Heisman Trophy finalist and two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter was named The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year while also being a first-team selection at wide receiver on Thursday. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is the league's top offensive player. Kenny Dillingham, the 34-year-old in his second season at Arizona State, was the unanimous choice as Big 12 coach of the year after leading his alma mater to a championship and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils (11-2) went into their league debut as the preseason pick to finish last among the 16 teams. At cornerback, Hunter had 31 tackles, tied for the Big 12 lead with 11 pass breakups and was tied for second with four interceptions. On offense, he leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns, and is second with 1,152 yards receiving. His 21 catches of at least 20 yards are the most nationally. He is also the AP's player of the year. Sanders is the Big 12 passing leader, completing 337 of 454 passes (74.2%) for 3,926 yards and a school-record 35 touchdowns with eight interceptions for the Buffaloes (10-2) Arizona State freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is 11-1 as a starter, is the league’s top newcomer. The Michigan State transfer has 2,663 yards passing with 24 touchdowns and only five picks in 304 attempts. LAS VEGAS — UNLV is reaching into the Southeastern Conference to keep momentum going for its 24th-ranked football team, hiring former Florida and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen on Thursday. He will be introduced in a news conference Friday morning. UNLV athletic director Erick Harper, in a news release, called Mullen "an innovator and nationally respected leader.” “The momentum of UNLV football continues to skyrocket with Coach Mullen coming aboard and is even more proof that our university is serious about success," Harper said. "Rebel Nation came alive while watching this program reach new heights the last two seasons and we are excited to keep it moving forward under the leadership of someone the caliber of Dan Mullen.” The 52-year-old Mullen replaces Barry Odom, who left for Purdue on Sunday after going 19-8 and helping the Rebels receive back-to-back bowl invitations for the first time in program history. UNLV will play California in the LA Bowl on Wednesday. Mullen, most recently an ESPN college football analyst, went 103-61 at Florida and Mississippi State. Rich Rodriguez is returning to West Virginia for a second stint as head coach at his alma mater. Athletic director Wren Baker announced the hiring on Thursday, 17 years after Rodriguez made a hasty exit for what became a disastrous three-year experiment at Michigan. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Baker said in a statement. “Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.” Rodriguez, who is the current coach at Jacksonville State, an architect of the spread offense and a polarizing figure in his home state, replaces Neal Brown, who was fired on Dec. 1 after going 37-35 in six seasons, including 6-6 this year. TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona star receiver Tetairoa McMillan declared for the NFL draft following three stellar seasons. McMillan announced his decision Thursday on Instagram. “Now, it’s time to take the next step. ... I’m officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft,” McMillan posted. “This is only the beginning.” McMillian is Arizona's all-time leader in receiving yards, finishing with 3,423 in three seasons, and is projected to be a first-round NFL draft pick. BRIEFLY FCS: The NCAA is taking its Football Championship Subdivision title game back to Tennessee. The FCS championship games at the end of the 2025 and 2026 seasons will be played in Nashville on the Vanderbilt campus. This season’s game will be played Jan. 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, which will host the game for a record 15th season in a row and was set for at least two more. OC: UCLA announced Tino Sunseri’s hiring as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Sunseri replaces Eric Bieniemy, who was fired on Dec. 5 after fielding one of the nation’s worst offenses this season. Sunseri spent one season as Indiana’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after following Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison.
Downing throws for 2 TDs, runs for another, Elon tops North Carolina A&T 31-21None
Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media. Anthony Albanese hailed the parliament's Thursday passage of landmark legislation requiring social media firms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts. The law, which will come into effect after 12 months, gives few details of how it will be enforced, including how sites like Facebook, Instagram and X will verify users' ages. Musk -- who has been named Donald Trump's government efficiency chief in the incoming US administration -- posted on X last month that the law "seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians". "We will talk to anyone," Albanese said when asked if he would discuss the legislation with Musk. "With regard to Elon Musk, he has an agenda. He's entitled to push that as the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter," Albanese told Australian public broadcaster ABC. When the interviewer mentioned that Musk was also Trump's "right-hand man", the prime minister replied: "We will engage, we will engage." Social media firms that fail to comply with the new law face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million) for "systemic breaches". Musk's platform in October lost a legal bid to avoid a US$417,000 fine levelled by Australia's online watchdog, which has accused X of failing to stamp out harmful posts. The government will decide over the next 12 months how to implement the ban, Albanese said, insisting, however, that it would not require people to provide identification. "The obligation will be on social media companies to do everything they can to make sure that those people under 16 don't have access to social media," the prime minister said. "We know that social media companies have more information about you and I than some of our friends do," he added. "We know that they are able to do that, and the obligation will be on them." Albanese said he was "determined" to implement the legislation. "I've met parents who have had to bury their children as a result of the impact that social media has had as a result of bullying, and we need to do something about it," he said. Several social media giants have promised to work with the government on implementing the law. But they have also criticised the legislation, saying it was "rushed", full of unanswered questions, and did not take into account the views of experts who opposed it. The UN children's charity UNICEF Australia warned this week that the law was no "silver bullet" against online harm and could push kids into "covert and unregulated" spaces online. djw/mp/cwlAustralia Bans Social Media for People Under 16. Could This Work Elsewhere — or Even There?
H2C Safety Pipe Welcomes Nick Gaines as Regulatory Affairs SpecialistApeiron launches as Web3 god game on app stores
The sprawling, windowless warehouses that hold rows of high-speed servers powering almost everything the world does on phones and computers are increasingly becoming fixtures of the American landscape, popping up in towns, cities and suburbs across the United States. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and urban and rural governments alike are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to move into more densely populated areas, abutting homes and schools, parks and recreation centers, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. In Northern Virginia, more than 300 data centers dot the rolling hills of the area’s westernmost counties and butt up against wooded bike trails winding through the suburbs. But one of the latest proposals in the area, Plaza 500, would see a 466,000-square-foot facility and adjacent electrical substation built a few hundred feet from townhomes, playgrounds and a community center. The pitch from Starwood Capital Group, the private investment firm founded by billionaire Barry Sternlicht, to Fairfax County officials promised jobs and a significant property tax boost. But data center critics say the incentives aren't enough to counteract the consequences of building the facilities so close to homes. Tyler Ray, a leader in the fight against the Virginia project, worries that more data centers in the area could compromise the already stressed power grid: Over 25% of all power produced in Virginia in 2023 went to data centers, a figure that could rise as high as 46% by 2030 if data center growth continues at its current pace. Some estimates also show a mid-sized data center commands the same water usage every day as 1,000 households, prompting concerns over the cost of water. Ray also frets over air quality, as the massive diesel generators that help power the data centers’ hardware send plumes of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Ray and his neighbors tried to stop the development, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in September said all newly proposed data centers must adhere to stricter zoning rules, but the Plaza 500 project was exempt. “I don’t know how a general resident, even someone who has been engaging intently on an issue, has any chance to go up against the data center industry,” Ray said the night the supervisors voted. For local governments, attracting data centers to their municipalities means a financial boon: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in 2024 that Virginia’s current data centers brought in $1 billion in tax revenue. For average-sized facilities, data centers offer a small number of direct jobs – often fewer than 100 positions. Google announced recently that its investment in nearby Loudoun County, which included two data centers, created around 150 direct jobs, a figure that data center opponents say isn’t worth the hassle. But data center advocates argue that the number of indirect jobs like construction, technology support and electrical work make the projects worthwhile. In that same announcement, Google said their investment spurred 2,730 indirect jobs. Kathy Smith, the vice chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, voted in favor of the Plaza 500 proposal because, in her estimation, data center growth is inevitable in the region, and Fairfax County should reap the benefits. “I have a responsibility to step back from what we do and look at the big picture,” Smith said. “Data centers are not going away.” On the other side of the country, in Morrow County, Oregon, Amazon Web Services has built at least five data centers surrounding the 4,200-person town of Boardman, nestled among vast stretches of farmland flecked with mint patches and wind turbines, next to the Columbia river. Last year, AWS paid roughly $34 million in property taxes and fees stipulated in the agreements after receiving a $66 million tax break. Those payments, in addition to $1.7 in charitable donations from the company in 2023, have been instrumental in updating infrastructure and bolstering services. These funds have gone toward a new ladder fire engine, a school resource officer and $5,000 grants for homebuyers so far totaling at least $2.8 million. “This road right here? Wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for AWS,” said Boardman Mayor Paul Keefer, riding in the passenger seat of Police Chief Rick Stokoe’s cruiser, pointing out the window at construction workers shifting dirt and laying pavement. AWS has cultivated relationships with local officials including Keefer and Stokoe, who have both been in positions to vote on whether to authorize tax breaks with the company. Some former county commissioners and residents worry that those relationships are too cozy. Kevin Miller, AWS’s vice president of global data centers, said in an interview with the Associated Press that “our interest is in being a model corporate citizen, to really be partners with those communities.” Skepticism of the deals started years ago, when three formerly elected officials allegedly helped approve data center deals while also owning a stake in a company that contracted with AWS to provide fiber optic cables for the data centers. In June, they each paid $2,000 to settle an ethics complaint. Those officials are no longer in office. But the latest data center deal struck between Morrow County officials and AWS, which gives the company an estimated $1 billion in tax breaks spread over the 15 years to build five new data centers, again raised eyebrows. Two former Morrow County Commissioners, Jim Doherty and Melissa Lindsay, pushed unsuccessfully in 2022 for AWS to pay more in taxes in new data center negotiations. “We didn’t want to blow it up. We didn’t want to run them off,” said Lindsay. “But there were better deals to be made.”
Tetairoa McMillan, one of the best wide receivers in Arizona history, will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on social media on Thursday. Projected as a top-10 draft pick, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan finished his illustrious career at Arizona with 3,423 receiving yards, breaking the mark set by Bobby Wade (3,351). In three seasons, the Hawaii native also posted the fourth-most catches (213) and third-most touchdowns (26) in school history. "Wildcat Nation, this journey has been everything I dreamed of and more," McMillan wrote on Instagram. "From the moment I committed to the University of Arizona, to every second spent wearing that Arizona jersey ... it's been an absolute honor. "The University of Arizona has provided me with the platform to grow and chase my dreams. ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the best fans in the country, I appreciate you for all of the love and support you have given me these last 3 years. I will always be a Wildcat." In 2024, McMillan totaled 84 grabs (ninth in Division I) for 1,319 yards (third in Division I) and eight touchdowns for the 4-8 Wildcats. He also ranked third in Division I with 109.9 receiving yards per game. McMillan is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. --Field Level MediaWhite House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaignAMES — Matt Campbell decided to leave the politicking to the Big 12’s more outspoken coaches. Saturday, Iowa State (10-2 overall, 7-2 Big 12) . The winner, along with the four other highest-ranked conference champions, gets an automatic spot in the College Football Playoff. The problem is only the top four conference champions receive a first-round bye. No. 11 Boise State (11-1 overall, 7-0 Mountain West) is ranked above both Big 12 contenders, meaning the Broncos could take the last bye and leave the Big 12 winner playing a first round game at No. 5 Notre Dame or No. 7 Georgia. “Man, we need like (Oklahoma State) coach (Mike) Gundy or someone to answer that question,” Campbell said. “I’m probably not qualified enough. Shoot, I told the kids right after the game on Saturday we were in the Big 12 Championship Game and ... our whole staff ruined it for me and told me we weren’t even in. So to answer that question is tough for me.” After the initial deflection to Gundy, perhaps college football’s most outspoken voice, Campbell did talk up the strength of the Big 12 without directly asserting the Big 12 champion should be ranked ahead of the Mountain West champion. “I just think week-to-week, top-to-bottom, this conference is what it stood for and that’s not to say any other conference is better or worse,” Campbell said. “I just know what this conference and the quality of football, the quality of coaching, the quality of players, man, if you don’t play ‘A’ football, you’re not going to win in this conference right now. There’s no easy out, I give the coaches in this conference a lot of credit, I give the players in this conference a lot of credit and I think there should be a lot of respect for what this conference has stood for especially in this season so great question an you got to call coach Gundy, I’d rather hear his comments better than mine.” Iowa State ranks No. 16 in the week 14 College Football Playoff Rankings. It is the second-to-last CFP rankings of the season. Members of the College Football Playoff selection committee moved Iowa State up two spots from last week as a reward for . Boise State (11-1 overall, 7-0 Mountain West) is ranked No. 10. Iowa State’s kept ISU’s postseason hopes alive. Several top national outlets are unanimous with their opinion Iowa State will go to the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28. Here are where some outlets see Iowa State (10-2 overall, 7-2 Big 12) playing in the postseason heading into a : Pop-Tarts Bowl. Iowa State will travel to Orlando, Florida, for the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Palm projects Clemson as ISU’s opponent. The Tigers are ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll and play SMU in the ACC Championship on Saturday. Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami will match up with Iowa State in Tampa. Miami is ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll after being in the CFP picture for much of the season. Pop-Tarts Bowl. Iowa State will match up with Clemson. This has been the popular pick the past two weeks. Pop-Tarts Bowl. sees ISU facing Clemson. If the Pop-Tarts bowl doesn’t sound exciting by now, here is a reminder there will be three edible mascots. Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami will be ISU’s opponent in Orlando. The Pop-Tarts Bowl brings a Big 12 team and ACC team together. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Maid’s employer says, “A grocery store staff shamed their helper by calling her fat multiple times”Kensington's town council has reversed its plans to help fund a set of pickleball courts, a week its mayor resigned over the issue, saying the small P.E.I. town couldn't afford them. On Nov. 25, council voted 3-2 to spend about $289,000 on a six-court pickleball facility, or possibly less if fundraising efforts came up with some cash. The Canada Games Legacy Fund would provide another $270,000. Rowan Caseley, who was in his 10th year as mayor, had been vocal in insisting the money could be better spent elsewhere, given the town already had four places for people to play pickleball. He saw his fellow councillors' action as a "vote of non-confidence" in his leadership and resigned that same night. Now, after a closed-door meeting Tuesday night, councillors have voted to reverse the original decision to fund the facility. Mayor of central P.E.I. town quits after his council backs a pricey pickleball project In a news release Wednesday, the town said that after the original vote, members of the local pickleball club said they would not be able to fundraise for, manage or maintain the facility. How a pitch for new pickleball courts led a longtime P.E.I. mayor to resign 8 days ago Duration 2:32 After many years in the Kensington mayor's chair, Rowan Caseley has quit. His sudden decision followed a lengthy and emotional debate around whether the town could afford a complex of new pickleball courts, in an era when requests for things Caseley calls "needs" have been rejected because the money just wasn't there. "This pickleball court is something that is a want," he said. "While they were excited at the prospect of a new pickleball facility in the community, the development of pickleball courts does not align with the current priorities of the local pickleball club," the release said. "It was the town's original understanding that the pickleball club was committed to fundraising towards the capital cost and the operations and maintenance of the facility, which formed an integral part of why the original direction to staff to proceed with the project was given." Given that Kensington has several other projects in the planning stages, the news release also said, the town did not have the staffing resources to take on another one. Those include "playground improvements, sidewalk replacements, expansions to the town's wastewater treatment and collection systems, and projects that improve operational efficiency." This issue has been divisive within our community. My hope is that we can now put this behind us and continue working together to build and strengthen our great community. — Acting Mayor Jeff Spencer Acting mayor Jeff Spencer was quoted in the news release as saying councillors would continue to seek other ways to enhance the town's recreational offerings. "This issue has been divisive within our community," he noted. "My hope is that we can now put this behind us and continue working together to build and strengthen our great community." Spencer also said: "We appreciate the input from the local pickleball club and their honesty about their current priorities and capabilities." Pickleball explained 11 years ago Duration 2:03 Pickleball aficianado Garth Matthews demonstrates the finer points of a racquet sport becoming popular in eastern P.E.I. Reached on Wednesday, Caseley said he was not pleased he had to take such a "drastic step," but has no regrets about his decision to resign. "I've got to look at there being some success, because that was the big problem that I had, was with the project moving forward and not having the resources to be able to do it," he said. "So if that cancelled the project, then I guess that's worth me resigning over." The town has until May 25 to hold a byelection for a new mayor.MCDONALD'S customers can't wait for a big change the fast food giant is about to make to its menu in just days. Those with a sweet tooth had been calling for the return of the drink which appeared for just one week at the end of summer. Advertisement 3 The chain has announced the return of its Grimace Shake 3 The drink is inspired by its mascot Grimace The Grimace Shake was originally introduced in the US in 2023 to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Grimace, one of McDonald's mascots. Despite being on sale for just a month, the drink quickly garnered a cult following and trended heavily on social media. It eventually made its way to the UK for one week from August 28 to September 3 this year, to celebrate the chain's 50th anniversary of its first store opening here. Now, the fan-favourite drink will return to all 1,450 McDonald's stores across the UK on December 11. Advertisement Read More on Fast Food LOVING IT McDonald’s fans go wild for new winter menu item that’s the ‘best ever’ HOT TOPIC US fast food chain reveals menu ahead of first UK restaurant opening in DAYS The blueberry-flavoured milkshake will be available for a limited time only, lasting either two weeks or until stocks run out. That means you've got to be quick if you want to get your hands on it - as stocks sold out fast last time. Fans have already jumped on social media to show their excitement for the relaunch. In a post on Facebook announcing the return of the drink, one user was excited by the news, calling it the "nicest shake" that they had ever had in their life. Advertisement Most read in Money CHOC FULL Shoppers rush to buy Cadbury selection boxes at major supermarket for just £1 CASH FLOODS Hardy shoppers defy Storm Darragh to queue for a new Poundland VAN GO Inside Glasgow's hidden cocktail bar with new art inspired immersive menu TOP SPOTS Unassuming Scots suburb named as one of the UK's poshest Another was fearful of stocks running out and said: "Hopefully there will be enough this time and not run out after a day." Other users on X wrote: "I can't wait to try it!" I tried McDonald's Christmas menu including a dessert based on a classic festive chocolate - it beats the original - Sun Another wrote: "OMG! Can't wait." A third said: "Everyone needs to go out and try it." Advertisement But not all reaction was positive, with some calling the drink "gross". Another said: "Tasted it once, won't be having it again." A medium Grimace shake will set you back £2.69 - or £2.99 if you want to upgrade to a large. This is compared to the usual cost for a regular medium McDonald's milkshake which is £1.99 or £2.19 for a large. Advertisement How to save at McDonald's You could end up being charged more for a McDonald's meal based solely on the McDonald's restaurant you choose. Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other. You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald's receipts. The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey. You'll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer. There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald’s app, so it’s worth signing up to get money off your meals. The MyMcDonald’s app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up. You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you’re a My McDonald’s app user. The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details - otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats. However bear in mind that prices can vary depending on which McDonald's store you are visiting. The Grimace Shake is the first time McDonald's has mixed things up with its flavours - which are typically just strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. Like a normal McDonald's milkshake it has a creamy and milky base, combined with brightly-coloured blueberry-flavoured syrup. Previously the chain has offered other exclusive drink flavours but with its frappe menu, such as the Biscoff Frappe which was briefly available earlier this year. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun FERRY WINDY Ferry stranded amid Storm Darragh as passengers stuck on ship for 12 hours HORROR BLAZE Huge fire erupts at Scots industrial estate as emergency crews race to scene To keep track of new menu items and their prices you can use the McDonald's app , which can also help you collect points and rewards. For example, there is a whole new 2024 winter menu to get stuck into, with the return of more fan-favourites as well as brand-new additions. 3 McDonald's announced the drink will be available in its UK restaurants from December 11 Credit: Getty{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-12-04T22:12:21+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-12-04T22:12:21+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-12-04T22:13:14+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22354/news/featured/featured-sonarwa-pledges-school-feeding-support-environmental-conservation-at-gs-rushubi", "headline": "FEATURED: SONARWA pledges school feeding support, environmental conservation at GS Rushubi", "description": "In an effort to bolster education and environmental conservation, SONARWA Life Assurance Company Ltd and SONARWA General Insurance Company Ltd, have...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22354/news/featured/featured-sonarwa-pledges-school-feeding-support-environmental-conservation-at-gs-rushubi" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/04/65608.jpeg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/04/65608.jpeg" }, "articleBody": "In an effort to bolster education and environmental conservation, SONARWA Life Assurance Company Ltd and SONARWA General Insurance Company Ltd, have pledged to sponsor school feeding for all the students at Groupe Scolaire Rushubi Catholique in Bugesera District during the 2024-2025 academic year. The pledge, announced during a ceremony on November 28, also included planting of over 2,000 trees within the school premises as part of the companies' environmental sustainability initiatives. The school feeding fund aligns with the Ministry of Education’s ‘Dusangire Lunch’ programme, which aims to ensure that students have access to meals during school hours. This initiative, according to Liberatha Mukantwari, the school’s Headmistress, will relieve financial pressure on parents and help create a conducive learning environment. “We appreciate this partnership. It will alleviate the worries of parents struggling to accommodate school feeding expenses, ensuring their children can focus on their education without distractions,” said Mukantwari. Rose Baguma, Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education, hailed SONARWA’s commitment to the programme, calling it a proof to the power of collaboration in addressing student welfare. “This programme not only supports parents and students but also encourages organizations and individuals to contribute to the well-being of young Rwandans. Such initiatives are critical for enhancing educational outcomes,” Baguma said. The dual focus on feeding and tree planting reflects SONARWA’s holistic approach to supporting the community. Among the over 2,000 tree species planted, there were avocado trees planted within the school compound, which Mukantwarinoted will supplement the students' diets with fresh fruit. The trees will also serve multiple purposes, including soil conservation, timber production, firewood supply, and protection against the strong winds that frequently affect the area. Charlotte Kamanzi, CEO of SONARWA General Insurance, emphasized the initiative’s dual benefits: “By involving students and community members in these activities, we aim to instill a sense of shared responsibility for environmental conservation while fostering unity and collaboration.” Dianah Mukundwa, CEO of SONARWA Life highlighted that these efforts underline SONARWA’s commitment to fostering a brighter future for Rwanda’s youth and environment, setting an example for corporate social responsibility in action. “Our commitment to safeguarding lives extends beyond the company’s financial performance—it includes supporting our communities and nurturing the environment and. By planting trees and sharing a meal with the students of Bugesera, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a sustainable, inclusive future for all.” - She said. The over 2,000 trees planted at GS Rushubi in Bugesera District are part of SONARWA’s broader goal to plant trees across the country. Bugesera Mayor, Richard Mutabazi, highlighted the importance of the initiative, particularly for a school vulnerable to wind damage due to its limited tree cover. “We are grateful for this support. However, planting trees is just the first step. Their growth and survival depend on the care provided by the school administration and students. We hope to return next year and see these trees thriving,” Mutabazi said. Beyond its environmental and educational initiatives, both SONARWA companies also provide affordable student insurance services to mitigate financial burdens caused by unforeseen events. For SONARWA General, these packages cover risks such as property damage, injuries, and death helping them impro. While for SONARWA Life their education endowment plan enables the parents to save for their children by paying monthly premiums that accumulate interest to cover the school fees when the time agreed upon is reached. In case of loss of life of the parent, SONARWA Life will start giving financial support to the family and pay for the child’s school fees when the time comes.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jesca Mutamba" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }
AMES — Matt Campbell decided to leave the politicking to the Big 12’s more outspoken coaches. Saturday, Iowa State (10-2 overall, 7-2 Big 12) . The winner, along with the four other highest-ranked conference champions, gets an automatic spot in the College Football Playoff. The problem is only the top four conference champions receive a first-round bye. No. 11 Boise State (11-1 overall, 7-0 Mountain West) is ranked above both Big 12 contenders, meaning the Broncos could take the last bye and leave the Big 12 winner playing a first round game at No. 5 Notre Dame or No. 7 Georgia. “Man, we need like (Oklahoma State) coach (Mike) Gundy or someone to answer that question,” Campbell said. “I’m probably not qualified enough. Shoot, I told the kids right after the game on Saturday we were in the Big 12 Championship Game and ... our whole staff ruined it for me and told me we weren’t even in. So to answer that question is tough for me.” After the initial deflection to Gundy, perhaps college football’s most outspoken voice, Campbell did talk up the strength of the Big 12 without directly asserting the Big 12 champion should be ranked ahead of the Mountain West champion. “I just think week-to-week, top-to-bottom, this conference is what it stood for and that’s not to say any other conference is better or worse,” Campbell said. “I just know what this conference and the quality of football, the quality of coaching, the quality of players, man, if you don’t play ‘A’ football, you’re not going to win in this conference right now. There’s no easy out, I give the coaches in this conference a lot of credit, I give the players in this conference a lot of credit and I think there should be a lot of respect for what this conference has stood for especially in this season so great question an you got to call coach Gundy, I’d rather hear his comments better than mine.” Iowa State ranks No. 16 in the week 14 College Football Playoff Rankings. It is the second-to-last CFP rankings of the season. Members of the College Football Playoff selection committee moved Iowa State up two spots from last week as a reward for . Boise State (11-1 overall, 7-0 Mountain West) is ranked No. 10. Iowa State’s kept ISU’s postseason hopes alive. Several top national outlets are unanimous with their opinion Iowa State will go to the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28. Here are where some outlets see Iowa State (10-2 overall, 7-2 Big 12) playing in the postseason heading into a : Pop-Tarts Bowl. Iowa State will travel to Orlando, Florida, for the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Palm projects Clemson as ISU’s opponent. The Tigers are ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll and play SMU in the ACC Championship on Saturday. Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami will match up with Iowa State in Tampa. Miami is ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll after being in the CFP picture for much of the season. Pop-Tarts Bowl. Iowa State will match up with Clemson. This has been the popular pick the past two weeks. Pop-Tarts Bowl. sees ISU facing Clemson. If the Pop-Tarts bowl doesn’t sound exciting by now, here is a reminder there will be three edible mascots. Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami will be ISU’s opponent in Orlando. The Pop-Tarts Bowl brings a Big 12 team and ACC team together. Get local news delivered to your inbox!White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign