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SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks took a bumpy path to sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Sunday's 26-21 win over the Jets featured several special teams miscues, including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by New York. On the flip side, the Seahawks got their second pick-6 in as many weeks and just enough production by Geno Smith and the offense. The Seahawks' uneven performance was characteristic of a season in which they started 3-0, then lost five of six before winning another three in a row to take command of their underachieving division. Seattle (7-5) leads Arizona by one game, with a matchup against the Cardinals looming next weekend. Zach Charbonnet gave Seattle its first lead of the day on an 8-yard touchdown run with 5:37 to go, and the Seahawks' defense capped another strong outing with a game-sealing stop on fourth down. After a sack by Leonard Williams gave the Jets a fourth-and-15 at the 34-yard line, Aaron Rodgers threw a desperation pass to Garrett Wilson that fell incomplete, giving Seattle the ball with 33 seconds left. Williams is on a tear. After losing out on NFC defensive player of the week honors last week to teammate Coby Bryant despite 2 1/2 sacks and four quarterback hits, “Big Cat” had an even better game. Williams finished with two sacks, three tackles for loss, a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown that was the longest pick-6 in NFL history by a defensive lineman, and a blocked extra point. The touchdown was the first of Williams’ career. He became the first player since 1982 with multiple sacks, an interception return for a touchdown and a blocked kick in a game. Maybe this week the league will agree he was the NFC's best defender. The special teams could not have been much worse in the first half. The Seahawks fumbled three kickoffs, losing two, and allowed Kene Nwangwu's 99-yard kickoff return for a TD. Dee Williams fumbled on a kickoff in the first quarter to give New York the ball at the 27-yard line, and four plays later, Rodgers hit Isaiah Davis for a touchdown to give the Jets a 14-0 lead. Laviska Shenault Jr. muffed two kicks and fumbled at the Seattle 38-yard line in the second quarter. Seattle also had an extra point blocked. Smith led his third game-winning drive of the season and his 11th since he became Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022. Facing the team that drafted him in 2013, Smith went 20 of 31 for 206 yards and a touchdown. For the first time in five weeks, he was not intercepted. The Seahawks trailed by 14 points on two occasions, but Smith brought Seattle back while avoiding the untimely picks that dogged him recently. He threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Barner in the second quarter, and led the Seahawks on a go-ahead nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter. Coach Mike Macdonald and his staff have to address the problem with their kick returners, Shenault and Dee Williams. Two lost fumbles and several muffs could have easily cost Seattle the game. WR DK Metcalf left the game briefly with a knee issue but returned. ... P Michael Dickson was unavailable in the fourth quarter because of back spasms. 38 — The Seahawks decided to go for it on fourth-and-6 at their own 33-yard line with 9:34 left in the game. A primary reason was that Dickson was unavailable to punt because of back spasms. The Jets were flagged for having 12 men on the field after sending a punt returner out, which gave Seattle fourth-and-1 at the 38. The Seahawks got a first down after Jets cornerback Quantez Stiggers was flagged for pass interference on Metcalf, and eight players later, Charbonnet scored to put Seattle ahead. Without going for it on fourth down from their own 38, the Seahawks likely would’ve lost. The Seahawks will seek a season sweep of the Cardinals. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflA world-renowned Haida artist and avid supporter of the victims of war in Ukraine, is pitching his talents to a Victoria non-profit that provides life-changing prosthetics. Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is the only living Indigenous artist whose work is in the permanent collection of the Modern and Contemporary Art Department at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. His works are also in the collections of the British Museum, Denver Art Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Originally scheduled to have an art show at the TSEKH Art Gallery in Kyiv, Ukraine in the fall of 2021, Nicoll Yahgulanaas is instead using his art to raise funds and awareness for the war-torn country. One of the works that would have been displayed is called Kyiv Child, created after visiting Ukraine in 2019. “I made many friends on that trip, and now they are huddling in basements, holding their children close. They worry about food, water, and Putin's indiscriminate bombing of civilians,” Nicoll Yahgulanaas said in a statement. Yahgulanaas has raised $75,000 so far for Ukraine aid through Unicef and MSF, and the latest campaign targets $25,000 for the Victoria Hand Project. From a small lab at the University of Victoria, The Victoria Hand Project harnesses 3D printing technology to create life-altering prosthetics. The charity strives to empower individuals worldwide, particularly where accessing prosthetics is challenging. By offering affordable and sustainable solutions, they restore independence, hope, and dignity to those who have lost mobility due to limb loss. CEO Michael Peirone is grateful that the B.C. artist opted to share his talents with the Saanich-based project. Malaspina Printmakers in Vancouver is covering the costs to create the high-quality prints of Yahgulanaas’s work available for $700 online . Other donors and supporters mean the funds are 100 per cent proceeds. Each print sale, $700, would essentially cover the costs associated with a prosthetic in Ukraine, Peirone told the Saanich News. “Unfortunately from what we’ve heard from partners on the ground working in Ukraine there is such a need for prosthetic care and the resources aren’t available,” he said. “The waitlists are growing, with people who have been waiting six months to a year after losing an arm defending their country. “Even if the war ended right this moment – and we wish it would – there’s still a great need for prosthetic care.” Three Victoria Hand Project team members travelled to Ukraine in June 2023 to train locals and set up two clinics for the organization’s usual in-country solution. “That helps with the long-term sustainability and decreases wait times. Also, we found it really fosters a sense of pride in the community,” Peirone said. The non-profit has made several in-person trips there, creating fast and affordable prosthetic limb production. The organization has already provided more than 110 prosthetics for Ukrainians. Get prints online at malaspinaprintmakers.com . It's one campaign among several underway at the Victoria Hand Project. A Giving Tuesday event (internationally recognized as Dec. 3) aims to raise $50,000 focused on providing prosthetic arms in Ukraine. An evening of Impact features a silent auction, compelling personal stories and food and beverages. Learn more about the initiative, purchase tickets or donate online at victoriahandproject.com .None

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Former NFL wideout Ed McCaffrey said it was a tough night after his son, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a season-ending PCL injury in a 35-10 loss to the Bills on Sunday. McCaffrey appeared to suffer a non-contact knee injury when he slid down on a run in the second quarter of a snowy clash in Buffalo and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Though it’s believed McCaffery was hurt on the prior play when his right knee landed hard after a shoestring tackle. During an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, the elder McCaffrey explained it was an emotional night for their family — but they are optimistic about the 49ers star’s recovery. “I feel like someone reached their hand in my chest and pulled out my heart,” he said . “... It was devastating... It was tragic. It was a hard night last night, and a difficult morning... He’ll bounce back.” The 49ers star suffered a PCL strain and underwent an MRI exam on Monday that determined he will need a six-week recovery — effectively ending his season, San Fransisco coach Kyle Shannahan told reporters. “Hopefully it’s not too serious and it’s something he can bounce back from pretty quickly,” the elder McCaffrey said before the official news broke. “He’ll do everything he can to get back on the field as quickly as possible.” The 49ers also placed running back Jordan Mason on IR with an ankle injury, so rookie Isaac Guerendo is expected to be the starter. The former three-time Super Bowl champ went on to explain that if Christian McCaffrey was healthy enough he would have tried to return this season regardless of the 49ers’ playoff picture. “I’ve always thought that you’re a professional football player and you’re getting paid to play. So if you’re healthy enough to play, you play, whether you’re going to the playoffs or not,” McCaffrey said. “Kyle Shanahan wants to win games, so he wants every player that’s healthy on the field at all times. It means a lot, they put a lot of time and effort into this game, so if you’re healthy, you play.” San Francisco (5-7) is currently at the bottom of the NFC West, but they have a small window to turn around their season. McCaffrey was ruled out after he limped off of the field to the medical tent in the second quarter. The All-Pro running back was seen wearing a knee brace and using crutches in the locker room, according to ESPN. “It was frustrating,” Shanahan said. “He had a great week of practice and I could feel his urgency and stuff and thought he came out great, looking really good, and it looked like he just got his shoestring there. ... I hurt for him, and tough for our team not having him.” Before his injury, McCaffrey had seven carries for 53 yards and two receptions for 14 yards — including season-best rushes of 19 and 18 yards. That was just McCaffrey’s fourth game this season after he dealt with Achilles tendinitis in both legs and a calf injury. He missed the 49ers preseason and their first eight games of the season. McCaffrey looked explosive earlier in the game. The 49ers (5-7) face the Bears (4-8) in San Francisco on Sunday.Former North Carolina State wide receiver Kevin "KC" Concepcion is transferring to Texas A&M. He confirmed the transfer on his Instagram account Sunday. Concepcion, who has two years of eligibility remaining, caught 124 passes for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns, and rushed for two more, in 25 games over two seasons for the Wolfpack. He was the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, when he set program records for a freshman with 71 receptions and 10 TDs. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, Concepcion is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 15 player overall and No. 6 receiver in the transfer portal. Texas A&M already has added receivers Micah Hudson, a transfer from Texas Tech, and Mario Craver (Mississippi State). The Aggies have 10 transfer commitments. Concepcion also considered Alabama, Colorado, Florida State, Miami and South Carolina. --Field Level MediaAt a recent event hosted by the Association of the US Army, military leaders announced that the service is developing a fifth version of its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). This new version is designed to be launched from autonomous systems and can target locations more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) away. Major General Winston Brook, head of the Army’s Fires Center of Excellence, showcased a slide highlighting the PrSM Increment 5 as a future capability. Brigadier General Rory Crooks, director of the Long-Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team, clarified that while this fifth increment is ongoing, it is currently in the science and technology phase. This means the project is still in the early exploration stages, aimed at creating a missile suitable for launch from an autonomous vehicle. Beyond 620 miles missile Crooks provided insight into the concept, saying, “If you’re familiar with the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) pods, it’s about 13 feet long. An autonomous vehicle could potentially accommodate a larger missile without a cab.” He emphasized developing a missile capable of achieving ranges currently considered unfeasible. Although funding is available to investigate the potential of this new missile system, Crooks noted that a timeline for competition or formal development has yet to be established, Breaking Defense reported. Currently, the Army is working on four other versions of the PrSM designed to replace the older Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). These missiles can be launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the upgraded M270A2 MLRS. The initial Increment 1 rounds, produced by Lockheed Martin, are being fielded to strike targets at at least 500 kilometers. Future missile versions will include Increment 2, which features a multimode seeker known as the Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile (LBASM) seeker. Additionally, Increment 3 aims to enhance the missile’s lethality by incorporating improved payloads. For the more advanced designs, the Army has engaged teams from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies-Northrop Grumman to develop competing Increment 4 designs capable of exceeding ranges of 1,000 kilometers, potentially doubling the performance of existing models. US Army improvement This significant push towards enhancing the PrSM reflects the Army’s commitment to modernizing its tactical capabilities and ensuring it remains competitive in an evolving battlefield landscape. By integrating advanced technology and autonomous systems, the Army aims to increase strike precision and effectiveness while minimizing risks to personnel. As the Army continues its push into high-tech missile development, it is clear that the future of military engagements will rely heavily on advanced weaponry and autonomous systems. The implementation of these technologies will not only redefine operational capabilities but also reshape the strategic landscape of modern warfare. This development signals a pivotal shift in the Army’s approach to long-range strike capabilities, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in an era where traditional tactics may not suffice. With the prospect of an autonomous-launch precision missile on the horizon, the Army is positioning itself to meet future challenges head-on, paving the way for enhanced operational effectiveness on global fronts.Dear Editor, Re: Burnaby to chop down 166 trees for community centre redevelopment (Nov. 1, 2024) I appreciated your coverage of the plan to cut 166 trees for the Cameron Community Centre and Library redevelopment. But this isn’t just about one person's feelings about losing trees—it’s about the ripple effects on our community and environment, impacts that extend far beyond what meets the eye. While the City plans to replant 779 trees, let’s be clear: this isn’t a goodwill gesture. It’s a legal requirement under Burnaby’s Tree Bylaw , which mandates replacement trees based on the size of those removed: one for smaller trees, two for mid-sized, and three for the largest. The real questions are: Where will these trees be replanted? And why wait years to start replanting when the loss of mature trees has immediate consequences? Since at least 50% of Cameron Park, where these 166 trees are being cut, is fenced off for redevelopment, there won’t be space to plant 779 trees there. Replanting should begin immediately in nearby areas with low tree canopy. Why delay? Images contributed by Swati Jain. Removing these 166 trees means displacing thousands of living beings that depend on them. Mature trees are ecosystems in themselves, supporting an estimated: 83,000–166,000 insects, 1,660 birds, 330–500 small mammals, and countless microorganisms essential to healthy soil. These numbers aren’t just statistical estimates—they represent the vibrant biodiversity that keeps our environment thriving. And what about the people? Green spaces like this park are vital for mental health, stress relief, and community connection. Losing this park means more noise pollution, fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation under the open sky, and the loss of a beloved social hub with no restrictions on access. For families already stretched by financial stress, this park offered something rare in our city—beauty, peace, and accessibility, all for free. This also highlights a larger issue: tree equity. Wealthier neighborhoods typically enjoy more tree cover and biodiversity , while areas with affordable housing are often left with less. This redevelopment risks widening that gap. Recognizing the dangers posed by climate change, Burnaby city council declared a climate emergency in 2019 . We need more than shiny new buildings—we need urban green spaces that make life livable. Whenever there’s a development at the cost of the natural environment, the environmental impact should be shared alongside the flashy details of the project. I urge the city to involve residents in deciding where and how to replant these trees and to start replanting now, not years from now. This proactive approach would also help Burnaby achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of 45% by 2030 . I also urge the people of Burnaby to reach out to Burnaby city council to express their concerns about the loss of green spaces and biodiversity—and to actively participate in shaping where these trees should be replanted. This isn’t about stopping progress; it’s about ensuring progress is sustainable and equitable for all. Sincerely, Swati Jain, Burnaby

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HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron's new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand's tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. This story was corrected to fix the spelling of Ken Lay’s first name, which had been misspelled “Key.” Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano701. A pair of chunky Sam Edelman ankle boots you'll want to put on every! single! day! Not only are they sometimes compared to the Prada lug boots (oh my!) and go with all of your planned winter looks, but reviewers also say they're comfy out of the box, which is simply a must-have. Prime members: You can try before you buy ! Reviewers also compare the look of these to Prada's lug sole Chelsea boots. (Which are over $1,000!) Promising review : "I'm so happy I bought these! They are an excellent alternative to spending $1,200 on the Prada Chelsea boots. They look basically identical and are ridiculously comfy. Sure you can get other Chelsea style boots for like $35–$45 but they are usually super uncomfortable, these just feel so nice. They don't pinch or and my foot doesn't slip around inside them. This is my best shoe purchase on Amazon, I'm just so impressed. " — Azure Look Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in women's sizes 5.5–13 and 11 styles). 2. A suuuuper soft oversized hoodie , but not just *any* soft hoodie. This one has a thick, expensive-looking fabric and construction that reviewers swear is similar to brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. The price-per-wear on this thing is going to be excellent . Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this hoodie. I’ve been looking for a warm, soft hoodie with a big hood for a long time. This quality is excellent and feels more expensive. It is an oversized fit. I usually wear an XL top and sometimes L. The large fit perfectly! I want one in every color now." — LindsayW Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–4XL and 40 colors). 3. E.l.f. "Squeeze Me" lip balm declared by reviewers to be a more affordable (it's under $5!) alternative to the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. It's formulated with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to pack a moisturizing punch, is easier to squeeze on and apply compared to other jarred lip balms, and provides a sheer flush of color you'll love. Check it out on TikTok ! You can count BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord among this balm's many fans: "I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries." Promising review: "I use this lip balm every day and absolutely love it. It leaves my lips super soft. I love it so much, I bought every flavor." — Tracy Pinter Get it from Amazon for $4+ (available in five flavors). 4. The TikTok-beloved Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion , because people love it for providing *serious* (and quick-absorbing!) hydration without feeling heavy or greasy aaaaand for the ahh-mazing smell that's drawing comparisons to pricey brands (hello Philosophy "Warm Cashmere" and Bath & Body Works "Vanilla Noel). Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing. " — Dragonheart Jo Get it from Amazon for $18.97 . 5. A pack of duster sponges , because the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster seems to be constantly sold out, and these are totally similar, for less! Just dampen, and wipe whatever surface that needs dusting — all the dust (and even pet hair!) will accumulate on the ridged surface. Just rinse clean and you're done! I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too! Promising review: "These are exactly like the Scrub Daddy's. Only hella cheaper." — kr425 Promising review: " I had low expectations for this. But I'm really happy to find that they do work really well for a much better price than the name brand. It's pretty much the same as the name brand damp duster except that the grooves are slightly wider. Dusted tops and fronts of my cabinets in about five minutes, but I'm most impressed with how well it removes pet hair from my couch and clothes even better than sticky rollers. I have Pomeranians blowing out their winter undercoats, so it's my new fav thing." — onon Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five color packs). 6. A layered necklace set that'll be the perfect (expensive looking!) cherry on top of your fancy or casual fits — without having to mix and match the perfect stack yourself. Many reviewers say they look way more expensive than they are — and even look like fine jewelry . Promising review: "I love the way these layering necklaces look! I haven’t taken them off since I received them; they still look brand new. I’ve worn them in the shower, pools, and at the beach, and they are still perfect. " — Allison Kwong Promising review: " I had three Miranda Frye (super pricey jewelry) layering necklaces, and they ALL tarnished and broke (keep in mind I shower with my jewelry on and swim in the ocean and workout), but these cheap Amazon necklaces have not broken, tarnished, ANYTHING . I am rough with my jewelry, and I'm in shock. My cheap jewelry is holding up sooooo much better! Also, I have added a charm to one of these pieces, and it’s adorable!" — Alexa Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three finishes and 15 other styles). 7. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter , which reviewers say is comparable to (or even better than) Charlotte Tilbury's famous Flawless Filter. Apply this as a luminous, blurring base, mix it with your moisturizer or foundation, or dot it over makeup as a natural-looking highlight. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration too! Promising review: "This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles . Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill Promising review: "If you like Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend the fraction of the price and just get it you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in 12 shades). 8. A Shea Moisture manuka honey mask packed with powerful ingredients like mafura oil, shea butter, baobab oil, African rock fig, and honey (duh!) to lock in moisture and definition — just as well or better than pricey conditioners like K18. One cosmetologist reviewer says it's comparable to salon deep conditioners! Promising review: " Better than the expensive K18 and Olaplex. I recently spent $70 on a hair mask; because my hair has been in need of some love. I won’t name it because I don’t think I can but I thought it’s 70 bucks so it must be good. It was NOT. I didn’t hate it but it didn’t do much for me. So I thought screw it let me try something more natural and drugstore. I saw the good reviews on this so I thought, “why not?” And now I have my new favorite hair mask. So moisturizing. Makes my hair so soft. It’s VERY thick. But that’s what I wanted. If you’re looking for deep Hydration, look no further." — Kirstin Promising review: " I don't usually leave reviews, but I had to because I love this conditioner so much. I have EXTREMELY dry 4c hair. It's very picky with products. After getting to know my hair, I noticed that my hair only like products that get absorbed into the hair right away. If it leaves a coating over it, then my hair is not going to like it. It might even feel super soft for a day, but then it get extremely dry after. Even though this product is super thick (so thick that the cream stays in the jar when you flip it upside down), my hair absorbs everything and it stays super moisturized for 2-3 days after. I used this on my hair about 2 days ago. Today, I touched my hair expecting it to feel dry like always, but it felt like I just moisturized it. MIND BLOWN. It also smells AMAZING. It smells more like a fruity, sweet, and creamy perfume fragrance rather than a hair conditioner. It almost reminds me of Mon Guerlain. Literally the nicest smelling hair product I've ever used. 10/10" — Khady Ndiaye Get it from Amazon for $9.85 . 9. A pair of Bambody period undies with a protective leakproof layer and a moisture-wicking bamboo fabric to keep you dry and comfortable, whether you're using them as backup protection or full coverage. (They can hold up to four tampons' worth!) Unlike pricier brands, reviewers love that these feel like "normal" undies and provide more protection. The leakproof layer is PFA-free also — learn more about that testing here . Promising review: "These are way more comfortable than my Thinx pairs and at a way better price! I love these!" — Kindle Customer Promising review: "These are more comfortable than I expected — the fabric is stretchy and keeps its shape. I own many pairs of more expensive Thinx, and after wearing this pair for a cycle, I think they might be just as good. I have not experimented with how many tablespoons they hold. I love that the absorbent pad reaches all the way back (unlike other brands that stop mid-crack). These are also more sleek than some period panties for heavy days. " — Karissa Get a pair from Amazon for $14.99 (available in sizes XXS–3X; check the size chart for measurements). And check out all of Bambody's styles here . 10. TruSkin vitamin C serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten and smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size btw!). When it comes to vitamin C, this formulation is on the stronger side, so you should do a patch test before using! And make sure you use SPF after (tbh as you should every morning)! Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising review: " I love this product so much. In only five days, my skin is smoother, clearer, and tighter. On the second day, my skin was a bit warm and red, so I skipped a day and have been using it every day without any more irritation. I find this just as effective and WAY less stinky than Skin Ceuticals . I highly recommend giving it a try." — Alex Promising review : "I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s, and I’ve tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc., but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin." — Amazon Customer Get it for $21.97 at Amazon (for 30ml; also available in a larger size). 11. A Cosori gooseneck electric kettle that looks similar to the Fellow Stagg kettle — but the similarities don't end there. This bb has five temp pre-sets so you can get your tea or pour-over coffee made in no time flat, and the gooseneck makes for *very* precise pouring. Got distracted partway through your brew? Don't worry; just use the "hold temp" feature, which can keep your water hot for up to an *hour*. Promising review : "The Fellow Stagg alternative you're looking for. I'll be honest, I was one of those Fellow Stagg cultists and mine broke after some time using i t. I'm so glad I checked reviews on Reddit and Amazon, because this thing is amazing. It looks modern and sleek. The temperature controls are accurate and plenty. The boiling speed and 'hold' function are amazing. And most importantly the price is 1/3 of the Stagg (less if on sale!!) ." — JLS Get it from Amazon for $59.49+ (available in three styles). 12. A Simple Modern tumbler for all of your hydration needs. Not only is the monochrome body chic (you might want to pick one up in various colors to match your 'fits), but it's leak-resistant, dishwasher safe, cupholder-friendly, and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Plus it has a built-in straw and ~ergonomic~ handle! Stanley, who? Many reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw. Get a closer look at it on TikTok . Promising review : "Please do not run out to Targé and waste your money on a Stanley IF you’re only using a cup for ice/cold drinks. This cup is just as good and far more affordable. I put ice in my cup over 24 hours ago during my shift at the hospital, and there is still ice in the cup! This product is BEYOND worth it at this price point. You won’t be disappointed. If the cup isn’t in your cart at this point, I don’t know what’s wrong with you: GET IT! 😂" — Marie Get it from Amazon for $22.49+ (available in 31 colors and patterns and two sizes). Also available in a style without the handle ! 13. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charging station perfect for at home or traveling, so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once, without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. One reviewer compares this under-$40 wonder to the almost-$150(!) Mophie charger and say it's just as good *and* more attractive! Promising review: " This is my new favorite travel gadget! Super compact and sleek, so far no issues with charging my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, and performance remains consistent. This charger has eliminated at least two additional cords and I deeply appreciate not having to shuffle chargers around when packing for travel. The charging light has an on/off feature by the watch pad, so I’m able to keep it on the bedside table at night without a bright green light shining in my face. It’s also hard to overlook when packing back up to leave a hotel, which might be the second most important feature! Overall a great value for the money and such a great tool for staying organized during travel." — Cassandra Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors). 14. CeraVe's Retinol Serum , which lives up to the CeraVe name and uses *encapsulated* retinol to reduce the appearance of scars and pores without flaking or redness. If you haven't gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option — and reviewers say they like it better than other more expensive options (like Murad's Retinol Serum, which retails for $92). And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped my face to clear up very quickly removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather types. It doesn't moisturize much, but that's not it's intention, and there is no scent, so I'd imagine it's great for all skin types and hypoallergenic." — Successful Solo Promising review: "I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman Get it from Amazon for $18.68 . 15. A set of Amazon Basics silicone baking mats to make sure all of your homemade cookies and sheet pan dinners never end up stuck on the pan — and unlike parchment paper, they're reusable....forever! Exactly like fan-favorite Silpat mats , but without the fancy price tag — just ask the reviewer who took this photo and made a batch of macarons using both Silpat and Amazon Basics mats and couldn't tell a difference! Promising review: "I am a macaron baker and have been using Silpat brand for years. I needed to order more silpats but didn't want to spend the money. I found these Amazon Basic nonstick baking mats and thought I'd give them a try. It has been a month now and they are still working just as great as my Silpat brand. Even baking, easy to clean, and clear (I bake shapes and use templates underneath). Hopefully they last as long as my Silpats, which I have had for three years now, but if I get at least a couple of years out of them before buying new ones I won't mind because of the price! The top macaron shell [pictured above] is from the Amazon Basics brand and bottom is Silpat. They baked up even and with the same feet!" — Mac MKE Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in multipacks). 16. A Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68 , which reviewers say has a similar smell to the very luxurious and oh-so popular Baccarat Rouge 540 — but in a lighter, body spray version with notes of jasmine, hibiscus, and sun musk. Promising review: "I finally received my new body spray yesterday and was in complete shock at the resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540 . This body spray is so delicious. It is definitely a Baccarat Rouge 540 [alternative]. There were so many reviews that said how much this body spray resembled the very pricey perfume, and they were all correct. I absolutely love Baccarat Rouge 540, but it so expensive compared to other perfumes like Chanel, so I opt not to purchase it regularly. This body spray is a wonderful substitute for overpriced perfume. Today will be my first day for wearing the spray, so hopefully, it has great longevity throughout the day as well. 🤞🏼 Regardless, I would still purchase it again moving forward." — Tina Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in seven scents). 17. A 100-piece set of Picasso Tiles , because reviewers say they're not only comparable to Magnatiles (which are $75 more for the same size set) but also work with the Magnatiles you may already have, so you can expand a world of creative and educational play for much less. Promising review: "I wish I had known about these sooner! PicassoTiles are *exactly* like Magna-tiles but way more affordable . We just received the 100 tile set today — an early birthday gift for our soon-to-be-four-year-old. We have two sets of Magna-tiles — one with the grommets (purchased new last year) and one without (purchased second hand [no idea how old they are]). The PicassoTiles are the same weight and size as the MagnaTiles and have the same exact magnets. They do not have metal grommets, but the old MagnaTiles are indestructible, so I know that these will be too. And PicassoTiles are much prettier in my opinion, because they are slightly more translucent and have brighter colors. They integrate into the collection seamlessly. I highly recommend this product. And if you are considering buying any kind of magnetic tile toy for your child, I recommend purchasing as big a set a you can for versatility of play. Our son has played with these all day and night off and on every single day since we bought them last year. After integrating the new PicassoTile set, he hugged his enormous structure and declared them his favorite...twice. A wonderful toy!" — skater mom Get it from Amazon for $39.99 . 18. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip , a lip gloss that also has the hydration of a lip oil, thanks to vegan squalane, as well as raspberry and cloudberry oils. It's fairly new but already seriously beloved by reviewers who appreciate the sheer wash of color, high-impact shine, and non-sticky finish. And if you love Dior's Lip Oil (same), some reviewers say this is better! I have two shades and have already ordered a third! Promising review: "The lip oil trend has fully saturated my TikTok feed. So I was anxious to test and compare. I also own the Dior Lip Oil and tbh NYX is giving them a run for their money. This lip oil does its job for a fraction of the price. The formula isn't as thick as the Dior product but, the color options and leak proof packing make up for it. I'd definitely recommend picking this up to try!" — Courtney Calestiini Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in 14 shades, plus clear). 19. A pair of ridiculously comfy pull-on cushioned boots if you've had your eye on Ugg Ultra Minis , but the limited stock and price point have kept you from purchasing. Reviewers say these are just as comfy and long-lasting, and are available in even more colors! Just note that while these have faux fur lining on the tops and sides, the bottoms are memory foam (which is very cushy, but not actually furry). As an added bonus, there are no visible labels from the company on the shoe. Promising review: "I had these on my wishlist for a while but was skeptical. I’m glad I finally ordered them! They fit perfectly and SO much easier to put on than my real Ugg minis which I love. They’re very comfy and warm. Highly recommend! Glad I bought them to wear while I wait for Ugg to restock their tan ultra minis." — Kamryn Get it from Amazon for $32.49+ (available in women's sizes 6–11, including Wide sizes, and in eight colors). And if you're looking for t he platform style , Cushionaire makes those too — you can get them for $39.99 . 20. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion , a fan-favorite, glycerin-infused illuminator you can mix in with moisturizer or foundation, wear as a base under makeup, *or* apply as a highlight or bronzer for a natural looking (and not glittery) glow — especially if you're not looking to drop a fortune on Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops. Promising review: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles) I mixed it and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than drunk elephant." — raegan kuball Promising review: "I actually like this glowy lotion better than the drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan, and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power too. Recommend." — ggvega Get it from Amazon for $12.96+ (available in six shades and two-packs). 21. A pair of pink-tinted, gold-rim coupe glasses to give your bar cart an eye-catching element *other* than all the booze. And these are just gorge! Barbie Dreamhouse vibes, anyone? Reviewers say they're so pretty in person, and very similar to the pink glasses with gold rims at Anthropologie. Promising review: "I bought these after finding a similar glass at Anthropologie. These are more affordable and just as lovely. Cheers ♥️" — Nicole L. Promising review: "I absolutely love these glasses! They're just as beautiful in person as you might hope, and the weight of the glass is very nice also. They're real glass, not plastic, and the gold is so elegant. I absolutely love these, and I'm thinking about getting an extra set." — JLJ Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a set of four). 22. The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush (now with an upgraded motor) with a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots, without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. One reviewer says it takes less time to dry than their Dry Bar Brush ! Btw, while some reviewers with curl types 4a–c like the oval brush, if you're looking for something to blow out tighter curls or coils, try the Revlon One-Step *paddle* brush , which is designed with curlier hair in mind! You can get it from Amazon for $34.95+ . Promising review: "I thought my Chi hairdryer was good, but this takes it to a new level. My hair is very wavy, but I was able to straighten it very easily with this dryer. It took much less time, too, than the Chi or DryBar dryer." — Kristy C Promising review: "Where have you been all my life? Omg this dryer was AMAZING!!!!! I don’t understand why I didn’t know about it sooner!!!! My hair is thick and curly and hard to control. Usually I need to air dry for at least an hour, then it’s 45 min to blow it out. Usually resulting in my arms being exhausted and my hair burned. BEST DRYER EVER! And I have spent $$ on a dry bar dryer. Never again. I need to buy a back up just in case. LOVE" — Brian Halpin Get it from Amazon for $33.58+ at Amazon (available in eight colors). 23. A belt bag so you can keep all your must-haves close and easy to access, but completely hands-free. Whether you're going for a long walk, travellng, or running errands, you'll want to throw this on all the time. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it crossbody *or* around your waist, and you'll be surprised how much it holds too! And....it's quite similar to Lululemon's belt bag and less than half the price! I just finally gave in and bought this, and it's my new go-to bag! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents." Promising review : "I’m SOO impressed with the quality of this bag! I’ve worn the Lululemon belt bag and I gotta say, this is pretty similar. Almost identical, except the Lululemon is a tiny bit smaller size. The Lululemon one also has a plastic zipper but this Amazon one is metal. I prefer the plastic but this one is OK. It might be better than Lululemon JUST for the fact that they have so many color options! " — Em Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in 31 colors). 24. Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks , which come in a set of three minis (for under $10!) so if you've been looking at the Laneige ones to keep your lips hydrated and supple overnight, you might want to try these. Plus they're sized perfectly for travel. For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal! Promising review: "Love this! In my opinion, better than Laniege at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it’s a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keeps my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." — Michaela Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent sets). 25. A pair of chunky droplet earrings so you can try out that oh-so-trendy Bottega look but don't want to commit to fine jewelry. Reviewers note they're lightweight but not flimsy, so they're comfortable for all day wear — plus they go with everything! Promising review: "Bottega, who? These are adorable and super close to the original ones! Perfect for work, events, or casual days. They don’t get rusty or anything right away (I wore them while walking around in 90 degree weather). Love them and I’m gunna get them in gold too! " — Amazon Customer Promising review: "Yep..this is it, FINALLY! For those of you who have been searching for the best, affordable, similar looking Bottega [swap], THIS IS IT!! I searched many places and bought from other places but this is the best one out there... I thought the price of these earring was sketchy but NO...its legit" — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes and 11 colors). 26. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets made of a super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric over 250,000 5-star reviewers (wow!) love for being cozy and sleeping surprisingly cool — at an unbeatable price! You just might want to ditch your expensive, name-brand sheets for these babies after the first night — lots of reviewers have. Promising review: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these vs expensive brands like cozy earth or peacock alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper, these sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. Actually better than Peacock Alley brand. They hardly wrinkle . And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven’t started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" — Susan Promising review: "I read from other reviews these sheets were soft so I wasn't too surprised when I received them and man are they soft and so comfortable. We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas! " — Sheree Chrestman Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $29.97 (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 51 colors and patterns). 27. A satin pillowcase to help maintain hair and skin health even as you sleep, reducing pesky frizz and breakage when compared with regular cotton or other fiber pillowcases — that means longer-lasting blowouts and less damage in the long run. Why spend the money on pricey brands like Slip and Blissy ? This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too! Promising review: "I ordered these pillowcases just to see if they could compete with Blissy. Well, they can. I have washed them three times and they came out great. They seem to protect your hair and skin. So, I’m very happy with them." — EMc Promising review: "I bought these cases to match a new sheet set. I previously had bought much more expensive brands to match other sheets but I love the Bedsure brand of products and wanted to try these out. Arguably, they’re softer than my more expensive ones! They did arrive very wrinkled but a quick wash and dry and they’re shiny and wrinkle free. I like the envelope closure a lot more than competing brands zip closure. Highly recommend!" — Hannah Watkins Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in standard, queen, kind, and body pillow sizes and 35 colors). 28. A Briotech spray with the same magical ingredient as the very beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Just spritz it on whenever your skin needs a little de-stressing, and it'll help soothe inflammation, tone down redness, and strengthen your skin's barrier. BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising review: " It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids which is perfect for traveling!" — Andrea Benton Promising review: "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil glow. So in love!" — BK Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four). 29. A sunrise alarm clock reviewers say is a great alternative to the Hatch (which is over $100). This gradually brightens from red, or orange, to bright white starting 30 minutes before your alarm goes off for a more natural wake-up, *and* it has an evening routine that glows softly and has an auto-shut off so you can drift off peacefully too. It comes with seven nature-inspired wakeup sounds, plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful nightlight options as well! Promising review: "I really needed another reliable alarm in the morning besides my cell phone (because I’m notorious for hitting sneeze), and this clock is exactly what I was looking for! I love that it slowly brightens as it gets closer to your alarm time because I feel less startled when my alarm goes off. This is super similar to the famous Hatch alarm clock and at a much cheaper price. Would definitely purchase again and again! Saves my morning" — Skylar Faul Promising review: "I had my eye on the Hatch sunrise alarm but didn’t want to spend over $100 on it. I am so glad I found this sunrise alarm clock instead! Has all the features I was looking for for a third of the price! Things I love about this product: -It’s easy to set up and use -Can have 2 different alarms saved -dimmable -different color options -several sound and brightness options -snooze option -looks nice The only feature I do not utilize is the FM radio" — Olivia Nguyen Get it from Amazon for $29.99 . 30. A Renpho percussion massager with five different head attachments for targeting different areas and reviewers love it for soothing sore muscles, easing neck and shoulder pain, and working through tough knots. And who doesn't love a massage?! Reviewers agree that this version is comparable to, or even better, than the Theragun (which is almost $300)! Promising review: "I was avoiding buying a Theragun because of price issues and this had a great deal on price markdown, even from list so I went for it. It was a great choice. Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a theragun before and haven't noticed any difference between items and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra theragun features there might be I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between theragun and this . Very happy with my purchase." — tauntaun Promising review: "I used a threragun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the theragun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the "professional" brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the Theragun. This gun goes from comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner plus it's got solid battery life. " — Pierremoe Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in three colors). 31. Essence's Lash Princess mascara , which over *170,000* 5-star reviewers for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. Tons of reviewers say it's a better version of cult-faves like Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. (And even Diorshow!) Promising review: "OK. So I’m a mascara snob! This is better than Dior Show, better than Better than Better than Sex. I’ve ordered this repeatedly about 14x and you won’t be dissatisfied, I PROMISE . I use micellar water to remove my makeup on little cotton squares. EASY. Take a chance. $4.99 vs $40 for Dior. You can’t go wrong. ❤️" — john t dowell Promising review: "I can only praise this mascara! It’s easy to put on, you control how dramatic you want your lashes. No smudge. Very easy to remove and the BEST part is the price!! In my opinion this is better than Better than Sex. Definitely love and will buy again. " — Mayra Zambrano Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and in three-packs). 32. A set of snazzy-looking and surprisingly affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds so you can jam out to your favorite tunes, nod thoughtfully at your go-to podcast, or simply call into all your Zoom meetings with great sound clarity. They also come with a couple of sizes of buds so you can ensure a secure — and comfortable — fit. If you'd like to keep several pairs, or often lose your headphones they're a great alternative to Apple AirPods ! Aaaaand for the fancy pants you are, they come with a wireless charging case and provide up to 14(!!) hours of charge, and four-plus hours of continuous playback. (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge). Did I mention they're are also sweatproof and waterproof?? With over 200,000 5-star reviews, they are mega popular, too. Promising review: "I’ve been searching for wireless headphones that wouldn’t break the bank because I was tired of always getting caught on doorknobs, cabinet doors, and drawers. Funny enough, these headphones were recommended via TikTok and I’m loving them so much. They look expensive and the sound quality is amazing! The various options of bud sizes make them customizable to fit your ear so they’re nice and snug. The battery case is really sleek and can be easily tucked away in your pocket, bag, or purse. I haven’t been this excited to have new technology in a while! " — Joey Reyes Get it from Amazon $25.99 (available in two styles and six colors). And btw if you're looking for a similarly noise-cancelling alternative to AirPods Pro , Tozo also makes those — you can get them for $39.99 . 33. A set of super-sized (9.5 inches!) and super-soft satin scrunchies to keep your hair out of your face while dressing up any outfit — from loungewear to a fancy occasion. Satin is great for protecting hair too! You can split up the package for stocking stuffers, too! Promising review: "I love the look of the huge silk scrunchies on a lot of retail websites (e.g., Free People), but I'm not willing to pay that much for ONE hair tie. These are a great substitute, and you get four for half the price . (Came in cute packaging, too.)" — Michael L. Promising review: "Honestly, I was very skeptical because I didn’t think I would like oversize scrunchies, but I have a long hair, and I find any other scrunchies always pulling out my hair, so these are extremely comfortable. The downside is now I must get them in all colors. 😃" — Dawn Sullivan Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 23 sets and various packs). 34. Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks with results that reviewers swear by — not to mention the fact that using them is weirdly fun? The mask tightens as it dries on your face, giving you the titular "zombie" effect (just like...or better than...the more expensive Hanacure). Just wait 15 minutes and rinse to reveal your glowiest glow yet, thanks to the albumin (aka egg white) and aloe formula. Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the skin 1004 zombie mask and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately but a few hours later when I looked in the mirror I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical too but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice weekly mask schedule recommended. T his Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell which I was worried about but I didn't notice a smell and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't used scented lotions, lip balms etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." — Dana Dane Get them from Amazon for $24.88+ (available in three pack sizes). 35. A set of breathable seamless thongs that over 10,000 5-star reviewers (including those who "never wear" thongs and "hate" thongs ) swear by for looking seamless under clothes and staying actually comfy all day. And thong lovers say they are just as good or better than brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. Promising review: "Buying every color! These are the most comfortable high waisted medium compact things I’ve ever owned , and I own Skims, Good American, and Spanx. They are super soft. They sit at just the right spot on your stomach. 15/10 would recommend!!" — Samantha Wroe Promising review: "Absolutely blown away! I use to be a Victoria Secret panty shopper, mainly due to their sales. The quality of VS underwear makes it so they never last past six months, if that. Not to mention the crotch section of all their underwear types are unrealistically narrow. I bought these as my everyday underwear and couldn’t be happier. They are so comfortable, I hardly can tell I’m wearing them. The crotch part is a suitable size and the back doesn’t ride up or suffocate my back side. They sit perfectly on my hip bone and don’t need adjusting throughout the day. The material is soft and the quality is fantastic. Don’t hesitate, buy these!" — Miranda Get a set of six from Amazon for $24.98 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and nine color packs). 36. A super plush blanket that is just begging to be cuddled up with on a cozy day at home — "I bought a new blanket" is a valid reason to cancel plans, right? But seriously, reviewers love this one for looking stylish on their couch and being super soft, but not too heavy for year-round use! It's often compared favorably to Barefoot Dreams (maybe not quite as plush or stretchy) but a real bargain for the price! Promising review : "We absolutely love this blanket. It is so soft and has now held up to about 4–5 trips through the washer/dryer. My 18-month-old is OBSESSED with this thing and steals it from me on a daily basis so both of my kids are getting their own for Christmas. The ONLY flaw of this blanket is that it comes shrink-wrapped and compressed and therefore really needs to be washed and dried before use to be presentable. It comes tied with a bow but you could really never gift it as it comes because it doesn’t come to life until after the first wash. I find it to be very comparable to barefoot dreams and will never buy another one of their blankets now that I’ve found this. 10/10 recommend. " — Stephanie Mewherter Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in 16 styles and three sizes). 37. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust for a gorgeous shimmer onto your eyelids, cheeks, or anywhere else for a truly ~glowing~ finish — and reviewers say if you're looking for a bit less pigmented version of Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb (which is $42), this is perfect! Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison! Promising review : "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle ; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" — camielle parent Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two sizes). 38. Oversized square sunnies that'll make you feel like a celeb, thanks to their Bottega–inspired shape. But that's not all: they also have polarized lenses and UV protection to keep you peepers safer. (Not even luxury brands always have that!) Promising review: "Love these so so much. I wanted the chic Bottega Veneta designer pair, but these look exactly like those for less than $20. Deal of the century. They are comfortable and extremely well made and I seriously can’t get over the price. I’m thinking about buying another color because I love them so much." — Kam Promising review: "I saw these sunglasses on TikTok a couple of months ago and finally ordered them. I’m so glad I did. I LOVE them!! They’re such good quality! And I love the way they look on. I’d definitely buy them again!!" — Sammie Batey Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 14 lens colors). 39. A soap brow kit complete with pomade and a spoolie to brush those eyebrow hairs UP UP and UP (without the lather some people find with actual soap brows) — with all-day staying power. It *also* conditions those hairs to help encourage brow growth! Why spend the money on Anastasia Brow Freeze? Just wet the spoolie, drag through the pomade, and brush UP. Promising review: "Amazing!!! I’ve used the Anastasia Brow Freeze and this is honestly so much better, a lot less messier and less sticky. Plus, I didn’t realize it came in a two-pack, so definitely great value for $$$." — Amazon Customer Promising review: "I love this, I do the minimal with my brows. I use the Anastasia gel but this works better and holds well." — Regina Villalobos Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (also available individually). 40. A puffer vest for a added layer of warmth when you're not ready to break out the full jacket. Pop this under a light wool coat to keep your torso toasty, or wear on its own over a turtleneck or dress for an on-trend cozy look. If you've been looking at the Aritzia Superpuff vest...look no further. Reviewers say to size down for a cropped look. Promising review: "Honestly I think you get your bang for your buck here. Lots of reviews saying the vest didn’t puff up, but it’s important to note that you should be throwing it in the dryer for 5–8 minutes on medium/low heat upon opening. This allows it to expand to full puffiness. I got this as a [swap] for the Aritzia Super Puff Shorty vest because it’s out of stock until May and I wanted a vest for the colder next few months and this will do it! Puts my outfits together nicely and is super comparable to the name-brand ones at less a fourth of the price. It does not have pockets so please note if that’s important to you!!" — Molly Tucker Get it from Amazon for $36.97 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 17 colors). 41. A long-sleeve bodysuit in a second skin–like fabric (called Smoke Cloud) reviewers compare to Skims and love for being buttery soft and *not* see through. And once you fall in love with this crewneck style, don't worry, it comes in tons of sleeve lengths and necklines! One TikToker did the research to see this fabric blend is the same as Skims — check it out here . And btw, reviewers say the double lining in the torso is supportive, so they don't need to wear a bra. Promising review: "Are you kidding me? This is the softest most comfortable body suit I’ve ever owned. I got so many compliments lol; everyone did think they were Skims lol, but it’s definitely worth every penny. I love and will be getting more colors!!! You need it." — Wendy L. Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and 15 colors). And check out all the styles available in the Smoke Cloud fabric here . 42. A slightly cropped half-zip pullover because it's key to have a super comfy sweatshirt option that also has a whole lot of look to it for when you're running errands and inevitably run into someone you know. Reviewers say it's even comparable to Lululemon! Promising review: "I saw this sweatshirt advertised by an influencer on TikTok. I was blown away by the quality of this jacket!! It’s super soft and it fit perfectly." — Rebecca Slattery Promising review: "Love it. So soft and comfortable. Such a great fit. Totally looks like Lululemon. " — ahnjloo Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 20 colors). 43. A three-piece loungewear set for when you want to have a stay-on-the-couch day but don't want to stay in your PJs — you'll be just as comfy, but feel a little more put together. And you can mix-and-match the pieces separately, too! Promising review: "No joke, these are pretty much exactly the same as my Skims lounge set for half the price . The pants graze the tops of my feet even when I wear them high-waisted at my belly button, so I think they’re plenty long. The robe is like wearing a blanket, but still looks put together. Anyway, I’m back here to buy a second color because I loved them so much !" — Jenna Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $54.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 25 colors). 44. A cropped padded workout tank reviewers swear is comfortable for lounging, layering, and working out (and psst being very comparable to Lululemon yoga camis). I mean over 200 reviewers have it or want it in every color! Check it out on TikTok . Promising review: "Honestly saw this on TikTok and contemplated getting it for a long time. I’m so glad I committed! It’s tight and holds everything together really well. It’s extremely comfortable. The padding is amazing so you don’t have to worry about a bra underneath at all. You can wear it with sweats or leggings to the gym or even dress it up for a night out. Considering more colors for sure!" — Kristyn Long Promising review: "This cami is SOOO high quality, it feels exactly like if not even BETTER quality than similar lulu lemon yoga camis. The length is perfect, not too short not too long. After reading reviews I decided to size up and get a large because some people said if you get it too small the straps might cut into you and it'd be too short. I agree with that! They're so soft I'm just shocked at the quality, such cute colors! I got white and a light green. absolutely obsessed with these and will be ordering more!" — Rosa Rodriquez Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and in 27 colors). 45. A set of three remote-operated flameless candles with moving "flames" that flicker realistically for a relaxing atmosphere or the *look* of a fireplace — without worrying about whether or not you left a candle burning. They have a timer built in so they'll turn on at the same time every day too, so you'll be ready for cozy vibes when the sun sets....so early. Who needs Luminara candles at triple the price? These require three AAA batteries per candle that will last you about 150 hours. Promising review: "With the price of batteries, these beautiful candles are a must. I've always used Luminara , which unfortunately, devour batteries and die after several years. These candles also have a more soothing, ambient affect. The colored exteriors are far prettier than Luminara. Great gifts!" — pandorah Get the set of three from Amazon for $21.84+ (available in six colors). 46. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pencils because if you're looking for a go-to eyeliner to stock up in neutrals and brights, these glide on with no tugging, with a creamy formula that rivals Urban Decay's eye pencils. Promising review: "L ove this eyeliner and i think its way better than the urban decay one i was using." — itsmedb Promising review: "You don't need a high-end eyeliner from urban decay or bobbi brown. I have oily lids and this is smudge-proof, lasts all day. I use it to tight-line my eyes and it glides on like silk. This will be my go-to eyeliner from now on :) Thanks Maybelline for saving me money!" — Jenny Get them from Amazon for $8.49+ each (available in 18 colors). 47. A pack of reusable grocery bags if you're tired of forgetting yours and paying a fee for paper bags every time you need to stop for milk. These babies fold down compactly, are washable, and super sturdy. (They can hold up to 50 pounds!) So you can carry your groceries with confidence. (Just like Baggu, but for less!) They fold up and come with elastic bands for easy storage. Promising review: "I was looking for a reasonably priced re-usable grocery bags. I love Baggu, but they are pricey and I wanted several to leave around the house, car, and work. I bought several different brands and these are by far the best that I've found. Very sturdy and cute patterns. The other brands started fraying and tearing right away, but not these. I'm buying another big set to break up and give them away." — Sassafras Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $21.99+ (available individually and in smaller and larger sets, plus many different colors) 48. A bottle of Fine'ry Jungle Santal perfume with notes of papyrus wood, oolong tea, and cardamom and housed in a bottle you'll totally want to put on display — who would guess it's from TARGET?! (I love you, Target.) And reviewers say the scent lasts beautifully and even smells like similar high end santal perfumes. Promising review: "This fragrance is fantastic!! It changes and develops richer woodsy scents on me. Very similar to La Labo Santal 33 but much less expensive... lasts all day too!!" — Eufy cordless vac Get it from Target for $29.99 (and shop all of the Fine'ry scents here ). 49. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in just five minutes. It's basically a time machine for your hair is what I'm saying. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex , which is over three times the price! Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. And btw, This is the same brand that makes the MIlky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask so many people swear by (and it looks damn cool). Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex . Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB Promising review: "I have 4c hair and was looking for a protein treatment for my thin and fragile. I had recently used a product in my hair that had so much alcohol in it; that wreaked havoc on my hair, leaving it pretty damaged. I was very skeptical about this product because I have never seen anyone with my hair type use it. Boy was I wrong to doubt this product, it left my hair looking and feeling beautiful . I highly recommend it to anyone natural or with curly hair." — Therese-Claire Get it from Amazon for $8.50 . 50. A pair of buttery soft high-waisted leggings you can stock up on in several colors for the price of *one* pair of the very similar Lululemon leggings. These babies are just as squat-proof, ohhhhhh-so stretchy, and very soft. How soft? Several reviewers (including pregnant people!) say they could live in these. Promising review: "You could have sworn these were Lululemon. I worked at a gym when I purchased these and always got compliments on the color (grey), and the material. E veryone thought they were lululemon and were jaw dropped when I said I purchased these from Amazon and they asked me for the link! They’re very comfortable and the material is smooth. I’ve washed these multiple times and they’re in the same condition like they were when they arrived. I love these" — Ashley Get them from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 18 colors). 51. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with a whopping 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades (cough like the James Charles x Morphe palette cough) to get you inspired to try out stunning eye makeup looks ranging from sultry neutral to bright and fun. And reviewers say it's great for beginners and makeup artists alike. Promising review : "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." — Daniel T Adams Promising review : "Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!! " — Mary Diamond Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in two sets). 52. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer , a cult-fave reviewers use for *years* for a reason — it brightens your under eye without creasing while treating them with goji berry and haloxyl — plus, it'll last even LONGER than Tarte's Shape Tape and other expensive brands. Promising review: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney Promising review: " Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I’m 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes . Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" — Lynnette Smith Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 22 shades). And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets! 53. A handheld milk frother so you don't *have* to leave your home to enjoy a fabulous cafe-quality latte or cappuccino. It even works on iced bevvies — hello Starbucks–inspired cold foam! And that's not all: several reviewers prefer its compact size, thick foam, and easy clean-up to the (much more expensive) Nespresso Aeroccino . Note that this doesn't heat the milk up, though, the way the Nespresso frother does. Promising review: "So I’ll admit I got this on a whim after a TikTok video, however I’m in love with this thing! It’s so much fun to use and you make your at home drinks feel so much more special. It’s easy to use and froths pretty quickly if you’re on the fence I’d say what are you waiting for buy it already!" — Denise Promising review: "I have tried the Illy machine with steam frother, the Nespresso Aeroccino and this one. This is by far the one with the best results, the cheapest, smallest, easiest to clean and... well, I ran out of superlatives! The best caffè macchiato, macchiatone, cappuccino etc." — andrea c Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in dozens of styles).Mexican authorities find 11 clandestine graves with 15 bodies near border with Guatemala

New Memoir Offers a Candid Look at Leadership, Resilience, and Reform in Law Enforcement 12-03-2024 11:00 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: SEO Prohub UK Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733158736.jpeg In Sheriff: Holding the Thin Blue Line in a Deep Blue State [ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP7KZTZL ], Alex Villanueva delivers a compelling and unfiltered memoir that chronicles a life of public service spanning four decades. From humble beginnings in Rochester, New York, to becoming the 33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County, the author provides readers with a front-row seat to the challenges of leadership, reform, and resilience in one of the nation's most complex and politically charged environments. The memoir takes readers on a journey through the author's unique life story. Growing up in both New York and Puerto Rico, he navigated cultural challenges, economic hardship, and personal loss to emerge as a decorated Air Force veteran, athlete, and leader in law enforcement. This candid account weaves together gripping anecdotes, including his role in spearheading a groundbreaking smoking ban in Los Angeles County jails, his rise through the ranks of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and his experiences leading the nation's largest sheriff's office during turbulent times. A Story of Reform and Integrity In Sheriff: Holding the Thin Blue Line in a Deep Blue State , the author sheds light on the often-misunderstood world of law enforcement, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on controversies, reforms, and political pressures. With a focus on transparency, he shares how he balanced the demands of public service with a commitment to integrity and the well-being of his community. "Leadership isn't about following the path of least resistance-it's about standing firm on principles, even when it's unpopular," the author says. "This book is a reflection of my journey and the lessons I've learned along the way, from the military to law enforcement and beyond." Why This Book Matters Now At a time when trust in law enforcement is being reexamined, this memoir provides an insider's view of the complex challenges facing modern policing. From navigating the intricacies of public safety in a politically divided environment to addressing systemic issues within the justice system, Sheriff is both a personal story and a call to action for reform and accountability. Praise for the Author's Leadership Colleagues and community leaders have commended the author's dedication to service and willingness to take on tough issues. His legacy includes championing initiatives that improved workplace conditions, advanced public safety, and strengthened ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve. About the Author Alex Villanueva is a unique American politician, from humble origins, who survived a career challenging a corrupt political establishment, overcame adversity, and ultimately succeeded in becoming the 33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County, unseating an incumbent sheriff for the first time in over a century. Here is his story... Book Name: Sheriff [ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP7KZTZL ] Author Name: Alex Villanueva ASIN Number: B0DP7KZTZL Kindle Version: Click Here [ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP7KZTZL ] Media Contact Company Name: American Publishers Inc Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=new-memoir-offers-a-candid-look-at-leadership-resilience-and-reform-in-law-enforcement ] Phone: +1(818)483-1118 Address:12100 Wilshire Boulevard, 8th Floor City: Los Angeles State: CA 90025 Country: United States Website: https://americanpublishersinc.com/ This release was published on openPR.Microchip Says It Will Shut Arizona Plant, Updates Outlook

Carter's single White House term still stirs controversy after more than 40 years

At a recent event hosted by the Association of the US Army, military leaders announced that the service is developing a fifth version of its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). This new version is designed to be launched from autonomous systems and can target locations more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) away. Major General Winston Brook, head of the Army’s Fires Center of Excellence, showcased a slide highlighting the PrSM Increment 5 as a future capability. Brigadier General Rory Crooks, director of the Long-Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team, clarified that while this fifth increment is ongoing, it is currently in the science and technology phase. This means the project is still in the early exploration stages, aimed at creating a missile suitable for launch from an autonomous vehicle. Beyond 620 miles missile Crooks provided insight into the concept, saying, “If you’re familiar with the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) pods, it’s about 13 feet long. An autonomous vehicle could potentially accommodate a larger missile without a cab.” He emphasized developing a missile capable of achieving ranges currently considered unfeasible. Although funding is available to investigate the potential of this new missile system, Crooks noted that a timeline for competition or formal development has yet to be established, Breaking Defense reported. Currently, the Army is working on four other versions of the PrSM designed to replace the older Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). These missiles can be launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the upgraded M270A2 MLRS. The initial Increment 1 rounds, produced by Lockheed Martin, are being fielded to strike targets at at least 500 kilometers. Future missile versions will include Increment 2, which features a multimode seeker known as the Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile (LBASM) seeker. Additionally, Increment 3 aims to enhance the missile’s lethality by incorporating improved payloads. For the more advanced designs, the Army has engaged teams from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies-Northrop Grumman to develop competing Increment 4 designs capable of exceeding ranges of 1,000 kilometers, potentially doubling the performance of existing models. US Army improvement This significant push towards enhancing the PrSM reflects the Army’s commitment to modernizing its tactical capabilities and ensuring it remains competitive in an evolving battlefield landscape. By integrating advanced technology and autonomous systems, the Army aims to increase strike precision and effectiveness while minimizing risks to personnel. As the Army continues its push into high-tech missile development, it is clear that the future of military engagements will rely heavily on advanced weaponry and autonomous systems. The implementation of these technologies will not only redefine operational capabilities but also reshape the strategic landscape of modern warfare. This development signals a pivotal shift in the Army’s approach to long-range strike capabilities, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in an era where traditional tactics may not suffice. With the prospect of an autonomous-launch precision missile on the horizon, the Army is positioning itself to meet future challenges head-on, paving the way for enhanced operational effectiveness on global fronts.Dollarama Inc. stock rises Tuesday, outperforms marketPushpa 2 Leaked Online: Here's What Penalty Piracy Sites Like Tamilrockers, Filmyzilla Face

The corner of 53rd Avenue and 18th Street in Bettendorf received extra light Sunday night as Chabad Lubavitch of the Quad Cities lit a menorah for Hannukah. Sunday marked the fifth night of the festival which lasts eight days and nights. The event commemorates a period in Jewish history when Assyrian-Greeks took control of Jerusalem and tried to ban Jewish customs and religious practices. But a small group of Jewish people fought and drove them from Jerusalem, reclaiming the temple. Despite having a one-day supply of oil to light the menorah in the temple, it stayed lit for eight days. The holiday is celebrated by traditions such as singing songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating oil-based foods such as latke, a potato pancake, as well as lighting menorahs. Hannukah, also spelled Chanukkah, spreads the message that good triumphs evil and light will conquer darkness, according to a news release from Chabad. People are also reading... "At this fraught time for the Jewish community, with war in Israel and American Jews facing a major rise in antisemitism, this year we are doing more to celebrate Hanukkah with joy and Jewish pride,” said Rabbi Shneur Cadaner. “The menorah and Hanukkah represent freedom of the human spirit, freedom from tyranny and oppression, and of the victory of good over evil.” At Sunday's ceremony, battery operated votive candles were spread out among the crowd as the rabbi and his wife, Chana Cadaner, spoke about the significance of lighting candles to commemorate bringing light into the world. "We add light to the world and we make it a better place," she said, asking participants to turn on their lights one by one. "We are a community that spreads light no matter how dark it may seem around us." This year’s celebrations carried extra significance as it marks 50 years since the first public menorah was lit at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia in 1974. The public menorah was lit after the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, launched a worldwide campaign in 1973 to build awareness and promote observance of Hanukkah, according to a news release. As a small crowd gathered at the busy intersection in Bettendorf, Mayor Bob Gallagher lit the ceremonial first candle on the menorah and wished a peaceful and happy holiday to all. The Quad-Cities' menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs throughout the world, including menorahs in front of the White House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Great Wall of China and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Hanukkah Menorah Lightning 2023 Joe McCoy lights the giant menorah at 18th St. and 53rd Ave., the future home of the Chabad Center, on Sunday in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah. Guests smile after the first candle is lit Sunday on the giant menorah at 18th St. and 53rd Ave. in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 10, in Bettendorf. Rabbi Shneur Cadaner holds the torch to light the giant menorah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. Robert Lewis, a retired chef, gives a blessing in Hebrew before lighting a candle on the menorah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. Mayor of Bettendorf, Bob Gallagher, speaks to guests before the menorah lighting ceremony on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic will face conservative rival Dragan Primorac in an election run-off in two weeks' time after the incumbent narrowly missed out an outright victory on Sunday, official results showed. The results came after an exit poll, released immediately after the polling stations closed, showed that Milanovic, backed by the opposition left-wing Social Democrats, had scooped more than 50 percent of the first round vote and would thus avoid the January 12 run-off. Milanovic won 49.1 percent of the first round vote and Primorac, backed by the ruling conservative HDZ party, took 19.35 percent, according to results released by the state electoral commission from nearly all of the polling stations. On Sunday evening, Milanovic pledged to his supporters who gathered in Zagreb to "fight for Croatia with a clear stance, one that takes care of its interests". Such a strong lead for Milanovic, whom surveys labelled a favourite ahead of the vote, raises serious concerns for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's HDZ. Late on Sunday, Primorac labelled the big difference between him and Milanovic a "challenge". "In the first round there were... a lot of candidates, it was not easy to present the programme fully. Now it's a great opportunity that Milanovic and I be one on one... to see who represents what," Primorac told his supporters in Zagreb. The election came as the European Union and NATO member country of 3.8 million people struggles with biting inflation, widespread corruption and a labour shortage. Among the eight contenders, centre-right MP Marija Selak Raspudic and green-left MP Ivana Kekin followed the two main rivals, the exit poll showed. The two women each won around nine percent of the vote. The president commands the Balkan country's armed forces and has a say in foreign policy. But despite limited powers, many believe the office is key for the political balance of power in a country mainly governed by the HDZ since independence in 1991. "All the eggs should not be in one basket," Nenad Horvat, a salesman in his 40s, told AFP. He sees Milanovic, a former leftist prime minister, as the "last barrier to all levers of power falling into the hands of HDZ", echoing the view of many that was reflected in Sunday's vote results. The 58-year-old Milanovic has been one of Croatia's leading and most colourful political figures for nearly two decades. Sharp and eloquent, he won the presidency for the Social Democrats (SDP) in 2020 with pledges to advocate tolerance and liberalism. But he used the office to attack political opponents and EU officials, often with offensive and populist rhetoric. Milanovic, who condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, has nonetheless criticised the West's military aid to Kyiv. That prompted the prime minister to label him a pro-Russian who is "destroying Croatia's credibility in NATO and the EU". Milanovic countered that he wanted to protect Croatia from being "dragged into war". Milanovic regularly pans Plenkovic and his HDZ party over systemic corruption, calling the premier a "serious threat to Croatia's democracy". Speaking on Sunday, Milanovic said that in the current global situation, all political stakeholders in the country should be "on the same side as much as possible, at least when it comes to fundamental issues such as the national security or borders". For many, the election is a continuation of the longstanding feud between two powerful politicians. "This is still about the conflict between the prime minister and president," political analyst Zarko Puhovski told AFP. "All the rest are just incidental topics." Primorac, a 59-year-old physician and scientist returning to politics after 15 years, campaigned as a "unifier" promoting family values and patriotism. ljv/bc