National Guards suspected shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s naked photo goes viral; Afghan national reportedly overstayed his visa after entering US under Biden administration

Economic Times ^ | November 26, 2025 | Mukesh Thapliyal Posted on by Morgana Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the US in 2021 under then-President Joe Biden’s ‘Operation Allies Welcome’ and later overstayed his visa, has become the focus of a possible act of international terrorism. A viral photo shows him almost naked as first responders load him into an ambulance after the attack. Investigators say he allegedly ambushed two National Guard members near the White House. The shooting left both guards critically injured, and with the motive still unknown, Lakanwal’s background and actions have drawn intense public and political scrutiny. 1 posted on by Morgana To: Morgana I’d like to think our guys stripped his clothes off for the purpose of public humiliation. 2 posted on by reasonisfaith (What are the personal implications if the Resurrection of Christ is a true event in history?) Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4354806/posts

Inside Smartphone Cooling Systems: Thermal Testing and Cooling Tech Breakdown

Smartphones have become indispensable tools for communication, entertainment, and productivity. However, intensive use of smartphones, especially for gaming, video editing, or running heavy apps, generates considerable heat. Excessive heat can degrade performance, cause thermal throttling, and reduce the lifespan of internal components. To address this, smartphone manufacturers have introduced various cooling systems. This article explores the technology behind smartphone cooling systems, evaluates their effectiveness through phone cooling tests, and provides a cooling system review with insights into smartphone thermals. What Are Smartphone Cooling Systems? Smartphone cooling systems are technological solutions integrated into devices to manage and dissipate heat produced by processors and other internal components. The most common cooling methods include vapor chambers, heat pipes, graphite sheets, and more recently, fan-based active cooling. Vapor chambers and heat pipes use a liquid coolant that evaporates upon absorbing heat, moves as vapor to cooler areas of the device, condenses back into liquid, and cycles repeatedly to spread and dissipate heat efficiently. Graphite sheets help distribute heat evenly across the phone’s surface. Fan-based cooling, primarily seen in gaming phones, actively circulates air to expel heat. These systems evolved to improve user experience by reducing smartphone thermals and preventing overheating during peak usage. How Do Smartphone Cooling Systems Work? At the core of many modern smartphones’ cooling technology is the vapor chamber. This thin, flattened pipe contains a small amount of liquid that absorbs heat generated by the CPU and GPU through phase change, transforming from liquid to vapor. The vapor travels to cooler sections within the chamber where it condenses back to liquid, releasing heat that spreads evenly across the surface, preventing hotspots. This cyclical process efficiently manages heat in three-dimensional space inside the phone. Materials such as aerospace-grade aluminum and copper alloys further enhance thermal conductivity. Active cooling systems use miniature fans to circulate air inside or outside the device, boosting heat dissipation actively. Do Smartphone Cooling Systems Actually Work? Phone cooling tests indicate that cooling systems in smartphones do reduce device temperature significantly compared to non-cooled devices. Devices employing vapor chambers typically experience more even heat distribution and lower peak temperatures, curbing performance throttling caused by high thermals. For example, comparisons among flagship devices have shown internal to external temperature differences of several degrees Celsius, indicating effective heat insulation and dissipation. However, the effectiveness varies by cooling solution design and phone architecture. Active cooling fans provide further temperature reductions but may add bulk and noise. Overall, cooling systems positively impact smartphone thermals, contributing to sustained performance during prolonged heavy use. What Are the Different Types of Cooling Systems in Smartphones? Passive Cooling: Includes vapor chambers, heat pipes, and graphite sheets. These components work silently and occupy minimal space, making them ideal for slim phones. Vapor chambers are favored for their bidirectional heat transfer capabilities. Active Cooling: Found mainly in gaming smartphones, this system features tiny fans that force airflow to cool components. While more effective at dropping temperatures quickly, active cooling adds complexity and size. Hybrid Systems: Some phones combine vapor chambers with fans or advanced materials for optimized thermal management. Popular phones such as the OnePlus 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra incorporate multi-layered vapor chambers and graphite cooling arrays, offering robust cooling system reviews that report favorable thermal performance and user feedback. Are External Phone Coolers Effective? External cooling accessories like phone cooling pads, clip-on fans, or magnetic coolers provide an extra layer of thermal management. Phone cooling tests reveal these accessories reduce surface temperature during gaming or intense use but with varying results. Their main benefit is preventing the phone’s surface from becoming uncomfortable to hold and aiding heat dissipation away from the body. However, external coolers rely on external power and can be inconvenient for everyday use. They complement but do not replace built-in smartphone cooling systems. Can Cooling Systems Improve Smartphone Performance and Battery Life? Effective cooling reduces thermal throttling, which occurs when the device limits processor speed to control temperature. Maintaining lower thermals allows CPUs and GPUs to run at higher clock speeds longer, enhancing performance during gaming, video processing, or multitasking. Additionally, managing internal temperature better protects battery health, as heat accelerates battery degradation. Therefore, cooling systems contribute to both short-term performance boosts and long-term device durability. Common Myths and Misconceptions About Phone Cooling While marketing often promotes cooling systems as game-changing features, some claims are exaggerated. For instance, the placebo effect may lead users to perceive cooler phones without substantial temperature drops. Moreover, not all cooling technologies are equally effective, and cheaper external coolers sometimes offer minimal benefit. Scientific phone cooling tests provide objective data to counter inflated claims, helping consumers make informed decisions. Smartphone cooling systems, particularly passive vapor chamber designs and hybrid cooling technologies, do work to reduce excessive heat, improve smartphone thermals, and support better performance. Active cooling fans and external coolers offer additional benefits mainly for heavy users and gamers. Understanding how these systems function and their actual impact from cooling system reviews and phone cooling tests equips consumers to select smartphones with optimal thermal management for their needs. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How can users maintain their smartphone cooling system for optimal performance? Regular maintenance includes keeping the phone out of direct sunlight and hot environments, closing unused apps to limit processor load, and removing bulky cases that hinder airflow. Updating software and firmware also helps ensure efficient thermal management, as manufacturers optimize cooling performance through updates. Avoiding extreme temperature changes reduces stress on components that aid cooling. 2. Are there any smartphone cases that help improve cooling? Yes, some specially designed cases use materials like silicone with ventilation, or include heat-dissipating coatings that improve heat transfer away from the phone. However, most standard cases trap heat and worsen thermals, so users experiencing overheating issues may benefit from switching to a more breathable or cooling-optimized case design. 3. Can using the phone while charging cause overheating? Using the phone extensively during charging can increase device temperature as both the processor workload and battery charging generate heat. This compounded heat can stress the cooling system. To help keep thermals down, it is advisable to avoid intensive tasks or gaming while the phone charges, and to charge on cool, flat surfaces. 4. How do software and app usage impact smartphone thermals? Heavy app usage, especially with graphics-intensive games or video streaming, increases CPU and GPU workload, generating more heat. Background apps can also add processing strain. Using power-saving modes, closing unnecessary apps, and managing app permissions to reduce background activity can help control device temperature and optimize cooling system efficiency.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/312988/20251127/inside-smartphone-cooling-systems-thermal-testing-cooling-tech-breakdown.htm

Dogecoin ETF Debut Fails To Impress, Taking In Only $1.4 Million

The post Dogecoin ETF Debut Fails To Impress, Taking In Only $1.4 Million appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. According to trading records and company filings, Grayscale’s new spot Dogecoin ETF — ticker GDOG — opened quietly, pulling in just $1.4 million in trading volume on its first day on NYSE Arca. Muted Debut On NYSE Arca Reports have disclosed that the debut fell well short of some public forecasts. Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas had suggested the fund might see roughly $10–12 million in opening-day volume, a target that the actual figures did not meet. That gap has drawn quick commentary from traders and analysts, who say the launch exposure was smaller than expected for a high-profile first spot product. Grayscale’s paperwork shows the ETF began life with holdings of about 11 million DOGE and roughly 94,700 shares outstanding, with assets under management reported at roughly $1.7 million at the time the fund started trading. The sponsor set a management fee of 0.35%, but that charge is being waived — the fund will carry a 0% expense ratio either until it reaches $1 billion in assets or for the first three months, whichever happens first. $GDOG (first Doge ETF) saw $1.4m volume on Day One.. solid for an avg launch but low for a ‘first-ever spot’ product. Not too surprising tho, we actually made a rhyme a while ago predicting this: ‘The further away you get from BTC, the less asset there will be.’ pic.twitter.com/ermlOcID1J — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 25, 2025 Market Shifts To Other Altcoins Based on reports from market trackers, other recent altcoin ETFs saw stronger early demand, leaving GDOG’s debut looking muted by comparison. Some XRP and Solana vehicles drew faster inflows during their openings, and that contrast has been used to explain why meme-coin exposure did not attract as much fresh cash on day one. Traders say that where money goes now may reflect…
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/dogecoin-etf-debut-fails-to-impress-taking-in-only-1-4-million/

Trump says lax migration policies are top national security threat after National Guard members shot

WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Wednesday’s “heinous assault” on two National Guard members near the White House proves that lax migration policies are “the single greatest national security threat facing our nation.” “No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival,” he said. Trump’s remarks, released in a video on social media, underscores his intention to reshape the country’s immigration system and increase scrutiny of migrants who are already here. With aggressive deportation efforts already underway, his response to the shooting showed that his focus will not waver. The suspect in the shooting is believed to be an Afghan national, according to Trump and two law enforcement officials. He entered the United States in September 2021, after the chaotic collapse of the government in Kabul, when Americans were frantically evacuating people as the Taliban took control. The 29-year-old suspect was part of Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era program that resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U. S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. The initiative brought roughly 76, 000 Afghans to the United States, many of whom had worked alongside American troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Trump described Afghanistan as “a hellhole on earth,” and he said his administration would review everyone who entered from the country under President Joe Biden a measure his administration had already been planning before the incident. During his remarks, Trump also swung his focus to Minnesota, where he complained about “hundreds of thousands of Somalians” who are “ripping apart that once-great state.” Minnesota has the country’s largest Somali community, roughly 87, 000 people. Many came as refugees over the years. The reference to immigrants with no connection to Wednesday’s developments was a reminder of the scope of Trump’s ambitions to rein in migration. Administration officials have been ramping up deportations of people in the country illegally, as well as clamping down on refugee admissions. The focus has involved the realignment of resources at federal agencies, stirring concern about potentially undermining other law enforcement priorities. However, Trump’s remarks were a signal that scrutiny of migrants and the nation’s borders will only increase. He said he wants to remove anyone “who does not belong here or does not add benefit to our country.” “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” Trump added. Afterward, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would indefinitely stop processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a review of security and vetting protocols. Supporters of Afghan evacuees said they feared that people who escaped danger from the Taliban would now face renewed suspicion and scrutiny. “I don’t want people to leverage this tragedy into a political ploy,” said Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac. He said Wednesday’s shooting should not shed a negative light on the tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who have gone through the various legal pathways to resettling in the U. S. and those who await in the pipeline. Under Operation Allies Welcome, tens of thousands of Afghans were first brought to U. S. military bases around the country, where they completed immigration processing and medical evaluations before settling into the country. Four years later, there are still scores of Afghans who were evacuated at transit points in the Middle East and Europe as part of the program. Those in countries like Qatar and Albania, who have undergone the rigorous process, have been left in limbo since Trump entered his second term and paused the program as part of his series of executive actions cracking down on immigration. Vice President JD Vance, writing on social media, criticized Biden for “opening the floodgate to unvetted Afghan refugees,” adding that “they shouldn’t have been in our country.” “Already some voices in corporate media chirp that our immigration policies are too harsh,” he said. “Tonight is a reminder of why they’re wrong.” ___ Amiri reported from New York. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/us-government/10235992/trump-says-lax-migration-policies-are-top-national-security-threat-after-national-guard-members-shot.html

Stores Open on Thanksgiving with Adjusted Hours From Dunkin’, ShopRite, and McDonald’s (Walmart Still Closed)

Last-minute Thanksgiving shoppers face limited options as major US retailers adopt highly varied strategies. Some chains are maintaining early morning hours, while others are shutting entirely for the holiday. Dunkin’, ShopRite, Food Lion, and McDonald’s: Varying Schedules Many Dunkin’, Food Lion, ShopRite, and McDonald’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day 2025. However, hours are generally reduced or stores close earlier than usual to allow staff time with their families. Exact timings vary widely depending on franchise ownership and local decisions. This fragmented landscape reflects the franchise model many retailers employ, allowing individual store owners to determine holiday operations based on local demand and staffing considerations. Dunkin’ Opens Early with Reduced Hours Many Dunkin’ stores will open at their usual times-often between 4am and 6am-and operate through late morning or early afternoon. A company spokesperson confirmed to Fox Business that while many locations will remain open, hours will differ by store. Customers are advised to check the Dunkin’ mobile app for specific opening times before visiting. According to Parade, nearly all Dunkin’ outlets are independently owned and operated by franchisees. The decision to open, close, or reduce hours ultimately rests with individual store owners. However, historical trends suggest most Dunkin’ locations will be open on Thanksgiving morning. Grocery Chains’ Mixed Schedules Food Lion stores are expected to be open, though many will operate on limited hours-generally from 7am to 3pm. All Food Lion pharmacies will remain closed for the holiday. ShopRite’s Thanksgiving hours vary significantly by franchise. Some locations will be closed entirely, as reported by Axios. Those that open are expected to close by mid-afternoon, typically between 2pm and 4pm. This variation highlights the decentralised nature of US retail, where franchise agreements and local regulations create significant differences even within the same chain. McDonald’s Maintains Widespread Availability Most McDonald’s outlets will be open on Thanksgiving 2025, but hours differ by location. Many restaurants will remain open, although franchise owners decide operating hours locally. A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed to Fox Business that most locations will be open, but hours may vary. Customers are encouraged to use the store locator for specific timings. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s often maintain holiday operations to serve travellers and families seeking convenient meals. However, hours tend to differ based on franchise decisions. Major Retailers Extend Holiday Closure Policies Walmart will remain closed nationwide on Thanksgiving for the sixth consecutive year-a policy shift that began in 2020 and is now permanent. Stores will reopen early on Black Friday, often around 6am. Similarly, Target, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Publix have committed to staying closed on Thanksgiving, prioritising employee wellbeing over holiday trading. Regional Variations Affect Opening Hours State laws in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island mandate most stores remain closed on Thanksgiving, according to Axios. Local regulations in other areas may also restrict operating hours. Many convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa, will operate on near-normal schedules, with many 24-hour locations remaining open continuously. CVS stores will largely remain open with reduced hours; some 24-hour outlets will keep regular hours, but pharmacy counters may close earlier or be shuttered entirely. Whole Foods generally operates with reduced hours-around 7am to 1pm-while Kroger-owned chains such as Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers tend to close by mid-afternoon or early evening, around 5pm. Balancing Business and Employee Wellbeing This patchwork of holiday hours reflects broader industry trends. Retailers are balancing commercial opportunities against evolving expectations around work-life balance and employee satisfaction. The move away from Thanksgiving Day openings began as a pandemic-era employee-wellness measure and has since gained widespread acceptance, especially as families increasingly rely on early Black Friday online deals that now start earlier in the week. Planning Your Shopping Trip Shoppers planning to make purchases on Thanksgiving Day should verify specific store hours through mobile apps or direct calls to avoid unnecessary journeys.
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/stores-open-thanksgiving-adjusted-hours-dunkin-shoprite-mcdonalds-walmart-still-closed-1758382

Tony Stewart once revealed the hidden sponsor drama behind dating Leah Pruett: “Two or three people that knew who I was with”

It is tricky for two race car drivers to start dating when they represent rival manufacturers. Such was the case with Tony Stewart and his wife, Leah Pruett, back in the day. While Stewart was a Mobil 1 and Ford athlete, Pruett was backed by Dodge and Pennzoil at the time. Stewart, also known as ‘Snoke’ by his fans, said that himself on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR podcast. Before announcing that they were engaged back in 2021, Stewart and Pruett had to address their conflicting interests. Thanks for the submission! Recalling the same, Tony Stewart said (42: 53), “She’s sponsored by Dodge; I’m sponsored by Ford. So, no joke. I called my PR guy and said, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on’ because nobody knew we were doing anything together. Like, there were two or three people that knew who I was with and where I was at.” Luckily, neither Dodge and Pennzoil, nor Ford and Mobil 1 had a problem with the relationship between Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett, who originally met through drag racing legend Don Prudhomme through FaceTime back in 2019. In fact, they were willing to work around it. Stewart also made sure not to wear clothes with Ford or Mobil 1 branding whenever he went to Pruett’s events. Needless to say, Pruett did the same. Recalling a trip back from Swing Arm City, Utah, Stewart said (43: 15), “I remember on the way home from Swing Arm (City) with Ken (Block), I’m driving the motorhome, she’s on the right side of the motorhome and I’m on the phone with Mobil 1, she’s on the phone with Pennzoil and we hang up from that call and I’m calling Ford and she’s calling Dodge at the same time and we’re three feet from each other having these conversations.” Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett finally tied the knot in 2021. In December 2025, the couple welcomed their first child into the world, a baby boy they named Dominic. Today, Stewart competes full-time in the NHRA Top Fuel class and is expected to represent Elite Motorsports in 2026. Pruett, on the other hand, will drive the NHRA Top Fuel dragster for Tony Stewart Racing. “I was just keeping Leah’s seat warm”- Tony Stewart opens up on vacating his wife Leah Pruett’s Top Fuel seat following NHRA return Shortly after announcing her pregnancy, Leah Pruett decided to quit racing for a while. She had motherly duties to carry out, so her husband, Tony Stewart, offered to help. Throughout the 2024 and 2025 NHRA seasons, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion served as the interim driver for Pruett’s Tony Stewart Racing dragster. Stewart won his maiden Top Fuel event in 2025, also capturing the NHRA regular-season championship. He also earned the NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. However, Stewart knew he would have to step away from the TSR Top Fuel machine if and when Pruett decides to return to formal racing. “I said from the very beginning that I was just keeping Leah’s seat warm and that it was hers as soon as she was ready to come back,” Tony Stewart said in a statement. “And as much as I wanted to continue driving, TSR is not in a position to add a second Top Fuel car.” “But with Richard (Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports) buying Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can still work as an owner and a driver to help both our organizations grow,” he added. 2026 marks Stewart’s third straight year competing full-time in the NHRA. He finished 2025 fifth on points, with Doug Kalitta topping the leaderboard.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/tony-stewart-revealed-hidden-sponsor-drama-behind-dating-leah-pruett-two-three-people-knew-i-with

5 Best Black Friday Luggage And Accessory Deals You Should Snag Before Your Next Vacation

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you’re an avid traveler, skip the fight for the flatscreen TV at Walmart this Black Friday and keep your eyes peeled for travel accessories instead. Not only is this a great time of year to get clothing and gear for your next trip, but you’ll need some good-quality luggage to get it to your destination, too. From bag scales to suitcases, organizational tools, and more, now is the time to stock up before the holiday travel season. If you plan to travel over Christmas or New Years, grab a new suitcase and some accessories while they are on sale instead of waiting. Here are the five best Black Friday luggage and accessory deals you can snag before your next vacation. And, if you’re looking for a specific kind of suitcase, these are the best carry-on suitcases in 2025 for every kind of traveler, according to research. Over 40% off select colors for Black Friday, this Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Luggage Set in sky blue is currently available for $196. 34 (down from $349. 88) on Amazon. This set includes two rolling suitcases with dual spinner wheels. With one slightly larger than the other, you could use one suitcase as a carry-on and check the other, or use one at a time for different-length trips. The luggage pieces in this set are both hard-shell suitcases, made from “scratch-resistant polypropylene.” Prices vary based on which color you choose, and the luggage set is available in 10 colors, including black, white, amethyst purple, light grey, mint green, navy, pink rose, powder blue, sky blue, and white/grey. The carry-on suitcase measures 23 inches by 15 inches by 10 inches, and it weighs 6. 5 pounds. The larger, checked suitcase measures 31. 1 inches by 20. 9 inches by 13. 8 inches, and it weighs 9. 6 pounds. Inside each suitcase are dividers, elastic straps to hold your belongings down, and an organizational pouch. On Amazon, this set has an average of 4. 3 stars out of over 16, 000 reviews at the time of writing. The reviews for these suitcases are overwhelmingly positive. Samsonite is a well-known brand, and many users report the suitcases are well-made and durable. One reviewer wrote after using Samsonite’s suitcase that “the size is perfect for airline travel. It meets cabin requirements, and the extra interior space surprised me. The straps, divider, and little pouch kept everything neatly in place no more rogue items sliding around like a tornado passed through my suitcase.” If you don’t need two new suitcases, Samsonite also has several other suitcases on sale for Black Friday. Another piece of rolling luggage, this product can work for both short and long trips, with the ability to expand to accommodate more items. The American Tourister Stratum 2. 0 is a hard-shell suitcase that is expandable and has spinner ball wheels, allowing it to be pulled along easily in an airport or train station. Price varies by color on Amazon, with sets ranging from $78. 10 to $115. 59. Colors available for this suitcase include slate blue, jade green, purple haze, soft coral, jet black, and white. Measuring 28 inches long, it’s recommended for a one- to three-day-long trip on Amazon; however, reviewers found that it had a much longer lifespan given its size. Currently, this suitcase in slate blue is on sale for $83. 66 (down 44%). On Amazon, this suitcase has an average rating of 4. 5 stars out of over 2, 000 reviews. Reviewers of the bag say that it is durable, surviving multiple long trips and time in checked baggage. As one of the brand’s larger suitcases, reviewers stated that the bag had enough space for trips of up to two weeks long, making it versatile. One user said about this model: “2 trips from Germany to Hawaii with several stops along the way, this suitcase has held up great, I average about 25-30lbs of items. Wheels are strong even over the cobblestones of Europe.” Maybe you don’t need a whole new suitcase. If you’re looking for a weekend bag to take with you on a quick trip or even to the gym, this Etronik bag is on sale for Black Friday and is very affordable for a small duffel bag. On Amazon, this bag comes in two different sizes. The medium bag in beige is on sale for $19. 99, and the large is on sale for $32. 99 at the time of writing. Both bags include a USB port, so you can charge your phone while traveling with your own portable charger, and there is a separate zippered bag for any wet items or items that could leak. The medium bag measures 18 inches by 8. 7 inches by 13. 5 inches. The large bag measures 20. 5 inches by 8. 8 inches by 15. 7 inches. This multi-purpose duffel bag includes a shoulder strap and handles. Those who have bought the bag generally have good things to say about it, noting in particular that it’s of good quality and spacious for a weekend bag. It currently has an overall 4. 6 star rating with over 12, 000 reviews on Amazon. One reviewer said the bag can hold about two to three outfits, but this will depend on what you want to carry and where you’re going. Another buyer said about the bag, “So many pockets to fit things in. The design is great and the straps are very comfortable, while in the airport I’ll often take the small flap on the bag and put it over my suitcase handle.” This accessory could come in handy when you’re packing for a trip especially if you don’t want to be surprised with extra fees at the airport. For travelers who tend to overpack, this could save you money (and it’s a good way to figure out if you really need those extra 15 pairs of underwear in your suitcase). The Travel Inspira Luggage Scale is a portable, digital, hanging baggage scale. It’s the number 1 best-selling item among luggage scales on Amazon with 4. 7 stars out of over 4, 000 reviews at time of writing. This little device will tell you if your bag or suitcase is over the airline’s weight limit for checked baggage. If it is, you’ll have time to remove some items or move them around between bags at home before the airline fines you for the extra weight. Air travel is expensive enough nowadays. For only $7. 80 (40% off) on Amazon, this product can help you avoid unexpected extra costs when traveling. The luggage scale has a capacity of up to 110 pounds and comes in multiple colors. The scale comes with a battery already installed, so you’re able to use it as soon as it’s delivered. And if you find your suitcase is over the airline’s limit, try one simple trick that just might get your overweight luggage under the limit in a flash. Lastly, for under $20, this This BAGSMART travel toiletry bag is on sale for Black Friday. When traveling, in addition to a suitcase or duffel, you need a separate toiletry bag. In hotels (and particularly hostels, if you’re a budget traveler), it’s helpful to have a toiletry bag that can be hung in a small space. The BAGSMART travel toiletry bag comes in two sizes, has a hanging hook, and unfolds to reveal four different compartments. At the time of writing, this product is listed at $14. 99 for a medium bag (34% off) and $18. 04 for a large bag (22% off) on Amazon. Folded, the medium bag measures 10. 8 inches by 3. 5 inches by 7. 9 inches, and the large bag measures 12. 6 inches by 4. 3 inches by 9. 1 inches. When unfolded, while the larger bag is bigger, both have four zippered compartments made of waterproof plastic, plus one exterior pocket. Easy to travel with, this bag can work for short or long trips or even visits to the gym. The toiletry travel bag comes in 12 different colors/patterns, so you can pick one that matches your new suitcase. This is a great way to organize your toiletries while traveling and keep them consolidated in one place. With 4. 8 stars and over 60, 000 reviews, it’s clear that consumers like this product. There are a lot of travel-related Black Friday deals out there, and among them, a lot of reduced-price luggage options and accessories. In order to come up with this list, we considered the types of luggage that one may be looking for and made sure to have some variation in the products recommended (i. e., suitcases versus weekend bags versus other necessary luggage accessories). Among each category, we looked for the best bang for your buck. Of the sales going on, these picks offer good price reductions for the type of items presented. In addition, we considered positive reviews when compiling this list to make sure these items were generally well-liked by consumers. All these items currently have over 4 star ratings. Now that you’ve got luggage taken care of, skip Black Friday and Cyber Monday and book your vacation on Travel Tuesday.
https://www.islands.com/2037480/black-friday-2025-luggage-deals-vacation/

Thailand Orders Worldcoin to Halt Operations, Delete User Data

TLDR Thailand has ordered Worldcoin to suspend operations and delete user data for violating local data protection laws. Authorities instructed Worldcoin to remove all biometric data, including 1. 2 million iris scans, collected from Thai users. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society cited the exchange of iris scans for Worldcoin tokens as a violation of national privacy standards. Despite halting operations, Worldcoin maintains compliance with local regulations and denies any wrongdoing. Worldcoin’s token price dropped following the regulatory action, reflecting market concerns about the company’s operations. Thailand has ordered Worldcoin to cease operations and delete user data following violations of the country’s data protection laws. The suspension affects around 1. 2 million iris scans collected from Thai users, marking another regulatory hurdle for the digital identity platform. Authorities claim the platform’s practices violated the Personal Data Protection Act, which governs the collection and use of personal data. Thai Authorities Demand Immediate Action The Economic and Social Development Board of Thailand has instructed Worldcoin to delete all biometric data collected through its iris-scanning technology. This follows a raid on one of the company’s iris-scanning locations in October, during which authorities raised concerns about potential violations of digital asset laws. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society confirmed the company’s practices conflicted with local data protection standards, particularly around the exchange of iris scans for Worldcoin tokens. Worldcoin responded by confirming that it had paused its verification activities and removed Thailand from its list of available locations. “We have complied with local regulations and will continue to maintain open communication with the authorities,” the company said. However, Worldcoin stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing. The platform emphasized the benefits it provides in protecting users from identity theft and fraud. It argued that its technology offers a critical layer of security for Thai users concerned about AI-driven scams. Despite the regulatory challenge, Worldcoin maintained its stance that it has prioritized user privacy and data protection. Regulatory Pressure Expands Globally Thailand is not the only country to scrutinize Worldcoin’s operations. On November 22, 2025, Colombia ordered the deletion of biometric data and suspended Worldcoin’s operations. The Philippines followed suit with similar measures, and countries such as Indonesia, Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have expressed concerns about the platform’s data privacy practices. Worldcoin has consistently defended its methods, claiming that biometric data is anonymized and not stored on the Orb devices used for iris scanning. “We ensure that all data collected is anonymized and protected from breaches,” the company reiterated. Despite these assurances, concerns continue to mount across various nations about the risks of storing sensitive biometric data. Worldcoin’s Market Impact The ongoing regulatory challenges have directly impacted Worldcoin’s market performance. Following the Thai authorities’ directive, the price of Worldcoin (WLD) dropped to an intraday low of $0. 6172. The price later recovered slightly to around $0. 6192, but this was part of a broader decline in the token’s price. Worldcoin has faced a prolonged bear market, with its token price falling by nearly 33% over the past year. Further compounding the issue, 37 million WLD tokens, worth approximately $23 million, were unlocked on November 22, 2025. These tokens quickly moved to exchanges, increasing the circulating supply and contributing to additional selling pressure. While historical trends suggest that regulatory interventions may lead to short-term price rebounds, broader market conditions, including rising supply, suggest a more cautious outlook. Traders and investors will need to monitor the immediate support at $0. 573, as any further breach could trigger a more profound decline. The post Thailand Orders Worldcoin to Halt Operations, Delete User Data appeared first on Blockonomi.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/thailand-orders-worldcoin-to-halt-operations-delete-user-data/