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Lawmakers attempt to tackle NIL, giving it the 'old college try'
Congress has done nil to fix NIL in college sports.
Lawmakers get another chance to tackle NIL in early 2026.
Let’s start with terms.
"NIL" refers to "name, image, likeness." College athletes have made bank over the past few years, marketing themselves as their own product. They skip from school to school for more playing time. A bigger spotlight. And that leads to a better NIL deal.
Translation: You’ll probably make more from your NIL contract if you play for Ohio State and not North Dakota State.
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As everyone watches bowl games and the College Football Playoff this holiday season, fans inevitably crow about the lack of parity for schools from the Big 10 and SEC compared to the Mid-American Conference and Sunbelt Conference.
James Madison, we’re looking at you.
The NCAA appears incapacitated to act to rein in NIL and issue nationwide rules. So, they’ve turned to Congress for a fix.
Good luck with that.
The House tried to advance a bill in early December. But that legislation plunged into a toxic political scrum. First of all, many Democrats opposed the bill. The legislation then lacked the votes thanks to some GOP defections. The timing of the legislation was in question, too. The House wasn’t addressing annual spending bills or health care, but college sports. Some Republicans thought this was a bad optic.
This commotion came just as former Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin defected to SEC rival Louisiana State University (LSU) for a king’s ransom. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wasted no time noting that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., are both LSU graduates and superfans of the school’s athletic programs. Jeffries questioned whether well-moneyed alumni connected to the school advocated for Johnson and Scalise to push the NIL bill at that time. Jeffries then anointed the legislation the "Lane Kiffin Protection Act."
"People are asking the question, ‘Why did you decide to bring this bill this week?’ with all the other issues that the country is demanding that we focus on, led by the affordability crisis that they claim is a scam and a hoax," posited Jeffries.
The controversy created a maelstrom too challenging for the House to handle. So the GOP brass yanked the legislation off the floor.
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House leaders hope to try again to regulate NIL and manage money in college sports in 2026.
"I think we need to do it sooner rather than later," said House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas.
"We need a national framework," said Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., at a House session to prepare a NIL bill over the summer. "One with clarity and real enforcement to bring fairness, transparency, and equity to the new NIL era."
Lawmakers are now revising the NIL bill to set national standards — and coax enough lawmakers to support it. It’s possible Congress could vote around the same time the nation crowns the next college football champion.
"We want to get it right to really do what we can to save college sports," said Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the main author of the legislation.
The measure in question is known as the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act.
The bill would cap money schools can use from athletic revenue to pay athletes at 22 percent. Most Republicans support the measure. But Democrats believe the plan favors schools. Not athletes. Especially when it comes to labor rights – and treating athletes as university workers.
"Passing the SCORE Act as it stands would only eliminate students' abilities to collectively bargain," said Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio.
From a labor perspective, is a running back the same as a physics professor?
"I do not think they should be granted employee status," said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., of student-athletes.
Some lawmakers aren’t sure whether Congress should even mettle in intercollegiate athletics. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., the top Democrat on the Commerce Committee, questioned the wisdom of addressing this issue in higher education compared to more pressing topics.
"You have to have a college to have college sports," said Pallone as that panel prepped the bill over the summer. "And the way we're going with this administration, I don't even know if there's going to be any colleges or universities left fighting for."
Pallone says lawmakers should focus instead on "very real threats to our nation's colleges and universities."
Opponents of the legislation contend that the bill bends over backwards for major conferences. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, has problems with that. He demands overall better governance of college athletics.
"We need to have a better structure around what is currently in NCAA. I think we need to have some reforms and some of the guardrails in what we're doing. These coaches are getting these massive buyouts," said Roy.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is pushing NIL regulation. But with a completely different approach. Hawley wants something which stretches far beyond the lines of the athletic fields and basketball arenas. Hawley advocates universal NIL rules — because of Big Tech and AI.
"We ought to give name, image and likeness rights to every single American. You should be able to control your image online. Control your data. Control your kids data," said Hawley. "[It would be a] great thing to do for parents."
So expect the House to try again on NIL in a few weeks. But consider the legislative agenda. A coalition of Democrats and four Republicans are deploying a gambit to go around the Speaker and force a vote to renew health care subsidies. That vote likely ripens around January 8 or 9. Obamacare subsidies expired. So that issue isn’t going away. And we haven’t even talked about trying to avoid a partial government shutdown in late January. The House and Senate have approved precisely zero additional spending plans after they ended the government shutdown in mid-November. Oh, there are the Epstein files and potential bipartisan action on accountability for Attorney General Pam Bondi.
You think they’re going to deal with college sports? An issue which has simmered on the Congressional backburner for years? And frankly, one which is just as complex and divisive as health care?
If lawmakers fail, they can say they gave it the old, college try.
Macaulay Culkin keeps his 'Home Alone' identity secret from his kids for adorable reason
Macaulay Culkin is reflecting on one of the most iconic movies of his career.
Following a recent screening of the iconic holiday movie at the Academy Museum in honor of the film's 35th anniversary, the 45-year-old actor and the movie's director, Chris Columbus, sat down for a Q&A, in which Culkin shared that his two kids are big fans of the movie.
"They don’t even call it 'Home Alone,' they call it 'Kevin.' They’re like, ‘Wow, Kevin’s really funny.’ I go, ‘He’s also handsome, somebody that your mom [Brenda Song] might be into," Culkin said, via The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor shares two children with actress Brenda Song: sons Dakota, 4, and Carson, 3.
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While the two are big fans of the Christmas movie, Culkin shared that he has not told them he's Kevin, saying, "I try to keep the magic alive."
"I showed my oldest — he wanted to see a picture of me and my siblings, so I pulled up this old photo; it’s all my siblings, and he looks right at me, and he goes, ‘Who’s that? That looks like Kevin,’" Culkin shared. "I go, ‘Oh, no, nobody, here’s your aunt.'"
After years in the entertainment industry, Culkin was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2023. When speaking with Fox News Digital following the ceremony, the actor reflected on making the film, saying as a 9-year-old kid, he "just tried to be professional and charming at the same time."
While accepting the honor on stage, he thanked Song for being her "champion," adding, "You're the only person happier for me today than I am."
"You're the best woman I've ever known. You're the best person I've ever known," he said. "You've given me all my purpose. You've given me family. And after the birth of our two boys, you've become one of my three favorite people."
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The two first met in 2014 at a mutual friend's house, but reconnected and began a romantic relationship in 2017 when they were both cast in the 2019 comedy, "Changeland."
They later went on to get engaged in January 2022, with a source telling People at the time the couple was "excited for their future together."
Culkin shared during the Q&A that his perspective on the movie has changed since becoming a father, saying he now resonates with Catherine O'Hara's character, "seeing how desperately and how hard she's trying to get home" to her son.
He also shared that since becoming a parent, people always ask him if he watches "Home Alone" with his kids, to which he responds, "Of course, this movie is awesome."
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"But I don't watch the movie, I watch them," he said. "I watch their eyes. I listen to them laugh and things like that. And it makes me really proud to be a part of something like that. So it resonates now. Now I can see it through their eyes."
He continued: "You guys were raised on it, now you guys are raising your kids on it right? So, now I'm raising my kids on it. It means something completely different. That's the way I look at the movie nowadays."
Migrant truckers sue California DMV over canceled commercial drivers' licenses
The California DMV is facing a lawsuit brought on behalf of nearly 20,000 immigrant truckers over the state's plans to revoke their commercial drivers' licenses (CDLs).
The Asian Law Caucus and the Sikh Coalition, along with the law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in an effort to stop the California DMV from canceling the CDLs, which thecomplaint says would "result in mass work stoppages" starting Jan 5, 2026.
"This class-action lawsuit is brought on behalf of the Jakara Movement and five commercial drivers who have been deprived of their rights and livelihoods," a joint statement from the Asian Law Caucus and Sikh Coalition said. "According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and KQED, California state officials communicated they would begin reissuing licenses on December 17. Despite these public assurances, the state has neither reissued any of the contested licenses nor created a process to remedy the date issue with no indication that it plans to do so before January 5."
The lawsuit alleges that on Nov. 6, the California DMV notified 17,299 immigrant drivers and business owners that their non-domiciled CDLs would be canceled on Jan. 5, 2026, due to an error with the expiration date of the licenses. A similar letter was sent to an additional 2,700 drivers in December, informing them that their licenses would be canceled in mid-February.
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The DMV is required to set the expiration date for a CDL given to an immigrant on either the same day or before the expiration of the driver's work authorization or legal presence documents, according to the lawsuit. However, the lawsuit alleges that the DMV letters violated California procedure, which would require the department to either cancel the license without prejudice or change the expiration date.
"For all 19,999 immigrants, the DMV intends to cancel their commercial licenses without affording any opportunity to obtain a corrected license or to contest the cancellation," the lawsuit reads.
The filing further states that "despite its own regulation, the DMV did not consistently ensure that a CDL’s expiration date matched the end of a person’s period of work authorization or lawful presence."
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In November, after a heated back and forth between the federal government and California, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the Golden State was planning to revoke 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs. California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office pushed back on the DOT's assertion that his state "admitted to illegally issuing" the licenses. However, according to the lawsuit, notices were sent to more than the reported 17,000 drivers.
The lawsuit notes that the cancellation of the CDLs has a far-reaching impact beyond the drivers themselves, saying that the drivers "play an indispensable role in our local and national economies, providing essential services that communities rely on every day, including transporting food, driving children to school and delivering manufactured goods."
"The sudden loss of their ability to work threatens not only their livelihoods but also the stability of our supply chains and services on which the public depends. Neither the individuals nor our communities can sustain the harm that will occur if these drivers lose their licenses, careers, and economic stability," the lawsuit reads.
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The lawsuit describes some of the plaintiffs' experiences after receiving the November letter. In one instance, a plaintiff identified as John Doe 4 allegedly received the letter despite the fact that his CDL expires on the same day as his work authorization, the very document he supposedly used to renew the license. The lawsuit claims that there are recipients of cancellation letters whose CDLs are seemingly in compliance.
In another instance, a member of Jakara Movement — which describes itself as a "grassroots community-building organization working to empower, educate, and organize working-class Punjabi Sikhs, and other marginalized communities" — attempted to address his concerns about the cancellation by going to a DMV office in person. The lawsuit claims that when the Jakara member arrived at the DMV office, he was "pressured into surrendering his CDL, out of fear that his non-commercial driver’s license would already be cancelled."
Further, the lawsuit claims that the "DMV has not explained how it identified 19,999 licenses as out of compliance with state law and how it can ensure that its determinations are accurate."
The lawsuit is calling on the judge to issue a writ of mandate, preliminary injunction or permanent injunction that would require the California DMV to ensure that the plaintiffs and those that fall under the class action are able to obtain a corrected CDL "without interruption to their driving privileges."
The Trump administration launched a crackdown on the CDL issuing process as part of its efforts to tackle illegal immigration. The move came after a series of fatal crashes involving non-domiciled CDL holders.
The California DMV and Newsom's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
Zelenskyy encouraged by 'very good' Christmas talks with US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism Thursday about the progress of peace negotiations after speaking with Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Zelenskyy said the Christmas conversation centered on ongoing efforts to end the war and move toward a durable, lasting peace.
"Today we had a very good conversation with President Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff @SEPeaceMissions and @jaredkushner," he wrote on X, thanking them for their "intensive work" and "constructive approach."
"We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective, and reliable," Zelenskyy said.
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Ukrainian officials have met with Witkoff and Kushner multiple times in Miami in recent weeks to discuss possible elements of a peace plan aimed at ending nearly four years of fighting.
Zelenskyy said Monday that the draft peace framework has been reduced to 20 points from 28 and includes proposed security guarantees involving Ukraine, European allies and the United States, along with an initial outline for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
The Ukrainian president said the framework includes a separate document on bilateral security guarantees with the United States that would likely require review by the U.S. Congress.
Zelenskyy cautioned that some differences remain, noting that both Ukraine and Russia have positions they are not prepared to accept as U.S. talks with Russian officials continue.
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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing Thursday that talks between Washington and Moscow were moving forward gradually, while accusing unnamed Western European countries of trying to undermine the process.
Zakharova said negotiations had shown "slow but steady progress," but were being accompanied by what she described as "extremely harmful and even malicious attempts" to derail diplomatic efforts, according to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested last week that Russia’s goals in Ukraine are unchanged and will be accomplished either through negotiations or by further military advances if diplomatic efforts fail.
"The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved," he said, using the Kremlin's term to refer to Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion.
"We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means," the Russian leader told military officials, according to a transcript of the speech released by the government.
New iPhone scam tricks owners into giving phones away
Getting a brand-new iPhone should be a moment you enjoy. You open the box. You power it on. Everything feels secure. Unfortunately, scammers know that moment too.
Over the past few weeks, we've heard from a number of people who received unexpected phone calls shortly after activating a new iPhone. The callers claimed to be from a major carrier. They said a shipping mistake was made. They insisted the phone needed to be returned right away. One message stood out because it shows exactly how convincing and aggressive this scam can be.
That second early morning call was the giveaway. Pressure is the scammer's favorite tool.
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HOLIDAY DELIVERIES AND FAKE TRACKING TEXTS: HOW SCAMMERS TRACK YOU
This scam relies on timing and pressure. First, criminals focus on people who recently bought a new iPhone. That information often comes from data-broker sites, leaked purchase data or marketing lists sold online. Next, scammers spoof a carrier phone number. As a result, the call appears legitimate. They sound confident and informed because they already know the device model you ordered.
Once the call begins, the story moves quickly. The scammer claims a shipping mistake occurred. Then they insist the phone must be returned right away. To reinforce urgency, they say a courier is already scheduled. If you follow the instructions, you hand over a brand-new iPhone. At that point, the device is gone. The scammer either resells it or strips it for parts. By the time you realize something is wrong, recovery is unlikely.
This scam copies real customer service processes. Carriers do ship replacement phones. FedEx does handle returns. Gift cards are often used as apologies. Scammers blend those facts together and add urgency. They count on you acting before you verify. They also rely on one risky assumption, that a phone call that looks real must be real.
REAL APPLE SUPPORT EMAILS USED IN NEW PHISHING SCAM
Once you know what to watch for, the warning signs are clear.
• Unsolicited calls about returns you did not request
• Pressure to act fast
• Instructions to leave a phone outside
• Promises of gift cards for cooperation
• Follow-up calls to rush you
Legitimate carriers do not handle returns this way.
THE FAKE REFUND SCAM: WHY SCAMMERS LOVE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS
Protecting yourself starts with slowing things down. Scammers rely on speed and confusion. You win by pausing and verifying.
Hang up and contact the carrier using the number on your bill or the official website. If the issue is real, they will confirm it.
Legitimate returns use tracked shipping labels tied to your account. Carriers do not ask you to leave phones on porches or doorsteps.
Scammers rush you on purpose. Pressure shuts down careful thinking. Any demand for immediate action should raise concern.
Scammers often know what phone you bought because your personal data is widely available online. Data removal services help reduce your exposure by removing your information from data broker sites that criminals rely on. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
Strong antivirus software adds another layer of protection. Many antivirus tools help block scam calls, warn about phishing links and alert you to suspicious activity before damage is done.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
Keep voicemails, phone numbers and timestamps. This information helps carriers warn other customers and spot repeat scams.
Criminals reuse the same script again and again. A quick warning to friends or family could stop the next victim.
Scams aimed at new iPhone owners are getting more targeted and more aggressive. Criminals are timing their calls carefully and copying real carrier language. The simplest defense still works best. Verify before you act. If a call pressures you to rush or hand over a device, pause and contact the company directly. That one step can save you hundreds of dollars and a major headache.
If a carrier called you tomorrow claiming a mistake with your new phone, would you verify first or would urgency take over? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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NFL Pro Bowler Dak Prescott’s Christmas wish includes greater say in Cowboys front office decisions
Dak Prescott will be heading to the NFL Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career.
On Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback was named one of three NFC quarterbacks selected for the league's showcase of the year's top players. Several of Prescott’s teammates — wide receiver George Pickens and offensive lineman Tyler Smith — will join him in the San Francisco Bay Area during Super Bowl LX week for the Pro Bowl festivities. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and kicker Brandon Aubrey also received nods.
The Cowboys, however, will not be competing in the big game — or the postseason at all, for that matter. Dallas dropped a third game in a row in Week 16 to fall to 6-8-1 on the season. The Cowboys have been eliminated from playoff contention.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Despite his Pro Bowl nod, Prescott emphasized the importance of winning over personal accolades.
"It's cool. It's something good within the season. Understanding every year I work my tail off to try to be the best quarterback I can for this team. Ultimately, I feel like I'm judged off of wins," he said. "I didn't get it done this season. However, the individual numbers, performance record, allowed an individual accolade, but that's 100% still a team deal."
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Prescott then gave his teammates credit for their contributions to his on-field successes.
"When you're the quarterback of this team, to be able to put up numbers like that, you've got to have receivers like George, CeeDee, Ferg, the rest of the guys. And you've got to have a great offensive line. ... My success, that accolade, is 100% with each and every one of those guys in there. It's pretty cool to be a Pro Bowler, but at the end of the day, it's not what we're going for."
Longtime Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones shouldered blame for the team’s three-decade championship drought.
"I’ll admit that the Cowboys' management has played a big role (in the 30-year Super Bowl drought)," Jones said after last Sunday's loss. "But seriously, I’m very disappointed that the way we’re structured, and my role, puts us here tonight. I’m tremendously disappointed."
Prescott will turn 33 before next season kicks off. Considering more football is behind him than in front of him, the veteran signal-caller hinted he wants a more vocal role in the team’s front office decision-making going forward.
"We won't be back here in this spot. I feel like the last few times I've probably said that were playoff losses, right? So each year has its own troubles. ... I'm going to do my damnedest just controlling what I can, and you know as you get older, having more input, having more say-so and being asked more questions from the front office, maybe there's a little bit more that I can do," Prescott said.
"It's not just physically or me getting better at my game. Maybe it's speaking up and saying that, 'This will help, or I think this can help.' So, whatever it takes, I'm going to do my damnedest and make sure that I'm influencing and encouraging everybody else around me -- not just players -- to do the same."
This offseason, the Cowboys front office will weigh re-signing wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams. Determining where Tyler Smith will play along the Cowboys’ offensive line next season is another key personnel decision this offseason.
The Washington Commanders host the Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET on Christmas Day.
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Katie Couric rejects 'bothsidesism' in news coverage, says people don't want 'just the facts'
Katie Couric spoke out against "bothsidesism" in news coverage and insisted people don't want "just the facts" in the current media environment.
Appearing on Tuesday's installment of "The Grill Room" podcast, Couric decried the current backlash against the "expert" class, saying she loves talking to people "with a deep well of knowledge" about specific issues.
"So what I try to do, and what we try to do, is help people stay abreast of everything that's happening, which is increasingly difficult given the velocity of things that are thrown at us primarily by this administration," Couric told host Dylan Byers. "But try to understand and give them some perspective and context and help explain in some cases why people need to be aware and concerned about some of the things that are happening in this country."
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"And I think I feel more comfortable in speaking out about things than I ever would have, obviously, on 'The Today Show.' I think that it was a different time ... but I think if I were on 'The Today Show' now, I would feel muzzled, and I think that I would feel frustrated that we couldn't really talk about the stuff that was happening and in a deep way."
The veteran TV host went on to say that she feels "upset" by what's going on in the country, telling Byers her job is to "help people understand why this is not normal."
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"I guess that puts me squarely on one side of the media divide, but I'm ok with that," Couric said. "Cause I want my grandkids to say, 'Yeah, she did that morning show, and she did an evening newscast, but like when the rubber was really hitting the road, she made sure that people understood what that meant and what was going on.
"And I think the era of kind of bothsidesism or just the facts — and by the way, just the facts without context, without examination, I don't think people really want that."
Couric also told Byers that "one of the hardest jobs in journalism" today is interviewing President Donald Trump.
"He's a very, very difficult person to interview, because you can spend every question with a fact-checking follow-up. And it's very difficult to do," Couric said.
When asked whether she would want an Oval Office interview, she replied, "Obviously, if I had the opportunity, I would."
Couric, who launched her own media company in 2017 after her decades-long career in television, has embraced her liberal stance on issues in recent years, acknowledging she's "not for everyone."
"I mean, at some point, I think I believe strongly in reproductive rights. I think they're the foundation of equal rights for women. And I felt an obligation to say that," Couric said in 2023. "Similarly, you know, I feel very strongly about reducing gun violence in this country. I've covered too many school shootings, too many mass shootings. You know, nothing happened after Sandy Hook… And I think, you know, 74% of NRA members want stricter gun laws. And the fact that we can't get it done because we are being held hostage by these extremists."
"It's ridiculous and unacceptable. And I feel like, you know, I've earned the right on some issues that are important to me to speak my mind," Couric added.
Get what you really wanted – gifts to treat yourself this Christmas
If Christmas cash is burning a hole in your pocket, no matter the amount, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to the gifts you actually wanted. Find picks you'll love from AirPods and silky-soft pajamas to Levi's denim and a Le Creuset Dutch oven.
Best for dapper men: Levi’s trucker jacket: $53.70 (40% off)
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Best for tech lovers: Apple AirPods 4: $84.99 (35% off)
Best for fitness fanatics: Apple Watch Series 11: $299 (25% off)
Best for outdoor enthusiasts: Birdbuddy PRO smart bird feeder: $239 (20% off)
Best for home decorators: Digital picture frame: $129.99 (57% off)
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Best toys for kids: Monopoly Junior Bluey edition: $19.99
Best for travelers: Bluetooth headphone adapter: $28.99 (28% off)
Who doesn’t love a gadget that makes life easier? These clever upgrades might be the gifts you wish showed up under the tree this Christmas – and you can still get them now.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go laptop: $159.99 (47% off)
Beats Solo bluetooth headphones: $129.95 (35% off)
Apple Macbook Air $749 (25% off)
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth speaker: $59.99 (40% off)
Apple 11-inch iPad: $299
Amazon Fire 10 tablet: $139.99
TP-link deco Wi-Fi 7 mesh system: $229.99
HP OmniBook 5 16-inch: $605
Apple EarPod wired headphones: $17.99 (5% off)
Baseus power bank: $29.99 (40% off)
Skylight digital calendar and planner: $269.98 (16% off)
Original price: $299
Designed to give your ears a break, Bose Ultra Open earbuds clip to the sides of your ears, letting you hear what’s around you. The cuff-like fit is comfortable for all day wear, and music is sent to your ears only. Impressive for earbuds, the seven-hour battery life allows you to listen to music, shows and podcasts without interruption.
Original price: $129.99
Apple's AirPods 4 wireless earbuds come with active noise cancellation and transparency mode, so you can choose whether you want to fully immerse yourself in the music or hear some of your surroundings. The 30-hour battery life (with the case) means the earbuds are always ready to deliver high-quality sound. Conversational awareness causes the AirPods to automatically lower the music volume when taking calls, so you can always hear who is on the other line.
Original price: $229.99
Ramp up your home’s security with the SimpliSafe indoor security system. The set includes three window or door alarms and a hub where you can set your alarm and manage notifications. A car ring allows you to turn the alarm off before entering the house. Compatible with voice assistants like Alexa, Google and Siri, it’s easy to control the whole system with your voice. Add premium subscriptions to your setup and get 24/7 monitoring.
Original price: $399
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a smart gift for anyone who loves tech, fitness or just staying on top of their day. It has a faster chip and runs smoother than previous models, which makes tracking workouts, checking messages or getting directions feel effortless. It’s thinner, more comfortable and now twice as scratch-resistant. New health features like blood pressure monitoring and advanced sleep tracking (complete with a sleep score) make it an excellent pick for someone focused on wellness. Plus, it lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge.
Original price: $549
Transform your dull-sounding TV into a home theater when you connect it to the Bose smart soundbar. Dolby Atmos creates captivating sound, no matter what you’re watching, while the AI dialogue mode clarifies speech, ensuring you don’t miss a single word. Bose TrueSpace adapts audio to the room, keeping it clear and loud enough to fill the whole space.
Original price: $119.99
Conveniently charge all of your devices in one place with this Belkin magnetic charging station. Made with MagSafe compatibility, users simply have to place their iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods on the charging bases for quick, wire-free power-ups.
Original price: $349
Try the Bose QuietComfort headphones for their amazing noise cancellation and adjustable EQ that lets you personally fine-tune the bass, mid-range and treble for bold, high-fidelity audio. The battery life is up to 24 hours on a single charge and a quick 15-minute charge gives you 2.5 hours of extra playtime. A can’t-miss gift for music lovers, frequent flyers or anyone who needs a break.
Bose QuietComfort headphones are also available directly through the Bose site, and they'll arrive just in time for Christmas.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is an instant camera that prints photos right after you take them. A 2x3 credit-card-sized photo is printed and fits right inside any standard-sized wallet. Great for travelers and old-school photographers on the go, the mini camera fits in a pocket, crossbody bag or in the included carrying case. The camera set comes with 60 film sheets so you can get to photographing right out of the box.
READ MORE: From heated gloves to smart mugs, these tech gifts outsmart the cold
If you can already hear your coach saying "never miss a Monday," these gifts go the extra mile. Shop for fitness equipment, recovery must-haves and more.
Callaway Strata golf set: $499.99
Massage gun: $27.99 (30% off)
Adjustable weight bench: $79.99 (38% off)
Amazon Basics dumbell hand weights: $34.98
Resistance bands set: $29.99 (21% off)
Adjustable dumbbells set: $259.99 (13% off)
Speediance Gym Monster fitness system: $2,249 (29% off)
Whether you know a seasoned golfer or someone trying to get into the sport, a $75 gift card for Five Iron Golf will go a long way. It's redeemable for Trackman simulator rentals and a swing evaluation, so they can get the perfect swing every time. It can also go toward 60-minute golf lessons focused on swing accuracy and learning the basics.
Original price: $209.99
This walking pad This walking pad is a great space-saving treadmill, delivering speeds up to 3.8 mph and featuring a cool vibration mode for a quick massage after you finish your walk or run. Track your progress with the LED display and the Sperax Fitness app to monitor your distance, speed and calories burned
The Oura Ring 4 is a sleek, screen-free alternative for the health tracker who doesn’t want to wear a clunky watch. It fits like a regular ring and tracks sleep, activity, heart rate, stress and women’s health. Water-resistant and lightweight, it's made for any activity. Lasting up to eight days on a full charge, it will save you from constantly needing to power it up.
Original price: $359.99
For the Pilates enthusiast on your list, this foldable reformer is a game-changing gift that skips the pricey membership fees and brings studio-quality workouts home. It comes 90% pre-assembled for quick setup, while smooth-glide wheels keep every session quiet. With four springs and five cords for customizable resistance, it adapts to their strength and helps them hit their fitness goals.
This pickleball paddle set is ideal for both newcomers or seasoned players alike. Designed with a fiberglass core, the paddles deliver a smooth, stable strike every time. The bundle comes complete with two paddles, four outdoor balls, two extra grip tapes and a convenient carry bag.
Original price: $49.99
Elevate your workouts with a weighted vest, designed to add resistance without the extra bulk. Available in weights from six to 30 pounds, this vest uses evenly distributed sand to help you sweat a little more. Adjustable buckle straps keep the vest secure and mold to most body types. The mesh back pocket and armband pouch give you somewhere safe to store your phone, keys and wallet while walking or running. Plus, the reflective strips keep you visible if you're working out in the evening.
READ MORE: 14 thoughtful gifts for those who are impossible to shop for — from in-laws to coworkers
For the adventurer at heart, these bring the outdoors even closer. Find everything you need to explore.
Earth Pak waterproof backpack: $66.99
Mini chainsaw and pruning shears: $89.98 (10% off)
Solo Stove smokeless fire pit with stand: $244.99 (30% off)
LifeStraw personal water filter: $16.49 (17% off)
Hiking poles: $39.94 (29% off)
Outdoor waterproof power stake timer with 6 grounded outlets: $26.99 (10% off)
Original price: $299
Birders will obsess over the Birdbuddy PRO smart bird feeder. It's an AI-powered bird feeder that brings nature right to your phone. The Birdbuddy app identifies bird species that visit the feeder and gives you real-time alerts when a bird stops by. Birdbuddy's camera captures pictures and videos in 2K so you can keep track of all the different birds that have visited. A Premium subscription allows you to better organize and share photos with friends and family.
Original price: $159.95
Get up close to the action, whether it's birds or breathtaking landscapes, with these high-powered Nikon binoculars. Adjustable eyecups give the view you need, whether or not you wear glasses. Made from durable, waterproof and fog-proof materials with a secure rubber grip, these binoculars are ready for any outdoor adventure.
Discover the universe with this 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length telescope, featuring fully coated optics for crisp, clear views of the stars and moon. With interchangeable eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, wireless smartphone adapter and an adjustable tripod, it’s the perfect all-in-one kit.
Original price: $399.99
With 10-inch honeycomb tires and a shock-absorbing system, this electric scooter delivers a smooth, comfortable ride. A built-in LED display shows speed, mode and battery life. You can connect your smartphone to control features like cruise control, locking and more. It is powered by a 500W motor to reach up to 22 miles-per-hour and can go 22 miles on a single charge.
Stay hydrated during any adventure with this Yeti rambler. It's built with stainless steel for double-wall insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. The leak-resistant chug cap makes sipping easy, and it's dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
READ MORE: Fox readers can't stop buying these 11 gifts
If you are a passionate aspiring chef striving for culinary mastery, the right tools aren’t just helpful — they’re transformative. Shop kitchen tools, heirloom cookware and coffee machines.
Breville Infuser espresso machine: $566.99 (5% off)
Stainless steel meat injector syringe kit: $27.99
Breville smart oven air fryer: $299.95 (25% off)
Ultimate grilling spice set, pack of 20: $39.99
Stainless steel grill tool set: $39.99
Apron with large pockets: $17.99
Original price: $999
Toss out your old, dingy pans and replace them with this professional-grade hybrid pots and pans set. Three different-sized fry pans and pots accommodate all your cooking needs. Each pan combines stainless steel and nonstick technology that gives the perfect sear and wipes clean easily. Avoid burns with the stay-cool handle, and stick the pan in the oven or dishwasher for faster cooking and even faster cleanup.
Original price: $199
Gordon Ramsay's iconic cookware brand HexClad (FOX is an investor) is a mainstay kitchen staple for both home cooks and professional chefs, and the hybrid fry pan is one of its best exports. It's free of forever chemicals and is large enough to comfortably prepare a meal for up to four people. A few more standout features: it's nonstick, induction-ready, dishwasher-safe, metal-utensil safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.
The 7.25-quart Le Creuset Dutch oven is ready to use straight out of the box – no seasoning needed. Its enamel finish resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking, and it retains heat beautifully for even cooking. It’s built to last a lifetime, which makes it a smart investment and a meaningful gift.
Original price: $699.95
This Breville machine makes cafe-quality espresso at home. It nails bean dose, pressure and temperature, plus the manual steam wand delivers silky foam for latte art. A quick heat-up with digital temperature control means it’s always ready for your next shot. It’s available in stainless steel or black sesame.
Original price: $79
The Eco Modern apron from HexClad is an apron that delivers both on style and function. It resists most cooking liquids and has extra-large pockets for supplies, as well a top phone pocket that snaps shut. There’s even a towel loop and a conversion chart sewn in. You can choose from 15 stunning colors, from classic black to green houndstooth.
READ MORE: Gifts for people who take their brew seriously
Original price: $129.99
This Wi-Fi-enabled meat thermometer comes with four internal probes for precise temperature tracking and an ambient sensor for your oven or grill. Paired with the Chef iQ app, it delivers real-time updates, smart cooking presets and step-by-step guidance – making it an indispensable tool whether they're roasting a holiday turkey or perfecting a backyard brisket.
Original price: $139.99
The KitchenAid cordless hand blender makes blending soups, smoothies or sauces effortless – sans cords and counter clutter. It's rechargeable, powerful and compact, with a pan-safe guard and a blending jar included. It's a sleek gift they'll turn to often, especially in small kitchens or busy households.
READ MORE: 10 gifts for the home chef who thinks they’re Gordon Ramsay
Gift yourself the items you need to show up in style, whether for the office, the gym or a night out.
Nike Club pullover fleece hoodie: $48.75 (25% off)
Champion puffer vest: $57.65 (42% off)
Carhartt loose fit sweatshirt: $59.99
Hanes underwear, 3-pack: $20.98
The Tie Bar Retro Diamond Cafe polo: $78
Taylor Stitch Après jogger jeans: $118
Taylor Stitch Crawford sweater: $188
Levi's 505 regular fit jeans: $34.75 (50% off)
Original price: $188
Looking for a breathable, soft sweater you’ll never want to take off? Then grab this 100% organic cotton sweater. You’ll get a breathable, soft sweater that you can dress up with a sleek-looking jacket or simple tee. The sweater comes in three neutral colors that blend with any wardrobe.
Original price: $55
If you have holiday cash left over, reward yourself with some relaxing Nike Club knit joggers. Lightweight yet soft and warming, these joggers work well as comfortable, everyday athletic pants. Ribbed ankle cuffs keep the pants from dragging, and the drawstring can be tightened or loosened to get the perfect fit. You can choose from neutral colors like gray, tan, black and light grey.
Original price: $79.50
Whether in the office or running errands, look your sharpest with a Tommy Hilfiger quarter-zip. Thanks to the weight of its cotton fabric, the sweater is ideal for layering under warm winter coats or over T-shirts. Pick from colors like navy, black, white and other neutrals.
Original price: $175
HOKA Gaviota 5 sneakers go above and beyond the classic running shoe. Soft foam insoles cushion feet while the H-Frame base ensures stability for both wide and narrow feet. Unique color combos make these shoes a fun option, whether walking, running or hitting the gym.
Original price: $89.50
Levi's trucker jacket is still the original beloved design from 1967. It's true-to-size, so you get the perfect fit. Or, get a size up if you want to layer sweatshirts or sweaters underneath. Designed for life-long wear, the jacket is made from sturdy denim.
Original price: $108
Vuori makes high-performance workout clothes that are comfortable enough to wear during everyday life. This hoodie is no exception. Made from a soft knit fabric with four-way stretch, anti-odor and moisture-wicking technology, the athletic hoodie will surely become a favorite.
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Shop deals on stylish pieces for every occasion, from cozy PJs and loungewear to silky skirts and more.
Fuzzy slippers: $13.99 (48% off)
Heated puffer vest: $149.99 (25% off)
Skechers Go Walk Joy cushioned sneakers: $40
Original price: $350
Crafted from a decadent blend of fabrics, the wool cashmere slouch coat feels exceptionally soft and traps heat. The slouchy, oversized fit provides room for layers, while the long, knee-length design looks professional. There are six colors available, and sizes range from XS to XL.
Original price: $170
Treat yourself to an unbelievably soft bathrobe. Cozy Earth makes unisex robes in a variety of different fabrics, from terry cloth to waffle fabric. Each is made from cotton and bamboo, which are breathable yet warm. Well-sized front pockets can carry books, phones, snacks and even a small tablet.
Original price: $70
The Adidas Run 70s give a nod to the classic Adidas styles, but are designed more for walkers and runners. Cloudform technology makes them feel like you’re walking on air, while the breathable construction ensures dry feet, even on lengthy runs. An outsole and leather upper are both durable, and the rubber gives you adequate traction.
Original price: $148
Soft, stretchy and breathable, this bamboo pajama set is a must for any woman who wants a luxurious set of PJs. Although it's a long sleeve set, the knit fabric is lightweight so you won't overheat. Mostly made from bamboo with a hint of spandex, the fabric is extremely soft and a little roomy for added comfort.
This women's sweatsuit set includes a half-zip hoodie and high-waist sweatpants. Stretchy, warm and slightly oversized, these joggers are comfortable for all body types. Whether hitting the gym, lounging around the house or running errands, this set is made for everyday life.
Original price: $152
Give her the gift of organization with this backpack from Calpak. Not only does it comfortably stow a 15-inch laptop, but it contains plenty of pockets (both inside and outside) for essentials when on-the-go. Crafted from faux leather, it transitions easily from day to night and comes in an array of colorways, from neutrals like caramel (pictured) and black to honey, cranberry and spearmint.
Original price: $1,210
With Clarity’s classic round diamond stud earrings are simple yet elegant. From every angle, they sparkle and shine. The diamonds are set in your choice of gold, silver, rose gold or platinum, and you can select from half a carat up to four carats.
Original price: $149
This Swarovski tennis bracelet is the epitome of understated elegance. The dainty yet eye-catching design features vivid white crystals, a sleek rhodium-plated finish and a secure foldover clasp for a perfect fit. It's perfectly suited for every woman in your life.
READ MORE: Gifts she’ll love (and thank you for)
Those who turn a house into a home deserve something extra special this holiday season.
Dyson V11 Origin cordless vacuum: $499.99 (21% off)
Heated blanket: $35.99 (5% off)
Digital picture frame: $129.99 (57% off)
Govee outdoor string lights: $119.99
Solar pathway lights: $56.99 (5% off)
Original price: $799
Investing in a Litter-Robot means never having to scoop litter again. Litter is sifted quietly each time a cat uses the litter box, leaving a fresh bed of litter for next time. The OdorTrap system ensures you don't have to smell anything, so the Litter-Robot can go in any room in the house. This bundle also includes a three-year extended warranty that covers accidental damage.
Original price: $41.99
This candle-warming lamp is a low-maintenance, fire-free way to burn candles. It slowly warms candles from the top down, so scents fill the room gently without ever lighting a match. It’s ideal for homes with kids or pets, and the soft glow it imparts is warm and inviting.
This woven tray pulls its weight in the home, both as a decorative piece and a serving tray for drinks and snacks. It’s handcrafted from natural rattan and comes in three colors — honey brown, black and white — and adds a bit of coastal charm to any room. Its flat edge rests nicely on end tables, vanities or ottomans while the sturdy construction carries plates, silverware and napkins with ease.
Doubling as an air freshener and a decor piece, Nest’s reed diffusers make great gifts. Scented with sea salt, white tea and coconut, this fragrance gently wafts into any space — namely, a bathroom or high-traffic area in the home.
Govee's permanent outdoor lights are a year-round lighting option that turns your home into the most festive house on the block. Select from 16 million color combinations, perfect for any holiday or house party. These lights are built for every season and can withstand rain, wind and temperatures down to -4 degrees. Use the Govee Home app or Alexa or Google Assistant to control the 100+ presets or use AI-generated lighting shows.
READ MORE: The best gifts under $50 for everyone on your list
The little ones in your life deserve the best. Find a selection of popular toys, including classic doll houses, fan-favorite board games and innovative toys that inspire imaginative play.
Fidget Toy Set: $16.10 (38% off)
LEGO Speed Champions Bugatti: $21.99 (19% off)
Remote control car: $26.99 (41% off)
Play Doh Sizzlin' Grill Playset: $29.99 (50% off)
Mr. Potato Head: $6.49 (19% off)
This Monopoly Junior game is an ideal choice for kids ages 5 and up who love Bluey. Players choose their favorite character—Bluey, Mum, or Dad—and work their way around the board. It lets them travel around town to buy properties like the Nail Salon or The Dump.
The Toniebox 2 is a screen-free way to keep little ones entertained. It's a soft, interactive audio cube that plays music, stories and even bedtime routines. Just pop a figurine on top, and it starts playing instantly.
Original price: $59.99
This Lego Creator 3-in-1 set is a hit with dino-loving kids who enjoy building. With 626 pieces, it creates a T. rex with poseable limbs, a moving jaw and some seriously sharp-looking teeth. They can also build a Triceratops or a Pterodactyl with the same blocks. The set is designed for kids ages 9 and up.
If you are already planning your next trip – do yourself a favor and get something that can help make your travels more fun and secure.
EarPlanes ear plugs: $19.85
Airplane phone mount: $12.99
Universal travel adapter plug: $22.99 (8% off)
Portable neck fan: $26.85 (21% off)
Luggage scale: $7.80 (40% off)
Leather passport wallet: $27.99
Original price: $399.99
Samsonite's three-piece hardside luggage set is scratch-resistant, so no matter how much it gets thrown around, it'll stay in like-new condition. The set includes a carry-on and two different sized suitcases for all your packing needs. Inside, the full-zip divider allows for easier organization and separation of shoes, toiletries and clothes.
Original price: $39.99
Never fly with airplane headphones again – this wireless headphone adapter lets you plug into the seat-back screen and use your own AirPods or wireless headphones instead. Perfect for long flights, delayed takeoffs or simply avoiding the awkward jiggle of a loose audio jack.
Original price: $24.99
Packing cubes are a total game-changer. These zippered organizers keep clothes sorted, wrinkle-free and surprisingly compact. They make a smart, under-$30 gift for chronic overpackers, frequent flyers or families with young kids.
This super-soft two-in-one travel blanket and pillow lets them skip the standard-issue airplane blanket and pillow. It's made from plush microfleece – a warm but lightweight fabric that can pack down into itself for easy storage.
There's nothing worse than a cramped hotel sink, a tiny cruise ship bathroom or a campground shower stall. A hanging toiletry bag, like this one from Bagsmart, comes with built-in hooks and multiple zippered pockets to keep your essentials organized, visible and off of grimy surfaces while traveling. It's compact enough for carry-ons, yet is roomy enough for full-sized products.
Do you spend your weekends tinkering around in the garage? Builds all your own furniture? Any DIYer will love these helpful tools.
Estwing hammer: $24.98
Craftsman four-piece tool set: $189
DeWalt jig saw: $114.99 (52% off)
Skil circular saw: $39 (13% off)
Bosch palm sander: $51.92 (34% off)
Workpro wood clamps: $23.99
Pocket hole jig: $69
376-piece nail assortment kit: $6.99
DeWalt wood chisel set: $24.45
Original price: $539
Store all the tools you got for Christmas in this 10-drawer Craftsman rolling cabinet. With a 1,500-pound load rating, this cabinet can handle it all. Wider bottom drawers work well for power tools, while the thin top drawers are best for screws, nails and hand tools. Each drawer closes gently and comes with an internal locking system to keep tools safe. Lock the brakes with a touch of your toe for added security.
Original price: $639
All of DeWalt's most useful tools are included in the five-piece tool set. There's the durable drill and driver set, each with a battery that'll last for weeks. The cordless circular saw can easily cut 2x4s at a 45-degree angle in a single pass, while the reciprocating saw comes with an easy-change blade that's easy for anyone to use, no matter their experience level. Equally as comfortable and lightweight as the rest of the tools, the oscillating multitool rounds out the set.
Original price: $259
Most DIY projects require a drill or impact driver, whether working on home projects, building a bookcase or just hanging pictures. DeWalt's drill and driver set contains two long-lasting tools with batteries that last for weeks on a full charge. Both the drill and driver also have built-in LED lights that illuminate dark spaces.
Original price: $159
DIYers can complete any project with a hand circular saw. DeWalt's circular saw is the perfect choice for beginners and professional builders alike. The 0 to 50 degree bevel capacity makes this a well-rounded saw that can help with small and big builds. An overmolded comfort grip is easy to hold onto and delivers optimal balance while cutting. Lightweight but powerful, the saw will be a reliable tool for years and years.
Original price: $129
Smaller crafts and detail work require a Dremel rotary tool. It allows for fine sanding, carving, girding and much more. A single tool comes with multiple attachments, from sanding disks to drill bits, metal grinders and glass cutters. Attached to the Dremel is a pivot light that rotates as the Dremel is moved to illuminate your working area.
If it's been a while since you've upgraded your mattress or bedding set, holiday money can give you the perfect excuse to splurge on upgrading your sleep.
Original price: $1,979
Saatva’s Classic mattress is just luxurious enough to give you extra features like a three-inch Euro topper but is affordable enough for sleepers looking for a slight upgrade. The lumbar zone technology keeps the spine in a healthy position, helping to relieve back and neck pain. A naturally hypoallergenic cotton cover keeps the mattress protected and cool throughout the night.
Original price: $258
Switch out scratchy polyester sheets for these Cozy Earth bamboo sheet set, made of high-quality viscose from bamboo. They're incredibly soft and temperature regulating, making them comfortable no matter the season. The set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases.
Original price: $1,449
Nolah's Original mattress is cooling, comfortable and affordable. With a medium-firm feel, it offers support in all the right places. Cooper-infused foam and added lumbar support paired with the Tri-Zone foam technology creates a soothing blend that helps ease aches and pains.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $169.95
Don’t just throw any old blanket on the side of your couch, wrap up with this cotton fisherman throw. Made of 100% cotton and available in several bold colors, it provides a soft, lightweight feel. The ribbed edges give the blanket a unique design, whether you’re going for a coastal or cabin look.
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If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
‘Frosty the Snowman’ voice actor had ‘at least’ three secret families, Quaalude addiction: son
Jackie Vernon voiced one of pop culture’s most beloved, jolly characters. Off-screen, his life was anything but joyful: the stand-up comic had multiple secret families and battled a serious Quaalude addiction.
The shocking truth about the man who famously voiced "Frosty the Snowman" was revealed by his son, David Vernon, in a recent interview on "Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia."
The star died in 1987 at age 63.
During the sit-down, David shared that the performer, born Ralph Verrone, had three families before he started a new life with his wife, Hazel. The couple married in 1958 and remained together until his death. They shared three children.
Life at the Vernon household was full of surprises. However, nothing prepared David for a knock at the door one fateful day.
"There was a woman there with a kid who was older than I was," he recalled on the show. "He was probably in his late teens, and he was a little rough-around-the-edges-looking. And the woman asked to speak to my dad. And I said, ‘My dad’s on the road. He’s not home.’
"And then I remembered she was very firm," said David. "She’s like, ‘Well, I want to speak to your mother then.’ So, my mom came, and I guess she assessed what the situation was right away, but my mom told me to go upstairs. . . . I heard a somewhat heated conversation going on. And then a couple of minutes later, they left."
WATCH: THE DARK SECRET BEHIND THE BELOVED VOICE OF ‘FROSTY THE SNOWMAN’
David then confronted his mother.
"I asked my mom, ‘Who was that?’" said David. "And it finally came out that before our family, my dad had been married at least three other times, which I was kind of shocked to find out."
Vernon found fame playing a series of "lovable losers" on TV shows such as "The Dean Martin Show," "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Merv Griffin Show," among others, the Los Angeles Times reported. But before showbiz came calling, the performer had other marriages — and other children.
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"One marriage, I think, was when he was in the military, when he was like 19," said David. "And from these marriages, he had sons, and he named them all Ralph after himself, after his original name, Ralph Verrone. But he also abandoned all these families. He left them, moved on. My mom wasn’t even sure if he had divorced one of the women or was even married to another one."
"But when my parents were married, they had a deal," David continued. "She would name the boys, and he could name the girls. She had sort of gotten this idea that a Ralph was an unloved kid — a kid that was left-behind — and she wanted to make sure that I was never going to be a Ralph. That's when I realized that my mom had this plan that he stayed with our family and didn't abandon us."
In later years, Vernon was described as having "sadness that radiated" from him. As his career slowed in the 1970s and ’80s, that sorrow turned into a battle with depression, David said.
WATCH: ‘FROSTY THE SNOWMAN’ EXPOSED: APPARENTLY, THE ONLY THING NOT FROZEN WAS HIS DATING LIFE
"He went through some of his own demons with depression and addiction," said David. "His addiction was really to tranquilizers — Quaaludes and Valium. It really took a toll on him."
"He had to work very hard to break free from that depression. It was a hard struggle for him. It was hard for us to see him go through that."
Vernon voiced Frosty in the 1969 animated special. He reprised the role in "Frosty’s Winter Wonderland" (1976) and "Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July" (1979).
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David revealed that his father had strong reservations about taking on the role. The patriarch once quipped, "I guess all the fat guys were out of town."
"He didn’t take it very seriously," David explained.
"He didn’t want to do it. He thought it was a little beneath him. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it also wasn’t a lot of work. He didn’t have a lot of confidence in it. I think somebody else had dropped out, and he had the time to do it. He didn’t really prep much for it. He didn’t think about it. He barely told us about it. . . . He thought it was just going to be a little something that aired one year and then totally disappeared and would be scratched off his résumé."
When "Frosty the Snowman" first aired, Vernon’s children gave it a frosty reception.
"We weren’t impressed," said David. ". . . But then, at the end, when Frosty melts, that was kind of shocking to us. . . . We weren’t really ready for that. It freaked us out, actually. My younger sister had thought, ‘What? Daddy’s melting? He’s dying.’
"It was kind of pandemonium. She started crying, and she was really upset, and I was kind of confused. And my mom, she was like, ‘Your dad’s OK. He’s not dead. He is at The Playboy Club in Chicago.’ And she had to try to get him on the phone. Later, he called back and reassured us that he was fine."
After decades of dismissing Frosty, Vernon grew proud of the role. David shared that it gave his father peace at the end of his life and uplifted his spirit. He found joy knowing his work continued to make audiences smile.
"He had accepted his place in showbiz," said David. "One of the last Christmases when my dad was still around. . . . We all watched ['Frosty the Snowman'] together, and he was so proud of it. He enjoyed it. He laughed at it. He was so happy that he had done it, and it became a very warm spot in his heart. And I loved seeing that for him."
"Even though my dad did so many things — he worked with Judy Garland, Bette Midler, Frank Sinatra — ['Frosty'] was the one thing that people really remembered him for," he shared.
"And newer generations found it. He really embraced it. He accepted that he was going to be remembered for it, and he was really proud of it. He loved it when kids would come over and talk to him. Every Christmas, friends would ask him to call their kids and do the Frosty voice. It became a real source of pride for him."
David insisted that his father is never too far away, especially during the holidays.
"Every year — it’s already happened once this year — I’ll go into a CVS or Walgreens, and I’ll hear my dad’s voice," he said. "It will be that there’s some plush Frosty toy that somebody’s pressed the button on, and I hear him from another aisle. It’s a weird experience, but it’s kind of nice. I feel, like Frosty, he does come back every Christmas."
Poland scrambles jets on Christmas after detecting Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace
Poland scrambled fighter jets Thursday after detecting a Russian reconnaissance aircraft operating near its airspace, authorities said.
Poland’s Operational Command wrote on X that the aircraft was intercepted and escorted out after it was identified over international waters in the Baltic Sea.
The command said separate airspace incidents were also detected overnight near Poland’s eastern border.
"At night, entries into Polish airspace of objects from the direction of Belarus were observed. After conducting detailed analyses, it was determined that these were most likely smuggling balloons, moving in accordance with the direction and speed of the wind," the command said.
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"The flight of all objects was continuously monitored by radar systems. To ensure safety, a portion of the airspace over the Podlaskie Voivodeship was temporarily closed to civilian traffic," it added.
No threat to Poland’s airspace was detected, authorities said, and officials continued to monitor the situation.
The incident comes just days after Polish aircraft were scrambled again on Tuesday as Russia carried out widespread strikes against Ukraine.
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Polish authorities said the response included support from NATO allies, with Spanish aircraft assisting in air policing and Dutch forces providing air defense systems support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched more than 650 drones and more than 30 missiles two days before Christmas, targeting Kyiv’s energy sector and civilian infrastructure.
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"Tragically, lives were lost. In the Kyiv region, a woman was killed by a Russian drone. One person was pronounced dead in the Khmelnytskyi region. In the Zhytomyr region, a four-year-old child was killed after a Russian drone struck a residential building. My condolences to the families and loved ones," Zelenskyy said.
"This Russian strike sends an extremely clear signal about Russia’s priorities. An attack ahead of Christmas, when people simply want to be with their families, at home, and safe. An attack carried out essentially in the midst of negotiations aimed at ending this war," he added. "Putin still cannot accept that he must stop killing. And that means that the world is not putting enough pressure on Russia. Now is the time to respond. Russia must be pushed toward peace and guaranteed security."