Jordon Hudson planning 'huge bash' to celebrate Bill Belichick during Hall of Fame ceremony after snub: report
Bill Belichick being left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot sent shockwaves around the NFL world earlier in the week.While Belichick has yet to make an official comment on the snub, his girlfriend Jordon Hudson is reportedly set to make a statement in August when the class of 2026 is officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Jordon is planning to throw Bill a huge bash on the same day as the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony," an insider told People Magazine .Big names were reportedly going to be invited to the celebration, including "outspoken supporters" of Belichick who reacted to the snub. Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Patrick Mahomes, LeBron James and Jimmy Johnson were all shocked by the development."Tom Brady, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Parcells and others who were planning on attending Bill's HOF induction ceremony in Canton are invited," the insider told the magazine. SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BRENT JONES SAYS NFL TIGHT END POSITION IS 'EXCITING TO WATCH' AFTER PRODUCTIVE SEASONS Belichick reportedly missed the first-ballot honor by one vote. The electors were tasked to choose three among Belichick, Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood and Robert Kraft. Gronkowski shared his thoughts about the snub with Fox News Digital."It's very asinine that he was not a first-ballot Hall of Famer. It's just absolutely absurd," he said last week. "Guy has eight rings, second-most wins of all time, most wins in the playoffs."This guy not only has a great resume, but he has also touched so many lives in the game of football in very positive ways. From players to coaches, he gave so many people opportunities and fair opportunities as well to succeed in life. And that's what he sure has done. And it's just unbelievable that he wasn't selected. He's obviously going to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but it was just absurd it wasn't the first ballot."The class will officially be announced on Thursday. Follow Fox News Digital's rget=_new href="https://twitter.com/FoxNewsSports_" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> sports coverage on X and subscribe to rget=_new href="https://www.foxnews.com/newsletters" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Starmer calls on ex-Prince Andrew to testify before Congress after latest Epstein release
U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer called on the former Prince Andrew to testify before Congress after the latest Epstein files release.The trove of documents includes photos of the former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, kneeling over an unidentified woman. Two of the photos, released on Jan. 30, show Mountbatten-Windsor crouched on the ground with his hand resting on her stomach as he looked down at her. A third shows him on his knees with his hands resting on either side of her body as he looks at the camera.Starmer confirmed his support for Mountbatten-Windsor to testify in the U.S. in comments to reporters on Saturday."In terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information," Starmer said. ANDREW'S ALLEGED EMAILS TO GHISLAINE MAXWELL IN JEFFREY EPSTEIN FILES REQUESTED 'INAPPROPRIATE FRIENDS' "You can't be victim-centered if you're not prepared to do that," he continued. "Epstein's victims have to be the first priority."Mountbatten-Windsor announced in mid-October he was giving up his royal titles, and the palace announced later that month that King Charles " initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew."Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released the newest photos last week. They previously called on Mountbatten-Windsor to testify in November, when his titles were removed. NEW GHISLAINE MAXWELL MUGSHOT INCLUDED IN DOJ'S LATEST EPSTEIN FILES RELEASE In another drop of photos, released on Dec. 19, Mountbatten-Windsor can be seen lying down on the laps of five people, whose faces have all been blacked out, while Maxwell and a sixth unknown person with their faces blacked out stand behind them.While none of the photographs showed Mountbatten-Windsor with Epstein, People magazine reported at the time that the evidence also included a screenshot of an email Epstein sent in March 2011 to someone listed as "The Duke," believed to be Andrew, who was then the Duke of York.Aside from his relationship with Epstein, Andrew was also accused of sexual assault by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew, claiming she was forced to have sex with him three times, including when she was 17 years old.The case was settled out of court in 2022 without Andrew acknowledging any wrongdoing. Fox News' Lori A Bashian contributed to this report.

Jane Seymour says she's 'in my prime right now' at 74
Jane Seymour is proving yet again that age is just a number. During an interview with Fox News Digital at AARP's annual Movies for Grownups Awards in Beverly Hills, the 74-year-old actress reflected on aging and shared her secret to staying confident decade after decade. "First of all, I do my own hair and makeup," she said with a laugh. "I figure out my own clothes, I eat sensibly , I'm never on a crazy diet and I'm very happy. I am grateful to be alive." "I'm grateful to have amazing work , work with great people who I love," Seymour continued. "I just feel like I'm in my prime right now." KATHY IRELAND SAYS STAYING YOUNG IS A 'STATE OF MIND' AS SHE EMBRACES LIFE AT 62 "Oh gosh, I don't even have time for everything I'm doing right now, it's insane," she added. "Mercifully, I have the energy for it. But I'm just so grateful, I really am.""I never ever imagined I'd be doing what I'm doing right now at this age, ever." WATCH: Jane Seymour says she's 'in my prime right now' at 74 The U.K. native's career spans more than five decades across film, television, and publishing. Seymour rose to fame when she played Bond girl Solitaire in the 1973 James Bond film "Live and Let Die" opposite Roger Moore. She went on to star in movies and television series throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the 1980 cult classic romantic drama "Somewhere in Time." In 1982, Seymour won her first Golden Globe Award for best actress in a miniseries or motion picture made for television for her performance in the 1981 television miniseries "East of Eden."Seymour became a household name when she portrayed Dr. Michaela Quinn in the hit TV series "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." The show ran for six seasons from 1993 to 1998 and earned her a second Golden Globe Award in 1996. Since then, Seymour has continued to work steadily, appearing in a wide range of television series and films while also expanding into producing and writing. In 2010, Seymour founded the nonprofit Open Hearts Foundation, which supports and funds charities that empower people to turn adversity into compassion, service and positive change.The actress is currently filming season five of her Acorn TV mystery series "Harry Wild," which she also executive produces. The new season of "Harry Wild" is slated to premiere later this year. Seymour is also co-producing the upcoming film adaptation of Chrissy Cashman's 2023 novel "The Truth About Horses." JANE SEYMOUR REVEALS 'WAKE-UP CALL' THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING ABOUT HER HEALTH APPROACH While speaking with Fox News Digital, Seymour revealed that she had been offered a role in a "fabulous feature" that she will likely film this year in Australia. In addition, Seymour, who has previously authored several self-help books, said that she is working on her autobiography , which she said will be published next year. Looking back at her career, Seymour admitted that it was "really hard" to name her favorite project. "It's like asking who's your favorite child," she told Fox News Digital. "But I would say [the 1988 miniseries] 'War and Remembrance' was very huge for me because my parents survived World War II and to really kind of set back in time with survivors in the real places and to recreate that was huge. 'Dr. Quinn,' of course, was magical. And 'Somewhere in Time' was probably the happiest movie and most amazing experience I ever had. And then of course, [the 2005 comedy] 'Wedding Crashers.'"I mean, oh my God, that was just the best thing because I did 'Wedding Crashers' and after that I was able to be the comedian, which I probably should have been right along from the beginning," Seymour added with a laugh. On Feb. 15, Seymour will mark her milestone 75th birthday . While speaking with Fox News Digital, she shared how she is planning to celebrate the occasion. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Well, a lot of things, actually," she said. "I haven't really announced it yet, but we're definitely going to do a major gala for the Open Hearts Foundation, a two-day gala, and so that's really great." "For the actual day of my birthday, I have no idea," she continued. "It usually rains a lot, and it's right next to Valentine's Day, so I might do what the Queen of England used to do and just have my official birthday on another day, when the sun is shining, and we can all be outside." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS AARP's annual Movies for Grownups Awards recognizes movies and performances that resonate with adults, especially audiences 50 and over.At last year's ceremony, Seymour presented the best documentary award for "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story," a film about her close friend and "Somewhere in Time" co-star, the late Christopher Reeve.While speaking with Fox News Digital, Seymour shared her thoughts on what sets AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards apart from other awards season events . " I think it's special because you get to see people, seasoned actors, people like myself who've been doing this for 50, 60 years or more and are still doing it and growing and getting better," she said. "And also, the baby boomers are still around. We're the ones that are buying things. We're the ones that are watching everything. It's really nice that they allow us to make those movies as well, because we're making them for our generation."

Noem says DHS can 'always do better' when pressed on agency's 'mistakes' before Homan's deployment
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged her department could "always do better" when pressed Sunday on alleged mistakes ahead of border czar Tom Homan's deployment to Minneapolis."I would say that we can always do better, and we learn from every situation that we're in," she told " Fox & Friends Weekend .""We see a very organized, well-funded campaign of violent protests against our law enforcement officers, so we're going to continue to get as much information as soon as possible to give a strategy to protect people, protect our federal buildings , like the president laid out yesterday, and we're going to make sure that the American people are safe, that we still continue to go after violent criminals who are trafficking drugs, trafficking our children, and bring them to justice and get them out of our country."Noem's comments follow President Donald Trump 's decision to deploy Homan to Minnesota after heated clashes between anti-ICE agitators and federal agents sparked unrest across the Twin Cities. HAKEEM JEFFRIES SAYS DEMS WILL NOT BACK FUNDING BILL FOR 'KILLING MACHINE' DHS EVEN IF NOEM IS FIRED The unrest resulted in the law enforcement-related deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti , which only exacerbated the outrage.After a "very productive" meeting with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Homan vowed during a Jan. 29 news conference to stay in Minnesota, leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations there "until the problem is gone." Meanwhile, House Democrats ramped up the pressure on Noem in light of tensions in the Twin Cities, calling for her firing and threatening impeachment if she remains in office. NOEM SAYS MINNEAPOLIS SUSPECT COMMITTED 'DOMESTIC TERRORISM,' ACCUSES WALZ, FREY OF INCITING VIOLENCE "We will continue to do our work, and this job is an honor to do. I'm very blessed that I get the chance to lead the department," she said, responding to the criticism on Sunday."It's an important position to protect our homeland and to make sure that these agencies are responding to people, that we're stopping terrorists and criminals from harming the American people. I always tell people that the days that you don't hear about us are the days that we were successful, because that meant that we stopped so many dangerous people from perpetuating violence and have gotten those terrorist threats and criminals out of our country before they had the chance to do something that would have devastated families."Despite calls for Noem's removal by Democrats, Trump has praised her performance in the role."I think she's doing a very good job," he recently told reporters." The border is totally secure. You forget, we had a border that I inherited where millions of people were coming through. Now, we have a border where no one is coming through." Fox News' Anders Hagstrom and Emma Colton contributed to this report.

Man travels 14,000 miles to share a final beer with dying longtime friend
A longtime friendship led one man to make a one-day, 14,000-mile journey to say goodbye to his dying pal.Bob Walker traveled from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Arbroath, Scotland, and back again, just to spend a few hours with his friend Peter Gould, 82, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December, news agency SWNS reported.The two men have been friends for more than four decades, first meeting while working as aircraft engineers in Papua New Guinea in the 1980s. FORMER MLB PITCHER FINDS LIVER DONOR IN HIGH-SCHOOL CLASSMATE HE HADN'T SEEN IN 20 YEARS Despite living in different countries for much of their lives, they stayed in close contact over the years.The two later crossed paths again in the UK, where they both worked at Manchester Airport and their families grew close.Walker, 67, said he booked the trip as soon as he heard the news, he told SWNS. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "There's not many opportunities where you can actually say goodbye to people, so I really wanted to do the journey," Walker said.On Jan. 16, the friends sat together in Gould's hometown, sharing cans of their favorite beer and reminiscing about their years working, traveling and raising families.Gould said he was deeply moved by the gesture."I'm very grateful for what Bob did," he said. "He didn't have to do it." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Walker said he made a special effort to bring along South Pacific Lager, a beer the pair used to drink together years ago while working overseas.He reached out to a contact who happened to have a few cans left, SWNS said.The person was moved by the story and offered to donate the beers. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "The lager took us right back to 40 years ago when I went down there to work," Walker said. Gould's daughter, Amanda , said the visit came as a surprise, adding that she hadn't been sure the trip would actually happen given the distance and logistics involved.She said seeing her father reunited with his longtime friend brought comfort to the family and gave them a moment they will always remember.Walker returned to Indonesia the following day. He said the distance and travel time were insignificant compared to the chance to be there in person."He's great company - a straight shooter," Walker said. "His friendship is very important."

What Trump's next pick to lead the Federal Reserve means for your wallet
No institution has more influence over what Americans can afford than the Federal Reserve , one most people rarely follow but feel every month in their finances.That influence isn't always obvious. The Fed doesn't decide what groceries or cars cost, but it does determine how expensive it is to borrow money to pay for them. And right now, borrowing is costly. High interest rates mean larger monthly payments on mortgages, car loans and credit cards, even if the sticker price of a home or vehicle hasn't changed.That makes the Fed's leadership especially consequential. On Friday, President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a move that could alter how aggressively the central bank approaches interest rates. TRUMP NOMINATES KEVIN WARSH TO SUCCEED JEROME POWELL AS FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR. Trump has blamed Powell for not cutting rates more aggressively, even as he has repeatedly described the economy as strong. Historically, rate cuts have usually been reserved for times of economic weakness, not growth.That disagreement over rates has real-world consequences. For many Americans, the effects are most visible in the housing and auto markets, two of the biggest expenses for most families. You're not paying more because the home or car suddenly costs more. You're paying more because the money to buy it does.Those elevated borrowing costs are acting like a form of second inflation, pushing mortgages, car loans and credit card bills to levels that stretch household budgets thin. That's why everyday life can still feel more expensive. Prices may not be climbing as quickly anymore, but the cost of paying for big purchases continues to rise. THE PRICE OF BUILDING A HOME KEEPS CLIMBING - AND UNCERTAINTY ISN'T HELPING Economists say affordability will not meaningfully improve until the Fed begins cutting rates and keeps them low long enough to ease pressure on long-term borrowing.That backdrop has become a political liability for Trump, who campaigned on restoring affordability and easing household financial strain but now faces growing voter skepticism over whether those promises are materializing.A recent Fox News poll underscores the stakes. When voters were asked what President Donald Trump's top priorities should be, nearly four in 10 cited either the economy overall (19%) or prices (17%).Affordability concerns are also giving Democrats an early edge in the generic congressional ballot, which asks voters which party they would support in their U.S. House race this November. While largely hypothetical at this stage, the question offers an early baseline for the coming election, according to Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who said the poll is an early read, not a forecast. "We ask about it at this point simply to get a sense of how short-term forces might play out in the general election," Shaw said. YEAR IN REVIEW: HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ECONOMIC AGENDA IS SHAPING UP SO FAR Democrats leaned heavily on affordability themes in state and local elections this fall, and it paid off.In places like Virginia, New York and New Jersey, where voters have been squeezed by high housing costs and utility bills, Democratic candidates seized on Trump's early economic moves, including his trade policy, to argue that his policies were worsening the affordability crisis rather than easing it.They promised to rein in energy costs, expand affordable housing and protect middle-class wages, a message that resonated with voters and, analysts say, reflects a broader trend. In an economy where many still feel stretched thin, the party that speaks most directly to people's pocketbooks often wins.The Fed's decision about rate cuts will shape the economy's trajectory and how affordable life feels for millions of Americans in the new year.

Roman Reigns, Liv Morgan win Royal Rumble matches, earn title shots at WrestleMania 42
Two WWE superstars earned championship matches at WrestleMania 42 on Saturday night.Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns won the women's and men's Royal Rumble matches respectively and will now be able to call their shots and pick which championship they will go after in the next three months.For Morgan, her win is a culmination of an epic comeback from injury that kept her out most of the second half of 2025. She and Raquel Rodriguez earned the WWE women's tag team titles on the "Monday Night RAW" after WrestleMania 41. But soon after, Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder. It kept her out for five months until she returned at Survivor Series: WarGames. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Morgan needed to put her friendship with Rodriguez to the side to win the Rumble. She eliminated her Judgment Day stablemate on her way to the win. Morgan, a returning Tiffany Stratton and NXT star Sol Ruca were the final three trying to win the match.Stratton eliminated Ruca, who tried to go to the top rope for something spectacular. Then, Morgan hit a modified Oblivion, eliminating Stratton and sealing the win.Morgan will either take on Jade Cargill or Stephanie Vaquer for their titles. However, Vaquer has a title match against Rodriguez on Monday.Reigns entered the men's Royal Rumble match at No. 26 and eliminated five other competitors to win the match. He was among the last nine in the match with Logan Paul, Je'Von Evans, Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Gunther, Jacob Fatu and Penta. SOL RUCA TALKS FACING OFF AGAINST WWE PIONEER AT JOHN CENA'S FINAL EVENT Drew McIntyre, who beat Sami Zayn to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship earlier in the night, nailed Rhodes with a Claymore as he struggled to get back into the ring. Rhodes fell to the mat and was eliminated. Reigns, then, took care of Fatu when Fatu was distracted by the happenings between McIntyre and Rhodes.Reigns took care of Uso after the tag team champ hit the "Tribal Chief" with a spear. It came down to Reigns, Orton, Paul and Gunther - who already defeated AJ Styles earlier in the night and presumably ended his WWE career.Reigns and Gunther were the final two wrestlers standing. The two fiercely battled and tried to avoid going over the best they could. Reigns flipped Gunther onto the edge of the ring and went for the knockout blow, but it was countered.Reigns would eventually hit the spear on Gunther and toss him over the ropes for the win.It was the second Royal Rumble win for Reigns.Reigns will either face McIntyre or CM Punk for the titles. Reigns and Punk were in a triple threat against Seth Rollins at last year's WrestleMania . Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Sydney Sweeney says her success can be 'intimidating' to men as she lays out relationship non-negotiables
Though Sydney Sweeney is open to finding a fairytale kind of love, she's not waiting around. In a new interview with Cosmopolitan , the 28-year-old "Euphoria" actress opened up about navigating her love life in the public eye and detailed the qualities she looks for in an ideal partner. "Look, I am a boss in my life. I take control. I go after what I want," she said. "I am confident, and I am successful, and I don't actually need a man. I've got myself. I've got an incredible group of girlfriends. I've got a team of badass women. That is very intimidating to a lot of guys, so a guy needs to be able to stand in that with me. It takes a very specific person who can handle the world that comes with me. There was a guy who I really, really liked, but he told me he can't handle my world. It's a hard thing." SYDNEY SWEENEY SENDS FANS IN A FRENZY WITH SULTRY LINGERIE SNAPS FOR HER NEW BRAND "I have a huge fear of being alone for the rest of my life, so I look for someone who will be my best friend, who I can hang out with, talk to all the time, dream up things with, and work with," she continued."Athletic and outgoing and funny," she added. "I'm a sporty girl, so someone needs to be able to climb a mountain with me, go skydiving with me. And someone who loves their family. I love myself a man ...oh, wow, when you print that, you won't hear the inflection in my voice.Sweeney called off her engagement to longtime partner, film producer Jonathan Davino, 41, last year. SYDNEY SWEENEY FIGHTS BACK AGAINST ATTACKS OVER AMERICAN EAGLE JEANS CAMPAIGN IN POWERFUL RESPONSE In May, the "Euphoria" star revealed that she was single and no longer planning a wedding during an interview with The Times of London, ending months of speculation that she and Davino had split. "I'm learning a lot about myself, spending more time with my friends. And I'm loving it," she said.Sweeney has since reportedly moved on to "casually" date Scooter Braun. In September, People reported that Sweeney and the 44-year-old record executive are "casually hooking up," citing an anonymous insider. SYDNEY SWEENEY REFUSES TO BE HOLLYWOOD'S POLITICAL 'PAWN' AMID MAGA BARBIE LABELING "Everything is casual," another source told the outlet. "She is living her life and working hard."Insiders told TMZ that Sweeney and Braun have been on "multiple dates" but added that their relationship remains "casual." "Sydney has just ended a relationship and she's doing what women in their 20s do - she's dating," one source said. As she continues to figure it out, Sweeney told Cosmo she has an idea of what true love feels like. "You know in 'The Princess Diaries' when Anne Hathaway says that when she kisses the guy she knows she's supposed to be with, her foot will flip up? That's what love feels like," she said. "The lights will magically turn on. The birds will start flying. The fountains start shooting water. Love is a Disney movie." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS And for Sweeney, sometimes you "don't need a man.""You just need a dog," she admitted. "Last spring, I was with my best friend, Jade, at the car shop where I built my Bronco. We were talking about guys and googling the most eligible bachelors, and of course, we were coming up short. There was nothing good. She was like, 'Well, what are you looking for?' And I was like, 'I just want a guy who is loyal, who loves me, who is playful, and who will cuddle.' And she goes, 'Oh, so you want a dog?' And I was like, 'I guess I do.' So we went on Craigslist, and I got myself a German shepherd. And now I have Sully, who is my forever boyfriend."On Tuesday, Sweeney took to social media to announce the Jan. 28 launch of Syrn (pronounced "siren") with sizzling new promotional photos."I was in the 6th grade with DDs. I hated the bra I had to wear," Sweeney said in a statement via a press release. "When I bought my first cute bra that actually fit, I wore it to pieces. Designing for different bodies is a huge part of Syrn.""I wanted to create a place where women can move between all the different versions of who we are," she continued. "I love working on cars, I go waterskiing, I'll dress up for the red carpet then go home to snuggle my dogs. I'm not one thing, no woman is." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Lingerie is such a fun way to express yourself," she added. "You get to feel feminine, and you get to feel powerful. You get to keep it all for yourself, if you want."Syrn offers 44 sizes, ranging from 30B to 42DDD, with most styles under $100. The lingerie line is structured into four core personas that shape the style of the pieces: Comfy, Playful, Romantic and Seductress.

High takeout prices make feeding family of 9 impossible as mom shocks kids with affordable meals
For a mom named Mary Neilis, cooking dinner every night isn't about perfection - it's about practicality. With a single takeout meal for her family of nine costing more than $200, home-cooked meals became a necessity.Over the past year or so, the 36-year-old Westchester, New York, mother of seven has turned nightly family dinners into a full-time job and a viral following on TikTok and Substack, where she goes by "7kidskitchen." Neilis shares realistic, "healthy-ish" meals designed for busy households. PRIVATE CHEFS REVEAL THE 5 'HEALTHY' FOODS THEIR WEALTHY CLIENTS USUALLY AVOID "It's a real house," she told Fox News Digital. "There's chaos going on - but I'm cooking dinner either way."Neilis partners with her sister, Bernadette O'Donnell, who records and edits the content, while her husband, a New York City firefighter, helps manage the finances for 7kidskitchen. The family-run approach has resonated with millions by keeping food, budgeting and parenting honest and approachable.In her videos, which often draw tens of thousands of views, Neilis' children - ranging in age from 2 years old to 14 - are perched on the countertop or on her hip. They don chef's hats, help stir, ask for drinks in the background, make requests like "no tomatoes," sneak tastes - and run through the house. SOCIAL MEDIA STAR 'THE FOOD NANNY' REVIVES HEIRLOOM RECIPES, ANCIENT GRAINS AND SIT-DOWN DINNERS Neilis isn't just serving up one-pot weeknight dinners. She takes special birthday requests from her children and cooks extra when they have friends over. Some meals are guaranteed hits, she said. "If I put chicken cutlets with any side, everyone will eat that," she said. Favorites also include chicken francese, steak and mashed potatoes, as well as tacos and homemade Chipotle-style bowl nights. PROTEIN-PACKED COMFORT FOOD ROCKED 2025, GOOGLE'S TOP 10 VIRAL RECIPES REVEAL She keeps it fresh with other dishes, including burger bowls, takeout-inspired chicken fried rice, shepherd's pie, coconut curry salmon, chili, pulled pork sliders , pot roast - even Swedish meatballs.Despite a packed house and a small kitchen, Neilis said cooking never feels like a burden. "I don't see it as a chore," she said. "I don't mind getting in the kitchen every night and cooking."She and her husband, both New York natives, were already accustomed to a full house of mouths to feed. "I'm one of seven," Neilis said. "He's one of five."Cooking is a family tradition that she grew up with, she added. FORMER DIETITIAN SAYS HOMEGROWN FOOD HELPS FAMILY'S HEALTH AFTER CUTTING GROCERY TRIPS "When I became a mom, my husband was in the military, so he would sometimes be out for weeks at a time," she said. "I started cooking and just loved it - and haven't stopped since."Neilis typically plans five dinners each week. "If I know we're going to be home all weekend, I don't mind cooking then either."She'll whip up pancakes or homemade sourdough muffins on the weekends - and sometimes gets a break with Chinese food or pizza delivery for dinner.She keeps weekday breakfasts and lunches easy. "During the week, it's a bagel or cereal for breakfast. Let's get everybody out the door as quickly as possible," she said. School lunches are often sandwiches and a bag of cookies or chips. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Her dinners typically follow a simple structure, Neilis said. "I like to have a protein, a vegetable and a starch every night," she said, admitting it's not always perfect.Neilis is candid about whether a dish was a hit or not. "I'm never going to lie," she said. Italian wedding soup, she added, got a mixed reaction. "If I'm being honest, only about half my kids liked this one," she said in a TikTok video. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES That straightforward approach extends to how she prepares meals for nine."You have to start in a really clean kitchen and clean as you go," she said. "You have only minimal things to work with. Really be organized about your cooking." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Budgeting plays a major role as well, she said. "If chicken's on sale, we might have three chicken dinners that week," she said. "If steak is on sale, we might have steak fajitas that week."Fridays are for meal planning and online grocery orders, she said. Neilis also shares recipes on Substack - plus, for subscribers, meal plans.At the end of each week, she posts a roundup of everything she cooked for her family - which she hopes gives other people inspiration."I need to come up with new recipes and make sure they're good," she said. "I've been loving it, and it's gotten me out of my comfort zone."

Florida school board votes to keep 'graphic' animal sex book on library shelves after backlash
A children's book with explicit illustrations of animal mating has sparked a challenge in Florida 's Orange County Public Schools this month but will remain available in four middle school libraries after a board vote.The controversy centered on the nonfiction book, "Do Animals Fall In Love?" by German sex education expert Katharina von der Gathen, which is available at four middle school libraries in the district.Its publisher describes the book on animal reproduction and courting behavior as having "frank and honest illustrations - some full-frontal." It is recommended for children age 6 and up and says it can help adults discuss puberty and sex education through "the more neutral animal kingdom."At the school board meeting Jan. 13, the board voted 6-2 to keep the book in circulation, with board member Alicia Farrant and board chair Teresa Jacobs voting no, according to the West Orange Times Observer . NC COUNTY DISSOLVES LIBRARY BOARD AFTER VOTE TO KEEP KIDS TRANSGENDER-THEMED PICTURE BOOK The challenge began after a parent objected to the book's content in a request for reconsideration."The entire book's purpose is to describe sex acts between different types of animals," the parent wrote, adding: "There's even information and depictions of animals having group sex," according to the Observer.According to a report by U.K. outlet The Times , the book also shows "lively, graphic and humorous depictions of three-meter blue whale penises and deer threesomes."Farrant also argued the book is inappropriate for middle schoolers. FAIRFAX COUNTY LIBRARY DEFENDS DISPLAYING PRIDE BOOK IN CHILDREN'S SECTION AFTER CRITICISM "My youngest is in fifth grade, I can't imagine him being in sixth grade and being handed a book like this," she said, calling it "an added perversion," according to the Observer.A literacy committee reviewed the book and recommended it remain on shelves for its educational value. One parent spoke in support of keeping the book, pointed to the committee's recommendation and said the content aligns with sixth- and seventh-grade science standards.Supporters on the board described the book as educational and age-appropriate."I think the book is an engaging book about animal reproduction. I think it's written in a way that students would be actually interested to pick it up and to learn something," board member Stephanie Vanos said, according to Fox9. MASSACHUSETTS LAWMAKERS PUSH NEW RULES THAT LIMIT ABILITY TO CHALLENGE EXPLICIT LIBRARY BOOKS, CRITICS SAY Board member Vicki-Elaine Felder argued parents should be allowed to have the choice on what is appropriate for their own kids."As members of the Orange County School Board, we must allow parents to have the choice and also allow them to control and direct the moral barometer of their families. So that is why I voted to keep the book in the school," she said, according to the report. Under Florida law , school districts must publish a process for parents to limit their child's access to materials in school or classroom libraries.Farrant said she would continue to fight for the book's removal, citing feedback from parents over inappropriate content in school libraries."That's a huge concern," she said. "We lost almost 7,000 students just this last year alone." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Von der Gathen told the Times she wrote the book to answer curious kids' questions about animal reproduction and sexual behavior ."They would ask things like: Can animals go into puberty like us? Do snakes have sex? Can animals be gay, too?" she explained to the outlet.She also said the book's content was based on research she conducted with the help of a curator from the Leipzig Zoo.The book's popularity led to it being translated into 15 languages since it was originally published in German in 2017, according to the report.Von der Gathen did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Ali Larter's rise from shock 'Varsity Blues' whipped cream bikini moment to 'Landman' leading lady
Ali Larter has been in the business for over two decades and has quite the resume.In a recent interview with People magazine , the 49-year-old "Landman" star spoke about filming her many bikini scenes on the show, noting she doesn't "think there's an actress alive that's like, 'Woo! Got a bikini scene!'""Those are the hardest for me," she continued. "I don't enjoy them. It's just part of the story that I'm telling, and I'm an actress, so I get on board. But those are definitely my least favorite."Here is a look back at her career, starting from her modeling days in the 1990s to her transition into acting. 'LANDMAN' STAR ALI LARTER ON WHY FANS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF SHOW'S 'MESSY' FAMILY DRAMA The actress got her start in the industry as a model when she was 13 years old. Her modeling career took her around the world before she decided to step away from the fashion industry and pursue acting.Following a few small roles, including appearances on "Suddenly Susan" and "Dawson's Creek," Larter had her big break when she starred as Darcy in the 1999 movie, "Varsity Blues.""'Varsity Blues' is what began it all, and it was a really feel good movie... I think it was a simpler time in a way and I think that, again, it was a feel good movie, but I love that even for Darcy, I was able to show her vulnerability," Larter told People about the film in November 2025. "This was a girl who was trying to find her way out, and then you see her deeply embarrassed and crying over the choices that she's made for herself as a young girl."The movie centers on a high school football team and their coach, played by Jon Voight, who will go to great lengths to secure his team's win. 'LANDMAN' STAR ALI LARTER GETS UNEXPECTED PRAISE AND 'BADA--' COMPLIMENT FROM HOLLYWOOD ICON Larter's character appears in one of the film's most memorable moments, attempting to entice the team's quarterback, played by James Van Der Beek , by wearing a whipped cream bikini. When watching the clip back during an interview with Entertainment Tonight in January, she joked she has "scarred" her son and father for life."Even going into 'Varsity Blues,' I was just learning this industry," she told People in November 2025. "I spent so much in my twenties in different acting studios with different acting coaches, learning the different processes, and taking little bits of each thing to put into my toolbox that as I got more and more experience, I knew where to draw from. It was just sweet. It was a great kickoff."After getting her start on "Varsity Blues," Larter landed a leading role in her first franchise film series, starring as Clear Rivers in the first "Final Destination" movie in 2000.The movie tells the story of a group of people who are kicked off of a flight to Paris due to a fight which starts after one of the passengers has a premonition that the plane will explode midflight and kill everyone on board. Once off the plane, those left behind, including Larter's character, witness the plane explode just after takeoff.One by one, those who cheated death later die in bizarre accidents, leading Clear and the only remaining survivor to realize they are also in danger.Larter then reprised the role of Clear Rivers in the 2003 sequel, but didn't return for the remaining films in the franchise. The film required a lot of stunts, many of which Larter performed herself."I think that they realized that I could do that stuff," she told Entertainment Tonight earlier this month. "I'm very athletic. I've played sports my entire life. And when I'm learning something or doing stunts, I'm there. I'm excited to learn. Um, my personality is someone who has a growth mentality. I love learning new things."Larter appeared in her first-ever comedy in the 2001 movie, "Legally Blonde," alongside Reese Witherspoon , Selma Blair and others.The light-hearted film follows Witherspoon's character, Elle Woods, on her journey to try to win back her boyfriend by attending Harvard Law School, and in the end finding out she was capable of much more than she initially believed.Larter portrayed Brooke Windham, a fitness mogul, who is on trial for murdering her husband. The character was seen as a blonde bombshell who is devoted to exercise and her appearance."You never know," she told Entertainment Tonight about the film's success. "But I knew the script was really funny, and I did want to work with Reese and I wanted to play this character, because I remember going in and auditioning for it and like slapping my butt in it and like kind of really going for it." 'LANDMAN' STAR ALI LARTER REVEALS 4:30 A.M. WORKOUT ROUTINE AND DIET SECRETS The movie went on to become a classic, inspiring a sequel and a prequel series set to release soon on Amazon Prime. In addition, a third film, focusing on Elle in her 40s, is currently in the works."I have not heard a thing. I mean, we all hope. Who knows where it will go," she told InStyle in November 2025 about the third film. "We're kind of aging up, so I don't know. I don't know, but maybe Michelle [Randolph] will be playing me soon."Larter joined her second franchise when she starred in "Resident Evil: Extinction," the third film in the "Resident Evil" series, continuing to appear on the franchise until the 2016 installment, "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter."The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic world after the spread of a man-made virus, and follows a group of survivors as they battle zombies and monsters, as well as the corporation responsible for the spread of the virus.Larter portrayed Claire Redfield, who teams up with the main character in the third film to help civilians get to safety."It's something that's incredible," she told ABC in January 2017. "I've traveled around the world with this movie, and to be able to be in something that is female-led, where you would typically see men in these roles, and then after three movies together, you don't see us pit against each other. It's about women building each other up, and you don't fall into those cliché traps."In between her starring roles in big franchise films, Larter also starred in four seasons of the hit NBC show "Heroes." The show revolved around a group of ordinary people who realize they have supernatural powers and must work together to prevent a catastrophic event.Larter plays multiple characters on the show, including Niki Sanders, a single mom who works as an online stripper to support her son and who develops superhuman strength. Niki also has dissociative identity disorder, and sometimes turns into her more violent alter ego, Jessica. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "It's a woman who's being put into a corner who is doing whatever she can to take care of her family," she said of Niki in a November 2025 interview with People . "Then, the way that connected with audiences on a worldwide level, to believe that there's that power within you, that there's something special in all of us. That was just a show that hit at the right time."In later seasons, she portrays Tracy Strauss, a political operative who has the ability to freeze people.Larter's latest success is her starring role in the Paramount + hit, "Landman," which follows wealthy oil tycoons and the laborers on the oil rigs in West Texas as the industry begins to take over the state.The series stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a former laborer turned landman, who Larter's character, Angela Norris, was married to and is still very much connected to. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Angela is known for her confident, no-nonsense attitude and her sensual style, often seen on-screen in bikinis, or other tight, revealing and provocative outfits."In the end, anytime you have to put on a bathing suit and walk in front of anybody, it's really difficult," she told People in November 2025. "When I look around, the sexiest women I know are the women that own it. So, part of getting there with Angela is owning it."She added: "But no matter what it's like, I've got to spend all this time fighting off my own insecurities, my own anxiety, to be able to put on that bikini and walk into these scenes." APP USERS CLICK HERE FOR POST Larter previously shared a photo of herself from her on-set trailer on Instagram in a red bikini, sharing in the caption that "playing a character that is so comfortable in her body drives me."

'Melania' buried with low critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, scores 99% with verified audience
First lady Melania Trump 's new documentary, "Melania," was panned by critics on Rotten Tomatoes , receiving a 11% approval rating - as of Sunday - despite scoring 99% with the site's "verified audience."The first lady hosted the debut of her new film on Thursday, which provides an up-close look at her life across 20 days before the inauguration of the 47th president as she and President Donald Trump prepared to return to the White House. Despite receiving high praise from verified viewers, "Melania" was ripped by critics who were unimpressed by the film, with some arguing it was produced as "propaganda" for the Trump administration. 'MELANIA' FILM LEAVES PREMIERE AUDIENCE 'INSPIRED' AS PRODUCER SLAMS MEDIA FOR YEARS OF UNFAIR TREATMENT "This is not a film concerned at all with the America of today; it is propaganda that serves the formation of a future non-democracy," wrote Screen-Space's Simon Foster.Adam Olinger, host of the popular film review YouTube channel " Adam Does Movies ," said he'd "rather rewatch January 6th."On the other side of the argument, the reviews from Rotten Tomatoes' "verified audience" praised the film for its portrayal of America and Trump's inauguration from the first lady's perspective."A wonderful look into the life of the United States First Lady. Absolutely fascinating, perfect music choices for every scene. The USA is definitely represented most eloquently through Melania Trump. All scenes with Barron Trump are delightful. Highly recommend this movie," wrote one viewer. MELANIA TRUMP OPENS UP ABOUT SON BARRON'S CAMPAIGN ROLE, LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES BEFORE 2025 INAUGURATION "An absolutely delightful peek behind the scenes of the days before, during and after the inauguration. So many special moments captured and [I'm] so grateful Melania decided to share them with the American people," wrote another user.Popular pop culture X account "DiscussingFilm" posted the documentary's Rotten Tomatoes scores, highlighting the film's low critic rating.Users were quick to point out that despite the post's focus on critics' unfavorable reviews, "Melania" had scored a knock-out 99% among verified users.Leigh Wolf, executive producer of the "Ruthless Podcast," commented below the post, slamming the critics as "a bunch of salty libs trying to ingratiate themselves to their equally unimpressive lefty friends." MELANIA TRUMP'S LONGTIME MAKEUP ARTIST SAYS SHE WAS CANCELED FOR WORKING WITH FIRST FAMILY "But it has 99% audience score?" another X user wrote. "I wasn't going to watch it, but now maybe I will!"At Thursday's premiere, several VIPs who walked the red carpet praised the first lady and hoped the documentary would show the public the side of her that they see."I hope they get to see what I see," U.S. Attorney Alina Habba told Fox News Digital . "She is incredibly astute. She is incredibly involved. She does everything with grace. She has taken the punches right next to him and always held herself out with such grace. And I'm happy that for a woman who's a girl boss, who's literally a legend, and should have been on the cover of Vogue, she's going to have her time to shine.""I consider her a good friend," Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said. "She is the kindest, smartest, most wonderful friend, obviously very private, and just does it her way. So I think we get to see a little bit of that in the movie tonight. She's just such a breath of fresh air because she literally, almost like President Trump, and this is why they're such a good match. She's just going to do it her way."According to the Hollywood Reporter, "Melania" is on track to open to a better-than-expected $8 million or more at the North American box office as of early Friday. Fox News Digital's Cortney O'Brien and Nikos Degruccio contributed to this report.

Bondi pushes back on First Amendment claims after Don Lemon, others arrested over church disruption
Attorney General Pam Bondi pushed back Saturday against First Amendment criticisms after the Trump administration arrested journalist Don Lemon and other anti-ICE agitators accused of storming a Minnesota church, warning that attacks on houses of worship will not be tolerated."When we say God bless America, we mean it. We're going to protect America, and if you do that in any house of worship in this country, we're going to find you. We're going to indict you, and I'm going to prosecute you," she said on "My View with Lara Trump." Her remarks come amid criticism that the arrests violated the agitators' First Amendment rights , something she dismissed by pointing to Title 18's Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 as evidence to the contrary."You also have a First Amendment right to worship freely and safely. On a Sunday morning, all of those parishioners, so many of them thought they were going to be involved in a mass shooting. They didn't know what was happening," she said. DON LEMON RELEASED FROM CUSTODY AFTER LA COURT APPEARANCE "People have the right to go to church, to synagogue, to a mosque, wherever you worship and feel safe while you are there, and under the Donald Trump administration, we're going to make that possible for them."Bondi described the incident as a coordinated operation that unfolded as families arrived for worship , with the agitators caravanning to the church, entering and sitting in the pews alongside those there to worship."These parishioners are coming in, and they didn't realize they had already been infiltrated. They had part of these attackers walking in with them, sitting next to them in the pews. They're there to worship God," she said.According to Bondi, the group stormed the church from multiple directions, shouting chants in unison as the service was underway, leaving congregants scrambling for safety. DON LEMON REMAINS DEFIANT, DARES TRUMP DOJ TO 'MAKE ME INTO THE NEW JIMMY KIMMEL' AS POTENTIAL CHARGES LOOM She said parents were temporarily blocked from reaching their children at Sunday school, while others were prevented from exiting the building as panic spread through the sanctuary."Some of the lucky women ran out the side door, falling on the ice, legs up in the air. One woman hurt her arm so badly she had to go to the hospital," she recounted."Parishioners were blocked from exiting the church. Don Lemon, on video, blocked one of them . Screaming, yelling at the pastor. That's illegal in this country."Lemon, a former CNN anchor, was charged in Los Angeles Friday afternoon on allegations of conspiring to violate someone's constitutional rights and alleged FACE Act violations.Now an independent journalist, Lemon said he had been attending the demonstration as a reporter, not as a protester. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Lemon remarked, "I'm just here photographing, I'm not part of the group.... I'm a journalist."Lemon and his defenders argue that the arrest violated his First Amendment rights. Fox News' Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

Drake Maye 'Super Bowl' guy, former coach says as Patriots QB reaches NFL's biggest stage
Mack Brown knows first-hand what type of player Drake Maye can be. Before the New England Patriots selected Maye in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Brown coached Maye at North Carolina.Next week, Maye will play in the first Super Bowl of his career. While Maye reached the game's biggest stage in just his second NFL season, Brown was always confident his former quarterback would have success at the next level."I told scouts when they would come through that he's a Super Bowl guy, He'll win a Super Bowl," Brown told WRAL. "I didn't know he was going to have a chance to be the second-youngest guy to ever do it." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Maye finished his two-year run as the Tar Heels' starting quarterback with 62 touchdowns. He threw for 8,018 yards over his three years in a North Carolina uniform. PATRIOTS' DRAKE MAYE MISSES PRACTICE WITH INJURY, ILLNESS JUST 9 DAYS BEFORE SUPER BOWL Before returning to UNC, Brown spent 16 years at Texas, where he coached several highly touted NFL-bound quarterbacks, including Vince Young and Colt McCoy. Brown believes Maye is on a path that could eventually place him among the game's all-time greats."I think Drake has the upside right now that, I hope he wins this one, if he doesn't, then there's another Super Bowl out there for Drake," Brown said. "I think Drake will go down not only being one of the best that I've ever coached, but one of the best to ever play."UNC went 17-10 with Maye as its starting quarterback, highlighted by an ACC Championship Game appearance in 2022 under Brown.In his first season under coach Mike Vrabel, Maye posted a league-best completion percentage and was recognized as an MVP finalist.North Carolina parted ways with Brown in 2024."While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagined going out, no time will ever be the perfect time," Brown said in a statement after it was announced he would not return to Chapel Hill for another season. "I've spent 16 seasons at North Carolina and will always cherish the memories and relationships Sally and I have built while serving as head coach."North Carolina later hired former NFL coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots and Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Boxer Jarrell Miller's hairpiece pops off during fight
A bizarre moment occurred Saturday night in a boxing match between heavyweights Jarrell Miller and Kingsley Ibeh in New York.Ibeh and Miller were fighting hard in the second round of their bout. Ibeh delivered a flurry of shots, which caused the crowd to buzz. One of the punches knocked Miller's head backward and his hairpiece popped upward from the front. It revealed a bald spot that covered most of his head. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Miller ripped the toupee off his head and threw it into the crowd. A few boxing fans on social media were seen taking pictures with the hairpiece.The boxer revealed that he got the hairpiece two days prior to the fight after accidentally washing his hair with "ammonia bleach" instead of shampoo. CHAMPION BOXER FINALLY ARRESTED ON BATTERY CHARGES AFTER TWO-WEEK MANHUNT "I'm a comedian," he told reporters after the fight, via ESPN . "You have to make fun of yourself."Miller won the fight via split decision and celebrated the victory by rubbing his head while doing a celebratory dance. He moved to 22-1-2 in his career. The fight against Ibeh was the first fight he participated in since he drew with Andy Ruiz Jr. in August 2024.He previously lost to Daniel Dubois via TKO in December 2023. The bout took place in Saudi Arabia .Miller-Ibeh was part of the undercard for Teofimo Lopez's match against Shakur Stevenson at Madison Square Garden . Stevenson won the match via unanimous decision and won the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Hollywood keeps making movies families won't watch while 'Lord of the Rings' rerelease rakes in millions
The profitable rerelease of Peter Jackson's " Lord of the Rings " trilogy reflects more than the staying power of the quarter-century-old J.R.R. Tolkien-based film franchise - it reveals a troubling creative gap in today's Hollywood.First released in 2001, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," the epic high adventure fantasy film, grossed upwards of $900 million at the box office. Sequels "The Two Towers" (2002) and "The Return of the King" (2003) grossed over $2 billion combined.Rereleasing profitable and popular movies is a tradition that goes back generations beginning with classics such as "The Wizard of Oz," "Gone with the Wind" and "Casablanca." Before television and then video cassette recorders, the theater was the only place to re-watch what you saw on your neighborhood big screen.But studio executives recognized that viewers consider it satisfying to see a movie more than once (or twice or more!) - and sometimes even years or decades apart. Holiday or anniversary rereleases have proven profitable. With the advent of IMAX technology and digital restoration capabilities, it's been easy to find an excuse to reintroduce some of the classics. MELANIA TRUMP HOSTS STAR-STUDDED WHITE HOUSE SCREENING AHEAD OF HER FILM'S RELEASE In the hundred-plus years of Hollywood moviemaking, over 25,000 films have been made. Major studios today are churning out between 200 and 300 titles every year. That may sound like a lot, but it's a dramatic decrease from a century ago when over 800 films were made every 12 months.While ranking movies is subjective, the vast majority are forgettable - but some are memorable, and not always because we love them. It's interesting and revealing that according to IMDb, the Internet Movie Database, of the top 10 worst movies of all time, all but one ("RoboCop 3") were made this century. Conversely, of the top 10 best movies, just four were made in the last quarter-century - and two of them were "Lord of the Rings" titles.Keep in mind, the British writer J.R.R. Tolkien wrote his famed series in the early to middle part of the last century.One of the more curious and baffling habits of Hollywood is studios' stubbornness and reluctance to produce more movies that appeal to families. Instead, they insist on making films that offend our moral sensibilities, despite evidence suggesting cleaner and more wholesome fare would perform better than the trash they're creating. We're bombarded with dark storylines littered with unnecessary profanity and gratuitous doses of sexuality and violence. Instead of goodness, we get garbage. KRISTEN STEWART PLANS DRAMATIC EXIT FROM US OVER TRUMP'S AMERICA-FIRST FILM INDUSTRY POLICIES Since it costs more to see a movie today than generations ago, it's misleading to look to the top-grossing films in history to see what struck a chord with audiences. Instead, look at what movies sold the most tickets. Of the top 10 titles that have been seen by the most people, six are solid family fare : "Gone with the Wind," "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "The Sound of Music," "The Ten Commandments" and the 1937 "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."A seventh, "Jaws," scared lots of children and beachgoers alike, but was still relatively tame compared to today's offering. There's not one "R" rated movie on the list.So why not make more of what's obviously working? This disconnect is something I've seen during my three decades working at Focus on the Family, a global family-help organization. We hear from countless mothers and fathers hungry for wholesome and inspiring movies. That's why we're releasing our first animated children's movie in theaters this coming fall: "Adventures in Odyssey: Journey Into the Impossible." It's the origin story of a long-running children's radio program. PATRICK SCHWARZENEGGER CREDITS PRAYING WITH WIFE AS DAILY ANCHOR IN HOLLYWOOD 'ROLLER COASTER' Of course, movies reflect the culture, but they also reveal the hearts and minds of those running studios and writing the scripts for the stories being told. You probably don't know the name Lewis R. Foster, but you're likely familiar with the movie he won an Academy Award for writing: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" starring Jimmy Stewart and directed by Frank Capra.Stewart credited the classic film about the idealistic junior senator fighting corruption in the D.C. swamp with shaping his career and helping him see how strong and moral characters can positively influence the world. Foster personally embodied those ideals, loved America, his wife and family, and dreamed up the story. Because of that one story, Stewart pursued others like it - including "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."One man's beautiful mind helps make other minds more beautiful, too. Everything affects everything else. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION There's a reason the apostle Paul, who called himself the "chief of sinners," urged people to be careful what they watched and read. There were no movies 2,000 years ago, obviously, but there were plenty of other things vying for attention that influenced human behavior. That's why Paul wrote, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."If we really want to redeem culture, we'll encourage the making of more movies like the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy that embody these very virtues, of hope over fear, good over evil, and the importance of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice.In his 1954 New York Times review of "The Fellowship of the Ring," the poet and essayist W.H. Auden praised the British writer, suggesting his "invention is unflagging." He then added, "Mr. Tolkien is fortunate in possessing an amazing gift for naming and a wonderfully exact eye for description... No fiction I have read in the last five years has given me more joy than 'The Fellowship of the Ring.'"Hollywood would be doing us all (and its own financial bottom line) a favor if they would seek to emulate these same attributes of its screenwriters when sorting through scripts and stories for the big screen. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PAUL BATURA

Hunter S. Thompson suicide ruling stands firm after 20-year review by Colorado investigators
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reaffirmed the 2005 cause of legendary "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" writer Hunter S. Thompson's death more than 20 years after it was ruled a suicide.The review was initiated in July 2025 after the late gonzo journalist's widow, Anita Thompson, raised new concerns with Sheriff Michael Buglione about the original investigation into her husband's death at Owl Farm, the couple's Woody Creek home. Thompson, 67, died on Feb. 20, 2005, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognized the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family," Buglione said in a statement. "CBI's conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity." TEACHER'S 23-STAB-WOUND DEATH RULED SUICIDE AGAIN DESPITE EXPERT CLAIMS OF HOMICIDE According to CBI, the review found no new physical evidence, facts or circumstances that would support a conclusion different from the original ruling.The reexamination included a review of Pitkin County Sheriff's Office records, autopsy findings by forensic pathologist Dr. Dean Havlik, and interviews with Thompson's widow and family members, as well as original investigators, the Pitkin County coroner, and former sheriff's officials.Investigators also conducted a scene examination, though much of the original physical evidence and photographs had been destroyed under retention policies.CBI also said that a modern trajectory analysis and scene reconstruction conducted in 2025 was consistent with the original investigation, autopsy report and witness observations.Rory Safir, a criminal defense attorney and forensic scientist, said the decision to conduct an independent review reflected transparency rather than doubt about the original findings."They had obviously originally ruled it as a suicide and then they re-initiated this review because I believe family members raised concerns which weren't disclosed to the public," Safir told Fox News Digital. "It doesn't mean that original investigation was flawed."Safir said the review appears to have followed standard forensic practice for revisiting high-profile cases decades later."They would have looked at what would have been the original reports, any of the autopsy materials," he said. "I know they interviewed some of the witnesses that were still around, the original investigators as well as re-examining the scene using the evidence that was available."Safir also credited updated technology as likely central to the outcome."I would imagine a big part of their confirming their findings had to do with the bullet trajectory reconstruction and using kind of modern technology to validate the original findings," Safir said. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X CBI did not disclose what specific information from Thompson's widow prompted the review but said it did not rise to a level requiring the case to be reopened.Safir said that threshold is intentionally high. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "What they're looking for to see if they would reopen a case like this, they would need some kind of new evidence that would materially contradict or undermine what they originally found," he said. "And that didn't happen here." SEND US A TIP HERE Safir said a renewed investigation would require grounded evidence - not internet theories."As far as what's out there on the internet, I would say that just a lot of this speculation and internet theories are not evidence," he said. "This is a criminal investigation. It's going to be grounded in evidence, not in, you know, internet theories." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Thompson killed himself on Feb. 20, 2005, at his home in Woody Creek, Colorado , leaving behind a darkly funny suicide note titled "Football Season Is Over.""No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always b-----. No Fun - for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax - This won't hurt," Thompson wrote in the message, which was later published by Rolling Stone.Thompson, who was struggling with depression and drug and alcohol abuse, died while his wife was on the phone with him and was found by his son.Thompson is credited with the birth of gonzo journalism and for acclaimed books such as "The Rum Diary" and "Hell's Angels," about the notorious motorcycle gang.

Charo says aging made her wiser, vows to not let anyone 'screw me' like they did before
While Charo - the beloved pop culture icon and "Cuchi Cuchi" diva - has exuded confidence, charisma and poise for most of her life, she says her greatest attribute has come with age. During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 75-year-old - who is gearing up for a string of concerts over the next month - opened up about celebrating age, finding joy after the tragic death of her husband in 2019, and embracing a new wave of fans through social media. "You get two choices. Very simple," the " Love Boat " alum said of welcoming the aging process. "One, despair, cry, depression, feeling terrible. Another, eh, I'm going to take a second choice because I'm going to be wiser. Nobody's going to screw me like they did before. I'm going to learn from my mistakes. I'm going to look for new adventures. I'm going to be taking care of myself." CHARO DESCRIBES HOW SHE 'HUGGED' HER HUSBAND AFTER HIS SUICIDE: 'I WAS FULL OF BLOOD' "So I take the second choice. A glass of champagne, a piece of chocolate, then right away, I have it. I made it," she continued. "I made a deal with myself and I want every woman that is listening to this interview... No matter the age. Think about it. Every year you learn something. Every year is something new. Every year you have new friends. So it's better to be alive and clever than to be feeling stupid, crying in a corner. So I take the second choice." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The words of wisdom come nearly seven years after her husband, Kjell Rasten, died by suicide . "Seven years ago, I lost my husband in a very dramatic way, and I was lost," she said. "And I just closed my eyes and tried to understand why it happened, what happened.""I will never be like I was because it was a good memory," she added, reflecting on her marriage. "Time made me grow up and understand that he died, and I cannot do anything but see his picture and pray for him. But you grow, and you go, 'OK, God, let me live. What good can I do? Can I enjoy life?'" WATCH: CHARO SAYS AGING MADE HER WIDER, VOWS TO NOT LET ANYONE 'SCREW HER' LIKE THEY DID BEFORE During an appearance on "The Talk" in July 2019, the singer told the co-hosts she performed in Palm Springs, California, two nights before her husband's death. He was 79."It was a special night and my husband was so proud," she said, explaining that the following night he opted out of going to dinner with her and had been acting strange."When he went to go to sleep, he looked at me very strange, like he wanted to talk to me," the entertainer said of the night before the incident at their Beverly Hills home. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER As the co-hosts, including Eve and Carrie Ann Inaba, grew emotional during her recollection, Charo said she "had no clues at all" that he was going to take his own life.During one of the darkest times of her life, Charo found solace and comfort in a community she had not yet embraced - her social media followers . "They saved me," she said of her fans, who range in age. During the pandemic, Charo connected with her fans through live videos and a fun, off-the-cuff cooking show. "They became my friends," she said. "They help me so much. They think that I help them, but it's the other way around. They keep me alive, alert.""They are honest. They tell me, 'I like you,' or 'I like the video mode,' or 'I like your dress.' 'You very nice.' But they don't attack me... I love them. I need them and they save me."These days, Charo is looking forward to connecting with her fans in person at her upcoming concerts. "I like to change the show every season," she said. "In my time, I could have the same show for six or seven months because nobody had the cellular and filming you. And then they send it to their friend and to grandparent and to everybody. So I like that. But that means that I can never repeat the same costume, the same music, the same jokes or whatever. So that stimulates me because I also have to grow."

Lou Holtz's son shares health update after college football coaching legend enters hospice care
The son of college football coaching legend Lou Holtz on Sunday shared an update on his father after he was admitted to hospice care earlier in the week.Skip Holtz wrote on social media that his father was "still fighting the fight.""Appreciate everyone's text and prayers. Dad is 89 and he is STILL fighting the fight! Only the man upstairs knows how much time is left on the clock," he wrote. "Cherishing the time we still have together in Orlando." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Kevin Holtz confirmed on Saturday that Lou was in hospice care ."The Holtz family, Luanne Altenbaumer, Skip Holtz, Liz Holtz Messaglia, share the difficult news that our father, Coach Lou Holtz, is presently facing a health challenge," he wrote on Facebook. "While this is a challenging time, our focus is on maintaining his comfort, quality of life and care in his Orlando home."As family has always been the highest importance to Coach, we are holding to each other and focusing on making every moment and day count. The whole family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support but ask for privacy as we navigate this journey. Psalm 41:3."Best known for patrolling the sidelines at Arkansas and Notre Dame , Holtz coached college football for 33 years. He was the head coach of the Fighting Irish for 11 seasons from 1986-1996, where he finished with a 110-30-2 record. FORMER LSU STAR TYRANN MATHIEU RECALLS NEARLY DYING TRYING TO PASS DRUG TEST: 'TRIED EVERYTHING IN THE BOOKS' In 1988, Notre Dame finished with a perfect 12-0 record and claimed the Fiesta Bowl, which remains their last national championship. He went 249-132-7 in his coaching career.Holtz rose to even further prominence during his time as a college football analyst on ESPN.He played at Kent State before moving into coaching as an assistant in 1960, then got his first head coaching job in 1969 at William & Mary. Holtz later left for N.C. State, spending four seasons in Raleigh, before giving the NFL a shot. That stint didn't work out, though, as the Jets went 3-10 and he stepped down.In recent years, Holtz has been a stern supporter of President Donald Trump . In February 2024, Holtz posted to social media that the country "need[ed] to coach America back to greatness!"Holtz, who spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention, was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2020, shortly after former President Joe Biden defeated Trump in the election. Fox News' Ryan Morik contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Top Kremlin official praises Trump's push for peace in Ukraine as talks set to resume
A top Kremlin official praised President Donald Trump as an effective leader seeking peace in Ukraine, saying Moscow views renewed talks with Washington as productive.Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and a former president, said Trump is genuinely trying to end the war in Ukraine and wants to be remembered as a peacemaker."Trump wants to go down in history as a peacemaker - and he is really trying," Medvedev said in an interview with Reuters . "And that is why contacts with Americans have become much more productive."Trump has repeatedly said a peace deal to end the war is close. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said during a Cabinet meeting Thursday that he had "productive and constructive meetings" with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev as part of the Trump administration's ongoing effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war. WITKOFF SAYS TALKS WITH RUSSIAN ENVOY WERE 'PRODUCTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE' AMID TRUMP ADMIN'S PEACE PUSH Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday that a new round of talks involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia will take place this week in Abu Dhabi. His announcement comes as Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy and logistics infrastructure, worsening conditions for civilians as winter temperatures plunge.Medvedev dismissed speculation that Trump is secretly aligned with Moscow, telling the outlet that Americans elected him and Russia respects that choice. He also praised Trump for standing up to the U.S. political establishment and said his blunt, sometimes "brash" style is misunderstood. ZELENSKYY ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF TALKS WITH US, RUSSIA AS UKRAINE AIMS FOR 'REAL AND DIGNIFIED END TO THE WAR' "He is an emotional person, but on the other hand, the chaos that is commonly referred to, which is created by his activities, is not entirely true," Medvedev said. "It is obvious that behind this lies a completely conscious and competent line."Medvedev told the outlet that Trump's background as a businessman shapes his approach, joking that there is no such thing as a former businessman, an echo of a well-known Russian saying about former KGB agents.Medvedev, a hardliner within Russia's leadership, has frequently warned of nuclear escalation since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. He has stressed that avoiding further conflict remains the priority, but still expects Russia to achieve military victory in Ukraine."I would like this to happen as soon as possible," Medvedev said of ending the conflict . "But it is equally important to think about what will happen next. The goal of victory is to prevent new conflicts."

State's rare freeze gives residents and visitors green light to collect stunned invasive iguanas
Florida's rare extreme freeze is providing a "unique opportunity" for citizens or visitors to help remove a pesky invader from the Sunshine State, its wildlife agency said.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order Friday allowing people "to remove live, cold-stunned green iguanas from the wild without a permit."Under the provisions of the order, anyone can bring the cold-stunned iguanas to five designated FWC offices on Sunday and Monday, "no permit required, to be humanely killed or, in some cases, transferred to permittees for live animal sales." FLIGHTS GROUNDED AND EVENTS CANCELED AS DANGEROUS DEEP FREEZE GRIPS UNEXPECTED PARTS OF US Iguanas are an invasive species in Florida that can, according to the FWC, "cause damage to residential and commercial landscape vegetation and are often considered a nuisance by property owners."However, when temperatures dip into the 40s or below, these cold-blooded reptiles lose the ability to move their muscles - they've been known to fall from trees, appearing dead. Yet they're very much alive, just in a state of paralysis, or torpor.South Florida was forecast to have its coldest temperatures since 2010 on Sunday morning, according to Fox Weather. "When collecting live, cold-stunned green iguanas for removal, members of the public should wear protective gloves, pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect themselves from potential scratches," the FWC said in a news release announcing its executive order. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "The iguanas must be contained in a secure, escape-proof, cloth sack or bag. Only cloth sacks or bags may be used for primary containment to ensure breathability - and they must be securely closed shut."These bags should then be placed "into a second secure, locked transport container" that is labeled "Prohibited Reptiles," according to the FWC.Residents were urged to transport captured iguanas to the FWC "immediately to limit the likelihood of the iguanas regaining their ability to move freely." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "Once transport has begun, collection bags or sacks must remain closed or sealed until they are transferred to FWC staff," the FWC said. "This is to both keep the iguanas from escaping into a new location and to prevent the iguanas from getting loose in your vehicle if they start to recover from torpor."Iguanas were first reported in South Florida in the 1960s and have thrived in the state's warm climate, according to the FWC.They also "breed like rabbits" and threaten native wildlife and plants , said Darcie Arahill, a Florida-based angler and content creator of Darcizzle Offshore YouTube videos that teach the art of fishing.Arahill previously told Fox News Digital that she uses a bow and arrow to hunt and kill them , which is permitted in Florida. She's harvested them and posted YouTube videos about how to cook them.She said the tail is the "best part," but the bigger the lizard, the more meat there is on the legs.She likes to boil iguana meat in water with potatoes and carrots , almost like a stew, "to the point where the meat just falls off the bone."The FWC cautioned the public that anyone encountering a cold-stunned iguana "should never bring it into your home or building to warm up, and never put it into your vehicle unless specifically transporting [it] to the FWC" under the executive order. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Iguanas can recover from cold-stunning more quickly than you might expect and, once recovered, can act defensively, with long tails that whip and sharp teeth and claws," the FWC said.

AI wearable helps stroke survivors speak again
Losing the ability to speak clearly after a stroke can feel devastating. For many survivors, the words are still there in their minds, but their bodies will not cooperate. Speech becomes slow, unclear or fragmented. This condition, known as dysarthria, affects nearly half of all stroke survivors and can make everyday communication exhausting. Now, researchers believe they may have found a better way forward. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a wearable device called Revoice. It is designed to help people with post-stroke speech impairment communicate naturally again without surgery or brain implants. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. FULLY IMPLANTABLE BRAIN CHIP AIMS TO RESTORE REAL SPEECH Dysarthria is a physical speech disorder. A stroke can weaken the muscles in the face, mouth and vocal cords. As a result, speech may sound slurred, slow or incomplete. Many people can only say a few words at a time, even though they know exactly what they want to say. According to professor Luigi Occhipinti, that disconnect creates deep frustration. Stroke survivors often work with speech therapists using repetitive drills. These exercises help over time, but open-ended conversation remains difficult. Recovery can take months or even longer, which leaves patients struggling during daily interactions with family, caregivers and doctors.Revoice takes a very different approach. Instead of asking users to type, track their eyes or rely on implants, the device reads subtle physical signals from the throat and neck. It looks like a soft, flexible choker made from breathable, washable fabric. Inside are ultra-sensitive textile strain sensors and a small wireless circuit board. When a user silently mouths words, the sensors detect tiny vibrations in the throat muscles. At the same time, the device measures pulse signals in the neck to estimate emotional state.Those signals are processed by two artificial intelligence (AI) agents: Together, they allow Revoice to turn a few mouthed words into fluent speech in real time. ELON MUSK SHARES PLAN TO MASS-PRODUCE BRAIN IMPLANTS FOR PARALYSIS, NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE Earlier silent speech systems had serious limits. Many were tested only on healthy volunteers. Others forced users to pause for several seconds between words, which made the conversation feel unnatural. Revoice avoids those delays. It uses an AI-driven throat sensor system paired with a lightweight language model. Because the model runs efficiently, it uses very little power and delivers near-instant responses. The device is powered by a 1,800 mWh battery, which researchers expect will last a full day on a single charge.After refining the system with healthy participants, researchers tested Revoice with five stroke patients who had dysarthria.The results were striking:In one example, a patient mouthed the phrase "We go hospital." Revoice expanded it into a complete sentence that reflected urgency and frustration, based on emotional signals and context. Participants reported a 55% increase in satisfaction and said the device helped them communicate as fluently as they did before their stroke. PARALYZED MAN WALKS AGAIN AFTER EXPERIMENTAL DRUG TRIAL TRIGGERS REMARKABLE RECOVERY Researchers believe Revoice could also help people with Parkinson's disease and motor neuron disease. Because the device is comfortable, washable, and designed for daily wear, it could fit into real-world routines rather than being confined to clinics. Before that can happen, larger clinical trials are required. The research team plans to begin broader studies with native English-speaking patients and hopes to expand the system to support multiple languages and a wider range of emotional expressions. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.If you or someone you care for has experienced a stroke, this research points to a major shift in recovery tools. Revoice suggests that speech assistance does not need to be invasive to be effective. A wearable solution could support communication during the most difficult months of rehabilitation, when confidence and independence often suffer the most. It may also reduce stress for caregivers who struggle to understand incomplete or unclear speech. Clear communication can improve medical care, emotional well-being and daily decision-making. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com Communication is tied closely to dignity and independence. For stroke survivors, losing that ability can be one of the hardest parts of recovery. Revoice shows how artificial intelligence and wearable tech can work together to restore something deeply human. While it is still early, this device represents a meaningful step toward making recovery feel less isolating and more hopeful.If a simple wearable could help restore natural speech, should it become a standard part of stroke rehabilitation? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history with Australian Open title win over Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday when he topped Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne.Alcaraz, 22, became the youngest male tennis player to complete the career Grand Slam . The Australian Open was the last tournament on his list. Previously, he hadn't made it further than the quarterfinal. But all that changed against Djokovic. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Job finished. 4/4 Complete," Alcaraz wrote on the lens of the TV camera.Alcaraz needed to pull out some of his usual wizardry to beat Djokovic. The two had a handful of extended rallies where the Spaniard would need to go deep into his bag to pick up points. Alcaraz converted on five of the 16 breakpoints. Djokovic was two of six.He thanked his support team for helping him get through the tournament with a Grand Slam win to start the 2026 season. He parted ways with former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season and Samuel Lopez took over the reins. ELENA RYBAKINA DEFEATS TOP-RANKED ARYNA SABALENKA TO WIN FIRST AUSTRALIAN OPEN TITLE "Nobody knows how hard I've been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much," Alcaraz said."We just did the right work, you were pushing me every day to do all the right things," he added. "I'm just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now."Djokovic's attempt at picking up his 25th Grand Slam title has now been blocked by either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner . The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Tax season scams surge as filing confusion grows
Tax season already brings stress. In 2026, it brings added confusion. Changes to tax filing programs and the discontinuation of the free government-run filing system have left many taxpayers unsure about what is legitimate. That uncertainty has created an opening for scammers who move quickly when people hesitate. "Every tax season we see scammers ramp up their activity, and with likely confusion now that the free government-run filing system is discontinued, we're sure scammers will take advantage," said Lynette Owens, vice president of consumer marketing and education at Trend Micro.In past years, scammers have leaned heavily on impersonation. Fake IRS emails promising refunds, text messages claiming accounts have been flagged under new rules and fraudulent tax help offers that promise faster returns continue to circulate, Owens said. As February begins, many taxpayers feel pressure to file quickly. That urgency creates the perfect conditions for fraud. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. WHY SCAMMERS OPEN BANK ACCOUNTS IN YOUR NAME Uncertainty is one of the most effective tools scammers have. When taxpayers are unsure how filing rules work or whether a message is legitimate, criminals step in with communications designed to sound official and helpful. The goal is not clarity. It is speed."Scammers aim to create a heightened sense of anxiety among the people they are targeting," Owens said. "When taxpayers don't feel confident about what's real, whether it's new filing options, eligibility rules or program updates, criminals step in with messages that sound official and helpful." They often pose as the IRS, a tax prep service, or even government support. Once trust is established, the message quickly turns transactional, asking for clicks, personal data or payments.While the delivery methods change, the core message rarely does. Something is wrong, and it must be fixed immediately. "The most common tactic we're seeing is fake refund or account alert messages that claim something is wrong and demand immediate action," Owens said. Other scams go a step further. Some direct victims to fake IRS login pages designed to steal credentials.Others promote fraudulent tax assistance, presenting themselves as government-backed or low-cost help in order to collect personal and financial information. These scams arrive by email, text message, phone calls and fake websites. Many are polished enough to appear legitimate at first glance.Language plays a central role in tax scams. Phrases such as new rules or urgent account issues are designed to trigger panic before logic has a chance to catch up. They suggest the recipient has missed something important or risks losing money."Those phrases work because they can trigger panic and urgency, and people are more likely to react emotionally than logically," Owens said. "New rules suggest you may have missed something important, and an urgent account issue creates fear of penalties, delays or losing a refund." The safest response is to pause. Do not click links, reply to messages or call phone numbers included in the alert. Instead, go directly to a trusted source like IRS.gov using your own browser.Many tax scams follow a familiar structure. A common example reads: "IRS Notice: Your tax refund is on hold due to a filing discrepancy under updated 2026 rules. Verify your identity now to avoid delays." At first glance, messages like this may appear credible. They often include official-looking logos, reference numbers and links that resemble real government pages."It may include a convincing IRS-style logo, a case number and a link that looks legitimate at a glance," Owens said. "But the red flags are usually the same." The message pressures immediate action, directs users to non-government websites, and requests sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank details or login credentials. HOW TO STOP IMPOSTOR BANK SCAMS BEFORE THEY DRAIN YOUR WALLET The damage rarely ends with a single click. "The most serious consequences are identity theft and financial loss ," Owens said. "Once scammers have personal information, they can file fraudulent tax returns, steal refunds, open credit accounts and access bank funds."Victims often spend months working to recover lost money, repair credit damage and restore their identities.Despite repeated warnings, many people still believe the IRS might email or text them. "A legitimate tax service or the IRS won't reach out unexpectedly by email, text or social media, and they won't pressure you to act immediately," Owens said.Scam messages often share the same warning signs. They sound urgent, include links or attachments and ask for sensitive information right away. If a message creates panic or demands fast action, that alone is reason to be skeptical. The IRS primarily communicates by official mail. Unexpected digital contact should always raise concern.Tax scams continue to grow more sophisticated each year. "Taxpayers should watch for scams that feel more real than ever," Owens said. "That includes highly polished phishing emails , refund texts designed for quick mobile clicks, fake tax help ads and cloned websites that mimic real IRS or tax prep portals."The biggest mistake people still make is treating an unexpected tax message like an emergency. "In tax season, speed is the scammer's advantage," Owens said. "Taking 30 seconds to double-check the source can prevent months of financial and identity damage."If someone realizes too late that a message was fraudulent, fast action can limit the damage. "First, stop engaging immediately," Owens said. "Don't click links, download attachments or reply."Next, report the incident. Forward phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov and file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.After that, monitor financial accounts closely, change passwords and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if necessary.To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search "How to freeze your credit." SCAMMERS TARGET RETIREES AS MAJOR 401(K) RULE CHANGES LOOM FOR 2026 TAX YEAR AHEAD NATIONWIDE Scammers count on rushed decisions. The good news is that a few smart habits can dramatically lower your risk.Urgency is the scammer's favorite tool. Messages that demand immediate action aim to short-circuit your judgment. "Scammers rely on fear, urgency or false promises, especially during tax season," Owens said. "It's important to slow down, verify information through official channels, and use trusted security tools." If a message pressures you to act fast, stop. Take a breath before doing anything else.Scam messages often reference new rules, updated policies or eligibility changes . That language sounds credible when filing programs shift. Always confirm changes by typing IRS.gov directly into your browser or signing in to your trusted tax provider account. Never rely on links or phone numbers included in a message.Tax portals hold valuable personal and financial data. Weak passwords make them easy targets. Use strong and unique passwords for every tax-related account. A password manager can help generate and store secure credentials without relying on memory.Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com ) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com Scammers know refunds motivate quick action. Messages claiming your refund is waiting, delayed or at risk often signal fraud. Be cautious of promises like faster refunds, guaranteed results or special access to government-backed assistance. Legitimate services do not operate that way.Clicking a single link can expose login credentials or install malware . Do not click on links in unexpected tax messages. Also, use strong antivirus software to help block malicious sites and detect threats before damage occurs.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com Personal data fuels tax scams. The more information criminals can find online, the easier impersonation becomes. Using a data removal service can help limit exposed personal details across data broker sites. Less data means fewer opportunities for scammers to exploit your identity.While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com eason pressure makes even cautious people vulnerable. In 2026, filing confusion adds fuel to the fire. Scammers know this and design messages to look official, urgent and helpful. Pausing, verifying and trusting official sources remains the strongest defense. When something feels rushed, it is usually for a reason.Have you received a suspicious IRS message this tax season, and what made you question whether it was real? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Super Bowl champion Brent Jones says NFL tight end position is 'exciting to watch' after productive seasons
There is no shortage of talent at the tight end position in the NFL. Kansas City Chiefs standout Travis Kelce and San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle are now considered the elder statesman at the position. Each is expected to end up in Canton, with Hall of Fame gold jackets waiting for them not long after they decide to step away from the game.Tyler Warren made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts. The position also features young players who had highly productive first seasons, including the Atlanta Falcons' Kyle Pitts, Arizona's Trey McBride and emerging star Brock Bowers. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Brent Jones knows what it takes to succeed at tight end. A three-time Super Bowl champion during his 11-year run with the 49ers, Jones said he's impressed by the talent at the position in today's NFL.Jones spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Athletes in Action and the Super Bowl Breakfast. He has been tapped to emcee the 38th edition of the annual event, which is scheduled for next week in Santa Clara, California.Several tight ends put together productive seasons in 2025, with five players at the position racking up at least 800 receiving yards during the regular season. TRAVIS KELCE REACHES HISTORIC MILESTONE IN POSSIBLE FINAL GAME OF NFL CAREER, NONCOMMITTAL ABOUT FUTURE "I think it's really exciting to watch the position," Jones said. "And you do have the Kelces, kind of the old studs... (players like) Zach Ertz (who) have been around for a long time. And then you have the middle-aged guys. I think George Kittle is as good as anybody. Then two of the up-and-comers... (Tyler Warren and) and Brock Bowers - he's been banged up a little bit, but when he's healthy, he's as good as anybody."Kyle Pitts surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in his rookie campaign but followed with an uneven sophomore season that ended early due to injury. Pitts then had back-to-back years plagued by inconsistency. While he had some ups and downs in 2025, he put together a string of dominant performances en route to arguably his best output since his first year in the league.Jones praised Pitts' talent and believes the 25-year-old is on the cusp of unlocking his full potential."Kyle Pitts... I've had him on my fantasy team a couple of years, and I'm like, 'This is going to be the year... he's going to break out!' I've seen him in games where he's dominant, and then I'm seeing games where he just isn't used. I think I'd have to be around him and the team, but I still feel like he's on the cusp. He's going to break out somewhere. It would be really tough if he left Atlanta and then all of a sudden broke out."I don't know if it's the scheme. I'm not sure if it's the design or the offensive coordinators (who) haven't utilized tight ends in their overall scheme. But that kid is just too athletic, too much of a specimen to not break out some way, shape or form."Trey McBride was the designated starter on this year's NFC Pro Bowl roster, while Kittle was the second player chosen to represent the conference. Kittle injured his Achilles tendon in the Niners' wild-card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Kittle was replaced by Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.On the AFC side, Bowers and Kelce both received Pro Bowl honors. Pro Bowl alternate Warren, has been tapped to replace Bowers, who was placed on injured reserve in December. Kelce pulled out of the Pro Bowl and Buffalo Bills was announced as the fill-in.The New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 8 in Super Bowl LX. The game will mark a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX and the infamous late-game interception Russell Wilson threw on the goal line.Patriots tight end Hunter Henry finished the regular season with 768 receiving yards. New England's backup tight end, Austin Hooper, played in the big game during his rookie year. He appeared in 16 regular-season games in 2025, hauling in two touchdowns.Seattle tight end A.J. Barner compiled 519 receiving yards and six touchdowns.Jones believes the Seahawks could end up earning the franchise's second Super Bowl title."Seattle... has the best defense in the league. I think Sam Darnold has been a great story. I've seen him week in and week out in the NFC West and my perspective is the Seahawks are going to be this year's champion. But the Patriots might have something to say about that." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

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