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Lifestyle Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. In this article: How the at-home self swabs work Why early detection is so important with cervical cancer The groups and communities most at-risk If you’re a woman or person with a cervix aged 25 or over, you’ve probably already experienced a cervical cancer screening at your local GP. Here’s why the new HPV self-collect test could save countless lives across Australia. With Australia set to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, a new government-led campaign involving four of Australia’s leading health organisations aims to tackle the concerningly low screening rates in certain groups and communities. According to government data, women and people with a cervix from First Nations, LGBTQ+ and multicultural communities and those with a disability are less likely to book in for the five-yearly life-saving screening test. Given the fact that regular screening remains the most effective way to detect and prevent the disease, experts are passionate about addressing this gap in certain communities . Highlighting Australia’s world-leading HPV self-collect test with the Own It campaign, the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC), the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), ACON and the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative have joined forces to eliminate potential barriers to screening in certain communities. Understanding the guidelines around screening for cervical cancer Over the last decade, the guidelines and recommendations around who should be screened for cervical cancer – and when – have evolved significantly in accordance with our improved technology and knowledge of the disease. As Professor Marion Saville , the Executive Director of the ACPCC, explains, experts are still clearing up confusion about the guidelines since the introduction of the current screening test in 2017 replaced the Pap smear. “There are also more screening options than ever before, such as the new self-swab test, which became widely available to all routine screening participants on July 1, 2022,” she says. “This option provides a more accessible and comfortable alternative for many women and people with a cervix, as it allows them to self-swab in privacy at their healthcare provider.” According to Saville, the current guidelines state women should begin screening at the age of 25 and continue every five years until they are between the ages of 70 to 74. “Confusion still remains about eligibility, with many believing that having the same partner for years, being no longer sexually active, being exclusively sexually active with same-sex partners, or having had the HPV vaccine means they don’t need to screen,” Saville says. “However, HPV can be transmitted through various forms of intimate contact and it can remain inactive and sometimes reactivate later on in life. While the vaccine provides strong protection, it doesn't cover all cancer-causing types.” There are also more screening options than ever before. Image: iStock The biggest barriers to regular screening According to Saville, there are several varying factors influencing the screening rates across communities, with the most significant one being a lack of awareness or misinformation about the current guidelines and recommendations, “This is why we have worked to encourage clinicians to bring up both cervical screening options to patients, to ensure they can make an informed choice about how they would like to screen.” While it may seem like an injustice that the rising cost of living is impacting your ability to splurge on avocados during the weekly shop, Saville says busier schedules and financial pressure are also causing many women to avoid their health concerns and regular screening appointments. “Busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or difficulty accessing a healthcare provider can make it challenging for women to prioritise screening. This is particularly true for those in rural and remote areas, where resources and services may be limited,” Saville explains. With cultural stigma and discomfort also impeding many women’s screening attendance, the introduction of the self-swab option provides a more convenient and private alternative, “But there’s still work to do in ensuring that all women and people with a cervix are aware of and feel confident using this option”, adds Saville. The at-home test is as simple as they come. Image: iStock How do self-swab screening tests work? If you’ve experienced a cervical screening test before, you’ll likely agree that, compared to other medical procedures, it’s generally fairly quick and painless. But when the test is traditionally performed by medical professionals in a clinical setting, it’s only natural to wonder if a self-performed at-home swab is truly a worthy alternative. “The self-collected samples are just as accurate as clinician-collected samples when it comes to detecting the types of HPV that can cause pre-cancer,” explains Saville. “This is because the test itself is highly sensitive and specifically designed to detect the virus, regardless of who collects the sample.” The at-home test is as simple as they come; “You twist open the soft swab, insert it 4-5cm centimetres into the vagina, gently rotate it for at least 10 seconds, and then pop it back into the container. From there, the sample is sent to the lab for testing.” It’s also important to note that the self-swab does not need to reach the cervix in order to detect cervical cancer cells. However, if you are experiencing unexplained symptoms such as bleeding from the vagina after sex, in between your periods or after menopause, it’s recommended you book an in-person screening test with a health professional. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to effective screening methods. Image: iStock Why is early detection so crucial for a disease like cervical cancer? Like any health condition, early detection of cervical cancer is key to preventing further emotional, physical and financial strain that comes with advanced treatment options. “Research shows that 72 per cent of cervical cancers are found in those who’ve never been screened or don’t screen regularly,” Saville explains. “The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to effective screening methods.” “Cervical cancer develops slowly, often starting as abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix caused by persistent HPV infection. By identifying these abnormalities early through regular screening, we can intervene before cancer develops.” More Coverage The Bayer class action decision shows women's pain is still not taken seriously Sarah Mitchell 'I photographed 500 vulvas – here's what I learnt' Ebony Leigh Originally published as What you need to know about self-swabs and cervical cancer screening More related stories Food Hotel Sorrento unveils sexy rooftop bar in time for Christmas A breezy new rooftop bar is checking into Melbourne’s summertime playground this week — boasting impressive bay views, an ocean of seafood platters and champagne. Read more Lifestyle This crispy salmon, lentil and walnut salad is summer in a bowl The perfect summer lunch Read moreLudhiana: Second phase of ‘ Buddha Dariya kar seva ’ has started under the leadership of Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal . Seechewal spoke to Ludhiana deputy commissioner, municipal corporation and Punjab Pollution Control Board officials over phone and asked them to strictly stop poisonous water falling into the river. He has also made it clear to the administrative officials that in the second phase of the ‘kar seva’, a front had been opened to stop dirty and poisonous water falling into the Buddha Dariya. It is worth noting that during the first phase of ‘Buddha Dariya kar seva’, which started on Feb 2, a large number of saplings were planted on its banks and roads were constructed to reach the river. On Sunday, Akhand Paath Sahib was started before the ‘kar seva’ of the Buddha Dariya at Gau Ghat Gurdwara. During this, Seechewal took stock of the dirty water falling into Buddha Dariya and also inspected the direct and indirect dirty and poisonous water of dairies and factories. He said by calling Buddha Dariya as Buddha Nullah, many are denying the existence of the river itself. He appealed to the environmentalists to come forward to restore the ancient form of the river. Seechewal has appealed to the people of Punjab that restoring the ancient heritage of Buddha Dariya was the moral duty and religion of every Punjabi. He added that the youth had immense power and they should come forward for this work. Seechewal said twice in 2008 and 2011, poisonous and dirty water of Kala Sanghian drain was stopped with the help of people as this poisonous water was becoming a cause of cancer. This water falls into Sutlej through Chitti Bei and then goes to Malwa and Rajasthan through Harike Patan where people are forced to drink this poisonous water without treatment. Seechewal also expressed happiness that recently people had come out on the streets for their rights against the poisonous and dirty water falling into the Buddha Dariya. He said he had always been saying that till the time people do not become aware, rivers and drains of Punjab could not be cleaned. We also published the following articles recently Not just Buddha Dariya, Sidhwan is polluted too Ludhiana's Sidhwan Canal pollution persists as a key election issue, impacting residents' health and leisure. Despite past cleanup efforts and temporary challaning, illegal dumping continues. Residents and candidates advocate for increased patrolling, CCTV surveillance, and community involvement to restore the canal and potentially utilize it for drinking water. Effluents in Buddha Dariya: NGT asks PPCB to explain The National Green Tribunal (NGT) questioned Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) over allowing Bahadur K Road Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to discharge effluents into Buddha Dariya, violating environmental clearance terms. Activist Jaskirat Singh highlighted authorities' misinterpretation of an order, permitting discharges. The NGT clarified its stance, emphasizing adherence to environmental norms. 12 kids fall ill due to food poisoning at anganwadi Suspected food poisoning struck an anganwadi in Kochi's Ponnurunni East, affecting at least 16 individuals, mostly children. After consuming food on Thursday, twelve children, three parents, and a helper experienced diarrhea and vomiting. Water samples have been collected for testing. While the incident occurred on Thursday, authorities were only alerted on Saturday. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
Driving home for Christmas (or to family) in an electric car? How to avoid charging queues and top-up for less Which services are best for rapid charging? How to avoid queues? A guide By FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL Updated: 11:29, 22 December 2024 e-mail View comments The car's packed, you've taken time off work and you're about to embark on the journey to see friends and family for the festive period; it's the trip that signals Christmas is underway. But while it's a journey that should have a very happy destination and merriment at the other end, it can be a taxing annual voyage because the roads are at their very busiest. And the Christmas road landscape is rapidly changing as electric vehicle uptake increases and more and more battery-powered cars join the roads. For thousands of new EV owners, this year will be the first pilgrimage home over the festive period driving an electric car. So, what do you need to know before embarking on a festive trip in your EV and what's the best way to go about charging? Here are our tips and tricks to make sure you have the smoothest journey possible, whether you're an electric car newbie or a long-time convert. What do you need to know before embarking on a festive trip in your EV? Here are our top tips Will there to be massive queues for charging stations at Christmas? During the festive period, the number of cars on the road surges exponentially: the RAC estimates there will be 29 million leisure trips taken over peak Christmas period. And with 2024 marking the year the one millionth electric car hit the road, that means more EVs than ever will be driving home for Christmas this year. Be.EV predicts that there will be 300,000 new EV drivers on the roads this Christmas - so plenty who haven't experienced the rigors of a holiday season schlep home. And this has caused chaos in previous years. No one needs a repeat of the 2022 festive EV charging drama, when EV drivers - in particular Tesla owners - were forced to wait in three-hour queues. Luckily, this hasn't repeated since, and is highly unlikely to happen again because the EV rapid charging network has grown dramatically in the last 24 months. The ultra-rapid charging situation in England has never been better To ease a bit of pre-Christmas charging anxiety, recent research shows that ultra-rapid charger provision has grown at a particularly high rate in 2024. There were 60 per cent more ultra-rapid chargers at the end of September 2024 than there were in December 2023. Half of motorway services in England have six or more ultra-rapid chargers – and 2,300 devices have been installed already this year. The 150kW+ chargers can deliver 100 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes. Each motorway services has an average of seven 50kW+ chargers, meaning there is a total of 818 at 114 sites. Looking only at ultra-rapid chargers, there's an average of five at every services in England (595 at 114 sites). Ultra-rapid chargers have grown at a particularly high rate, with more than 2,300 installed this year. There are 60% more ultra-rapid chargers at the end of September 2024 than there were in December 2023 RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Half of motorway services now have six or more ultra-rapid... Charge anxiety overtakes range as biggest barrier to EV... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to save money on car insurance: Ten top tips to cut the cost in just a few minutes Which are the worst times to rapid charge at service stations? Days and hours to avoid around Christmas Last year, charging provider Gridserve crunched the numbers to work out the busiest times at chargers. December 23 was highlighted as a possible pinch point as families look to beat the Christmas Eve rush. Chargers are then predicted to emptier across the Christmas bank holiday, with demand jumping again on 27 and 28 December, as people head home after spending a few days with loved ones. Across its motorway public charger network, Gridserve also pinpointed 1pm as the busiest time. It says 10am is quieter, by 19 per cent, while 5pm sees demand drop against the peak by 25 per cent. Pre-9am and post-6pm is even quieter, it says. Based on these timings, if possible, it's best to plan in a motorway rapid charge either early to mid-morning, or late afternoon to ensure you can access a device almost immediately – especially if you are planning to travel on the busiest days. Which motorways are predicted to be the worst? According to Be.EV, the M1, M5, M6 and M60 all expected to face severe traffic over the festive break. The M25 anticipated to be worse off as Londoners flee the city to visit friends and relatives. 200 additional 150kW+ ultra-rapid EV chargers have been installed at motorway services in England since the beginning of the year, research from Zapmap and the RAC shows Best service stations for ultra-rapid charger provision (and the ones to avoid) There are six well-located motorway services that have more than 12 150kW+ devices: Reading, M4 east and westbound; Cobham M25; Exeter M5; Gloucester M5 northbound; and Frankley M5 southbound. The two services with the most 150kW+ chargers are Frankley on the M5 southbound, which has 28 ultra-rapid chargers, and Reading on the M4 westbound with 25. And many locations also have additional Tesla chargers. Only four service stations do not have any charging provision over 50kW at present. These include: Leicester Forest East M1 north and southbound; Sedgemoor M5 northbound; and Telford M54. Ultra-rapid chargers near the busiest service stations (so you can avoid the service station charging queue) Be.EV has compiled a list of charging hubs within ten minutes of motorway junctions for EV drivers to combat potential queues. Those heading through Manchester this Christmas can use the 16 ultra-rapid charging bays at Sale Water Park, accessible by exiting at Junction six of the M60, and 15 ultra-rapid bays at Decathlon Stockport, next to Junction one of the M60. If you’re needing to do some last minute Christmas shopping, the 10-bays of White City Retail Park is ten minutes from Junction seven of the M60, and is home to the likes of Curry’s, PC World and an M&S Food Hall. All sites are equipped with ultra-rapid Kempower chargers that can add up to 165 miles of charge in a short 20-minute stop. Be.EV has compiled a list of charging hubs within ten minutes of motorway junctions for EV drivers to combat charging queues If drivers are looking to charge on their way through Birmingham, then they can venture ten minutes from the M6 to BP Pulse’s NEC East 40-bay ultra-rapid charging hub. Drivers taking the M6 all the way up to Carlisle can find eight ultra-rapid charging bays available to use at IMO Carlisle, which is minutes from Junction 44. Further south, along the M25, there are ultra-rapid charging bays in Cobham, Watford, Waltham Abbey, Chafford Hundred, Dunton Green and Redhill - all within a ten minute drive of their respective motorway exits. On the M1, Leicester has three ultra-rapid charging hubs within minutes of Junction 21, and for those driving as far North as Nottingham, there are two hubs a short drive from Junction 26. Just past Nottingham, the IMO Car Wash in Alfreton is host to eight ultra-rapid charging bays, whilst those travelling through Sheffield can head towards the Charging Hub at Parkway Central Retail Park with nine ultra-rapid charging bays. Here, drivers can grab a coffee at nearby Starbucks, or a bite to eat at Burger King or Greggs before heading back on the road. What is the correct EV charging etiquette? Rule one: Never jump the queue. Even when you've planned ahead there can be a line of people waiting, especially during peak time, so be patient and and polite - i.e. treat your charging neighbour as you'd want to be treated. This is especially the case as there's no real queuing system. Rule two: don't hog bays Once your EV is charged move it as soon as possible, or even better be there as it reaches full charge so you can take it off as soon as it's done. Check your app so you keep an eye on it and if you're leaving it for a while you can always leave a note. Charging speed slows after 80 per cent so if there's a big queue or someone waiting consider pushing on and topping up again if you need rather than going to 100 per cent. Tesla Supercharger Membership is now open to non-Tesla EV owners, who'll now be able to benefit from the same cheaper kWh charging rate as Tesla owner Read More Best public EV charging - these are the operators with the most reliable devices across Britain The Tesla Supercharger network is now open to non-Tesla EVs Two years ago, Tesla opened up 15 of its Supercharger network sites to non-Tesla drivers in the UK. This year, another 27 sites were added - meaning 477 Superchargers are now open to non-Tesla cars. And Tesla has also for the first time opened its Supercharger network membership up to non-Tesla EVs. Since 13 April, all electric vehicle (EV) owners (Tesla or non-Tesla) have been able to access lower rates with Supercharger Membership, a nd the monthly membership cost has been slashed from £10.99 to £8.99. Until this announcement non-Tesla EV drivers had to pay a higher kilowatt-hour price for charging than Tesla Supercharger members (£2 per month more expensive), but EVs with CCS charging could still top-up at these sites. Plan your charging stops and check live availability on charging apps These days it's not necessary to religiously plan your route with charging stops scheduled because the rapid and ultra-rapid charger network on motorways is so well stocked with devices. And because almost all new electric cars have satnavs that will plan your journey with charging stops en route, the work is done for you. However, at Christmas it's sensible to have a couple of alternative charging options earmarked just so you have a backup if you turn up and there's a rush. But crucially don't forget to use either your EV's onboard system to give you live updates or apps like Zapmap that show you in real time whether a charger is in use or not - that way you can see before you pull in and adjust accordingly. One or two trips with 100 per cent won’t be enough to hurt battery health but will give you that extra piece of mind Ignore the 80% charge limit and charge your battery to 100% It’s well drilled into EV drivers to only charge to 80 per cent usually to extend battery life, but on this occasion its worth ditching that rule and charging to 100 per cent. To get as much range as possible out of your car, and to avoid having to stop and charge during the busy period, then it’s worth it to charge all the way and have a full battery. One or two trips with 100 per cent won’t be enough to hurt battery health but will give you that extra piece of mind. Pre-condition your EV's cabin while it finishes charging to save range This is one of the easiest ways to save charge. Many electric cars have pre-conditioning modes which allow you to set the cabin temperature of your EV while it finishes charging and whack on the heated seats or steering wheel so it's as toasty as possible before you unplug and set off. You can also defrost the windows in this way. Share or comment on this article: Driving home for Christmas (or to family) in an electric car? How to avoid charging queues and top-up for less e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.Mysterious Drone-like Orb Sightings in Victor Valley Raise Concerns
These Holly Jolly Trivia Questions Are The Perfect Conversation Starter When There's A Lull In The Festivities At Your Next Holiday Gathering
What Snoop wants: Arizona Bowl gives NIL opportunities to players for Colorado State, Miami (Ohio)Another stowaway caught on Delta flight raises major concerns about airport safetyLONDON , NEW YORK , and SYDNEY , Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DAZN , a world-leading sports entertainment platform, has today announced an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group (' Foxtel ') from its majority shareholder News Corp and minority shareholder Telstra at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion , subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition establishes DAZN as a leader in sports entertainment in Australia – a highly attractive sports market – while also expanding DAZN's global footprint and enhancing the group's standing as the global home of sport. The addition of Foxtel to DAZN brings the Group's pro-forma revenues towards US$6 billion and provides the additional content, expertise, and expansion opportunities to accelerate DAZN's growth trajectory. Foxtel is one of Australia's leading media companies, with 4.7 million subscribers, who will benefit from DAZN's extensive portfolio of sports content, platform technology, and global reach. From its beginnings as Australia's original pay-TV innovator, Foxtel has evolved to become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment and the proposed transaction positions Foxtel for continued expansion as a digital-first, streaming-focused business. Foxtel will maintain its local character, led by the CEO, Patrick Delany , and his world-class management team. DAZN, a sports streaming platform with a truly global reach, is committed to growing the global audience for domestic Australian sports across the 200 territories in which it is available. Under the terms of the transaction, News Corp and Telstra will become minority shareholders in DAZN, enabling them to retain an interest in Foxtel. Shay Segev , Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. "We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel's television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia's most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women's and under-represented sports. "We're looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment." Siobhan McKenna , the Chairman of Foxtel , said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. "Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment." Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany , said: "Today's announcement is a natural evolution for the Foxtel Group, having reinvented the company over the past five years as Australia's most dynamic technology-led streaming company. "Kayo and Foxtel provide Australian sports fans with access to the best Australian and international sport and shows, including AFL, NRL and Cricket with 4.7 million subscribers. "We are excited by DAZN's commitment to the Australian market. They are experts in the sports media business and can play a significant role in supporting Foxtel as the business grows its streaming capabilities, bringing a bigger and better service to customers across entertainment, news and sport. They are a perfect match for us as we look toward this next era of growth. "We have been grateful for the support of News Corp while we reimagined the future of Foxtel. In 2019, when we merged Foxtel and Fox Sports we had many people questioning our future. "After launching Kayo later in 2019 and BINGE in 2020, today we are the largest Australian-based streamer of sport and entertainment, we have stabilised our Foxtel base and launched Hubbl to help consumers find all the streamed content they love all in one place. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of News Corp." NOTES TO EDITORS About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dazn-advances-global-expansion-with-acquisition-of-foxtel-a-leading-australian-sports-and-entertainment-media-group-302337994.html SOURCE DAZN
The Scottsbluff Robotics Club received a $12,722 grant from the Oregon Trail Community Foundation on Oct. 31 to help support the technological/equipment needs of the rapidly expanding program. The Oregon Trail Community Foundation grant will be used to update meeting spaces with whiteboards and TV monitors to promote collaboration among team members. Funds will also be used to purchase additional robot kits and parts to ensure every team has two robot kits to practice with and extra supplies needed to problem solve/create innovative solutions. Additional computers capable of handling the computational bandwidth necessary to run the First Tech software and coding programs will be purchased. This will allow more team members to gain coding and design experience. Four years ago, the Scottsbluff Robotics Club had only one team of eight youth. The program has continued to expand each year and now serves five teams of 42 youth across Scotts Bluff County and nine coaches. Maintaining the club’s technology with the program's growth has been a huge struggle. Each team needs computers, robot kits, research tools, innovation project supplies, and meeting space. Teams will also receive a cabinet to lock up their supplies and toolboxes to organize robot parts, creating a more organized workspace. Lastly, a display case to showcase the robotics club’s hard work from the last six years of competition will be placed in a foyer outside the county extension offices, allowing the public to view the accomplishments of their community’s youth. Scottsbluff teams begin meeting in September and meet each week for two hours until the state competition in March. The FLL challenge consists of four main sections: Robot Performance, Robot Design Presentation, Innovation Project, and Core Values. The State FLL competition in March will take place in Lincoln, Neb., and consist of around 100 teams from across the State of Nebraska. The top 2 to 3 teams get bids to compete at World Tournaments across the United States. In the last two years, the Scottsbluff Robotics Club has sent three teams to World Tournaments located in Arkansas and Florida, competing against teams from over 20 other countries. The First Tech Challenge is designed for high school students to continue their FLL career. It increases the difficulty as teams learn industry programming languages, build custom-designed parts in CAD, and use machine learning/AI to train autonomous robot missions. First Robotics releases a new challenge each year that teams work all year to complete. FTC also focuses on community outreach, with our local Scottsbluff FTC team serving as mentors and role models for our younger FLL teams. In their first year of competition, Scottsbluff’s FTC team won multiple awards at each regional tournament and earned a bid to compete in Colorado’s State Championships. The Scottsbluff Robotics program consists of four First Lego League (FLL) Teams (ages 9 to 14) and one First Tech Challenge (FTC) Team (ages 12 – 18). The FLL program centers around teaching youth about programming and engineering through the annual LEGO challenge. The Oregon Trail Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting projects that improve education, schools, wildlife preservation, historical landmarks, the arts, health care, and scientific research. The Foundation offers grants, scholarships, and other services to organizations and individuals through funds provided by donations, memberships, bequests, trusts and other financial vehicles. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
As Americans are beyond burned out, Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry preaches the right to rest