and modern facilities offers a unique experience for fans. There have been multiple rumours and reports over the last few years suggesting Chelsea are looking to move away from Stamford Bridge and they’ve been met with firm rejection from the Blues’ supporters. Considering the historical significance that the ground possesses and all it has seen over the years, it is easy to see why the fans are reluctant to leave the Bridge. 7 Celtic Park - Glasgow What ChatGPT said: Known as “Paradise,” Celtic Park has one of the most electrifying atmospheres, especially during Old Firm derbies. The passionate Celtic fanbase and the stadium’s history make it an iconic venue in British football. Labelled one of the best atmospheres in all of football by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson, Celtic Park is synonymous with the electric reception that radiates throughout it when Celtic compete at home. The ground has seen a plethora of trophies won over the years, as Celtic have dominated Scottish football, and has also played host to some very memorable nights in the Champions League. 6 Ibrox Stadium - Glasgow What ChatGPT said: Home to Rangers FC, Ibrox is steeped in history and is famous for its passionate and intense atmosphere, particularly during Old Firm matches. The energy and emotional intensity make it one of the best places to watch football in the UK. While Rangers haven’t experienced quite as much success as their Glasgow rivals Celtic in recent years, Ibrox has remained one of the most electric stadiums in all of British football. It’s a must-visit for any hardcore football fan. Scotland has some of the most passionate football fans in the world and there’s no better proof of that than inside Ibrox. 5 Emirates Stadium - London What ChatGPT said: A modern, sleek stadium with fantastic facilities. While it may not have the same historic weight as some older venues, it provides an exceptional fan experience and hosts an exciting atmosphere for Arsenal games. First opening in 2006, the Emirates has some big shoes to fill as it replaces Highbury as Arsenal’s home. It’s certainly done just that, though. While the Gunners are yet to take a Premier League title back to the stadium, its impeccable facilities and the superb experience it offers to fans has made it a firm favourite for those who follow Arsenal, and visiting supporters too. 4 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - London What ChatGPT said: One of the newest and most advanced football stadiums in Europe, it boasts a retractable pitch, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier fan experience. The atmosphere during matches, especially in high-profile games, is electric. Tottenham Hotspur moved into their brand-new stadium, named after the club itself, in 2019, but plans to build the venue had been in place for well over a decade. Well, the move was well and truly worth the wait for Spurs. The ground is the third largest in England and offers state-of-the-art facilities to fans. It’s also home to the NFL whenever the sport visits the United Kingdom. The ground is one of the most expensive ever , but it's been worth every penny. 3 Anfield - Liverpool What ChatGPT said: Home to Liverpool FC, Anfield is renowned for its incredible atmosphere, particularly in the Kop End. The history, passionate fanbase, and “You'll Never Walk Alone” anthem make it one of the most revered football stadiums in the world. There’s no atmosphere more intimidating or famous than that of Anfield when Liverpool fans have packed the ground out. It’s a tough place for any team to visit and if you ask anyone to name the greatest football stadiums in the world, it’s almost certain that Anfield will be brought up at some point. There’s no sight quite like the venue on a European night either. Four British stadiums make the list, including Celtic Park and Anfield. 2 Old Trafford - Manchester What ChatGPT said: Known as the "Theatre of Dreams," this historic stadium is synonymous with Manchester United's legacy. The fan atmosphere is legendary, and the stadium’s long history and architecture add to its allure. It’s hard to deny that Old Trafford has seen better days. The facilities could use an upgrade and the roof certainly needs some work, but it’s an iconic venue that is beloved by football fans all over the world. The sheer number of trophies lifted at the ground is unfathomable. When it isn’t hosting Manchester United matches, the ground has also been used for a variety of other events, including musical concerts the 2012 Summer Olympics and multiple cup finals. 1 Wembley Stadium - London What ChatGPT said: The largest and most iconic football stadium in the UK. Known for its impressive arch, it hosts major international events, FA Cup finals, and the national team’s matches. The atmosphere during significant events is unrivalled in the country. As home to the England national team, Wembley is iconic in its own right. Adding the major moments that have taken place on the turf under the arch, it’s easy to see why ChatGPT deemed the stadium the greatest in British football history. There’s a reason every major cup final in England is held at the ground. GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Wembley has hosted eight European finals

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

Probe into harassment claims about Netanyahu's wifeDonald Trump Jr. and his new girlfriend Bettina Anderson were back at Mar-a-Lago again on Christmas to celebrate the holiday with the presidential family. The couple was spotted sitting at President-elect Donald Trump’s table alongside Melania and Barron Trump. Anderson, 38, wore a red dress for the occasion and was seated next to Don Jr., 46, per a photo on X. She posted a selfie to Instagram Stories in the festive frock, paired with a gold watch, jewelry including a necklace with a cross pendant and black heels with bejeweled buckles. Ivanka, 43, also posted a pic to Instagram Stories in a black dress indicating she was at Mar-a-Lago on Christmas as well. We heard Christmas Eve was a more intimate affair at a round table. An insider told us of the group: “No Elon, no Don Jr. and his [girlfriend], no Eric and Lara Trump... the family arrived at 7:30 p.m. and left at 9:00 p.m.” Ivanka, however, spent Christmas Eve at Mar-a-Lago with her husband, Jared Kushner, and her kids, while her dad, President-elect Trump, played DJ, sources told us. We exclusively reported earlier this month that Don Jr. and his former fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, had split — and that Don Jr. brought Anderson as his date to his dad’s private club, Mar-a-Lago, a day later, where they were briefly greeted by the President-elect. An insider had told us: “The couple didn’t try to hide their love as they laughed and whispered to each other in the buffet line,” and, “mingled and greeted other guests like a sophisticated political couple.” Guilfoyle was named US ambassador to Greece , and Don Jr. told Page Six in a statement previously: “Kimberly and I will never stop caring for each other and will always keep a special bond.” A source previously told us, “Bettina and Don have been together for a few months, and are super cute and happy together. It’s just a natural fit — everyone is happy for them!” The duo also recently went on a romantic Italian getaway to Venice, we reported. And they’d been photographed holding hands in Palm Beach after celebrating Anderson’s 38th birthday. The Post reported that Anderson — whose father was banker Harry Loy Anderson Jr. and her mother, Inger, was a favorite of famed photographer Slim Aarons — is even allegedly eyeing a cushy philanthropic role in the incoming Trump administration, according to sources. Though a spokesperson for Don Jr. fired back of Anderson wanting any role in the administration: “This is totally wrong — not only is she not getting one she has never brought up wanting one.”

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