A group is proposing two new power projects in the north end of Fort Frances that it says will generate clean electricity and help support the municipality for decades. Council of the town of Fort Frances heard a presentation at their Monday, November 25, 2024, meeting from FirstLight Energy, a power producer, developer and energy storage company that operates in the U.S. and Canada. The presentation brought before council was in regards to a potential battery energy storage project, or BESP, as well as a solar panel array, both located north of town but within municipal boundaries. The company said the projects would allow them to help to address the Ontario Ministry of Energy’s call for an additional 5,000 MW of power capacity in the province’s electrical grid by 2026 in order to make up for projected shortfalls. FirstLight Senior Project Manager Development Alex Moore said the proposed project complies with the Ontario independent energy system operator’s aim to split procurement for the projected shortfall into two streams, energy and capacity. “this procurement has intended to fill projected shortfalls over the coming 20 years in energy due to increasing economic growth, industrial demand, population growth, and the phase out of old existing generating assets. So the energy stream looks to increase the total energy generated in Ontario through low carbon renewable sources, while the capacity stream will increase Ontario’s electricity system resilience and energy security by providing immediate on demand power, handling peak demand and shifting a lot of the renewable energy generation to times when it’s needed the most. The two projects that we’re going to be discussing mainly today, fall into both of those streams.” Moore said the BESP would be located in the northwest of Fort Frances, with two possible locations being identified near the landfill site on either side of the road leading off of McIrvine. Both locations are near the existing hydro lines and would allow for the proposed battery storage facility to provide 40 megawatts of power for a duration of eight hours . The facility itself would be a number of shipping containers housing a series of lithium ion phosphate batteries, which Moore said are safer than other forms of lithium ion technologies, which have been known to experience fires and runaway situations that can lead to significant damage. To establish the BESP, Moore said their company would look for a suitable partner to act as a supplier for the batteries, and ensure that whoever is selected has a “robust and established” safety record for such a project. The solar farm project, on the other hand, will potentially be located to the north of Fort Frances removed from the residential areas and adjacent to the hydro lines. Moore said the solar project will have a maximum capacity of up to 100 megawatts, which based on preliminary estimates, he said would be enough to provide power to 12,000 homes in Ontario. In terms of benefits to the town, not only would these tow projects represent up to $300 million in capital investment, providing labour opportunities during construction and some full time jobs maintaining and operating them in the future, but FirstLight would also establish a Community Benefit Fund that would support initiatives like community projects, local food initiatives, recreational programs and events, and improvements to pedestrian activity, accessibility and urban green spaces. According to FirstLight’s presentation, the fund “is dependent on the overall project financials but typically is in the range of $1,000 - $1,500/MW/year.” The project would also provide the town with a long term income in the form of a 30+ year rent on the chosen pieces of property that FirstLight said would be between $250/acre/year to $350/acre/year, as well as an increase in property tax base through increased development value. While the project is still in the preliminary stages at this point, Moore said the next steps would be to hold a number of community engagement sessions with members of the public, First Nations, area trail users and other stakeholders to identify potential concerns and jointly develop solutions, as well as to receive a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR) from the Town, which Moore said is a key factor in helping them get approval from the government. “Municipal Support Resolutions are key aspects of projects that have now been mandated as part of this procurement,” Moore said. “The MSR is similar to a letter of intent expressing support for the project, but hasn’t removed any obligation requirements that projects might have in terms of permit regulations. We have ongoing approvals at a local, municipal or provincial, federal level. This ensures proponents engage early and often with municipalities and address any concerns of the council. The recent dates mandated by the ISO for compliant MSRs, which must fall within, be no earlier than a certain date and no later, at the procurement and draft stages, we’re not too sure yet on what those dates will be, but they’ll be released in the coming weeks.” Moore said the organization hopes to receive an MSR from the town of Fort Frances in early 2025, which would allow them to submit their bid later that year. In the event the bid is awarded, construction would be slated to start as early as 2027 following the procurement of neccessary permits and construction contracts. In response to questioning from council regarding possible noise pollution from a battery facility, Moore explained that these buildings have an HVAC component to them to allow the batteries to stay cool ,but are nowhere near as loud or power intensive as a similar size cryptocurrency or data processing centre, similar to a project which council had previously been presented. Moore said their minimum setback around the facility would be 200 to 300 meters from a residential or industrial property, so the noise levels would drop dramatically before reaching anyone who would otherwise be disturbed by them. Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas posed of Moore what the emergency response would need to be in the event a fire at the battery storage facility owing to the specialized batteries intended to be in use. Moore repeated the safety improvements of lithium ion phosphate batteries over other lithium ion technologies, but also noted that the organization would develop a specific emergency safety response plan for the projects and technologies in use and provide dedicated training for first responders so they would be prepared in the event of an incident.Vacant mills hold dangers and opportunities for Western Mass. communities

NoneCastaways get the season’s biggest reward with surprise letters from home in a new episode of “Survivor” airing on Wednesday, December 4. The new episode will air at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Those without cable can watch the show for free through DirecTV Stream , which offers a free trial to new users. FuboTV and Sling are other options for streaming the show, and promotional offers are available. The popular test of mental and physical endurance will feature 18 new castaways who are stranded in the beautiful islands of Fiji. They will be divided into 3 tribes of 6 and forced to form a new society as they adapt to their surroundings while facing difficult obstacles and navigating a complex social game. According to CBS, the individuals competing in the 47th season are fans from diverse backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives to this new era of the game. They all have the same ultimate goal: to outwit, outplay, and outlast. In the end, only one will remain to claim the title of Sole Survivor and win the $1 million prize. In episode 12, “Castaways get the season’s biggest reward with surprise letters from home. Balance and dexterity are tested at a crucial immunity challenge to guarantee a spot in the final six.” The show is hosted by Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst. Here is a look at the new episode of season 47 from Survivor on CBS’s YouTube Channel: Those without cable can watch the show for free through DirecTV Stream , which offers a free trial to new users. FuboTV and Sling are other options for streaming the show, and promotional offers are available. What is FuboTV ? FuboTV is an over-the-top internet live TV streaming service that offers more than 100 channels, like sports, news, entertainment and local channels. It offers DVR storage space, and is designed for people who want to cut the cord, but don’t want to miss out on their favorite live TV and sports. What is DirecTV Stream? The streaming platform offers a plethora of content including streaming the best of live and On Demand, starting with more than 75 live TV channels. What is Sling ? Sling TV is the first app-based TV service letting you stream live television and on-demand content over the internet. With Sling TV, you get to choose the television option that’s right for you, including Channel Add-ons, Premiums Add-ons, DVR Plus and more. More Shopping and Deals

Trump's Middle East envoy travelled to Israel, Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks: Report

UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” People are also reading... Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

1. A heated eye massager that'll not only keep your noggin nice and toasty, but it can help with a slew of concerns from eye strain and dry eyes to headaches and insomnia. It has five different oscillating massage settings *and* built-in Bluetooth so you can listen to your fave podcast or a spa playlist on Spotify while you relax. Promising review : "I saw this product on one of Amazon’s must-have TikTok videos and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is top notch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn’t interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse and this technology has helped me get through the night easily.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $55.99 . 2. An ultra-lofty down duvet insert with puffy baffle box construction that keeps out the cold. Wrapped up in this, I basically feel like the Michelin Man which, until now, I didn't realize was my peak form. I bought this a few years ago after reading the reviews for EVERY winter duvet insert on the internet (sadly not even exaggerating). Luckily, my research paid off and this is extremely warm, super lofty, surprisingly affordable, and just perfect in every way imaginable. I've had it professionally cleaned three times (it def won't fit in your regular old washer) and it's held up perfectly👌 Promising review : "After reading multiple reviews for other comforters, I chose this one. Best decision ever!!! This comforter is perfection and I plan to buy another for our guest room. Thick, comfy, warm and affordable. I tossed it into the dryer for a few minutes after I took it out of the packaging and it fluffed way up! Chose to buy a king size for our queen size bed and am glad I did. The size is exactly what I hoped for." — Jenna Get it from Wayfair for $86.99+ (available in sizes Twin–King). 3. An electric heated mattress pad because even with your extra-puffy duvet and five throw blankets, you can always be toastier. The cotton cover has 10 heat settings, with an adjustable auto-off timer between one and 12 hours. It is suitable for mattresses up to 15 inches in depth. Promising review : "We live in Wisconsin where it gets very cold at night. We like to crack the bedroom windows open at night because we prefer a cold room to sleep in. But this makes getting in bed with freezing cold sheets brutal. Not anymore! This mattress pad is a game changer! Turning the mattress pad on before getting in bed makes all the difference in the world; no more freezing cold sheets. The dual controls are great since I like my side warmer than my husband does his side. The controls are easy to work and see in the dark. The mattress pad is soft and comfortable ; you cannot feel the wires at all. It has nice deep pockets that fit on our mattress and memory foam pad very nicely. You will need two outlets to plug into in order for the separate controls to work. One year later...we still love this mattress pad! " — Linda Stranzl Get it from Amazon for $69.95+ (available in sizes twin–California king; clip the coupon for $10 off this price!). 4. A teensy space heater you can plop right on top of your desk or by your feet. Some reviewers say it's the perfect size for pets, too — just place it right in front of their bed or whatever cardboard box they're enamored with these days. Promising review : "I bought this to use under my desk to keep my feet warm. It's perfect and as you can see it's little (about the size of a medium coffee), so it's not in the way of me hitting it with my feet. There's a safety button on the bottom so the heater stops working when its tipped over, picked up, or not on a level surface. I like that feature a lot, definitely recommend purchasing if you need a little heater at a decent price!" — Ta2dmom Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors). 5. A spa-esque towel warmer for those who LIVE for taking fresh linens out of the dryer and then immediately cocooning in them. The towel warmer has four timer settings (15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes) and an auto shutoff feature. It can fit two large towels. Promising review : "Absolutely my favorite thing purchased from Amazon. You will never be able to take a shower with out this once you have it. Just like right out of the dryer towels!" — Erin Get it from Amazon for $169.99 . 6. An antioxidant-rich Farmacy honey mask that's not only moisturizing, but warming! Spread a thick layer over your face, massage it in real nice, and enjoy the gentle heat for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it away. The hydrating mask owes its spa-like warming sensation to glycerin. Another main ingredient — cichoric acid — also supports your skin's natural collagen. Promising review : "At first I was not sure what to think, slapping this gooey sticky stuff on my face. But it smells good enough to eat and once it warms and turns into a lovely cream, it’s heavenly. The warming sensation is nice and mild. My face feels so much better after using it. I’ll be using this at least once a week when I’m irritated and dry from my tretinoin." — Melissa Get it from Farmacy for $45+ or Sephora for $41+ (available in two sizes). 7. A pair of fleece-lined joggers that you'll literally only take off to wash. Might as well buy two or three pairs now because once you slip these babies on, there's no going back to normal pants. Promising review : "These pants are warm and comfortable. I have been wearing these for over a year now and they are wonderful. They wash and dry well, and I have experienced no pills or shrinkage. They also have a functional back pocket as well as side pockets. I have these in three colors and I will purchase again. " — Spotted Mermaid Get it from Amazon $38.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 10 colors). 8. A heated seat cover because sliding your butt onto a freezing leather surface isn't how ~most~ people like to start their day. Promising review : "Great value for the money. Has kept my wife and I warm and toasty this winter while driving." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $54.99 . 9. A set of blackout thermal curtains which not only block out light and noise, but prevent your central heat from escaping because that is just money straight down the drain. Promising review: "These curtains came exactly as seen in the picture and description. They work perfectly in my living room windows and came at a decent price! They aren’t the best quality, but you definitely get your money’s worth! " — George Moreno Get it from Amazon for $16.80+ (available in 31 sizes and 34 colors). 10. A wearable blanket for those days when a regular ol' throw just isn't cutting it. Layer this on underneath and now you're playing ball. Promising review : "I bought this for my mom because she’s ALWAYS cold. She LOVES IT. The outside is soft and the inside is very plush and soft also. It’s got a nice weight to it. The pocket on the front is large enough to put just about anything in it. It’s large enough for a 2X-sized man to wear comfortably. I will probably be buying these as gifts this year!" — KMartShopper Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in 25 styles). 11. A cult-favorite Orolay parka with approx. 45 pockets, a fleece-lined hood, and a midi design that keeps all your bits covered and warm. Ok so it actually has six pockets but they're all rather sizable. It also has a side zippers which give it a more relaxed fit — especially when sitting. Promising review: "This coat is no joke. The coldest temperature I tested it out was 9 degrees and I did not feel like I was freezing at all! I even tried to wear with just a T-shirt, no sweaters/layers underneath, to see if I felt cold...nothing. No cold! Boomshakalaka ! It's also so stylish, roomy, has a thousand pockets (goodbye purse!) and looks different from all the rest out there." — Zhure Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS-XXL and in 13 colors). 12. A set of affordable flannel sheets so you can roll yourself into a toasty lil' burrito any time you climb into bed. What's included : Two pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet. Promising review : "They are wonderful! Soft and warm! I want to stay in bed all day!" — Foggyhomechef Get them from Target for $39.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king and in 11 colors). 13. A faux-shearling pullover that's even more comfortable than your go-to PJs. The lapel collar is not only stylish, but protects against (what feels like) gale force winds. Promising review : "Well, as soon as I took this sweater out of the box, my toddler grabbed it and wouldn’t give it back because he assumed it was a blanket for him. Update: Son dropped it to grab a cookie I bribed him with so I got to try it on. He then tackled me and has been cuddling ever since. Let it be known that it’s a very warm sweater, obviously the softest thing ever created, and I’m trapped in it under my kid in a 70-degree house. Highly recommend." — Kristy Noble Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and 20 colors). 14. A rechargeable, double-sided hand warmer with three to four hours of juice — plenty for keeping your mitts comfortable whether outdoors, at the office, or just lounging on the couch. The hand warmer takes just two minutes to reach a toasty 107 degrees Fahrenheit! Promising review : "Quick to warm up and fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, and the flashlight is handy when I'm looking for something in the bottom of my bag." — Sonia Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in five patterns). 15. An easy-to-install Tushy 3.0 bidet which will save you serious $$$ on toilet paper and have you feeling clean as a whistle (whatever that means) with its temperature-controlled stream. The — dare we say it — sleek attachment requires no electrical or plumbing work to install and you can have it up and running in 10 minutes or less. It fits on round, oval, and elongated toilets, too, so you shouldn't have any issue. There are two knobs you control: one for water pressure and one for water temperature. Promising review : "How have I lived for 68 years without my Tushy Spa??????? ❤️ This is one of the best purchases that I have ever made! Obviously, I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!!!! I might have to buy another one to take on vacation!!! 😳" — Brenda N. Get it from Amazon or Tushy for $139 (knobs available in 10 finishes). 16. A pair of fleece-lined jeggings with ~4,500 5-star reviews that attest to just how freakin' comfortable, warm, and stretchy they are. Promising review: "Quality is fantastic. Fits exactly to size indicated. I'm always cold, and I'm in love with these jeans. Not bulky... in fact they look fantastic on. I've bought five different pairs in various styles and colors. " — Debbie L Morawski Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–5XL and in 35 washes). 17. A faux fur headband that will protect your ears from frigid temps and make it look like you just stepped off a lift in Vail. The fact that you're actually just wearing it on a run to get a BEC at your favorite bodega is beside the point. Promising review: "WOW. These look and feel like rabbit fur but don’t shed! They're excellent for keeping your head — especially ears — warm and/or protected from the wind. Think I’ll order a set for every female on my Christmas list. They are flattering and don’t mess up your hair." — Ice Queen Who Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight colors and packs of two). 18. An easy-to-use insulator kit if countless emails to your landlord about a 2-inch gap in your window have gone unanswered. (🎶 Welcome to New York, it's been waitin' for you! 🎶) Each kit comes with enough clear film to insulate 3 to 10 standard windows. To apply it, you first attach the included double-sided tape to your window frame, measure your window and cut the film to size, press it onto the tape, and then shrink it with a blow-dryer so it adheres to your window. Some reviewers say they improved the process by working out bubbles with a credit card as they went. Promising review : "This product kept my apartment warm and toasty last winter! I live in an older (but charming) apartment and the windows are not only large, they're not updated to be efficient. There was draft pretty much on all the windows in the apartment so the heater just keeps kicking in to warm the place. Of course, this means enormous heating bill. Last winter, my husband decided to try this product. We noticed the difference right away on the first night we had it installed! No more drafts and the apartment stayed pretty warm. We noticed a huge drop on our heating bill (almost $50/mo compared to previous year). It takes some time to install it, but it's absolutely worth it!" — D Dacera Get it from Amazon for $18.75+ (available in packs of 5 or 10). 19. A pair of fuzzy socks for those with ice-cold toes that just *refuse* to warm up — even once the rest of your body has come up to a normal temp. Promising review : "If you want to be warm and cozy these are the way to go! I like them so much I bought them for my siblings and three weeks later each of them sent me a message about how much they love them!" — A. Perkins Get them from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 27 colors). 20. A coffee mug warmer with three heat settings so you can keep your hot cocoa on your nightstand and not have to worry about getting up to microwave if it you forget about it after your first sip. Promising review: "One of those items I didn’t know I needed until I had it. As a busy mom of two little ones, I can’t even remember the last time I got to finish a hot cup of coffee. Until now! This truly kept my coffee warm for literal hours. And I love the wood grain look of it. It’s nice and doesn’t look cheap at all. I’m going to keep it on my desk for when I’m working, and I’ll never go without hot coffee again!" — ADR80 Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in eight colors). 21. A heathered Barefoot Dreams robe with a plush shawl collar and mid-calf length. Whether or not you wear anything underneath is between you and your robe! Promising review : "This robe is delightful. I feel like I have been wrapped in cashmere. It is so soft and conforms to your body. After reading numerous reviews about other bathrobes, I was concerned about the quality after the first wash. It passed with flying colors. The seams held up. There was no fraying and the lint trap was clean. I could not ask for more... Almost forgot, the robe has a height adjustment for the belt. I cannot find anything negative to say. You'll be happy!" — Monica Get it from Amazon for $93.36+ (available in three unisex sizes and nine colors). 22. A heated desk pad if your workspace ~always~ seems to have a draft — no matter what the thermostat is set to. The pad features three heat settings and don't worry about forgetting to shut it off — it does so automatically after your choice of one, two, or four hours of use. Promising review: " I bought the XL size and it fits perfectly on my desk! Love the design and it's perfect for the cooler weather when my hands turn into ice cubes!" — Taylor Edwards Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in eight designs). 23. A quick-to-heat foot warmer if your tootsies are seemingly cold no matter how many pairs of socks or slippers you add to the equation. The electric foot warmer has three heat settings as well as an auto-shutoff feature so you don't have to worry about leaving it plugged in for extended periods. PS: It's also machine washable, so you don't have to worry about it smelling like an old pair of Converse sneakers (I can smell the stank from here) after just a few uses. Promising review : "Super comfortable and cozy. I work from home, and this keeps my feet warm under my desk all day. The 'bag' itself is kind of big but it allows you to push your feet in all the way up to your ankles or even mid-calf. The control box is even easy to push with my toes :). It has a simple display with a small green light for low, yellow for medium, and red for high, so you can tell at a glance what level temperature you have selected. The pad heats up quickly and at a good temperature for all three levels — not too hot, not too cold. " — BJ Hughes Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in four colors). 24. A one-of-a-kind hand-warming mug with an ergonomic pocket you can slip your chilly fingers right into. Clay in Motion is a family-run pottery studio based in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Since 1981, Bob and Corina Neher have been throwing, firing, and glazing functional pieces. Promising review : "I bought one of these at a shop in Branson, Missouri. It is my absolute favorite mug ever! I love how you can tuck your hand in the handle! I can't wait to get more of these as this is my special feel good mug! When I want to have a cozy night I use this and wear my favorite jammies and all is well with the world!" — Monica Get it from Clay in Motion for $21 (available in 17 colors). 25. A set of wool mittens you can wear on your run to :::insert your fave coffeeshop here::: because it may be 20 degrees out, but nothing will ever stand between you and your daily treat. 🥶 Promising review : "I got these because I have bad circulation and my hands get hella cold to the point of pain. So I was just gonna get some warmish mittens to wear at night. Not sure how durable they'll be in the real world, but warm they most certainly are. Within about 15 seconds, my hands were like 'ooOooOoooOOOhhh' and I actually had to take them off after a few minutes. So I'm very pleased, especially for the price. Color is so pink it almost is like a highlighter pink." — Lisa Get them from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 13 colors). 26. A pair of Sperry boots so you can stomp through rain and snow without getting soggy socks — something I'm pretty sure we can all agree is the absolute worst. Promising review : "I am in love with my new Sperry boots! Let the rain and snow begin!!! I AM READY! These Saltwater boots are perfect for me. Love the side zipper for easy on and off. I also like the height of this boot. I’m short and sometimes look like I was swallowed by my boots... but not these! They look nice, feel nice, and make me and my feet very, very happy! Thank you Sperry... I will look for more good things from you 👍" — Krissa Get them from Amazon for $46.97+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 in standard and wide and in seven colors). 27. A teeny-tiny tabletop fireplace you can place anywhere in your home for added ambience and warmth. You can even toast marshmallows over it! Fuel isn't included, but you can buy some on Amazon . 1Man1Garage is a Tennessee-based small business owned by artisan Marcus Williams. He sells a wide variety of handcrafted wooden items. Promising review : "This is amazing. SO well made, the pieces fit perfectly together and it was easy and fun to build. We accidentally bought pretty tall gel fuel canisters so the fire got very high but still worked super well!!!" — Rachel Brown Get it from 1Man1Garage on Etsy for $31+ (available with or without rocks/sand — the sand is needed to disperse the heat of the flame away from the wood, but you can easily find some on your own if you'd rather not buy it here, and the lava rocks are completely optional/for decoration). 28. A set of L.L. Bean insoles with temperature-regulating shearling that also wicks away sweat and keeps odor on the DL. With these, stanky toes will be a secret kept between you and your duck boots. Promising review : "I have three pairs of these insoles. I originally bought them as an extra layer of warmth in boots but when one pair made it a little too 'cozy' in one pair of boots, I tried them out in my L.L. Bean fleece slippers--a wonderful discovery. They make the slippers even warmer and comfier. I highly recommend them as they definitely keep one's feet warmer — especially as a spectator at ice hockey games!" — Lulu Get them from L.L. Bean for $29.99 (available in unisex sizes 5–13 and in three colors). 29. A lush, double-sided faux-fur duvet set you can absolutely melt into. Are there dishes to do and laundry to fold and cat boxes to scoop? Yes, but those can wait. One side is faux-fur, and the other side is plush velvet; the twin set comes with one pom-pom fringed pillow sham, and the other size sets include two. 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 also. Super soft, and the pom-pom fringe is adorable." — SK Get it from Amazon for $51.99+ (available in sizes Twin–King and 29 colors). 30. A cult-favorite Fellow electric kettle for those who obsess (and I mean obsess) over their at-home brews. A dial allows you to adjust the temperature by individual degrees and a hold button means you can keep your water at the perfect temp once it's done. The design features a fluted, no-drip spout and a degree dial that allows you to set the temperature between 135 degrees F and 212 degrees F and even hold it there for a full hour. Promising review : "We waffled about getting this kettle. Surely the cheapie electric one we had would do the trick for amateur pour-over enthusiasts? No. Wrong. This is superior in every aspect. The temperature holding feature is amazing — no more heating up the water, forgetting you started, and having to heat it up again. Definitely more consistent in temperature, creating more consistent cups of coffee." — Emily A. Get it from Amazon for $165 (available in six colors) or Fellow for $195 (available in 12 colors) 31. A pair of fleece-lined leggings ready for winter's wrath. The much-loved bottoms have a wide waistband that stays in place and they're made from a moisture-wicking fabric that's certain to keep ya nice and cozy. Promising review : "These are by far my favorite leggings that I own! I initially bought the unlined version about a year ago and decided to get these fleece-lined leggings to wear under dresses at work. They are thick enough to wear on their own without being see-through, and they are warm enough to wear as the weather gets cold. They are my go-to for running errands on the weekend and the material looks so nice. l wouldn't say that its shiny, but the material looks more like a compression/athletic material than the thin, cottony leggings you get for cheap. Love, love, love them! I would absolutely buy again!" — Andrea Get them from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes XS–6XL, three styles, and 25 colors). 32. A two-pack of draft blockers because *your* name is on the utility bill and you'll be damned if you pay even a penny for any hot air that Houdinis its way out of the house. Plus, it'll help muffle outside noises — something particularly helpful if you live in an apartment building or with noisy roommates. Promising review : "I’ll admit I was skeptical of these at first but after applying them to four of our doors we are thrilled! We live in an older home that is in no way energy efficient. ;-) We got these to help keep the hot summer heat out of the house. We have only had them for a short time but they look so good! They actually upgrade the doors a bit. ;-) The application went well and it is a firm hold. The flooring in our house meets the door almost so there’s not much room for movement and these stay put firmly when opening and closing the door. I have no doubt that they will stay on for a long time. Will probably buy another pack for the doors leading to our garage." — AHA Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in five colors). 33. And — if that's not enough — an additional weighted door draft stopper with a triangular design that ensures a tight fit. The non-slip stopper not only prevents warm air from escaping, but it also reduces noise, so if you're an in-bed-by-8-p.m. person and your roommate is a ~listen-to-Skrillex-till-3-a.m.~ person, you can get some shut-eye. Promising review : "If you have a drafty door you absolutely need this. It is made of fabric and has some weight to it which is a great feature. The added weight helps hold it down and absorb the cold. When I walk by the door and the draft stopper is on I can't feel ANY cold coming in... I highly recommend this door stopper if you have a drafty door. Whether it be for cool air in the winter or you losing AC in the summer." — Nikki Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in eight sizes and six colors). 34. A faux-fur bucket hat that will soon become a staple in your wardrobe. Yes, it'll keep your noggin nice and warm, but it'll also be a magnet for compliments and "Where'd you get that?!" inquiries. Promising review : "Not only is it warm for the winter season but sooooo warm and FASHIONABLE!! I have been wearing this hat everywhere!! It’s a bit big but honestly that just makes it more cozy. I love it!!" — Grace Beardsely Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 10 colors). 35. A pair of Ugg Ultra Mini Ankle Boots so you can pad around in peak "Yes, I follow TikTok trends even though I'm 30" fashion. BuzzFeed Editor Heather Braga has these gems and says: "I got these Ugg Minis last year and have been wearing them as my 'work shoes' while working from home. They're the perfect mix between a slipper and an actual shoe, so I can continue to wear my comfiest clothes to 'the office' (my guest room) but also feel like I've somewhat transitioned into work mode for the day. They're super soft, as all Uggs are, and honestly just make me happy! They are true to size so no worries about sizing up or down." Promising review: "These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. They are so cozy warm. Not bulky. I can go for walks or just lounge around the house in them. Having to be at home all the time these days during the pandemic, I wanted shoes that felt like a slipper but give more support. And they aren't weighing me down like the taller Ugg boots. I will wear these everywhere...in every season. Thank you, Ugg!" — Amy Del Santo Get them from Amazon for $149.95+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 22 colors). 36. A roll of self-adhesive weather strip if you've reached out to your super 10 times now and it's apparent that no one is coming to fix your windows. Alas, that's what YouTube tutorials and determination are for, ehh? The weatherstripping is super easy to apply. Just cut to the length needed (scissors are all you need) and then pop it in whatever gap/window track is giving you a headache. It'll not only help with drafts, but also noise and dust. Promising review : "My family and I just moved into our first apartment and found the front door did not have anything stopping the drafts. As soon as we put this up, we noticed a difference. We live in a windy area, and the cold would just come through the door like it was open. 10/10 do recommend." — Sugarbare Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes). 37. A microwaveable, lavender-scented weighted plushie that'll come in clutch whenever you're dealing with a bout of anxiety, braving a really bad tummy ache, or could just use a warm embrace. Promising reviews : "This product changed my life. Seriously, I never knew I could love an inanimate object so much. His heavy body is so comforting, at the end of the day all I want is a hug. He even helped me quit nicotine. Instead of reaching for the Juul, I would reach for his big belly instead. I'm not even joking. This guy is the best thing I have ever spent my money on. Do yourself a favor and get a Warmie." — Bryan & Dana "I bought this for cramps and the occasional aches and pains. He is absolutely perfect. He is so cute and adorable and I find myself reaching for him even when I am not in pain. He’s so snuggly and perfect to cuddle up with and is great for anxiety ." — Samantha Get it from Amazon for $29.99 . 38. A weighted neck and shoulder heater if you're always jonesing for a hot stone massage but don't exactly have the time or money to dole out on said luxury. 😭 Promising review : "I love how soft this is, and how big it is, covers my neck and back. I love the beautiful blue color. I also love how many temperature levels and timer choices there are... I’m very happy and satisfied with this purchase. I use this to help my back pain, my feet for circulation, my stomach for stomach aches, also for my hip bursitis. It’s a great product I highly recommend." — Lisa Gray Get it from Amazon for $31.91+ (available in two colors). 39. A teddy coat that's positively hibernation-ready but also sophisticated thanks to its tailored silhouette and large lapels. You can use it to dress up any outfit including the most basic (no haters) leggings and a tee. This is definitely the type of thing you buy in multiple colors but whether you choose to gift those too or keep them for yourself is your business! Promising review : "I LOVE this coat. I get so many compliments on it. It is so warm and comfortable. I wore it in Chicago in 10-degree weather and walked for hours and never even got a chill. I am back to purchase it in more colors ." — lisa cicciarelli Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 25 colors). 40. A MASSIVE 10-foot-by-10-foot throw you and all of your closest friends can cuddle up under when you gather for your annual Friday night Gilmore Girls watch parties. If you're having a hard time imagining just how big "big" is — this blanket is four times the size of your average throw! And — because this small biz truly gets marketing — that's 7'4" NBA player Boban Marjanovic modeling the gray blanket above. Promising review : "This is such a great blanket! It is so soft and big that no one is stealing the covers no matter how wrapped up in the blanket they are. Absolutely perfect for couples!" — Andrew N. Get it from Amazon or Big Blanket Co. for $159 (available in 14 'favorite' colors and 7 limited edition colors). 41. A quilted fleece pullover that looks like it could be from The North Face or Patagonia but rings up for less than 40 bucks. 😍 Promising review: "I live along the coast of Oregon and freeze most of the time either with northern winds or massive storm systems. That said, it's paramount that I have clothes that keep me warm. This fleece pullover is SUPER warm. It's really soft, and I love wearing it most days. I've gotten two different colors so far and might even go for a third! " — April SJC Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 26 colors). 42. Some Dr. Martens 1460 lace-ups — with faux-fur lining 🔥 — which can not only keep up with daily wear for more than a decade (I attest to this!) but also add some serious edge to your silk midi skirt + sweater combo. Promising review: "I love the updated fancy fur look. I can dress them up or down. These are my third pair of the Dr. Martens brand — classic well made shoe that I recommend." — Dr. Martens Customer Get them from Amazon for $180 (available in women's sizes 5–11). 43. And a split blanket and sheet set if your favorite way to rot away in bed is with a partner who's PERFECT in every single way — except for when they touch you with their cold toes. Promising review : "This blanket is a great idea that I can't believe I didn't think of! No more blanket hogging or cold nights with too little cover. It's luxuriously soft and lightweight!" — Tracy Get it from Uncommon Goods for $85+ (available individually or as a set in Queen or King sizes and in two colors). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.

How to start investing in cryptocurrency: A guide for beginners

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NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid mixed trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Monday after closing November at an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared after saying an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or the company’s board. Retailers were mixed coming off Black Friday and heading into what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are pulling Wall Street toward another record amid mixed trading on Monday. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% in afternoon trading after closing its best month of the year at an all-time high . The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 86 points, or 0.2%, with a little more than an hour remaining in trading, while the Nasdaq composite was 0.9% higher. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 31.1% to lead the market. Following accusations of misconduct and the resignation of its public auditor , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company's board. It also said it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 2.9% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 1.1% after the chip company said CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street's frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the announcement of its CEO’s departure . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 3.7% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record and coming off Black Friday . Target, which recently gave a forecast for the holiday season that left investors discouraged , fell 1.6%. Walmart , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.3%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.3%. The stock market largely took Donald Trump’s latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris over the French government’s budget . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for Federal Reserve, which recently began pulling interest rates lower to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday's headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off October's lackluster growth that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by Trump once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.None

Tevogen Bio CEO Reflects on Public Support, Reaffirms Preserving Shareholder Value Remains His Priority, and Reinforces Options Including a Potential Share Buyback to Support Company Value

Mumbai: Escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, rising crude oil prices, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and Q2 GDP will be the major factors for the stock market next week, according to experts. In the last week, the Indian equity markets ended their two-week losing streak on a high note, navigating a volatile week marked by geopolitical tensions, but a strong recovery by the bulls on Friday, supported by exit poll predictions of an NDA alliance victory in the Maharashtra elections, helped stabilise sentiment. Nifty closed 2.39 per cent higher at 23,907.25 and Sensex closed 2.54 per cent higher at 79,117. Due to this rise, Nifty and Sensex rallied by 1.45 per cent and 1.78 per cent, respectively on a weekly basis. This rally saw participation from all sectors except energy. Realty, auto and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) contributed the most. Palka Arora Chopra, Director of Master Capital Services said, “Market sentiment was also lifted by the results of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections which hold crucial implications for both states and national politics. The stability in Maharashtra could trigger a rally in the stock market, boosting investor confidence due to the continuity of pro-business policies, especially after uncertainty following previous coalition shifts.” Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart said, “Bank Nifty remains above the 200-day moving average. 51,300 to 52,000 are important resistance levels. If it breaks then 52,600 to 53,300 will be a higher resistance level.” Chopra further said, “During the week, Nifty closed in the green above 23,900. 24,100 is going to be a key resistance level for the National Stock Exchange (NSE) benchmark. If the index goes above this level then it can go up to 24,500. 23,700 is an important support level. If it breaks, then it can go up to 23,400.”