A EuroMillions ticket-holder in the United Kingdom has secured a colossal £177 million prize, making it the third-largest National Lottery win in British history. The lucky numbers were 7, 11, 25, 31, and 40, with Lucky Stars 9 and 12. This historic win surpasses the wealth of famous UK personalities such as Harry Styles and Adele. Lottery advisor Andy Carter highlighted the timing, calling it an exciting pre-Christmas surprise for the winner. Initial reporting errors led to confusion about the winning numbers, but a correction has since been issued. This victory joins a history of substantial EuroMillions wins in the UK, with previous jackpots reaching £195 million and £184 million. Participants are advised to check their tickets and play responsibly.
The weekend saw contrasting fortunes for Manchester United's men's and women's football teams, as they both faced challenging matches. Under new head coach Rúben Amorim, the men's team drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town in the Premier League, a result that highlighted the need for tactical refinement. In contrast, the women's team experienced a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, losing their unbeaten streak in the Women's Super League. As transfer rumours circulate, Cristiano Ronaldo's future remains uncertain, with possible contract extensions on the horizon, while Viktor Gyökeres emerges as a potential signing for an enhanced squad.
Octopus Energy, in collaboration with the UK government, has launched a major initiative aimed at reducing energy bills for UK households by transitioning from traditional gas boilers to more efficient heat pumps. The programme offers £300 annual savings for those who make the switch, supported by £7,500 government grants. Regulatory changes will ease installation, and Octopus's Cosy Heat Pump Tariff promises further savings. This initiative supports the UK's clean energy goals and includes Octopus's expansion into international renewable markets.
McDonald's in the UK has introduced the Grinch Happy Meal to celebrate the festive season, available from November 20 until December 31, 2024. This special edition includes exclusive toys and unique packaging. The promotion has sparked interest abroad, particularly in the US and Canada, where fans have voiced their envy. Meanwhile, McDonald's US is offering a Pet Simulator Happy Meal. The British menu also features seasonal items such as a Galaxy Caramel Latte and Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, PayPal experienced a substantial global outage, affecting thousands of users who reported issues logging into their accounts and conducting transactions. The outage, which began around 10:53 GMT, spurred a peak of over 9,000 reports from users according to Downdetector, an outage monitoring website. Various functionalities were impacted, including account withdrawals, express checkout, and the Venmo app, as well as issues with PayPal's cryptocurrency services. Many users feared their accounts had been compromised, as the outage led to an inability to access their accounts. However, PayPal's technical team quickly addressed the 'system issue', resolving the problem by 12:59 GMT. Although services resumed, users questioned potential compensation for any costs incurred during the outage, but such compensation is not typically provided by PayPal. By early afternoon, reports had abated, and services were predominantly restored.
The UK government has announced substantial cuts to its military equipment, scrapping multiple warships, helicopters, and drones to save £500 million over five years. Defence Secretary John Healey cites financial pressures as the main reason, stressing the need to modernise amidst global threats. Criticism follows, focusing on national security concerns, with savings aimed at reinvestment in more modern capabilities.
Jaguar has launched a significant rebranding initiative, unveiling a new logo as it prepares to transition to a fully electric vehicle lineup. The luxury car maker, owned by Tata Motors, plans to release three electric models by 2026 from UK-based manufacturing sites. The reimagined logo, 'JaGUar,' and new marketing strategies aim to reconnect with the brand’s heritage while appealing to modern consumers. Despite criticism for its current promotional approach, which lacks actual vehicles, Jaguar maintains its focus on redefining its identity in the luxury automotive market.
Nvidia has reported impressive third-quarter earnings, surpassing market expectations primarily due to the strong performance of its AI chip segment. The company credits substantial demand for its latest chip, Blackwell, and a significant year-on-year growth in its Data Center segment. Despite these positive financial results, Nvidia faces potential geopolitical risks and market concerns over the sustainability of its growth, along with noted shifts in investor positions.
Jaguar, a quintessential British car manufacturer, is embarking on a transformative journey towards an all-electric future, encapsulated by a rebranding strategy unveiled recently. This includes the introduction of a modernised logo, new marketing slogans, and the phased cessation of traditional car sales in the UK, as part of their long-term 'Reimagine' strategy aimed at establishing Jaguar as an ultra-luxury electric vehicle brand by 2025. The first electric model is anticipated in 2026. Additionally, the brand's ongoing legacy is highlighted by the upcoming auction of a classic 1967 Jaguar owned by Madonna.
Nike has recently showcased an array of innovative footwear at various events, highlighting its dedication to sneaker culture and cutting-edge design. Among the highlights is the introduction of the Air Max 1000, a revolutionary model constructed almost entirely through 3D printing, and upcoming colourways for the Air Max Plus. Additionally, Nike is focusing on accessibility with the launch of the Nike C1ty and promoting sustainability with the new Promina sneakers, made with 20% recycled materials, as the brand adapts to maintain its leading position in the competitive sneaker market.