Home Blog Page 10

Montana Lottery adds changes to the Montana Millionaire event

Montana Lottery has announced changes to the Montana Millionaire event

The Montana Lottery has announced several exciting changes to the Montana Millionaire event for 2024, aimed at building on the success of previous years and incorporating feedback from players and sales agents.

The most significant change is the addition of another million-dollar grand prize, bringing the total to four $1 million prizes.
This increase follows last year’s expansion to three $1 million prizes. To accommodate the growing popularity of the event, the number of available tickets will be increased to 500,000, up from 380,000 in 2023. Despite these changes, the ticket price will remain at $20.

In place of the former “Early Bird” drawings, the Montana Lottery is introducing a “Quarter Million Monday” drawing. This new feature will offer a $250,000 prize and is scheduled for December 2, 2024.

Players will have even more chances to win instantly in 2024:

  • 200 additional $500 instant win prizes.
  • 2,500 more $100 instant win prizes.
Ticket Sales and Drawing Date

Montana Millionaire tickets will go on sale on November 1, 2024. The grand prize drawing is typically held during the last week of the year, between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

These changes came about in response to the increasing popularity of Montana Millionaire. In 2023, all 380,000 tickets sold out in just five hours, demonstrating the high demand for the event.

The modifications to the Montana Millionaire event for 2024 are designed to enhance the experience for participants while responsibly managing the growth of this popular lottery game.

The Montana Lottery was created by a citizen’s referendum in 1986. Since then, it has paid over $1.06 billion in prizes and returned approximately $361.3 million to the State of Montana and $104.5 in sales agent commissions.

In 1995 the state legislature passed SB 83, which redirected lottery revenue earmarked for the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the General Fund as “part of a larger bill simplifying revenue allocations throughout state government.” – wikipedia




 

Executive orders are not legislation in the traditional sense

Executive orders are not legislation in the traditional sense

Executive orders are not legislation in the traditional sense, but they do have the force of law under certain circumstances.

Here are the key points to understand about the legal status of these kinds of orders:

Legal Authority

Executive orders derive their authority from two main sources:

  • The U.S. Constitution, specifically Article II which grants executive power to the President.
  • Statutory authority delegated to the President by Congress.
Force of Law

Executive orders have the force of law when they are:

  • Issued pursuant to constitutional or statutory authority.
  • Published in the Federal Register.
  • Codified in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Limitations

While these orders can have legal effect, they are subject to important limitations:

  • They can be overturned by federal courts if found to lack constitutional or statutory basis.
  • Congress can pass legislation that makes it difficult or impossible to carry out an executive order, such as by removing funding.
  • A sitting president can revoke, modify, or supersede executive orders issued by previous administrations.
Differences from Legislation

Unlike laws passed by Congress, executive orders:

  • Do not require congressional approval.
  • Cannot be directly overturned by Congress (though Congress can pass conflicting legislation).
  • Are more easily changed or revoked by subsequent presidents.
Judicial Review

Like statutes and regulations, executive orders are subject to judicial review. Courts may overturn these orders if they:

  • Exceed the president’s constitutional authority.
  • Conflict with existing laws.
  • Violate constitutional rights.

While executive orders are not identical to congressional legislation, they do carry legal weight within the scope of presidential authority and can significantly impact federal operations and policy implementation. Their status as “law” is contingent on their adherence to constitutional and statutory limits.

Notable examples of executive orders that have been overturned by courts:

Franklin D. Roosevelt Era

In 1935, the Supreme Court struck down five of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive orders related to the National Industrial Recovery Act.

This included:

  • Executive Order 6199
  • Executive Order 6204
  • Executive Order 6256
  • Executive Order 6284a
  • Executive Order 6855

The Court found these orders unconstitutional as they exceeded the president’s authority.

Harry Truman’s Steel Seizure

In the landmark 1952 case Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, the Supreme Court invalidated Executive Order 10340 issued by President Truman.

This order had directed the Secretary of Commerce to seize and operate most of the country’s steel mills during the Korean War. The Court ruled that Truman lacked the constitutional or statutory authority to seize private property in this manner.

Bill Clinton’s Labor Order

In 1995, a federal appeals court overturned Executive Order 12954 issued by President Bill Clinton.

This order had attempted to prevent the federal government from contracting with organizations that employed strike-breakers. The court ruled that the order conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act.

Donald Trump’s Travel Ban

Parts of President Trump’s Executive Order 13769, which temporarily banned entry to the U.S. for citizens of several Muslim-majority countries, were initially stayed by federal courts in 2017.

However, in 2018, the Supreme Court ultimately upheld a revised version of the travel ban in Trump v. Hawaii.

Other Examples
  • In 1935, the Supreme Court invalidated executive orders issued by President Roosevelt related to the transport of petroleum in Panama Refining Co. v. Ryan.
  • Courts have also struck down executive orders that exceeded statutory authority granted by Congress or violated constitutional rights.

These cases demonstrate that while executive orders can be powerful tools for presidents, they are subject to judicial review and can be overturned if found to exceed presidential authority or violate existing laws.




 

Shana tova (שנה טובה) u’metuka to all of our Jewish friends

Shana tova (שנה טובה) u’metuka to all of our Jewish friends

Shana tova (שנה טובה) u’metuka to all of our Jewish friends — Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish celebration of the New Year.

The catch-all Jewish new year greeting for the entire season is “Shanah tovah” (שנה טובה), which means “Good year.” The word “u’metuka” (ומתוקה), and sweet, is sometimes appended to the end.

On October 2, Jewish people celebrate Rosh Hashana (Shana tova). Literally, it means, Head (Rosh) of the Year (Shana).

This year is the celebration of the year 5785. Instead of sequin dresses, champagne and watching the ball drop, the focus is introspection. What parts of ourselves need attention? Who do we need to forgive? What relationships need repair?

Rosh Hashanah takes place on the first day of the Hebrew month Tishrei. In the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei is actually the seventh month of the year.

Rosh Hashanah begins October 2, 2024, at sundown and it concludes at nightfall on October 4, 2024.

Rosh Hashanah begins the leadup to Yom Kippur, some of the holiest days in the Hebrew year (known as “Days of Awe”). Rosh Hashanah celebrates God’s creation of mankind and is sometimes viewed as a birthday celebration as opposed to a New Year’s celebration.

According to tradition, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated over two days due to questions around when the new moon would appear in the sky.

There are a number of great ways to wish someone a happy new year for Rosh Hashanah:

“Shanah Tovah” means “Good year” (essentially “Happy New Year”) in Hebrew.

“L’Shanah tovah” is the same.

“Shanah tovah um’tukah” means “Have a good and sweet year.”

“Tizku l’shanim rabot” means “May you see many more years.”

“Happy Rosh Hashanah” is easy and kind!

“L’shanah tovah tikateivu v’teichateimu” means “A good year, and may you be inscribed and sealed.” This refers to the Book of Life.

In Yiddish, “Gut yontif” means “Have a good holiday.” This greeting can be used for a number of Jewish holidays, including the traditionally somber Yom Kippur.

You can also say “Yom tov” for “good day.”

In Yiddish, you can say, “A gut gebentsht yohr,” which translates to “a good and blessed year.”

Another Yiddish greeting is “a gutten kvittl,” or “a good inscription.”

Leading up to Yom Kippur, you can say, “tzom kal” to wish someone an easy fast.

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, you can say, “Gemar chatimah tovah.” This means “a good final sealing.”

“Have a great new year.”

“To a happy and healthy new year.”

“Have a blessed new year.”




 

A significant cold front has swept through Montana

A significant cold front has swept through Montana

A significant cold front has swept through Montana, resulting in freeze warnings and red flag alerts across various regions. This weather shift marks a notable transition from the recent warm temperatures experienced in the state.

Warnings are in effect for western Montana, with temperatures expected to drop significantly overnight. Areas west of the continental divide are particularly affected, with warnings lasting until 8 AM Tuesday.

Many locations reported their coldest morning of the fall season so far, with lows dipping into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit.

Great Falls, for instance, recorded a low of 30°F, marking the first sub-freezing temperature of the season.

The cold front has also brought strong winds, with gusts reaching between 25-35 mph in some areas. This has raised concerns about fire danger, leading to red flag warnings in northeast Montana.

Alongside freeze warnings, red flag warnings indicate critical fire weather conditions due to dry and windy conditions that can exacerbate fire risks.

Following this cold front, a warm front is anticipated to move through on Tuesday morning, which may lead to milder temperatures and stronger winds during the day. Highs are expected to reach into the low to mid-70s later in the week before another cool down occurs.

Overall, this significant cold front signifies a dramatic change in weather patterns for Montana as it transitions into fall, necessitating preparedness for both freezing conditions and heightened fire risks.

Farmers are advised to cover or protect sensitive crops to mitigate damage from the frost. This cold snap could affect fall harvests and potentially damage late-season crops.

Residents are recommended to take precautions like disconnecting outdoor hoses, covering plants, and ensuring pets and outdoor animals have proper shelter. This sudden drop in temperature can pose risks to both plant life and unprepared individuals.

Montana’s weather can be notoriously unpredictable due to its vast size and varied topography. Temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 40 degrees in a single day, especially with the passing of cold fronts.




 

Recent advancements in iPhone technology – Satellite Connectivity

Recent advancements in iPhone technology

Recent advancements in iPhone technology, specifically from the iPhone 14 series onward, have introduced the capability to connect to satellites, enhancing communication options significantly, especially in remote or emergency situations where traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.

With models starting from the iPhone 14, users can leverage satellite connectivity for various functions including calling emergency services, requesting roadside assistance, sending messages via satellite (both iMessage and SMS), and sharing location details. This functionality is integrated into iOS 18, allowing for seamless iMessage use over satellite when there’s no other connectivity.

When your iPhone detects no cellular or Wi-Fi signal, it will prompt you to connect via satellite. You’ll receive on-screen guidance to orient your phone towards a satellite, which might require a clear line of sight to the sky. Once connected, you can communicate as you would normally, though with some limitations due to satellite technology’s inherent delays.

Usage and Limitations:

You can text emergency services, which, through Apple’s infrastructure, routes your message to the appropriate emergency responder. This involves your location being shared with Apple and relay providers for routing to emergency services.

iMessages and SMS can be sent via satellite. However, receiving messages might be limited to emergency contacts or family sharing group members when you’re connected via satellite.

You can share your location via satellite with friends or family using the Find My app, encrypted end-to-end for privacy.

The satellite features come free for two years with the activation of a new iPhone model supporting this technology. After this period, or for more detailed pricing on ongoing or specialized use, information wasn’t directly provided, suggesting a potential subscription model or additional fee structure might be in place.

There’s a growing awareness among iPhone users about this feature, especially highlighted during natural disasters or events where conventional communication networks fail. People online are sharing tips on how to access this feature, indicating both curiosity and appreciation for its emergency utility.

Satellite communication, while groundbreaking, does come with challenges like higher latency due to the distance signals must travel, which might affect real-time communication. Also, maintaining a connection requires keeping the phone pointed at the satellite, which might be cumbersome in some emergency situations.

This integration of satellite connectivity into iPhones marks a significant step towards enhancing safety and communication in areas beyond traditional network coverage, offering peace of mind and connectivity where it was previously unavailable.