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Two African nations ban American citizens in diplomatic tit-for-tat following Trump admin move
Two West African nations have issued a simultaneous ban on American citizens in a diplomatic tit-for-tat move, amidst heightened tensions with both the United States and Europe, and as Russia seeks to increase its economic and geopolitical influence in the region.
Mali and Burkina Faso made the move in response to the Trump administration's Dec. 16 expansion of travel restrictions to more than 20 countries. The policy particularly affected the African continent, with Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan also being subject to travel restrictions.
The Trump administration cited the persistence of armed attacks in both nations as part of the rationale for its decision:
"According to the Department of State, terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. According to the Fiscal Year 2024, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report ("Overstay Report"), Burkina Faso had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent. Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals."
Regarding its decision to include Mali on the list, it stated:
"According to the Department of State, armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout the country. Terrorist organizations operate freely in certain areas of Mali."
Burkina Faso and Mali are both currently ruled by military juntas that came to power amidst rising violence and instability, as both nations came under attack from Islamist terrorist groups.
Both nations have also seen a rise in anti-French sentiment, in conjunction with deepening relationships with Russia, which has pledged to offer assistance in fighting back the Islamist rebels battling the central governments for territorial control.
MILITARY-LED MALI SUSPENDS ALL POLITICAL ACTIVITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
"In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and international community that, with immediate effect, the Government of the Republic of Mali will apply the same conditions and requirements to US nationals as those imposed on Malian citizens," the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Burkina Faso's government cited a similar rationale for issuing its ban on American travelers.
Both nations, as well as neighboring Niger and Nigeria, have seen skyrocketing violence in recent years, as chronically underfunded governments struggle to retain control of rural, sparsely-populated desert regions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
REBECCA GRANT: Trump’s 8 biggest national security wins of 2025
President Donald J. Trump is wielding America’s precision military power and economic might around the globe like no other president before him. Here are eight wins that have led to the 100% restoration of American leadership.
Seven B-2 bombers dropped specially designed precision munitions down the airshafts of Iran’s nuclear weapons fabrication sites. Iran’s threshold nuclear weapons capability was obliterated. Yes, Israeli attacks had pounded Iran air defense sites, but it took over 100 U.S. warplanes and a massive bridge of air-refueling tankers to carry out the strike on Jun. 22. Trump said consistently Iran would never have a nuclear weapon. "I don’t know if they took him seriously until the night the B-2 bombers went to Fordow," U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said later. The world is safer and this will be the standout military decision of Trump’s presidency.
Only Trump could have pulled this off. On Oct. 8, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire and that Hamas would return hostages. Trump then assembled most of the major world leaders in Egypt to get behind the deal. The Gaza deal vindicated Trump’s tactic of relentless negotiation, personalized and elevated by the leadership of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Much work remains, but the Abraham Accords process is back on track.
MORNING GLORY: THE PRESIDENT ENDS 2025 WITH A CLEAR DECLARATION OF THE TRUMP DOCTRINE
After years of delay under the Biden administration, Trump awarded the F-47 contract to Boeing on Mar. 21 to build the Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter. Airpower is the backbone of America’s global power. This was proven in World War II, from Midway to Normandy and across the globe. American airpower has shaped every conflict since then. With the F-47, Trump commits to dominance in advanced engine technology, sixth-generation fighters and combat drone wingmen. Now if they could only buy the U.S. Navy its new F/A-XX fighter plane to extend aircraft carrier attack range.
TRUMP’S GRAND PEACE STRATEGY IS BEARING FRUIT, IN MIDDLE EAST AND AROUND THE WORLD
Speaking of aircraft carriers, the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean on Nov. 16 doubled down on Trump’s decision to clean up the Western Hemisphere. Secretary of State Marco Rubio scored the first win in January when Panama restricted Chinese ownership interests around the Panama Canal and agreed not renew its membership in China’s Belt and Road scheme. Pressure on Maduro’s drug boats and oil tankers is meant to take down a dangerous cartel. This is also the beginning of a pitched battle for the Western Hemisphere. Victory comes when the narco-terrorists are defanged and the U.S., not China, is the business partner of choice.
The numbers talk. In October 2025, Customs and Border Patrol reported 30,573 total encounters at borders nationwide, a number 92% below the peak of the Biden administration’s 370,883 encounters in December 2024. That’s closed the pipeline for terror watch list individuals, and those mysterious Chinese crossings, too.
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In a complete switch from the strategic stagnation of the Biden years, Trump’s dealmaking has laid out a path to prosperity for Ukraine. Step one was the joint venture on strategic minerals signed April 30. Now the peace plans negotiated by Witkoff include rapid access for Ukraine to the European Union’s common market, a goal long sought by Ukraine, plus a grain shipping route via the Black Sea and access to electricity from the immense Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Can an AI data center be far behind?
AMERICA MUST WIN THE AI RACE — AND PREPARE FOR THE WORST
Speaking of which, Trump has rewritten the criteria for national security by roping in American tech titans. Americans cannot be secure unless the U.S. AI tech stack wins the race for global primacy. We are ahead of China but not by much. Part of Trump’s haul of $20 trillion in foreign investment goes to tech infrastructure; he also recognizes our U.S. tech giants must be free to win their global market shares, from chips to data centers to AI applications. Only they have the cash to compete with China’s state-funded innovators.
ISIS lost their so-called "caliphate" in Syria and Iraq in 2019, but the threat is not gone. ISIS is a global network. Regard the Dec. 25 strikes against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State, Nigeria, as part of a long-term strategy of batting down ISIS strongholds. U.S. forces had already carried out over 80 operations against ISIS targets in Syria just since July 2025 alone. "We will root out and eliminate terrorist jihadists wherever they hide," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander, United States Central Command. And that was before Operation Hawkeye Strike hit 70 ISIS targets in Syria on Dec. 19. This is a war that America will continue to lead against radicalism, antisemitism and terror.
Notice what is not on this list: China. The Pentagon’s annual report on China, released Dec. 24, says the U.S. homeland is increasingly vulnerable due to China’s military build-up. China is on the way to nine aircraft carriers and 1,000 nuclear warheads. Trump’s policy has been to go quiet and reach for economic coexistence while working to reset trade deals and bring critical manufacturing back home. He’s scored points, but only the full build-out of more Navy ships, a stronger Space Force, the Golden Dome missile defenses and a whole lot of factories will deliver the win.
DAN GAINOR: These are the seven most annoying people of the year 2025
This year brought us Trump the Sequel and that meant the left had extra motivation to be annoying. Their hatred of President Donald Trump, conservatives and even the late Charlie Kirk, defined 2025.
Still, there were some who outdid everyone else in their quest to be, drumroll, please, the Most Annoying Person of 2025. I ignored people who made news saying just one idiotic comment or who are just obscure media personalities. (Like Matthew Dowd who lost his bogus MSNBC job for his comments bashing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk for "hate speech" after Kirk had been murdered.)
No one deserves the top spot on this list more than "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host Jimmy Kimmel. Most late-night programs have faded from view as their hosts have turned them into orgies of Trump-bashing. But Kimmel excels at hating conservatives so much that he almost qualifies to be a male cast member of "The View." (Yep, they’re here, too.)
JIMMY KIMMEL CHOKES UP AS HE THANKS VIEWERS FOR SUPPORT AFTER 'HARD YEAR'
Kimmel gained more attention for saying vile things and fighting Trump than for anything funny.
Former "Late Show" host David Letterman termed Kimmel, "the leader of the resistance" and Kimmel later cried millionaire tears because he had a "hard year." He earned a temporary suspension with one of the worst comments about the Kirk assassination, saying, "We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and everything they can to score political points from it." He was wrong, of course, but we are used to that. Trump later said, "Jimmy Kimmel was horrible," and who am I to disagree with my president?
If the annoying people of Earth have a home base, it’s not some secluded island fortress, it’s ABC’s "The View." The gaggle of hosts — from leftist moderator Whoopi Goldberg to crackpot Joy Behar to pretend conservative Alyssa Farah Griffin — is a reminder that quantity is not quality.
This year, they pretended radical Islamic Iran wasn’t worse than the U.S. (Goldberg); claimed using the National Guard to stop crime was "a pretext to stop the next election!" (Behar); and compared the election of Trump to … Hitler. (Behar: "The Germans voted also. Just saying.")
The show has become such an embarrassment that the TV show "Landman" mocked it for being a, "bunch of pissed off millionaires bitching about how much they hate millionaires, Trump, and men, and you, and me, and everybody else they got a bee up their ass about." "The View" has gone from mindless propaganda to a punchline.
If you’re lucky, you’ve never heard of podcaster Jennifer Welch. Just imagine a ghoul-like figure from your deepest nightmares, then give her blonde hair and a microphone.
She’s one of the two co-hosts for the "I’ve Had It" podcast, and it’s well-named. She and her co-host first appeared in the Bravo series "Sweet Home Oklahoma," which no one ever heard of. But now, the press loves her because she says hateful things about conservatives.
CNN’s profile of Welch quotes her calling Trump a, "fat, fascist f--- who’s ruining everything for everybody." The New York Times notes, "‘Patriots, gaytriots, theytriots, Blacktriots and browntriots,’ is how Ms. Welch greets the listeners of their primary podcast." She left out morontriots who must make up the bulk of her audience.
Welch made news calling Kirk’s widow Erika a "grifter" and TPUSA said that comment was, "beneath contempt."
I’m sure Welch will say worse in 2026 because the media reward her bile with support. CNN said she and her co-host are, "two women who love their country and aren’t afraid to name and shame people."
See what I mean?
Podcaster antisemite Nick Fuentes and Twitch antisemite Hasan Piker showed the world that the worst users of social media have one thing in common — hatred. Both of them have dominated the social world and been everywhere in the media as civilized society reacts in horror.
Fuentes calls himself an admirer of communist Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and says Nazi dictator Adolph Hitler was "really f---ing cool." Pretty much on brand.
Piker, when he’s not being accused of giving his dog electric shocks, spends his time saying offensive things, like, "America deserved 9/11." He later walked it back because of the backlash, but he still has millions of followers on multiple platforms.
Fox News did an analysis of what he says, and it’s so vile, I don’t want to repeat it. He’s all across major media. The Times called him, "A Progressive Mind in a Body Made for the ‘Manosphere.’"
The press is desperate to recreate their own Joe Rogan and this is the best they've got.
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Singer Katy Perry had not one, but two spacey experiences in 2025. First, she sort-of went into space on a Jeff Bezos rocket. The owner of Amazon and the Washington Post sent his then-fiancée Lauren Sanchez, and five other famous women, into near-space.
Perry is in the cool kids' club, so she got to go. The singer actually vowed to "put the ‘a--’ in astronaut" and made a fool of herself when she landed, kneeling and kissing the ground because of an 11-minute rocket trip. She was quoted declaring, "I feel super connected to love."
That must have been true. She is now dating her own space cadet, former lefty Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Cynthia Erivo is 2025’s it gal. She’s everywhere and impossible not to see. As NBC put it, she’s "Proudly Bald and Has No Eyebrows." Throw in nails like Freddy Krueger and the bisexual star is everything the media want in a celebrity — weird and alternative.
She’s the star of the two "Wicked" movies and even played Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl (naturally) version of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Erivo revels in her unusual look, even shaving her own eyebrows, "Whenever I'm talking to my makeup artist, I tell her that I just want to look like a pretty thumb."
Yeah, I can’t top that.
The 2024 Democratic election debate wasn’t enough for Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris recently declared, "I am not done. I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it's in my bones." Harris released her book, "107 Days" and managed to annoy Democrats and Republicans about equally with her alleged recollection of events.
At least former President Richard Nixon was nice enough to tell us, "You won’t have Nixon to kick around anymore."
Harris will make us endure more garbled responses before she goes gently into that good night of her career.
Congress fails to save Obamacare subsidies after shutdown fight, premiums set to surge
Lawmakers fought over Obamacare subsidies tooth and nail for the latter part of the year, and ultimately, neither side won.
Senate Democrats thrust the government into the longest shutdown in history in an effort to refocus the narrative in Congress on healthcare, and Republicans agreed to talk about it in the open. And both Republicans and Democrats got a shot to advance their own, partisan plans. Both failed.
Now, the subsidies are set to expire on Wednesday, sending price hikes across the desks of tens of millions of Americans that relied on the credits.
REPUBLICANS CONSIDER USING RECONCILIATION AGAIN AFTER TRUMP'S BIGGEST LEGISLATIVE WIN
When lawmakers return on the first week of January, healthcare will be front of mind for many in the Senate. But any push to either revive, or completely replace, the subsidies may, for a time, take a backseat to the government funding fight brewing ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline.
When asked if he was disappointed that lawmakers were unable to, at least in the short term, solve the subsidies issue, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., was more concerned about people that would experience higher costs.
"I think who it's most disappointing for are the people whose premiums are going to go up by two, three times," Hawley said. "So, it’s not good."
Price hikes on premium costs will be variable for the roughly 20 million Americans that rely on them, depending on age, income and other factors. Broadly, a person’s out-of-pocket cost is expected to double with the credit’s lapse, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The nonpartisan healthcare think tank painted a broader picture of the disparate impact on premium cost increases in a report released late last month that, based on myriad factors, including where a person lives, their age range and where they sit above the poverty line, some could see price hikes as high as 361%.
SENATE QUIETLY WORKS ON BIPARTISAN OBAMACARE FIX AS HEALTHCARE CLIFF NEARS
While Senate Republicans’ and Democrats’ separate plans failed to advance — despite four Republicans crossing the aisle to support Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s, D-N.Y., plan — lawmakers are working together for a solution.
There are two plans with traction in the House. The GOP’s plan advanced on the floor earlier this month, but doesn’t address the issue of the expiring tax credits. Then there is a bipartisan plan that calls for a three-year extension of the subsidies, similar to Senate Democrats’ plan, that is teed up for a vote.
The latter option, and its bipartisan momentum, has some Democrats hopeful that a three-year extension could get a shot in the upper chamber.
"I'll also say that the glimmer of hope is if we're searching for a bipartisan deal that can pass the Congress, we don't need to search any further than the three-year extension of the subsidies that's going to pass the House of Representatives," Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, told Fox News Digital. "We don't need a negotiation any further. That bill can pass, if it can provide relief to the taxpayers, and it can pass, then that's our vehicle."
SANDERS BLASTED AFTER BLOCKING BIPARTISAN KIDS' CANCER RESEARCH BILL: 'GRINCH,' 'SELFISH'
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., however, has maintained a deeply-rooted position against just a simple extension of the credits.
He argued that a straight-up extension for three years would be "a waste of $83 billion," and lacks any of the reforms that Republicans desire, like reinstalling an income cap, adding anti-fraud measures, and reaffirming language that would prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions.
"I mean, I think if nothing else, depending on if the House sends something over here, there would be a new vehicle available," Thune said. "And if there is some bipartisan agreement on a plan, then you know, it's possible that we could — obviously it’d have to be something that we think the House could pass, and the President would sign."
"But I'm not ruling anything out, I guess is what I'm saying," he continued. "But you know, a three-year extension of a failed program that's rife with fraud, waste and abuse is not happening."
Senate Democrats are open to negotiating on a bipartisan plan, something that is already ongoing after Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, held a meeting with lawmakers before leaving Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
But Democrats are also making clear that they don’t want to budge on some of the Republicans’ demands.
"Let's put it this way, Republicans are asking to meet with me, and I'm telling them, I'll listen, you know, I made it clear what I think is the only practical approach, and I'm certainly not going to go along with selling junk insurance," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said.
DR MARC SIEGEL: Why Gen Z is turning back to God, miracles and real-world community
Gen Z is becoming more religious. Nearly two-thirds of young people identify as spiritual or religious and many say they believe in a higher power. In fact, this generation’s increasing involvement in church and prayer is helping to reverse the societal trend away from religion and toward progressive secularism.
At the same time, a majority of Gen Zers also believe in the supernatural and say that miracles have occurred in their own lives.
Don’t get me wrong: We still have a long way to go before faith or spirituality helps lead our youth away from the dangers of unenlightenment and cultural emptiness, where bad actors on social media and elsewhere exploit young people's insecurities and fuel depression, anxiety, poor body image and even encourage violence.
GEN Z EMBRACES THE BIBLE IN UNEXPECTED GLOBAL SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
The movement toward religion and spirituality needs to be cultivated. Simply put, churches, synagogues and other houses of worship offer community and real human interaction, whereas social media and video games tend to involve virtual realities, depersonalization and avatars.
But this is not to say that the two worlds are automatically mutually exclusive. One teen, who died a celebrated death, taught the world that.
It is not an accident that 2025 saw the canonization of the first millennial saint: Carlo Acutis, also known as the patron saint of the internet. During his life, Acutis, a gifted computer programmer, created a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles around the world. He was diagnosed with acute leukemia in October 2006, at the age 15, and died within days, offering his suffering for others coping with illness -- "for the Lord, for the Pope, and the Church."
After his death, he performed two miracles. First, in 2013, a young Brazilian boy named Mattheus, who was suffering from a severe pancreas abnormality that kept him from eating or even keeping food down, was blessed with a relic of Acutis. The next day, began eating normally, with medical tests later confirming that his pancreas had healed and was now normal.
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Then in 2023, an Italian college student, Valeria, sustained a brain bleed from a bicycle accident and underwent emergency surgery. Her mother visited Acutis’ tomb in Assisi and prayed. Days later, her daughter began breathing on her own and made a rapid recovery. This miracle led to Carlos Acutis being canonized as a saint by Pope Leo IV in September 2025.
Saint Acutis is part of the reason that young people are becoming more religious. Since his death he has become a role model for millions. In his brief life, he used his technological skills to grow closer to God while still embracing his passion for video games, the internet and coding. Social media was still in its infancy then, but many young people today can relate to Acutis’s online life and see it as a way to find God themselves while living fully in the current digital world. Acutis found a way to bridge both worlds, and so can others, following his example.
But the most important path to restoring faith to a central place in a highly divided society remains the family. Keep in mind that surveys show that 57%of baby boomers attended church services with their families during their childhood, compared with just 40% of Gen Zers. Sixty-one percent of baby boomers report having received a religious education compared with just 42% for Gen Zers.
We need to emphasize community, family and faith when our children are still young, to help them choose a path of spiritual growth and an acceptance of a reality far greater than a six-inch cell phone.
Five jaw-dropping criminal cases that proved 2025 was stranger than fiction
There was no shortage of high-profile criminal cases in 2025, many of which illustrated that sometimes reality is wilder than fiction. Here are five that were at the forefront of the conversation and captured attention countrywide.
1. United States vs. Luigi Mangione
A murder charge rocked the country at the end of last year, with a highly publicized case playing out in 2025. Luigi Mangione was taken into federal custody on December 19, 2024, and charged with the stalking and murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Shockingly, the crime was committed in the middle of the day when Thompson was walking in midtown Manhattan. The story and Mangione’s mugshot soon became viral due to his young age and appearance, eliciting internet "fans" who shared their support.
While the crime sparked public discussion regarding the state of the healthcare industry, Mangione pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
In September of this year, Mangione’s terror-related murder charges were dismissed by a New York judge, though his second-degree murder charge still stands, and he could face life in prison if convicted.
After the conclusion of December’s pre-trial hearing, regarding whether an illegal search and seizure was performed at the time of Mangione’s arrest, a New York judge said he expects to issue a decision on May 18 regarding what, if any, evidence will be excluded from the trial.
A trial date is also expected to be set at that time.
2. State of Pennsylvania vs. Bryan Kohberger
Widely known as the Idaho Student Murder Trial, this case began in 2022 when Bryan Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary involving a group of students attending the University of Idaho.
At the time, Kohberger, a first-semester doctoral student in criminology at the university, was appointed a public defender and held without bond at the Monroe County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania before being extradited to the Latah County Courthouse in Idaho.
A jury trial was scheduled for August 2025, though Kohberger agreed to a plea deal just weeks before it was set to begin.
To avoid the death penalty, he plead guilty to all counts against him, a deal which came with four consecutive life sentences to be served in prison without the possibility of parole, along with additional sentencing for the burglary charge, as well as restitution fines.
He is currently serving his sentence at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.
3. United States vs. Sean Combs
A case that made headlines for months, involving alleged incidents and criminal activity spanning several decades, against music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, concluded on July 2, 2025.
Federal charges against Combs included sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation for the purpose of prostitution, the last of which he was found guilty by a jury.
Despite lengthy testimonies and evidence against Combs, including most notably from Combs’ long-time ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, he was sentenced to a little over four years in federal prison and will receive credit for time served.
He is serving his sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, and his release date has been pushed back, allegedly due to reports of rule violations involving alcohol consumption. Currently, he is scheduled to get out of prison on June 4, 2028.
4. Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Karen Read
In a publicly controversial case that led to news documentaries and specials, Karen Read stood trial this year for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, a Boston police officer, who was found dead in the snow outside a house party in 2022.
The June 2025 trial occurred nearly a year after the first prosecution against Read ended in a mistrial. Read was found not guilty on the charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene after an accident resulting in death.
She was found guilty of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year probation, as is the standard sentencing for a first-time offense.
After three years and two trials, Read recently filed a lawsuit in state court against members of the Massachusetts State Police and several others targeting her, accusing them of wrongful accusations and gross misconduct.
Some of the people named in the lawsuit submitted a filing for the case to move to federal court since part of Read’s claim includes a civil rights issue involving the Fourth Amendment.
Since its move to federal court, the judge assigned has already delayed a hearing originally scheduled for December 19 to January 6, ordering both sides to make sufficient attempts to narrow their areas of disagreement.
5. People of the State of Colorado vs. James Craig
In a crime worthy of a thriller novel, Colorado dentist James Craig was found guilty of murder on July 30, 2025.
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Stemming from charges filed in 2023 against Craig, he was accused of fatally poisoning his wife with protein shakes by adding cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a substance commonly found in eye drops.
The prosecution’s investigation revealed financial troubles and an affair with another woman as the motive for the murder. And, in addition to his first-degree murder conviction, the jury also found him guilty of other charges, including witness tampering, perjury and placing a hit on one of the lead investigators from behind bars.
The presiding judge sentenced Craig to life without parole plus 33 additional years (the maximum terms of his other charges) to be served consecutively.
He is currently held at the Bent County Correctional Facility in Las Animas, Colorado.
Former GOP Sen. Jon Kyl announces dementia diagnosis, steps away from public life
Former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced on Tuesday he is withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.
Kyl, 83, became one of Arizona's most prominent Republicans during a career that spanned nearly three decades across both chambers of Congress, including a stint as Senate minority whip.
"I was blessed to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and to have numerous other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state," Kyl said in a statement. "However, the time has come for me to withdraw from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia."
Kyl represented Arizona’s 4th Congressional District in the House from 1987 to 1995 before serving in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2013.
DAVID MARCUS: BEN SASSE IS DYING, BUT HIS LETTER TO AMERICA WILL LIVE FOREVER
After leaving the Senate, Kyl joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling, before being appointed in 2018 by then-Gov. Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy caused by the death of former Sen. John McCain.
Kyl held the seat for several months in the Senate before rejoining the firm in 2019, where he helped guide the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
The longtime Arizona lawmaker described himself as "a very fortunate man" despite the diagnosis.
FORMER COLORADO SEN. BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL DEAD AT 92
"My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties," he stated. "I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life."
Kyl moved to Arizona as an 18-year-old freshman to attend the University of Arizona, where he met his wife.
The university said Kyl devoted more than two decades to public service, leaving a lasting impact on water policy, national defense and intelligence.
"His leadership, integrity, and commitment to service reflect the highest ideals of public life," the university said in a statement.
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Kyl gave "decades of his life" serving Arizona, adding that he's grateful for the former GOP senator's "commitment to our state and country."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Treat yourself: Save up to 50% on tech from Apple, Bose and more
The holidays may be over, but it’s not too late to score worthwhile deals on quality tech. From must-have gadgets to everyday staples, now’s the perfect time to upgrade your setup – whether it’s a new smart TV, noise-canceling headphones, or replacing that dated tablet with something shiny and new.
Best headphones: AirPods Pro 3: $229.99 (8% off)
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Best charger: Nomad Stand One: $83 (30% off)
Best smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 11: $299.99 (25% off)
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Best smart home device: Arlo camera two-pack: $64.14 (36% off)
Best smart TV: Toshiba 43" Class C350 Series LED 4K smart Fire TV: $159.99 (47% off)
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GoPro HERO13 accessory bundle: $369 (23% off)
Turn up the music with high-quality headphones and speakers, all on sale.
Apple AirPods 4: $99 (23% off)
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JBL Charge 6 waterproof Bluetooth speaker: $129.95 (35% off)
Bose Smart soundbar: $399 (27% off)
Bose refurbished SoundLink Max portable speaker: $229 (43% off)
JBL Flip 5 waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker: $79.95 (20% off)
Ultimate Ears Boom 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker: $99.99 (33% off)
Original price: $249
What we love: The more impressive noise cancellation than previous generations and hearing aid features put these earbuds a step above the rest.
What to be aware of: The in-ear fit isn't always a favorite, but there are five different tips to choose from for a better fit. Plus, the eight-hour battery life is on the low side compared to other wireless options.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 headphones combine the best of noise cancellation and hearing health into a pair of small earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 removes up to two times more noise than the previous generation, for a more immersive listening experience. Hard of hearing listeners can take a hearing test and use the AirPods as a hearing aid. The conversation boost feature makes it easier to hear callers, and active hearing protection prevents exposure to loud environments.
Packed with features, AirPods Pro 3 earbuds also have a built-in heart rate sensor that helps track heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workouts. Plus, live translation eliminates language barriers while traveling.
READ MORE: Find the best budget-friendly headphones
Original price: $89.95
What we love: A respectable price, deep bass and easily customizable sound.
What to be aware of: You miss out on noise-canceling features other higher-end options come with.
JBL Tune over-ear headphones blend affordability with a deep bass to deliver an enjoyable listening experience. Download the free JBL Headphones app to create a customized sound or choose from the pre-set listening modes. If you like keeping your hands free, these headphones have convenient ear-cup controls for easy calling.
Original price: $69.95
What we love: The 12-hour battery life and customizable eartips for added comfort and security.
What to be aware of: The cord is attached to the earbuds, so you can't convert them to wireless.
For active walkers, runners and joggers, the Beats Flex headphones are built to move with you. A Flex-Form cable and four eartip options ensure a secure, comfortable fit, while Apple's W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices simple. With up to 12 hours of battery life, you won't have to constantly recharge.
Original price: $349.99
What we love: The multiple listening modes and high-quality noise-canceling technology.
What to be aware of: There are some quality issues reviewers cite, such as deflated ear pads after a few uses.
Do you prefer over-the-ear headphones? These Beats Studio Pro headphones with noise cancellation offer a high-end sound. When you want to hear some background noise, you can activate the Transparency mode so you can be more aware. The one-touch pairing feature allows you to seamlessly connect your headphones to your Apple or Android devices.
READ MORE: Check out some of the best deals on headphones right here
Keep your phone charged and lights on during a storm with these power banks and generators.
NOCO Boost GB40 jump starter: $99.95 (20% off)
WEN 14,500-watt tri-fuel generator: $799.20 (20% off)
Original price: $34.99
This MagSafe charger is compatible for iPhone models 12 through 17. It packs enough power for almost two full charges on an iPhone 15 and above. Built-in magnets let it snap securely to newer models, and it supports fast MagSafe wireless charging.
Original price: $2,799
What we love: It's about 77 pounds – lightweight for its power capabilities.
What to be aware of: May require a firmware update to use all features.
The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a dream power bank for emergencies. Its durable battery can power a fridge for up to 14 days, and its multiple charging ports allow you to run up to nine devices at once. With a 10-plus year lifespan and one-touch manual transfer switch to back up power, you'll have a generator ready for any outage.
READ MORE: These generators are all on sale right now!
Original price: $119
What we love: Ultra-fast charging and a MagSafe design make this charger convenient and effective.
What to be aware of: You can only charge one device at a time.
Part charger and part phone stand, the Nomad Stand One is a magnetic charger that holds smartphones at the perfect angle for continued use. It charges phones twice as fast as traditional chargers, helping you save time and get on with your day. Durable yet lightweight, it's easy enough to take with you anywhere.
Upgrade your whole family's workout routine for the new year with a fitness tracker or smartwatch.
Garmin fēnix premium multisport GPS Smartwatch: $949.99 (21% off)
Garmin vívoactive 5 Smartwatch: $194.99 (35% off)
Garming Forerunner running watch: $196.49 (35% off)
Fitbit Versa 4: $119.95 (40% off)
Fitbit Google Ace LTE kids smartwatch: $99.95 (44% off)
Amazfit Bip 6: $65.99 (18% off)
Original price: $399
What we love: The Series 11 has a faster chip than other models, plus more in-depth health metrics like high blood pressure alerts.
What to be aware of: Some reviewers don't see enough of a difference between the Series 10 and Series 11 watches.
The Apple Watch Series 11 has a faster chip than previous models. Redesigned to be thinner and more comfortable, its glass display has double the scratch resistance of the Series 10. Tools like high blood pressure monitoring and more advanced sleep tracking help you spot chronic issues and track your sleep habits. You'll also be alerted to possible hypertension if the Watch detects consistently high pressure. Impressively, the Series 11 gives you up to 24 hours of battery life, so you can constantly monitor your health and phone activity.
Original price: $99.95
What we love: Daily sleep, stress and workout scores keep you on track towards your health goals.
What to be aware of: The screen on this Fitbit is on the smaller side.
Track workouts, stress levels and sleep patterns with the Fitbit Inspire 3. Less bulky than other fitness trackers, this Fitbit has over 20 exercise modes and gives automatic reminders to move. It constantly tracks stress levels, giving you a daily stress management score and suggests mindfulness sessions and breathing sessions. A personalized sleep profile shows sleeping patterns and a vibrating alarm wakes you up more gently.
Included with a purchase of a Fitbit Inspire is a six months' Premium membership that allows the tracker to give personalized insights and more advanced analytics.
Original price: $199
What we love: The battery lasts for 14 days per charge and WHOOP tracks over 150 daily behaviors.
What to be aware of: There's no screen to check messages or answer phone calls.
WHOOP is a screen-free activity tracker with 24/7 insights that encourage movement. It comes with a 12-month WHOOP One membership that gives real-time insights into your body's response to various workouts. It also gives lab-level sleep analysis for a more restful night of sleep. WHOOP tracks heart rate, sleep, oxygen consumption and menstrual cycles. An additional 160 daily behaviors are tracked to give a real understanding of your daily habits and how to develop better ones.
Trade in your outdated phone or tablet for a new one at half the price.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone: $1,049.99 (19% off)
Google Pixel 9: $499 (38% off)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus tablet: $139.99 (36% off)
TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Android tablet: $259.99 (30% off)
Original price: $649
What we love: A bright screen and fast chip, make this mini iPad fun and easy to use. Plus, built-in AI tools help you write better and get your questions answered.
What to be aware of: The smaller size means slightly less features than its larger counterparts.
Get most features packed into the iPad into a smaller, handheld version with the iPad mini. Built-in AI and the ultrafast A17 Pro chip deliver Apple's high-quality user experience the brand is known for. Compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad turns into an immersive drawing canvas and a note-taking device that makes it great for students and professionals alike.
Original price: $649
What we love: Bright and stunning, an 11-inch iPad can easily replace a laptop. The fast A16 chip makes gaming, working and studying easy.
What to be aware of: There's no Apple Intelligence built in.
The 11-inch iPad is powered by Apple's A16 chip, making it a strong performer when gaming, video editing, working on schoolwork or just streaming shows. The stunning Liquid Retina display brings content to life, and the all-day battery keeps the iPad going through it all. With up to 512 GB of storage, this portable workspace doubles as an entertainment hub. Compatible with the Apple Pencil, the iPad is also a studio you can bring on the go.
Original price: $949.99
What we love: Brilliant graphics and built-in AI features make this an advanced tablet.
What to be aware of: The large size gives you a bigger screen, but a less portable tablet compared to other models.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus is an artist's dream. Using Galaxy AI, you turn your sketches into works of art. Students, writers and professionals get note-taking features, summarized lectures and full transcripts. The 12.4-inch screen is bright and designed to reduce glare, making shows and webpages easier to enjoy. You can control your whole smart home from the SmartThings Home Insight Widget.
READ MORE: We found the best Apple deal, from iPads to MacBooks
Get a new gaming system or find must-have accessories without overspending.
PlayStation wireless controller Nacon Revolution 5 Pro: $149.99 (25% off)
Razer BlackShark V2 X gaming headset: $31.99 (47% off)
Alienware 16 Aurora gaming laptop: $899 (7% off)
59-inch gaming desk: $129.99 (24% off)
Turtle Beach wireless gaming headset: $74.99 (17% off)
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini Esports gaming keyboard: $136.99 (24% off)
Original price: $389.98
Compatible with PS5, PS4 and PC, the Logitech G29 racing wheel and pedals create a realistic driving experience. The dual-motor force feedback lets you feel every drift, bump and turn. Hand-stitched leather, a steel gear shaft and metal pedals give the whole setup a realistic feel.
Original price: $123.34
This ergonomic gaming chair is built for serious comfort, with a plush headrest and lumbar support that helps you relax while gaming for hours. The sturdy steel frame outperforms its plastic counterparts, adding durability for the most active gamer. From padded armrests to dense foam cushioning, every part is designed to hold up over time.
Transform your home into a gadget-filled smart home with cameras, smart lightbulbs and robot vacuums.
Google Nest indoor camera: $74.99 (25% off)
Kasa smart plug four-pack: $24.24 (19% off)
Govee smart light bulbs: $36.99 (8% off)
Shark AI voice control robot vacuum: $466.65 (22% off)
Surge protector outlet extender: $12.99 (13% off)
Original price: $99.99
The Arlo 2K indoor cam gives you crystal-clear 360-degree views, so you can peek in on your pets anytime. It comes with smart alerts, a reliable plug-in power source and dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable connection. You also get a free month of Arlo Secure, unlocking features like 60-day video history, custom alerts and Emergency Response. After that, plans start at just $7.99 per month.
Original price: $179
Storing cherished memories is important, and an Aura digital picture frame gives you a constant stream of family photos. Taking only minutes to set up, the frame lets you use the Aura app to add photos and connect to Wi-Fi. Loved ones can share photos straight to the frame, so everyone stays connected. Aura is an extremely popular gift, even Oprah has one!
There are TVs of all sizes and helpful accessories on sale up to 47% off.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: $24.99 (50% off)
Insignia 32-inch smart Fire TV: $79.99 (38% off)
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar: $369 (26% off)
Hisense 85" Mini LED 4K UHD Fire TV: $849.99 (15% off)
Amazon Fire TV 43" 4K UHD smart TV: $249.99 (24% off)
Govee TV backlight: $74.99 (17% off)
Original price: $299.99
What we love: Built-in Alexa features and sports and gaming modes.
What to be aware of: Users with other smart home options besides Alexa won't have as easy of a time connecting to other devices.
The Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 Series Smart TV combines Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to give you an ultra-clear picture and a strong, deep sound. The Ultimate Motion feature reduces blur in fast-moving scenes, helping to provide a clearer picture. Game Mode and a Sports Mode boost color and realism, giving you a more realistic gaming or sports-watching experience.
Original price: $1,099.99
What we love: The cinematic sound and color-boosting tech.
What to be aware of: Some reviewers report having to frequently reboot the TV.
Sony's 75-inch Bravia 3 TV has Google Assistant built in, so you can use your voice to search for shows or ask questions. With Chromecast and AirPlay 2, it's effortless to cast your shows to the TV. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos also create a cinematic visual and audio experience.
Original price: $1,299.99
What we love: The new backlight technology that creates an ultra-realistic picture, paired with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
What to be aware of: The high-tech features don’t always translate to older content.
The Hisense 85-inch smart TV is a monster of a television, with QLED color that lets you see every person and item on the screen with impressive accuracy. Fire TV is also built in, so you can easily pair with other devices and use the voice remote to control your TV from anywhere. An AI light sensor feature automatically detects and adjusts the screen's brightness depending on how much light is in the room.
Whether heading back to school or looking for an office upgrade, these laptop options are on sale now.
Microsoft Surface laptop (2024): $1,629 (22% off)
Dell 15 laptop: $369.97 (18% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) gaming laptop: $1,309 (23% off)
HP Ultra Slim laptop: $259.98 (26% off)
Original price: $999
What we love: The M4 chip helps this laptop run smoothly and faster for longer.
What to be aware of: Users who need something simpler can find a better price tag on less advanced models.
The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13.6-inch laptop is powered by the M4 chip, which offers enhanced performance and efficiency. Your laptop will run faster and feel more fluid when switching between apps, editing videos, or gaming. With up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ll spend less time plugged in.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $229.99
What we love: The compact size paired with the extra-wide screen.
What to be aware of: This budget-friendly model doesn't come with the same AI and battery capabilities of higher-priced options.
Whether you've got a student going off to college or need an affordable laptop for yourself, an HP 14 is a great daily use option. Thin and lightweight, it's easy to take anywhere. A large 14-inch screen and all-day battery is ideal for working at home or on the go. Gamers who like to play at home, at a coffee shop or anywhere else will appreciate the little lag and impressive graphics card.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
Mamdani picks educator who worked to dismantle Gifted & Talented program as NYC schools chancellor
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is expected to announce Wednesday that he will appoint Kamar Samuels, a longtime New York City educator and Manhattan superintendent, as the next schools chancellor, according to multiple reports.
Samuels, who has been an educator with New York City public schools for almost two decades, is known for promoting racial diversity through school mergers and for working to dismantle the Gifted & Talented program, which some critics argue is racially biased, the New York Post reported.
The schools chancellor oversees the nation’s largest public school system, educating more than 900,000 students across roughly 1,600 schools and employing roughly 135,000 people.
Samuels led school mergers aimed at racial integration while overseeing a de Blasio administration effort to increase diversity in certain Brooklyn middle schools, according to Chalkbeat.
MAMDANI APPOINTS CONVICTED ARMED ROBBER TO PUBLIC SAFETY TRANSITION TEAM
According to the Post, Samuels has also backed the International Baccalaureate program, which he said aligns with his philosophy of expanding opportunities for students while investing in teachers.
Samuels’ appointment would align with Mamdani’s campaign pledge to reshape education policy under his administration.
In October, Mamdani told The New York Times he would renew a plan first proposed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2021, which sought to eliminate the Gifted & Talented test for public school kindergartners, opting for a universal test in second grade.
Mayor Eric Adams halted de Blasio's initiative when he took office, according to the Post.
Mamdani's pick for schools chancellor was first reported by City & State.
Samuels began his career as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx before moving into school leadership as a middle school principal in the borough. He later served as deputy superintendent in Brooklyn’s Community School District 23, then as superintendent of Community School District 13, before taking over as superintendent of Manhattan’s District 3.
"It's a politically challenging assignment to run District 3, really, and he ran it at a very challenging time," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine told City & State. "He consistently just showed incredible sensitivity and nuance and stuck to his principles."
Samuels would succeed outgoing Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who reportedly sought to remain in the role, the publication added.
Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City’s next mayor on Thursday, Jan. 1.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdani’s team for comment.
Fox News Digital's Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.
Former Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell dead at 92
Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado died on Tuesday at the age of 92, according to his family.
Campbell died of natural causes surrounded by his family, his daughter Shanan Campbell, announced. He is survived by his wife Linda, their two children, Shanan and Colin, as well as four grandchildren.
Originally a Democrat, Campbell switched to the Republican Party in 1995 while serving in the U.S. Senate, a seat he held from 1993 until his retirement in 2005 due to health reasons.
Before serving in the Senate, he held office in the U.S. House and the Colorado House.
TATIANA SCHLOSSBERG, JFK'S GRANDDAUGHTER, DIES AT 35 AFTER YEAR-AND-A-HALF LEUKEMIA BATTLE
Campbell was known for his passionate advocacy of Native American issues as well as his dress attire, which included cowboy boots, bolo ties and a ponytail.
He was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and said his ancestors were among more than 150 Native Americans, mostly women, children and elderly men, killed by U.S. soldiers while camped under a flag of truce on Nov. 29, 1864. He helped sponsor legislation to upgrade the Great Sand Dunes National Monument in southern Colorado, where the killings happened, to a national park.
Campbell was also a strong supporter of children's rights, organized labor and fiscal conservatism.
A renowned master jeweler, Campbell has designs displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.
"He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado. I will not forget his acts of kindness. He will be sorely missed," Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said on X.
Colorado Democrat Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Campbell's service.
"He will be missed here in Colorado and across the country, and his contributions leave a lasting legacy to our state and nation," Polis said on X.
Born April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, Campbell also served in the Air Force during the Korean War.
He received a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University in 1957. He also attended Meiji University in Tokyo from 1960 to 1964, was captain of the U.S. judo team at the 1964 Olympics and won a gold medal in the Pan American Games.
Additionally, he worked as a deputy sheriff in Sacramento County, California, coached the U.S. national judo team, operated his own dojo in Sacramento and taught high school classes.
Campbell was also a motorcycle-rider and cattle rancher, and he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
The former lawmaker has driven the Capitol Christmas Tree across the country to Washington, D.C., on several occasions.
"He was truly one of a kind, and I am thinking of his family in the wake of his loss," Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat, said on X.
Campbell founded Ben Nighthorse Consultants, a lobbying firm that focused on federal policy, including Native American affairs and natural resources, following his retirement from public office. He also continued to design and craft American Indian jewelry after leaving Congress.
MIKE CASTLE, DELAWARE'S LAST REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR AND CONGRESSMAN, DEAD AT 86
Although he switched to the Republican Party in March 1995 after becoming angry with Democrats for killing a balanced-budget amendment in the Senate, Campbell said his principles never changed.
"It didn’t change me. I didn’t change my voting record. For instance, I had a sterling voting record as a Democrat on labor. I still do as a Republican. And on minorities and women’s issues," he once said.
A social liberal and fiscal conservative, Campbell's party switch outraged Democrat leaders.
"I get hammered from the extremes," he said shortly after the switch. "I’m always willing to listen ... but I just don’t think you can be all things to all people, no matter which party you’re in."
Editor's Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Ben Nighthorse Campbell was the first Native American to serve in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. In fact, Charles Curtis was the first to hold that distinction.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.