Latest news with #BlueLotus
News18
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Bigg Boss 18 Winner Karan Veer Mehra To Play The Villain In Ranveer Singh's Don 3? What We Know
Last Updated: Bigg Boss 18 winner Karan Veer Mehra is being considered as the new villain in Don 3 opposite Ranveer Singh—following Vikrant Massey's exit. The long-awaited Don 3 took a fresh turn with a major casting shake-up. Kiara Advani, who was set to play the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh, stepped away from the project after welcoming her first child, a daughter with Sidharth Malhotra — making space for Kriti Sanon to step in. Meanwhile, rumour mills are abuzz about new potential villain candidates. Vikrant Massey has officially exited the film, leaving room for a new face. Actor and Bigg Boss 18 winner Karan Veer Mehra has now emerged as a leading contender for the antagonist role. Sources close to IANS say the offer was hard to refuse. The reports explain that although nothing is signed yet, filmmakers are impressed with Karan's recent performance and screen presence, especially after his gritty role in Silaa. There were earlier whispers that South superstar Vijay Deverakonda had been approached for the same role. But following Liger's box office failure, Deverakonda reportedly declined. Vikrant quickly followed suit, reportedly finding the role not substantial enough. And now, Karan could be stepping into the shoes of the classic Don antagonist. With Kriti Sanon officially confirmed as the female lead after Kiara Advani's exit, the pieces are falling into place. Produced by Blue Lotus, Stark Entertainment, and Zee Studios, Don 3 is expected to begin filming by late 2025. Karan Veer Mehra began his acting journey with television, gaining early recognition through shows like Remix, Pavitra Rishta, and Havan. Over the years, he built a steady presence on Indian TV and digital platforms, often playing intense or supporting characters. His popularity spiked further after winning Bigg Boss 18, which marked a turning point in his public image and opened doors in film. Meanwhile, even though Excel Entertainment has confirmed Kriti Sanon as the leading lady for Don 3, they are yet to address rumours about Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra making cameos in the film. . The film is expected to go on floors in January 2026. First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:04 IST 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.
Buzz Feed
20-07-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Best Beauty Products July 2025, Gifts For Her
Lush Gel Eye Pads, from £3.50 As you may have noticed, the UK has been enduring a pretty intense heatwave, and these cooling gel eye masks from Lush have been an unexpected but much-needed moment of self-care for me amid the soaring pads — which are impressively thick, by the way — are made with fresh ingredients, including fruit and vegetables, so they need to be kept in the fridge before use, which makes them even more enjoyable and energizing on your they don't just feel and look great — they're also super hydrating, soothing, and help reduce puffiness. And with prices starting at just £3.50, who are we to deny our eyes a little TLC? INEOS Skin Science Body Wash Sea Salt + Blue Lotus, £3 Speaking of affordable treats, I also have so much time for this incredible Skin Science body wash from INEOS. If you're not familiar with the brand, then you should know that they literally incorporate science into everything that they make, and this body wash includes impressive SkinActiv Cooling Tech to help keep you cool in the warmer disclosure, I'm somebody who runs hot all year round, right down to sleeping with a fan on through the depths of winter, and I was really impressed with how fresh this body wash made me feel, and how long that feeling lasted after my shower. In addition to the cooling tech, the wash is also infused with Provitamin B5, which helps to moisturize and protect skin. Even the delicious gender-neutral Sea Salt + Blue Lotus fragrance does more than just smell good — it has been specifically chosen to relieve stress and promote self-care. Fenty Hair The Rich One Moisture Repair Shampoo, £29, and Conditioner, £29 Despite being a loyal lover of all things Fenty for, well, forever, I've somehow never tried out Fenty Hair until now, and I'm delighted but not surprised to report that it is just as good as the brand's skincare and beauty Rich One shampoo is infused with replenicore-5's proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants that help to repair split ends and reduce breakage, and it also has a brilliant lather that deeply cleanses both your hair and scalp without feeling too the conditioner is just as effective, with it making my hair feel silky smooth as soon as I applied it before drying lusciously soft and products have a delicious, warm scent with notes of sparkling yuzu, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and florals, ensuring that your hair will smell just as good as it looks after washing! Zelens Glacier Foam Renewing Cleanser, £56 As someone who runs hot, it's probably unsurprising that I'm also a reluctant member of the Oily T-Zone Club™, with my shiny forehead a particular bane of my life during the summer months. Thankfully, Zelens has really come through with its renewing and revitalizing combo cleanser and with the foam cleanser, which is a blend of succinic acid, mild fruit AHA, fermented enzymes, and botanicals that gently exfoliate your skin and clarify your pores without stripping away any of the essential properties that our skin actually needs to thrive. This cleanser genuinely did leave my skin looking clearer, smoother, and brighter, and using it alongside the serum definitely reduced how often I was reaching for my powder and blotting sheets throughout the day. In other words? A total game changer. Zelens Power B Revitalising & Clarifying Serum, £110 I know, I know, this is a pretty pricey serum, but I can not stress enough that I would never recommend anything — let alone anything at this price point — if I didn't think that it was genuinely worth it. And this Power B Revitalising and Clarifying Serum from Zelens genuinely is worth you're wondering about the science of it all, a super clever and high-potency Vitamin B combo (B3 niacinamide, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) works to rein in excess oil buried in your skin and minimize pores, resulting in a much more balanced, clearer serum itself is also super lightweight, which is definitely a contributing factor to reducing shine in the summer, as nothing is worse than clogging your skin with heavy products when you're also sweating more throughout the addition to reducing shine, this serum left my skin feeling energized and clear, and improved redness. Oh, and FYI, Zelens advise that because of all of the active ingredients in this formula, the color of the product may vary over time — that's absolutely nothing to worry about, and the serum will remain as effective as always! Trinny London Take Back Time Elixir, £79 I've also fallen in love with this Take Back Time Elixir from Trinny London, which should be applied after serum to rejuvenate and transform tired product has been created with artichoke polyphenols, which are packed full of restorative properties that boost microcirculation and, in turn, deliver nutrients to the skin that enhance its overall vitality. A blend of pro-vitamin B5, trehalose, xylitol, and squalane works to deeply hydrate, repair, and strengthen the skin's barrier, and micro-infusion technology helps to deliver the ingredients deeper into your skin for a longer-lasting boost. Now that the science is out of the way, I can confirm that using this elixir left my skin noticeably smoother and more luminous, and it also felt much healthier, too. With continued use over time, the product will restore vitality and elasticity, leaving you looking younger and more energized. I also need to mention just how luxe and high-end the packaging for this product is, and it's worth pointing out that the £79 price tag includes an elixir refill — so it's basically a two-in-one. haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, £16 Another skincare brand that I have discovered in recent weeks is haruharu wonder, a South Korean brand that is famous for its use of natural, fermented ingredients, specifically black rice. And if you're confused, I've got haruharu believe that fermentation enhances the strength of ingredients, making them easier for your skin to absorb. Black rice is particularly known for its antioxidant properties, which help with detoxing your skin, cell regneration, and slowing down the aging process by restoring elasticity and tightness. This toner is super lightweight and felt refreshing and hydrating on my skin, and it also works to prepare your skin so that all of the products you apply afterward are optimally absorbed — ensuring that you get the best out of your full routine. In short, there's a reason why everybody raves about Korean skincare! haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+, £17 I also really enjoyed haruharu wonder's Black Rice Sunscreen in SPF 50+, which is important all year round, but even more so in the summer. As with the toner, the fermented black rice helps the product really absorb into your skin for maximum SPF protection, and the addition of hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture and stop your skin from getting 'airyfit' is definitely a great word to describe this product, with the lightweight cream feeling velvety and smooth upon application, and my skin remaining soft and supple throughout the day. Trinny London Miracle Halo Illuminator, £32 One thing that I'm sure all oily-forehead people can relate to is explaining the difference between unwanted shine and much-wanted, illuminating glow, and Trinny London is here to highlight the difference in all its brand's new Miracle Halo Illuminator is one of the best products that I have added to my makeup routine in a long while, with the formula instantly lifting my skin with a healthy, dewy glow that landed me compliments on my complexion every single time I wore it. You can either use Miracle Halo on its own, or mix it in with your foundation or moisturizer for a natural-looking radiance. It is silky and weightless to apply, and didn't make my skin greasy or mottled and patchy, which I've definitely experienced with illuminators in the Halo can be used all over your face or just on the high points like a traditional highlighter, and is available in four gorgeous shades, with the honey gold hues of Sunlight my personal favorite to enhance my recent post-holiday tan! Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Instant Brightening + Blurring Powder, £27 And while I may have fallen in love with Fenty Hair this month, I am also remaining loyal to my fave: Fenty Beauty, which has released an incredible brightening and blurring undereye I've mentioned in the past, I've struggled with my undereyes since I was a teenager, and am always on a mission to find products that will reduce the dark circles and fine lines without becoming cakey, or nestling into the lines and making the whole situation 10x worse. I don't know how Fenty has pulled it off, but this formula is both sweat and humidity resistant, which minimizes creasing, and the airy, ultra-fine pressed powder blurs the undereye area beautifully without emphasizing texture. It also helps lock in the rest of your makeup for a smooth, flawless to say, I'm obsessed. This product comes in six skin-tone-matching shades and noticeably lifted my eyes with a natural, fresh look. Perfectil Biotherapy Body Oil, £18.95 Moving onto our bodies, and this Perfectil Biotherapy Body Oil is a dream come true for someone like me, who suffers from uneven skin tone and addition to being super nourishing and hydrating on my skin, this oil has been formulated to revitalize it from within with an expert blend of multiple potent natural oils and includes Rosehip Oil, which improves your skin's tone and texture, Avocado Oil for enhanced elasticity, Coconut Oil to lock in moisture, and Vitamins A and E to protect and repair your skin at a cellular oil targets scars and stretch marks, and is also perfect for rejuvenating dry and aging skin. It's pregnancy safe, and can be applied both during and after pregnancy to minimize stretch marks, if desired. Perfectil Biotherapy's Body Oil left my skin feeling soft and supple, but more importantly — in my opinion — it has already noticeably evened out my skin tone and reduced the appearance of years-old scars that I've been trying to combat for years. I'm so glad that I have discovered this product, and can't wait to see how my skin will continue to improve with regular use! Philip Kingsley Frizz-Fighting Gloss Smoothing Serum, £25 Philip Kingsley's new Frizz-Fighting Gloss Smoothing Serum is also something worth shouting about this month, with the product leaving my hair glossy, silky, and frizz-free, all while protecting it from heat damage up to 190° moisturizing formula worked instantly on my tresses without making them heavy or greasy, and I found that it really helped to get my unruly flyaways under control, if that wasn't enough, my hair looked shiny and healthy throughout the whole day without any need for reapplication. All around winning! T3 Airebrush Duo, £169.99 And speaking of hair, T3 Micro has come through with a whole bunch of luxury hair tools, and I am particularly obsessed with the Airebrush Duo.I'm going to admit it: I'm very boring when it comes to hair styling, and it's been me and my trusty GHDs against the world for more years than I care to remember. However, the Airebrush Duo made it so easy for me to switch up my look thanks to its changeable brushes that dry your hair as you style. Game. Changer. The paddle brush straightens your hair in minutes, and was a process that I was pretty familiar with, but what really surprised me was how easy the round brush was to use. Despite being a total novice, I managed to create voluminous waves with very little practice, and I can now achieve the perfect bounce in no time at all. As well as being super easy and effective to use, the Airebrush Duo — which is made for every hair type and texture — uses T3 IonFlow technology with 15 heat and speed combinations for personalized styling and controlled heat that leaves your hair frizz-free, and is ultimately less damaging. I honestly couldn't be more impressed with this product. It has genuinely taken away my fear of switching up my style, and it saves time by drying and styling all at once. You only need to rough-dry your hair to about 80%, and the Airebrush Duo finishes the job for also has an innovative cooling feature that you can apply after styling, which locks everything in place and left my hair looking glossy and healthy — with none of the static that can come with other heated styling tools! Primark Beauty's PS… Pro Fragrance Collection, from £6 Moving on, and Primark Beauty has released not one but five brand new fragrances in their PS… Pro Fragrance Collection, and they are all super affordable and super perfumes have been specifically created to enhance your presence with subtle and sophisticated notes, which is incredibly obvious when you see the scents that are available. There's Matcha Mood, which has the clean and calming scent of matcha tea, with florals and a hint of there's Soul Reflections, which I am actually a little bit obsessed with thanks to its sharp blackcurrant notes, which I think is such an underused scent in the world of perfume. It has been mixed with smoky tea and woody birch, resulting in a unique yet warming unisex fragrance that would smell absolutely delectable on Savanna Breeze mixes bergamot with marigold, violet, vetiver, and cedar wood for a fruity yet warm mix, and Nomad Oasis blends citrus, woods, and musk. Finally, there's Sandalwood, which is basically what it says on the tin; rich sandalwood mixed with clean musk and spicy five of these perfumes are distinct, classy, and smell way more expensive than their low-budget price tag, and I was delighted to find that the scent is long-lasting, too. PÄRLA Premium Toothpaste Collection, £9.95 each Meanwhile, PÄRLA has launched a brand new premium toothpaste collection, and I couldn't be more here for it. Personally, I've taken a much greater interest in my oral hygiene since getting Invisalign last year — after forking out all that money to get my teeth perfectly straight, I definitely want them to be healthy and protected while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing level of whiteness, new PÄRLA range comes in three science-led formulas: Pro Whitening, Enamel Protect, Bio Balance, and all three of them are plastic-free (the packaging is fully aluminum!) with no artificial sweeteners or SLS, and no added preservatives, making them as good for you as possible. And if you're wondering, yes, they do contain all-important fluoride!Each toothpaste has the same end goal of giving you a naturally white, brighter, and healthier smile, and I have to admit that they deliver. The aluminum packaging is also a great touch, making the product feel incredibly high-end as well as better for both you and the planet. My personal favorite is the whitening toothpaste, which does more than just whiten your teeth — it enhances enamel strength by up to 65%, and also reverses sugar and acid damage without making your teeth feel sensitive. I always use some kind of whitening toothpaste when brushing, and this one gave me a noticeable Hollywood smile pretty much instantly, with my mouth left feeling healthy and refreshed, you can probably imagine, Enamel Protect has been formulated with your teeth's enamel in mind, and if you're wondering about the Bio Balance formula, this is specially created with a unique blend of oral probiotics to promote fresh breath and support good bacteria in your microbiome, as well as looking after your teeth. Baylis & Harding Signature Collection Hand Wash, £2.25 In case you missed it, Baylis & Harding's iconic Signature Collection has had a bit of a makeover recently, with a modern new look, enhanced formulas, and even an expanded fragrance lineup — so what better time is there to remember just how fab these hand washes are?I personally love Baylis & Harding's hand washes because they are such an affordable way to elevate your bathroom sink, and are sure to impress when you have guests over thanks to their incredibly fragrant scents. The new packaging is also clean and contemporary, looking much chicer than the price tag might Signature range comes with seven classic scents as well as two limited editions, and I genuinely I love them all, but my top three would be Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit, which has a zesty, uplifting scent that lingers with every use, Black Pepper & Ginseng, which is smoky and has perhaps more masculine notes that I gravitate towards in the colder months, and Vetiver, Cedar & Lemongrass, which is beautifully earthy and citrusy — perfect for summer!In addition to cleansing your hands and smelling delicious, all of Baylis & Harding's hand washes are enriched with moisturizing natural oils and are suitable for sensitive skin. My Little Sudocrem Aloe Vera, £2.99 I'm going to level with you: My Little Sudacrem Aloe Vera is basically magic in a pot, and I've been sure to keep one in my handbag ever since it launched earlier this summer. Basically, it is all the goodness of regular Sudacrem, but with the added benefits of organic Aloe Vera extract, which works wonders when it comes to soothing and hydrating your skin. In addition to the aloe vera, the formula includes zinc oxide, which reduces redness and irritation, anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin, which soothes and softens, and the gentle formula is non-comedogenic, which means that it doesn't clog can be used on dry and sensitive skin daily and reapplied as required, with the gentle product super effective at calming redness and irritation from things like sunburn, bug bites, and allergic reactions, while also forming a protective barrier to shield your skin from irritants and lock in moisture. This product recently came to my rescue after I applied an irritating lotion over skin that I hadn't realized was broken, which caused immediate, painful stinging. The Sudacrem was a godsend in providing instant relief, and like I said, I now don't go anywhere without having this little pot to hand! LookFantastic's Hair Volume Edit, £45 LookFantastic has seriously come through with their edits this month, and my personal favorite is the Hair Volume collection, which is worth over £150 but available to buy for just £45!The edit has been curated with boosting flat and lifeless hair in mind, and the seven products included certainly deliver. As someone who is on a constant hair growth journey, my standout products are the Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum Intense, which works to improve the thickness and overall density of your locks, and Philip Kingsley Density Stimulating Scalp Mask, which absorbs excess oil from your scalp for weightless roots.I also love the OLAPLEX Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, which actively speeds up your hair drying time while protecting you from heat damage and delivering bounce and in the edit is a VIRTUE One for All 6-in-1 Styler Cream, Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, Umberto Giannini Rosemary Scalp and Hair Oil, and Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Normal to Oily as an added bonus, all of the products come in an absolutely gorgeous cottagecore orange-striped makeup bag that I genuinely couldn't be more obsessed with, and am so excited to use on my future travels!While the Hair Volume Edit is definitely my first choice this month, LookFantastic has something for everyone, and you should check out the Hair Hydration Edit (worth over £140), Skin Renewal Edit (worth over £210), and Skin Clarifying Edit (worth over £200) to make sure that you're getting the best one for you!
Identity
10-07-2025
- Identity
The Red Sea Wellness Retreat Delivers Transformative Five-Day Journey at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
The Red Sea, Saudi – July 7, 2025: The Red Sea Wellness Retreat, powered by lululemon, welcomed guests from the UK, Spain, Russia, Saudi, and across the GCC for five days of movement, mindfulness, and deep inner connection at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. Designed to give participants a transformative wellness experience rooted in local culture and internationally recognised practices, the programme also highlighted The Red Sea's growing appeal as a destination for well-being. Programme Highlights • Guided visualisations and conscious breath-work • Sunrise meditations and inner-discovery workshops • Sunset sound-bath journeys followed by stargazing sessions • Voice-and-movement activations • Divine masculine and feminine balancing workshop • Blue Lotus heart-opening ceremony
Time Business News
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Astral Vision: Unlocking Meditation and Dreaming with Incense
There's something timeless and profoundly sacred about lighting an incense stick. The slow curl of fragrant smoke carries more than a pleasant aroma – it holds centuries of tradition and spiritual intention. Among the many uses of incense, its role in deepening meditation and enhancing dreaming is particularly enchanting. If you've been looking for a way to transform your meditative practices or unlock the mysterious world of dreams, you're in the right place. This article explores how natural incense can elevate your spiritual exploration and guide you through unseen realms. Incense has been an integral part of spiritual and religious rituals for millennia. From the temples of ancient Egypt to the sacred ceremonies of indigenous tribes, the tradition of burning aromatic botanicals transcends cultures and continents. Ancient Egypt used Blue Lotus , much like Seraphim's Astral Vision blend, during rituals to open the third eye and connect with divine spirits. used , much like Seraphim's Astral Vision blend, during rituals to open the third eye and connect with divine spirits. Traditions across Asia incorporated botanicals like white copal and sandalwood , revered for their cleansing and protective qualities. and , revered for their cleansing and protective qualities. Native American cultures use cedarwood and sage incense to purify spaces and invite clarity. Though their purposes vary, the essence remains the same: to create a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. By lighting incense, practitioners focus their intentions, clear mental fog, and enhance their ability to connect with higher states of consciousness. Using incense during meditation or dream rituals can amplify your focus and bring about powerful spiritual insights. Burning incense is more than a sensory experience – it is a ritual incense tool for transformation. Calming the Mind : Scents like cedarwood and lavender help reduce stress and foster relaxation. : Scents like cedarwood and lavender help reduce stress and foster relaxation. Enhancing Focus : White copal and blue lotus clear mental distractions, allowing you to remain present in your meditation. : White copal and blue lotus clear mental distractions, allowing you to remain present in your meditation. Energetic Cleansing: Incense smoke purifies your surroundings, creating an energetically supportive space for inner work. Each botanical in Astral Vision is chosen for its ability to elevate dreaming, visioning, and channeling practices. These benefits become even more profound when using handcrafted incense blends made with spiritual intention. Astral Vision by Seraphim is a masterfully crafted natural incense designed to guide practitioners on journeys of inner discovery and dreamwork. Each stick includes: Blue Lotus – for lucid dreaming and third-eye activation – for lucid dreaming and third-eye activation Compass Lettuce – to enhance dream recall and deep relaxation – to enhance dream recall and deep relaxation White Copal – for clarity and energetic protection – for clarity and energetic protection Cedarwood – to ground and balance, while opening new channels of perception – to ground and balance, while opening new channels of perception Rue (Peganum) – for shielding and vision enhancement in trance states This combination is hand-rolled with purpose, aligning ancient wisdom with modern spiritual needs. Whether meditating for clarity, exploring astral travel, or setting an intention for restful sleep, Astral Vision creates a safe and sacred space. Users praise its ability to awaken intuition, deepen altered states, and provide spiritual protection. ✨ 'The scents are natural, balancing, and profound. They cleanse, reset, and open higher frequencies.' – Customer Review, Seraphim Incense To maximize the spiritual benefits of incense, follow this step-by-step guide: Before lighting the incense, decide on your purpose. Are you seeking insight during meditation? Or aiming for vivid, symbolic dreams? Cleanse your space of distractions. Consider dimming lights, playing soothing music, or setting up an altar with crystals or candles. Light the tip of the stick, let it burn briefly, and gently blow it out – leaving it glowing and smoking softly. Place it safely in an incense holder. Allow the scent to guide your breath, thoughts, and inner awareness during your practice. Write down dreams, feelings, or insights after your session. Over time, this deepens your connection and tracks your spiritual growth. While Astral Vision is ideal for dreamwork and meditation, Seraphim offers a wide array of ritual incense blends: Greek Sage – for spiritual clarity and cleansing – for spiritual clarity and cleansing Pine – for grounding and emotional renewal – for grounding and emotional renewal Black Copal – for purification and spiritual awakening All incense is made with 100% natural ingredients and handcrafted in small batches, ensuring quality and intention in every stick. The dreamwork and meditative experiences you seek are closer than you realize. With the right tools – like Astral Vision incense – you can create rituals that heal, guide, and transform. 🕊️ Explore the full collection at and find the sacred blend that calls to your spirit. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
New House cartel task force wants intel agencies to target fentanyl trade
New House cartel task force wants intel agencies to target fentanyl trade The U.S. intelligence community said drug cartels were responsible for more than 52,000 fatal drug overdoses in the space of 12 months. Show Caption Hide Caption How fentanyl reaches the US and the role of Trump's China tariffs US President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods, citing Beijing's failure to stop the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. unbranded - Newsworthy The new task force was created by the House Intelligence Committee in a rare show of bipartisanship. 'The United States cannot allow Mexico, our neighbor and largest trading partner, to devolve into a failed narco-state run by violent cartels,' Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Tx., said. Mexico's cooperation in the fight against fentanyl traffickers is one element of Trump's ongoing trade war. WASHINGTON – In a rare moment of congressional bipartisanship, Republicans and Democrats on June 4 announced a new Cartel Task Force to best weaponize U.S. spies and intelligence analysts against Mexican fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling organizations. The task force will be run through the House Intelligence Committee and led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas. The task force will hold hearings on how to improve intelligence collection against drug cartels, and conduct site visits for on-the-ground insight into the U.S. fight against fentanyl and migrant smugglings, Crenshaw said. The Cartel Task Force is an 'actionable response' to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's 2025 Annual Threat Assessment, said committee chairman Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark. In that assessment, the ODNI highlighted smuggling and drug cartels – and the fentanyl crisis in particular – as perhaps the top threat to U.S. security. 'Terrorist insurgency' 'Cartels are largely responsible for the more than 52,000 U.S. deaths from synthetic opioids in the 12 months ending in October 2024 and helped facilitate the nearly three million illegal migrant arrivals in 2024, straining resources and putting U.S. communities at risk,' the ODNI said in its report released March 11. More: Blue Lotus, Four Horsemen, Hydra and Pelican Bones: How the US fights the fentanyl crisis 'The United States cannot allow Mexico, our neighbor and largest trading partner, to devolve into a failed narco-state run by violent cartels,' Crenshaw said in a statement. 'The situation in Mexico has escalated from a drug war to a full-scale terrorist insurgency.' Mexican officials including President Claudia Sheinbaum have denied the cartels constitute any kind of insurgency but have pledged to work closely with Trump in fighting them. In a lengthy X post in February, Sheinbaum said her administration had seized more than 40 tons of drugs, including 20 million doses of fentanyl, since taking office in October. 'What we heard from the IC leaders in our worldwide threats hearing earlier this year tells us that this is an important endeavor,' Crawford told USA TODAY, referring to the U.S. intelligence community. Members of the House Intelligence Committee, with special security clearances, have 'unique access that other committees don't have, that can inform policy and make recommendations' to the full Congress, he said. Crenshaw said the task force will also look at ways the U.S. and Mexico can work more closely together. 'Together, we will develop actionable, integrated solutions to neutralize this evolving threat and safeguard American lives,' he said. Ranking Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut praised the bipartisan nature of the task force and said it would 'propose concrete solutions to help protect American lives and interests.' Mexico's top cartels The two main Mexican trafficking organizations are the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) cartels, and U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officials say both have tentacles that reach deep into the United States and around the world. Besides narcotics trafficking, Sinaloa, CJNG and other groups are also involved in human trafficking, the arms trade and 'other illegal and destabilizing activities,' the ODNI report said. More: Koi fish, bananas and puppies: the ingenious ways smugglers bring illegal drugs into the US Both the Senate and House intelligence committees held hearings on the annual worldwide threat assessment earlier this year. "For the first time, the annual threat assessment lists foreign illicit drug actors as the very first threat to our country," including Mexican cartels and Chinese chemical manufacturers, said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. President Donald Trump campaigned on taking a more aggressive stance against Mexican cartels and the Chinese groups supplying them with precursor chemicals to manufacture fentanyl, which has killed more Americans than any other drug by far. Mexico's cooperation in the fight against fentanyl traffickers is one element of Trump's ongoing trade war. With support from some lawmakers including Crenshaw, Trump has also declared Mexican cartels terrorist organizations -- and some have suggested Washington should send the U.S. military to kill cartel leaders on their own turf.
