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Mamdani sworn in by AG James in private midnight ceremony
New York City socialist mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as mayor in a midnight ceremony by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The early Thursday morning event was a private ceremony where Mamdani was accompanied by family members at the Old City Hall Station, a decommissioned subway station with deep historical roots.
In a press release, the Mamdani transition team said the midnight swearing was chosen to be at a location symbolizing how the subway system is the "lifeblood of New York" and a "reminder of the city Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is fighting for: a city built by and for New Yorkers."
"When Old City Hall Station first opened in 1904 — one of New York’s 28 original subway stations — it was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives. That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath City Hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above," Mamdani said in the press release.
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"When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the New Year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness."
Mamdani used a Quran during his swearing-in ceremony, according to his campaign, making him the first Muslim mayor of NYC and the first to be sworn in using a Quran.
On Thursday afternoon, Mamdani will be sworn in publicly by Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders after opening remarks are delivered at his 1 p.m. inauguration by another progressive ally, Dem. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
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Typically, inauguration tickets are given out to roughly 4,000 people but the Mamdani transition team says all New Yorkers will be invited to the inauguration and a block party immediately following.
The 1 p.m. inauguration will take place on the steps of City Hall.
Mamdani soundly defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in early November, capping off a rapid political ascent that started with single-digit support when he announced his mayoral campaign in October 2024.
New year fitness deals: up to 42% off walking pads, weights and more
The new year is here, and for many that means new fitness goals or even new routines. We rounded up treadmills, exercise bikes, dumbbells and more to kick-start your routine. From 33% off a folding walking pad to an extremely roomy Adidias gym bag, these fitness essentials are definitely worth checking out. Shop the best offers on cardio, strength equipment, smart fitness trackers, sneakers and more.
Massage gun: $26.99 (33% off)
Adjustable weight bench: $79.99 (38% off)
Brooks women's Adrenaline GTS 24 running shoes: $109.95 (21% off)
Brooks men's Glycerin StealthFit 22 running shoes: $119.95 (27% off)
Amazon Basics dumbell hand weights: $32.69 (9% off)
Brooks Canopy Jacket: $84.50 (35% off)
On Cloudmonster 2 women's running shoes: $125 (30% off)
On men's hoodie: $75 (40% off)
On running tights for women: $80 (30% off)
Hoka Skyflow men's running shoes: $128 (20% off)
Original price: $358.99
Adjustable dumbbells are a good choice for home gyms that are short on space. This compact unit shifts from light to heavy (10 to 15 pounds) by rotating the handle and locking in the desired weighted plates. A dedicated weight tray keeps everything tidy and safe.
Original price: $399
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a must for fitness lovers. It has a faster chip and runs smoother than previous models, which makes tracking workouts, checking messages or getting directions feel effortless. It’s thinner, more comfortable and now twice as scratch-resistant. New health features like blood pressure monitoring and advanced sleep tracking (complete with a sleep score). Plus, it lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge.
Oura Ring 4 is a screen-free, no-fuss health tracker that fits like a regular ring but delivers around-the-clock insights on your body’s mechanics. It tracks sleep, activity, stress, heart health and women’s health all without buzzing or lighting up. The battery lasts up to 8 days and a subscription unlocks deeper data and personalized recommendations.
Original price: $299.99
The GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill doubles as a walking pad and a treadmill. When the handrail is down, it functions as a walking pad that reaches up to 2.5 mph. Raise the rail and it becomes a treadmill that goes up to 7.5 mph, an ideal speed range for jogging. It runs quietly on a 2.25-horsepower motor, features shock-absorbing tech for a smoother stride and supports up to 265 pounds. It also connects to your phone via Bluetooth so you can stream music while you move, and there’s a built-in phone holder for convenience.
This all-in-one trainer does just what the name suggests – any workout routine you can put together. From squats to rows and everything in between, the rack is adjustable to create full-body workout routines. It comes with a back bar to hold all of the racks handles and accessories. During Johnson Fitness and Wellness' New Year sale, it is also including 230 pounds of rubber weight plates for free, and you can choose from free delivery or opt for delivery and assembly for an extra fee. If you're putting together your own home gym, consider adding a bench or even a leg press to level up your workouts.
Original price: $70
This no fuss gym shoe is easy to slip on and off and takes up hardly any room in your gym bag. The sock-like upper and the elastic, no-tie laces stretch for a snug fit. With a cloud-like midsole offering plush cushioning, it’s comfy all day whether you're training or lounging.
Original price: $49.99
Adding a weighted vest to your routine is a simple way to level up your workouts. It straps on securely, distributes weight evenly and comes in options from 6 to 30 pounds. There’s even a pouch for your keys or phone.
Original price: $199.99
Start building the strength you need to knock out pull-ups like a Marine. This sturdy bar holds up to 450 pounds and works for dips, knee raises and more. Its compact design makes it an ideal option for home gyms with limited space.
This pickleball paddle set is ideal for both newcomers or seasoned players alike. Designed with a fiberglass core, the paddles deliver a smooth, stable strike every time. The bundle comes complete with two paddles, four outdoor balls, two extra grip tapes and a convenient carry bag.
Original price: $45
This roomy duffel bag can carry all your gym essentials. It has a water-resistant base to keep gear dry and two zippered end pockets for shoes, toiletries or whatever else you want to stash separately.
THE BEST TECH DEALS TO SHOP: AIRPODS, BEATS EARBUDS, AIRTAGS AND MORE
Original price: $1,995
Get a full-body, low-impact workout in just 20 minutes with the sleek Hydrow Wave rower. It is designed to engage over 86% of your muscles while being gentle on joints. It’s quiet, compact and folds up easily for storage. With a subscription, you’ll unlock access to the HydroMetrics system to track your performance and stream live or on-demand workouts from real rowers on real water.
Original price: $199.99
Get more out of your walking routine with the Lichico walking pad, featuring four incline levels that max out at 9%. It reaches speeds up to 4 mph and supports up to 265 lbs. Extras include a remote control, LED display, device holder, built-in wheels for easy storage and even a companion fitness app to track your progress.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $359.99
For the Pilates enthusiast on your list, this foldable reformer is a game-changing gift that skips the pricey membership fees and brings studio-quality workouts home. It comes 90% pre-assembled for quick setup, while smooth-glide wheels keep every session quiet. With four springs and five cords for customizable resistance, it adapts to their strength and helps them hit their fitness goals.
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.
Best deals on mattresses and bedding: Up to 64% off Saatva, Nectar and more
You should never pay full price for a mattress, especially when you're shopping online. Most brands offer generous sleep trials, free returns and deep discounts you won't find in stores. Right now, you can score up to 65% off a Queen adjustable bed from Nectar, or grab a Siena mattress for just $424 if you're sticking to a budget under $500.
The accessories you'll need to deck out your new mattress are also on super sale. We've found huge discounts on sheets, pillows, mattress protectors and blankets from brands like Brooklinen, Beckham Hotel Collection and more.
If you're not sure where to start, scroll down to our FAQs where we go over some of the most frequently asked questions that come up when you buy a mattress online.
Avocado green mattress: $1,349 (10% off)
Avocado vegan mattress: $1,349 (10% off)
Saatva Classic mattress: $1,879 (14% off)
Helix Moonlight Elite mattress: $2,812 (25% off)
Nectar Bamboo platform bed frame: $499 (61% off)
Cozy Earth linen fitted sheet: $27.50 (75% off)
Cozy Earth bamboo duvet cover: $164 (50% off)
Siena 12-inch twin memory foam mattress: $237.27 (18% off)
4-piece sheet set, queen size: $21.24 (49% off)
Coop Home Goods Original adjustable pillow: $89
Upgrade your sleep with some sleep accessories that pair well with any mattress. From sheets to duvets, here's some bedding that will make your room feel more luxurious.
Wayfair 4-inch gel memory foam mattress topper: $89.99 (16% off)
Beckham Hotel Collection bed pillows: $59.99 (25% off)
Original price: $249
Stay warm this fall and winter with the Brooklinen Dreamweave waffle blanket. The waffle weave design gives you that cozy feel without trapping too much heat. Great for layering, the blanket makes a gorgeous statement piece on the top of your bed. Choose from multiple plaid patterns or go with unique solid colors like fresh moss or storm blue.
Original price: $367
For true luxury bedding, go with these Brooklinen Luxe Sateen sheets. The set comes with durable, soft sheets and pillowcases, plus a duvet cover. Ideal for year-round use, these silky sheets keep you cool when needed but also help conserve heat in cooler months. Making your bed has never been easier, thanks to long and short side tags that show you exactly how to put the sheets on.
Get everything you need for a restful night's sleep with bundles. Many deals include the mattress, platform and sheets.
Original price: $3,834
What we love: The adjustable base has a number of useful features, including head and foot elevation, a soothing massage function and pre-programmed positions like Zero Gravity and Anti-Snore.
What to be aware of: The adjustable base is not compatible with all headboards.
Get everything you need for a better sleep with Nectar’s adjustable comfort premier bundle. This all-in-one package lets you choose your perfect mattress and pairs it with an advanced adjustable base that features head and foot elevation, along with a soothing massage function. The bundle also includes a sheet set, pillows and a mattress protector, so you're ready for a peaceful night's rest. Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial to test out the mattress.
Side sleepers should look for a mattress that offers pressure relief and pick something in the medium-soft to medium-firm range. Lighter individuals might prefer something softer, while heavier side sleepers might need a bit more support to prevent sinking into the mattress.
Original price: $1,548
What we love: The multiple layers of memory foam, particularly the gel-infused comfort layer, conform closely to the body.
What to be aware of: Some sleepers may find that the all-foam construction retains more heat than hybrid or innerspring mattresses.
Nectar’s flagship memory foam mattress works well for the side sleeper because of the pressure-relieving memory foam and medium-firm feel. The Nectar Classic's gel-infused memory foam comfort layer excels at conforming closely to the body's curves. This allows these pressure points to sink in just enough, distributing weight evenly and preventing painful pressure buildup. Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial to test out the mattress.
Original price: $2,999
What we love: This mattress has excellent pressure relief.
What to be aware of: It’s an all-foam mattress with very little bounce compared to innerspring or hybrid mattresses.
The Saatva Contour5 mattress is a premium all-foam mattress that comes in medium and firm options. It features a body-hugging, pressure-relieving design with zoned support. It incorporates a cooling gel and phase change material to help regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Its memory foam comfort layers provide excellent pressure relief and contouring for the shoulders and hips, which are key pressure points for side sleepers.
Saatva mattresses are made only after you order and are delivered full-sized and uncompressed directly to your home. White glove delivery is included in the price of your mattress. You can trial your mattress for one year.
Original price: $1,332
What we love: The Helix Midnight provides adequate support and contouring for spinal alignment.
What to be aware of: The mattress may be too hot for some sleepers.
The Helix Midnight is a good mattress for those that prefer a medium-firm feel. The Midnight's hybrid construction (foam and coils) is a balance of comfort and support. The zoned support helps distribute pressure and provides adequate spinal alignment.
Helix Sleep also offers a 100-night sleep trial so you can test out the mattress at home.
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Back pain is a major reason Americans lose sleep at night, and a bad mattress only exacerbates the situation. A good mattress for back pain focuses on alignment while also providing the right level of support, firmness and comfort.
Original price: $3,449
What we love: The plush, soft sleep surface that offers deep contouring, making it comfortable for various sleeping positions.
What to be aware of: Unlike some other Saatva models, the Rx comes in a single firmness level.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a top choice for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions. Engineered with unique Rx Foam Modules over each coil and patented Lumbar Zone Quilting with gel-infused memory foam, this mattress provides enhanced support and pressure relief. It's particularly effective in the lumbar region, hips and shoulders.
Saatva mattresses are made to order and are delivered full-sized and uncompressed directly to your home. White glove delivery is included in the price of your mattress. You can trial your mattress for one year.
Original price: $2,849
What we love: The latex offers gentle contouring that cushions pressure points without the deep hug feeling of memory foam.
What to be aware of: This mattress is heavy and difficult to move.
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex mattress combines resilient support for optimal spinal alignment with conforming pressure relief that helps alleviate and stop back pain. The latex makes this mattress buoyant and responsive, which is critical in keeping your hips from sagging. Your lower back will be adequately supported. PlushBeds includes a 100-night trial period for all of its mattresses.
Original price: $2,427
What we love: Its zoned support coils and pressure-relieving foams help maintain spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points.
What to be aware of: Lightweight sleepers might find the mattress to be too firm.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a designed to help with back pain, particularly for back sleepers of various weights. The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in soft, medium and firm options to let you choose the level that best supports your spine and alleviates pressure points.
The Bear mattress sleep trial is a 120-night period, after which you can return the mattress at no cost if you don’t like it. You can take 35% off sitewide right now using the code YEAREND through Jan. 5.
Back sleepers should choose a mattress that provides a balance of support and comfort to maintain the natural curvature of the spine.
Original price: $2,265
What we love: The GlacioTex cooling cover removes excess heat.
What to be aware of: There is a $99 return fee if you don't like the mattress after the 120-night sleep-trial.
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress coil system offers back sleepers strong foundational support that prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply. The coils respond independently to pressure and give targeted support where needed. The Aurora Luxe comes in soft, medium and firm options, so you can choose the firmness level that is best for you.
The mattress is shipped in a box and with a 120-night comfort trial.
Original price: $1,266
What we love: The excellent support and spinal alignment this mattress provides.
What to be aware of: Sleepers that weigh less may find this mattress firmer than they prefer.
Awara’s Natural Luxury Hybrid mattress is firm and ideal for back sleepers because of its spinal alignment. The firm support core from the individually wrapped coils, combined with the responsive buoyancy of the natural latex, provides an ideal surface for keeping the spine in a neutral position.
Awara offers a 365-night sleep trial to test out the mattress.
When sharing a mattress, whether with a partner, child or pet, look for an option that will enhance comfort and minimize disturbances for both sleepers.
Original price: $2,382
What we love: It offers superior motion isolation, so if you share your bed with a restless partner or pets, you're unlikely to feel their movements.
What to be aware of: Memory foam can take a bit longer to adapt when you change positions.
The DreamCloud Premier is an all-memory foam mattress designed for pressure relief. This 13-inch mattress is made with a breathable CloudQuilt top. Designed for motion isolation, this mattress is suitable for a range of sleeping preferences.
DreamCloud offers a 365-night sleep trial, and if you are not happy with the mattress, you can request a return and receive a full refund.
Original price: $961
What we love: The excellent edge support so you don’t roll off.
What to be aware of: This medium-firm mattress may be too firm for some sleepers.
Pick the Siena Premier Hybrid mattress for its motion isolation. This hybrid mattress uses individually-wrapped coils that move independently, which reduces motion transfer. Plus, the mattress features reinforced coils along the perimeter on all four sides for strong edge support. Couples are able to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress.
Siena mattresses come with a sleep trial of 180 nights.
Original price: $2,624
What we love: The Birch mattress is comfortable for all sleeping positions.
What to be aware of: If you have a latex allergy, this mattress is not for you.
Latex mattresses feel similar to memory foam but are firmer and sink less. This eco-friendly latex mattress from Birch by Helix features latex and organic cotton that contribute to a cooler sleeping surface. Couples who tend to overheat during the night will benefit.
Birch by Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial for their mattresses.
Stomach sleepers should look for a firm mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent the hips from sinking too deeply.
Original price: $1,699
What we love: You can flip this mattress to change the firmness level.
What to be aware of: This mattress is heavy, so you will likely need some help if you plan to flip it.
The Layla Hybrid mattress is designed to be flippable, offering two different firmness levels: a softer side and a firmer side. For most stomach sleepers, the firm side of the Layla Hybrid mattress will be the preferred option as it keeps the hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Plus, all mattress purchases come with two of Layla’s award-winning memory foam pillows.
Original Price: $1,332
What we love: The Plank Firm's high-density foams can provide sufficient support for heavier individuals.
What to be aware of: This mattress has no supportive hug.
The Plank Firm mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is for people who want the firmest mattress. It's a flippable, all-foam mattress with two distinct firmness options on each side. This is one of the firmest mattresses currently on the market.
The mattress has a 120-night comfort trial to see if it is the right fit. You can take 30% off across the site through Jan. 4 using the code WINTER30.
For combination sleepers, a hybrid mattress delivers the best of both worlds with strong support and comfortable pressure relief.
Original price: $1,598
What we love: The pressure relief, lumbar support and cooling make this an ideal choice for most sleepers.
What to be aware of: This bed-in-a-box is priced on the higher end.
The Glacier Original Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress that suits all sleeper types. This mattress combines cooling technology with pressure relief and is engineered to gently cradle your body’s natural curves. Its hybrid design uses memory foam and coil springs to support spinal alignment and minimize motion transfer, so you can get in and out of bed without making noise. This mattress is an excellent choice for couples, hot sleepers or anyone who needs a cooler night’s sleep.
It ships roll-packed for easy setup and comes with a 365-night sleep trial, so you can test it risk-free.
Original price: $2,277
What we love: The quilted Euro-top adds a luxurious cushioning layer.
What to be aware of: This is a heavy mattress, so it may be difficult to move.
The Nolah Evolution mattress is the brand's best-selling mattress. This luxury hybrid mattress is a favorite because it delivers both pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils, particularly beneficial for side sleepers. With a 15-inch profile, plush pillow top, active cooling technology and zoned support, you'll find targeted comfort.
The mattresses have a 120-night trial period with a 30-night break-in period.
Original price: $2,398.66
What we love: The mattress provides excellent contouring and cushioning for pressure points.
What to be aware of: Without the cooling technology upgrade, this mattress may not suit hot sleepers.
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is a good option for combination sleepers, especially those who primarily alternate between side and back sleeping. The mattress has a medium feel that offers enough softness for pressure relief when on your side, but enough support to keep your spine aligned when you roll onto your back. The hybrid construction uses foam layers with individually wrapped coils.
Helix Sleep offers a 100-night sleep trial for their mattresses, during which time you can return them for a full refund.
Heavier sleepers should prioritize durability and robust construction with a medium-firm to firm mattress. Hybrid mattresses are a good choice for heavier sleepers because they combine the robust support and durability of innerspring coils with the pressure relief and contouring of foam comfort layers.
Original price: $1,599
What we love: The mattress is built with higher-density foams and thicker, more durable coils.
What to be aware of: It may feel too firm for lighter individuals.
The Titan Plus Luxe is the best deal for sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds who need robust support. It offers a comfortable, medium-firm feel and strong pressure relief.
Titan's mattress is shipped in a box and with a 120-night comfort trial. You can take 30% off across the site through Jan. 4 using the code WINTER30.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Buying a mattress online is convenient and can offer more benefits than visiting an actual showroom. To help out in your search, here are a few answers to the most commonly asked questions consumers have when buying a new mattress online.
Picking out the best mattress brand will depend entirely on your specific needs, preferences and budget. The brands featured in our guide consistently receive high ratings and are well-regarded for different reasons. Many of these mattress brands offer mattress quizzes that can help guide you to options based on your preferences.
How long your mattress lasts depends on the quality of the mattress and how you care for it. You will know it's time to replace your mattress if you see signs of visible sagging or deep body impressions. Another good indicator signaling that your mattress is likely to no longer provide adequate support is if you consistently wake up with back, neck, hip or shoulder pain that wasn't there before. An old mattress can accumulate dust mites, mold and allergens, leading to increased allergy symptoms.
Choosing the best mattress depends on individual needs and preferences. Side sleepers generally do better with a softer to medium-firm mattress that contours to their body to relieve pressure on hips and shoulders and maintain spinal alignment. Back sleepers may prefer a medium to firm mattress that provides consistent support to keep the neck, shoulders and torso aligned. Stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress to prevent their hips from sinking too far, which can lead to back pain.
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.
Trump targets Minnesota fraud allegations, says ‘we’re going to get to the bottom of it’
President Donald Trump railed against alleged social services fraud in Minnesota during remarks at his New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday.
"Can you imagine they stole $18 billion," Trump said. "That's just what we're learning about. That's peanuts. And California is worse, Illinois is worse and sadly New York is worse."
Trump continued, "We're going to get to the bottom of all those. It was a giant scam."
Trump added that he saw Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., on television earlier Wednesday talking about the alleged fraud involving the Somali community.
"He was talking about the Somalia population and not very nicely," Trump said.
Trump's comments came as Minnesota has been hit with widespread fraud allegations, with losses estimated at up to $1 billion, and federal prosecutors have indicted and charged dozens of people in connection with the alleged fraudulent activity.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a stark warning Wednesday that "people will be in handcuffs" as fallout expands from widespread fraud allegations under Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
MINNESOTA FRAUD COMMITTEE CHAIR CLAIMS WALZ 'TURNED A BLIND EYE' TO FRAUD WARNINGS FOR YEARS
"President Trump is not going to let Governor Walz off the hook," Leavitt said on "Fox & Friends."
Walz has come under scrutiny since the fraud issue came to light, and has publicly acknowledged the problem while pledging to address it, saying the situation "is on my watch" and that he is "accountable" for fixing it.
Leavitt added that the Trump administration has increased federal resources to Minnesota, with multiple agencies conducting investigations relating to the alleged fraud.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it would freeze all child care payments to Minnesota, amid mounting scrutiny over accusations of fraud involving child daycare centers across Minnesota.
DOJ outlines 10 ‘wins’ under Trump, says agency restored after Biden era
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday outlined a list of its accomplishments during President Donald Trump’s first year back in office, arguing that the agency has ended the political weaponization it says existed under the Biden administration.
The DOJ claimed in a statement posted on X that it has "turned around" the agency, restoring fairness and law enforcement priorities.
"Instead of keeping Americans safe, the Biden DOJ weaponized its power against political opponents: conservatives, parents, pro-lifers, Christians, and most of all, President Trump," the DOJ stated.
The DOJ said that after President Trump inherited a justice system it described as "in chaos," he charged the department with restoring "integrity, accountability and equal justice under the law."
"In 2025, the DOJ returned to its core mission: upholding the rule of law, vigorously prosecuting criminals, and keeping the American people safe," the department wrote.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to face legal challenges and the Justice Department faces potential legal action after missing a statutory deadline deadline to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The DOJ outlined 10 "wins" since President Trump took office on Jan. 20, including efforts to pursue major fraud cases, particularly in Minnesota, which it described as "rife with fraud."
MIKE DAVIS: JUSTICE IS COMING FOR PERPETRATORS OF ARCTIC FROST
According to the DOJ, 98 people have been charged — including 85 individuals identified as being of Somali descent — in Medicaid fraud and related case programs, leading to 64 convictions to date.
The statement outlines actions taken to roll back policies it said were targeting conservatives and parents, reduce crime nationwide, increase law enforcement activity in major cities, seize record amounts of illegal drugs and secure favorable rulings at the Supreme Court.
On Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that the bureau is working to restore trust in federal law enforcement.
"Dismantling public corruption is a top priority of our leadership team here — we’ve worked day and night on that mission and will continue to do so until justice is done," he wrote.
The Justice Department said more enforcement actions are planned in 2026, signaling an escalation of arrests, court victories and action "against those who threaten the safety and well-being of the American people."
France reportedly planning to ban children under 15 from social media starting 2026
France is planning to ban children under 15 from social media and to restrict cellphone use in high schools starting next year, local media Le Monde reported on Tuesday.
The proposal aims to curb excessive screen time and shield minors from online risks such as inappropriate content. President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly cited social media as a contributing factor to violence among young people.
"Many studies and reports now confirm the various risks caused by excessive use of digital screens by adolescents," a draft law stated, according to Le Monde.
The document added that children with unrestrained access online have been exposed to "inappropriate content" and could suffer from cyber-harassment or experience changes to their sleep patterns, according to the outlet.
The proposal follows Australia’s lead after the country introduced a world-first ban on social media for children under 16 years old in December, restricting access to platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
Macron is aiming for Parliament to debate the proposal in January, with a potential start date of September next year, according to the local outlet.
In June, Macron said he wanted to push for similar regulations across the European Union (EU), following a fatal school stabbing in eastern France that shocked the nation in April, Reuters reported.
Macron has previously taken numerous steps to protect minors digitally. However, technical challenges, including EU legal constraints and weak enforcement, have limited the effectiveness of such measures.
Cellphones have already been banned in French elementary and middle schools since 2018, according to Le Monde.
In 2023, France reportedly attempted to pass a law calling for a "digital legal age," which required parental consent for social media users under 15 years old. The law, however, was blocked by EU regulations.
In November, the European Parliament urged the EU to set minimum social media ages to tackle adolescent mental health issues, though final decisions rest with its member states, Reuters reported.
Miami upsets Ohio State for shocking CFP win, ends Buckeyes' back-to-back national title hopes
There was much debate a few weeks ago over whether the Miami Hurricanes belonged in the College Football Playoff, and on Wednesday night, they proved the naysayers wrong.
The Hurricanes delivered a 24-14 upset victory over the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Miami is the first double-digit seed to make it this far.
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Miami refused to be stopped on one of their final drives. Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown dug deep to find the energy and the will to keep the ball moving. Carson Beck found wide receiver C.J. Daniels to get another first down with under two minutes to play.
Brown scored with 55 seconds left to deliver the final blow. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin threw an interception on their final drive.
It was a hard-fought game with both teams delivering big hits after big hits. The Hurricanes finally broke through in the second quarter when Beck faked a run and found Fletcher for a short pass. Fletcher ran the ball for a touchdown to go up 7-0 early.
On the next drive, Keionte Scott picked off Sayin and returned the interception for a touchdown. Ohio State missed a field goal before halftime and Miami went to the locker room with a 14-0 lead.
Ohio State would claw back.
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Sayin started the third quarter with an 11-play, 82-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock. It ended with a Bo Jackson touchdown. Ohio State followed up with a touchdown on a Jeremiah Smith catch on the next drive to cut the deficit to three points following a Miami field goal.
Ohio State punted on its next drive and then turned the ball over on its final drive.
Beck changed the game with his legs as much as he did as a passer. Ohio State was forced to respect his ability to take off with the football. He had 23 yards but made a few clutch plays with his feet.
He was 19-of-26 through the air with 138 passing yards and a touchdown pass.
Fletcher, despite turning the ball over in the first quarter, ran the ball for 90 yards on 19 carries. Brown started to get carries late in the game and scored the crucial touchdown in the end.
Ohio State allowed more than 20 points in a game for the first time since their national championship win against Notre Dame back on Jan. 20.
The defense was able to do enough to knock Sayin off his game. Sayin had two interceptions in the game and was sacked five times.
Miami will play the winner of Georgia-Ole Miss.
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China’s ‘condom tax’ sparks backlash as Beijing struggles to reverse population collapse
China will begin charging a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives starting Jan. 1 while exempting childcare services from the same tax, a move authorities say is part of a broader effort to boost births as the country faces a sustained population decline, according to the BBC and The Associated Press.
The tax overhaul, announced late last year, removes exemptions that had been in place since 1994, when China was still enforcing its decades-long one-child policy.
Alongside the new tax on contraceptives such as condoms and birth control pills, the Chinese government is exempting childcare, marriage-related services and elderly care from the value-added tax (VAT), the BBC reported.
Beijing has been pressing young people to marry and have children as it grapples with an aging population and a sluggish economy. Official figures show China’s population has shrunk for three consecutive years with about 9.54 million babies born in 2024.
WHY GEN Z DOESN'T WANT TO HAVE KIDS
That figure is roughly half the number of births recorded a decade earlier, when China began easing limits on family size, according to national statistics cited by the BBC and the AP.
China’s population pressures have been mounting for years. Births fell from about 14.7 million in 2019 to roughly 9.5 million in 2024. In 2023, India officially overtook China as the world’s most populous country.
The new tax on contraceptives has drawn ridicule and concern inside China. On social media, some users joked about stockpiling condoms before prices rise, while others argued that the cost of contraception is insignificant compared with the expense of raising a child, the BBC reported.
"I have one child, and I don’t want any more," Daniel Luo, a 36-year-old resident of Henan province, told the BBC. He said the price increase would not change his family plans, comparing it to small hikes in subway fares that do not alter daily behavior.
Others worry the policy could have unintended consequences. Rosy Zhao, who lives in the central city of Xi’an, told the BBC making contraception more expensive could lead students or people under financial strain to take risks. She called that the policy’s most dangerous potential outcome.
A SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PROBLEM: MARRIAGE
Health experts echoed those concerns in interviews with the AP, warning that higher prices could reduce access to contraception and contribute to more unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. China recorded more than 670,000 cases of syphilis and over 100,000 cases of gonorrhea in 2024, according to data from the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
China has also reported some of the highest abortion numbers in the world. Between 2014 and 2021, authorities recorded between 9 million and 10 million abortions annually, according to the National Health Commission. China stopped publishing abortion data in 2022.
Demographers and policy analysts remain skeptical that taxing contraceptives will meaningfully raise birth rates. Yi Fuxian, a senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, told the BBC the idea that higher condom prices would influence fertility decisions amounts to overthinking the policy.
Value-added tax revenue, which totaled close to $1 trillion last year, accounts for about 40% of China’s tax collection, according to figures cited by the BBC.
Henrietta Levin of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) described the move as symbolic, reflecting Beijing’s attempt to lift what she called strikingly low fertility numbers. She also cautioned that many incentives and subsidies depend on provincial governments that are already heavily indebted, raising questions about whether they can fund the measures adequately.
JAPAN REJECTS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE TO SAVE ITSELF FROM DEMOGRAPHIC COLLAPSE
Public health experts interviewed by the AP said the policy could disproportionately affect women, who shoulder most responsibility for birth control in China. Research released by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022 found condoms are used by about 9% of couples, while 44.2% rely on intrauterine devices and 30.5% on female sterilization. Male sterilization accounts for 4.7%.
Some women say the tax revives resentment toward the government’s long history of involvement in reproductive decisions. The Communist Party enforced the one-child policy from roughly 1980 until 2015 through fines, penalties and, in some cases, forced abortions, according to the AP. Children born outside the policy were sometimes denied household registration, effectively rendering them non-citizens.
"It is a disciplinary tactic, a management of women’s bodies and my sexual desire," Zou Xuan, a 32-year-old teacher in Jiangxi province, told the AP.
Concerns about further state intrusion have also surfaced in recent months. The BBC reported that women in some provinces have received calls from local officials asking about menstrual cycles and pregnancy plans. A health bureau in Yunnan province said the information was needed to identify expectant mothers, a move critics say risks alienating the very families Beijing hopes to encourage.
Levin warned that such approaches could damage public trust. She told the BBC, "The [Communist] party can't help but insert itself into every decision that it cares about. So, it ends up being its own worst enemy in some ways."
While the government is adjusting policies once used to limit population growth, experts caution that reversing decades-long demographic trends will be much more difficult than increasing prices at the checkout counter, especially after years of policies that shaped whether families could have children.
College football fans sound off on ESPN score bug during Ohio State-Miami playoff game
College football fans were locked into the playoff matchup between the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes on Wednesday night.
The Hurricanes took a two-score lead with a clever touchdown pass from Carson Beck and a pick-six from Keionte Scott.
On social media, college football fans were upset with a different issue.
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The ESPN score bug appeared to distract viewers, and they let it be known on X. As teams pick up first downs in the game, the middle part of the bug flashes a gold indicator to signify the accomplishment. But college football fans were irked that it looked like a penalty flag was thrown on the play.
There were no penalties called in the first half of the game as Miami took a 14-0 lead into the locker room.
ARCH MANNING'S 60-YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN DELIVERS CRITICAL BLOW IN TEXAS' WIN OVER MICHIGAN
Beck found Mark Fletcher Jr. for a 9-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The score rectified Fletcher’s fumble from the previous possession.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin tried to respond with a touchdown of his own. Instead, Sayin threw an interception to Scott, who returned the ball for a touchdown.
The Buckeyes were moving the ball well on their final drive of the half. It appeared Sayin was finally starting to find his rhythm. The drive ended with a missed 49-yard field goal attempt.
Ohio State was on the ropes going into the second half.
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US military confirms 5 killed in Dec 31 kinetic strike on reported narco-terror vessels
Five individuals were killed during a Dec. 31 U.S. military kinetic strike against two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations involved in narcotics trafficking, U.S. Southern Command said Wednesday.
Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narcotics trafficking routes and were engaged in drug trafficking activities at the time of the operation, officials said.
A total of five individuals described as narco-terrorists were killed during the actions, officials said, with three killed aboard the first vessel and two killed aboard the second.
US MILITARY DESTROYS NARCO-TERROR CONVOY OF THREE VESSELS AT SEA IN KINETIC STRIKES
The Department of War identified the operation as part of Operation Southern Spear.
Video released of the operation shows a strike on a vessel at sea. Military officials did not clarify whether additional engagements occurred beyond those shown in the unclassified video.
Another strike was announced earlier in the day, but it is unclear if the two are linked at this time.
U.S. Southern Command did not provide any further comment to Fox News Digital at this time.