Ex-SJSU trans athlete makes disputed claims about female teammate's eating disorder and academic setback
EXCLUSIVE:
Prominent transgender athlete
Blaire Fleming
has made allegations about former teammate Brooke Slusser's lifestyle and academics. Slusser has disputed the allegations. Last Sunday, on the one-year anniversary of their final college volleyball game together for San Jose State, a conference championship loss, Slusser
told Fox News Digital
she developed an eating disorder, which led to anorexia and the loss of her menstrual cycle. Slusser said the ailments stemmed from the emotional distress suffered during her final season with Fleming in 2024. Slusser waged multiple lawsuits after discovering Fleming was transgender and that the two had shared changing spaces and bedrooms during their first season together in 2023.
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Slusser also fled the San Jose State campus and later dropped her classes in her final semester this past spring. She said constant in-person harassment by students who opposed her stance made her feel "unsafe" there. She and her family said she is still working on finishing her degree. Fleming responded to Fox News Digital's social media inquiry for a response to Slusser's revelations. "She's been anorexic and struggled with food since I've known her[,] aka since 2023. She literally would weigh herself 2-3x a day and keep track of it on her whiteboard in her room.... So I really don't care or feel bad for her. And she didn't drop her classes[,] she failed out[,] hope that helps!" Fleming wrote. "Now please stop hitting me up." Slusser has provided a statement to Fox News Digital disputing Fleming's allegations. "These statements are just not true. I have always lived a very healthy lifestyle. Before these events took place[,] I was very disciplined in fueling myself for athletics and [kept] track to make sure I was where I need to be[,] to be the best athlete. It wasn't until all the craziness started that my healthy lifestyle turned very unhealthy into not eating the amount I should," Slusser said. "As for school[,] I decided to stay home after fall 2024 to better myself and heal. So no[,] I did not return to San Jose and enroll myself in more courses at an institution that didn't have my best interest."Fox News Digital's initial inquiry to Fleming began with a reference to Slusser's response to Fleming's claim of being "suicidal" during the 2024 season, reported in a New York Times Magazine profile in April. The outlet also reported that Fleming cried "almost every night," during the scandal.Slusser said of Fleming's suicidal thoughts, "If that's what [Fleming] was going through, that's terrible."Fleming previously said that Slusser "needs to get a life." That statement came in response to
claims by
former SJSU assistant volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose about Fleming getting special treatment by head coach Todd Kress. "Brooke Slusser and Melissa need to get a life," Fleming told Fox News Digital on Oct. 1. Slusser responded, "I have a great life." Fleming, a biological male, was born in 2002 at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, just south of Omaha, per the athlete's SJSU Athletics profile. But Fleming grew up in Virginia.According to The New York Times, Fleming discovered transgenderism in the 8th grade. Then, at 14 years old, Fleming reportedly worked with a doctor and therapist to "socially and medically" transition. Fleming played girls' volleyball at John Champe High School. At a listed height of 6-foot-1, Fleming is two inches taller than the average women's college volleyball recruit of 5-foot-9, according to
NCSA College Recruiting
. In November 2018, Fleming posted a
highlight reel
for college recruiters on the high school sports social media site Hudl. Most of the clips show the same type of play over and over again - Fleming leaping high above the net and slamming the ball down, as trap music blared in the background. As a senior, Fleming led John Champe to a historic 19-win season in 2019, was named first-team all-district and set the school's single-season record for kills in a season, per Fleming's SJSU profile page. Fleming's college career began at Coastal Carolina during the COVID-affected 2020 season. After a 9-1 regular season, Coastal Carolina reached the Sun Belt Conference championship game against Texas State, but lost in five sets. Fleming transferred to SJSU ahead of the 2022 season.Slusser transferred to SJSU for the 2023 season - one year after Fleming did. Slusser has alleged in her lawsuits against the NCAA and Mountain West Conference that she was never told Fleming's birth sex, and that the two regularly shared hotel rooms on away trips. Slusser and Batie-Smoose, who is leading her own lawsuit against the university, have told Fox News Digital that Fleming allegedly requested to be roomed with Slusser, and was allegedly granted that request by team leadership. "Blaire wanted to room with Brooke Slusser, and that's who Blaire felt comfortable with, so Blaire gets what Blaire wants," Batie-Smoose said. Fox News Digital has previously reached out to Fleming and SJSU for a response to these allegations. Slusser has alleged in her lawsuits against the NCAA and Mountain West that Fleming confessed to being transgender during a conversation over ice cream with another teammate in April 2024. Slusser then joined Riley Gaines' lawsuit against the NCAA in September 2024. What followed was a series of forfeits by opposing teams. Each forfeit compounded growing attention in an election-season media cycle, putting SJSU's volleyball players and their opponents under a massive political spotlight.President
Donald Trump
even mentioned the scandal on his campaign trail in October of that year, during a Fox News Channel all-woman town hall event. Police protection was assigned to the team on a regular basis. Slusser has alleged in her lawsuit against the Mountain West, which was filed in November, that she was allegedly informed by teammates of an alleged conversation Fleming had with an opposing player, discussing a plan to have Slusser spiked in the face during a match. Batie-Smoose reported those same allegations in a Title IX complaint against the school, and was later suspended and did not have her contract renewed in January. The Mountain West commissioned a third-party investigation into the allegations against Fleming, and determined that sufficient evidence could not be found to assign discipline. Fox News Digital has
reported extensively
on the conditions of that investigation and its handling, prompting critical responses by the White House, U.S. Department of Justice and members of congress.
EX-SJSU STAR BROOKE SLUSSER MAKES NEW ALLEGATIONS ABOUT PROBE INTO TRANS TEAMMATE'S ALLEGED PLOT TO HARM HER
In the waning weeks of the 2024 regular season, Slusser and 10 other plaintiffs in her lawsuit against the Mountain West filed a request for preliminary injunction to have Fleming be ruled ineligible to continue playing, and to have the forfeits to SJSU reversed. Federal judge Kato Crews, appointed by former President Joe Biden, denied the request, keeping Slusser and Fleming on the court together for practice and games. Slusser and Fleming were ultimately named to the Mountain West all-conference team, as SJSU's only honorees. They finished the season with a 14-7 record, aided by six conference forfeits, then advanced to the Mountain West championship game after Boise State forfeited in the divisional round. But they lost in the title game to Colorado State, three sets to one. The loss ensured that the Spartans wouldn't take their scandal into the NCAA tournament.Slusser left campus shortly after that at the insistence of her parents. According to The New York Times, Fleming also resumed classes remotely the following semester from Virginia. Slusser said she came close to returning to play NCAA beach volleyball this past spring, and even had discussions with coaches at other schools about recruitment. But she ultimately decided not to, and moved to North Carolina, where she has served as a youth volleyball coach. Slusser and her family say she has recovered from her anorexia, and is working on finishing her degree. She aspires to start her own business in dietetics. Fleming appeared to celebrate graduation from SJSU in a post on her Instagram Stories in May. The U.S. Department of Education is currently investigating the university for potential Title IX violations.
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Christian pastors, influencers join 1,000-strong Israel mission backing Jewish state, fighting antisemitism
A delegation of 1,000 U.S.
Christian pastors and influencers
- the largest group of American Christian leaders to visit Israel since its founding - arrived last Tuesday as part of a Friends of Zion initiative.The trip, organized in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to provide training and prepare participants to serve as unofficial ambassadors for Israel in their communities.Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem and a confidant of President Donald Trump, said most Evangelical Bible believers are Zionists, making them a key ally in efforts to counter antisemitism.
MIKE JOHNSON: US-ISRAEL ALLIANCE 'REALLY IMPORTANT' FOR MULTIPLE REASONS, ANTISEMITISM SHOULD BE 'CALLED OUT'
"These devils that hate Jews hate Christians just as much. What is being said against the state of Israel is one hundred times worse than what the Nazis said on their party platform in 1920, and everyone is ignoring it. They don't realize how dangerous this is," Evans told Fox News Digital."The new wars of the 21st century are media wars, ideological wars, economic wars and proxy wars. And while Israel has never fought an ideological war, its enemies have," he added.Evans said members of the visiting delegation were vetted to ensure no hidden agendas and signed a pledge committing to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people. "We had over 2,000 apply; we chose those best suited for this first trip. These 1,000 pastors represent tens of millions of Americans and have major media and social media influence," he said.The initiative was approved by Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu
, whom Evans has known for 45 years."When we were on Mount Herzl, one widow was there sharing her story. Her daughter no longer has a daddy. Thinking that my little girl might not have her dad broke my heart. I connected on a deep personal level," Tamryn Foley, a member of the National Faith Advisory Board's executive team, told Fox News Digital.
The board is the largest coalition backing and advocating for people of faith, led by
Pastor Paula White-Cain
. Its mission is built on four pillars - protecting religious freedom, promoting a strong America, defending life at all stages and honoring family values - and it identifies the U.S.-Israel alliance as central to that agenda.
"I stand with
Israel
very strongly, and so does the group of pastors I work with. I don't think we realized how big this event would be. We wanted to show support, and since we've been here, it's been so much more than we thought," said Foley, who lives in Florida.
"I am going back home with a fire to make sure young people in my country know the truth. It's one thing to understand something intellectually, and another to come here, meet people who have been affected, and connect with them on a heart level," she continued.
MIKE PENCE: NO PLACE FOR ANTISEMITISM IN AMERICA TODAY, TOMORROW OR EVER
"There is so much negative propaganda in our country. It's loud, and we need to do a better job of educating young people. They're capable of seeing through the nonsense and lies - I don't think we give them enough credit. We need to present them with the truth and plant the seed for lifelong support for Israel," Foley said.One objective of the training, he explained, is to reach young people - claiming countries like Qatar have turned against Israel by investing millions of dollars to spread antisemitic content through universities and digital platforms.Evans said the Muslim Brotherhood, for example, has waged ideological warfare, describing it as a "powerful demon because it doesn't clear customs, and you can't kill it with a bullet."More than half of the Palestinian population embraces Hamas' ideology of radical Islam," he claimed, "which isn't based on land for peace but on establishing an Islamic state and eradicating the Jewish state."
AMERICAN-ISRAELI HELD HOSTAGE IN GAZA FOR OVER 580 DAYS SENDS MESSAGE TO HAMAS: 'I'LL GIVE YOU HELL'
Evans noted that the
Evangelical movement
, representing 9.7% of the global population, has significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy through its belief that the biblical land belongs to the Jewish people."The president loves us and knows how we feel about Israel," he said. "We believe the president respects us and that we have his confidence and ear. We would not have had the hostages back without him. He will stand with us and will not cave in to Jew-haters' intentions regarding Judea and Samaria or a Palestinian state. He will try everything he can to help Israel," Evans added.On Wednesday, the delegation met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and visited the site of
Hamas's Oct. 7 massacre
at the Supernova music festival, accompanied by former hostages Emily Damari, Tal Shoham, Moran Stella Yanai, and Aviva and Keith Siegel, who received the "Here Am I" Award for their advocacy work."We are seeking to unify - and demonstrate that unity - between evangelical Christian leaders in America, Israel and the Jewish people, and to counter any perception that this community is divided on the issue, because it is not," Pastor Mike Atkins, a member of the delegation, told Fox News Digital.
"The antisemitism that erupted had long been simmering beneath the surface on university campuses and in major European cities. This is an open stand against the lies, and a declaration of our commitment to truth," he said.
Atkins explained that the delegation has been exposed "at the highest levels" to firsthand insights - visiting the site of
Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, massacre
, listening to victims and seeing the realities on the ground in Israel. Delegates, he said, have also received extensive information through symposium speakers on how to combat antisemitic deception and will continue to do so as they coalesce into a coalition.
"To the youth, I say: join the movement. Commit to never again allowing the poisonous deception of antisemitism to penetrate our culture. Take a stand, speak up and do not remain silent," he said."The best medicine for Jewish Derangement Syndrome, an acute
form of bigotry and antisemitism
, is for people to come to Israel and see and hear for themselves. These American spiritual leaders are committed to using their pulpits and influence to provide truth," Huckabee told Fox News Digital."Truth is the best antibiotic to combat the conspiracy theories and falsehoods said about the United States, its partnership with Israel and the Jewish people," he added. |
Florida teens in custody after 14-year-old girl found shot to death, burnt: sheriff
Two teen boys
in Florida
are accused of fatally shooting a 14-year-old girl and setting her on fire along a wooded walking trail last week in what authorities are calling a "horrific" killing.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff
Bob Johnson told reporters Thursday that the body has been identified as Danika Troy. He said Danika's mother reported her as a runaway on Monday."Unbeknownst to the mother, Danika was murdered the previous night," Johnson said.A passerby discovered Danika's body along a wooded area off Kimberly Road in Pace, a town about 16 miles northeast of Pensacola, and called 911, Johnson said.
MIGRANT TEENAGERS CHARGED IN FATAL STABBING OF HOMELESS MAN IN CHICAGO
Investigators quickly identified the suspects as 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins and 16-year-old Gabriel Williams and took them into custody."This is where it gets really horrific," Johnson said.Williams allegedly stole his mother's handgun and shot Danika."It's bad enough you kill a 14-year-old. You're 14. You're 16," Johnson said. "Shoot her multiple times, and then they set her on fire."Johnson said investigators are still working to determine a motive."They have been interviewed, but the motive that they're giving doesn't fit the forensics or any facts of the case, so we don't have a legit motive," he told reporters.
TEEN ARRESTED FOR MURDER IN SHOOTING OF 11-YEAR-OLD BOY IN NEW YORK: 'AN UNIMAGINABLE TRAGEDY'
Blevins and Williams supposedly knew the victim from school, according to Johnson. He believed the two teens have had previous "run-ins" with law enforcement, though he could not immediately say if they had earlier arrests.Blevins and Williams are being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice on premeditated
first-degree murder charges
. "You don't want to go out and see a burnt child with bullet holes," Johnson said. "That's not something you sign up for."Johnson said no parents have been charged at this time, though investigators are "looking into it."The sheriff's office is working with the State Attorney to charge both teens as adults."If you do an adult crime, you gotta do adult time," Johnson said. |
Trump's Kennedy Center Honors overhaul delivers star-studded lineup, new medallion and historic hosting role
President
Donald Trump
spearheaded major changes to the Kennedy Center Honors ahead of the highly anticipated awards ceremony. Founded in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors recognize a handful of performing artists every year for their lifetime contributions to culture. The Kennedy Center Honors, which are presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., are considered the nation's top lifetime achievement award for the performing arts.After returning to the White House in January, Trump, 79, became chairman of the Kennedy Center board and has since undertaken efforts to reshape the honors program - pushing for a glitzier, star-studded celebration. In August, Trump announced this year's lineup of honorees, which included country legend George Strait, Hollywood star
Sylvester Stallone
, rock band KISS, Broadway icon Michael Crawford and Grammy Award-winning singer Gloria Gaynor.
SYLVESTER STALLONE SAYS KENNEDY CENTER HONOR IS 'SOMETHING I STILL CAN'T FATHOM'
"The 48th Kennedy Center Honorees are outstanding people, incredible, we can't wait... in a few short months since I became chairman of the board, the Kennedy Center, we've completely reversed the decline of this cherished national institution," he said in his speech.From overhauling the honoree selection process to unveiling a new medallion, here's a breakdown of how the Kennedy Center Honors have been revamped under Trump. Since the Kennedy Honors' inception, the honorees were chosen by a bipartisan committee that worked with the Kennedy Center's artistic staff, the Board of Trustees, external arts advisors, and the Center's president and Honors team. While U.S. presidents have historically participated in the ceremonial aspects
of the Honors
including hosting a White House reception and attending the gala, they typically have not been directly involved in the selection process. However, Trump said he played a major role in choosing the 2025 honorees during an August event at the Kennedy Center to announce the recipients. Though there was a Special Honors Advisory Committee that made recommendations, Trump appeared to confirm that he made the final choices.When reporters asked Trump how involved he was in selecting the 2025 honorees, he responded, "I was about 98% involved... they all came through me.""I turned down plenty, they were too woke," he continued. "I had a couple of wokesters. No, we have great people. This is very different than it used to be."While taking aim at the state of Hollywood awards shows, Trump took a swipe at
the Oscars
."Look at the Academy Awards - it gets lousy ratings now, it's all woke," he said. "All they do is talk about how much they hate Trump, but nobody likes that. They don't watch anymore..."Trump concluded his "very long answer" by saying he "was very involved" in the selection of the Kennedy Center Honorees.For 47 years, the medallion received by the honorees had remained unchanged. The Honors medal hung from wide satin ribbon in five bright rainbow colors that formed a V-shape around the honoree's neck. The gold circular medallion was shaped like a starburst and featured an abstract representation of the Kennedy Center building and was handmade by the same family for nearly five decades. Throughout the awards show's history, the medallions were handmade by the Baturin's, a Washington D.C.- based family of artisans and metalworkers. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Kennedy Center announced that the medallions "have been re-imagined and donated by Tiffany & Co.""As the first American high jewelry house, Tiffany & Co. has played a defining role in American luxury culture for nearly two centuries - making them the ideal collaborator to design the Honors medallion," the press release continued. "The brand-new medallion features a gold disc etched on one side with a depiction of the Kennedy Center. The building is flanked by rainbow colors representing the breadth of the arts celebrated when receiving the Honor. The reverse side bears the Honorees' names in script above the date of the Medallion Ceremony, December 6, 2025. The medallion hangs from a navy-blue ribbon, a color associated with dignity and tradition."
I
n February, Trump announced a major shakeup of the Kennedy Center leadership. He revealed that he had decided to immediately fire multiple Kennedy Center board members appointed by former President
Joe Biden
and other prior trustees, including the chairman, and fill that role himself.Trump claimed he and the former chair David Rubenstein along with the ousted board members "do not share [the same] vision for a Golden Age in
Arts and Culture
," according to his announcement on Truth Social."We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!" he added. Trump also criticized Kennedy Center programming, including drag shows, under the prior administration.
STARS UNITE AS FOX NATION'S PATRIOT AWARDS GEAR UP TO HONOR THE HEART AND HEROISM OF AMERICA
"Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth - THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" Trump said on Truth Social. He later replaced the former members with 14 other members, including allies including second lady Usha Vance and "God Bless the USA" singer
Lee Greenwood.
The new board elected Trump as chairman on Feb. 12. Trump dismissed long-serving Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter and appointed his ally Ric Grenell - who became the U.S.'s first openly gay cabinet member under the first Trump administration when he served as acting director of national intelligence - as interim executive director amid the board overhaul. The 2025 honorees including KISS, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Sylvester Stallone and Michael Crawford indicated a shift toward recognizing artists from more mainstream, pop culture fields rather than the cross-disciplinary lineups of prior years. During the first two decades after the Honors were founded, the recipients were mainly from the world of classical arts with some notable exceptions including actor James Cagney, actress Lucille Ball and film director Elia Kazan.
TRUMP AND MELANIA TO HEADLINE POWER-PLAYER PACKED KENNEDY CENTER OPENING NIGHT
In the mid-1990s, the Honors began expanding toward
mainstream entertainment
, honoring more pop musicians, rock artists, film and television actors and Broadway stars. The expansion accelerated through the 2000s and 2010s and into the 2020s.In addition to mainstream artists, past honoree classes have always included representation from classical music, jazz, dance, opera or composition. However, 2025's lineup features no honoree from those disciplines, marking a first in modern program history.
KENNEDY CENTER PRESIDENT CRITICIZES JIMMY KIMMEL'S ONE-SIDED LATE-NIGHT PROGRAMMING APPROACH
The 2025 honorees chosen under Trump's direction are entirely from rock, disco, country, film and Broadway.In the Kennedy Honors Center's August press release announcing the honorees, Grenell said, "For nearly half a century, this tradition has celebrated those whose voices and visions tell our nation's story and share it with the world." "This year's Honorees have left an indelible mark on our history, reminding us that the arts are for everyone."At the August event to announce the honorees, Trump announced that he will host the Kennedy Center Honors gala, becoming the first president in history to host the event. "I've been asked to host. I said, I'm the President of the United States. Are you fools asking me to do that? 'Sir, you'll get much higher ratings.' I said 'I don't care. I'm President of the United States, I won't do it.' They said, 'Please,'" Trump told reporters.Trump went on to say that his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles also asked him to host the Honors. "I said, 'OK, Susie, I'll do it.' That's the power she's got," he said. "So I have agreed to host. Do you believe what I have to do? And I didn't want to do it, OK? They're going to say, 'He insisted.' I did not insist, but I think it will be quite successful, actually." "It's been a long time. I used to host 'The Apprentice' finales and we did rather well with that," Trump added, referring to his long-running NBC reality competition show.
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"So I think we're going to do very well, because we have some great honorees, some really great ones."During Trump's first term, he and
First Lady Melania Trump
did not attend the Honors or host the traditional White House reception for the honorees.
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In 2017, honorees including Norman Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade announced that they would not attend a White House reception hosted by Trump in protest.The White House subsequently issued a statement that read: "The president and first lady have decided not to participate in this year's activities to allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction."Trump and Melania also did not attend in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, the Honors were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and instead took place in May 2021, with a revamped format including smaller, socially-distanced and virtual tributes.The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will take place on Dec. 7 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and will air Dec. 23 on the CBS Television Network and on Paramount+ |
Advent peace demands action: Defend those who risk their lives to worship freely
On the
Second Sunday of Advent
, Christians the world over prepare to celebrate Christmas by contemplating the peace Christ's coming was foretold to usher in. Christ promised his followers, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27, ESV). Indeed, one of Christ's many titles, among those gloriously sung in Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus at this time of year, is the "Prince of Peace."Yet, peace remains elusive - both individually and especially even more so on the level of communities, societies, cultures, and nations. Sadly, this is particularly true for people of faith around the world, regardless of their religious affiliation. Sincere believers from every faith tradition increasingly face restrictions on their human rights to believe and worship freely, according to the dictates of their conscience. In many cases, the situation is far worse, and they face outright
repression and persecution
, often violent in nature, simply for choosing to exercise their right to religious freedom.From Christians in Nigeria being slaughtered in sacred spaces, to Uyghur Muslims incarcerated in modern-day concentration camps in China, to the Baha'is and Jews in Iran, to Hazara Shia Muslims in Afghanistan, to Assyrians, Rohingya, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and the list goes on - for these faith communities, and for anyone who cares about international religious freedom, peace can seem like a fantasy.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT REMINDS US THAT HOPE IS OUR CALLING EVEN IN THE DARKEST TIMES
Still, it is worth reminding us to remember that the Christmas story is only the starting point for a life story that offers a guide, whether Christian or not, to both seeking peace and building it. In the
Christian tradition
, Christ was not born into comfort and tranquility. Rather, his arrival in humble circumstances was an unusual beginning for an act of divine courage meant to change the course of history.Christ preached peace as he modeled an active courage that sought to disrupt old traditions and offer a new way of seeing the world and the people in it. At the same time, he was an example of humility and the
sincere desire to seek reconciliation
, even with those we might view as our enemies. Peace, in the words of Jesus Christ, was not passivity, but a willingness to boldly stand for what is right while choosing to see each human being as divine as created in God's image and worthy.
BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS TO RESUME CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AFTER WAR FORCED A TWO-YEAR PAUSE
The call of this Advent Sunday to build bridges of peace with others can feel like a monumental task in this era of division. Peace can feel like a goal requiring a miracle, rather than something that is within reach for mere mortals. Nevertheless, we have together glimpsed a glimpse of what peace can look like through the privilege of serving as co-chairs of the annual
International Religious Freedom Summit
.Each year, the Summit brings together thousands of religious freedom advocates from dozens of global faith traditions. These people set aside theological, cultural, and political differences to stand together in support of human dignity and the basic human right of all people to worship according to their own beliefs. The point is not who you worship or how; it is that we all have a God-given right to believe freely and without restriction or fear of persecution.
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We cannot solve the world's many urgent challenges to religious freedom over the course of our short time together at the Summit. But this annual gathering does offer a model - and a source of hope - for what peace can look like in a world that is roiled by conflict and division.This Advent Peace Sunday, we draw inspiration from the story of Christ who, as Scripture recounts, came to earth "to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79). We also draw strength and courage to seek peace from the examples of the many dedicated advocates and activists who work alongside us in the international religious freedom community, and who offer living and breathing examples of what it means to seek peace actively and not passively.We cannot yet claim "peace on earth," but as we stand side by side and advocate for
freedom of religion and belief
for all, we can begin to imagine it.
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Sam Brownback served as ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom (2018-21) and is co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit.
|
Mom's Christian Advent toy sells out completely as faith revival sweeps America
With Americans decking the halls, one mother wants to help families remember the
reason for the season
.Lillian Richey of Dallas, Texas, created "Finding Jesus," an interactive Christmas countdown activity that shares the Nativity story.A plush Jesus doll and 24 puzzle pieces paired with Scripture teach families about the birth of the Lord.
FAITH REVIVAL FOLLOWS CHARLIE KIRK'S DEATH AS MORE PEOPLE ATTEND MASS AND READ THE BIBLE
The "Finding Jesus" founder told Fox News Digital the idea came to her during a Bible study session."We were talking about how hard it is to keep the reason for the season in focus, how secular Christmas is with all the chaos."A woman in her study group spoke about how her son would pick up the baby Jesus figurine from their
porcelain Nativity scene,
but would keep dropping him.Richey went on, "She would be like, 'Where's Jesus?' And we all thought: Isn't that what we should be doing - trying to find Jesus instead of all these other things?"She felt the Lord put the idea in her heart of helping kids to
seek Jesus during Advent
- rather than engaging in secular activities.
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Richey launched the plush doll last year. Her small batch of 10,000 units promptly sold out."I wanted something that was easy, simple, all in one - not intimidating."Richey added, "I wanted something that told
the birth of Jesus
[and] that was all Scripture - there's no commentary from me. It's just God's word and just a way to keep the reason for the season in focus."Many across the country agree that the tragic assassination of
Charlie Kirk
in Utah on Sept. 10 - after his years of outreach to young people about faith, family, values and country - has helped spark a religious revival, with scores of non-believers picking up a Bible for the first time.
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"We have more people praying. The churches are coming back ... religion is coming back to America," said President Donald Trump, in part, at the
Thanksgiving turkey
pardoning.Richey also said she's seen many people wanting to
get back to their faith
."I think that people are searching for the feeling that God is inside of them."
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Richey said she hopes the "Finding Jesus" kits help children and families in their journey toward a relationship with God - and that they keep strengthening that relationship. "[Jesus] comes down and meets us right where we are - toys and all," she said. Anyone can learn more, or purchase the item as a gift for loved ones,
on Amazon
. |
Even the future king discovers smartphones are a royal pain for kids and parents
It appears that even a prince can't escape the smartphone struggle. Prince William - one of the most recognizable figures in the world - recently revealed that
keeping smartphones out
of the hands of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis has become a "tense issue," sharing in a recent interview that "children can access too much stuff they don't need to see online." He added that they instead spend time jumping on the trampoline, playing sports and trying to learn musical instruments. It's a reminder that no matter one's status or position, every parent today faces the same challenge: how to protect childhood in the age of constant connection. The prince is hardly alone in his concerns, admitting it is "really hard" to protect his children from the harms of social media and the digital world. A 2023 Mott Poll Report revealed that overuse of devices and social media ranked as the leading health concern among parents nationwide.
CHATGPT MAY ALERT POLICE ON SUICIDAL TEENS
Interestingly, some of the world's top tech leaders - industry titans who helped create the devices and platforms shaping our digital lives - have also kept them away from their kids. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates banned phones at the dinner table and didn't allow his children to have their own until age 14. Apple's Steve Jobs famously limited his children's screen time and denied them unrestricted iPad access. Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki gave her children phones only under controlled circumstances and took them away on vacations. Even billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has said his kids live with strict tech limits. Ninety-five percent of teens today have access to a smartphone, and nearly half say they're online "almost constantly." So, what's all the concern? Smartphones have fundamentally altered how adolescents interact with the world. Playtime has been replaced by screen time; face-to-face conversations by messaging apps. Eye contact and casual greetings are fading from daily life. Children are accessing devices at younger ages. A 2025 Common Sense Media report found that 51% of children aged 8 and younger have a mobile device, spending nearly two and a half hours a day using screens - and for those aged 5-8, it's nearly three and a half hours.
SEXTORTION SCAMS AGAINST TEEN BOYS SKYROCKET AFTER COVID, WATCHDOG SAYS
Excessive screen time doesn't just steal childhood - it harms developing brains and bodies and is linked to sleep disruption, delayed language development, impaired executive functioning and social-emotional difficulties. There are even physical health risks, including obesity and hypertension, driven by sedentary screen habits. The emotional toll is equally alarming. In "The Anxious Generation," social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explains that the very device meant to connect us has become a driver of disconnection,
loneliness, anxiety and depression
- particularly among girls. Constant notifications, online comparison and a perpetual fear of missing out or "FOMO" erode attention, confidence and happiness. Children are "connected" digitally, yet increasingly isolated offline. And that's before considering the darker corners of the internet - online predation, sextortion, cyberbullying, child sexual abuse material and AI-generated deepfakes that exploit children in devastating ways.
LEAKED META DOCUMENTS SHOW HOW AI CHATBOTS HANDLE CHILD EXPLOITATION
Emerging risks continue to surface. Teens, lonelier than ever, are increasingly substituting genuine human connections with
AI companions
. A staggering 72% of teens have interacted with AI at least once, and nearly a third use these platforms for romantic engagements, emotional support and friendship. Alarmingly, these AI companions are increasingly implicated in providing explicit sexual role-play, as well as harmful responses and dangerous "advice." Parents have alleged that such interactions have contributed to severe emotional distress, including tragic instances of suicide among their children.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION
Prince William's decision reflects what
millions of parents
are quietly grappling with: how to raise healthy, connected kids safely in a world designed to keep them scrolling. The question is, what do we do about it? The solution must be collective. Schools are leading the way by banning or limiting smartphones during the day, giving students back the focus and social interaction they've lost. Policymakers must demand greater transparency and accountability from tech companies as well as effective age-verification tools.Parents, perhaps, have the most critical role to play - setting clear digital boundaries at home, enabling built-in safety settings, monitoring screen time and online activities, and delaying social media or smartphone access until children are ready. If and when you decide to give your child a smartphone, make sure you understand the different types of phones - especially those designed for children and teens - and the
safety features
each offers. Together, these actions can restore balance, human connection and the kind of childhood that once came naturally to us pre-smartphones and pre-social media. Let's give our children the same gift Prince William hopes to give his own children: a childhood grounded not in screens, but in real-world play, imagination and genuine connection. |
Scholar warns feminism has become a 'megachurch' replacing faith, family and Christian virtue
An author of 11 books, including an upcoming title on feminism, says the movement has evolved into a kind of secular "megachurch" with its own doctrines, rituals and moral code - one that she argues now serves as a substitute for faith, family and traditional Christian virtue."Feminism actually is not a subset of Christianity. It's actually a rival to Christianity," Carrie Gress, a fellow at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.Gress is the author of the forthcoming book "Something Wicked: Why Feminism Can't Be Fused With Christianity," which she says examines how feminism has "quietly captured the minds and hearts of women by mimicking aspects of Christianity. Through its own 'commandments,' 'virtues,' 'evangelization,' and even 'a sacrament,' feminism has become an exceedingly powerful megachurch."
PROGRESSIVE PUBLISHERS LAUNCH CHILDREN'S BIBLE STORIES WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY THEMES
"In many respects, it can actually be seen as a megachurch," Gress told Fox News Digital. "It has taken on so many of the aspects of Christianity."According to Gress, feminism was designed from its earliest roots as a substitute belief system - one she says is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity."So feminism has its own sacraments, virtues, rites, evangelization - all of that. The simplest example is to look at what I call the 'commandments of feminism,'" Gress said."There are three of them, and they started actually back in the early 1800s," she added. "Percy Bysshe Shelley [husband of "Frankenstein" author Mary Shelley] is the romantic poet who actually put them together. These ideas of his in-laws, his mother-in-law Mary Wollstonecraft and his father-in-law, William Godwin, and then his own idea. And these ideas were, to have contempt for men, to really shun monogamy and to embrace promiscuity, and then to be involved in the occult. And those are sort of the three tenets of feminism."
HILLARY CLINTON RIPS WHITE MEN OF 'A CERTAIN RELIGION,' SPARKS BACKLASH FROM CONSERVATIVES
Gress' argument echoes earlier reporting and scholarship that have explored similar themes.A
2015 article
in The Atlantic entitled, "When Feminism Becomes a Religion," stated: "The feminist movement today has startling similarity to religious fundamentalism. There is the same dogmatism, the same zealous fervor, the same fear, the same clinging to certainty and the absolute conviction in one's own correctness. Dissenters are marginalized, castigated, even cast out. The psychology is identical; all that differs are the goals."The article, authored by Chris Bodenner, a former senior editor at The Atlantic, continued: "But just as with religious extremists, feminists are fearful of what science might do to their perfect tapestry of beliefs, and what it might lead to in society, even if this doesn't make any sense. It saddens me that friends I grew up with who were negatively affected by this mindset in the context of religion have traded that in for a different version."In
an article
published in The Cut, Nicki Minaj was quoted as saying, "I want your goal in life to be to become an entrepreneur, a rich woman, a career-driven woman. You have to be able to know that you need no man on this planet at all, period, and he should feel that, because when a man feels that you need him, he acts differently."
HIGH-RANKING DEMOCRATS ADMIT TO KNOWINGLY ABANDONING WOMEN
A
2020 interview
with Senegalese feminist Diakhoumba Gassama, titled "Feminism Is My Religion," likewise described
feminism as a belief system
guiding moral and personal choices."To me, feminism is definitely beyond belief," Gassama said. "It's a vision and a value system. In the same way some people are religious, I can say feminism is my religion. Everything I do, whenever I have to decide between A or B, I ask myself: are my values going to be respected? Am I going to be able to look at myself in the mirror in the same way?" In 2022, Medium published an article titled, "Women Don't Need Men, And It's Breaking The Manosphere," authored by Ossiana Tepfenhart, who wrote, "Studies show single,
childless women to be the happiest.
Women no longer need a man to make a living or have kids. They have been doing it all on their own for a while."Gress argues that feminism sells women a false promise, which is that their greatest fulfillment lies in autonomy, careerism and detachment from family.
KELSEA BALLERINI'S HAUNTING NEW SONG EXPOSES THE LONELINESS FEMINISM FORGOT
"So feminism has created an idol, which is, of course,
female autonomy
," Gress said. "It's taught women and continues to tell women that our greatest happiness and our fulfillment is going to come when we are living by and for ourselves, when we're not married or marriage isn't really the center of our life, as well as our children, that those things are actually obstacles to the happiness that we're going to find in a career." According to Gress, feminism also diminished the cultural value of children by framing them as impediments to productivity."Now the sad part is, of course, that women are really made for relationships," Gress said. "They're made to love others. And we can see that this desire to love and to mother others hasn't evaporated. It's just shifted to another place. And this is why we see so much of a boom in the pet industry. Women are just choosing to nurture pets in a way that they in the past would nurture their children and focus on their family." She added: "Women have been targeted with this idea so that we will be angry and will be more politically helpful. And you can see this, I think, any of the women's movements. These are not movements or events that are showing happy, healthy, thriving women, but they really embody a kind of anger, rage, envy, contempt. All of those things are sort of shot through the movement at this point."Gress believes that reversing feminist cultural trends requires restoring the
traditional roles of men and women
, not rigidly, but purposefully."It's really the
restoration of womanhood
and helping women see that," Gress said. "And I think that is really where it's going to help men too, because we're going to get men back to understanding what their purpose is. And when both roles understand their purpose, not that they're fixed or that there's not some overlap, but when a couple comes together and is working towards a common goal instead of working against each other, that's really where you see major gains happen in the family. And in the culture and, you know, ultimately, in civilization."
Fox News' Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi contributed to this report.
|
Alaska school district erases Veterans Day from official calendar: 'Absolutely unacceptable'
FIRST ON FOX:
A GOP candidate running for governor in Alaska unleashed on the
Anchorage School District
after the public school system opted out of including Veterans Day on their official calendar, instead referring to the holiday designated to honor the U.S. military as a "student release professional development day."
Bernadette Wilson
, who is running as a Republican to lead the Last Frontier State, slammed the school district for not including Veterans Day on their annual calendar, calling it "absolutely unacceptable."She said that indoctrination and woke ideology are still prevalent in the modern education system. "There is no doubt a huge effort right now to indoctrinate our kids," Wilson told Fox News Digital. "We see it with how low our kids are dropping in test scores, and then we see it with the forced,
woke ideology
that's coming from our school districts."While the school district did not recognize the holiday on their calendar, they did post on social media on Veterans Day, saying, "the Anchorage School District extends our deepest gratitude to the veterans in our schools, families, and community for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication" and "your service and example inspire our students every day."
HOUSE REPUBLICAN SAYS TEEN SON'S SCHOOL PROMOTES 'NON-MONOSEXUAL IDENTITIES' IN AM ANNOUNCEMENTS, URGES ACTION
Despite the school district's public post, Wilson was quick to point out that this was the same school system that recently attached disclaimers to pamphlets of the
U.S. Constitution
and Declaration of Independence saying the district "does not endorse" the viewpoints held in America's founding documents.The Anchorage School District later told the
Anchorage Daily News
that the disclaimer was added as a mistake. Wilson then slammed the school district over their claim the disclaimer was an accident, telling Fox News Digital they "don't get the luxury" of mistakenly avoiding allegiance with the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
FOX NEWS CAMPUS RADICALS NEWSLETTER: SCHOOL GRAPPLES WITH 'WHITENESS,' ONLYFANS LECTURE, THANKSGIVING TURMOIL
"The very fact that you have
educators who are in this sphere
that are saying, well, that was an accident, you don't get the luxury," Wilson explained. "It wasn't an accident. They got caught, and that's where this so-called apology comes in.""The same school district that is taking
Veterans Day
and renaming it is now trying to say, well, [the disclaimers were] an accident," Wilson added.The Anchorage School District did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. As for what Wilson would do should she be elected governor of Alaska, she noted the many options that would "
embolden parents
" and strengthen schools."We need to be empowering parents, whether it's with educational savings accounts, we can look at 'no more lines' legislation," Wilson explained. "Any number of different
charter schools
, home-school co-ops, I mean, there's a whole host of things out there where parents have options.""I think that we need to continue the conversation to embolden parents to be able to utilize those options in front of them," Wilson added. |
Solar water platforms may solve a major air taxi hurdle
Air taxis
keep gaining momentum, yet one challenge keeps resurfacing: many cities have few places for them to land. AutoFlight believes it has an answer. The company introduced a zero-carbon water vertiport that moves across rivers, lakes or coastal zones. This solar-powered platform works as a mobile hub for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and aims to remove one of the biggest barriers to growth.
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THE WORLD'S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF
rget=_new href="https://www.foxnews.com/tech/neighbors-outraged-la-airport-becomes-ground-zero-ai-driven-flying-taxis" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">
eVTOL air taxis
promise quick trips that jump over traffic and turn long drives into short flights. That idea first appeared in the 1940s and '50s, when helicopter passenger services launched in the U.S. and Britain. Those early attempts faded because they could land in only a handful of places. Rooftops and scattered piers created new congestion points. Without enough landing pads, the entire system stalled.AutoFlight's new floating vertiport flips the model. Instead of forcing cities to build fixed sites that take years to complete, the vertiport travels to the aircraft.
PENNSYLVANIA BILL SEEKS TO LEGALIZE FLYING CARS
The vertiport sits on a self-propelled barge with a deck lined with solar panels. It uses clean energy to charge eVTOLs without relying on grid power. A small cabin serves as a departure lounge and technical room. Operators can reposition the platform wherever demand rises, which gives cities far more flexibility.It works with several AutoFlight aircraft. That includes the six-seat Prosperity passenger craft and the White Shark and CarryAll vehicles used for cargo and industrial tasks. All can land, recharge and take off from the same
floating hub
.Because the platform runs on solar power and needs no major construction, it can be deployed much faster than any land-based site.AutoFlight showed the full system on Nov. 22 at Dianshan Lake near Shanghai. A 2-ton-class eVTOL took off from the floating vertiport during a public test. The company also flew three aircraft in formation and completed live airdrop missions with supplies and life rafts. The event highlighted how the system supports emergency work and low-altitude logistics.
THE WORLD'S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF
This new platform supports a wide range of real-world uses that reach far beyond simple city travel.Offshore wind sites and oil rigs often wait hours for parts or personnel. AutoFlight says the system could improve transport efficiency more than tenfold.Teams can pair wide-area searches with fast aerial response. This cuts reaction time by over half and boosts survival odds.Cities along rivers and bays could build quick air routes without touching roads.Tour operators could add a "
flight plus water
" experience to premium trips.Multiple floating hubs can link into a network during peak travel or disaster relief missions.Sustainable aviation keeps gaining importance. AutoFlight partnered with CATL to integrate high-safety batteries into both its aircraft and vertiports. The system uses clean energy and low-impact infrastructure. It taps underused water surfaces and avoids major construction. Cities can deploy these pads quickly, which helps air mobility grow sooner.
Air taxis
may feel far off, yet this solution tackles a real problem. Landing and charging sites remain the missing link. Floating vertiports open the door to fast routes between airports and city centers. They also set the stage for quick regional hops that cut travel times and reduce stress. Tourism operators may even use them to launch new water-to-air experiences.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:
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. Air taxis cannot expand without more places to land. AutoFlight's solar water platform offers a practical option that uses clean energy and fast deployment. If cities embrace this model, air mobility could shift from concept to daily use faster than expected.Would you feel comfortable boarding an air taxi from a floating platform? Let us know by writing to us at
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Maduro's forces face renewed scrutiny as US tensions rise: 'A fortress built on sand'
As tensions rise between Washington and the
Maduro regime
, experts told Fox News Digital that Venezuela's military may look formidable on paper but is hollowed out by
years of corruption
, decay and political control. While they say Venezuela cannot stop a determined U.S. strike, any broader operation would be far more complicated than the White House suggests.Isaias Medina, an international lawyer and former Venezuelan diplomat who denounced his own government at the International Criminal Court, described Venezuela as a criminalized state dominated by narcotrafficking networks."Venezuela today resembles a fortress built on sand wrapped around a criminal regime," he said, adding that any hypothetical U.S. action would be "evicting a terrorist cartel that settled next door and not invading a country."Medina warned that Venezuela's dense civilian population - also victimized by the regime - demands extreme caution. "The only acceptable approach is overwhelming bias toward restraint and longer operational timelines, forgoing targets that cannot be struck cleanly."
TRUMP PUSHES PEACE IN EUROPE, PRESSURE IN THE AMERICAS - INSIDE THE TWO-FRONT GAMBLE
He said the military's capabilities look better on paper than reality, with equipment rusting from lack of maintenance and thousands of politically appointed generals disconnected from an estimated 100,000 lower-ranking troops who may abandon their posts under pressure.Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, told Fox News Digital that Venezuela's most relevant threat lies in its
air-naval systems
- and even those could be quickly eliminated."You have to break this up," he said. "There's an air-naval part, which is most likely what could impact our strike operations," including fighter jets, limited
naval vessels
and Russian-made surface-to-air missiles.
MADURO BRANDISHES SWORD AT RALLY AS HE RAILS AGAINST 'IMPERIALIST AGGRESSION' AMID RISING TENSIONS WITH US
But Montgomery said the U.S. could quickly neutralize them. "Reasonably speaking, in the first day or two of a campaign plan, we can eliminate the air and maritime threat to U.S. forces," he said.Any U.S. plan targeting cocaine production would begin with "simultaneous strikes on the airfields, the aircraft and the
air defense weapon systems
to ensure that they don't respond to any U.S. attacks on other assets."Asked whether Venezuela could retaliate after such strikes, Montgomery replied: "Not against an air campaign. No."
TRUMP'S STRIKE ON CARTEL VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA SENDS WARNING TO MADURO: 'NO SANCTUARY'
Montgomery stressed that while air defenses can be eliminated quickly, a ground operation would be a far different story. "They have a small professional military... 65 to 70,000 people, many of whom probably don't want - they didn't join the army to fight," he said. The country also maintains a
massive militia
, whose motivation would depend on loyalty to Maduro.But geography and scale make a land operation a nightmare scenario. "Venezuela is probably twice the geographic size of California, 35 to 40 million citizens," Montgomery said. "This would be a terrifically challenging ground campaign, especially if it turned into a counterinsurgency."He added bluntly: "Today, I would not do this. I do not recommend it."
TRUMP GAVE MADURO ULTIMATUM TO FLEE VENEZUELA AS LAND OPERATIONS LOOM: REPORT
WASHINGTON'S SHADOW WAR: HOW STRIKES ON CARTELS THREATEN TO COLLAPSE MADURO'S REGIME
Montgomery does support an air campaign which he believes will be more efficient than the current
naval tactics
. He cited his experience commanding U.S. Navy counter-drug operations: "Every one of these 21 ships could have been pulled over by a mix of Navy and Coast Guard assets and helicopters." But intelligence often proved unreliable.Despite years of decay, Venezuela still possesses a large, uneven mix of
military hardware
. Analysts say it cannot stop a U.S. campaign but could complicate early phases.Its inventory reportedly includes 92 T-72B tanks, 123 BMP-3 infantry vehicles, Russian Msta-S artillery, Smerch and Grad rocket systems, and an estimated 6-10 flyable Su-30MK2 jets. Air defenses include the S-300VM, Buk-M2E and Pechora-2M.Venezuela's deepening ties
with Iran
, Russia and China continue to worry U.S. officials.Jorge Jraissati, president of the Economic Inclusion Group, said "numbers show only 20% of Venezuelans approve of this regime," warning that for more than a decade "there has been no respect for the will of the population" as Caracas aligns with "anti-Western regimes that destabilize the region." |
Congress faces holiday crunch as health care fix collides with shrinking calendar
Congress has been back after the week-plus Thanksgiving Day break. And days are slipping off the calendar as lawmakers struggle to assemble a plan to address health care or defray the cost of spiking premiums.The deadline is the end of the calendar year. But Fox is told that the insurance companies just need action by Jan. 15.Still, that doesn't give Congress much time to act. And, depending on the metric, the House is only scheduled to meet for nine days for the rest of 2025.
The Senate
is not as clear, but, unofficially, the Senate will only meet for nine more days as well.
GOP WRESTLES WITH OBAMACARE FIX AS TRUMP LOOMS OVER SUBSIDY FIGHT
The House
is scheduled to be in Tuesday through Friday. Then Dec. 15 through Dec. 19.The Senate meets Monday. But it's unclear if the Senate would meet Friday.The Senate also meets Dec. 15 through at least Dec. 18. But anything beyond that is a little sketchy.
CONGRESS RACES AGAINST 3-WEEK DEADLINE TO TACKLE MASSIVE YEAR-END LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
However, this is where things get interesting.The House originally was not scheduled to meet Dec. 19. But that date was added to the schedule a few weeks ago.Some would interpret that added date as "code" for the possibility that the House may need to be in town the weekend of Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, and perhaps beyond. There is a possibility that the House could add days to the calendar around that period because Christmas Day isn't until that Thursday.
DEMS PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS TO KEEP OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES FIGHT ALIVE AFTER VOTE TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT
So, in theory, the House has a few extra days at its disposal to address issues before Dec.25. It would be a different matter if Christmas itself fell on say a Monday or Tuesday. So let me fillet the meaning of this.House Republicans are aiming to
release a health care
plan in the coming days. But developing a coalition to support such a package - without bipartisan support and full-throated support from President
Donald Trump
- likely stymies any health care package.
CONGRESS MELTS DOWN: MEMBERS UNLEASH PERSONAL ATTACKS AFTER WEEKS OF SHUTDOWN DRAMA
Keep in mind, Republicans have talked about an alternative plan to Obamacare since 2009, but have never passed anything. So, it's truly hard to believe they can pass anything in the next 26 days.The Senate is expected to take votes related to competing health care plans late next week. The GOP offering is still unclear.Senate Democrats just unveiled a
three-year extension of
the current
Obamacare subsidies
. Any bill needs 60 yeas. So expect the Democrats' plan to die immediately.
OBAMACARE STICKER SHOCK: THREE FACTORS PUSHING PREMIUMS TO RECORD HIGHS
Frankly, it's likely that the failure of both plans in the Senate makes everyone get serious. Often in the Senate, something must first fail until the sides get serious about a compromise and begin to hustle.That takes us back to the calendar.Thus, with the deadline of skyrocketing health care premiums, it's possible that Congress races up to and/or through the holidays to pass some sort of a
health care fix
before the end of 2025. That's why that weekend and days between Dec. 20 and Dec. 23, which are not on the congressional calendar, could be prime targets for Congress to work to pass something.
HOUSE GOP SPLITS OVER OBAMACARE FIX AS COSTS POISED TO SPIKE FOR MILLIONS
That's to say nothing of Congress returning after Christmas and trying to approve something before or around the New Year. Both bodies are technically slated to return to session Jan. 5.And don't forget, that the Senate passed its version of the
original Obamacare plan
just after dawn on Christmas Eve morning, 2009.
BIPARTISAN DEAL ON OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES FADES AS REPUBLICANS PUSH HSA PLAN
Also lurking in the background:
spending bills to fund the government
.Government funding expires at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 30.
Nine of the 12 annual
spending bills for Fiscal Year 2026 remain unfinished. The House expects to tackle a few bills before the end of the year.But if Congress fails to address anything on health care before the end of January, the probability of
another government shutdown
increases exponentially.So, I bid you "tidings of comfort and joy." |
Florida college student who allegedly shipped 1,500 rounds of ammo to dorm had AR-15 under bed
A
Florida college student
who allegedly ordered 1,500 rounds of ammunition to his dorm room also had a semi-automatic rifle under his bed, according to authorities.Constantine Demetriades, a 21-year-old senior at Rollins College, was arrested by Winter Park police on Wednesday and charged with possession of a weapon on school property after the ammunition order was reported to police by the school's assistant campus safety director, according to an arrest affidavit, WKMG reported.After the purchase was flagged, the assistant safety director searched Demetriades' dorm and allegedly discovered an unloaded AR-15 under his bed inside an unsecured black carrying case with one loaded magazine and five empty magazines, as well as a tactical vest, knives, a black security vest and ear protection.
FLORIDA OFFICER SHOT IN FACE DURING SERVICE CALL TIED TO MENTAL HEALTH DISPUTE; SUSPECT KILLED
Demetriades, who said he likes to shoot as a hobby, told police he had the rifle on school property because he had recently returned from a Thanksgiving trip to
New Jersey
, where he said the guns were purchased and registered legally, according to the affidavit.He said he did not have ill intentions and that he usually stores the firearm at a friend's home off school property, the affidavit stated. He also said he only brought the gun to campus on one other occasion.While Florida allows open carry,
Rollins College
bans all weapons on campus. Demetriades allegedly said he is aware that weapons are not allowed on campus and that his New Jersey concealed carry permit does not apply in Florida.The college told WKMG that he is banned from campus until the situation is resolved, adding that an internal investigation has been opened.
FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED IN WEALTHY BEACH TOWN OVER ALLEGED TIKTOK SCHOOL-SHOOTING THREAT
"On Wednesday, the College received a report indicating a violation of our weapons policy," Rollins College said in a statement. "After receiving this information, we immediately initiated an investigation.""We quickly identified and contacted the student, who cooperated fully with College officials and local law enforcement as we investigated the matter further," the statement continued. "The student was arrested and is not permitted to be on campus while the College proceeds with the student conduct process."
Rollins College and the Winter Park Police Department did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
|
Republicans divided over whether to salvage Obamacare - or replace it - ahead of subsidy deadline
Republicans
across the board harbor deep frustrations with the rising costs of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. But while some lawmakers believe it's time to scrap the system, others fear a wholesale change may do more harm than good. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., said she struggles to imagine what that change would have to look like."I don't know that you can completely remove it," Hageman said. "We have to have stability and certainty in the market."
SCALISE ANNOUNCES GOP HEALTHCARE OVERHAUL COMING IN 'NEXT FEW WEEKS' AMID BATTLE OVER EXPIRING SUBSIDIES
Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, agrees with Hageman."It's not going away anytime soon. I think there are some parts of the Obamacare policies that are positive," Kennedy said.
"
I don't think people want to see [it] go away. But there are ways to reform this, and it's not just sending more money to insurance companies."On the other hand, lawmakers like Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., had a quick answer ready for whether Republicans should consider finding an alternative."Well, yeah! Obamacare is a failure," Fine said. "That much is very clear." "Borrowing money from your kids and grandkids to hide what something actually costs doesn't lower costs. That's just lying about what they are. I don't think we have a choice because if we stay on the Obamacare path, we will bankrupt the country." Amid other healthcare-related questions, the GOP's divisions over Obamacare come as Republicans consider whether to extend COVID-era emergency
Obamacare subsidies
or let the assistance expire at the end of the month.Republicans concerned about the country's fiscal picture hope the elimination of the federal assistance will help bring the country closer to its pre-COVID spending levels. Democrats, by contrast, worry that letting the subsidies expire
could leave
90% of the 24 million Obamacare enrollees with higher premiums overnight.
REPUBLICAN PITCHES HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS 'ON STEROIDS' THAT AMERICANS COULD USE TO BUY INSURANCE - AND STEAK
According to the Committee on a
Responsible Federal Budget
, a nonpartisan fiscal policy think tank, continuing the subsidies could cost upwards of $30 billion a year.As a part of those conversations, Republicans have explored how they can reform Obamacare to make it more affordable. To Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., the change
can't be marginal.
"I would say we can't be tinkering around the edges here. Like if we tinker, we're really not gonna fix this problem," Burlison said.In some ways, Burlison believes replacing Obamacare shouldn't be the focus of the GOP. By creating a better alternative, he believes Republicans can encourage policyholders to walk away from Obamacare voluntarily."I think we need to do a new option and introduce that. And honestly, I think that this option will be so great no one will want to be in Obamacare anymore," Burlison said.
SCHUMER UNVEILS DEMOCRATS' OBAMACARE FIX PLAN, LIKELY DEAD IN THE WATER
Other Republicans would like to explore more substantive reforms - perhaps even scrap the program - but are skeptical of large-scale change in the face of current political realities."The question is, can you pass it? Sixty votes in the Senate. Not gonna happen. That's just not realistic. So, let's talk about things we can pass," Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., said when asked about whether Republicans should be looking for an alternative.To advance most legislation, Senate Republicans need 60 votes. They hold just 53 seats in the chamber.Instead, McCormick believes Republicans can make changes that make the healthcare space more competitive to drive down costs - even if Obamacare remains in place. "The reason that you have a competitive market in non-insured products such as LASIK eye surgery, which now is about the same as it was 40 years ago, 50 years ago. Why? Because it's competitive. Even despite all the inflationary costs to everything else, it didn't increase. Because we have better competition, because it's not paid for by insurance," McCormick said. "When insurance gets involved, when government gets involved, it becomes more expensive by design," McCormick said. |
Idaho bar owner faces death threats after viral promo offering free beer for assisting ICE
Idaho bar owner Mark Fitzpatrick said his saloon has been flooded with both praise and outrage after a promotion offering "free beer" to anyone who helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and
deport an illegal immigrant
went viral.The Old State Saloon's promotion, which was posted Nov. 29 on X, was viewed nearly 8 million times. The
Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) also reposted it, generating both excitement and online attacks, including threats to burn down the business and kill its outspoken owner."At Old State Saloon, we really aren't strangers to speaking out boldly about conservative Christian values and truth and putting the truth out there," Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital, adding that speaking in a world with "deception" and "evil" causes people to get "really upset.
"
Fitzpatrick said his bar's first controversial promotion came in 2024 when he launched "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month," featuring discounts and free beer for heterosexual men, women and couples throughout June in response to Pride Month.
DHS WARNS OF 'UNPRECEDENTED VIOLENCE' AS DEATH THREATS AGAINST ICE OFFICERS SOAR 8,000%
The saloon owner said his latest idea was inspired by four years of former President
Joe Biden's
immigration policies
,
describing them as a "complete disaster" that incentivized "some of the worst of the worst people in the world to come into this country
."
While his promotion was meant to promote the efforts of law enforcement and ICE, Fitzpatrick said it was quickly attacked online, and the saloon has posted several social media exchanges this week with individuals strongly disagreeing with its conservative ideology.
"
What liberals want to do is they attack you," he said. "They go on attack and they start calling you names.
"
DHS FIRES BACK AFTER DEM LAWMAKER CLAIMS SHE WAS 'PUSHED ASIDE AND PEPPER SPRAYED' DURING ICE RAID
Fitzpatrick said his family has been threatened, and he has received "disgusting" messages and voicemails, including
threats to torch his saloon.
"People are just outright saying I should die for this," he said.
"
It's really, really despicable.
"
Fitzpatrick urged anyone dismissing his promotion to visit his bar, asserting that "if any of those liberals actually came in and were willing to talk," they would meet someone who "would sit down with them and talk and listen to what they have to say."
ICE PROTESTER WHO IDENTIFIED AS 'BIN LADEN' FACES CHARGES OVER ALLEGED SEXUALLY EXPLICIT THREATS TO AGENTS
Fitzpatrick remains unfazed, saying the negative comments only make him want to "double down." His saloon has also continued to offer new promotions throughout the month, including "Manly American Monday," where men who support ICE get a
free beer
just for walking through the door.The bar also offers free beer on Tuesdays to ladies who "tattle" on illegal immigrants by calling ICE, along with a Wednesday special shaving 10% of the bill for heterosexual couples.
"
The way I look at it is they're kind of disclosing like their wickedness right to us in public and showing us who they are," Fitzpatrick said in reference to the online attacks and threats he's received.
NOEM TOUTS 200,000 ICE AGENT APPLICATIONS AS AGENCY RAMPS UP DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL MIGRANTS
Fitzpatrick has also received "overwhelming support," including encouraging mail and cards, amid the negativity and threats."At my saloon when I'm there after a long day of dealing with just wickedness and all the calls and everything else, people are there and they're there just to come in and meet me and support me and encourage me," he said.Fitzpatrick does not expect many patrons to claim their freebie, but he did say that Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee in Idaho, claimed his after he provided evidence that he helped ICE make an arrest.Fitzpatrick added that the promotion is "not really about beers."
"
I think the way it's working is it's drawing attention to the issue and conversations are happening," he said. |
Duke upsets Virginia in overtime to claim ACC title, possibly shaking up CFP picture
Duke sent the
College Football Playoff
picture into uncertainty with a stunning overtime win on Saturday.The
Blue Devils
secured their first outright ACC championship title since 1962 with a 27-20 victory over Virginia.Duke quarterback Darian Mensah connected with tight end Jeremiah Hasley for a 1-yard touchdown on a fourth-down play in overtime, in what would be the deciding score.
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Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris was intercepted by Duke's Luke Mergott on the Cavaliers' first offensive play of overtime.Duke last won a share of the ACC regular season title in 1989, sharing it with Virginia in Steve Spurrier's final season as the Blue Devils' coach. The conference championship game was created in 2005, and Duke got there this year thanks to a five-team tiebreaker.
NOTRE DAME'S MARCUS FREEMAN MAKES CASE FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
Virginia, the ACC regular season champion, would have reached the CFP for the first time in school history with a victory. While Duke is still unlikely to make the playoff field, the win opens the door for a second Group of Five team - likely James Madison - to sneak in.JMU alums Ben Overby and James Turner were even at the game to support Duke."Nothing against UVA," Turner said excitedly, "but we're just here to support Duke."ACC commissioner Jim Phillips argued this week that his league deserved two bids: one for No. 12 Miami as the league's highest-ranked team, the other for the Duke-Virginia winner as the league's champion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Indiana wins first outright Big 10 football title since 1945 after Ohio State flubs short field goal try
Indiana hung on to win the Big 10 title 13-10 on Saturday after
Ohio State
kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 27-yard field goal in the final minutes. The victory marks the Hoosiers' first outright conference championship since 1945, after a shared win in 1967.The Hoosiers were four-point underdogs going into the game against the defending national champions, with the
top seed in the College Football Playoff
on the line. Now, before the playoffs even start, Indiana has arguably clinched its most successful season in the modern era."I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position, but by the glory of God, the great coaches, the great teammates, everybody around us, we were able to pull this off," Indiana quarterback Fernandeo Mendoza told Fox Sports after the game.
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Mendoza passed for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception to help pull off the win.Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker, who caught six passes for 126 yards, also said, "all glory to God," to Fox Sports after the win.
NOTRE DAME'S MARCUS FREEMAN MAKES CASE FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
"The Hoosiers are real, and we're here," Becker said.Indiana, now 13-0, will now look to win its first national championship in the college football playoff, as their statement win over Ohio State should all but ensure the No. 1 seed when the tournament begins. Meanwhile, Ohio State is still likely to get a first-round bye despite the loss.
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Judge rules evidence linked to James Comey's ally is off limits to DOJ
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that certain evidence linked to an ally of former FBI Director
James Comey
is temporarily off limits to the Justice Department in its efforts to renew a prosecution of the ex-director following the dismissed criminal case.U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said the DOJ may not use information pertaining to Daniel Richman."Upon consideration of Petitioner Daniel Richman's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, the relevant legal authority, and the entire present record, the Court concludes that Petitioner Richman is entitled to a narrow temporary restraining order to preserve the status quo while the Court evaluates his Motion for Return of Property and awaits full briefing and argument from the parties," the ruling reads.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS PURSUING NEW INDICTMENTS AGAINST JAMES COMEY, LETITIA JAMES: REPORT
The facts "weigh in favor of entering a prompt, temporary order to preserve the status quo now, before the Government has filed a response," it added.Richman, a law professor and former attorney for Comey, had filed a lawsuit arguing that prosecutors violated his Fourth Amendment rights by seizing material from his electronic devices during investigations in 2019 and 2020."Richman is likely to succeed on the merits of his claim that the government has violated his Fourth Amendment right... by retaining a complete copy of all files on his personal computer... and searching that image without a warrant," the judge wrote.Kollar-Kotelly
ordered the DOJ
to "identify, segregate, and secure" the materials from Richman's devices, bar their access without court approval and comply by noon on Monday.Prosecutors had relied on the files to indict Comey on charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress in connection with his 2020 testimony on FBI officials anonymously giving information to news outlets.The indictment accused Richman, previously a special FBI employee, of communicating with reporters about investigations into 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in that year's election loss to President
Donald Trump
.
TRUMP ADMIN VOWS TO MOVE QUICKLY ON COMEY CASE DESPITE SETBACKS: WHAT TO KNOW
Saturday's ruling remains in effect through Dec. 12 or until there is further court action.This comes as the DOJ weighs another indictment against Comey after the original case was dismissed last month when another judge found that the lead prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, had been unlawfully appointed.
Reuters contributed to this report.
|
Georgia eyes College Football Playoff first-round bye after dominating Alabama in SEC Championship
Georgia quarterback
Gunner Stockton got off to a much quicker start against Alabama in Saturday's SEC Championship than he did last week against in-state rival Georgia Tech. Stockton finished the Bulldogs' dominant 28-7 victory over the
Crimson Tide
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with three touchdowns to secure Georgia's spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).While winning the SEC title put Georgia (12-1) in position for a first-round playoff spot, Alabama (10-3) suffered its third loss of the year. The Tide are now in jeopardy of missing one of the coveted 12 CFB postseason spots.
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Head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia's win also put an end to Alabama's dominance in the schools' recent head-to-head matchups. The Tide had won each of the past four meetings in the SEC Championship Game, and Smart was a mere 1-7 overall against Alabama. Prior to Saturday, the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship marked Smart's lone victory against the neighboring state school.Smart has now coached Georgia to four conference titles.
TEXAS TECH DOMINATES BYU TO WIN FIRST-EVER BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP
The Crimson Tide were believed to be in good position when they moved up to the ninth spot in last week's
CFP rankings
, but the lopsided loss to the Bulldogs renewed concerns that Alabama could miss the playoff for the second consecutive season under head coach Kalen DeBoer.After the loss, DeBoer made his case for the ninth-ranked Crimson Tide not falling out of contention for the CFP."I think you look at the games that we played throughout the season, but if you're really looking at this game, I mean, it was a 14-point game with seven and a half minutes to go, and we had the ball," DeBoer said. "You look at things that didn't go well - we gave them four short fields. And again, I don't want to take anything away from what Georgia did. "The field position battle is part of it. But we gave them four short fields. I mean, that's a testament to our defense being resilient."Late in the first quarter, Daylen Everette's interception of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson's pass deflected by KJ Bolden gave the Bulldogs the ball near midfield. Stockton's 1-yard scoring pass to Dillon Bell gave Georgia a 14-0 lead.A block by London Humphreys helped Nate Frazier score easily on a 9-yard run to cap Georgia's first possession of the second half, extending the lead to three touchdowns.Alabama posted the biggest comeback in SEC Championship Game history when it beat Georgia 35-28 in 2018 after trailing by 14 points.The latest CFP rankings and first-round pairings will be released on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Kelsey Grammer calls Trump 'one of the greatest presidents we've ever had' at Kennedy Center Honors
Kelsey Grammer thinks President
Donald Trump
is "one of the greatest presidents we've ever had."Earlier Saturday, Trump awarded the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees with their medals in the Oval Office. After the ceremony, the State Department Kennedy Center Honors medal presentation dinner was held.This year's recipients are
Sylvester Stallone
, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford and the members of KISS.Speaking to Fox News Digital ahead of the dinner, Grammer, who was accompanied by his daughter Faith, called Trump "extraordinary."
ANDREA BOCELLI GIVES TRUMP IMPROMPTU OVAL OFFICE PERFORMANCE DURING WHITE HOUSE VISIT"
"I think he's extraordinary. He's one of the greatest presidents we've ever had. Maybe the greatest. There are some things he still wants to get done, and I think that's terrific, but there was a big hill to climb," Grammer said."And we were left with some very interesting things going on," he concluded.The "Cheers" star also touched on Stallone being honored during this year's ceremony and said he's "over the moon" about it."I was on the selection committee, so I knew about it," he added. "He's a force of nature. Sylvester Stallone has captured our imagination in several different roles and performed them beautifully."Grammer said it was "about time" that Stallone was honored.
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Strait spoke to Fox News Digital on the red carpet and said, "It's a great honor" to be recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors.During the Oval Office ceremony, Trump called the honorees "incredible people" who represent the "very best in American arts and culture.""I know most of them, and I've been a fan of all of them," Trump said, according to the Associated Press."This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans. This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled," Trump continued.
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During the ceremony, Trump appointed each honoree with a
newly designed medal
, donated and created by jeweler Tiffany & Co.It's a gold disc etched on one side with the Kennedy Center's image and signature rainbow colors. The honoree's name and the ceremony date appear on the reverse. The medallion hangs from a navy-blue ribbon, replacing the original large rainbow ribbon - adorned with three gold plates - that rested on the honoree's shoulders and chest and had been used since the first Honors program in 1978.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
|
Pearl Harbor survivor recalls attack he 'can't forget' ahead of 84th anniversary
Pearl Harbor survivor
Ken Schubring enlisted when he was just 17."Everything seemed to lean toward that being in the cards sooner rather than later," the 103-year-old told WANF-TV this week, days ahead of the anniversary of the 1941 attack. "So not much of a decision to be made."Schubring ended his guard duty on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, then went to eat."I went to eat breakfast after my duty and shortly before 8 a.m., an explosion shook our bunkers," he said at a Veterans Day ceremony at the National WWII Museum this year, according to Spirit America. "Everyone rushed outside."
AMERICA'S LAST SURVIVING WWII ACE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT DONALD MCPHERSON DIES AT 103 YEARS OLD
"The sky was full of airplanes, dive bombers," he continued. "I hit the deck, crawled to a ditch nearby... and stayed there until the first wave had finished."In another interview, Schubring told CBS News that despite his age, the attack was something he "can't forget."And as one of just 13 Pearl Harbor survivors remaining alive as the 84th anniversary of the assault approaches on Sunday, he's a rarity.
JAKE LARSON, WWII VETERAN TURNED TIKTOK'S 'PAPA JAKE,' DIES AT 102, GRANDDAUGHTER ANNOUNCES
His son, Ken Schubring Jr., told CBS he wants Americans to remember the "sacrifice" of those who experienced Pearl Harbor."I mean, the sacrifice that was given that day and then, subsequently years later, I mean, you can't put a price on that. You can't forget it," he said.Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn said it was a "pleasure" to help Schubring get to the WWII Museum ceremony last month."God bless the veterans who have served our country so courageously," she wrote on X last month. "It was a pleasure to help WWII Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Ken Schubring Sr. get to this ceremony so that he could be honored for all that he has sacrificed for our nation."After Pearl Harbor, Schubring became a flight engineer on B-29 bombers, flying missions in the Pacific."We'd fly straight over Iwo Jima or around it to our targets," he told WANF. "The bombings were individual bombings."Schubring still remembers where he was when he heard the
Japanese had surrendered
."About two hours into our return from a bombing raid over Osaka... the radio announced
Emperor Hirohito
had asked for an armistice," he told the station. "The war was over."Even after he left the military, Schubring continued to fight for justice, working for racial school integration in Athens, Georgia, where he was school board president."I remember getting called a lot of bad things, but my dad never wavered," his son told CBS of the at-the-time controversial policy. |
EXCLUSIVE: Trump-led Kennedy Center nearly doubles fundraising from Biden era, smashing record with $23M haul
EXCLUSIVE:
The
Kennedy Center Honors
has raised a record $23 million for its 48th annual celebration, nearly doubling the $12.7 million raised last year under President Joe Biden, as President
Donald Trump
begins his tenure as chairman of the Kennedy Center, Fox News Digital has learned.According to the Kennedy Center, the $23 million total marks the largest fundraising haul in the 48-year history of the Honors, which was launched in 1978 as the institution's highest recognition of lifetime artistic achievement.While Kennedy Center honorees have visited the Oval Office privately in past years, Trump on Saturday hosted the first official, on-camera ceremony recognizing the recipients inside the Oval Office, introducing each honoree ahead of Sunday night's gala.Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell told Fox News Digital that the center "nearly doubled last year's fundraising, reaching a historic $23 million," calling the Honors "one of our nation's highest celebrations of the performing arts." Trump's expanded role as chairman and his direct involvement in the weekend's events, officials say, have contributed to what they describe as "intense interest and momentum" around the program.
TRUMP TOUTS 2026 WORLD CUP DRAW SUCCESS, CLAIMS MASSIVE VIEWERSHIP
Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center's vice president of public relations, told Fox News Digital the new benchmark reflects unprecedented donor enthusiasm. "The record-breaking $23 million in contributions to the Kennedy Center Honors is a testament to the extraordinary support for our mission and affirms a vibrant future for this beloved American institution," she said.During Saturday evening's Oval Office ceremony, a first in Honors history, Trump personally introduced each of the 2025 honorees. "Great honor," he began. "And I'm delighted to welcome to the Oval Office... our truly exceptional 2025 Kennedy Center honorees." He went on to call the group "perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled."This year's recipients include
George Strait
, members of the rock band KISS - Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley (posthumous) - Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and
Sylvester Stallone
. Trump singled out each in turn, praising Strait as a "country music legend," Crawford as a "great star of Broadway," Gaynor as "the disco queen," Stallone as "one of the true great movie stars," and KISS as "the incredible rock band."
KENNEDY CENTER BOARD MEMBER SAYS FAMILIES ARE 'WELCOME' AGAIN AS GALA BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORDS
Trump also unveiled the Honors' new medallions, redesigned and donated by Tiffany & Co. "We will be presenting this year with the Kennedy Center Honors medallions, which will be designed this year with the help of the fantastic team at Tiffany and Company," he said.The new medallion features a gold disc etched with an image of the Kennedy Center, flanked by rainbow colors representing the breadth of art disciplines celebrated by the Honors. The reverse side includes each honoree's name in script above the date of the 2025 medallion ceremony, and the medallion hangs from a navy-blue ribbon "associated with dignity and tradition," according to the institution's description.The honorees will be formally recognized Sunday evening during a star-studded celebration at the Kennedy Center following a State Department reception, which Trump noted "was never done before" because "we never had a president hosting the awards before. This is the first."This year's class spans five decades of
American cultural achievement
. Strait, known as the "King of Country Music," holds more than 100 million RIAA certifications and remains the only artist to chart a Top 10 hit every year for more than 30 years. KISS has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and remains one of America's most enduring rock groups.Crawford is internationally known for originating the title role in "The Phantom of the Opera." Gaynor has achieved global stardom across five decades and is a two-time Grammy winner. Stallone, an Academy Award-nominated actor, writer and director, has shaped generations of filmgoers through the "Rocky" and "Rambo" franchises.
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO OPEN ALL OF ITS KENNEDY CENTER SHOWS WITH THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
The Kennedy Center itself, founded in 1971 as the national living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, hosts more than 2,000 performances each year. The Honors began in 1978 and have become a defining fixture of Washington's cultural calendar.Trump also highlighted ongoing renovations to the Kennedy Center building, which he said are being carried out "at a level that nobody's ever seen before," noting congressional funding for major upgrades - including improvements to acoustics. "The sound is so fantastic," he said. "If it's built with bad sound, you never get it fixed."The 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air Dec. 23 on CBS and will stream on Paramount+, with live access for premium subscribers and next-day streaming for essential subscribers.Officials say the weekend's events, from the FIFA World Cup draw to the Oval Office reception to Sunday's gala, reflect a new chapter for the institution as it enters its first full year under Trump's leadership and prepares for the next phase of renovations, programming and
donor expansion.
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Julia Roberts and Sean Penn weigh in on cancel culture, says shame is 'underrated' these days
Julia Roberts
and Sean Penn are weighing in on cancel culture in 2025.During an interview with
Variety
, Roberts and Penn discussed their illustrious careers and bringing "shame" back into the entertainment industry.While discussing Roberts's recent film,
"After the Hunt,"
the actress shared a pivotal moment for her when she was mingling with her cast mates and realized that "listening" is what's missing from culture in today's generation."Luca [Guadagnino] and Andrew [Garfield] and Ayo [Edebiri] and Chloë [Sevigny] came to our house and sat for days and days at our kitchen table, and we had all these conversations," Roberts began.
RICHARD GERE SAYS 'INTEGRAL' 'PRETTY WOMAN' SCENE WITH JULIA ROBERTS WAS IMPROVISED
"Really bright people do not jockey for their position. They share their ideas and their feelings and then they listen intently. It's the listening that I feel we've gotten the farthest from in culture, because conversations get so intense so quickly, and you're just waiting for that break so that you can say, 'OK, but this is why I'm right. This is why what I believe is better,'" she continued.
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"It was so nice to have the time and to be with truly bright people, and hearing what everybody had to say. We didn't necessarily tell all our characters' secrets. But it was just a great playground of thought," Roberts concluded.
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rget=_new href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/robin-wright-admits-huge-regret-about-raising-kids-ex-husband-sean-penn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
Penn
chimed in, "'Not everything is supposed to make you comfortable' - I just wanted to go, 'Thank God somebody's saying this.'""We're in this time of a lot of talk therapy, a lot of what I'd call the trauma industry. I think shame is underrated these days," he continued. "It's got a bad name this decade. Why shouldn't people be ashamed of things? Hold on to it for a while and reenter with some more humility."Roberts replied, "Real humility." |
Trump backs Clemens' Hall of Fame bid, rejecting banned-substance allegations tied to MLB's steroid era
Roger Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards and pitched for
New York Yankees
teams that won back-to-back World Series titles. But Clemens' career was ultimately defined by baseball's steroid era.Clemens last pitched in a
Major League Baseball (MLB)
game in 2007 during his second stint with the Yankees. By 2008, he found himself embroiled in a federal investigation into the suspected use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) by several prominent major league players. Clemens testified before Congress that he did not take PEDs and was acquitted of the federal charge of lying to Congress. Clemens is now one of eight Baseball Hall of Fame nominees selected by the Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee. President Donald Trump has made it clear that he believes Clemens should be in Cooperstown.
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On the eve of the announcement of the newest list of inductees, Trump took to Truth Social to effectively reject accusations of Clemens' previous steroid use. "The only reason he is not (in the Hall of Fame) is because of rumors and innuendo, which were not proven,"
Trump wrote.
Trump also pointed to Clemens' nickname, "The Rocket," saying "he earned" the moniker "very early in his career because of his blazing fastball, was just as dominant before those erroneous allegations were leveled against him. I sincerely hope that the Committee uses its great judgment (Roger's opponents never proved a thing against him, and he may have the best pitching record, all told, in the History of Baseball!), and the Baseball Commissioner has the Strength, Wisdom, and Power to do the right thing, and put Roger Clemens in The Baseball Hall of Fame, IMMEDIATELY!"
ROGER CLEMENS THANKS TRUMP FOR BASEBALL HALL OF FAME SUPPORT, HITS BACK AT CRITICS
Neither the MLB commissioner's office nor the White House immediately responded to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.The
Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee
considers retired players whose eligibility to make it to Cooperstown via a majority vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) has expired. The writers' association is responsible for selecting recently retired players.Clemens' last chance to be listed on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot was in 2022; that year he received just over 65% of the vote. Players must receive at least 75% of the vote to become enshrined in Cooperstown.Power-hitting outfielder
Barry Bonds
, whose historic career was also tainted by accusations of PED use, is being considered this year by the committee. Bonds also avoided criminal charges in a steroid probe. He has previously stated he never knowingly used any banned substances.Clemens and Bonds were two of the high-profile names listed in the Mitchell Report in 2007. The report was authored by former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, D-Maine, who conducted a monthslong probe into the suspected use of human growth hormone and anabolic steroids.Trump has previously voiced support for Clemens' Hall of Fame hopes. After Trump wrote in a social media post that there was "no evidence" the retired pitcher was a steroid user, Clemens thanked the president for his support."I appreciate the love! DT knows more than anyone the fake news that's out there,"
Clemens wrote on X
in August. "Everyone has their agendas... I played the game to change my family's direction generationally and to WIN!"
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