A chilling find in a secluded area of Southern California’s desert region has led to a homicide investigation after a hiker came across a human skull.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The remains were discovered in a rugged locale near the intersection of Adobe Road and Baseline Road in Twentynine Palms.

Officials stated that the skull is believed to belong to an adult and appears to have been subjected to the outdoor elements for a significant duration.

The striking landscape of Joshua trees and towering rock formations in nearby Joshua Tree National Park sets the scene as authorities delve into the case of the discovered skull.

Following standard protocol for situations involving human remains, the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail has assumed control of the investigation. Detectives, in collaboration with the Coroner’s Division and crime scene experts, have thoroughly searched the vicinity and successfully retrieved the skull.

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigate a crime Jan. 24, 2024. (Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)

No additional remains were found.

It remains unclear how the skull ended up in the remote desert landscape.

San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department officials investigate a crime Jan. 24, 2024. (Brian Van Der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

The remains will undergo forensic examination and DNA testing as investigators work to identify the individual and determine how the person died.

Officials said they are comparing the remains against local, regional and national missing persons databases, but no identifying details, including age, sex or other characteristics, are known.

Authorities say there are no known signs of trauma or foul play at this stage, though that could change pending further examination. There are also no known public safety concerns for residents or visitors to the area.

Joshua trees dot the desert landscape near Twentynine Palms, Calif., where a human skull was recently discovered. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to ask whether additional items were found, how long the remains may have been there and whether more searches are planned.

Officials said no other remains were located but declined to estimate how long the skull had been exposed and said additional information remains pending.

Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities at 909-890-4904.

As one of Hollywood’s most anticipated events, the Met Gala is fast approaching, promising a night of glitz and glamour.

Scheduled for May 4 in New York City, this star-studded affair has celebrities, athletes, and top-tier personalities pulling out all the stops to ensure they shine on the red carpet.

This year’s theme, “fashion is art,” guides the exclusive guest list as they prepare their ensembles, all while aligning with the broader concept of “costume art.” Among those supporting the event financially are Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos, 62, with an estimated net worth of $224.2 billion, and his wife, Lauren Sanchez, 56.

But beyond the dazzling outfits, the focus is also on flawless skin and radiant faces. Hollywood’s elite are reportedly turning to cutting-edge treatments, including non-FDA-approved peptides, GLP-1s, and even stem cell therapy, to ensure they look their best.

One of the most popular beauty regimens leading up to the Met Gala is a combination of HydraFacial and Laser Genesis treatments, offering a pre-event glow for under $1,000.

Many celebrities, from Beyonce to Kate Winslet, are known to use the HydraFacial to prep before huge events, while Kendall Jenner is reportedly a big fan of Laser Genesis, crediting the treatment as her ‘skincare secret.’

‘HydraFacial and Laser Genesis are the perfect treatments to have before a big event like the Met Gala because they deliver fast visible results without the downtime,’ Susan Hirsch, PA–C at Manhattan Aesthetics in New York City, told the Daily Mail. 

They’re both dubbed as ‘lunchtime procedures,’ easy enough to stack on to any current beauty routine and give yourself a little boost.

Beyonce is reportedly a huge fan of the HydraFacial, as she’s seen here at her last Met Gala in 2016

We put the Met Gala prep to the test, trying out both a HydraFacial and Laser Gensis 

The HydraFacial works to deep clean, exfoliate and hydrate the skin through a specialized dermabrasion machine, while the Laser Genesis then works to target the ‘deeper dermis.’  

‘The main advantage to having Laser Genesis before an event like the Met Gala though is for overall rejuvenation,’ Hirsch said. 

But are these treatments the real deal or are they a total sham? 

I decided to put it to the test and got both a $300 HydraFacial and a $350 Laser Genesis treatment at Manhattan Aesthetics just days before their practice becomes booked up with celebrities wanting the same treatment for The Met Gala.

Before I went into the facial, I was feeling quite tired, especially under my eyes. My skin was looking a little sallow too.

I started off by getting the HydraFacial, which began with the aesthetician cleansing my face and applying a gentle acid peel through the tip of the machine that is supposed to help open the pores. 

This part of the treatment, unfortunately, was uncomfortable, as the acid peel really stung my face and made it tingle but only for a few minutes. After all, you know what they say – beauty is pain. 

After the peel, they then used a suction tip to deep clean my skin, which removed extra debris and dead skin cells and, honestly, felt really good. 

Model Kendall Jenner, seen here at the 2025 Met Gala, is known to use Laser Genesis 

The HydraFacial works to deep clean, exfoliate and hydrate the skin through a specialized dermabrasion machine, seen above

‘Eliminating all of this buildup encourages cellular turnover which helps to give the skin a really nice glow and it also dramatically reduces the chance of a last minute breakout before the event,’ Hirsch said. 

Once my skin was suctioned, the HydraFacial then infuses a cocktail into the skin that’s full of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid.

They told me that the ‘antioxidants help to protect the skin’ while ‘peptides repair prior damage and hyaluronic acid rehydrates and improves moisture levels.’

‘Coming out of a harsh winter the hyaluronic acid makes a big difference because dehydrated skin is prone to lines and wrinkles and we often see patients who suffer from skin dehydration appear more youthful with an instant softening of lines and wrinkles post treatment,’ Hirsch shared.

For the grand finale, my face then sat under a red light panel for 15 minutes, which was definitely my least favorite part.

In case you haven’t heard, red light therapy is one of the hottest new skincare treatments, as it is supposed to deliver tons of benefits, like boosting collagen and reducing inflammation.

They put goggles on me before I went under the light to protect my eyes, but I still felt a bit strange at first as my eyes adjusted to the blast of red light. 

I was skeptical that this treatment would make such a big difference, but once I was handed a mirror to take a look at my skin, I was totally blown away.

After the peel, they then used a suction tip to deep clean my skin, which removed extra debris and dead skin cells and, honestly, felt really good

For the grand finale, my face then sat under a red light panel for 15 minutes, which was definitely my least favorite part

My skin was absolutely glowing and it looked like I had achieved that ‘glass skin’ look just about everywhere on my face.

The blackheads on my nose were seemingly gone too and I was left glistening. 

I think it was a dramatic difference from when I stepped in the door that day and I began to understand why celebrities get this quick fix before the Met Gala or other red carpet events.

After the HydraFacial, it was now time for the Laser Genesis treatment, which I was quite nervous about.

As a beauty writer, I have heard a lot of laser facial horror stories, with various treatments even leaving scars on people’s faces on rare occasions. 

However, at Manhattan Aesthetics, I was promised by the Nurse Practitioner there that Laser Genesis was not a harsh treatment and was non–ablative, which means it won’t destroy the surface layer of your skin.

The Nurse Practitioner promised me that the laser would ‘lock in’ my glow and so she began with the less than ten–minute-long treatment. They also named a number of other benefits the treatment has, which include suppressing sebum, fading redness and preventing breakouts. 

‘Laser Genesis reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen calming the skin and improving overall luminosity giving that immediate “glow” factor,’ Hirsch said. 

Once the laser was heated up, I was given sunglasses to protect my eyes and then she got to work. Each section of my face was hit by a hot laser, which felt like tiny little pinches to the skin.

Just three days after my HydraFacial and Laser Genesis treatment, my skin was still extremely clear and glowing

Overall, I totally understand why the HydraFacial and Laser Genesis combination are the go–to treatment before The Met Gala because you definitely see instant results

Once the laser was heated up, I was given glasses to protect my eyes and then she got to work. Each section of my face was hit by a hot laser, which felt like tiny little pinches to the skin.

It didn’t hurt except when the laser was around my lips, it felt a little spicy – but overall, the procedure is so quick that you barely have any time to think about it.

My skin was a bit red afterward, mainly around my nose, as it looked like I had just been out in the sun for a day at the beach. 

That night, I received tons of compliments on my skin – but it wasn’t until the next few days that I really noticed a significant difference. 

Not only was my makeup easier to put on, but my face was still glowing almost as much as it was right after I had gotten the treatment.

Plus, the Laser Genesis seemed to help reduce the appearance of the milia that I have under my eyes.  

Overall, I totally understand why the HydraFacial and Laser Genesis combination are the go–to treatment before The Met Gala because you definitely see instant results.

However, there is one thing that you need to be mindful of, and it’s something that could throw a wrench into anyone’s Met Gala plans. 

According to New York City–based facialist Samantha Susca, you may not want to get these treatments done before a big event if you haven’t tried them before.

‘Both treatments are considered very safe, especially when performed by experienced providers, but there is always the potential for sensitivity or allergic reactions,’ Susca told the Daily Mail.

‘It’s generally not recommended to try either treatment for the first time right before a major event,’ Susca continued.

‘If you’ve had them before and know how your skin responds, they can safely be done the day of or the day before an event.’

So for celebrities who haven’t had either of these treatments before, it might not be the best idea to try them the day of on Monday, May 4.

This year’s star–studded guest list at The Met Gala includes members of the host committee such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Misty Copeland, Lena Dunham, Angela Bassett, Sam Smith and Chase Sui Wonders. 

This year’s gala marks the first in Wintour’s new role as Vogue’s global creative director and chief content officer for Conde Nast, with Chloe Malle taking over as head of editorial content for US Vogue.

Malle’s parents are actress Candice Bergen and French filmmaker Louis Malle.

CHICAGO — A significant disruption hit Chicago’s North Side on Thursday evening when a CTA Yellow Line train derailed, bringing train services to a halt for several lines, according to officials.

As a result of the derailment, passengers experienced a lengthy wait of over an hour before they could disembark at the Howard stop, where shuttle buses were stationed to assist with their continued travel.

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The incident affected the Red, Yellow, and Purple line services in the vicinity of the Howard Street station located in Rogers Park. This caused considerable inconvenience for commuters during the busy Thursday evening rush.

The derailment threw a wrench into the evening plans of many, leaving the city’s transit system in disarray. Commuters like Grace McGarel, who was aboard a Purple Line train at the time, described the unsettling experience. “I was taking the Purple Line home from work when our train started jolting, and then we came to a stop,” she recounted. “The conductor informed us that another train in front had derailed.”

“I was taking the purple line home from work and our train started jolting and then we came to a stop,” impacted commuter Grace McGarel said. “The conductor came on and said another train in front of us had been derailed.”

CTA says the train derailed as it approached the Howard Station in Rogers Park.

“Someone told us it was completely shut down for mechanical issues so we had to take the shuttle bus to get all the way here,” impacted commuter Crystal Brandy said. “It’s been a very long day and we just want to get home.”

Video showed passengers being evacuated from two train cars that appeared to have shifted off the tracks.

“The two cars were split one was over here and then the part where it connected was over here not on the track,” McGarel said.

McGarel says she and other passengers aboard a Purple Line train behind the derailed train waited for an hour and a half before the train started moving again.

Shuttle buses were provided to assist affected passengers on the Red Line between Howard and Thorndale, and on the Yellow and Purple lines from Howard to Skokie and Linden.

“We’re having a tough time trying to find our way home,” impacted commuter Julie Shroka said.

Chicago fire officials said there were no injuries.

It’s still unclear what caused the train to come off the tracks.

Here’s Jack making headlines once again!

This week, the typically elusive Jack Nicholson made a rare public appearance, thanks to his daughter Lorraine, who shared a heartfelt birthday photo as the legendary actor celebrated his 89th birthday.

In the wake of Lorraine’s recent fiery critique of Hollywood’s “status-obsessed” culture, she offered fans a rare peek into her father’s private life by posting a snapshot on his birthday, which was on Wednesday.

Accompanied by the simple caption “89!!,” Lorraine posted the image on her Instagram Story, showcasing the three-time Oscar winner in a relaxed setting.

The photo captures the iconic star of “The Shining” enjoying a laid-back moment in a warm, art-adorned living room. Nicholson is seen smiling and clapping amidst the festivities, dressed casually in a dark polo shirt paired with rust-colored trousers.

A second throwback image in the post captures a much younger Nicholson in a bright red “Drink Coca-Cola” T-shirt, cigar in hand and flashing his signature grin.

The sighting is notable given the actor’s near-total retreat from public life in recent years.

Once a constant presence in Hollywood and courtside at Lakers games, the “The Departed” actor has largely stayed out of the spotlight.

Lorraine, 36, is one of Nicholson’s six children and remains especially close with him, along with her brother Ray, 33.

Both followed their father into acting, though Lorraine has since shifted toward directing and producing.

She last shared a photo of her father in November, calling the snap “A November to remember,” alongside a family shot that included Ray as well as photos with her boyfriend, director Jason Reitman.

Nicholson also made a surprise appearance in February last year at the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special, where he introduced Adam Sandler.

His last film role dates back to 2010’s “How Do You Know,” directed by James L. Brooks, who previously helmed Nicholson’s Oscar-winning performances in “Terms of Endearment” and “As Good as It Gets.”

Meanwhile, Lorraine generated buzz of her own this week with a candid essay in W Magazine, where she took aim at Hollywood culture.

“L.A. has established itself as the status-anxiety capital of the world,” she wrote, adding that clout-chasing follows industry players “to the grave.”

She continued, “It means that when you’re at a party, women won’t peer over your shoulder to see who else has arrived, and men won’t interrupt you in the middle of a story to get a drink.”

She also took a swipe at influencer culture, writing that “public” workouts are now the “domain of influencers” who “will exchange Instagram posts for free personal training and an unlimited supply of leggings.”

“In Los Angeles, a social media following means reservations at Alba and free trips to Costa Rica — but it will not get you into Guy Oseary’s Oscars party,” she added.

On Wednesday, authorities revealed the arrest of a PTA member from Long Island, accused of embezzling over $50,000 from an elementary school while working as an officer with the New York Police Department.

Jodi Scarlatos, 43, hailing from Centereach, held the role of treasurer for the Jericho Elementary School PTA. During her tenure, she allegedly diverted funds from the association to cover personal expenses and leisurely activities, a scheme purported to have begun at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

The allegations against Scarlatos, detailed in a lawsuit filed in Suffolk County Supreme Court, emerged amid her financial difficulties. In July 2022, she reportedly began missing mortgage payments, leading her bank to start foreclosure proceedings. The lawsuit indicates she owes more than $375,000 in total debt.

The alleged misappropriation came to light when control of the PTA’s bank account transitioned to a new board in 2023, uncovering the financial irregularities.

Jodi Scarlatos was taken into custody on Monday, facing allegations of embezzling $50,000 from the school’s PTA over a three-year period.

“Parent Teacher Associations serve a vital function in school communities throughout Suffolk County,” District Attorney Raymond Tierney said. 

“The allegations in this case represent a betrayal of the trust the residents of Centereach placed in this defendant, and my office will continue to hold accountable everyone who unlawfully enriches themselves at the public’s expense.” 

Her lawyer told Fox News Digital Thursday the PTA mom had previously worked as a transit officer with the New York Police Department. She reportedly retired from the force in January 2025. 

According to prosecutors, Scarlatos served as treasurer of the Jericho Elementary School PTA from July 2020 through September 2023.

A sign for the Jericho Elementary School at the entrance of a campus in New York. (Google Maps)

During that time, she was issued a debit card intended solely for PTA-related expenses but allegedly used the funds for restaurants, hotels, rental cars, Best Buy, Ticketmaster, Amazon and Verizon Wireless. 

Scarlatos also allegedly moved cash from the PTA coffers into her personal bank account, prosecutors alleged.

In addition, officials said she continued making transactions during summer recesses and holiday breaks, periods when school was not in session.

In July 2022, Scarlatos allegedly stopped paying her mortgage, according to a foreclosure lawsuit filed by U.S. Bank Trust National Association in March 2024. Court records point to mounting financial pressure and significant debt leading up to the action.

The following year, just months before she stepped away from her school role, the embattled PTA official had initiated a small fundraiser for a hospital supported by the elementary school, according to her Facebook page.

“Help me raise funds for St. Jude!,” she wrote in a Jan. 17, 2023, Facebook post. “I’ve joined the fight to help end childhood cancer by participating in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon. 

“I’m solving math problems and raising funds to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can help me reach my fundraising goal for the kids of St. Jude, who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

The front entrance of Jericho Middle School, located in Jericho, N.Y., Nov. 14, 2024. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

Scarlatos’ transactions allegedly continued until the next board members for the 2023–2024 school year took over and discovered the troubling findings, according to investigators.

Scarlatos surrendered to the district attorney’s office Monday and was arraigned before District Court Judge Jonathan Bloom on a charge of grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony.

If convicted, she faces five to 15 years in prison. 

The Long Island mom was released without bail and is due back in court May 5, 2026.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Jericho Elementary School PTA and NYPD for more information.