• The death toll from the California wildfires has risen to 84. Around 990 people are still missing.
• The Camp Fire in Northern California destroyed an entire town in less than a day and has killed at least 81 people, making it the deadliest fire in the state's history. It was 80% contained on Wednesday.
• The Woolsey Fire on the outskirts of Los Angeles burned nearly 97,000 acres and is now 100% contained. 
• California wildfires are becoming so frequent and pervasive that local officials say there's almost no need for the term "wildfire season" anymore.

The flames from California's deadliest wildfire have mostly retreated into forested, unpopulated areas of the state, but the death toll is still rising.

Rains are now soaking the water-starved northern part of the state, but the precipitation brings a threat of  mudslides and makes efforts to recover human remains trickier.

Two more victims were found on Tuesday, bringing the death toll from Northern California's Camp Fire to 81 people. Roughly 989 others are still missing, according to the Butte County Sheriff's Office.

"We put the list out. It will fluctuate. It will go up, it will go down, because this is in a state of flux," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Monday. 

The Camp Fire, located less than 100 miles north of Sacramento, is now 80% contained. To date, it's burned up roughly 240 square miles of land, an area larger than the city of Chicago.

President Donald Trump visited the wreckage in Paradise, California on Saturday and described the area as "total devastation."

"We're going to have to work quickly," he said. "Hopefully this is going to be the last of these because this was a really, really bad one."

The other deadly wildfire in California, the Woolsey Fire, burned 96,949 acres in the hills around Los Angeles and is 100% contained, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Residents of Malibu and other LA suburbs whose houses were in the path of the fire have begun to return home to charred shells.

Two people were killed in the Woolsey Fire on November 9, and a third body was found in a burned home in Agoura Hills on November 14, bringing the death toll from both the Woolsey and Camp fires to 84.

Already this year, 7,778 fires have burned across California, fueled by hot, dry conditions and aggressive winds. The causes of both the Woolsey Fire and the Camp Fire are still under investigation, but sparking power lines may have played a role in the Camp Fire.

The Camp Fire is the deadliest and most destructive in California's history

The Camp Fire moved at a deadly pace— about 80 football fields a minute — after breaking out at about 6:30 a.m. on November 8. The 27,000-resident town of Paradise was in flames within hours.

That speed made successful evacuations nearly impossible.

"I was sitting in my car just screaming, waiting to die," Paradise resident Jackie Rabbit told INSIDER. She ditched her car and started running. She didn't even notice her bloody knee or injured ankle as she raced to safety. 

At least six people burned to death in their cars as they tried to escape, the Butte County Sheriff's Office said.

"The fire was so close I could feel it in my car through rolled-up windows," Rita Miller, who fled Paradise with her mother, told The Associated Press.

More than 13,700 homes and 500 businesses have been destroyed so far, along with over 4,100 other buildings, making the Camp Fire the most destructive wildfire in California's history in terms of structures lost. Cal Fire doesn't expect the blaze to be extinguished until the end of the month. 

You can learn more about damage from the Camp Fire on Cal Fire's Structure Status Map and see evacuations on the Camp Fire Evacuation Map.

Searching for human remains among the ash is tricky 

Coroner search teams are looking for victims in Paradise, where rain is beginning to fall for the first time in months.

More than 450 people were dispatched to look for human remains in the debris, the Associated Press reported. Abandoned cars in driveways can be a sign that residents might not have escaped in time.

Sifting through the ashes, the teams sometimes recover only the partial remains of a victim to place in a body bag.

"The long bag looks almost empty as it's carefully carried out of the ruins and placed in a black hearse,"the AP's Gillian Flaccus reported from Paradise.

Sheriff Honea said Butte County is working with anthropologists from California State University at Chico to help identify bone fragments among ash in the area, and some residents have given cheek swabs that might help officials identify their relatives' remains.

You can register yourself as safe or search for loved ones who are missing using the Red Cross' "Safe and Well" list online.

The rain this week will help firefighters, but it could make searching for remains more difficult.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for areas where the Camp Fire burned, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning. 

Federal assistance is coming, but Trump blamed a lack of raking for the fires

Governor-elect Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Butte County the day the fire broke out and sent a letter to President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency asking for federal assistance.

Trump approved some federal assistance for the California fires on November 9 and said on November 12 that he approved an "expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration," which allows people whose homes or workplaces were hit by the Woolsey or Camp Fires to apply for federal assistance.

But on Twitter, the president blamed the fires on poor forest management, and threatened that there may be "no more Fed payments." (The federal government oversees more than 40% of California's land.) When visiting, Trump also criticized Californians for not doing more raking. 

"I was watching the firemen the other day, and they were raking areas — they were raking areas where the fire was," Trump said on Fox News Sunday. "That should have been all raked out and cleaned out," he added. "You wouldn't have the fire." 

He suggested that's how Finland prevents forest fires, but the president of Finland said it's not true.

FEMA said in a release that federal disaster assistance for the fire victims "can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster."

The aid is much needed among fire victims who lost everything. Troy Miller, a Butte County resident, is camping in a truck next to the remains of his house in Concow. 

"I'm alive and I'm still up here," Miller told the Associated Press. "There are plenty of other people worse off than I. I've got a lot of faith in God. I think things will be OK."

Smoke from the fires has traveled hundreds of miles and made San Francisco air unhealthy

Smoke from the Camp Fire has made it difficult for people to breathe for nearly two weeks. Soot and chemicals released from the flames blanketed wide swaths of Northern California in a gray haze.

Last weekend, the Environmental Protection Agency described the air throughout much of the Bay Area as "very unhealthy" to breathe. Federal air monitors suggested that residents limit time outside and avoid outdoor exercise.

 Many museums opened their doors admission-free to help people find indoor activities.

The San Francisco Air Quality Index, which measures the number of dangerously small pollutants in the air, was worse than Beijing or New Delhi last Friday, prompting San Francisco public schools to close.

The conditions are expected to improve as rain continues to fall, though.

The Woolsey fire, which burned nearly 97,000 acres near LA, is 100% contained

The Woolsey Fire, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, has destroyed 1,643 structures, mostly homes.

The fire was 100% contained on Wednesday, and red-flag wind warnings that were in effect around Southern California last week have expired.

Three people died in the Woolsey Fire. Two burned bodies were found in a car in Malibu near Mulholland Highway, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said, while a third victim was discovered in the wreckage of a home in Agoura Hills.

At its peak, the fire forced over 275,000 people from their homes. Carol Napoli, who lives at the Vallecito mobile-home park for seniors in Newbury Park, told the AP that the flames approached the park so fast that her mother didn't have time to grab her oxygen tank before they bolted in a car.

"We drove through flames to get out," Napoli said, adding: "My girlfriend was driving. She said, 'I don't know if I can do this.' ... Her son said, 'Mom you have to — you have to drive through the flames.'" 

The fire threatened mobile homes and mansions alike. Celebrities including Gerard Butler, Miley Cyrus, and Neil Young lost their houses.

More than 80% of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the country's largest urban national park, burned, according to the Los Angeles Times. Flames and smoke sent bobcats and mountain lions in the area scampering.

The blaze also destroyed the storied filming location of Paramount Ranch, where the shows "Westworld" and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" were shot.

You can view current fire perimeters, evacuation updates, and shelter and donation information on the Ventura County Emergency Information site, the Ventura County Recovers site, and LA County's Woolsey Fire site.

Both the Woolsey Fire and another small fire, the Hill Fire, threatened the town of Thousand Oaks, where residents were already reeling from a mass shooting that left 12 people dead. 

A resident named Cynthia Ball told the AP it was "like 'welcome to hell.'"

The LA County website says: "If you are affected by the Woolsey or Hill fires, the Thousand Oaks mass shooting, or both, you can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746 for emotional support and resources."

Wildfires are no longer limited to one season

The flames in Southern California have been fueled by hot, dry conditions and spread by Santa Ana winds, which tend to blow in from the desert in the fall months.

Read more: Why wildfire season is getting longer and stronger

As the LA Fire Department's Erik Scott pointed out on Twitter, some houses are better protected from fires than others, since green vegetation can help keep back flames.

Wildfire season in California technically runs from late summer through the fall. But as the planet heats up, higher-than-average temperatures and drought conditions are becoming more common. Meanwhile, developers continue to build homes in places that are naturally prone to wildfires.

"Whether it is to allow a rock star to build on a ridgeline in Malibu or a manufactured-home community that nestles into the foothills, the decision is the same and the consequences are the same," Char Miller, the director of environmental analysis at Pomona College, told the Times.

Fire officials in the state are now acknowledging that wildfires may not be limited to any specific season.

Ellen Cranley, Bryan Logan, and David Choi contributed reporting.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

SEE ALSO: A California wildfire just demolished an entire town and forced the Kardashians to evacuate. Here’s why wildfire season is getting longer and stronger.

DON'T MISS: Here's what the wildfires look like on the ground

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A 'firenado' is a real thing — here’s how the dangerous phenomenon forms

• Black Friday is one of the best times to buy a TV.
• BestBuy, Walmart, and Target all have a lineup of deals this year.
• We've rounded up the best deals, sorted by size and screen type.

The best time to realize you need a new TV is in early November, when Black Friday is right around the corner. 

Indeed, stores like BestBuy, Walmart, and Target have offered up some pretty tempting deals for Black Friday. (You have no idea how difficult it is to resist temptation when compiling a list like this.) 

Below you'll find TVs sorted by size, premium, ultra-premium, and the holy grail of TV tech — OLED, a type of screen that offers superior color.

Some models with the same screen may cost a little more than others. That's usually attributed to a better design and sometimes a slightly better quality of TV panel, even though all these TVs have 4K resolution, and many have HDR capabilities (technology that offers better colors and detail in darker scenes).

Either way, sift through here to check out the most tempting TV deals:

SEE ALSO: 11 insider facts most Black Friday workers know — and you probably don't

DON'T MISS: All of Business Insider's holiday gift guides, in one place

READ MORE: Black Friday 2018: Business Insider's guide to the best tech deals so far

43-inch TVs

LG 4K HDR (UK6090) — $270 at BestBuy. Usually $400.

Samsung 4K HDR (NU6900)— $280 at BestBuy, Target, Walmart, and B&H Photo. Usually $380.

50-inch TVs

Samsung 4K HDR (NU6900)— $330 at BestBuy, Target, and Walmart. Usually $450.

LG 4K HDR (UK6090) — $330 at BestBuy. Usually $500.

55-inch TVs

Sharp 4K HDR (LC-55Q7030U)— $320 at Walmart. Usually $500.

TCL 4K HDR 4-series Roku TV — $350 at BestBuy, Target, and Walmart. Usually around $450-$500.

Samsung 4K HDR (NU6900)— $400 at BestBuy, Target, and Walmart. Usually $500.

LG 4K HDR (UK6090) — $400 at BestBuy. Usually $550.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

If you asked us why we love shopping at Nordstrom, we wouldn't even know where to begin.

Maybe it's the curated selection of top brands across clothing, home, and beauty, or the unique limited-time collaborations with celebrities, influencers, and top designers. Perhaps we really enjoy the great customer service, on top of perks like free shipping all year round, in-store tailoring, and its free rewards program. 

For these numerous reasons, we look to Nordstrom when it's time to shop for holiday gifts. It only carries the best brands, so it's hard to mess up while shopping here, but if we had to narrow down the selection to only 50, these are the gifts we would choose. 

Shop all gifts at Nordstrom here.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.

A stylish, modern record player

Crosley Radio Cruiser Deluxe Turntable, $69.95, available at Nordstrom

Though it has a classic look, the turntable is also Bluetooth-compatible, bridging the gap for the tech-savvy who also happen to love a solid vinyl record. 

A leather phone case with card slots

Madewell Card Slot Leather iPhone X/Xs Case, $29.50, available at Nordstrom 

They don't have to choose between protection and aesthetic in their phone case. The leather develops a patina over time, plus the tight card slots are very useful for cards and IDs.  

A soft lounger for their bed

Nordstrom at Home Soft Texture Rib Plush Lounge Pillow, $99, available at Nordstrom

"I think I'll stay in tonight" may be a refrain you hear after they've experienced the plush, supportive comfort of this pillow. 

• D.G. Yuengling & Son started producing beer in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, making it the oldest family-run ;brewery in America.
• The four Yuengling sisters who run the brewery today did not realize the significance of their last name until they went to college.
• Working with family can be difficult at times, but family is a core value at Yuengling, which has been passed down within the family for six generations.

Growing up in a small town with a family brewery made the Yuengling sisters unaware of the significance of their last name.

"I don't think I realized the power of the brand until I went away to college and people recognized it,"Wendy Yuengling, who now runs the brewery with her three sisters, said on an episode of Business Insider's podcast "This Is Success."

"And, you know, you grow up in a small town in Pennsylvania and we were just another family business in town," she continued. "And I don't think we thought twice about, you know — we made beer."

The oldest family-run brewery in America, D.G. Yuengling & Son started producing beer in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Dick Yuengling bought the brewery in 1985, which made 137,000 barrels at the time.

Today, Yuengling has several breweries producing 2 million barrels annually. With other family businesses in the small town, Yuengling sisters Wendy, Jen, Debbie, and Sheryl didn't stand out in the community.

"When I got into college, the brands were growing. My dad had done a lot to turn around the company and he had introduced some new flavors that really put us on the map, so it was a much different company then. And then, as you get into the 2000s, our brands just took off," Wendy said.

The sisters were asked by their father if they were interested in helping run the brewery in the late 1990s, to which they all said yes. Each sister plays a different role within the company. Wendy handles marketing and Jen, who also sat down with "This Is Success," handles operations.

Read more:Yuengling, America's largest independent brewery, is a sixth-generation family company run by 4 sisters who have figured out how to work with family without losing their minds/a>

"We each made commitments to the family business because there's a tremendous sense of pride in keeping it going. That's a big part of our identity in my mind, and I think it's important to our employees, who are also heavily invested in the company with their own families," Wendy said.

Working with family can be difficult at times, but family is a core value at Yuengling — which has been passed down within the family for six generations.

"It feels really good to know you have that support. And I think we're very lucky — to be a six-generation family business is unbelievable, but we're four women in the sixth generation and, for our company, this is the first time the business will go from father to daughters," Wendy said. "I think when you look around and you see, I get to work every day with my three sisters, that is very satisfying."

SEE ALSO: 2 of the 4 sisters behind Yuengling, America's largest independent brewery, explain how they're making the 190-year-old family beer business their own

DON"T MISS: Yuengling, America’s largest independent brewery, is a sixth-generation family company run by 4 sisters who have figured out how to work with family without losing their minds

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The Pilgrims actually stopped at Plymouth Rock because they were running out of beer

• LeBron James and his business partner Maverick Carter formed SpringHill Entertainment years ago to get involved in show business.
• James' move to Los Angeles has seemingly helped SpringHill Entertainment, which has taken on several projects in recent months.
• Below is a list of James' current projects, from documentaries to scripted comedy series.

LeBron James has been involved in Hollywood for some time, and though he says his move to the Los Angeles Lakers wasn't about the entertainment business, it didn't hurt.

James and his business partner Maverick Carter founded SpringHill Entertainment together and have already produced several projects, from "The Wall" to "Survivor's Remorse" to "Cleveland Hustles."

Now that James is in LA, though, the production company has taken off, with James producing and co-producing several documentaries, docu-series, and scripted series, from dramas to comedies. He's even had some time to be involved in the filmmaking.

Here are all of the projects James is and has been working on, according to IMDB and SpringHill Entertainment's website.

1. "Space Jam 2"

Release date: Unclear; filming begins in 2019

What to know: The long-awaited sequel to Michael Jordan's 1996 hit is finally here, with LeBron starring in the movie. James' business partner Maverick Carter has said it won't be a sequel to the first film.

2. "The Shop"

Release date: On air now

What to know: James and company brought "The Shop" over from Uninterrupted to HBO this year, with two episodes airing this fall. Set in a barbershop, James, other athletes, musicians, and celebrities discuss sports, politics, race, and more.

3. "Shut Up and Dribble"

Release date: Out now

What to know: The three-part documentary, directed by Gotham Chopra ("Tom vs. Time") came out on Showtime in October and has received praise for its examination of the effect of the NBA on race relations and politics.

• Make the most of your long weekend — whether you plan to relax or get active.
• Business Insider reached out to some experts for tips on how to set yourself up for success when you have an extra day off.
• Their suggestions focused on prioritizing tasks, setting technology guidelines, and spending time with loved ones.

It's always great to stretch out the weekend for an extra day or two. Long weekends can provide a much-needed breather amidst our busy schedules. 

But how should you spend your long weekend?

If you're not sure how to make the most of the next few days, we've got some ideas. Here are 17 things successful people do before and over long weekends:

SEE ALSO: 11 things unsuccessful people do over long weekends

DON'T MISS: 14 sleeping habits of unsuccessful people

They plan their long weekend before it begins

Many successful people plan out their activities for the holiday weekend well in advance so that they are not drawn into the temptation of working, said Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage." They make reservations, book tee times, or schedule activities with their kids.

"They're strategic enough to have an action plan for the three-day weekend, but flexible enough to tackle any urgent work issues that may arise," Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," told Business Insider.

They prepare at work

"Most of what they do happens before they leave for a long weekend so that they are psychologically free to relax and enjoy it," Kerr told Business Insider.

This includes saying proper goodbyes to colleagues, cleaning up their office, finishing any pressing tasks, and creating a clear plan of action for when they return to the office so they can hit the ground running.

They set technology guidelines

Successful people set email and phone rules for themselves and the people they work with, so that people understand when, if at all, they will be available to respond or pick up.

"This can communicate to employees how critical it is for everyone to take a complete break, and that any and all work can wait," Kerr said. "Although employees may assume this, they often need to hear it from their leader to be able to completely relax over a long weekend."

Read more:Our addiction to technology is like a drug high — but we can fix it

• Lululemon kicked off Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving — but dozens of shoppers are complaining that the website is crashing. 
• As of 11 a.m. ET, customers have been dealing with tech glitches for at least three hours on Thanksgiving Day. 
• "We knew it would be a busy day, and I suppose technology got away from us this time around," Lululemon wrote on Facebook.

Lululemon's site is crashing as shoppers attempt to cash in on Black Friday deals. 

On Thursday morning, Thanksgiving Day shoppers began complaining that the athleisure company's website was not letting them complete their orders. 

"Site is down. Ugh!" one person commented soon after Lululemon posted an 8 a.m. EST Facebook announcement that the company was kicking off Black Friday sales. 

"Ugh why is the site down now?!?!?" commented another. 

As of 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, shoppers were still experiencing difficulties. According to IsItDownRightNow.com, "Lululemon.com is DOWN for everyone." 

Lululemon shoppers were less than pleased to be missing out on the deals. 

"Why don’t you guys prepare for the high volume of shoppers on your website?" one shopper commented on Facebook. 

Lululemon did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. However, the company has been apologizing to shoppers on social media, as well as suggesting that they try to complete the order in another browser or clear the cache. 

"We knew it would be a busy day, and I suppose technology got away from us this time around," Lululemon's account responded on Facebook."I totally understand that this can be frustrating as someone trying to shop online, and know that we're doing everything we can to rectify the situation as soon as possible. "

SEE ALSO: These are the stores with the best Black Friday discounts

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Target has a few sneaky ways it gets customers to spend more money

• One of New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio's favorite transit proposal is a waterfront streetcar connecting Brooklyn to Queens.
• He originally pitched the BQX idea in 2016, and the plan's been mired with criticism ever since. 
• Amazon's creation of an office in Queens could help catalyze the mayor's dream, he said at a press conference this week. 

New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio is conflicted about Amazon coming to town.

He’s publicly stated his personal boycott of the e-commerce giant and claims to have never ordered from the site.

Yet when Amazon announced it had picked Long Island City, Queens for one of its new "HQ2" offices, De Blasio was in line with his political peers in expressing their gratitude and excitement for the new office.

What’s more, he said it could become a catalyst for one of his more outlandish proposals: the BQX connector, a waterfront streetcar to connect Brooklyn and Queens and the subway lines that criss-cross the boroughs going east and west to Manhattan.

"I think it makes the need for the BQX even greater," he told reporters Tuesday at a jubilant press conference in Queens. "The BQX has made sense for a long time… The center of gravity for the economy in NYC is shifting [to the Brooklyn/Queens waterfront."

Read more: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says he will continue to boycott Amazon as the state offers more than $1.5 billion for its HQ2

Theoretically, the BQX would connect the Brooklyn and Queens through a route roughly parallel to the East River that separates the boroughs from Manhattan, roughly 11 miles from Red Hook to Astoria. The Mayor originally said the project could pay for itself thanks to increasing property values along its route, but an August report said it could cost $2.7 billion, with half of that price tag coming from the federal government, AMNNY reported.

Transit advocates and other politicians have been quick to point out that the money could be put to better use, with more immediate effects.

Others said the newfound push after Amazon's announcement only gave more ammunition to its opposition, who have argued it will only increase the rate of gentrification along its route.

Still, the Friends of the BQX organization  — a consortium of business owners, civic organizatons, transit advocates, and other groups near its proposed route —  aren't backing down.

"Amazon’s move to L.I.C. would clearly be a boon to the city's economy — but the campus would only reach its full potential with the BQX," director Jessica Schumer told the Daily News.

There's also the possibility of Amazon helping out. As part of its agreement with the city, Amazon will contribute to an infrastructure fund, which could help prepare major thoroughfares for a streetcar's inclusion.

Proposals for an environmental impact study of the streetcar are due to City officials in December, so the study can launch early next year.

Until construction is complete — the project's scheduled finish is 2029 —  commuters between New York's biggest outer-boroughs will have to rely on the infamous G train, which runs along a similar route to the East, albeit with shorter trains than all other lines.

SEE ALSO: A tram from Manhattan to Staten Island isn't as crazy as it sounds

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This LEGO Bugatti Chiron is drivable — here's what it can do

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Brooklinen is having its biggest and only sale of the year right now.
• Now through November 26, the more you spend, the more you'll save — up to 20% off orders of $450 or more.
• We ranked Brooklinen as the makers of the best luxury sheets, the best sateen sheets, and the best duvet cover on the internet. Find the startup's seven best-sellers below.
• To potentially save more on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.

Brooklinen is one of our favorite brands to cover — from its core and luxe bedsheets to its latest Brooklittles line for babies and toddlers. However, it's not known for holding sales. Prices are usually low enough to warrant what is essentially a year-round sale in itself.

But Black Friday and Cyber Monday are exceptions; Cyber Week is its biggest and only sale of the year.

This year, the popular startup is offering steep discounts. Now through November 26, you can take advantage of the following deals:

• Spend $250 or more and get 10% off your order.
• Spend $350 or more and get 15% off your order.
• Spend $450 or more and get 20% off your order.
• Plus, get a free $50 gift card on orders of $150 or more.

Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle

The queen-size Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle is $213 before a discount is applied

Available in 15 colors. 

• Luxe Core Sheet Set (one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillowcases)
• Luxe Duvet Cover
• Luxe Pillowcases (an extra pair)

Find a full review of the sheets here. We also ranked them the #1 best luxury sheets and the #1 best sateen sheets in the Insider Picks Buying Guides. 

Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle

Super-Plush Complete Towel Set

The Super-Plush Complete Towel Set is $189 before a discount is applied

Available in four colors. 

• Two "Bath Sheets"
• Two bath towels
• Two hand towels
• Two washcloths
• Bath mat

Find a full review here.

• President Donald Trump on Thursday doubled down on his defense of the Saudi crown prince in the murder of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi, disputing the CIA's reported assessment that the royals had ordered Khashoggi's killing.
• From his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regretted Khashoggi's death more than Trump did, according to pool reports.
• When asked by reporters who should be held responsible for Khashoggi's death, Trump said "maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a vicious place."

President Donald Trump on Thursday disputed the CIA's reported assessment that Saudi Arabia's crown prince had ordered the killing of a journalist, saying that the intelligence agency never reached a conclusion.

Trump's remarks contradict the reporting of multiple news outlets that say the CIA concluded with "high confidence" that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally ordered that Jamal Khashoggi be murdered.

From his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said Thursday that the Saudi crown prince regretted the incident more than Trump did, according to pool reports.

"So I hate the crime and I hate what is done and I hate the cover-up," he said. "And I will tell you this: the crown prince hates it more than I do."

Read more: A huge question looms over Trump after the CIA reportedly concludes the Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi's killing

When asked by reporters who should be held responsible for Khashoggi's death, Trump doubled down on the notion that rebuking Saudi Arabia more harshly would cost the US.

"Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a vicious place," Trump said. "Do people really want me to give up hundreds of thousands of jobs — and frankly, if we went by this standard, we wouldn't have anybody as an ally."

Trump had prompted bipartisan condemnation on Tuesday after he released a statement refusing to blame Saudi Arabia's leadership for Khashoggi's death, saying the US-Saudi relationship was "paramount."

"The crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one, and one that our country does not condone," Trump said in the statement. "In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region."

SEE ALSO: Trump is wrong, Saudi Arabia needs the US a lot more than the US needs the kingdom

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Navy SEALs explain the dangers of overplanning in both the military and business

This is a preview of a research report from Business Insider Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service. To learn more about Business Insider Intelligence, click here.

Emerging markets are going to be essential for e-commerce growth, as retailers in developed markets may soon reach saturation in terms of consumer growth.

For example, almost half of US households now have a Prime membership, diminishing Amazon's growth potential in the country. Meanwhile, in China, the world's largest e-commerce market, nearly half of the population is actively making online purchases, leaving little room for growth. 

However, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are worth keeping an eye on. E-commerce penetration rates in these areas hover between 2-6%, presenting a huge opportunity for future growth as online sales gain traction. Moreover, these regions are expected to grow at compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 31%, 32%, and 16%, respectively, through 2021.

This report compiles several e-commerce snapshots, which together highlight the most notable emerging markets in various regions. Each provides an overview of the e-commerce industry in a particular country, discusses influential retailers, and provides insights into the opportunities and challenges for that specific domestic industry.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Emerging markets are going to be essential for e-commerce growth, as retailers in developed markets may soon reach saturation in terms of consumer growth.
• India is the clear overall leader in e-commerce potential, but countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America are also worth keeping an eye on. Within Southeast Asia, Indonesia shows the most promise for retailers, as the government is loosening restrictions on foreign investments, and its massive population is gaining spending power and more access to internet. Meanwhile, Mexico is a retailer's best bet for expansion in Latin America, due to its stable economy and rising middle class, but Brazil may be gearing up to steal the top spot.
• However, doing business in these regions can be difficult. In most of these emerging markets, infrastructure is underdeveloped and the population is largely unbanked, making digital payments a challenge.
• If retailers can build a brand presence in these markets while online shopping is still in its nascent stages, they may become market leaders as e-commerce takes off in the regions. Moreover, these markets could provide new sources of growth for companies that would otherwise stagnate in more mature e-commerce markets.

 In full, the report:

• Explores the e-commerce industry in India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
• Highlights the leading country in each region, as well as key e-commerce players there. 
• Outlines the challenges and opportunities each region faces.
• Gives insight into how these emerging markets may shape the future of e-commerce.

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• Everyone likes different things.
• This is the same with showing affection — some like gifts, while others like being told they are loved.
• A public proposal isn't for everyone.
• But you should know what your partner wants before you get down on one knee.
• You should probably know what kind of ring they want too.

There are five love languages, and every person uses one primary and one secondary love language to express how they feel.

According to the book "The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate" by Gary Chapman, the languages are receiving gifts, spending quality time together, words of affirmation, devotion, and physical touch.

Everyone expresses their love for someone differently, and this means they may not respond to the same things their partner does. For instance, one partner might require being told they are loved every day, while the other only feels appreciated when they're given presents.

The same goes for a proposal. Some people dream of all the bells and whistles — fireworks, red roses, and a massive public display of affection. For others, this is their worst nightmare.

It might feel like this adds to the anxiety of asking someone to marry you. But Erika Ettin, founder of dating site A Little Nudge, says it shouldn't be a concern, because you should already know what your partner wants.

"My main piece of advice is know your audience," she told INSIDER. "At a certain point you should know a person well enough to know what they would appreciate. So you have to think to yourself does my partner like this kind of thing?"

You shouldn't approach the proposal by doing what you want, she said, but what they would want.

"You're not doing it for you, you're doing it for your partner," she said. "The person proposing shouldn't do it the way he or she would appreciate it, you have to do it the way your partner would appreciate it."

It's nobody else's business

It's also nobody's business either way, Ettin added. Earlier in November, a man was criticised for proposing to his girlfriend when she reached the 16 mile point in the New York Marathon. A similar wave of criticism occurred when China's silver medalist He Zi was proposed to by fellow Olympic diver Qin Kai on the podium.

The argument is that a proposal outshines the accomplishment. So rather than thinking about how they ran their first marathon, or won an Olympic medal, they'll forever associate the day with getting engaged.

But as Ettin says, we don't know these people. A proposal is a very individual, personal thing.

"I don't think it's anyone's right to criticise," she said. "Maybe that was her dream to be proposed to at the end of a marathon. We don't know that."

Everyone wants something different, and the one proposing should understand their partner's preferences before they pop the question.

"I was thinking about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview — he proposed over chicken at home, and she seemed to love it," Ettin said. "They probably discussed that they wanted to do something private. Whereas if you asked me, I would love fireworks and sirens and sky writing, so everyone's personality is different."

All eyes are on you to say yes

There's also the argument that getting down on one knee in public means the proposee may feel obligated to say yes.

"I would advise most couples, if it's going to be a surprise, you should know first that you're getting a yes before you ask," said Ettin. "You should be having those hard conversations, those ones about children, and religion and all of that stuff. So while I love the idea of a surprise, the answer shouldn't be."

Even if the partner gets it wrong, the proposal is secondary to the relationship. If you're right for each other, an embarrassing or underwhelming proposal shouldn't matter all that much, Ettin said.

"Ultimately, the marriage is more important than the proposal, so I wouldn't let that be the focus of the rest of your life," she said.

And the same goes for the ring — talk about it first, know what your partner wants, but don't worry too much if it isn't exactly what they wanted. If the relationship is right, exchanging the ring won't be a big deal.

"Do I think you should say something at some point to make it more to your liking? Absolutely," Ettin said. "But in the moment, if you love the person, accept the proposal and you can communicate about the ring later."

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• President Donald Trump returned to one of his more bizarre concerns about the US military on a call with US service members overseas on Thanksgiving Day.
• Trump quizzed a US Navy officer on the phone about whether he thought the new plane-launching mechanism the Navy was set to include on aircraft carriers was any good.
• Trump said the officer's answer satisfied him, but Trump has a long and weird history of hating on this one type of launching mechanism.

President Donald Trump returned to one of his more bizarre concerns about the US military on a call with US service members overseas on Thanksgiving Day.

Talking to a US Navy officer on the phone from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump asked about a pet peeve of his: the catapults aircraft carriers use to launch aircraft.

US aircraft carriers have only a short distance to launch heavy bomb- and fuel-laden planes, so they hook the planes up to a system called a catapult that accelerates them to more than 150 mph to get them airborne from the ship's deck.

Read more:Trump suggests 'the world' is to blame for Khashoggi's murder, because it's 'vicious'

The US is working on a new aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and, like with any new ship, has been struggling to field all the new systems. A chief problem for the Ford has been getting the electromagnetic catapults to work.

Older carriers use steam-powered catapults, a technology the US has long had mastered but can now be improved upon.

"So when you do the new carriers, as we do and as we're thinking about doing, would you go with steam, or would you go with electromagnetic?"Trump quizzed the sailor, putting him in the awkward position of disagreeing with the president or disagreeing with his superior officers.

"Because steam is very reliable, and the electromagnetic, I mean, unfortunately you have to be Albert Einstein to really work it properly," Trump said. "What would you do?"

"Yes sir, you sort of have to be Albert Einstein to run the nuclear power plant that we have here as well, but we're doing that very well," the officer replied. "Mr. President, I would go electromagnetic [catapults] ... We do pay a heavy cost to transit the steam around the ship."

"Good, OK, I like to hear that. I'm actually happy about that answer," Trump said. "They're doing what they're doing, but that's actually a very good answer."

US Navy planners say that the electromagnetic catapults can provide a more consistent and powerful boost for launching aircraft and that the catapult shot can be adjusted for individual aircraft, reducing wear and tear.

But Trump, for some reason, hates the idea of electromagnetic catapults.

From Trump's 2017 interview with TIME magazine:

"You know the catapult is quite important. So I said, 'What is this?' 'Sir, this is our digital catapult system.' He said, 'Well, we're going to this because we wanted to keep up with modern [technology].' I said, 'You don't use steam anymore for catapult?' 'No sir.' I said, 'Ah, how is it working?' 'Sir, not good. Not good. Doesn't have the power. You know the steam is just brutal. You see that sucker going, and steam's going all over the place. There's planes thrown in the air.'

"It sounded bad to me. Digital. They have digital. What is digital? And it's very complicated; you have to be Albert Einstein to figure it out. And I said — and now they want to buy more aircraft carriers. I said, 'What system are you going to be —' 'Sir, we're staying with digital.' I said, 'No you're not. You're going to goddamned steam. The digital costs hundreds of millions of dollars more money, and it's no good.'"

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• I drove an electric vehicle, a Chevrolet Bolt EV, for the first time on an autocross course.
• The Bolt's acceleration wasn't remarkable, but it handled well. I felt like it was always under control, even when I pushed it into a series of hard turns.
• I came away with a positive impression of the Bolt. Almost none of the maneuvers required by the course would apply to everyday driving, but the course demonstrated how the Bolt could hold up in unusual circumstances.

A Chevrolet Bolt EV is not the first car you might think to use on an autocross track.

Autocross is a timed competition in which cones are arranged, often in a flat and spacious environment like a parking lot, to create a course that tests a driver's ability to make a number of tight turns with precision. A modestly-priced car might not seem like the most logical choice for this sort of event, but on a 2017 list of the cars best suited for autocross, the automotive publication Road & Track included affordable vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic alongside the Porsche Cayman and Chevrolet Corvette.

Like the Fiesta, the Bolt is light and compact, which helps with agility and tight turns. And its 266 pound-feet of torque tops competitors like the Nissan Leaf (236 pound-feet) and the BMW i3 (184 pound-feet). While it won't provide blistering acceleration (it takes 6.2 seconds to go from 0-60 mph) or race car-level handling, the Bolt can navigate tight turns and frequent changes in speed without spinning out of control. 

The Bolt was also the first fully-electric vehicle I'd driven. First released in late 2016, the Bolt is General Motors' mass-market electric car, beating Tesla's mass-market vehicle, the Model 3, to market by a year. With 238 miles of range, the Bolt set out to ease range anxiety without breaking the bank. 

While my first experience with the Bolt  — and electric cars in general — in May came under unusual circumstances, it demonstrated how electric vehicle technology has progressed to a point where early stereotypes about electric vehicles being flimsy and impractical no longer apply.

Here's how the Bolt held up over three hours of runs on an autocross track.

SEE ALSO: I drove a $44,000 Chevy Bolt for a weekend and saw just how far electric cars have come — but I also discovered a glaring problem

The autocross course was set up in the parking lot of Citi Field, the New York Mets' baseball stadium, near the end of May.

Five total cars were available to drive — four Chevy Bolts and a gas-powered Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Two of the Bolts had all-season tires, like the one in this photo.

• The Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 are two of the best luxury crossover SUVs in the world.
• The Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 offer its occupants luxury car comfort and minivan-like utility with the off-road capability of an SUV.
• The Audi Q7 starts $49,900 while the Volvo XC90 starts at $46,900.
• The Audi Q7's superior driving dynamics and infotainment system edges out the Volvo XC90 which has greater cargo room and more attractive styling. 

The large crossover SUV makes a whole lot of sense.

It combines the user-friendly nature of passenger cars with the utility of a minivan and much of the off-road prowess of a traditional SUV.

And for those looking for a more plush crossover experience, the luxury brands have that covered. Two of the best large luxury crossovers we've ever tested are the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90.

The Volvo arrived in 2015 just in time for the 2016 model year while the Audi debuted in 2016 as a 2017 model. 

The Volvo XC90 was a revelation for us when we first tested the car in late 2015. It was the first new model to arrive in showrooms following the Swedish automaker's acquisition by China's Geely Group. 

We loved the second generation XC90 so much that we gave it our 2015 Car of the Year award over some stiff competition like the BMW 7-Series and the Lamborghini Huracan. Amazingly, with the impending arrival of the new S60 sedan, the XC90 will soon become the oldest model in Volvo's lineup.

Read more: We drove a $64,000 BMW X5 and a $65,000 Audi Q7 to find the winner in our battle of luxury SUVs — here's the verdict.

And then there's the Audi Q7. In our review of the second generation Q7, Matt DeBord referred to the Audi as the luxury SUV perfected.  

In spite of the presence of the A8 luxury sedan, the Q7 is effectively Audi's luxury halo product. The original Q7 debuted back in 2007. In spite of early criticism of its aesthetics, the big Audi eventually developed into a fan favorite.

Both crossovers are built on modular platforms and share their underpinnings with passengers cars. The Q7 is built on VW Group's MLB Evo platform that's shared with the Audi A4 sedan and Bentley Bentayga SUV. While the XC90 is built on Volvo's SPA platform that underpins the company's entire passenger car lineup. 

Here's a closer look at how the Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige and the Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription matches up: 

SEE ALSO: We drove a $40,000 Jeep Cherokee SUV to see if the American icon is still one of the best money can buy — here's the verdict

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First up is the Volvo XC90.

The Volvo XC90 starts at $46,900 for a base, front-wheel-drive T5 Momentum while our luxury spec T6 Inscription test car starts at $59,450.  

Volvo also offers the XC90 as a plug-in hybrid with a starting price of $64,950. 

While those looking for a luxury limousine feel can opt for the Volvo XC90 Excellence which starts $104,900. 

Aesthetically, the XC90 is simply stunning. It exudes effortless style and elegance. Volvo's "Thor's Hammer" headlight is a stand out design feature.

The XC90's rear end is punctuated by dual exhausts and vertical taillights —a feature carried from the first generation model.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• MVMT is one of our favorite watch brands for its style, affordability, and quality.
• Right now, you can save up to 25% off the entire site through November 29 — though you may want to grab what you want quickly before any possible sellouts.
• To potentially save more on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.
• Find all of Business Insider's Black Friday deals coverage here.

Black Friday traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, but if you're looking for watches and sunglasses, you won't have to wait for the post-Thanksgiving chaos.

MVMT, one of our favorite watch brands, is having a huge flash sale to celebrate the holidays. Now through Thursday, November 29, you can get up to 25% off the entire site.

Men's Watches: Gunmetal Sandstone

Gunmetal Sandstone, $114.75 (Originally $135) [You save $20.25]

Slate Voyager

Black Tan Classic

Black Tan Classic, $80.75 (Originally $95) [You save $14.25]

• The Toyota Tundra is typically the fourth-best-selling full-size pickup truck in the US.
• The Tundra is aging, but it has a reliable design that's up against new pickups from the Detroit Big 3: Chevy, Ford, and Ram.
• Despite its age, the Tundra is a great pickup that is notably easy to drive and, in an upscale trim package, comes with a lot of luxurious features.

In the world of the full-size pickup truck, the Ford F-150 rules the realm. Its perennial challengers are the Chevy Silverado and the Ram 1500.

You could be forgiven if you thought this massive US market was a trifecta, full stop. But there are other large pickups in the land. And they are worthy.

The worthiest is the Toyota Tundra. While Toyota sells just about 115,000 of these every year and Ford moves close to 1 million F-150s, the Tundra is no slouch when it comes to pickups. Among those in the pickup-truck know, Toyotas are considered more or less indestructible.

You buy the F-150 because it's ... well, because it's an F-150. You might own a dozen in a lifetime.

You buy the Tundra if you think you might want to go to your final reward having owned just one truck.

That's an exaggeration, but not far off. You do have to make some trades. Trucks from Detroit's big three automakers can be lavishly luxurious these days, while most Toyota pickups we've sampled at Business Insider have been sort of bare-bones.

And then a tasty Toyota Tundra 1794 Crewmax, tipping the cost scales at about $53,000, landed at our test center in suburban New Jersey. It was different. Very different.

The Tundra has been around since 2000 and has amassed a loyal following, even as it fails to seriously compete with the big three. (The current generation arrived in 2007 and was updated in 2014, making it a pretty old platform.) That certainly doesn't mean Toyota doesn't take the Tundra seriously. In a week of driving it around — with a nice long run to the Catskills in upstate New York thrown in — I found out why.

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Behold, the Toyota Tundra, Crewmax configuration — rather out of its element in the leafy suburbs of northern New Jersey.

The competition among full-size pickups is brutal. Here's the Raptor high-performance version of the Ford F-150.

Read the review »

And here's a similar high-performance Chevy Silverado Z71.

Read the review »

With its National Defense Strategy released earlier this year, the US detailed its shift from small-scale operations like counterinsurgency and toward a potential fight with a rival like Russia or China.

Countries around the world have made similar moves, refocusing on large-scale conflict.

Amid those changes, head-to-head comparisons of military strength are hard to come by. Global Firepower's 2018 Military Strength Ranking tries to fill that void by drawing on more than 55 factors to assign a Power Index score to 136 countries — adding Ireland, Montenegro, and Liberia to last year's list.

The ranking assesses the diversity of each country's weapons and pays particular attention to their available manpower. Geography, logistical capacity, available natural resources, and the status of local industry are also taken into account.

While recognized nuclear powers receive a bonus, their nuclear stockpiles are not factored into the score. Landlocked countries are not docked for lacking a navy, but countries with navies are penalized if there is a lack of diversity in their fleets.

NATO countries get a slight bonus because the alliance theoretically shares resources, but in general, a country's current political and military leadership was not considered (though financial health and stability are).

The top power index score is 0.0000, which is "realistically unattainable" for any military according to Global Firepower. The closer they are to this number, the more powerful their military is.

Per these criteria, these are the 25 most powerful militaries in the world:

SEE ALSO: Step aboard the USS Kearsarge, the US Navy workhorse that takes Marines to war

25. Canada

Power Index rating: 0.4356 (NATO member)

Total population: 35,623,680

Total military personnel: 88,000

Total aircraft strength: 413

Fighter aircraft: 60

Combat tanks: 80

Total naval assets: 63

Defense budget: $16.4 billion

24. Taiwan

Power Index rating: 0.4331

Total population: 23,508,428

Total military personnel: 1,932,500

Total aircraft strength: 843

Fighter aircraft: 286

Combat tanks: 2,005

Total naval assets: 87

Defense budget: $10.725 billion

23. Algeria

Power Index rating: 0.4296

Total population: 40,969,443

Total military personnel: 792,350

Total aircraft strength: 528

Fighter aircraft: 97

Combat tanks: 2,405

Total naval assets: 85

Defense budget: $10.57 billion

• Only nine teams still have a shot to make the College Football Playoff.
• We have ranked the nine teams based on which have the best shot to make the playoff.
• This week we have a new No. 1 team as Notre Dame now has the easiest path to the playoff.

Even though the College Football Playoff committee ranks 25 teams each week, there are only nine schools that still have a legit shot to be in college football's final four.

While the committee looked at what teams have done so far, we looked ahead at which teams have the easiest and most likely paths to making the final four.

Below, we ranked the nine remaining contenders based on who has the best chances to make the playoff.

9. UCF

Record: 10-0

Last week's result: Beat Cincinnati, 38-13

Playoff ranking: 9

Key games remaining: USF on the road and The American title game.

One thing to know: There is a path to the playoff for UCF, but here is what they need to happen: 1) Notre Dame loses to USC; 2) the winner of Michigan-Ohio State loses to Northwestern; 3) Georgia loses to Alabama; 4) Oklahoma loses to West Virginia or Texas; 5) Washington State loses to Washington or in the Pac-12 title game. That would leave Alabama and Clemson as playoff locks with UCF in the conversation for the final spots. Piece o' cake.

8. Washington State

Record: 10-1

Last week's result: Beat Arizona, 69-28

Playoff ranking: 8

Key games remaining: Washington at home and (if they beat the Huskies) a 3- or 4-loss team in the Pac-12 title game.

One thing to know: Wazzu deserves a better shot at the playoff than they have. Their issue is that they got on the radar too late in the season and now they don't have a chance to add any signature wins under the spotlight.

7. Ohio State

Record: 10-1

Last week's result: Beat Maryland, 52-51

Playoff ranking: 10

Key games remaining: Michigan at home and (if they beat the Wolverines) Northwestern in the Big Ten title game.

One thing to know: Ohio State is still behind Washington State and UCF in the ranking, but if they win out they would be adding two wins over ranked teams, including one currently in the playoff picture. That might not be enough to get them all the way into the top four, but they have a better path to getting into the conversation.

The Air Force has picked bases to test its new advanced bomber — here's where the B-21 Raider is heading

SEE ALSO: The US Navy is pushing north, closer to Russia and into freezing conditions — and it plans on hanging around up there

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