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News18
15 minutes ago
- News18
'Democrat-Inspired Scam': Trump Says $100 Million For LA Wildfire Victims ‘Missing'
Last Updated: The FireAid concert that raised $100 million for the devastating January wildfires in California has come under fire after some people complained they had not received benefits. US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on California wildfire relief efforts, calling the star-studded FireAid concert that raised $100 million for the devastating January wildfires in California, Los Angeles, 'another Democrat-inspired scam". This came after FireAid came under fire for how the money was spent after civilians who lost their properties claimed that they did not receive a single penny from the concert, which billed itself as a 'benefit concert for wildfire victims". At least 30-31 people are believed to have been killed, and more than 18,000 houses were destroyed in California after the devastating series of wildfires – fuelled by the powerful Santa Ana winds – spread rapidly through urban and suburban areas. It is estimated to have cost at least $76-130 billion in damages. FireAid Controversy The FireAid event itself, hosted across the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome arenas in Inglewood, was a star-studded event, with performances from the likes of Lady Gaga, No Doubt, John Mayer, Olivia Rodrigo and other A-listers, to raise funds for the victims of the wildfires. Broadcast worldwide across a variety of platforms, from AMC Theatres to YouTube, the concert brought together music lovers from all corners of the globe, joining in solidarity for relief during the devastating LA wildfires. The funds were distributed primarily through grants to nearly 188 non-profit organisations providing emergency relief services such as housing, food, mental health support, and wildfire prevention efforts. However, some people claimed that they received no benefits from the concert. 'I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbours," David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades, told Fox News. 'The fire aid was for us. So, we figured where is the money? Where is it going?" said another victim, Mark Jones. Last week, the charity said that 'FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan" and that it was partnered with trusted local non-profits, sparking outrage. In response to these claims, Representative Kevin Kiley penned a letter urging the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. However, several recipient organisations said they received funds and publicly defended FireAid. Michael Flood, CEO of the LA Regional Food Bank, told the Los Angeles Times that FireAid was very helpful when demand for food assistance surged by 30% due to the devastation caused by wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. 'It was especially high in January through March as so many people were displaced and lost power and water," he added. Although aid groups have praised the efforts, the accusations have reignited political controversy surrounding the state's management of wildfire relief, emergency response, and the transparency of charitable fund distribution. tags : donald trump los angeles wildfires view comments Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:14 IST News world 'Democrat-Inspired Scam': Trump Says $100 Million For LA Wildfire Victims 'Missing' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Babies who never cry: The story of reborn dolls that sell for $8,000
What began as a niche art form has erupted into an international flashpoint. Hyper-realistic 'reborn' baby dolls — crafted to resemble real infants with incredible accuracy — are making headlines with some collectors paying more than $8,000 for the silicone creations. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the recent Dolls of the World expo in Greensboro, North Carolina, drew over 1,500 attendees — many arriving with their reborns in tow, dressed, accessorised, and treated like real babies. What are reborn dolls? Reborn dolls are hand-crafted baby replicas, often indistinguishable from real infants at first glance. Artists use silicone or vinyl kits, painting translucent skin, inserting real hair strand by strand, and even adding weighted bodies or heartbeat simulators. Prices can range from $200 to over $8,000, depending on detail and realism. Who buys reborn dolls— and why? Buyers span a wide spectrum: grieving parents, therapeutic users, hobbyists, and even children. While critics often mock or misunderstand the trend, many collectors describe Reborns as emotionally grounding. They've helped women cope with infant loss, trauma, PTSD, and memory disorders such as Alzheimer's. As one attendee put it, 'Sometimes I just want one that doesn't cry'. Collectors dress them, name them, and often treat them in roleplay scenarios — bathing, dressing, and even pushing them in prams at public outings. Some describe this as emotional comfort or therapeutic play, especially after personal trauma or loss. Social media drives reborn doll trend Online creators like Kelli Maple, who has over two million YouTube subscribers, have fuelled the rise of the reborn community. She's both a collector and seller of reborns and was swarmed by fans at the Greensboro expo. Sellers like her prepare months in advance, stocking high-end doll 'nurseries' and selling handmade dolls to eager fans. Reborn dolls hailed for their craftsmanship Many creators begin with DIY kits (ranging from $100 to $200), but the final product takes hours of painting, rooting hair, and detailed finishing. According to The Wall Street Journal, it can cost $500+ in supplies alone to complete one high-quality doll. The doll-making industry has also given rise to at-home businesses, offering women flexible ways to earn a living without formal training. In the US, reborns symbolise craft and comfort In the United States, the reborn community is tightly knit, spanning young girls, middle-aged collectors, and elderly women. YouTube personalities like Kelli Maple have millions of followers and run profitable reborn doll businesses, while artists gather annually at events like the Greensboro expo to buy, sell, and teach dollmaking techniques. In Brazil, reborns draw political scrutiny In Brazil, however, the reborn doll trend has sparked outrage, satire, and even violence. According to a recent report by The Guardian, more than 30 proposed bills aim to restrict how reborns can be used — banning them from hospitals, disqualifying them from public healthcare queues, or limiting collectors' rights. Yet, the report noted that these laws appear to be reacting to viral content, not real incidents. It added that the bills were proposed by right-wing or far-right lawmakers, who are trying to seize on the trend for visibility amid turmoil over former president Jair Bolsonaro's coup trial. Doll trends through the decades 1950s: Barbie begins it all In 1959, Barbie debuted as the first adult-bodied fashion doll, breaking away from baby dolls and turning play into a glamorous world of fashion, careers, and independence. She quickly became a cultural icon. 1970s: Baby Alive and Sunshine Family Dolls like Baby Alive brought lifelike features into homes, while the Sunshine Family mirrored hippie ideals with their eco-friendly, minimalist lifestyle, reflecting the era's shifting social consciousness in the US. 1980s: Cabbage Patch Kid begins collectables trend Cabbage Patch Kids turned play into a frenzy with unique names and adoption papers, causing nationwide store stampedes. Characters like Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony cemented the collectable craze. 1990s: American Girl Dolls to Tamagotchi American Girl Dolls taught history through storytelling, while Polly Pocket and Tamagotchi brought play into the pocket-sized and digital age. Dolls were now both educational and tech-savvy. 2000s: Bratz challenges Barbie's dominance Bratz dolls introduced a bold, urban look that challenged Barbie's dominance. With attitude and style, dolls reflected pop culture, individualism, and a shift toward edgier self-expression. 2025: The Labubu craze In 2025, Labubu, the wide-eyed character created by artist Kasing Lung, has become a global sensation through its collaboration with Chinese toy company POP MART. Sold in blind boxes, the collectable vinyl figures have attracted a devoted following, with rare editions sparking high demand among fans. Enthusiasts often trade and showcase the figures online, sometimes pairing them with luxury items like Hermès bags, blending high fashion with playful design. The trend has helped transform Labubu from a niche art toy into an international status symbol.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Tony Kakkar's ‘Badmaash Behen' Post With Neha Kakkar Is Such Fun
Neha Kakkar was seen lovingly pulling Tony Kakkar's cheek as they posed for the camera. Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar are the most delightful sibling duo in Bollywood. The two never fail to bring joy to fans with their charming camaraderie and lively social media presence. And their latest entry on Instagram is no different. On July 26, the sibling duo treated fans to a bunch of pictures, which are brimming with style, fun and immeasurable love. Neha was seen lovingly pulling Tony's cheek as they posed for the lens in the first snippet. Following this, the singer was seen flashing her million-dollar smile as she posed with her brother. There were also some fun videos of the two that showed their sibling love and fun banter. In the video, Neha was seen pulling Tony's ears while making cute faces, embracing him, and having a fun chit-chat. Other pictures showed their amazing personalities in their stylish outfits. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tony Kakkar (@tonykakkar) Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar's Look In the pictures, Neha was seen dressed in a fitted blue crop top and light-wash denims. Adding a unique twist to her outfit are pointed black heels and silver accessories—a delicate chain, bracelets and a lot of rings. Tony Kakkar, on the other hand, looked every bit the dashing brother in a casual yet stylish outfit. He opted for a white oversized t-shirt and brown baggy pants. His messy hair, golden watch and a pair of crisp white shoes sealed the deal for him. Social Media Reactions to Tony Kakkar's Post Within a few hours of being posted, social media users bombarded the comments section of the post with heartwarming reactions. A majority of users posted heart and fire emoticons, while others filled the post with their sweetest reactions. 'Cutest siblings ever!!" a fan wrote. Another commented, 'Two superstars in one frame!!" 'The Best Duo Ever!" said a user. An individual stated, 'Pookie Siblings!" 'Aww, you both are looking too sweet, brother & sister…Nehu mam and Tony bhaiya," wrote another. 'Tony Kakkar X Neha Kakkar! Blockbuster," a comment read. Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar's Song Badmaash Known for their hit-making chemistry, the sibling duo is recently setting the internet on fire with their brand-new track, Badmaash. The song is a high-energy number sung by Neha and Tony, who also wrote the lyrics and composed the music. Within less than a week, the video has racked up more than 20 million views on YouTube. The song is making waves across social media platforms and climbing the music charts, thanks to its catchy beats, eye-catching visuals and Neha's electrifying on-screen energy. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
