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Opinion editor’s note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom. ••• In 1937, America struggled with the fierce and intractable global economic devastation known as the Great Depression. The nation’s unemployment rate averaged more than 14%, with Minnesota statewide unemployment topping out at 29% but reaching a staggering 70% on the Iron Range. In the spring of 1937, more than a thousand protesters descended on the St. Paul Capitol to support Gov. Elmer Benson as he tried to persuade the state legislature to pass a $17 million aid package for the unemployed. The protest fizzled overnight, as did Benson’s one term as governor. A pithy editorial written several months later for the Minneapolis Journal for Christmas attempted to mine silver linings amid the continuing hardship and fear that roiled Minnesota and the rest of the nation. It has long been a holiday tradition for newspapers all over America (although the number of papers has rapidly diminished) to publish a season’s greetings editorial from their archives. We are proud to continue the tradition. The extremely short and simply worded editorial that we share below was published under the headline “Benediction on Christmas Eve 1937.” It sought to strike a tone of compassion and community. These virtues have never been more needed. “Benediction” ran in the Journal, a paper that would eventually become the newspaper and digital platform rebranded in August 2024 as the Minnesota Star Tribune. Season’s greetings from our 2024 editorial staff and our former colleagues from 1937. ••• Benediction: “Silent Night, Holy Night.” We hear it at this time of year everywhere. It is man’s benediction to man. The song needs no words. The very melody suffices to soften a calloused heart; its simple, throbbing chords send a thrill down into the fingertips. It speaks the language of every civilized people — not alone Christians — and, taking no account of race, color, creed or other social conditions, bids every man be kind and humble. How can anyone, hearing that noble music as he must, contend himself to be cruel, greedy, mean or little — or even smug? We need Silent Night these days quite as much as ever; and if Christmas meant nothing more than its gentle whispering to the souls of men, it would be worth clinging to forever.Nutanix Announces Proposed $750 Million Convertible Senior Notes OfferingJets' Ulbrich says Rodgers 'absolutely' remains the team's starting quarterback
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‘We warn’: Syria's new foreign minister asks Iran to avoid ‘spreading chaos’Iranian authorities have officially lifted the ban on WhatsApp and the Google Play Store, signalling a significant shift in the country's internet restrictions, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported. The decision, which comes after a meeting with top government officials, marks a new phase in the easing of internet blockades that have restricted access to major global platforms for some time. On Tuesday, a meeting was convened with the participation of heads of all three branches of government, ministers, and members of the Supreme Council, where discussions focused on reviewing and adjusting policies surrounding internet governance and restrictions. Following the presentation of assessments from relevant authorities, the council approved changes to the existing internet restrictions. Sattar Hashemi, Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, later took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the development, stating, "Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions with unity and collaboration. I extend my gratitude to the President, media, and activists for their efforts. We need this solidarity more than ever. This path continues." The move to lift the ban aligns with the Iranian government's broader approach to managing its digital landscape, emphasising the importance of regulated cyberspace governance while also stressing the need to support domestic platforms, reported the IRNA. The lifting of internet restrictions was one of the key promises made by President Masoud Pezeshkian during his presidential campaign, and this decision marks an early fulfilment of that commitment. However, despite the progress, the government has emphasised that its approach will continue to prioritise the development and use of local platforms alongside the reintroduction of global services like WhatsApp and Google Play, the IRNA reported. As these changes unfold, the broader impact on both local businesses and individual users is still to be fully assessed, but the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward for internet freedom in Iran. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)1. Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam contains BHA, triple hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and heartleaf. Translation: it soothes, exfoliates, and slows down sebum production. Consider this an excellent contender for the second step in your double-cleansing routine. Promising reviews : "I have oily skin and I get white heads. This product removes my white head and makes my skin so smooth. I love it" — Monderly "I'm not gonna lie, I saw this on TikTok and jumped on the bandwagon! If you're debating if it's worth the hype, BUY IT!! IT'S WORTH IT!! I have always had one very large pore on my under-eye/cheek area next to my nose. I bought this hoping it would just help improve my overall skin journey and maaannnn... I will never use anything else! I do use the Anua Pore Control Cleansing Oil first and then use this cleanser after and have noticed a HUGE improvement! My extra-large pore has shrunk three times its size, and I've noticed it's helped pull extra gunk from the pores in my nose that I didn't even know was there! My skin feels so clean after using it!" — Molly Martinez Price: $13 2. Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion because while you *thought* you reapplied frequently enough on your vacay, the sunburn on your back would imply that, well, you didn't. Slather on this aloe vera and coconut oil combo for instant relief. It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS. Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" — jlgentr3 Price: $9.97 3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray to set and refresh makeup, give foundation a dewy appearance, and add refreshing hydration to dull-looking skin. Plus, ~a few spritzes a day can keep breakouts at bay.~ In addition to rejuvenating skin, it also refreshes and sets makeup. Promising review: " Movie star skin in a bottle. I had a cross-country flight, so I brought this in my purse to keep my skin moisturized. I stepped off that plane with the dewiest skin I’ve ever had. This product feels so luxurious on my skin. I use it to set my foundation in the morning, and as a mid-day pick me up during that 3 p.m. slump. The smell is divine. Buy a bottle, you won’t regret it." — Tricia Beck-Peter Price: $8+ (available in two sizes and various packs) 4. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre is a French pharmacy product lauded by celebrities, makeup artists, and over 25,000 Amazon reviewers for its ability to intensely moisturize without leaving a greasy film. It also works like a charm as a primer. Promising reviews: "I have used this product every day for over two years. My skin feels great, makeup goes on easier. Not greasy or sticky. The best part is the price!" — anneches "I heard about this product on TikTok, read a bunch of reviews and decided to order it. I have severe eczema so I'm always cautious with what I use on my skin. Typically I wear La Mer, Aveeno or First Aid Beauty moisturizers. This lotion did not disappoint and a little goes a long way. There's no scent, it's lightweight and makes my skin look nice and dewy. I accidentally ordered the smaller size but the larger bottle is on its way. Try it!" — Amazon Customer Price: $16.15+ (available in three sizes) 5. The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser removes stubborn makeup (we're looking at you, waterproof mascara) with ease, lathering beautifully for a luxurious experience that penetrates deeply without stripping your skin of moisture. Promising review : "I have combination skin and the Tatcha Rice Wash is the only thing I can use. I was gonna spend my last few dollars on the Tatcha but then I saw this. With the price I thought if it doesn’t work, it isn’t a huge deal. I’m never going back, this is like the exact same thing and you barely need any, the scent is the only difference besides it being a bit thicker BUT THAT'S GOOD because it’s BARELY thicker AND that means even less goes a much longer way. This is a holy grail item. If you haven’t tried it, I soooo highly recommend. " — Lingaling Price: $12+ (available in two sizes) 6. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is a gritty-yet-gentle exfoliator that enlists the help of sea kelp and green clay for an overall brighter, more radiant complexion. Who will look like they've been drinking enough water? You. Promising review : "It’s a pleasant, gritty scrub that doesn’t hurt my face with salt or anything that feels like sandpaper. It’s moisturizing, exfoliating and lovely. I follow up with my skin oil, serums and moisturizer. My makeup goes on like butter. I’ll buy this again." — JBF Price: $10.99 7. Tree Hut Coco Colada Body Scrub transforms your shower into a tropical oasis a la a decadent coconut and pineapple scent. Aroma aside, the product itself is indulgent: exfoliating yet moisturizing, with reviewers considering it a prep step for shaving. Promising review: "Heavenly. The scent is amazing and makes your legs feel so good after shaving. If you close your eyes while using, you think you are on tropical island!!!" — SBlanks Price: $8.49 (available in 30 scents) 8. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum crosses every T and dots every I with a lightweight, non-greasy formula packed with vitamin E (oh so nourishing) and SPF60. (Sun, who?) Check out a TikTok of the serum in action. Promising review: "I have been searching for a sunscreen like this for a long time. I really dislike putting anything heavy on my face and prefer a gel-like consistency. I am a big fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid serum and the texture of this sunscreen feels pretty close to that. I have tried much more expensive 'serum' sunscreens and find this one my favorite and for a much better price point ." — JHoch Price: $13.99 9. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream uses niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to deliver an intense dollop of hydration to the delicate skin under your eyes, lessening dark circles and fine lines with consistent use. And don't just take our word for it — over 65,000 reviewers swear by this drugstore darling. Promising review: "Out of the hundreds of products I've bought, I've written maybe five reviews. Most of those were bad reviews. 😅 THIS review is like the 10 gold stars of reviews. I LOVE THIS EYE CREAM! I have a pretty nasty bag under only one of my eyes. Within four days, that bag is GONE! I don't know how, but it is. The area around my eyes is softer than it's ever been. Even makeup looks amazing now. It no longer settles in those pesky fine lines. I wish I could find a cream that made my entire face this soft. I microneedle, I've done TCA peels, I'm obsessed with Korean skincare, but NOTHING has ever given me such results as this eye cream. The area around my eyes feels like silk. BUY THIS EYE CREAM! You won't be disappointed." — Emily Hunter Price: $14.44 10. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is your one-stop shop to dew. Glass-like skin is yours for the taking with this quick-absorbing honey-like combo of propolis and niacinamide that helps keep grease under control *and* evens out tone. Promising review: " What sets this serum apart is its effectiveness in combating dryness and dullness without any greasy residue . I love how it gives my complexion a natural glow, making me feel confident in my skin every day. If you're looking to add a hydrating, soothing serum to your skincare regimen, I highly recommend giving Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum a try—it's truly a gem!" — Vimz Price: $24.99 11. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask gets added to shopping carts for its fun TikTok appeal, but rest assured: this stuff works. This reaches deep into your pores to remove allll the gunk (looking at you excess oil on my T-zone) and leaves skin feeling uber clean, soft, and refreshed. Promising reviews: " I loved this! The fizzing effect exfoliated and deep cleaned my face....beyond facial smooth and bright ! It felt nice during the treatment. I really sensed DEEP cleaning! I think it will be a nice weekly treat! I highly recommend it for the fun experience and the amazing results." — Amy Lynn Volansky Price: $9.99 12. Tonymoly Tako Pore Black Head Scrub Stick shaped like an adorable palm-size octopus that may look cute, but packs quite the punch when it comes to ridding your nose of stubborn blackheads. Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like me. " — LuckLocust Price: $12.50 13. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel uses an impressive caffeine blend to de-puff your peepers (despite the amount of beauty sleep you're getting)! And listen, luxe eye creams such as this one usually cost around a trillion dollars, so finding a holy grail item like this for ~$16 is basically like striking gold. Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly, I love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith Price: $5.99 14. Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner balances your skin's pH level, creating a smooth canvas that will better absorb the rest of the products in your routine. It's refreshing, gentle, and loved by reviewers who struggle with redness . Promising review: "This toner is hyped for a reason — it's the best. It works extremely well for sensitive skin, and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized. The redness on my face have completely vanished after using this toner." — Aurelia Price: $13.54+ (available in two sizes) 15. Dermora Foot Peel Masks have over 50,000 5-star reviews and prove that my hooves needed serious attention, like, yesterday. Slip these mitts on for about an hour, take 'em off, and marvel at all the dead skin that will shed from your feet for the next few days. Promising review: "Let me start off by saying this mask is absolutely amazing! My friend and I decided to split the pack of booties and have a girl's night in. We are amazed at the results we got from the booties. On day five the magic started to happen. Our feet started to peel and by days 10 and 12 we were both done peeling and our feet were super soft!" — Yaara E. Price: $19.99+ (available in two scents) 16. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads are a two-sided dream: one side is textured, the other side is smooth. They're infused with salicylic acid and white willow bark to exfoliate and lavender extract to soothe. Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily and it’s been a couple of weeks and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk . I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." — Ee El Price: $17.90 (for a pack of 70, also available in four other styles) 17. SAEM Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick offers sweet, sweet relief when you wake up with puffy, aching eyes. This formula is blended with Iceland glacial water to help tighten skin and tackle dark circles so you look and feel more ~refreshed~. Promising review: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." — Ben Price: $8.94 18. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm turns removing makeup into a luxurious bedtime ritual thanks to a rich, creamy pearl barley and vitamin E formula. This scoffs in the face of stubborn mascara, removing every last drop of product from your face with ease. Now, put down the makeup wipes. We're better than that. Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Promising review: "I’ve loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1-2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I’m in love!" — Amazon Customer Price: $14.99 19. Valitic Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap Bars are chock-full of vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to tackle hyperpigmentation with a vengeance. And the best part? It's great for sensitive skin, too: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, and olive oil ensure your moisture barrier stays protected. Promising review: "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast. " — Elisabeth L. Price: $11.99 20. The cult-fave CeraVe Skin Renewing night cream is beloved by reviewers who say that the combination of niacinamide, peptide complex, and hyaluronic acid delivers hydration *and* softness — but won't aggravate breakouts or cause irritation. Plus, a little goes a long way, so one jar can last for months. Promising review: "Yes yes yes ! I recently found CeraVe due to dermatologist reviews on TikTok and I am not disappointed! I’v e always had oily, acne-prone skin and Cerave has shown me it was also super sensitive. These products are so gentle but work very well. I am still going through the purge (getting rid of all the gross stuff that was under the skin) but can already tell a big difference in my skin texture. " — Alicia Reid Price: $17.44 21. A box of "Zombie" face masks that are NOT for the faint of heart, but definitely get the job done when it comes to tightening skin and reducing pores and wrinkles. Once it's on your face, it starts to tighten and makes you look like a literal! zombie!!! in this very spooky but satisfying way. You leave it on for a quick 10 minutes, and then it washes off super easily and leaves your skin bright and rejuvenated. Promising review: "Smells great! This face mask does exactly what it says. My skin is nice and lifted, hydrated, noticeable reduction in fine lines, improved texture, reduced my pore size, and eliminated some newly developed rough patches forming around the hairline. Couldn't be more satisfied with this product! I have pretty good skin for 37, but this mask has really helped take my skin to the next level." — Samantha Price: $22.93 (for a box of eight) 22. Bio-Oil is a decades-old favorite that can tackle a whole swell of skincare concerns: it can fade scars, help prevent stretch marks, soothe cracked and dry skin, and intensely moisturize. And that's due to an impressive ingredient list of vitamins A and E, chamomile, and lavender that over 50,000 reviewers swear by. Promising review: "Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I used the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it’s hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I’ve been using it morning and night." — Yasmin Rodriguez Price: $11.12+ (available in two sizes) 23. Blume Meltdown Acne Oil is somehow an effective two-in-one, fighting active breakouts while keeping skin soothed, supple, and *not* tomato red thanks to an innovative trio of rosehip oil, blue tansy, and black cumin seed oil. Blume is a woman-owned, POC-owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally-friendly products for skin, body, and period care. Promising review : "Have been using Blume’s meltdown on my breakouts at night and it has become one of the only products which I see an improvement on the next morning. Will definitely buy again." — Candelaria Price: $27.95 24. Seraphic Skincare Premium Exfoliating Mitt is the epitome of satisfying — rub your skin in circular motions using this mitt and marvel at the amount of dead skin that forms lint balls across your arms, legs, stomach, and back. Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I recently started waxing at home and needed a good exfoliate. I tried other gloves & mitts, the scrub, even some types of mild chemical exfoliation and nothing compares to this! My skin is so soft and less irritated." — Mary Kell Price: $7.99 (also available in a pack of two) 25. Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant confronts enlarged pores, pesky pimples, and fine lines with unmatched dedication. It also gently exfoliates with each swipe, so you can effectively wave ta ta to dullness and dead skin cells with every toss of a cotton round. Promising review: "I have acne-prone skin that is combo-to-oily with large pores, and this stuff has truly been a lifesaver! Like this is literally witchcraft in a bottle and my new holy grail! Ditch your harsh scrubs and give this a go... your skin will thank you." — Philena Price: $13.30+ (available in two sizes) 26. Eos Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion has made waves on TikTok for lasting, nongreasy moisture and, best of all, a decadent scent of whipped vanilla and caramel that will subtly linger all day long. Promising reviews: "Heaven-sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing. " — Dragonheart Jo Price: $8.99+ (available in nine scents) 27. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant is beloved by reviewers with keratosis pilaris and ~strawberry legs~ because while the product is packed with active lactic acid, it tackles uneven texture without exacerbating symptoms or causing redness. Promising review: "I saw a dermatologist recommend this on TikTok, and I figured I’d give it a try. I have had red bumps on the back of my arms for as long as I can remember and have tried different things, so I didn’t have very high expectations . After one use, I could already see a difference! It says to use it 1–2 times a week, but I use it usually every other day, and I use Cerave rough and bumpy lotion after, and now my red bumps are almost nonexistent. This product has truly been life-changing, and I would recommend it to anyone struggling with red bumps! 10/10!" — Sydney Price: $9.60+ (available in three sizes) 28. SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray targets acne-causing bacteria with just a single spritz. It's beloved by athletes who are constantly sweating, medical professionals who have to wear face masks, and teens experiencing their first breakouts. Check out a TikTok of the SkinSmart Facial Spray in action. Promising review: "I have ordered this twice now . If my skin is breaking out I just spray this on after washing my face and let it air dry . It is nonirritating and nondrying. It has a light chlorine smell to me. I can use both morning and night with no irritation. After a few days of this my skin starts clearing up! I put some in a travel spray bottle and take it when I’m flying. My skin always feels dirty on planes, and I spray it on a few times on travel days to freshen my face and hopefully kill some bacteria. It sprays over makeup with no issues. " — SaraSmile11 Price: $17.46 29. Butt Acne Clearing Treatment does, well, exactly what it implies it will. A concentrated combo of tea tree oil and salicylic acid tackles butt-ne and dries down like a regular ol' lotion would. Apply this gentle treatment 3–4 times a day or 4–6 times for more concentrated breakouts. Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Cleveland Clinic . Promising review: "I’ve used this product for about two months now. I try to remember to apply at least twice a day. Not only is the skin clearer, but the overall texture is much smoother and softer. I highly recommend giving this lotion a try." — Amazon Customer Price: $24.99 30. Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick is a portable lifesaver made with avocado oil and shea butter that can soothe painful cracked spots on the go. It's the perfect carry-on companion for folks who enjoy slugging, too: slather this all over your face before a red eye and wake up at your destination with hydrated skin. Promising review : "RUN to buy this, I repeat... RUN. I bought one of these about two years ago and it’s STILL going strong. Aquaphor is amazing, we all know that . Buuut the convenience of having it in a tube is life changing. It truly is as easy as one, two, three. It can easily be applied to anything you could possibly need. I’ve used it on brand new tattoos, dry/chapped skin (hands, feet, legs, lips etc.) and the edge of my hair line to protect my skin from hair dye! " — Tara Fossa Price: $10.47 31. Joesoef's Sulfur Soap tackles acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and clogged pores with a vengeance, a simple switch in your nighttime routine that stares blackheads in the face and says "not today." Joesoef Skin Care is a small business that specializes in anti-acne skincare products. Promising reviews: "I recently saw a dermatologist talk about those clogged pores on and around your nose. If they are of uniform size, they aren't blackheads. She suggested using a sulfur soap to get rid of or minimize those stubborn clogged pores. This has a slight sulfur smell, but it is not overwhelming, and it disappears when dried. It works! My pores are much smaller. After applying and drying, moisturize. " — Sandy G "I initially saw this product come up on TikTok and was curious so I went to read the reviews. After seeing how much success some people had, I decided to give it a try! I’ve struggled with random hormone breakouts, blackheads, cystic acne — you name it! I’ve tried medical grade, antibiotics, topicals, but nothing has consistently cleared my skin. Now, I’ve only been using it twice a day for a week but I have zero red pimples or breakouts." – CarlyC Price: $12.99 (also available in multipacks) 32. Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream contains caffeine, guarana extract, and coconut oil for skin that is Smooth with a capital "S." But the real winner? The decadent gourmand scent: salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla. Promising review: "Like so many, I was brainwashed by TikTok into buying this rather expensive lotion...then I bought one for my mom and one for my sister and five more for myself as they became harder to find. My favorite thing about it is the smell. Lightly tropical/coconutty but nothing overwhelming. Every time I wear it people say, 'What are you WEARING?' like I have some amazing perfume on. Besides that, it really is a great moisturizer. I’m not usually a sucker for marketing but this was so worth it. " — Kristen Price: $24 33. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm is a K-beauty darling containing salmon complex and collagen to reduce fine lines and improve overall brightness. It's a super hydrating product that reviewers swear has helped them on their journey to ~glass skin~ and overall dew. Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action. Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life changing!! ! In a matter of minutes my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy Price: $20.99+ (available in seven styles) 34. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is beloved by the TikTok community because it can be worn for 13+ hours, making it the ideal skincare hack for long haul travel. Buh-bye, post-flight dryness. I wore this on a flight from New York to Hawaii and plan on packing it for a flight to Bali, too. Super moisturizing and didn't break me out. Promising review: "It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic and the pores look minimized too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game-changer for your skincare routine!" — Nala Price: $12.90 35. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream reaps a ton of praise from ye old TikTok gods for being both hydrating and fast-absorbing. That's right, folks. No more waiting — checks watch — a full half hour before slipping on your pajamas and crawling into bed. Promising review: "I have very dry sensitive skin and also have eczema and this lotion is amazing. I found it on TikTok and decided to give it a try because it’s hard to find good quality and affordable fragrance free lotion. And let me tell you this is some of the best lotion I have ever used. I’m currently on my fifth bottle. I have very dry skin so it’s hard to find a good moisturizing location that doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. This lotion has never left me feeling greasy. It’s very lightweight." — The Edick’s Price: $6.97+ (available in two sizes) 36. Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream has a standout ingredient: snail mucin. And yes, you did read that right. A dime-size amount of this gel moisturizer leaves skin hydrated, dewy, and absorbs quickly, ensuring it doesn't pill under a full face of makeup. Promising review: "The texture of the cream is lightweight and gel-like, which feels incredibly soothing on my skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue, making it perfect for both daytime and nighttime use. I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's hydration levels since incorporating this into my routine. But what really sets this product apart is its ability to calm and repair my skin. The snail mucin extract works wonders in reducing redness and inflammation and my skin feels smoother, plumper, and more resilient than ever before." — CA Gigi Price: $18.99 37. Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment consists of a strong retinoid formula that promotes cell turnover and is *the* strongest thing you can purchase without a prescription. In English: This affordable tube helps reveal a new layer of skin and swoops deep into your pores to penetrate that painful zit at its root. Get ready to remove the word "cystic" from your vocabulary. An FYI that this product is super strong, so it may take your complexion a while to adjust! Reviewers recommend moisturizing immediately after use because it tends to dry out your skin and make it a bit sensitive. Promising review: "This product works well for me when I use it every night, when I skip out it doesn’t work as well. I had a lot of weird small bumps on my forehead and this product got rid of most of them. Also gets rid of random zits and redness (when used daily)." — Amr Farag Price: $12.59 38. Hero Cosmetics Hydrocolloid Mighty Patches prevent picking and ~drain~ those zits at maximum speed. In addition to the fact that they just truly work, these transparent stickers also won't leave behind any residue on your pillow (unlike traditional goopy spot treatments). Promising review: "Whenever I see or feel a new zit coming along, I put one of these over it and they work so well! I have tried other brands but always make my way back to this one because it just works so much better than the others. The price isn't terrible, but a little on the high side. However, it is completely worth it! My zits go away so much faster, stay less red, and these keep me from picking at them." — Allyson Price: $12.50 39. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water cleanses and removes stubborn makeup with just a few swipes! This skincare staple leaves your complexion feeling squeaky clean and fresh, no aggressive scrubbing required. My eyelashes feel thankful already. This micellar water works for all skin types and is paraben-, fragrance-, sulfate-, and silicone-free. Promising review: "Holy grail of makeup remover ! This stuff is ahh-mazing! Your dry skin will be no more. I have dry skin that it exacerbated by the dry, hot Texas summers and the cold, windy winters. Constant use of makeup wipes make my face dry and I don't like the feel of my skin after using them. Lately, I have been in love with liquid lipsticks. The use of the micellar water cuts my makeup removal time in half. My skin feels soft and my lips are kissable! You won't regret this purchase!" — Gr84lmom Price: $3.99+ (available in three sizes) The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Krystal Ball: We’re Returning to a ‘Global Order of Unchecked Savagery'
Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz announced Friday he will not return to Congress next year, following his withdrawal as President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for the Department of Justice. Gaetz, entangled in allegations of drug use and misconduct, stated his intention to fight from a "new perch." Withdrawing his name raised speculation about his potential return to reclaim his House seat. Gaetz, facing a formidable challenge to secure Senate confirmation, was scrutinized by a House ethics panel over allegations involving an underage girl and drug use, which he has denied. His departure further tightens the Republican majority in the House, holding 218 to Democrats' 214 seats. Gaetz's Florida seat will remain vacant until a special election is scheduled. His withdrawal marks the first for a Trump cabinet nominee amid several controversies. (With inputs from agencies.)Rep. Jamaal Bowman Doesn’t Know Why He Still Has Hope for White People
Callander’s Bill Barber rink is open to skaters but use at your risk. So cautioned the municipality as warm weather is expected to roll into the region this week. You can still use the rink, just be mindful of the quality of ice. Municipal staff noted, “Given the warmer weather expected in the coming days, it will not be possible to flood the ice.” Therefore, expect all the grooves and chips to remain, and for the ice surface to diminish over the next few days. If condition worsen, the town will close the rink. Safety first. However, the lights will stay on from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., so you can still get your evening skate on. Last year, the rink didn’t open at all during the Christmas break due to the warm weather. Skaters had to wait until January 10th to hit the ice. See: Callander’s Bill Barber rink set to open next week Keep an eye on the municipality’s website and social media page for updates. The Bill Barber rink is located behind Callander’s Community Centre on 1984 Swale Street. David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.