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Valparaiso hires longtime Marietta coach Andy Waddle to take over its football program
Two Austin softball stars sign with colleges
NASCAR: Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin Slam Truck Series Rule Shake-UpThe City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”
However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.
Stanford and California meet for the first time as Atlantic Coast Conference rivals when each tries to prove its impressive non-league record is no fluke on Saturday afternoon in Berkeley, Calif. Stanford (7-2) took last year's season series 2-1, but the clubs were so evenly matched -- the Cardinal won 14 games, the Golden Bears 13 -- it took overtime at the final Pacific-12 Conference tournament to determine the rivalry winner. The teams enter their first meeting this season with the same number of losses, but Cal (6-2) has had the edge in strength of schedule. The Golden Bears were invited to play in the SEC/ACC Challenge, in which they squandered a second-half lead en route to a 98-93 loss at Missouri. Cal's only other loss also came on the road at a Southeastern Conference site, an 85-69 setback at Vanderbilt on Nov. 13. Meanwhile, Stanford has played seven of its nine games at home and hasn't left the state of California. The Cardinal were beaten by Grand Canyon at a neutral site on Nov. 26 before getting shocked at home by Cal Poly last Saturday. This Saturday's matchup is the first since Andrej Stojakovic, Stanford's prize recruit last year, transferred to Cal after just one season. The son of former NBA standout Peja Stojakovic leads the Golden Bears in scoring at 18.8 points per game. Andrej Stojakovic has averaged 31.9 minutes per game for Cal after getting just 22.3 per game as a freshman at Stanford a season ago. He said anticipating that type of greater opportunity prompted his move across the San Francisco Bay. "I thought that when I played a large amount of minutes (last season), I performed to what I was expected to do from the staff and the program," he noted. "But just going into Cal and having a more consistent role and having the confidence instilled from the staff has been huge so far." Stanford returned just one of its top seven scorers from last season, but that was center Maxime Raynaud. The preseason All-ACC selection is averaging 22.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, with double-doubles in eight of nine outings. He had two double-doubles and a pair of 20-point games against Cal last season. Duke transfer Jaylen Blakes offered a unique perspective on his first Stanford-Cal experience. "Every ACC game is going to be a challenge," he claimed. "(Cal is) a rivalry game, but we are just trying to get a win." --Field Level Media
By Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Related Articles Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patient financing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.AS the world rapidly evolves through technological advancements, leadership is undergoing a transformative shift. No longer confined to traditional methods of management and decision-making, leaders in the digital era must adapt to a landscape defined by innovation, connectivity and agility. I just finished conducting a training about "Leadership and Management in the Digital Era" for a local government unit in Mindanao. Here are some of the key insights I shared during the training. Leadership in the digital perspective begins with vision. Digital leaders must anticipate future trends, align technology with organizational goals, and create a roadmap for transformation. This involves understanding emerging technologies and foreseeing how they can reshape the organization and its services. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
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There’s a boom coming. Bitcoin has arrived, and its price is setting records. Artificial intelligence (AI) is hot. And the American people just elected a president with a deregulatory mindset. All the ingredients are there. If everything is handled right, America will soon embark on a period of extended wealth creation rarely seen in modern history. For that to occur, a few things must happen, starting with the government staying largely out of the way. That’s hard to do since people rely on government to keep the currency and other mediums of exchange stable. It’s also supposed to root out and protect against fraudsters who take advantage of the hype surrounding any innovative technology to prey on unsuspecting, naïve investors looking to, as the saying goes, “Get rich quick.” None of that has to be tossed overboard in pursuit of the newest “new economy.” As we move forward with the integration of crypto technology into the global financial system and overlay AI onto the manufacturing sector, caveat emptor — Let the buyer beware — is still a sound strategy for everyone. The better the industry educates the American public about what digital tokens are, how to tell the good from the bad, and how they can be used to transform commerce, the more quickly it will be adopted widely. The same goes for AI, which, up to now, is still talked about as though it were part of a science fiction future where computers dominate humankind. What people don’t know or are choosing to ignore is that AI is already being used — to significant effect — in healthcare, energy and manufacturing, leading to lower costs, increased efficiency and driving breakthroughs that benefit us all. The Mayo Clinic says AI is already improving the quality of preventive screenings, diagnoses and treatments, particularly for cancer patients who are experiencing improved outcomes. Bitcoin is also making healthcare better, at least IBM thinks it does. The company has used blockchain, the technology that makes cryptocurrency viable as a transferable store of value, to make health data systems for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention better and safer. Accenture and Shell have partnered to use crypto technology to develop an airline booking system for American Express where business travelers can choose to reduce their carbon footprint by quickly matching them with flights that use cleaner fuel. There are groups out there, like the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), that are working to share information and best practices and educate consumers about the benefits of broader adoption of blockchain. They’re also working to combat misinformation and address the general lack of understanding at the end-user level regarding crypto. Blockchain seems to have a leg up on AI in this regard, but that’s perhaps because it’s been around longer. Nevertheless, the rules of the road are still being written. Gary Gensler, the crypto skeptic who served as chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under President Joe Biden, announced recently he’d be stepping down at the end of the current administration. Donald Trump can now replace him with someone friendly to crypto who can promulgate a set of rules that will allow America to close the gap that its regulatory inaction has created with nations like China, which are much further down the road on digital finance. There is growing recognition that a similar effort needs to be made with AI so that the public better understands how it works. The American Association of Retired Persons is one group that recently launched a major initiative, but more needs to be done. Groups like it and the NCA can and should take the lead in educating the public about these technologies, how they work, and why they are worth paying attention to. Modern technologies are for everyone, not a select few. Increasing awareness and education will help us better leverage these technologies from both a practical and policy perspective and will open the door for safe and beneficial mass adoption. We need to bring the public along instead of frightening them. Peter Roff is a media fellow at the Trans-Atlantic Leadership Network, a former columnist for U.S. News & World Report and senior political writer for United Press International. Contact Roff at RoffColumns@gmail.com .
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be "a little more challenging" than the last time he was in the White House. Speaking at an event put on by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau said that's because Trump's team is coming in with a much clearer set of ideas of what they want to do right away than after his first election win in 2016. Even still, Trudeau said the answer is not to panic and said Canada can rally together to address the tough scenario the nation will face following Trump's inauguration in January. Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico, if the two nations do not beef up their borders to his satisfaction. On the weekend, Trump appeared in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," where the president-elect said he can't guarantee the tariffs won't raise prices for U.S. consumers but that eventually tariffs will "make us rich." "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," he said. Trudeau warned that steep tariffs could be "devastating for the Canadian economy" and cause "just horrific losses in all of our communities," and that Trump's approach is to introduce "a bit of chaos" to destabilize his negotiating partners. But he also said that Canada exports a range of goods to the U.S., from steel and aluminum to crude oil and agricultural commodities, all of which would get more expensive and mean real hardship for Americans at the same time. "For years, Americans have been paying more for their homes than they should because of unjust tariffs on softwood lumber. Maybe this level of tariffs will actually have them realize that this is something they are doing to themselves," Trudeau said. "Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive." Experts, including Canada's former top trade negotiator Steve Verheul, have warned the country needs to be ready to respond if Trump goes through with his tariff threats. The prime minister said his government is still mulling over "the right ways" to respond, referencing Canada's calculated approach when Trump hit Canada with steel and aluminum tariffs. "It was the fact that we put tariffs on bourbon and Harley-Davidsons and playing cards and Heinz ketchup and cherries and a number of other things that were very carefully targeted because they were politically impactful to the president's party and colleagues," he said. That's how Canada was able to "punch back in a way that was actually felt by Americans," he added. Trudeau also said the country needs to rally together and work past its political differences. He offered up some rare words of praise for Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe — a frequent political thorn in his side and "no big fan of mine" — as one of Canada's strongest voices during that tumultuous time period when NAFTA was under threat. "His voice with governors down south, his making the case for Canadian workers and Canadian trade in a way that complemented the arguments that we were making, did a better job of showing what Canadian unity was and (what) Canada's negotiating position could be to a United States that has a political system that is incredibly fractured and fractious," Trudeau said. On Sunday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said "every single Conservative would tell every single American" that tariffs on Canada would be a bad idea — and also took time to bill Trudeau as a weak leader. One member of his caucus, Conservative MP Jamil Jivani, said he had dinner with incoming vice-president JD Vance and British Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch over the weekend in Arlington, Va. He said it's crucial right now to be building "strong relationships with our allies." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press, Kelly Geraldine Malone and Rosa Saba in Toronto Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press1. A trifold touchscreen LED mirror because you're used to the magnificent lighting in your bathroom at home, and the dorm lighting simply won't do. This mirror has two magnifying glass plates, making it easy to notice when your winged eyeliner isn't winged enough. You'll emerge with your usual *flawless lewk.* See why one college student on TikTok says this is an essential! Promising review: "I use this in my college dorm and it is perfect! It always has the best lighting, and all my friends ask to use it ." — Emma Price: $23.99+ (available in five colors) 2. A portable lockbox complete with a chain that you can secure to your bike, backpack, or bench at the football games. You can fit your car keys, cellphone, cash, GoPro camera, or even your medicine inside for safekeeping at college events or soccer practice. Promising review: "This item was purchased for my son for college so he could keep his small items like keys, money, and smartphone safe in his dorm room. The case seems very secure and is the perfect size to fit at least all these items and maybe a few more. It comes with a secure strap and easy lock. My son loves it, and mom feels better about his valuables being safely stored!" — HHart Price: $22.54+ (available in two colors) 3. A door-hanging ironing board you can hang on your dorm room door and can double as a place to fold your clothes, too. Promising reviews: "Compact, versatile, utilitarian, well built, and will stand the test of time. Love it, 5 stars. Loved everything about it, especially its compactness and that it's always ready for use without having to lift the old ironing board from the garage." — Johnny "Living in a one-bedroom apartment with limited space, this is a must-have. No tools are required, and don't need screws or anything. Latches for door width are a bit big, so it does kind of move around a bit, making small bumping noises, but this door I have is on the smaller side. Regardless, that could easily be corrected on my end by placing some foam or cloth in the extra space. This was definitely worth the buy. Now I can iron my slacks before work to make the best impression." — Rhi A. Price: $36.04 4. A pack of USB bed lifts to take your dorm bed to new heights while maximizing the limited space you have. Now that you're off the ground and on a pedestal, you'll have extra space to store things underneath, and an extra spot to plug in your laptop, lamp, and chargers. Look at you being efficient. Promising review: "I used the 5-inch risers on a twin-size and full-size bed. Both were comfortable and very stable. No issues with the risers moving at all. If needed, I have the option of stacking the 3-inch on the 5-inch for more height. So versatile and easy to use." — Deb Price: $16.99 for a set of four 5. A pair of ultra-plush and fluffy slippers — just because you're not at home doesn't mean you're not still royalty. You just aced chem, and you deserve to literally walk on a cloud with each step you take. Cue your theme song: "I'm walking on sunshine... and don't it feel good!" And, according to 17,000+ 5-star reviews, it indeed does. Promising review: "I love these slippers. They are soft and comfy and have rubber bottoms, so if you need to run outside to let the dog pee or grab a food delivery, they are good — and because they are 'open-toe' and fit for a bit of a wider foot, it gives breathing room where your feet don't get too hot in the summer months (with working from home, I find if I wear close-toed slippers, my feet get muggy and gross) — so these shoes are literally the shoes I wear every day when I am at home. I have them in gray, but thinking of getting them in another color because I love them so much!" — Jill Price: $9.99+ (available in sizes 4.5–10.5 and in 15 colors and prints) 6. A unique LED clock in case your brain is mush after surviving finals week and you just can't do math anymore. This clock will tell you exactly what time it is but with words. This prestige clock has almost 6,000 5-star reviews. Promising review: "It's a beautiful, creative piece that really complements my desk. It's super easy to set up — wonderfully simple, really. It's smaller than I expected, but I think it actually works better as a desk piece this way. As a wall mount, it may be a little small to work effectively (it could be hard to read from far away and wouldn't take up much space as decor on a blank wall). The design is genius, though. It's such a fun, innovative clock and work of art." — Addison Morris Price: $28.99 (available in two colors and two sizes) 7. A Bluetooth karaoke microphone so you can let the celebration begin with a resident hall karaoke night. Let's finalize your setlist — are we leaning toward old-school classics or new bops? More than 49,000 reviewers gave this karaoke microphone a 5-star rating! Promising review: "I've been eyeballing a Bluetooth karaoke mic for a while and finally found the one I wanted. Too many pretty colors to choose from. Space Gray resonated the most so I bought that. I tried it for the first time. It works well. I prefer using YouTube for karaoke when I choose my songs. The speaker on the mic is not very loud. So, for parties I hook up to an aux cable so I can connect it to my JBL Bluetooth speaker . Much louder! So that's how you can turn up the volume. Use an aux cable . Great value for the price, though. It was a hit at my party!" — Jen Price: $19.99 (available in 14 colors) 8. A pack of Paper Mate felt tip pens reviewers highly recommend not just for note taking but for coloring, too. Give your mind a break and get your doodle on. These pens have received more than 48,000 5-star reviews . Promising review: "Intended for a Gratitude Journal, and they work great! They have a similar glide to thin Sharpies but without bleeding through pages. I like to journal with what people call 'Bible pens' because I don't like it when ink bleeds through paper. This is equivalent to Bible highlighters. My penmanship is tiny, and I really love the colors and tip of these pens." — iCKEST "LOVE THESE PENS!!! I bought two sets of the 12-count packs, one for myself and one for my boyfriend's 15-year-old daughter. We do a lot of coloring in our home, and these are PERFECT for us!" — Glee Price: $19.99 for a pack of 24 9. A Keurig coffee maker reviewers say would be perfect for a college student's dorm. Not only can you have a fresh cup of coffee at your fingertips, but it'll also cut down on what could amount to costly trips to the nearest coffee shop. Even student-store coffees add up. Promising review: "The Keurig itself is fantastic! The device is very easy to set up, doesn't take up much space, and is extremely intuitive to use. Honestly, you don't even need the power button to use this Keurig. It's just throw in a pod, press the 'K', and wait approximately a minute and a half, and you're good to go. I've used about 10 pods now, and just recently did my first cycle of clean water through the system and it looked and tasted just fine! I'm very impressed with how fantastic this Keurig is, even though it's considered the 'entry-level' or 'beginner' Keurig. This would be perfect for someone in a college dorm or someone who just doesn't need all the bells and whistles other K-Pod brewers have. " — Tim McArthur Price: $58+ (originally $99.99, available in six colors) Even better, you can buy these reusable K-cups and fill them with the coffee of your choice. 10. Or, a compact cold brew maker you can slide into your mini fridge to prepare your coffee the night before so you can grab it, pour it in your tumbler, and go in the morning. 42,000+ reviewers gave this cold brew maker a 5-star rating! Promising review: "I’m new to the cold brew world, but this made my life a lot easier. It makes enough coffee for me to have a 6-oz. coffee every day for about a week. Don’t forget you don’t need that much cold coffee to begin with since it’s a pretty strong flavor, so this pitcher will last you a long time in the fridge. Stayed tasty for two weeks in my fridge." — A. Hizam Price: $19.94+ (available in two sizes and two colors) 11. A milk frother so you can make an Insta-worthy cup of coffee that'll put your local barista to shame. You may never buy a cup of coffee again. Who am I kidding? You definitely will, but on days when you don't have time to make it to the campus cafe before class, you can get really close. A whopping 53k+ reviewers gave this milk frother a 5-star rating! Promising review: "OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I've already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life . This comes highly recommended." — Michelle Pirestani Price: $19.99 (available in 42 colors) 12. A pair of horizontal glasses to help you watch TV, play games, and more without having to contort to an uncomfortable position. Plus, they prevent neck and eye strain! Now, you can fulfill your dreams of moving as little as possible all winter break. These glasses are great for everyone, but especially for people who are bedridden. That's why more than 2,000 reviewers gave these specs a 5-star review! Promising review: "I didn't know what I was missing until I used this. My life is now complete. If you enjoy comfort and lazy marathon-watching but don't care how ridiculous you look wearing these, then you have found Nirvana. My glasses fit in these just fine. Takes a minute to get used to, and then it becomes your reason to live. Expect people to laugh at you, but forgive them for they know not what they are missing." — Michael Boyd Price: $12.58 13. A plush, double-sided shaggy faux-fur duvet set because, after a long day, you deserve to sink into your own personal cloud. With faux fur on one side and velvet on the other, you'll be able to flip back and forth between two dreamy comfort options. This bedding set has more than 6,000 5-star reviews! 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 is seriously so cozy and well-made. My only complaint would be how hard thing 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 pompom fringe is adorable." — Sk Price: $51.99+ (available in sizes twin–king and 29 colors) 14. A weighted sleep mask designed to work similarly to a weighted blanket by providing a slight pressure that'll mold to the shape of your face to promote good sleep. Your eyes have read countless chapters of textbooks; it's time to rest now. This weighted sleeping mask has more than 1,600 5-star ratings! Promising review: " If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. This is so soothing — perfect weight, blacks out any/all light, and puts me right to sleep. I don’t know how I ever slept without it." — Mindy MacDonald "It’s like a hug for your head. Completely blocks out light. It can be used wrapped around your head and tightened. But because I am a side sleeper, I just lay it across my head using the seams to place two of the sections across my eyes while the rest lays over my head. I cannot stress HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS! If I could give it 6 stars, I would. " — Just Me Price: $34 (available in six colors) 15. A gel nail polish kit to help you maintain your gel manicure even when your campus is tucked away on a hill where there's no nail shop nearby. *Cue TikTok sound* Nobody's gonna know — how would they know? This gel kit is cherished by the 8k+ reviewers who gave it a 5-star rating! Promising review: "This is my first UV-cure gel polish kit and I don’t know why I didn’t buy this sooner! As soon as I received it, I immediately tried five of the six included colors, and they are gorgeous!! I did have to do two coats of the lightest pink for coverage and cured each coat for 60 seconds per the included instructions. I’m so pleased with everything else included. Goodbye, smudged, regular-polish, lasts-one-day manicures forever!" — AZ mama Price: $28.99+ (available in 10 color sets) 16. A cottagecore color-shifting mushroom light to add a whimsical touch to your space and a little added comfort when you're missing home. More than 8,000 reviewers gave this adorable night light a 5-star rating. Promising review: "I LOVE this night-light. It's in my bathroom and is a lovely addition. It turns off the second the lights go on which is nice that I don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Super cute and the little itty-bitty lighting element does a good job lighting, just enough so I don't have to turn the main lights on in the middle of the night." — 1Thand Price: $5.99 17. A pair of 2nd Gen AirPods Pro with active noise-cancellation, spatial audio, three silicone tips for a customized fit, and over 24 hours of listening time with the included case. These give you a *ton* of bang for your buck. Promising review: "I bought these going into it 'I’m going to hate them.' But these have surpassed every expectation I had. These sound crystal clear when listening to music, social media, and on calls . The quality alone is so nice! And the features, immerse (you can listen around you), adaptive (it’ll block out white noise and annoying sounds), and noise cancellation (you can’t hear just about anything around you,) it’s so wild. These things aren’t even that tight in my ears, but it’s like you put noise cancellation on, and it shuts off the outside world. I have this as a mechanic, and it’s just white noise everywhere. With these in, it’s so comfortable walking around the shop, having earplugs in essentially. Also, the battery life is great. I charged it fully when I got them, and it’s lasted me a week on the case. I have my headphones in for around 6 hours at work, listening to social media. I probably take them out to charge them walking around the shop or going on break, and I’ve never seen the buds go below 80% after hours of listing, tbh, which is kinda wild. For the price, it’s worth every dollar and more. And to connect to your phone, it’s as easy as just opening the case and done." — Ethan Scott Price: $189.99 18. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets made of a super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that over 250,000 5-star reviewers (wow!) love for being cozy and sleeping surprisingly cool — at an unbeatable price! Those dorm beds aren't looking too shabby now. Promising reviews: "I can't say enough good things about these sheets. I was waking up at night HOT all the time and thinking it was a physical thing for me personally. I was reading online and stumbled on these and thought, 'Hmmm...wonder if my uber-expensive sheets are actually making me hot at night??' I ordered these, and I'm sleeping like a baby now. No more night sweats. Ordering some for my son as well. Game changer! High quality and exceptional price." — J. Marshall "Was gifted a twin set years ago and bought these when I changed beds because they were so great! I used the other set all through college, and they still look so nice. I've never had an issue with any stains or oily marks. Very easy to care for. Very soft, not heavy, but can get a little stuffy with a duvet in summer. I use these year round." — seabritt Price: $29.71+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 40 colors and patterns) 19. A 32-inch Insignia Fire TV for in-room entertainment that you can share with your roomie. Grab some popcorn and gather around for a marathon-watching session of Never Have I Ever. Some apps on the TV may require a paid subscription, like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, but there are still tons of apps with free content, too. Promising review: "The TV is so great for a dorm room because of its size. The quality of the TV is so good, the sound and graphics are so well developed. Also, you have Alexa, and I use this all the time. I love this TV so much." — Eliza Price: $89.99 20. Or, an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K if you already have a TV and now need the power to stream. For those days when you're not in the mood to socialize in the quad and would much rather hibernate in your dorm, you can catch up on your favorite shows, movies, and music at the push of a button. Promising review: "After our Apple TV gave out on us, we were on the search for another, but OH MY, how expensive they are! We decided to try the Fire Stick, and I honestly think it is better than our Apple TV. Setting it up was a breeze, and there’s no tangled mess of wires behind the TV anymore! It is so easy to figure out how it works, and they provide so many different channels and streaming options! The remote looks like the Apple TV remote but with some great added features. B ut the biggest thing that gives this product a 5-star rating is the price. It is worth every penny! If you’re trying to find your next smart TV investment, this is it! " — Hailey Wells Price: $49.99 21. A 24-pack of pastel BIC mechanical pencils ideal for heavy writers, note-takers, or anyone planning on taking statistics next semester. They write dark for crisp and clean notes but erase easily! Promising review: "The pencils write smoothly, and you get a good amount for the value of money. They are easy to use and come with enough lead in them. The grip on the pencils allows me to write for a while without any issues. And the eraser overall erases all the mistakes like they were never there in the first place." — Symone Price: $8 for a pack of 24 22. A slim rolling laundry basket to help make ~laundry day~ a little easier. It's so thin it can easily slide into little gaps of (rare) available space in your dorm room. Promising review: "We needed something small for space saving but also wheels for ease of moving it to the laundry facility in the dorm. This works for both. She can't go weeks without doing laundry; it isn't that big. However, she doesn't have room for a lot of laundry in her dorm room, either (the smallest dorm room I have ever seen). This is perfect for what she needs. " — Angels4angels Price: $15.98+ (available in three sizes and six colors) 23. A highly-rated pair of high-waisted leggings because they have pockets (!!!), they're super soft, they're not see-through, and you'll want to wear them ALL the time. They're great for gym sessions, going on coffee runs with your roommates, and movie nights in your dorm. Promising review: "I LOVE these yoga pants. They feel like they let my skin breathe, unlike some of the others I own....in case you’re wondering, they aren’t see-through. I did pay attention to another review about washing instructions, which I thought might be a deal breaker, but I gave them a shot. I have had no issues when washing on gentle and air drying. Now that I’ve given them a few wash-and-wear test runs, I need to order more. One pair is not enough. " — V. H. Price: $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 20 colors) 24. A LONDONTOWN Illuminating Nail Concealer ready to create the illusion of a ~just left the salon~ mani without having to leave campus. Brush on a coat or two before heading out to your event, and no one will be the wiser. Promising review: "As much as I would love to have nice, manicured nails, I don’t spend money on manicures. Gels are damaging, and regular manicures last a couple of days before peeling. I get regular pedicures because they last, but my hands have looked pretty unkempt for much of my adult life until now. I was definitely skeptical that this polish could be any different from one of the countless neutral Essie shades out there that I’ve tried since the '90s — Ballet Slippers, Light as Linen, etc. — but I decided to give the milky shade a try, and I’m so glad I did!!! My nails look incredible. I’m not even sure how to describe why but they look very natural and clean. It’s been a week of wearing two coats, and there isn’t one bubble or lift forming on the edges. One coat actually looks great, also. I am sold on this stuff. Hopefully, it will never be discontinued. So so happy." — Jann Price: $14+ (available in five colors) 25. An eight-piece bath towel set designed with a convenient loop at the corner that you can easily hang on your hall's bathroom hook. Promising review: "These are the softest towels in the house. They have a loop for hanging if that's the way you want to hang them. I didn't find them to have an excess of lint after washing. Of course, they had a fair amount, but that's always expected when washing towels for the first time. The color (yellow) is a beautiful soft yellow, not a bright neon yellow." — quiltmaker Price: $39.95 (available in 12 colors) 26. A tea mug complete with an infuser and lid that has everything you need to keep you warm and cozy during the winter semester. It'll come in handy on sick days, too, when you're missing the comfort of home. Promising review: "I already love this mug! It’s comfortable to hold. I love the size! This is big enough to give me the amount of tea I want. Plus if I want to add creamer or milk, it all fits in this mug! I also love the size of the strainer. And having it with the mug and the lid just makes having a cup of tea even easier. It feels sturdy and good in the hand. The handle is large enough to fit all four of my fingers through, which is sometimes hard to find. Yup, love this mug! Now, I will be looking into getting a few more for when friends come over!" — Quin Price: $17.59+ (available in six colors) 27. And a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air and help revive your sore throat or stuffy nose during cold and flu season. Reviewers note that it helped them get better sleep, too. Promising review: "It's very quiet. The vapor lasted me overnight! I’m in love with it! I’m using it for my dorm and it helps me sleep a lot better. I would recommend it!! :)" — Jennifer Luong Price: $59.97 (available in three colors) 28. A pair of high-fidelity earplugs , as seen on Shark Tank, that reviewers say has far surpassed the music festival test. You can protect your ears and still jam to your favorite band without sacrificing sound quality. Or, you can take your much-needed nap and tune out the noise of the campus celebrating the end of another semester. It also comes with a compact carrying case and different tip sizes so you can get the perfect fit for your ear. #WIN Promising review: "This is the third pair of Vibes that I've ordered for myself, for my partner, and for my mother-in-law, who has tinnitus. They are excellent quality and I've had my first pair for almost two years of constant use. I attend a lot of very loud concerts and music festivals and really didn't start caring for my hearing until I bought these (terrible, I know). I had previously only used those foam ear plugs, which damper the sound and make you sacrifice a lot of the nuances of music when wearing them. The Vibes are comfortable enough to wear for an entire day of music, and you can still hear everything perfectly. It's like having a volume control knob for real life! I wish that I could afford to buy 1,000 pairs and just hand them out at concerts to everyone. My MIL, who has tinnitus, has been able to enjoy live musicals and concerts that would have previously caused her a lot of pain and exacerbated her hearing issues. I really hope this company stays around for the rest of my life because it will always be my first choice for earplugs. (Kid, take care of your hearing, please!)" — Matthew Price: $28.95 Read our full review on Vibes earplugs here . 29. A pack of rosé eye gels (that are best when served cold) to combat environmental stressors that can take a toll on your skin (like winter finals 🥴). The eye gels are formulated with resveratrol (from grapes), strawberry extract, and hyaluronic acid to give the skin under your eye a punch of hydration. Promising review: "These have become my absolute favorite part of my early morning not-getting-good-sleep routine. They are so cooling and refreshing, even if they haven’t been in the fridge. These are a staple in my travel bag!" — Babes Morman Price: $12.50 for five pairs 30. An eyebrow sculpting gel and wax combo that's *vegan and cruelty-free* to force your brows into submission so no one has to question your expressions throughout the day. Promising reviews: "Okay, so when I first got it, I was like, oh, they didn’t send me the other half (the brow brush), so I just used the product with the brush inside. Then I realized you’re supposed to pull the cap, and the other brush is under there. But as for the product, ooooooooooh boy, she is amazing! It is an amazing price, an amazing product. We love a deal!!! They looked great after 5 hours and included a nap. They stayed snatched." — Amazon Customer "I love this product more than any expensive on-brand one I’ve tried, such as the Refy brand! I get so many compliments about my brows when I use this product!✨🤩🤩" — Gillian Melton Price: $9.98 31. A galaxy light projector if you want a dorm that's so cool it's practically *out of this world.* Don't be surprised when everyone wants to come hang out in your room. Promising reviews: "Bought this for my college-age daughter to use in her dorm. She loves it! Enough white noise to drown out dorm noises, and she and her friends think the lights are cool when they have movie night or whatever." — c elkins "Loved the different modes, the option to have movement or make it still, and the variations are great. Speaker capability is a plus. Turned my son’s college apartment bedroom into the tranquil place he wanted . Perfect vibe. Great price point." — Delana6655 Price: $33.99 (available in two colors) 32. A hypoallergenic, waterproof mattress protector because you don't know your dorm mattress's past. Better safe than sorry! Allergy sufferers will find this protector especially useful as it protects against dust mites and other allergens. Promising review: "I have this on my dorm mattress at college. It works really well at keeping the allergens in the mattress and out of my nose. I have allergies to dust and mold, so I was quite worried about sleeping on a grungy dorm bed. This has worked quite well, and I would highly recommend it." — Vicki L H. Price: $35.99+ (available in six sizes). 33. A *leak-proof* Simple Modern tumbler that is *thee* insulated tumbler you've probably seen begin to infiltrate the campus after going viral on TikTok. Reviewers say it's not only a top-tier tumbler option, but it's also half the price of some of the more popular brands. Promising review: "Obsessed with this one! Had the Classic 28-ounce tumbler that lasted for over two years and decided it was time to let go and get a bigger one. For the longest I struggled to decide between Simple Modern and Stanley, so glad I stayed with this brand! Not only is it cheaper, I love solid matte black anything and everything, so this is just perfect! Keeps my water cold for hours and fits in my car cup holder. " — Allyza Rafols Price: $22.49 (available in 42 colors). 34. A cozy loungewear sweats set with a half-zip pullover and comfy joggers to give you an easy but stylish everyday 'fit. Second to getting an A on your final essay, there are few things better than throwing on a comfy set and chillin' in the success of your semester. Promising review: "This is a high-quality material with a perfect oversized fit. It’s nice and thick, and the fabric is super soft inside and outside. Super cozy for cold weather." — Catherine Duncan Price: $38.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 18 colors). What you say to yourself when your treats arrive in the mail: Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Valparaiso hires longtime Marietta coach Andy Waddle to take over its football program
Two Austin softball stars sign with colleges
NASCAR: Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin Slam Truck Series Rule Shake-UpThe City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”
However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.
Stanford and California meet for the first time as Atlantic Coast Conference rivals when each tries to prove its impressive non-league record is no fluke on Saturday afternoon in Berkeley, Calif. Stanford (7-2) took last year's season series 2-1, but the clubs were so evenly matched -- the Cardinal won 14 games, the Golden Bears 13 -- it took overtime at the final Pacific-12 Conference tournament to determine the rivalry winner. The teams enter their first meeting this season with the same number of losses, but Cal (6-2) has had the edge in strength of schedule. The Golden Bears were invited to play in the SEC/ACC Challenge, in which they squandered a second-half lead en route to a 98-93 loss at Missouri. Cal's only other loss also came on the road at a Southeastern Conference site, an 85-69 setback at Vanderbilt on Nov. 13. Meanwhile, Stanford has played seven of its nine games at home and hasn't left the state of California. The Cardinal were beaten by Grand Canyon at a neutral site on Nov. 26 before getting shocked at home by Cal Poly last Saturday. This Saturday's matchup is the first since Andrej Stojakovic, Stanford's prize recruit last year, transferred to Cal after just one season. The son of former NBA standout Peja Stojakovic leads the Golden Bears in scoring at 18.8 points per game. Andrej Stojakovic has averaged 31.9 minutes per game for Cal after getting just 22.3 per game as a freshman at Stanford a season ago. He said anticipating that type of greater opportunity prompted his move across the San Francisco Bay. "I thought that when I played a large amount of minutes (last season), I performed to what I was expected to do from the staff and the program," he noted. "But just going into Cal and having a more consistent role and having the confidence instilled from the staff has been huge so far." Stanford returned just one of its top seven scorers from last season, but that was center Maxime Raynaud. The preseason All-ACC selection is averaging 22.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, with double-doubles in eight of nine outings. He had two double-doubles and a pair of 20-point games against Cal last season. Duke transfer Jaylen Blakes offered a unique perspective on his first Stanford-Cal experience. "Every ACC game is going to be a challenge," he claimed. "(Cal is) a rivalry game, but we are just trying to get a win." --Field Level Media
By Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Related Articles Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patient financing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.AS the world rapidly evolves through technological advancements, leadership is undergoing a transformative shift. No longer confined to traditional methods of management and decision-making, leaders in the digital era must adapt to a landscape defined by innovation, connectivity and agility. I just finished conducting a training about "Leadership and Management in the Digital Era" for a local government unit in Mindanao. Here are some of the key insights I shared during the training. Leadership in the digital perspective begins with vision. Digital leaders must anticipate future trends, align technology with organizational goals, and create a roadmap for transformation. This involves understanding emerging technologies and foreseeing how they can reshape the organization and its services. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
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There’s a boom coming. Bitcoin has arrived, and its price is setting records. Artificial intelligence (AI) is hot. And the American people just elected a president with a deregulatory mindset. All the ingredients are there. If everything is handled right, America will soon embark on a period of extended wealth creation rarely seen in modern history. For that to occur, a few things must happen, starting with the government staying largely out of the way. That’s hard to do since people rely on government to keep the currency and other mediums of exchange stable. It’s also supposed to root out and protect against fraudsters who take advantage of the hype surrounding any innovative technology to prey on unsuspecting, naïve investors looking to, as the saying goes, “Get rich quick.” None of that has to be tossed overboard in pursuit of the newest “new economy.” As we move forward with the integration of crypto technology into the global financial system and overlay AI onto the manufacturing sector, caveat emptor — Let the buyer beware — is still a sound strategy for everyone. The better the industry educates the American public about what digital tokens are, how to tell the good from the bad, and how they can be used to transform commerce, the more quickly it will be adopted widely. The same goes for AI, which, up to now, is still talked about as though it were part of a science fiction future where computers dominate humankind. What people don’t know or are choosing to ignore is that AI is already being used — to significant effect — in healthcare, energy and manufacturing, leading to lower costs, increased efficiency and driving breakthroughs that benefit us all. The Mayo Clinic says AI is already improving the quality of preventive screenings, diagnoses and treatments, particularly for cancer patients who are experiencing improved outcomes. Bitcoin is also making healthcare better, at least IBM thinks it does. The company has used blockchain, the technology that makes cryptocurrency viable as a transferable store of value, to make health data systems for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention better and safer. Accenture and Shell have partnered to use crypto technology to develop an airline booking system for American Express where business travelers can choose to reduce their carbon footprint by quickly matching them with flights that use cleaner fuel. There are groups out there, like the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), that are working to share information and best practices and educate consumers about the benefits of broader adoption of blockchain. They’re also working to combat misinformation and address the general lack of understanding at the end-user level regarding crypto. Blockchain seems to have a leg up on AI in this regard, but that’s perhaps because it’s been around longer. Nevertheless, the rules of the road are still being written. Gary Gensler, the crypto skeptic who served as chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under President Joe Biden, announced recently he’d be stepping down at the end of the current administration. Donald Trump can now replace him with someone friendly to crypto who can promulgate a set of rules that will allow America to close the gap that its regulatory inaction has created with nations like China, which are much further down the road on digital finance. There is growing recognition that a similar effort needs to be made with AI so that the public better understands how it works. The American Association of Retired Persons is one group that recently launched a major initiative, but more needs to be done. Groups like it and the NCA can and should take the lead in educating the public about these technologies, how they work, and why they are worth paying attention to. Modern technologies are for everyone, not a select few. Increasing awareness and education will help us better leverage these technologies from both a practical and policy perspective and will open the door for safe and beneficial mass adoption. We need to bring the public along instead of frightening them. Peter Roff is a media fellow at the Trans-Atlantic Leadership Network, a former columnist for U.S. News & World Report and senior political writer for United Press International. Contact Roff at RoffColumns@gmail.com .
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be "a little more challenging" than the last time he was in the White House. Speaking at an event put on by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau said that's because Trump's team is coming in with a much clearer set of ideas of what they want to do right away than after his first election win in 2016. Even still, Trudeau said the answer is not to panic and said Canada can rally together to address the tough scenario the nation will face following Trump's inauguration in January. Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico, if the two nations do not beef up their borders to his satisfaction. On the weekend, Trump appeared in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," where the president-elect said he can't guarantee the tariffs won't raise prices for U.S. consumers but that eventually tariffs will "make us rich." "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," he said. Trudeau warned that steep tariffs could be "devastating for the Canadian economy" and cause "just horrific losses in all of our communities," and that Trump's approach is to introduce "a bit of chaos" to destabilize his negotiating partners. But he also said that Canada exports a range of goods to the U.S., from steel and aluminum to crude oil and agricultural commodities, all of which would get more expensive and mean real hardship for Americans at the same time. "For years, Americans have been paying more for their homes than they should because of unjust tariffs on softwood lumber. Maybe this level of tariffs will actually have them realize that this is something they are doing to themselves," Trudeau said. "Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive." Experts, including Canada's former top trade negotiator Steve Verheul, have warned the country needs to be ready to respond if Trump goes through with his tariff threats. The prime minister said his government is still mulling over "the right ways" to respond, referencing Canada's calculated approach when Trump hit Canada with steel and aluminum tariffs. "It was the fact that we put tariffs on bourbon and Harley-Davidsons and playing cards and Heinz ketchup and cherries and a number of other things that were very carefully targeted because they were politically impactful to the president's party and colleagues," he said. That's how Canada was able to "punch back in a way that was actually felt by Americans," he added. Trudeau also said the country needs to rally together and work past its political differences. He offered up some rare words of praise for Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe — a frequent political thorn in his side and "no big fan of mine" — as one of Canada's strongest voices during that tumultuous time period when NAFTA was under threat. "His voice with governors down south, his making the case for Canadian workers and Canadian trade in a way that complemented the arguments that we were making, did a better job of showing what Canadian unity was and (what) Canada's negotiating position could be to a United States that has a political system that is incredibly fractured and fractious," Trudeau said. On Sunday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said "every single Conservative would tell every single American" that tariffs on Canada would be a bad idea — and also took time to bill Trudeau as a weak leader. One member of his caucus, Conservative MP Jamil Jivani, said he had dinner with incoming vice-president JD Vance and British Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch over the weekend in Arlington, Va. He said it's crucial right now to be building "strong relationships with our allies." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press, Kelly Geraldine Malone and Rosa Saba in Toronto Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press1. A trifold touchscreen LED mirror because you're used to the magnificent lighting in your bathroom at home, and the dorm lighting simply won't do. This mirror has two magnifying glass plates, making it easy to notice when your winged eyeliner isn't winged enough. You'll emerge with your usual *flawless lewk.* See why one college student on TikTok says this is an essential! Promising review: "I use this in my college dorm and it is perfect! It always has the best lighting, and all my friends ask to use it ." — Emma Price: $23.99+ (available in five colors) 2. A portable lockbox complete with a chain that you can secure to your bike, backpack, or bench at the football games. You can fit your car keys, cellphone, cash, GoPro camera, or even your medicine inside for safekeeping at college events or soccer practice. Promising review: "This item was purchased for my son for college so he could keep his small items like keys, money, and smartphone safe in his dorm room. The case seems very secure and is the perfect size to fit at least all these items and maybe a few more. It comes with a secure strap and easy lock. My son loves it, and mom feels better about his valuables being safely stored!" — HHart Price: $22.54+ (available in two colors) 3. A door-hanging ironing board you can hang on your dorm room door and can double as a place to fold your clothes, too. Promising reviews: "Compact, versatile, utilitarian, well built, and will stand the test of time. Love it, 5 stars. Loved everything about it, especially its compactness and that it's always ready for use without having to lift the old ironing board from the garage." — Johnny "Living in a one-bedroom apartment with limited space, this is a must-have. No tools are required, and don't need screws or anything. Latches for door width are a bit big, so it does kind of move around a bit, making small bumping noises, but this door I have is on the smaller side. Regardless, that could easily be corrected on my end by placing some foam or cloth in the extra space. This was definitely worth the buy. Now I can iron my slacks before work to make the best impression." — Rhi A. Price: $36.04 4. A pack of USB bed lifts to take your dorm bed to new heights while maximizing the limited space you have. Now that you're off the ground and on a pedestal, you'll have extra space to store things underneath, and an extra spot to plug in your laptop, lamp, and chargers. Look at you being efficient. Promising review: "I used the 5-inch risers on a twin-size and full-size bed. Both were comfortable and very stable. No issues with the risers moving at all. If needed, I have the option of stacking the 3-inch on the 5-inch for more height. So versatile and easy to use." — Deb Price: $16.99 for a set of four 5. A pair of ultra-plush and fluffy slippers — just because you're not at home doesn't mean you're not still royalty. You just aced chem, and you deserve to literally walk on a cloud with each step you take. Cue your theme song: "I'm walking on sunshine... and don't it feel good!" And, according to 17,000+ 5-star reviews, it indeed does. Promising review: "I love these slippers. They are soft and comfy and have rubber bottoms, so if you need to run outside to let the dog pee or grab a food delivery, they are good — and because they are 'open-toe' and fit for a bit of a wider foot, it gives breathing room where your feet don't get too hot in the summer months (with working from home, I find if I wear close-toed slippers, my feet get muggy and gross) — so these shoes are literally the shoes I wear every day when I am at home. I have them in gray, but thinking of getting them in another color because I love them so much!" — Jill Price: $9.99+ (available in sizes 4.5–10.5 and in 15 colors and prints) 6. A unique LED clock in case your brain is mush after surviving finals week and you just can't do math anymore. This clock will tell you exactly what time it is but with words. This prestige clock has almost 6,000 5-star reviews. Promising review: "It's a beautiful, creative piece that really complements my desk. It's super easy to set up — wonderfully simple, really. It's smaller than I expected, but I think it actually works better as a desk piece this way. As a wall mount, it may be a little small to work effectively (it could be hard to read from far away and wouldn't take up much space as decor on a blank wall). The design is genius, though. It's such a fun, innovative clock and work of art." — Addison Morris Price: $28.99 (available in two colors and two sizes) 7. A Bluetooth karaoke microphone so you can let the celebration begin with a resident hall karaoke night. Let's finalize your setlist — are we leaning toward old-school classics or new bops? More than 49,000 reviewers gave this karaoke microphone a 5-star rating! Promising review: "I've been eyeballing a Bluetooth karaoke mic for a while and finally found the one I wanted. Too many pretty colors to choose from. Space Gray resonated the most so I bought that. I tried it for the first time. It works well. I prefer using YouTube for karaoke when I choose my songs. The speaker on the mic is not very loud. So, for parties I hook up to an aux cable so I can connect it to my JBL Bluetooth speaker . Much louder! So that's how you can turn up the volume. Use an aux cable . Great value for the price, though. It was a hit at my party!" — Jen Price: $19.99 (available in 14 colors) 8. A pack of Paper Mate felt tip pens reviewers highly recommend not just for note taking but for coloring, too. Give your mind a break and get your doodle on. These pens have received more than 48,000 5-star reviews . Promising review: "Intended for a Gratitude Journal, and they work great! They have a similar glide to thin Sharpies but without bleeding through pages. I like to journal with what people call 'Bible pens' because I don't like it when ink bleeds through paper. This is equivalent to Bible highlighters. My penmanship is tiny, and I really love the colors and tip of these pens." — iCKEST "LOVE THESE PENS!!! I bought two sets of the 12-count packs, one for myself and one for my boyfriend's 15-year-old daughter. We do a lot of coloring in our home, and these are PERFECT for us!" — Glee Price: $19.99 for a pack of 24 9. A Keurig coffee maker reviewers say would be perfect for a college student's dorm. Not only can you have a fresh cup of coffee at your fingertips, but it'll also cut down on what could amount to costly trips to the nearest coffee shop. Even student-store coffees add up. Promising review: "The Keurig itself is fantastic! The device is very easy to set up, doesn't take up much space, and is extremely intuitive to use. Honestly, you don't even need the power button to use this Keurig. It's just throw in a pod, press the 'K', and wait approximately a minute and a half, and you're good to go. I've used about 10 pods now, and just recently did my first cycle of clean water through the system and it looked and tasted just fine! I'm very impressed with how fantastic this Keurig is, even though it's considered the 'entry-level' or 'beginner' Keurig. This would be perfect for someone in a college dorm or someone who just doesn't need all the bells and whistles other K-Pod brewers have. " — Tim McArthur Price: $58+ (originally $99.99, available in six colors) Even better, you can buy these reusable K-cups and fill them with the coffee of your choice. 10. Or, a compact cold brew maker you can slide into your mini fridge to prepare your coffee the night before so you can grab it, pour it in your tumbler, and go in the morning. 42,000+ reviewers gave this cold brew maker a 5-star rating! Promising review: "I’m new to the cold brew world, but this made my life a lot easier. It makes enough coffee for me to have a 6-oz. coffee every day for about a week. Don’t forget you don’t need that much cold coffee to begin with since it’s a pretty strong flavor, so this pitcher will last you a long time in the fridge. Stayed tasty for two weeks in my fridge." — A. Hizam Price: $19.94+ (available in two sizes and two colors) 11. A milk frother so you can make an Insta-worthy cup of coffee that'll put your local barista to shame. You may never buy a cup of coffee again. Who am I kidding? You definitely will, but on days when you don't have time to make it to the campus cafe before class, you can get really close. A whopping 53k+ reviewers gave this milk frother a 5-star rating! Promising review: "OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I've already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life . This comes highly recommended." — Michelle Pirestani Price: $19.99 (available in 42 colors) 12. A pair of horizontal glasses to help you watch TV, play games, and more without having to contort to an uncomfortable position. Plus, they prevent neck and eye strain! Now, you can fulfill your dreams of moving as little as possible all winter break. These glasses are great for everyone, but especially for people who are bedridden. That's why more than 2,000 reviewers gave these specs a 5-star review! Promising review: "I didn't know what I was missing until I used this. My life is now complete. If you enjoy comfort and lazy marathon-watching but don't care how ridiculous you look wearing these, then you have found Nirvana. My glasses fit in these just fine. Takes a minute to get used to, and then it becomes your reason to live. Expect people to laugh at you, but forgive them for they know not what they are missing." — Michael Boyd Price: $12.58 13. A plush, double-sided shaggy faux-fur duvet set because, after a long day, you deserve to sink into your own personal cloud. With faux fur on one side and velvet on the other, you'll be able to flip back and forth between two dreamy comfort options. This bedding set has more than 6,000 5-star reviews! 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 is seriously so cozy and well-made. My only complaint would be how hard thing 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 pompom fringe is adorable." — Sk Price: $51.99+ (available in sizes twin–king and 29 colors) 14. A weighted sleep mask designed to work similarly to a weighted blanket by providing a slight pressure that'll mold to the shape of your face to promote good sleep. Your eyes have read countless chapters of textbooks; it's time to rest now. This weighted sleeping mask has more than 1,600 5-star ratings! Promising review: " If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. This is so soothing — perfect weight, blacks out any/all light, and puts me right to sleep. I don’t know how I ever slept without it." — Mindy MacDonald "It’s like a hug for your head. Completely blocks out light. It can be used wrapped around your head and tightened. But because I am a side sleeper, I just lay it across my head using the seams to place two of the sections across my eyes while the rest lays over my head. I cannot stress HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS! If I could give it 6 stars, I would. " — Just Me Price: $34 (available in six colors) 15. A gel nail polish kit to help you maintain your gel manicure even when your campus is tucked away on a hill where there's no nail shop nearby. *Cue TikTok sound* Nobody's gonna know — how would they know? This gel kit is cherished by the 8k+ reviewers who gave it a 5-star rating! Promising review: "This is my first UV-cure gel polish kit and I don’t know why I didn’t buy this sooner! As soon as I received it, I immediately tried five of the six included colors, and they are gorgeous!! I did have to do two coats of the lightest pink for coverage and cured each coat for 60 seconds per the included instructions. I’m so pleased with everything else included. Goodbye, smudged, regular-polish, lasts-one-day manicures forever!" — AZ mama Price: $28.99+ (available in 10 color sets) 16. A cottagecore color-shifting mushroom light to add a whimsical touch to your space and a little added comfort when you're missing home. More than 8,000 reviewers gave this adorable night light a 5-star rating. Promising review: "I LOVE this night-light. It's in my bathroom and is a lovely addition. It turns off the second the lights go on which is nice that I don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Super cute and the little itty-bitty lighting element does a good job lighting, just enough so I don't have to turn the main lights on in the middle of the night." — 1Thand Price: $5.99 17. A pair of 2nd Gen AirPods Pro with active noise-cancellation, spatial audio, three silicone tips for a customized fit, and over 24 hours of listening time with the included case. These give you a *ton* of bang for your buck. Promising review: "I bought these going into it 'I’m going to hate them.' But these have surpassed every expectation I had. These sound crystal clear when listening to music, social media, and on calls . The quality alone is so nice! And the features, immerse (you can listen around you), adaptive (it’ll block out white noise and annoying sounds), and noise cancellation (you can’t hear just about anything around you,) it’s so wild. These things aren’t even that tight in my ears, but it’s like you put noise cancellation on, and it shuts off the outside world. I have this as a mechanic, and it’s just white noise everywhere. With these in, it’s so comfortable walking around the shop, having earplugs in essentially. Also, the battery life is great. I charged it fully when I got them, and it’s lasted me a week on the case. I have my headphones in for around 6 hours at work, listening to social media. I probably take them out to charge them walking around the shop or going on break, and I’ve never seen the buds go below 80% after hours of listing, tbh, which is kinda wild. For the price, it’s worth every dollar and more. And to connect to your phone, it’s as easy as just opening the case and done." — Ethan Scott Price: $189.99 18. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets made of a super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that over 250,000 5-star reviewers (wow!) love for being cozy and sleeping surprisingly cool — at an unbeatable price! Those dorm beds aren't looking too shabby now. Promising reviews: "I can't say enough good things about these sheets. I was waking up at night HOT all the time and thinking it was a physical thing for me personally. I was reading online and stumbled on these and thought, 'Hmmm...wonder if my uber-expensive sheets are actually making me hot at night??' I ordered these, and I'm sleeping like a baby now. No more night sweats. Ordering some for my son as well. Game changer! High quality and exceptional price." — J. Marshall "Was gifted a twin set years ago and bought these when I changed beds because they were so great! I used the other set all through college, and they still look so nice. I've never had an issue with any stains or oily marks. Very easy to care for. Very soft, not heavy, but can get a little stuffy with a duvet in summer. I use these year round." — seabritt Price: $29.71+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 40 colors and patterns) 19. A 32-inch Insignia Fire TV for in-room entertainment that you can share with your roomie. Grab some popcorn and gather around for a marathon-watching session of Never Have I Ever. Some apps on the TV may require a paid subscription, like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, but there are still tons of apps with free content, too. Promising review: "The TV is so great for a dorm room because of its size. The quality of the TV is so good, the sound and graphics are so well developed. Also, you have Alexa, and I use this all the time. I love this TV so much." — Eliza Price: $89.99 20. Or, an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K if you already have a TV and now need the power to stream. For those days when you're not in the mood to socialize in the quad and would much rather hibernate in your dorm, you can catch up on your favorite shows, movies, and music at the push of a button. Promising review: "After our Apple TV gave out on us, we were on the search for another, but OH MY, how expensive they are! We decided to try the Fire Stick, and I honestly think it is better than our Apple TV. Setting it up was a breeze, and there’s no tangled mess of wires behind the TV anymore! It is so easy to figure out how it works, and they provide so many different channels and streaming options! The remote looks like the Apple TV remote but with some great added features. B ut the biggest thing that gives this product a 5-star rating is the price. It is worth every penny! If you’re trying to find your next smart TV investment, this is it! " — Hailey Wells Price: $49.99 21. A 24-pack of pastel BIC mechanical pencils ideal for heavy writers, note-takers, or anyone planning on taking statistics next semester. They write dark for crisp and clean notes but erase easily! Promising review: "The pencils write smoothly, and you get a good amount for the value of money. They are easy to use and come with enough lead in them. The grip on the pencils allows me to write for a while without any issues. And the eraser overall erases all the mistakes like they were never there in the first place." — Symone Price: $8 for a pack of 24 22. A slim rolling laundry basket to help make ~laundry day~ a little easier. It's so thin it can easily slide into little gaps of (rare) available space in your dorm room. Promising review: "We needed something small for space saving but also wheels for ease of moving it to the laundry facility in the dorm. This works for both. She can't go weeks without doing laundry; it isn't that big. However, she doesn't have room for a lot of laundry in her dorm room, either (the smallest dorm room I have ever seen). This is perfect for what she needs. " — Angels4angels Price: $15.98+ (available in three sizes and six colors) 23. A highly-rated pair of high-waisted leggings because they have pockets (!!!), they're super soft, they're not see-through, and you'll want to wear them ALL the time. They're great for gym sessions, going on coffee runs with your roommates, and movie nights in your dorm. Promising review: "I LOVE these yoga pants. They feel like they let my skin breathe, unlike some of the others I own....in case you’re wondering, they aren’t see-through. I did pay attention to another review about washing instructions, which I thought might be a deal breaker, but I gave them a shot. I have had no issues when washing on gentle and air drying. Now that I’ve given them a few wash-and-wear test runs, I need to order more. One pair is not enough. " — V. H. Price: $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 20 colors) 24. A LONDONTOWN Illuminating Nail Concealer ready to create the illusion of a ~just left the salon~ mani without having to leave campus. Brush on a coat or two before heading out to your event, and no one will be the wiser. Promising review: "As much as I would love to have nice, manicured nails, I don’t spend money on manicures. Gels are damaging, and regular manicures last a couple of days before peeling. I get regular pedicures because they last, but my hands have looked pretty unkempt for much of my adult life until now. I was definitely skeptical that this polish could be any different from one of the countless neutral Essie shades out there that I’ve tried since the '90s — Ballet Slippers, Light as Linen, etc. — but I decided to give the milky shade a try, and I’m so glad I did!!! My nails look incredible. I’m not even sure how to describe why but they look very natural and clean. It’s been a week of wearing two coats, and there isn’t one bubble or lift forming on the edges. One coat actually looks great, also. I am sold on this stuff. Hopefully, it will never be discontinued. So so happy." — Jann Price: $14+ (available in five colors) 25. An eight-piece bath towel set designed with a convenient loop at the corner that you can easily hang on your hall's bathroom hook. Promising review: "These are the softest towels in the house. They have a loop for hanging if that's the way you want to hang them. I didn't find them to have an excess of lint after washing. Of course, they had a fair amount, but that's always expected when washing towels for the first time. The color (yellow) is a beautiful soft yellow, not a bright neon yellow." — quiltmaker Price: $39.95 (available in 12 colors) 26. A tea mug complete with an infuser and lid that has everything you need to keep you warm and cozy during the winter semester. It'll come in handy on sick days, too, when you're missing the comfort of home. Promising review: "I already love this mug! It’s comfortable to hold. I love the size! This is big enough to give me the amount of tea I want. Plus if I want to add creamer or milk, it all fits in this mug! I also love the size of the strainer. And having it with the mug and the lid just makes having a cup of tea even easier. It feels sturdy and good in the hand. The handle is large enough to fit all four of my fingers through, which is sometimes hard to find. Yup, love this mug! Now, I will be looking into getting a few more for when friends come over!" — Quin Price: $17.59+ (available in six colors) 27. And a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air and help revive your sore throat or stuffy nose during cold and flu season. Reviewers note that it helped them get better sleep, too. Promising review: "It's very quiet. The vapor lasted me overnight! I’m in love with it! I’m using it for my dorm and it helps me sleep a lot better. I would recommend it!! :)" — Jennifer Luong Price: $59.97 (available in three colors) 28. A pair of high-fidelity earplugs , as seen on Shark Tank, that reviewers say has far surpassed the music festival test. You can protect your ears and still jam to your favorite band without sacrificing sound quality. Or, you can take your much-needed nap and tune out the noise of the campus celebrating the end of another semester. It also comes with a compact carrying case and different tip sizes so you can get the perfect fit for your ear. #WIN Promising review: "This is the third pair of Vibes that I've ordered for myself, for my partner, and for my mother-in-law, who has tinnitus. They are excellent quality and I've had my first pair for almost two years of constant use. I attend a lot of very loud concerts and music festivals and really didn't start caring for my hearing until I bought these (terrible, I know). I had previously only used those foam ear plugs, which damper the sound and make you sacrifice a lot of the nuances of music when wearing them. The Vibes are comfortable enough to wear for an entire day of music, and you can still hear everything perfectly. It's like having a volume control knob for real life! I wish that I could afford to buy 1,000 pairs and just hand them out at concerts to everyone. My MIL, who has tinnitus, has been able to enjoy live musicals and concerts that would have previously caused her a lot of pain and exacerbated her hearing issues. I really hope this company stays around for the rest of my life because it will always be my first choice for earplugs. (Kid, take care of your hearing, please!)" — Matthew Price: $28.95 Read our full review on Vibes earplugs here . 29. A pack of rosé eye gels (that are best when served cold) to combat environmental stressors that can take a toll on your skin (like winter finals 🥴). The eye gels are formulated with resveratrol (from grapes), strawberry extract, and hyaluronic acid to give the skin under your eye a punch of hydration. Promising review: "These have become my absolute favorite part of my early morning not-getting-good-sleep routine. They are so cooling and refreshing, even if they haven’t been in the fridge. These are a staple in my travel bag!" — Babes Morman Price: $12.50 for five pairs 30. An eyebrow sculpting gel and wax combo that's *vegan and cruelty-free* to force your brows into submission so no one has to question your expressions throughout the day. Promising reviews: "Okay, so when I first got it, I was like, oh, they didn’t send me the other half (the brow brush), so I just used the product with the brush inside. Then I realized you’re supposed to pull the cap, and the other brush is under there. But as for the product, ooooooooooh boy, she is amazing! It is an amazing price, an amazing product. We love a deal!!! They looked great after 5 hours and included a nap. They stayed snatched." — Amazon Customer "I love this product more than any expensive on-brand one I’ve tried, such as the Refy brand! I get so many compliments about my brows when I use this product!✨🤩🤩" — Gillian Melton Price: $9.98 31. A galaxy light projector if you want a dorm that's so cool it's practically *out of this world.* Don't be surprised when everyone wants to come hang out in your room. Promising reviews: "Bought this for my college-age daughter to use in her dorm. She loves it! Enough white noise to drown out dorm noises, and she and her friends think the lights are cool when they have movie night or whatever." — c elkins "Loved the different modes, the option to have movement or make it still, and the variations are great. Speaker capability is a plus. Turned my son’s college apartment bedroom into the tranquil place he wanted . Perfect vibe. Great price point." — Delana6655 Price: $33.99 (available in two colors) 32. A hypoallergenic, waterproof mattress protector because you don't know your dorm mattress's past. Better safe than sorry! Allergy sufferers will find this protector especially useful as it protects against dust mites and other allergens. Promising review: "I have this on my dorm mattress at college. It works really well at keeping the allergens in the mattress and out of my nose. I have allergies to dust and mold, so I was quite worried about sleeping on a grungy dorm bed. This has worked quite well, and I would highly recommend it." — Vicki L H. Price: $35.99+ (available in six sizes). 33. A *leak-proof* Simple Modern tumbler that is *thee* insulated tumbler you've probably seen begin to infiltrate the campus after going viral on TikTok. Reviewers say it's not only a top-tier tumbler option, but it's also half the price of some of the more popular brands. Promising review: "Obsessed with this one! Had the Classic 28-ounce tumbler that lasted for over two years and decided it was time to let go and get a bigger one. For the longest I struggled to decide between Simple Modern and Stanley, so glad I stayed with this brand! Not only is it cheaper, I love solid matte black anything and everything, so this is just perfect! Keeps my water cold for hours and fits in my car cup holder. " — Allyza Rafols Price: $22.49 (available in 42 colors). 34. A cozy loungewear sweats set with a half-zip pullover and comfy joggers to give you an easy but stylish everyday 'fit. Second to getting an A on your final essay, there are few things better than throwing on a comfy set and chillin' in the success of your semester. Promising review: "This is a high-quality material with a perfect oversized fit. It’s nice and thick, and the fabric is super soft inside and outside. Super cozy for cold weather." — Catherine Duncan Price: $38.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 18 colors). What you say to yourself when your treats arrive in the mail: Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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