World’s most contagious virus detected at two major US airports amid holiday traffic
During peak holiday travel, one of the most infectious diseases was detected at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
A case of measles was identified in a passenger at terminals B & C on Dec. 12, according to a New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) press release.
“Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin,” the release says.
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“The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.”
The airborne virus can spread when someone coughs or sneezes.
Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Officials are asking those who suspect exposure or illness to call their health provider before visiting a medical care center or hospital.
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“NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials on ongoing contact tracing and on efforts to notify people who might have been exposed and to identify additional exposures that may have occurred,” says the release.
The New Jersey Department of Health says individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.
This year, there have been 11 confirmed cases of measles in New Jersey, according to NJDOH.
A record 8.03 million travelers are expected to fly across America this holiday season, according to AAA.
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) also confirmed on Christmas Eve that a visitor from Texas was diagnosed with measles.
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The traveler flew into Boston Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth and was in terminal B, according to a DPH press release.
As of Dec. 23, there have been 2,012 measles cases in the U.S., according to the CDC.
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“The single best way to protect your children and yourself from measles is to be vaccinated,” Connecticut’s DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., wrote in a statement, as Fox News Digital recently reported.
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“One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective, while two doses are about 97% effective.”
Ted Cruz puts NCAA football on notice as Iowa State loses tons of players to portal
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been trying for years now to get more regulations around name, image and likeness (NIL) deals in college sports, saying back in 2023 that the landscape was “in peril.”
Now, in 2025, Cruz sees college football specifically as a “disaster.”
Cruz responded to a post on X, which called the “current college football landscape…unsustainable.”
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The post pointed out that the Iowa State Cyclones, who just lost longtime head coach Matt Campbell to the vacant Penn State Nittany Lions job, only has 17 players remaining on their roster for next season. Among those players, only one was a starter.
Essentially, the Cyclones will have to field an entirely new roster and team and hope they can jell heading into 2026.
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Cruz slammed the fact the NCAA allows this.
“An absolute crisis,” he wrote on X. “Congress NEEDS to act. For months, I’ve been working night & day to try to bring Republicans and Democrats together to save college sports.
“If we fail to do so, it will be an utter tragedy. And it’s happening right before our eyes.”
Cruz introduced a bill in 2023, two years after NIL was born, in hopes that tighter regulations would help college sports nationwide. Instead, we’ve seen programs paying for top players through NIL deals, while the transfer portal has allowed players to move from school to school each year.
Cruz is one of the top lawmakers in support of the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act, which would give the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption in hopes of protecting the organization from potential lawsuits over eligibility rules and would prohibit athletes from becoming employees of their schools.”
“The SCORE Act is the free market, individual liberty, limited government fix to the ‘name, image, and likeness (NIL)’ issue in college athletics,’” a letter addressed to House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., read earlier this month.
The groups in favor of the SCORE Act said the bill is the “common-sense way” to establish rules and preempt confusing state laws in the NIL era.
“H.R. 4312 prohibits trial lawyers from suing under federal or state antitrust law. It also provides that athletes receiving NIL compensation need not be employees of these universities, protecting them from compulsory unionization. This means student-athletes can be treated as small business owners, not unionized workers,” the letter added.
The conservative groups framed the SCORE Act as being a better plan than the “Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (SAFE) Act,” which has mostly been backed by Democrats. The SCORE Act has at least scored some bipartisanship support in the House.
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The SCORE Act also calls on schools to share revenue, per terms of the House settlement to the tune of 22% “if such rules provide that such pool limit is AT LEAST 22 percent of the average annual college sports revenue of the 70 highest-earning schools.”
Finally, the SCORE Act prohibits schools from using student fees to fund NIL payments.
Minnesota man takes fight against suspected $1B daycare scheme to governor’s doorstep
Independent journalist Nick Shirley and his researcher “David” returned to the Quality Learning Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday dressed in a sweatshirt emblazoned with “1-800 FRAUD,” following the release of his viral video alleging fraud at state-funded childcare facilities in Minnesota.
At the site, David also told reporters he had filed a criminal complaint against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz related to the alleged widespread fraud.
In a post shared on X, Shirley and David are also shown during the visit standing outside the facility in matching sweatshirts.
Shirley captioned the post, “WE OUT HERE LEARIN AND STOPPING FRAUD.”
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Both men’s sweatshirts also read “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” a misspelling that mirrored the signage associated with the Minneapolis site central to fraud allegations.
Shirley’s return visit came after the facility’s manager claimed his original video misrepresented the business by filming outside posted hours and falsely suggesting the center was inactive.
State officials and a daycare manager on Monday denied allegations of fraud, disputing claims that the location was closed or improperly collecting taxpayer funds.
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The allegations stem from Shirley’s viral video showing visits to multiple state daycare facilities.
The Quality Learning Center appeared inactive at the time of Shirley’s filming despite receiving state childcare assistance money.
Shirley’s video sparked widespread attention online as officials such as Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk praised Shirley’s reporting, while others, including Walz, pushed back against it.
Walz was already facing criticism as the scandal involved at least $1 billion lost to alleged social services fraud mostly tied to Minneapolis’ Somali community.
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During Tuesday’s visit, David confirmed to reporters he had filed a criminal complaint against Walz related to the alleged fraud.
“I filed a formal criminal complaint against Tim Walz for violating Minnesota Statute 3.971, Subdivision 9,” David said before confirming he had filed the complaint three to four weeks ago. “So there’s an investigation ongoing, and I think Tim’s going to have a bad day, and he deserves it, because he allowed this fraud.”
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“Because he wanted the voting block that the Somalis represent, because they all vote in a block, and it’s 100,000 150,000,” he added. “Who knows how many, but it’s so bad now that when we go to a facility, they’re already screaming, Nick Shirley, Nick Shirley, Nick Shirley!”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Walz’s office for comment.
Former Republican senator withdraws from public life following neurological diagnosis
Former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced on Tuesday he is withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.
Kyl, 83, became one of Arizona’s most prominent Republicans during a career that spanned nearly three decades across both chambers of Congress, including a stint as Senate minority whip.
“I was blessed to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and to have numerous other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state,” Kyl said in a statement. “However, the time has come for me to withdraw from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia.”
Kyl represented Arizona’s 4th Congressional District in the House from 1987 to 1995 before serving in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2013.
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After leaving the Senate, Kyl joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling, before being appointed in 2018 by then-Gov. Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy caused by the death of former Sen. John McCain.
Kyl held the seat for several months in the Senate before rejoining the firm in 2019, where he helped guide the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
The longtime Arizona lawmaker described himself as “a very fortunate man” despite the diagnosis.
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“My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties,” he stated. “I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life.”
Kyl moved to Arizona as an 18-year-old freshman to attend the University of Arizona, where he met his wife.
The university said Kyl devoted more than two decades to public service, leaving a lasting impact on water policy, national defense and intelligence.
“His leadership, integrity, and commitment to service reflect the highest ideals of public life,” the university said in a statement.
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Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Kyl gave “decades of his life” serving Arizona, adding that he’s grateful for the former GOP senator’s “commitment to our state and country.”
Mother jumps into water to rescue daughter after child falls between ship and dock
A mother jumped into the water without hesitation after her young daughter fell between a dock and a Carnival cruise ship in the Bahamas, prompting a frantic rescue captured on video.
The incident unfolded near Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island and was captured from above aboard a nearby cruise ship, with video showing workers and passengers reacting as the child and her mother were in the water alongside the Carnival Sunrise.
The video was shared on TikTok by user Chelspiers, who said she was aboard the Carnival Conquest when she heard screaming outside her room and realized something was wrong along the dock.
“I’m sitting in my room on the Carnival Conquest and I hear screaming outside,” she wrote. “Apparently, people fell between the dock and the Carnival Sunrise. They were pulled to safety! A mama jumped in after her baby, brave woman! Very scary situation but they were rescued quickly!”
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Video shows several workers lining the edge of the dock just feet from the cruise ship, looking down and scrambling to locate a life ring as others rushed to assist.
Once a life ring was tossed into the water, additional people ran over to help, some carrying a ladder toward the edge of the dock as the rescue continued.
Moments later, the 4-year-old child was pulled up to safety using the life ring, drawing cheers from onlookers watching the dramatic rescue unfold.
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A short time later, the mother was pulled back onto the dock. As the cheering faded, she could be heard sobbing, overcome by the frightening moments that had just passed.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incident in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying the child briefly walked away before falling into the water and that crew members responded immediately.
“A 4-year-old girl briefly walked away from her mother and fell into the water,” a spokesperson for the company said. “Her mother immediately jumped in after her. Our ship and security team quickly brought them both to safety, and our medical team evaluated them.
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“Both are doing well and enjoyed the rest of the day in Celebration Key,” the spokesperson added.
In a follow-up post shared days later, Chelspiers said she heard directly from the child’s mother, who confirmed both she and her daughter were physically OK following the incident and described the experience as traumatic but expressed gratitude that it ended without serious injury.
“I just received a message from the mother, the woman that jumped in after her child. She said they’re fine, traumatized, but fine,” Chelspiers wrote on TikTok. “I’m so glad this all turned out ok and everyone was brought to safety. She was a brave woman, but any mother would do the same! Wishing their family a happy holiday and all the health and happiness this holiday season.”
The video sparked an outpouring of reactions on social media, with viewers praising the mother’s instinctive response and expressing relief that the child was rescued.
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“She is a hero. Period. No matter how this ACCIDENT happened… She didn’t have time to be fearful. She jumped in and saved her baby,” one user wrote. “Her sobbing afterwards was her allowing herself to be terrified of what could have been. What a positive outcome but a horrible traumatic experience for all.”
“So glad they’re safe!” another user wrote. “As a mother who can’t swim, I would jump in after mine in a heartbeat as well!!! #amotherslove”
IRS giving out major tax break for certain expenses in 2026: What you need to know
People who use their cars for work will be able to deduct more money per mile on their taxes in the new year.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that the standard mileage rate for business driving will increase by 2.5 cents per mile. Additionally, vehicles used for medical purposes will decrease by half a cent, which the agency said reflects “updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments.”
The standard mileage rate is an IRS-set figure, which is expressed in cents per mile, that is used to calculate the deductible costs of using a personal vehicle for business purposes when filing federal income taxes. Self-employed individuals, gig workers, freelancers, and small businesses who use personal vehicles for business can claim the standard mileage deduction on their tax returns. However, the standard mileage rate is also calculated for vehicles used for medical purposes, moving purposes for active duty members and for charity work.
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Overall, starting Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck will be 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use, 20.5 cents per mile driven for medical purposes, 20.5 cents per mile driven for moving purposes for certain active-duty members of the Armed Forces and certain members of the intelligence community. But the rate per mile driven in service of charitable organizations will remain at 14 cents, the IRS said.
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The aforementioned rates apply to fully-electric and hybrid automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. If taxpayers are using a leased vehicle, the standard mileage rate must be applied for the entire lease period, including renewals.
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The rate for medical and moving purposes, meanwhile, is based only on costs that increase when you drive more, such as gas, oil changes, and basic vehicle maintenance.
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However, the IRS noted that the standard mileage rate is optional for taxpayers. They can instead calculate the actual costs of using their vehicle.
Tatiana Schlossberg, environmental journalist and JFK’s granddaughter, dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the environmental journalist and author who was the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 35, her family announced.
“Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the family said in a statement shared via the JFK Library Foundation’s Instagram account Tuesday.
Born and raised in New York City, Schlossberg was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and the granddaughter of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and JFK.
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She built a career as a voice on climate and environmental issues after earning a bachelor’s in history from Yale University and a master’s degree in American history from the University of Oxford.
In 2024, Schlossberg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and shared her experience publicly in a personal essay for The New Yorker in November 2025.
“My parents and my brother and sister, too, have been raising my children and sitting in my various hospital rooms almost every day for the last year and a half,” she wrote at the time.
Schlossberg also explained how doctors discovered her disease while she was hospitalized after giving birth to her second child, a daughter.
She explained in her essay how doctors spotted that her white-blood-cell count “looked strange.”
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She and her husband, George Moran, who she had married in 2017, also had a son.
After hearing from a doctor that she had “a year, maybe” to live, Schlossberg told how her first thought was that “my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn’t remember me.”
In her essay she also predicted that her son “might have a few memories, but he’ll probably start confusing them with pictures he sees or stories he hears.”
At the time, Schlossberg said she had experienced a postpartum hemorrhage that nearly claimed her life.
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Schlossberg’s family history has been marked by loss.
Caroline Kennedy was five days away from her sixth birthday when her father, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
Her mother was Jacqueline Kennedy. Decades later, Caroline also lost her only living sibling, John F. Kennedy Jr., in a plane crash in 1999.
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Before her diagnosis, Shlossberg had been planning a research project focused on ocean conservation.
Mayor-elect Mamdani expected to name Kamar Samuels as New York City schools chancellor
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is expected to announce Wednesday that he will appoint Kamar Samuels, a longtime New York City educator and Manhattan superintendent, as the next schools chancellor, according to multiple reports.
Samuels, who has been an educator with New York City public schools for almost two decades, is known for promoting racial diversity through school mergers and for working to dismantle the Gifted & Talented program, which some critics argue is racially biased, the New York Post reported.
The schools chancellor oversees the nation’s largest public school system, educating more than 900,000 students across roughly 1,600 schools and employing roughly 135,000 people.
Samuels led school mergers aimed at racial integration while overseeing a de Blasio administration effort to increase diversity in certain Brooklyn middle schools, according to Chalkbeat.
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According to the Post, Samuels has also backed the International Baccalaureate program, which he said aligns with his philosophy of expanding opportunities for students while investing in teachers.
Samuels’ appointment would align with Mamdani’s campaign pledge to reshape education policy under his administration.
In October, Mamdani told The New York Times he would renew a plan first proposed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2021, which sought to eliminate the Gifted & Talented test for public school kindergartners, opting for a universal test in second grade.
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Mayor Eric Adams halted de Blasio’s initiative when he took office, according to the Post.
Mamdani’s pick for schools chancellor was first reported by City & State.
Samuels began his career as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx before moving into school leadership as a middle school principal in the borough. He later served as deputy superintendent in Brooklyn’s Community School District 23, then as superintendent of Community School District 13, before taking over as superintendent of Manhattan’s District 3.
“It’s a politically challenging assignment to run District 3, really, and he ran it at a very challenging time,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine told City & State. “He consistently just showed incredible sensitivity and nuance and stuck to his principles.”
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Samuels would succeed outgoing Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who reportedly sought to remain in the role, the publication added.
Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City’s next mayor on Thursday, Jan. 1.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdani’s team for comment.
College football star bounces off official, leads Fighting Illini to historic bowl win
Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer had an incredible night against the Tennessee Volunteers in a Music City Bowl win, but a play in the third quarter caught the eyes of college football fans.
The Fighting Illini were up three points in the third quarter and had the ball on first down from the Volunteers’ 41-yard line. Altmyer took the snap and dropped back to pass. He faked a pass to his right and took the ball up the middle of the field.
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Altmyer scampered away from Tennessee defenders and ran right into an official. The quarterback bounced off the official and gained a first down before he ran out of bounds. It took a minute for the official to get back up. He would score a touchdown later in the drive.
Tennessee did put on a mean comeback. DeSean Bishop scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown early in the frame and the team took the lead on a Joakim Dodson 94-yard kick return touchdown.
Altmyer came back and put on a 13-play, 65-yard drive to set up a David Olano go-ahead field goal for the 30-28 win.
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Altmyer was 20-of-33 with 196 passing yards and a touchdown pass. He had 54 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown as well.
Illinois posted the first back-to-back nine-win seasons in program history.
“We don’t have to read about other years anymore,” head coach Bret Bielema said after the game. “I think people usually either read about history or write history, and this group’s writing history and I think we’ll continue to do that.”
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The team is now 2-1 in bowl games under Bielema.