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A US Space Force test plane is set to make history as it prepares to perform unprecedented manoeuvres that will see it brush the Earth’s atmosphere.

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle first went to space in 2011 and is a mysterious part of the USSF in terms of its purpose when in the service of the US Department of Defense.

U.S Space Force/Boeing / SWNS

The USSF’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on a runway after a mission[/caption]

U.S Space Force/Boeing / SWNS

A depiction of a spacecraft orbiting the Earth[/caption]

It has previously been used to test the impact of solar radiation and is reported to be used for testing on military surveillance technology, per The New York Times.

The spacecraft can operate just 150 miles above the Earth in what is known as Low-Earth Orbit.

Now, US officials have announced that the remotely operated Boeing spacecraft will be making a series of test manoeuvres above Earth that will allow it to go undetected.

The spacecraft will take part in “novel manoeuvres” called aerobraking, according to the USSF.

During such an exercise, the craft will make several passes into the Earth’s atmosphere which causes drag to rapidly change the craft’s orbit.

In doing so, the spacecraft will expend minimal fuel and could make it temporarily invisible to other nations who could be tracking it.

This could be done “on the far side of the Earth from our adversaries” stopping them from accurately tracing the trajectory of the craft, Former United States Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said in 2019 at the Aspen Security Forum.

“We know that that drives them nuts. And I’m really glad about that,” she added.

If successful, it will also mean that the X-37B can be brought in line with recognised standards for space debris mitigation.

This includes seeing all stored energy removed from the vehicle and discharging electrical components.

“Once the aerobrake manoeuvre is complete, the X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives until they are accomplished, at which time the vehicle will de-orbit and execute a safe return as it has during its six previous missions,” the USSF confirmed.

‘FIRST-OF-A-KIND’

Such groundbreaking tests have been praised by officials who hope it will mark a new innovative period in space technology.

“This novel and efficient series of manoeuvres demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said in a statement.

“This first-of-a-kind manoeuvre from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman added.

“The success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”

Last year, Elon Musk‘s SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifted the X-37B into space as it embarked on its seventh mission.

This included “operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes,” the USSF stated.

The spacecraft is 29 feet long and 9.5 feet tall and is launched via rockets with the ability to remain in space for long periods.

In total, the X-3LB has spent over a decade in orbit over six missions.

By being able to land on a runway after each mission, the X-37B shuttle is reusable, making it ideal for testing.

USAF

The X-3LB on the runway after landing with USSF workers standing at the rear[/caption]

ALDI fans are going wild for a $5.99 dupe of Aldi’s Urban Decay eyeshadow palette.

The Aldi product is almost identical to the $59 Naked palette, but is a whopping 90% cheaper.

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Aldi shoppers are racing to pick up and Urban Decay dupe[/caption]

Aldi

The Naturals palette is just $5.99[/caption]

SEPHORA

It’s 90% cheaper than the Urban Decay version[/caption]

The budget store’s Naturals eyeshadow palette comes in similar neutral colors, perfect for every day glam, or nights out with friends.

Taking to the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community Facebook group to rave about the product, one shopper said: “I am here to tell you that if you are on the fence about the eyeshadow palettes, get them.

“The Urban Decay Naked is my favorite but it’s super expensive.

“I picked up the dupe today at Aldi for $5.99 a piece and man was it worth every penny.

“The pigment is great, I almost can’t tell the difference.”

The post was flooded with comments from other shoppers, who also praised the budget buy.

One person said: “I bought all the colors.”

A second person said: “I second this. I used mine today and got so many compliments!”

A third person said: “Thanks for this! Urban Decay is my favorite.

” I’m going to look tomorrow.”

A fourth added: “I have had my palette for 2 years and absolutely love it.

“I use the dark on my brows too.”

Fans of the original product, can pick it up from Sephora for $59.

Raving about the Urban Decay buy, one person said: “These are so pretty and natural looking.

“I need a true neutral, not warm or cool, and these really hit that spot for me.”

A second person added: “One of my favorite eyeshadows of all time.

“I love the soft colors and some of the dark colors if you want to make your eye look a little darker.”

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NFL fans think they’ve spotted a cryptic clue that Christian McCaffrey’s wife Olivia Culpo could be pregnant.

The San Francisco 49ers star running back has been sidelined with Achilles tendinitis in both legs since the beginning of the season.

Stunning model Culpo‘s Instagram post was captioned: “A little bit of everything lately.”

But buried deep within the 17-slide photo dump was a classic picture commonly used in pregnancy announcements.

McCaffrey, 28, had his hand placed over his wife’s abdomen, with the pair smiling into each other’s eyes.

And the black and white photo had fans asking the same question – are the newlyweds expecting their first child?

The loved-up couple got married in June surrounded by famous friends and familiar NFL faces such as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

One fan wrote: “I see a pregnancy announcement in the future.”

A second said: “Why did my heart stop with the hand placement on the belly? You look SO happy in all of these.”

A third replied: “Best not to speculate. But it seems that way.”

Another added: “Why am I feeling like this is a massive baby hint. If it is, I’m so happy for them.”

One more wrote: “Can’t wait for the announcement .”

While many comments referenced McCaffrey’s fitness, with one writing: “Please tell your husband to get healthy. We are dying out here .”

The 49ers have won three and lost three of their opening six games this season, but sit top of the NFC West.

Kyle Shanahan‘s side most recently triumphed to a 36-24 win against the Seattle Seahawks, but face the Kansas City Chiefs next on Sunday.

McCaffrey is unlikely to face the Chiefs in the much-anticipated Super Bowl rematch.

Replacement running back Jordan Mason, who has masterfully filled McCaffrey’s large shoes, exited Thursday night’s game with a shoulder injury.

McCaffrey was fresh off an Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023 before his injury, which added to his list of accomplishments.

His other feats include three Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro first-team selections and a Super Bowl appearance – which ended in heartbreaking defeat in overtime in February.

He joined Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk as one of only three players in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

THE CEO of Walmart US has revealed the retailer’s strategies for keeping prices low.

John Furner emphasized the importance of ensuring the chain continues to offer good value to its shoppers, warning that they are smart.

AFP

Walmart US CEO has revealed how prices are being kept low for shoppers[/caption]

AFP

John Furner warned customers are rational people[/caption]

Walmart has seen a boost as shoppers continue to grapple with the impacts of inflation and the chain has rolled out initiatives targeted at customers conscious about their finances.

Earlier this week, the chain’s budget-friendly festive meal hit the shelves and will be in stock in stores and online until Christmas.

Furner discussed the product during an appearance on Fox Business earlier this week.

“We started working on some programs with our meals around holidays in particular, to ensure that we were pricing those meals at the same price we were the year before,” he said.

“And then this year, even for a holiday like Thanksgiving, we’re able to bring down the cost of the meal just a bit.”

Walmart saw an uptick in its economic performance in the spring compared to rivals, per CNN.

Sales at stores that had been open for at least a year jumped by 3.8%.

Furner doesn’t seem to be taking anything for granted, however.

“We try to remind ourselves all the time, consumers are smart, they’re very rational,” he said.

“And if your value is outstanding and your price is outstanding, and you execute well, then you’ll get the business you deserve.”

Walmart’s holiday feast has become a tradition in recent years, and it hit the shelves two weeks earlier than in 2023.

The banquet features 28 items and includes holiday staples such as turkey and the trimmings.

And, a dessert is included within the food package.

Walmart has boasted how the feast offers shoppers great value for money.

It works out at less than $7 per person.

Walmart announced this year’s holiday feast in September.

“We know many of our customers are beginning to prepare for their holiday celebrations early, and we’ve adapted our approach to best meet their needs,” said Latriece Watkins, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Walmart U.S. 

“We’ve worked hard to lower prices across our most exciting assortment ever, and we’re thrilled to give customers more of what they want this holiday – more time to prepare and more opportunities to save all season long.”

Earlier this year, Walmart bosses launched the chain’s bettergoods food label.

A spokesperson revealed that 70% of the products would be priced at $5 or less.

Shoppers can pick up soups with the bettergoods label for $3, as well as meat-free chicken nuggets for less than $2.

Bosses boasted how the product label makes shopping accessible for those with different dietary needs.

The U.S. Sun has reported how Walmart has invested more than $1 billion in customer-focused strategies.

Chiefs have boasted how the company prides itself in offering shoppers a seamless experience.

TUBE drivers and other workers are will stage a series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef, working as London Underground drivers, instructors, management grades, and those in the engineering section will walk out on different days in the first weeks of November.

Alamy

The union said train operators and management grades will strike in November[/caption]

Different groups of workers will also ban overtime at different times in November.

The RMT, which represents some Tube drivers and a large swathe of station staff, has called on workers to take action on different days in November to protest a “wholly inadequate” pay offer.

Aslef said a pay offer of 3.8%, plus a variable lump sum, means Underground drivers will stay on a lower salary than drivers on other Transport for London services while working longer hours.

The union said train operators and management grades will strike on November 7 and 12, and engineering drivers will not book on for 24 hours from 6pm on November 1.

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on London Underground, said: “We don’t want to go on strike – we don’t want to make travelling in and around the capital more difficult for passengers and we don’t want to lose a day’s pay.

“But we have been forced into this position because LU management won’t sit down properly and negotiate with us.

“Our members voted by over 98% in favour of strike action, but Underground management are still refusing to even discuss key elements of our claim.

“They refuse to discuss any reduction in the working week or introducing paid meal relief to bring Underground drivers in line with those on the Elizabeth line and London Overground.”

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DOLLAR TREE fans are in a frenzy over a plush blanket that will keep you nice and cosy this fall, for just $1.25.

With fall now in full swing, and temperatures beginning to drop, many of us will be doing all we can to keep nice and cosy.

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Dollar Tree fans are racing to buy a $1.25 blanket[/caption]

Dollar Tree

The product comes in two colours, grey and cream[/caption]

And for budget fans, Dollar Tree has the answer.

The bargain retailer’s Angel of Mine Plush Security Blankets are perfect for keeping your little ones toasty, and come in two adorable designs.

Shoppers can get their hands on a cream coloured blanket, with a sweet giraffe on it, or a toasty looking grey blanket, with a smiling star attached to it.

They are just 14 inches in size, and are guaranteed to make your kids feel safe and comforted on cold winter nights.

Dollar Tree said: “Introducing Angel of Mine Plush Security Blankets—a comforting companion for your little one’s journey into dreamland.

“Crafted soft materials and adorned with adorable designs, these security blankets provide a sense of warmth and safety that soothes even the tiniest of tots.

“Whether it’s naptime, bedtime, or cuddle time, these plush blankets offer the perfect blend of comfort and reassurance.”

Shoppers have raved about the product, including one reviewer, who said: “I purchased these to place in baby blessing baskets that I donate to the pregnancy decision health center in Columbus.

“These are very cute and make a great addition to the basket.”

And the blanket isn’t the only fall accessory Dollar Tree fans have been raving about recently.

Fall lovers are obsessed with a $1.25 carvable pumpkin that are the “perfect size” for getting your craft on this Halloween. 

The foam ornaments, which are four inches tall and five and a half inches wide, can be turned into vases, candy buckets or used as part of your spooky display. 

They’re also a smaller dupe for the Michaels’ Orange Craft Pumpkins by Ashland. 

But while the Michaels version will set you back $19.99, Dollar Tree’s Carvable Foam Pumpkins are 88% cheaper at $1.25. 

The inexpensive design has received rave reviews from crafty Americans. 

One self-confessed fall lover said: “I’ve used these for the last couple of years for DIY and fall home decor.

“They’re so much fun to paint and decorate your own way. 

“They’re very affordable and easy to use.”

Another quipped: “These pumpkins can be carved and used to make different types of pumpkins.”

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Australia's first electric convertible is here, with the MG Cyberster starting from $115,000 before on-road costs.

A police investigation has concluded that an unknown substance a suspected drone was allegedly dropping on homes in a small Ontario town was just bird poop.

First Nations chiefs are gathering in Calgary today as they prepare to vote on a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform agreement with Ottawa.

Ochai Agbaji's relatively small stature won't stop him from defending some of the biggest and best forwards in the NBA.