Rain, particularly the harsh variety that causes widespread devastation, is a leveler. It affects everybody and interferes with their routine. But in the realm of politics in Tamil Nadu rain is used as a stick to beat the ruling party. So when it rains, amidst the pitter patter that it causes, there is a howl of anger from various quarters. It happened last week when it rained cats and dogs in some districts of the State. Though Chennai and its surroundings were also affected to some extent, it was in some districts where the skies opened up to bring in one spell a downpour that the place otherwise gets through the year. When such a situation makes people run helter skelter seeking succor, the habitual critics of the government converge at one point. They find a reason to run down the government or is it a bid to bring it down. Whatever it is, rains in Tamil Nadu have been playing a prominent role in politics as they serve as a weapon for politicking particularly after 2015 when Chennai went under water without prior warning. In the olden days, when floods strike, someone in government will take a helicopter ride over the affected places to make an assessment of the damage. Since the journey would be shot in camera and the black and white footage screened as ‘news reel’ before the start of a movie in a theatre, people will know about the disaster and sympathize with the victims. Whatever the person who took the helicopter ride would utter would be taken at face value. But now, at least in Tamil Nadu, if it rains and if it brings devastation, the government is squarely blamed by the opposition parties. Maybe because more people repose more faith now on weather forecasts, which were earlier considered as jokes when announced over Doordarshan or All India Radio. Since the government, too, issues warnings to people based on the weather forecasts that are keenly followed on television, some opposition party leaders think that if devastation happens, the blame should be placed at the government’s doorsteps. This trend of politicizing disasters had, in earlier years, seen some opposition leaders attempting photo shoots to send across the message that the government had failed to prevent inundation in places where people lived. A particular honcho from an opposition once rushed, despite the discomfort, to comfort the affected people by engaging a boat to reach those places that are otherwise connected by roads. It’s a different story that the boat had run aground in the extremely shallow water and the leader had stood exposed for staging the drama. Still, accusations are hurled at the government through political statements and social media messages on the official inefficiency in not facilitating the water to drain out in a jiffy and thus inconveniencing the people. Even if the government made arrangements to evacuate people from low lying areas and even housed them in camps, the shrill voice of the opposition would resonate in political circles, always pointing fingers at the government's inability to not disrupt the people’s lives. In the latest rain disaster, brought about by Cyclone Fengal, which threw life in a few districts of northern Tamil Nadu out of gear, the government was accused of opening the floodgates of Sathanur dam in Tiruvannamalai district without a warning. Of course the government was quick to deny it and clarify that five warnings were indeed issued by the authorities and that the dam was opened only when the reservoir was filled to the brim. Yet, the charges of procrastination flew from the opposition camp as the excess water that was let into the Thenpennai River caused a deluge displacing people from their homes. Interestingly, the ruling party went not only into the defensive but also offensive. In its defence it said that there was no loss of life due to the flooding though it happened in the night. It also hit out at the opposition party in whose time the sudden opening of the Chembarambakkam reservoir in Chennai plunged the State capital into a disaster in 2015. So, both the ruling party and the prime opposition party were involved in virtual mudslinging over the Sathanur dam opening, which actually averted a major catastrophe. A real mudslinging, too, happened with grim political motives during the rains. A minister who went to address the grievances of the people of a village in Villupuram district, was welcomed with a barrage of mud. The real politics behind the incident, which was immediately given due publicity through social media by an opposition political leader with the comment that it showed people’s frustration, came to light much later when the police identified a man and a woman who had hurled the mud. The woman was a member of the same leader’s party. Though some people warned that such humiliation of political leaders who visited people during times of calamities would only serve as a deterrent for politicians to address people’s grievances, floods of the past had only proved that many politicians would not miss an opportunity to make political hay when it rained. In fact, going by the latest trend, it looks that political leaders seek to score brownie points when it rained. The ruling party by showcasing their efficient handling of the disaster and the opposition by pointing fingers at the lapses.genie earth cloth 。

1. A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' vacation for those aching feet to lift your spirits! Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action. I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days! Promising review: "Very soothing. My husband and l used these on our European vacation, and they definitely felt good on our feet!" — KS2018 Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $11.97 . 2. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~! I bought this after being peer pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering . My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry. Promising review : "TikTok item, lol. This did not disappoint! It’s so hard to find so when I saw Amazon had it back in stock, I purchased it! It smells so good." — Contessa Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 3. A NeeDoh Nice Cube , an *elite* quiet sensory fidget toy – this goo-filled, delightfully colorful fidget has a satisfying squish and weight to it, and reviewers love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean. Schylling is a small business that specializes in modern and retro toys, games, and sets. Check out a TikTok of the Needoh in action (where users are suggesting to try ~freezing~ it for even a completely different texture). Promising review: "High quality and very durable! This cube is fantastic for any age and any need. The cube provides slight resistance when compressed, which is both stress-relieving and satisfying!!! Once squeezed, it quickly returns to its natural shape. A great choice!" — Joe stevenson Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random!). 4. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm , a Korean beauty product that has recently taken TikTok by storm — this easy peasy all-in-one moisturizer for your face, lips, eyes, *and* neck is formulated with salmon complex and collagen to help reduce fine lines and boost radiance. Reviewers especially love how instant the hydration feels, and swear by it for that ~glass skin~, "just out of the shower" effect. Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action. Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life-changing!! ! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six styles). 5. A deep exfoliating shower back scrubber so soothing and effective that it won't be long before all your friends are like, "Wow, remember when they talked about something other than how squeaky clean their back feels?" A lot of reviewers with dry skin and keratosis pilaris swear by this for relief! Dermasuri is a small business that specializes in skincare and personal care products. Check out a TikTok of the back scrubber in action. Promising review: "I used this back scrubber the day after it arrived, and I love it. Finally, I have an easy-to-use and more effective way to scrub my back. I saw the dead skin fall to the shower floor. Wow! And it easily rinsed cleaned, too." — Naomi M. Get it from Amazon for $18.79 . 6. A HappyLight sunlamp that will be both a literal and metaphorical ~light of your life~ — this adjustable light can help improve your sleep, mood, and energy levels, particularly if you're vibing in a spot where you don't get a lot of direct sunlight. Read more about sunlamps and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic . Check out a TikTok of the HappyLight in action. Promising review: "I work from home at night. I never see the light of day during the winter. This light has been a joy to have and gives great light at my desk to work with, with the benefit of mimicking sun exposure. It’s very easy to use and to replace bulbs." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (clip the $10 off coupon on the product page for this price). 7. Or a dimmable sad duck nightlight because sometimes you just have to look at this emotionally deflated creature on your desk and be like, "Welp. At least I'm doing better than that little dude." Check out a TikTok of the duck night-light in action. Promising review : "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $12.79 . 8. E.l.f.'s new sheer tint, hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizing "Squeeze Me" lip balm that comes in flavors like Vanilla Frosting, Honeydew, and Peach. It is 2024, and we deserve an affordable way to perpetually taste like birthday cake!! 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 have one in my car, one in my purse, and one at home. These just feel so good on your lips! The flavors are very true to their name. They are pretty small though, so if you use it often it won’t last long (which is another reason I have three of them), but for $4 each it is worth it. I sometimes like using this before putting on the E.l.f. Lip Reviver Oil . Such a great base to an awesome lip oil!" — Jax "i got this product because of the hype of it on TikTok. This lip balm smells SO GOOD. And hydrated my lips." — kayla Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors). 9. A pack of cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels — these ultra-soft, chemical-free disposable towels are ideal for drying your face or pairing with a makeup remover or face wash to gently remove makeup at the end of the day. A lot of folks with sensitive skin *swear* by these, particularly because it helps prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels. Clean Skin Club is a US-based small business specializing in hygienic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products. Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I saw these on TikTok and bought them. I will be buying more. They are great for my face. Really soft and VERY durable and strong, even when wet. You can wash your face [with it] or just dry your face, either way, it’s the best option." — Sahara Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.95 (available in other pack sizes). 10. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel , a cult-fave product for your beauty arsenal that will quickly help minimize eye puffiness and swelling thanks to its winning combo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. It's basically an alarm clock for your eyeballs, because boy howdy are they awake now!! Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith "Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes and now fine lines and crow's-feet. While this doesn’t completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished . It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn’t feel cakey, or like there’s a ton of product on ." — K. Grant Get it from Amazon for $5.99 . 11. A sleek time-marked water bottle that says "hydration, but make it chic." Reviewers love this bottle not just for the chic frosted, minimalist look, but because it's super lightweight, leakproof, and motivational re: keeping yourself fully watered. Promising review: "Saw it on TikTok and thought it would be a great bottle for work. It is very sleek and lightweight enough to carry when you have other items in your hand. I love the modern look and cleans very easily! The time increments really do motivate, definitely ordering again for myself and gifts. Fast delivery and very nice packaging." — Rosa Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors and two sizes). 12. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment , an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok, and in between other compares products that were four times the price, I decided to bite the bullet and buy this — let me tell you, best decision ever! I shampooed my hair, then heavily massaged this in, from ends to scalp. The carton says 5–20 minutes... But I ended up leaving it in for two days! And after washing it out, my hair was so shiny, bouncy and CURLY! My curl recovery journey has been long, but this has helped restore so much vibrance and shape to my hair . My mom has been stealing it from my bathroom every couple of days, after having similar results on her hair. Going to need to buy a few more to ward her off." — curlyhead3 Check out BuzzFeed's full Elizavecca hair treatment review for more deets! Get a bottle from Amazon for $8.70 . 13. The cult-fave CeraVe Skin Renewing night cream made with a rockstar blend of niacinamide, peptide complex, and hyaluronic acid to give you the softest, most hydrated skin of your human life, per THOUSANDS of happy reviewers and TikTokers singing its praises. Promising review: "Yes yes yes! I recently found CeraVe due to dermatologist reviews on TikTok and I am not disappointed! I’ve always had oily, acne-prone skin and CeraVe has shown me it was also super sensitive. These products are so gentle but work very well. I am still going through the purge (getting rid of all the gross stuff that was under the skin) but can already tell a big difference in my skin texture. " — Alicia Reid Get it from Amazon for $17.44 . 14. A pair of chic wireless headband headphones to keep your ears toasty warm listening to music during outdoor workouts or long walks. Promising reviews : "This is a great product for running outdoors or hiking! In some circumstances, ears can get cold very quickly and cause ear pain or ringing outdoors. The cloth lining here has been very helpful in reducing these side-effects. The band is also more comfortable than earbuds for casual listening in my opinion. Sound leaks through at loud volumes so it is best used in a casual setting or outdoors. The band is very easy to clean in the washing machine." — LL "TikTok made me buy it! I’ve been using Bluetooth headphones and switching every time I turn over. This thing is amazing! Worth every penny. Easy to connect and the charging port hides in a slit in the fabric and you can’t feel it at all. I kind of thought the headphones would be less conspicuous or padded around them, but they weren’t uncomfortable and I had no issues." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in nine colors). 15. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book , which is a newer edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book that took the internet by storm — reviewers swear by this easy, calming artistic outlet to help ease their anxiety, relieve stress, and unleash their inner creativity without taking up too much brainpower. For those new to the concept — instead of adding the color to these, you add the lines to create images within the colors. Sort of like a Rorschach test, but make it whimsical. Check out a TikTok of the reverse coloring book in action. Promising review : "Kendra Norton’s beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life I thought I was not creative and therefore had zero artistic ability. Now, this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I’m working through ." — K. DeWitt Get it from Amazon for $8.29 . (Psst — check out these cult-fave black fine point pens for $8.99 on Amazon for a good doodling option!) 16. A ridiculously soft oversized hoodie reviewers compare to $$ brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. You know how on TikTok sometimes people say "this hoodie hoodies" like it's a noun and a verb? Enter this cult-favorite, reviewer-beloved hoodie, which does, in fact, hoodie. 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 XXS–3X and 39 colors). 17. A cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a throw so satisfying and scent profile so ~mesmerizing~ that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Check out a TikTok of the candle in action. Promising review : "I was staying over at a friend's house and sitting next to her coffee table. She had this candle on the table and even though it wasn't lit I could smell it, and it was so delicious that I instantly went online to find it and bought it for myself! If this came in a perfume, I would buy enough to last the rest of my life. I don't know how to even explain the scent but if you are an amber/patchouli/vanilla fan, this is absolutely for you. The jasmine adds an unbelievable freshness without a flowery scent . I even bought the shampoo and conditioner which I will probably use as more of a body wash and shaving cream but that is how desperate I am to get this scent on me! " — Melissa I. Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 18. A Skims-esque loungewear set so soft and decadent that you'll just declare it your new uniform, with the couch as your throne. 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 "Couldn't believe a TikTok recommendation could be this amazing! We got it as a gift, and our daughter absolutely adores it. I never get the right gift for her because she's super picky, but this was a stunner!" — Kaye Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $54.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 22 colors). 19. A copy of Burn After Writing , a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go. Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for, and I look forward to when I burn mine after I’m done. Self-love, self-care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow are always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things differently ." — Brent Helm Get it from Amazon for $7.70 . 20. A pair of horizontal glasses , because not being able to watch Netflix and starfish on your bed simultaneously feels like a scam. Now you can out-scam it. Promising review: "I saw these on a couple of TikTok videos and immediately bought them. They are literally the best thing I’ve ever bought. I was scared they wouldn't fit over my glasses but they do just fine. I use them to read, watch TV, and scroll through my social media all while lying down. Such a great buy!" — Kivy Get them from Amazon for $13.99 . 21. And a heated eye massager with so many bells and whistles, it's worth the investment and *then* some — not only does it come with five different massage modes and a 15-minute timer, but it has Bluetooth music so you can vibe with your eyes *and* your ears. Reviewers swear by this to help combat eye strain, headaches, puffy under-eye circles, and dry eyes, and insomnia. Promising review : "I saw this product on one of Amazon’s must-have TikTok videos, and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though the price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is top-notch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn’t interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse, and this technology has helped me get through the night easily.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $55.99 (available in three colors). 22. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion , which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. 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 "Better than TikTok said! OMRyan Gosling, this is an amazing lotion!!! Run, don’t walk, and buy this lotion! The name is vanilla cashmere and that is exactly what this is! Love love love!" — DeeDra Billings Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in various scents and packs). 23. A set of wildly popular moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets with a softness so luxurious that you'll be like, "Cotton whomst?? " Reviewers especially love that the "cooling" effect of these is no joke, particularly for people in hot climates or people experiencing night sweats and hot flashes. LuxClub is a small business that specializes in soft, durable, luxury-style sheets. P romising review : “LOVE THESE!! I was searching for a sheet set that would help me sleep more comfortably at night and found these. I have terrible hot flashes with night sweats and get up in the morning, just miserable. Of course, these do not eliminate my hot flashes as no sheets will, but they definitely make my nights much more comfortable by eliminating wet bedding, and I definitely appreciate that! Aside from their moisture-wicking abilities, they are very soft, easy to look at, and launder extremely well. I would highly recommend these for anyone shopping for sheet sets and especially for anyone experiencing night sweats!! ” — Shannon Warfel "Super soft, great quality, good price. Saw these advertised on TikTok and had them sitting in my cart for months . My sister bought a set, and when I felt how soft, I immediately bought them." — Donna Baker Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes Twin—California King, with deep pockets, and in 35 styles). 24. And a "holy grail" Coop Home Goods pillow designed for side, back, *and* stomach sleepers to get the best shut-eye of their lives. This medium-firm pillow has an entirely adjustable memory foam fill so you can mold it to the exact firmness, size, and shape you need. In other words: this is the One Pillow that will serve you well for a long, long time. Coop Sleep Goods is a small business specializing in pillows, pillowcases, and sleep products. Promising review: "I hardly ever write reviews but I have to for this. I saw this pillow on TikTok and it got me curious so I immediately came to Amazon. OMG, it’s such a game changer. I’m a side sleeper and this pillow is heaven . It’s some of the most comfortable sleep I have had in ages. I love it so much I bought a second one and have my eye on the body pillow. Obsessed! You need this in your bedroom." — MT Get it from Amazon for $60+ (available in two sizes and three shapes). 25. Aaaaand a set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 37 colors and five sizes). 26. A pretty pastel mug warmer to keep your tea and coffee warm on days when you're burrowed so far under your blankets that it feels like a law against nature to make a trip to the microwave. Promising review : "I researched so many coffee warmers and am so glad I decided on this one. It definitely keeps my coffee hot, no matter how long it takes me to drink it. I also like that it has three settings. As you drink down your coffee, you can lower the heat because it keeps the coffee very hot. I like it so much I ordered a second one for another part of the house." — hottytoddy Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in eight colors). 27. A gentle bubbly clay mask designed to help remove blackheads and minimize the appearance of pores, but most importantly to let you cosplay as a happy lil' cloud. Check out a TikTok of the foaming mask in action. Promising review: "I love this stuff! I received some for a gift and then purchased it for my daughter from Amazon. It feels like a clay mask going on, and then starts bubbling and turns to a thinner substance when it's done. I feel like it is very gentle on my face. My skin feels amazing after I wash it off. It feels like I used moisturizer, even though I did not. I hear that these masks are very popular in Japan." — L. Shea Get it from Amazon for $8.65 (available in packs of one, two, and three). 28. A game-changing deep exfoliating shower glove reviewers swear by for everything from brightening skin to handling keratosis pilaris flare-ups to prepping themselves to get or remove color from spray tans. If you thought your skin was soft before ... BOY HOWDY you're gonna need some moments alone ~feeling yourself~ after you've exfoliated with this. Dermasuri is a small business that specializes in skincare and personal care products. To use, soften skin with warm water for five to ten minutes, and then scrub wet *without* the use of soap. Promising review: "Seriously thought this thing was a hoax and just another TikTok trend. But my jaw hit the floor when I used this and say just how much dead skin and whatever the heck else came off my body with this!! My body feels so fresh and clean after using this product! So easy and so worth it!!" — Lauren Get it from Amazon for $14.99 . 29. A belted portable cordless vibrating heating pad to ease your cramps and pains (*glares pointedly at my uterus*) and/or keep you nice and cozy on chillier days. The fact that it looks vaguely like a piece of superhero armor is just an added perk. Check out a TikTok of the heating pad in action. Reviewers note you should definitely wear it *over* your clothes! Promising review : "Oh my god. This might be the best thing I have ever bought. It gets so incredibly warm. You do need to wear it over clothes to prevent burns but as someone who never finds any heat pack warm enough the lowest setting is exceptionally hot. As someone who has really bad menstrual cramps and chronic constipation this little belt does it all. The heat is so soothing and adjustable and heats up so fast . The vibration is my favorite part. It helps so much with trapped gas and bloating pains. The various patterns and heat combinations allow this to be truly customizable to however you feel at the time and it’s fantastic. Absolutely worth every cent." — Chloe Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 11 colors). 30. A weighted Bearaby napper that answers the question of, "What would it look like if a blanket had magic sleep-inducing powers?" This breathable chunky knit blanket is designed with a comforting weight to help soothe anxiety and promote calm, making it easier not just to fall asleep, but *stay* asleep. Check out a TikTok of the Bearaby blanket in action. I've been using this weighted blanket for about three years now and what I find really remarkable about it is that I *never* feel overheated in it . It's also just so, SO soft, and looks absolutely beautiful at the foot of my bed where I leave it every night. It definitely helps me activate "sleep mode" at night — I find the weight very comforting and not at all stifling, because it spreads so evenly. Promising review: "I’m in love with my this blanket! It is absolutely gorgeous and has made a remarkable difference in my sleeping habits. If you are even thinking about a weighted blanket, this is a MUST! Just do it! You will only wish you’d done it sooner!" — Sandy Psst — to choose a style, Bearaby recommends a blanket that is about ten percent of your body weight. Get it from Bearaby for $199+ (available in four weights and six colors). 31. And a cult-favorite Drowsy sleep mask , aka the Cadillac of sleep masks – this face-hugging, padded mask is meant to function like a protective cocoon for your eyes, both by blocking out the light *and* preventing creases and skin moisture with its silk exterior. Reviewers love that it is easy to use no matter what position they sleep in, and it never tangles in their hair. Check out a TikTok of the sleep mask in action. Promising review : "I don’t write reviews often unless I really love something, and let me tell you, this sleep mask is AMAZING. I’m a night shift nurse and was on the hunt for a good sleep mask. I’m mainly a stomach sleeper and occasional side sleeper and nothing I found was working. Until I found the Drowsy mask!! I was hesitant because of the price tag... but it is worth every penny! Invest in your sleep! T his mask is 100% blackout, the silk is soft and luxurious, and it doesn’t put any pressure on my nose. I can sleep on my stomach comfortably with this mask on and it doesn’t move. The strap is also adjustable and very comfortable. If you need a sleep mask, look no further, this is the one to get !" — Jolene Wahl Get it from Amazon for $79 (available in 13 styles). 32. A set of collagen-infused forehead patches to deeply hydrate your skin and improve its elasticity to minimize fine lines and give you a ~refreshed~ vibe when you wake up in the morning. Promising review: "The patches work great, I could see difference just after few uses. They stick really good and stay on all night. They feel cool and soothing and I love how easy they are to use. Highly recommend!" — M. Brinson Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $17.97 . 33. A light up rain cloud essential oil diffuser that looks like it was pulled out of your dizziest daydreams. Reviewers especially love how soothing the color changes and sounds of the water flow are. (And that both are fully adjustable!) Check out a TikTok of the rain cloud diffuser in action. Promising review : "Love it! It’s so super cute! We call it our shroomcloud. It's peaceful and the mood changing colors are the best! I love hearing the subtle sound of water. Ahhh, zen! Works great as a diffuser with a few drops of your favorite essential oils, too." — Krissy Get it from Amazon for $39.98 . 34. A popular rose quartz jade roller and gua sha set reviewers use to relieve muscle tension in their face to help relax. A lot of people also swear by these to reduce puffiness and firm their skin, and especially love using it chilly after it's been in the fridge! The product page has instructions for use, and the set also comes with a little booklet! Promising review: "Love this! I saw the idea on TikTok and wanted to try it out. I notice a difference in my skin and jawline after a few uses. I use it with Palmer’s skin therapy oil !" — Georgia Kiko Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors). 35. Dr Teal's Sleep Spray with melatonin to help wind you down for the night when your unsuspecting circadian rhythms are disrupted by life, by the seasons changing, or any other miscellaneous sleep chaos. All you have to do is spray this on your pillow before bed for a relaxing sleep vibe. Check out a TikTok of the melatonin spray in action. Promising review: "A coworker suggested this product because I have a tough time falling asleep and do not want to take sleep meds. This smells incredible and, for me, has really worked. It’s a little shocking actually as I didn’t have big expectations for it. I’m on my second bottle however and both my boyfriend and I really enjoy it." — Amazon Customer Get a pack of three from Amazon for $17.61 . 36. A lil' reversible octopus plush that is, literally and figuratively, a Mood — you can prop this on your desk or somewhere in your home just to let everyone know how you're vibin' (or even just to check in with yourself ❤️). Also, these come in a TON of different colors and emotions (from angry to sad to, uh, murderous??), so you're guaranteed to find one to express yourself. Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok like everyone else but I quickly realized, when I got one, how helpful this is to my family. Now they don't have to guess when they shouldn't bother me, they'll just KNOW. It's saving lives and it's adorable. The perfect thing. :)" — MCalms Get it from Amazon for $10.49 (available in 22 styles). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Co-Diagnostics stock hits 52-week low at $1 amid market challengesMEUDON, Francia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--nov. 21, 2024-- La inteligencia artificial es el tema central de la Cyber Week europea de este año, que tiene lugar entre el 19 y el 21 de noviembre en Rennes (Bretaña). En el marco del desafío organizado por la Agencia de Innovación de Defensa francesa (AID), que coincidirá con la Cyber Week, los equipos de Thales han desarrollado con éxito un metamodelo para detectar imágenes generadas por IA. A medida que el uso de las tecnologías de IA gana terreno, y en una época en que la desinformación es cada vez más frecuente en los medios de comunicación y afecta a todos los sectores de la economía, este metamodelo de detección de «deepfakes» puede ayudar a combatir la manipulación de imágenes en una gran variedad de casos de uso, como la lucha contra la suplantación de identidad. Este comunicado de prensa trata sobre multimedia. Ver la noticia completa aquí: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120768241/es/ (c)Thales Las imágenes generadas por IA se crean mediante plataformas de IA como Midjourney, Dall-E y Firefly. Se han realizado estudios que demuestran que dentro de unos años el uso de «deepfakes» para el robo y la suplantación de identidad podría causar enormes pérdidas financieras. Gartner estima que es muy probable que en alrededor del 20 % de los ciberataques que se produjeron en 2023 se haya utilizado contenido «deepfake» en distintas campañas de desinformación y manipulación. El informe de Gartner 1 destaca el creciente uso de «deepfakes» en el contexto de fraudes financieros y ataques de phishing sofisticados. “ El metamodelo de detección de «deepfakes» de Thales aborda el problema de la suplantación de identidad y las técnicas de «morphing» ” 2 dijo Christophe Meyer, experto sénior en IA y director de tecnología de cortAIx, el acelerador de IA de Thales . “ Valernos de conjuntos de métodos que utilizan redes neuronales, detección de ruido y análisis de frecuencias espaciales nos ayuda a mejorar la protección del creciente número de soluciones que requieren de verificación de identidad biométrica. Se trata de un avance tecnológico notable que evidencia la gran experiencia de los investigadores de IA de Thales ”. El metamodelo de Thales utiliza técnicas de aprendizaje automático, árboles de decisión y evaluaciones de las fortalezas y debilidades de cada modelo para analizar la autenticidad de las imágenes. El metamodelo combina varios modelos, entre los que se incluyen: El equipo de Thales que está detrás del desarrollo de este metamodelo forma parte de cortAIx, el acelerador de IA del Grupo, que cuenta con más de 600 investigadores e ingenieros de IA, 150 de los cuales se encuentran en el área de investigación y tecnología de Saclay, al sur de París, y trabajan en sistemas de misión crítica. El equipo de hackers éticos ha desarrollado un conjunto de herramientas llamado BattleBox con el propósito de evaluar la solidez de los sistemas basados en IA frente a los ataques diseñados para sacar provecho de los puntos débiles de los distintos modelos de IA (entre los que se incluyen los modelos de lenguaje de gran tamaño), como los ataques adversarios y los intentos de acceder a información sensible. Para contrarrestar estos ataques, el equipo se encarga de desarrollar medidas paliativas avanzadas, como el desaprendizaje, el aprendizaje unificado, las marcas de agua para los modelos y el fortalecimiento de los modelos. En 2023, Thales demostró la experiencia de su equipo durante el desafío CAID (Conferencia sobre Inteligencia Artificial para la Defensa) organizado por la Dirección General de Armamento francesa (DGA), que consistía en el hallazgo de datos de entrenamiento de IA incluso después de que hayan sido borrados del sistema para proteger la confidencialidad. Acerca de Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) es un líder mundial en tecnologías avanzadas especializado en tres áreas empresariales: Defensa y Seguridad, Aeronáutica y Espacio, y Ciberseguridad e Identidad Digital. El Grupo desarrolla productos y soluciones que contribuyen a que el mundo sea un lugar más seguro, más ecológico y más inclusivo. Thales invierte cerca de 4 mil millones de euros al año en Investigación y Desarrollo, especialmente en áreas claves para la innovación como la IA, la ciberseguridad, la tecnología cuántica, las tecnologías de computación en la nube y la tecnología 6G. Thales cuenta con 81 000 empleados en 68 países. En 2023, el Grupo generó ventas valuadas en 18 400 millones de euros. VISITE Grupo Thales Defensa Thales Desarrollamos sistemas de IA de confianza | Grupo Thales 1 Informe Gartner de 2023 sobre Riesgos Emergentes de Ciberseguridad. 2 El «morphing» consiste en transformar gradualmente un rostro en otro en etapas sucesivas mediante la modificación de los rasgos visuales para crear una imagen realista que combine elementos de ambos rostros. El resultado final es una combinación de las dos imágenes originales. El texto original en el idioma fuente de este comunicado es la versión oficial autorizada. Las traducciones solo se suministran como adaptación y deben cotejarse con el texto en el idioma fuente, que es la única versión del texto que tendrá un efecto legal. Vea la versión original en businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120768241/es/ CONTACT: Marion Bonnet Directora de Relaciones Públicas de Thales Marion.bonnet@thalesgroup.com +33660384892 KEYWORD: FRANCE EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: APPS/APPLICATIONS ONLINE PRIVACY TECHNOLOGY SECURITY OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE NETWORKS INTERNET DATA MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Thales Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 06:42 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 06:40 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120768241/esPlant-Based Meat Cuts Environmental Impact by 89%, Study Finds

The New York Jets are turning to one of their former general managers to help them find their next GM and head coach. The franchise announced Monday that The 33rd Team, a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, will assist team owner Woody Johnson in the searches. Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman, former GM of the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, will be The 33rd Team's primary representatives in helping find replacements for former coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. The 33rd Team was founded in 2019 by Tannenbaum as a media and technology company. In their announcement, the Jets said The 33rd Team will help identify and vet GM and coach candidates and coordinate interviews. Douglas was fired last Tuesday , the latest shakeup for a franchise that had Super Bowl aspirations with a healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback but has limped to a 3-8 start and appears likely to miss the playoffs for a 14th consecutive year. Phil Savage, a senior football adviser with the Jets since 2019, will serve as the interim general manager for the rest of the season. The firing of Douglas came exactly six weeks after Johnson fired Saleh as coach on Oct. 8 after the Jets were 2-3 to open the season. New York has since gone 1-5 under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who was tabbed as the interim coach. The Jets are coming off their bye-week break and will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The franchise has plenty of questions to answer over the next several months, including decisions on their next general manager and coach — and the future of Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP turns 41 next week, has dealt with leg issues all season and is off to the worst statistical start of his career. Tannenbaum and Spielman will help the Jets find the people to help Johnson and brother Christopher make those key decisions. Johnson took a similar approach in 2015, the last time the Jets hired a general manager and coach in the offseason. Former NFL GMs Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf worked as consultants for the team, which hired Mike Maccagnan as GM and Todd Bowles as coach. Tannenbaum, currently an analyst for ESPN, has first-hand familiarity with Johnson and the franchise. He worked in the Jets' front office for nine years before being promoted to general manager and serving in that role from 2006 to 2012. Tannenbaum helped build the 2009 and 2010 Jets teams that went to the AFC championship game in consecutive seasons under coach Rex Ryan. Ryan, who last coached the Jets in 2014 and also is currently an analyst for ESPN, recently has been lobbying on air for a return to New York's sideline. Tannenbaum also was Miami’s executive vice president of football operations from 2015 to 2018. Spielman served as the Vikings’ general manager from 2012 to 2021 after working as the team’s vice president of player personnel for six years. He was also the Dolphins’ GM in 2004 and served as an adviser last year for the Washington Commanders in their GM and coaching searches. ___ This story has been corrected to show that Spielman was formerly GM of the Minnesota Vikings instead of the Detroit Lions. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated PressHimachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said that the present state government was committed to providing quality facilities to people in all sectors, including education, health and roads. He was addressing a public meeting at Loharghat in the remote gram panchayat Kyar Kaneta of the Arki Assembly constituency at Solan district on Sunday. CM Sukhu also announced the opening of a sub-tehsil in Loharghat fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local residents. Sukhu said that the state government was making infrastructural and other necessary improvements in primary sectors such as roads, education and health in the state. The state government was ensuring that all schools in the state were equipped with all the necessary and basic facilities. He said that ₹ 600 crore would be spent on constructing school buildings in the next three years. In the health sector the infrastructure would be strengthened at medical colleges and district hospitals besides modern technology would be incorporated to expand facilities. The CM said that for the state government the objective of “Vyavastha Parivartan” was to make the state self-reliant and to provide citizens with opportunities to lead a life of dignity and respect. He said that to achieve these goals the government was introducing and implementing new schemes and the existing ones were being improved periodically. Sukhu said that for promoting natural farming the government was purchasing naturally grown maize at ₹ 30 per kg and wheat at ₹ 40 per kg. So far, 398 metric tonnes of maize have been procured. He urged farmers to adopt natural farming and register to sell their produce. He said that the government has made a historic increase in milk purchase prices.LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a left leg injury sustained while being sacked in the first quarter of Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game at Louisville. The redshirt freshman's left ankle was caught at an awkward angle beneath Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte's hip on a twisting tackle for a 4-yard loss at midfield. Panthers medical personnel rushed to Holstein's aid, with a cart arriving quickly on the field within minutes. Holstein’s leg was placed in a boot before he was helped onto the cart. He gave a thumbs-up to nearby teammates as he left the field to applause before being taken a hospital. Holstein started for the Panthers (7-3, 3-3 ACC) after missing last week’s 24-20 home loss to No. 17 Clemson with a head injury sustained in the previous game against Virginia while sliding at the end of a run. He left an Oct. 24 game against Syracuse after taking a hit, but returned against SMU the following week. Holstein completed 3 of 4 passes for 51 yards before being intercepted in the end zone by Louisville's Stanquan Clark on the game-opening possession. He was relieved by junior Nate Yarnell. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Labour minister slams Canada Post union and management for being 'highly disrespectful' of Canadians

The Miami Heat, after losing in the first round of the playoffs last season, were generally expected to come back with a vengeance. As usual with the Jimmy Butler-led team, the Heat have not dominated so far in the regular season, but they continue to gear up for a postseason run similar to their Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. This season, Butler is in the last year of his contract and is expected to sign elsewhere in unrestricted free agency. The Heat have been included in reports and rumors suggesting that they will try to flip him before the deadline, but if they decide to hold onto the face of the franchise, there are two courses they could take. First, they could trade for a player to complement their existing core of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Butler and go all-in on winning a title this season. If that doesn’t appeal, they could try and get a player that would work with just Adebayo and set their sights on improvement after Butler leaves. Either way, the needs in Miami are pretty clear-cut. They have the fifth-best offense in the NBA, but their offense is lacking. They are 26th in points per game and 18th in 3-point attempts. Without a pass-first point guard, they are also 18th in assists per game, so every facet of their offense could use a boost. Here are five trade targets for them to consider. 1. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets 2024-25 season stats: 24.8PPG, 3.5APG, 38.7 3PT% The Nets are blatantly trying to tank this season, but the play of Thomas and their other starter has kept them afloat at 7-10, which is good enough for a Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference. By all accounts, everyone in Brooklyn is available as they try hard to rebuild, and Thomas is the biggest prize. He is in the last year of his rookie contract, and with Butler likely leaving South Beach, the Heat will have more than enough money to match any offer he gets in restricted free agency. A starting five of Thomas, Adebayo, Herro, Terry Rozier and Nikola Jovic would give the Heat plenty of offensive firepower in the future, which would be a change from the gritty identity built while Butler has been in town. The Nets are all-in on young talent and draft picks, so Miami could offer rookie Kel’el Ware in a straight-up swap, or a package of Alec Burks, Josh Richardson and draft capital for the Nets’ best scorer. 2. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors 2024-25 season stats: 13.3PPG, 4.3RPG, 44.5FG% The Heat and Warriors have already been linked this season, as Golden State has been included as a possible midseason landing spot for Butler. Should the Warriors make a splash for a true star next to Stephen Curry, it’s safe to say that Kuminga would be the centerpiece of a deal. Kuminga, like Thomas, is in the last year of his rookie deal and could be re-signed by Miami at the end of the season. Unlike Thomas, Kuminga is not a high-level scorer, but he is a better defender, a more physical player and a more versatile weapon, which bodes well for his fit in “Heat Culture.” Kuminga and the Warriors have butted heads, and that was compounded by their inability to agree on an extension before the start of the final season of his contract. The Warriors and Moses Moody, who has played a lot less than Kuminga, were able to agree, but the two parties were far from reaching common ground. It’s unlikely that Kuminga is eager to come back to the Warriors next year, so the consensus is that he will be shopped before the trade deadline. In an effort to get something out of him before he walks for nothing, the Warriors might agree to a trade package of Ware and Richardson for Kuminga, allowing the Heat to retain Butler for one last push. 3. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets 2024-25 season stats: 19.1PPG, 4.2RPG, 42.6 3PT% Much like Thomas, Johnson has been included in his fair share of mock trades as the Nets try to tank. He is not as prolific of a scorer as his teammate, nor is he as reliable of a facilitator, but he is a better defender and can play off the ball, waiting to get a scoring opportunity in the corner. A starting five of Butler, Adebayo, Rozier, Herro and Johnson would still have plenty of size, defense and rebounding, but the scoring would get an instant upgrade. Unlike Thomas, Johnson is not on the cheapest of deals. He is under contract through 2026-27 and makes around $20 million a year, so Miami would have to find a way to balance the books. Duncan Robinson and Ware match the money, and Brooklyn might press to add a draft pick as well since Robinson won’t be a free agent this summer. The Nets would probably rather add players on expiring contracts, but a first-round draft pick in 2024 and a future pick could be enough to get a deal done. 4. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks 2024-25 season stats: 13.1PPG, 7.6RPG, 32.0 3PT% Portis would be brought in from the struggling Bucks as an upgrade over Haywood Highsmith, who is not as good of a rebounder as Portis. Over their respective careers, Portis is actually the better shooter as well, despite a slow start this season. Earlier this year, amid a horrid start, the Bucks were rumored to be shopping everyone aside from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks are 6-1 over their last seven games and seem to have found their footing, and Portis has also improved, averaging 14.3 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 39.1% from deep in that stretch. Still, everyone has a price, and the Bucks own only one first-round pick, all the way in 2031. Should the Heat offer some draft capital and a win-now player, the Bucks might not be able to pass up a deal. With every game that goes by, a deal for Portis gets more and more unrealistic, but for now, a package of Robinson, Burks, Pelle Larson and draft capital for Portis and Pat Connaughton is still conceivable. 5. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks 2024-25 season stats: 22.1PPG, 11.7APG, 32.8 3PT% Young is by far the best player included on this list, and we saved the best for last. He is currently leading the NBA in assists and is in his third straight season averaging double-digit dimes. He is also under contract through 2026-27 (player option) so even if Butler makes a run for it next summer, Young and Adebayo could be a dream pick-and-roll duo in the coming seasons. In the three campaigns before this season, he averaged 26.9 points and shot 36.5% from 3-point range, so there is an assumption that the superstar guard’s offense will stabilize as the season goes on. If the Hawks part ways with Young, it will undoubtedly be in an effort to rebuild, so they would expect a future-driven package in return for the three-time All-Star. Rozier, Robinson, Ware and draft picks might be enough to get a deal done. The money works out, and it would give the Hawks some direction moving forward. An offense run by Young with Herro and Butler on the wings and Highsmith and Adebayo in the paint might be good enough to have a chance to make the Finals in the East, and Burks, Jovic, Kevin Love and Jaime Jaquez Jr. coming off the bench would only solidify their playoff hopes. More NBA: Five realistic All-Stars the Lakers could target before the NBA trade deadline

Since winning the election, President-elect Donald Trump has been talking about immigration, border security and government efficiency . But in California farm country, his comments about water are also getting top attention. The Golden State grows three-quarters of the country's fruits and nuts and more than a third of its vegetables, largely thanks to a complex network of dams and canals that funnel water to the state's fertile Central Valley. In recent years, farmers have faced more limits on how much water they can access from this network because of environmental concerns, as well as on how much groundwater they can pump after years of overuse and drought. Now, farmers are hoping the second Trump administration will ensure more stable water flows to their fields from the federally managed Central Valley Project and a plan for future water supplies. Trump recently posted on his Truth Social platform a criticism of the “rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities, & farms dotted all throughout California.” “It is the number one issue,” said Jason Phillips, chief executive of the Friant Water Authority, which represents more than a dozen irrigation districts serving a large swath of the crop-rich valley. “You only need labor and you only need the products and the equipment and everything else to grow food if you have water.” California relies on water supplies from the Central Valley Project and the state-run State Water Project. The federal project provides 5 million acre-feet of water to farms each year and 600,000 acre-feet to cities, as well as water to maintain water quality in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which provides critical habitat to fish and wildlife. During the prior Trump administration, government officials issued rules to allow for a greater flow of water to California farms. The move was blasted by environmental groups. The Biden administration pushed back on those decisions and has been working on new rules aimed at balancing farming with protections for endangered wildlife such as the delta smelt, a tiny fish that is an indicator of the health of California's waterways, and Chinook salmon. In recent years, California farmers said federal water allocations have been more limited than they feel is necessary after two years of ample rain boosted the state's reservoirs. The state previously grappled with a yearslong drought that in 2022 saw the driest January-to-March period in at least a century, with scientists saying weather whiplash will likely become more common as the planet warms. That is a big concern of environmentalists and commercial fishermen, who want to see less water diverted to agriculture and more flowing to the delta. Salmon fishing has been banned off the California coast for the past two years because of dwindling stocks, and critics say Trump's prior decisions moving water away from salmon-spawning areas are to blame. “They delivered all the cold water behind Shasta Dam. It literally cooked the baby salmon before they were hatched,” said Barry Nelson, policy advisor to the Golden State Salmon Association, a nonprofit focused on restoring California salmon. “Math is a brutal master, and we've hit physical limits on the amount of water we can take from the Bay delta, and the sign of that is the collapse of the ecosystem.” Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a long-time Trump critic, recently called on California lawmakers to gear up ahead of another Trump presidency to safeguard the state’s progressive policies. Environmental advocates, however, contend Newsom has not done enough to improve the situation in the delta for fish and wildlife. During Trump's prior administration, Newsom opposed his rules for water flows, filing a legal challenge , but since then put forth his own rules, which Jon Rosenfield, San Francisco Baykeeper's science director, said “were never that much different.” Competing demands on California's water have led to numerous battles over who gets how much. Advocates for fishermen, environmental interests and farmers all say more must be done to shore up future water supplies. But what that looks like depends on who is asked, with proposed solutions spanning from more conservation to expanding water storage to technological upgrades. Aubrey Bettencourt, who oversaw Department of Interior water policy during the prior Trump administration, said she would like to see the system updated to respond to swings in climate rather than setting water releases based on the calendar. One of the issues, she said, is not how much water you get but knowing how much water you will get. “It makes it very hard to plan not just as a farmer but as a city manager,” she said. “I would expect an emphasis on restoring operational certainty.” The incoming Trump administration has discussed a series of economic policies that could also affect agriculture, including tariffs that could wind up affecting some exports and push up input costs for growers, according to a recent Rabobank report. But when it comes to water, many farmers in California are hopeful. Daniel Errotabere, a third-generation farmer and previous Westlands Water District president whose family grows tomatoes, garlic and almonds, is among them. As California ramps up limits on groundwater pumping, it is even more important to ensure a stable flow of surface water to grow the food the country is counting on, he said. Farmers have had to fallow fields and often don't plant as much as they could because of water uncertainty, he said. “If electricity was delivered this way there’d be a revolt,” Errotabere said. “This is not any way to operate resources.” See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter

Britain’s economy is stagnating, new figures have shown amid warnings that tax rises in Rachel Reeves’s budget are damaging business confidence. A major survey of businesses found that private sector activity fell to a 13-month low in November as companies cut back on hiring and investment. Economists said that businesses had given a “thumbs down” to Reeves’s budget, particularly her decision to increase employers’ national insurance to raise £25 billion to balance the books and fund public spending. Some of Britain’s biggest retailers have warned that the increase in national insurance will lead to job cuts, price rises and shop closures . Official forecasts suggest that the tax rises will stymie economic growth over the next five years. After the release of the new economic data the pound dropped to its lowest level against the dollar since May and banking stocks also fell.

Darius Tahir | (TNS) KFF Health News President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the sprawling government agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace — celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz — recently held broad investments in health care, tech, and food companies that would pose significant conflicts of interest. Oz’s holdings, some shared with family, included a stake in UnitedHealth Group worth as much as $600,000, as well as shares of pharmaceutical firms and tech companies with business in the health care sector, such as Amazon. Collectively, Oz’s investments total tens of millions of dollars, according to financial disclosures he filed during his failed 2022 run for a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat. Trump said Tuesday he would nominate Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency’s scope is huge: CMS oversees coverage for more than 160 million Americans, nearly half the population. Medicare alone accounts for approximately $1 trillion in annual spending, with over 67 million enrollees. UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest health care companies in the nation and arguably the most important business partner of CMS, through which it is the leading provider of commercial health plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. UnitedHealth also offers managed-care plans under Medicaid, the joint state-federal program for low-income people, and sells plans on government-run marketplaces set up via the Affordable Care Act. Oz also had smaller stakes in CVS Health, which now includes the insurer Aetna, and in the insurer Cigna. It’s not clear if Oz, a heart surgeon by training, still holds investments in health care companies, or if he would divest his shares or otherwise seek to mitigate conflicts of interest should he be confirmed by the Senate. Reached by phone on Wednesday, he said he was in a Zoom meeting and declined to comment. An assistant did not reply to an email message with detailed questions. “It’s obvious that over the years he’s cultivated an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance industry,” said Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a watchdog group. “That raises a question of whether he can be trusted to act on behalf of the American people.” (The publisher of KFF Health News, David Rousseau, is on the CSPI board .) Oz used his TikTok page on multiple occasions in November to praise Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including their efforts to take on the “illness-industrial complex,” and he slammed “so-called experts like the big medical societies” for dishing out what he called bad nutritional advice. Oz’s positions on health policy have been chameleonic; in 2010, he cut an ad urging Californians to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, telling viewers they had a “historic opportunity.” Oz’s 2022 financial disclosures show that the television star invested a substantial part of his wealth in health care and food firms. Were he confirmed to run CMS, his job would involve interacting with giants of the industry that have contributed to his wealth. Given the breadth of his investments, it would be difficult for Oz to recuse himself from matters affecting his assets, if he still holds them. “He could spend his time in a rocking chair” if that happened, Lurie said. In the past, nominees for government positions with similar potential conflicts of interest have chosen to sell the assets or otherwise divest themselves. For instance, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed to divest their holdings in relevant, publicly traded companies when they joined the Biden administration. Trump, however, declined in his first term to relinquish control of his own companies and other assets while in office, and he isn’t expected to do so in his second term. He has not publicly indicated concern about his subordinates’ financial holdings. CMS’ main job is to administer Medicare. About half of new enrollees now choose Medicare Advantage, in which commercial insurers provide their health coverage, instead of the traditional, government-run program, according to an analysis from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Proponents of Medicare Advantage say the private plans offer more compelling services than the government and better manage the costs of care. Critics note that Medicare Advantage plans have a long history of costing taxpayers more than the traditional program. UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna are all substantial players in the Medicare Advantage market. It’s not always a good relationship with the government. The Department of Justice filed a 2017 complaint against UnitedHealth alleging the company used false information to inflate charges to the government. The case is ongoing. Oz is an enthusiastic proponent of Medicare Advantage. In 2020, he proposed offering Medicare Advantage to all; during his Senate run, he offered a more general pledge to expand those plans. After Trump announced Oz’s nomination for CMS, Jeffrey Singer, a senior fellow at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, said he was “uncertain about Dr. Oz’s familiarity with health care financing and economics.” Singer said Oz’s Medicare Advantage proposal could require large new taxes — perhaps a 20% payroll tax — to implement. Oz has gotten a mixed reception from elsewhere in Washington. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat who defeated Oz in 2022, signaled he’d potentially support his appointment to CMS. “If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” he said on the social platform X. Oz’s investments in companies doing business with the federal government don’t end with big insurers. He and his family also hold hospital stocks, according to his 2022 disclosure, as well as a stake in Amazon worth as much as nearly $2.4 million. (Candidates for federal office are required to disclose a broad range of values for their holdings, not a specific figure.) Amazon operates an internet pharmacy, and the company announced in June that its subscription service is available to Medicare enrollees. It also owns a primary care service , One Medical, that accepts Medicare and “select” Medicare Advantage plans. Oz was also directly invested in several large pharmaceutical companies and, through investments in venture capital funds, indirectly invested in other biotech and vaccine firms. Big Pharma has been a frequent target of criticism and sometimes conspiracy theories from Trump and his allies. Kennedy, whom Trump has said he’ll nominate to be Health and Human Services secretary, is a longtime anti-vaccine activist. During the Biden administration, Congress gave Medicare authority to negotiate with drug companies over their prices. CMS initially selected 10 drugs. Those drugs collectively accounted for $50.5 billion in spending between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug benefit. At least four of those 10 medications are manufactured by companies in which Oz held stock, worth as much as about $50,000. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump Jr. emerges as a political force of his own as he helps his father launch a second term National Politics | The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump’s promises on growth and inflation National Politics | What to know about Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary National Politics | After Trump’s Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles National Politics | Republicans push back against Democrats’ claims that Trump intelligence pick Gabbard is compromised Oz may gain or lose financially from other Trump administration proposals. For example, as of 2022, Oz held investments worth as much as $6 million in fertility treatment providers. To counter fears that politicians who oppose abortion would ban in vitro fertilization, Trump floated during his campaign making in vitro fertilization treatment free. It’s unclear whether the government would pay for the services. In his TikTok videos from earlier in November, Oz echoed attacks on the food industry by Kennedy and other figures in his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. They blame processed foods and underregulation of the industry for the poor health of many Americans, concerns shared by many Democrats and more mainstream experts. But in 2022, Oz owned stakes worth as much as $80,000 in Domino’s Pizza, Pepsi, and US Foods, as well as more substantial investments in other parts of the food chain, including cattle; Oz reported investments worth as much as $5.5 million in a farm and livestock, as well as a stake in a dairy-free milk startup. He was also indirectly invested in the restaurant chain Epic Burger. One of his largest investments was in the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Wawa, which sells fast food and all manner of ultra-processed snacks. Oz and his wife reported a stake in the company, beloved by many Pennsylvanians, worth as much as $30 million. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Saudi Arabia Crawler Excavator Market Sales to Reach 10.75 Thousand Units, Market Revenue to Reach $1.1 Billion by 2029 - Arizton 12-04-2024 09:06 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire Saudi Arabia Crawler Excavator Market Research Report by Arizton According to Arizton's latest research report, the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator market [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-crawler-excavator-market ] is growing at a CAGR of 7.18% during 2023-2029. Looking for More Information? Click: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-crawler-excavator-market Report Scope: Market Size - Volume (2029): 10.75 Thousand Units Market Size - Volume (2023): 7.09 Thousand Units CAGR - Volume (2023-2029): 7.18% Market Size - Revenue (2029): $1.1 Billion Historic Year: 2020-2022 Base Year: 2023 Forecast Year: 2024-2029 Crawler excavators are predominantly used in Saudi Arabia's construction projects, especially due to the country's sandy terrain, with these machines accounting for 90% of total excavator sales. Among them, the 20-ton excavator is the most popular, holding a 50% market share, while the 50-ton model holds a 20% share. The demand for construction equipment is expected to remain steady in 2024, with major projects like the $500 billion NEOM smart city expected to drive sales. In line with this growth, XCMG expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia by opening a new service center in Dammam in June 2024. The facility, which includes a transit warehouse, a key component warehouse for large projects, and a training center, complements existing service centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Tabuk. This expansion supports XCMG's involvement in major developments like the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and DGDA, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, HD Hyundai Infracore signed a contract in 2024 to supply 100 excavators to leading construction firms Saudi Pan Kingdom Company (SAPAC) and Nesma & Partners Contracting, further fueling the growth of the construction equipment market in the region. Saudi Arabia's Green Hydrogen Ambitions and Its Impact on Construction Machinery Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global leader in the green hydrogen industry, spearheaded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The country is developing the world's largest green hydrogen facility in NEOM, powered by abundant solar and wind energy. This initiative supports the transition to sustainable energy, including the use of green hydrogen in construction machinery. Companies like Caterpillar and Komatsu are developing hydrogen-powered equipment, with Komatsu set to launch a hydrogen-fueled excavator in 2024. Saudi Arabia's Helios project, a $5 billion venture in NEOM, aligns with the nation's renewable energy goals and global hydrogen supply. Saudi Arabia Construction Boom and the Surge in Demand for Crawler Excavators The construction sector in Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding, with a multitude of projects in the pipeline, including oil and gas sector expansions, new residential and commercial real estate, and upgrades to transport, power, and water systems. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is progressing significantly with major infrastructure projects like the $500 billion NEOM megacity and The Line. Additionally, in July 2024, the Kingdom launched data infrastructure projects to enhance its digital transformation. Notably, the Makkah Public Transport Program will include a 180 km metro to accommodate millions of visitors. These developments are set to drive demand for crawler excavators in the Saudi market. Mini Excavators Dominating the Saudi Arabia Crawler Excavator Market In 2023, mini excavators held a 6.7% share of Saudi Arabia's crawler excavator market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.47%, reaching nearly 700 units by 2029. Despite having a smaller share compared to larger excavators, mini excavators are expected to see increased demand, particularly for residential, road maintenance, and landscaping projects. Their versatility and faster operation make them ideal for urban environments, where they can easily navigate tight spaces and be transported more efficiently than larger machines, boosting their popularity in infrastructure and residential upgrades. Recent Developments in the Saudi Arabia Crawler Excavator Market * In 2024, HD Hyundai Infracore signed the contract to supply 100 excavators to Saudi Arabia's leading construction firms, Saudi Pan Kingdom Company (SAPAC) and Nesma & Partners Contracting. * HD Hyundai Infracore planned to sequentially supply 100 units by the end of September 2024, including 20 large 50-ton excavators, and 40 medium-sized 20-ton excavators. * HD Hyundai Construction Equipment announced the signing of a supply contract for 100 large excavators with Al Rawaf Consulting Company, a leading construction firm in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Saudi Arabia Crawler Excavator Market Dynamics Drivers * Growth in Investments in Public Infrastructure * Rise in Investments in Real Estate * Investment In Renewable Energy Sector Trends * Use of Hydrogen Fuel Powered Excavators * Growth in Demand for Modern Technology Excavators * Surge in Demand for Excavators in Waste Management Projects Challenges * Surge In Building Material Cost * Labor Shortage and Regulatory Challenges * High Dependency on Hydrocarbon Industry Looking for More Information? Click: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-crawler-excavator-market Prominent Vendors * Caterpillar * Komatsu * Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) * SANY * Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. * Volvo Construction Equipment * Hitachi Construction Machinery * Kobelco * Hyundai Construction Equipment * JCB * Kubota * CASE Construction Equipment * LiuGong * DEVELON * Mecalac * Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (SDLG) * Yanmar * Wacker Neuson Distributor Profiles * Arabian Truck & Construction Equipment Co. (ATEC) * Arabian Auto Agency * Al-Qahtani Vehicle & Machinery Company * Abunayyan Trading * Zahid Group Market Segmentation Crawler Excavator * Size * Mini Excavator * Small Excavator * Medium Excavator * Large Excavator * Gross Power * Less Than 60 HP * 60 HP -100 HP * 101 HP-200 HP * Above 200 HP End Users * Construction * Mining * Agriculture * Forestry * Others (Power Generation, Utilities Municipal Corporations, Oil & Gas, Cargo Handling, Power Generation Plants, Waste Management) The Arizton Advisory & Intelligence market research report provides valuable market insights for industry stakeholders, investors, researchers, consultants, and business strategists aiming to gain a thorough understanding of the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator market. Request for Free Sample to get a glance of the report now: [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-crawler-excavator-market ] What Key Findings Our Research Analysis Reveals? How big is the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator market? What is the growth rate of the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator market? Who are the key players in the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator market? What are the trends in the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator industry? Which are the major distributor companies in the Saudi Arabia crawler excavator market? Looking for Customization According to Your Business Requirement? https://www.arizton.com/customize-report/4606 Other Related Reports that Might be of Your Business Requirement U.K. Crawler Excavator Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2024-2029 [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/united-kingdom-crawler-excavator-market ] France Crawler Excavator Market -Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2024-2029 [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/france-crawler-excavator-market-opportunities-assessment-forecast ] Why Arizton? 100%Customer Satisfaction 24x7availability - we are always there when you need us 200+Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report 80%of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry 100%more data and analysis 1500+reports published till date Post-Purchase Benefit * 1hr of free analyst discussion * 10% off on customization About Us: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Media Contact Company Name: Arizton Advisory & Intelligence Contact Person: Jessica Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=saudi-arabia-crawler-excavator-market-sales-to-reach-1075-thousand-units-market-revenue-to-reach-11-billion-by-2029-arizton ] Phone: +1 3122332770 Country: United States Website: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-crawler-excavator-market This release was published on openPR.

Michael Saylor Reveals MicroStrategy Is 'Making $500M A Day' With Bitcoin: 'May Very Well Be The Most Profitable Company In The US Growing The Fastest Right Now'

BISMARCK – As it does every year about this time, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is cautioning hunters to be wary of ice conditions. In some parts of the state, there are smaller waters that show the appearance of safe ice. Hunters should be cautious of walking on frozen stock ponds, sloughs, creeks and rivers. ADVERTISEMENT Ice can form overnight, resulting in unstable conditions. Ice thickness is not consistent, as it can vary significantly within a few inches. Hunters walking the edge of a cattail slough will not find the same ice thickness in the middle, as the edges firm up faster than farther out from shore. A few reminders: NDGF highlights late-season hunting dates BISMARCK – North Dakota’s statewide duck and white-fronted goose seasons close Dec. 1. However, duck hunting in the High Plains Unit reopens Dec. 7 and continues through Dec. 29. In addition, the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 16 in the Eastern Zone, Dec. 21 in the Western Zone and Dec. 27 in the Missouri River Zone. Light goose hunting closes statewide Dec. 27. Archery deer, fall turkey, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge and pheasant hunting seasons continue through Jan. 5. The season for tree squirrels closes Feb. 28.

Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their babyWASHINGTON — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump’s defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host’s personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth met with legislators on Capitol Hill and conducted a radio interview to deny allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, insisting he was “not backing down one bit” and that Trump was still backing him. But the president-elect’s team was looking at alternatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump himself remained quiet about Hegseth while issuing a flurry of statements on social media Wednesday about other nominees and his news coverage. Trump’s defense pick Pete Hegseth faces deepening scrutiny in Senate Hegseth is the latest nominee-designate to be imperiled by personal baggage after the recent withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vulnerabilities were well-documented. But Hegseth’s past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies, was not widely known. The Trump transition team was increasingly concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and actively looking at potential replacements, a person familiar with the matter said. Three other people said DeSantis, who competed against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, was being discussed as an option if Hegseth’s nomination does not move forward. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal deliberations. Beyond DeSantis, there have also been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was chosen by Trump for national security adviser, to the Defense Department, according to another person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Florida congressman is a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran. Trump aides do not want to be caught flat-footed in case Trump’s initial picks fall through. Police report reveals assault allegations against Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary As he made the rounds on Capitol Hill, Hegseth told reporters that he had received a fresh message of support from Trump. “I spoke to the president this morning. He supports me fully. We’re not going anywhere,” Hegseth said. He ignored questions about the allegations he has faced. Hegseth, accompanied by his wife, held talks in private with GOP senators before shifting to the House to meet with legislators there. While House members have no direct role in the confirmation process, conservatives can hold outsize influence on the debate. The Trump transition team didn’t immediately comment. The Wall Street Journal, on Tuesday night, first reported that Trump was considering DeSantis. In an interview taped Wednesday for Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM satellite radio show, Hegseth said Trump told him he wanted a “warfighter” who would clean out the “woke crap.” Citing his Capitol Hill meeting, Hegseth said, “No one has looked me in the eye and said, ‘I have concerns.’” He added: “We’re not backing down one bit.” Hegseth paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault at a California hotel in 2017 after Hegseth had given a speech at a Republican event. His lawyer said the payment was to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Asked by Kelly if he sexually assaulted the woman, Hegseth said “absolutely not.” He called it a “really unfortunate situation” and said he paid her because he “had to,” contending that her lawyers said they would “out him.” He declined to reveal the amount paid, but said it was done to protect his wife, himself and his job. He said it is a “fair characterization” to call him a serial cheater, who cheated on all three of his wives. “Was I a perfect man, absolutely not,” he said. Hegseth flatly denied having a drinking problem and said he wouldn’t drink while defense secretary, vowing, “I’m not going to have a drink at all.” He likened it to following the Pentagon’s general order #1, which prohibits troops from drinking while deployed. GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who joined Hegseth in a meeting with House Republicans, defended the nominee and said, “All of us, at least all of us, have a time to grow up. We’re nominating Pete for who he is today not for what he did seven years ago or five years ago or whatever it was.” Earlier, Hegseth’s mother appeared on Fox News to address some of the allegations. Penelope Hegseth, on “Fox & Friends,” discussed her son and a 2018 email she wrote him that was obtained by The New York Times, in which she confronted him about mistreating women after he impregnated his current wife while he was married to his second wife. That letter followed multiple allegations, reported by the New Yorker this week, of questionable conduct around female staffers, in addition to the 2017 allegation. On Tuesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said some of the reports were “disturbing,” telling CBS News that he wants to “make sure that every young woman that joins the military feels respected and welcomed.” Penelope Hegseth implored the lawmakers to listen to her son and give him a chance. “I think it can be overcome,” Penelope Hegseth said. Hegseth is a former Fox News host and a former Army National Guard major and combat veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. If confirmed by the Senate, he would lead a 2 million member strong military — more than 17% of whom are female. The revelations have concerned some members of Congress. Hegseth said in his interivew that he doesn’t know how all this will turn out but is comfortable that he “took on the haters and the liars” and fought for it, adding, “the future’s in God’s hands.” Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York, Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Lisa Mascaro and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report. Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (NYSE: VPG), a leader in precision measurement and sensing technologies, announced today that it will present at the following investor conferences in December 2024: For more information or to arrange meetings at either of these conferences, please contact: info@vpgsensors.com . About VPG Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG) is a leader in precision measurement and sensing technologies. Our sensors, weighing solutions and measurement systems optimize and enhance our customers’ product performance across a broad array of markets to make our world safer, smarter, and more productive. To learn more, visit VPG at www.vpgsensors.com and follow us on LinkedIn . For Investors: Vishay Precision Group Steve Cantor, 781-222-3516 info@vpgsensors.com