By RADAL NIEDZIELSKI

CZĘSTOCHOWA, Poland (AP) — If you could design a bauble for your own Christmas tree, what would it be — a teddy bear dressed as a ballerina, a hummingbird, or a crimson phoenix?

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The workers at GlitterLab, a company producing Christmas decorations in southern Poland, vow to turn those fantasies into reality.

Calling themselves “the magicians of glass,” their clients have included Swarovski, the French chain Galeries Lafayette, and Harrods, the iconic London department store.

“We have the ability to create shapes and designs that glass will not normally take,” the company promises on its website.

And the whole production process, “our closely guarded trade secret,” is manual, making each product unique, it says.

“In an age when you can buy anything anywhere for next to nothing, something made from scratch here in a European country, with honest work and thoughtfulness, is truly valued by customers,” company owner Barbara Mostowska told The Associated Press.

‘In our DNA’

Despite its modest appearance, GlitterLab’s workshop has been operating for more than 80 years in Częstochowa, a town of 200,000 in southern Poland.

It was founded by Mostowska’s grandparents in the aftermath of World War II, making her the third generation in the family to manage the business.

Workers prepare the hand-made Christmas baubles at GlitterLab in Czestochowa, southern Poland, on Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

“They produced glass cigarette holders, then ‘eprouvettes’ — I think that’s the word — tiny bottles for cake flavors,” Barbara Mostowska said, fondly reminiscing about how the workshop operated when she was a child.

“And then tiny baubles, then slow-blown baubles, the ones we all know from childhood, some swans, mushrooms, pine cones, that sort of thing,” she recalled.

When the company accessed the U.S. market, it started producing more molded ornaments, such as angels or Santa Claus.

On its website, the firm also draws from the history of the town, where a local monastery holds the icon of the Black Madonna, an important object of Catholic devotion since the 14th century. Pilgrims visiting the icon would come back home with souvenirs made by local artisans.

“We are their heirs,” the owners of GlitterLab claim. “The techniques we’re using can’t simply be learned. They need to run in your DNA.”

The company’s mix of artisanal methods, new technologies and savvy marketing is very lucrative. One of their exclusive designs for Harrods, the “Yellow Floral Bauble,” is priced at 125 pounds (around $168).

It is Mostowska’s dream that the ornaments won’t just be displayed on the Christmas, but instead “our customers have them in their homes, whether on hangers or in display cases, year-round.”

The hand-made Christmas baubles are prepared at GlitterLab in Czestochowa, southern Poland, on Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

The company’s products are “jewelry for the home,” she said.

Happy work

To create a unique design, GlitterLab workers take a client’s drawing on paper and turn it at first into a soft clay sculpture, which can be modified until the client’s vision is accurately represented.

Only then do they choose the unique combination of materials that transforms a particular shape into a bauble.

Mariola Koła, the company’s most seasoned designer, has been working for 42 years at GlitterLab. She says the most satisfying moment in her day comes when a client approves a design with “no corrections.”

“It means I’ve met their expectations, their taste,” she says. “That’s the greatest joy for me. I couldn’t ask for a greater reward.”

A worker prepares a hand-made Christmas bauble at GlitterLab in Czestochowa, southern Poland, on Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

The designers work not only with glass but with materials like resin, wood, crystals, and metal, enabling them to craft shapes that go beyond conventional baubles.

But the products also tell a story, often invoking childhood nostalgia.

“Hungry for sweets and play,” says the description of a teddy bear holding a gulf club, part of a series of similar figures in different poses. “These Teddy Bears are a time machine to a happy childhood when nothing tasted as sweet as candy floss licked straight from sticky fingers.”

Amid a heavy reality, a return to childhood and the joy of play may be precisely what Christmas calls for.

A worker prepares the hand-made Christmas baubles at GlitterLab in Czestochowa, southern Poland, on Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

“The customers are nice, because how can people get upset and be angry or mean when we’re talking about Christmas baubles?” Magdalena Kucharska, the company’s customer service representative, wonders.

“The fact that we produce a product that brings happiness means these customers are nice too, and it’s a very pleasant job.”

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Friday that his office reached a settlement that will allow people who were harmed by Woodbury Dental Arts to ask for refunds.

The settlement with Ellison’s office and the Chapter 7 Trustee for the Bankruptcy Estate of Woodbury Dental Arts, formerly owned and operated by Marko Kamel.

“All too often, when we catch scammers, they don’t have money left to pay back the people they cheated,” Ellison said in an announcement about the settlement. “That almost happened when Woodbury Dental Arts abruptly closed up shop and declared bankruptcy after accepting down payments for costly dental procedures they would never provide.”

The state Board of Dentistry suspended Kamel, who was accused of incompetence after putting two patients through elaborate implant surgeries that failed, leading to painful infections.

In the course of two years, Kamel placed at least 12 traditional and deep-set dental implants into a woman’s jawline and cheekbone, only to have at least seven of them fail, according to the board. That’s a failure rate of nearly 60%, compared to the industry average of 1% to 2%. The woman returned repeatedly for care for loose teeth, sinus concerns, gum and jaw soreness, as well as a screw that had fallen out, according to the judicial record.

Experts later determined that Kamel repeatedly inserted implants into spaces where the previous ones had failed, without allowing proper time for the tissue to heal.

A second patient went to the University of Minnesota — despite Kamel encouraging her not to — complaining of unmanageable pain after his treatments. Surgeons there again discovered evidence he had added a number of implants into infected tissue, and the infections were rapidly progressing toward sepsis and tissue necrosis, or localized tissue death.

The judicial records show that Kamel, in a voicemail, encouraged the patient not to seek their help: “I see that … there is some complications going on, but I definitely do not recommend going to the University of Minnesota, ah, E.R. … We can take care of it. The way that the University of Minnesota is dealing with … any complications … is not something that I would approve … they are not qualified to take care of such a case.”

Both patients later filed complaints with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, which accused Kamel of “gross ignorance or incompetence in the practice of dentistry” and “personal conduct that brings discredit to the profession of dentistry.”

The settlement permits consumers to obtain refunds from the newly created Consumer Protection Restitution Account in the Attorney General’s Office, which lawmakers created earlier this year. The fund, among other things, is available to refund consumers who were harmed by companies that have gone bankrupt or for some other reason are unable to provide refunds.

The Attorney General’s Office encourages any former patient who believes they may be entitled to a refund under the settlement with Woodbury Dental Arts to contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office by calling 612-429-7130 or by emailing woodburydental@ag.state.mn.us.

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By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY

As wintry weather settles in, it brings risks for pets as well as people. Pet owners can take steps to keep their animals warm and safe, including learning about the dangers of extreme temperatures, buying weather-resistant accessories, and stocking up on extra supplies in case of power outages or storms.

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The snow storms are done. Now brace for the cold.

“The best time to prepare for weather is before you have that weather,” said Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “The same thing you would do for children in your house, do for your pet.”

That means understanding the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, avoiding antifreeze and de-icing chemicals, and taking steps to mitigate the effects of snow, rain, wind and ice.

Here are some tips:

Caution needed in the cold

It’s not just the Midwest and Northeast that should prepare for freezing weather. Many cities around the U.S. can get cold enough in the early mornings to pose a threat to pets who are smaller, older or have health concerns.

“When you think of dogs, you think, well, they already have a fur coat, so they should be fine in the cold, but that isn’t necessarily true,” said Amy Hrin, with the American Humane Society. It depends on the breed, size and age of the pet, and also temperature and wind chill.

Dogs are at risk of frostbite once the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, experts say, especially if they are damp or wet, which could leave paws, ears and tails more vulnerable. That is not usually life-threatening, but hypothermia, which often follows, can be deadly if untreated.

Mild hypothermia can begin when dogs’ body temperature drops below 98 F, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Signs can include delayed reflexes, or increased heart rate or breathing followed by a slow heart rate or shallow breath. Experts suggest immediate veterinarian care, which includes gradual rewarming efforts.

Another concern is de-icing salts and chemicals, which can burn, dry out or irritate paw pads. They can also cause indigestion if the animal licks its paws. There are pet-friendly options for sidewalk salts, but don’t assume your neighbors or city officials are using those. The American Humane Society says booties, cleaning paws after walks and applying paw balms can mitigate these risks.

Antifreeze is another toxin pets could encounter outside or even in the garage. The smallest amount can cause kidney failure and be fatal, experts warn. Signs include drooling, vomiting, seizures and lethargy.

“The ethylene glycol in it is very dangerous,” said Dr. Paige Andersen, vice president of the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors. “One thing I don’t think owners realize is some of those are actually kind of sweet to the taste to dogs. It’s almost enticing to eat.”

Exploring can be snow much fun

Cold shouldn’t limit dogs to indoors-only activities, however. Many breeds, especially the more active and high-energy ones, enjoy winter sports and activities.

Skijoring, for example, combines cross-country skiing with dog mushing; one or two dogs pull the person on skies through the snow. Canicross also puts dogs in the lead, but requires their owners to enjoy running — often at the pace of their pets. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, you can snowshoe with your dog, or maintain regular walks or park visits.

These activities can be enjoyed safely by any dog, experts say. Still, watch for at- or below-freezing temperatures.

Keeping pets’ coats properly maintained can help, but shaving, trimming or having matted coats can hinder animals’ ability to handle cold temperatures, Bailey said.

If it is too cold out, 38-year-old Ally Judkins of Hyde Park, Vermont, tries to entertain her nine dogs and four cats indoors with puzzles, snuffle mats, scent work, indoor race tracks and more. Judkins also runs a boarding and day care facility, a dog rescue and is an animal control officer for the town.

“We have quite a few days in Vermont where between January and March it is below zero and the wind chill could make it feel like 40 below, so there’s not much outside time,” she said. One of her dogs’ favorites is a toy stuffed frozen with yogurt, peanut butter, blueberries or dog food.

“It keeps them busy for at least an hour,” she said.

Experts recommend scavenger hunts, hide-and-seek, learning new tricks, obedience training and other cognitive games to occupy pets left indoors.

Paw-sitively cute in pet clothes

Like people, very young and very old dogs struggle to regulate their body temperatures, as do dogs with shorter coats or chronic health conditions like arthritis, Hrin said. That’s where accessories come in.

Dog shoes can prevent slipping, frostbite, puncture wounds from sharp ice or foreign objects, and fungal infections between toe pads. Paw wax and socks also can help keep paw pads from becoming dry, irritated or cracked.

Dog sweaters that are soft and don’t restrict movement can provide warmth, keep fur drier, reduce shedding, and cover healing or irritated skin. Dog jackets provide a little more protection from the elements because they are thicker and made from water-resistant or waterproof materials.

Look for features such as reflective trim and built-in holes for leash attachment.

Does your dog need a sweater or jacket? It depends. Experts say toy and hairless breeds and short dogs whose bellies touch the ground could all benefit from clothes. Besides sweaters, coats and booties, protective gear can mean rain caps to prevent ear infections in floppy-eared dogs — if your pet will wear them.

It can take time for dogs to be comfortable in clothes and other accessories. Dog trainers suggest introducing clothes gradually and maintaining a positive experience.

Safety isn’t just for dogs

Some of these safety tips apply to other animals as well, such as cats, birds and livestock.

For reptiles, it is critical to have a heat source, so have a backup option in case the power goes out or the heater breaks down, Bailey said. Pet birds can be sensitive to fumes from fireplaces and generators, so give them adequate ventilation, he said.

Make sure all pets are microchipped, since snow and ice can cover up familiar sights and smells that help them find their way home. And keep all pets secure to avoid dangers like thinly iced bodies of water or covered holes or cliffs.

Standing in water for a prolonged period of time can also lead to dryness and cracking in animals with hooves, so keeping animals in dry conditions is important, Bailey said. Even elevating the ground where they stand by adding some mulch can help keep their feet dry.

The American Humane Society’s farm experts also suggest increasing feeding volume or frequency in cold weather, since livestock tend to burn more calories then, and using heating devices to keep water thawed.

All pet owners should keep an emergency kit with food, water and medication for their animals, Bailey said.

By Lauren Sausser, KFF Health News

For nearly three years, Eric Tennant endured chemotherapy infusions, rounds of radiation, biopsies, and hospitalizations that left him weak and depleted.

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“It’s good to be home,” he said after one hospital stay in early June, “yet I’m tired and ready to get on with things.”

In 2023, Tennant, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts that had spread throughout his body.

None of the initial treatments prescribed by his doctors had eradicated the cancer. But a glimmer of hope came in early 2025, when Tennant was recommended for histotripsy, a relatively new procedure that would use ultrasound waves to target, and potentially destroy, the largest tumor in his body — in his liver.

“My dad was a little nervous because it was something new, but it definitely gave us some hope that he would be around a little bit longer,” said Tennant’s daughter, Amiya.

Amiya Tennant takes a family photo with her mom, Becky; dad, Eric; brother, Arryn; and sister-in-law, Jaimee, at her parents’ home in Bridgeport, West Virginia. (Amiya Tennant/Amiya Tennant/TNS)

There was just one hitch: His insurer wouldn’t pay for it.

Tennant, 58, died of cancer on Sept. 17. His story illustrates how a bureaucratic process called prior authorization can devastate patients and their families.

It’s infeasible to count the people harmed by this overwhelmingly unpopular practice, which, by delaying or denying care, helps drive health insurers’ profits. No government agency or private group tracks such data.

That said, KFF Health News has heard from hundreds of patients in recent years who claim that they or someone in their family has been harmed by prior authorization. More than 1 in 4 physicians surveyed by the American Medical Association last December said that prior authorization had led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care. And 8% responded that prior authorization led to a disability, birth defect or death.

In June, the Trump administration announced a pledge, signed by dozens of private insurers, to streamline prior authorization, which often requires patients or their medical teams to ask insurers for permission before proceeding with many types of care. It remains unclear when patients can expect to see improvement.

The commitments “depend on the full cooperation of the private insurance sector” and will “take time to achieve their full effect,” said Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services. But the pledge exists, he said, “to prevent tragic deaths like Eric’s from occurring at the hands of an inefficient system.”

Chris Bond, a spokesperson for AHIP, a health insurance industry trade group, said he could not speak to any specific insurer’s prior authorization policies. Broadly, though, he said prior authorization “acts as a guardrail” to make sure medicines and treatments are not used inappropriately.

At the same time, he said, insurers recognize that patients can be frustrated when their doctor-recommended care is denied. That’s why “there is a dedicated effort across the industry to make the process more straightforward, faster, and simpler for patients and providers,” Bond said.

For months, Eric Tennant’ s health insurer refused to cover a cancer treatment recommended by his doctor, claiming the procedure was“ not medically necessary,” a common reason used by insurers to deny care. (NBC News/NBC News/TNS)

In the meantime, the process continues to take its toll on people like Eric Tennant, whose grave diagnoses often require expensive health care services.

“Eric is gone,” his widow, Becky, said. “He’s not coming back.”

Tennant was a safety instructor for the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training and insured by the state’s Public Employees Insurance Agency, which contracts with UnitedHealthcare to administer benefits for state employees, their spouses, and dependents.

In February and March, UnitedHealthcare, the Public Employees Insurance Agency, and an outside reviewer issued a series of denials that concluded Eric’s benefits would not cover histotripsy, claiming the treatment was not medically necessary. Becky Tennant estimated the procedure would cost the family about $50,000 out-of-pocket.

Although the treatment wasn’t guaranteed to work, it was worth a shot, the Tennants thought, so they considered withdrawing money from their retirement savings. But then, in May, after KFF Health News and NBC News posed a series of questions to UnitedHealthcare and the Public Employees Insurance Agency about Eric’s case, the agency reversed course. PEIA decided to cover his treatment.

Notably, the agency contacted KFF Health News about the approval hours before it notified the Tennant family of the decision.

But the approval came too late. Eric was hospitalized in late May and prescribed medication that prevented him from undergoing histotripsy at that time. His family held out hope that his health would improve and he would qualify for the procedure that summer.

In July, Eric Tennant took one last vacation with his family to Marco Island, Florida: his daughter, Amiya; wife, Becky; daughter-in-law, Jaimee; and son, Arryn. (Jaimee Tennant/Jaimee Tennant/TNS)

In July, they took a family vacation to Marco Island, Florida. It would be their last. Two days after they returned home, a scan revealed Eric’s cancer had continued to spread. Histotripsy was out of the question.

“I’m sad for what we will miss out on,” Becky said. “I’m sad at the unfairness of it.”

She said if Eric had been able to undergo histotripsy in February, as originally recommended by his doctor, it might have destroyed the tumor in his liver that ultimately killed him.

Eric Tennant at home in Bridgeport, West Virginia. (Rebecca Tennant/Rebecca Tennant/TNS)

“We’ll never know. That’s the thing. Any lawyer for the insurance will say, ‘Well, you don’t know it would have helped.’ No. You took that chance away from us,” she said.

In October, Samantha Knapp, a spokesperson for the West Virginia Department of Administration, told KFF Health News that the Public Employees Insurance Agency has not changed its policies related to prior authorization for histotripsy and continues to follow UnitedHealthcare’s guidelines.

UnitedHealthcare declined to answer questions for this article.

Eric and Becky Tennant rest in Eric’s hospice bed with their dog, Molly. Eric died at home of cancer on Sept. 17. (Amiya Tennant/Amiya Tennant/TNS)

On Sept. 17, in a hospice bed set up in their dining room, Eric was surrounded by his family and their dogs as he died. Becky held his hand as his heart rate began to drop.

“He wasn’t afraid to die, but he didn’t want to die,” she said. “And you could tell the last day that he was fighting it big time.”

At the very end, she whispered in his ear: “You know I love you. You have been the best husband and the best dad, and you’ve always taken such good care of us,” Becky recalled.

And then, she said, he gasped. His eyebrows seemed to shoot up in wonder. During his last moment alive, she said, he smiled.

“The look on his face was pure, total amazement,” she said. “I still can’t believe he’s not here.”

©2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.