lucky fortune numbers New Economy Watch | "Spring Dawn Plan" Launched "Factory Direct Sales", Helping Industrial Belt Merchants Achieve Monthly Sales of 100,000 OrdersAs I lay in that hospital bed, hooked up to machines and surrounded by the constant hum of medical equipment, I was forced to confront my own vulnerability. The image of the strong and healthy man I thought I was had been shattered, replaced by a stark reality of fragility and impermanence.

What to know about a Wisconsin man who faked his own death and fled to Eastern EuropeIn response to the mounting complaints and criticisms, Tencent Video has stated that it is actively working to address the concerns raised by its members and improve the overall user experience. The company has pledged to enhance its content offerings, optimize platform performance, and provide greater transparency and clarity regarding subscription plans and pricing. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to regain the trust and satisfaction of disillusioned users.For a man who plays as hard as he does, Pieter-Steph du Toit’s second World Player of the Year award, following his 2019 gong, is a testament to his fitness and mentality. Du Toit was honoured with the award in Monaco on Sunday, beating out fellow Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe, and Ireland No 8 Caelan Doris. Such was the quality of the quartet, and particularly the Bok trio on the nominations list, that anyone of them could have won and it wouldn’t have felt like an injustice. Du Toit produced another colossal body of work in 2024, playing just about every minute of every match in which he represented the Boks this year. This award was deserved and also a nod to his remarkable consistency, playing in one of the most demanding positions in all of sport. And he has been doing it for 12 years, with almost three years lost to various injuries. He’s won the SA Player of the Year award three times as well, but the 2024 World Rugby accolade might be his greatest yet for the ultimate team man. Read more: Pieter-Steph du Toit makes rugby comeback 398 days later He won it in a year where so many great players operated at a stratospheric level. Etzebeth must surely be wondering if he can play any better, while contributing to perhaps the greatest Bok team of all time. He was sensational in 2024, picking up from the form he displayed in 2023 where he was unlucky to lose out to Ardie Savea for the award. Kolbe too, continues to defy age and workload and Doris was superb all season, capping a fine year with a world-class display as he led Ireland to victory over the Boks in Durban. Eben Etzebeth (second from left) was nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, along with Pieter-Steph du Toit (far right) and Cheslin Kolbe (not pictured). (Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini / Gallo Images) Du Toit cemented his place in history by becoming the first South African to be named the World Men’s 15s Player of the Year for a second time. All Black greats Dan Carter and Richie McCaw won it three times and, until Du Toit, Beauden Barrett was the only other player to win it more than once since the award’s inception in 2001. Read more: Pieter-Steph du Toit narrowly escapes leg amputation The 32-year-old Du Toit was one of seven Springbok Rugby World Cup winners named in the 2024 Dream Team. The trio of Du Toit, Etzebeth and Kolbe were joined in the side by Ox Nche (prop), Malcolm Marx (hooker), and the centre pairing of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel – which capped off a rewarding evening for the top ranked side in the world. New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi pipped talented young Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for the Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award, while Jérôme Daret, who led the French men’s sevens team to the Olympic gold medal in Paris, was named Coach of the Year. Pieter-Steph du Toit of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match against England at Allianz Stadium (Twickenham). (Photo: Visionhaus / Getty Images) The glittering event also highlighted other South African contributions to global rugby. Selvyn Davids, captain of the Blitzboks, earned a spot in the Men’s Sevens Dream Team, while SA Rugby won the Rugby for All Award, which celebrates impactful initiatives that uphold rugby’s core values. SA Rugby’s “The Bag That Builds” project was particularly commended for promoting sustainability by repurposing tournament waste into building materials for community housing projects. SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander lauded all the players for being honoured in such a remarkable year for the Boks, in which they registered an 85% win record after claiming the Rugby Championship title as well as the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup and Prince William Cup (against Wales), and said this was a just reward for their fine efforts on the field this season. “On behalf of SA Rugby, I’d like to extend our since congratulations to Pieter-Steph and all the players named in the Dream Team for receiving this recognition for all the hard work they’ve been putting in on and off the field this year, as well as Selvyn for his consistently great performances during a challenging season for the Blitzboks,” said Alexander. “For Pieter-Steph to become the first South African to win the World Rugby Player of the Year award twice is a notable achievement, and to have seven Boks in total feature in the Dream Team is simply remarkable. “Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has built something special with the Bok team, and the way the players give their all week in and week out is an inspiration to us all and shows that hard pays off. “We are very proud of them and the entire Springbok coaching and management team for their tireless efforts to ensure that our players continue to shine on the international stage.” The recognition for their colossal performances in the green and gold this season, which contributed immensely to the team’s 11 victories in 13 matches, followed on nominations for Etzebeth in 2013 and last year, and Kolbe and Du Toit in 2019, respectively. Other South Africans who received nominations for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award in the last decade are Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (both in 2014), Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx (both in 2018), and Lukhanyo Am (2022). Apart from Du Toit, only two other South Africans have walked away with top honours – Schalk Burger in 2004 and Bryan Habana in 2007. Erasmus was also full of praise for the players and entire Springbok team and said: “To have so many of our players feature in the awards is a testament to their hard work, and dedication to the team and the Springbok brand, and that’s what makes this such a special group. “What makes this achievement even significant is that we used 50 players in total this season and rotated our squad regularly, which shows the calibre of players they are. But rugby is a team sport, and it takes each one of the squad members to do their bit to place one another in positions to shine. “With the vast player depth in our squad, I’m sure a few more players were close to being nominated, but each one of these players certainly deserves this recognition and we are very proud of them.” Erasmus also thanked the entire Bok squad for their efforts this season: “It takes each person in a squad to perform their role proficiently to ensure that the players can deliver on the field, so thank you to the winners and Dream team players, as well as every other player who has been part of the squad this year.” DMPoland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited the border with the Russian region of Kaliningrad to inspect newly constructed military fortifications. Tusk’s visit comes a month before Poland is to take over the rotating presidency of the 27-member European Union. Polish officials say their priority is to urge Europeans to beef up defences at a time of Russian aggression and with change coming soon in Washington. Some European leaders are concerned that the incoming administration of Donald Trump might be less committed to Europe’s defence. Poland's government and army began building the system dubbed "East Shield" this year. It will eventually include approximately 800 kilometres along the Polish borders with Russia and Belarus, at a time when Western officials accuse Russia of waging hybrid attacks against the West that include sabotage, the weaponisation of migration, disinformation and other hostile measures. “The better the Polish border is guarded, the more difficult it is to access for those with bad intentions,” Tusk said at a news conference near the village of Dabrowka as he stood in front of concrete anti-tank barriers. Later Tusk posted on X "The first section of the East Shield on the border with Russia is ready! During my meeting with soldiers 200 meters from the border I felt really safe." Poland has been at the mercy of aggressive neighbours over the past centuries and has become a leading European voice for security at a time when France and Germany are weakened by internal political problems. Poland aims to spend 4.7% of its gross domestic product on defence next year, making it one of NATO's leaders in defence spending. Tusk's government estimates that the strategic military project will cost at least 2.35 billion euros. Poland’s borders with Russia, Belarus — as well as Ukraine — are the easternmost external borders of both the European Union and NATO. Tusk said he expected the East Shield to eventually be expanded to protect the small Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. “Everything we are doing here — and we will also be doing this on the border with Belarus and Ukraine — is to deter and discourage a potential aggressor, which is why it is truly an investment in peace," Tusk said. “We will spend billions of zlotys on this, but right now the whole of Europe is observing these investments and our actions with great satisfaction and will support them if necessary.” He said he wants Poles "to feel safer along the entire length of the eastern border.” Tusk also said the fortifications would include Poland's border with Ukraine, a close ally, but did not elaborate. Along the frontier, anti-tank barriers known as “hedgehogs” will be integrated with natural barriers like ditches. Tusk said parts of the project are not visible to the naked eye, but it is nonetheless the largest project of its nature in Europe since the end of World War II. The plans also include the construction of appropriate threat reconnaissance and detection systems, forward bases, logistics hubs, warehouses and the deployment of anti-drone systems, the state news agency PAP reported.

The China's First AIGC Director Co-creation Program University Roadshow Launched, "KeLing AI" Propelling New Trends in Film and Television Creation

In these pilot provinces, including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and others, the transition from water fee to water tax has been accompanied by various measures to encourage water conservation. These measures include setting clear water conservation targets, implementing water-saving technologies, and promoting public awareness of the importance of saving water resources. Despite these efforts, the actual impact on residents in terms of water prices has been relatively minor. The water prices have seen minimal changes, with only slight fluctuations observed over the years.

One key approach to promoting healthy competition in the energy storage sector is through collaboration and partnerships. By working together, companies can leverage each other's strengths and resources to drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth. Collaborative projects, such as joint research initiatives and technology sharing agreements, can help companies accelerate the development of cutting-edge energy storage solutions.

As we navigate the complexities of the global economy, one factor that continuously impacts our daily lives is the price of oil. The fluctuations in oil prices can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from fuel costs to the price of goods on the market. Therefore, it is crucial for us to stay informed and prepared for any potential shifts in this essential commodity.The live broadcast started off like any other, with Xiaohua and Xiang Zuo engaging with their audience and sharing snippets of their daily lives. As the couple sat together, Xiaohua suddenly had a mischievous glint in her eye as she reached for a hair tie and started to work her magic on Xiang Zuo's hair. With skilled hands and a playful demeanor, she carefully twisted and tied his hair into a small bun, transforming his usual hairstyle into a trendy and unexpected new look. To add a touch of flair, she then braided a small section of hair, giving him a unique and stylish makeover.

AMD Stock Skyrockets! New Technologies Stir Investor ExcitementThe situation has raised concerns about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in South Korea. The swift move to arrest the Prosecutor General has sparked fierce debates and protests, with many questioning the motives behind such drastic action and its implications for the country's democratic institutions.

The conference served as a platform for Yun Kuaichong to highlight its dedication to the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Anhui and beyond. By forging partnerships with local businesses and government agencies, the company sought to create a comprehensive network of charging and battery-swapping stations that would cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles in the region.In the ever-evolving world of technology, last night and this morning brought a series of notable developments that have captured the attention of enthusiasts and industry experts alike.

One player who has been instrumental in Chelsea's attacking exploits is their talismanic forward, who has been in scintillating form throughout the season. His combination of speed, skill, and predatory instinct has made him a constant thorn in the side of opposition defenders, and his goalscoring exploits have propelled Chelsea to the top of the league standings.

The concept of a linear narrative, where the story unfolds in a straightforward chronological order, may seem simplistic compared to the non-linear storytelling techniques often used in the past. However, this approach has allowed "Brothers of the Four Seas" to delve deeper into the motivations and relationships of its characters, providing a more immersive and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a mother and daughter in Taiwan fell victim to a scam, losing millions in the process, and tragically ended up taking their own lives. What is even more disturbing is the fact that when the duo had reported the fraud to the police before their deaths, they were met with mockery and insensitivity from the very authorities meant to protect them.Chuck Woolery Dies: Former ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Love Connection’ Host Was 83

Valley school districts are taking innovative steps to teach beyond the “Three Rs” — reading, writing, and arithmetic. High school students in the region are learning about everything from life skills to agriculture to digital communication, power and electronics and forestry, giving them a head start on post-secondary aspirations. Innovative curricula, said Andrew Rantz, Milton Area School District director of secondary education, is a recognition that not all paths lead to a four-year, post-secondary institution. “Innovative programs are geared toward a multitude of post-secondary options,” Rantz said. “We don’t look at it as ‘this student is college bound’ or ‘this student is not meant for college.’ We want to know what a student’s career interests are, what pathway can provide them with meaningful, wage-earning employment, and how we help them get on that pathway and become successful.” If the answer leads to 12 years of college to be a surgeon, great, Rantz said. “If it leads to a job with a construction company during their senior year, and they become employed right out of high school, great,” he said. “We just want students to leave Milton with the tools necessary to be a contributing member of our communities.” Shikellamy School District Superintendent Jason Bendle said it is his belief that the three Rs are the minimum that should be provided to students. “As a district, we strive to provide more,” he said. “We are working toward a model where we have offerings and opportunities that interest every student. The three Rs can be taught through any program or pathway. We want to find what interests students and provide them with opportunities that will impact them well beyond the years spent here at Shikellamy.” Danville Area High School Principal Lee Gump said the Three Rs give students a strong foundation. “I continually have discussions with teachers about how they can adapt and change their current course offerings to meet the needs of their students while preparing students for what lies ahead,” he said. Danville’s social studies department recently created new course offerings including criminal justice and international relations. Its agricultural sciences department offers a construction hand & power tools class along with a forestry and natural resource management course. Other examples of these non-traditional courses include adulting 101. “I am excited to work with teachers over the next three months as we develop new courses and new opportunities for DHS students that go well beyond the three R’s,” Gump said. A study released in 2022 and looking at the effects of life skills lessons amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, found “life skills and personal growth in education are crucial skills and students’ core competencies to learn in this modern world,” according to a summary from the Education Resources Information Center which is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences within the U.S. Department of Education. Life skills are among the many innovative curricula being taught in Valley districts. Lewisburg High School Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Claire Gault leads a course intended to prepare students for post-graduation life with a focus on financial management, independent living, and personal improvement. The “big” ideas covered in class include healthy and cost-effective food choice and preparation; management of income and expenses; and well-informed purchasing. Life skills and understanding disabilities at Midd-West High School is a class taught by Trisha Bailey and Maddie Gaugher. The course was created for students to not only understand various disabilities but also to promote inclusion within the school. Students learn basic American Sign Language, experience navigating the school blindfolded, use Braille, as well as other projects that allow them to research different disabilities. Students who take this class also work with their peers in the Life Skills Classroom. “Students in our Life Skills Classroom enjoy having their peers to learn and socialize with in their classroom,” Bailey said. “This is usually the favorite aspect of this class for many of the students taking Understanding Disabilities. In the past, students cooked together, played games, exercised, read together, crafts, among many other activities. Gretchen Walter and two other teachers at Shikellamy High provide instruction in a class called rehabilitation aide pathways. Some of the subjects offered by the course are sports medicine, advanced strength and conditioning, kinesiology, and medical terminology. These courses, and several others, expose students to various careers, topics and hands-on skills in the health field. In sports medicine, students learn about sports injuries, taping techniques and rehabilitation programs. In advanced strength and conditioning, they develop training programs for various sports. Hands-on activities, “can be taping a body part, compression wrapping, learning to take vitals, etc.,” Walter said. “The students actually learn how to do these and then perform the activity on each other. Most of the students in this class want to do something in health care. “Career interests vary from nursing, ultrasound tech and radiology tech to physician assistant and pharmacy.” Electronic principles and applications at Mifflinburg High School starts with the assumption that each student has had no previous experience with electricity or electronics. As such, it is an introduction to understanding that power source, delivering an understanding of electrical terms, electrical applications and electricity production. “My class is an opportunity for the application of knowledge,” instructor Emil Stenger said. “So, it’s not what you know but what you can apply. The doing part. I believe a lot of students, like myself, learn that way the best. Failure is included but it is also a lesson learned and try again. “Recently in electronics class, my students designed windmill propeller systems that generate the most power. Two students’ first trial was no movement ... nothing ... failed attempt. They were reloaded and redesigned. Thirty minutes later they are the leading two in power generated.” In Stenger’s engineering design course, students are required to design six 3-D prints. One student made a replica of her father’s 18-wheel truck. “The details were beyond what I ever expected from any assignment,” Stenger said. At Shikellamy High School, power technology is an elective half-year course open to all ninth through 12th grade students, teacher Andrew Meyer said. In the course, students learn the parts of an internal combustion engine, as well as how they work. “Students primarily work on four-stroke engines, however, we do cover two-stroke engines and the differences between them,” Meyer said. Meyer’s students are required to rebuild the engine and it must run at the end. “Students love tearing into the motors and actually learning how they work,” he said. “Once students have rebuilt their engines, the class is opened up to outside work. District employees and community members are asked to bring in mowers, weed whackers and other powered equipment for the students to repair/tune-up. Students complete all activities as if they were in a small engine repair shop.” Rock n’ roll high school, modern band at Midd-West High School is not your typical marching band program. The course “emphasizes musical styles of the last 50 years (rock, pop, country, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, etc.),” teacher Devin Flynt said. “In modern band 1, students are introduced to all the basic concepts for performing electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drums and vocals. Once they gain proficiency they may join modern band 2, which is a more peer-to-peer ‘rock band’ type of ensemble where they learn how to perform cohesively as a single unit.” This is the second year that Midd-West’s modern band courses have been offered. “It has truly been remarkable witnessing the growth and development of confidence in these young musicians,” Flynt said. Lewisburg High offer a class on video communication and production, taught by Blake Dutweiler. “High school students are introduced to the dynamic world of professional filmmaking and multimedia creation,” Dutweiler said. “With a focus on industry-leading technology, the course provides students with hands-on experience in every stage of production — pre-production, production and post-production — allowing them to develop a well-rounded understanding of visual storytelling.” As the course progresses, students lear about shots and angles. “They also will complete short films ranging from 30 seconds to five minutes,” Dutweiler said. “This course not only teaches technical skills but also fosters creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing careers or hobbies in filmmaking, broadcasting or visual media.” David Sunderland at Mifflinburg High School teaches digital communication in several ways. “I have digital media, sports media and morning video production classes, along with yearbook, digital imaging, graphic communications, non metallic materials, manufacturing enterprise and architectural CAD,” he said. As part of Sports Media, “students take photos of our sports athletes on media day and create the graphics that are posted on Mifflinburg Athletics’ Facebook page. It features an athlete or several and the sports information for that day,” Sunderland said. The goal of Lewisburg High’s farm-to-table course is to provide students with a holistic understanding of how their food impacts the natural world, teacher Alex Oliver said. “Students learn about the entirety of their local food system, starting with soil health and organic gardening practices and ending with food preparation and consumption,” Oliver said. “Upon completion of this course, students will have a robust knowledge of soil and landscape ecology and develop a confidence in implementing these practices in their own backyard.” The bulk of each class day is spent in the greenhouse, completing whatever tasks arise that day: harvesting, planting, transplanting, and watering. “We do try to come inside and process what we’ve done, plan for the future, and learn about how our food and farming decisions impact the Earth,” Oliver said. Midd-West has its own school farm as part of its agricultural education and FFA program, teacher Kassidie Gunell said. “We’re very lucky to have access to it since its not something all schools have,” Gunnell said. “The school farm really allows us to teach concepts in class, then actually let the kids put them into practice. “We’ve spent time in our crop and soil science classes in the fields surveying weeds and taking soil samples. The barn and livestock animals allow us to teach students about safe animal handling, animal nutrition, animal reproduction and breeding, as well as many livestock management practices.” FFA students spend time at the farm maintaining the barn, animals, and grounds. They also help put up hay each summer which has been used to feed our animals, as well as income for our FFA chapter. Gunnell said students also take a special interest in including students from Middleburg Middle School and Middleburg Elementary. The Forestry course at Danville High is very hands-on, teacher Van Wagner said. “Students learn how to measure trees, safely operate chainsaws for timber harvest, and create wood products in our workshop,” he said. “I try to keep a pulse on where the jobs are and provide my students with real-world skills that can launch them toward a career in the forestry field.” Right now there are many job openings in the field of forestry, wood products, and arboriculture, Wagner said. “Students who leave our program are heading into the world with fantastic experiences that will serve them well in the future,” he said. Something that is unique at Danville is a partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resrouces. “Our students are trained by forest firefighters at school,” Wagner said. “Upon completion students receive two separate wildland firefighting certificates making it possible for them to pursue jobs in forest fire fighting once they turn 18 years of age. To the best of my knowledge we are one of the only schools in the state offering these certifications in-house.”A group of international human rights organizations warned this Friday about the risk of impunity in cases against Guatemalan military officers for massacres committed during the civil war (1960–1996). Their concern stems from the suspension of certain trials against military officers for crimes against humanity in appeals courts and changes in the human rights prosecutor’s office ordered by the controversial Attorney General Consuelo Porras. These actions represent “a significant setback,” the NGOs stated in a joint communiqué, including the U.S.-based WOLA, the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), Impunity Watch, and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. They recalled that on November 28, an appeals court suspended the trial of retired General Benedicto Lucas García, 92, for the extermination of Indigenous people. This occurred just as a tribunal was about to issue a verdict. had been brought to trial for his responsibility in the massacre of over 1,200 Indigenous people between 1978 and 1982, during the presidency of his brother, Romeo Lucas García, who died in Venezuela in 2006. Earlier in November, another appeals court suspended the start of a trial against eight retired military officers, including Lucas García, accused of forced disappearances. The case involves the discovery of more than 500 skeletal remains at a former military base. These remains were exhumed between 2012 and 2015 at a base now home to the Regional Training Center for Peacekeeping Operations for UN missions in Cobán (north). NGOs have described the site as “the largest clandestine cemetery in Latin America.” Adding to the judicial decisions, Porras ordered the dismissal of three prosecutors and the transfer of 11 assistant prosecutors who were “investigating cases related to the armed conflict.” The Guatemalan Attorney General is sanctioned by the United States and the European Union, which have labeled her as “corrupt” and “anti-democratic.” In 2023, Porras led an offensive to prevent social democrat Bernardo Arévalo from assuming power. “These decisions not only jeopardize the victims’ right to justice but also weaken the rule of law and democracy in the country,” the NGOs stated. The civil war left an estimated 200,000 people dead or missing, according to a UN-sponsored commission, with most of the victims attributed to the military, who accused Indigenous people of collaborating with the leftist guerrillas.At just 27 years old, Rashford is entering what many consider to be the peak years of his career. With his combination of skill, athleticism, and experience, he is primed to continue delivering top-level performances for years to come. This, combined with his marketability and off-field impact, positions Rashford as a valuable asset both on and off the pitch.

In recent years, the hospitality industry has witnessed a trend of chain hotels expanding into county towns, tapping into what is seen as a new blue ocean for business opportunities. The question of whether opening a hotel in a county town is profitable has sparked debates among investors and entrepreneurs. Let's delve into the pros and cons of venturing into this sector and explore the potential challenges and rewards.More Pennsylvania families are backing away from toys and gadgets this holiday season and asking for a gift that lasts far beyond Christmas — cash contributions to PA 529 college savings accounts. As parents get more comfortable asking for gifts that can help build their children’s future, PA 529 balances are growing. Assets in the PA 529 Investment Plan increased 19.13% year-over-year in 2023. “The holiday season is the perfect time to encourage friends and family to contribute to a student’s PA 529 account,” said Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity. “It’s a meaningful gift that will have a lasting impact.” The large increase came during favorable market conditions, but the growth in assets was also driven by the creation of new accounts, more regular contributions and more overall cash gifts to the accounts, officials said. People who contribute to a PA 529 plan are eligible for a state income tax deduction. Earlier this year, PA 529 teamed up with the Washington-based College Savings Foundation, a non-profit national trade group that advocates for policies supporting 529 savings programs and increases public awareness of them. “We’ve always been active in advocating for helping families across the Commonwealth make higher education a bit more affordable, and we see CSF as a natural partner in those efforts,” Garrity said. Nationwide, the CSF reports that its members saw roughly $650 million in gift contributions in 2023, and are on pace for more this year with around $550 million in the first three quarters of 2024. “Not only is this a smart and strategic way to help education savings grow,” said Chris McGee, chair of CSF, “but it also demonstrates to children from a young age just how important it is to work towards a long-term goal.” A recent CSF survey of 1,000 parents found that 65% of parents across the country plan to ask friends or family for contribution to their child’s 529 plan this holiday season and during other major events — up from 45% in a 2023 survey. The survey also showed that the majority of parents — 55% — are aware they can ask anyone for 529 gifts, up from 36% in 2023. “Further, numerous CSF members report significant increases in 529 gifting — through customized gifting portals, gift codes, e-gift cards, registries, crowdfunding apps and others,” according to CSF. PA 529 has been spreading the word about its holiday gifting program through social media, emails and local media, officials said. To make contributions, an account owner must first get a unique Ugifts code by logging into their PA 529 account and following the instructions. They then share that code with people who may contribute. Anyone who wants to gift the accounts can visit ugifts529.com , enter the code and click the “Give a Gift” button. “For anyone who’s a little less tech savvy, there’s also an option to contribute via check,” Garrity said. While the gifts bring students closer to their higher education goal, contributors also are eligible for a state income tax break. Pennsylvania taxpayers can deduct up to $18,000 in contributions per beneficiary per year. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $36,000, assuming each spouse has an income of at least $18,000 from their state taxable income. In 2025, the new limits will be $19,000 for individuals and $38,000 for married couples filing jointly, Garrity said. Contributors can give up to $90,000 in a single year — $180,000 for a married couple filing jointly — for each beneficiary without incurring any federal gift tax. The amount contributed is prorated over five years. “For example, a $30,000 contribution would use $6,000 of the current $18,000 annual gift tax exclusion each year for five years,” Garrity said. Another tax advantage is that earnings grow tax-deferred and are free from federal income tax when used for qualified educational expenses. For Pennsylvania taxpayers, earnings also are free from state income tax when used for qualified education expenses. (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.