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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent more than a year in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most active and internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said the former president died Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia.Tim Davis and Family Build a Legacy with Dickey's Barbecue Pit in North Branch, Minnesota

District college football roundup: Clutch defensive play leads Slippery Rock to playoff winTop war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fightingMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions scored a major legal victory Monday with a ruling that restores collective bargaining rights they lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights. That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. Under the ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place prior to 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law. Republicans vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, which ultimately is likely to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That only amplifies the importance of the April election that will determine whether the court remains controlled 4-3 by liberal justices. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed the law that catapulted him onto the national political stage, decried the ruling in a post on the social media platform X as “brazen political activism.” He said it makes the state Supreme Court election “that much more important.” Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued. Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions. The law was proposed by Walker and enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in spite of massive protests that went on for weeks and drew as many as 100,000 people to the Capitol. The law has withstood numerous legal challenges over the years, but this was the first brought since the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to liberal control in 2023. The seven unions and three union leaders that brought the lawsuit argued that the law should be struck down because it creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers. Attorneys for the Legislature and state agencies countered that the exemptions are legal, have already been upheld by other courts, and that the case should be dismissed. But Frost sided with the unions in July, saying the law violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into “general” and “public safety” employees. He ruled that general employee unions, like those representing teachers, can not be treated differently from public safety unions that were exempt from the law. His ruling Monday delineated the dozens of specific provisions in the law that must be struck. Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he looked forward to appealing the ruling. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges,” Vos said in a statement. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying organization, also decried the ruling. WMC President Kurt Bauer called Act 10 “a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings." The Legislature said in court filings that arguments made in the current case were rejected in 2014 by the state Supreme Court. The only change since that ruling is the makeup of Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys for the Legislature argued. The Act 10 law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Walker, who was targeted for a recall election he won. Walker used his fights with unions to mount an unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. Frost, the judge who issued Monday's ruling, appeared to have signed the petition to recall Walker from office. None of the attorneys sought his removal from the case and he did not step down. Frost was appointed to the bench by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who signed the Walker recall petition. The law has also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a 2022 analysis that since 2000, Wisconsin had the largest decline in the proportion of its workforce that is unionized. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature approved a right-to-work law that limited the power of private-sector unions. Public sector unions that brought the lawsuit are the Abbotsford Education Association; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215; the Beaver Dam Education Association; SEIU Wisconsin; the Teaching Assistants’ Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695.

The celeb contingent on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is fully aware their main meals will majorly be rice and beans for an extended time. They have the opportunity to bag extra grub, like meat and vegetables, by bagging stars in the Bushtucker Trials, but success has been hard to come by recently. Northern Ireland's radio DJ Dean McCullough has failed to secure all the stars on offer during his stints in the show's challenges for the third consecutive time. When stars are missed, as happened in the Drown in the Dumps trial featuring Dean and social media influencer GK Barry, the diet defaults to simple rice and beans. Shock rippled through the fanbase when they clocked just how skimpy the campmates' portions actually are. A TikTok clip that went viral showed presenting icons Ant McPartlin, age 49, and Declan Donnelly, also 49, revealing "the exact amount" each jungle star gets daily and could barely contain their giggles leaving fans utterly astounded. Read more I'm A Celeb's Ant McPartlin addresses 'quite unprofessional' behaviour with Dean McCullough While holding two minuscule brown paper sacks, Ant admitted: "This is per person, per day. That's it. If they don't do very well in the trials this is all they get.", reports OK! . Exposing the scant food allocations on-air by pouring them into takeaway boxes, Dec remarked: "They really do rely on what they win in the trials because [...]," while Ant added: "That's not a lot." This jaw-dropping revelation sparked a heated debate on social media. One I'm A Celebrity viewer expressed their astonishment, tweeting: "Per day? ? ? Omg", while another reacted with shock: "That's just ridiculous." Another user queried: "Wait.... Why so little per day." On the other hand, some individuals believed the portions weren't excessively small. A user argued: "That's actually not a bad ration tbh.. Not saying it's yummy but you could survive for years on it," while another suggested: "That'll fill you up for a good while though once it's cooked." Dr Martin Kinsella from Re-enhance clinic pointed out to Daily Star Online that while consuming small portions may be feasible for the brief duration of the celebrities' stay, occasional calorie restriction can have benefits, including enhancing gut health, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing body fat. Dr Kinsella elaborated: "While it is important over a long term period to have a balanced diet, and not eradicate many food types, short periods of a few weeks of calorie and food restriction are really good to help improve gut health, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce body fat. Most essential nutrients can be generally obtained through pulses and beans etc." Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, has sounded the alarm over this weight loss strategy. Chatting with the Daily Record, she cautioned: "We need to remember that, as well as not being a safe way to lose weight (the safe amount to lose is one to two pounds per week), it's not a nutritionally healthy diet to follow. That's because the 'basic' 700-calorie diet consists of rice and beans, which, while not necessarily bad for you, as together they make a meal full of carbohydrates, fibre, essential amino acids and protein, they're lacking in several key vitamins and minerals."Share Tweet Share Share Email In recent years, Thailand has risen as a beacon of innovation, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and technological aspirations to position itself as a leader in emerging technologies. The country has launched initiatives aimed at redefining its global image through innovation, focusing on creating a balanced, sustainable economy and society. This movement, spearheaded by Innovation Thailand , reflects the nation’s determination to climb the ranks of the Global Innovation Index (GII) and establish itself as an “Innovation Nation.” What is Innovation Thailand? At its core, Innovation Thailand serves as a platform designed to foster a new identity for the nation. With the ambitious goal of propelling Thailand into the top 30 of the GII rankings, it seeks to enhance the country’s global reputation as a hub for groundbreaking innovations. But it’s more than just an initiative—it’s a comprehensive ecosystem connecting government, private sectors, academia, and social entities to co-create solutions that address economic and societal needs. Innovation Thailand operates on four key pillars: Positioning Thailand as an Innovation Leader By promoting the slogan “Thai Innovation for the World,” the platform highlights the unique blend of Thai ingenuity and modern technology. Crafted Living Through Innovation Rooted in Thailand’s meticulous craftsmanship and traditional wisdom, the initiative emphasizes innovation that enhances everyday life while ensuring sustainability. Comprehensive Innovation Data Network With its innovation dashboard, the platform aggregates data from various sectors, offering a unified view of the country’s potential across industries. Addressing Economic and Societal Challenges The platform fosters solutions that not only drive economic growth but also ensure environmental sustainability and equality. Key Emerging Technologies in Thailand 1. Smart Cities Thailand’s vision for the future includes the development of smart cities equipped with advanced technology to improve urban living. With pilot projects in cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, smart city initiatives focus on: Sustainable transportation powered by IoT and AI. Energy-efficient buildings leveraging renewable energy. Smart healthcare systems integrated with telemedicine platforms. These efforts aim to create a seamless living experience while minimizing environmental impact. 2. Agritech Innovations Agriculture has long been the backbone of Thailand’s economy. However, the advent of Agritech is revolutionizing traditional practices: Precision farming : Drones and sensors monitor soil health and crop conditions. Hydroponics and vertical farming : Urban farming solutions that maximize yield in limited spaces. Blockchain in supply chains : Ensures transparency and traceability of agricultural products. These innovations are not just improving productivity but also empowering smallholder farmers with access to global markets. 3. Healthcare and Biotech Advancements Thailand is rapidly becoming a hub for medical technology and biotechnology. Its innovations include: AI-powered diagnostics for diseases like cancer and diabetes. Wearable health devices monitoring vital signs in real time. Bio-based products such as plant-based vaccines and bioplastics. The country’s robust healthcare system, paired with emerging technologies, has positioned it as a leader in medical tourism and biotech research. 4. Digital Economy and Fintech Thailand’s digital transformation extends into financial technologies that aim to make banking and financial services more accessible. Innovations in this space include: Mobile payment systems like PromptPay, which simplify transactions. Digital currencies introduced by the Bank of Thailand. Blockchain platforms for secure cross-border trade. The country is laying the groundwork for a cashless economy, emphasizing efficiency and inclusivity. 5. Renewable Energy Technologies As part of its commitment to sustainability, Thailand has invested in renewable energy solutions such as: Solar farms in provinces with high sunlight exposure. Wind power projects in coastal and high-altitude areas. Smart grids integrating renewable energy into the national power supply. By harnessing its natural resources, Thailand is reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring energy security for future generations. DNA of Innovation Thailand: Innovation for Crafted Living Thailand’s unique approach to innovation stems from its cultural DNA. The idea of “Innovation for Crafted Living” showcases the synergy between traditional Thai craftsmanship and modern technology. This philosophy encompasses: Health and Wellness : Innovations in herbal medicines and health supplements. Safety and Security : Smart devices ensuring personal and public safety. Convenience : Products and services that enhance daily living, from smart home solutions to mobile apps. Sustainability : Eco-friendly materials and processes that reduce environmental impact. Collaborating Across Sectors One of the most notable aspects of Innovation Thailand is its collaborative spirit. By bringing together diverse stakeholders—from government agencies to private companies, universities, and NGOs—the platform fosters a robust innovation network. This collaboration is essential for scaling Thai innovations to global markets and addressing complex challenges such as climate change and economic inequality. Driving Global Recognition Thailand’s innovation initiatives are already making waves on the international stage. Programs like the “Thailand 4.0” economic model and participation in global tech expos have amplified its presence. Moreover, the Innovation Thailand Dashboard serves as a comprehensive showcase of the nation’s diverse innovations, offering a transparent and data-driven view of progress. Challenges and Opportunities While Thailand’s innovation ecosystem is thriving, challenges remain: Talent shortage in high-tech industries. Regulatory hurdles for emerging technologies. Investment gaps for startups in niche sectors. Addressing these challenges requires strategic policies, investment in education, and an emphasis on research and development (R&D). The opportunities, however, far outweigh the obstacles. With a clear vision and strong foundation, Thailand is poised to become a global innovation powerhouse. The Role of Innovationthailand.org As the official digital platform of Innovation Thailand , innovationthailand.org plays a pivotal role in connecting stakeholders and showcasing the country’s innovative projects. It acts as a one-stop destination for accessing information about Thailand’s innovation initiatives, ongoing projects, and opportunities for collaboration. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or researcher, the platform provides valuable insights into Thailand’s innovation landscape. Conclusion Thailand’s journey toward becoming a leading innovation nation is not just about technological advancements—it’s about redefining how innovation can transform lives, communities, and the environment. By emphasizing crafted living, sustainability, and collaboration, Innovation Thailand is creating a future where technology and tradition coexist harmoniously. To learn more about Thailand’s transformative innovation ecosystem and explore opportunities for collaboration. Read More From Techbullion Related Items: Challenges , opportunities Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges E-Scooter App Development: Challenges and Solutions The Hidden Challenges of Mental Health Billing and How to Overcome Them Comments