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Middle East latest: Israel and Hezbollah trade fire, threatening Lebanon ceasefire(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Arizona, blasted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur Jaddou for her agency approving illegal border crossers as sponsors for illegal border crossers. At a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee hearing , Biggs also pointed out that the sponsors were found to be committing Social Security and other fraud under her watch. Biggs addressed rampant fraud in a program created by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for inadmissible citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, who don’t qualify for admission into the U.S. Under Mayorkas, they were flown into the country through a CHNV parole program, used a CBP One phone app to apply for entry, and were released into the country. Part of the process requires having a “supporter” fill out an application on behalf of the CHNV parolee. While Mayorkas claimed app user parolees and supporters were thoroughly vetted, multiple Office of Inspector General reports disproved this claim, expressing security risks at airports. In August, flights of CHNV illegal border crossers were temporarily suspended after a USCIS internal review found that tens of thousands of CHNV fraudulent applications were processed. Supporters used fake Social Security numbers and phone numbers and listed the same physical address on nearly 20,000 applications, according to the report, The Center Square reported . Biggs asked Jaddou if she disputed the fact that supporters used the same Social Security Number on CHNV applications, which “happened at least 3,200 times. The same phone number used at least 3,300 times. The same supporter email address was used on applications nearly 2,000 times.” Jaddou said she didn’t have the report in front of her and didn’t dispute it. “You don’t really want to admit there’s this much rampant fraud,” he said. Biggs next cited examples of fraud that weren’t fixed. “The same exact 184-word response was used on more than 1,800 applications by nearly 194 CHNV supporters,” he said. “More than 460 nonexistent zip codes were used on supported applications on behalf of more than 2,800 CHV aliens. You can dance around and say you don't have the report in front of you, but these are the facts. This program is rife with fraud.” As of Aug. 6, DHS had approved more than 80,000 CHNV supporters for the program who were in the U.S. on a temporary basis. USCIS approved 224 CHNV parolees who were already in the country illegally as sponsors for CHNV parolees that came after them, meaning illegal foreign nationals were sponsoring illegal foreign nationals. USCIS also approved 28,322 illegal foreign nationals shielded from deportation through Temporary Protected Status as CHVN supporters; “19,865 SLEs approved as CHNV supporters, 311 DACA recipients approved as CHNV supporters, 1,300-plus aliens in the U.S. on temporary visas approved as CHNV supporters, 64 refugees approved as CHNV supporters, 19,112 conditional permanent residents approved this season as CHNV supporters,” he said. “That is the program that you are administering. I'm not talking the aliens. I'm not getting into the violation of law of the U.S. code 1182, which states that the use of parole is supposed to be a case-by-case basis.” Biggs said the supporter application process was so rampant with fraud that it was temporarily shut down but wasn’t fixed. The fraud is “still ongoing. We're waiting for the next report to confirm that these things are still going on,” he said. In addition to the USCIS report, a U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security investigation found that "as of mid-October 2023, there were 1.6 million inadmissible aliens awaiting travel authorizations through the CHNV program” and DHS was using 50 airports worldwide to fly them in, The Center Square reported . None flown into the country have a legal basis to enter the U.S. before being paroled through the CHNV program, DHS documents the committee obtained state. "All individuals paroled into the United States are, by definition, inadmissible, including those paroled under the CHNV processes," one of the DHS documents states. The CHNV parole program was among more than a dozen that House Republicans identified as illegal and cited as reasons to impeach Mayorkas. According to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection data , more than 852,000 illegal foreign nationals were processed and released into the country through the CBP One App and more than 531,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans deemed inadmissible were released into the country through the CHNV parole program, as of October. Under the Biden administration, more than three million illegal border crossers were reported from CHNV countries, The Center Square reported . Many have been directly linked to violent crimes committed against Americans, The Center Square reported .
OTTAWA - First Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * OTTAWA - First Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? OTTAWA – First Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. The Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society have received competing legal opinions on potential ways forward. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict says the chiefs he represents are still hoping the agreement that chiefs outside the province voted down two months ago is not moot. Chiefs in Ontario are interveners in the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case that led to its realization. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict attends the Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly in Montreal, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi He added there are also concerns that some of the elements in the new negotiation mandate outlined by chiefs in an October assembly go beyond the current governance structure of the Assembly of First Nations. “There will have to be action by the Assembly of First Nations in the very near future to advance these positions, but you also need willing partners,” Benedict said. “We’re still considering what our options are.” Those options are also being debated in legal reviews commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which are both parties to the human rights case, along with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Khelsilem, a chairperson from the Squamish Nation who penned a resolution that defeated the deal in October, critiqued the stance of Ontario First Nations by saying they negotiated a “bad agreement” for First Nations outside the province and now that chiefs want to go back to the table for a better deal, they want to split from the process entirely. “It potentially undermines the collective unity of First Nations to achieve something that is going to benefit all of us,” he said. The $47.8-billion agreement was struck in July after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said Canada’s underfunding was discriminatory because it meant kids living on reserve were given fewer services than those living off reserves, and tasked Canada with reaching an agreement with First Nations to reform the system. The agreement was meant to cover 10 years of funding for First Nations to take control of their own child welfare services from the federal government. Chiefs and service providers critiqued the deal for months, saying it didn’t go far enough to ensure an end to the discrimination. They have also blasted the federal government for what they say is its failure to consult with First Nations in negotiations, and for the exclusion of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which helped launched the initial human rights complaint. In October at a special chiefs assembly in Calgary, the deal was struck down through two resolutions. The Assembly of First Nations sought a legal review of those resolutions by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP — a firm where the former national chief of the organization, Perry Bellegarde, works as a special adviser. In the legal review from Fasken, it appears as though the assembly asked for direction on how to get “rid” of two resolutions used to vote down the deal, with an employee of the firm saying they can review the resolutions together if they want them both gone, or they can “leave room for compromise” with one of the resolutions. In a statement, the Assembly of First Nations said the review was conducted to assess the legal, technical and operational aspects of the resolutions to ensure their “effective implementation.” “The opinions formed by external counsel are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of the AFN,” said Andrew Bisson, the chief executive officer, who added it’s not unusual for the organization to seek such reviews. Bisson did not address the language used by a Fasken employee to “get rid” of resolutions, but said “the legal and technical reviews were conducted in good faith, not to undermine the chiefs’ direction. The chiefs have provided clear direction, and the AFN is committed to following that direction.” The legal reviews from Fasken, dated Nov. 15, argue that the October resolutions on child welfare require a significant review of who voted for them, along with changes to the organization’s charter should they be implemented. Resolution 60 called for a rejection of the final settlement agreement, and for the establishment of a Children’s Chiefs Commission that will be representative of all regions and negotiate long-term reforms. It also called for the AFN’s executive committee to “unconditionally include” the Caring Society in negotiations. Fasken said that commission is contrary to the AFN’s charter, and the law, because the AFN’s executive committee doesn’t have the power to create one, and that the executive committee “alone” has the authority to execute mandates on behalf of the assembly. It adds there are no accountability measures for the new negotiation body, and that it will represent regions that are not participants in the AFN. Resolution 61, which built upon resolution 60, is similarly against the charter for the same reasons, the review says. As such, it says, the resolutions can’t be implemented. The firm also wrote that there were alleged conflicts of interest during the October vote, saying “numerous proxies were also employees, shareholders, directors, agents or otherwise had a vested interest” in the First Nations child and family service agencies whose interests were the subject of the resolutions. Chief Joe Miskokomon of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in southwestern Ontario called that “political deception.” In response to that review, a board member of the Caring Society, which has been a vocal critic of the July deal, sought their own. The review penned by Aird Berlis for Mary Teegee and dated Dec. 2 stated it was “inappropriate for the AFN to seek, and not disclose, legal opinions which are then cited to attempt to second-guess decisions already made by the First Nations in Assembly.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. It also states that while the AFN’s vice-president of strategic policy and integration, Amber Potts, raised concerns with the movers and seconders of the resolutions, the entirety of the legal opinion the assembly sought was not shared with them. Teegee’s review challenges that of the AFN’s by saying the resolutions are consistent with the AFN’s charter, and that nothing restricts First Nations in assembly from expressing their sovereign will by delegating authority to another entity. “AFN’s role and purpose at all times is to effect the sovereign will of First Nations, however it is expressed, on ‘any matter’ that they see fit,” the review from Aird Berlis reads. “It is too late to attempt to question the resolutions. They are now final.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement(The Center Square) – The latest federal numbers show the U.S. deficit is soaring as President Joe Biden heads out of office. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office released its monthly budget review on Monday, which showed that in the first two months of this fiscal year, the federal government has run up a deficit of $622 billion. “That amount is $242 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year,” CBO said in its report . That figure means the deficit is nearly 40% higher than this time last year. “The most alarming turkey in November was the federal government’s inability to live within its means,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement. “We are only two months into the fiscal year, and we have already borrowed a staggering $622 billion, with $365 billion in the month of November alone." Deficits never surpassed one trillion dollars before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, they remain well above one trillion and for this next fiscal year are well beyond the pace to surpass $1 trillion. The deficit last fiscal year was about $1.8 trillion. Billionaire Elon Musk, now an advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, lamented the debt, which is about $36 trillion, on X Monday. “If we don’t fix the deficit, everything will suffer, including essential spending like DoD, Medicare & Social Security,” Musk said. “It’s not optional.” CBO did explain that some of the increase is from accounting changes. From CBO: The change in the deficit was influenced by the timing of outlays and revenues alike. Outlays in October 2023 were reduced by shifts in the timing of certain federal payments that otherwise would have been due on October 1, 2023, which fell on a Sunday. (Those payments were made in September 2023.) Outlays in November 2024 were boosted by the shift to that month of payments due December 1, 2024, a Saturday. If not for those shifts, the deficit thus far in fiscal year 2025 would have been $541 billion, or $88 billion more than the shortfall at this point last year, and outlays would have been $38 billion more.”
Russia has a stock of powerful new missiles "ready to be used", President Vladimir Putin has said, a day after his country fired a new ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. In an unscheduled TV address, the Russian leader said the Oreshnik missile could not be intercepted and promised to carry out more tests, including in "combat conditions". Russia's use of the Oreshnik capped a week of escalation in the war that also saw Ukraine fire US and British missiles into Russia for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for world leaders to give a "serious response" so that Putin "feels the real consequences of his actions". His country was asking Western partners for updated air defence systems, he added. According to news agency Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to obtain the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), or to upgrade its Patriot anti-ballistic missile defence systems. In Friday's address Putin said the Oreshnik hypersonic missiles flew at 10 times the speed of sound and ordered them to be put into production. He had earlier said that use of the missile was a response to Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow and Atacms missiles. Thursday's strike on Dnipro was described as unusual by eyewitnesses and triggered explosions which went on for three hours. The attack included a strike by a missile so powerful that in the aftermath Ukrainian officials said it resembled an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Justin Crump, CEO and founder of the risk advisory company Sibylline, told the BBC that Moscow likely used the strike as a warning, noting that the missile - which is faster and more advanced that others in its arsenal - has the capacity to seriously challenge Ukraine's air defences. This week's escalation has also prompted several warnings from other world leaders about the direction of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the war was entering a decisive stage - with a real risk of global conflict. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban meanwhile said the West should take Vladimir Putin's warnings "at face value" because Russia "bases its policies primarily on military power". And North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un warned "never before" had the threat of a nuclear war been greater and accused the US of having an "aggressive and hostile" policy towards Pyongyang. North Korea has sent thousands of troops to fight on Russia's side and Ukrainian forces have reported clashes with them in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are occupying some territory. US President Biden has said he gave Ukraine permission to use longer-range Atacms missiles against targets inside Russia as a response to Moscow's use of North Korean troops. Both Russia and Ukraine are trying to secure a battlefield advantage before Donald Trump becomes US president in January. Trump has vowed to end the war within hours but has not provided details as to how. In his nightly address, Zelensky also criticised China for its response to Moscow's new missile after China's foreign ministry said all parties should "remain calm and exercise restraint". "From Russia, this is a mockery of the position of states such as China, states of the Global South, some leaders who call for restraint every time," he said. He also criticised the Ukrainian parliament for postponing a session on Friday over security concerns following the attack on Dnipro. In a post on Telegram, he said unless an air raid signal sounded everyone should work as normal - and not take Russian threats as "permission to have a day off". "The siren sounds - we go to shelter. When there is no siren - we work and serve. There is no other way in war," he said.North Texas saw its losing streak hit five last week, when the Mean Green fell to East Carolina. UNT got off to a great start before collapsing in the second half of a 40-28 loss. The Mean Green gave up 31 straight points after taking a 21-0 lead. The loss dropped UNT to 5-6 on the season heading into a game at Temple on Saturday. It shapes up to be one of the more consequential games in recent program history. The Mean Green are 5-6 and have fallen toward the bottom of the American Athletic Conference standings at 2-5. A win over the Owls would make UNT bowl eligible for the first time in two seasons under Eric Morris. A loss would send the Mean Green into the offseason on their longest slide since losing six straight in 2021. Before we turn our attention to UNT’s showdown with Temple, it’s time for What We Learned, our weekly look back at the Mean Green’s last game and where the team stands. No quit in this team! 🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/5DldLdl0ig The Mean Green were hoping a switch at defensive coordinator would spark a turnaround in the final two weeks of the regular season. UNT coach Eric Morris fired Matt Caponi and elevated linebackers coach Brian Odom to replace him on an interim basis following a loss to UTSA on Nov. 15. The Mean Green had allowed at least 45 points three times in what was a four-game losing streak at that point. UNT showed some signs of improvement under Odom. “Our guys had a spark, were energized and inspired,” Morris said. That energy didn’t make a big enough difference when it came to the bottom line. UNT played well early and allowed just seven points in the first half. ECU broke free with 33 points after the break. UNT has struggled to stop the run all year, an issue Morris has pointed to repeatedly. The Mean Green were allowing 201.4 yards per game heading into the day. UNT didn’t fair any better against ECU and allowed 255 yards and three touchdowns. The Pirates scored the second touchdown during their 31-0 run when UNT seemingly had Rahjai Harris stopped near the line of scrimmage. He wiggled free from a scrum with the help of offensive lineman Jimarion McCrimon and raced 39 yards to the end zone. “We were amped up early,” defensive lineman Terrell Dawkins said. “We couldn’t finish it out.” If there is anything Chandler Morris has shown during his winding college career it’s that he’s tough both physically and mentally. Those traits helped him during his journey from Oklahoma to TCU and finally UNT. He’s dealt with a series of injuries while adjusting to new teams and coaches along the way. The former Highland Park standout displayed those abilities again after a tough couple of weeks. Morris threw four interceptions and just one touchdown over the course of two games heading into UNT’s game at ECU. He bounced back in a big way while throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions against the Pirates. Morris also rushed for 39 yards. Morris’ stat line would have been even better had it not been for a few drops by UNT’s receivers. “Chandler played well enough and made some nice throws,” Eric Morris said. “We had some drive-killers where we didn’t catch the football.” No team in the country has attempted to convert on fourth down more than UNT, which has gone for it 41 times. The Mean Green have benefitted plenty of times from the approach. UNT converted all four of its attempts in a win over Wyoming early in the season. Those conversions helped extend three scoring drives that helped the Mean Green roll to a 44-17 win. UNT has converted just one of its last nine attempts over the course of its last two games and didn’t cash in on any of its four tries against ECU. The Mean Green went for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 46 in the third quarter. Makenzie McGill II was stuffed for a 1-yard loss. ECU cashed in with a field goal.
Competitively priced 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV has plenty to recommend itSINGAPORE: No doubt policymakers in Tehran and Moscow are asking who lost Syria. In a tectonic rewrite of the Middle East’s geopolitical map, Bashar al-Assad was ousted on Sunday (Dec 8) after 24 years as president, leaving his principal backers struggling to limit their losses. Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to preempt the debate by firing Sergei Kisel, the commander of Russian forces in Syria, a week earlier – as soon as the rebels captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The Kremlin has since confirmed that Putin personally decided to grant asylum to Assad and his family, who fled the capital Damascus for Moscow. Similarly, Iran quickly contacted the new rebel leadership to prevent what one official described as “a hostile trajectory" between the two countries. Iran’s state television said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the largest, best-armed rebel group, had guaranteed there would be no disturbance to the Sayyida Zeinab and Sayyida Ruqayya Shiite Muslim shrines in Damascus. "The main concern for Iran is whether Assad's successor will push Syria away from Tehran's orbit,” said a second Iranian official. The end of Assad’s reign is an existential threat to Iran, less so to Russia. That was evident in the contrast between the ransacking of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the calm around Russia's Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval facility. RUSSIA MAKES THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION Assad’s toppling will probably deprive Moscow of its two foremost military bases in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean and undermine its positioning as a major regional powerbroker. "What Tartus meant for Russia was the ability to project maritime power and political influence relatively uncontested in the Middle East and allowed it to punch above its weight," wrote retired Belgian naval officer Fredrik Van Lokeren. Leased to Moscow for 49 years in return for military assistance in 2015 during the Syrian civil war, the bases also allowed Russia to use Syria as a transit hub for Russian mercenaries operating in Africa. As Assad arrived in Moscow, Russian state television announced that the rebels had guaranteed the security of the military bases – from which Russian aircraft attacked as they advanced towards Damascus – and diplomatic missions in Syria. The rebel assurances helped soften the blow to Russian prestige. Russia can claim that it stuck by its friends while ensuring that the former president would be limited in his ability to attempt a comeback. In return, state-run Russian media have changed their tone. The press stopped describing the rebels as "terrorists", referring to them instead as the "armed opposition that has taken power in Syria". The Syrian embassy in Moscow raised the opposition flag even as Assad set foot on Russian soil. HIGHER EXISTENTIAL STAKES FOR IRAN The stakes are much higher for Iran. One of the three pillars in its defence strategy is now crippled. Lacking an air force and navy of any repute because of decades of United States and United Nations economic sanctions, Iranian defence relied on Syria and an alliance of non-state actors – dubbed the Axis of Resistance – for its forward defence, alongside the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear programme. The ousting of Assad and the weakening of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia – which reached a recent ceasefire agreement with Israel just weeks ago – have all but neutralised the alliance’s deterrence element along two of Israel’s borders. Even starker, the alliance could have turned from asset into liability. Iran-backed Iraqi politicians and militia officials rejected Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s request that they send reinforcements to Syria in support of Assad. Iran and its allies will no longer be able to maintain a military presence in Syria or use the country as a support hub for Hezbollah. It will be forced to revisit its strategy and broader regional policies. FEARS OF A POPULAR UPRISING The fact that a popular armed insurrection toppled Assad has set off alarm bells in Moscow and Tehran. Russia has long viewed popular revolts in Ukraine and other East European nations as US-engineered efforts to destabilise Russia’s neighbourhood, while Iranians have repeatedly taken to the streets in mass anti-government protests over the years. “The situation in the Islamic Republic is not comparable to Syria at all. Nevertheless, one should take note of public opinion,” said conservative politician and journalist Naser Imani to an Iranian media outlet. Critics removed without explanation social media postings in which they asserted that Iran had wasted resources on supporting an unpopular leader in Syria, an implicit criticism of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a friend and staunch supporter of Assad. Even so, some fear that the collapse of the Assad regime could strengthen the hand of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its hardline supporters. IRGC members asserted that "abandoning" Assad constituted a "betrayal" that would have serious consequences for Iran. Kasra Aarabi, a Washington-based anti-Iranian activist, quoted a younger IRGC member as saying: “We zealous youth will not forget the cowardice of the decision-makers.” For Russia and Iran, the silver lining is that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham appears more interested in focusing on Syria’s rehabilitation and reconstruction rather than retaliation. In doing so, the rebels may help Assad’s backers save face while taking out one of their foremost regional assets. Dr James M Dorsey is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, and the author of the syndicated column and podcast, The Turbulent World with James M Dorsey .Bowls miss out in 4 CFP teams in latest postseason twist
Elite Container Homes: Revolutionizing Sustainable Housing Solutions 12-11-2024 11:18 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Brand Push Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/1c4046468fc259537acc61173200b28d.jpg In an era where the global housing crisis demands innovative solutions, Elite Container Homes has emerged as a trailblazer in creating sustainable, affordable, and customizable housing options. By transforming durable shipping containers into energy-efficient, eco-conscious living spaces, Elite Container Homes is setting a new standard for modern housing while addressing critical environmental and social challenges. Reimagining Housing with Shipping Containers Elite Container Homes has redefined what's possible with shipping containers, repurposing these durable structures into functional, stylish homes. 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Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/cdb2f1211abc6840b758dd9e8c3facd9.jpg Media Contact Company Name: Elite Container Homes Contact Person: Dustin Burke Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=elite-container-homes-revolutionizing-sustainable-housing-solutions ] Phone: +1 316 202 4249 Country: United States Website: https://elitecontainerhomes.com This release was published on openPR.OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship'ICC chief lashes out at threats from Russia and a US senatorJerusalem, Dec 3 (AP) Israel unleashed its largest wave of airstrikes across Lebanon since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last week, killing at least 11 people on Monday after the Lebanese militant group fired a volley of projectiles as a warning over what it said were Israeli truce violations. The projectiles were apparently the first time that Hezbollah took aim at Israeli forces after the 60-day ceasefire went into effect last Wednesday. The increasingly fragile truce aimed to end more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel — part of a wider regional conflict sparked by the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Also Read | Attack on Bangladesh Mission in Agartala: Interim Government Demands Thorough Investigation Into Attack on Diplomatic Mission Amid Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza, saying on social media that if they are not freed before he takes office in January there would be “HELL TO PAY.” It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. The U.S. has given Israel crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the nearly 15-month conflict. Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. A new exchange of fire threatens Lebanon ceasefire Lebanon's Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Haris killed five people and wounded two while another airstrike on the village of Tallousa killed four and also wounded two. Israel's military carried out a string of airstrikes late Monday against what it said were Hezbollah fighters, infrastructure and rocket launchers across Lebanon, in response to Hezbollah firing two projectiles toward Mount Dov — a disputed Israeli-held territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon where the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel meet. Israel said the projectiles fell in open areas and no injuries were reported. Hezbollah said in a statement that it fired on an Israeli military position in the area as a “defensive and warning response” after what it called “repeated violations” of the ceasefire deal by Israel. It said complaints to mediators tasked with monitoring the ceasefire “were futile in stopping these violations.” Before the Hezbollah projectiles, Israeli carried out at least four airstrikes and an artillery barrage in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike that killed a person on a motorcycle, according to Lebanese state media. Another strike killed a corporal in the Lebanese security services. Israel has said its strikes are in response to unspecified Hezbollah violations, and that under the ceasefire deal it reserves the right to retaliate. Lebanon's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days by launching airstrikes, demolishing homes near the border and violating Lebanon's airspace. Officials in the U.S. — which along with France helped broker the truce and heads a commission meant to monitor adherence to the deal — played down the significance of Israeli strikes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, “Largely speaking, the ceasefire is holding.” “We've gone from dozens of strikes down to one a day maybe two a day,” Kirby told reporters, referring to Israeli strikes. “We're going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero.” Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. During that time, Israeli troops are also to withdraw to their side of the border. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump called for Palestinian militants to free all of the roughly 100 Israeli hostages still held inside Gaza, around two-thirds of whom are believed to be alive. If not, Trump said, “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” Hours earlier, the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, whose body is still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. The Biden administration is mounting a last-ditch effort to try to restart talks between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment on Trump's post though President Isaac Herzog welcomed it. Fears of hunger mount in Gaza In Gaza, meanwhile, alarm is mounting over increasing hunger. The amount of food allowed in by Israel has plunged over the past two months, compounded by a decision Sunday by the United Nations to halt aid deliveries from the main crossing into the territory because of the threat of armed gangs looting convoys. Experts have already warned of famine in the northernmost part of Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October, saying they're fighting regrouped Hamas militants there. Displaced families have set up tents surrounded by piles of garbage on the streets of Gaza City. Bilal Marouf, 55, said he and 11 family members fled the Israeli offensive “barefoot and naked.” “We had nothing. Hunger and thirst killed us, and we did not have a single shekel, nor clothes, nor a mattress, nor a blanket,” he said, speaking near his tent. Israel's campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has driven almost the entire population of the territory from their homes. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now live in squalid tent camps, relying on international aid. The Israeli military said it allowed 40 trucks carrying 600 tons of flour for the World Food Program to enter the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, as well as 16 other food trucks. Israel has said it is working to increase the flow of aid. November saw an increase in the average number of humanitarian trucks it let into Gaza, up to 77 daily from 57 the month before, according to official Israeli figures. But the levels are still nearly the lowest of the entire 15-month war. And the U.N. says less than half of that actually reaches Palestinians because Israeli military restrictions, fighting and robberies make it too dangerous to deliver the aid. The World Food Program was able to only deliver aid to some 300,000 Palestinians in November across the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military offensives and the looting of convoys, Carl Skau, WFP's deputy executive director, said Monday. In a tent camp in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Palestinians lined up at makeshift mud ovens trying to buy a few loaves of flatbread for their families. With the price of flour mounting because of scarcity, the bakers — women displaced from further north — said they could bake less bread, and families could afford far less. “They divide them to their children, one loaf every day,” said one woman baker, Wafaa al-Attar. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Just six days after a masked gunman fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen, targeted attacked, police have nabbed a person of interest in the case thanks to a tip from a McDonald's employee ‒ the latest example of the public helping police track down a suspect in a high-profile killing. Investigators uncovered "an enormous amount" of forensic and video evidence linked to the suspect, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters Monday, including bullet casings inscribed with words, a backpack possibly worn by the suspect, and a water bottle which reportedly contained DNA. But Kenny said the lynchpin in the case was likely the release of photos of the person of interest that were widely published and went viral on social media. Hundreds of tips poured in after investigators released the photos and offered $60,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest. He was identified as Luigi Mangione , 26, and was detained in the central Pennsylvania town of Altoona on firearms charges Monday, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said . She said this was the third recent case in which the public has helped the police track down a person of interest. "We should never underestimate the power of the public to be our eyes and ears in these investigations," Tisch said. Thousands of hours of video leads to hundreds of tips In a city of nearly nine million people, it's very easy to disappear in plain sight, said law enforcement experts including David Carter , a professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and director of the university's Intelligence program. Investigators tracked the person of interest's movements around the city primarily through surveillance cameras. Cameras captured him at a Starbucks before he apparently approached Thompson from behind and shot him at close range. The man then fled on foot and rode an electric bike into Central Park. He caught a cab around 7 a.m. on the Upper West Side and was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, Kenny previously said. After an "extensive video canvas" of thousands of hours of footage, police released the first image of the person of interest on Thursday, Kenny said. That was followed by more photos, some of which had a clearer view of his face, now believed to be Mangione's. "It's extraordinarily difficult to find someone who doesn't want to be found," Carter said. "It takes a long time to do these types of analysis." New York City has the one of the most advanced surveillance systems of any major U.S. city, largely built after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Felipe Rodriguez, a former NYPD detective sergeant who is now an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, told Reuters. There are thousands of cameras in New York and all feeds can be monitored in real time as well as reviewed for previous footage, aided by facial recognition software. Though investigators were able to find multiple images of the suspect , Kenny previously said police weren't able to identify the man using facial recognition, potentially due to the angle of the photos or other limitations on how the police can use the technology, the Associated Press reported. "It's not as magical as it may seem," said Carter. "It does take labor to do it." But the release of the photos prompted hundreds of people to call in with tips, which "led to the recovery of crucial evidence," Tisch said. She said tips from the public have also played crucial roles in apprehending suspects in a recent triple stabbing in Manhattan and a gunpoint robbery in Queens, during which an NYPD officer was shot. It's incredibly common for the public to help police identify suspects in all kinds of crimes, which is why the relationship between the police and the community is so important, said Joe Giacalone , a retired NYPD sergeant and adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Though the UnitedHealthcare executive's killing unleashed a wave of vitriol toward the health insurance industry, the FBI joined the search as it stretched into its fourth day and the reward money was increased by $50,000, which likely added to the public's incentive to stay vigilant, Giacalone said. "The whole country was looking for this guy," Giacalone said. "He had no friends." Search involved 'a combination of old school detective work and new age technology' Despite speculation the shooter may have been a professional , the killer left behind several key clues and investigators worked quickly to process forensic evidence including DNA, fingerprints and IP addresses, Tisch said. Police reportedly were able to recover DNA from a water bottle they believe the shooter bought at a Starbucks close to the hotel, the New York Post and The New York Times reported Friday. But to identify the gunman with DNA, investigators would need to find a match in a law enforcement database , like CODIS . Police could also have tried to use commercial databases to identify the suspect through genetic genealogy, but that process would have taken even longer, Giacalone said. Investigators also found a cellphone outside the hotel and began to analyze it forensically, multiple news outlets reported last week, a process that can be difficult depending on the brand of the phone and whether or not it is locked, Carter said. Police can collect a great deal of information from an individual’s cellphone without physically unlocking it, particularly if the user backs up their phone’s data to the internet. But in some cases, text messages, photos and communication on encrypted apps are accessible only directly from the phone. Outside firms have had to help authorities unlock phones in the past after Apple and Google rebuffed law enforcement’s attempts to force them to unlock phones connected to criminal investigations. Officers also interviewed potential witnesses and the department deployed drones, canine units, scuba divers and planes to canvas the area, Tisch said. "This combination of old school detective work and new age technology is what led to this result today," Tisch said. Learning his name Kenny said law enforcement did not know the person of interest's name prior to Mangione's arrest, but police may have had more information about him than they shared with the public during the search, according to according to Lenny DePaul, the former chief inspector and commander of the U.S. Marshals' New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Days before the arrest, New York City Mayor Eric Adams Adams declined to tell reporters whether investigators had the man's name, according to the New York Post. “We don’t want to release that now,” Adams said Saturday. “If you do, you are basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all. Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask." What's next in the investigation? Kenny said the case is "still active and ongoing" and investigators are working to track Mangione's path from New York to Altoona. He said NYPD detectives are en route to Pennsylvania to interview him. At this point, Giacalone said the main focus will be determining a motive as investigators pour through cell phone records and online activity. Charges could come in the next few days as police work with prosecutors to "collect enough evidence that they can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt," said Carter. Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY; Reuters ; Andrew J. Goudsward , Asbury Park Press
The Los Angeles Lakers have a new head coach and a new defensive scheme, and the same old problems with transition defense. Sunday night, the opposing coach bailed them out. Jazz coach Will Hardy wipes away Collin Sexton's game-winner with a timeout. Lakers win. pic.twitter.com/XSBpqh3yh7 The Lakers allow 1.2 points per possession in transition, the third-worst mark in the NBA. Monday, when LeBron James missed a three-pointer with the Lakers leading by a point, Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz grabbed the rebound and drove down for a go-ahead layup — only to see it waved off when Jazz coach Will Hardy called a timeout before his shot. Los Angeles held on for the 105-104 win, but the play was emblematic of the team's poor transition defense that's been a problem for the last four seasons. The Lakers give up 26.1 transition points per game , fourth-worst in the NBA. Last year they ranked fourth-worst with 24 points per game , in 2022-23, they were fourth-worst with 23.4 transition points and in 2021-22, they were the NBA's second-worst transition defense team, with 22 points per game . That abysmal transition defense performance spans three head coaches, from Frank Vogel to Darvin Ham to JJ Redick. The common thread is the team's personnel. LeBron James is still an excellent offensive player, but as he gets older, he's less and less inclined to hustle back on defense. And more likely to jaw with the officials. Back-to-back sequences where LeBron drives, doesn't get a call, stays back to argue, and the Jazz score in transition. Was LeBron's anger justified on both no-calls? Yes. It also doesn't matter. He needs to stop complaining and help the defense. AK Of course, James is also one month away from his 40th birthday. The much younger Anthony Davis also has a habit of walking back on defense and teams have exploited this by trying to run against the Lakers, even off of made baskets. It's the team's biggest flaw, particularly because they can defend well in the half court. Davis is an excellent rim protector, but he has to actually make it down to the basket to do so. It does help the Lakers overall that the team shoots 47.9% from the field, minimizing the amount of misses, but they don't particularly get offensive rebounds (26th in total offensive boards , 25th in offensive rebound percentage). It's simply a dangerous way to play. The Lakers are effectively giving up free points every game, either due to fatigue or lack of effort. Maybe the team needs to rest its stars and keep them fresh. But they also need James and Davis to lead by example. If the superstars aren't getting back on defense, it's hard to expect the role players to hustle enough to cover for them. Or expect the opposing coach to save them with an ill-advised timeout.This story is a story of passion, determination, and success. Published: December 10, 2024 1:14 AM IST By Edited by The life story of Roman Saini teaches us, ‘Don’t try to be a successful person, but be a valuable human being.’ The Roman Saini story has inspired many. This story is a story of passion, determination, and success. Roman is the co-founder of Unacademy. Unacademy is one of the largest edtech companies in India. Roman is a native of Raikaranpura village of Kotputli in Rajasthan. Roman’s mother is a housewife and father is an engineer. Let’s know here the success story of Roman Saini which can be an inspiration for many. Roman’s journey was from doctor to IAS officer and then to an entrepreneur. At the age of 16, he passed the AIIMS entrance exam. By the age of 21, he had earned an MBBS degree. He started working as a doctor. But soon he felt he had to do something bigger. Roman then decided to prepare for one of India’s toughest exams, UPSC-CSE. In 2013, he cleared the IAS examination at the age of 22, became an IAS officer. He started working as a District Collector in Madhya Pradesh. The job of an IAS officer is very prestigious. Roman wanted to do something big and so he also left the IAS job. In 2015, he started his own academy with Gaurav Munjal and Hemesh Singh. Unacademy belongs to the Sorting Hat Technologies company. Initially, Unacademy was a YouTube channel. There was great study material here. Gradually, Unacademy has become a large edtech platform. Today, it is worth Rs 26,000 crore. It provides affordable education to those preparing for competitive exams like UPSC. Thousands of students get coaching from Unacademy. Roman’s vision and hard work have contributed a lot to Roman’s success. According to media reports, Roman Saini’s salary in 2022 was Rs 88 lakh. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics
The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and spreading a little extra joy. This season, why not gift something that makes your loved ones feel their best? To help you find the perfect present, we asked our Haute Beauty experts to share their go-to recommendations for holiday gifting. Whether you’re shopping for a skincare enthusiast, a wellness lover, or someone who could use a little pampering, these expert-approved suggestions are guaranteed to charm everyone on your list. So, let the holiday shopping begin and make this season one to remember! Aesthetic Island NYC | Medical Spa | Brooklyn, NY SkinMedica by Allergan is my go-to recommendation for patients looking for holiday gift ideas. This medical-grade skincare line is known for delivering real results, making it a thoughtful and luxurious gift for anyone serious about their skin. At Aesthetic Island, we use SkinMedica products during our facial treatments because of their ability to enhance skin health and leave clients with a radiant glow. For the holiday season, we’ve curated the perfect gift set, which can be purchased directly from our office. It features three of SkinMedica’s most popular products: TNS Advanced+ Serum: A powerhouse anti-aging serum that smooths fine lines, firms skin, and improves texture. HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: Delivers intense hydration and helps the skin retain moisture for a soft, plump finish. Instant Bright Eye Cream: Targets dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines for a refreshed, well-rested look. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, these products are a must-have. Stop by and grab the gift set just in time for the holidays! For more information, visit Aesthetic Island NYC' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Jason Bloom | Face | Philadelphia, PA This holiday season, Trufacial is the gift that keeps on giving! This revolutionary beauty device delivers visible, wow-worthy results in just minutes, making it a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine. Its fast, 3-step process transforms everyday self-care into a luxurious experience, giving the gift of smoother, brighter, more radiant skin. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone special, Trufacial is the ultimate way to feel pampered and party-ready this holiday season. Reasons to Gift Trufacial: Confidence Boost : Smooth, glowing skin anyone would love. Feel Pampered : Achieve professional-grade results at home in just 10 minutes. Now Available : Perfect for beauty lovers who crave the latest and greatest. Timeless Beauty : A gift that empowers loved ones to feel radiant all year long. This holiday, gift innovation, simplicity, and luxury with Trufacial—the beauty must-have of the season! “This is the first true professional grade device to deliver results at home.” For more information, visit Dr. Bloom's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Marianna Farber | Smile | Midtown NY For a thoughtful holiday gift with a dental twist, consider electric toothbrush bundles. These bundles often feature top-notch brands and provide an easy, practical way to maintain oral health. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient, with refill options readily available to keep smiles bright all year long! For more information, visit Dr. Marianna Farber' s website and Instagram ! Heather Merlo, Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics | Medical Spa | Tampa, FL At Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics, we believe in the spirit of giving—and that includes giving to yourself! During the holiday season, it’s easy to feel guilty about self-care, but with our exclusive promotions, you can give the gift of beauty and wellness to others and enjoy some pampering, too. Medical-grade skincare like ZO Skin Health is perfect for both preventing and reversing skin damage, making it a thoughtful, lasting gift. Consider the impact of gifting experiences or a gift that improves quality of life rather than just items. Treat a loved one to a rejuvenating medical-grade SaltFacial, a powerful Lumecca Peak IPL treatment to reduce sun damage, or the gift of vaginal. Rejuvenation with VTONE, FORMA V, or MORPHEUS 8V to a mother struggling with conditions post childbirth or a premature menopausal woman forced to face her new symptoms post-breast cancer. You could even introduce a teenage grandchild to their first skincare experience. These treatments do more than offer immediate results; they foster self-confidence and a sense of empowerment. After all, the best gifts go beyond the tangible—they uplift, restore, and are felt deeply from the heart. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires self-love and radiance. For more information, visit Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics' website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Sarah Khan, ARA Med Spa | Medical Spa | Los Angeles, CA The winter holidays are the perfect time to gift packages of rejuvenating skincare treatments to your friends and family and treat yourself also! I recommend two procedures that can be performed for your face, neck, and hands to achieve the perfect winter holiday glow. As there is downtime with these treatments, schedule them a few days before any upcoming holiday events. Chemical peels are a topical solution applied to your skin intended to remove the top skin layers. The deeper skin underneath is then revealed, which is plump and youthful and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to some degree. There are several types of peels, a superficial peel involves just the removal of the outer layer or epidermis, whereas a medium peel works deeper through the dermis. Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation procedure that activates the natural skin healing process and can improve the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles. Firstly, microneedles create microchannels in the skin, which increase blood flow and remove toxins. Secondly, microneedling stimulates the production of granulation tissue with collagen proteins, which maintain the integrity of the skin matrix with results lasting up to 4 weeks. For more information, visit ARA Med Spa' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Malik Medical Aesthetics | Medical Spa | New Jersey As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to consider giving the gift of beauty and self-care. Here are some top recommendations for health and beauty products and treatments that will leave your loved ones glowing: For more information, visit Malik Medical Aesthetics' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Licensed Medical Esthetician, Celina Requejo, Careaga Plastic Surgery | Body | Miami, FL For the holiday season, I recommend two standout skincare products that make thoughtful and effective gifts for anyone prioritizing health and beauty. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a must-have antioxidant serum suitable for all skin types. This potent vitamin C formula not only combats aging but also enhances skin radiance, providing a natural glow. Its ability to protect against environmental stressors while promoting a brighter complexion makes it an ideal gift for skincare enthusiasts. For those focused on anti-aging, P-Tiox is an exceptional choice. This wrinkle-modulating peptide serum visibly reduces the appearance of all nine contraction lines, refining skin texture and boosting radiance. It’s a powerhouse product that delivers a smoother, rejuvenated complexion, making it perfect for anyone seeking advanced skincare solutions. Both products are elegant, results-driven gifts that cater to a wide range of skin concerns, ensuring your loved ones feel pampered and glowing throughout the holiday season. For more information, visit Careaga Plastic Surgery's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland, MD, FAAD | Skin | Philadelphia, PA Be camera-ready this holiday season and gift a Hollywood Spectra Peel to yourself and your family and friends! It brightens uneven skin stones, gently exfoliates the skin, reduces sun damage, helps stimulate dermal collagen, reduces oil production, and softens skin tone and texture. This patented laser toning restores the natural glow and youthful appearance of your skin through gentle heating. The Hollywood Spectra Peel treatment takes approximately 20 minutes with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Foundation application after this treatment is smooth and effortless. Even Santa won’t know your secret! For more information, visit Dr. Cirillo-Hyland's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Anna Chacon | Skin | Miami, FL When gifting beauty products for the holiday season, it's important to choose options that are not skin type-specific. I recommend opting for hydrating products that provide a glowing, dewy look for the winter season that don’t address deeper, more complex skin issues. Masks are a good option since they offer a little self-care with quick benefits and results. For a younger audience, sheet masks would be a fun stocking stuffer, while sleep masks are a great way to go for anyone needing some quick TLC, such as all of the mothers on your list. Opt for clean and simple ingredients to avoid gifting something that could cause irritation and avoid fragrances, as many people are sensitive to stronger scents, and preferences can greatly vary. An alternate idea to gifting a mask is wrapping up a couple of your favorite travel-sized products. Check and see if your favorite products are offered in smaller, travel-sized packaging. A good recommendation for a friend is generally a welcomed one, and what better way to personalize a gift this season than with a glowing recommendation? For more information, visit Dr. Chacon's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg | Face | Long Island, NY A champion in the beauty space, Award Winning Celebrity Plastic Surgeon Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., founder and medical director of Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, has been at the forefront of cosmetic plastic surgery for over 30 years. As a leading cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg has built his reputation by developing and using only the most sophisticated techniques. An icon in cosmetic enhancement and correction, he meets the needs of patients from today’s top stars to the soccer mom next door. He has performed thousands of procedures ranging from breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lifts to tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, eyelid lifts, neck lifts, full body lifts, thigh lifts, rhinoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation, earlobe surgery, and injectable treatments. Dr. Greenberg is a proponent of combining cutting-edge technology with surgical procedures to provide the most effective outcomes. His favorite holiday season treatment combination is Jeuveau, a Neurotoxin to soften fine lines and wrinkles, and HydraFacial to keep skin clear and glowing. These are his top holiday beauty treatments and products to help you look and feel your best during the festive season: Skincare Treatments: At-Home Skincare Products: Example: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Example: Cosmetic Surgeon in a JarTM AM Brightening and PM Retinol Eye Creams Example: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Example: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Dr. Greenberg recommends investing in your skin; it’s going to represent you for a long time. For more information, visit Dr. Greenberg's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Brannon Claytor | Face | Philadelphia, PA The gift of beautiful skin is on everyone's list. This year, OmniluxTM Red Light facial contour therapy is the perfect gift for all. This FDA-approved device stimulates collagen and helps to boost the healing process after surgery or injectables. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and promotes a healthy, glowing complexion. It also helps with pigmentation and psoriasis by reducing inflammation. LED red light therapy has the additional benefit of improving mood and reducing stress levels. Shannon O'Brien, the medical esthetician at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, PA, says, "Omnilux TM boasts the highest light wavelength approved by the FDA, producing significantly improved results. On top of that, it is all-natural, has no side effects and no downtime, and can be used on all skin types. My patients love this device, and it helps keep their skin fresh and glowing between skin care treatments." For more information, visit Dr. Claytor's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Kian Karimi | Face | Los Angeles, CA As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and head & neck surgeon, I encourage my patients to embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness. That’s why I’m excited about HealMD’s Wellness Starter Pack — it’s a thoughtful, practical gift for anyone looking to stay on track with their health and wellness goals as they enter the new year. The holiday season, while joyful, can often be overwhelming, leaving many of us feeling drained as we approach January. The Wellness Starter Pack helps reset the mind and body, offering a natural alternative for those looking to enhance their skin health and manage pain and anxiety. This curated collection of medical-grade cannabidiol oils is designed to improve all areas of your well-being, with multiple products to support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote balance in the body, providing an excellent foundation for those with health-minded resolutions. Whether it’s a soothing CBD balm for post-workout recovery, tinctures to support restful sleep or supplements that enhance focus and clarity, this pack makes integrating wellness into daily routines seamless. The Wellness Starter Pack is more than a gift; it’s about showing you care for their well-being, and it’s an investment in health happiness, and it’s a reminder to prioritize self-care and start the year with a health-focused mindset. For more information, visit Dr. Karimi's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Kiran Gill, Naples Aesthetic Institute | Body | Naples, FL As a plastic surgeon, I often recommend microneedling as a thoughtful and results-driven gift for those passionate about skincare. Microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure, promotes collagen production to improve skin texture, minimize fine lines, and address concerns such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. It’s an excellent choice for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their skin with clinically proven results. When gifting a microneedling package, I suggest including a series of treatments (commonly 3–6 sessions for optimal outcomes) at a reputable medical spa equipped with FDA-approved devices. To enhance the experience, consider pairing the package with additional services, such as a hydrating facial or a nutrient-rich serum infusion, which complement the regenerative effects of microneedling. At Naples Aesthetic Institute, many of our patients purchase microneedling packages every year because they love the results they are achieving. Providing aftercare is also essential. Including products like a gentle, physician-recommended cleanser, a high-quality hyaluronic acid serum for hydration, and a broad-spectrum SPF can support healing and maximize results. This gift offers the perfect combination of luxury, care, and clinical efficacy—an ideal choice for the holiday season. For more information, visit the Naples Aesthetic Institute' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Sam Rizk | Face | Upper East Side In the skilled hands of NYC's renowned super-surgeon, the deep plane facelift is more than just surgery—it’s pure magic. Welcome to the world of luxury plastic surgery, a hidden gem on an unassuming stretch of Park Avenue, where Dr. Sam Rizk, a sculptor-turned-surgeon, reigns supreme. Here, newly lifted patients gaze at reflections they thought they’d lost, their youthful contours restored with the finesse of an artist and the precision of a surgeon. This is where scalpels become wands, time travel feels possible, and confidence—genuine confidence—becomes a power of its own. Dr. Rizk’s facelifts are meticulously tailored, honoring each patient’s unique cultural and anatomical nuances to deliver hypernatural results that rejuvenate without compromising facial harmony. To complete this bespoke experience, patients may recover in one of three luxury hotels—the Lowell, the Aman, or the Carlyle—ensuring complete pampering and privacy. In just two weeks, they’re ready to return to their lives, camera-ready and refreshed. An invitation into Rizk’s world is the ultimate gift of the season, a gateway to age-defying artistry and unparalleled refinement. For more information, visit Dr. Rizk's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Aya Ahram, Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery | Skin | New York, NY Here are some great holiday gift ideas: The Rhode Kit : A curated set of Rhode essentials designed to deliver hydrated, glowing skin all year round. Qure or Omnilux Red Light Mask : These high-tech masks stimulate collagen production, plump and rejuvenate the skin, and soothe redness and inflammation—perfect for a radiant, refreshed complexion. Alastin Gentle Cleanser and Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer : Start with the Gentle Cleanser to remove makeup and environmental impurities, then follow up with the peptide-rich Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer to boost elasticity, support healthier skin, and reveal a radiant glow. These thoughtful gifts combine luxury and care, making them perfect for the holiday season! For more information, visit Dr. Ahram's website and Instagram ! Dr. Husam Almunajed | Smile | New York, NY As a dentist, I know flossing isn’t everyone’s favorite part of oral care. Many of my patients share their frustration with traditional floss, and I completely understand—it can be tricky and uncomfortable. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to a wonderful alternative: the water flosser. Over the years, water flossers have evolved into an incredibly effective and user-friendly tool for maintaining healthy gums and a fresh smile. Having tried a few myself, I can confidently say they’re an excellent addition to your oral care routine at home. A water flosser uses a gentle stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. It’s simple to use and especially helpful if you struggle with traditional flossing. What’s more, water flossers offer a soothing experience. Unlike string floss, which can be awkward or harsh, the gentle water flow feels refreshing and leaves your mouth clean and invigorated. With regular use, you’ll notice healthier gums, fresher breath, and a confident smile—perfect for social gatherings, family events, or just everyday life. If you’re looking to elevate your oral hygiene or want a thoughtful gift for loved ones, a water flosser is a fantastic choice everyone will appreciate! For more information, visit Dr. Almunajed's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Jay Arora | Vision | Scottsdale, AZ The holidays are a great time for gifts and spoiling the ones you love. And nowadays, with an increased emphasis on overall health, what better way to show those you love how much you care for their well-being than with products that promote healthy habits? For those dealing with dry eyes or eye strain, preservative-free artificial tears or high-quality lubricating eye drops can offer much-needed relief. Warm compress eye masks, particularly those designed for dry eye therapy, are relaxing and effective. Blue light-blocking glasses can also be a valuable gift for individuals who spend long hours on digital devices, helping to reduce eye strain. For overall eye health, ophthalmologists may recommend omega-3 supplements, as they can support tear production and eye moisture. UV-blocking sunglasses are another stylish yet protective gift idea, shielding the eyes from harmful UV rays. Skincare products designed for the sensitive skin around the eyes, such as hypoallergenic creams or serums, can be appreciated by those interested in beauty and anti-aging. Lastly, humidifiers make excellent gifts for those with dry eyes, particularly during the winter months. These products not only promote eye comfort but also contribute to skin hydration and overall respiratory health, making them a versatile and thoughtful present. For more information, visit Dr. Arora's website , Instagram , or Facebook !OTTAWA — First Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8 billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. The Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society have received competing legal opinions on potential ways forward. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict says the chiefs he represents are still hoping the reform agreement with Ottawa that chiefs outside the province voted down two months ago is not moot. Chiefs in Ontario are interveners in the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case that led to its realization. He added there are also concerns that some of the elements in the new negotiation mandate outlined by chiefs in an October assembly go beyond the current governance structure of the Assembly of First Nations. “There will have to be action by the Assembly of First Nations in the very near future to advance these positions, but you also need willing partners,” Benedict said. “We’re still considering what our options are.” Those options are also being debated in legal reviews commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which are both parties to the human rights case, along with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Khelsilem, a chairperson from the Squamish Nation who penned a resolution that defeated the deal in October, critiqued the stance of Ontario First Nations by saying they negotiated a “bad agreement” for First Nations outside the province and now that chiefs want to go back to the table for a better deal, they want to split from the process entirely. “It potentially undermines the collective unity of First Nations to achieve something that is going to benefit all of us,” he said. The $47.8 billion agreement was struck in July after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress decades of discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said Canada’s underfunding was discriminatory because it meant kids living on reserve were given fewer services than those living off reserves, and tasked Canada with reaching an agreement with First Nations to reform the system. The agreement was meant to cover 10 years of funding for First Nations to take control of their own child welfare services from the federal government. Chiefs and service providers critiqued the deal for months, saying it didn’t go far enough to ensure an end to the discrimination. They have also blasted the federal government for what they say is its failure to consult with First Nations in negotiations, and for the exclusion of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which helped launched the initial human rights complaint. In October at a special chiefs assembly in Calgary, the deal was struck down through two resolutions. The Assembly of First Nations sought a legal review of those resolutions by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP — a firm where the former national chief of the organization, Perry Bellegarde, works as a special adviser. In the legal review from Fasken, it appears as though the assembly asked for direction on how to get “rid” of two resolutions used to vote down the deal, with an employee of the firm saying they can review the resolutions together if they want them both gone, or they can “leave room for compromise” with one of the resolutions. In a statement, the Assembly of First Nations said the review was conducted to access the legal, technical and operational aspects of the resolutions to ensure their “effective implementation.” “The opinions formed by external counsel are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of the AFN,” said Andrew Bisson, the chief executive officer, who added it’s not unusual for the organization to seek such reviews. Bisson did not address the language used by a Fasken employee to “get rid” of resolutions, but said “the legal and technical reviews were conducted in good faith, not to undermine the Chiefs’ direction. The Chiefs have provided clear direction, and the AFN is committed to following that direction.” The legal reviews from Fasken, dated Nov. 15, argue that the October resolutions on child welfare require a significant review of who voted for them, along with changes to the organization’s charter should they be implemented. Resolution 60 called for a rejection of the final settlement agreement, and for the establishment of a Children’s Chiefs Commission that will be representative of all regions and negotiate long-term reforms. It also called for the AFN’s executive committee to “unconditionally include” the Caring Society in negotiations. Fasken said that commission is contrary to the AFN’s charter, and the law, because the AFN’s executive committee doesn’t have the power to create one, and that the executive committee “alone” has the authority to execute mandates on behalf of the assembly. It adds there are no accountability measures for the new negotiation body, and that it will represent regions that are not participants in the AFN. Resolution 61, which built upon resolution 60, is similarly against the charter for the same reasons, the review says. As such, it says, the resolutions can’t be implemented. The firm also wrote that there were alleged conflicts of interest during the October vote, saying “numerous proxies were also employees, shareholders, directors, agents or otherwise had a vested interest” in the First Nations child and family service agencies whose interests were the subject of the resolutions voted the deal down. Chief Joe Miskokomon of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in southwestern Ontario called that “political deception.” In response to that review, a board member of the Caring Society, which has been a vocal critic of the July deal, sought their own. The review penned by Aird Berlis for Mary Teegee and dated as Dec. 2, stated it was “inappropriate for the AFN to seek, and not disclose, legal opinions which are then cited to attempt to second-guess decisions already made by the First Nations in Assembly.” It also states that while the AFN’s vice president of strategic policy and integration, Amber Potts, raised concerns with the movers and seconders of the resolutions, the entirety of the legal opinion the assembly sought was not shared with them. Teegee’s review challenges that of the AFN’s by saying the resolutions are consistent with the AFN’s charter, and that nothing restricts First Nations in Assembly from expressing their sovereign will by delegating authority to another entity. “AFN’s role and purpose at all times is to effect the sovereign will of First Nations, however it is expressed, on ‘any matter’ that they see fit,” the review from Aird Berlis reads. “It is too late to attempt to question the resolutions. They are now final.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
New Era of Growth, Competition, and Community Begins for Mrs Elemental® USA VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mrs Elemental USA , formerly known as Mrs USA Earth, has officially undergone an exciting organizational transformation, marking the beginning of a new era for married women across the country. The competition, now named Mrs Elemental® USA , introduces an international competition tier, offering more opportunities for growth, exposure, and experience for its participants. This change reflects the program's commitment to supporting married women at every stage of their journey, both personally and professionally. The decision to transition Mrs Elemental® USA into a standalone entity was driven by the desire to provide a national competition experience tailored specifically to the demographic and lifestyle of married women. 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Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Mrs Elemental® USA With this exciting rebrand and new international pathway, Mrs Elemental® USA is entering a transformative phase that will elevate the pageant experience and provide delegates with the platform they deserve to showcase their achievements, passion, and dedication to positive change. As the program grows, so too will the opportunities for married women to have a lasting impact on their communities and the world. For more information about Mrs Elemental® USA , the competition, and upcoming events, please visit www.MrsElementalUSA.Com or follow us on social media at @ElementalPageants About Mrs Elemental® USA Mrs Elemental® USA is a premier national pageant that celebrates the achievements and contributions of married women. Dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, personal growth, and community involvement, the program provides a platform for women to empower themselves and inspire others. As a part of its philanthropic mission, Mrs Elemental® USA supports ICONIC USA , a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on environmental advocacy and change. About Crown Life Productions Crown Life Productions is a production company dedicated to bringing impactful and meaningful pageant experiences to life. Known for its commitment to creating enriching opportunities for contestants and fostering positive, empowering environments, Crown Life Productions is proud to produce the Mrs Elemental® USA competition. Contact: Mrs Elemental USA pr@mrsusaearth.com Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/13048020 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mrs-elemental-usa-rebrands-to-empower-married-women-across-the-nation-302320183.html SOURCE Mrs Elemental USA © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.