ST. PAUL — Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic died Friday following a battle with cancer. She was 62. Her family said she died surrounded by loved ones. “She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved,” they said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENT Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin the Minneapolis Democrat was committed to working for Minnesotans. She served in the Minnesota Senate for more than a decade. “It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state,” Martin said in a statement. “She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Minnesota has lost a giant, but her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all.” Dziedzic was instrumental in holding together the Senate DFL caucus in 2023 as they passed, with a one-vote majority, a variety of Democratic priorities like funding universal school meals for students, approving a paid family and medical leave program, cementing legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care and legalizing cannabis for recreational use. She was respected on both sides of the political aisle and her demeanor was always steady, even amid tense times in the Senate. Dziedzic’s laid-back style made her a surprising pick for majority leader after the 2022 election. Leaders from both major political parties said they were heartbroken by her death. “Senator Kari Dziedzic was a passionate legislator, a respected leader, and a trusted colleague and friend. She will be remembered for her integrity and her compassion for Minnesotans, something that we all saw as she continued to serve even as she battled cancer,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, an East Grand Forks Republican. “I’m deeply saddened at her passing and am praying for her family and friends as we all mourn this loss.” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she was “one of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office.” ADVERTISEMENT “Her legacy includes significant achievements in policy and investment in Minnesota, but more importantly she will be remembered for treating people with dignity and respect and never giving up on finding workable compromises,” Hortman said. “She had an incredible ability to work diligently through the most arcane and difficult policy issues to find resolution.” Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, agreed, saying she was “an uncommon leader.” “Her talents as a consequential and thoughtful leader made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness humor, and selflessness made us all better people,” Murphy said. Former Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen praised Dziedzic as a hard worker. “The last time I spoke to Kari a few weeks ago she was still serving her constituents,” she wrote on social media. “That’s Senator Dziedzic, the hardest working legislator I have ever had the honor to serve with. Rest in peace my friend.” Dziedzic was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 and underwent emergency surgery to limit its spread. She stepped down from her leadership position in February after her cancer recurred. The Senate will now stand in a 33-33 tie between Democrats and Republicans heading into the 2025 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz has not yet said when he might call for a special election in the Minneapolis district. ADVERTISEMENT Dziedzic had a degree in engineering but couldn’t resist the family pull into public service. Her father, Walt, was a colorful Minneapolis city council member who later served on the park board. Dziedzic told MPR News that she felt drawn into politics after watching her father’s example. “I knew the long hours. I knew the phone calls at home. I knew what I was walking into,” she said. “But I also knew the opportunity that you have to help other people. And it’s about helping people and making your community better.” Dziedzic began a career in public service as a campaign volunteer and later moved on to become a scheduling aide for former U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. After a stint working for a Hennepin County commissioner, she was nudged to run for a state Senate seat when longtime lawmaker Larry Pogemiller stepped down to take another government job. Gov. Tim Walz called Dziedzic a “one-of-a-kind leader.” He added, “Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants.” Details for a memorial service have not yet been announced. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .1. A human-size memory foam dog bed if you just *know* your giftee secretly wishes they could Freaky Friday with their pup and trade their 9–5 for a nap-all-day lifestyle. Promising review : "I rarely write reviews, but this is worth it! I bought this for my daughter for Christmas. It was on her wish list. Omg, it is the most comfortable thing EVER!! I can’t get my daughter back in her Tempur-Pedic bed. We had houseguests last weekend, and I slept in it. Mind you, I have chronic neck and back issues, and I slept like a rock. I couldn’t recommend this more, and I personally would be lounging in this thing all the time if my daughter was not already." — sbkristen Get it from Amazon for $121.99 . 2. Murdle, Volume 1 — a book of 100 mini mystery whodunits they can complete on their commute or, let's be real, on the commode. The title is full of illustrations, codes, and maps that'll have them flexing their sleuth skills. Check out a TikTok of Murdle in action. The best part?? Once they finish "Murdling," they can use their sleuthing skills on Volume 2 , Volume 3 , and a whole BUNCH of other themed Murdle books ! Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun but the characters, story lines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes but this one will keep me busy for awhile!" — Liz Gately Get it from Amazon for $10.25 . 3. A custom paint-by-number kit for the person on your list whose entire personality is their pet. Even if their art skills could typically be described as kindergarten level at best, this set will turn them into a straight-up Henri Matisse. Paintable Pictures is a small biz! Each kit comes with two blank canvases, 48 curated colors for pets, brushes, and a frame. There's no need to upload any photos or wait for delivery, either. Your friend can pick exactly what photo they want and print it at home on the special paper! Promising reviews : "This was so much fun! I tried three different photos in the tool they give you and chose one. It shows you a preview of each painting, which is really helpful when deciding which image to go with. Not every picture came out as good, so definitely try a few! Easy to use, and fun to paint — excited to frame it! Actually have some paint left over and will try to do another one!" — Jonathan Kebert "This is wonderful — we recently lost our pet so this was a GREAT way to have my son memorialize our dearly missed pup!" — Jamie Get it from Amazon for $39.99 . 4. A Buffy The Vampire Slayer tarot deck with divination-inspired illustrations of Buffy, Willow, Angel, Spike, Xander, and Giles, as well as a guidebook to make sure your recipient is getting the most out of every reading. Promising review : "Honestly couldn’t be more pleased with these. Bought this deck as a gift for a friend and ended up buying another deck for myself. They are thick, high-quality cards, and the artwork is gorgeous. Plus, the cards come with a pamphlet with layouts and explanations and you can tell that a lot of thought went into relating each tarot card to the Buffy theme . It’s really well done and someone who loves the show put a lot of love into making these. It's my new favorite deck! " — Amazon customer Get it from Amazon for $26.03 . 5. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book (aka a newer edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book ) if your giftee could use a fun way to wind down after a work day. And don't think they have to be an artist or anything — there's no wrong way to do it! For those new to the concept: Instead of adding color to these, you add lines to create images within the colors. Sort of like a Rorschach test, but make it whimsical. Check out a TikTok of the reverse coloring book in action. Promising review : "Kendra Norton’s beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life, I thought I was not creative and, therefore, had zero artistic ability. Now, this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I’m working through ." — K. DeWitt Get it from Amazon for $8.29 . (Psst — these cult-fave black fine point pens make a great gifting companion!) 6. A bucket list water bottle for the person on your list who loves a good road trip and has plans to check every US state off of their must-visit list. Once they've successfully completed a trip, they can slap on the corresponding waterproof sticker to show their progress! Promising review : "This water bottle is SO fun to use! This is especially great for people who travel and love to mark down the places they’ve been to. A fun and easy water bottle!" — Lila V. Get it from Amazon for $45.99 . 7. Big Rock City — a brand new 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle with all sorts of optical illusions and more than 50 easter eggs for your friend to discover along the way — from the same people who brought you Mystic Maze ! And, perhaps best of all, NO PUZZLE DUST. Yes! That's a promise! Promising review: "This puzzle was so much fun! I love Magic Puzzle Company puzzles. I’ve gifted and loaned them and recommend them to many people. Such a pleasure to put together. Loved all the little activities of the dinosaurs in the city. The surprise is always such a treat! If you’re thinking of getting it, just get it. You won’t regret it! :)" — Sierra Ritchie-Gruver Get it from Amazon for $22.97 . 8. And — to go with the above — a puzzle plateau so no pieces go missing. That name really has a ring to it, huh? Promising review : "This was a gift for my mother. She called to tell me that by using the drawers for the puzzle pieces, she was able to work her puzzle with comfort and ease...no more standing over the puzzle pieces spread across the table, looking down for hours, which always hurt her back. She put her puzzle together much faster than usual, and all from the comfort of her chair! She loved it!" — chris winters Get it from Amazon for $55.99+ (available in four styles). 9. A clever mug — that looks like a whole pot of coffee — for the caffeine lover who's always glued to their brew. Some reviewers even use this to store and display beans! Promising review: "I bought this mug for my dad, who just started at an office job. He absolutely loves it! He enjoys making dad jokes about drinking a whole pot of coffee in the morning. The silicone lid is great to keep it warm and makes it easy to drink out of. It's made of thin glass, so it's not as sturdy as a mug, and it gets hotter, but it's great quality and made well." — tess Get it from Amazon for $24.97 . 10. A variety pack of Reese's candies sure to please the peanut butter lover among you. The 30-pack comes with the classics (see: Reese's Pieces, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Reese's Big Cups) and a few we didn't even know existed (hiya 👋🏻 Reese's Sticks, Reese's White Peanut Butter Cups, and Reese's Take 5 Bars). 🥜 Promising review : "I ordered this variety pack for my husband as a Christmas gift. He loves Reese’s so this is the perfect gift. I was pleasantly surprised to see the how carefully this product was packaged. It arrived in a box that had insulation AND a reusable ice pack! The ice pack was still partially frozen so I have no doubt the product never melted. This was a huge concern as I live in South Florida and it is hot. I highly recommend this product and will definitely order again in the future." — Mstank Get it from Amazon for $35.49 . 11. A good ol' game of Cat-Opoly for the board game nerd who's also o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d. with their cat. The game works like classic Monopoly except properties are out and rare breeds (see: Abyssinians, Tonkineses, and Turkish vans) are in. Promising review: "Very entertaining! We gave this to our neighbors on Christmas Eve and they loved it. We played it that night. I love the unique metal playing pieces and cute game cards. The graphics are good and the board laid flat even though it was split and folded in quarters. It was a good buy!" — French Toast Get it from Amazon for $29.99 . 12. A pound of cereal marshmallows if they're really only buying Lucky Charms for the charms (duh) and tossing away the rest. 😬 The delish treats come from Medley Hills Farm — a family-owned and operated small business based in Ohio. Promising review: "Amazing! I put them in hot chocolate, Rice Krispies treats, other cereals, or just eat then by the handful. Impulse buy that totally worked out. " — Maddison Helsel Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 13. A pair of LED lightsaber chopsticks sure to inspire a lil' food fight. Though I'm talking a fake one, of course, because sushi is too expensive for them to be throwing anywhere other than down their gullet. Here's more from BuzzFeed shopping writer Emma Lord : "As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to the Force." Promising review: "I purchased these for a friend's birthday present (he is a sushi waiter) and these are flippin' AMAZING. I ordered two sets by mistake, but I am totally keeping the second pair for another gift (or for myself!). These are sure to be great conversation pieces and attention-getters. Way to go!" — T. Redwood Get two pairs from Amazon for $10.97+ (available individually or in sets of two, three, or four and in 10 colors). 14. A two-pack of Bachan's small-batch Japanese barbecue sauce for the foodie who knows any good dish is just a vessel for condiments. Whether they put it on a burger or a salmon rice bowl, they'll be going back for seconds. Promising review : "My husband tried this at a restaurant and had to have it. It is very good. It's not thick like other barbecue sauces are. The honey version I feel is similar to a teriyaki barbecue sauce. The original has a soy sauce ginger note to it. Both are very good and are now pantry essentials in my household. " — Allison Get a set of two from Amazon for $23.98 . 15. An internet-beloved Ninja Creami if their favorite foods are ice cream, gelato, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and sorbets — the fact that it's winter is beside the point. 😊 See it in action on TikTok here . Promising review: "I bought this to make sorbets and dairy-free treats. This is the best machine, and you will use it after summer. All you need is a can of fruit, and it whips up the best sorbet! This is better than any sorbet I have found except in Mikonos. The possibilities are endless with this machine. I love that you can add candy or fruits to make your own blizzards. Everyone in the family loves it and requests their own. Recipe book included is easy to follow and no hard-to-find ingredients. You do have to freeze the base for 24 hours, but it’s worth the wait. Definitely order extra pints because it’s so easy to make you will want to make extra flavors." — Krista Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available with two different pint sizes) 16. A mini skincare fridge where they can store all of their serums, jade rollers, and emergency sleeves of Girl Scout cookies. Home is where your secret sugar stash is, after all. Coolili is a small, Brooklyn–based brand with mini fridges in all sorts of styles! Promising review: "Very quiet, keeps everything very cool, and fits in my bathroom perfectly. I keep my facial products in there: I love that my face masks can fit in the door." — Lex Get it from Amazon for $46.24+ (available in eight colors/styles). 17. And a high-frequency skin therapy wand for the skincare lover who's always looking for new tricks and tools to keep them glowing! If they've ever gotten a facial, they might be familiar with this guy, and now they can use it at home — and more than just once a month — without paying upwards of $100 a pop! What's included : One NuDerma Device, Neon-powered mushroom wand, Neon-powered spot wand, Neon-powered comb wand, neon-powered tongue wand, quick-start treatment guides, instruction and support contact manual. The high-frequency wand has the ability to promote better absorption of skincare products, oxygenate the skin to increase cellular activity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and tame bumps and texture. The included comb wand can also stimulate the scalp and hair follicles. Promising review: "It only took one use to notice some difference, but after two, it’s night and day . I take good care of my skin in general but this truly is a game changer device. The pores in my cheeks have noticeably tightened up and my skin feels like silk. It’s just unbelievable how soft and smooth it is right away with this thing. I just drink too many lattes, etc. and it messes with my skin a bit. This immediately undid the problems caused by that. It’s really easy to use. Definitely don’t need school to operate this LOL. Highly recommended." — Jake Get it from Amazon for $69.95 . 18. A decorative cat towel that'll silently watch them microwave their day-old pizza or scroll IG on the toilet. Promising review : "I did not buy this to actually use as a towel. To me it doesn’t seem like it would be good at serving this purpose as the material is not very absorbent, however it is great for decoration purposes. It is really, really adorable! I love how there’s little snap buttons to keep it in place. I highly recommend this as a decorative gift for the cat lover in your life or for yourself if you love kitties! Great purchase!" — Crystal Get it from Amazon for $16.78+ (available in 30+ designs). 19. A pair of prism spectacles for the loved one who always has a boatload of work to get done but just can't drag themselves out of bed... Now, they can still clock in or finish that essay they've been dragging their feet on without even sitting upright. 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 binge-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, 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 Get them from Amazon for $13.99 . 20. An original Kit-Cat clock — featuring iconic design elements like a wagging tail, rolling eyes, and animated grin — because if anything is gonna get them to go back to analog, it's this. And you can even buy a special Santa hat to go with it! Promising review : "I bought this as a Christmas present for a neighbor who had been helping me out in every way, from getting my mail to taking me to the hospital and picking up my medicine at the pharmacy. He collects clocks and has a wall full of them in his apartment. He mentioned in passing that someday he was going to get one of those cat clocks. He lives by himself, as do I, but I have two children to spend the holidays with, and he has no one. So before my son came to pick me up, I gave my neighbor his gift and made him open it. After seeing what it was, his eyes lit up, and he got a huge smile on his face!! He told me I truly made his day! " — Chris Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in 15 colors). 21. A special edition Little Women that includes handwritten letters, newspaper clippings, invitations, and other immersive touches that'll make your giftee feel like a personal friend of the March sisters. Promising review : "This book is absolutely stunning. The attention to detail put into each piece of the removable ephemera is amazing. This book would make an amazing gift to a fan of classic literature. Due to the nature of the book, the pages are really thin, like Bible pages, which may make reading this edition difficult for some readers. As a collectable edition, however, I cannot recommend this series enough." — Tracy Tilford Get it from Amazon for $21 (and check out other classics here !). 22. A VoChill stemless wineglass chiller should TV time and a crisp glass of Riesling be your recipient's idea of the perfect night. VoChill is an Austin, Texas-based small business started by a husband and wife after not being able to fully enjoy white wine because it warmed up too much in the heat. Promising review: " Received these as a Christmas gift and I love them. Always adding ice to my wine to keep it chilled. No more! This quickly chilled room temp white wine and kept it the perfect chill temp over two hours. Will be using these every time. Fits all my various stemless glasses, too." — wymom Get it from Amazon for $38.21 (available in three colors and also a pack of two). 23. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit so they can create a canvas full of their own "happy accidents." The kit comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel. Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and what a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m Get it from Amazon for $7.99 . 24. A dimmable sad duck night-light that's basically a physical manifestation of them when your alarm goes off every morning. Promising review : "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . 25. The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook with 150 different recipes that incorporate ~delish~ ingredients from the World's Best Grocery StoreTM Promising review : "For Trader Joe's lovers everywhere, this is a fantastic cookbook! It is filled with hints and tips, shopping guidelines, nicely organized recipe categories, and beautiful mouthwatering pictures. I love how the recipes are noted if they are gluten-free or vegetarian, etc. I ❤ Trader Joe's and I ❤ this cookbook!" — Love My Bookish Life Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 26. A microwaveable, lavender-scented weighted plushie they'll look to whenever they're dealing with a bout of anxiety, braving a really bad tummy ache, or could just use a warm embrace. Promising reviews : "This product changed my life. Seriously, I never knew I could love an inanimate object so much. His heavy body is so comforting, at the end of the day all I want is a hug. He even helped me quit nicotine. Instead of reaching for the Juul, I would reach for his big belly instead. I'm not even joking. This guy is the best thing I have ever spent my money on. Do yourself a favor and get a Warmie." — Bryan & Dana "I bought this for cramps and the occasional aches and pains. He is absolutely perfect. He is so cute and adorable and I find myself reaching for him even when I am not in pain. He’s so snuggly and perfect to cuddle up with and is great for anxiety ." — Samantha Get it from Amazon for $29.99 . 27. A shower beer and wine holder because sometimes, a bath bomb just isn't enough. Real ones know that true R&R involves a chilled glass of sickly sweet Barefoot attached securely to the shower wall — not perched precariously on the lip of the tub. Promising review: " My wife got me this as a Christmas present and I must admit I rolled my eyes when I opened the box. 'That'll never work,' I thought to myself. We stuck it on the shower wall that day and have had no issues since. It's still sticking some 60 days later and shows no signs of slipping. It holds beer cans and plastic pint glasses like a boss, and for those days when I'm feeling super bougie, I make a cocktail, dump it in a tumbler, and it fits, too! Shower beers will never be the same again! " — Morgan Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six styles). 28. A write-your-own cookbook for the Chrissy Teigen in your life. It has space for 80 recipes as well as handy recipe card templates, conversion tables, and room for photos so they can embrace their inner scrapbooker. Promising review : "My mom has become quite the chef since the pandemic and mainly puts her recipes in a notebook. This was a perfect gift for her! Lots of colors to choose from; I ordered red and it was vibrant. You can really make this cookbook your own with customizations. There are enough pages for a whole lot of recipes as well as pictures. The layout is perfect. My mom loved this present!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18.99 . 29. A set of nostalgic NES cartridge coasters that'll bring them back to their simple childhood days when they spent hourssss playing Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong in their mom's basement. Promising review : "Everyone talks about them and wants them! This has been an amazing gift! Something simple and not expensive to just surprise someone else. The size seems perfect for all kind of drinks and so far they don’t seem to be getting ruined by the water so they are perfect! I had recommended them for friends as they keep asking where I got them. " — Isaira Get a set of eight from Amazon for $12.99 . 30. The Book of Unusual Knowledge for that one friend who always answers Jeopardy! questions before Alex Trebek/Ken Jennings even finishes speaking. Promising review: "My best friend is always telling me new facts about the most random things so when I saw this, I knew it had to be added to his bookshelf. And let me tell you the list of random facts keeps on coming. Yeah, yeah, I know... the internet... but sometimes it’s nice to disconnect from technology and read a real book. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase." — Gregory Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . PS : if they already have this one, there are other versions to check out, such as The Book of Extraordinary Facts , The Book of Incredible Information , The Book of Useless Information , The Book of Answers , The Book of Weird and Unusual Trivia and The Book of 10,000 Incredible Facts . 31. An enchanting moon lamp that will make any Le Petit Prince lover's heart oh-so-happy. My colleague Emma Lord has one of these babies and says: "UMMMM I bought this because it was on one of Amazon's top-selling products pages for so long that I was like 'Why are people so obsessed with this moon!!' And now, my friends, I know. First of all, it really does look hyper realistically like a small moon and adds a chill vibe wherever you plant it. But it's also just so soothing to watch and have in the periphery . You can control dozens of different colors for it and either keep it on those colors or have them alternate, fade quickly, or fade gradually. It's super easy to charge and controlled by a remote, so you can move it off its stand and have it light up wherever you want. These days I tend to turn it on for my designed ~me time~ night every week, in which I will light a candle, pour a glass of red wine, read a romance novel, and, of course, light my lil' moon. Definitely one of my favorite 'the internet made me do it' purchases." Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six sizes). 32. An ultra-portable Teenage Engineering synthesizer they can slip into their pocket and bring to their next jam sesh. If you're their music buddy, they now have no excuse not to come to you! The palm-sized synth runs off of two AAA batteries but that doesn't stop it from offering 15 assorted synths and six punch-in play styles which enables your friend to program chords, transpositions, and arpeggios. Plus, they don't even need to hook it up to any external devices (though they can if they want to), since it has built-in Knowles speakers. Promising review : "Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operators are a game changer. Period. My friend (now bandmate) turned me onto them. He has three and after playing with each of them I decided to get myself the PO-16. Don't be fooled by their size — these things are POWERFUL! They take a bit of fiddling around to get the hang of and really understand how they work but it becomes second nature once you get it. We hook all four together and just jam out for hours with them (and the rest of our equipment). As a guitarist and pianist there was a bit of a learning curve for me but I'm a big fan. It has made a huge difference in my creative process. I find myself bringing it with me if I know I'm gonna be somewhere like a waiting room. Plug in some headphones and I just pass the time getting melodies out of my head and into the synth or just having a little mini jam session. Highly recommended." — Ally Get it from Amazon for $79 . 33. And an acrylic Squatty Potty for the partner or roommate who spends a good three hours in the bathroom every day. Look, IBS or not, they've GOT to be sitting in there scrolling TikTok, right?? Promising review : "I'm pleasantly surprised that I love everything about this! It's extremely durable, easy to clean, well made, and of high-quality material. I love that the clear Lucite allows it to disappear into the background, so it's not an eyesore. As for its functionality, it's amazing and far surpassed my expectations. It's one of the best purchases I've ever made for myself and my only regret is not buying it sooner. You don't know what you're missing until you try it. It's super awkward to talk about, but this just positions your body to have the easiest and more complete bowel movements. This has increased my overall feeling of health and well-being, and puts me in a better mood. I've noticed enough of a difference that I actually miss it when I'm away on vacation or at the cottage. People will say its gimmicky and I had my doubts but this has quickly become a need and not a want for me. Worth every penny!" — asianangel100303 Get it from Amazon for $79.99 . Santa who? Santa YOU. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.School district defends decision to punish parents for wearing pink 'XX' wristbands
( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Pharmaceutical Water Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 16, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! The pharmaceutical water market has seen impressive growth in recent years and is projected to escalate from $34.09 billion in 2023 to $37.61 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 10.3%. This growth during the historical period can be attributed to an uptick in demand for high-quality water, and augmented production of biologics and biosimilars. Will the Pharmaceutical Water Market Continue to Grow in Future? Yes, it will. The size of the pharmaceutical water market is expected to witness rapid growth in future years. It is projected to escalate to $56.31 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 10.6%. The growth during the forecast period will be driven by stricter regulations mandating quality and compliance, increased outsourcing of pharmaceutical manufacturing among other factors. Gain insights into this blooming market: What is Driving the Growth of the Pharmaceutical Water Market? The pharmaceutical water market is expected to gain significant momentum due to increased demand from the biotechnology industry. Biotechnology harnesses biological processes to develop products and technologies that benefit society. The need for pharmaceutical water in the biotechnology industry has risen due to advancements in genetic engineering and research techniques. Pharmaceutical water ensures biotech products are safe, effective, and compliant with regulatory standards. Evaluate the competition with an in-depth report: What Key Players Are Driving the Pharmaceutical Water Market? The pharmaceutical water market's growth is spurred on by key players including Merck & Co. Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Danaher Corporation, Ecolab Inc., and Baxter International Inc. Others major participants include B. Braun Melsungen AG, Xylem Inc., Sartorius AG, Pentair PLC, and Waters Corporation, among others. What is Paving the Way for Innovations in the Pharmaceutical Water Market? Major players in the pharmaceutical waters market are focusing on product innovation, such as water for Injection WFI, to improve water purification process efficiency. Water for Injection WFI is a product that meets the highest purity standards for producing injectable medications. In what sectors is Pharmaceutical Water used? The pharmaceutical water market's applications are diverse: 1 By Product Type: Highly Purified Water, Water For Injection, Water For Inhalation, Deionized Water, Distilled Water, Other Product Types 2 By Application: Drug Formulation, Cleaning And Purification, Cell Culture Production, Equipment Cleaning, Buffers And Solutions, Other Applications 3 By End User: Pharmaceutical And Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research And Manufacturing Organizations, Academics And Research Laboratories, Hospitals And Healthcare Facilities, Diagnostic Laboratories, Other End-Users What does the Regional Market Outlook Look Like? In 2023, North America dominated the pharmaceutical water market as the largest regional player. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region in the future. The regions covered in the report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. 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Romanians are casting ballots on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could pit a far-right nationalist against the incumbent leftist prime minister in the runoff. Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency in the European Union and NATO member country, and the vote is expected to go to a second round on Dec. 8. Polls opened at 7.00 a.m. local time (0500GMT) and will close at 9.00 p.m. (1900GMT). Romanians abroad have been able to vote since Friday. By 8 p.m. local time (1800GMT), 9.2 million people — about 51% of eligible voters — had cast ballots, according to the Central Election Bureau. The final vote could see George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, face off against incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, backed by Romania’s largest party, the Social Democratic Party or PSD. The presidential role carries a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister. Simion, 38, is a vocal supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and has long been a controversial figure. He campaigned for reunification with Moldova, which this year renewed a five-year ban on him from entering the country over security concerns, and he is banned for the same reason from entering neighbouring Ukraine. “I would like that in the next five to ten years, for Romanians to be really proud to be Romanians, to promote Romanian culture, Romanian products,” he told reporters on Wednesday in the capital, Bucharest. “As a Romanian president, I will promote Romanian interests. In most cases, Romanian interests coincide with partner interests.” Ecaterina Nawadia, a 20-year-old architecture student, said she voted for the first time in a national election on Sunday and hopes young people turn out in high numbers. “Since the (1989) revolution, we didn’t have a really good president,” she said. “I hope most of the people my age went to vote ... because the leading candidate is not the best option.” Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, says Sunday’s vote will be “a tight race” in which the diaspora will likely play a key role in which candidates make it to the runoff. “We are at a point where Romania can easily divert or slip toward a populist regime because (voter) dissatisfaction is pretty large among a lot of people from all social strata,” he told The Associated Press. “And the temptation for any regime, any leader — will be to go on a populist road.” He added that Romania’s large budget deficit, high inflation, and an economic slowdown could push more mainstream candidates to shift toward populist stances amid widespread dissatisfaction. Ciolacu told the AP that if he is elected, one of his biggest goals is “to convince Romanians that it is worth staying at home or returning” to Romania, which has a massive diaspora spread throughout EU countries. “Romania has a huge chance to become a developed economy in the next 10 years, where honest work is fairly rewarded and people have the security of a better life,” he said. “But for this, we need balance and responsibility ... I am running for the Presidency of Romania because we need a change.” Other key candidates include Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party, or USR former NATO deputy general secretary Mircea Geoana, who is running independently and Nicolae Ciuca, a former army general and head of the center-right National Liberal Party, which is currently in a tense coalition with the PSD. Geoana, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the United States, told the AP that he believes his international experience qualifies him above the other candidates. “I think I bring a lot of competence and experience and connections in this complicated world,” he said. Lasconi, a former journalist and the leader of the USR said she sees corruption as one of the biggest problems Romania faces and that she supports increased defence spending and continued aid to Ukraine. Romania has been a staunch ally of war-torn Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. But Simion of the AUR party said he opposes Romania — which has sent a Patriot missile system to Ukraine — contributing further military aid and that he hopes Trump can “stop the war.” In 2020, the AUR party went from relative obscurity to gaining 9% in a parliamentary vote, allowing it to enter parliament. Opponents have long accused Simion and AUR of being extremists, charges he denies. “We are sort of a Trumpist party in this new wave of patriotic political parties in Europe,” Simion said.After rough start under coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks' defense has become a strengthWildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA after an investigation made allegations of animal cruelty at some of the charity’s approved abattoirs. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has also resigned as vice-president of the animal welfare organisation, with both of them expressing their “sadness” over leaving the roles. It comes after an Animal Rising investigation made claims of cruelty at “RSPCA Assured” slaughterhouses in England and Scotland, with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. RSPCA Assured is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation’s “stringent higher welfare standards”, according to its website. Mr Packham shared the news of his resignation on social media, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. “I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.” Ms Lucas said she and Mr Packham failed to get the charity’s leadership to act. She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “With huge sadness I’m resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I’ve held with pride for over 15 years. “But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty. “I tried with @ChrisGPackham to persuade the leadership to act but sadly failed.” In June, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of 200 farms on its assurance scheme which concluded the scheme was “operating effectively” to assure animal welfare on member farms. Following Animal Rising’s release of footage last week, the charity said it was “appalled” by what was shown, adding that it launched an immediate investigation and suspended three slaughterhouses from the scheme. In the wake of Mr Packham and Ms Lucas’ resignations, an RSPCA spokesperson said it is “simply not true” that the organisation has failed to take urgent action. They said: “We agree with Chris and Caroline on so many issues and have achieved so much together for animals, but we differ on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare. “We have discussed our work to drive up farmed animal welfare standards openly at length with them on many occasions and it is simply not true that we have not taken urgent action. “We took allegations of poor welfare incredibly seriously, launching an independent review of 200 farms which concluded that it was ‘operating effectively’ to improve animal welfare. “We are taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare, implementing the recommendations in full including significantly increasing unannounced visits, and exploring technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by £2 million of investment.” The charity insisted that while 94% of people continue to choose to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy, it is the “right thing to do” to work with farmers to improve the lives of animals. “RSPCA Assured visit all farms on the scheme every year, but last year just 3% of farms were assessed for animal welfare by state bodies,” the spokesperson continued. “No-one else is doing this work. We are the only organisation setting and regularly monitoring animal welfare standards on farms. “We have pioneered change through RSPCA Assured, which has led to improvements throughout the industry including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life.” Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day
AP News Summary at 2:00 p.m. EST
MILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.KUWAIT: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underscored the importance of strengthening Egypt-Kuwait relations and enhancing regional cooperation during his visit to Kuwait. Discussions focused on bolstering economic and trade partnerships, with Egypt highlighting its ongoing reforms to attract Kuwaiti investments in renewable energy, agriculture and real estate while addressing bureaucratic challenges. At a press conference on Sunday, Abdelatty addressed the critical situation in Gaza and the West Bank, condemning Zionist aggression and expressing Egypt’s unwavering support for Arab countries facing threats. He reiterated Egypt’s efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, prevent escalation, and secure Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. “I am deeply pleased to be in the brotherly Arab country of Kuwait, with which Egypt shares exceptionally close and solid ties at the leadership, government, and people levels,” Abdelatty stated. This visit marked his first trip to Kuwait as foreign minister. During his stay, he met with HH the Crown Prince, ministers and prominent Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in the Egyptian market. “Our discussions focused on enhancing political consultations, expanding economic and trade relations, and strengthening educational and cultural ties. I highlighted Egypt’s ongoing economic reforms and commitment to creating a favorable investment environment. We are proud of the robust Kuwaiti investments in Egypt and aspire to further build on this partnership,” he said. On the political level, Abdelatty engaged in productive discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Topics included the outcomes of the 13th session of the Joint Egyptian-Kuwaiti Higher Committee in Cairo and preparations for the 14th session to be hosted in Kuwait. He also noted Egypt’s readiness to welcome a high-level delegation of Kuwaiti business leaders, building on the success of a previous visit involving over 46 prominent Kuwaiti investors who met with President Al-Sisi. Regarding regional aggression, the minister reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Arab nations facing threats, particularly from the Zionist entity. He emphasized Al-Sisi’s directive for him to visit Beirut to further efforts in halting these aggressions. “Efforts to halt this aggression continue in coordination with our Arab partners, at the regional level, and through international channels. These efforts will persist until the violence ceases,” he said. Abdelatty concluded by stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict to achieve stability. “It is essential to halt the (Zionist) aggression in Gaza and Lebanon to prevent further escalation and secure lasting peace in the region. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Kuwait and reaffirm the strength of our partnership.”President-elect Donald Trump weighed in Saturday on the immigration issue that has been roiling some of his highest-profile supporters online, telling The New York Post that he has “always been in favor” of H-1B visas. It is not exactly true: Trump has waffled on his support for the H-1B program over the years, going so far as to suspend it late in his first term while his administration planned harsh new restrictions for workers seeking the visas. Denial rates also soared during Trump’s first term , while they plummeted after President Joe Biden took office. The program is designed as a pathway for highly skilled foreigners to legally work in the United States, often in fields related to science and technology. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” Trump told the Post. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B,” he added. “I have used it many times. It’s a great program.” His support comes as his billionaire ally Elon Musk has been going to bat for H-1Bs on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which he owns. To many people, the H-1B program represents American meritocracy, helping the U.S. reward the best and brightest workers of any background. Some entrepreneurs see it as key to staffing their businesses. Anti-immigration hardliners, though, consider the program to be harmful to native-born American workers, and some want to abolish it completely. Trump’s hardline anti-immigration rhetoric helped power him to a second term in office — but there appears to be growing disagreement within his base over which groups of people should be excluded. “America rose to greatness over the past 150 years because it was a meritocracy more than anywhere else on Earth,” Musk wrote Friday. “I will fight to my last drop of blood to ensure that it remains that land of freedom and opportunity.” At another point , Musk said “those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists” were “contemptible fools” who should be “removed ... root and stem,” even though Musk himself been accused of fueling racist rhetoric . Vivek Ramaswamy, who will work with Musk on a commission to cut down government spending the duo considers wasteful, also voiced support for H-1Bs, although in a way that rankled some of his fellow conservatives . “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long,” Ramaswamy wrote on X, arguing that the U.S. needed to import highly skilled foreign workers because of a supposed flaw in American work culture. Fueling the backlash to H-1Bs on X this week was right-wing extremist Laura Loomer, who has been alleging Musk is not a true member of the “Make America Great Again” movement. Loomer accused Musk of “censoring” her and stepping on her right to free speech by revoking her blue verification check, claiming it vanished even though she paid for it. 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