Latest news with #Montana
Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
GOP senator warns Iran 'better watch out' after foreign minister's 'laughable' enrichment comments
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., weighs in on Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Israeli and Qatari officials in Rome as the Trump administration continues the push for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Emirates Woman
a day ago
- Business
- Emirates Woman
How I got my job as… Founder of Vintage Eyewear
This week, Emirates Man speaks to Andre Montana, Founder of Vintage Eyewear. This eyewear brand specialises in private collection authentic pieces with high-quality designs. Welcome to the Emirates Man weekly series 'How I got my job as…' where we speak to incredible entrepreneurs, and businessmen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they'd give to those starting out; and the hurdles they've had to overcome. With Montana's passion for collecting archival pieces, the brand was born. Every pair of authentic Vintage Eyewear frames is a genuine collector's item. Featuring 24kt gold plated frames, it's popular among stylish shoppers. To delve into his journey as an entrepreneur, Emirates Man spoke to him to see how it all began. What was your favourite subject at school? History and culture were always my favorite subjects, even long before I realised how deeply they would influence my work. I've always been fascinated by the richness of different cultures, including my own. There's something profoundly moving about the way things were done in the past. The traditions, the values, the attention to detail. Objects weren't just used; they were cherished. Things had meaning. And that sense of reverence still shapes how I create today. What was your first job? Actually my very first 'job' was selling candy to my schoolmates! I suppose the entrepreneurial spirit showed early. But officially, my first professional role was as an engineer at a prestigious automotive company in France. I was already fascinated by precision, performance, and the elegance of well-made things. What brought you to Dubai? I chose Dubai partly for its strategic location; it's incredibly well connected, which makes both travel and shipping remarkably efficient. But beyond logistics, what truly drew us in was the feeling. After several visits over the years, I was captivated by the energy, the architecture. There's a unique beauty in how Dubai embraces multicultural and multi-faith lifestyles, this kind of quiet tolerance that's both progressive and grounding. And of course, the year-round sun doesn't hurt either. It felt like a place where both creativity and community could thrive. What inspired you to enter the eyewear industry and launch Vintage Eyewear? I was gifted a rare pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses by my grandfather, that were hand-crafted in Morez, the historic heart of French eyewear. At the time, I didn't fully grasp their significance, but they were exquisite, and woke something in me. I felt a reverence for the past, the hands that made them, the months of work, the years they had served my grandfather and been cherished by him. That gift marked the beginning of a lifelong passion. I began collecting vintage eyewear in earnest, and today I've amassed a collection of over 100,000 pairs, each with its own story and soul. Years later, while working in product engineering, I was asked to temporarily fill in for a designer in the cosmetic and fashion division. I worked on a few perfume bottles, some cosmetic packaging and a single pair of sunglasses. I was completely hooked. It felt like design, precision, emotion, memory, had finally all come together and I knew my passion for vintage eyewear could be my speciality. I launched Vintage Eyewear brand for classic vintage-inspired designs ( and created my signature Andre Montana brand ( for even more unique and elaborate collections. Andre Montana, Founder of Vintage Eyewear Talk us through the concept? My brand was born out of a growing frustration with the state of the industry, and suggestions from stylists to launch my own brand. I began noticing how dramatically quality was declining, as large corporations acquired once-independent brands, manufacturing was increasingly outsourced to high-volume facilities, and designs became homogenized to cut costs. A lot of people don't even know their favorite designer sunglasses are no longer manufactured by the designer. Everything just started to look and feel the same. I created the brand to bring back the kind of craftsmanship and beauty we used to see. When eyewear was made with intention, by dedicated, skilled hands, and made to last. That's not to say exceptional products can't come from China, there are manufacturers there producing beautiful work. But in eyewear specifically, they often just can't provide the detail, because mass production has become the priority. There's a huge market for mass-produced goods. But the focus is on volume, not individuality. Many brands use the same base molds with minor cosmetic tweaks. It's a cost-saving approach, but the result is a sea of sameness. Each design in my collections is limited edition, with interesting forms, finishes, silhouettes and materials, just like in the golden age of eyewear. And they're made to last. I believe in creating pieces that are truly distinctive, so we're not all wearing variations of the same frame, year after year. This is about restoring a lost standard, and celebrating the art of doing things properly. What are the key elements of your role? At its core, my role is to be both visionary and meticulous, to hold the bigger picture in mind, while obsessing over the tiniest detail. I lead the creative direction of the brand, which means designing each frame from initial concept to final execution. I sketch, source materials, oversee prototypes, and work closely with our artisans in South Korea and Japan to ensure that every curve, every finish, every hinge reflects the original intent. No shortcuts. No 'close enough'. However, I also serve as the custodian of the brand's values and voice. How we communicate, how we collaborate, and how we maintain the integrity that defines the brand's identity. Whether it's developing a collection, guiding a photoshoot, or refining packaging, I'm involved in every decision that shapes the experience. Ultimately, my role is to protect the soul of the brand. To ensure that what we create isn't just beautiful, but meaningful. Timeless. Iconic. And built to last. It's pretty expensive and time consuming, but it's really a labor of love. Talk us through your daily routine. Most mornings begin pretty simply, a shower, a strong coffee. Then I check in on the day's online orders and fulfill them. I often do a lot of that myself too. There's something grounding about staying close to that part of the process. After that, I'll usually spend a few hours refining new designs I'm developing. In the afternoon, I head to the warehouse to work on custom commissions and manage inventory for the boutiques that carry my brand. (I create bespoke and customized eyewear, some of which are even made with expensive precious gems, like facial jewellery.) Sometimes old vintage sunglasses I've discovered somewhere need polishing and refurbishing. I also review prototypes when they arrive, and make time for the gym or any meetings and appointments. I often check in with my sales reps toward the end of the day. And I tend to fall asleep thinking about the pieces I'm developing. What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps? The most important thing is to truly love it. Not just the idea of it, but the process, the challenge, the craft. This isn't something you do for money. If that's the goal, you'll lose interest the moment it becomes difficult, and it will become difficult. You have to care deeply and be passionate about the work itself. For me, it's always been about quality and beauty. That's what the brand stood for: timeless design, careful craftsmanship, and a real sense of pride in the product. They made things to last, and to delight the wearer. That's exactly how I approach my work. It's not about chasing profit, in fact, the cost of producing my pieces is far higher than anything mass-produced, both financially and time-wise. But the reward is something else entirely: seeing someone look and feel great in a piece that's been made with true intention. That moment when design meets confidence is why I do what I do. It's about legacy, not volume. And love. Tell us more about the pieces? All of my frames are crafted using aerospace-grade titanium, which makes them incredibly light on the face yet exceptionally strong. Every design also incorporates 24-karat gold, whether through full plating or subtle, intentional detailing. It's not just about luxury, but permanence and brilliance. I design pieces to frame a feeling more than a face. My work is for individualists, people who dress with intention. It's not about vanity, but identity. The kind of intelligent confidence that doesn't need to announce itself, but is always noticed. My clients don't usually follow trends, they curate their presence. This is what you'll find in my collections. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Don't cut corners. Not in life, relationships, renovations or craft. Respect the traditions, trust the process, and honor what it becomes. The moment you cut corners, you compromise more than quality, you lose the integrity that gives something its soul and authentic meaning. And without that, there's no legacy worth leaving. And what is the worst? 'Do it this way, it's cheaper.' That mindset is completely at odds with how I create. Cheaper is a word I find almost repellent when it comes to building something of lasting value. There's a time and place for negotiation, but when it comes to materials, craftsmanship, and integrity, quality is never up for shallow compromise. Choosing the lower path to save in the short term always costs more in the long run. In reputation, in longevity, and in meaning. The meaning is real luxury. What's the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? Hmm. I probably I give my factory artisans a bit of a headache at times when they say something can't be done, and I insist it can. With my engineering background, I know exactly where the limits are, so I really get to draw out the full extent of their skill. It's truly amazing to see them rise to the challenge with difficult processes and new techniques, and we end up creating something unique and interesting together. Innovation doesn't come from repeating what's easy. It comes from insisting on what's possible, and having brilliant people around you who can bring it to life. What's lies ahead for the brand? I have hundreds of designs waiting to be crafted. I also have ideas for clothing and fashion pieces simmering on the back burner. Sometimes, a design emerges that just feels more suited to a handbag clasp or jacket closure than an eyewear frame, and when that happens, I let it rest. I know its time will come. My biggest objective is to open a dedicated eyewear factory in the UAE. I want to train a new generation of artisans, to pass down the precision and reverence that this craft deserves. There's incredible creative talent here, and I believe we can build something as respected as 'Made in Italy' or 'Fabriqué en France', but rooted in this region's own legacy of beauty and handcraft. It's about more than manufacturing. It's about building a reputation for excellence, and ultimately, another legacy for the country. – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
France 24
2 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
US court to decide if climate collapse is 'unconstitutional'
The case, Lighthiser v. Trump, at a Montana federal court is among the most high-profile in a new wave of US climate litigation That's the question a federal judge in Montana will weigh this September, as a group of young Americans sues the Trump administration -- arguing its aggressive fossil fuel agenda is not only accelerating climate change but violating their constitutional rights. Courts worldwide are emerging as tools for driving climate action against political inertia, with the International Court of Justice set to deliver a landmark ruling Wednesday. "It's very intimidating to think about my future," lead plaintiff Eva Lighthiser told AFP during a recent protest outside Congress, where she and other youth plaintiffs were joined by Democratic lawmakers. "The climate is very unreliable, it's destabilized, and it's going to get worse -- and that is a lot to reconcile with as somebody who's just entering adulthood," said the 19-year-old from Livingston, Montana. Eva Lighthiser, 19, of Montana, the lead plaintiff in Lighthiser v. Trump, said it was 'intimidating' thinking of her future due to the climate crisis © Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP Their case, Lighthiser v. Trump, is among the most high-profile in a new wave of US climate litigation. It hinges on the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause, which prohibits the government from depriving people of fundamental rights without due process of law. Twenty-two young plaintiffs -- including several minors -- are represented by the nonprofit Our Children's Trust. They are aiming to build on two recent state-level wins. In 2023, a Montana judge sided with youth plaintiffs who argued the state's failure to consider climate impacts when issuing oil and gas permits violated their right to a clean environment. A year later in Hawaii, young activists reached a settlement to accelerate decarbonization of the transport sector. Wildfires, floods, anxiety Now, they're targeting President Donald Trump's second-term executive orders, which declared a "National Energy Emergency." Trump directed agencies to "unleash" fossil fuel production while stalling clean energy projects. The suit also alleges the administration unlawfully suppressed public access to federal climate science. Mat Dos Santos, general counsel for Our Children's Trust, told AFP the conservative-dominated Supreme Court has shown willingness to hear "right to life" cases. "We're trying to make sure that the right to life really extends to living children," they said, "and that it means you have the right to enjoy your planetary existence." In an unusual move, 19 state attorneys general led by Montana have filed to intervene on behalf of the Trump administration -- a sign of how seriously the case is being taken, said Dos Santos. "Growing up in rural Montana, there's a lot of emphasis on our natural surroundings," said Lighthiser. Smoke-choked skies, relentless floods, and her family's climate-forced relocation have shaped her short life. In an unusual move, 19 state attorneys general led by Montana have filed to intervene on behalf of the Trump administration -- a sign of how seriously the case is being taken © Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP She plans to study environmental science and says she struggles with anxiety and depression -- common among the plaintiffs AFP interviewed. Joseph Lee, a 19-year-old student at UC San Diego, said the threat of climate disaster has made him question whether he should start a family. Raised near an oil refinery in California, he suffered severe asthma as a child. His family briefly moved to North Carolina to escape the pollution, only to face worsening flash floods. Patrick Parenteau, an emeritus environmental law professor at Vermont Law School, said the case draws on the same constitutional logic as rulings on interracial marriage, desegregation, and -- until recently -- abortion rights. But while he supports it in principle, he doubts it will succeed. Long shot Judge Dana Christensen, who will hear the case September 16–17, has issued environmentally friendly rulings before. But even if he sides with the plaintiffs, the case is likely to be appealed all the way to the Supreme Court. "I think the plaintiffs understand that's an uphill battle, certainly with the Supreme Court we have," Parenteau said. "But the point is, they need to try." Other scholars are less sympathetic. Jonathan Adler, a law professor at William & Mary, dismisses such efforts as more geared toward public opinion than legal victory. Lighthiser v. Trump is "based on a very expansive and unmoored theory of what the power of federal courts is," Adler told AFP, calling it ungrounded in legal doctrine. He said more viable strategies include suing agencies over specific regulations or filing tort claims against polluters -- not sweeping constitutional challenges. "Climate change is a serious problem, and we should be doing more about it," Adler said. "But the sorts of legal strategies in court that are most viable aren't the sorts of things that are tailored for attention." © 2025 AFP
New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Grizzlies Were Raiding Montana Farms. Then Came Some Formidable Dogs.
The grizzly bears feasted on piles of spilled wheat and barley. They broke into grain bins. They helped themselves to apples from family orchards. Sometimes they massacred chickens or picked off calves. Once nearly eradicated from the lower 48 United States, grizzlies are growing in population and spreading onto Montana's plains, where they had not roamed in perhaps a century. In their travels, they've acquired a fondness for the good eating to be found in farmyards. This is a grave problem for both humans and bears. The safety of farmers and their families is at stake, and so is the survival of the bears, which could get themselves killed by threatening people's lives and livelihoods. Enter the bear dogs. This one's name is Patton, and he's a Turkish Boz shepherd. Tell Us About Solutions Where You Live Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3 Must-Try Takeaways From Megan Thee Stallion's Abs Workout, According to a Trainer
Sure, Megan Thee Stallion is most famous for her musical talents, but the Grammy-award winning rapper can also bring it in the gym. In a video shared with her 32.7 million Instagram followers over the weekend, Megan highlighted snippets of her workout program with new boyfriend-slash NBA star Klay Thompson. And while the accompanying commentary was humorous ('we had to do these goddamn Russian twist ball thingamajigs' Megan quipped when describing the core exercise), the overall routine was no joke. It featured 10 different exercises—including some super advanced ones, like ab wheel rollouts, planks with alternating leg and arm lifts, and split squats with a single-arm overhead press—that together smoke pretty much every muscle group. Advertisement 'She's obviously killing it in this workout,' Katie Pierson, CPT, a Montana-based certified personal trainer and contributor at Indoor Cycling Love, tells SELF. But the video doesn't just emphasize Megan's impressive strength; it also highlights some pretty awesome fitness principles that anyone can benefit from—particularly if you feel like your ol' standby abs routine is getting a little, shall we say, stale. Here are three takeaways to maximize your core workouts, according to Pierson, that are worth incorporating into your own gym seshes. 1. There are tons of different ways to train your core—and no, it's not just about 'abs exercises.' While the workout Megan shared was a full-body routine, there was a clear emphasis on core activation, Pierson says. But a workout stacked with sit-ups, this was not: She targets her entire core with a bunch of different movement patterns. And that's key to well-rounded strength in the gym—and functional fitness outside—of it, since it preps you to better handle a wide variety of scenarios you may encounter in daily life, including hauling a heavy box without stressing your back, twisting your torso to put groceries on your counter, and staying upright when your dog barrels into your knees. Advertisement Let's take a closer look: The Russian twists engage her core through dynamic movement with rotation, which especially fires up the obliques (muscles on the sides of the torso). The static plank works the core isometrically (no movement at all!) since the goal there is to hold as still as possible; in this case, muscles like the transverse abdominis (deep core muscle that wraps around your spine and sides) have to really fire to keep her steady and prevent her hips from drooping. The plank with alternating arm and leg lifts is an example of an instability challenge. By removing a base of support, this requires her core to work extra hard to hold steady. But it's not just about 'abs exercises,' either: Megan incorporated compound exercises like the sled push, hex bar squat, and split squat with single-arm overhead press. While you might think of these more as lower-body exercises—they certainly do smoke your legs and glutes—your core is actually a huge player here. Those muscles need to fire to stabilize her spine while her limbs move to push that heavy load. 'She's really fatiguing her muscles in different ways and changing the training stimulus,' Pierson says. And that variety is something to emulate. That's because 'if you're doing just one type of movement, your body is going to adapt,' Pierson explains. And when it adapts, it won't continue to get stronger, since it's no longer challenged. That's why training your core in a bunch of different ways, as Megan does, is beneficial if you want long-term results. This type of comprehensive core training is also key for helping that muscle group work together as one unit, Pierson adds. Your core isn't just your abs, or your rectus rectus abdominis, the muscles that run horizontally across your abdomen—it incorporates your lower back muscles, too. And to have the sturdiest, most functional core possible, you need both front and back to be strong. (If there's an imbalance between the two, you run the risk of pain, injury, and decreased performance, Pierson says.) So rather than only doing moves that primarily home in on the abs (like sit-ups or crunches), it's important to incorporate exercises that train your entire core. 2. Adjusting exercises to your level is key. There are a few instances in the video where Megan tweaks exercises so that they are doable for her: Modifications are huge, since they allow you to keep your form on point, which is key to getting the benefits of the exercise. As Pierson explains it, you want to 'make sure that your form is on point so you don't injure yourself and you're getting the most out of your workout.' Advertisement Take the ab wheel rollouts: That exercise is 'an advanced move,' Pierson says. When doing them, it's important to keep your spine in neutral alignment rather than letting it arch; otherwise you could strain your lower back, she explains. Maintaining that alignment requires a lot of core strength, and it becomes harder to do the farther you roll out the wheel. So if you're new to the exercise, take a cue from Megan: She reduces her range of motion, stopping part-way before reversing the movement. This is a key mod, since it allows her to do the move without letting her hips sag or lower back arch. Then there's a pull-up, another super advanced exercise that, yep, smokes your back and biceps, but also really fires up your core, too. Megan uses a band (and her boyfriend as a spotter) to complete it. With the pull-ups, 'I love that she's using the band for those,' Pierson says. (The band makes the exercise easier by reducing some of your bodyweight, so there's less heft for you to pull up.) This assistance 'removes the barrier of entry' for pull-ups, Pierson says, and makes this challenging, oftentimes intimidating exercise more accessible. 3. The cooldown is a can't-skip step to any kind of strength workout. The video ends with Megan and Klay cooling down: Megan helps Klay perform a hamstring stretch and a variation of the happy baby stretch. The cooldown, Pierson says, is a part of the workout that 'a lot of people miss.' It can seem like a skippable component, especially for exercisers who are short on time or those who think movement needs to leave them sweaty and aching to be worthwhile. But taking a few minutes for gentle movement and stretching post exercise is important on several fronts. Advertisement For one, regular stretching can help improve your range of motion, which ultimately helps you get more out of your workouts, Pierson explains. That's because the more range of motion you have, the more muscle you can activate and the more strength you'll eventually gain. Plus, stretching after a workout increases blood flow, boosts oxygen levels, and delivers nutrients to your body and your muscles, which aids with the recovery process. Then there's the fact that the cooldown is a great way to calm your body and mind post exercise, helping you end your workout on a feel-good note. And that can cultivate a positive association with exercise that spurs you to make it a regular habit. Along with a stellar pump-up playlist (might we suggest Megan's 2024 namesake album?), that may be all the motivation you need to crush your gym goals. Related: Get more of SELF's great fitness coverage delivered right to your inbox—for free. Originally Appeared on Self
