Prepare for an unforgettable outdoor adventure as Wheels on Rails, a historic rail bike tour, returns for its second year in Michigan. Founded by Grand Ledge High School graduate Macie Hefron, this unique experience has captured the hearts of adventure seekers across the state.

Hefron, the visionary behind Wheels on Rails, expressed her excitement about being the first to introduce rail biking to Michigan. “Being able to utilize one of the very few and only ones here in the state is truly special,” she said. “The fact that the railroad believed in me from the start is incredible. I have a great relationship with them, and this woman-owned business has been a huge advocate for my passions and dreams coming true.”

Last year, over 12,000 people flocked to enjoy the thrilling rail biking experience, cementing its success and popularity. Hefron’s pioneering spirit has not only brought joy to countless enthusiasts but also sparked curiosity from others seeking to replicate her achievement.

“I’ve received a lot of questions on where to open elsewhere and how people can launch similar ventures,” Hefron shared. “It’s a challenging task because finding unused and available tracks is incredibly difficult.”

While Hefron is eager to bring Wheels on Rails to mid-Michigan, she acknowledges the scarcity of suitable service tracks in the area. However, she remains hopeful, as more tracks become unused, creating potential opportunities for expansion.

“I do see Wheels on Rails eventually coming to the Lansing area,” Hefron said. “For now, we had to establish it first and demonstrate that the liability concerns were manageable. As we grow, I hope to expand in the future.”

The 2024 season promises even more excitement, with the track opening on May 24th and running through early September. If you’re ready to embark on this unforgettable rail biking adventure, you can purchase tickets at Wheels on Rails official site

TikTok, the wildly popular social media app, is facing another potential ban in the United States. This week, lawmakers anticipate voting on a bill in the House of Representatives that would require TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell or spin off the app. If ByteDance refuses, the bill would essentially ban TikTok from operating in the U.S.

Lawmakers, mainly Republicans, are propelling the proposed legislation due to concerns about potential national security risks stemming from TikTok’s Chinese ownership. They assert that the app could enable the Chinese government to influence public opinion or spy by accessing user data.

However, the bill’s sponsors maintain that their goal is not to “ban” TikTok but to remove it from foreign control. As Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), one of the bill’s authors, stated, “America’s foremost adversary has no business controlling a dominant media platform in the United States.”

Opponents of the measure, including some Senate Democrats and civil liberties groups, argue that banning TikTok would violate the freedom of expression of its users. They prefer alternative proposals that would give federal authorities more power to counter foreign-controlled apps without singling out TikTok specifically.

If the bill becomes law, ByteDance would have 180 days to divest TikTok, potentially by selling it to a U.S.-based company. If ByteDance refuses, the U.S. government would prohibit app stores and web hosting services from providing TikTok to the public, effectively banning the app.

TikTok has launched a campaign urging users to “speak up” against the bill, claiming it would “damage millions of businesses, deny artists an audience, and destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country.”

Get ready for a star-studded evening as the 96th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2024, takes center stage on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel returns to host the show for the fourth time, tying him with Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on ABC.com, ABC’s app, and Hulu.

Leading the nominations is Christopher Nolan’s biopic Oppenheimer with an impressive 13 nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Close behind are Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things with 11 nominations and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon with 10.

Despite missing out on nominations for Best Director and Best Actress, the summer blockbuster Barbie still managed to secure eight nominations, including Best Song for “I’m Just Ken.”

A dazzling array of presenters will grace the stage, including Mahershala Ali, Bad Bunny, Nicolas Cage, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser, Chris Hemsworth, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Keaton, Regina King, Jessica Lange, Jennifer Lawrence, Matthew McConaughey, Kate McKinnon, Rita Moreno, John Mulaney, Lupita Nyong’o, Catherine O’Hara, Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ke Huy Quan, Sam Rockwell, Octavia Spencer, Michelle Yeoh, Ramy Youssef, and Zendaya.

The evening will also feature captivating musical performances:

• Becky G: “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot
• Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson: “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie
• Jon Batiste: “It Never Went Away” from American Symphony
• Scott George and the Osage Singers: “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon
• Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell: “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie

While the upcoming presidential election might be a topic for host Jimmy Kimmel, he doesn’t plan to strike a very political tone, stating that it’s not the primary focus of the Oscars.

When and Where to Watch

Final Words

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as the biggest names in Hollywood gather to honor the best in film. Tune in to the Oscars 2024 on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC or stream it live on ABC.com, ABC’s app, and Hulu.

In a stunning move, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed ace pitcher Zack Wheeler to a record-breaking three-year, $126 million contract extension. This deal, which will commence in 2025, solidifies Wheeler’s place as one of the most valuable players in the organization and sets a new standard for pitcher contracts in Major League Baseball.

The Journey to Greatness

When the Phillies initially signed Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million deal in December 2019, the team welcomed him alongside fellow free agent Didi Gregorius in a joint press conference. At the time, the organization was optimistic about the future, with a young core of players and the recent additions of Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto.

Dominance on the Mound

Since his debut with the Phillies in 2020, Wheeler has been nothing short of exceptional. He ranks among the top pitchers in the league in various statistical categories, including ERA, innings pitched, home run rate, walk rate, and strikeouts. His consistent performance has earned him Cy Young votes in both 2020 and 2021.

Postseason Prowess

Wheeler’s impact extends beyond the regular season. In the past two Octobers, he has led the Phillies rotation, posting an impressive 2.42 ERA in 63⅓ postseason innings. His contributions have been instrumental in the team’s ascent to becoming perennial National League contenders.

Commitment to the Phillies

Both Wheeler and the Phillies were committed to reaching an agreement, with the pitcher expressing his desire to remain in Philadelphia for the rest of his career. Despite the potential for a higher payday elsewhere, Wheeler prioritized his happiness and his family’s well-being, stating, “It’s not all about the money to me, either.”

A Shorter Contract with Higher Annual Value

Wheeler’s preference for a shorter contract with a higher annual value reflects his realistic approach to his career. Unlike some other pitchers who aim to play into their 40s, Wheeler understands that his body may not allow him to perform at an elite level indefinitely. When that time comes, he plans to retire gracefully.

Final Words

Zack Wheeler record-breaking extension with the Philadelphia Phillies is a testament to his exceptional performance and the organization’s belief in his abilities. As the team continues to build upon their recent success, Wheeler’s presence on the mound will be a key factor in their pursuit of a World Series title. With this new deal in place, the future looks bright for both Wheeler and the Phillies organization.