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fb777 app By Renju Jose and Byron Kaye SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia moved closer on Wednesday to banning social media for children under 16 after the parliament's lower house passed a bill even as Alphabet's Google and Facebook-owner Meta pressed the government to delay the legislation. Marking some of the toughest social media controls in the world, Australia's House of Representatives passed the bill 102 votes to 13 after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labor government secured bipartisan support for the ban. The Senate is expected to debate the bill later on Wednesday, with the government keen to ensure it is passed by the end of the parliamentary year on Thursday. Albanese, trying to lift his approval ratings ahead of an election expected in May, has argued that excessive use of social media poses risks to the physical and mental health of children and is looking for support from parents. The planned law would force social media platforms to take reasonable steps to ensure age-verification protections are in place. Companies could be fined up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for systemic breaches. Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or government identification to enforce the ban. A Senate committee backed the bill this week, but also inserted a condition that social media platforms should not force users to submit personal data such as passport and other digital identification to prove their age. The committee added that the government must "meaningfully engage" with youth when framing the law. "Young people, and in particular diverse cohorts, must be at the centre of the conversation as an age restriction is implemented to ensure there are constructive pathways for connection," committee Chair Senator Karen Grogan said. In submissions to parliament, Google and Meta said the ban should be delayed until the age-verification trial finishes, expected in mid-2025. Bytedance's TikTok said the bill needed more consultation, while Elon Musk's X said the proposed law might hurt children's human rights. IMPACT ON FAMILIES The ban was first announced during an emotionally charged parliamentary inquiry into social media, which included testimony from parents of children who had self-harmed due to cyber bullying. It has fuelled vigorous debate with youth advocates arguing it robs children of a voice and parent groups saying under-16s are too young to navigate the digital world. Teenagers have said the law could cut them off from their most important social and family connections, arguing a ban is not the solution. "I understand that using social media a lot is not a good thing and I'm working on it," said Sydney high-school student Enie Lam, 16. "But a ban is not going to work," she said. Albanese's party, which does not control the Senate, won crucial support from the opposition conservatives for the bill, but has failed to win over the left-leaning Greens and some far-right lawmakers on civil liberties and privacy grounds. One conservative lower house member broke from their party and voted against the bill on Wednesday, a rare event in Australian politics, and two conservative senators said they also would vote against it, arguing the law should be delayed until the age-verification trial was complete. Even the Australian Human Rights Commission, an independent statutory authority, opposed the ban saying it violated children's rights to self-expression and to participate in society. Still, polling shows public support overwhelmingly in favour of the move. A YouGov survey released this week showed 77% of Australians backed the ban, up from 61% in August. Australian media, from the publicly owned Australian Broadcasting Corp to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, also support the ban. An editorial campaign by News Corp, the country's biggest newspaper publisher, pushed for the ban under the banner "Let Them Be Kids". "Our members feel that this is one of the biggest issues impacting on themselves and their families at the moment," said Jenny Branch-Allen, president of the Australian Parents Council, an advocacy group. "Big companies have to start taking responsibility. Let's try and reduce the incidents we're hearing involved with social media and young people in Australia." ($1 = 1.5451 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Sonali Paul and Kate Mayberry)

Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed El-Gamal presented his credentials to Malian Transitional President Assimi Goïta on Saturday, following an official ceremony at the presidential palace in Bamako. The presentation underscored the strong historical relationship between Egypt and Mali and highlighted Egypt’s commitment to supporting Mali’s development. During the ceremony, Ambassador El-Gamal conveyed greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to President Goïta. He emphasised Egypt’s dedication to cooperation across Africa, citing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. Ambassador El-Gamal stressed Egypt’s readiness to bolster Mali’s national institutions and enhance collaboration in political, security, economic, and cultural spheres. President Goïta, in turn, asked that his regards be passed to President A-Sisi . He congratulated Ambassador El-Gamal on his new appointment and expressed gratitude for Egypt’s prominent role in Africa and its continued support for Mali, particularly in addressing challenges like terrorism and extremism. He noted the significant positive impact of the strong bilateral relationship on mutual interests and regional stability. Four days prior to the credential presentation, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop met with Ambassador El-Gamal. Minister Diop praised Egypt’s leading role in Africa and its balanced approach to regional issues. He described the relationship between Mali and Egypt as historic and enduring, highlighting Egypt’s consistent support for Mali in overcoming regional challenges. Ambassador El-Gamal expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received in Mali. He reaffirmed his commitment to furthering bilateral cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. He also reiterated Egypt’s willingness to assist the Malian government and people in confronting current difficulties. Discussions during the meeting with Minister Diop also included preparations for the Malian Foreign Minister’s upcoming visit to Cairo.

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RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East. Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents. The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street. The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025. The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed. Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion). The project features several sustainable characteristics that promote eco-friendly transportation options. The metro system will employ energy-efficient trains and stations, as well as technologies such as regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, some stations will be equipped with thousands of solar panels, and each metro station will rely on electricity sourced from renewable energy. Maher Sheira, supervisor of digital infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Our target is to reduce traffic within the city by up to 30 percent. This goal is supported by the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which is a challenging target, especially when compared to other cities that have struggled to transition car users to public transportation.” Achieving this goal depends on several factors, including the city’s infrastructure, integration of various transport modes, and the overall complementarity of these services, he said. “This project is one of the key initiatives that could help make these goals a reality.” Sheira said that the launch of the metro and improvement of public transportation will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but also also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. “We all know that shifting from daily car use to public transportation can have a significant environmental impact,” he said. “In a small study we conducted, we found that if 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, it could save over 3 million trees annually. This number has the potential to grow even further.” He said both the metro and the bus systems are integral parts of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program. These systems are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for passengers. Once a passenger exits a metro station and boards a bus, they will use the same ticket and enjoy the same high level of service. “To ensure quality, the design of both networks was focused on delivering first-class standards, with an emphasis on maintaining top-tier service throughout the entire journey,” Sheira added. “The quality of service is evident throughout the system. You can see it at the stations, on the trains, and certainly on the buses and at the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard of quality and will continue to do so.” Numerous factors have been taken into account to ensure the success and efficiency of the vast network. “Our goal is to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. This is our objective, and with determination, we are confident that we will achieve it, Inshallah,” he said. The inspiring story of the Riyadh Metro began in 2009, led by a visionary king with determination and ambition for the future; the story’s hero is King Salman. The document was submitted by King Salman to develop the public transportation system in Riyadh: My Lord, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — May Allah preserve you. I am honored to inform Your Royal Highness that the city of Riyadh, which is witnessing significant population growth, urban expansion, and substantial economic prosperity, has started to experience severe traffic congestion on its main streets due to the ongoing rise in traffic. Accordingly, the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh has developed a comprehensive and long-term plan to enhance the city’s public transportation system. First: Establishing the backbone of the public transportation system through manufacturing an electric train. Second: Implementing a bus network that covers all areas of Riyadh, with its services integrated with the electric train system. The network covers 708 kilometers and is also integrated with the local network within residential neighborhoods. The High Commission has fully prepared the engineering designs, technical specifications, and tender documents for this phase, paving the way for its implementation. Therefore, I kindly request Your Highness’s approval of this matter. May Allah preserve you, guide your steps, and grant you success. Peace and blessings be upon you. Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh Salman bin Abdulaziz 20/10/2009INDIANAPOLIS – It’s been four weeks since Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced the postseason was the franchise’s top priority and veteran Joe Flacco would take over as the starting quarterback. The Colts (5-7) have won just a single game since, and 22-year-old Anthony Richardson has been reinstated as the starter. Indianapolis has lost plenty of ground in the playoff chase over the last month, but it’s still got a chance to make a run. The Colts enter the week in ninth place in the AFC, two games behind the Denver Broncos (7-5) for the seventh and final postseason berth. That’s not great math for Indianapolis, and there is little to no margin for error, but with the teeth of the schedule in the rearview mirror, there is hope. The Colts play just one team with a winning record over their final five games. That’s a Dec. 15 date against the Broncos that could ultimately seal the team’s playoff fate. The stretch run begins Sunday on the road against the New England Patriots (3-9) with the bye week to follow. The final three games are at home against the Tennessee Titans (3-8), at the New York Giants (2-9) and at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9). “I think, right now, where we’re at in the season, with everything set ahead of us, still being in that picture, one game on the road against New England going into the bye, we’ve got a chance to catch our breath and regroup for the last, final run,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said. “I think we’re in a special, unique position to where – why not go on a run? Why not us? I’ve done it before. “To be honest with you, I hate that I’m always in this position, but I’ve been there before, and I think the reality of the situation is that it just takes one. It just takes one play. It just takes one game. It just takes one to get the ball rolling, to get this momentum shifted, to get that energy back and get it rolling and get into the dance. Because I think, at the end of the day, as long as you get into the dance, that’s all that matters.” Franklin was a rookie in 2018 when Indianapolis went 10-1 down the stretch to overcome a 1-5 start and sneak into the postseason with the final berth. The 2021 Colts went 6-1 in November and December to get to 9-6 and position themselves for a playoff spot before losing their final two games in January. And Indianapolis won four straight to end November and begin December last year, enabling itself to force a winner-takes-all battle against the Houston Texans in the regular-season finale. The Colts went 1-3 in November this year, but they have a chance to turn things around in the final full month of the regular season. “Obviously, these last five games will be big,” Steichen said. “Right now we’ve got to take it one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one practice at a time, one game at a time to get to where we want to be at the end of the year. But we know this is a huge week for us coming up before the bye. So the fundamentals, the details, the attention to details, are going to be huge going into this week and then coming back after the bye. Get some guys back hopefully, be ready to roll for that four-game stretch.” If Indianapolis’ fortunes are to turn around again, it will need to begin with the offense. The Colts rank 21st in the 32-team NFL with an average of 20.2 points per game and are 17th in rushing offense and 24th in the passing game. Center Tanor Bortolini (concussion) and wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) are among the players in danger of missing the trip to New England, increasing the degree of difficulty for a struggling unit. But improvement in situational details could go a long way toward fixing what fails the offense. Indianapolis ranks 23rd with a 36% conversion rate on third down, and it’s 24th with a 52.8% touchdown rate in the red zone. Those numbers are the keys to finishing drives and putting more points on the scoreboard. “We just need to take advantage of our scoring opportunities, and we need to come away with seven (points) instead of three because we got down there – we just couldn’t finish,” wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said, referring specifically to last week’s 24-6 loss against the Detroit Lions in which the Colts twice failed to reach the end zone from inside the visitors’ 20-yard line. “If we start putting up sevens instead of threes, then you don’t know what happens, right? The score is a lot closer and football is football and momentum is king, and who knows?”

Oct 26, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara throws a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images/ File Photo Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowIndia's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92

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The Great British Bake Off 2024: fans are all saying the same thing about Dylan in the finalOshakati election officials complain of harassment by party agents

The City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”

NorthWestern Energy recently implemented new communication system technology with new features to enhance customer service. Malina Hakola, a spokesperson for NorthWestern, said calls and emails to its customer service centers will use the same phone number and email addresses. The new technology gets customers the information they want faster, whether they call to talk to a customer representative, use the automated system to report an outage or check on an account, or send an email, According to a news release. “NorthWestern Energy works to exceed our customers’ expectations for the quality of energy service we deliver and the customer service we provide,” said Hakola. “This new technology is a cost-effective tool to meet that goal and better serve our customers.” Kathleen Arvila-Scott was this year’s first-place winner in the Butte Historical Society’s essay contest honoring Ann Cote-Smith. Arvila-Scott’s essay was titled “A Finnish Boy's Life in Butte, MT.” Second place honors went to Leah Stergar, who wrote “Cornwall, England to Butte, Montana.” Paddy Dennehy, BHS president, said all the essays from the 2022, 2023 and 2024 contests will be made into a book and all contestants, whether they won or not, will receive a free book. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.I’ve seen this week, people are taking the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that. But whether you’re into DJ MUSTAAAAARRRRRRRRD! or the soundtrack, you’re not going to get into it without good speakers. And that’s why you’ll be really into these home audio Black Friday deals at Amazon. I’ve personally tried many, maybe even most, of these picks on this page, and I particularly vouch for the featured four. But you should be really quick because these bangin’ deals won’t be defying gravity for long at these prices. Whether you’re just interested in two-channel or intend to build from discrete components, you want your front right and left channels to deliver a wide soundstage with excellent imaging. And that’s just what you’ll get from the Dymension tower speakers, which feature a unique bipolar array, meaning two 5.25-inch long-throw midrange drivers and a 1-inch aluminum oxide dome tweeter . And the reflections of those rear-focused channels mean there’s enveloping energy throughout the room. Anchoring that immersion is the integrated powered 10-inch subwoofer and two passive radiators within each speaker. That’s a lot of muscularity rounding out pure musicality. So, if you love low-end, you’ll want to grab them at their lowest price during Amazon’s Black Friday sale. Just remember you need to purchase two. And while the subwoofers are powered—just add a convenient outlet, the tweeters still need and (you can see some options if you scroll to the bottom of the page). Once you’re all set up, however, believe me when I say that no one is saying “woof” to these woofers. Want the option to build out but prefer to start with a single speaker that works in multiple dimensions (and in a multi-room scenario)? The Sonos Era 300 wowed us when we in 2023, and it continues to impress all these months later. The speaker decodes and natively plays back from streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL wirelessly from a single source (albeit through the use of the Sonos app). This feature comes courtesy of a six-driver array positioned forward and upward to offer greater depth. Keep an Era 300 in different rooms to enjoy songs throughout your home. Or, for even better stereo and Dolby Atmos performance, add a second Era 300 and pair the two together. And, if you end up ready to buy and set up your home theater, you can take two Era 300s and make them your rear channels. The KEF LS50 Wireless II at $500 off is the future-fi deal you don’t want to ignore. When someone tells me they’re more interested in getting wrapped up in their playlists than cords, I say skip the components and grab a pair of KEF’s compact but compelling speakers (and you can always add a sub later if you crave more low-end). With wireless support up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio (and network file support up to 24-bit/384 kHz), the LS50 Wireless II give you access to unadulterated audio no matter your service or format(s) of choice. Stream music directly over Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast (among others), or integrate digital and analog via wired connections, including HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical inputs, and 3.5mm aux-ins. Inside each speaker, custom amps deliver 280 watts of power to each woofer and 100 watts to each tweeter for big, clean, distortion-free sound at any volume. The LS50 Wireless II’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 51⁄4-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot that’s detailed and dynamic. Available in multiple colorways, the LS50 Wireless II will brighten up your room and recordings. Introduced in July 2024, the JBL Stage 2 loudspeaker lineup offers elevated entry-level for aspiring hi-fi and enthusiasts. But affordable building blocks doesn’t mean boxy sound. Available in Latte (white) and Espresso (brown), the L280F speaker (the towers shown above) can anchor an Atmos setup or just offer powerful playback with nimble pacing, lively dynamics, and plentiful authority. A 1-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter mounted in a next-generation HDI [High-Definition Imaging] Horn ensures a shockingly wide but still accurate soundstage, while two 8-inch drivers and rear-firing ports extend crowd-pleasing, hard-hitting bass down to 33Hz. And if you decide to add more Stage 2 components later, you can be sure they will be voice-matched for maximum clarity and minimum guesswork. If you want to start with spacious stereo and work your way to a more enveloping experience, the Stage 2 series offers far more than a soundbar can deliver (just remember to buy two). Of course, you still need optimized amplification, so JBL has also released complementary Modern Audio Receivers—including the , , and , depending on the channels and features you need (and all on sale). $899 (Was $1,699) $1,498 (Was $1,998) $248 (Was $398) $719 (Was $899) $648 (Was $849) $998 (Was $1,399) $1,998 (Was $2,499) – Pair $899 (Was $999) – Pair $399 (Was $969) – Pair $1,199 (Was $1,499) – Pair $84 (Was $119) – Pair $99 (Was $149) – Pair $125 (Was $179) – Pair $259 (Was $399) – Pair $269 (Was $369) – Pair $199 (Was $249) $234 (Was $599) $375 (Was $499) – Pair $349 (Was $599) – Pair $999 (Was $1,499) – Each $375 (Was $499) – Pair $299 (Was $399) – Each $299 (Was $599) – Each $455 (Was $649) – Each $595 (Was $849) – Each $769 (Was $1,099) – Pair $279 (Was $399) – Each $369 (Was $529) – Each $1,040 (Was $1,299) – Each $1,849 (Was $2,299) $178 (Was $249) $212 (Was $249) $199 (Was $229) $299 (Was $349) $239 (Was $299) $149 (Was $199) $419 (Was $549) $499 (Was $799) $248 (Was $349) $598 (Was $899) All models 20% off

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COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson was carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a neck injury late in the first half of Saturday's game at No. 24 Missouri. Jackson appeared to injure his neck while trying to tackle Missouri running back Jamal Roberts. Medical personnel tended to Jackson for approximately 10 minutes before he was placed on a backboard and driven to a waiting ambulance. Jackson gave a thumbs-up sign as he was carted off the snow-covered field. Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said Jackson had movement in his arms and legs but was experiencing pain in his neck. He said Jackson was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Jackson leads the Razorbacks with 9 1/2 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks, and is considered a potential first-round pick in next year's NFL draft. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Tundra Buggy. It’s a fun thing to say and even more fun to ride on. Picture your childhood school bus painted white, thrown into the air on top of six-foot-high wheels, tripled in width and with windows — that are basically the same as regular school bus windows. There’s still a driver who will ask you to behave and sit down when you’re supposed to. But if all goes well they will take you right up to some Polar Bears. This vehicle is where you’ll be spending most of your quality time on a Polar Bears Conservation Journey with Frontiers North Adventures , and it’s one of the richest travel experiences you’ll ever have. The trip begins with a charter flight from Winnipeg, Canada all the way up north to Churchill , just shy of the Arctic Circle. The town is billed as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ and the bears pass through this area every fall as they wait for ice to form over Hudson Bay. Polar bears are very curious creatures but they do not feel threatened by the vehicle or the people on it. Some will walk right up and stretch up to the bottom of your window — being ten feet above the ground puts you safely out of their reach. Others will walk by and completely ignore you. A few will be shy and avoid the buggy altogether. Strict rules are in place: no calling to the bears, making noise or doing anything to get their attention. And especially: nothing to do with food . Violating any of these guidelines cancels your buggy ride for the day – and will earn the wrath of your travel mates. The unique experience of seeing Polar Bears in the wild creates a camaraderie among the group. Many have booked the expedition years in advance. While every passenger has their own window, people are very accommodating about sliding over and making room if the action is taking place on the other side of the bus. The sounds of slamming windows down to take photos and then slamming them back up to keep the Tundra Buggy warm is a constant rhythm on the trip. Before heading out to the tundra you’ll spend your first day and evening in Churchill, visiting the local museum , a Polar Bear experience center and taking a dogsledding ride with Wapusk Adventures . Owner Dave Daley will also give a talk on the local Métis culture; people who share both European and Indigenous ancestry. Then you’re taken to the outskirts of town where you’ll walk up 12 steps to a landing and enter the Tundra Buggy. After that it’ll be a few days before you set foot on the ground again. And where else would you drive in a Tundra Buggy but to a Tundra Buggy Lodge. This will be your home for the experience — high up above the ground in a group of interconnected large train-style cars that are wheeled in and out every season. There are two sleeping cars for guests divided into berths of upper and lower bunk beds — out on the tundra this is five-star luxury. Rest assured the beds are comfortable and have privacy curtains and outlets. Each car also has full showers and bathrooms. There is a lounge car for socializing with games and wifi where most people gather before and after dinner. It’s also where lectures are given by wildlife experts and researchers from Polar Bear International . Frontiers North Adventures supports the work of the organization by giving them their own Tundra Buggy, facilities and donating a portion of the proceeds from their bookings. And if bunk beds are a necessary compromise for the experience, the dining car, known as Dan’s Diner, is true gourmet — and along with more familiar fare also specializes in local delicacies like bison lasagna, elk and arctic char. While most of your sightings will be from the Tundra Buggy don’t be surprised if there is a sudden rush to the windows during dinner because some Polar Bears have come by to explore the outside of the lodge. Or you might have dessert interrupted when someone yells out that the Northern Lights are visible. There is an observation deck above the lounge car just for occasions like this. The ‘Conservation Journey’ trip has you out for three full days on the Tundra Buggy. You’ll leave the lodge early in the morning after breakfast and will not return until late afternoon. A lunch of soup and sandwiches is served onboard. Similar to a safari trip, drivers from multiple vehicles connect with each other to see where Polar Bears have been sighted that day. Unlike safaris, however, the Tundra Buggies stick to a set of pre-worn tracks to help protect the environment. They also try their best not to track and follow the animals or get in the middle of their path. The drivers know the territory and aim to park the vehicle in the best position and then stay put. Using your phone you can get some amazing photos and video, but if there’s one trip where you want to up your photography skills and gear this is it. A zoom lens of at least 100-400mm is recommended, but if possible I’d go even longer. Members of your Frontiers North Adventures team are experienced photographers and they will do their best to help you get great shots with whatever you have with you. And while Polar Bears are the main attraction, there is plenty of other amazing wildlife to get in front of your lens. On my journey we saw Arctic Foxes, Willow Ptarmigans (birds that lose their red and brown colors for winter and become white) as well as an extremely rare sighting of an Arctic Wolf. Our driver said it was the first one he had seen in years. Watching Polar Bears in their natural habitat is an experience that will never leave you. Our group saw mothers and cubs taking naps together and going for walks. We spent quality time with one male Polar Bear who liked to bury himself in a snow bed and then poke his head out like a game of hide-and-seek. One bear fell through an ice hole and then struggled for fifteen minutes to get back out (he made it). And one time I was on the outdoor viewing deck in back while I was photographing an approaching bear. As he went under the platform I was racing to the other side to keep shooting and then realized — I could see him beneath me through the grated metal floor. I was only inches away from the world’s largest carnivore — right under my feet. Frontiers North Adventures is a family-run company that has been operating since 1987. Along with providing experiences of a lifetime for guests they are also dedicated to local conservation efforts. They are a Certified B Corporation , focussing on sustainability, as well as a financial supporter of Polar Bears International and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation . And their entire team, from the dining crew to the drivers to the guides, made sure this was a special experience for all the guests. A common question I’ve gotten: is it safe to be out among the Polar Bears? When you first enter the airport in Churchill you’ll see a ‘Welcome To Polar Bear Country’ sign along with the world’s only 911 hotline dedicated to one animal. Except it’s not ‘911’ — it’s a full 10-digit number with no cute mnemonic to memorize so it’s best to have it programmed beforehand if you need it. Most likely you won’t — but having a ‘Polar Bear Alert’ number in your phone contacts is a great conversation starter. There is always a chance of a Polar Bear straying into town — but the only one I saw was on the latte art of my morning coffee. The Frontiers North team is constantly with you in Churchill, and once you leave the town you are always safely above the Polar Bears in both the Tundra Buggy and Lodge. Remember, what makes this experience so amazing is its authenticity. Follow the common-sense rules of the area and you’ll protect yourself, the Polar Bears and the environment and have one of your most unique adventures ever. Experiences with Frontiers North Adventures are often booked a year or more in advance. Check here for 2025 and 2026 schedules .

Saints vs. Giants Same Game Parlay Picks – NFL Week 14A number of high-profile American business leaders are in China this week for the country's second annual international supply chain expo, including Apple's Tim Cook. "We're very committed to China, that's the reason I have been here three times," Cook said in a video interview with Chinese state media, adding that he expects the relationship to "only get better." Amid his trip, Trump said Tuesday Asia time that he would raise tariffs by an additional 10% on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S. American business leaders are in China this week for meetings with officials and a high-profile supply chain expo as trade threats from a second Donald Trump presidency mount. 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Among them is Apple CEO Tim Cook, who will be in attendance for the second annual ' China International Supply Chain Expo ,' which kicked off Tuesday. The trip marks his third visit to the country this year and his first time attending the expo, underscoring the importance of the market to Apple's sales and supply chains. "We're very committed to China, that's the reason I have been here three times," Cook said in a video interview with Chinese state media on Monday, adding that he expects the relationship to "only get better." Ahead of the expo, the CEO met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang alongside other top executives from global companies, the American Chamber of Commerce in China said in a social media post. CNBC has reached out to Apple representatives for comment. The meeting, focused on strengthening economic and trade collaboration, reportedly included representatives from American multinational technology company Corning ; Rio Tinto , the world's second-largest miner; and Chinese computer maker Lenovo . Organized by the China International Exhibition Center Group, the second CISCE expo will focus on key supply chains, such as advanced manufacturing, green and digital technology as well as supply chain services. Money Report CNBC Daily Open: Investors endorse Trump's Treasury secretary pick Europe markets head for lower open as global rally stutters; investors digest Trump tariff implications The expo comes two months ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who pledged during the campaign trail to increase tariffs on goods from China by between 60% and 100%. Trump said Tuesday Asia time that he would raise tariffs by an additional 10% on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S., according to a post on his social media platform Truth Social . Such tariffs pose high risks to international companies such as Apple, which rely on China as a major manufacturing base. In recent years, the company has been shifting more of its global supply chain away from China to countries like India as part of diversification efforts. Heightened trade tensions with the U.S. could complicate Beijing's efforts to attract more foreign direct investment and slow the economy's GDP growth . On Monday, at the meeting attended by top executives, China's premier issued a statement against decoupling and in support of upholding and strengthening global industrial and supply chains. Also on CNBC Trump vows to raise tariffs on all goods from China, Canada and Mexico China's central bank keeps medium-term loan rate unchanged amid yuan weakness Fund managers at Fidelity share how they’re playing China’s stimulus plans

As a former two-term Iowa State Senator (1979-1986) and school administrator (1995-2024), I am proud to report that we balanced our state and school district budget every year. I found this responsibility simple: We never spent more money than we collected in tax revenue. The last time Congress balanced the federal budget was in 2001. The two political parties in Congress have failed to balance the federal budget over the last 23 years. During the recent presidential campaign, both candidates proposed tax reductions. These proposals would only increase the national deficit. There are only three ways to balance the budget: • Reduce expenditures • Increase revenue • Combination of reduced expenditures and increased revenue The current US national debt of $34 trillion has many negative aspects: • US pays $2 billion a day in interest on its debt. • It will lead to higher interest rates. • It will slow economic growth and reduce business investment. • It will make it more expensive for businesses to borrow money • A high debt could leave fewer resources for military, diplomatic, and humanitarian operations. Each citizen would need to pay $102,000 to pay off the national debt. This is economic madness. It is time for the federal government to start paying down the national debt. If Congress is not willing to increase revenue, they need to reduce expenditures. Congress should only spend money they have first collected in revenue. It is time to hold each of our members of Congress accountable regardless of political party. Joseph E. Brown Sr., ClintonBullying Works: World's Largest Retailer Is Ditching Diversity Nonsense