Governor brags about subway safety hours after killing on train — and social media erupts
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was slammed on social media Sunday after touting how safe the New York City subway system has become thanks to her efforts – just hours after a woman was set on fire and burned to death on a train.
In an X post on Sunday, Hochul claimed that crime has decreased on Big Apple trains since she deployed the National Guard in March. Last week, Hochul sent 750 National Guard members to the subways in an effort to curb holiday crime.
“In March, I took action to make our subways safer for the millions of people who take the trains each day,” Hochul’s post read. “Since deploying the @NationalGuardNY to support @NYPDnews and @MTA safety efforts and adding cameras to all subway cars, crime is going down, and ridership is going up.”
Hochul’s post came around eight hours after a migrant from Guatemala allegedly set a woman on fire and watched her burn to death on an F train in Brooklyn. The horrific crime had been widely reported by the time the governor’s tweet went up.
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The incident took place at the Stillwell Avenue station at around 7:30 a.m., according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Several social media users responded to Hochul’s tweet with graphic footage of the immolation. The tweet also briefly had an X community note attached to it, which referenced the killing.
Melissa DeRosa, who served as secretary under former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, called out the sitting governor’s post and mentioned that another person had been murdered.
“2 people were murdered in the subway today,” DeRosa wrote. “The governor of the state of ny is a tourist who can’t even bother to read a newspaper while she’s in town.”
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Advocacy group AntiSemitism called out the governor’s communications employees, writing that Hochul “need[s] a new social media team.”
Lori Mills, the vice chair of the Ventura County Republican Party, also responded to the poorly-timed tweet.
“You must have missed today’s news,” Mills said bluntly to Hochul.
Sources identified the person of interest to Fox News Digital as 33-year-old Sebastin Zapeta, saying he entered the U.S. from Guatemala approximately a year ago, but whether he did so legally or illegally was unclear.
Fox News Digital has reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more information on Zapeta.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul’s office for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Top Biden ally reacts as Musk plans to funnel money into ‘heavily Democrat districts’
Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., brushed off Elon Musk’s statement about funding moderates in key Democratic districts and said he didn’t know anyone in his party that was afraid of Musk’s “money.”
CNN’s Victor Blackwell asked Clyburn on Saturday about Musk’s statement posted to X and wondered how Democrats would respond to Musk’s potential financial involvement in Democratic races.
“Well, you outwork them. That’s what you do. You’re at work now. Look, I’m a child of the 60s. I grew up here in South Carolina. I missed a vote yesterday because I was a part of eulogizing the gentleman from very modest backgrounds who brought that flag down off the statehouse dome and started that effort all over the south to get rid of all of these Confederate emblems. We did that with a lot of money against us,” Clyburn began.
Musk posted to social media, responding to a video of Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., and said “forgot to mention that I’m also going to be funding moderate candidates in heavily Democrat districts, so that the country can get rid of those who don’t represent them.”
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“When I worked for John Lewis back in the 60s, a lot of the money and power was against us. We did what we had to do. And I don’t know of a single Democrat who is afraid of Elon Musk’s money because we stay close to our constituents and we will outwork him,” he added.
Prominent Democrats and members of the media have deemed Musk to be the real president, not Trump, in recent weeks and have blasted the billionaire over his role in government as an un-elected official.
CNN’s Scott Jennings unloaded on Democrats criticizing Musk’s role in government and said they should read the Wall Street Journal’s reporting on President Biden from Thursday, which said people noticed issues with Biden’s stamina very early on in his presidency.
“Un-elected people have been running the government for the last four years. I hear Democrats criticizing the influence of billionaires on our politics when you’ve got this Soros punk running around collecting Democrat politicians like my kids collect Pokémon cards,” Jennings said.
“I think all the criticism of Musk coming from the left is totally hypocritical, totally over the top,” he added.
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Clyburn, a close ally to Biden, also helped convince the president to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, despite months of saying he wouldn’t issue the pardon.
“I am absolutely okay with it. I don’t know how many people urged him to do so, but I did,” Clyburn revealed in a different CNN appearance.
When CNN’s Laura Coates asked him what Biden’s reaction was, Clyburn replied, “He seemed to be a bit reticent about it, but I emphasized the fact that we as fathers have obligations to our children.”
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New twist in the Blake Lively ‘take-down’ drama as Taylor Swift gets dragged into the mix
Amid the bombshell allegations made in Blake Lively’s lawsuit against “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni was a tidbit of information about how the actor allegedly planned to exploit Lively’s close relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.
According to the lawsuit obtained by Fox News Digital, a “Scenario Planning Document” was sent from a hired crisis management team to Baldoni, producer of the film Jamey Heath and others, which laid out three likely scenarios that Lively and her team might utilize and, conversely, how Baldoni’s team would respond if she chose to “make her grievances public.”
Rumors of an on-set feud between Lively and Baldoni percolated for months, amplified during the film’s press tour, although neither star ever said anything at the time.
Lively’s attorney claims in the filing that Baldoni’s hired crisis PR manager, Melissa Nathan, distributed the document on Aug. 2, 2024, “to advance misleading counternarratives.”
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One course of action the team could take, as written in the document, would be to “explore planting stories about the weaponization of feminism and how people in BL [Lively]’s circle, like Taylor Swift, have been accused of utilizing these tactics to ‘bully’ into getting what they want.”
Swift and Lively have been close friends for nearly a decade. Fox News Digital reached out to Swift’s representative for comment but has not yet heard back.
According to the document, other ideas to counteract any negative narrative included citing Baldoni’s “stellar reputation among colleagues and industry peers – numerous quotes and interviews sharing positive experiences” and his support of the #MeToo movement.
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The lawsuit also included a text exchange, purportedly between Baldoni, Heath and Nathan (who are also listed as plaintiffs in the filing), in which the actor expressed his concerns with the document.
“Not in love with the document they sent – Not sure I’m feeling the protection I felt on the call,” the post reads, referencing a larger conversation with Nathan’s team.
In a conversation between Nathan and Baldoni’s publicist, Jennifer Abel (also a plaintiff), held the same day, Abel wrote that Baldoni wanted Lively “to feel like she can be buried.” Three days later, Baldoni sent a screenshot to Abel of the following post on X, referencing Hailey Bieber and rhetoric about bullying.
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“This is what we would need,” Baldoni wrote, per the lawsuit, to which Abel responded, “Yes I literally just spoke to Melissa about this on the break about what we discussed last night for social and digital.” And then in a separate message, “Focus on reddi, TikTok, IG.”
A representative for Bieber did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment. In the past, Bieber has spoken out about what she says is a false narrative perpetuated on social media that she and her husband’s ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez, are feuding.
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As Fox News Digital previously reported, Lively is suing Baldoni and his production company, WayFarer Studios (which produced “It Ends With Us”) for sexual harassment, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more in a lawsuit filed with the California Civil Rights department.
According to multiple reports, Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency, WME, in the wake of the lawsuit. The firm also represents Lively. A representative for the agency did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital also reached out to a representative for Baldoni but did not hear back.
Cardinal Dolan’s powerful Christmas message about Trump and the state of America
As Christmas approaches, the message of glimmering hope in the darkness might feel more relevant than ever. Whether inspired by the weight of a corrupt world, personal sorrow or the gloom that lingers during the short days of winter, people seem increasingly drawn to finding the light.
That’s the message to take away from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York who leads midnight Mass this Christmas.
Cardinal Dolan shared this sentiment during an exclusive sit-down interview with Maria Bartiromo at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where he reflected on signs that Americans are rejecting the “caricature” of faith asnasty, destructive, harmful and antiquated,” prompting sales of the Bible and other books on spirituality to rise.
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“There seems to be a newfound appreciation for the role of faith, especially in our country,” he told the “Sunday Morning Futures” host.
“I think President Trump tapped into that. I’ve had talks with him before in the past. He was pretty blunt [that] he can’t say that he was raised as a very zealous Christian, but he takes his Christian faith seriously. He has a lot of memories about Norman Vincent Peale, the famous preacher here in New York, down… on Fifth Avenue, and I think he means it.”
He continued, “I think the assassination attempts kind of renewed in him, ‘There’s something beyond me that I think is watching over me, and it’s got a task for me.’ And what he expresses personally seems to be expressed more and more throughout the world. And that’s part of America.”
Perhaps there something bigger watching over the world, he suggested, pointing to former President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, two figures whose contributions helped define the latter part of the 20th century. They both survived assassination attempts very close to one another, each going on to help make the world what it is today.
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“When the two of them met for the first time, Ronald Reagan said to Pope Saint John Paul II, ‘Mother Teresa told me that she thinks the Lord spared me because the Lord has something special in mind for me, and Pope Saint John Paul II smiled and said, ’She told me the same thing.’ They both believed that, and look what they were able to accomplish. The world was changed for the better because of them,” he reflected.
Cardinal Dolan walked the grounds of St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Bartiromo, showing her a photo of a drawing from imprisoned Hong Kong freedom fighter, Jimmy Lai, depicting Christ on the cross.
As billions across the world prepare to celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays, Dolan says his message this midnight mass will focus on the “triumph of light.”
“The Lord’s always inviting us to go out of ourselves. That gives us hope.”
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Congresswoman who quietly vanished from Capitol Hill has been living in retirement facility
Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, has been living in a retirement facility, a source told Fox News on Sunday. The source also denied a local news report that said she was in a memory care facility.
Granger, who is retiring at the end of this congressional term, has largely remained absent from the Capitol in recent months, having last cast votes on July 24. She was not present for over 54% of votes this year.
The Dallas Express investigated the 81-year-old congresswoman’s absence, publishing a report on Friday that quoted a constituent of her district who said that Granger was residing in a memory care facility in Texas. The report was later picked up by other news outlets.
Fox News spoke with a source from Granger’s office who denied that Granger was in a memory care unit. The source told Fox News that Granger is in a retirement facility where memory care is provided, though not in the memory care unit itself.
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Granger released a statement to Fox News, saying that she has faced “health challenges” and is “deeply grateful for the outpouring of care and concern” over the weekend.
“As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year,” Granger said in the statement. “However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable. During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years.”
Granger, who did not seek re-election for the coming term, has served in the House since 1997. She previously served as the first female mayor of Fort Worth, Texas.
While Granger appears to not have cast a vote since July, she did return to the Capitol in November for the unveiling of her portrait as Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, and a reception that followed. House Speaker Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., both spoke at the event.
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One senior Republican source told Fox News that Granger did not step down earlier due to the paper-thin GOP House majority.
“Frankly, we needed the numbers,” the source told Fox News.
The slim majority presents a challenge for the speaker of the 119th Congress, in which vote attendance could be the difference between success or defeat for Republicans.
Fox News reached out to Johnson’s office for comment.
Granger’s long absence was blasted by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., in a post on X.
“Kay Granger’s long absence reveals the problem with a Congress that rewards seniority & relationships more than merit & ideas,” he wrote. “We have a sclerotic gerontocracy. We need term limits. We need to get big money out of politics so a new generation of Americans can run and serve.”
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Khanna was one of the few lawmakers who previously criticized what he referred to as the “gerontocracy.” In May 2023, he called on Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was then aged 89, to step down as her own health issues kept her away from the Capitol. Feinstein died months later in September 2023.
Denzel Washington becomes a minister, admits you ‘can’t talk’ about religion in Hollywood
Denzel Washington received his minister’s license as the 69-year-old movie star takes on a new role in life.
Washington was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at the Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday.
“It took a while, but I’m finally here…If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you,” Washington said, according to Bryant. “The sky literally is the limit.”
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Bryant shared photos of the moment Washington gave his life to Christ in a Facebook post.
“We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment,” the post read.
“He is dressed that way because, in the same service, he received water baptism,” Bryant added. “Both the baptism and the licensing took place at the Historic Kelly Temple in NYC, a place close to his heart. Denzel Washington attended this church as a child and testified to being filled with the Holy Spirit after visiting another church with actor Robert Townsend in the 80s.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Washington’s representative for additional comment.
“Denzel Washington’s recent commitment to faith and service is truly inspiring,” Bryant added in a separate Facebook post. “His baptism and licensing to preach is the culmination of a life of faith.”
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Washington recently admitted you “can’t talk” about religion in the industry.
“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire. “I’m unafraid.”
“I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” Washington added.
“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he wrote.
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However, the Academy Award-winning actor isn’t sure how many other actors believe in God.
“It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So, I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
Washington landed his breakthrough role in the medical drama “St. Elsewhere” in 1982. He earned multiple nominations for his work on the show and eventually was able to break into film.
Washington is known for films such as “Fences,” “Training Day,” “The Book of Eli,” “Cry Freedom” and “Malcom X.”
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Football fan wins free pizza for entire stadium — and that wasn’t the only good news
One Cincinnati Bengals left Sunday’s game a hero.
A fan wearing an Evan McPherson jersey won everyone in Paycor Stadium a free pizza after kicking a 40-yard field goal.
The man, who hasn’t been identified, was taking part in the Bengals’ “Slice the Uprights” field goal challenge that gives fans the chance to win free pizza. A successful attempt from the 10-yard line gives the kicker free pizza for a year, and a successful attempt from the 30-yard line gives the entire stadium a free slice.
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But fans on Sunday had more than just pizza to celebrate about.
Joe Burrow went 23-of-30 for 252 yards and three touchdowns to beat the Cleveland Browns, 24-6, and keep their playoff hopes alive. Ja’Marr Chase had six catches for 97 yards and one touchdown to bring his total yardage to 1,510 this season, breaking the franchise record of 1,455 he set in 2021.
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Kicker Cade York, who took the place of an injured McPherson this month, also set a record with his second-quarter 59-yard field goal. He tied the franchise record McPherson set in 2022.
The Bengals improved to 7-8 and move on to host the Denver Broncos next.
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Burger chain named America’s most expensive fast-food restaurant
According to a recent study surveying American consumers on fast-food prices, a burger chain came out on top for having the most overpriced menu. The study comes as Americans say that they have felt the pinch of inflation and price hikes like never before.
The study conducted by Preply said Shake Shack was ranked the most overpriced restaurant for chains, followed by Five Guys and the Sugar Factory.
In March, Shake Shack raised its prices by 3%.
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FOX Business has reached out to Shake Shack and Five Guys for comment.
To make their determinations, researchers analyzed the language of 57,245 reviews for over 10,000 restaurants in 50 cities across the country.
To determine the scores for being overpriced, the authors looked for keywords — such as “pricey” or “rip-off” — in restaurant reviews in each city and analyzed how frequently they were used by patrons.
The cities with the most overpriced restaurants were Oakland and San Jose, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to the study.
“With three of the five cities in the top five being in California, this highlights how California’s high restaurant prices align with the state’s soaring cost of living,” the study said. “In addition to higher prices in general, California’s residents are known for prioritizing high-quality ingredients, which cost more.
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“Unfortunately, some restaurants miss the mark. They create inflated menu prices that don’t align with what might be considered reasonable for the quality and quantity of food offered.”
New York City was at the top of the list of municipalities with the least overpriced restaurants.
The study comes as many restaurants and fast-food chains have hiked prices. In May, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger defended the hikes, refuting reports that the increases were significant.
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“Recently, we have seen viral social posts and poorly sourced reports that McDonald’s has raised prices significantly beyond inflationary rates,” he said. “The average price of a Big Mac in the U.S. was $4.39 in 2019. Despite a global pandemic and historic rises in supply chain costs, wages and other inflationary pressures in the years that followed, the average cost is now $5.29. That’s an increase of 21% (not 100%).”