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There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place. DO assess honestly where you are with it all For those who feel strongly about the election's outcome, and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you're ready to spend time together in THIS moment, barely a few weeks after Election Day — and a time when feelings are still running high. The answer might be that you're not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” “You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.” He emphasizes that it's not about taking a permanent step back. “Right now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.” DON’T miss the bigger picture of what the holiday is all about Keep focused on why why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time. DO set boundaries If you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement. “Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?" he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.” DON’T take the bait Let’s be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it. In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia . “Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to. DO think about what will happen after the holiday If you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what Pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now — strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you'd want to have. “Think about how you would like to remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?” DON'T feel you have to be there uninterrupted Things getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn't have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you — and the family — might need. Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, `I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.'"BharatNet Phase-III to create nearly 25k jobs: TeamLease
Pfizer's PFE short percent of float has fallen 12.8% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 61.87 million shares sold short , which is 1.09% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.71 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Pfizer Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Pfizer has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted. Comparing Pfizer's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Pfizer's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.63%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Molly-Mae Hague makes savage four-word comment about I'm A Celebrity as Maura Higgins enters camp
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Woeful month for Washington sports has fans thankful for November's endIn a message to the American people, the King expressed “great sadness” at the news of Mr Carter’s death, describing him as “a committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”. He added: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981 and spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Carter had “lived his values in the service of others to the very end” through “decades of selfless public service”. Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.” Tributes to Mr Carter followed the announcement of his death by his family on Sunday, more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) US President Joe Biden, one of the first elected politicians to endorse Mr Carter’s bid for the presidency in 1976, said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” Vice President Kamala Harris said Mr Carter “reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion”. “His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come,” she said. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter.” Other UK politicians also paid tribute to Mr Carter. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “an inspiration” who “led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney described the former president as “a good, decent, honest man who strove for peace in all that he did”, while Welsh First Minister said he was “a remarkable man” and “a humanitarian and scholar”. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Mr Carter’s “life was a testament to public service”. He added: “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.” Gordon Brown, another former prime minister, said it was a “privilege” to have known Mr Carter, who “will be mourned, not just in America, but in every continent where human rights are valued”. Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC before being buried in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and, finally, the White House, where he took office as 39th president in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked more than four decades leading The Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center virtually eliminated Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service1. A set of two cooling pillows if sleeping on the "cool side" is something you like to do. No more flipping your pillow over constantly — reviewers say these keep you cool all night long, and they're filled with a plush gel fiber that provides just the right amount of support. If you've ever wish you could bring those fancy hotel pillows home with you...now you can. Promising review: "These had great reviews but I was still a bit skeptical. I'm a bit of a pillow snob. I usually require about three pillows for just myself, not including my husband. I like to sleep propped up a bit so my sinuses don't get stopped up at night. My old pillows would require three to nine adjustments a night for me to be comfortable again. These pillows — these amazing, heavenly pillows — are now my favorite part of going to bed. Soft but firm. How does that work? It gives support for me to sleep slightly propped up but I sink into this comfortable personal cloud. Soft, but firm. My head isn't sinking through the pillow to rest on my mattress, but I feel comfortably enveloped. Now mind you, I have one very cheap Walmart pillow behind it so I'm not against my headboard, but even still. Heaven. I bought two but think that would be too much fluff so now my husband and I each have one. Buy them. Add to cart. Buy now with one click. Stop the research. You've found the pillows you were looking for. " — Marissa Urey Get a set of two down alternative pillows from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in queen and king sizes, and four material types). 2. And to go with them: An affordable (but bougie-feeling) set of satin pillowcases good for both your hair and skin, *and* they stay refreshingly cool! Satin pillowcases help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair, and your skin will feel happier too since these won't dry it out. PLUS, your bed will feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on real silk. These have a hidden zipper so your pillow stays put and doesn't slip out! Check them out on TikTok . Promising review : "I really love this pillowcase! Not only is it super cute, but it really does what it's supposed to as far as preserving your hair overnight. As a member of the Natural Hair Community, a satin pillowcase is a MUST and this pillowcase really gets the job done! It really helps to retain the moisture in Black hair and keeps my kinky curly hair from being all over the place when I wake up. That is really beneficial for me because I'm a wild sleeper and having this pillowcase just makes it that much easier to tame my hair because it is not as dry as it would be from a regular pillowcase. I've also had no problems with washing it and it still keeping up. I've thrown it in the regular washer and dryer a couple of times, and it's still durable, satiny, and the color is not washed or faded. I definitely recommend this pillowcase for all hair types, but especially ones in the 3a–4c range." — Morgan123ThatsMe Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 25 colors, three sizes, and in one-packs). 3. A set of hotel-worthy cooling bedsheets to make your bed feel as luxurious as the one you slept in on vacation. Silky soft and breathable, these popular sheets feel ~expensive~ but aren't, with over 261,000 (!) 5-star ratings backing up their incredible value. Promising review: "I am a very hot sleeper therefore, I am very picky about my sheets. These sheets are very comfortable and do not make me hot. They are soft and very comfortable. Also, the company is great to work with! Excellent customer service! When my sheets arrived, there was a small problem with the fitted sheet so I emailed them (the sheets came with a flier with their contact info) and they sent me another fitted sheet right away. They said they are a family owned business and really want the customer to have a great experience. I was impressed with that level of service especially in this day and age! Bottom line: great sheets, excellent customer service and great price! Do not hesitate to buy !" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in twin–split king sizes and 45 colors). 4. And a shaggy faux-fur duvet cover lined with soft velvet on the underside to replace your rough, wrinkled one. With bedding this luxurious, who could blame you for wanting to hibernate...the whole year. One side is faux-fur and the other side is plush velvet; the twin set comes with one pom-pom fringed pillow sham, and other size sets include two. Don't forget to grab a duvet insert if you need one! Promising review: "If my house caught on fire, this is the first thing I’d grab. But seriously, this is one of my favorite things in my whole house. I feel like it tied my entire room together. I get so many compliments on it and it's seriously so cozy and well made. My only complaint would be how hard this thing makes it to get out of bed in the mornings. It’s incredibly soft and isn’t the type of 'fur' that will mat and get gross-looking over time. I rely heavily on reviews when I buy things so I’m here to tell you — if you’re on the fence about buying this ... do it!! Also, the pillowcases are amazing. Super soft and the pom-pom fringe is adorable." — SK Get it from Amazon for $51.99+ (available in sizes twin–king and 34 colors). 5. Scented drawer liners with elegant floral designs to line your dresser drawers with. They'll make you smile every time you catch a glimpse of them underneath your clothes, and reviewers say they have the loveliest smell, too. Promising reviews: "I am very pleased with these scented drawer liners! They are perfect for my bedroom chest of drawers. The paper is heavy and the scent is wonderful. I love it! I may buy them as gifts." — Jennifer "This is a traditional scented drawer liner paper — the kind people used for decades before modern adhesive (plastic) papers — and it's beautiful. I purchased the royal bloom scent and it smells like fresh pears. The paper comes in a tight roll and I suggest reverse rolling or laying it flat and weighing it down for a night before installing it. I very much prefer non-adhesive paper like this because it is easy to install and replace, but also because it is old-school elegance ." — Trillium Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors). 6. A spa-esque towel warmer so you always have a steaming hot towel at the ready when you get out of the shower to warm you right up. Your body won't even have the CHANCE to get cold. It can fit up to two oversized bath towels and heats up in just one minute, with a built-in auto-off feature for safety. You can throw your PJs in here, too, to warm them up before bed! This particular towel warmer also comes in some adorable colors, like light blue and pink. Get a closer look at it on TikTok ! Promising review: "So, I am one of those people that usually runs colder than most. I get out of the shower, and am usually FREEZING even with a towel wrapped around me. THIS CHANGED THE GAME!! I put my towel in before my shower (I like 15–20 minutes to heat it), and when I pull it out, it is warm throughout the entire towel and if I leave the lid off after pulling out my towel (I've turned off the machine at this point) the residual heat helps to heat the room. Since I have gotten this towel warmer, I have recommended it to almost every person in my family. I LOVE IT!! So worth it!! Update: The husband has also taken to using it for every shower. STILL so in love!" — Sara Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in seven styles). 7. Oversized waffle-weave bath towels that are both lightweight and ultra-absorbent, similar to what you'd find at a spa. They dry *much* faster than the heavy plush kind, and you'll feel more luxurious every time you towel off with one. Promising reviews : "These towels are large and the thickest towels we ever had, and I'm talking about the most expensive hotels we ever stayed at. I would imagine after dozens and dozens of washing and bleaching these towels may equal those used at the Waldorf-Astoria and the Plaza in New York City . You won't find much lint on your lint trap after drying. These will last a lifetime!!!" — PS "Just finished washing towels and not one speck of lint! Just what I wanted. These towels are not plushy. They are quick dry, so they're textured and a lighter weight than a traditional thick plush towel . It is exactly what I wanted. In Europe they use towels like this because many homes do not have dryers; everything is line-dried. The thick plushy towels don’t dry well and easily get musty and odorous. These are A+++." — Sammi Get a pack of four from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors and other sets and sizes). 8. A luxe stone bath mat designed to absorb water *and* dry quickly — almost like magic — to eliminate moisture buildup and bad smells, a common problem with regular everyday bath mats. No risk of slipping on the wet bathroom floor or feeling that uncomfortable ~moistness~, AND the sleek modern look will add a little extra something to your b-room as well. This sustainable product is made out of diatomaceous earth and recycled paper! Reviewers say the feel of it under your feet does take some getting used to (especially if you're used to a traditional bath mat), but they attest to how well this thing absorbs water and that the moisture seemingly just disappears afterward. My boyfriend upgraded his bathroom with these, so I've been able to test them out in person. And I have to say, it really is just like how one reviewer described it: like the water is basically being sucked off your feet — and then the mats themselves dry super quickly, almost like magic. They're definitely a bit smaller than I anticipated (my partner ended up getting several and positioning them together) but since they work *so* well at drying your feet, you also don't need a ton of surface area. Get a closer look at the white version on TikTok ! Promising review : "This is our second Dorai bath stone; we are adding them to all of our bathrooms. This design and usefulness of this product is undisputed. We no longer have water on our floors, reducing the chance of slipping on wet floors . These need to be in every home in the US." — B. Henricks Get it from Amazon for $67+ (available in two colors and two patterns). 9. Prismatic film for covering your sunniest windows, or alternatives like crystal ball suncatchers and window clings (or a combination of all three!) — because there's nothing quite like the effect dancing rainbows of light have on a room. The all-over window film is a great option if you're looking to add privacy (covering a window while still letting sunlight through), while the smaller clings are even easier to apply and also double as anti-collision decals for birds. And the crystal ball suncatchers might be small, but they'll make the whole room *sparkle* with mini rainbows when the sun hits them just right. Reviewers say they look and feel way more expensive than they are! Promising review (for the prismatic film): "It amazes me that this clear window cling has no coloring in it — that is until the sun or lighting shines on it. Then watch the light show begin! A full spectrum of colors gets projected from the cling onto the wall and onto the floor when the sun hits the cling . At night, the porch light turns the clear cling into a colorful stained glass-like window. It offers a bit of privacy, too. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get the prismatic privacy film for $7.99+ (available in 13 sizes), the pair of crystal ball suncatchers for $9.98 , and the set of 16 hexagonal prismatic clings for $7.25 . 10. An ornate candle snuffer that's beautiful, functional, and a little ~extra~ all at the same time. With this, you can extinguish your candles without having to blow them out (which potentially spreads embers and wax), and it'll look SO pretty sitting on your mantle or coffee table. Promising review : "Absolutely stunning! This is gorgeous and very durable. I love it!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four colors, plus more gorgeous designs here ). 11. A jar of Capri Blue Volcano scent booster to spread this cult-favorite scent to your clothes, sheets, and towels when you do laundry. It'll make them smell deliciously fresh when they come out and add a little ~luxury~ to your laundry routine. It's featured in this TikTok ! Promising reviews : "I read many reviews of the volcano scent booster and knew I had to try it to freshen up my laundry. I’m so glad I tried it because I love the scent and my laundry smells divine, and so far it really seems to last . It’s out of stock often from what I gather, so I bought two to start with and all set for a while now. I love this stuff and will definitely be repurchasing as needed." — Kelli E. "I am in love with this scent booster! I have sensitive skin and always thought I couldn't use scented laundry items, but no issues! Particularly love on my towels and bed linens, but also when I wash dog beds and kid backpacks :) in addition to my clothes. Love!!" — Melissa D. Get it from Capri Blue for $22 . 12. A genius water bottle with a built-in infuser for adding lemons, berries, mint leaves, ginger, or other ingredients to your water. It'll kick up the flavor, yes, but it'll also make you feel ridiculously fancy (it's the little things, OK!!) — plus, no seeds or pulp will slip through! It even has handy time markers on the side to keep you on top of your hydration schedule. It comes with an insulation sleeve, cleaning brush, and recipe booklet! My former colleague Britt Ross says, "I am one of those people who has, until recently, gone through life thinking, 'Why would I drink water when there are other beverages that actually taste good to be had?' Well, I received this gizmo as a birthday gift from my water-loving husband as a not-so-subtle hint to change my ways, and lo and behold, it's been a revelation. I often have lemon remnants left over from cooking and baking, and they're the perfect things to throw into the infuser section of the bottle to liven things up. It's amazing what a little fruitiness can do — I can guzzle a whole bottle easily! Plus, it's much easier to clean than you'd think (each section comes apart and there's an included brush!), and there's a grippy section on the side so it doesn't slip out of your hand. Oh, and did I mention it has not ever leaked?! 10/10, no notes, buy it NOW!!!" Promising review: "This is my new obsession! I can’t believe how much joy a little thing like this can bring, but I just love it! I love experimenting with new fruit and herb combos (orange/blackberry/mint, and lemon/ cucumber are my favorites so far). I drink much more water now, and my skin is glowing! And it's so cheap but feels so fancy. Buy it, of course!" — Kindle Customer 1 Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in seven colors). 13. A gorgeous Hatch Restore 2 , the new-and-improved version of TikTok's favorite sunrise alarm clock. This beauty is designed to gentle wind you down at night and wake you up just as gently with its soft glow and gentle sounds. It also functions as a touch-controlled smart light and bedside lamp! If you're trying to train yourself to wake up earlier, reviewers say it can keep you from hitting that 'snooze' button like you're used to. The Restore 2 comes with design upgrades and a bunch of new content. It has 10 new sunrise sounds, new light and sound pairings, 12 new sleep sounds, and a Morning Moment that includes meditation, stretches, and more to start your day off on the right foot. Basically, if you don't already have a Hatch Restore, it's worth going for this upgraded version, though the 2020 model is also still available for $99.99 . Promising review: "I have been eyeing the Hatch alarm clock for over a year and am so happy I finally purchased the Hatch Restore 2! I work as a nurse and get up much earlier than my partner. He hasn’t woken up or been bothered by my alarm at all. I’m waking up in a better mood because the sound of the alarm is soothing, and the light that comes on when it’s time to start waking up is really nice instead of waking up to a completely dark room. "Having a pretty and unique alarm clock on my bedside table was important to me and I’m loving the latte color. Setup was easy using my iPhone and I love that I can choose specific days I want to wake up early for my irregular work schedule. Overall, I really love this alarm clock and am so glad I don’t have to use my phone any longer ." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in three colors). 14. A bestselling Elizavecca collagen-coating hair treatment that deeply repairs and hydrates your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels luxuriously soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex. (And that's over three times the price!) Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. Promising review: "This is the first product that I have ever used where I saw immediate results. For those out there who have tried Olaplex at home, it's very similar in consistency but I think I see better results and this product is much cheaper. I shampooed my hair, towel-dried so my hair was damp, then ran the product through all my hair, mostly concentrating on my ends. I left it in for as long as I could and rinsed it out and my hair felt smooth and soft immediately. I let my hair air dry and it was soooo shiny! It is a small bottle but you don't need to use much so I can see it lasting for a while if you only do a treatment once a week or once every two weeks." — Samantha Ellis Get it from Amazon for $8.40 . 15. A refreshing ice roller you can keep in the fridge or freezer, then take out as needed to give your face a chilled massage and reduce puffiness and under-eye circles. Basically, you can start your day feeling like you just got a pricey facial. Stick it in the freezer, apply your favorite moisturizer on your face, and then sweep the roller all over. Reviewers also swear by this migraines and cooling down on hot days, so it's multitalented. Watch how it's used by one reviewer to address morning eye puffiness on TikTok ! Promising review: "I was skeptical about this product. I wasn't sure how it was much different than rolling any other frozen thing on your body. I'm beyond pleasantly surprised. I've used it for sinus pain, migraines, swollen neck glands, under-eye circles/bags, inflamed acne, TMJ pain, etc. Not to mention, when I used it on my face, it leaves my skin feeling tight and wakes me up in the mornings. It also stays cold for forever but never sweats or leaves water behind. It's like magic . I also bought one for my mom who suffers from nerve damage in her arms and legs. I think it'll really help when she has bad pain days." — Jessica McRee Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight colors, including bundles with two types of rollers). 16. A pack of 23 Facetory sheet masks packed with all sorts of skin-friendly ingredients, from soothing rice bran extracts and brightening lemon to detoxifying charcoal and plumping collagen. You'll feel so luxurious having this many ~options~ to choose from when your skin needs a pick-me-up, and the positively adorable packaging is just the cherry on top. ✨ Facetory is a Korean brand that launched in 2016, and all of their products are made in Korea. The masks are also cruelty-free and free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and synthetic colors. I've bought this face mask collection myself and absolutely love it. Each one has a few key benefits, which are detailed on the back along with the main ingredients (plus a super cute illustration with directions on how to use, in case you've never used sheet masks before). I leave each mask on for ~15 minutes, then pat the remaining product into my skin until it absorbs completely, and follow with a moisturizing cream to lock it all in. Doing this a few times a week has made my nighttime skincare routine feel so much more luxurious , and at just over $1 per mask, I think it's a sweet deal for something that's not only great for my skin but a mood-booster as well! Promising review : "Omg, too busy education professional here. Never time for any skin regimen. I’ve been using these nightly though as my little treat at the end of a challenging day. I pop these on and go about unwinding. They work like a charm and my tired, overworked drying skin is responding! They are nicely cool on your face and refreshing. Love each one I’ve tried so far, and that’s saying a lot. Feel like it’s my secret little luxury. And I do deserve this lol!" — Kindle Customer Gina Get the variety pack from Amazon for $34.50 (also available in other packs). 17. And a gentle, TikTok-popular bubbly clay mask that also deserves a spot in your skincare routine ASAP (because self-care is *not* overrated). It's designed to deep clean your pores and help remove blackheads, but ALSO it'll foam up to make your face look like a cloud!! Now that's just fun. 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 $15.10 . 18. A set of vintage-inspired glass mugs so you can feel *extra* fancy drinking your lattes, tea, or [insert drink of choice here]. Heck, you could even eat yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, or other little snacks out of this and I would support it 100%. The set of two also comes with two gold spoons to match. 🥺 Promising review : "Came straight to Amazon when I saw these beautiful mugs on TikTok. I just had to have them! I’m very picky with mugs, these are perfect for me. Stunning to look at and a pleasure to drink out of. Highly recommend!" — Margarita Harutoonian Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven styles). 19. A Grosche moka pot , aka a stovetop espresso maker if you've been *dying* to whip up some delicious lattes and other ~fancy~ coffee drinks at home but aren't as excited at the thought of shelling out hundreds for an espresso machine. It's super easy to use, has a durable stone finish, and comes in some gorgeous shades, including speckled pink, gray, and mint. Check it out on TikTok ! The reviewer demonstrates how they use it on the stove for making espresso for their lattes. Promising review : "Greatest purchase in the last five years!!! I have always been a coffee drinker but I recently purchased a moka pot to make iced espressos during the summer. Quickly it became an everyday thing! I love this moka pot more than any other item in my kitchen other than my actual coffee pot brewer! I had bought a cheap one elsewhere and that lasted about three weeks before falling apart. I spent a little more money for a quality product and have never looked back! I recommend this particular moka pot as it was slightly more than the cheap ones but less than some of the bigger name brands. It has lasted me two and a half years now without ever giving me a problem. Definitely a customer for life." — A. Arvy Get it from Amazon for $31.62+ (available in 11 colors and four sizes). 20. Or a dreamy Mackenzie-Childs enamel tea kettle to elevate not just your daily tea ritual but the entire aesthetic of your kitchen. Hand-painted with an elegant glass knob and wood handle for easy pouring, this work of art combines function and beauty and *demands* to be left out for admiring at all times. Get a closer look at it on TikTok ! Promising reviews : "Really, has anyone ever gotten anything from MacKenzie-Childs and NOT been completely over the moon? I love this teapot! I wish I could afford the whole line of Courtly Check enamel dishes ...for a start!" — Debbie Dombrowski "As silly as it sounds, I see this teapot on so many TV shows sitting on the stove. I just had to have one, and this is perfect — it brightens up my white kitchen. It doesn't whistle, so you can't leave the room with it on the stove. But if you watch Real Housewives and see this on every single stove, it's the one, and I love it!" — Jackie M Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in two sizes and five colors). 21. Sugar cubes for sweetening your coffee or tea (instead of scooping into your regular sugar jar), especially if you're serving it to others. I mean, look at them — they're just delightful. Bonus points if you store them in a pretty container and serve with tongs . Promising review : "What else would I use in my fancy cocktails and lattes? Nothing else. Just douse them with colorful aromatic bitters and you have a beautifully made cocktail. I drop them into a glass of champagne and my girlfriend squeals with delights. They're a great way to celebrate old school by serving them with coffee or espresso — one lump or two?" — Phil Philson Get a 1-pound box from Amazon for $8.99 . 22. A gold decorative mirror you can hang or even use as a tray to elegantly display jewelry, perfume, or other items. This low-key looks like something out of Beauty and the Beast and I'm here for it. See it on TikTok . Promising review : "I am forever in love with this! Very aesthetically pleasing!! Mirror hasn’t scratched and adds some *spice* to my perfume collection." — Morgan Newbanks Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors). 23. A chic transparent book vase , appropriately titled The Mystery of Growth , that'll inspire you to treat yourself to fresh flowers — because whether you're single or in a relationship, you don't need to wait for anyone else to surprise you with a bouquet (*cue "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus*). 💐 Peep this gorgeous book vase on TikTok ! I also highly recommend looking through the Amazon review images because every single one looks like it belongs in a magazine. Promising review : "I love all things books — so when this popped up in my feed, I had to have it. I ordered it ASAP. It arrived ASAP. I bought tulips ASAP. And it's PERFECT! This is the latest addition to my home office and I love staring at it! 😄 Save time — buy at least two!" — ED Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in five transparent colors). 24. And a gorgeous speckled pot you'll want to step back and admire every time you're making the rounds watering your plants. Here's to moving your green bbs into ~aesthetic~ planters that double as decor. 🪴 BTW, I have an entire roundup of pretty planters (in a variety of styles) worth checking out if you're ready to treat your plants to some new homes. Franca is a small, woman-owned design studio based in Brooklyn, New York. They sell handmade planters, dinnerware, vases, and dog bowls. My former colleague Christine Forbes has a very similar speckled pot from Franca and swears by their planters: " Every now and then, I splurge on a Franca pot and I never have any regrets. This one is so cute! It's becoming one of my favorites from their shop. If you know someone who loves plants, this will make an excellent gift." Get it from Franca for $62+ (available in three sizes). 25. A facial steamer if you've ever stayed in a hot shower a little longer to just soak in the steam — now you can enjoy the same experience from the comfort of your bed or couch. This creates "nano-ionic" steam that penetrates your skin deeply to soften, hydrate, and open up pores — and like your steamy showers, it can also help relieve sinus congestion. Note that this does come with a five-piece stainless steel tool kit as well, but please be careful if performing extractions on yourself as these can injure your skin if not used properly. Promising review : "I absolutely love this product. I purchased it when I was congested because I wanted to use steam to break up congestion. This steamer felt amazing. It definitely helped with my congestion and it opened up my pores too. I used the skin tool kit and that worked great as well. I love that this comes with so many settings including a humidifier and towel warmer as well. This was an absolute game changer for me and I highly recommend it." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $32.95+ (available in three colors). 26. A set of groovy archway light switch covers because swapping out those boring white covers for something a little more exciting is such an easy (and rental-friendly) way to add more color and personality to your space. MindFlowers is a woman-owned small biz creating '60s and '70s-inspired clothing, accessories, and home decor. Her psychedelic designs are meant to empower any and everybody with a focus on eco-friendly production. Check out some of the gorgeous designs + how easily they're installed in this TikTok . Promising review: "Beautifully packaged and the plate was better than I imagined. Sleek colors, just like image online, and super easy to put on. Absolutely love it. Thank you very much." — Hayley W. Get a two-pack from MindFlowers for $45+ (available in 12 switch types and many styles, with customization available). And check out their full collection for lots of other groovy designs! 27. Peel-and-stick stair riser decals to majorly upgrade your staircase with very little effort so you can treat yourself (and any visitors) to a little art show on your way up. Available in a glossy or matte finish and a variety of heights, these decals stick stick right on and can be removed just as easily. Get a closer look at these and how easily they're applied on TikTok ! Bleucoin is a small shop based in India that sells a stylish variety of decals for walls, stairs, tile, and more. Promising review : "I’m the biggest skeptic and also the most critical of imperfections...and I give this product a 100% approval! Super-high-quality materials, the colors are vibrant and the patterns are gorgeous , soooo easy to install (like ridiculously easy), and the shipping was lightning fast. Excellent communication by seller. I will totally be purchasing from them again!" — kurstinhollenbeck Get them from Bleucoin on Etsy: the Warsaw tile design (left) or the Hanover design (right) for $11.98+ (available in 11 sizes and matte or glossy finishes). And check out their store page for more designs! 28. And removable wallpaper with bright colors or bold patterns for contrast in a room that's currently pretty plain or neutral-colored. It'll bring the whole area to life, and it's commitment-free — you're not locked in if you decide to switch up your aesthetic again down the road! Sweet Pea Wall Design is a business based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in vivid and easy-to-apply removable wallpaper. Promising review: "Beautiful wallpaper. Delivered very fast, easy to install. Looks perfect in our office." — Marta Get them from Sweet Pea Wall Design on Etsy: the dalmatian dot wallpaper or the pink floral wallpaper for $5+ (available in four sizes and one sample size, plus two material types). Be sure to check out all the other wallpaper designs and patterns on their store page for more options! 29. A beautiful jade roller and gua sha set , because once you start using these on the daily, there's no going back. These popular beauty tools are great for using with serums, helping the product absorb more deeply, *and* they can help reduce puffiness, tighten skin, improve blood circulation, and even provide relief from headaches and sinus congestion. Few beauty tools feel like pampering yourself as much as this trusty duo. They're crafted with natural jade! FYI, I use a very similar set at home when I'm applying serums as part of my skincare routine (literally morning and night), and they definitely feel like they're helping the product sink in better and faster. Plus, they always feel really cooling against my skin in the most refreshing way. Promising review : "I love this roller!! Don't even need to put it in the fridge because it's always cold. It feels so, so good applying a bit of pressure and following videos on how to drain the nodes. So relaxing. It makes me happy using it and feels good. It's also gorgeous — very pretty pink and rose gold colors! So luxurious and makes me feel like royalty!" — Uzma Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in pink and blue). 30. A tub caddy , which will motivate you to set a good hour aside for a relaxing bath and pull out all the stops: candles, a cold glass of wine, a bath bomb, and a good novel (or Netflix). It's not only size-adjustable to accommodate different tubs; it also comes equipped with a wineglass holder, edges that safely prop up a book or tablet, a candle holder, and extra space for whatever else your cozy heart desires. Promising review: "When I placed my order for this tray I looked at the pics but did not realize how really cool this piece is. The ability to change the size is great, but I just love the different trays that are removable as well as the ability to put my phone and a Kindle in 'safe' areas of the tray. I found a perfect place for my TV remote should I want to watch TV and not read. I just got it and used it last night but it appears to be well-made, balanced, and offers versatility for the things you may want at your fingertips when taking a luxurious bath!" — SindiMcG Get it from Amazon for $49.97 (available in 11 styles). 31. Or if you're more of a shower person, a jar of whipped shower icing that feels as indulgent as gourmet dessert, except this "icing" goes on your body! Each one of these jars are filled with layers of soapy ~frosting~ with a creamy whipped texture that both cleanses and moisturizes as you lather it on. Indulgence Spa is a Maryland-based, Black woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2015 that specializes in soaps, hair care, and body products. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, " I started using this in the Three Wishes Tea flavor (a combo of tea leaves, peaches, rosebuds, and marigolds) and the smell alone is swoon-worthy, but I love love love how it feels in the shower. It has a satisfying creamy whipped texture, but suds up when you use it so you get that nice satisfying squeaky clean feeling, too. It's lasting a long time, too (which is great, but means I have to wait a little longer to try the other flavors 😂)." Promising review: "Very delicious and very rich! I bought a set in the Black Opium fragrance, which smells just divine! I will definitely buy again." — invisible9 Get it from Indulgence Spa on Etsy for $18.50 (available in many scents). 32. Or some luxurious body butter from The Skincare Bakery — I'm actually salivating looking at these pics. But it's not for eating (sadly); it's for your skin! This fluffy, bronzey goodness will leave your skin soft, supple, glowy, and smelling absolutely DELICIOUS. Check out this viral small business on TikTok , including a vid showing how their body butter looks on different skin tones! Promising review : "This body butter is unlike anything I have ever tried! The consistency is perfect and I love the way it goes on the skin. Don’t even get me started on how amazing it smells! I also love the glowy shimmer it gives your skin." — Jessica Clark Get it from The Skincare Bakery for $14.40 (available in many scents and bundles, including the Bronzy body butter shown above). 33. A quality pair of silk pajamas worth every penny for how luxuriously soft and breathable they are — one reviewer even says they feel like being naked — with a slouchy oversized fit that won't feel suffocating. The best part: They're machine washable! Though I haven't tried this sleep set yet, I have a silk robe from Lunya that my sister-in-law got me a couple of years ago and it's hands-down the most luxurious thing I own. It's true 100% silk (like these PJs) and has the most incredible buttery soft texture to it — so I can only imagine what it'd feel like to fall asleep in one of their silk sets. Psst — you can check out more of their washable silk styles if you prefer a long-sleeve set, for instance. And see our guide to the best silk pajamas for more options elsewhere! Promising reviews : "I am so obsessed with this silk set. It is so comfortable to wear and the material is so soft. I live in Southern California, and this is the only thing I can wear in the summer. Unlike other material, this silk won’t add any warmth to your body. Just feels like being naked! Silk material does get wrinkle easily, but I don’t think these PJs wrinkle that bad, at least I don’t mind." — Smart10 "I cannot say enough how much I love Lunya silk pajamas. The sleep top is VERY oversized and loose, but in a good way. I find the photos of the fit on Lunya's website accurate, with the back of the top's length going past the shorts (I'm 5'5) . I find the shorts to be true to size. The best thing is these actually wash well and are so silky soft . I'm more of a neutrals fan, but ordered the pink and I'm obsessed." — JBJBJB33 Get them from Nordstrom for $198+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and seven colors). This exact set is sold out at Lunya, but they have a new version of it available for $198 (available in two colors) — the new set is at Nordstrom too if you like those colors! 34. A popular pair of criss-cross faux fur slippers that'll make you feel so fancy when you're drinking your morning coffee or relaxing in the evening. Reviewers swear these are cozy and warm despite the open-toe design, which also allows for circulation so your feet don't get sweaty, and their waterproof, anti-slip soles mean you can step outside in them too. Promising review : "I hate my feet being hot. There are sooo comfy, yet warm and let my toes breathe. Slipping into luxury. Wish I could buy three more! Highly recommend." — Amber Rose Get them from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 16 colors). 35. And a splurge-worthy Barefoot Dreams robe reviewers rave about for its luxurious softness and cozy warmth. It'll really come in clutch after a hot shower (because stepping out into the cold air is the *worst*), but you'll probably want to wear it all day and pretend you're living at a day spa. Promising reviews : " My 'treat yourself to luxury' gift. I bought this robe last year for myself, and it was the best thing I could have given myself. I feel like a queen when I get out of the shower and wrap up in this soft, snuggly, cloud of a robe." — Miken Davis " If you want the softest, yummiest robe ever, this is for you! It engulfs you in softness, it breathes so you don’t *glisten* while wearing it. Mine is floor length, so I can pull my legs up on the couch or chair, and relax! I wish you could slip it on right now and feel its softness! It washes up beautifully too!" — Luvstawkin Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes — size 1 is recommended for people 5'6" and under, size 2 is recommended for 5'6" to 6', and size 3 is recommended if you're over 6'). 36. A French-style marble butter keeper so you always have room-temp and perfectly spreadable butter on hand for your morning bagels and toast (because we all know the torture of trying to spread chilled butter). Promising review : "There are people who have this butter bowl and then there are savages. It’s like Zeus made a statue of himself and then carved the butter bowl out of that. I feel like society moved one step closer to true enlightenment with this invention. It really is the cats meow, and keeps our cat from licking the butter! " — Mike Get it from Amazon for $29.85 (available in three colors). 37. Clear fridge organizing bins if you saw the inside of Kris Jenner's fridge(s) and were like, "Honestly, slay." It won't just make your fridge look like something out of a magazine; it'll also help you get through all that expensive food you bought before it goes bad thanks to the clear design that lets you see everything at a glance. You can use these in your pantry too! Promising reviews : " If you watch all those TikTok videos that show people taking care of their fridge with perfect organization, these are definitely the storage units to start with! I personally love organization and wish I could use more of these in the fridge but my family doesn’t agree so...they can absolutely be used in other areas of the home as well!" — Aysha Mirza "Ok, I'm a bit of an over-organizer (if there is such a thing). But my refrigerator was seriously lacking in organization. These beauties did the trick. No more fruit rolling around, grapes being crushed, cheese sticks everywhere, cold cuts hiding . I love them. And they make keeping the refrigerator clean easy, pop them out and rinse." — DLWH Get a set of eight bins for $20.99 (also available in other sets). 38. A velvet cover for that stained couch you inherited from an old roommate — you can try out a new, chic color for relatively cheap! This one has nonslip straps that hold it in place even when rambunctious kiddos and energetic pups put it to the test. You get separate covers for each cushion, which is what makes it look so natural. (Don't worry, we won't tell.) It's also machine washable (so you can try out having a ~fancy~ white couch without long-term commitment or stress). Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." — Brian/Liz Get a slipcover for a three-cushion sofa from Amazon for $38.49 (available in 10 colors and four other sizes). 39. Waterfall faucets that'll inject a bit of fancy spa resort energy into your bathroom. Promising review: "Very impressed with the high-quality and thoughtful design of this sweet little waterfall bathroom faucet. It really upgraded and modernized the look of our bathroom, and it was a great relief to discard the dated, worn, corroded faucet it replaced. The installation was fairly straightforward and pain-free." — EHL Get it from Amazon for $34.43+ (available in four finishes). 40. And to make your showers feel just as fancy: An easy-to-install high-pressure rainfall showerhead with an adjustable extension arm so you can set your preferred angle and height. Check out how easy this is to set up in this TikTok ! Promising review (it's long but worth the read!): "Once upon a time, my overpriced apartment had a shower that required I stand on my tip-toes for prime water-stream positioning due to the shower's narrow position and my short stature. Why am I living like that, might you ask? Because this grad-school budget hasn't allowed for much else — OR SO I THOUGHT. This showerhead is well within a reasonable budget and goes well beyond the bang for its buck . I should have known I was in for a treat by the sleek stainless steel with chrome finish but my journey was only just beginning. For the independent handywoman I am, I was initially intimidated by installation as my plumbing expertise ends with removing hair from the drain. Luckily, it comes packaged with a small wrench and a single-paged instruction sheet that was within my attention span to follow. " We were up and running in under 10 minutes and I could not wait to hop in. Once I did, the luxury I experienced could've fooled me into thinking I was anywhere but my own shower. The stream is wide enough that I feel like I'm getting hugged by the goddess of the sea Amphitrite herself but still controlled to not spit on me if I step out of its line of fire. Its pressure, meanwhile, is soft enough to maximize relaxation while still giving enough strength to get all the shampoo out of my thick, unkempt hair. I would say more but I'd rather go shower for the third time today. I'll leave it at this: Love yourself and your shower mates. There's no reason not to — you all deserve this experience too." — Amazon Customer Get the shower head for $14.99+ (available in four finishes and five sizes) and the adjustable shower arm for $15.99+ (available in four finishes), both from Amazon. 41. Plus! A bundle of fresh eucalyptus for hanging in your shower to provide some luxe-feeling aromatherapy when it starts to steam up. Also, it just LOOKS nice. These bundles are put together and sold by Eucalyptus Blooms, a small woman-owned shop based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They come with a free hook for hanging it inside your shower! Promising reviews: "Exceeded my expectations!!! I received my bundle quickly and it was packaged well. Very fragrant and I appreciated the hook that was included with the bundle to hang it right in my shower. I am definitely enjoying the aroma of eucalyptus as I shower." — Mcjunkinst "Love this!!!! Will absolutely buy again. My eucalyptus bunch is still going strong after a couple of weeks. Adds a spa-like quality to my daily shower!!! " — elizabethghall09 Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and in bundles). Shipping is free! 42. A pack of three under-cabinet lights that'll create ~ambient~ lighting so you're not always relying on those harsh overhead lights (which are *not* the vibe). Consider installing them in the kitchen so you're not fumbling around when you come in for water at night. It'll also accentuate your backsplash! These under-the-cabinet lights are battery-powered and come with a remote that will allow you to power them on and off, change their intensity, and set them to be motion-activated. Promising review: "I just remodeled my kitchen and wanted lights under my cabinets to give it a cozy feel. I wanted something easy to install but effective. These lights are great! You can adjust the brightness and can even put them on a timer so they turn off on their own after 15, 30, or 60 minutes. They come with a sticky tape to attach to cabinets but I also added sticky back Velcro and they have stayed on perfectly. The company sent me an email offering any assistance if I should need it. I absolutely LOVE them and would recommend." — Lisa Corey Get a pack of six from Amazon for $24.99 . 43. Waterproof, stain-resistant faux-marble granite adhesive so you can give new life to that old, scratched-up desk, vanity, or bathroom counter. It's *significantly* cheaper and quicker than a full remodeling, and you're not married to the final result if you change your mind down the road, as it peels off easily without leaving damage. It took most reviewers less than an hour to completely revamp their desks, and it was two hours *tops* for others (depending on how much space you're redoing!). Psst — If you pick this up, check out this reviewer's great installation tips for applying it to a desk! Promising review: "Wow, seriously love this stuff! Completely transformed the space I'm working on. I LOVE that it's shiny with a smooth finish... instantly felt luxurious especially compared to how it looked before! " — Natalie Logan Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in six sizes). 44. A bed canopy to make your bedroom feel like even more of cozy sanctuary and add a lil' extra privacy so you can lounge like the absolute royalty you are. 👑 Bonus: It can even help dull outside noise and hold in some warmth while you sleep. Hang some vines and/or fairy lights to really add to that fairytale vibe! It can also help serve as a room divider. Promising review: " Beautiful princess bed for a 31-year-old self-proclaimed princess . Initially, I was concerned that my ceiling fan in the middle of my room would be an issue, but it surprisingly was not. This product was very easy to assemble, instructions were thorough. I did not need to use wall anchors. It fit above my queen-sized bed perfectly. The product came perfectly intact inside the package and I have had this for a few months now and still no rips in it. Great way to add a unique touch to your simple, boring, or plain bedroom." — Stephanie Vaught Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in black and another shape). 45. And a gorgeous velvet tufted headboard in case you want your bed to feel even *more* like the height of luxury. And to really feel like you're living in the world of Bridgerton , pick up a matching bench for the foot of the bed to tie this gorgeous look together. This is def a more expensive upgrade but worth considering if you feel like your bed setup needs a little extra oomph. Promising review: "You know how you hate buying something online because you're not sure if it's going to be crap? Well let me tell you, this is one of the best purchases I've made. It's excellent quality. The foam is nice and plush and you can't feel the board. If you ever need to move, the whole thing folds in half and the legs and all the part fit in a zipper compartment in the back for easy transport. Would be perfect for some one who stages homes because of how portable it is but the quality is A+." — T. Sayer Get it from Amazon for $171.25+ (available in two sizes and eight colors). 46. Premade wall panels that'll bring an interesting flair to plain walls and doors, adding just a dash of elegance without being distracting. Looking at these while you perform household chores might give you a little extra pep in your step. Some reviewers used mounting tape in their apartments for a no-damage-to-the-walls installation while others added these panels onto their doors and kitchen islands! Promising review: "Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. Super easy to install. Used white lightning-speed grip from Sherwin-Williams to adhere the panels. These panels gave a 'high-end' look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style! I ordered four too many and had no problem returning for a full refund. I would HIGHLY recommend this product for a custom-designed look. Use your imagination!" — JM Get a single panel from Amazon starting at $12.15+ (available in many sizes). 47. Elegant sheer curtains to replace your dark, heavy ones, because it'll help brighten up a room and let that good sunlight stream in. It helps make the room feel bigger, too. If you don't want to get rid of your blackout curtains entirely, you can always layer them with sheers and keep them tied back when not in use! I switched to sheer curtains when I moved into my new NYC apartment over a year ago, and I honestly feel a bit more luxurious just having them around and seeing them lightly sway when I have my window open and they catch a breeze. They're just the best!! Promising reviews: "I LOVE THESE! I was looking for something to brighten my apartment up and to make it feel bigger . I’m so, so, so glad I decided to go with these! I was so scared while opening them. I ordered four white 95-inch sets. I just threw them in the dryer for two to three minutes to de-wrinkle them and hung them. These are amazingly cheap for how nice they are! Definitely makes my apartment feel like HOME . I would recommend these to anyone." — Amazon Customer "After quotes of $3,000 for blinds, I decided to rethink our window dressing and ordered these sheer curtains. They have brought elegance and luxury to our home. Highly recommended. Better than the blinds I was looking at!!" — Paul M. Hammond Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 15 sizes and 23 colors). 48. And gorgeous velvet curtains that'd look lovely paired with sheers or on their own, bringing a chic, polished look while also insulating to keep a room cool thanks to their thermal lining. Reviewers rave about the weighty luxurious feel of these. Get a closer look at these on TikTok ! Note that the listing describes these as "blackout" curtains, but some light may still filter through if you get a lighter color. Promising review : "Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous!!! I did a lot of homework on finding the perfect curtains for our new home addition. I needed a lot of them, something pretty, full, and good insulation. It could get very expensive, these were more than I could have wanted, and at such a great price...I ended up getting the longer ones because they cost less (I needed 12 panels). As a result of longer ones, they are fuller on the bottom, look so lovely, and I get all the compliments. My mom is a designer and I grew up being particular about fabric and how things are made, these are well-constructed and have gorgeous lining, lots of detail put into these , thank you!! Also, they are true to color ;)" — Mrs. Get them from Amazon for $39.96+ (available in 31 colors and nine sizes). 49. Decorative hinges to add a vintage-y touch to your garage doors you'll be able to admire every time you get home for the day. They attach magnetically and add that classic carriage house style. Promising review: " A really simple, affordable way to add a luxury upgrade to your home! I didn’t realize how easy these would be to install when I bought them. They’re just magnetic and snap onto your garage! They move around really easily and add an instant eye-catcher." — Samantha L. " I didn't think these would last through one Oklahoma Spring tornado season but they have. They were easy to install and very durable. They add a very unique touch to my new garage doors." — Lila S. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles/combos; faux windows also available if you want the full look above). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Top US Securities Regulator To Exit, Clearing Way For Trump Pick
Colts hope for another late-season playoff push( MENAFN - GetNews) The team at New York's famous restaurant is excited to reveal their adventurous culinary resolutions for the New Year, with a fresh take on healthy dining and bold new flavors. December 23, 2024 - New York, New York - Mangia NYC , New York's iconic artisan Italian eatery is rolling out its New Year's resolutions for delicious dining in 2025. As the New Year approaches, many food resolutions shift from the traditional focus on "eating healthy" to embracing a spirit of adventure with "eating adventurously." At Mangia, the team is excited to make food resolutions for the upcoming year, exploring new dishes, experimenting with unique flavors, and revisiting favorite recipes. Whether trying something completely new or perfecting a classic, Mangia is ready to inspire diners with helpful tips, guides, and delicious recipes to kickstart the year with gastronomic excitement. "We're thrilled to start 2025 with a fresh perspective and exciting new resolutions," says Elena Consta, Marketing Director of Mangia NYC. "This year, we're all about embracing new flavors, supporting our local communities, and continuing to create meaningful, delicious experiences for our guests. We can't wait to share these new adventures with everyone!" At the core of Mangia's delicious dining objectives for 2025, the team of professionals is focusing on five key resolutions: To kick off the New Year on a flavorful note, diners are encouraged to visit Mangia and enjoy a delicious meal or treat. Start 2025 right-because a great year begins with great food. About Mangia NYC: Since 1981, Mangia NYC has been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, playing a key role in shaping New York's culinary landscape. Renowned for its artisan Italian cuisine, freshly baked treats, exceptional catering services, and commitment to eco-friendly practices, the iconic eatery has become a beloved landmark in the heart of the city. Mangia! Live the Life You Love! CONTACT: To learn more about Mangia NYC, and its 2025 Resolutions, or to schedule an interview, please contact us. Website: Address: Mangia NYC 57 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 Social Media: MENAFN23122024003238003268ID1109025455 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Netanyahu Backs Cease-Fire Deal With Hezbollah, Israeli Hardliner Calls For 'Security Zone' Inside Lebanon
Watch Rukiya Anpo throw crumpled speech in Ryan Garcia’s face, have heated staredown
( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) VFAF President Robert M. Cornicelli with Donald Trump Jared Craig VFAF Vice President with President Trump Tiffany Savage VFAF Comms Director with President Trump Donna and Stan Fitzgerald VFAF Educational Projects with President Trump VFAF Veterans for trump - The Movement Documentary VFAF Names New National Team for Upcoming 2025-26 Campaign Cycle expanding to nine national officers. VFAF will also re-launch the State Chapter Program. Stan Fitzgerald Veterans for America First +1 770-707-6291 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X VFAF Veterans for Trump the Movement a documentary film by Stan & Donna Fitzgerald with Jared Craig Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN23122024003118003196ID1109025460 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.With defense in disarray, Steelers focus on fixing communication concerns against ChiefsHow Major US Stock Indexes Fared Nov. 29
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr. scored 18 points as Temple beat Buffalo 91-71 on Sunday. Mashburn shot 6 for 10 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Owls (8-5). Zion Stanford scored 15 points while going 4 of 9 and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Quante Berry had 15 points and shot 7 of 8 from the field and 0 for 4 from the foul line. The Bulls (5-7) were led by Tyson Dunn, who posted 11 points and four assists. Anquan Boldin Jr. added 11 points and three steals for Buffalo. Noah Batchelor also had nine points and six rebounds. Temple took the lead with 5:38 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 39-29 at halftime, with Shane Dezonie racking up seven points. Temple outscored Buffalo in the second half by 10 points, with Mashburn scoring a team-high 13 points after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .None
JERUSALEM — The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the deadly crash of a cargo plane in Lithuania on November 25 could have been a " hybrid incident " with outside involvement. "We must now seriously ask ourselves whether this was an accident or whether it was another hybrid incident," Baerbock told reporters at a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy. "We have recently seen multiple hybrid attacks in Europe, often targeting individuals and infrastructure, whether underwater or hard infrastructure," she said, alluding to the recent severing of telecom cables in the Baltic Sea that officials have said could have been sabotage. Lithuanian authorities have so far stopped short of making the same link. Many Western intelligence agencies have accused Moscow of involvement in sabotage acts in Europe, which they have said are aimed at destabilizing allies of Ukraine as it relies on Western governments in its war against Russia's full-scale invasion. The cargo plane, which belonged to global courier DHL, crashed as it attempted to land at Vilnius airport, killing the jet's Spanish pilot and injuring another Spanish crew member, a German, and a Lithuanian, according to airport and police officials cited by Reuters. At least one of the injured was in critical condition. The plane, which had arrived from Leipzig, Germany, hit several buildings as it skidded hundreds meters, according to the police and DHL. A spokesperson for the governmental National Crisis Management Center said one of the buildings hit was a house whose occupants survived. Firefighters were not able to determine whether the plane began burning or breaking up while still in the air, and authorities were still looking for the black boxes that record flight data. Lithuanian Commissioner-General of Police Arunas Paulauskas said surviving crew members told investigators there was no smoke, fire, or other emergency situation in the cabin prior to the crash. He also said the probability of an external force impact was very low. The crash came after a series of fires at DHL depots in Britain and Germany during the summer. Western security officials were quoted in a news report earlier this month linking the fires to a test run of an alleged Russian operation aimed at igniting fires on cargo or passenger aircraft bound for North America. The Wall Street Journal quoted security officials as saying that devices that ignited in July in DHL depots in Leipzig and the British city of Birmingham were part of the test run. Last month, Polish officials said four people had been detained as a result of the investigation into parcels that caught fire while en route to United States and Canada. The activities of the four people "consisted of sabotage and diversion related to sending parcels containing camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials via courier companies to European Union countries and Great Britain, which spontaneously ignited or detonated during land and air transport," Polish prosecutors said in a statement on October 25. "The group's goal was also to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada," the statement said, adding that foreign intelligence services were to blame. The statement did not directly accuse Russia of involvement. Canada in early November expressed concern to Russian officials after he arrests were announced. Russia responded by summoning a Canadian diplomat on November 8 to rebut allegations that Russia's secret services had orchestrated the campaign to mail explosive packages . Serbian lawmakers scuffled in parliament on November 25 after opposition members accused the ruling coalition of failing to address the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Serbia's second-largest city earlier this month. A scuffle broke out after Radomir Lazovic, a member of the opposition Green-Left Front party, placed a poster showing a red hand imprint with the words "You have blood on your hands" on the speaker's platform. After Health Minister Zatibor Loncar approached Lazovic and started arguing, other deputies rushed in shouting, pulling, and hitting one another. Lazovic told N1 television that he was "attacked" by Loncar, and after a fight with him, there was a "general fight" in the assembly hall. Lazovic said several deputies were injured. The audio of the parliament's internal broadcast was turned off, so it was not possible to hear what the deputies were saying to each other. They were separated by security guards. While the government accused the opposition of trying to "seize power by force," opposition members said they were also attacked by government representatives in the hall of the parliament building and accused them of starting the fight. The collapse of the concrete canopy on November 1 at the station in Novi Sad has turned into a political headache for President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling party. The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad announced on November 21 that 11 people had been arrested. The huge canopy collapsed on November 1, killing 15 people and seriously injuring another two. The accident occurred after the railway station, built in 1964, had been renovated twice in recent years by the consortium China Railway International and China Communications Construction Company. The most recent renovation was included in a project involving several companies that were in charge of the expert supervision of the reconstruction of the railway line from Novi Sad to the border with Hungary. The main contractor for the project was the company Project Biro Utiber of Novi Sad. The opposition has called on Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who was mayor of Novi Sad when construction started, to resign. The ruling coalition denies the allegations and accuses the opposition of triggering clashes with police in protests at the station. The parliament was due to debate the 2025 budget on November 25, but the opposition demanded a debate on the collapse of the canopy. They also filed a no-confidence motion against the government, but speaker Ana Brnabic said it would not be on the agenda. The session was interrupted for almost two hours before resuming, but opposition deputies continued disrupting the session as Brnabic spoke surrounded by security guards who prevented opposition legislators from approaching her. "This is what freedom of speech looks like in their interpretation," Brnabic said as opposition deputies blew whistles in the hall. Brnabic accused the opposition of an "attempt to seize power by force." She told reporters at a news conference that opposition deputies damaged a microphone and a monitor in the hall after the session was adjourned. The session began with a minute of silence for those killed in at the railway station and with Brnabic asking that the session be dignified. "Unfortunately, this is anything but a dignified tribute to the deceased and their families," Brnabic said at the news conference. Nikita Zhuravel, a Russian political prisoner who was beaten by the teenage son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov while in pretrial detention, has been sentenced to 13 1/2 years in prison for high treason. The Volgograd regional court sentenced the 20-year-old Zhuravel on November 25 after finding him guilty of sending a video to a representative of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) that allegedly contained footage of military equipment being transported by train, images of military aircraft, and details of a service vehicle's movements. Zhuravel is already serving a 3 1/2-year prison sentence handed down by a court in Chechnya in February after being convicted of hooliganism for publicly burning a Koran in his hometown of Volgograd. He was also sentenced to 300 hours of community service for insulting religious believers. It was not immediately clear whether the sentences would be served concurrently or consecutively. During the trial, Zhuravel apologized to the Muslim community, acknowledging his actions but claiming he had no intention of offending anyone. The case drew widespread attention when it was revealed that while Zhuravel was in custody in Chechnya, he was attacked by Adam Kadyrov, the then-15-year-old son of Ramzan Kadyrov. A video of the assault in a jail was shared on social media by the elder Kadyrov, sparking public outrage. Despite this, law enforcement in Chechnya declined to pursue a criminal investigation, citing a lack of evidence. Kadyrov defended his son's actions, publicly stating that it would have been better if his son had killed Zhuravel. Adam Kadyrov was later awarded the title of "Hero of the Republic of Chechnya," the highest honor in the region, and received further accolades from several Russian regions. The human rights group Memorial has recognized Zhuravel as a political prisoner, raising doubts about the Koran-burning accusations and criticizing his transfer from Volgograd to mostly Muslim-populated Chechnya for investigation and trial. The organization has also condemned the violence Zhuravel endured in detention as a serious legal violation. RFE/RL journalist Andrey Kuznechyk marked his third year in prison on November 25 on charges , he, his employer, and human rights organizations call politically motivated. Kuznechyk, a father of two, was arrested on November 25, 2021, and initially sentenced to 10 days in jail on hooliganism charges that he rejected. After serving that penalty, Kuznechyk was not released but charged with creating an extremist group, a move that officials didn't reveal to Kuznechyk's relatives and colleagues for months. On June 8, 2022, the Mahilyou regional court in the country's east found Kuznechyk guilty and sentenced him to six years in prison. The trial lasted just one day. Human rights groups in Belarus have recognized Kuznechyk, who works for RFE/RL's Belarus Service , known locally as Radio Svaboda, as a political prisoner. Kuznechyk, who has maintained his innocence, and some 150 other Belarusian political prisoners, including another RFE/RL journalist, Ihar Losik, and former would-be presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka, are serving sentences at the same prison in the northern city of Navapolatsk. The facility is known as one of the most restrictive penitentiaries in the country. Initially, the site was occupied by a number of temporary houses built for workers at a then-newly built oil refinery in 1958. The territory was later turned into a prison where mostly members of organized criminal groups, noted crime kingpins, and so-called thieves-in-law served their terms. Belarusian authorities started sending political prisoners there in 2010. Since a disputed August 2020 presidential election sparked mass protests over authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka's victory, tens of thousands of Belarusians have been arrested for voicing any dissent against the regime. The crackdown has pushed most opposition politicians, who say the vote was rigged, to leave the country fearing for their safety and freedom. Many Western governments have refused to recognize the results of the election and do not consider Lukashenka to be the country's legitimate leader. Many countries have imposed several rounds of sanctions against his regime in response to the suppression of dissent in the country. Kuznechyk is one of three RFE/RL journalists -- Losik and Vladyslav Yesypenko are the other two -- currently imprisoned on charges related to their work. Rights groups and RFE/RL have called repeatedly for the release of all three, saying they have been wrongly detained. Losik is a blogger and contributor for RFE/RL’s Belarus Service who was convicted in December 2021 on several charges including the "organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order" and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Yesypenko, a dual Ukrainian-Russian citizen who contributed to Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, was sentenced in February 2022 to six years in prison by a Russian judge in occupied Crimea after a closed-door trial. He was convicted of “possession and transport of explosives,” a charge he steadfastly denies. A British national fighting for Ukraine has reportedly been captured by Russian forces in Russia's Kursk region, marking a significant development in the ongoing war. A video released on pro-Russian Telegram channels and TASS news agency over the weekend shows a man in a military uniform identifying himself as 22-year-old James Scott Rhys Anderson from the United Kingdom. Speaking with a clear English accent, Anderson says he previously served as a signalman in the British Army until 2023 and later joined Ukraine's International Legion to fight against Russia. The footage has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear when or where the video was recorded. Anderson's alleged capture highlights the broader involvement of foreign volunteers in Ukraine's resistance against Russia. Since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's 2022 call for international recruits, thousands of fighters have joined the conflict, many enlisting in the International Legion, a highly selective unit integrated into Ukraine's ground forces. The British man's capture also comes at a time of shifting dynamics in the Kursk region. While Ukraine initially gained significant ground in its August offensive, recent reports suggest it has lost over 40 percent of the territory it seized. Russia’s apparent use of North Korean soldiers in the region and its push to reclaim lost ground signal a deepening of the war, while Ukraine’s cross-border operations represent a bold challenge to Moscow’s defenses. As the war drags on, the fate of foreign fighters like Anderson remains emblematic of the broader stakes and human costs of this conflict. The United Arab Emirates on November 25 disclosed the names of three suspects detained in the killing of a 28-year-old Israeli-Moldovan ultra-Orthodox rabbi saying they were Uzbek nationals. The suspects were arrested a day earlier after the body of Zvi Kogan, who ran a Kosher grocery store in Dubai and was also a representative of the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad, was discovered by security services. U.A.E. authorities identified the suspects as Mahmudjon Abdurahim, 28, Olimboi Tohirovich, 28, and Azizbek Kamilovich, 33, apparently giving patronymic names of the last two men instead their last names. They did not say if official charges have been filed against the suspects. "Hate has no place in our world. Our thoughts are with his family, the Jewish community, and all who grieve. We are in contact with Israel and the U.A.E.," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said in a statement . Kogan had been reported missing on November 22. His body was found later in the city of Al Ain. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the killing of Kogan, calling it a "heinous anti-Semitic terrorist act." While Israeli officials have not publicly accused archrival Iran for the deadly attack, analysts noted that Tehran has been threatening retaliation against Israel for recent air strikes it carried out on Iranian soil after Iran launched a missile attack against Israel. Tehran has denied any involvement in the murder of Kogan. The Muslim-majority Gulf state with an overwhelmingly expatriate population prides itself on its safety, stability, and religious tolerance. The Chabad Hasidic movement is known for its outreach efforts worldwide. The U.A.E. normalized relations with Israel in 2020 alongside Bahrain and Morocco in a series of U.S.-brokered agreements known as the Abraham Accords. There is no figure for the number of Jews in the U.A.E., but an Israeli official has told AFP there were about 2,000 Israelis in the Gulf country, with the Jewish community estimated to be up to twice that figure. The White House also condemned the killing on November 24. "This was a horrific crime against all those who stand for peace, tolerance, and coexistence. It was an assault as well on U.A.E. and its rejection of violent extremism across the board," the White House said in a statement on November 24. Georgia's new parliament met for its first session since the Moscow-friendly Georgian Dream party won elections last month that ignited calls for fresh polls amid accusations the balloting was rigged, as protesters gathered outside and pelted the building with eggs. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the session on November 25 after calling on foreign diplomats not to legitimize the new parliament by attending the first session. EU and other Western officials have expressed serious doubts about the October 26 elections in which Georgian Dream officially won 53.9 percent of the vote. The first item on the agenda for the opening session, which will be attended by the head of the Central Election Commission (CEC), is recognizing the authority of all 150 parliament members. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, however, has refused to recognize the result validated by the CEC. Zurabishvili has filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court "requesting annulment of the election results as unconstitutional." Protesters allege there was widespread fraud during the campaign and vote and that Russia heavily influenced the outcome favoring Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012. They gathered outside the parliament but were not able to block the entrance amid a heavy police presence. "Black Monday in Georgia: Police...guarding the doors behind which 'Georgian Dream slaves' are killing our Constitution and making a mockery of our Parliament," Zurabishvili said in a post on X. Police have moved quickly -- sometimes using violence -- to shut down previous demonstrations, but no altercations were reported on November 25. Georgian Dream's billionaire founder and "honorary chairman," Bidzina Ivanishvili, attended the session and holds the right to nominate a prime minister. Ivanishvili, who is widely regarded as dominating the government even though he does not hold an official position, is expected to push for MPs to approve current Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to continue as head of the government. Georgia has been a candidate for EU membership since last year, but a "foreign influence" law and anti-LGBT measures enacted under Georgian Dream's leadership have stalled that effort. The United States in July announced it would pause more than $95 million in assistance to the Georgian government, warning that it was backsliding on democracy. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity during the conflict in Gaza are "not enough." Khamenei told a gathering of the Basij volunteer corps on November 25 that the two Israeli leaders should face the death penalty. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan issued the warrant and judges said there were "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant "intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival" as part of a "widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza." Israel has called the warrants "absurd." The current war in the Gaza Strip was sparked by an attack on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU. Some 1,200 people died in the attack, with around 240 more taken hostage back to Gaza. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, click here . Ukraine's military said it struck an oil depot overnight in Russia's western Kaluga region and "a number of important targets" in two other Russian regions after Russia shelled the center of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a statement on social media that the early morning attacks focused on Bryansk, Kaluga, and Kursk. "There is confirmation of a successful impact of the oil base in the Kaluga region," it said. Vladislav Shapsha, the governor of Kaluga, said on Telegram that eight Ukrainian drones were shot down in the region, with debris from one of the downed drones sparking a fire at an industrial site. The fire has been extinguished, and no casualties were reported, Shapsha said. Unconfirmed reports from the Telegram channels Ostorozhno, novosti , and Baza claim the fire affected a tank at a local oil depot and the Kaluga instrument-making plant Typhoon. Videos allegedly showing the fire at the refinery have surfaced online, though official verification is pending. The attack came as the mayor of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, said at least 15 people were wounded in an attack that targeted residential areas, adding to the series of strikes the city has faced in recent weeks that have caused significant casualties and damage to civil and energy infrastructure. In Ukraine’s southern Mykolayiv region, Russian strikes hit energy infrastructure overnight, regional Governor Vitaliy Kim reported. Engineers managed to restore power to most affected areas, and no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, in the southeastern Zaporizhzhya region, Russian forces launched attacks on industrial facilities using "dozens of drones," according to regional Governor Ivan Fedorov. One child was reportedly wounded in these strikes. Sources at the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR) told Ukrayinska pravda that the attack on the Kaluga oil depot was planned by Ukrainian special services. The targeted depot is reportedly linked to Russia’s military operations against Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that on the night of November 25, air-defense systems intercepted and destroyed 23 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions. These included eight drones over Kaluga, seven over Kursk, five over Bryansk, and three over Belgorod, the ministry said. The overnight strikes highlight the growing intensity of Ukraine's efforts to stop Russia's ongoing invasion that Moscow launched in February 2022. The situation continues to evolve as both sides accuse the other of escalating the violence. BUCHAREST -- Pro-Russian far-right candidate Calin Georgescu has won a surprise victory in the first round of EU and NATO member Romania's presidential vote and will face pro-Western center-right candidate Elena Lasconi in the December 8 runoff. Complete preliminary results of the November 24 election showed independent Georgescu -- who has been criticized for his anti-NATO and anti-Semitic statements -- won with 22.94 percent of the vote. Lasconi, a former TV journalist and small-town mayor for the center-right Save Romania Union (USR), trailed in early results reporting, but edged ahead of the initial favorite, leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. With 19.17 percent of the vote, Lasconi advanced by a wafer-thin margin over Ciolacu's 19.15 percent, which prompted Ciolacu to concede and announce his resignation as leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). The margin between the two was just 2,742 votes. "I sent a message to Mrs. Lasconi and extended my congratulations," Ciolacu told the media. Ciolacu's third-place finish means that for the first time since 1989, the PSD, the heir to Romania's Communist Party, won't have a candidate in the presidential runoff. Lasconi has yet to declare victory, telling journalists just that "it's been devilishly difficult." Hundreds of pro-Lasconi protesters, mostly students and other young people, demonstrated on the evening of November 25 in downtown Bucharest. They shouted, "Do not vote for a dictator" as they gathered peacefully, though there was a minor incident with a pro-Georgescu supporter. The runoff will be held a week after the parliamentary elections on December 1 -- a faceoff the media is portraying as a battle between East and West. George Simion of the ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) had 13.86 percent, a surprisingly low score after many predicted he would advance to the runoff together with Ciolacu. Critics have charged Simion with also being Russian-friendly and, while he wants Romania to remain in NATO, he has also said Bucharest should be neutral. The winner of the second round will succeed the outgoing center-right incumbent, Klaus Iohannis, who is completing his second and final term after a decade in office. Fourteen candidates officially registered in the race, but liberal ex-Prime Minister Ludovic Orban last week announced he was withdrawing and threw his weight behind Lasconi. Election officials put the turnout at just over 52 percent, or about 9.44 million voters casting their ballots. In 2019, total first-round turnout was 51.18 percent. In the second round, it rose to 55.1 percent. Georgescu, an obscure figure who held positions in Romania's Foreign Ministry and at the UN environmental agency UNEP, started as a member of AUR and was twice put forward as a possible prime minister by Simion's party. But Georgescu's anti-Semitic statements made him too radical even for AUR, which eventually broke with him when the authorities opened a criminal investigation on his radical views. However, even without the overt backing of a party, Georgescu performed unexpectedly well both inside the country and in Romania's Western diaspora, where he took more than 43 percent of the vote, ostensibly by using the TikTok social media platform to call for an end to Romania's aid to Ukraine. Under the incumbent Iohannis, Romania has turned into a key ally of Ukraine, not only providing training and military equipment but playing a key role in transporting Ukrainian grain and other agricultural goods to global markets. The 62-year-old, who has been criticized in the Romanian media for his pro-Russian and anti-NATO statements, claimed his shocking victory was a vote for "peace," echoing statements by other pro-Moscow European leaders such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. "Tonight, the Romanian people cried out for peace. And they shouted very loudly, extremely loudly", he said late on November 24. In previous interviews, Georgescu urged closer ties with Moscow, claiming that "Russian wisdom" was Romania's best chance, although he has not publicly backed Russia's war in Ukraine. Asked about Georgescu's upset victory, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on November 25 said Russia did not know much about him or his opinions. "I would not make any predictions yet. We probably cannot say that we are that familiar with the world view of this candidate as far as relations with our country are concerned." Lasconi, a former small-town mayor and TV journalist, was the only presidential candidate who opposed the idea of Ukraine giving up land to Russia in a peace deal, saying doing so would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If Ukraine cedes territory, Putin won't stop," she had said. "We need to help Ukraine win this war," she said during the only presidential debate, held last week. She was also the most bullish among the top candidates on NATO, calling for the military alliance to have a greater presence in Romania. Lasconi garnered 56 percent of the Romanian vote in Moldova, where more than 80,000 Romanian passport holders showed up to vote. Moldova was part of Romania before World War II and the countries share a common language and history. Many Moldovans have acquired Romanian citizenship, which gives them the right to travel and work in the West. Some analysts said Georgescu's shock victory was also a result of mounting disillusion with Romania's entrenched political elites among young Romanians, many of whom leave the country because of what they say is a lack of opportunities. Rima, a voter at a Bucharest polling station, told RFE/RL, "There should be more opportunities for young people, so we don't have to leave the country after we graduate from high school or college." "The president should be more open-minded on some topics, especially international ones. That's what I want: to live in a free country where we as young people have a voice," she said, without specifying her candidate. Romania's president has significant decision-making powers, including on matters of national security and foreign policy. Elected for a five-year term, the president can also reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments. The White House has condemned the killing in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi in an assault that Israel called an anti-Semitic "terrorist attack." "This was a horrific crime against all those who stand for peace, tolerance, and coexistence. It was an assault as well on UAE and its rejection of violent extremism across the board," the White House said in a statement on November 24. Hours earlier, U.A.E. authorities said three suspects have been arrested in the killing of a man identified as Zvi Kogan, who worked in the U.A.E. for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad, which supports Jewish visitors and residents in the country. The victim had been reported missing on November 22. His body was found in the city of Al Ain near the Omani border, but it was not clear where he had been killed. The U.A.E. Interior Ministry did not provide further details on the suspects held in the matter. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced the killing of the 28-year-old rabbi, calling it a "heinous anti-Semitic terrorist act." Moldova's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is "in contact with the authorities of the United Arab Emirates to clarify the circumstances of this case." It gave no further details. According to Reuters, Iran quickly rejected any implication that it was involved in the killing. The Iranian embassy in the UAE "categorically rejects the allegations of Iran’s involvement in the murder of this individual," the news agency quoted the embassy as saying. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) on November 24 said three suspects have been arrested in the killing of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi in an assault that Israel called an anti-Semitic "terrorist attack." The victim, who was reported missing on November 22, was identified as Zvi Kogan, who worked in the U.A.E. for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad, which supports Jewish visitors and residents in the country. His body was found in the city of Al Ain near the Omani border, but it was not clear where he had been killed. The U.A.E. Interior Ministry did not provide further details on the suspects held in the matter. The first train carrying goods from China to Afghanistan arrived in Mazar-e Sharif on November 23 after crossing through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the de facto Taliban rulers said. The Taliban said 55 containers arrived in Afghanistan after a 22-day journey, marking the inauguration of the first direct train link between China and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The train is expected to take Afghan goods back to China for sale there. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, no country, including China, has formally recognized the extremist group -- which has been accused of massive rights violations -- but Beijing has attempted to increase ties as part of its economic push in the region, including its Belt and Road initiative. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Azadi, click here . Aleksandr Darchiyev is slated soon to be appointed as Russia's ambassador to Washington, the Kommersant newspaper reported on November 24, citing three unidentified sources. Darchiyev, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's North American section, was ambassador to Canada from October 2014 to January 2021. He would succeed Anatoly Antonov, who concluded his term in October. The move would come at a time of high tensions between Washington and Moscow and just ahead of the return of Donald Trump to the presidency on January 20. The United States, under President Joe Biden, has been the top foreign supporter of Ukraine in its battle against Russia's full-scale invasion, while Trump has suggested aid could be curtailed. The Financial Times reports that Russia has recruited hundreds of Yemeni men to fight in Ukraine, lured by the promise of high salaries and potential Russian citizenship. The November 23 report said they were helped by a Huthi-linked company to travel to Russia, then forcibly inducted into the Russian Army and sent to the front lines in Ukraine . The report said the action illustrates how the Kremlin is desperately trying to avoid a full mobilization of its society by using foreign fighters following reports that North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to train and fight alongside Russian forces. Iran on November 24 confirmed it will hold talks regarding its disputed nuclear program with officials from Britain, France, and Germany on November 30, saying they will also focus on “bilateral, regional, and international issues.” In a news conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei spokesman did not specific the location of the talks. Earlier, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that Iran was arranging nuclear talks with Britain and the European Union starting on November 30 in Geneva. Kyodo quoted several diplomatic sources as saying the Iranian administration is seeking a solution to Iran's nuclear impasse ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, click here . The Pakistani government on November 24 said its mediation team had reached agreement on a seven-day cease-fire among warring sectarian groups in the northwest of the country, looking to end clashes that have killed more than 80 people. Mohammad Ali Saif, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa information minister and government spokesman, told news agencies that Shi'ite and Sunni leaders had agreed to halt attacks for at least a seven-day period as a longer-lasting solution was sought. The violence between Sunni and Shi'ite groups in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province began on November 21 after gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying Shi'ite Muslims, killing at least 38 people. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest in a series of deadly confrontations in Kurram. Police said armed men torched shops, houses, and government property before a government delegation arrived in the area seeking to defuse the crisis. "The clashes and convoy attacks on November 21, 22, and 23 have resulted in 82 fatalities and 156 injuries," a local administration official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that among the dead were 16 were Sunni and 66 Shi’ite members of the community. Prior to announcement of the truce agreement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi said that "our priority today is to broker a cease-fire between both sides. Once that is achieved, we can begin addressing the underlying issues." The delegation arrived on November 23 and met with Shi’ite leaders, then held talks with Sunni leaders on November 24, an official said. Sunnis and Shi'a living in Kurram have clashed over land, forests, and other property as well as religion over the years, despite government and law enforcement efforts to build peace. Minority Shi'ite Muslims have long complained of discrimination and violence in Sunni-majority Pakistan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on November 24 his country "needs more air-defense systems" to protect its people as Russia continues to target Ukraine with aerial bombs, combat drones, and missiles. "Strengthening the protection of our skies is absolutely critical," Zelenskiy wrote on social media, adding that Kyiv was "actively working" with its partners on improving the country’s air defenses. Russia has launched more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 460 strike drones, and over 20 missiles of various types against Ukraine over the past week, according to Zelenskiy. Both Ukraine and Russia on November 24 reported repelling dozens of drones from the other side overnight. Ukrainian military said early in the morning that its air defenses shot down 50 of 73 Russian drones, with more than 10 of the intercepted drones targeting the capital, Kyiv. The Ukrainian Air Force added that it lost track of 19 drones and four more were still in the air. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said the air-raid alert lasted for more than three hours as the drones "were flying from different directions" toward the city. Russia's Defense Ministry reported its air-defense systems destroyed 34 drones overnight, including 27 over the Kursk region bordering Ukraine. The ministry did not provide information about any damage or casualties caused by the strikes. Ukrainian forces swept into the Kursk region in a surprise offensive in August, seizing nearly 1,400 square kilometers of Russian territory. But Kyiv has since lost about 40 percent of the territory it captured in Kursk, according to a source in Ukraine’s General Staff. "At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometers, now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks," the source was quoted by news agencies as saying. The source said Kyiv now controls approximately 800 square kilometer in Kursk and "will hold this territory for as long as is militarily appropriate." The United States and the United Kingdom reportedly gave permission to Ukraine recently to strike inside Russia with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, respectively. The missiles are precision tactical weapons designed to hit command-and-control centers, logistics, and arms depots near the front. Ukraine has already used the missiles to strike in Kursk and the neighboring region of Belgorod. France also joined the United States and Britain in signaling to Ukraine that it is allowed use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in an interview with the BBC that Ukraine could fire French long-range missiles into Russia "in the logics of self-defense.” But he would not confirm if French weapons had already been used. Pakistani authorities have locked down Islamabad and partially suspended mobile phone and Internet services as supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan geared up for a protest in the capital, calling for his release. The government announced late on November 23 that Internet and cellphone services would be temporarily unavailable "in areas with security concerns" while "continuing to operate as usual in the rest of the country." It did not specify the areas, nor did it explain when the suspension would be lifted. The announcement was posted on X, which is banned in Pakistan. WATCH: At least one officer was killed and dozens of people were injured outside Islamabad after police fired tear gas at supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 25. The action came ahead of the planned visit of Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who was due to arrive on November 25. A 60-member Belarusian delegation arrived in Islamabad on November 24 to pave the way for his stay. Highways leading to Islamabad through which the protesters are expected to enter the city and gather near the parliament have been blocked by the government. Most major roads in the city have also been sealed off with shipping containers, while large contingents of police and paramilitary personnel could be seen deployed in riot gear. Islamabad police issued a statement, saying gatherings of any sort have been banned under legal provisions. Khan has been in prison since August 2023 and has over 150 criminal cases against him, ranging from corruption to inciting violence. Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf or PTI, deny all the charges as politically motivated. Khan’s supporters rely heavily on social media to demand his release and use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information, including details of protest rallies. Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and a key Khan ally, called on protesters to gather near the entrance of Islamabad's red zone, known as D Chowk. The red zone houses the country's parliament building and important government offices, as well as embassies and foreign institutions' offices. "Khan has called on us to remain there till all our demands are met," Gandapur said in a video message on November 23. He is expected to lead the largest convoy into Islamabad. Last month, a PTI protest in Islamabad turned violent with one policeman killed, dozens of security personnel injured, and protesters arrested. Both protesters and authorities accused one another of instigating the clashes. The shutdown of Internet and cellphone services during that protest disrupted communications and affected everyday services such as banking, ride-hailing, and food delivery. BUCHAREST -- Partial preliminary results in Romania's presidential vote give Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu a narrow lead, but a surprisingly strong showing by pro-Russia candidate Cailin Georgescu has thrown the race into unexpected territory. With 80 percent of polling stations reporting on November 24, the pro-Western Social Democrat Ciolacu had 22.17 percent of the vote, according to election officials. But his opponent in an expected runoff round remains unclear after Georgescu – who has been criticized for his anti-NATO sentiments – was in second place with 22.11 percent. Pro-West Elena Lasconi of the center-right Save Romania Union was third with 14.97 percent, while George Simion of ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) had 14.94 percent. Experts said that results from the large cities – where Ciolacu and Lasconi are likely to poll stronger than Georgescu – could still decide the tight race. Two exit polls gave Ciolacu 25 percent of the vote, while Lasconi was second at around 18 percent. Georgescu and Simion trailed in the exit polls with 14-16 percent in the cluttered field of 13 candidates. The exit polls did not include diaspora polling, where Lasconi and Simion were expected to lead the balloting. Some observers said that even with Ciolacu's slim lead, the far right appeared to be the big winner in the vote. If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will be held on December 8 featuring the two top finishers, a week after a parliamentary election on December 1. Ciolacu was the favorite heading into the election and pre-vote surveys indicated five candidates had a shot at advancing to the runoff to succeed the outgoing center-right incumbent, Klaus Iohannis, who is completing his second and final term after a decade in office. Fourteen candidates officially registered in the race, but Ludovic Orban announced he was withdrawing from the contest. Election officials put the turnout at just over 52 percent, or about 9.44 million voters casting their ballots. Long lines were reported at polling stations in the capital, Bucharest, ahead of the 9 p.m. poll closings. In 2019, total first-round turnout was 51.18 percent. In the second round, it rose to 55.1 percent. At three polling stations, turnout was reported at 150-300 percent. Officials said the high figure was due to supplemental lists holding more names than the permanent lists and by people voting in precincts they were not originally assigned. Georgescu , 62, who has been criticized in the Romanian media for expressing pro-Russia sentiments, claimed his shocking vote total represents a real victory for Romania. "The rich of the system have become poorer, and the poor Romanians have become richer. It's an astonishing awakening in consciousness," said the candidate, who utilized the TikTok social media platform to press his campaign. Following release of the exit polls, Lasconi told reporters that the results remain tight and that she will wait until official results are clear before "rejoicing" over her potential placement in the runoff. Lasconi, a former small-town mayor and journalist, was the only presidential candidate who opposed the idea of Ukraine giving up land to Russia in a peace deal, saying doing so would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If Ukraine cedes territory, Putin won't stop," she had said. "We need to help Ukraine win this war." She was also the most bullish among the top candidates on NATO, calling for the military alliance to have a greater presence in Romania. Ciolacu expressed pro-Europe sentiment leading up to the election. "We will support the deepening of the European integration project for the benefit of citizens, and we will have a more active voice in the decision-making process at the European level," he has said. Critics have charged Simion with being too Russia-friendly and, while he wants Romania to remain in NATO, said Bucharest should be "neutral." Despite the exit polls, Simion expressed confidence in reaching the second round. "We were alone against the parties of the system, and we will enter the second round," said Simion, who urged his supports to "turn off the TVs" and ignore reports stating that a "stranger," Georgescu -- who had received little attention ahead of the vote -- was ahead of him in the exit polls. Romania has become a key ally of Ukraine , not only providing training and military equipment but playing a key role in transporting Ukrainian grain and other agricultural goods to global markets. Much of the credit for Bucharest's pro-Ukraine stance goes to the incumbent, Iohannis . Rima, a voter at a Bucharest polling station, told RFE/RL, "There should be more opportunities for young people, so we don't have to leave the country after we graduate from high school or college." "The president should be more open-minded on some topics, especially international ones. That's what I want: to live in a free country where we as young people have a voice," she said, without specifying her candidate. Romania's president has significant decision-making powers , including on matters of national security and foreign policy. Elected for a five-year term, the president can also reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments. Diaspora voting began on November 23, with initial figures indicating a higher turnout than in 2019 among those abroad, with about 675,000 of such votes cast by 6 p.m. on November 24, up about 90,000 from the 2019 election. In Moldova , more than 80,942 voted at 59 polling stations, with officials calling it a record high. In the first round of the 2019 Romanian presidential election, 43,307 people voted in Moldova. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until the end of World War II and many Moldovans also hold Romanian citizenship. Voting was also reported to be high in London, where almost 8,900 Romanians went to the polls. Oana Popescu-Zamfir, director of the Bucharest-based think tank GlobalFocus Center, told RFE/RL in an email that this is a high-stakes election for the NATO and EU nation. "Romania is faced with two important realities next year: the threat of further instability and conflict in the region and globally, especially in the context of a [President-elect Donald] Trump White House," she said, along with the risks of a "deepening economic and financial crisis." Foreign policy is also of concern to voters, namely Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and how that conflict could change with a switch in Washington from U.S. President Joe Biden, who has steadily backed Kyiv, to Trump, who has suggested support could be curtailed. "The threat of regional instability and war is also a source of concern. Voters care about candidates' positions on Ukraine, Russia, Trump, the extent of their Euro-Atlantic orientation," Popescu-Zamfir said, adding that voters were also focused on the presidential candidates' "ability to lead the country in case of escalating tensions with Russia." In an interesting sidelight, election officials say that at least 50 Romanians over the age of 100 are expected to vote in the presidential election. The oldest is a man aged 113, while the oldest woman is aged 108, officials said. Developing nations staged a walkout at the United Nations climate talks in Baku, demanding wealthy emitter nations step up financial aid to combat the effects of global warming. Host nation Azerbaijan urged delegates to seek consensus as COP29, already extended into an extra day, verged on the brink of failure. “I know that none of us wants to leave Baku without a good outcome,” COP President Mukhtar Babayev told climate officials from around the world on November 23, urging them to “bridge the remaining divide.” Small island states and the least developed nations walked out of negotiations on a funding package for poor countries to curb and adapt to climate change, saying their climate finance interests were being ignored. “[The] current deal is unacceptable for us. We need to speak to other developing countries and decide what to do,” said Evans Njewa, chair of the Least Developed Countries group. Developing countries have been pushing rich countries for years to finance their attempts to battle the impact of climate change, saying that the extreme weather and rising seas hurting them is the result of greenhouse gas emitted by the wealthy nations decades ago. In 2009, rich countries pledged $100 billion a year in annual climate aid by the early 2020s but some have been struggling to meet their commitments. The last official draft on November 22 pledged $250 billion annually by 2035, more than double the previous goal, but far short of the annual $1 trillion-plus that experts say is needed. Experts said that rich countries like the United States and Europe are facing budget constraints due to the coronavirus pandemic and now wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The United States has allocated $174 billion to Ukraine and billions more to Israel to help bolster their defenses. European nations have also allocated well north of $100 billion for Ukraine. In a bid to save COP29, representatives from the European Union, the United States, and other wealthy countries met directly with those of developing nations to work out an agreement. “If we don’t get a deal I think it will be a fatal wound to this process, to the planet, to people,” Panama’s special representative for climate change, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez said. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has fired several top officials in the State Security Service (SSS) and Interior Ministry in a sweeping reshuffle following an assassination attempt last month on a close ally of his eldest daughter. Abdusalom Azizov, the head of the State Security Service (SSS) and Alijon Ashurov, the head of the Presidential Personal Security Department, were among those dismissed by Mirziyoev on November 22, several law enforcement sources told RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service. Meanwhile, Otabek Umarov, the deputy head of the SSS and the husband of Mirziyoev’s youngest daughter, left the country on November 23, the sources said. It is unclear whether he fled or intends to come back, they added said. The upheaval is the biggest in the security services since the authoritarian Mirziyoev took office eight years ago. It comes amid a back-door power struggle among Uzbekistan's political elite that was thrust into the spotlight following an assassination attempt on Komiljon Allamjonov, a former high-ranking official in the presidential administration. Alisher Ilkhamov, an analyst at U.K.-based political risk firm Central Asia Due Diligence, said Mirziyoev needed to take action to show that no one was above the law and demonstrate his control over the country. "Impunity for such actions is a sign that the group that committed this is given carte blanche. And this will create a certain mood in society - an atmosphere of fear," he said. Allamjonov was traveling in a car on October 26, one day before parliamentary elections, when it was sprayed with bullets. Allamjonov survived, but the incident -- the first assassination attempt on a current or former member of Mirziyoev’s administration -- sent shockwaves through the country. Earlier this month, South Korean authorities detained Uzbek citizen Javlon Yunusov on suspicion of involvement in the attempted murder of Allamjonov. An RFE/RL investigation also linked another man, Shokhrukh Ahmedov, along with Yunusov and other suspects to organized crime, prior assassination attempts in Turkey, and high-level officials within Uzbekistan’s administration, including Umarov. The 40-year-old Allamjonov left his government post in September allegedly to focus on a private business venture. Meanwhile, Umarov had been accused of allegedly establishing a "deep state," controlling the country's security services and major businesses through his proxies. Sources close to the investigation have suggested that the organizers of the attack may have sought to curb Allamjonov’s growing influence and connections within the administration. Prior to the assassination attempt, Allamjonov received the personal backing of 39-year-old Saida Mirziyoeva, the president’s eldest daughter who is widely seen as his potential successor. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russia is seeking to drive his forces out of the Kursk region before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office next year but added that the military situation in the Donetsk region is the most critical for his country. “I am certain that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] wants to push us out before January 20,” Zelenskiy told reporters, referring to the day of Trump’s inauguration. “It is very important for him to show that he controls the situation” in Kursk. Ukraine stunned the Kremlin by sweeping into the Kursk region in August, seizing nearly 1,400 square kilometers of Russian territory. With Trump promising to end the war upon entering office, Moscow could be forced to exchange land it seized in Ukraine for Kursk territory should it fail to push Ukrainian forces out in time. Putin has sent tens of thousands of Russian troops to Kursk who are mounting wave after wave of counterattacks, a source on Ukraine's General Staff said. Russia has regained about 800 square kilometers in Kursk or about 40 percent of the territory Ukraine seized, the source said. Zelenskiy said that Ukrainian troops are inflicting large-scale losses on Russian forces in Kursk. Russia has recently been losing as many as 1,500 troops a day to injury and death across the entire theater of the war, the most since the invasion began in February 2022, Ukrainian and Western officials said. “Russia hasn’t suffered such losses as it is now suffering in Kursk,” Zelenskiy said. Russia has recruited more than 11,000 North Korean troops to help it take back Kursk territory. The North Korean troops reportedly arrived last month though it is unclear if they have taken part in fighting yet. The United States and the United Kingdom reportedly gave permission this week to Ukraine to strike inside Russia with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles respectively. The missiles are precision, tactical weapons designed to hit command-and-control centers, logistics and arms depots near the front. Ukraine has already used the missiles to strike in Kursk and the neighboring region of Belgorod. Russian Advances Meanwhile, Russian ground forces continue to make incremental advances in eastern Ukraine, including near the town of Velyka Novosilka, according to Deep State, an open-source organization with ties to the Ukrainian Army, and confirmed by other analysts. Ukraine has been struggling to hold back the Russian advances due to a lack of manpower, raising concern about a possible breakthrough. While Russia is losing forces at a greater rate, the Kremlin is able to quickly replace them thanks to lucrative wages and incentives. Putin on November 23 widened those incentives, signing a law permitting the cancellation of debt for new army recruits volunteering to fight in Ukraine. The new law allows the state to forgive up to 10 million rubles ($95,835) of debt for those signing contracts with the Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine for at least a year, beginning on December 1. The law applies to all potential recruits who have had debt collection proceedings opened against them before December 1. The maximum debt forgiveness is several times the average annual salary in Russia’s provinces. Valeriy Zaluzhniy, the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, said in an interview published on November 23 that new technological advances will prevent a “serious breakthrough” at the front. Ukraine and Russia have been rapidly developing reconnaissance and strike drones as well as electronic warfare weapons. The technology advancements have helped Ukraine partially compensate for its lack of manpower. In the interview, Zaluzhniy said that Russia will struggle to expand the front line and break through because it would require huge resources "which the Russians no longer have." Trump Presidency U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet his counterparts from the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations outside Rome on November 25-26 to discuss the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. It will be the last G7 meeting for the Biden administration, which is seeking to ensure that support for Ukraine is sustained when Trump enters office in January. Trump has criticized aid to Ukraine, raising questions whether he will continue support should a peace deal not be reached. The president-elect met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Florida on November 22 to discuss Ukraine and other issues facing the alliance. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly considering Richard Grenell, his former intelligence chief, for the new post of special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelenskiy told reporters that the war could end next year if Ukraine continues to get strong Western support. Zelenskiy spoke with media following the Grain From Ukraine Summit in Kyiv. Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of grains to world markets. Prior to the conference, Zelenskiy visited a memorial to the victims of the Holodomor, the man-made famine orchestrated by the Soviet government in the 1930s that led to the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. In a clear reference to Putin’s war against Ukraine, Zelenskiy said: "There is something we know for certain. They wanted to destroy us. To kill us. To subjugate us. They failed." The violent detentions of brawling foreign university students, including from Iran, in Tatarstan has led to a protest by Iran’s consul general to the Russian region. “Iranian citizens studying abroad have the right to respect and fair treatment,” Consul General Davud Mirzakhani said on November 23. “We will ensure that the rights of our students are fully protected." "The Russian police confuse the Iranian people with those of other nations," Mirzakhani added. "We will never allow anyone to treat our people abroad inhumanely and illegally." The comments came after a brawl broke out among foreign students at Kazan Federal University on the morning of November 22 as they stood in line for documentation needed to renew their student visas. Video of the incident can be seen here: According to the Russian news agency TASS, two students who instigated the brawl were detained. Iranian students involved in the incident were later released. However, Tatarstan’s Investigative Committee announced that it has opened a criminal case against one student who “used violence against a police officer.” It is not clear if the student being investigated was among those released. Local media reported that the brawl may have started when someone cut into a large line of students who had been waiting to register their documents for hours. Foreign students were reportedly transferred from their dormitories at the university to make room for attendees of the BRICS summit held in Kazan on October 22-24. Students affected by the move launched a petition to protest the decision at the time, and were reportedly among those attempting to get their documentation in order on November 22. Local media reported that the foreign students lining up for documents were there trying to extend their student visas needed to study in Kazan. Following the brawl, the university reportedly opened additional service stations for the foreign students to submit their documents. Local authorities have reported that at least 25 people, most of them Shi’a, were killed on November 22 in fresh sectarian violence in a tribal region of northwest Pakistan long known as a hotspot of Shi’ite-Sunni conflict. The deaths in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province came just two days after dozens of people were killed when gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles in the Sunni-majority district. Speaking to RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal on November 23, Kurram district administrative head Javedullah Mehsud said the renewed clashes erupted unexpectedly and the authorities could not respond in sufficient numbers to control them. Other news agencies, citing local officials, reported that at least 32 people had died and 47 were wounded in the violence on November 22. Locals in the Bagan area of the district told Radio Mashaal that an angry mob of hundreds of Shi’a set several shops and homes on fire. Locals in the predominantly Sunni area claimed that some inhabitants were unaccounted for. Local Shi'ite leader Malik Dildar Hussain told Radio Mashaal that Shi’a have frequently come under attack in the area. On November 21, at least 50 people, including several women and children, were killed and more than 40 wounded when gunmen opened fire on November 21 on a police-escorted convoy of 200 vehicles carrying Shi'ite Muslims. The convoy was traveling from the provincial capital, Peshawar, to Parachinar, the capital city of the Kurram district. The threat of additional violence led local authorities to impose a curfew on November 22 and to suspend mobile telecommunications services in the remote mountainous district. Local leaders told RFE/RL that most of those killed in the renewed violence on November 22 were Shi'a, but at least four Sunnis were also among the dead. No group has taken responsibility for the attack. RFE/RL correspondents on the ground reported on November 22 that heavily armed people set fire to a military checkpoint in the area overnight. In Parachinar, witnesses reported seeing dozens of angry people armed with automatic weapons gathering amid reports that several other facilities of the Pakistani Army and the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary had been attacked and destroyed. RFE/RL correspondents reported hearing heavy gunfire. Jamshed Shirazi, a social activist in Parachinar, told RFE/RL that several government installations were damaged by the mob. "People are expressing their anger by attacking government offices," Shirazi said. Jalal Hussain Bangash, a local Shi'ite leader, voiced dismay at the violence during a Friday Prayers sermon on November 22 and said that Shi'a had nothing to do with the ensuing violence, RFE/RL correspondents on the ground reported. Hamid Hussain, a lawmaker from Kurram in the national parliament, was adamant that the violence was the work of provocateurs. "We are helpless. Neither Shi'a nor Sunnis are involved in this. This is [the result of] some other invisible forces who do not want to see peace in the area," Hussain told RFE/RL. Sectarian tensions have risen over the past several months in the Kurram district, which was formerly semiautonomous. Seventeen people were killed in an attack on a convoy on October 12, and there have been a handful of deadly attacks since then. Sunnis and Shi'a living in Kurram have clashed over land, forests, and other property as well as religion over the years, despite government and law enforcement efforts to build peace. Minority Shi'ite Muslims have long suffered discrimination and violence in Sunni-majority Pakistan.
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