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genie outfit JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown Adult Learning Center (ALC) celebrated its GED Graduation Ceremony on Dec. 18 at the James Valley Career and Technology Center. Seven students successfully completed their GED examinations so far this academic year, with three students in attendance for the ceremony: Kat Dobson, Josh Redfearn and Melissa Schlecht Bryan Miller, ABE coordinator for the Jamestown ALC, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Heidi Eckart, JVCTC assistant director, welcomed the attendees and addressed the graduates. Katie Hemmer delivered the commencement address. The dais was open to all attendees, where one supporter highlighted a graduate's role as an inspiration and expressed enthusiasm about the graduate's future endeavors. ADVERTISEMENT Generous contributions from local businesses helped make the event a success, Miller said. RTS Shearing, Sherbenske’s, and Cavendish Farms provided pizza, drinks and decorations. Walmart donated a graduation cake, while Whisk ‘N Crumb contributed cupcakes. Vocational Rehab provided balloons. The Jamestown ALC encourages individuals interested in earning their GED to reach out to Miller through the Jamestown ALC Facebook Group or by contacting the James Valley Career and Technology Center. The Jamestown ALC also offers English Language Learning (ELL) classes to assist individuals looking to improve their English skills. Businesses or individuals who would like to assist in funding GED test fees may contact Miller for more information. For further details, contact the Jamestown Adult Learning Center.JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2024-- Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, surprised local customers by hosting pop-up giveaways throughout the Southeast following GivingTuesday. Today, on “WinningWednesday,” the grocer distributed $50,000 in gift cards, plus free private label products across five store locations to thank loyal customers for saving with its award-winning Rewards program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Southeastern Grocers brightened the holiday season today for its shoppers with festive freebies, including $100 gift cards and reusable tote bags stuffed with items from the grocer’s award-winning line of Own Brand products. The jolly giveaway spread holiday cheer across five Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations in the Southeast. (Photo: Business Wire) The first 100 customers that arrived at each of the designated Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie locations received a free $100 gift card and reusable tote bag stuffed with items from the grocer’s award-winning line of Own Brand products. The giveaway events delighted customers in Jacksonville, South Pasadena, Hallandale and Kenner, Louisiana, to help them fill their stockings – and their grocery carts – just in time for the holidays. “The holiday season brings abundant joy and celebration, but we know it can also present challenges for families navigating extra costs. That’s why we are proud to spread holiday cheer today, making the season brighter and budgets lighter for our valued customers. Year-round, we are committed to helping neighbors stretch every dollar further while putting delicious, nourishing meals on the table. With our Rewards program, customers can unwrap exclusive savings right at their fingertips – because at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, loyalty truly pays off!” Included in Newsweek’s list of for the fourth consecutive year, the grocer’s Rewards program provides customers with exclusive digital coupons and personalized rewards, including a free birthday gift and special percent back offers. Accessible through the grocer’s mobile apps and online, the Rewards program also gives access to weekly deals and allows customers to earn points for every shopping trip, which can be redeemed for money off groceries. The average Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customer saves more than 19% by utilizing the grocer’s award-winning Rewards apps. 1 The Harveys and Winn-Dixie Rewards apps also provide additional benefits to plan ahead of time with the ability to view weekly ads, build shopping lists and view recipe inspiration. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores also offer delivery and curbside pickup, making the grocery shopping experience simple and more convenient than ever. Customers can shop online with the same great deals and have their orders delivered right to their doors in as little as two hours, or opt for easy curbside pickup at participating stores. SEG is committed to helping neighbors save significantly more time and money on their grocery shopping, recognizing that every minute and dollar counts during the holiday season. For more details on the Harveys and Winn-Dixie Rewards programs and to sign up, visit and . 1 Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit and . View source version on : CONTACT: For SEG interviews or images contact: Meredith Hurley Senior Director, Communications and Community (904) 370-6029 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA FLORIDA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY MEN RETAIL FOOD TECH FAMILY CONSUMER OTHER PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY OTHER RETAIL SUPERMARKET FUND RAISING FOUNDATION WOMEN SENIORS SOURCE: Southeastern Grocers Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/04/2024 03:32 PM/DISC: 12/04/2024 03:32 PMPeavy's 24 help Georgetown beat Albany 100-68

GILFORD – The self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Barstool Challenge is returning for its 13th Pub Mania event on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Patrick’s in Gilford. Thirty teams — composed of local businesses, organizations and friends and family — will celebrate their year-round fundraising efforts on behalf of the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction. “These teams continue to inspire us with their fundraising creativity and their commitment to the kids of the greater Lakes Region” said Allan Beetle, co-owner of Patrick’s. “It’s always a very special day.” Since 2009, Pub Mania teams have collectively raised over $2.5 million for the Children’s Auction, supporting children and families in the Greater Lakes Region. The public is invited to visit Patrick’s for lunch or dinner between noon and 8 p.m. to cheer on participants and enjoy the festivities. Organizers have arranged games and events throughout the day beginning with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m., with live music running from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit patrickspub.com/pubmania or childrensauction.org .

Armed men open fire on journalists during reopening of Haiti hospitalBy Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .Murray State beats Loyola Chicago 71-68 for 7th place at the Diamond Head ClassicMeta to build $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana as Elon Musk expands his Tennessee AI facility

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2024-- Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, surprised local customers by hosting pop-up giveaways throughout the Southeast following GivingTuesday. Today, on “WinningWednesday,” the grocer distributed $50,000 in gift cards, plus free private label products across five store locations to thank loyal customers for saving with its award-winning Rewards program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204715076/en/ Southeastern Grocers brightened the holiday season today for its shoppers with festive freebies, including $100 gift cards and reusable tote bags stuffed with items from the grocer’s award-winning line of Own Brand products. The jolly giveaway spread holiday cheer across five Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations in the Southeast. (Photo: Business Wire) The first 100 customers that arrived at each of the designated Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie locations received a free $100 gift card and reusable tote bag stuffed with items from the grocer’s award-winning line of Own Brand products. The giveaway events delighted customers in Jacksonville, South Pasadena, Hallandale and Kenner, Louisiana, to help them fill their stockings – and their grocery carts – just in time for the holidays. Adam Kirk, Chief Customer & Digital Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “The holiday season brings abundant joy and celebration, but we know it can also present challenges for families navigating extra costs. That’s why we are proud to spread holiday cheer today, making the season brighter and budgets lighter for our valued customers. Year-round, we are committed to helping neighbors stretch every dollar further while putting delicious, nourishing meals on the table. With our Rewards program, customers can unwrap exclusive savings right at their fingertips – because at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, loyalty truly pays off!” Included in Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Loyalty Programs for the fourth consecutive year, the grocer’s Rewards program provides customers with exclusive digital coupons and personalized rewards, including a free birthday gift and special percent back offers. Accessible through the grocer’s mobile apps and online, the Rewards program also gives access to weekly deals and allows customers to earn points for every shopping trip, which can be redeemed for money off groceries. The average Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customer saves more than 19% by utilizing the grocer’s award-winning Rewards apps. 1 The Harveys and Winn-Dixie Rewards apps also provide additional benefits to plan ahead of time with the ability to view weekly ads, build shopping lists and view recipe inspiration. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores also offer delivery and curbside pickup, making the grocery shopping experience simple and more convenient than ever. Customers can shop online with the same great deals and have their orders delivered right to their doors in as little as two hours, or opt for easy curbside pickup at participating stores. SEG is committed to helping neighbors save significantly more time and money on their grocery shopping, recognizing that every minute and dollar counts during the holiday season. For more details on the Harveys and Winn-Dixie Rewards programs and to sign up, visit www.harveyssupermarkets.com/rewards and www.winndixie.com/rewards . About Southeastern Grocers Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204715076/en/ CONTACT: For SEG interviews or images contact: Meredith Hurley Senior Director, Communications and Community (904) 370-6029 media@segrocers.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA FLORIDA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY MEN RETAIL FOOD TECH FAMILY CONSUMER OTHER PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY OTHER RETAIL SUPERMARKET FUND RAISING FOUNDATION WOMEN SENIORS SOURCE: Southeastern Grocers Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/04/2024 03:32 PM/DISC: 12/04/2024 03:32 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204715076/en

Cadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred StockMurray State beats Loyola Chicago 71-68 for 7th place at the Diamond Head Classic

AP News Summary at 6:42 p.m. EST

HONOLULU (AP) — KyeRon Lindsay and Terence Harcum each scored 16 points as Murray State beat Loyola Chicago 71-68 on Wednesday for seventh place at the Diamond Head Classic. Lindsay also had five rebounds and four steals for the Racers (7-6). Harcum went 5 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 6 from 3-point range, and 4 for 6 from the line. AJ Ferguson shot 4 of 8 from the field and 2 for 4 from the line to finish with 11 points. The Ramblers (9-4) were led by Miles Rubin, who posted 16 points and three blocks. Des Watson added 12 points and Sheldon Edwards had 10 points. Lindsay scored eight points in the first half and Murray State went into halftime trailing 36-34. Harcum led the way with 10 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .WASHINGTON (AP) — As a former and potentially future president, Donald Trump hailed what would become Project 2025 as a road map for “exactly what our movement will do” with another crack at the White House. As the blueprint for a hard-right turn in America became a liability during the 2024 campaign, Trump pulled an about-face . He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans written in part by his first-term aides and allies. Now, after being elected the 47th president on Nov. 5, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the detailed effort he temporarily shunned. Most notably, Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy . Those moves have accelerated criticisms from Democrats who warn that Trump's election hands government reins to movement conservatives who spent years envisioning how to concentrate power in the West Wing and impose a starkly rightward shift across the U.S. government and society. Trump and his aides maintain that he won a mandate to overhaul Washington. But they maintain the specifics are his alone. “President Trump never had anything to do with Project 2025,” said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement. “All of President Trumps' Cabinet nominees and appointments are whole-heartedly committed to President Trump's agenda, not the agenda of outside groups.” Here is a look at what some of Trump's choices portend for his second presidency. The Office of Management and Budget director, a role Vought held under Trump previously and requires Senate confirmation, prepares a president's proposed budget and is generally responsible for implementing the administration's agenda across agencies. The job is influential but Vought made clear as author of a Project 2025 chapter on presidential authority that he wants the post to wield more direct power. “The Director must view his job as the best, most comprehensive approximation of the President’s mind,” Vought wrote. The OMB, he wrote, “is a President’s air-traffic control system” and should be “involved in all aspects of the White House policy process,” becoming “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” Trump did not go into such details when naming Vought but implicitly endorsed aggressive action. Vought, the president-elect said, “knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State” — Trump’s catch-all for federal bureaucracy — and would help “restore fiscal sanity.” In June, speaking on former Trump aide Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Vought relished the potential tension: “We’re not going to save our country without a little confrontation.” The strategy of further concentrating federal authority in the presidency permeates Project 2025's and Trump's campaign proposals. Vought's vision is especially striking when paired with Trump's proposals to dramatically expand the president's control over federal workers and government purse strings — ideas intertwined with the president-elect tapping mega-billionaire Elon Musk and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a “Department of Government Efficiency.” Trump in his first term sought to remake the federal civil service by reclassifying tens of thousands of federal civil service workers — who have job protection through changes in administration — as political appointees, making them easier to fire and replace with loyalists. Currently, only about 4,000 of the federal government's roughly 2 million workers are political appointees. President Joe Biden rescinded Trump's changes. Trump can now reinstate them. Meanwhile, Musk's and Ramaswamy's sweeping “efficiency” mandates from Trump could turn on an old, defunct constitutional theory that the president — not Congress — is the real gatekeeper of federal spending. In his “Agenda 47,” Trump endorsed so-called “impoundment,” which holds that when lawmakers pass appropriations bills, they simply set a spending ceiling, but not a floor. The president, the theory holds, can simply decide not to spend money on anything he deems unnecessary. Vought did not venture into impoundment in his Project 2025 chapter. But, he wrote, “The President should use every possible tool to propose and impose fiscal discipline on the federal government. Anything short of that would constitute abject failure.” Trump's choice immediately sparked backlash. “Russ Vought is a far-right ideologue who has tried to break the law to give President Trump unilateral authority he does not possess to override the spending decisions of Congress (and) who has and will again fight to give Trump the ability to summarily fire tens of thousands of civil servants,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a Democrat and outgoing Senate Appropriations chairwoman. Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, leading Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said Vought wants to “dismantle the expert federal workforce” to the detriment of Americans who depend on everything from veterans' health care to Social Security benefits. “Pain itself is the agenda,” they said. Trump’s protests about Project 2025 always glossed over overlaps in the two agendas . Both want to reimpose Trump-era immigration limits. Project 2025 includes a litany of detailed proposals for various U.S. immigration statutes, executive branch rules and agreements with other countries — reducing the number of refugees, work visa recipients and asylum seekers, for example. Miller is one of Trump's longest-serving advisers and architect of his immigration ideas, including his promise of the largest deportation force in U.S. history. As deputy policy chief, which is not subject to Senate confirmation, Miller would remain in Trump's West Wing inner circle. “America is for Americans and Americans only,” Miller said at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Oct. 27. “America First Legal,” Miller’s organization founded as an ideological counter to the American Civil Liberties Union, was listed as an advisory group to Project 2025 until Miller asked that the name be removed because of negative attention. Homan, a Project 2025 named contributor, was an acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director during Trump’s first presidency, playing a key role in what became known as Trump's “family separation policy.” Previewing Trump 2.0 earlier this year, Homan said: “No one’s off the table. If you’re here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.” John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick to lead the CIA , was previously one of Trump's directors of national intelligence. He is a Project 2025 contributor. The document's chapter on U.S. intelligence was written by Dustin Carmack, Ratcliffe's chief of staff in the first Trump administration. Reflecting Ratcliffe's and Trump's approach, Carmack declared the intelligence establishment too cautious. Ratcliffe, like the chapter attributed to Carmack, is hawkish toward China. Throughout the Project 2025 document, Beijing is framed as a U.S. adversary that cannot be trusted. Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, wrote Project 2025's FCC chapter and is now Trump's pick to chair the panel. Carr wrote that the FCC chairman “is empowered with significant authority that is not shared” with other FCC members. He called for the FCC to address “threats to individual liberty posed by corporations that are abusing dominant positions in the market,” specifically “Big Tech and its attempts to drive diverse political viewpoints from the digital town square.” He called for more stringent transparency rules for social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube and “empower consumers to choose their own content filters and fact checkers, if any.” Carr and Ratcliffe would require Senate confirmation for their posts.Sound is around us all the time. Whether you’re jamming out with your earbuds , singing along during a concert , struggling to fall asleep beside your snoring partner, or diving into the deepest part of the pool for a workout. Not to mention, the lineup of New Year’s Eve parties and head-banging music festivals is just days away. While many people decide to navigate the noises of life without much care, many experts agree that it’s important to pay attention to the amount of noise we are exposed to. Earplugs are a convenient and effective tool for protecting our ears from any damage that may be sustained through loud noises. If you’re considering using earplugs, you probably have a few questions. You may be wondering when to use them and how long they can stay in your ears. Or, perhaps, you would like to learn a bit more about the different types of options for various occasions (sleep, swimming, shooting, etc.). To make your shopping experience that much more seamless, The New York Post consulted an expert to answer some frequently asked questions and share recommendations for finding a pair of earplugs that suits your needs. Hop down to our FAQ with him or keep scrolling to see our top picks. 3M is one of Resnick’s top picks. These all-around plugs have 4.6 stars on Amazon and have been used in a variety of contexts. One customer gave these to her special-needs daughter who is afraid of lightning, others say they have used them at work bartending, and for doing lawn work. “Generic-fit earplugs for basic protection range from simple foam earplugs to moldable silicone plugs,” he explained. These affordable polymer foam plugs are comfortable, well-priced, and cover most ear protection needs. Best Noise Cancelling: Loop Quiet Earplugs for Noise Reduction Another top-rated brand, the Loop Quiet Earplugs, offers a noise reduction rating of 26 decibels and comes in six stylish colors. Most foam earplugs come in a tubular shape, but these ringed plugs mimic the ear shape and look of headphones. If you’re looking for a more attractive plug, these are a fashionable, no-nonsense accessory that will still protect your ears from loud noises. They even come with a convenient carry case, so it’s easy to keep them safe and secure. Best for Sleep: Flents Quiet Please Comfort Foam Earplugs Many reviewers swear by these earplugs for a good night’s sleep. When looking for the right earplugs for sleep, it is key to find a pair that is comfortable enough to stay in your ears for hours at a time. Flents foam plugs are also extra-lightweight, so you’ll hardly remember they’re in your ears. “I’ve been wearing earplugs for years due to my husband’s snoring. I will never use another brand as these are soft and cushiony and a little plumper than other types. They do the trick although I am still able to hear my dogs bark if something is amiss,” one reviewer noted. Others pointed out that Flents earplugs are better for tossers and turners since they stay in place for longer periods than some other brands. Best Silicone: Vegpoet Reusable Moldable Silicone Earplugs An alternative to foam earplugs, these silicone plugs are the best pick for someone looking for something that is moldable, without being made custom-fit. You can bend them to perfectly fill the gap of your ear and split them as big or small pieces as needed — no need for any part of the plug to stick out of your ear. More bonus points: these plugs are BPA-free, washable, reusable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. Simply clean with warm soapy water and reuse it many times. “It’s important to use earplugs in loud environments such as concerts because the structures of the inner ear are highly sensitive to damage from loud noise,” explained Resnick, who has given this brand his stamp of approval for use at loud venues. The Serenity Choice earplugs are on the pricer side but they’re designed to make your concert experience safer, while still allowing you to enjoy the music. The acoustic filters are fitted with advanced mesh technology to ensure that the ear always remains well-ventilated. Reviewers have given them loads of praise: “Phonak Serenity Choice Music earplugs provide clear music perception and nice mild attenuation,” one customer wrote. Best Fitting: Westone True-Fit Foam and Star Silicone Replacement Eartips “For generic-fit filtered earplugs, good for music quality, Westone makes a good line called TRU,” said Resnick. Can’t decide between silicone or foam tips? Why not try out both? The Westone package comes with all five sizes of both the Star Silicone Eartips and True-Fit Foam Eartips, so you can find the ones that fit your ear perfectly and give the rest to the other members of your concert group. Best Waterproof: Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs Scared of Swimmer’s Ear? So are we. Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection typically caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for a long period of time, providing a moist environment for bacteria to grow, according to the CDC . Mack’s plugs are both snore-proof and waterproof and are said to reduce noise by 22 decibels. Trusted by experts far and wide (Resnick included), these plugs could help prevent swimmer’s ear and make your lap pool experience a bit more pleasant. Best for Kids: WaterDam Swimming Earplugs The WaterDam brand is uniquely designed with two-layer waterproof flanges to keep any water from leaking in, yet swimmers can still hear warning sounds from the environment or coach. Specific sizes are available for infants, toddlers, children, teens, women, and men, including small medium, and large ear users. Reviewers have given them an average of 4.3 stars on Amazon. “These earplugs have really made our pool time fun and worry-free. I strongly advise any young swimmer to use this,” one impressed mother recommended. Best for Hunters : WildEar EarzON Silicone Shooter Filter Earplugs When it comes to shooting, Resnick has recommended considering custom-fit hearing protection. “To shoot firearms without robust hearing protection is to invite certain hearing damage,” warned Resnick. Shoppers should expect to pay a bit more for custom-fit plugs, but there are still plenty of others that offer ample protection. These EarzON Silicone Shooter Filter earplugs include specially designed acoustic filters that reduce high-intensity impulse sounds such as gunfire. These can be used at the indoor or outdoor range, as well as for hunting. Best Rechargeable: Walker’s Silencer Rechargeable Earbuds If you would like a high-tech, smart earplug, these are for you. Walker’s Rechargeable Silencer Earbuds come with a convenient USB charging dock with an integrated lithium battery for easy charging on the go or in the field. These 24NRR buds feature a free app, so you can change the settings from your smartphone, and also have voice prompt functionality, sound-activated compression, dynamic wind noise reduction, and variable gunshot suppression. The set includes three sizes of Sure-Lock sizing fins and three sizes of foam tips for a customized, sealed fit. Best Earmuff Style: BANZ Kids Earmuffs Both kids and adults need ear protection, but children’s ears are a bit more difficult to fit, explained Dr. Resnick. “For very young children it’s hard to get earplugs to fit well, so earmuff-style hearing protection that goes over the head is probably best,” he suggested. BANZ is one of Resnick’s top brands for kid’s earmuffs. These are designed just for them — with an adjustable headband and soft earcups and help protect against damaging sounds from crowds and loud events. These are bigger than most earplugs, but they are still compact enough to slip into a diaper bag. FAQ Why should you wear earplugs? Dr. Andrew Resnick has been a practicing audiologist for 26 years in his practice located in New York City. Resnick explains that it’s very important to use earplugs in loud environments, such as concerts. “The structures of the inner ear are highly sensitive to damage from loud noise, especially with repeated exposure over time, and damage to the ears from loud noise, resulting in hearing loss and/or tinnitus, tends to be permanent,” he warns. What are some other uses for earplugs? Some people may consider using earplugs to improve their quality of sleep — especially if their partner snores, their neighbors stay up late, or there is nearby street traffic. “Earplugs for sleep are more a matter of personal preference. If you have a partner who snores, or if the neighbors keep different hours than you do, you might want to consider it.” Resnick noted that earplugs are also commonly used by swimmers who want to keep water out of their ears, or anyone who hunts or shoots firearms, to prevent hearing damage. Who should wear earplugs? According to Resnick, age doesn’t matter when it comes to protecting your ears. “Anyone who attends concerts or other loud events (including sporting events) with any regularity should be using hearing protection,” explained Resnick. “No one is too young or too old to sustain damage to their ears from loud noise.” What should you look for in a pair of earplugs? Resnick notes that the most important aspect of an earplug is the fit; earplugs should be comfortable enough to be worn for long periods and should make a good seal in the ear canal. There are both generic-fit and custom-fit earplugs. “Generic-fit earplugs have the advantage of being less expensive, but in order for them to protect your hearing you have to make sure that you know how to insert them properly,” Resnick explained. “Custom-fit earplugs, whether they’re simple solid plugs as would be used for sleeping or swimming, or filtered earplugs used for music fidelity, are made from silicone ‘impressions’ of your ears.” The expert adds that concert-goers can also preserve the sound fidelity of music while still protecting their ears with types of filtered earplugs that allow for an even reduction of sound across the whole frequency spectrum. Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance . We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products , and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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