With the Mega Millions jackpot now at the fifth-highest sum in the game's history at a whopping $1.15 billion, what should you do if you find yourself the lucky winner of such a massive reward ? Experts are saying that the smartest thing you could possibly do is actually to keep quiet about it and tell no one about your win. You should keep calm and carry on, financial advisers said. Posting about the win on social media is often a poor decision, some of the advisers told USA TODAY . Rob Burnette, an Ohio-based adviser with Outlook Financial Center, told the publication, "If you're lucky enough to win the lottery, keep it quiet. Get organized and make a plan. Consider staying anonymous, if it's a possibility." Mega Millions jackpot soars over $1 billion as drawing announced for Friday Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion just in time for the holidays The massive sum available to whoever is lucky enough to win the Mega Millions by matching all six numbers — the regular five balls and the sixth Mega Millions ball. The chances of that happening are about 1 in 302.6 million. After taxes, an estimated lump sum of about $516.1 million will be available to take home for the lucky winner, who can also opt to receive regular payments over several years. One of the main reasons financial advisers say to keep quiet about winnings is so that scammers won't be as likely to reach out and attempt to siphon off some of the money. Contact should only be had with a financial adviser. Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment stories. Mega Millions said in a statement, "Crooks usually try to get you to wire money for 'taxes' or 'fees,' or may try to get you to provide them with a bank account number, which they will then clean out. No real lottery tells winners to put up their own money in order to collect a prize they have already won." The lottery organization said no representative from Mega Millions would ever call, text or email anyone about a prize they won, stating that winners should be especially weary of anyone who contacts them out of the blue. The best option is to remain anonymous, which, in certain states, you can do. Steve Azoury, owner of Azoury Financial in Troy, Michigan told USA TODAY, "Get a tax attorney and a tax accountant right off the bat and then a financial adviser. They’ll work hand in hand to figure out the plan." DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter. This should be done before the payout is collected, as the adviser and lawyers can tell you about the options and help you figure out what's best for you. Age, income projections and other life factors can determine what might be the best option for a particular winner, Max Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt, said. Azoury added that finding a "fall guy," or an adviser or other person who will keep you from making loans and other payouts, is also a necessity in most cases, as that person can ensure that you don't squander your money and hand it out to people who might misuse it. Most winners have at least 90 days to claim their prize after finding out they're the winner, and many take that time to figure out what to do with the money. Azoury said "parking" the earnings might be the best option until winners can hire and meet with a financial adviser, tax accountant and attorney who's right for them. Brokerage accounts are also options, as several million can be distributed across multiple banks and accounts, most of it insured, too. The tax accountant and lawyer are both recommended after winning the lottery because doing so is likely to propel an individual into the highest federal tax bracket, but state taxes can be tricky to navigate. Only 12 states don't tax lottery winnings — Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. But others do and to varying degrees. The next drawing for the Mega Millions is scheduled for Friday at 11 p.m. EST. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at the same time. Tickets are sold in numerous locations and are available until 15 minutes before each drawing. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.None

A Missouri judge says a law banning surgery, medications for transgender minors is constitutional COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri court on Monday upheld a new state law that bans some gender-affirming health care for minors, a victory for supporters of the ban as a multitude of lawsuits against similar bans in other states continue to play out. Summer Ballentine, The Associated Press Nov 25, 2024 3:46 PM Nov 25, 2024 4:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - Supporters of a resolution that would make Kansas City, Mo, a sanctuary city for transgender people celebrate outside of city council chambers after a committee approved the resolution, sending it to the full council for consideration, Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File) COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri court on Monday upheld a new state law that bans some gender-affirming health care for minors, a victory for supporters of the ban as a multitude of lawsuits against similar bans in other states continue to play out. Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a statement that Missouri is the “first state in the nation to successfully defend such a law at the trial court level.” Bailey, who tried to ban minors’ access to gender-affirming health care through rule change but dropped the effort when the law passed , is responsible for defending the legislation in court. “I’m extremely proud of the thousands of hours my office put in to shine a light on the lack of evidence supporting these irreversible procedures," Bailey said. "We will never stop fighting to ensure Missouri is the safest state in the nation for children.” Every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans on gender-affirming care for minors and supported the medical care for youth when administered appropriately. Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Missouri, which are representing the plaintiffs who sued to overturn the law, on Monday said they will appeal the ruling. Missouri is among at least 26 states that have adopted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Federal judges have struck down the bans in Arkansas and Florida as unconstitutional, though a federal appeals court has stayed the Florida ruling. A judge’s orders is in place temporarily blocking enforcement of the ban in Montana. New Hampshire restrictions are to take effect in January 2025. The Missouri law banned gender-affirming surgeries for children and teenagers under the age of 18, as well as hormones and puberty blockers for minors who had not started those treatments as of August 2023. The law expires in August 2027. These treatments are accepted by major medical groups as evidence-based care that transgender people should be able to access. Most adults still are allowed to access gender-affirming health care under the Missouri law, but Medicaid won’t cover it. The plaintiffs, including family of several teenagers who are transgender, argued the law takes away medically necessary treatments from transgender minors while still allowing other children to access similar surgeries and medications. Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter disagreed. In his ruling, the southern Missouri judge wrote that he believes there's “an almost total lack of consensus as to the medical ethics of adolescent gender dysphoria treatment.” “The evidence at trial showed severe disagreement as to whether adolescent gender dysphoria drug and surgical treatment was ethical at all, and if so, what amount of treatment was ethically allowable,” Carter wrote. Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Missouri in a statement said the ruling signals that "for some, compassion and equal access to health care are still out of reach.” "The court’s findings signal a troubling acceptance of discrimination, ignore an extensive trial record and the voices of transgender Missourians and those who care for them, and deny transgender adolescents and Medicaid beneficiaries from their right to access to evidence-based, effective, and often life-saving medical care,” the organizations said. The states that have passed laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors include: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Summer Ballentine, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Health A Missouri judge says a law banning surgery, medications for transgender minors is constitutional Nov 25, 2024 3:34 PM CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes Nov 25, 2024 3:25 PM LifeLabs data breach report released after firm loses four-year bid to keep it quiet Nov 25, 2024 2:47 PM

Touchless trash cans are one of the latest innovations in automated kitchen technology. They use infrared motion sensors to automatically lift the lid, allowing users to dispose of trash without touching the can. This hands-free operation makes them not only efficient and easy to use but also improves kitchen hygiene as it helps reduce contact with germs, bacteria and parasites that are often found in household waste. Choosing the ideal touchless trash can for your home will depend on several factors, from the number of people in your household to the shape, size and material that best suits your decor. As with regular trash cans, there are many different shapes and styles available. The most common shapes are round, oval, square or rectangular. While shape can play a factor in determining which trash can to get, it is more important to find the right size trash can for your space. A 13-gallon trash can is standard for a kitchen. However, a smaller 5- to 10-gallon option would be better if you want to place it in a cabinet. For large families that generate a lot of waste, a larger 20 to 30-gallon trash can may be preferable. The most common materials are either metal or plastic. While plastic is certainly the cheaper option, metal trash cans are more durable. A stainless steel trash can is a good option, as it will match kitchen appliances and won’t rust or tarnish with time. However, metal trash cans are more pricey, retailing between $100 and $200, depending on their size and features. There are only two choices when it comes to a power source: battery or mains. A mains-powered trash can requires a permanent power source, restricting its location options. Battery-powered trash cans can be placed wherever you like and are particularly suitable for bathrooms. Look for a model that gives a warning when the batteries need replacing to avoid any inconvenience. The features of a trash can significantly impact the price, so it is important to decide which features you would like. Some trash cans have carbon filters that absorb unpleasant odors; however, remember that the filters must be replaced periodically. Other trash cans may feature a locking mechanism, which is handy if you have pets or small children because the lid will remain closed even if it’s knocked over. simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Semi-Round Automatic Sensor Trash Can What you need to know: An elegant-looking option available in a range of metallic and colored finishes. What you’ll love: It has a smooth and quiet motor. The surface is protected with an antimicrobial coating that inhibits the growth of bacteria. What you should consider : At 36 inches tall, it’s too big to fit inside a cabinet. iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid and Odor Filter What you need to know: It is available in a range of shapes and sizes, and it has a fingerprint-proof stainless steel body. What you’ll love: A choice of either battery or mains power provides versatility. It has a built-in natural carbon odor filter and a lockable lid. What you should consider : It doesn’t come with batteries or a mains adapter. SensorCan MT04SS-9 Touchless Trash Can What you need to know: With a 4-gallon capacity, this trash can is ideal for use in a kitchen cabinet or a bathroom. What you’ll love: It effectively filters odors and comes with a lemon-scented fragrance cartridge. What you should consider : Although the body is made from metal, the lid is made from plastic, so it may not be as durable. iTouchless 16 Gallon Touchless Sensor Kitchen Trash Can and Recycle Bin with Wheels What you need to know: This versatile option makes separating your recyclables from your waste easy because it has two removable inner buckets with handles. What you’ll love: This trash can can be powered by batteries or an AC adapter. It can be easily moved around the kitchen with optional casters. What you should consider : The battery compartment is below the trash level, so you need to be careful to avoid getting the batteries wet. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.With Akal Takht’s on Friday accepting Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s atonement, the party has shifted its focus on its next political challenge — the civic body polls scheduled for December 21. The atonement may have ended nearly a decade-long chapter of upheaval for the Badals as they were blamed for the 2015 sacrilege incidents during the SAD government with former ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since then the party has been on a downward spiral and has seen his legislator strength in the state assembly reduced to just three. The biggest task for the Akali leadership will be to find a way to bounce back and gain the confidence of its cadre and core panthic voters. It will be interesting to see which party leaders will be part of the campaign for SAD, which has already announced its participation in the civic body polls, after opting out of recently concluded bypolls on four assembly seats. A senior SAD leader said there is still a lot of ambiguity as to way ahead but it’s certain that the party will put its best foot forward in the civic body polls. “Whatever the results may be, our party is ready out for the electoral battle,” said a SAD leader on the condition of anonymity, adding that these polls might not be the barometer to judge Akali Dal’s performance as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is using unfair means to win the elections. Harcharan Bains, the principal adviser to SAD, said: “He (Sukhbir Badal) has undergone punishment by owning all the mistakes. Now he is not undergoing atonement. He performed sewa with all humility and it was visible to everyone. It will certainly have an impact on the people,” Bains said. Bains added that this (Sukhbir’s atonement) will instil more confidence among the cadres. “Earlier the cadre was defensive but now (after atonement) they found their voice,” Bains added, saying that it is difficult to comment on how soon things will start to change for the party at the ground level. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, who remained convener of the Akal Dal Sudhar Lehar (reforms movement), said there needs to be clarity on political punishment given by the Akal Takht which had asked the SAD working committee to accept the resignations of all the leaders including the president Sukhbir Singh Badal. “The party’s reforms and re-organisation should begin with a membership drive and making delegates elect the president,” Wadala said adding that Takht’s edict should be implemented in true spirit. On Akal Takht’s directive, rebels on December 9, announced the dismantling of their reforms movement. The Takht on December 2 had also constituted a seven-member committee led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami to facilitate reforms however the party has shown reluctance to accept Sukhbir’s resignation and initiate the reforms as they apprehend that the religious body (Akal Takht) directed reforms may lead to de-recognition of the party for losing secular credentials. SAD has already conveyed their fear of de-recognition to the Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh through Dhami, who reportedly has asked for copies of the relevant law to ponder over the situation. Patch-up talks on Referring to a meeting held between the rebel and SAD leaders on November 30, a party leader revealed that talks for a patch-up with rebels are also going on. The meeting was attended by the party’s working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar and leader Bikram Singh Majithia for SAD, while the rebel group was represented by Sikandar Singh Maluka and Prem Singh Chandumajra. “It has been decided that both the groups will not level allegations against each other so that in future a patch up becomes impossible. Another round of meetings will be held as the atonement is over,” said a leader adding that during two weeks both sides have adhered to the decision.

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