Recorded Future: Russia's 'Undesirable' Designation Is a ComplimentPrime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre on the occasion of Holodomor Memorial Day condemned the Soviet-imposed famine in Ukraine and denounced the horrors wrought by communist ideology. “In the face of these horrors, Ukrainians endured, protecting their language, their culture, and their identity.” “Generations of Ukrainians honour the memories of grandparents and great-grandparents who were forcibly starved, shot, imprisoned, or sent to the gulags for violating communist laws. As one popular saying of the time put it: ‘Where the hammer and sickle are, there is death and hunger’—a tragedy for Ukraine and a warning to the world of what was to come,” Poilievre said. Pointing to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, Poilievre added, “Today, as another criminal regime in Moscow seeks to destroy Ukraine and its people, it is more important than ever to remember the innocent victims of this terrible crime.” “Common Sense Conservatives will always stand for freedom and oppose communism, fascism and all other forms of socialism wherever they rear their ugly head,” he said. “This learning will help ensure students are never bystanders in the face of such horrors, understand the danger of totalitarianism and help safeguard fundamental Canadian values of freedom and democracy over communist extremism.” Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen also condemned the Soviet genocide, while highlighting how Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine has exacerbated global food insecurity.
Original Sugababes Mutya Buena, Siobhan Donaghy and Keisha Buchanan dazzled Bruton with a medley of their iconic tunes on Strictly Come Dancing's results show tonight. Though they stepped onto the BBC dance floor to thunderous applause, it seems the trio's vocal performance didn't hit the right note for some viewers at home, leaving them feeling "underwhelmed". The noughties pop legends, famed for bangers like Too Lost In You, Freak Like Me, and Push The Button, were decked out in sleek black ensembles for their stint on the Strictly stage as the evening's suspense built up. But as the live show unfolded, fans on X, previously known as Twitter , shared their thoughts. One social media critic didn't mince words, writing: "Sugababes couldn't be more out of tune if I sang for them #Strictly." Another quipped: "Well, I won't be booking tickets for Sugababes any time soon #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." Another unimpressed fan commented, "Sorry, but the Sugababes were totally underwhelming," reports OK! . Someone else chimed in with: "I like the Sugababes, but this performance is bad #StrictlyComeDancing." But it wasn't all shade thrown their way; one person praised: "Loved the medley from the Sugababes, some fantastic songs...#strictly." And another enthusiast gushed: "The looks, the vocals, the talent... the original SUGABABES are everything and more... #StrictlyComeDancing." While the Sugababes serenaded the crowd, viewers also saw Neil Jones perform with Nancy Xu, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the night. Viewers were on the edge of their seats after the celebrities strutted their stuff on the dance floor, eagerly anticipating the announcement of who would advance to the next round of Strictly Come Dancing . In a twist of fate, EastEnders ' Jamie Borthwick missed out on snagging a spot in the quarter-finals as he was the ninth celebrity to bid farewell to the show. The 30-year-old actor and his pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas ended up in the fearsome dance-off opposite Olympian Montell Douglas, 38, and her dance partner Johannes Radebe. Following a tense second performance from each pair, the judges unanimously decided that Montell and Johannes earned their spot to continue while Jamie and Michelle were sent home. Jamie couldn't help but gush over Strictly, describing it as "magic" and giving a shoutout to all those behind the scenes. He said: "Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here (the judges), but everyone who works on this show, I have such a good bond and relationship with, and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time." "We have laughed like you wouldn't believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you," he concluded with gratitude. Strictly Come Dancing returns next weekend on BBC One.
Tayshawn Comer scores 18 to lead Evansville past Campbell 66-53Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. A man walks past a homeless encampment Oct. 25, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents assist state police as they order people living in a homeless encampment to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings Oct. 23 after Louisiana State Police ordered them to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. A rat sniffs the hand of a sleeping man experiencing homelessness Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium. Homelessness is intertwined with the cost of living, and the high cost of living is hitting older adults fairly hard. A Westat survey for the Department of Health and Human Services found that older adults are the fastest-growing cohort of the homeless population. Emergency housing for seniors can keep that number from climbing higher. Caring.com details how to access it. The number of homeless seniors isn't based solely on people remaining homeless as they age; it also includes those whose first experience with homelessness came after they turned 50. In 2023, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that 1 in 5 homeless people were over the age of 55. For seniors and other older adults, fixed incomes make it hard to battle the ever-increasing cost of expenses. Endhomelessness.org cites that 2.35 million older adults are paying over half of their limited income to rent. Based on Caring.com's July 2024 survey of seniors in the workforce , that's exactly why 1 in 15 retired seniors worry about losing their homes. Shelter use in homeless people older than 51 has gone up over 10% from 2007 to 2017, according to the HUD. But luckily, so has the number of shelters. Between 2022 and 2023, the HUD reports that emergency shelters added 28,760 more beds in emergency shelters, though this is a reduction in the amount of beds available during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, is a temporary solution. It's designed to provide shelter while those facing housing instability figure out their next step. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. Local nonprofits are often involved in placing people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, seniors who are low on funds and might not make rent, or seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons can use emergency housing. Many cities have their own emergency housing programs. There are also nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access, for those who might not have a computer or Wi-Fi to begin their search. The list below leads to websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance. Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or contact the United Way online . The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which is committed to helping homeless seniors find local shelters or access transitional housing. The service can also connect seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, or funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance. Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 do have eligibility requirements. Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to be put in touch with the programs and resources they need. Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program offering low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA). This program enables and encourages participants to choose their own housing. Housing options don't need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder. Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. The family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income. Contact your local public housing agency . The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older. Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) posted on Grants.gov . The HUD-VASH program was created as emergency homeless assistance for veterans. Its goal is to give homeless veterans access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide. To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH. Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838. Click here to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state. Low-income seniors who aren't in assisted living or independent living communities might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. Finding emergency housing for seniors depends heavily on your area. The first step is to call the Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1. Finding a shelter takes less time than applying and getting approved for low-income housing voucher programs. The 2-1-1 hotline can direct you to local resources and locators. Yes and no. The duration depends on the type of housing. Shelters have limits that vary. Some shelters allow people to stay for up to six months, though that can vary based on demand. Seniors can remain in Section 202 supportive housing as long as they meet age and income requirements. Yes. Many counties have financial emergency programs that help seniors handle home repairs or short-term financial crises like utility shutoff. These programs allow the senior to focus their funds on their rent or mortgage. This story was produced by Caring.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Welcome To The Climax Of 'The Great Pretending'Stopping for a pot of tea and cake or meeting with friends for a coffee and a chat have become a way of life for many people, but while some prefer to head to a big name chain, others prefer to seek out a unique independent coffee stop as their café of choice. And while a café in a castle is not a new idea, as most now have some type of refreshment on offer for visitors who have enjoyed exploring the towers and spiral staircases, battlements and dungeons, there is one cute café that might have slipped your notice. If you live in or around Cardiff or like to visit the capital, there is one tucked away tearoom happily welcoming regulars, dog walkers and even people on horseback to try their cake and light lunch menu. Castell Coch is a Grade I listed fairytale castle nestled into a wooded hillside that looks out over the capital. Built on the ruins of a medieval castle that was mostly destroyed in the Welsh rebellion of 1316, the castle is the creative vision of architect William Burges, also heavily involved in the design of the Victorian sections of Cardiff Castle. It was built for the wealthy Third Marquess of Bute as a place for partying and entertaining guests. Find out more about the history and see inside the castle here . For more property, renovation and interior design stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here . READ MORE: 'I went to a fairytale castle in the woods for the first time in 30 years and couldn't believe the changes' YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Inside mansion with mini castle in the garden and which once hosted a king Now the castle on the edge of the village of Tongwynlais is owned and maintained by Cadw and open to visitors all year round, with a few exceptions for national holidays and from January 6 to 21 for its annual deep clean. There are plenty of rooms and towers to explore, as well as the surrounding woodland, but surely every castle these days needs to feed as well as entertain its visitors? At first glance, when entering the castle, you might not realise that yummy cake, delicious soup, a variety of paninis, coffees and teas are on offer and now not just to castle visitors but, during specific times, to local residents and people who are passing who just want a brew and a cake and not a tour. Lew's Coffee Shop Yn Y Castell is hidden away at the base of the Keep Tower, accessed through a cute, arched doorway. Once you're inside this tower room there's a cosy and welcoming ambience that instantly cocoons you due, to some degree, to the combination of wooden beams, quarry floor tiles, large range in the fireplace, and vintage-style chairs. But don't underestimate the value of the welcome and service you get from two of the four main staff members that run and work in the café - supervisors Dewi Rees and Iestyn Jones and baristas Matthew Teixeira and Conor Harvard. Every day a team of two welcomes visitors to the castle café and most days they are, at some point, struck by the uniqueness of their place of work. Iestyn says: " It’s not every day you turn up to work and it’s a castle, it was a bit mind-boggling to begin with; you drive up and here you are at work and you're crossing a drawbridge, it’s very different but it’s great fun." Iestyn says that when he tells people where he works a lot of the time people don't even realise there is a café in this cute red castle, he says: "They are quite surprised that we run our own café in this building and you do tend to forget when you turn up to work every day just how special it is." Conor is the newest member of the team and it was the approach to the castle and its setting on the hillside that first captivated him about his place of work, he says: " I didn’t know there was a café in the castle and my first thought whe n I came here was that the view from the drawbridge was really amazing, and then walking out at the end of the day when the sun is setting, you get this incredible view looking out over Cardiff." Iestyn and Conor are very aware that the café is not your standard national brand or independent café, that Lew's coffee shop is part of the castle experience for visitors, either before or after they tour around its numerous pretty rooms and tackle the multiple spiral staircases, and they aim to make the experience as welcoming as possible, both via the atmosphere in the space plus the product on offer. Iestyn says: "It can be quite different going into a castle, you’re being transported back in time, but obviously this is more Victorian so it is a bit more grandiose than one built as a defensive fort which is quite nice, especially this time of year when you’re all cold outside and you come into our warm, cosy café. "We’ve got a good range of cold drinks that every month we’ll switch out to different brands to see what’s popular and some of them are a bit more artisan. We also do a load of different coffees, they’re all made with fresh, ground coffee, lots of teas as well including specialty teas, if you want something a bit more herbal or something sweeter or decaff. "When it comes to food, we have a range of paninis and we can make them up on site, most of them are prepared here by us, some have been pre-prepared by us in the morning to make the day run more smoothly but if you wanted something specific, say like vegan cheese we can make that to order. Because it’s winter now we’ve been really pushing the soup, a different soup every day, and that sells out really quickly. And, of course, our homemade cakes are always popular." Being nestled into the base of a castle tower that is a popular tourist attraction means that Lew's coffee shop opening hours are dictated by the castle opening hours but the café is also keen to attract local residents, passing traffic, and walkers within the woods that surround the building via the introduction of a café pass. Iestyn says: "It’s a bit of a tourist hot spot so you tend to get people from all over, a lot of coaches with older people on trips from England or an American family, everyone from everywhere but then when people get to know this place exists locally we do tend to have local people popping in more regularly. You can get a free café pass via our website that gives access into the café during school term time and during the week for free, without having to pay to go into the castle." During the busy summer months and most weekends Conor says the café operates an outside coffee bar within a horse box in the grounds of the castle to accommodate non-castle visitors. He thinks not only is it a good idea to tap into the dog walking and ramblers potential trade but the horsebox is also a highlight for him, he says: " I’ve been enjoying do shifts in the horse box coffee trailer, I like the fresh air - you’re basically serving coffee in the forest!" But there's another point that Conor is keen to make, and that's about working for the company Lew's coffee shops, who also operate a community café in the council's Llandaff North and Gabalfa Hub and the Ely and Caerau Hub. Conor says: "The main take away for me would be just that the entire staff who work for Lew's are lovely. When it was Lew’s birthday recently I got invited out to meet the staff on a night out and it’s a lovely bunch of people and I have found that this is quite rare. You can tell everyone gets on and it's like its own little community." The castle café and the two hub cafes are run by Lewys Wootten, aged 37 from Llandaff North, who has always been passionate about establishing and running cafes as popular places for people to meet having set up his first on Station Road, Llandaff aged just 19. After 10 years away from Cardiff Lewys returned home to dive straight back into cafe culture, setting up the hubs but then he just happened to hear about the castle. He says, "A friend of mine mentioned that Castell Coch was looking for someone to operate the café - it’s such a lovely castle I thought, 'there’s no harm in throwing my name in the hat'. "I didn’t really think at the time I’d get the lease because I didn’t really know what they were looking for, but because my background is independent community cafes in council hubs they said, 'we want what you've got'. "It was already kitted out because Cadw had run it themselves before the Covid pandemic, but it was June and we were about to hit the summer season so we had to get it open, and that first summer in 2022 was definitely a learning curve. "But it’s been great, it’s such a cool space - you do have to step back sometimes and make sure you appreciate it. When people ask what I do and I say I have a coffee shop in a castle, it’s so cool because it’s pretty rare. "It is also so different - in the summer it’s 100% tourist trade and you rarely see the same people twice but now we’ve got the café pass we are starting to have regulars and lots of walkers too. So many people love the area, it’s great to be a part of it." Now the café has experienced two summers of hectic trade, Lewys and the team are not only taking stock of the developments they've put in place but also considering ideas for the future. Lewys says: "With the horsebox in the grounds, we’re learning from it, next year we’d like to sell ice creams from it too because so many people just go up there for a walk, including someone on a horse recently! Space is limited so it’s a bit of a challenge but we’d like to do Christmas specials and we’d love to do afternoon teas next summer - it really lends itself to that." Iestyn adds, "Come and visit, it’s quite tough being so off the beaten track and it’s crazy because you see the castle every time you drive down the dual carriageway or the M4 . So just get the free café pass , come in, say hello, and you'll be very welcomed." For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here . Find your own unique business or next home here:Ghanaian Activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor Critiques President-Elect’s Plan to Appoint 60 Ministers
World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after easing through to the last 16. While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. THE WORLD NUMBER ONE KICKS ON! Luke Humphries comfortably books his spot in the Last 16 with a 4-0 whitewash victory over Nick Kenny, averaging 98.59! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XAADalXD4Q — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.” Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥 UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯 Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. There were several other titanic battles, none better than Gerwyn Price’s sudden-death leg victory over Joe Cullen. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. PRICE WINS A THRILLER! That might just be the game of the tournament so far! 💥 Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.
Sebi mulls diversifying ownership of clearing corporationsNoneBank lending and deposits expanded at the same pace in the latest fortnight, with growth metrics for both heads moderating from the levels seen in the same period last year. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise Credit and deposits climbed 11.5 percent as on December 20, showed the latest data in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) weekly statistical supplement published Friday. Aggregate bank deposits amounted to Rs 227.7 lakh crore as of December 20, up Rs 50,252 crore, or 0.2 percent, over the previous fortnight’s levels. Bank credit, on the other hand, amounted to Rs 175.9 lakh crore, up Rs 78,713 crore, or 0.4 percent, over the previous fortnight’s levels. Both credit and deposit growth lagged previous year’s levels. While credit grew 20 percent, deposits rose by 14 percent in the same period a year ago. Retail loans (housing and non-housing) remained the prime driver of overall credit expansion up to September 2024; credit to industry continued to register double digit growth, according to the latest assessment on the state of the economy published in the central bank’s monthly Bulletin. 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View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Commercial banks’ lending to the private corporate sector, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the total bank credit, decelerated during Q2:2024-25 from the high growth registered in the previous quarter. While growth in working capital loans accelerated for the second successive quarter, growth in term loans continued to decelerate. The share of term deposits in total deposits rose further to 61.4 per cent in September from 59.8 percent a year ago, and 57.2 per in March 2023 . The share of term deposits bearing over 7 per cent interest rate in total term deposits increased to 68.8 percent in September from 54.7 percent a year ago, 33.7per cent in March and 4.5 per cent in March. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )