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So, is fall and winter pruning a scam, a form of 'intellectual property tax' imposed on unwitting plant enthusiasts like Lily? Perhaps the answer lies not in casting judgment, but in cultivating a deeper understanding of the intricate dance between humans and plants, seasons and cycles. In the end, the true beauty of nature may lie not in the colors that change, but in the wisdom gained from navigating its ever-shifting landscape.Despite the leak, DJI has remained tight-lipped about the official launch date and pricing of the DJI Flip. The company has not released any official statements regarding the leak on Amazon, leading to speculation about whether the leak was an intentional marketing ploy or an unintentional mistake.
Barcelona has been in need of reinforcements in the forward line following the departure of Lionel Messi and the inconsistent form of other attacking players. Son's arrival would not only strengthen their attacking options but also provide valuable experience and leadership on the field.Renowned Expert in Reproductive Medicine, Liu Yusheng, Investigated for Suspected Serious Violations of Discipline and LawJust because involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 . But thanks to , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
As we look towards the future, the possibilities for leveraging remote connectivity solutions to drive business growth and innovation are limitless. By partnering with BeRight China and embracing the latest advancements in technology, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the enterprise services industry and create a new era of interconnectedness and collaboration. With over one billion registered users and a commitment to excellence, BeRight China is paving the way for businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.Wicked set to arrive on streaming platforms next weekIn the end, as our heroes bid farewell to their epic journey, they leave behind a legacy of greatness and a legacy of inspiration. The Three Stars Monitor and "The Lion King: Mufasa Chronicles" have shown us that with courage in our hearts and determination in our souls, we can conquer any challenge and achieve any dream.Fake news witnessed surge during PTI march, reveals report Fake News Watchdog says PTI protests underscored impact of false reports on political, institutional dynamics ISLAMABAD: A huge influx of fake news was witnessed during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) recent protest in the federal capital, revealed a report by the Fake News Watchdog, a non-profit organisation fighting disinformation and misinformation. The watchdog said that the bombardment of concocted news played a cataclysmic role all this time. It said the unverified information hurt Pakistan’s image globally as well. The PTI protest from November 24-27 caused immense unrest in the federal capital. The party leadership suspended the protest only after the authorities launched a late-night crackdown on the protesters who had forced their way to D-Chowk, despite several hurdles along the way. “The events surrounding the PTI protests from 24–27 November 2024 underscored the profound impact of fake news on political, social, and institutional dynamics in Pakistan. Misinformation during this period did not merely serve as a byproduct of political unrest; it actively shaped the narrative, inflamed tensions, and influenced public actions. Fabricated content — whether through manipulated images, doctored videos, or false statements attributed to key figures — spread rapidly across social media and traditional news platforms, magnifying confusion and mistrust. “This phenomenon revealed vulnerabilities in the country’s information ecosystem, where unverified claims gained traction in the absence of effective countermeasures,” the fake news buster said. As per the report, a fabricated statement attributing to the interior minister about the citizens of Kashmir kept circulating. A fake report about an alleged PTI founder statement was also doing rounds on various platforms. A false report about the arrest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former prime minister Imran Khan’s wife intensified the protest, the report said, adding that the fake news regarding hundreds of dead bodies at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad, also had an adverse effect. Meanwhile, fake reports of PTI leader and former speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser’s designation as the party’s chairman also became a piece of breaking news, the Fake News Watchdog said. The report said workers were incited through a fake account named Sulaiman Isa Khan, the son of the PTI founder. “News of the PTI founder being transferred from Adiala jail turned out to be fake. Whereas, news of 600 youth resigning from army academies during the protest also proved to be baseless,” the report maintained. Another baseless news of the firing on Qaiser and Mahmood Khan Achakzai was also spread. While statements of PTI leader Qasim Suri regarding PTI founder’s health had extremely negative impacts, said the Islamabad-based organisation. The report said an old picture of the PTI protest was shown in DPO Attock Ghiyas Gul’s press conference. The news of the alleged death of a PTI worker after falling off a container during prayer came under discussion at the international level. Whereas, the news about the same person, who fell from a container, meeting the KP chief minister also proved to be counterfeit. The fake news not only troubled the security institutes but the PTI leadership as well. As per the fake news monitor, affectees of the fake news include the government, security institutes and political parties. The watchdog emphasised taking emergency measures to address the challenges posed by the fake news. It pointed out the role of social media in serving as a crucial tool for wrong information. “The role of social media was particularly significant, acting as both a tool for mobilisation and a breeding ground for misinformation. The platform’s speed and reach allowed false narratives to proliferate unchecked, with emotionally charged content exploiting public sentiment. “At the same time, lapses in journalistic standards by mainstream media contributed to the problem, as unverified reports from influential outlets further legitimised misleading information. The circulation of fake news was not limited to grassroots users or individual influencers but also involved established institutions, illustrating a systemic challenge in ensuring credible communication,” it added.
Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.
As we enter the cool embrace of autumn and winter, many plant enthusiasts may find themselves reaching for their pruning shears to shape up their green companions. However, recent trends have sparked a debate on whether fall and winter pruning is truly necessary or simply a ploy to collect what some might call 'intellectual property taxes' – aka a scam.The inclusion of the gourd in the photos has raised questions about its symbolism and possible connection to the game and the overall campaign. In Chinese culture, the gourd holds various meanings and is often associated with prosperity, longevity, and protection. Its presence in the promotional photos could suggest a deeper narrative or thematic element that resonates with the game's storyline or characters. Speculations are rife among fans, with some suggesting that the gourd could hint at mystical powers or supernatural elements within the game world.Investors are bracing themselves for what promises to be an eventful trading session, with expectations running high for increased trading volumes and heightened volatility. The return to the 7000-point level is seen as a pivotal moment that could set the stage for a sustained bull run, attracting both domestic and international investors eager to capitalize on the market's potential.
In the aftermath of the violence, humanitarian organizations have mobilized to provide aid and support to the survivors. Medical teams are working around the clock to treat the injured, while counselors are offering mental health services to those affected by the trauma.However, the low-interest-rate environment coupled with market fluctuations has put pressure on money market funds, leading to a decrease in their annualized yields. The 7-day annualized yield is a key metric that investors use to gauge the performance of money market funds over a short time frame, reflecting the fund's ability to generate returns on a weekly basis.
President-elect Donald Trump’s "border czar" said Thursday that the use of family detention centers for migrants is “on the table,” raising the possibility that the practice ended by the Biden administration could return as early as next year. “It’s something we’re considering," Tom Homan, who was acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the first Trump administration, said in an interview. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are "Look, we’ve got to end catch-and-release — and that includes family units, too,” he added, using a phrase sometimes used to describe migrants’ being released from detention while they await immigration court proceedings. ICE stopped detaining families who enter the country illegally with their children not long after President Joe Biden took office, though administration officials last year considered reviving the practice. Homan, whom Trump announced as his border czar on Nov. 10 , less than a week after he won a second term, said plans are still being discussed. He said that if the Trump administration chooses to go with family detention, “we’re going to try and surge immigration judges to these locations.” During the first Trump administration, Homan backed the “zero tolerance” policy that sparked bipartisan outcry. The policy allowed young children to be separated from their parents. Homan said Thursday that he does not foresee migrant children being separated from their parents on a large scale in Trump's deportation effort. “I don’t envision that at all,” he said. A federal court ruling known as the Flores Settlement Agreement limits the time migrant children can be held in detention to 20 days. Homan said Thursday that he is in favor of challenging that legal framework, which would complicate using any family detention centers. "We're looking at what the law currently says, but then again I think we need to litigate some of the decision," he said. "I think the Flores Settlement Agreement is something that was the wrong decision. “Right now, we know what the rules say. And this is something that we’ll work within until we get another decision or a better decision from the courts,” he said. Homan said the number of detention facilities would depend on the data. At the start of the Biden administration, ICE operated three facilities. "I've got to get the data, which we're now getting access to, to find out how many do we need," Homan said. "And again, based on the data, how are we going to do it." He said detention facilities would be not jails but "open-air campuses" designed for families. Homan suggested that the Trump administration would not consider whether people who are in the country without authorization have children who are U.S. citizens. He said parents who lose their immigration cases "are going to have to make a decision what you want to do: You can either take your child with you or leave the child here in the United States with a relative." Homan also criticized local governments, like San Diego County and Los Angeles, that have taken steps they say will protect undocumented immigrants, and which prevent or restrict local resources available to federal immigration authorities. “We’re going to do this operation, with or without,” Homan said of the deportation plan. “If they want to sit back and watch — disappointing, but we’re going to do it.” Trump campaigned on a pledge to deport people who are in the country without authorization. Details of his plan have not been made clear; he has said his administration will start with those who have committed crimes. On the campaign trail, he referred to migrants as an "invasion.” Some Republicans have tried to tone down Trump's threats of mass deportations after his election victory. This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:
In a remote village nestled 40 kilometers away from the nearest county town, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, a peculiar story has captured the attention of both locals and outsiders alike. It revolves around a female master's graduate who mysteriously went missing, only to be taken in by the villagers and sheltered for an astonishing 13 years. The disparate accounts provided by the villagers regarding the circumstances of her arrival and the nature of her stay have sparked debates and raised questions about her current situation.1. A NeeDoh Nice Cube , aka a sensory fidget toy made for all kinds of squishing and squeezing, but won't pick up dirt and debris. Give 'em some of that goo! Schylling is a small biz that makes a variety of sensory fidget toys. 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 $9.68 the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random. Also check out a fun gumdrop style . 2. A set of french fry clips because, well, no one wants stale chips! (This'll likely benefit you, too.) Promising review : "These are very cute and I love the magnet holder to stick on my fridge so they are easily accessible. Not sure about the durability, haven't used very long." — Save the Bees Get a set of 12 clips from Amazon for $14.90 . 3. A hydrating candy cane–flavored Laneige lip mask they've definitely seen on TikTok because people are obsessed with it as the cult-fave Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask . Even people who kinda just do SPF, moisturize, lip balm, and call it a day will appreciate this lightweight, hydrating formula and yummy flavors (like Gummy Bear)! Promising review: "If you suffer from chapped lips, or wake up to super dry lips, I highly recommend this product. It's very soft, a little goes a long way and lasts throughout the entire night. My lips always feel so soft and smooth. Been using it for a year, will never go back!" — Kelly Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in 15 options). 4. A pair of funny can coozies that'll be useful but won't FEEL so practical. Oh, and they'll also be great for your sister's beloved Diet Cokes. (I'm your sister.) Daisy Lane Company Store is a small biz that makes a bunch of great giftable items, from coozies and ornaments to keychains and more. Promising review: "I absolutely love these, all year long. The color looks white in the picture, but they're actually gray. Not that I care; in fact I think that's better anyway." — Tori Get a pack of two from Daisy Lane Company Store on Amazon Handmade for $14.95 (or snag a set of four for $22.99 ). 5. A *mini* ChomChom they can use for their clothes on the go because how many times have they texted you that they left the house and then realized that there's fur allllll over their black pants? One too many. Promising review : "I love this lint roller/dog hair remover. I always have fluffy dog hair on my clothes and have tried different devices to remove it. A lot of them have worked pretty well, but I think this one is more effective. The two rollers pick up the hair and it collects between them and behind them in the compartment. There’s nothing sticky about it. It rolls over your clothes smoothly and picks up the hair. It’s easy to use. I thought it was a little expensive, but I had to give it a try to see if it works as well as they said it did. It does. I recommend it." — Diana S. Get it from Amazon for $26.99 . 6. A Star Wars lightsaber chopsticks set they can call their own as they do their annual week-between-Christmas-and-New-Years rewatch of the whole franchise. (Yep, even The Phontom Menace. ) Promising review: "I purchased these for a friend's birthday present (he is a sushi waiter) and these are flippin' AMAZING. I ordered two sets by mistake, but I am totally keeping the second pair for another gift (or for myself!). These are sure to be great conversation pieces and attention-getters. Way to go!" — T. Redwood Get four pairs from Amazon for $19.97 . 7. A decorative cat towel because, come on, it's time to replace those stained kitchen towels. This is the perf replacement for a Cat Person with a sense of humor. Promising review : "Purchased for my mom as a gift to hang on her stove. It was very cute, and the snaps held up very well. There are a ton of different cat colors and breeds, so it is fun to find your favorite or one most similar to your own feline roommate! She loved it. Her cat enjoys swatting at the hanging tail. Adorable!" — Tiffany Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 28 designs). 8. Plus, some kitty cat oven mitts will help protect their paws from sizzling cookie sheets. Promising review: "We are hard on our oven mitts, and these are holding up well after a year." — The Elated Emu Get them from Amazon for $14.29 . 9. A quirky Sasquatch 12-in-1 multitool that'll lend a hand (and Big Foot) the next time they need to pop open a bottle. This TSA-friendly beast will be the perfect ~elusive~ addition to your handy, cryptid-obsessed partner's stocking. Each tool includes a 1-inch ruler, 1.5-inch carabiner, bottle opener, cord cutter, flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, butterfly wrench, can opener, and four hex wrench positions. Promising review: "No joke, I was out with my husband after I got him this multitool. Three different times, guys came up complimenting him on this and asked where he got it and talked a few times about how handy this Big Foot tool is. 10/10 would buy for him again." — N. Bower Get it from Amazon for $10.89 (available in dozens of other fun styles). 10. Or a set of two super helpful multitools / pens that'll help 'em complete ALL sorts of tasks. These heavy-duty aluminum wonders will cover the following between the two of 'em: a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, a ruler, a bubble level, a touchscreen stylus, a bottle opener, an LED light, and well, a retractable pen! It's important to note that this is a *set* of pens with different functions, so don't plan on splitting them up between different stockings. Each pen comes with ink installed plus an additional ink refill. Promising reviews : "Bought for a stocking stuffer. My daughter-in-law is a house appraiser and loved this. It has many functions that she can use without having to bring a large tool with her. She was very happy with it." — Kindle Customer "A great gadget gift for the handyman or handywoman! This tiny tool fits in a pocket, tool kit, car, purse, etc. It is great to have so many accessories accessible in one small tool. The hammer is perfect when you are hanging nails on the wall; the locking mechanism is great to make sure that children can’t access any of the tools. It’s heavy-duty but not heavy. Very easy to use, and it's been a lifesaver during the holidays and birthdays with kids toys." — Courtney Schendel Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99 . 11. The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick is a cooling eye stick made with *actual* Icelandic glacial water to depuff their tired under eyes. It'll feel super refreshing during their (scarce) holiday down time. Promising review: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." — Ben Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 12. A handy-handy mushroom funnel can help transfer viscous liquids from one container to another in a ridiculously adorable way. Promising review: "Lovely. Great for decanting wine or filling soy sauce jars and oil dispensers. Not for thick things like ketchup. So cute I keep it in the window." — MicheleS Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes). 13. A set of 2-in-1 magnetic rechargeable hand warmers to keep their hands nice and toasty while on the go. AND they're also device chargers so they'll come in ~handy~ more than one way. Promising review: "These are amazing! I use them when I volunteer at the outdoor food bank and they keep my hands nice and toasty. I keep them in my coat pocket and they warm me right up! They are easy to charge and easy to use!" — Karen Get it from Amazon for $23.09+ (clip the 30% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in eight colors). 14. A jar of Momofuku's famously delicious chili crunch if they're really trying to make more homemade meals but the dinners just aren't...dinnering. This concoction is made of three types of Mexican chilis, crunchy garlics, and shallots for a super satisfying topping to level up dishes. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Bek O'Connell says, "I put this stuff on everything! It just makes food taste better. I highly recommend to any fellow spicy lovers looking for the perfect topping. This chili oil comes with seasoned salts, Mexican chilis, dried garlic, and shallots." Get the original flavor from Amazon for $10.39 (also available in black truffle, hot honey, and spicy flavors as well as multipacks). 15. A genius amber reading light that'll be much nicer for bedtime reading (it's 99.94% free of blue spectrum light) when your partner decides to start a thriller at 9:35 p.m. again and you just want some shuteye. Promising review: "This is a fantastic light! I use it every evening to continue reading while my son sleeps, it does not wake him or impede my sleep after I’m ready to go to bed. Great product." — Brian Masters Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 16. A pickle wine stopper perfect for anyone who adores both wine *and* brine. Also, it'll be easier to spot in a kitchen drawer than a boring ole' black traditional wine stopper. Promising review: "I bought this pickle wine stopper for my nephew and his partner. It keeps air out of the bottle with a snug fit and it cleans up easily after use. The fact that they love 'pickle' anything is an added bonus!" — Cynthia Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in four other styles). 17. A Carhartt beanie because they're forever leaving the house in cold weather *without* a hat and then ~mysteriously~ getting a cough. Hmmm. This also comes in a satin-lined version . You can get your mini-me one here , BTW. There are few things cuter than a baby in a Carhartt beanie!! Promising review: "Wow, just wow. I wore this out today while walking the dogs after work. It was 29 degrees outside. My head was toasty warm while wearing this hat. Perfect. Just perfect. The one issue, if it's an issue at all, I like to wear hats inside the house during the winter. So I put this guy on tonight and in the house. My ears and head got so warm I had to remove the hat. Great outdoor hat. If you want a hat for inside of the house this ain't it. Buy this hat. Buy it now." — Lynn & Dougie Get it from Amazon for $15.49+ (available in 18 colors). 18. A "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles that'll be a serious step up from the regular brushes you normally slip in their stocking. It has regular firm bristles PLUS longer ones that are ten times thinner to *really* get in between teeth and gums, mimicking flossing. Psst, it's also safe for sensitive teeth. Mouthwatchers is a small business by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans — which are great for targeting stuff often missed with traditional brush and floss routines. I've used and LOVE these. Dare I say that my teeth feel cleaner after using one of these than when I use my electric toothbrush? Yep, I DARE. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.90 . 19. A 12-pack of water bottle-cleaning tablets to make sure everyone's go-to container actually gets cleaned. (Cleaning water bottles is hard!) Promising review: "I wasn't sure if this was a gimmick or not. Turns out it works really well. I have four metal thermos-like containers that are used to keep tea warm every day. Over time, the tea stained the insides and was very difficult to remove. I added one of these tablets to the container, filled it with hot water, and let it sit for a few hours. When I came back to rinse it out, I was literally amazed at how clean it was. I think it looked cleaner than when they were new. I called my wife over to show her, and she was equally impressed. Awesome product!" — Robert A Moreno II Get them from Amazon for $7.99 . 20. Mini screwdrivers that'll become indispensable in their tool kit for eyeglasses, appliances, and lots of other essential bits. My dad gave me a similar set a few years ago and I probably use this more than anything else in my (rather large) tool bag. My friends are always borrowing the set for eye and sunglasses repairs, too! Includes six magnetic mini screwdrivers. Promising review: "This is a great set of small, precision screwdrivers. Maybe they aren't small enough to dismantle the innards of your watch, but they are perfect for the small screws I so often encounter on appliances, computer cases, small electronics, etc. This set will replace a cheap set I purchased last year (and it didn't last). This tool set is in a quality built case that has a sliding latch to keep it closed. I really like the hard anodized finish and the tool shafts and ends appear to be quality steel. The different colors help me to find the one I want. These are a great product at a great price. They arrived quickly and were well package for shipment. I may even give some as gifts to my friends who are tool geeks!" — Seacidal Get them from Amazon for $14.99 . 21. A set of vinyl coasters as a not-so-subtle hint that they need to stop parking their coffee mugs and water glasses on your bare-naked wood furniture. Promising review : "I absolutely adore these!!! They are so cute and definitely do the job! They keep the surface free from water rings and make me giggle!" — johnny williams Get a set of six from Amazon for $5.99 . 22. A dog bark deterrent device in case everyone in your home has had it up to HERE with the constant yapping while you work from home, eat dinner, or merely try to catch up on Real Housewives . So really, it'll be a gift for the WHOLE family. This device comes from a family-run small business called NPS ! To use, make sure you're within 16–25 feet of your dog, point the device at your dog, and make sure there are no obstacles between you. There's a great video on their store page explaining more about how to use the device and its different modes! Promising review : "Wasn’t sure if this would work for my dog Barkley. As you can tell by my dog’s name, he definitely barks a lot. My groomer told me about this product. She uses it every day at her business, so I thought I would try it. To my surprise, it worked very quickly. It’s awesome to use something that doesn’t hurt my dog." — Johnny B Get it from Amazon for $32.29 . 23. A Shark Tank– featured Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier that'll help 'em Hulk it from the car to the house after a big grocery-shopping trip before your teenager can even slip on shoes to help. It lets you hook your bags and carries up to 80 pounds without throwing out your shoulder or cutting off the circulation in your fingertip from weighed-down bags. Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business. Promising review : "TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." — Hung Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in seven colors). 24. A pair of plaid touchscreen gloves that you can point out Santa eyed on last year's list of Oprah's Favorite Things. They'll be able to toggle back and forth between podcast options and text you back without pulling their glove off on a *frigid* January walk. And while you're at it, check out some of the coolest things from *this* year's Oprah's Favorite Things list ! Top It Off is a woman-owned accessories business with a mission to women everywhere the perfect mix of style, quality, and price. Promising review : "I was checking out the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things in hopes of finding a reasonably priced gift for my sister. Bingo!!! These are so pretty. The colors (deep pink and complimentary jewel tones) are gorgeous and the inside of the gloves are smooth and not scratchy. She was so happy when she opened the gift bag. Temperatures don’t get much below 30 where she lives so these will keep her hands warm on fashionable outings." — S Lindsey Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in nine colors) 25. A s'mores-themed ChapStick collection because they're forever losing theirs and then *you're* finding them in pants' pockets while you're on laundry duty. Perhaps these fun flavors will inspire some memory improvement. Each set comes with three flavors: a Milk Chocolate, a Marshmallow, and a Graham Cracker flavor. Promising review: "My mom and I are ChapStick fans, so I bought us each a pack of these. The marshmallow is clear, the chocolate is brown, and the graham cracker is tan. The color isn’t too extreme, but it will leave a little bit of tint on your lips. The flavors are DELICIOUS. Graham cracker reminds me of Golden Grahams cereal and chocolate is just perfect. I love the marshmallow best because it tastes slightly toasted." — Elle Ardee Get it from Amazon for $5.19 . 26. A tub of O'Keeffe's hand cream as a serious dose of moisture for dry, cracked hands. Anyone who you do any hand-holding with will certainly appreciate the tactile improvement. Promising review: " I have suffered from splitting and cracking fingers every fall and winter for years. I tried Eucerin, Lubriderm, and Gold Bond creams, but none seemed to relieve the splitting from reoccurring. I tried O'Keeffe's Working Hand Cream and within two-and-a-half days, the splitting and cracking were no longer a factor. Since using the cream, I have not suffered any more cracking or splitting. I am on a busy schedule and only use it at night when I go to bed. It says it's nongreasy but you can definitely feel a slick texture on your hands once applied. That's why I use it at night before bed when I don't have to open door knobs, touch smartphones, or shake hands. It has the texture of cake icing, goes on smooth and works into the skin quickly. It has no smell I can detect. I am so glad I found this cream, it has ended years of split and cracked fingers/hands. " — T.H. Get it from Amazon for $8.87 . Our deep dive into O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream goes into more details, so be sure to check it out. 27. Death Wish Instant Coffee Packets in case they basically need caffeine injected straight into their veins. (AKA, anyone who's in school or has a baby, or maybe both!) It does have 300 mg of caffeine per cup, so tell them to proceed accordingly. Check out a TikTok of the Deathwish Instant Coffee in action. Death Wish Coffee is a small business that specializes in coffee pods, grounds, whole beans, and more. I've tried basically all their flavors and love them. As someone who drinks a lot of coffee, I find it def adequate caffeine-wise! According to the Mayo Clinic , “up to 400 milligrams of caffeine appears to be safe for most healthy adults,” but you should talk to your doctor about what’s right for you. Promising review : "So let me start by saying that this coffee is delicious and works if you’re someone like me who wants to stay awake. I work night shifts at a hospital, and in the mornings, when I get home, I’m quite tired and sleepy. I made myself a cup of coffee and waited for it to work. Now let me tell y’all!!! This coffee kept me awake for hours!! BOY, WAS I WOWED INDEED ... best believe I went ahead and ordered three more boxes. This is now my to-go coffee if I need a BOOST!!!!!! If you like coffee and want to stay awake, then BUY THIS COFFEE!!! I’m happy I no longer have to take naps to get re-energized." — nancy Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $10.99 . 28. Nearly invisible earplugs that'll reduce extra noise at concerts, loud events, and more! Anyone who plans their social life around music festivals needs a pair. I own a pair of these and they're super comfortable, unlike other earplugs I've tried for concerts (I've been to lots of shows in my day). I wore my pair at an arm hair-shaking EDM show and can report back that they work SO well. Promising review: "I have search for something like this for 10 years, because of my tinnitus I have not been able to go to concerts or even movie theaters . Thanks to your product I am able to enjoy my favorite pastimes including karaoke with my friends with out my ears ringing all night not allowing me to sleep. Yes I was able to just use a pice of wet napkin to protect my ears but it was all or nothing. Your filters allow me to enjoy sound without damaging my ears." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $28.95 . 29. A cleaning pen can *gently* revive the look of their jewels that they DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE have grown cloudy over time. Don't worry, it's made with micro-fine cleansers, polishing agents, and a polymer for a pro-level shine at the price of your morning coffee order. Promising review: "I worked several years in a fine jewelry store that sold this product. We used the Dazzle Stik from time to time to add a quick shine to merchandise that was just tried on and on days our jeweler was not there to professionally clean items. I was always impressed with the instant shine the diamond stick provided. The brush tip is very helpful for getting under the stones and in the setting where gunk builds up reducing that brilliant shine. I recently got engaged and immediately purchased a Diamond Dazzle Stik of my own. It's the perfect way to quickly give my ring some shine before leaving the house. You simply brush, rinse, dry and go. I don't feel this product replaces the need to professionally clean your jewelry every now and then, but it does help with the maintenance of that new shiny sparkle." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.02 . Check out our full review of Diamond Dazzle Stik here ! 30. A pack of moldable glue they could use a million different ways around the house, from corralling wires to sealing cracks in rain boots to mounting hardware on tile walls. Advanced silicone technology bonds permanently to almost anything, then sets strong by turning into a durable, tactile silicone rubber overnight. Bonds to glass, ceramic, wood, metal, most plastics, and more. Forms a strong bond, and allows you to mount and hang things without drilling. Holds up to 4.4 lbs. Promising review: "Got this as a gift for my gadget-crazy kids for their stockings. It was a HIT! A broken foot on the bottom of a new bathroom scale was replaced with one molded from this — and it was easy to shape well enough to maintain the level balance the scale required! Amazing stuff. Instructions are easy to follow, product it easy to use, and it works!" — A Mom Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (available in a variety of color combos ). 31. A detangling brush made for folks with 3a–4c hair types who've more or less resigned to super painful brushing. As reviewers point out, it doesn't have to be the case! Promising review: "But my son has really thick and curly hair, no brush would be of much help with it. They would pull out his hair no matter how I brushed it. He would scream from the time he seen me coming with the brush until I was done. This brush has helped soooooo much. He will sit and watch TV every night while I brush through his hair and not mind it at all. The way the brush is designed and separates it don’t pull out his hair I love it and he loves it he even brushed his own hair with it. I definitely recommend this brush for anyone with thick curly hair!" — Danielle Beller Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in five colors). 32. A lil' efficient mug warmer that'll eliminate their trips to the microwave just to heat up their tea or coffee that's been sitting out awhile. Never change, slow-sippers! Promising review: "It's so nice to work on the computer and reach for the coffee ☕️ and it's still hot or warm, your choice. Great buy." — Chip Wood Get it from Amazon for $19.98 . 33. A set of eight claw clips can make getting their dirty hair outta their face THAT much easier. Or just make doing their hair period a total cinch. Reviewers with thick hair especially love these! (Psst, you could even split these up amongst several stockings.) Reviewers with all different hair types (curly, straight, thin, thick, etc.) love these clips! Promising review: "These are the best clips for long, thick hair that I've ever had. They don't let your hair slip, and hold all day. And they're very attractive. Good price, too. You won't be sorry if you buy them!" — Joanne M. Werick Get them from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three color combinations). 34. A milk frother to help them whip up all the delish coffee drinks they're always sending you on Instagram and TikTok. Promising review: "OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I've already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life . This comes highly recommended." — Michelle Pirestani Get it from Amazon for $15.29 (available in 18 colors). 35. A zombie face mask will make them (briefly) look like a zombie while it goes to work tightening pores and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Perhaps a perfect gift for the horror *and* beauty obsessive. Promising review: "This really works. I am always skeptical of products I buy online because you can't be sure who is posting reviews but I will say that this mask does what it says it will do. I will definitely purchase again." — JEaston Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $25 . 36. Or a six-pack of cutesy animal sheet masks if they refused to watch The Substance with you but are into a pampering sesh. You could even split these up between the whole fam's stockings! Promising review: "I use these and have bought them as gifts for friends who also love them. They are cute, and my skin looks and feels good afterward. I have extremely sensitive skin and have had no redness or problems at all with these masks! Good value." — Winter Nightsong Get them from Amazon for $13.85+ (available in six character combos). 37. An ingenious pair of *claw* gardening gloves to help 'em dig a bit more efficiently. But only after they've chased you around the house while wearing them. Promising review: "These are a game changer for gardening and the most brilliant invention ever! I love that the thumb doesn’t have a claw because I can still keep these on and pull off dead leaves. It also makes removing the plant from its planter to put in the ground easier with no thumb claw. The plastic tips are comfortable and easy to maneuver. They make digging a breeze. These pointy tips also help in pulling off dead leaves/limbs from thicker plants/bushes. My claws have yet to show signs of separation between the hard plastic tips and the rubbery fabric of the glove. So I’d absolutely say the durability surpasses most expectations. I absolutely love these gloves so much that I may even use them for doing dishes. Those claws could so easily scrape off that gunk that’s shellacked on to the dishes your teenager has stashed in their room. " — Shopaddict Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in two colors and as a pack of two). 38. A six-pack of "sprout" bookmarks will keep their place(s) in the books they just got for the holidays that they're reading all at once. Promising review: "I gave these out as a gift for one of the book clubs I’m in, and they all LOVED them! I love them because they’re bendy but stiff enough to stay between the pages, if I need to put my book down quickly, it’s easy to just throw the little leaf in. It’s perfect🍃😍" — Shannon White Bear Get a six-pack from Amazon for $7.99 . 39. A set of book-shaped sponges can YES be a HINT that they could lend a hand in washing the cookie sheets later. But also, how cute! Promising review: "These sponges are adorable!! I've gotten so many compliments on them from friends and family. They're bright and look great along my sink. I haven't used them yet because I don't want to ruin them but they look like decent sponges. They're so pretty though you probably won't want to use them either! They would make a great housewarming gift!! " — EC Get a set of three from Amazon for $10 . 40. A roll-on migraine stick for anyone who's particularly headache-prone. This is small enough to keep in their pocket, bag, car, or even desk drawer for when they need it. It's made of peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils to help deliver some cooling relief in their time of need. They just roll this stick on the back on their neck, forehead, and temples for some relief from the most annoying head pain. And don't worry about residue; the stick rolls on clear and won't leave a greasy shine. Promising review: "This stuff is my go-to fix when I feel a migraine coming on. I suffer from sinus headaches and migraines usually once or twice a week. This product I put on each temple, under my nose and on my wrists when I feel the pressure starting and it cuts the pain to a minimum. It seems to stop the worst pain before it has a chance to start. Thank you for a great product! I will buy again and again!" — Brenton1985 Get it from Amazon for $12.95 . Check out our full Migrastil Migraine Stick review for more deets! 41. A pair of ceiling fan charms to help finally settle the (mostly) internal debate of which pull string is which. They're also great if they have trouble reaching the pull strings! Promising review: "This is the definition of 'product you didn't know you needed because you didn't know it existed.' I was FOREVER pulling the wrong chain on our bedroom ceiling fan. (Want the light off? Oh no...now the fan's on high. Need to change the fan speed? Eek...now you're in the dark.) They're much better quality than I expected. They're actually quite heavy-duty pull chains, and they add a bit of fun to the decor." — LHD Get them from Amazon for $5.88+ (available in three colors and two sizes). 42. An ingenious sandwich cutter and sealer if they yearn for Uncrustables but are trying to stick to a budget. With these, they can whip 'em up and freeze them as quite possibly the best version of meal prep EVER. Promising review: " These have been a GAME CHANGER in this house!! My son has always begged me for Uncrustables but my wallet didn’t agree with them. I LOVE being able to make them at home and customize them to exactly what they would like them filled with! I make two weeks' worth of sandwiches at a time and store them in sandwich bags in the freezer so in the morning during the school year we can just grab and go! Love them!" — Katherine Smaczniak Get it from Amazon for $16.97 . 43. And a four-pack of Starbucks gift cards so everyone has something to do once they get restless from being in the house together for too long. Get them from Amazon for $40 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.In light of this alarming incident, the bathhouse management has issued a public apology and pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of their safety procedures and facilities. They have assured customers that stringent measures will be implemented to prevent any future occurrences of carbon monoxide poisoning on their premises.
GCC hiring momentum to continue next year with 18-20% surge in uptakeDespite their dominance in the French football scene, PSG has been plagued by inconsistencies and disappointing performances in recent matches. While injuries and tactical issues can certainly be contributing factors, there is growing speculation that something more insidious may be at play. Rumors of discontent among players and suspicions of a mole within the team have cast a shadow over the once-united squad.
Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.
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