The All-CSRA Awards are now open to athletes from ALL sports! We are accepting nominations for VARSITY athletes in grades 9 through 12.
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All CSRA Awards nominations now open
Georgia Department of Agriculture lifts suspension of poultry activities
The Georgia Department of Agriculture announced Monday that poultry activities can resume as normal, following the "successful completion of testing and response protocols with no additional detection."
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Augusta Commission to consider demolition for historic Dyess Park building
Augusta leaders are rejecting a proposal to reuse the historic fire station at Dyess Park which the city wants to demolish to make way for park renovations.
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Missing 120-day deadline for FEMA reimbursement could be costly for city of Louisville
While debris trucks continue to pick up piles of debris in the city of Louisville, repair projects are in the works around the city.
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PSPCL Assistant Lineman Online Form 2025 (2500 Post)
PSPCL Assistant Lineman Recruitment 2025 Author: Sarkari Exam Team Tag: 10th + ITI Pass Job Short Information : Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has recently published the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Lineman Posts on the official website of PSPCL. This recruitment has been issued for 2500 posts. Online applying process for ... Read more
The post PSPCL Assistant Lineman Online Form 2025 (2500 Post) appeared first on Sarkari Exam.com.
Labour will be KICKED OUT if we don’t deliver on NHS & living standards, Rachel Reeves admits as Reform threat grows
RACHEL Reeves has warned of being “kicked out” of office if Labour don’t deliver on the NHS and living standards amid the threat from Reform.
The Chancellor delivered a damning verdict on her party’s prospects saying they must deliver in a major wake-up call to Cabinet colleagues.
Fears were also raised that Labour could receive an electoral drubbing similar to that received by Rishi Sunak last July – says after Nigel Farage’s party led a national opinion poll for the first time.
The Chancellor told The Political Party with Matt Forde said: “There’s lots of strategies for beating Reform or beating the Tories but in the end we have to deliver, haven’t you.
“At the next election, if people still find as hard to get a doctor’s appointment and they’re no better off, they are going to kick us out, like they kicked the last lot out.”
Reeves – who has put growth as the government’s number one mission – added that her party “have to show that we can be better”.
The Chancellor added that Reform leader Nigel Farage will want to say “things haven’t got any better” under Labour and “give us a go”.
She said: “We’ve got to show that people’s lives are better after five years of a Labour government.”
Her comments come after Sir Keir Starmer stepped up the attacks on Reform with a series of videos showing illegal migrants being deported from the UK.
Her comments come after the government has received a barrage of criticism since ending universal winter fuel payments, increasing national insurance contributions for business and hitting farmers with inheritance tax hikes.
Meanwhile, Ms Reeves said that “a deal can be done” with Donald Trump to avoid punishing steel tariffs hitting British firms.
The US President has put levies at 25 per cent on steel and aluminimum goods heading to the US.
Ms Reeves added: “We have got a steel sector that’s really important to our economy. About 10 per cent of the steel we make in Britain gets exported to the US.
“That’s an important market for us. We also import steel from the US as well. And as I said, we don’t have a trade surplus with America. I strongly believe that a deal can be done.”
She said: “Unlike many other countries around the world, we don’t run a trade surplus with the U.S.”
The Chancellor also revealed that she was taking a lesson from Trump’s positivity after claims within business that Ministers were talking the economy down last year.
She has also faced criticism that Ministers had dented confidence in the economy.
Ms Reeves said: “I’m still trying – it’s the middle of February now – to be more positive.
“We did inherit a mess, and it’s difficult not to talk about it. But I’m trying not to.
“I’m trying to be really positive about, you know, the huge potential, because we have got huge potential as a country. You know, great businesses, great skills, great universities.
“There’s so much going for us. So I’m trying to be trying to sort of channel my inner American and be more positive about things.”
Matt Forde’s West End The Political Party residency at The Duchess theatre with Alastair Campbell on 10th March, Anthony Scaramucci on 31st March and Wes Streeting on 12th May.
Biggest customer service bugbears revealed – including rubbish hold music and not speaking to a real person
THE biggest customer service bugbears include rubbish hold music, no option to call back if you get cut off – and not being able to speak to a real person.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the biggest gripes when seeking help on the phone to a company, with long waiting times, and being asked to repeat your issue multiple times also on the top 30 list.
While 34% say automated responses that don’t address their service issues really grinds their gears, 28% get infuriated by rude staff.
More than a quarter (26%) can’t remember the last time they had a good customer service experience.
And despite 34% admitting they often shop around for better deals, 50% still wouldn’t feel confident making the switch with at least one of their providers if it ever came down it.
The research, commissioned by Utility Warehouse, which was recently named as a Which? Recommended Provider for Energy Companies 2025, also revealed the average time Brits have spent on the phone dealing with an issue is a whopping two hours.
With 89% saying they prefer to do this via a real person, rather than an automated system or chat bot.
To meet this need and help people better manage their relationships with utility providers, the company is running a special helpline for Valentine’s Day, to help people ‘break up’ with their current providers so they can find one that really cares.
Robyn Hyde at Utility Warehouse, which has also created a quiz that draws parallels between how we manage our utilities and our real-life relationships, said: “We know that for utility suppliers, offering a seamless, friendly and helpful experience for customers is not a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
“Too many people are stuck in frustrating relationships with their suppliers, left on hold for hours, battling unhelpful chatbots and struggling to get the service they deserve.
“This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to make the move and break free from bad customer service, and our expert break-up helpline which is open this weekend is ready with friendly, practical advice on how to switch to a more supportive provider.”
The research further revealed that a third have previously been put off calling a utility provider to avoid contacting the support helpline.
Four in 10 people won’t get in touch because they expect it to be stressful and, what’s more, 80 per cent feel utility companies don’t care about solving their problem.
“We’re experiencing higher-than-normal call volumes”, “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do,” and “Please hold while I pass you to my colleague” were cited as the most frustrating phrases to hear.
Sarah Louise Ryan, dating and relationship expert who informed the outcome of the quiz, said: “Personal relationships and dating styles may feel completely separate to the way we approach our connections to energy, broadband or mobile contract providers.
“But a person’s romantic style often directly reflects their outlook on utilities.
“The quiz can help consumers easily identify their relationship type to better understand their wants and needs from a provider which ultimately results in a better match.”
The OnePoll.com data also revealed that for 54% of those who would consider switching, bad customer service would be the main reason for them to end their current contract.
While 67&% would draw the line at general poor service.
But the hassle of switching has stopped 32% from making a move, and fear of signing up to even worse service has made 26% stick with what they have got.
TOP 30 CUSTOMER SERVICE BUGBEARS
1. Not being able to speak to a real person
2. Suddenly being cut off after being on hold
3. Long waiting times in queues
4. Automated responses that don’t address the issue
5. Being asked to repeat your issue multiple times
6. When customer service staff are rude
7. Promises of follow-up that don’t happen
8. Being transferred repeatedly without resolution
9. Agents who don’t listen properly
10. Being told you are ‘next in the queue’ on the phone and still waiting for ages
11. Generic, scripted responses instead of personalised help
12. Overly complicated phone menu options
13. Terrible hold music
14. Being asked to contact different departments for basic queries
15. No option to ring back if you get cut off
16. When the person you are speaking to can’t help you
17. Lack of empathy from staff
18. Lack of product knowledge from staff
19. Being put on hold without explanation
20. Unclear or contradictory information
21. Overly pushy upselling during a support call
22. Frequent disconnections in live chat or calls
23. When online chat support disconnects without warning
24. Being forced to explain why you want to cancel a service
25. Limited service hours for support
26. Being offered no alternative when a solution isn’t possible
27. No way to track the status of a complaint or query
28. Blaming the customer for the issue
29. Not being informed of delays or status changes
30. Staff who redirect blame to other departments
Popular clothing shop to permanently shut after 113 years with ‘heavy hearts’ as it launches huge 50% off closing sale
A POPULAR clothing shop is set to permanently shut after 113 years with “heaving hearts” as it launches a huge 50 per cent off closing sale.
The family-owned clothing store in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire was established in 1912 during the reign of King George V.
After over a century in business, Clement Taylor will close its doors due to a lack of “footfall” and “rising costs”.
The store provided school uniform and gifts.
Locals said it was one of their “favourite places to buy something special”.
A spokesperson for Clement Taylor revealed it will close once all the stock has gone – which could be in just a few weeks.
The spokesperson said in a Facebook post: “It is with a heavy heart that after 113 years of trading, we will be closing up shop.
“We will still be trading for the next few months to clear stock. So come in and grab a bargain.
“We will have huge reductions on most items. We would like to thank our loyal customers over all these years for their support and custom.”
In a more recent Facebook post, uploaded on February 9, the retailer uploaded a video of its remaining stock.
The caption read: “Last few weeks before we close. We still have loads of bargains. 50% or more of almost all stock.
“We also selling old shop displays and antiques. Gifts and memorabilia.”
Some of the products on sale include men’s trousers, school uniform, coats, hats, suits, shirts and ties, ranging from £5 to 15.
It added: “Plus soft toys now 40% off as well as model kits etc.
all enquiries must be in person in store.
The comment section of the Facebook post also revealed the exact closure date.
One shopper asked: “What date do you close, please?”
To which a representative replied: “We won’t be trading after the 5th of April but could be sooner depending on other circumstances.”
Other shoppers shared their sorrows.
One said: “Such sad news you are closing.”
Just six months ago, the store was still earning gleaming reviews.
One person said: “Quality at its best every time. Lovely staff always friendly and helpful. Such a lovely family run shop.”
And then a second person said: “Visited today and kitted out my son for High school. The staff were so helpful and friendly.
“We were sorted within 15 minutes. Excellent service , we will definitely be back and spreading the word about this little gem of a shop thank you.”
Followed by a third: “Fantastic shop and staff, always has been. Will do anything for you and have things in no other shop does.
“It’s nice to have a place that doesn’t judge people.”
Clement Taylor origins back to the late 1800s as the founders father owned several shops in the area.
Despite being passed through a number of owners, the store has always stayed within the Taylor family.
Why are so many retailers shutting shops?
EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.
The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.
In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.
Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open.
In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.
The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.
Kym Marsh breaks her silence on Coronation Street return amid soap’s ongoing cash crisis and cast exodus
FORMER Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has broken her silence on a potential return to the soap amid its current cash crisis.
The star was well-loved for her excellent portrayal of Michelle Connor in the ITV soap opera between 2006 and 2019.
Since quitting the cobbles, Kym has become a regular face on the BBC‘s Morning Live show as well as landing a role in Waterloo Road.
But speaking exclusively to The Sun at the TV Choice Awards, Kym admitted she would “never say never” to heading back to Weatherfield if the time was right.
Kym told us: “I’d never say never to going back as I absolutely adore Coronation Street and I had some of my best years there.
“I learned so much on that show and I made so many friends.
“But I left to kind of pursue other projects and I’m still in the middle of doing that, but, maybe one day!”
Elsewhere, the star admitted that she hadn’t spoken to any of her soap pals about the ongoing cash crisis at the Manchester-based programme which has seen a flurry of stars axed from their roles with numbers of production staff also expected to be laid off.
The soap will be switching up its scheduling to air five nights a week for 30 minutes from January 2026 which will see it lose the equivalent of one episode a week.
However, Kym admitted she hadn’t been privy to any insight into how it has taken its toll on the cast with the actress revealing they have chosen to keep quiet on all things work.
Kym told The Sun: “I don’t know how they are all finding it at the minute.
“We don’t really talk about that, if I’m in contact with people, it’s more about what’s going on with their children – a lot more personal, light-hearted stuff.
“So I don’t really know what’s going on [backstage] at the moment.”
A series of Corrie’s biggest names have either chosen to walk away or have been axed by bosses in order to free up much-needed funds in recent weeks.
Colson Smith, Shelley King, Paddy Bever and Sue Devaney are all understood to have been axed by the programme with Sue Cleaver and Charlotte Jordan having also made the decision to quit and walk away amid the tough period.
Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025
ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.
This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.
Colson Smith – Craig Tinker
The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.
Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw
After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.
Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe
Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him.
Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster
In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline.
Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley
The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.
Shelley King – Yasmeen Metcalfe
The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.
I didn’t want to spend £2.5k on rent for a mouldy flat – so I live in a van in the UK, we pay no council tax or electric
A WOMAN has revealed that she didn’t want to spend over £2,500 a month on rent and bills for a mouldy flat, so decided to live in a van instead.
Leanne, who lives on the road with her partner Billy and their dog, explained that whilst they could splash cash on renting a property, they instead love their much more affordable way of life.
But eager to clap back at trolls who aren’t as on board, Leanne took to social media and responded to a comment from a hater that read ‘just buy a house or rent’.
To this, Leanne clapped back: “You’re right, why don’t we just rent or buy a house? Well let’s start with averages of how much it’s gonna cost us.”
Leanne then shared a breakdown of estimated monthly costs for living in a house or flat, as she claimed that according to Google, rent will cost £1,200 on average for a small flat or a small one bedroom house.
Not only this, but whilst Leanne claimed that the average cost of gas will cost a household £160 a month and electricity will set people back £60, she also recognised that the standard price of broadband is £40 a month.
She then added: “You’ve got to pay council tax – according to Google, that’s £100 a month.”
Leanne then recognised that home insurance can typically cost £40 a month, whilst car insurance for two vehicles would cost her around £200 a month, as well as car tax, which is around £60 a month.
As well as this, she claimed that on top of all of those costs, she would need to pay around £40 a month for water, as well as food costs, bringing her estimated grand total to £2,515.
But instead, Leanne lives in a van and doesn’t pay council tax, rent or electricity.
Whilst Leanne and Billy have to wait 45 minutes for their shower to heat up, the content creators don’t see any other downsides to their life on wheels.
Leanne shared: “We could indeed move into a small flat in the UK like many of our friends and people we know are doing, for mould filled places that are not fit for living in and the extortionate prices for gas, electric, water and much more.
“While it sounds absolutely amazing, I think we can put up with filling up our shower with a bucket and waiting 45 minutes for it to heat up.
“Our electricity is free, it comes from the sun, and our water is included in the price of campsites or land rent – so yeah, that’s why we don’t rent or buy a house in the UK.”
You are living an amazing life
TikTok user
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @billyandleanne, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 169,900 views.
Social media users were impressed with Leanne’s way of living and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this.
Is it legal to live in a van?
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.
One person said: “You are living an amazing life.”
Another added: “Good way of living.”
A third commented: “Well said, my husband and I also live in our van.”
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