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Fraud engulfs Minnesota as another blue state kicks off New Year with ID for trains — not votes
While Minnesota grapples with a burgeoning fraud crisis, one blue state that still does not require photo ID to vote will require residents seeking to pay a reduced fare on state-owned transit present one in order to qualify.
Reduced-fare on NJTransit, and mass transit in other states, is often offered to senior citizens, military personnel or the infirm. Meanwhile, officials in Minnesota are grappling with a multifaceted fraud scandal involving subsidies paid to largely Somali-led outfits and interests that are allegedly illegitimate and often appear unverified as well.
However, New Jersey is one of 14 states that does not require the same stringent photo identification to be shown at the polls on election day.
The discrepancy spurred an uproar online as the local outlet Shore News Network drew attention to it in its reporting of the new reduced-fare ID requirement.
RED STATE GOVERNOR TOUTS MEDICAID SAVINGS AS MINNESOTA GRAPPLES WITH WIDESPREAD FRAUD ALLEGATIONS
"Starting January 1, photo ID required for NJ Transit reduced fares but not for voting," a headline from the Rutherford-based outlet read.
"This change is only for customers who have been using an NJ Transit issued non-photo ID as proof of reduced fare eligibility," NJ Transit spokesman John Chartier told NJAdvanceMedia.
Current non-photo reduced-fare ID cards will no longer be accepted as of Thursday, according to the agency, which announced that Jerseyans must apply for a new photo ID either in-person or by mail – while providing NJTransit proof of age and/or disability and a recent photo.
COMER WARNS 'WALLS ARE CAVING IN' ON TIM WALZ AS MINNESOTA FRAUD PROBE WIDENS
NJ Transit said all non-photo Reduced Fare IDs will become invalid after the new year. Riders must apply for the new, free photo ID card online, by mail, or in person, providing proof of age or disability along with a recent photo, according to Shore News Network.
By contrast, on election day, voters must include their state driver’s license number on their registration form.
Failing to include that number on a registration form would then require identification be presented onsite for first-time voters; which could include a license or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document – not all of which have a photographic component.
"This is how ridiculous Democrat-run states are," one X user said. "Beginning January 1st, a photo ID will be required for the Reduced Fair Program, but it is still not required to vote. This is how they keep states blue by cheating."
The volunteer good-governance organization New Jersey Project also slammed state policies:
"Photo ID needed for NJ Transit discounts but not for voting. Starting January," the group said.
"Priorities, Trenton?"
The blog New Jersey News wrote that state officials often claim voter ID "disenfranchises minorities" who cannot get such identification.
"Guess they won't be riding the train either," the outlet said.
MINNESOTA'S NEW MEDICAID FRAUD PREVENTION FIX WON'T MAKE 'ANY DIFFERENCE,' FORMER FBI AGENT SAYS
The group "Wake Up NJ" also fired back at the new policy, citing the same disparity between arguments against voter-ID and the state’s actions toward reduced-fare straphangers.
"New Jersey expects you to get that reduced fare for New Jersey Transit, but it's OK [if you don't] for voting," they said.
The photo ID rule in-practice will allow a rider who goes a short distance on a state bus – considered a "Zone 1" fare – to pay 85 cents instead of the full $1.85. Commuters going to "Zone 3" – immediate suburbs of New York City – pay $5.30, but would be able to pay $2.40 under the reduced-fare ID policy.
Longer trips see larger savings as NJTransit’s special limited-stop service on the Garden State Parkway from New York to Toms River and Atlantic City currently costs $57.40 to hit the casinos. Showing a reduced-fare ID card would allow the rider to pay $25.80.
Fox News Digital reached out to the New Jersey Secretary of State’s office, which oversees elections, for comment.
Karoline Leavitt warns 'people will be in handcuffs' as feds zero in on Minnesota fraud scandal
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Wednesday that "people will be in handcuffs" as fallout grows from expansive fraud allegations under Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s watch.
"President Trump is not going to let Governor Walz off the hook," Leavitt told "Fox & Friends," echoing arguments that responsibility lies with the governor as the alleged fraud occurred under his administration.
Leavitt said the Trump administration has surged federal resources into Minnesota, with multiple agencies conducting investigations tied to the alleged fraud.
Among them, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting door-to-door operations at alleged fraud sites, a key federal effort ICE Director Todd Lyons discussed Tuesday on the Fox News Channel.
ELON MUSK UNLEASHES ON TIM WALZ WITH NEW NICKNAME AMID MINNESOTA FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS
"This is a top priority for the administration," Leavitt reiterated.
"The Department of Justice, as we speak, is continuing to execute search warrants and subpoenas… The Department of Homeland Security is conducting door-to-door investigations on the ground at potential fraud sites, and they're also conducting continued deportations of illegal aliens in Minnesota's communities."
"We're also not afraid to use denaturalization," she continued. "That's a tool at the president and the Secretary of State's disposal, and it's one this administration has previously used before."
The Health and Human Services, Agriculture and Labor Departments are also involved, with one cutting off childcare funding to Minnesota until the investigation is fully explored, another digging into the unemployment insurance program and the third writing a letter demanding Walz hand over the name of every SNAP recipient in the state.
"Our entire administration is working around the clock to get to the bottom of it," Leavitt added.
Gov. Tim Walz, who has come under intense scrutiny since the fraud issue came to light, has publicly acknowledged the problem and pledged to tackle it, saying the situation "is on my watch" and that he is "accountable" for fixing it, even as his administration has questioned some federal estimates regarding the scale of the fraud.
Walz also issued a third-party audit of Medicaid billing through Minnesota's Department of Human Services and paused payments for some services while an audit is underway, according to FOX 9, an affiliate based in St. Paul.
Walz previously told the outlet in a statement, "We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if they don’t have the backing of the public’s trust. In order to restore that trust, we are pumping the brakes on 14 programs that were created to help the most disadvantaged among us, yet have become the target of criminal activity."
He added, "If you attempt to defraud our public programs and steal taxpayer dollars out from under the people who need them most – you will be stopped, and you will be held accountable."
DAVID MARCUS: Five ways to make the Trump-Kennedy Center great in 2026
Over the past few days, several petulant "pick-me" performers have canceled engagements at the Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts over objections to the building's new title.
Acts such as the jazz septet, The Cookers and dance ensemble, Doug Varone and the Dancers, among others, have all pulled out in defiance, with Varone claiming his company is losing $40,000 for taking its stand.
But let's not kid ourselves: Varone and all of these groups will be fundraising off of their anti-Trump antics for years to come.
The question is how can the center’s president, Ric Grenell, and its board move forward in an environment in which so many artists simply refuse to play? I have five suggestions that could make 2026 the best in the venue’s history.
KENNEDY CENTER PRESIDENT DEMANDS $1M FROM JAZZ MUSICIAN WHO CANCELED CHRISTMAS EVE SHOW
Somewhat astonishingly, the role of artistic director does not exist at the Trump Kennedy Center. Instead, each division, be it opera or the symphony, has individual leadership. This should change and playwright Mamet is absolutely the right man for the job.
Mamet has proved to be the one conservative arts figure who simply cannot be canceled because he is just that good. I don’t care how far left an actor is, for the chance to appear in "Glengarry Glen Ross," they’d walk over hot coals.
Mamet also has the connections to bring in a wide range of talent both on the artistic and the production side. There could be no better face of the center today.
Speaking of playwrights, the Trump Kennedy Center should move some of its emphasis away from classical music and dance, and towards straight (non-musical) plays. Doing so would allow it to steal the secret sauce that Broadway has discovered in the past decade or so.
MARIA SHRIVER SLAMS TRUMP OVER KENNEDY CENTER NAME CHANGE DECISION: 'BEYOND COMPREHENSION'
A limited run of a classic or popular play with movie stars in it just flat-out sells. Even Samuel Beckett’s notoriously complicated "Waiting for Godot" is full eight days a week with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter on the boards. It's a no-brainer.
From Kelsey Grammar to James Woods, to Patricia Heaton, there are stars who lean right, or who at least would not eschew making good art in the name of politics. Five such productions a year would be a major draw, and unlike musicals, straight plays are very cheap to produce.
KENNEDY CENTER'S PRO-FAITH SHIFT REFLECTS A 'NEW DAY IN AMERICA,' CONSERVATIVE LEADERS SAY
The musical cannot be abandoned, of course, but the Trump Kennedy Center should focus on genres of music that are open to all Americans ideologically, not just the left. Country music is an obvious choice, but as Nicki Minaj just showed from her appearance at TPUSA alongside Erika Kirk, rap has its moderates too.
Why not a country clothesline musical awash in big standard hits? Why not the first real gangta rap musical? This ludicrous boycott from so many of the same old people in the musical industry, such as the hams from "Hamilton," should be seen as an opportunity to innovate, not an invitation to surrender.
CONTROVERSIAL 'OCTOBER 7' SURVIVORS PLAY COMING TO TRUMP-LED KENNEDY CENTER AFTER PAST THREATS
While snobby artistic elites thumb their noses at the chance to appear at the Trump Kennedy Center, there are thousands of artists and arts companies that would be ecstatic at the opportunity and willing to pay, within their means, for the chance.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION
I produced theater in New York City for over a decade and the greatest challenge was always finding affordable space. The Trump Kennedy Center could be that for so many artists, today, and while many productions may be unremarkable, who knows what diamonds could be developed in a crucible of non-ideological art? This could also take the form of a Trump Kennedy Center Fringe Festival.
KENNEDY CENTER PRESIDENT CRITICIZES JIMMY KIMMEL'S ONE-SIDED LATE-NIGHT PROGRAMMING APPROACH
Among its myriad charms is the fact that the Trump Kennedy Center is on a stunning plot of land with breathtaking views of the Potomac and just an all around great place to spend a spring or summer afternoon or evening. Host swing dancing, or outdoor pop concerts. Hell, host a chili cook-off. Just get people used to going to the center.
The real goal here, one that has not been met in many years, if ever, is to make the Trump Kennedy Center a regular venue in the repertoire of average local denizens, not just the wealthy movers and shakers. Outdoor events are a fantastic way to attract just such audiences.
If the artistic elites, who hate President Trump, and let's be honest, aren’t that fond of America itself, have decided they are too good for the Trump Kennedy Center, I say, "Good riddance."
There are endless artists who would love this opportunity. Yes, it will take some time, as it does for all artistic organizations to gain a following, to become a part of the life of its community. But it can happen, and it is more than worth trying.
The year to make the Trump Kennedy Center great is 2026, and it is a goal that is absolutely in reach.
Dispatch records from Brown University shooting capture chaos of deadly campus attack
FIRST ON FOX: Newly obtained police and fire department records detail the chaotic, multi-building response to the Brown University shooting that left two students dead and multiple wounded.
The shooting unfolded at the Barus and Holley building shortly after 4 p.m. on Dec. 13 near Brown’s Sciences Library and surrounding academic buildings along Thayer, Hope and Waterman streets, according to Providence Police (PPD) and Fire Department dispatch records reviewed by Fox News Digital.
In the hour immediately after the shooting, police reported one possible suspect in custody in an academic building nearby, one other encounter with a possible suspect in that building and one person being detained in a vehicle nearby.
Police encountered a possible suspect in a basement in a building at 167 Thayer St. at 4:22 p.m. on Dec. 13. They then reported one person in custody at 4:38 p.m. after encountering a possible suspect in a bathroom in that building. They also reported one person detained in a vehicle at 4:42 p.m.
BROWN UNIVERSITY HIRES FORMER US ATTORNEY ZACHARY CUNHA AS POSSIBLE CAMPUS SHOOTING LAWSUITS LOOM
These on-scene detentions are separate from the individual detained the following morning at a hotel in Coventry, who was later released. Fox News Digital has reached out to the PPD for comment.
Initial 911 calls reported a man shot in the back near Manning Walk. Within minutes, Brown University police notified city authorities that multiple people had been shot, expanding the response footprint to several buildings, including Barus and Holley, 167 Thayer St., 115 Waterman St. and 184 Hope St.
Dispatch records reveal that police radio traffic confirmed an active shooter, with callers reporting 10 shots fired inside hallways and classrooms within the Ivy League building.
Witnesses initially described a male suspect wearing all black clothing and a face covering. Police later released the initial suspects.
As reports flooded in, hundreds of students sheltered in place across campus buildings, including Solomon Hall, where police said that roughly 150 to 300 people were barricaded inside.
READ THE DISPATCH – APP USERS, CLICK HERE
Providence Fire Department officials quickly declared a mass casualty incident, according to records, with the department dispatching rescue task forces and requesting ballistic protection for medics who were ordered to standby until police could secure each scene.
Hospitals across the region were notified, with Rhode Island Hospital designated to receive the most critically injured victims.
READ THE FIRE DISPATCH – APP USERS, CLICK HERE
Fire department logs show victims were located both inside and outside buildings, including in hallways, stairwells and basement areas.
As officers cleared buildings floor by floor, police reported multiple victims exiting the building and groups barricaded on upper floors awaiting rescue.
Officials indicated there was no longer an active threat, though searches continued for hours as officers methodically cleared basements, rooftops, mechanical rooms and stairwells amid concerns of additional suspects or victims.
By early evening, buildings were declared secure, and buses were brought in to relocate sheltered students to reunification points.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Providence Police Department for more information and requested the audio recordings of the 911 calls related to the shooting but has not yet received them.
Police said the gunman was Claudio Neves-Valente, 48, a onetime physics prodigy from Portugal who later died by suicide after a multistate manhunt.
PROVIDENCE MAYOR, POLICE CHIEF HONORED AT COLLEGE BASKETBALL GAME AFTER BROWN SHOOTER INVESTIGATION
Neves-Valente was a Portuguese national and former Brown student who studied physics from the fall of 2000 through the spring of 2001 before withdrawing from the program by 2003, according to Brown University President Christina Paxson. She emphasized that Neves-Valente had no recent affiliation with the university at the time of the campus shooting.
The Providence Police Department has not publicly released details regarding a motive.
Authorities said Neves-Valente killed two students and injured nine in the Brown attack, then traveled to Massachusetts and killed Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nuno Loureiro two days later.
The Daily Mail reported that Dr. Bruno Goncalves, president of Portugal’s Institute of Plasma and Nuclear Fusion, said Neves-Valente did not maintain any known relationship with Loureiro in the decades after they studied together there, underscoring that the attack was not the result of an ongoing rivalry or dispute.
Instead, Goncalves said Neves-Valente may have fixated on what Loureiro had come to represent.
"The strongest theory is that Claudio saw Nuno as a symbol of the academic and professional success that he himself had failed to achieve," Goncalves said.
Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report.
10 simple cybersecurity resolutions for a safer 2026
We could not let 2025 end without one last reminder about digital safety. Cybercriminals never slow down. In fact, the holidays and the start of a new year often bring a surge in scams, account takeovers and data theft. The good news is that cybersecurity need not feel overwhelming. You do not need advanced skills or expensive tools. With a few smart habits, you can lower your risk and protect your digital life throughout 2026. To help you start the year strong, here are 10 simple cybersecurity resolutions that actually work.
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AMERICA'S MOST-USED PASSWORD IN 2025 REVEALED
Passwords remain your first line of defense. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to break into multiple accounts at once. Use a unique password for every account. Longer passphrases work better than short, complex strings. A reputable password manager can generate and securely store passwords, so you do not have to memorize them. One rule matters most. Never reuse passwords.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step after your password. This usually includes a code from an app or a physical security key. Even if someone steals your password, 2FA can block access. App-based authenticators provide stronger protection than text messages. Turn it on for email, banking, social media and shopping accounts first.
Old accounts create new risks. Take time to review shopping sites, forums, apps and subscriptions you no longer use. Delete what you do not need. Update privacy settings on what you keep. Share less personal information whenever possible, especially birthdays, locations and phone numbers. A smaller digital footprint limits abuse.
5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE
Security updates fix real vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit. Skipping updates leaves doors open. Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, apps, routers and smart devices. This habit blocks many common attacks without extra effort. Outdated software remains one of the top causes of successful hacks.
Your personal information appears on hundreds of data broker sites. These sites collect names, addresses, phone numbers and relatives, then sell access to anyone willing to pay. A personal data removal service helps locate and remove that information. This step reduces scam attempts, phishing messages and identity fraud risks throughout the year. Less exposed data means fewer threats.
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
Identity theft often starts quietly. A breach happens. Data leaks. Fraud follows months later. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. Many services can also scan for accounts tied to multiple email addresses, making cleanup easier. Early alerts help you act before damage spreads.
See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SNEAKY WEB INJECTION SCAMS
Most cyberattacks still begin with a click. Fake shipping notices, refund alerts and urgent messages push people to act fast. Pause before clicking links or opening attachments. Many scams now use AI to generate realistic messages, fake voices and convincing images, making it even more important to pause before you click. Verify messages through official websites or apps instead. Strong antivirus software adds another layer of protection by blocking malware, ransomware and malicious downloads across your devices, 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.
Your Wi-Fi network connects everything. That makes it a valuable target. Change the default router password right away. Enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. Keep router firmware up to date and avoid sharing your network with unknown devices. A secure network protects every connected device.
Backups protect you from ransomware, hardware failure and accidental deletion. Many people still skip them. Use cloud backups, an external hard drive or both. Automate the process so it runs without reminders. If something goes wrong, backups let you recover quickly.
A credit freeze prevents new accounts from opening in your name. It remains one of the strongest defenses against identity fraud heading into 2026. Freezing credit is free and reversible. You can temporarily lift it when applying for loans or credit cards. This single step blocks many identity crimes outright. To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search "How to freeze your credit."
Your email account controls password resets, alerts and account recovery. If attackers get in, they can reach nearly everything else. Secure your primary email with a long, unique password and two-factor authentication. Then create email aliases for shopping, subscriptions and sign-ups. Aliases limit exposure when a company suffers a data breach and make phishing easier to spot. Protecting email this way strengthens every other cybersecurity resolution.
By creating email aliases, you can protect your information and reduce spam. These aliases forward messages to your primary address, making it easier to manage incoming communications and avoid data breaches.
For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.
A safer digital life starts with small, consistent decisions. Strong passwords, updates, backups and awareness go a long way. By committing to these cybersecurity resolutions, you set yourself up for a more secure 2026. You also make it harder for criminals to profit from stolen data. There is no better time to start than now.
Which of these cybersecurity habits are you still delaying, and what would it take to address them today? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Iran launches satellites on Russian rockets as Moscow-Tehran ties deepen
While the United States presses for negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, Russia is signaling a parallel strategy — deepening cooperation with U.S. adversaries and portraying itself as resistant to Western pressure.
That posture was on display this week when Iran announced that three of its domestically designed satellites were launched into orbit aboard a Russian rocket.
The launch was broadcast by Iran’s Arabic-language state television channel Al-Alam News Network, which aired footage showing the satellites lifting off from Russian territory. The Associated Press and Reuters reported that the satellites were carried into orbit aboard a Russian rocket launched from eastern Russia, marking the seventh time Iran has conducted a satellite launch with Russian assistance.
IRANIAN PRESIDENT SAYS HIS COUNTRY IS AT 'TOTAL WAR' WITH THE US, ISRAEL AND EUROPE: REPORTS
Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said the satellites were "designed and produced by Iranian scientists," adding that cooperation between Tehran and Moscow continues "despite all the sanctions and threats," according to Iranian state media cited by Reuters.
Iranian officials claim the satellites are intended for civilian purposes, including environmental monitoring and agriculture, though Western governments have long warned that Iran’s space program could advance technologies applicable to ballistic missile development.
The launch underscored a broader strategic relationship between Moscow that has expanded significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Iran has supplied Russia with drones and other military equipment used on the battlefield, while Russia has provided diplomatic cover, economic cooperation and advanced technical support amid sweeping Western sanctions on both countries.
The growing Russia-Iran alignment comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to rise. After President Donald Trump recently warned that the United States could strike Iran again if it attempted to rebuild its nuclear program, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a sharp response.
According to the Associated Press, Pezeshkian said any U.S. attack would be met with a "harsh and discouraging" response. Iranian officials framed the warning as defensive, arguing it was meant to deter potential U.S. aggression rather than signal an intention to initiate conflict. Tehran has repeatedly said its nuclear program is peaceful, a claim the United States and its allies dispute.
The exchange highlights how Iran and Russia are increasingly positioning themselves as partners pushing back against U.S. pressure, even as Washington attempts to pursue diplomacy on multiple fronts. Russia has portrayed its partnerships with Iran and other sanctioned states as evidence that Western efforts to isolate Moscow have failed, while Iran has used its cooperation with Russia to showcase technological resilience under sanctions.
Bari Weiss invites George Clooney to newsroom after he said she's 'dismantling CBS News as we speak'
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss invited actor George Clooney to visit the network's newsroom after Clooney told Variety on Tuesday that Weiss was "dismantling CBS News as we speak."
"Bonjour, Mr. Clooney! Big fan of your work. It sounds like you’d like to learn more about ours. This is an open invitation to visit The CBS Broadcast Center, where I’m spending the holidays working to relaunch the Evening News with my colleagues. Tune in January 5," said Weiss in a statement shared to Variety by Paramount Skydance on Tuesday.
A representative for Clooney did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The "Bonjour, Mr. Clooney" remark in Weiss’s statement is an apparent reference to the actor and his wife recently being granted French citizenship.
Clooney pulled no punches in his wide-ranging interview with Variety's Brent Lang. The actor touched on topics such as politics, President Donald Trump and the current state of the press.
One issue that Clooney seemed particularly perturbed by was CBS and ABC's decision to settle multimillion dollar lawsuits with Trump, suggesting the networks should have instead said, "Go f--- yourself."
CBS and ABC have paid at least $16 million apiece to settle lawsuits brought by Trump. But Clooney, who has been living in France after uprooting his family to get away from the culture of Hollywood, is bothered the networks didn’t fight back.
BARI WEISS SUGGESTS CECOT '60 MINUTES' PIECE SHE DELAYED WASN'T 'FAIR' IN MEMO TO STAFFERS
"If CBS and ABC had challenged those lawsuits and said, ‘Go f--- yourself,’ we wouldn’t be where we are in the country," Clooney told Variety. "That’s simply the truth."
"It’s a very trying time," Clooney continued. "It can depress you or make you very angry. But you have to find the most positive way through it. You have to put your head down and keep moving forward because quitting isn’t an option."
Paramount Global and CBS agreed in July to pay a $16 million upfront sum to settle the president’s lawsuit against the network over how "60 Minutes" edited and released an interview with then-Democratic rival Kamala Harris in 2024. Trump’s team, which initially sought $10 billion, claimed the network’s use of edited clips from a single response about Israel constituted "election interference." Trump's legal team championed the settlement as a win for media accountability and the American people.
CBS, BARI WEISS FACING MOUNTING BACKLASH FROM LIBERAL CRITICS OVER YANKING '60 MINUTES' SEGMENT
The same month as the settlement, the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, putting David Ellison in charge of the newly formed company.
Ellison then handpicked Bari Weiss to takeover CBS News, but Clooney isn’t a fan.
"Bari Weiss is dismantling CBS News as we speak," Clooney told Variety. "I’m worried about how we inform ourselves and how we’re going to discern reality without a functioning press."
Trump’s win over CBS came on the heels of ABC's apology and $16 million settlement with Trump last December after he sued for defamation over "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos' claims on the air that the president had been held "liable for rape." The jury in the E. Jean Carroll case to which he was referring had actually ruled he was liable for "sexual abuse."
ABC and CBS did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.
Year-end Apple deals that won't disappoint – up to 72% off iPads, AirPods, MagSafe chargers and more
If you’ve been eyeing a new MacBook or AirPods, now’s the time to check out. Apple is dropping prices as the year winds down, with rare discounts on AirTags, Apple Watches and even iMac desktops (which rarely go on sale). Plus, you’ll find deals on must-have accessories, from chargers to protective cases.
There are hundreds of accessories for your iPhone, and many of them are on sale right now.
OtterBox case for iPhone 16e, 15, 14 and 13: $28.99 (42% off)
iPhone magnetic charger: $22.99 (72% off)
Phone crossbody strap: $43.99 (20% off)
Retractable car charger: $15.99 (20% off)
MagSafe wireless charging station: $16.14 (38% off)
MagSafe car phone mount: $25.61 (40% off)
Four-pack Lightning to USB-C adapters for iPhone: $8.99
Find phone stands, AirPods cases, screen protectors and more on sale.
Apple travel charger block: $19.99 (38% off)
AirPods case: $4.99 (7% off)
AirTag key ring holder: $8.48 (35% off)
Laptop case: $12.79 (20% off)
Apple iPad case: $25.98 (21% off)
iPhone SE screen protector three-pack: $6.99 (36% off)
Urban Armor Gear iPhone 17 Pro screen protector: $19.95 (67% off)
Tablet stand: $9.99 (38% off)
Original price: $29
What we love: The easy setup and the multiple ways to find your lost items.
What to be aware of: AirTags can only be tracked by Apple products.
Apple AirTags can help you keep track of everything that’s important to you. Just attach the small tracking device to your belongings after you tap it to connect to your iPhone or iPad. If you lose the item the AirTag is attached to, either play a sound on the tag's built-in speaker or use the Find My app to track it. When an AirTag is in Lost Mode, you’ll automatically be notified if it's detected on the Find My network. If you'd rather get multiple, you can also get a pack of four.
What else you should buy: There are a whole range of holders for AirTags, from key ring holders to wallets and even dog collars.
Original price: $349
What we love: 128GB gives you room for apps, photos, docs, and downloads without stressing space.
What to be aware of: It works with the standard Apple Pencil, but not the newest Pro version.
The 11-inch iPad 10 is a solid all-around tablet, powered by Apple’s A16 chip for a fast, responsive experience. The Retina display features True Tone tech, which adjusts to your environment for better viewing depending on where you are and the conditions to give you the best picture. With 128 GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for apps, files and more.
For artists or note-takers, it works with the Apple Pencil (though not the latest Pencil Pro), offering a realistic drawing and writing experience. Add the Magic Keyboard Folio, and it easily transforms into a lightweight laptop with a detachable keyboard that clicks into place.
Original price: $999
What we love: Apple Intelligence is built-in and the M4 chip makes everything faster.
What to be aware of: Some users don't appreciate how thin the laptop is, which makes it feel less durable.
The 2025 version of the MacBook Air comes with Apple’s M4 chip that offers a big speed boost from previous models. There's a 13.6-inch screen and an upgraded FaceTime camera that's smart enough to follow you around a room when you're on video calls. With up to 18 hours of battery life, it eliminates the need to worry about charging when you take it to the office. The MacBook Air also has improved sound and Retina display for a better user experience. For 21% off, you can also get the 2025 MacBook Air with three years of AppleCare.
What else you should buy: A fast charger with multiple ports will keep all your devices juiced up.
5 HEADPHONES THAT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY FOR LESS THAN $100 ON AMAZON
Original price: $499
What we love: The A17 Pro chip handles multitasking, streaming, and apps with ease.
What to be aware of: Unlike larger iPads, it doesn’t have a dedicated keyboard case option.
The iPad Mini gives you the power of a full-sized iPad in a compact, easy-to-carry design. With the A17 Pro chip and built-in AI, everything feels fast and responsive. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, making it a great choice for taking notes, sketching or staying productive on the move.
Original price: $129
What we love: The spatial sound with head tracking makes music and movies feel surround-sound level good.
What to be aware of: Unlike the Pro models, these don’t have active noise cancellation.
Apple’s AirPods 4 bring a more immersive listening experience with personalized spatial audio and head tracking that makes music, movies and calls sound like they’re happening all around you. The H2 chip helps make it easier to chat even in noisy places thanks to upgrades like voice isolation and conversational awareness. With up to 30 hours of battery life (with the case), you’ll get plenty of use between charges.
What else you should buy: An AirPods case and a pair of ear hooks compatible with AirPods 4.
Original price: $19
What we love: The wired design means you're less likely to lose them, plus the affordable price and ergonomic design means you still get high-end headphones for a quarter of the cost.
What to be aware of: These earbuds aren't as high-tech as AirPods and Apple's over-ear headphones that have better sound quality.
A pair of Apple wired earbuds is reliable, affordable and work with a USB-C plug. Although not quite as high-tech as AirPods, the speakers inside the earbuds maximize sound and minimize outside noise. The integrated microphone captures the voices of both callers, making them easier to hear in noisy environments. A built-in remote allows listeners to adjust the volume, skip songs and answer calls with a click of a button.
Original price: $549
What we love: The comfortable fit and unique colors paired with the two listening modes.
What to be aware of: They offer up to 20 hours of battery life, which is less than most other top brands.
Apple AirPods Max are Apple's over-ear headphones option. They come in five beautiful colors and offer noise cancellation technology. Using Apple's H1 chip and software, the headphones offer a unique, high-fidelity audio experience. When you want to hear the world around you, just switch the headphones into transparency mode. Designed to seal in sound, the knit-mesh, memory foam ear cushions make these headphones especially comfortable.
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. It's been re-designed to be thinner and more comfortable, plus it's twice as scratch-resistant. New health features like high blood pressure monitoring and more advanced sleep tracking help you recognize 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.
If you're worried about damage or just want your questions answered in a timely manner, you can get the Apple Watch Series 11 with AppleCare for 25% off right now.
What else you should buy: Personalize your Apple Watch by buying watch bands, which are easy to swap for every occasion.
AMAZON JUST SLASHED THE APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 BY $100 – GET ONE NOW WHILE THE DEAL LASTS
Original price: $249
What we love: The long list of health metrics, personalized sleep score and safety features like fall and crash detection.
What to be aware of: Some users may not appreciate the always-on feature that constantly shows the time and watch face.
Apple's SE 3 Watch has a temperature sensing ability that gives clearer health and fitness metrics. Powered by AI, it gives training guidance while real-time metrics offer a clearer picture of your health. The new always-on display shows the time and watch face even when the screen asleep. Improved safety features like hard fall or severe crash detection make the SE 3 an invaluable safety partner. The 18-hour battery life allows for longer wear, and the Watch charges twice as fast as its SE 2 counterpart.
What else you should buy: You can switch out the SE 3 band to customize the watch to your style.
Original price: $1,299
What we love: The mobility and fast speeds.
What to be aware of: It has a limited RAM capacity, which users should keep in mind if using it in place of a computer.
Apple's iPad Pro 13-inch is at the top of Apple's iPad range, and is powered by Apple's M4 chip, which helps with processing speeds. Paired with the extra-long battery life, it lets you handle your usual laptop work with much more mobility. For 14% off, you can also get the Apple iPad Pro with AppleCare included.
If you want to try the new M5 chip, the latest iPad Pro is now available on Amazon.
What else you should buy: Apple's Magic Keyboard turns your iPad into a fully functioning laptop, while the Apple Pencil Pro lets you draw and write on screen.
APPLE JUST DROPPED A NEW IPAD, IPAD AIR, MACBOOK AIR AND MAC STUDIO: HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Original price: $1,299
What we love: This desktop is compact but still has an incredible user experience.
What to be aware of: Gamers often find that other brands work better.
If you're looking for a new desktop, the Apple 2024 iMac is about as high-class as you can get. Powered by Apple's M4 chip, you get a fast desktop and screen in one. Although it's a desktop, it's just as thin as many of Apple's other products. The huge screen and crystal-clear picture are ideal for different kinds of work, whether you're a designer, an artist or a gamer. Plus, the iMac comes in multiple color options.
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There’s a lot to learn about Apple products. To give you a head start, here are a few frequently asked questions users have about different Apple products.
AppleCare is personalized support from Apple professionals. From repairs to handling stolen items to frequently asked questions, AppleCare gives you 24/7 access via chat or call. You can purchase the following core Apple products with Apple Care included:
When choosing between Apple’s headphone options, the listening experience you want can help you make the right decision for your needs. If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Apple AirPods Max are over-the-ear headphones that provide a more immersive listening experience.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are high-tech earbuds that provide a hearing aid feature and don’t sacrifice on sound quality. Apple’s AirPods (3rd generation) are the original version of headphones that are best for users looking for the most affordable option. They’re not the strongest in sound quality, but they seamlessly connect to your phone, iPad or laptop.
The M4 chip is Apple’s answer to faster processing speeds. It’s a super-charged chip in some of Apple’s 2024 products. It’s designed to be faster and more efficient than previous chips, and it has incredible performance for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI program. Apple's newest products (the new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro) each come with the M5 chip, which gives an even more significant performance boost, especially for AI applications.
According to Apple, the life expectancy of a MacBook is about seven years. That said, plenty of users find that their MacBook lasts longer, especially if it’s taken care of. Keeping a case on your laptop and blowing it out regularly helps it not overheat, adding to its life expectancy.
Oprah Winfrey admits she drank 17 shots of tequila in one night before giving up alcohol due to GLP-1
Oprah Winfrey is opening up about her weight-loss journey.
During a recent interview with People magazine, the 71-year-old television personality discussed her new book, "Enough," which she co-wrote with obesity expert Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, which details her journey with obesity, saying, "I feel more alive and more vibrant than I’ve ever been."
"I feel like I have more to give to everybody. I’m just more open to all," she said. "I was a big fan of tequila. I literally had 17 shots one night... I haven’t had a drink in years. The fact that I no longer even have a desire for it is pretty amazing."
The former talk show host began taking GLP-1 weight loss medication over two years ago, when she realized her lifelong struggle with her weight was due to obesity, a word she "avoided" before.
OBESITY EXPERT REVEALS THE BEST WAY TO DECIDE IF GLP-1S ARE RIGHT FOR YOU
Her epiphany came in 2023 when she hosted a special featuring experts on obesity, saying filming the special helped her realize that "overeating doesn’t cause obesity. Obesity causes overeating," calling that moment "the most mind-blowing, freeing thing I’ve experienced as an adult."
"If you have obesity in your gene pool, I want people to know it’s not your fault," Winfrey said. "I want people to stop blaming yourself for genes and an environment you can’t control. I want people to have the information, whatever you choose to do with it, whether you get the medications, or whether you want to keep dieting."
After starting the GLP-1 medication, Winfrey feels like "everything is just calmer and stronger" by helping her "manage the messages that are being sent to your brain about overeating."
Without the constant messaging about food, the "A Wrinkle in Time" star said she has been given "a quiet strength that comes with everything I do."
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Winfrey discussed her struggles with losing weight and the media's obsession with her size during a March 2024 ABC special, called "An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution."
During the special, she admitted she once starved herself on a liquid diet "in an effort to combat the shame" for nearly five months in 1988 "and then wheeled out that wagon of fat [on her show] that the internet will never let me forget and after losing 67 pounds on a liquid diet, next day, y’all, the very next day, I started to gain it back."
She later added that it's "wrong to be shaming people" with obesity if you don't struggle with it, because it's hard to truly understand what the person is dealing with.
"All these years, I thought all of the people who never had to diet were just using their willpower and they were for some reason stronger than me, and now I realize y'all weren't even thinking about the food. It's not that you had the willpower. You weren't thinking about it. You weren't obsessing about it. That is the big thing I learned."
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Winfrey told People in December 2023 that she had begun taking weight loss medication.
Buccaneers head coach blunt about Baker Mayfield's play as team faces playoff elimination
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the season as the favorites to win the NFC South for the fifth year in a row, but they are one loss from missing out on the playoffs.
Baker Mayfield found a place in Florida after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns and taking pit stops with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.
However, with their playoff hopes on the brink, head coach Todd Bowles was quick to point the finger at the person who has been considered the savior of this generation's Bucs.
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"We’ve got to be better at the quarterback position, and we’ve got to be better at the signal-calling position, and we’ve got to be better blocking it," Bowles said after the Buccaneers' 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins earlier this week.
After starting 7-5, the Bucs have lost four straight and need both a win against the aforementioned Panthers and a loss by the Atlanta Falcons to make the playoffs as an 8-9 division champion. With a loss on Saturday, Carolina would win the NFC South.
Mayfield made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with Tampa Bay, but this season will be his worst with them to date. After throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns at a 71.4 completion percentage, Mayfield currently has 3,490 yards and 25 touchdowns, while his completion percentage has dropped to 62.8%.
Carolina defeated the Bucs 23-20 two weeks ago for their first win over Tampa Bay in more than three years. The Panthers have not made the playoffs since the 2017 season.
Bowles joined the Bucs as their defensive coordinator after being fired as the New York Jets' head coach in 2018, becoming the head coach in 2022 after Bruce Arians retired.
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