Biden administration announces $988M in aid to Ukraine on same day Trump meets with Zelenskyy in Paris
The Biden administration on Saturday announced a $988 million aid package to Ukraine to ensure it "has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression." "This administration has made its choice. And so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. "But, from this library, from this podium, I am confident that President Reagan would have stood on the side of Ukraine, American security and human freedom." The aid package is provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and "will provide Ukraine with munitions for rocket systems and unmanned aerial systems," a release from the administration said. "This package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power." The announcement came as President-elect Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while at a ceremony commemorating the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday after a devastating fire there in 2019. ZELENSKYY FEARS DANGER IF UKRAINE LOSES UNITY, DEFEAT IF US CUTS FUNDS, 1,000 DAYS AFTER WAR BEGAN During the campaign, Trump and running mate JD Vance heavily criticized the Biden administration's support for Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion, and Trump said he would end the war before even entering office without offering further details. Vance also suggested earlier this year that the best way to end the war was for Ukraine to cede the land Russia has seized and for a demilitarized zone to be established, a proposal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flatly rejected. FLORIDA REP CALLS OUT DEMOCRATS FOR 'ESCALATING' CONFLICT IN UKRAINE Recently, Zelenskyy has said he is more open to negotiations in the war and has called for Ukraine to be allowed to join NATO. The Biden administration has committed to giving Ukraine as much aid as possible before Trump takes office in January. "In September, the president announced a surge in security assistance for Ukraine to put Ukrainian forces in the strongest possible position before he leaves office," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement Monday while announcing $725 million in aid to Ukraine. "Between now and mid-January, we will deliver hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets and other critical capabilities to help Ukraine defend its freedom and independence." Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "President Biden has committed to making sure that every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door between now and Jan. 20." Saturday's announcement marks the administration's 22nd aid package through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP This week, House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected a request by the administration for Congress to authorize $24 billion in additional funding."It is not the place of Joe Biden to make that decision now," Johnson said. "We have a newly elected president, and we're going to wait and take the new commander in chief's direction on all that. So, I don't expect any Ukraine funding to come up now."

Syrian dictator Bashar Assad flees into exile as Islamist rebels conquer country
JERUSALEM - Syrian dictator Bashar Assad , who used chemical weapons multiple times on his population, has fled Syria after rebels stormed the capital city of Damascus, according to Reuters .Assad, who was trained as an eye doctor in the United Kingdom before succeeding his father, and his British-born wife, Asma al-Assad, fled with their three children, according to Syrian television reports. It was not known where they were headed.Syria has been embroiled in a bloody, 13-year civil war as Islamist rebels looked to overthrow the Assad dynasty. The apparent collapse of more than 50 years of Assad family rule over the Syrian Arabian Republic would a monumental turning point in Middle East power politics. ISLAMIST REBELS IN SYRIA CATCH ASSAD, PUTIN, IRAN REGIMES OFF GUARD GIVING US NEW MIDEAST HEADACHE A coalition of largely radical Islamist groups dislodged Assad's Iran-backed regime. The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) , the Islamist former Al-Qaeda affiliate that is part of the rebel forces, played the decisive role in evicting Assad, who inherited his presidency in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez Assad.Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the Islamist leader of HTS, who has a $10 million bounty on his head from the U.S., seeks to present a toned-down version of the radical Islamism that has defined his years of fighting in Syria and in Iraq against American troops. Al-Golani was detained by the U.S. military in the first decade of this century.Syrian experts have told Fox News Digital that HTS seeks to impose a totalitarian Islamist regime on the population. Phillip Smyth, an expert on Iranian regime proxy groups and Syria, who is with the Atlantic Council, told Fox News Digital, "HTS is a group that is an outgrowth of Al-Qaeda and has connections to Turkey. Their endgame is to create a Talibanesque society with a few tweaks."Assad's decision in 2011 to launch a violent crackdown on pro-democracy Syrian activists during the Arab Spring revolts, which engulfed Egypt and Tunisia, resulted in the protracted civil war. Assad's scorched-earth policy against the citizens of his country caused the killing of over 500,000 people. The UN recently announced that it has stopped tracking the mounting death toll. TRUMP URGES US TO STAY OUT OF SYRIAN CIVIL WAR, BLAMING OBAMA FOR FAILURE AS ISLAMISTS CLOSE IN ON CAPITAL The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Egyptian and Jordanian officials urged Assad to flee Syria and form a government-in-exile. Jordan's government denied the report.In 2015, Assad's regime was teetering when Russia intervened to save the dictatorship. The U.S.-sanctioned Lebanese terrorist movement, Hezbollah, and its main sponsor, Iran, both threw their weight behind Assad's regime. The rebel forces who routed Assad's forces-with the swift capture of the major Syrian cities of Aleppo, Hamas, and Homs-jolted both Putin and Iran. Ukraine's resistance to Russia's invasion of its territory has weakened Moscow. Israel has inflicted a number of aerial attacks on Iran's military infrastructure since Tehran's ally, Hamas, launched a surprise attack against the Jewish state on October 7, 2023.The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2254 in 2015, which called for a cease-fire, UN-run elections and a new constitution. Assad rejected the resolution's implementation. After Assad launched a shocking mass chemical weapons strike on Syrian civilians in 2013, in which more than 1,400 people were killed, former President Obama's administration reneged on its promise to take military action against Assad. The origin of Assad's forced departure can be traced back to a group of schoolboys in the southwestern dusty city of Daraa- the cradle of the Syrian revolt -in 2011. The young boys used cans of graffiti to write on a concrete wall:"The people / want / to topple the regime!"Assad's cousin, Gen. Atef Najeeb, oversaw an operation that involved reported torture of the arrested 15 boys between the ages of 10 and 15. Syrian officials ripped the boy's fingernails out and burned and beat them.

Archie Manning reveals preferred NFL landing spot for grandson, Texas star Arch Manning
Arch Manning went through a closely followed recruiting process before deciding on Texas .The quarterback comes from a family synonymous with football. His uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning , and his grandfather Archie all spent their college football careers at Southeastern Conference schools before they made the leap to the NFL. Texas joined the SEC this year.Arch saw limited action during his freshman year at Texas. He played more this season with a stint as a starter in place of an injured Quinn Ewers. The 19-year-old Manning won't be eligible to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. But his grandfather appears to have already given some thought about where the Longhorns star could wind up should he make it to the professional ranks. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM While the former New Orleans Saints quarterback would like to see his grandson remain at the college level a couple more years, he prefers to watch Arch in a Dallas Cowboys uniform. GIANTS LEGEND VICTOR CRUZ POSES BIG ARCH MANNING QUESTION AS FRANCHISE GETS SET FOR QUARTERBACK SEARCH "Nobody's ever asked me that. Right off the bat, if somebody asked me, I'd say Cowboys," Manning said, smiling in a video posted to TikTok Dec. 6.Archie doesn't have direct control over what would transpire in a draft class featuring Arch, but he has wielded influence in the past. Eli Manning was drafted by the Chargers in 2004, but Archie and other members of the Manning family are believed to have cautioned the franchise against picking the quarterback. Eli was drafted by the Chargers and sent to the New York Giants via trade, a move many contended was a result of his family's wishes.The Cowboys have not advanced to a conference championship game since the 1995 season, but the franchise arguably remains the league's most high-profile team.Manning has thrown for 939 yards this season. He also threw nine touchdowns and two interceptions in his seven appearances for the Longhorns. He has also shown an ability to use his legs, rushing for 95 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground in 2024.Manning had one rushing attempt for five yards in Texas' 22-19 overtime loss to Georgia in the SEC championship in Atlanta Saturday. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Trevor Lawrence's teammate fined for attacking Azeez Al-Shaair after illegal hit
The NFL fined Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram for retaliation against the player who delivered a season-ending hit to quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Engram was fined $11,255 after attacking Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in retaliation for his hit on Lawrence in the second quarter of Sunday's game, according to NFL.com. Engram was the first Jaguars player to go after Al-Shaair after the hit, as players from both teams swarmed to the area of the hit. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "It was a dirty hit," Engram told reporters after the game. "In that moment, instinct was just, it didn't feel like a clean hit, so I had to go stand up for my quarterback. "I just knew it was wrong. It was a dirty play. You stood up for your guys. It's just how it goes."While Engram was fined, Al-Shaair was suspended three games without pay. The NFL has said the linebacker's involvement in the brawl played into the discipline. Lawrence sustained his second concussion in a year from the hit and was placed on injured reserve. The quarterback will undergo shoulder surgery for an injury he initially sustained in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. TREVOR LAWRENCE PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE, LIKELY ENDING HIS SEASON AFTER DANGEROUS HIT Lawrence posted on X Sunday night that he was "home and feeling better."After the game, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans criticized the Jaguars for "overreacting" after Al-Shaair's hit on Lawrence, suggesting the quarterback was at fault."It wasn't our guys. It's their team overreacted, pushed our guy, dragging our guy to the sideline. So, that's uncalled for on that side. We have to be better on the sidelines as well, with both teams," Ryans told reporters Sunday. "I think what can be done is just you have to look at all sides, and we don't have to overreact just because I think a guy gets hurt," he said. "We're not intentionally trying to hurt anyone. I think there is an overreaction when someone gets hurt, but we just have to look at it all from all perspectives."Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson defended his team for its reaction to the hit and called Ryans' response to the incident "surprising." "We're not out to hurt anybody. We're not out to ruin careers. We're out to win a football game and play hard within the rules. That's our job. That's how we coach it. That's how we play it," Pederson said. "If they're asking or suggesting we go after someone, we're not doing that. Flat out, we are not doing that. It's not how I coach. It's not how I'm going to coach these teams, these players. We're just going to go out and do our jobs. Play hard, play fast, play physical within the rules."Al-Shaair has issued an apology and insisted he didn't intend to hit Lawrence illegally. The linebacker has also spoken out against "racist and Islamophobic fans" in the aftermath of the public response to the incident. But after it was announced Al-Shaair's appeal of his three-game suspension was denied, he sent a message with a different tone Wednesday. Al-Shaair posted an Instagram photo collection with the cryptic caption, "IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN! SEE YOU SOON."The four photos he posted were of him entering the field, a pro-Palestinian cleat, a photo of Heath Ledger as The Joker and a quote that said, "There is a beauty in being rejected, misunderstood, unseen, and unprotected by people. It teaches you to rely on Allah for everything." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination: Retired FBI special agent details why alleged suspect name being withheld
A retired FBI special agent explained why authorities have not yet released the name of the suspected killer who gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Wednesday in New York City."Releasing the suspect's name prematurely could tip them off and compromise the NYPD and FBI's efforts during both the fugitive and criminal investigations," Jason Pack told Fox News Digital."For instance, if officers are closing in on the suspect, publicly outing his name could prompt him to flee, risking the chance of missing him at his current location."Pack told Fox News Digital Friday that within hours of a full-face photo being released of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing suspects, tips began pouring in to investigators. UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSINATION: CRIME EXPERT BREAKS DOWN QUESTIONS INVESTIGATORS ARE TRYING TO SOLVE "The suspect doesn't know for sure if law enforcement has identified him, leaving him to play a guessing game as he calculates his next move," Pack said. "Investigators must methodically build their case, ensuring every detail aligns with legal standards for probable cause. "While the public may have an insatiable curiosity, withholding the name - if they have it - gives investigators the upper hand. In time, the full story will come to light." Pack is a retired supervisory special agent who has navigated these issues as the on-scene FBI spokesman working jointly with federal, state and local law enforcement for several high-profile cases like this, including the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, among others.During an interview on "Fox News Live" Saturday, Fox News contributor and former D.C. homicide Det. Ted Williams echoed Pack, expressing optimism about the search for Thompson's killer. UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSINATION: HERE ARE THE BREADCRUMBS LEFT BEHIND BY A KILLER "I can tell you behind the scenes, I believe the walls are beginning to close in on this wannabe professional hitman," Williams told host Eric Shawn. "The FBI has now, as you stated, joined this search. And I think it's only a matter of time before they catch him. The picture that they have of him is now posted all over this country."Williams stressed that the FBI's involvement in the search will draw the investigation to a close sooner. DEEP DIVE INTO UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO'S PERSONAL LIFE WILL PLAY KEY ROLE IN INVESTIGATION: RETIRED NYPD OFFICER "New York's facial recognition technology is limited to New York . But now that the FBI is involved, now they can go into a national database," the former detective explained. "And that's going to be very meaningful and helpful to this investigation."Thompson, who was gunned down outside a New York City hotel just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, died less than 30 minutes later. Detectives are investigating a number of clues the suspect left behind, including a backpack, a water bottle, a phone and shell casings.Bloomberg reported that investigators found a jacket inside the backpack believed to be tied to the murder, not a gun. It is unconfirmed if the backpack was the same backpack the suspect wore during the murder, which was captured by a surveillance camera.NBC News also reported Saturday that Monopoly money was found inside the backpack."Killer playing games with the authorities. All part of a cat and mouse game. This killer knew that they would more likely than not find the backpack, and he is leaving breadcrumbs to let authorities know that he is in control, not them," Williams told Fox News Digital. New York City Mayor Eric Adams also confirmed that authorities are "closing in" on the suspect who killed Thompson as the manhunt reached its fourth day, the New York Post reported.During a Police Athletic League holiday party in Harlem Saturday, Adams told reporters "the net is tightening." The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward information about the murder suspect.Officers believe the murder suspect immediately biked into Central Park after the killing and discarded evidence. He is believed to have left New York City soon after Thompson's death. Fox News Digital's Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.

UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination: Police divers scour pond in Central Park near killer's suspected backpack
A New York Police Department dive team trawled a Central Park pond Saturday, searching for more leads in the manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassin. The divers were seen behind an area cordoned off with police tape beside Bethesda Fountain in a body of water known as the Lake near the park's boathouse.Near the bandshell and about 20 feet from one of the park's crowded walkways, crime scene tape still surrounded the spot where a backpack believed to belong to the shooter was found Friday. Police have yet to recover the weapon used in the shooting. A jacket and Monopoly money were found inside the backpack, MSNBC reported. Since the attack outside the Hilton Midtown at 6:46 a.m. Wednesday, details have come more clearly into focus. The assailant arrived in New York City on a bus from Atlanta Nov. 24 and stayed at an AYH Hostel on the Upper West Side. UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSINATION: HERE ARE THE BREADCRUMBS LEFT BEHIND BY A KILLER The day of the shooting, investigators already knew that the assassin fled through Central Park, getting there about four minutes after shooting Thompson. At 6:56 a.m., he exited the park again at 77th Street on the Upper West Side, according to a detailed timeline given by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny at a press conference Friday.He was spotted again on 86th Street, still on the bicycle, two minutes later. At 7:04 a.m., he was seen on foot, then getting into a taxi cab. Police believe he is no longer in New York City because footage showed the cab dropping him off at Port Authority bus station. But detectives could not find footage of him leaving again. The station serves routes that could have taken him to New Jersey, north toward Boston or south toward Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.The NYPD has been searching Central Park since Wednesday. "It's huge, and it's dense," former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro said of Central Park. "My question on that was if they used dogs [to find the backpack]."The NYPD first announced that $10,000 was being offered for information leading to the suspect's arrest and conviction. The FBI said late Friday it was offering up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination: Reports reveal contents of backpack linked to killer
The gray backpack linked to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , which authorities found dumped in Central Park, has reportedly yielded a jacket, and some Monopoly money, but no gun.The backpack, which was found in Central Park West on Friday, contained a jacket, according to Bloomberg. NBC News reported Saturday that Monopoly money was also found in the backpack.The new information came as authorities began to wrap up day four of the hunt for Thompson's assassin. The businessman was shot with a suppressed pistol at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON GUNNED DOWN ON NYC STREET Thompson was walking towards a Midtown hotel when the masked suspect opened fire from behind and then fled the scene. Police believe that the gunman left New York City on a bus the same day.Police have not officially confirmed that the newly-found backpack was the same one that the suspect wore during the murder, which was captured by a surveillance camera. FORMER NYPD INSPECTOR 'SKEPTICAL' UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO GUNMAN WAS PROFESSIONAL, ZEROES IN ON WEAPON OF CHOICE Retired FBI agent Scott Duffey told Fox News Digital it will be taken to a lab in Queens for forensic testing, where it will undergo trace evidence processing."[It's] a process for hair, fibers [and] DNA," Duffey explained Saturday. "If he holds his hand against the strap and tightens the buckle like most of us do, that is where DNA most likely can be found. And zippers."Investigators are also analyzing clues that the suspect left, such as a water bottle at the scene and a discarded cellphone. Bullet casings with the words "deny," "depose" and "delay," written on them were also found.Former Washington, D.C. homicide detective Ted Williams said the Monopoly money in backpack is the "killer playing games with the authorities. All part of a cat and mouse game," he said. "This killer knew they would more likely than not find the backpack, and he is leaving breadcrumbs to let [the] authorities know that he is in control, not them." Fox News Digital's Christina Coulter contributed to this report.

Syrian insurgents reach gates of Damascus, threatening decades-long Assad regime
Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country.The loss of Homs was a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus - the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base.The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies withdrew from the city, adding that rebels entered parts of it.The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture was a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. TRUMP URGES US TO STAY OUT OF SYRIAN CIVIL WAR, BLAMING OBAMA FOR FAILURE AS ISLAMISTS CLOSE IN ON CAPITAL The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus.The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army.The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war.The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition." Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels "sorry for the Syrian people."In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country.Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price."The situation is very strange. We are not used to that," the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions."People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not."It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution.Syria's state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus.He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes.U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Separately, President Joe Biden's national security adviser said the Biden administration had no intention of intervening there.Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation of a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015 and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections.Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria.In a statement, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis "that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians." They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people.Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added.A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the "final stage" of their offensive by encircling Damascus.HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a "salvation government" to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance.The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth-largest city.Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017.To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said.Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces.The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by "terrorists." The army said it was setting up a "strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area," apparently to defend Damascus from the south.The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011.The foreign ministers of Iran , Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels.Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. "Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people," he said.Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's "territorial integrity." He said the war could "damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency" to start a political process.

Georgia wins SEC in OT thriller over Texas despite Carson Beck's injury, earns bye in College Football Playoff
No Carson Beck ? No problem.The Georgia Bulldogs earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff by winning the SEC championship game over Texas, 22-19, in an overtime classic.Texas was held to a field goal on its first overtime possession, and Beck returned into the game on a first and goal because Gunner Stockton's helmet had come off on the previous play. Beck handed it off to Trevor Etienne, who waltzed into the end zone for the victory. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Georgia was in trouble in the first half, and then it seemed to all come crashing down when Beck injured his arm on the final play of the half. Kirby Smart said Beck would not return with the Bulldogs trailing 6-3.But Stockton's first drive was storybook. He marched Georgia 75 yards in 10 plays, and Etienne rushed in for a score. It was the first touchdown of the game, and the Bulldogs had their first lead. Texas then missed a field goal, and Georgia added another three points to take a 13-6 lead just before the beginning of the final quarter.Early in the fourth quarter, Quinn Ewers found DeAndre Moore on a quick slant, and Moore did the rest for a game-tying 41-yard touchdown. On the next drive, the Longhorns forced a three-and-out - or so they thought.Georgia went into its bag of tricks and ran a fake punt on fourth and 5 from its own end and converted. The Bulldogs parlayed that into a drive that lasted over nine minutes, nearly the amount of time they had the ball in the entire first half. And it ended with a field goal to put the Bulldogs up three with 4:32 to go. There was plenty of time for the Longhorns, but, on third down, Quinn Ewers threw an interception, giving Georgia the ball with 3:36 left inside Texas' 30-yard line. However, Stockton, on third and 13, returned the favor, giving Ewers an opportunity at redemption. The Longhorns got in field goal range, and Bert Auburn, who had missed two field goals earlier, tied it up to send the game into overtime.It was without a doubt Stockton's biggest game of his life. His previous seven appearances were mostly in blowouts and meaningless contests. His previous career high in passing attempts was 12. On Saturday, he threw the rock 16 times, completing 12 passes for 71 yards.It was just a week ago when the Bulldogs went eight overtimes against Georgia Tech. Although this one was shorter, it's definitely much sweeter for the Bulldogs.It was Texas' second loss of the season. It's first also came against Georgia Oct. 19 in Austin. It remains to be seen whether the Longhorns will have a home game in the first round of the playoff. However, they would have to drop at least seven spots for that to happen.There is a chance these two teams could face one another a third time - in the national championship. Follow Fox News Digital's rget=_new href="https://twitter.com/FoxNewsSports_" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> sports coverage on X , and subscribe to rget=_new href="https://www.foxnews.com/newsletters" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Seven arrested in alleged drug ring with ties to Rutgers University
Seven people were arrested and charged for their involvement with an alleged social media drug ring at Rutgers University, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office in New Jersey.On Thursday, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said the result of an extensive narcotics investigation, Operation RU Pharm, netted seven arrests. The investigation was conducted over several months, according to Ciccone, and uncovered a closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University students to buy and sell narcotics.The sting operation found an alumnus of Rutgers created a private social media network through which "narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community." INDIANA BEAUTY QUEEN ARRESTED IN MEXICAN CARTEL BUST THAT INCLUDED ONE OF FEDS' MOST WANTED FUGITIVES Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network, browse the "menus" and contact distributors to negotiate drug purchases. Investigators also seized a large amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, a large amount of U.S. currency and a gun. 'COWBOY CARTEL': MEXICAN DRUG LORDS' AMERICAN RACEHORSE RING HID DEADLY CRIME ENTERPRISE Former Rutgers student Anudeep Revuri, 23, was charged with one count of being a first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network.Joshua Duffy, 20, Zachary Petersen, 22, Catherine Tierney, 23, David Nudelman, 20, Donovin Williams, 22, and Noa Lisimachio, 21, were all charged with at least one count of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.Ciccone said the investigation is still active, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force at 732-745-3300.In 2020, another major drug trafficking ring was busted involving a college campus after fraternity members and students from the University of North Carolina and Duke University were caught funneling drugs into three college campuses.Federal law enforcement agents recently charged 21 people in the scheme after an investigation that began in November 2018. MAJOR DRUG RING BUSTED THAT FED POT, COCAINE TO 3 NORTH CAROLINA COLLEGES The illegal drug activity involved members of chapters of Phi Gamma Delta, Kappa Sigma and Beta Theta Pi fraternities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill between 2017 and the spring of 2020, according to court filings.The drug ring funneled more than a half ton of marijuana, several hundred kilograms of cocaine and significant quantities of other drugs into UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University and Appalachian State University, prosecutors said.Prosecutors said the total amount of money made through the trafficking scheme exceeded $1.5 million.Rutgers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Palantir's CEO warns the US is facing a 'legitimation crisis' as defense experts meet at Reagan forum
Politicians and industry leaders gathered at the 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday to address global threats and U.S. national defense in a time of transition. While the U.S. has numerous international threats to address, one key stakeholder warned America is facing a "legitimation crisis." Palantir CEO Dr. Alex Karp noted the incoming Trump administration has a "massive mandate" to correct this."What we have in this country is a legitimation crisis," Dr. Karp said during a panel at the Reagan National Defense Forum moderated by CNN's Abby Phillip."There is no one in this country, no expert, where they say something and the American people are going to say 'I 100% believe that's true.'" TRUMP, GOP COULD REPRISE RONALD REAGAN'S 'PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH' DEFENSE STRATEGY IN 2025 During the Reagan National Defense Forum, available to stream on Fox Nation, Dr. Karp argued the country has roughly six months to "cure" the crisis."The only thing that will cure a legitimacy crisis is measurement and that's where we are in this country and anything else is a platitude," the CEO said. "Because, honestly, and I tell this with great respect to experts: no one's listening. Everyone thinks you have an agenda... My favorite example of this are analysts on Wall Street. The whole methodology they have is just a way of telling you if they like you."Dr. Karp pointed to President-elect Donald Trump's new advisory body as a "crucial" element to restoring legitimacy and enabling the country to better address foreign threats. The Department of Government Efficiency [DOGE] will be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy."This is why I think the DOGE is...crucial ... We have to measure what it is being spent on. What is the output? Is the input less than the output? And then you have to explain, what is that output?"By tackling the country's "legitimation crisis," he said the incoming Trump administration can restore America's standing on the world stage."We need to stand up and those people need to be scared," Dr. Karp noted, referring to the U.S.'s foreign adversaries. VOTERS WANT MORE US INVOLVEMENT ON WORLD STAGE DESPITE ISOLATIONIST TALK, RONALD REAGAN INSTITUTE SURVEY FINDS "We cannot have parity. Our adversaries do not have our moral compunction if it's even. They will take advantage of our niceness, kindness, our desire to be at home in Nebraska or New Hampshire or wherever we live in our peaceful environments. And they need to wake up scared and go to bed scared."Dr. Karp, whose company builds the software that underpins much of the military's technology prowess, emphasized his "version" of service is to help make U.S. soldiers "happier" and leave the nation's enemies "scared.""My version of service is the soldiers are happier, the enemies are scared, and Americans go back to enjoying the fact that we're the only one with a real Tech scene in this country, and we're going to win everything." For more discussions on national defense and conversations on promoting policies to strengthen the U.S. military, join Fox Nation today to stream the 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum. CLICK HERE TO JOIN FOX NATION Fox Nation programs are viewable on-demand and from your mobile device app, but only for Fox Nation subscribers. Go to Fox Nation to start a free trial and watch the extensive library from your favorite Fox Nation personalities.

Tom Selleck hopes to work with 'Yellowstone' creator after 'Blue Bloods,' wants to 'sit on a horse again'
Tom Selleck is looking toward the future as his hit show "Blue Bloods" comes to an end after 14 seasons. During a new interview with Parade, the 79-year-old actor, who has played Commissioner Frank Reagan in the crime drama since 2010, revealed that he is not planning to retire anytime soon.Selleck shared that he hopes to make a return to the Western genre in a project led by "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan. . "A good Western's always on my list," Selleck said. "I miss that; I want to sit on a horse again."Selleck, who lives on a 63-acre ranch in Ventura, California, previously starred in six Westerns. TOM SELLECK RISKS LOSING CALIFORNIA RANCH WITH CANCELATION OF 'BLUE BLOODS' The actor first played a cowboy in the 1979 TV miniseries "The Sacketts," starring opposite Sam Elliott, Jeff Osterhage, and Glenn Ford. The show was based on two of famed Western fiction writer Louis L'Amour's books. The same year, Selleck teamed up with Jerry Reed in the TV movie "Concrete Cowboys."Selleck reunited with Elliott and Osterhage in 1982's "The Shadow Riders." In 1990, Selleck appeared in one of his best-known cowboy roles, starring as sharpshooter Matthew Quigley in the hit Australian Western "Quigley Down Under."During his interview with Parade, Selleck named Quigley as one of his favorite roles. "I'm very proud of 'Quigley Down Under,' which has passed the test of time and is still very, very popular," he said."That was a big Western and he was clearly an iconic hero," Selleck continued. "I don't mind saying I was a little anxious to play a part that maybe John Wayne could have done better."In 1997, Selleck returned to the genre in the TV movie "Last Stand at Saber River," which won the Western Heritage Awards Bronze Wrangler for television feature film. He went on to star in the TNT TV movie "Crossfire Trail," which was based on L'Amour's 1954 novel of the same name.Selleck's last cowboy role was in the 2003 television film "Monte Walsh," which was set in the final years of the Old West.While speaking with Parade, Selleck weighed in on the possibility of another on-screen reunion with Elliott, who starred in Sheridan's hit "Yellowstone" spin-off series "1883.""Sam was great in ['1883']," he said. "Sam's always great. We go way, way back. I love him dearly. I'd love to work with Sam."While Selleck quipped that offers for new acting roles aren't "pouring in," he added that "some people are thinking of me.""I don't know where my next job will take me," he said. "People ask, 'What do you want to do next?' I'm not sure. I don't want to do Frank Reagan II." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Selleck later shared his thoughts on starring in a potential "Blue Bloods" spin-off, saying "I'm open to suggestions because I love Frank Reagan, but nobody's really asked.""I don't see him retiring and going off somewhere," the actor added. "If he goes off to a small town, I'd rather do more 'Jesse Stone' movies."Selleck played police chief Jesse Stone in nine TV movies from 2005 to 2005. The films were based on Robert B. Parker's "Jesse Stone" novel series.During his interview with Parade, Selleck told the outlet that he wasn't aware of plans for another "Jesse Stone" movie but didn't rule out reprising the role in the future. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "It would be an interesting challenge because Jesse is older now," he said. "There've been quite a few years between shows. That doesn't mean he isn't a viable character. Everywhere I go one of the things I get asked is, "When can I see another 'Jesse Stone'?"Selleck admitted that coming to terms with the end of "Blue Bloods" has been difficult."The hardest part for me is we had the 'Blue Bloods' family and we had the actors' family," he said. "They're all my pals. I miss them. It's going to take a lot of getting used to."In an October interview with TV Insider , Selleck expressed his disappointment over "Blue Blood's" cancelation. CBS announced in May that the show's 14th season would be its last."I'm kind of frustrated. During those last eight shows, I haven't wanted to talk about an ending for 'Blue Bloods' but about it still being wildly successful," he said. The actor went on to note that "Blue Bloods" ranked number nine out of 100 in the Top 100 Shows of 2023-2024. "I'm not going to turn into a bitter old guy saying, 'Get off my lawn!'" said Selleck."I don't believe in holding grudges, but if you were to say to the television network, 'Here's a show you can program in the worst time slot you got, and it is going to guarantee you winning Friday night for the next 15 years,' it would be almost impossible to believe," he added.He continued, "My frustration is the show was always taken for granted because it performed from the get-go. So, how do I feel? It's going to take a long time to sort all of this out."The second half of "Blue Blood's" 14th season began airing in October and the final episode will be released on Dec. 13.

Adding laughter to your life can boost health and healing, experts say
Wonder why you feel better after a good laugh? There's reliable evidence that laughter improves various aspects of mental, emotional and physical health . If you're experiencing stress, pain or challenges to your immune system, finding ways to incorporate laughter into your daily life could be an effective remedy. DO WOMEN NEED MORE SLEEP THAN MEN? HERE'S WHAT EXPERTS THINK Health experts say humor and giggles can be good medicine - and that's no joke.Simple and actionable steps to add more smiles to your life can make a difference. "When considering lifestyle changes to improve health, people often overlook the benefits of laughter," Michael Richardson, M.D., a family physician with Carbon Health in Boston, told Fox News Digital. "Research shows that laughter can reduce stress, boost the immune system and even help alleviate pain ." As a primary care doctor, Richardson encourages patients to prioritize joy in their lives; he said laughter is an excellent way to do so. 'LAUGHTER THERAPY' IS SHOWN TO REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK IN BRAZILIAN STUDY: 'EXCITING TO SEE' "Just as you may set aside time each week for exercise, it may be worth scheduling moments of laughter in your daily or weekly routine," the doctor said. "Making this a regular habit could have a protective effect on overall health ."The body is receptive to laughter - here's how it works. There are two parts of the nervous system - the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, said Beth Oller, M.D., a family physician with Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kansas. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for fight-or-flight responses, "which are activated all too often in many of us, with all the things to worry about in our world today."Over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system can increase the risk of heart disease , cancer, obesity and other illnesses, Oller said."On the other hand, our parasympathetic nervous system is the one that calms our body down - and exercise, meditation, deep breathing and laughing can activate this system," the doctor continued. "Laughing decreases the stress hormone cortisol, which helps reverse the stress response ."Some early research has found that laughter decreases stress hormones, reduces artery inflammation and increases HDL, which is the "good cholesterol," said Oller. "Laughter has been associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease by increasing blood flow and oxygen intake," the doctor added. "Laughter promotes vasodilation, which leads to improved blood flow and enhances circulation." FATHER OF THE BRIDE FORGETS HIS OWN DAUGHTER IN WEDDING-DAY 'FUMBLE' It has also been shown that laughter can help alleviate pain by releasing endorphins, stimulating circulation and relaxing the muscles, Oller added.Laughing can even add years to your life , the expert noted: "It has been found that regular laughing is associated with reduced all-cause mortality."The psychological benefits of laughter have been researched for some time, according to Sara Brides, a licensed clinical social worker who treats patients at Novant Health Cancer Institute in Winston-Salem, North Carolina."Laughter can reduce stress," she told Fox News Digital. "Our brains can cope with stress; however, remaining in a stress response for prolonged periods of time is not healthy."When someone laughs - particularly when it's spontaneous or genuine laughter - endorphins are released, cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases, and dopamine and serotonin (the happy hormones) increase."Dopamine is associated with a sense of reward, pleasant sensations and motivation, and serotonin is associated with happiness, decreased depression and anxiety , and learning and motivation," Brides added. Lightheartedness and joy can also be a bridge to better social outreach."One way to increase spontaneous laughter is to intentionally spend time with those you enjoy and who naturally make you laugh," Brides said.A quick dose of humor is a good start, but consistent laughter could have the following long-term benefits, according to Mayo Clinic. Immune system boost Negative thoughts may manifest into chemical reactions that can affect the body by bringing on more stress, according to the Mayo Clinic, which means laughter could be a remedy for better health. Improved outlook Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations and to reach common ground with others, stated the same source. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Lighter mood Laughter can help lessen stress, depression and anxiety , and may make you feel happier by boosting your self-esteem, per Mayo Clinic. Like many things in life, humor is a skill, said physician Oller in Kansas - and to develop a skill, practice is key.She suggested surrounding yourself with people who are positive and make you laugh - or finding your own way to humor. "Simple ways include watching or reading something funny," the therapist said. "There is now even a practice called laughter yoga, focused on breathing and simulating laughter.""Watch shows that make you laugh, and don't be afraid to laugh out loud. Go to a funny movie or a comedy show," Oller suggested. "My favorite way to guarantee a lot of laughing out loud is playing funny board games with friends and family." For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health Brides, the therapist, also stressed the importance of finding ways to insert joy and laughter into life. "Laughter is free, lacks side effects, and has psychological and physical benefits ."

Congress eyes 14.5% pay hike for junior troops, limits on transgender treatment in $895B defense bill
Congressional leaders have agreed to terms for this year's defense policy bill , with nearly $900 billion in spending, new limits on transgender-related medical care and a significant raise for young U.S. service members.Roughly 1,800 pages detailing the new National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that outlines U.S. defense and national security priorities each fiscal year, were released Saturday evening.The bill details policy for $895.2 billion in federal spending. Speaker Mike Johnson , R-La., said the bill "refocuses our military on its core mission of defending America and its interests around the globe by supporting law enforcement operations and the deployment of the National Guard to the southwest border, expediting innovation and reducing the acquisition timeline for new weaponry, supporting our allies and strengthening our nuclear posture and missile defense programs." DOZENS OF PROMINENT VETERANS SIGN ONTO LETTER SUPPORTING 'OUTSTANDING' HEGSETH NOMINATION AMID CONTROVERSIES It includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, according to the Republican leader's office.Another provision says "medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18," referring to the transgender children of U.S. service members.The measure sparked backlash from the Human Rights Council, which called it an "attack" on military families."This cruel and hateful bill suddenly strips away access to medical care for families that members of our armed forces are counting on, and it could force service members to choose between staying in the military or providing health care for their children," HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement. TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS AS POTENTIAL DEFENSE SECRETARY REPLACEMENT IF HEGSETH FALTERS The bill also includes border security elements Republicans had previously pushed for, including a bipartisan initiative to create a Northern Border Mission Center under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).According to Johnson's office, it would also "fully support the deployment of National Guard at the southwest border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs."House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., touted the significant pay raise for junior troops. He also said the NDAA "puts our service members first by boosting compensation, improving housing, supporting the spouses of service members, increasing access to child care and ensuring access to medical care." Other provisions also place limits on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)-based recruitment and the teaching of critical race theory in military-run schools. GOP TENNESSEE AG REACTS TO ORAL ARGUMENTS IN SUPREME COURT TRANSGENDER RIGHTS CASE: 'FEEL REALLY GOOD' The House is expected to vote on the NDAA next week.The policy bill traditionally has passed with wide bipartisan support, save for some progressives and conservatives who are normally critical of the U.S. defense industrial complex.However, it's not immediately clear how many Democrats will be put off enough by its anti-DEI and anti-transgender medical care provisions to vote against the must-pass legislation.

8 great gifts for food and wine lovers this holiday season
It's the perfect time right now in early December to get some holiday shopping done. Gifts for loved ones, of course, can include those of the culinary kind. These gifts will be enjoyed and appreciated by the lucky recipients. Why not consider these eight very special food and drinks gifts for those in your inner circle? THESE FOOD GIFT BASKETS ALL AROUND $25 THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON Take a look at this list! For the chocolate aficionados in your life, wow them with a Chocolove gift box, handmade by master chocolatier Chef Patrick Peeters. Favorites include the Cozy Holiday Moments Chocolate Gift Box, with truffles in flavors like hot cocoa & marshmallow and apple cider, and the Peppermint Bark Assortment Gift Box.You really can't go wrong with any of the offerings if your loved one has a sweet tooth. For another sweet treat, how about a themed holiday gift jar from nostalgic classic, M&M's? The lucky recipients will think of you every time they pop a chocolate candy. AMERICAN-MADE PRODUCTS YOU CAN SHOP FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FOR LOVED ONES Plus, you can design your candies in the colors and with the text or image of your choice - to knock things out of the holiday park with customization.Dazzle the champagne sippers in your life this yuletide season with classy and colorful jeweled champagne flutes that are handblown to boot. Choose a set of two in the color of your choice - or, splurge on a set of five. You'd get one each of green, orange, brown, blue and pink (so you'll never confuse your glass with your sister-in-law's again). Home chefs will enjoy this cleverly designed eight-piece cooking set. It uses a modular system that makes storing, serving (you can remove handles and knobs!) and cooking a breeze. The eight-piece set includes an eight-inch saucepan, eight-inch fry pan, and 11-inch fry pan. It's available in three gorgeous colorways: Catalina Blue, Sequoia Green and Los Olivos Lavender.Soup is good for the soul, especially as temperatures dip and people want to cozy up on the couch for a holiday movie marathon.This delectable assortment of soups from Jane Foodie spotlights six of Jane's most beloved flavors, including butternut squash soup and Guinness beef stew , along with the company's mini loaves of either white bread or honey oat. HOT TRAVEL GIFTS FOR THE VACATIONER IN YOUR LIFE: TOP PICKS AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS Even better, it all gets packed in an eco-friendly bag that's gifting ready. (You can add a bow and/or colorful tissue paper if you're feeling ambitious.) Show off your state pride with these microwave- and oven-safe (to 450°F) dishes from Lark at Home that double as cheese platters.Each shaped dish is crafted to imitate the borders of the state of your choosing. For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle Each one also features a non-stick surface ( perfect for baking your signature Southwest quesadillas or Maine wild blueberry pie) and is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.For friends or family members who celebrate Hanukkah, consider this cookbook by Adeena Sussman, who previously wrote the fan favorite "Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Just make sure you reserve a seat at the table when your loved ones whip up fig and pomegranate brisket, Bubbe's extra-crispy potato kugel, and lemon black-sesame bundt cake!Hosts will appreciate this upmarket trio of extra virgin olive oil , balsamic vinegar and dirty martini juice.To round out the gift, show up at the holiday soirée with a freshly baked baguette from a local baker or your go-to bottle of gin or vodka so hosts can mix up a heck of a martini.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham sends clear message to playoff selection committee after winning Big 12
Arizona State dominated Iowa State in Saturday's Big 12 championship .The College Football Playoff selection committee will now be tasked with deciding whether the Sun Devils' strong performances to close out the regular season, coupled with the blowout win in the title game, should propel the team to one of the playoff's coveted top four spots.ASU was ranked five spots behind Boise State in the most recent playoff rankings entering college football's conference championship weekend. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Broncos entered Friday's Mountain West title game in the 10th slot in the playoff rankings, and some projections have Boise State at No. 4. The structure of the new 12-team playoff stipulates that the top four seeds win their conference championships. 'WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?' ACC, OTHERS WORRIED ABOUT CFP DOMINANCE OF BIG TEN, SEC If Boise State lands in a higher position than the Big 12 champion in the final playoff rankings, the Broncos would be the fourth-seeded team. Shortly after ASU won its first Big 12 title, head coach Kenny Dillingham touted the Sun Devils' 11-2 record and delivered a clear message to the selection committee. "Last year, they kept Florida State out because their quarterback didn't play. We're 11-1 with our quarterback. Eleven and one, and we're Big 12 champs. I think we should be treated like an 11-1 team," Dillingham argued.Dillingham was referencing the Florida State team that made it through the regular season with an unblemished record and won the 2023 ACC championship game. However, the selection committee factored in an injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis, and FSU fell to the fifth spot in that season's final playoff rankings.Several key players on the Seminoles' roster opted out of the Orange Bowl since it was not one of the semifinal games that year, which led to a lopsided loss to Georgia . ASU has not dropped a game since October when it fell 24-14 to Cincinnati. Quarterback Sam Leavitt did not play in that game. The Sun Devils' first loss of the season happened on the road in September when Texas Tech secured a 30-22 victory. The final playoff rankings of the season are scheduled to be released Sunday night. The top four seeds get a first-round bye. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Piers Morgan, Neil deGrasse Tyson battle over trans athletes, equality: 'Dug yourself into a slight hole'
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and show host Piers Morgan argued over trans athletes in a heated debate this week over the future of competitive sports . "What I see is sports is on the frontier of how to handle this frontier of people who are trans," Tyson said on " Piers Morgan Uncensored ." "It's on the frontier of how to resolve that. And I'm making this up now: imagine the future of sports does not distinguish sex, it distinguishes and sorts people by hormone ratios." Tyson recently spoke with comedian Bill Maher on his show to discuss the role of scientists in discussing the inclusion of trans athletes in men's and women's sports. SCHOOL DISTRICT MIRED IN TRANSGENDER ATHLETE CONTROVERSY TELLS CRITICS TO BLAME LAWMAKERS IN CA AND DC "I'm making this up, but imagine if that were the case," he said. "That would be interesting. You get a hormone test, you're in this range and then you compete against other people with the same range.""That's ridiculous. Neil, that is ridiculous," Morgan said."No, it's not! I'll tell you why it's not," Tyson said. HIGH SCHOOL FACING STUDENT UPRISING OVER BAN OF SHIRTS PROTESTING TRANS ATHLETES AFTER GIRLS BEG FOR SAFETY "I say this respectfully because I love you, but it just seems to me like you've dug yourself into a slight hole on this issue and you're trying to get out of it," Morgan said. "And now you're suggesting slightly mad cat theories, whereas the science, to me, is obvious. You've already given the best argument I've heard for why we separate the sexes.""You misquoted me in this very interview," Tyson said. Tyson argued that in competitive sports, men were on average faster and stronger than women. "Across the board that is the case," Tyson said. "There is no dispute there. That is just objective truth." "Now we have to ask: Why do we watch sports at all?" he continued. "We like the equality of the contest and not knowing who would win. That's what makes sports fun." "If there's a wave of trans women who dominate the sport against other women, all those sports will become less interesting based on how we all watch sports," Tyson said, suggesting that the inclusion of trans athletes in sports may require rethinking how athletes are matched up against each other.

Sabrina Carpenter's ex Barry Keoghan deactivates Instagram, asks for 'respect' amid cheating rumors
Not long after Barry Keoghan deactivated his Instagram account, the "Saltburn" actor rumored to have cheated on girlfriend Sabrina Carpenter took to social media to explain his decision and ask for respect. "I can only sit and take so much. My name has been dragged across the internet in ways I usually don't respond to," he wrote on X . "I have to respond now because it's gettin[g] to a place where there are too many lines being crossed. "I deactivated my account because I can no longer let this stuff distract from my family and my work. The messages I have received no person should ever have to read them. Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine. SABRINA CARPENTER PLAGUED BY CHEATING SCANDAL AS POP STAR MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE FOR FANS "Dragging my character and everything I worked extremely hard for and stand for," he continued. "Talking about how I was a heroine baby and how I grew up and dragging my dear mother into it also. Knocking on my grannie's door. Sitting outside my baby boy's house intimidating them. That's crossing a line."Each and every day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy," he concluded. "I want to provide opportunities for him to learn, fail and grow. I want him to be able to look up to his daddy, to have full trust in me and know I will have his back no matter what. I need you to remember he has to read ALL of this about his father when he is older. Please be respectful to all. Thank u x." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS A representative for Keoghan did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. On Thursday, Carpenter surprised fans at the premiere of her Netflix Christmas special as cheating rumors swirled about her relationship with Keoghan. The "Taste" singer appeared in good spirits while promoting "A Nonsense Christmas" despite chatter online that her relationship with Keoghan ended due to infidelity on the Oscar-nominated actor's part.Influencer Breckie Hill, who boasts 4.3 million followers on TikTok, fueled the infidelity rumors by reposting a video on the platform. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The video featured a post from gossip account DeuxMoi, which said, "On the closing night of her biggest tour to date in LA, he was busy getting very cozy at San Vincente Bungalows with a blonde, semi-famous LA-based influencer (who's particularly big on TikTok)."I snooped around a bit out of curiosity and apparently he and his pop star girlfriend called it quits very suddenly less than a week before her final shows in LA after she found out he had been chatting with said influencer behind her back for months in a not-innocent-at-all way."Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for both Carpenter and Keoghan for comment.An insider confirmed the two are taking a break after first sparking romance rumors in December 2023."They are both young and career-focused, so they've decided to take a break," the source told People magazine. Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck leaves SEC championship with injury
Carson Beck left the SEC title game Saturday after what coach Kirby Smart said was a hand injury.With one second left in the first half, Beck was looking to throw deep to try to get Georgia its first lead of the game. He got hit as he threw and appeared injured. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Beck was quickly tended to by trainers and coaches, and he was slow to get up. He jogged off the field on his own, but it was clear something wasn't right.Speaking with ESPN just as the half ended, Smart said the injury would likely not keep Beck out of the game. But Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered the game, and Smart then told ESPN at the start of the second half that Beck would not return. NICK SABAN GIVES STERN OPINION ON FLAG-PLANTING AFTER RIVALRY WEEK MELEES: 'UP TO EARS IN ELEPHANT S---' With Beck under center, it was not pretty for the Bulldogs, who managed just a field goal in the first half.On the bright side, Texas' offense, led by Quinn Ewers , didn't fare much better. The Longhorns converted two field goals for a 6-3 lead at half.With a loss, it would be the first time Georgia will have lost three games in a season since 2018. This year marked the first time the Bulldogs had lost to any team other than Alabama since 2020, when they lost to Ole Miss in Oxford.Beck is expected to be an early selection in the NFL Draft in April. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination: Crime expert breaks down questions investigators are trying to solve
As the search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killer enters a fourth day, detectives across the country are working overtime to gather information that will bring the suspect to justice.Thompson, who was shot outside a New York City hotel just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, died less than 30 minutes later. Detectives are investigating a number of clues the suspect left behind, including a backpack, a water bottle, a phone and shell casings. Philip Holloway, an attorney and legal analyst with a background in law enforcement, broke down what New York and federal investigators might be thinking during an interview with Fox News Digital Saturday.Though national media coverage has been focused on the search for the suspect, who is believed to have left New York, Holloway posited that the gunman may not have acted alone. SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON GUNNED DOWN ON NYC STREET "Obviously, if the killer had any assistance before, during or after the murder, law enforcement would want to build a solid case against any such accomplice," the former police officer explained. "If they are looking at anybody like that, they don't want to alert them of that fact."The bigger question is how does someone know exactly what time he's going to be walking out the door at 6:45 a.m.?" FORMER NYPD INSPECTOR 'SKEPTICAL' UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO GUNMAN WAS PROFESSIONAL, ZEROES IN ON WEAPON OF CHOICE Holloway, a frequent Fox News Channel guest, also addressed speculation about whether police have the suspect's name. During a press conference Saturday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams seemed to imply authorities may know the gunman's identity."We don't want to release that now," Adams said. "If we do, we are basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking, and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all."Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask," the mayor added. "We revealed his face. We're going to reveal who he is, and we're going to bring him to justice."Holloway told Fox News Digital the intent was to protect the investigation."The only reason to withhold the name of the suspect, assuming the name is known - and I suspect the name is, in fact, known - is to protect some ongoing aspect of the investigation," Holloway said. "And, to that point, the thing that makes the most logical sense is that the authorities are looking at whether or not any other person(s) may be involved."Though Holloway is not involved in the investigation, he told Fox News Digital he's "about 90% sure" that one or two other suspects were involved in the murder.But he also emphasized that anything is possible this early in the investigation."When all we have is bits and pieces of the puzzle, the imagination tries to fill in the gaps," Holloway said. "At this point, almost anything is plausible. We will have a clearer picture in the hours and days ahead."

Texas native Amber Glenn wins biggest US women's figure skating title in 14 years, beating Japan's stars
America's 14-year drought of women's figure skating Grand Prix champions ended Saturday when Amber Glenn overcame elite Japanese opponents to take first place. Glenn won the first women's singles final gold medal for the U.S. since 2010. She held off Japan's Mone Chiba, Hana Yoshida, Kaori Sakamoto, Rino Matsuike and Wakaba Higuchi, who finished second through sixth in that order. Glenn's victory came by a margin of just 0.69 points over Chiba. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM At 25, the Texan is the oldest Grand Prix Final winner since Russia's Irina Slutskaya won her fourth and final title in December 2004 at 26. It sets Glenn up as a top contender at the world championships in Boston March 23-30, less than a year out from the 2026 Olympics.There was a time in Glenn's career when it appeared she would achieve a feat like this much sooner. In 2014, she won the U.S. junior championships. But she stepped away from skating in 2015 over issues with depression. She returned later that year but had one of the worst performances of her career with a sixth-place finish at the 2015 Autumn Classic International. She has since called the experience "a disaster," according to The Washington Post. BOISE STATE WINS MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP AS FIRST EXPANDED CFP BRACKET BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE She took another leave from the sport after that and has since revealed that, during that time, she was told by doctors to leave the sport "indefinitely." But she returned to training in early 2016. Glenn never quite lived up to her 2014 junior championship form in senior level competitions after that. In December 2019, Glenn announced she was pansexual, meaning she's romantically attracted to people regardless of gender."The fear of not being accepted is a huge struggle for me," she told Dallas Voice. "Being perceived as 'just a phase' or 'indecisive' is a common thing for bisexual/pansexual women. I don't want to shove my sexuality in people's faces, but I also don't want to hide who I am."Glenn cited the North Texas-based ice skating team of Ashley Cain-Gribble and her queer partner Timothy LeDuc as "role models" in her accepting her sexuality, according to Dallas Voice. In an interview with Team USA in 2021, Glenn said her experience growing up as a figure skater introduced her to gay stereotypes. She later said she developed "crushes" on female skaters. "Growing up in figure skating, the stereotype was always that the men were gay," Glenn said. "At 16, when my friends and training mates were starting to look at the opposite sex, I was crushing on both males and females."Glenn has only been known to have a romantic relationship with men's figure skater Nathan Chen. The two dated in 2016, expressing their affection through Instagram posts. "My love for you formed gradually. Your personality, your voice, your hair, your eyes, your humor, everything. You're the one person I need to talk to when I'm having a bad day, the one person I can rely on to not judge me. You're my rock, my best friend, and the most amazing boyfriend I could ask for," she wrote to Chen in an Instagram post. Their relationship is believed to have ended in 2017, and she came out as pansexual two years after that. Glenn said that she was afraid being openly pansexual "would affect her scores" in an interview with NBC Sports in January. "When I came out initially, I was terrified. I was scared it would affect my scores or something," she told the ouglet. It didn't affect her scores enough to keep her from winning a historic medal Saturday. Glenn is now in position to make her first Winter Olympics team. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Trump, Prince William sit down for meeting in Paris after Notre Dame ceremony
President-elect Trump and Prince William shook hands at the re-opening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday, and afterward held a sit-down meeting at the British Embassy ahead of Trump's inauguration. Trump and William also separately met with world leaders at Notre Dame, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. William was seen shaking hands and speaking with first lady Jill Biden, who represented the United States at the ceremony in place of President Biden. Prince William was asked to represent Britain at the event and after the ceremony, he and Trump reconvened at the British Embassy in Paris to discuss the "special relationship" between the U.K. and the U.S. SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO TRUMP 'DOMINATING WORLD LEADERS' WITH MACRON HANDSHAKE DURING MEETING IN FRANCE Fox News Digital has reached out to Kensington Palace and the Trump transition team for comment. The meeting was the pair's first since Trump won the election. They last met during his first term in 2019 when Trump made a state visit to the U.K. William also met with President Biden in 2022, while he was there for his Earthshot Prize. Trump also met with then-Prince Charles in 2019 and Clarence House said at the time that the two have a "good working relationship." TRUMP MEETS WITH MACRON, ZELENSKYY AHEAD OF THE NOTRE DAME REOPENING CEREMONY IN PARIS Trump told ITV in 2019 that he was supposed to meet with Charles for 15 minutes during his state visit, but they ended up talking for over an hour about the environment. "He is really into climate change, and I think that's great. I mean, I want that. I like that," Trump told ITV in 2019. "What he really wants, and what he really feels warmly about, is the future. He wants to make sure future generations have climate that is good climate, as opposed to a disaster. And I agree."King Charles also contacted Trump last summer via a letter after his assassination attempt. The president-elect also met with the late Queen Elizabeth during the 2019 visit. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Notre Dame has been under renovation since a devastating fire damaged the nearly 900-year-old cathedral, probably the most famous in Paris, in 2019.

Daniel Penny 'overcharged' by prosecution in 'patently unfair' move, attorney argues: 'Miscarriage of justice'
Attorney Brian Claypool accused the prosecution of intentionally "overcharging" Marine veteran Daniel Penny in the Jordan Neely subway chokehold case, knowing the move would boil down to the jury weighing on the "easier-to-prove" lesser charge. The judge in the high-profile case granted the prosecution's motion to dismiss the top charge of second-degree manslaughter before the jury broke for the weekend , leaving them to weigh the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide when court deliberations resume on Monday.Jurors failed to reach a unanimous agreement twice, prompting the dismissal."I thought when this case started that this prosecutor overcharged Daniel Penny. This never was a second-degree manslaughter case; that requires Penny to intend to harm Jordan Neely. That requires proof that Penny knew and had reasonable belief to know that Jordan Neely was going to die because of this chokehold and still did it," Claypool said."There's no facts to support that, so these prosecutors overcharged, knowing they'd never get a conviction on second-degree manslaughter, and then got what they wanted. Then they get the judge to say, 'Well, you can't agree on that one, but let's go to the lesser charge, which is easier to prove.' What that does is it induces jurors to throw up their arms after they've been deliberating three or four days and say, 'OK, let's just get them on the lesser charge,' so it's patently unfair, and that's a miscarriage of justice." LEAD DANIEL PENNY PROSECUTOR SECURED LIGHT SENTENCE FOR THUG WHO KILLED 87-YEAR-OLD IN ATM ROBBERY Penny's defense said in a statement Friday that it is "cautiously optimistic" that the remaining count will be dismissed by the jury on Monday, allowing the "nightmare" to be put behind Penny. DANIEL PENNY TRIAL: MEET THE JURORS WHO WILL DECIDE MARINE VETERAN'S FATE IN SUBWAY CHOKEHOLD CASE "...[This would] allow us to focus on the civil lawsuit, filed two days ago, for the same allegations contained in the criminal indictment," the statement continued.Penny is accused of using a chokehold against 30-year-old Neely that resulted in his death after Neely told passengers aboard a New York City subway that someone was going to "die today" and that he didn't care about going to prison for life.

George Pickens fined over $20,000 after criticisms about behavior from head coach: report
George Pickens ' on-field actions have hit his pockets once again.The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was reportedly fined for the fourth time this season, and his latest penalty is his most costly yet.Pickens reportedly was fined $20,462 for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, one of which included a finger gun after a long reception. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM He was also fined three times last year - his previous six penalties stem from a blindside block, two taunts, displaying a personal message and two excessive facemasks.The fine comes amid criticisms by his own head coach, Mike Tomlin, who recently said Pickens needs to "grow up in a hurry." "This is an emotional game, man. These divisional games are big. He got a target on his back, because he's George, he understands that. But he's got to grow up. He's got to grow up in a hurry," Tomlin told reporters after Sunday's game. KYLIE KELCE SAYS SHE SEES HUSBAND JASON 'LESS NOW IN RETIREMENT' THAN DURING HIS PLAYING DAYS Pickens' conduct has been under the microscope this season. He got into a fight with Cleveland Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II in their Thursday night match last month. He was also accused of taking plays off earlier this season.Pickens' exchange with reporters the day after Thanksgiving also raised some eyebrows. While talking to reporters, Pickens channeled former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch's viral moment from the 2015 Super Bowl media day.The 23-year-old has 55 receptions for 850 yards and three touchdowns this season.The NFL began to crack down on gun-like celebrations this season. There have now been 21 fines due to obscene gestures this season. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's rget=_new href="https://twitter.com/FoxNewsSports_" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> sports coverage on X , and subscribe to rget=_new href="https://www.foxnews.com/newsletters" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

NFL closes probe of latest Deshaun Watson sexual assault allegations without discipline
The NFL's investigation into sexual assault allegations against Deshaun Watson has concluded. After spending the past several months reviewing the case, the league has ended the probe. An NFL spokesperson cited a lack of sufficient evidence while explaining the decision to shut down the investigation."The matter is closed," league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press. "There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Watson will not face punishment from the league. Since his arrival in Cleveland , the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback has mostly struggled when he has been healthy enough to take the field.He has played in only 19 games over three seasons due to suspension and injuries. ESPN STAR CALLS BROWNS' DESHAUN WATSON 'ALBATROSS,' WONDERS HOW TEAM WOULD'VE FARED WITHOUT HIM He is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row after he sustained an Achilles tendon tear in October. The 29-year-old quarterback continues to rehab the injury in hopes of returning next season.Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022. In September, a woman accused him of a sexual assault in Texas. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement.Watson denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin.The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired.Watson was acquired by the Browns, who were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Houston Texans .Watson's future with the Browns remains uncertain.His massive contract - and its salary cap ramifications - has put the Browns in a bind in terms of improving their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team releases him.The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson's backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over. The Steelers host the Browns Sunday. Cleveland upset Pittsburgh in Week 12 in a snowy AFC North tilt. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

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