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  • Ex-Trump Official Files Suit Arguing Lawmakers Should Make More Than $174,000

    Ex-Trump Official Files Suit Arguing Lawmakers Should Make More Than $174,000

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    According to a new class-action lawsuit, it’s gotten to that point in part because lawmakers’ wages have been “unconstitutionally suppressed” — and current and former lawmakers may be collectively entitled to $50 million in damages as a result.

    “This is a vindication of the Constitution and the principles the founders were trying to achieve,” Ken Cuccinelli, the lawyer and former Trump White House official leading the suit, told Business Insider in an interview.

    Cuccinelli’s lawsuit, first reported by POLITICO, was filed last week on behalf of Republican Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas and a trio of ex-lawmakers from both parties — and it hinges primarily on the 27th Amendment to the US Constitution:

    No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

    The amendment was first submitted to the states for ratification along with the amendments that later became the Bill of Rights — but it wasn’t ratified until 1992, over 200 years later.

    The suit argues that Congress has violated the US Constitution by routinely denying lawmakers an annual cost of living adjustment in their salaries.

    Since 2009, rank-and-file lawmakers’ salaries have remained flat at $174,000 because government funding bills have included a provision explicitly blocking a modest pay increase that would otherwise happen. Almost every year, Congress votes on those bills — and they take effect — without an election happening in between.

    Because lawmakers’ salaries are not keeping pace with inflation and increasing under the cost of living adjustment that would otherwise take place, the suit argues that their wages are being “varied” by being effectively suppressed, thus violating the 27th Amendment.

    “You’ve got a situation now where you either have to be rich to go into Congress, or you have to sacrifice your family,” said Cuccinelli, noting that lawmakers are typically expecting to maintain two separate residences — one in DC, and one in their home state.

    The suit calculates the amount of additional wages that the ex-lawmakers are owed, including:

    • $753,300 for Democratic Ed Perlmutter of Colorado

    • $563,800 for Republican Rodney Davis of Illinois

    • $268,839 for Republican Tom Davis of Virginia

    Estimating that roughly 1800 current and former lawmakers have been affected by the routine denial of cost of living adjustments, the plaintiffs are seeking roughly $50 million in damages from the government.

    It goes without saying that this is unpopular with the public — despite the potential good-government benefits of raising lawmakers’ salaries, polling has consistently shown that Americans hate the idea of giving Congress a raise.


    Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas is among the current and former lawmakers suing the United States over their salaries.

    Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas is among the current and former lawmakers suing the United States over their salaries.

    Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images



    But Cuccinelli — who previously served as the Republican Attorney General of Virginia, the acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, and at one point, the head of a pro-Ron DeSantis super PAC — says he doesn’t care in the least.

    “If you know anything about my history, obviously I’m a conservative and a constitutionalist. I suffer from severe idealism,” he said. “I don’t think the Constitution was written to restrain government actions in ways that would always be popular.”

    “People who don’t like it should take it up with James Madison,” Cuccinelli added, referring to the fourth US president and the original proponent of the 27th Amendment. “I’m not embarrassed to be on the side of James Madison.”

    Cuccinelli said he was first inspired to pursue this case when he helped a trio of Republican congressmen with a lawsuit over the fines that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi imposed on them for skirting the magnetometers that used to stand at each entrance to the House chamber. That suit also alleged a violation of the 27th Amendment, though a judge later dismissed the case.

    He also lauded the bravery of Crawford — who faces reelection in November, unlike the other plaintiffs — as taking a “courageous step” by joining the lawsuit.

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  • Top Wireless Headsets For The Office

    Top Wireless Headsets For The Office

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    Looking For the Best Wireless Headset for Your Office?  Here Are Some Top Pick

    One of the best inventions for office workers is the cordless headset. If you have a job which requires you to be on the phone much of the day, having one of the best cordless headsets on the market will make your job so much easier.

    Business people today are much busier than they used to be; there is just so much to be done in one day. When your phone conversation doesn’t require a 100% listening ear, it is nice to be able to do something else at the same time such as filing, making copies, opening and distributing the mail, or sending an email or fax. Multi-tasking is all too common nowadays, and best quality wireless headsets will allow you to be more efficient.

    Even if you can’t multi-task while on the phone, it’s nice to be able to sit comfortably, as opposed to wrenching your neck over to one side for long periods of time. Or, you may even like to get up, stretch, and move your legs a bit to get your circulation flowing. With an old-fashioned phone cord, this really wasn’t possible. Sure, you could stand up and take a few steps, but ultimately you would be walking around in circles. Even then, your neck still suffers.

    With a cordless headset and best quality Bluetooth headsets for the office, you are able to move around freely, whether you want to do so for better body function and movement or so you can multi-task.

    Here are some of the best cordless headsets available:

    Poly (Plantronics) Savi 7220 Office Wireless Headset Stereo1.  Poly (Plantronics) Savi 7220 Office Wireless Headset Stereo

    This headset is worn over the head and has two ear pieces so you can listen without a lot of interruption from outside noises. Like most Plantronics headsets, this wireless headset for your desk phone gives you up to 400 feet with which to roam, allowing you to walk, talk, and work all at once. This is the replacement for the CS520, one of the best wireless headsets that for those whose day requires multi-tasking.

    Another great feature of this, one of the best quality wired headsets for your money, is that the battery lasts an incredible amount of time – up to twelve hours of talking and listening time and up to fifty hours of standby time. It is also extremely lightweight for your comfort and protects against sound levels which can do damage to your ears.

     cs5402. Plantronics CS540 Wireless Headset, Convertible (C054, CO54)

    This Plantronics CS540 wireless headset for your desk phone has been designed to ensure comfort for all day use. Some people can get away with wearing headsets only when they absolutely need to – when a call comes through or when they walk away from the phone. And, if this is all the need you have for a headset, be assured – it’s enough of a reason to invest in this product. A headset will save you time and will help you work in an ergonomic fashion. For others, though, a headset has to be worn all day long. This can pose a discomfort problem. But, Plantronics has thought of this and created this wonderful headset which is ergonomically designed so it balances perfectly on your head for all day comfort. If you’ve ever worn a headset for a long period of time, you know that your ear can start to ache. With this headset, though, the speaker pad never presses against your ear. This is one of the best cordless headsets because it offers total comfort for all day wear.

    Jabra Pro 920

     3. Jabra Pro 920 Mono Wireless Headset System

    Talk about an affordable wireless headset for your office! This Jabra Pro 920 wireless headset is one of the best cordless headsets for all day wear, not to mention one of the most affordable at only $289.95 – currently on sale at the time of this writing. It comes in two different wearing styles, so you can choose which ever one you like after the purchase.  This headset plugs directly into your phone’s handset jack so you don’t need any extra cords or amplifier.  It comes with one year manufacturer’s warranty.  If it fails within one year, Jabra will send you another one at no charge.

    If you’re looking for a wireless headset for your desk phone that gives you all day comfort, the Jabra Pro 920 is a great option and completely affordable for most offices.

    4. Jabra Engage 65 Stereo Wireless Headset System

    Jabra offers the Engage 65 headset as an awesome option for users looking for extra security while using a wireless headset, thanks to its advanced chipset which brings DECT Security step C, which is also known as military grade security making it impossible tojabra engage 65 stereo wireless headset system view be hacked compared with other brands or models without this advanced chipset. Thanks to this it allows a further range of up to 490 feet on line of sight and offers up to X3 of wireless density, translated means that you can have up to the triple of wireless headset of the same kind in a small office place without interruption among them. The Engage 65 has Jabra’s Advanced Noise-Canceling microphone which is greatly appreciated for loud office places with loud noises around the user. The Engage 65 offers dual connectivity that allows the user to use with a desk phone and with a computer thanks to the included USB cable and offering a talk time of up to 13 hours of talk time in a single charge thanks to its fast charging capability.

    5. Plantronics Savi 8220 Wireless Headset Binaural Savi 8200 series

    This is the newest Plantronics wireless headset in the Savi 8220 wireless headset family. With Active Noise Canceling that blocks the noises in the environment, designed for loud working environments. This headset allows you to use it with your desk phone, plug in to your computer by the USB and synchronize it via Bluetooth with your cell phone or tablet, making it one of the best headsets in the market for UC. The noise canceling microphone has a a mute notification, that lets you know when your headset is in mute during a phone call as a reminder, the Active Noise Canceling can be turn on and off at will from the same headset, volume and answer/end calls intuitive built-in controls make it a really easy to use headset.

    6. Poly Savi 7310 Office Wireless Headset Mono, desk phone and PC

    Poly enters to the high encryption chipset headsets with the Poly Savi 7310. This unit has the higher encryption of 256 bit AES encryption that is one of the highest rate on a wireless headset, designed for more secure conversations while on use. One headset to be used with a desk phone and a computer as it comes with the proper cables to plug in, and can be sued with virtually any computer as it comes with the USB-A and USB-C cables and fully compatible with PC and Mac OS. Acoustic Fence technology can be found on the bendable microphone boom arm that will block most of the annoying noises of the user’s voice background such as loud fans for example. Certified to be used on any of the UC applications on the market such as RingCentral, 8X8 or BlueJeans to mention a few. Thanks to its easy to find call and volume controls makes it easy to answer/end a call, adjust the volume and mute the microphone from the headset. Offering up to 50 hours of standby time in a single charge, for those times when someone forgets to plug their headset to the cradle at the end of the shift.

    7. Poly Voyager 5200 MS Office Bluetooth Headset 2-Way Base

    Poly offers the replacement of the veteran CS530 in the shape of the new Voyager 5200 Office. The new improvements include the change from wireless DECT to Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity, offering a similar range as before with up to 300 feet on line of sight. Another improvement includes the redesign of the headset with a more discrete and lighter unit than the previous generation and offering now multi connectivity that translate in being able to be used with your desk phone, the computer and with a Bluetooth enable device! For the same reason of being Bluetooth, the user can take the headset out of the office and keep using it with the smart phone or tablet for example. When working out of the office the headset can be charged with the included charging cable, making it easy to use at any place. WindSmart technology can be found in the microphone boom arm which blocks most of the unwanted noises created by common actions happening down the road like walking or wind noises. Fully compatible with all UC platforms and applications with easy to use volume controls built in the headset.

    8. Jabra Engage 75 Convertible Wireless Headset System

    Jabra offers its Engage 75 as their top of the chain on a wireless headset for office use. Thanks to its light, discrete and compact size the Engage 75 can be worn over the head, over the ear or behind the neck thanks to the included accessories! This headset offers multi connectivity, but compared with others, Jabra takes it a step further as it offers a desk phone connectivity, 2 computers thanks to the included USB cables and 2 Bluetooth enable devices, all at the same time! The base of the Engage 75 makes all the magic to happen and its a nice option for users wanting all their devices to use one single wireless headset while on the office. Thanks to its built in Busy lights on the headset and microphone boom arm let the user be noted when engaged in a call. The touchpad screen on the base works as headset configurator with easy to navigate menus and allows the user to know statuses on real time like battery, talk time, date/time and device engaged, plus lets to know when on mute when the user forgets to unmute on the headset while on an active call. Offering up to X3 of wireless density as the sibling 65 allowing to have more of the same wireless headset kind in a smaller space, thanks to its advanced chipset.

    9. Poly Savi 7420-M Office Stereo Wireless Headset Microsoft Teams

    Poly offers the second generation of its Savi 7000 Office series in the shape of the Savi 7420-M, covering both ears in a stereo sound quality. With a higher encryption chipset with military level 256 bit AES, giving it a further range of up to 590 feet on line of sightpoly savi 7420-m office stereo wireless headset microsoft teams view and 2X of higher density of wireless headsets in a small location for a more secure connection while on use in an active call. The new redesigned base offers now triple connectivity, so can be used with a desk phone, a computer either USB-A or USB-C with included cables and a Bluetooth enable device as the base has this built in capability. Thanks to the new added LED screen and its scroll wheel located in the back allows the user to customize the settings on the headset and thanks to the new and improved selection key7s that illuminate when selecting the device to engage allows the user to easy select the device to use and work as busy lights and as a visual reminder to user if the microphone had been muted. The base is fully compatible with Savi 8400, Savi 8200, Savi 7400, and Savi 7300 Series headsets as well, thanks to its hot pairing process simply put the headset on the cradle and the base will link with the new headset. Acoustic Fence technology can be found in the bendable microphone boom arm that blocks most of the unwanted noises while on a shift in a office environment.

    10. Poly Savi 8445-M Office Wireless Headset Convertible, MS Teams

    For users wanting a lighter daily use headset to work all day, Poly offers the new Savi 8445-M as replacement of the Savi 8240/8245. The new improvements include a new, improved and grateful redesign of the base that now includes a color LED display with a useful scroll wheel on the back of the base and easier to use light up device selector button. Thanks to this new features, allows the user to customize audio settings from the base and with real time device status as day/time, device engaged and battery lifetime plus talk time. The easy to use and find buttons on the base work as busy lights and as reminder when the user mute the microphone while on a live call on any of the devices engaged. Thanks to the close conversation limiting noise canceling microphone allows the user to have a piece of mind when on a call as it will block unwanted noises such as loud coworkers conversations for example. Easy to be worn as it is a convertible with an over the head, over the ear or behind the neck included accessories. Unlimited talk time headset and for the same reason comes with an additional battery and charger, allowing to swap batteries in the middle of a call without dropping calls or hanging up.

    11. Poly Voyager Focus 2 Office USB-A Bluetooth Headset, MS Teams

    Poly offers the Voyager Focus 2 Office as a Bluetooth Class 1 wireless headset, compatible with desk phone, a computer thanks to the included USB cable and Bluetooth enable device such as smart phone for example. Thanks to its connectivity, allows the user topoly voyager focus 2 office usb-a bluetooth headset, ms teams view take the headset out of the office and keep using it with a smart phone or a tablet for example. New and improved Digital Hybrid Active Noise Canceling is found now with different levels of graduation which is appreciated when not so much loud noises around the user at one time and after an hour or so it gets increased. Thanks to its innovative and discrete microphone boom arm with Acoustic Fence technology, it can be worn on either side and allows to mute by bring the boom arm up or down. Thanks to its smart sensors, the user can mute, pause, resume or answer a call by simply putting the headset on or off. Voice over USB is found on the headset that allows to be used as a corded headset when the base is not close by or if need to charge the headset while on a call/use at the office.

    These are just a few of the best quality wireless headsets out there. A Bluetooth headset with the best sound quality for your desk phone will give you freedom of motion and make you feel like you’re accomplishing so much more during your day – because you are! We are living in the age of amazing technology and no longer need to be tied to our desks. If your day requires multiple phone calls, one of the best investments you can make in your business and for yourself is a cordless headset.

    When you’re looking for the best wireless headset for customer service, the sky is the limit. There are multitudes of options and every price imaginable. With a little research, you will definitely be able to find the best cordless headset for your particular needs. Don’t wait a moment longer. You will be so glad you invested in one of these Bluetooth headsets for your desk phone. In fact, you’ll be wondering why you waited so long to make this investment.

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  • 4 Best Wireless Dog Fences in 2024

    4 Best Wireless Dog Fences in 2024

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    Pet parents who have yards want their dogs to be able to roam their yards freely without fear of them running away, never to be seen again. While privacy fences are an option, they aren’t affordable for all pet parents and many pet parents might prefer an invisible fence.

    Wireless fences come in many varieties leaving pet parents searching through reviews and product information to ensure that they get the best option for their families. Here are PetKeen’s favorite wireless fence systems complete with our reviews of each one!

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    A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

    The 4 Best Wireless Dog Fences

    1. PetSafe Wireless Containment System – Best Overall

    PetSafe Wireless Containment System

    In-Ground or Wireless: Wireless
    Correction Type: Noise, Static
    Waterproof: Yes

    Our choice for the best overall wireless dog fence is PetSafe’s Wireless Containment System. The Wireless Containment System has a home base that covers 3/4 of an acre (approx. 32,000 sq ft). The collar receiver has 5 options for correction including noise-only and static electricity options.

    This wireless fence is also great if you have a large property; you can buy multiple home bases and connect them to create a larger zone for your pet to enjoy. If you have multiple dogs, you can buy multiple colors and connect multiple collars to a single receiver as well. So, this is perfect for multi-dog homes.

    Both the home base and receiver are waterproof, so you can use this outdoors no matter rain or shine. You can plug this in indoors or outdoors, and you don’t have to worry about the elements destroying it.

    Pet parents who have ethical concerns surrounding the use of static shock collars will be able to use tone-only correction. This corrective method emits only an unpleasant noise when the dog leaves the safe zone.

    Pros

    • 5 levels of correction methods
    • Good for multi-dog homes
    • Can link together multiple home base unit

    Cons

    • Shock collar option may leave some pet parents feeling nervous

    2. PetSafe Basic In-Ground Dog Fence System – Best Value

    PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System (1)

    In-Ground or Wireless: In-Ground
    Correction Type: Static or Beep
    Waterproof: Yes

    The best wireless dog fence for the money is PetSafe’s Basic In-Ground Fence System. This wireless fence will require you to lay the in-ground wires to mark off the boundary line of your property. The kit also comes with flags that you can use to mark off your boundary to help your dog learn where the boundary line is. The system covers up to 1/3 of an acre (14,000 sq ft), more wire can be purchased separately.

    The kit includes a waterproof receiver collar that has 4 levels of behavior correction. If your dog gets too close to the boundary line, it will remind them with a loud beep and gentle static correction if they cross the boundary line. Pet parents with ethical concerns surrounding static collars can use the tone-only mode.

    Pros

    • Cost-efficient
    • Tone-only mode

    3. PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Dog Fence – Premium Choice

    PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence (1)

    In-Ground or Wireless: Wireless
    Correction Type: Static, noise
    Waterproof: Yes

    Pet parents looking to spend a little extra for the best of the best will want to check out PetSafe’s Stay & Play Wireless Fence. The Stay & Play Wireless Fence is portable, waterproof, and allows for an unlimited number of pets to be added to the unit, making it perfect for multi-pet households.

    The Stay & Play Wireless Fence covers a 3/4 of an acre area out of the box that does not require any buried wires or a physical fence. You can expand the area by adding more home base stations.

    The receiver collar has five levels of correction that increase as the dog gets further away from the boundary. Pet parents who don’t want to use a shock option will be able to use the collar’s tone-only option.

    Pros

    • Completely wireless, no need for buried wires
    • An unlimited number of pets can be added to the unit

    4. PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Dog Fence

    PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Fence (1)

    In-Ground or Wireless: Wireless
    Correction Type: Static, noise
    Waterproof: Yes

    The PetSafe Stay & Play Compact is a smaller version of the PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence. The receiver is smaller and more portable than its larger predecessor. The Compact delivers the same wireless range as the PetSafe Stay & Play.

    Like the PetSafe Stay & Play, the Compact covers a 3/4-acre space and has five levels of correction, including a tone-only mode. This wireless fence doesn’t require any buried wires and has a smaller home base unit than other PetSafe wireless fences.

    The collar included with this kit is smaller and intended for dogs as small as 5 pounds while the full-sized Stay & Play Fence starts at 8 pounds.

    Pros

    • Suitable for small dogs
    • Fully wireless

    Cons

    • Does not work in yards with a steep change in elevation

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Wireless Dog Fence

    Pet parents who are looking to keep their dog in their yard without putting up a 6-foot-tall fence will usually start looking into wireless fences and e-collars. These fences have multiple setup options that pet parents can browse. What’s best for you will be determined by what your family’s exact needs are. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a wireless dog fence.

    dog with ecollar for invisible fence
    Image By: EMpro, Shutterstock

    Setup Options

    The first thing you want to consider is the setup style. There are two main wireless dog fence setups: in-ground and homebase. Which one you choose will largely be determined by how much work you want to do and how much space you need to give your dog or dogs.

    In-Ground

    In-ground dog fences run a wire that responds to the dog’s movement from a home base station around the property. These fences are generally considered a permanent fixture as setting them up usually requires that you dig up part of the yard to place the fence boundary.

    In-ground fences are best for yards that are very large or oddly shaped. They allow your dog to get full use out of the whole yard and allow pet parents to feel safe knowing that the fence will trigger when their dog goes near it.

    Once the fence has been set, it runs on its own and requires no further intervention by the owner.

    Wireless Home Base

    A wireless home base setup uses a transmitter that sends signals to a receiver on your dog’s collar. When your dog gets too far away from the home base the receiver will emit a noise administer shock or noise to let the dog know that it needs to move closer to the home base.

    These setups are entirely wireless and have very few setup requirements. Unlike in-ground setups, the wireless home base does not require you to dig up your yard and plug directly into an outlet but the home base covers a smaller ground area.

    The area covered by a wireless home base setup is an exact circle centered on the home base unit. Pet parents with very larger or atypically shaped yards may find that a home base unit does not cover their entire yard and does not allow their dog to access the whole yard. Pet parents with very small yards may find that their dog is allowed to roam into their neighbor’s yards which are covered by the circular radius.

    hunting dog with training collar
    Image By: PaigeWhite, Shutterstock

    How to Decide Which Fence Is Right for You

    When deciding what fence to buy there are many factors that a pet parent will want to consider. The biggest factor is the size and shape of your yard. If your yard is unusually shaped or very small a wireless home base station may include areas of your neighbor’s yards as part of the Safe Zone. If your yard is very large you may need multiple wireless home bases to cover the entire area of your yard.

    Another factor that you’ll want to consider when buying a fence is the correction method of the receiver. There are three types of corrective methods: tone, vibration, and shock. A tone correction collar will emit a loud noise when the dog comes near the barrier zone. A vibration collar will vibrate when the dog leaves the zone and won’t stop until the dog returns to the safe zone. A shock collar will administer a harmless electrical shock to the dog when they near the barrier line.

    Not all dogs respond the same to each type of correction. Some professional trainers will usually recommend that you buy a fence that has all three options in case your dog doesn’t react appropriately to the first chosen correction method.

    Ethical Concerns When Using a Shock Collar

    Any pet parents rightfully have concerns about the use of shock collars with their dogs. Proponents of shock collars state that no harm will come to the dog so long as they’re used appropriately, and dogs have been harmed by improper use of shock collars leaving pet parents feeling nervous about employing the corrective method.

    The ASPCA recommends that you never use a shock collar, considering them inhumane. Pet Keen does not endorse the use of shock collars with dogs. There is no evidence that shock collars are more effective than any other humane training method and many research observations show them to be less effective.

    Dog english pointer with GPS collar sitting in the grass
    Image By: Jelena Safronova, Shutterstock

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    Conclusion

    There are so many wireless fences out there and it can be intimidating to try and find the best one! Our choice for the best overall wireless dog fence was PetSafe’s Wireless Containment System. Pet parents willing to put in a little elbow grease to save money will love the PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System. Lastly, pet parents looking for the best of the best need not look further than the PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence to keep their dog contained!

    Featured Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock



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  • These Inexpensive Food Storage Containers are Perfect for an Organized Pantry on a Budget

    These Inexpensive Food Storage Containers are Perfect for an Organized Pantry on a Budget

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    | Published on

    Organizing a pantry can be a costly project. Visit any home influencer’s Instagram feed, and you’ll likely see expensive baskets, bins, and food storage containers neatly lining pantry shelves. If you want that streamlined look but are working with a modest budget, you don’t have to compromise — use similar but less expensive materials for an Instagram-worthy pantry.

    Tips for Pantry Organization for Less

    The goal of pantry organization is to make it easy to see what food you have on hand and keep it organized. There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a pantry makeover. Instead, try some of these tips.

    These Inexpensive Food Storage Containers are Perfect for an Organized Pantry on a Budget

    Utilize Inexpensive but Matching Food Storage Containers

    Organizing a pantry requires a variety of containers. Large containers house bulky items like uncooked spaghetti, cereal, oats, and rice. Smaller containers can fit more niche items like chocolate chips for your favorite cookie recipe or a package of candy. 

    For continuity, it’s best to use the same type or brand of small container and the same type of large container since these items will sit next to each other on a shelf.

    Out of Space? Create a Pantry Drawer to House Your Food

    If you have no dedicated pantry but have deep drawers, create your own food storage system utilizing container sets, like TikToker The Kwendy Home. Mess around with the organization until you find the best way to arrange your containers. Be sure that the least used items are on the bottom and the food/snacks you reach for the most are on top.

    Hit Up the Dollar Tree for Storage Bins

    Expensive and cheap bins all serve the same purpose—to contain items. To stretch your money as far as possible, utilize bins from The Dollar Tree. Affordable and aesthetically pleasing baskets are also available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

    Make Your Pantry Look Fresh with a New Coat of Paint

    Dirty or scuffed-up paint jobs can ruin the look of a room, including the pantry. A quick coat of paint on the walls and shelves allows you to customize the look and spruce up the pantry in a big way without splurging.

    Utilize Cardboard Boxes

    Make your own bins by saving your cardboard boxes and wrapping them in pretty paper or fabric. You’ll get a custom look for pennies on the dollar. Plus, you can cut down boxes to be the exact size your pantry needs.

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  • SOCOM Is Turning Its Airlift Planes Into Bombers With a New Weapon

    SOCOM Is Turning Its Airlift Planes Into Bombers With a New Weapon

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    Workhorse transport planes fighting as bombers


    Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) cradles near a transport aircraft

    The rehearsals allow the airmen to rapidly employ a litany of effects via airdrop from airlift platforms, such as the MC-130J Commando II.

    US Army Photo


    Traditionally, the Air Force’s workhorse transport planes, like the C-17 Globemaster III and MC-130J Commando II, have aided in the strategic and rapid delivery of fuel and supplies via airdrop. The big aircraft can also carry personnel.

    These two types of planes were selected for the initiative because turning them into bombers required fewer modifications and training.

    “The beauty of that capability is it doesn’t require any aircraft modifications,” Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, then-deputy chief of staff of US Air Force Special Operations Command, told reporters at the Air and Space Forces Association conference, which Business Insider attended at the time.

    “It doesn’t require any special aircrew training. It really just takes advantage of the characteristics of that platform.”

    The MC-130J can climb 28,000 feet with a 42,000 payload and has a range of 3,000 miles. Slife said the cargo plane can carry as many long-range weapons as a B-52.

    “An MC-130J is the perfect aircraft for this capability because we can land and operate from 3,000-foot highways and austere landing zones whereas a bomber cannot,” Lt. Col. Valerie Knight, 352nd Wing mission commander, said in a release in November 2022.

    The C-17 has a payload capacity of nearly 171,000 pounds, designed to transport armored vehicles, trucks, and trailers, as well as airdrop more than 100 paratroopers and their accompanying equipment. This plane, given its size, can carry three times as many long-range precision munitions as a B-52 bomber, according to Slife.

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  • 22RE invokes “stillness” inside green Miami golfing boutique

    22RE invokes “stillness” inside green Miami golfing boutique

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    Los Angeles studio 22RE has used pale-green stucco informed by Miami‘s colours and golf courses for the interiors of a golf clothing boutique in the city.

    A few blocks from the ocean, the Malbon store in Coconut Grove serves a large customer base for the brand in South Florida – a popular golfing destination thanks to year-round warm weather.

    Store interior with green stucco columns and radial grey floor tiles
    The Malbon Miami store revolves around a central area, from which handmade tiles emanate in a radial pattern across the floor

    The verdant neighbourhood and Miami’s distinct architecture provided 22RE with a starting point to build upon, aiming to create a tranquil space amongst such vibrancy.

    “We intended to create an oasis within the city, one that invoked stillness – a feeling that Malbon customers are accustomed to while they’re out on the green,” 22RE founding principal Dean Levin told Dezeen.

    Golf clothing boutique with green stucco walls
    Pale green stucco covers the walls, columns and ceiling beams

    The store’s most striking feature is the pale green stucco that covers the majority of vertical surfaces and ceiling beams that form square archways overhead.

    “The shade of green used throughout the space was inspired by the studio’s first visit to the location, and inspired by the vibrant hues associated with Miami as a city,” said Levin.

    Accessories displayed on stainless steel shelves, surrounded by green stucco
    Merchandise is kept to the perimeter of the store, displayed on stainless steel rails and shelves

    The placid hue is contrasted with stainless steel elements including the sales counter and a doorway to the stock room.

    From the centre of the space, mid-grey handmade Mexican tiles are laid across the floor in a radial pattern, emanating from a circular plaque that displays the brand’s monogram.

    Filleted stucco surfaces contrast an aluminium open-cell grid ceiling
    Filleted stucco surfaces contrast the aluminium open-cell grid ceiling

    A ring-shaped installation above, suspended from an aluminium open-cell grid ceiling, also bears the Malbon logo scribed repeatedly in white neon.

    Four columns and a pair of stainless steel benches define this central area, which is intentionally devoid of merchandise to create a moment for pause and conversation between customers.

    Clothing and accessories are kept to the perimeter, displayed in illuminated niches on stainless steel rails or shelves.

    “In retail stores, there is a predominantly unchanging relationship between salesperson and customer,” Levin said. “We wanted to consider and account for the things we could – foot traffic, merchandising and general flow.”

    Detail of a stainless steel bench made from perpendicular planes
    A pair of stainless steel benches offer a place for pause and conversation in the middle of the boutique

    Behind the street-facing windows, white stones cover the floors and plants so that the store “feels like a natural extension of the vegetation and foliage” in the surrounding area, said Levin.

    “Through juxtaposing a variety of different materials both organic and industrial, the Malbon Miami storefront is an accurate reflection of the values we celebrate and preserve as an architecture and design firm,” he added.

    Storefront with greenery behind large windows
    The storefront contains greenery to create a natural extension of the verdant surroundings of Coconut Grove

    Miami has grown significantly as a retail destination over the past decade, with a large concentration of new luxury stores in the city’s Design District.

    Brands including Louis Vuitton, Off-White and Christian Louboutin all have distinctly designed outposts in the neighbourhood.

    The photography is by Erik Stackpole.



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  • Katie Britt Defended Linking Sex Trafficking Account to Joe Biden

    Katie Britt Defended Linking Sex Trafficking Account to Joe Biden

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    • Alabama Sen. Katie Britt defended the sex trafficking account she described during her SOTU rebuttal.
    • Britt was criticized for linking a decades-old story of a victim in Mexico to President Joe Biden.
    • On Fox News, Britt said she was clear with her comments and denied that her language was deceptive.

    Alabama Sen. Katie Britt stepped into the center of the political spotlight last week and may wish she could step out of it.

    With her Republican rebuttal to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday, Britt became a target for fact-checkers and late-night comedians.

    While arguing Biden “invited” the immigration crisis at the southern border, Britt brought up an anecdote of a sex trafficking victim who she said she spoke with after taking office in 2023.

    “I traveled to the Del Rio sector of Texas. That’s where I spoke to a woman who shared her story with me. She had been sex trafficked by the cartels starting at the age of 12. She told me not just that she was raped every day, but how many times a day she was raped,” Britt said.

    While describing the devastating circumstances of the woman’s case, Britt seemed to imply that it took place under Biden’s administration.

    “We wouldn’t be okay with this happening in a Third World country. This is the United States of America, and it is past time, in my opinion, that we start acting like it. President Biden’s border policies are a disgrace,” Britt said.

    The catch is that the case Britt referred to happened in Mexico during the second George W. Bush administration. The victim has testified to being abused from 2004 to 2008, and a fact-check by The Washington Post found no evidence that cartels were involved, despite Britt’s claims to the contrary.

    Asked if she meant to “give the impression that this horrible story happened on Biden’s watch” on Fox News by Shannon Bream on Sunday, Britt defended her wording.

    “No, Shannon, look, I very specifically said this is what President Biden did during his first 100 days,” detailing the president’s immigration policies and executive actions Britt disagreed with.

    Britt said she was simply contrasting Biden’s first days with her own first 100 days in office, during which she said she visited the border multiple times and spoke with “previous victims of drug cartels.”

    “Okay but to be clear, the story that you relayed is not something that’s happened under the Biden administration, that particular person?” Bream pressed.

    “Well, I very clearly said I spoke to a woman who told me about when she was trafficked when she was 12,” Britt replied. “I didn’t say a teenager, I didn’t say a young woman. A grown woman, a woman.”

    Speaking with the Post, Britt’s communications director Sean Ross disagreed with the premise that Britt’s language about the anecdote was deceptive.

    “The story Senator Britt told was 100% correct,” Ross told the Post, arguing that Biden’s policies have “empowered the cartels” to victimize more people “than ever before.”

    Ross did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider on Sunday.

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  • 20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds For Hassle-Free Grooming (With Pictures) – Dogster

    20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds For Hassle-Free Grooming (With Pictures) – Dogster

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    Do you need a short-haired dog to save you time and money on grooming? In our list of short-haired dog breeds, you can find any size of dog, from the large Great Dane all the way down to the tiny Chihuahua. Short-haired dogs don’t need to be brushed as often, but be warned that they do still shed, and not all of these dogs are hypoallergenic. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at each of our picks for short-haired dog breeds:

    divider-paw

    Top 20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds

    1. Weimaraner

    Weimaraner in the desert
    Image Credit: celyi, Shutterstock
    Height: 22 – 27 inches
    Weight: 55 – 90 pounds
    AKC Group: Sporting

    This German hunting dog comes from the Weimar region in its native country. Weimaraners are athletic and require lots of exercise. Their coats are short and they come in a variety of grey shades. Weimaraners can be perfect family dogs and can even be good with children, so long as you run their energy out adequately.

    2. Great Dane

    Great Dane
    Image Credit: volofin, Shutterstock
    Height: 28 – 34 inches
    Weight: 100 – 200 pounds
    AKC Group: Working

    Great Danes, although easy with coat maintenance, will be more work in feeding and finding space for them. Even though they are huge, they have a calm nature and don’t need to let off tons of energy like other large dogs. If you give them a short walk or two a day, they will get all the exercise they need. Train them early on and they will be a lovable, lounging pup for you and your family.

    3. Pug

    pug in a harness
    Image Credit: maniablack18, Pixabay
    Height: 10 – 13 inches
    Weight: 14 – 18 pounds
    AKC Group: Toy

    The Pug is a cute little pup that comes from China. Pugs were a sought-after pet back in B.C. times as they were the choice pets of Chinese emperors. They love to be right by your side and make you laugh with their antics. Their hair is short, true, but they will need their wrinkles cleaned out with a wet wipe or cloth every week or so. Pugs also have a hard time in hot weather, so make sure to keep him cooled off.

    4. Italian Greyhound

    Italian Greyhound
    Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
    Height: 13 – 15 inches
    Weight: 8 – 11 pounds
    AKC Group: Toy

    Italian Greyhounds are very similar to their ancestor, the Greyhound, in these ways: their coats are short, they are sweet and calm, and they don’t need tons of exercise. They make a perfect dog for people who can’t handle the large-sized Greyhound but still want the same good nature. Speaking of its small size, you will need to be careful with it while carrying it around with you because of its vulnerability to injury.

    5. Miniature Pinscher

    miniature pinscher standing on tire
    Image Credit: Dorena Beckendorf, Pixabay
    Height: 10 – 12.5 inches
    Weight: 8 – 10 pounds
    AKC Group: Toy

    Miniature Pinschers (Min Pins, for short) are similar to Doberman Pinschers, but Min Pins are actually the older breed. Min Pins have a short coat that needs brushing once a week to make it look sleek and shiny. This dog breed has lots of pride and confidence, and is considered the “King of Toys.” Miniature Pinschers are great for a family with older children that know how to handle small dogs.

    6. Labrador

    Labrador Retrievers_Shutterstock_Tina Rencelj
    Image Credit: Tina Rencelj, Shutterstock
    Height: 22 – 24 inches
    Weight: 55 – 79 pounds
    AKC Group: Sporting

    The most popular dog breed in America for 28 years in a row has also got a short coat that’s easy to care for. Labradors love the water, so you won’t have a difficult time bathing them, either. Their personalities are affectionate, caring, and playful. Labs are very easy to train, which is why they are often used as service animals. Labs are great for people of all ages.

    7. Rottweiler

    rottweiler dog walking on sand beach
    Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
    Height: 22 – 27 inches
    Weight: 77 – 130 pounds
    AKC Group: Working

    Rottweilers have a reputation to guard and protect, and they are fiercely loyal to their families. Long ago in Germany, they were bred to drive cattle and pull carts of meat for butchers. This independent breed needs some good training early on to be manageable. You will likely win over any Rottie with a treat in the form of food, which is a good way to train them, too.

    8. Dalmatian

    Running dalmatian_Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock
    Image Credit: Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock
    Height: 19 – 24 inches
    Weight: 45 – 65 pounds
    AKC Group: Non-sporting

    Dalmatians are known as fire station dogs for a reason. Before there were fire engines, Dalmatians were used to walk beside the horses drawing the carriage in order to calm them down. This breed is known for its high energy and requires lots of daily exercise to stay happy. Because of this, they might not be the best breed for apartment-dwellers or older folks.

    9. Vizsla

    Vizsla
    Image Credit: martine552, Pixabay
    Height: 21 – 24 inches
    Weight: 44 – 60 pounds
    AKC Group: Sporting

    With characteristics of a pointer and retriever, the Vizsla has striking similarities to the Weimaraner dog, besides it’s brown coat. Vizsla dogs are smaller and don’t require quite as much exercise, though they are quite agile and can run for a long time if they need to. They are graceful dogs with a beautiful coat that does not require much work to maintain.

    10. Chihuahua

    chihuahua dog_HG-Fotografie_Pixabay
    Image Credit: HG-Fotografie, Pixabay
    Height: 6 – 9 inches
    Weight: 2 – 6 pounds
    AKC Group: Toy

    Chihuahuas come in long or short coat varieties that can be many colors. Don’t let its size fool you, these tiny dogs surprisingly carry a lot of energy and a big dog personality. However, if you’re wanting to take fewer trips to the groomer and be able to carry your dog practically anywhere, a short-haired Chihuahua will be a perfect fit for you.

    11. Boston Terrier

    Boston Terrier
    Image Credit: Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock
    Height: 15 – 17 inches
    Weight: 15 – 25 pounds
    AKC Group: Non-sporting

    Boston Terriers got the name “American Gentlemen” because of their tuxedo-like short coat that’s easy to care for. These dogs are full of character, keeping families playing and laughing for years. They have a good amount of energy that should be worked out with enough daily play time.

    12. Mastiff

    English Mastiff drooling
    Image Credit: GoDog Photo, Shutterstock
    Height: 28 – 30 inches
    Weight: 120 – 230 pounds
    AKC Group: Working

    Though not as tall as Great Danes, Mastiffs rival them in weight and sheer mass. These dogs are protective but not aggressive, and they are quite loving towards their human family. They are fairly low-energy dogs that only need a few short walks a day to maintain their weight. Even though their coat is short, Mastiffs tend to shed a lot, and their excessive drooling combined with this makes them a bad dog for people with allergies.

    13. German Shorthaired Pointer

    German Shorthaired Pointer pointing
    Image Credit: Burry van den Brink, Shutterstock
    Height: 21 – 25 inches
    Weight: 45 – 70 pounds
    AKC Group: Sporting

    German Shorthairs are bird dogs through and through. Their high-energy needs require them to have lots of entertainment and running around outside, which could be perfect for a family with kids on a ranch or a farm. The best part is that their coats only need one brushing a week, and sometimes a bath when they (likely) swim in muddy waters.

    14. Dachshund

    shiney black dachshund
    Image Credit: NORRIE3699, Shutterstock
    Height: 8 – 9 inches
    Weight: 16 – 32 pounds
    AKC Group: Hound

    The Dachshund, like the Chihuahua, can be bred with varying coat types, including long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired. As long as you get a short-haired breed, the coat maintenance will be minimal. Dachshunds (also called Doxies) commonly have skin problems, so they might need to be bathed more often than you’d think. Despite this, Doxies make great little watchdogs and will give you lots of love as long as you pay it forward with your attention.

    15. Boxer

    white boxer at home
    Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
    Height: 15 – 22 inches
    Weight: 50 – 70 pounds
    AKC Group: Working

    Boxers hail from Germany, dating back to the 1800s. Despite its fighter-style name, it’s quite friendly and cheerful. Boxers not only make great friends with their human family but also pet family members. Make sure you have enough time to give these pups the exercise they need, as they have pretty high energy levels.

    16. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Image Credit: Pixabay
    Height: 24 – 27 inches
    Weight: 70 – 85 pounds
    AKC Group: Hound

    This dog gets its name from a strip of hair on their backs that grows in the opposite direction, causing a “ridge” in its back. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally bred in South Africa to hunt lions in the wild. This dog is much more suitable for an active individual or couple, as Ridgebacks need lots of time for running around outside and are strong-willed with strict training necessary.

    17. Whippet

    whippet brindle
    Image Credit: Pixabay
    Height: 18 – 22 inches
    Weight: 18 – 48 pounds
    AKC Group: Hound

    Whippets have been called the “poor man’s Greyhound,” and were used in the late 18th century and early 19th century as rabbit chasers and race dogs. They are a crossbreed between Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds. This combination creates a gentle dog with low energy needs. Whippets would make a great apartment dog.

    18. Beagle

    beagle dog
    Image Credit: Ross stevenson, Shutterstock
    Height: 13 – 15 inches
    Weight: 20 – 25 pounds
    AKC Group: Hound

    Beagles are small/medium-sized scent hounds with a happy disposition and a moderate amount of energy. Their coats are water-resistant, which also means that they won’t get dusty too easily. Though they shed a moderate amount, brushing them regularly will keep their coats looking great. Beagles make great family dogs, just be aware that they could get stubborn on you.

    19. French Bulldog

    french bulldog panting
    Image Credit: Lee Waranyu, Shutterstock
    Height: 11 – 12 inches
    Weight: 16 – 28 pounds
    AKC Group: Non-sporting

    French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are big-eared and joyful dogs. They are small dogs, but they are not dainty or fragile. It’s difficult to not smile when you see one. Frenchies are companion dogs, as they keep the mood around them light and happy. These dogs are playful, but they don’t need more than a short walk a day.

    20. Jack Russell Terrier

    Jack Russell Terrier
    Image Credit: Public Domain Pictures
    Height: 10 – 12 inches
    Weight: 14 – 18 pounds
    AKC Group: Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming dog breed that once graced the TV as Wishbone in the mid ’90s. You would think that because of its acting reputation, that Jack Russell’s would be easy to train, but this is not the case. It’s best to get a Jack Russell with some dog-owning experience already under your belt. Regardless, these dogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but need a lot of exercise and play time.

    divider-dog

    Final Thoughts

    Dogs with shorter hair have fewer grooming needs than long-haired dogs, which makes them desirable for a certain population of wannabe dog owners. Be warned, though, this does not mean that they shed less and never need brushing! A good comb-through will keep your pup’s hair from getting everywhere and will give you a chance to examine their skin for problems like bumps, skin lesions, and parasites.

    See Also:

    Featured Image Credit: danielle828, Pixabay



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  • TikToker Shows Us the Best Way to Organize Pots and Pans — “Say Goodbye to the Chaos”

    TikToker Shows Us the Best Way to Organize Pots and Pans — “Say Goodbye to the Chaos”

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    | Published on

    Pots and pan storage is a struggle even in the tidiest of kitchens. Thrown in a cabinet or drawer, everything intermingles, making it hard to reach for exactly what you need. 

    Tiktoker Fatima.Kosar has implemented a simple strategy that makes varying sizes of cookware easy to grab and even presents a solution for keeping lids accessible. “Say goodbye to the chaos and get a pots and pan organizer,” she says. “It allows you to neatly store your cookware, making it both efficient and accessible.”

    Kitchen Cabinet pan Organizer

    Expandable Cookware RackMetal Rectangle Freestanding Pot Rack

    A Pots and Pan Organizer for the Win

    In her video, Fatima utilizes a pots and pan organizer to stack different sizes of cookware inside a kitchen cabinet. Depending on the cabinet size, this organizer can be placed vertically or horizontally. She adjusts the shelves to fit her current collection.

    To keep lids accessible, Fatima adds an organizer on the top shelf.  The organizer houses the lids that match her pots and pans, but since the slots are adjustable, they also work well for containing cookie sheets, slim pans, and bakeware.

    Since organizers are freestanding, this is a good solution for renters and homeowners alike. 

    Pare Down the Collection for an Organized Kitchen

    Aside from utilizing the right organizational tools, you can keep your kitchen cookware better organized by decluttering what you don’t need or use. Get rid of all pots and pans that have a flaking-off non-stick coating. Consider donating items you haven’t used in the past six months to a year.

    Also, contemplate storing less used items away from everyday essentials. When your loved and needed bakeware is neatly organized in its own cabinet, keeping it organized doesn’t feel like a herculean feat.

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  • Russians Are Resisting the Crackdown on War Dissidents, Paying Dearly

    Russians Are Resisting the Crackdown on War Dissidents, Paying Dearly

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    • The Russian government is cracking down on citizens who oppose the war.
    • Some 260 people have been jailed for anti-war stances, a Russian human rights organization said.
    • The crackdown comes as Russians mourn the death of prominent Putin critic Alexey Navalny.

    As Russia’s war in Ukraine plods onward, so does its severe surveillance of citizens who have spoken out against the war effort.

    As the invasion enters its third year, authorities have been bringing up charges against citizens like 70-year-old human rights activist Oleg Orlov for “discrediting the army,” CNN reported.

    “The state in our country is once again controlling not only social, political, and economic life but is now claiming full control over culture, scientific thought, and is inserting itself in private life. It’s becoming all-pervasive,” Orlov said during his trial in Moscow, after which he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, CNN reported.

    His crime was penning an article in the French press in 2022 about Russia’s descent into fascism and President Vladimir Putin’s “mass murder of the Ukrainian people,” according to The New York Times.

    Some 260 people are currently detained in Russian jails for their antiwar sentiments, according to OVD-Info, a Russian human rights group, CNN reported.

    Shortly after the invasion began in February 2022, Putin signed a law punishing people who share “false information” with up to 15 years in prison. People have faced punishment for benign acts of protest, like holding up a blank posterboard or even referring to the conflict as a war, according to Human Rights Watch.

    “They will imprison old people, they will imprison people who have disabilities. They will imprison people with children, women with children,” Darya Korolenko, a lawyer at OVD-Info, told CNN. “They just want everyone to be silent.”

    Similar to Orlov’s case, an elderly woman named Evgeniya Mayboroda was jailed for reposting what authorities called anti-war stances on social media, CNN reported.

    In another case, 67-year-old Nadezhda Buyanova, a doctor in Moscow, was arrested and had her apartment searched after she was accused of sympathizing with Ukraine.

    Russia’s tightening grip comes on the heels of the death of Alexey Navalny, one of Putin’s top critics whose sudden demise in a Russian prison has been blamed on state actors. Hundreds of Russians nationwide were detained at memorials for the late Navalny.

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