uk lottery
2025-01-06
uk lottery
It’s a Christmas gift from the province that’ll keep on giving. Each year the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg helps spread joy to thousands of local families and this year the province is joining the effort, offering up a donation of $100,000 on Friday morning. “This is the most wonderful time of year,” said Premier Wab Kinew at the announcement. “This is where we get a chance to show that generosity that defines us as Manitobans.” The Premier commended the Cheer Board for their ongoing efforts to support Manitobans, saying the provincial government wanted to get in on spreading the joy, the province giving the local organization a massive novelty cheque while delivering news of $25,000 donations for Cheer Boards in Brandon and Westman as well. “So incredible,” is how the Cheer Board’s executive director Shawna Bell described the contribution. “To help us support families and individuals here in need in the city, it’s going to go a long way to making a very, very Merry Christmas for so many people here in Winnipeg.” So far, 16,000 applications have been received, and Bell expects that number to grow to 22,000 by the end of the month, an increase of roughly 1,500 when compared to last year. She says the donation from the province will be a big help, as the costs of assembling the hampers have also increased. “While this money is more than we’ve received in the past, the costs are more expensive than they have been in the past,” she said. “So everything is just catching up to one another right now, so this is going to help us make sure we don’t go into a deficit this season.” She estimates the province’s donation will allow them to make anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 extra hampers and says it’s always special to see families’ faces when they come to pick up the sources of seasonal cheer. “It just creates a sense of magic for everybody who has a touching point on this organization, that’s what we’re here for,” she said. “We just want to make the community a little bit brighter over the holiday season.” Even with the recent donation from the province, the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg is always looking for more donations and will be accepting hamper applications up until Dec. 23, 2024. More information can be found on the organization’s socialBoxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.
The Combined Operations, Services, Maintenance, and Infrastructure Contract is a cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract that has a value of approximately $822.7 million . The performance period begins July 1, 2025 , and extends eight years and three months, with a 15-month base period, followed by a one-year option period and three two-year option periods. Under the contract, Nova Space Solutions will be responsible for contract management, logistics, safety, health and environmental compliance, engineering and manufacturing support services, site services, facility operations and maintenance services, and environmental services and program management. NASA's Stennis Space Center is the nation's largest propulsion test site, with infrastructure to support projects ranging from component and subscale testing to large engine hot fires. Researchers from NASA, other government agencies, and private industry use NASA Stennis test facilities for technology and propulsion research and developmental projects. NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, managed by the agency's Marshall Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama , is the nation's premier site for manufacturing and assembly of large-scale space structures and systems. For information about NASA and other agency programs, visit: https://www.nasa.gov View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-awards-operations-services-maintenance-and-infrastructure-contract-302325313.html SOURCE NASANone
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday offered a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead the Defense Department, whose confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat. Hegseth, a former Fox News Host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and privately reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump’s Pentagon. “Pete Hegseth is doing very well,” Trump posted on his social media site. “He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense." The president added that "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” The pitched nomination battle over Hegseth is emerging as not only as a debate about the best person to lead the Pentagon, but an inflection point for a MAGA movement that appears to be relishing a public fight over its hardline push for a more masculine military and an end to the “woke-ism" of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Trump’s allies are forcefully rallying around the embattled Hegseth – the Heritage Foundation’s political arm is promising to spend $1 million to shore up his nomination – as he vows to stay in the fight, as long as the president-elect wants him to. “We’re going to earn those votes,” Hegseth said on Capitol Hill this week. “As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’m going to be standing right here.” The effort quickly become a test of Trump’s clout and of how far loyalty for the president-elect goes with Republican senators who have concerns about his nominees. Two of Trump's other choices have stepped aside as they faced intense scrutiny: former congressman Matt Gaetz , his first choice for attorney general; and Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff who was Trump’s first choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. The president's son Donald J. Trump Jr., also made a show of support for Hegseth on Friday, part of a full-court MAGA press. “If you’re a GOP Senator who voted for Lloyd Austin, but criticize @PeteHegseth, then maybe you’re in the wrong political party!” he wrote on X. referring to Biden's defense secretary. Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job and told lawmakers he never engaged in sexual misconduct, even as his professional views on female troops have also come under intensifying scrutiny. He said as recently as last month that women “straight up” should not serve in combat . He picked up one important endorsement from Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, whose support was seen as a potentially powerful counterweight to the cooler reception Hegseth had received from Sen. Joni Ernst , herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. “Huge. Thanks to Katie for her leadership,” Vice President-elect JD Vance posted on social media. Ernst, who is also a sexual assault survivor, stopped short of an endorsement after her meeting with Hegseth this week. She said she appreciates his military service and they “had a frank and thorough conversation.” On Friday, Trump put out the statement in response to coverage saying he had lost faith in Hegseth, according to a person familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to discuss it publicly. The president-elect and his team have been pleased to see Hegseth putting up a fight and his performance this week reiterates why he was chosen, the person said. They believe he can still be confirmed. If Hegseth goes down, Trump's team believes the defeat would empower others to spread what they cast as “vicious lies” against every candidate Trump chooses. Still, Trump's transition team has been looking at potential replacements if Hegseth's nomination cannot move forward, including former presidential rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis . DeSantis plans to attend the Army-Navy football game with Trump on Dec. 14, according to a person familiar with the Florida governor’s plans who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss them before a public announcement. And DeSantis and Trump had spoken about the defense secretary post when they saw each other Tuesday at a memorial service for sheriff deputies in West Palm Beach, Florida, according people familiar with the matter who said Trump was interested in DeSantis for the post, and the governor was receptive. At the same time, DeSantis also is poised to select a replacement for the expected Senate vacancy to be created by Marco Rubio becoming secretary of state, and Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump is seen as the preferred choice by those in Trump’s orbit. Despite a weeklong push of private Capitol Hill meetings, Hegseth is facing resistance from senators as reports have emerged about his past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. The New Yorker cited what it described as a whistleblower report and other documents about his time leading a veterans advocacy group, Concerned Veterans for America, that alleged multiple incidents of alcohol intoxication at work events, inappropriate behavior around female staffers and financial mismanagement. The New York Times obtained an email from his mother Penelope from 2018, in which she confronted him about mistreating women after he impregnated his current wife while he was married to his second wife. She went on “Fox & Friends” this week to defend her son. Trump ally Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said senators are judging “Pete for who he is today.” In many ways the increasingly pitched battle resembles the political and culture wars that exploded over Trump’s pick of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court during his first term at the White House. Kavanaugh had also faced allegations of sexual assault that he strenuously denied, but Republicans rallied to his side and turned a tide of opposition into a more sympathetic view of the Supreme Court nominee as the victim of a liberal-led smear campaign. He eventually won confirmation. While Hegseth was still fighting for votes in the Senate, he did appear to make incremental progress with some Republicans who had expressed concerns about the reports of his drinking, in particular. “I’m not going to make any decision regarding Pete Hegseth’s nomination based on anonymous sources,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said of the allegations against Hegseth, “I have no reason to doubt him any more than believe somebody else.” Still, Cramer indicated he could still change his mind. A background check “will be informative.” Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said after meeting with Hegseth that he wanted to see how he does in a hearing but “he went a long way” toward getting his support. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price in New York, Adriana Gomez Licon in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.
Houston Medicaid Planning Attorney Whitney L. Thompson Unveils New Article on Medicaid Planning in Texas 12-02-2024 11:44 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Houston Medicaid planning attorney [ https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/houston-medicaid-planning-attorney/ ] Whitney L. Thompson of The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC, has published an insightful article on Medicaid planning in Texas. This resourceful piece explores the financial challenges older adults face when planning for long-term care and highlights strategies for managing Medicaid eligibility while protecting hard-earned assets. "People are living longer today, often into their eighties, nineties, and beyond, which is a wonderful thing," says Houston Medicaid planning attorney Whitney L. Thompson. "However, with increased longevity comes the challenge of affording long-term care, which can quickly deplete financial resources. Medicaid planning is essential to help families protect their assets while ensuring their loved ones receive the care they need." The article by the Houston Medicaid planning attorney sheds light on the growing financial vulnerability of older Americans, many of whom find themselves unable to afford the high costs of nursing home care. In Texas, the average cost of assisted living is $3,988 per month, or over $47,000 per year, leaving many families struggling to cover these expenses. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover nursing home care, pushing families to rely on costly insurance policies or out-of-pocket savings. Whitney L. Thompson emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. "Many older adults are caught in a difficult position-having too many assets to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford long-term care. This is where Medicaid estate planning becomes crucial to help families navigate eligibility requirements while preserving what they've worked so hard to build." Medicaid is the largest provider of nursing home benefits in the United States, but qualifying for these benefits in Texas is no simple task. The program imposes strict income and asset caps, making it inaccessible to many older adults without proper planning. Furthermore, Medicaid's five-year look-back period penalizes individuals for any asset transfers made prior to applying, further complicating the process. The article discusses various strategies to preserve assets while ensuring eligibility for Medicaid benefits. These include creating irrevocable trusts, utilizing Medicaid-compliant annuities, and implementing strategic asset spend-downs. Additionally, Thompson highlights the importance of considering exemptions, such as the value of a primary residence (up to $636,000) and personal belongings, which do not count toward Medicaid eligibility limits. "For families, it's not just about qualifying for Medicaid-it's about doing so in a way that protects their financial well-being," explains Thompson. "Having a plan in place ensures that spouses and other family members aren't left financially vulnerable while ensuring the applicant receives the care they need." Managing Medicaid's complex rules and regulations can be overwhelming without guidance. Thompson's article underscores the importance of working with an experienced Houston Medicaid planning attorney to develop a strategy tailored to a family's unique needs. Planning for long-term care is an essential part of securing a loved one's future. With the guidance of a Houston Medicaid planning attorney, families can manage Medicaid eligibility and protect their financial resources. Thompson's article serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to better understand Medicaid planning and the steps necessary to safeguard their assets. About The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC: The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC, serves families throughout Houston, focusing on Medicaid planning, elder law, and estate planning. Led by Whitney L. Thompson, the firm is dedicated to helping families protect their assets while ensuring their loved ones receive quality care. Their compassionate approach and in-depth knowledge of Medicaid regulations make them a trusted ally for families handling the challenges of long-term care planning. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2NIBJLilRE GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9428708165305469162 Email and website Email: info@wthompsonlaw.com Website: https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/ Media Contact Company Name: The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC Contact Person: Whitney L. Thompson Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=houston-medicaid-planning-attorney-whitney-l-thompson-unveils-new-article-on-medicaid-planning-in-texas ] Phone: (281) 214-0173 Address:4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 360 City: Houston State: Texas 77068 Country: United States Website: https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/ This release was published on openPR.
The Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School, outside Suva, is making a significant improvement in the lives of its students. Young people, mostly school drop-outs who were unable to complete their high school education due to personal circumstances, are given a second chance at the school, offering them a new lease on life. Nabua Secondary School is the only educational institution in Fiji offering this incentive. Since its inception two decades ago, hundreds of adult students have attended the programme to complete their secondary school education and pursue tertiary studies. Yesterday, more than 42 students graduated. One of the graduates, Lusiana Turaga, said the programme inspired them to pursue their educational goals. Ms Turaga said the programme renewed her hopes. “It was quite fitting that we had students from diverse back-grounds, which was a new experience for me,” Ms Turaga said. “Engaging in this programme fosters social inclusion for elder citizens by acknowledging their con-tributions to society and ensuring they are not left behind. “It offers seniors an opportunity to remain connected within their communities, enhancing their so-cial well-being.” Ms Turaga said the programme also helped provide financial stability and access to services, helping to improve life and ensured that students when they progressed in life, lived with dignity and comfort. She said the common goal of students who went through the programme was to become better versions of themselves. Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
Price-conscious holiday shoppers opened their wallets for last-minute online discounts on clothing and stocking stuffers, potentially benefiting retailers that also offered such convenient options as free delivery and curbside pickup. The popularity of online shopping has surged due to its convenience, similar or lower prices than in-store, the availability of services like “buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS)” and fast, free deliveries, said Michael Schulman, a retail expert at Running Point Capital Advisors. “The shortened holidays season this year compared to last year, with a tighter scrunch between Thanksgiving and Christmas, also left less time for in-store retail shopping and probably incentivized more phone and computer browsing and purchases,” he said. While there were deals aplenty, retailers appeared to have been disciplined with promotions. Target and Dollar Tree’s shares were up nearly 3% in noon trading, while Walmart was flat. According to a Mastercard SpendingPulse report, online spending during the holiday shopping period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 grew by 6.7% over last year, compared to a 2.9% increase for in-store sales. This contributed to a total spending increase of 3.8% over 2023, surpassing the previously forecast rise of 3.2% and topping the 3.1% increase during the same period last year. Steve Sadove, senior adviser to Mastercard and former Saks CEO and chairman, told Reuters that spending rose even when higher prices due to inflation were factored in. He noted that the last five days of the holiday season accounted for 10% of all holiday spending, showing “a lot of strength in the end.” With just 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year - retail executives were less exuberant going into the holiday season. They described their consumers as “selective,” “cautious” and “conservative,” and making “needs-based” purchases. As a result, many retailers doubled down on cutting prices and offering promotions, Bernstein analysts said earlier this month. Walmart said it would continue to bring down prices through rollbacks, while rival Target said it would increase its promotional intensity as shoppers were not as engaged without promotions. Dollar General said it expects profits to be pressured from increased promotions in the fourth quarter, while Kroger and Five Below also said they had to reduce prices to be competitive. Walmart and Target spent more on ads to reach shoppers on short-video app TikTok and streaming platforms like Peacock and Hulu during the season, highlighting their membership programs that offer quick delivery and BOPIS. Some of these efforts appear to have worked. Salesforce estimated that the number of BOPIS orders could double during the weekend before Christmas, making up nearly 40% of all online orders for retailers. And deliveries are also strong, with FedEx estimating stronger-than-expected holiday delivery volume last week. Huntsville, Alabama-resident Aireale Hobbs, 40, started Christmas shopping for pajama sets, Stanley drink tumblers, and toys for her family online on Black Friday. She said she chose to do a bulk of her shopping online because of convenience, more options and better deals. “I got some things from Target that were discounted when using the app,” said Hobbs, who works at as a front desk clerk at a doctor’s office. Laptops and TVs with new technology, lower prices and growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds, and athleisure apparel also encouraged shoppers to spend this holiday season, even though promotions were at the same levels as last year, Sadove said. “Promotions were controlled. Nothing was extra deep and there were no panicked promotions. What we saw was some real consumer strength,” Sadove said, adding that low unemployment and higher wages were buffering personal finances. Sales in the apparel, jewelry and electronics categories were up 3.6%, 4% and 3.7%, respectively over last year, according to Mastercard. Online sales of apparel, in particular, grew 6.7%, compared to 0.2% in stores.None
Dec 2 (Reuters) - Microchip Technology lowered its third-quarter revenue forecast on Monday and announced the closure of its wafer manufacturing factory in Arizona, as the chipmaker looks to restructure under interim CEO Steve Sanghi. Microchip has been through a tumultuous few quarters, grappling with slowing orders for its automotive chips as carmakers, navigating an uncertain macro economy, clear existing inventory which they built up to avoid a supply crunch. The company now expects revenue to be close to the lower end of its previous forecast of $1.03 billion, below analysts' expectations of $1.06 billion as per data compiled by LSEG. Shares of Microchip fell over 3.5% in extended trading after being around 3% higher at close. The company's stock has fallen 22% so far this year. Microchip expects to shut down the Arizona facility in the September 2025 quarter and generate annual cash savings of around $90 million. "With inventory levels high and having ample capacity in place, we have decided to shut down our Tempe wafer fabrication facility that we refer to as Fab 2," said interim CEO Sanghi, who came into the role after Ganesh Moorthy retired from the top job at the end of November. The company said the closure should help the company moderate its inventory levels beginning in the fourth quarter and will affect around 500 employees. The company said that its other factories in Oregon and Colorado have ample space for expansion and plans to transition product manufacturing from the Arizona plant to other such facilities. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Mend ways or face more curbs: RBI to banks, NBFCsTense House speaker fight arrives Wednesday
MAPUTO, Mozambique. (AP) — At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the country's police chief said, as widespread post-election riots and violence are roiling the country. Police chief Bernardino Rafael said 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces. The prisoners fled during violent protests that have seen police cars, stations and infrastructure destroyed after the country’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of the Oct. 9 elections. The escape from the Maputo Central Prison, located 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the capital, started around midday on Wednesday after “agitation” by a “group of subversive protesters” nearby, Rafael said. Some of the prisoners at the facility snatched weapons from the guards and started freeing other detainees. “A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,” said Rafael. “They (protesters) were making noise, demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences”, said Rafael, adding that the protests led to the collapse of a wall, allowing the prisoners to flee. He called on the escaped prisoners to surrender to authorities and for the population to be informed about the fugitives. Videos circulating on social media show the moment inmates left the prison, while other recordings reveal captures made by military personnel and prison guards. Many prisoners tried to hide in homes, but some were unsuccessful and ended up being detained again. In one video, a prisoner still with handcuffs on his right wrist says he was held n the disciplinary section of the prison and was released by other inmates.Jimmy Carter: A brief bioNone
相关热词搜索：