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LOS ANGELES — Until he sustained a season-ending knee injury last week in the Western Conference final, Galaxy playmaker Riqui Puig was having a tremendous season. So I heard. I watched Puig play only twice this year, once in the Galaxy's season-opening 1-1 draw with Inter Miami and a second time in his team's Fourth of July defeat to LAFC at the Rose Bowl. Outside of short highlight clips on social media, I never saw the former Barcelona prospect, not even when he assisted on the goal that sent the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final. That wasn't a reflection of my interest. Some of my friends will make fun of me for publicly admitting this, but I like Major League Soccer. I covered the league in my first job out of college and have casually kept up with it since. I take my children to a couple of games a year. My 11-year-old son owns Galaxy and LAFC hats but no Dodgers or Lakers merchandise. When flipping through channels in the past, if presented with the choice of, say, college football or MLS, I usually watched MLS. But not this year. While the MLS Cup final between the Galaxy and New York Red Bulls will be shown on Fox and Fox Deportes, the majority of games are now exclusively behind a paywall, courtesy of the league's broadcasting deal with Apple. MLS Season Pass subscriptions were reasonably priced — $79 for the entire season for Apple TV+ subscribers, $99 for non-subscribers — but I was already paying for DirecTV Stream, Netflix, Amazon Prime, PlayStation Plus and who knows what else. MLS became a casualty in my household, as well as in many others, and the possibility of being out of sight and out of mind should be a concern for a league that is looking to expand its audience. Which isn't to say the league made a mistake. This was a gamble MLS had to take. Now in the second year of a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Apple, MLS did what Major League Baseball is talking about doing, which is to centralize its broadcasting rights and sell them to a digital platform. Regional sports networks have been decimated by cord cutting, making traditional economic models unsustainable. The move to Apple not only increased the league's broadcast revenues — previous deals with ESPN, Fox and Univision were worth a combined $90 million annually, according to multiple reports — but also introduced a measure of uniformity in the league. The quality of the broadcasts are better than they were under regional sports networks. Viewers know where to watch games and when, as every one of them is on Season Pass and most of them are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. local time either on Wednesday or Saturday. "That's been fueling our growth and driving our fan engagement," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Friday at his annual state of the league address. Apple and MLS declined to reveal the number of League Pass subscribers, but the league provided polling figures that indicated 94% of viewers offered positive or neutral reviews of League Pass. The average viewing time for a game is about 65 minutes for a 90-minute game, according to Garber. In other words, the League Pass is well-liked — by the people who have it. The challenge now is to increase that audience. The launch of League Pass last year coincided with the arrival of Lionel Messi, which presumably resulted in a wave of subscriptions. But the league can't count on the appearance of the next Messi; there is only one of him. MLS pointed to how its fans watch sports on streaming devices or recorded television than any other U.S. sports league, as well as how 71% of its fans are under the age of 45. The league also pointed to how it effectively drew more viewers to the Apple broadcast of Inter Miami's postseason opener with a livestream of a "Messi Cam' on TikTok, indicating further collaborations with wide-reaching entities could be in its future. Garber mentioned how Season Pass is available in other countries. The commissioner also made note of how Apple places games every week in front of its paywall. "What we have, really, is a communication problem," Garber said. "This is new, and we've got to work with Apple, we've got to work with our clubs and we've got to work with our partners to get more exposure to what we think is a great product." The greatest benefit to the league could be Apple's vested interest in improving the on-field product. MLS insiders said Apple has not only encouraged teams to sign more high-profile players but also pushed the league to switch to a fall-to-spring calendar more commonplace in other parts of the world, reasoning that doing so would simplify the process of buying and selling players. The on-field product is what matters. The on-field product is why MLS continues to face competition for viewers from overseas leagues. The on-field product is why the league hasn't succeeded in converting every soccer fan into a MLS fan. And ultimately, if casual viewers such as myself are to pay to watch the Galaxy or LAFC on a screen of some kind, the on-field product will be why. Get local news delivered to your inbox!LA Galaxy strike early, hold off New York Red Bulls 2-1 to win their record 6th MLS Cup championship

Thursday, December 26, 2024 In a significant push to enhance domestic tourism, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) has launched 1,737 tourist trains in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 17.6 percent increase from the previous year. This initiative highlights China’s growing focus on rail-based tourism, which offers travelers a unique way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders. The tourist train sector in China continues to expand with an array of offerings that cater to various interests, from themed train experiences to special tours designed for senior citizens. One of the standout features in 2024 is the panda-themed tourist train launched by China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd., which celebrates the national symbol of China. Since its introduction over three years ago, the panda train project has attracted considerable attention, with three dedicated trains currently running across multiple routes. These trains are designed to provide passengers with a whimsical experience, featuring panda-themed decor, throw pillows with panda patterns, and even panda-shaped pastries. They are particularly popular with tourists visiting regions known for their connections to pandas, such as Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The panda-themed trains provide a comfortable and unique way to explore China’s cultural heritage, with each journey taking travelers to scenic locations across 31 provincial-level regions, including the picturesque Sichuan Province and the remote Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In particular, the Chengdu-based panda train features advanced sound isolation technology and well-appointed accommodations, such as standard double rooms and family suites, each with private bathrooms, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey for all passengers. China Railway has also been responsive to the needs of various types of travelers. For instance, some tourist trains offer tailor-made services that cater specifically to elderly passengers. An example of this is the Y201 tourist train, which arrived in Beijing in August 2024 after traveling through Xinjiang. This train was designed with the comfort of senior travelers in mind, offering specially prepared meals that are suitable for elderly passengers, including traditional Xinjiang cuisine. Fan Mengwei, an economist with China Railway Travel Service Group Co., Ltd., referred to this as a “tourist train for the silver-haired group,” underscoring the country’s commitment to making travel accessible and enjoyable for all age groups. The rise of cross-border tourist trains also signals China’s broader ambitions to enhance international tourism. A notable example is the tourist train connecting China to Laos, which passes through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang before reaching Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This cross-border train tour offers a 6-night, 7-day package, allowing travelers to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of both countries. In addition to the panda trains and cross-border options, China has introduced a range of other scenic tourist trains that offer travelers a chance to enjoy the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. For example, in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, the Lindu tourist train – named after the “forest capital” – operates annually, allowing passengers to experience the stunning vistas of the Lesser Hinggan Mountains. The train travels over 5,000 kilometers, stopping at key destinations such as Fuyuan, Mohe, Yichun, and Hulun Buir. Each journey lasts nine nights and ten days, providing an in-depth exploration of this beautiful, remote region. Similarly, in northwest China, the China Railway Xi’an Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has launched seasonal tourist trains around the Qinling Mountains, one of China’s most iconic natural landmarks. These tours allow visitors to explore several famous scenic spots scattered across the mountain range, offering a unique chance to see them all in one trip. On December 6, the Y666/7/6 tourist train carried more than 100 tourists on a tour of the Qinling Mountains, making stops at various scenic locations and filling the gap in conventional travel, where it’s often difficult to visit multiple spots in a single visit. China Railway has continued to innovate by designing tourist trains that align with seasonal tourism trends. For example, in Shaanxi Province, tourist trains are offered during the winter months, catering to the increasing number of travelers seeking winter tourism experiences. The Qinling Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks, are particularly popular during this season, and the new seasonal trains have helped boost winter tourism in the area. The trains also cater to the diverse cultural tastes of China’s population, providing unique services that align with regional specialties. For instance, the specially curated meals on the Xinjiang tourist train not only offer travelers a taste of local cuisine but also deepen their understanding of the region’s rich cultural history. As the year progresses, China continues to see significant growth in its rail tourism sector. The 1,737 tourist trains launched in 2024 are only a part of China Railway’s long-term vision to expand domestic and international rail tourism. With growing demand from both local and international tourists, the country is investing in modernizing its rail infrastructure, making long-distance travel more comfortable and accessible. In particular, China’s investment in cross-border rail services represents an exciting development, with more international connections in the pipeline. These initiatives are designed to encourage tourism between neighboring countries and further integrate the region’s travel networks. The surge in tourist trains launched by China Railway in 2024 signifies a new era for tourism in the country. With themed trains like the panda train and services tailored to senior citizens, China is positioning itself as a leader in the global tourism market. The expansion of scenic and cross-border rail journeys highlights China’s commitment to promoting both domestic and international tourism, offering a wide range of experiences to suit all types of travelers. As China continues to build its reputation as a premier tourist destination, these innovative rail tourism projects will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel in the region. Conclusion China’s tourism sector continues to thrive with its innovative rail tourism offerings in 2024. The launch of over 1,700 tourist trains, including themed and cross-border services, showcases the country’s resilience and commitment to enhancing travel experiences. These new initiatives highlight China’s increasing focus on sustainable and culturally rich tourism, offering a unique way for travelers to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the country.By Michele Brosius The holiday season sparks lively discussions about traditions and preferences – from pumpkin spice to candy corn and the timing of Christmas decorations. Once the tree is up and the halls are decked, the question becomes how long holiday decorations should stay – is there a perfect timeline, or is it all about personal choice and sentimental value? For some, clearing the decorations right after New Year’s symbolizes a fresh start. Others follow tradition and keep the festive spirit alive until the Twelfth Night on Jan. 5. Then, some stretch the season further – leaving lights aglow months after the holiday ends – prompting the age-old question: When to take down Christmas decorations? Once central to winter solstice celebrations, evergreen trees symbolized life during the darkest days. By the 16th century, candles were added to represent Christ’s light, and the tradition spread through Europe and America, evolving with tinsel, glass ornaments and electric lights. Today, Christmas decor reflects diverse styles, from traditional red and green to minimalist or trendy themes like pink Christmas. Whether rustic, glamorous or nature inspired, modern decorations allow for a personalized festive atmosphere. In some families, tradition dictates that all decorations come down on Epiphany, Jan. 6, marking the Twelfth Night when the Wise Men visited baby Jesus. Others prefer not to wait that long, taking down the tree the morning after Christmas and cleaning the house in time for New Year’s Eve festivities. You might be one of those people who would appreciate a year-round tree if you love Christmas, the holiday candies that come with it and the warm and cozy feeling of having a glowing tree in the corner of your room. The internet is full of year-round Christmas tree decor ideas like a sparkly heart-themed Valentine’s Day tree or a pretty pastel tree to welcome spring. According to a 2023 poll on Bob Vila , 16% of respondents said they take their Christmas decor down immediately following the holiday. Just over 60% of respondents said they typically leave decorations up until the conclusion of Epiphany – and the remainder – 21% of poll participants – indicated that they enjoy keeping their decorations in place at least until the end of January. For many, deciding when to take holiday decor down results from several factors. These include whether or not they need to get their closets or garage storage space back in order, the types of decor and if it’s fragile or a family heirloom that requires greater care. The availability of community recycling and environmental waste disposal can also be a factor for those opting for a real tree over an artificial one. The National Fire Protection Association reports that most Christmas tree fires occur in January, often due to dried-out trees that pose a heightened fire risk. Safety is key if you plan to keep your real tree up for an extended period. Proper care and precautions can help ensure Christmas tree safety throughout the holiday season. Water your tree daily to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Position the tree away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, which can accelerate drying and increase risk. Check that all lights are in good condition, avoid any frayed cords or broken bulbs and always turn off the lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Another important consideration is the higher energy bills in keeping Christmas tree lights and outdoor holiday lighting running throughout the day. While there are energy-efficient LED lights on the market, given the additional expenses acquired during the holiday season, keeping electricity bills down during this time can be a priority for some. When you finally put your decorations away, making them last will require proper care and storage. Wrap fragile decorations individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and store them in sturdy, divided containers to prevent breakage. Wrap string lights around cardboard or a spool to avoid tangling, and check for any damaged bulbs before storage. Artificial trees should be disassembled and stored in their original box or a tree bag to protect against dust and moisture. Keep all decorations in a cool, dry space, away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Proper storage ensures your decorations stay in great condition for many holiday seasons to come. Deciding when to take down Christmas decorations is a personal choice shaped by tradition, practicality and lifestyle. Whether you follow a historical timeline like Epiphany, embrace a New Year’s refresh or extend the festive spirit, the key is finding what suits your home and schedule. Your lifestyle and preferences will dictate the best answer to how long Christmas decorations should stay up, and when it comes down to it, if someone isn’t contributing to the household or paying your energy bill, then their opinion on the topic shouldn’t matter. Do what makes you and your family happy and let the grinches of the world scowl from afar. Michele Brosius is the creator of Midlife Healthy Living where she expertly combines her love for cooking with budget-conscious nutrition strategies. Through her blog, she encourages women to embrace a healthier lifestyle with simple recipes and wellness tips.As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens Canada with major tariffs, sounding alarms over the number of people and drugs illegally crossing into America, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and some premiers say they agree that more could be done. Trump is threatening to implement the 25 per cent tariff on day one of his presidency, until both Canada and Mexico address the "long simmering problem" of drugs and illegal immigrants crossing into the United States. "We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!" Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social Monday night. Trump also wrote: "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" In a press conference in response on Tuesday, Poilievre called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to "put partisanship aside" and "fully reverse his liberalization of drugs" to prevent more overdoses. "I don't want to stop drug overdoses to please Donald Trump, I want to stop drug overdoses so that there's not one more mother with her face buried in a pillow sobbing that she just lost her kid after 47,000 other Canadians have died," Poilievre said. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also responded to Trump's tariff threat, telling reporters on Tuesday that "Canada is no Mexico," and adding that he "found his comments unfair." "One ounce of any illegal drug is one ounce too many going back and forth across the border," Ford said, before pointing the finger at the issue of drugs being moved from Mexico and through the United States before being brought into Canada. "The threat is serious," he said. "We need to do better on our borders." Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in an interview on CTV News Channel's Power Play that Canada needs to work on addressing several of Trump's concerns, from the border, to worries China is using Mexico as a backdoor into North American free trade, to defence spending. "But I would say that the best thing that we could do would be to start hiring a border patrol so that we can guarantee that we aren't having a free flow of drugs and illegal migrants across the border," Smith told host Vassy Kapelos. "We've got to address the issues that have been identified as pressure points and alleviate them," she added. "We have a common interest in trying to get a handle on our border issues, and a common interest in trying to get a handle on the organized crime that is bringing fentanyl onto our streets," Smith said. Responding to Trump's threat, and the deluge of reaction, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters Tuesday that work is done "daily," between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement, to address illegal border activity. "Intelligence information is shared between both countries, including in the fight against fentanyl and the toxic drug crisis that is affecting Canadians and Canadian families as it is the United States," LeBlanc said. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said that the Canadian government knew the border was going to be a top issue with the incoming administration and they've been working behind the scenes to prepare. Trudeau told reporters on his way into Tuesday's cabinet meeting that he spoke with Trump Monday night but didn't specify what the two discussed beyond "some of the challenges that we can work on together." A senior government source told CTV News, meanwhile, that the two discussed the fentanyl problem in both countries during their first phone call after election day, earlier this month. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer canine unit searches vehicles at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, N.Y., May 23, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston What does the data say? Statistics from America's own border agency, however, show it's seizing only a fraction of the illegal drugs at the Canadian border compared to Mexico's. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency has seized 43 lbs of fentanyl at the Canada-U.S. border in the last year, excluding October, compared to 21,148 lbs at its southern border with Mexico in the same time period. In 2023 and 2022, CBP states it seized two lbs and 14 lbs of fentanyl, respectively, at the Canadian border. At the border with Mexico, the agency seized more than 26,700 lbs of fentanyl, and more than 14,100 lbs, in 2023 and 2022, respectively. And, data obtained by the Washington, D.C.-based public policy research Cato Institute — citing information obtained through a freedom of information request — states 80 per cent of the individuals caught with fentanyl during border crossings at ports of entry from 2019 to 2024 were U.S. citizens. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has publicly available data for the amount of illegal goods seized at the border, but does not break down the country of origin for those illegal goods. The statistics related to illegal drug seizures at the U.S. border with Canada compared to Mexico's is in line with those related to encounters between CBP and individuals illegally attempting to cross the border. According to CBP, in the last year, but excluding October, there were 23,721 encounters at the Canada-U.S. border. At the U.S. southern border with Mexico, there were more than 1.5 million. LeBlanc said Tuesday the Canadian government is working with law enforcement to provide additional resources, whether they're required to staunch the flow of illegal drugs, human crossings, or both. "In recent days, I've worked with the RCMP and Border Services about continuing to support them in terms of acquiring new technologies, drones, helicopters, additional human resources necessary in the case of surge requirements," LeBlanc said Tuesday. "All of this work is being done and has been done for many months." He also said he doesn't think it's "about thickening or thinning the border," but rather working with American officials to "have an efficient, effective border that's secure for both countries." "And it's not an either-or choice," he said. With files from CTV News' Colton Praill, Rachel Aiello, Mike Le Couteur and Brennan MacDonald