Rodney Metcalf, Remembered as The Real Rodney Russell on WJPS Passes Away
Matthew Redd Update
Matthew Redd was seriously injured in September when he was the passenger in a car driven by Clinton Keown that crashed in Illinois. He spent time in intensive care being treated for life-threatening injuries.
Matt is now home getting ready for Christmas with his family. He is still being treated as an outpatient and is getting physical therapy to help him recover from his injuries. There’s still a long road ahead.
Please keep praying for Matt, Andrea, and their boys.
Give at the Red Kettle and Have Your Gift Matched
The Salvation Army of Evansville has announced a special local match that will multiply your gift as the annual Red Kettle campaign reaches its final stretch.
As Christmas draws closer, several individuals in the Evansville community have offered to boost every donation made over the next week. Every dollar donated through the campaign is used right here to provide food, shelter, clothing, and Christmas gifts for those in need.
In a press release, the Salvation Army of Evansville detailed an exciting new element of their Red Kettle Campaign, which will take place at all Red Kettles starting on Thursday, December 19, and running through Christmas Eve. Thanks to the combined efforts of several anonymous local donors, over $63,000 is available to be unlocked as part of their new matching challenge. All large bills ($20 and up) will be matched 5:1, turning any $20 donation into $100. Donations smaller than $20, from $10 bills down to pennies, will still be matched 1:1, doubling the impact of even the humblest of gifts.
“It’s not just about giving, but inspiring others to join the cause,” said Captain Brandon Lewis, Corps Officer & Southwest Indiana Area Coordinator for The Salvation Army. “This 5:1 match ensures generosity will be magnified throughout the year to meet need wherever it appears. Together we can make a difference, one dollar at a time!”
Expected Christmas Spending in 2024: Trends, Factors, and Projections
Expected Christmas Spending in 2024: Trends, Factors, and Projections
As the holiday season approaches, economists and retailers alike are anticipating a significant uptick in consumer spending for Christmas 2024. Despite inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, early data suggests that consumers remain eager to celebrate and spend on gifts, decorations, food, and travel. This year, spending trends reveal a mix of cautious budgeting and indulgent splurges as families strive to create memorable celebrations amid challenging economic conditions.
Overall Spending Outlook
According to recent forecasts from retail analysts, Christmas spending in 2024 is projected to increase by 3-5% compared to last year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that U.S. consumers alone will collectively spend over $960 billion during the holiday season. This growth, while more modest than pre-pandemic years, highlights sustained consumer enthusiasm and the importance of the holiday season for both individuals and businesses.
On average, individual households are expected to spend $1,050-$1,200 this Christmas, covering categories such as gifts, decorations, festive meals, and travel expenses. “The holiday spirit remains resilient despite ongoing financial concerns,” said NRF spokesperson Maria Delgado. “Consumers are finding ways to prioritize joy and connection during this season.”
Categories Driving Spending
Gifts and Toys: The largest portion of holiday spending, approximately 55%, will go toward gifts for family, friends, and coworkers. Popular categories this year include electronics, toys, clothing, and gift cards. With tech gadgets like smart home devices, gaming consoles, and wearables in high demand, retailers are poised to see strong sales. Toys are also expected to make a comeback, especially for younger age groups.
Holiday Travel: After several years of disrupted travel plans due to the pandemic, 2024 is shaping up to be a robust year for holiday trips. Airlines and hotels report a 7% increase in bookings for Christmas week compared to 2023. Families are opting for both domestic road trips and international getaways, with travel expenses contributing significantly to seasonal spending.
Decorations and Home Goods: Rising trends in elaborate holiday décor are driving higher spending on items like artificial Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. Additionally, consumers are investing in home goods and table settings to host holiday dinners and gatherings, creating festive and welcoming environments.
Food and Entertaining: Spending on festive meals and entertainment is also set to rise. According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, over 70% of households plan to host holiday gatherings, pushing up demand for premium groceries, baked goods, and specialty beverages. “Consumers are willing to splurge on quality food items to make the holidays special,” said retail analyst Kevin Thompson.
The Impact of Inflation and Financial Constraints
While spending is projected to rise overall, many households are grappling with ongoing inflation, higher interest rates, and rising costs of living. A recent survey by Bankrate found that 45% of consumers plan to set strict holiday budgets and seek out discounts and promotions to avoid overspending. Retailers are responding with early sales events, Black Friday promotions, and flexible payment options, such as buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services.
“We’re seeing a dual trend where some shoppers are looking for luxury purchases, while others are prioritizing affordability and value,” said economic expert Laura Bennett. “This combination reflects the diverse financial realities facing consumers this year.”
Online Shopping and E-Commerce Dominance
Online shopping is expected to play a dominant role again this season, accounting for over 60% of total holiday sales. Retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are preparing for a surge in online orders, while small businesses are also ramping up their digital presence. Shoppers are increasingly turning to e-commerce for its convenience, competitive pricing, and ability to compare products quickly.
Mobile commerce, in particular, is set to grow significantly, as consumers rely on their smartphones for browsing, purchasing, and tracking deliveries.
A Season of Joy and Cautious Optimism
Despite economic challenges, Christmas 2024 spending forecasts point to a season of cautious optimism. Consumers are finding ways to balance their financial concerns with the desire to create meaningful holiday experiences. Whether through thoughtful budgeting, splurging on meaningful gifts, or investing in travel and festivities, the holiday season remains a time for celebration, connection, and generosity.
Retailers, for their part, are optimistic that robust spending will help cap off a challenging economic year on a positive note. With savvy shopping strategies and a focus on value, consumers are preparing to make the most of this festive season.
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Warrick Humane Society Home for the Howlidays Foster Event!
Home for the Howlidays Foster Event!
At Warrick Humane Society, we’rentrying something new! Now not only are we having a Friendsgiving foster event, but also a Christmas foster event – because rescue pets deserve a Merry Christmas too! This event will be taking place Wednesday, December 19th through Friday, December 27th. It’s the perfect time to give to pets in need in your community, and it’s completely free! Donate some of your time and space, and give our shelter dogs a holiday to remember.
Event Highlights:
● To Get Started: Fill out an adoption application on our website,
https://warrickhumanesociety.org/adoption/, and under ‘Animal Name’ put ‘Foster
Event’
● First Come First Serve: All eligible dogs will be on a first come first serve basis for
foster families to pick!
● Flexible Time-Frame: Pick-up days/times are Wednesday, December 19th and
Thursday, December 20th from 12pm-7pm and Friday, December 21st from 12pm-
4pm. Drop-off times are the 26th and 27th from 12pm-7pm, or you can ask about a
New Years extension!
● Necessities Provided When Needed: We can provide your foster dog with food, or
any other necessities that you do not have, for the event if you are not able!
● Special Offer: If you fall in love with your foster and want to keep them in your
family forever, you will get a special on their adoption fee!
About Warrick Humane Society: Warrick Humane Society, a no-kill shelter located in Newburgh, Indiana. It was founded in 1983 by a handful of dedicated volunteers who rescued lost, injured and neglected animals.
Since WHS opened their building in 1997 and began actively working with Animal Control agencies and other rescue organizations, WHS has saved thousands of animals and placed them in loving homes. Warrick Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue dedicated to improving companion animals’ lives. WHS does not receive any funding from taxes or any national organizations. WHS is funded entirely by individual and corporate donations, bequests, grants and fundraising events. Because all animals adopted by WHS are
spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and microchipped as well as receiving any other special care they may need, finding enough funding is always a challenge.
INDOT Seeking Public Comment on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Amendment
| INDOT Seeking Public Comment on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Amendment
Please review the proposed amendments to INDOT’s STIP which will add the FY24 Tribal TIP with four projects using Tribal Transportation Program funding for 2024-2027 here. To access the project list, scroll to the bottom of the page and find the link under the heading “Draft STIP Documents.” The link to the comment form is just below the amendment link. Check out this map to view current and future INDOT construction projects in your area of interest! The public comment period is open through Monday, December 23, 2024. Please share your comments by using this form, emailing to draftstip@indot.in.gov, or mailing to: |
| What is the STIP?
The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is Indiana’s four planning and construction document that lists all projects, and project phases, expected to be funded within 5 years with federal funds as well as state-funded projects that has been deemed Regionally Significant. It is prepared in cooperation with local government entities throughout Indiana, including Transportation Planning Regions (TPRs), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs). The STIP identifies the funding and the scheduling of transportation projects and programs by fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). It includes all state and local transportation projects funded with federal highway and/or federal transit funding along with 100 percent state funded transportation projects (including highway, passenger rail, freight, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian, and projects in the national parks). The STIP is the culmination of INDOT’s and the MPO’s planning processes and translates the objectives set forth in INDOT’s long-range transportation plans, the Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), asset lifecycle strategies, and Asset Teams’ business rules into committed projects for the upcoming four-year period. Why is it being amended? Periodically, changes are made to a project’s scope, cost and year of proposed construction. Changes are made with either amendment or an administrative modification to the STIP.
What is an Administrative Modification? Minor changes to the STIP can be made with an Administrative Modification. Examples are:
Administrative modifications are not required to be presented for public comment and are not approved by FHWA and FTA. Why is this Important? The STIP must be fiscally constrained. Only projects for which construction and operating funds are available are included. If a project is not included in a STIP, it is not eligible to receive federal funding. |
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
UE women’s basketball earns win over IU Columbus on Education Day
