-2025-12-06(eng)

George Hood set the record for the longest plank, over 8 hours. The US men's soccer team faces tough competition in the 2026 World Cup. Trump suggests tariffs over income tax, but experts doubt its feasibility. Death Valley saw record rain, transforming the landscape. $1 permits for Christmas trees and firewood aim to save families money. Choosing between a Roth IRA and a 401k for retirement savings depends on individual circumstances. It's Saturday, December 6th. Here's a sensational fact for your Saturday. The longest time spent in a plank position is over 8 hours, achieved by George Hood in 2020. Let's launch some of today's headlines. The US men's soccer team has drawn Paraguay, Australia, and a soon-to-be decided European playoff winner for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, offers a unique home-field advantage. With coach Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the US is optimistic about advancing past the group stage. Yet tougher challenges await in potential knockout matches, including powerhouses like Belgium, Spain and France. Fans and players alike are eager to make this a landmark World Cup for the nation. Donald Trump says tariffs could replace income taxes, but experts disagree. Income taxes bring in $2.7 trillion annually, while tariffs collected $195 billion last year. Economists call it mathematically impossible for tariffs to match income tax revenue. They also warn tariffs are regressive, hitting lower-income Americans harder. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of Trump's tariffs. Experts stress the numbers don't add up, and replacing income taxes with tariffs could shift more burden onto working families. Death Valley, North America's driest spot, saw its rainiest November in 115 years. A new programme of Death Valley, North America's driest spot, saw its rainiest November in 115 years, with 1.76 inches of rain. This rare weather reformed Lake Manly, a shallow, short-lived lake in Badwater Basin. Normally a dry salt flat, it transformed due to storms that brought more rain than the area's annual average. Roads in the park remain closed due to debris, though popular sites are accessible. Across Southern California, cities like Los Angeles and Santa Barbara also broke records. While the lake is temporary, it offers a glimpse into the region's ancient, wetter past. A new programme is slashing costs for Christmas tree and firewood permits to just $1. The $1 One Tree initiative, launched by the Department of the Interior, is projected to save families nearly $10 million this holiday season. Families can cut up to three trees and 10 cords of firewood from federal lands, offering financial relief and supporting forest health. This effort also aids wildfire prevention by thinning overstocked woodlands. Most Americans live within two hours of federal forests, making this a practical and meaningful way to save and connect with nature. Dividing between a Roth IRA and a 401k for retirement savings depends on your goals and circumstances. Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals and broader investment choices but have lower savings caps and income limits. 401ks allow higher contributions and possible employer matches but come with limited investment options. Combining both can be a smart move. Use your 401k for employer matches and higher contributions, then add a Roth IRA for tax-free growth. Evaluate your income, tax strategy and employment benefits to choose the right mix for your future. That's it for now. Thanks for tuning in. For more information on the stories covered today, just ask. Thanks for tuning in. Transcribed by https://otter.ai Transcribed by https://otter.ai