Special election may reveal early warning signs for the 2026 midterms

We’ll know Wednesday morning if a special election in Tennessee is truly a referendum on country music, pedal taverns and bachelorettes.

Or, if we can divine a deeper political meaning from the results of the special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

Democrat Aftyn Behn is trying to tip the scales in favor of her party in a district which President Trump carried by about 20 points and former Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., won by a similar percentage last fall.

Behn faces GOPer Matt Van Epps. It’s a Republican district. But political observers are watching the race to gauge potential weakness by President Trump, a softness in the Trump coalition, issues with the Republican brand or early indications of a possible blue wave in the 2026 midterms.

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It was Behn who proclaimed that she abhorred Nashville several years ago. “I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music. I hate all the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it city,’” complained Behn.

About all Behn left out in her animus toward Music City was dissing The Grand Ole Opry, hot chicken and Goo Goo Clusters. But if voters go goo goo over Behn Tuesday, Republicans face a cluster of another sort. A Behn victory may signal major problems for Republicans and President Trump heading into the midterms.

Behn is characterized as the “AOC of Tennessee,” a reference to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Republicans have been sure to boomerang that against Behn, suggesting she’s not in tune with the district, leans too far to the left and is closer to the liberal values of New York or Los Angeles than Nashville. Republicans believe Behn is just a bad fit for Nashville. Kind of like having Bad Bunny perform at the Ryman Auditorium.

“It shouldn’t even be close. But it is,” mused Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., on Fox.

So Republicans are pouring in money to protect the seat. Democrats are pouring in money to steal the seat. If Democrats pull off the upset, the party should uproot the goalposts at FirstBank Stadium in downtown Nashville and dump it in the Cumberland River. Kind of what Vanderbilt fans did last year when the Commodores upset number one-ranked Alabama. 

Let’s explore what a Behn win might mean for Republicans. It could indicate that voters are tiring of President Trump. Or that the GOP brand is toxic. Or perhaps it’s the continuation of a trend which Democrats enjoyed this fall: near blowout wins by New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

But there’s a downside for Democrats. Yes. They may flip the seat. But a win may also show that the party is tilting more to the left. It would be hard to argue with success if Behn prevails, regardless of her progressive streak. But this may give other liberals ideas that they can win in other red or purple districts. That may work against Democrats – especially since every Republican, except President Trump – has highlighted the left-wing politics of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

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Democrats probably need to run more centrist candidates in purple areas to regain control of the House. A Behn victory could open the floodgates for a host of progressive candidates in competitive House districts nationwide. Behn’s message – or that of Ocasio-Cortez or Mamdani – won’t work in most places where Democrats need to be successful to seize control of the House.

But what if Republicans hold the seat and Van Epps wins?

It probably depends by how much.

Yes, there were five special elections in 2017 – the first year President Trump was originally in office – which Democrats made competitive. All were closer than they should have been. But Democrats didn’t win any of them. Still, astute political observers suggested there was unpopularity with the president and the GOP agenda. Democrats won 41 seats and gained control of the House in the 2018 midterms.

So, even if Van Epps wins, examine the margin. And if Behn wins, see if Republicans downplay it because it was a special election and the customary electorate just doesn’t turn out for special elections. Especially one wedged between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If Republicans hold the seat, the GOP will argue this was a repudiation of a leftist like Behn and someone who was out of step. They will also suggest that it’s a GOP seat and Republicans should win anyway. That’s what happened earlier this year when there was consternation before two Florida special elections. But Reps. Randy Fine, R-Fla., and Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla., both won in March.

Here’s another factor which bears watching: the message the press corps and political observers glean from the election results. After all, special elections are always special. It’s natural for analysts and journalists to search for particular meanings or signposts in these contests. Such was the case with the off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City. Sometimes these observations are spot-on. Other times, they mean nothing. If anything, there is a tendency to over-illuminate the outcomes of these contests. They are moments in time. Kind of like listening to a few bars of a song. Maybe it tells you a lot about the song. Maybe not.

House Republicans could well freak out if Behn is victorious. There’s lots of grumbling among Republicans. Some are frustrated by how their leadership handled the government shutdown. And others could follow Mark Green and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and hit the exits early.

This is a fragile time for House Republicans. That’s one reason why a flip of this seat could mean a little bit more.

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Still, it’s rare to flip seats in House special elections. Former Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., won a special election in a red district in Louisiana in 2008 after former Rep. Richard Baker, R-La., resigned. But current Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., then won that seat in the general election and served in the House before moving to the Senate.

Former Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, flipped the seat held by former Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, in 2022. But she lost reelection that fall.

Former Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., won a special election in 2020 after former Rep. Katie Hill, D-Calif., resigned just months into office. Garcia held the seat until Rep. George Whitesides, D-Calif., defeated him a year ago.

Former Rep. Charles Djou, R-Hawaii, won a special election in Hawaii in 2010 against two Democrats – former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii. But Democrats got the seat back in 2012.

Former Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, won a special election in 2022 to flip Alaska’s at-large district from red to blue following the death of late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska. Young held the seat for nearly 50 years. But Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, defeated Peltola last year.

In short, even if someone flips a seat, it’s rare that they have the seat for long. Often, only through the next regular election.

So a word of caution as you evaluate the election results on Tuesday night. If Republicans hold the seat, that may be expected. If Democrats flip the seat, some will proclaim it’s the second coming of the Music City Miracle.

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But frankly, it’s probably not.

George Clooney admits years of bitterness after Brad Pitt snagged career-changing role

George Clooney reflected on how he felt about losing a pivotal role to Brad Pitt in the earlier years of his career. 

During a recent interview with The Times, the 64-year-old actor revealed that he once came close to landing the role of J.D. — the charming drifter played by Brad Pitt — in the 1991 classic “Thelma & Louise.”

“I got to the final test for a role in ‘Thelma & Louise.’ And, motherf—–, Brad got it,” Clooney said.

The role of J.D. became Pitt’s breakout performance and turned him into a movie star almost overnight — while Clooney, at the time, was still best known for television work.

In “Thelma & Louise,” sheltered housewife Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis) and her best friend, independent waitress Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon), first encounter J.D. at a roadside motel after fleeing the scene of a crime.

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Thelma, who is unhappily married to the controlling Darryl (Christopher McDonald), is seduced and betrayed by J.D., triggering the series of events that lead to the movie’s iconic ending.

After its release, “Thelma & Louise” became a critical and commercial hit and the role of J.D. launched Pitt to stardom. 

Meanwhile, Clooney became a household name a few years later when he played Dr. Doug Ross in the hit television series “ER.”

However, Clooney admitted that he struggled with resentment for years after Pitt was cast as J.D. He told the Times that he was especially frustrated at the time because he believed he could have made his breakthrough into movies if he had landed the role.

“I was in TV,” Clooney remembered. “I was making a good living, but back then actors would say, ‘Well, I’m a film actor — I just happen to be doing TV.’”

“I didn’t watch ‘Thelma & Louise’ for years, because I was annoyed,” the two-time Oscar winner admitted. “The part launched his career in film. He was doing sitcoms and crap before, so when it was the thing that could’ve launched me? F—!!”

Despite some lingering resentment at the time, Clooney said he and Pitt eventually became close friends — and even collaborators.

The pair famously co-starred in “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) and its sequels “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004) and “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007), as well as “Burn After Reading” (2008) and the 2024 thriller “Wolfs.”

While speaking with the Times, Clooney shared that his one-time rival still teases him about losing the role, but he has since acknowledged that Pitt was the perfect choice to play J.D.

“Oh yeah, he gives me s—,” Clooney said of Pitt. “Of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it ‘had’ to be that guy.”

Adam Sandler, who is co-starring with Clooney in the new movie “Jay Kelly,” joined him for the Times interview and also weighed in on the legendary casting decision.

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“I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off people went nuts,” Sandler said. “But it should have been you, Clooney.”

During a 2022 appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” Davis, 69, recalled Pitt’s audition for “Thelma & Louise.”

“Once I was cast, it was down to four finalists for that role,” Davis remembered. “They said, ‘Would you read with them, so we could see what you’re like?’ Each one came in, each one was very handsome, they all had brown hair and were very talented. I didn’t care who it was going to be.”

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“And then the fourth one who comes in is Brad Pitt,” she continued. “He’s so charismatic and so incredibly talented that I was screwing up his audition because I forgot to say my line. I’m just like, ‘Wow, he’s really talented.'”

Davis recalled later telling producers which actor she thought should play J.D. — “The blonde one!” she said.

The Academy Award winner recalled that the other three contenders for the role included Clooney, Mark Ruffalo and Grant Show. 

Davis revealed that she once sat next to Clooney on a flight and described the actor as “very friendly and great.”

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“Finally he said, ‘You know I hate Brad Pitt,” she recalled. “And I say, ’No you don’t. He’s like a really good friend of yours.’ And he said, ‘No I hate him because he got the part.’ And I said ’Oh, did you want the part?’ And he said, ‘You couldn’t tell when I auditioned with you?”

Davis laughingly admitted that she didn’t remember Clooney “at all” from the audition.

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During a 2023 interview with W magazine, Pitt noted that “Thelma & Louise” was his “entry into the big leagues.”

However, he recalled that he barely got the role.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP 

“I just thought, I’m the guy for this. But they went through a couple of other actors,” Pitt remembered. “I didn’t get the part at first, and then it came back around, and I didn’t get it again, and I went, ‘Huh. All right. Moving on.’ And then it came back around again. I feel like it was three times.”

Manhunt underway after shooter kills 4, including several children, at family gathering

Four people – including an 8-year-old child – were killed, and 11 others were wounded Saturday evening when gunfire erupted during a family gathering in Stockton, California, according to officials.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that 15 people in total suffered gunshot wounds and confirmed the victims who died were 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old. Detectives remained at the scene processing evidence with support from the California Department of Justice.

Deputies first responded shortly before 6 p.m. to reports of gunfire at the location, and early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said, adding that the suspect remains at large.

“We are doing everything possible to bring the individual that’s responsible for this to justice,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.

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Detectives continue working to determine a possible motive.

The shooting happened during a family gathering inside a banquet hall. Multiple people were taken to hospitals, but their conditions are unclear. The incident remains under investigation with the FBI probing the shooting.

Authorities said tips, video and witness accounts from the community are helping detectives move toward identifying and locating the individuals responsible for what the sheriff’s office called a “horrific act.”

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Officials urged anyone with additional information or footage to contact investigators immediately, saying community cooperation remains critical.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. The governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local law enforcement.

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The sheriff’s office thanked allied agencies for their support, including the Manteca Police Department, Stockton Police Department, Tracy Police Department, Lathrop Police Department, Delta Police Department, DAI, ATF, Stockton Unified School District Police, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice, and the FBI.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless violence,” the sheriff’s office added.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said he is devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party, adding that an ice cream shop “should never be a place where families fear for their lives.”

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The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

Doctor reveals the 2 biggest inflammation triggers hiding in Americans’ diets

Nutrition can be the key to warding off disease — even devastating conditions like cancer.

That’s according to doctors such as Dr. Frank Dumont, an internal medicine physician and executive medical director of Virta Health, a Colorado-based group that tackles metabolic health through diet.

In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital, Dumont said Americans have experienced an increase in obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and cancers in the last several decades, which “probably has a lot to do with our lifestyle.”

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“We know food is a big part of that… our diet has changed dramatically over the past few decades,” he said.

“A lot of the foods we’re eating are much more processed. They’re much higher in simple carbohydrates and simple sugars than they ever were previously.”

These foods have been linked to an increase in insulin and inflammation, which leads to health complications, Dumont warned. 

To lower the risk of chronic disease, he encouraged people to make the following simple swaps.

“It depends on the individual situation,” he said. “The better you know your body, the better you can make decisions and make these types of swaps.”

1. Choose real fruit over fruit juice

To help meet the goal of consuming more fiber and natural products, Dumont recommends eating real fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, which is highly processed.

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“Fruit juice can have some benefits — it has minerals, vitamins and micronutrients, but the bottom line is that it’s more processed, and you’ve eliminated a lot of the fiber that is supposed to go hand in hand with the fruit sugar,” he said.

Dumont added that he does not believe in “villainizing” fruit, as it has been scrutinized for being high in sugar.

“There’s a lot of good health in fruit,” he said. “It depends on that person’s individual metabolism. If someone is so metabolically sick, so insulin resistant… even some very healthy fruits can be more than their body can handle.”

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“But for most people, and especially earlier on when you’re not as metabolically sick, the wonderful thing about fruit is that you’re actually packaging all of that sugar up in the fiber.”

2. Opt out of breaded chicken

Making this one small swap, even at a fast-food restaurant, can improve overall health, according to Dumont.

Rather than selecting a menu item heavy in carbohydrates, like a breaded chicken sandwich, choosing a chicken salad instead makes for a more well-rounded meal.

He also recommended choosing chicken that is grilled rather than fried and breaded.

“You put that on top of some lettuce with a good healthy dressing, and it can actually be extremely healthy eating out on the road at a fast-food restaurant,” he said.

Food as medicine

Dumont said he’s seen many patients lose their fight against chronic disease when treated only with medication.

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“I was seeing people get worse and worse, and that was really disheartening for me,” he said. “What I found later in my career is the power of nutrition and lifestyle. And it’s something that, honestly, I have really been trained to be pessimistic about.”

In his training, Dumont said he was taught patients rarely sustain healthy lifestyle changes, and that moving to medicines and procedures should be “quickly” encouraged.

“I found that was not true,” he said. “If you gave people the right information, and they were able to implement it, you could help them do it in a way that was actually enjoyable and doable for them.”

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“The power of that was more than the power of the medicines I had been using.”

The doctor said he now sees people improve significantly when they match up their nutrition with what their bodies need.

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Dumont said he’s worked with patients who “feel like they’ve failed at everything they’ve tried to improve their health, and then all of a sudden feel empowered to say, ‘I’m listening to my body. I’ve learned from my body, I know what works for my body — and look at what I’ve accomplished.'”

“It’s a night and day difference,” he said. “And I am very optimistic about that now.”

Muslim father, brothers allegedly killed relative over her adopting ‘Western’ lifestyle

Dutch prosecutors demanded Friday that a Muslim father and his two sons face up to 25 years in prison for allegedly drowning an 18-year-old family member because they believed her “Western” behavior was bringing shame to the family.

The body of Syrian woman Ryan Al Najjar was found submerged in a lake with hands and feet bound tightly on May 28, 2024, near Joure in northern Netherlands, six days after disappearing, according to authorities. Officials arrested her father and two brothers, then aged 22 and 24, and charged them in connection with her killing, which prosecutors said likely happened on May 22.

“They saw Ryan as a burden that had to be removed,” the Public Prosecution Service said Friday. “Just because she was a young woman who wanted to live her own life.”

Authorities said her male relatives, who come from what they described as a “strict” Islamic family, allegedly killed her after believing she was “behaving too Western in the eyes of her family.” Al Najjar was reportedly targeted after refusing to wear a headscarf in public-like settings.

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“The immediate cause of her death appears to be a live video on TikTok, showing Ryan without a headscarf and wearing makeup,” prosecutors said Friday. “The video seriously embarrasses the family, according to their posts, as it does not fit within their traditional views.”

“Once the suspects were aware of the video, they started looking for Ryan,” the authorities added. “According to the Public Prosecution Service, her brothers visited her in Rotterdam and convinced her to come along to a remote location the night before her murder. She was taken to Knardijk, where their father joined. There she was killed.”

Local media NL Times identified the brothers as Mohamed Al Najjar and Muhanad, and their 53-year-old father as Khaled. All three were charged with murdering the young woman, while their father was accused of orchestrating the killing before likely fleeing to Syria, prosecutors said.

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Investigators say Al Najjar was taken to a remote park where “no one for miles around could have heard her” cries for help. Evidence showed signs of strangulation and drowning, and approximately 60 feet of tape had been used to bind her before she was thrown into the water alive. Prosecutors reported that Khaled’s DNA was also found under his daughter’s fingernails, suggesting he was present during the killing.

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“[Khaled] fled to Syria immediately after the murder and left his sons to take the blame. Cowardly,” the Public Prosecution Service wrote in a statement Friday, according to NL Times. “Khaled has completely destroyed his family.”

Dutch authorities added that extraditing Khaled may be difficult because he married a woman in Syria since Al Najjar’s death, the outlet reported. 

The Public Prosecution Service has recommended a 25-year prison sentence for the father and 20 years for each of the two brothers.

The court is scheduled to issue its ruling on Jan. 5.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Public Prosecution Service for more information.

Trump backs Hegseth’s denial on alleged follow-up hit in Caribbean

President Donald Trump on Sunday defended Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over allegations he ordered a second strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, saying he believes Hegseth’s denial and would not have supported a follow-up attack if it happened.

The exchange came during a gaggle aboard Air Force One as reporters pressed Trump on claims that Hegseth authorized a second strike that allegedly killed two wounded men after an earlier attack on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel.

Trump repeatedly said Hegseth denied giving such an order. He added that he was aware of the allegation but stressed that Hegseth told him the claim was untrue and that he accepted that explanation without hesitation.

“He said he did not say that, and I believe him 100%,” Trump said.

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Reporters asked Trump whether he would have approved a second strike if Hegseth had ordered one, prompting him to again distance himself from the allegation while stressing that he trusted his secretary of war.

Trump said he planned to seek additional information about the reported incident but reiterated that Hegseth assured him nothing improper happened.

“No, I wouldn’t have wanted that. Not a second strike,” Trump said.

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Still, he praised the wider campaign targeting drug-smuggling boats, saying the strikes had sharply reduced the flow of narcotics into the U.S. by sea in recent months.

Trump argued the vessels posed a deadly threat and framed the operations as necessary to protect Americans, calling the missions lethal but justified.

“You can see the boats,” he said. “You can see the drugs in the boats and each boat is responsible for killing 25,000 Americans.”

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Trump went to Hegseth’s defense after reports from outlets such as The Washington Post and CNN claimed the U.S. military ordered a second strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on Sept. 2 after the earlier attack left two survivors.

According to The Washington Post, the commander overseeing that operation told colleagues on a secure conference call that the survivors were legitimate targets because they could still contact other traffickers for help and ordered the second strike to comply with what he said was a directive from Hegseth that everyone must be killed.

“As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland,” Hegseth wrote on X on Friday.

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“As we’ve said from the beginning and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be ‘lethal, kinetic strikes,’” Hegseth continued. “The declared intent is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.”

Melania Trump unveils 2025 White House Christmas décor: ‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’

EXCLUSIVE: The White House is officially decorated for Christmas with a decor and a theme personally selected by first lady Melania Trump to celebrate the holiday season–“Home is Where the Heart Is.” 

This is the fifth time Mrs. Trump has had the opportunity to decorate 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the Christmas season. This year, the first lady’s decor highlights the American spirit of “generosity, patriotism, and gratitude.”

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Mrs. Trump has decked the halls of the White House this season with more than 25,000 feet of ribbon; more than 2,000 strands of light; more than 120 pounds of gingerbread; more than 2,800 gold stars; more than 10,000 blue butterflies; and more than 700 feet of garland.

“Every detail of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations was personally selected by Mrs. Trump to honor the heart of America and the theme ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is,’” the White House told Fox News Digital.

The White House has 51 Christmas trees and 75 of Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths. The wreaths have classic red bows, and hang outside the windows of the White House.

“The saying ‘Home is Where the Heart is’ resonates deeply with me, especially as I navigate the joys, challenges, and frequent motion that comes with motherhood and business,” the first lady told Fox News Digital. “The constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings.”

“This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us,” she continued. “After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.”

The theme in the East Room is “Home is Where the Heart Is: America, Our Home.” The room is filled with patriotic decorations to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The decor is red, white and blue, along with national symbols including eagles, the Great Seal, roses and oak. On the trees are 56 eagle ornaments to represent each state and territory; along with 250 stars to represent America’s upcoming birthday.

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“We are deeply honored that America250 is represented in this year’s White House holiday celebration,” an America250 spokesman told Fox News Digital. “The decor and concept of the East Room highlights ‘America, Our Home,’ beautifully reflecting the spirit of unity, hope, and shared purpose that defines our nation.”

“As we enter a truly historic year leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on what connects us as Americans,” the spokesman continued. “It’s also a moment to look ahead with excitement—to the many ways we’ll come together in the year ahead to honor our past, celebrate our present, and imagine our collective future.”

Next, the Green Room’s theme is “Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun.” The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more.

In the Blue Room, the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is: Where Strength and Sacrifice Meets Home.” Decor honors the “beauty, unity, and sacrifices made by Gold Star families on behalf of the United States of America.

The Blue Room decorations feature blue, gold, and ivory, with gold stars to honor Gold Star families; custom lithophane ornaments to depict each state and territory’s official bird and flower; and more. The White House said the first lady chose birds to represent “freedom, hope, and courage,” while the flowers symbolize the “vigilance, bravery and steadfast spirit of Gold Star families.”

The custom ornaments were designed with AI support and created with 3D printers— a move highlighting the first lady’s emphasis on the importance of AI education and responsible use.

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On the Blue Room tree alone, which is an 18-foot noncolor fir from Sidney, Michigan, there are 420 strands of bulbs—21,000 individual lights; and 3,000 feet of ribbon. That Christmas tree is the official White House Christmas tree.

The Red Room’s focus in on the first lady’s “Fostering the Future” effort to support foster children. The room’s decor celebrates her “Be Best” initiative, with more than 10,000 butterflies— a symbol of “transformation and representing the hope that every child will have the chance to grow into their full potential.”

“Fostering the Future is a mission the first lady cares about deeply.  As we began discussing Christmas decorations, the butterfly emerged as a prominent theme, as it symbolizes renewal, resilience, and new beginnings for the foster care community,” Herve Pierre, who is Melania Trump’s “creative artist,” told Fox News Digital. “It was clear that the blue butterfly was the perfect choice to fulfill Mrs. Trump’s creative vision for her Christmas themed Be Best Room.”

Pierre has overseen the implementation of her creative vision. 

“Incorporating thousands of magnificent blue butterflies in the Red Room creates a vibrant and festive atmosphere that reflects the first lady’s style,” Pierre said. “This striking color combination captures the essence of the holiday spirit.”

The room also features historic cranberry trees—a tradition first introduced in 1975, but which became well-known as former first lady Nancy Reagan’s favorite holiday decoration—her favorite color was also red.

The state dining room’s theme is “Home is Where the Heart Is: A Place to Gather,” which showcases the “joy of hosting at home” and the “history of diplomacy at the White House.”

The decor in the State Dining Room features custom tree boxes with hand-painted magnolia blossoms, gilded acorns and fruits of harvest. It also features the White House Historical Association’s official ornament, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of state dinners at the White House.

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In the room is a gingerbread house showcasing the south portico of the White House. The gingerbread house offers a “unique glimpse into the yellow oval in the private residence of the White House.” 

The gingerbread house is made of 120 pounds of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage dough, more than 10 pounds of chocolate, nearly 80 pounds of royal icing and five pounds of isomalt sugar.

And in the White House’s Grand Foyer and Cross Hall, the first lady highlighted a space as one “Where Love Blooms.”

The decor highlights “the love that blooms in our homes, families and communities,” the White House said.

The spaces feature a forest of 28 trees in burgundy and gold, decorated with foliage, ribbon, ornaments, and taper candles. The planters are filled with amaryllis, which the White House said represents strength and love—especially around the holidays.

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A portion of the White House creche, or nativity scene, is featured in the grand foyer, but the White House said it is undergoing “a much-needed restoration overseen by the White House curators.”

The White House will reopen its doors for public Christmas tours on Dec. 2. The tours will feature the White House Christmas decorations on the state floor, and will give visitors the opportunity to “enjoy the beloved annual tradition that transforms the White House into a festive reflection of the spirit, warmth, faith, and hope of the holiday season.”

Commanders receiver’s jaw-dropping touchdown has fans comparing him to NFL great

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks captivated the NFL world on Sunday night as he made an incredible one-handed touchdown catch against the Denver Broncos.

Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota led the team down the field on a drive that was about to cross the 5-minute mark. On the 10th play, he threw a lob pass to Burks in the corner of the end zone. Burks got his right hand up and caught the football over Broncos cornerback Riley Moss.

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Burks came down with the ball for the go-ahead touchdown. The Commanders took a 14-13 lead with the score.

NFL fans’ jaws dropped after watching the play. Burks’ catch was quickly compared to the grab former New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. made against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014.

BRONCOS’ BO NIX THROWS TD PASS WHILE FALLING TO GROUND IN STUNNING PLAY

It was those types of plays that Burks was expected to be making routinely when the Tennessee Titans selected him in the first round of the draft in 2022. He was selected No. 18 overall out of Arkansas but his time with the Titans didn’t go to plan. He only scored one touchdown in 27 games.

Burks’ appearance with the Commanders on Sunday was only his third game with Washington. He had four catches for 72 yards with the team coming into the matchup.

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The touchdown was Burks’ second of his career. Plays like that will help him make a case to stay on the roster.

Cyber Monday starts now: Amazon’s biggest deals are 40% off or more

Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale has already begun, with deals from trusted brands like Dyson, Shark, Vitamix, Samsonite and Ring. Some of the best include the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones that are now under $160, the classic Crock-Pot slow cooker that’s down to $35 and this SwissGear three-piece luggage set that’s more than $195 off.

Bestsellers

Magsafe Portable Charger Power Bank 10000mAh: $22.99 (72% off)
Arlo 2K indoor cam: $27.16 (46% off)
Queen size bed pillows $39.99 (67% off)
Eveready LED Flashlight 8-Pack: $12.10 (47% off)
Shark pet cordless vacuum: $148 (51% off)
DeWalt 20V impact driver kit: $99 (45% off)
Beats Studio Pro headphones: $188.95 (50% off)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus: $24.99 (50% off)
Levi’s women’s 725 high rise bootcut jeans: $29.75 (50% off)
Energizer AA Batteries Alkaline Power, 32 Count: $14.28 (40% off)

Latest deals with over 40% savings

TACVASEN Men’s Tactical Jacket $43.98 (44% off)
EF Ecoflow portable 3600W power station: $1,329 (53% off)
Medicube Zero Pore pads: $13.90 (55% off)
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum $249.99 (58% off)
Lifestraw personal water filter ($9.99, 50% off)
 

Biggest discounts for the home

Get great deals on everything from vacuums to bedding to refresh your home in time for Christmas.
Blueair large room air purifier: $199.99 (43% off)
Shark Wandvac cordless hand vacuum: $99.99 (50% off)
CGK King Size 4-piece sheet set: $25.49 (46% off)
Utopia Bedding Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad: $16.97 (43% offf)
KitchenAid ribbed soft silicone potholders: $10.43 (50% off)
iRobot Roomba vacuum: $149 (50% off)

Candle Warmer: $19.99 (52% off)

Original price: $41.99

This candle warmer lamp is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite candle without having to light a match. It gently melts the wax from the top down, releasing fragrance faster and more evenly. Plus, it’s safer around kids and pets. The soft glow adds instant warmth to any room, making it a perfect winter upgrade or gift.

Amazon Fire TV Stick: $24.99 (50% off)

Original price: $49.99

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K turns almost any TV into a smart streaming setup in seconds. Just plug it into your HDMI port and start watching apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube and more. It even comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, so you can search for shows or control playback just by talking.

Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum: $279.99 (48% off)

Original price: $539.99

Now’s your chance to score a Dyson for nearly half off. The V8 model gives you up to 40 minutes of cordless runtime. It comes with a motor head that deep cleans all floor types while detangling as it goes, making it a smart choice for long hair and pet messes. It also converts into a handheld for stairs, car seats and upholstery.

Ring Battery Doorbell: $49.99 (50% off)

Original price: $99.99

Get a head-to-toe visual on who’s at your door with the latest Ring Battery Doorbell. It features live view and two-way talk so you can see and speak to visitors in real time. The built-in battery recharges via USB-C, and you’ll receive phone alerts whenever motion is detected.

Biggest tools discounts

Metabo miter saw: $99 (41% off)
Eveready LED Flashlight 8-Pack: $12.10 (47% off)
Bosch 12V max drill/driver: $143.10 (40% off)
DeWalt impact driver: $99 (45% off)

DeWalt 20V impact driver kit: $99 (45% off)

Original price: $179

The DeWalt 20V max impact driver makes quick work of tough jobs. It’s durable, lightweight and runs for a long time with the help of the brushless motor. With a compact design, it works very well in tight spaces.

Biggest kitchen discounts

Kitchen appliances from portable blenders to coffee makers are on sale during Amazon’s Black Friday event.

Chefman digital air fryer, rotisserie and dehydrator: $79.99 (43% off)
Vegetable Chopper & spiralizer $24.99 (50% off)
Cuisinart Food Processor $188.99 (41% off)  
Keurig K-Supreme single serve K-Cup pod coffee: $99 (48% off)
Staub cast iron Dutch oven round cocotte: $149.95 (59% off)
Vitamix 5200 Blender: $299.95 (40% off)
13-piece knife set: $17.98 (64% off)

Chefman air fryer: $49.99 (50% off)

Original price: $99.99

If you like your snacks crispy and fast, this 4-quart Chefman air fryer is a solid pick for up to four people. Its sleek, narrow design saves counter space without skimping on capacity. You’ll get an audible alert halfway through cooking to remind you to shake the basket. The matte-black finish looks sharp, and built-in auto shutoff adds a nice layer of safety.

THE BEST TECH DEALS TO SHOP BEFORE THE HOLIDAY RUSH: UP TO 57% OFF AIRPODS, BEATS EARBUDS, AIRTAGS AND MORE

Crock-Pot slow cooker: $34.84 (42% off)

Original price: $59.99

This classic 7-quart Crock-Pot keeps things simple with a turn-dial designed to just set it and forget it. It’s big enough to feed a crowd (or hold a 7-pound roast), with high and low cooking settings. Plus, a warm function helps keep meals at the perfect serving temperature.

Biggest tech discounts

Discover the best deals on Bose headphones, Fire tablets and more great tech.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: $159.99 (54% off)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: $24.99 (50% off)
JBL Vibe Beam earbuds: $29.95 (40% off)
Skullcandy Hesh Evo wireless Bluetooth headphones: $59.48 (43% off)
Sony ULT Wear Bluetooth headphones: $148 (41% off)
Amazon Fire 7 kids tablet: $59.99 (54% off)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus: $24.99 (50% off)
Ring battery doorbell: $49.99 (50% off)

Arlo 2K indoor cam: $14.99 (70% off)

Original price: $49.99

The Arlo 2K indoor camera lets you peek at your pets anytime. It’s equipped with crystal-clear 360-degree views, smart alerts, plug-in power and dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable connection. Included with your purchase is a free month of Arlo Secure, which unlocks features like 60-day video history, custom alerts and emergency response. After that, plans start at just $7.99 per month.

Beats Studio Pro headphones: $188.95 (50% off)

Original price: $349.99

Upgrade your everyday listening with the Beats Studio Pro, which feature two listening modes: fully adaptive active noise-canceling and transparency mode. They pair with both Apple and Android devices and offer up to 40 hours of battery life. A 10-minute charge gives you up to four more hours of playtime. They are available in black, brown or sandstone.

THE BEST SMALL APPLIANCES TO SAVE YOU TIME AND COUNTER SPACE – FROM INSTANT POT TO VITAMIX BLENDERS

Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED Fire TV: $279.99 (40% off)

Original price: $469.99

The Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED Fire TV offers premium features without the price tag. The QLED display delivers crisp picture quality with rich color, and it even adjusts brightness automatically based on the lighting in your room. When you’re not watching, it doubles as wall art or a smart display with Alexa widgets and your own photos.

Biggest toy discounts

Check off the toys on your list with these incredible finds.

Peppa Pig wooden deluxe playhouse: $69.99 (52% off)
Exploding Kittens: $9.99 (50% off)
Spirograph Jr.  $13.98 (44% off)
Kids Football Target Toss Game $17.94 (40% off)
Remote control car: $25.49 (45% off)
100 piece magnet building tiles set: $29.99 (40% off)
Toniebox 1 audio player starter set: $59.99 (40% off)
Remote control car: $25.49 (45% off)

Melissa & Doug ice cream counter: $39.97 (44% off)

Original price: $70.99

Melissa & Doug’s wooden ice cream counter set lets kids play as shopkeepers. The set comes with wooden scoops, cones and toppings behind a mini counter. It’s a sturdy, screen-free gift that encourages creativity and role play.

Play-Doh cake playset: $17.99 (40% off)

Original price: $29.99

The Play-Doh cake playset turns pretend baking into a fun, hands-on experience. Kids can load their cake into a toy oven that dings and spins out the final slice. It includes 11 colorful Play-Doh cans in several colors that are perfect for making layered, frosted cakes.

Biggest luggage discounts

Jet set in style with a new luggage set.

SwissGear hardside 2-piece set: $149.99 (44% off)
Samsonite Freeform 2-piece set: $196.34 (45% off)
Samsonite Omni 2 hardside 2-piece set: $204.99 (41% off)
Samsonite Saire LTE softside 3-piece set: $299.99 (41% off)
SwissGear Sion softside 3-piece set: $239.99 (41% off)

Samsonite Freeform 2-piece set: $196.34 (45% off)

Original price: $359.95

The Samsonite Freeform luggage set includes a carry-on and a check-in bag, both equipped with spinner wheels for smooth rolling through airports. Inside, you’ll find plenty of room to pack smart, elastic straps, a divider and a handy pouch to keep everything neat and secure. 

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 2-piece set: $399.48 (42% off)

Original price: $689.99

The Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 set includes a durable carry-on and check-in spinner, built to handle bumps, drops and baggage carousels. Inside, you’ll find zippered compartments and tie-down straps to keep everything organized. A built-in USB port makes charging on the go simple. Plus, the TSA-approved 3-dial lock with Delsey’s patented secured zip keeps your belongings safer.

SwissGear hardside expandable luggage: $232.53 (46% off)

Original price: $430

Travel smart (and in style) with this SwissGear hardside luggage set. It includes 18-inch, 23-inch and 27-inch suitcases, great for anything from weekend getaways to longer trips. Each piece is designed to maximize packing space without the bulk, and the pastel colors make your bags easy to spot at baggage claim.

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Biggest clothing discounts

Shop new fall and winter fashion finds for 40% off and more.

Men’s corduroy trucker jacket: $55.98 (44% off)
Women’s fleece lined leggings: $25.19 (41% off)
Wrangler Mens Utility Pants: $20 (65% off)
TACVASEN Men’s Tactical Jacket $43.98 (44% off)
Levi’s Women’s Ribcage straight jeans: $41.49 (48% off)
Levi’s men’s 505 jeans: $27.86 (60% off)
Levi’s men’s 501 original fit jeans: $34.63 (56% off)
Skechers Women’s Slip In sneakers: $41.99 (52% off)
Merino wool hiking socks: $14.24 (47% off)

Levi’s men’s trucker jacket: $51.93 (42% off)

Original price: $89.50
 

The Levi’s men’s trucker jacket is a wardrobe staple. This version features a standard fit, fleece lining for warmth and is tailored especially for larger builds. Built to last, you can count on it season after season. 

Levi’s men’s corduroy jacket: $67.99 (64% off)

Original price: $79.99

This Levi’s corduroy trucker jacket is warm, rugged and timeless. The soft sherpa lining adds extra insulation without the bulk, and the corduroy gives it a vintage look.

Adidas women’s cloudfoam sneakers: $38 (49% off)

Original price: $75

Whether you’re running errands or just out for a walk, these Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers will keep you comfortable all day long. The slip-on design gives you a secure, snug fit, while the midsole adds extra cushioning. 

Women’s fuzzy memory foam slippers: $13.99 (61% off)

Original price: $35.99

These fuzzy memory foam slippers are comfy and have a memory foam sole that cradles your feet after a long day. The faux fur lining keeps your feet toasty and gives the slippers a refined look. 

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.