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Today β€” 10 January 2025Main stream

9 luxurious status symbols you might be tempted to buy in 2025

10 January 2025 at 01:05
Woman surrounded by status symbols collage.
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Apple; Pura; Skylight; Coach; Terra Kaffe; Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

  • In 2024, vintage watches and expensive alarm clocks were the epitome of luxury.
  • This year, however, $600 calendars and stained-glass lamps have become the new status symbols.
  • Giant tote bags from Coach and oval-shaped Miu Miu glasses also signify luxury and taste in 2025.

A new year calls for fresh routines, lofty goals, and the latest luxuries.

While 2024 was all about vintage watches and expensive alarm clocks, different status symbols are taking over in 2025.

Home decor is now all about stained-glass lamps and $600 calendars. Fashionable outfits, on the other hand, aren't complete without giant tote bags and fancy glasses.

Here's a closer look at the luxurious products you'll see everywhere β€” and probably be tempted to buy β€” this year.

Everyone wants to elevate their spaces with stained-glass Tiffany lamps.
A selection of Tiffany lamps.
Stained-glass lamps, widely known as Tiffany lamps, are coming back into style.

John Greim/Getty Images

If you watched any Christmas gift hauls on TikTok recently, there's a good chance you've heard more than a few mentions of Tiffany lamps.

The stained-glass pieces were first made by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the original design director of Tiffany & Co., in the late 1890s.

His style became so popular that other artisans picked it up, and it has remained an interior design staple. Now, most colorful glass lamps are called "Tiffany" lamps, regardless of the craftsman who made them.

To add one to your home this year, you can buy a Tiffany lamp from a modern artisan or search thrift stores for a vintage one. However, if you want an authentic piece from Tiffany Studios, be prepared to spend between $20,000 and $120,000.

All the "it girls" are carrying oversize tote bags from Coach.
Bella Hadid carries the Coach Brooklyn 39 shoulder bag.
Bella Hadid carries the Coach Brooklyn 39 shoulder bag.

Gotham/GC Images

Coach has massively rebounded in recent years thanks to its new trendy purse styles, flashy social-media ads, and a loyal Gen Z fan base.

So, of course, the go-to bag for 2025 is a style from the New York City brand: the Brooklyn 39 shoulder bag.

Typically made from smooth leather, the totes are sold in seven colors and measure 17 inches tall. Some fans of the $495 bags include TikTok fashion influencers and model Bella Hadid.

Coach also offers a brown suede version of the product.

Whether you need glasses or not, you'll probably want a pair of Miu Miu frames soon enough.
Influencer Lea Naumann wears Miu Miu glasses in Berlin.
Influencer Lea Naumann wears Miu Miu glasses in Berlin.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

We've long surpassed the days when glasses were considered nerdy and unappealing. Still, some pairs are more chic than others.

Enter the Miu Miu Regard frames. At $505 a piece, the oval glasses are decorated with a tortoiseshell print and set with transparent lenses, which are said to block the sun and blue light.

Adding to the appeal is the fact that the Miu Miu acessory looks more like a pair of traditional readers than sunglasses, which they technically are.

If you need more convincing, just look at Sabrina Carpenter wearing them.

Car air fresheners are out, and fancy scent diffusers are in.
A Pura Car Pro air freshener.
With these diffusers, you can fill your car with luxurious scents from brands like Nest.

Pura

Classic, tree-shaped air fresheners are convenient. You can find them at just about any store, and they typically cost under $3 each.

The Pura Car Diffuser, on the other hand, takes things to the next level. The $34.99 device fits in most cupholders, plugs into car USB ports, and releases luxury scents from brands like Anthropologie and Nest.

Each cartridge costs under $18 and is said to remain fragrant for at least 30 days. You can also adjust scent intensity via an app, and the diffuser stops and starts as you move your car.

Talk about high tech.

iPads have made a comeback.
A blue iPad.
On TikTok, it seems like everyone got a new iPad for the holidays.

Smith Collection/Getty Images

For a while there, iPads seemed a lot like glorified, oversize iPhones. In 2025, however, the tablets are key to organization and success.

Since the holiday season, people on TikTok have been showcasing their new tech and, more importantly, the apps and features they'll use most in the new year.

One popular video with over 32,000 views shows customized calendars, vision boards, and notepads with the caption, "2025 iPad girl loading."

There are a few iPads on the market, but the two most popular options are the 13-inch iPad Pro ($1,299) and the 13-inch iPad Air ($799).

Paper calendars are fine, but digital ones from Skylight are far more lavish.
The Calendar Max from Skylight.
The most popular Skylight calendars cost between $300 and $600 each.

Skylight

Maybe iPads are too small for your liking, or maybe their surplus of apps distracts you from staying organized.

That's where Skylight comes in. For months, people have praised the brand's digital calendars on TikTok, saying they appreciate the product's touchscreen checklists, color-coding options, and massive size.

The calendars also double as frames, displaying slideshows of your favorite photos as a screensaver.

However, if you want to add one to your home, be prepared to spend a decent chunk of change. The calendars cost between $159 and $599 each.

You'll likely see Rhode's gray skincare bottles on every bathroom counter.
Bottles of Rhode skin-care products.
Rhode is on track to become the "it girl" of skincare brands for 2025.

Rhode

Hailey Bieber launched her skincare brand Rhode in 2022, and it's been a steady player in the beauty industry ever since.

Her line's lip treatments and phone cases were the skincare status symbols of 2024, but its face products are now set to have a big year.

Beauty lovers have recently been displaying their gray bottles of the brand's $32 glazing milk, $38 moisturizers, and other products in their recent TikTok videos. Rhode was also a major part of many "what I got for Christmas" hauls online.

Many are also looking forward to coming releases, which some fans speculate will include eye patches and skincare sticks.

You can skip the line at Starbucks if you have a fancy espresso maker at home.
A Terre KafeTK-02 machine.
Nothing makes the coffee-brewing process as easy as a touchscreen does.

Terra Kafe

So, what's the machine of choice this year? Look no further than Terra Kaffe's TK-02. Many coffee fanatics got the device as holiday presents to upgrade their daily espresso.

The $1,695 device is sold in black and white colorways and has a touchscreen that makes it easy to brew your morning cup even when you're half asleep.

It makes hot and cold drinks, works with all kinds of milk, and utilizes pre-ground or whole beans.

If you don't have a KitchenAid mixer, now is the time to get one.
The Evergreen mixer from KitchenAid.
The Evergreen stand mixer from KitchenAid.

KitchenAid

Visit any baker or chef's kitchen, and you'll likely find a KitchenAid mixer. One specific one, though, stands out among the rest.

In 2025, foodies can't get enough of the $699.95 KitchenAidΒ Design Series mixer, which features a forest-green body and a wooden mixing bowl.

It's arguably the most aesthetically pleasing design the brand has ever released and is considered a bestseller at Williams Sonoma.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Why are mocktails so expensive?

10 January 2025 at 01:01
A mocktail casting a dollar sign shaped shadow

Dina Belashova/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

  • Many Americans may experience sticker shock when buying a mocktail or glass of NA wine.
  • Restaurants and bars said high-quality ingredients and labor-intensive prep adds to the price.
  • Americans, especially those under 25, are spending less on alcohol and looking for NA options.

As Americans spend less on booze and browse menus for non-alcoholic alternatives like mocktails and wine, sticker shock can be a common reaction.

At Binge Bar in Washington, DC, the city's first fully non-alcoholic bar, "spirit-free" cocktails cost between $11 and $14. A glass of NA wine is $15, while a can of NA beer is $5. Prices are similar at other hot spots in Washington, DC. Moon Rabbit, an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, sells several "spirit-free" cocktails for $13 to $14 compared to about $19 for regular cocktails.

On social media, mocktails have been criticized as "glorified" or "sexy" juice that shouldn't be priced similarly to alcohol.

Restaurant owners and bar managers told Business Insider that alcohol alone doesn't drive the price. Mocktails are often made with high-quality ingredients such as botanicals, herbs, and spices, and can take longer to make. That way, customers still feel like they're getting the cocktail experience. Plus, NA whisky, gin, or wine can cost just as much β€” if not more β€” than traditional booze in part because removing alcohol is an additional step for manufacturers.

Ingredients account for about 18% of a drink's menu price, according to restaurant industry standards. The rest covers operating costs like labor, rent, and utilities, bar managers said.

This comes at a time when many participate in Dry January or reflect on their drinking after the US Surgeon General released its recent report linking alcohol to cancer.

Gigi Arandid, owner of Binge Bar, said NA cocktails are just as complex as those with alcohol. She spends a lot of time educating customers about special ingredients in Binge Bar's drinks and the health benefits of avoiding alcohol. Sales are up 45% between 2023 and 2024, Arandid said.

She created the most popular drink on the menu, a Cucumber Mangorita, with fresh cucumber juice, mango puree, lime juice, herbs, spices, and tonic. It costs $11 or $14, depending on whether you add a non-alcoholic tequila.Β The prices reflect the fresh ingredients, labor-intensive prep, and Reposado Tequila, she said.

Do you plan to change your drinking habits in response to the Surgeon General's recommendation? Tell us why in this survey

Unique syrups, herbs, and spices can up prices

At Moon Rabbit, bartenders infuse NA whiskey with five spice, a spice blend commonly used in Vietnamese and Chinese cooking, for 24 hours. The whiskey is made by Lyres, one of the most popular brands in the sector, and at $26 a bottle, it is more expensive than some traditional spirits, said Thi Nguyen, bar director at Moon Rabbit.

"We're not just putting a bunch of juice together," Nguyen said, adding that ingredients like purple shiso and soursop are expensive and challenging to source. "We are really intentional and want to highlight Vietnamese culture."

A mocktail in a stem glass topped with foam and a lemon
The Jade is a "spirit-free" cocktail at Moon Rabbit in Washington, DC. Its ingredients include soursop, osmanthus, lemon, and vegan foam.

Rachel Paraoan

AtΒ Bresca, a Michelin-starred bistroΒ in DC, spirit-free drinksΒ are $12, while regular cocktails are in the $18 to $20 range.

Bresca's Cintronnade al la Menthe, a play on the mint lemonade you might find in France, is a three-day process. While the ingredients are simple β€” mostly lemon, cardamom, mint lemongrass, and sugar β€” bartenders make a citrusy syrup known as oleo from scratch, then lightly ferment and carbonate it, said Will Patton, beverage director for Hive Hospitality, which operates Bresca.

Non-alcoholic beer is more accessible

For those not interested in cocktails, NA wine is slowly gaining popularity as manufacturers improve the taste. But don't expect it to be cheap, because winemakers and brewers have to take an additional step to remove the alcohol.

"As a winery, you've already invested in making great quality wine, and then it's more work to run it through an industrial process to remove the alcohol," Sarah Kate, founder of non-alcoholic drinks magazine Some Good Clean Fun, said. "When you do that, you're also removing some of the characteristics of the wine."

Patton said mid-range NA wines cost between $17 and $25 a bottle, comparable to traditional bottles.

The beer industry is further along, with more than 150 brands, such as Athletic Brewing, Heineken, and Budweiser, making NA products. Athletic cofounder Bill Shufelt said in an email that the company's "off-premise" sales β€” or those at supermarkets and convenience stores β€” grew by more than 50% between 2023 and 2024. Athletic is now the most popular brand in the category, holding more than 19% market share, Shufelt said.

He added that the company has worked hard to match the price of widely distributed craft beer. Six-packs of Athletic are typically priced between $9.99 and $10.99 on retail shelves. The price is budget-friendly, even afterΒ Athletic re-engineered nearly every step of the brewing process to make its products free of alcohol.

"While some may assume that the absence of alcohol should make NA beer less expensive, the reality is that it can cost just as much β€” or even more β€” to produce," Shufelt said.

Read the original article on Business Insider

A financially independent real-estate investor who built her wealth with long-term rentals explains how shifting to a mid-term strategy in 2025 could combat high interest rates

10 January 2025 at 01:00
dana bull
Dana Bull is a real estate agent, investor, and consultant.

Courtesy of Dana Bull

  • Dana Bull has invested in long-term rentals throughout her entire career.
  • She's experimenting with a mid-term rental in 2025 to combat high interest rates.
  • Generally, mid-term rentals offer higher revenue but require more management than long-term leases.

Dana Bull started building her real-estate portfolio in 2012 when she bought her first property.

Over the next decade, she expanded to more than 20 units in her Massachusetts market and hit financial independence by sticking to the same general strategy: buying quality properties with upside and filling them with long-term tenants.

Bull, who is also a real-estate agent and consultant, told Business Insider that she "swore off investing a couple of years ago." Managing properties is time-intensive, noted the mother of four.

But when a charming single-family in Marblehead came on the market in the fall of 2023, she broke her promise.

"This little place in my town caught my eye, and I really wanted somebody else to buy it," said Bull. "It was when the interest rates were the highest that they've ever been, like 7.75%, so nobody wanted to buy anything. And I was like, 'You know what, I'll do it.'"

Listing it as a mid-term rental to combat high rates

Higher interest rates mean a higher monthly payment. For an investor, that can make it more challenging to generate positive cash flow.

To make the numbers work on her latest acquisition, Bull decided to experiment with a "mid-term rental," which targets people looking to stay for one month or more, but less than a year.

"It's my first experience with something other than a long-term rental. I'm kind of in uncharted waters, but it's been great," said Bull, who plans to test out the mid-term rental strategy for at least 18 months. It's more work than managing a long-term tenant, but she said she's bringing in more revenue doing shorter leases.

She could earn even more if she had more time and could lease the unit herself, rather than working with an agent.

"I have a leasing agent who I pay a lot of money because it's a lot of work to continue to keep it leased," she said. "It's a great strategy for anybody that has the availability to do the leasing on their own."

The leasing aspect of the mid-term rental strategy is the most challenging because it's less mainstream than the short- and long-term strategy.

"If you want a long-term rental, you know you're going to be on Zillow or work with a real-estate agent. If you want a short-term rental, you also have set channels: You have Airbnb, Vrbo," Bull explained. "There's a website called Furnished Finder geared toward mid-term rentals, but it's not very well known, and it's not nearly as big as something like Airbnb."

She advertises her place on Furnished Finder, takes it on and off Zillow depending on when it's available, and sends neighborhood mailers.

It helps that she's starting to understand her typical tenant, she added: "The trend is that grandparents want to come and help out with the kids, but the parents don't have room in their home, or the grandparents want their own space, so that has been my target audience."

Mid-term rentals as a viable strategy for 2025

Bull doesn't expect mortgage rates to drop in 2025. She also doesn't advise letting rates or other factors outside your control dictate when you buy real estate.

"I wouldn't base my whole plan around, 'Well, I keep hearing rates are supposed to drop,'" she said, noting that current rates are in line with the historical average. "This is kind of where rates sit. So, if they were to drop, that would be great, but I wouldn't be banking on it."

If you're financially prepared to invest in real estate in 2025, rather than waiting, run the numbers to see if a short- or mid-term rental could make sense in your market.

"Look at some alternative leasing approaches. Usually, they're more lucrative if they're shorter," said Bull. "One idea would be to start with something like an Airbnb, with the goal of transitioning after two or three years into something more passive, like a long-term rental."

Real estate is a long-term game, she added: "You have to look beyond year one β€” the numbers are always going to be tight year one, no matter what the market conditions are β€” so, what are your projections going to be by year five?

"And then, what can you do in the interim to maybe make this property work? That would be focusing on neighborhoods and communities where you can balance both of these plays: It's going to attract a short-term rental tenant but, down the road, you can pivot into a longer-term tenant."

That's likely what she's going to do, especially if she can refinance again.

Bull has already refinanced once, which shaved about $250 off her mortgage, she said: "I'd love it if they dropped again and I could save another 250. At that point, I probably would transition it to a long-term rental because it would be lucrative enough and less of a headache, but right now I'm just experimenting for my own curiosity and I want to understand more about this niche."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Here come the AI agents

10 January 2025 at 01:00

AI technology is advancing rapidly and if you're not already using it at work, brace yourself.

Why it matters: That was Sam Altman's message, buried in a recent blog post.


  • "We believe that, in 2025, we may see the first AI agents 'join the workforce' and materially change the output of companies," writes the OpenAI founder.

State of play: The possibility of using AI agents to do work instead of expensive humans has some companies super excited. It's making many workers super anxious.

  • Distinct from an AI chatbot, an AI agent can work autonomously. You tell it what to do, and the agent goes off and does it in the real world. In other words, it could theoretically fully replace a human.

For example, a scientist could use a bot to conduct research and possibly even design an experiment.

  • But an AI agent, when prompted, can act as a research assistant β€”Β it can not only do the research and design an experiment, the agent can conduct it and compile the results. (In a recent paper, scientists at AMD and Johns Hopkins University described how they successfully had an agent do just that.)

Zoom out: Altman, of course, has a big interest in a future where AI plays a bigger role at work. And it's not clear yet what happens to U.S. workplaces in 2025.

  • But the idea of AI agents in our workplaces is hardly just an AI entrepreneur's fantasy, researchers and experts say.

Zoom in: Some companies are already experimenting with AI agents in limited pilot programs β€”Β to conduct drug discovery, for project management, or to design marketing campaigns.

The big picture: The key question is what happens to people's jobs? Most experts agree that agents will change the nature of work over the coming years β€”Β particularly for those who work at a desk in front of a computer.

That could mean an agent starts doing some of your work. "In an ideal world, this is a multiplier of effort where I delegate the worst parts of my job to AI," says Ethan Mollick, a management professor at Wharton who studies AI.

  • Altman said something similar in a podcast interview. He doesn't think about "what percent of jobs AI will do, but what percent of tasks will it do," he said on Lex Fridman's podcast last year. AI will let people do their jobs, "at a higher level of abstraction."
  • AI has made workers more efficient, but there's still a lot more work to do. "The one thing I'm not worried about is that we're running out of work," GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke told Axios.

Yes, but: While humans will still absolutely be needed to supervise the AI's work, agents will start replacing humans over the next two years, says Anton Korinek, an economics professor at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and Visiting Scholar at Brookings

  • "Any job that can be done solely in front of a computer will be amenable to AI agents within the next 24 months," Korinek said in an email, assuring this reporter that he was not himself an AI.Β (He also agreed that he could be replaced by one.)
  • "From my conversations with business leaders, the majority ofΒ large companies employing white-collar workers are looking into what they can automate with AI."

Between the lines: Humans are moving more slowly than the technology. Companies have to figure out how to adjust operations to accommodate AI workers, says Lareina Yee, a senior partner at McKinsey and AI expert.

  • And that can be a costly endeavor.
  • The biggest challenge to moving AI agents into the workplace isn't the tech, it's the people, she says. "This is not a technology strategy moment, it's a business strategy moment."

Trump and Musk want to help U.S. auto industry, Ford chairman says

9 January 2025 at 18:47

President-elect Trump understands the U.S. auto industry better now than he did during his first term, says Ford chairman Bill Ford, who's hopeful that Tesla CEO Elon Musk will use his close relationship with Trump to advocate for all automakers.

Why it matters: Trump had a fraught relationship with Detroit carmakers during his first term, and the companies often sparred with the president over labor, trade, tariffs and regulations.


  • But this time around, he's keenly aware of the competitive threats they face, especially from heavily subsidized Chinese rivals.

Driving the news: Ford said Trump called him "out of the blue" recently and the two men spoke for "a long, long time" about what U.S. automakers need to succeed.

  • "He's very tuned into the importance of a strong American industry. He wants to not only keep it strong, but actually strengthen it from here," Ford told reporters on the sidelines of a product announcement at the Detroit Auto Show.
  • "It's very clear what his intent is."
  • Ford also said he wasn't too worried that Musk will use his close relationship with Trump to get an advantage over Tesla's rivals.
  • "We are aligned on a lot of different things," he said of Musk.
  • And given that Trump has his number, Ford said, "I feel very confident that, going forward, Ford will have a voice, and a seat at the table."

Between the lines: Ford said affordability is the key to facing the "crucible" of Chinese competition on electric vehicles.

  • "It's not matching the technology. It's not matching how the vehicles are put together. It's really not even matching the battery itself. But it really is the affordability to the customer that becomes, sort of the crucible, whether this is going to succeed or not. We're working really hard on that."

Southern Hospitality’s Maddi Says Gay Rumors About Joe Delayed Their Romance

9 January 2025 at 19:01
Southern Hospitality Recap Maddi Didn t Hook Up With Joe for a Long Time Because of Gay Rumors
Maddie Reese, Joe Bradley. Bravo (2)

During the latest episode of Southern Hospitality, Maddi Reese revealed that rumors about Joe Bradley’s sexuality delayed the start of their relationship β€” and TJ Dinch was to blame.

β€œThree or four years ago, TJ spread a bunch of rumors that I was gay,” Joe told newbie Austin Stephan during the Thursday, January 9, episode of the Bravo show.

Austin wasn’t surprised by the revelation, telling Joe that TJ β€œused to tell me the same sβ€”. He would straight up tell me that you were gay.”

Maddie, who is currently dating Joe, confessed that the stories around town made her hesitate to act on her feelings toward him.

Southern Hospitality’s TJ Claims Joe β€˜Cheated’ on Danielle With Luann: Watch

β€œThree years ago, everyone was talking about the rumor,” Maddi recalled. β€œSo, of course, I kinda believed TJ when he told me Joe is flirty, or fruity, or what’s the word? Gay.”

She confessed, β€œThat was the reason why I did not hook up with Joe for a long time.”

Maddi said since she began seeing Joe, she can confirm the rumors aren’t true. β€œObviously, I’ve slept with Joe. I sleep with Joe. He likes pβ€”,” she declared.

Joe, for his part, said that he confronted TJ when he heard the rumors, but TJ vehemently denied that he started them.

Why Southern Hospitality's Joe Bradley Now Admits to Luann de Lesseps Kiss

β€œI said, β€˜Why the fβ€” you would say that to people?’ And he said, β€˜No, I would never say that. I would never tell anyone that. I promise you I didn’t do it,’” Joe told the cameras, admitting, β€œSince I am a very trusting person, I believed it. And now I’m paying for it.”

Joe claimed that his one-time best friend β€œmakes you believe you can trust him and then he’ll fβ€” you over.”

In addition to allegedly spreading rumors about his sexuality, Joe took issue with TJ telling people that he hooked up with Luann de Lesseps in January 2024 when he said he told him the truth in confidence.

β€œThat’s when it hit me. TJ’s the one telling people that I’m gay,” Joe said during Thursday’s episode. β€œBecause he’s the mouth of the South.”

Southern Hospitality Recap Maddi Didn t Hook Up With Joe for a Long Time Because of Gay Rumors
TJ Dinch and Joe Bradley. Paul Cheney/Bravo

Us broke the news in January 2024 that Joe and Luann, 59, were spotted getting cozy at a New York City hotel after they met during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

During the season 2 Southern Hospitality reunion the following month, TJ told host Andy Cohen he was β€œ99 percent” sure that Joe and Luann hooked up. Joe denied the allegations.

TJ revealed during the season 3 premiere, which aired on January 2, that he hadn’t spoken to Joe for months since their drama at the reunion.

TJ, however, remained adamant that not only did Joe kiss Luann but alsoΒ β€œcheated” on his then-girlfriend, Danielle Olivera, with the Real Housewives of New York City alum. (Danielle, 36, confirmed her and Joe’s split in February 2024.)

'Southern Hospitality' Premiere: Where Do Emmy and Will, More Couples Stand?

Joe played somewhat coy about exactly what transpired with Luann during the season 3 premiere, but he did confirm to Us in December 2024 that he β€œkissed” her. He claimed that he wasn’t trying to hide anything but was still upset with TJ for breaking his trust.

Those trust issues have been front and center so far this season β€” especially since Maddi is still friends with TJ, which Joe confessed worries him. (Joe and Maddi exclusively told Us that they’ve been dating since April 2024, which is right around the time the cameras picked back up.)

β€œIt was also kinda pissing me off that you were being so buddy-buddy with him,” Joe told Maddi during the new episode, referring to her conversation with TJ at a group party one week prior.

Maddi, however, maintained that her friendship with TJ shouldn’t affect her relationship with Joe.

Southern Hospitality Recap Maddi Didn t Hook Up With Joe for a Long Time Because of Gay Rumors
Joe Bradley and Maddie Reese. Bryan Steffy/Bravo

β€œYou can be friends with somebody and have boundaries,” she told her boyfriend. β€œYou know you can’t trust [TJ] with your to the grave sβ€”, you obviously know that, but there’s no reason he can’t be your friend.”

Joe claimed, β€œMe and TJ’s problems are way deeper.” Maddi pointed out that they aren’t β€œaddressing the elephant in the room.”

Fans will continue to see Joe and TJ’s drama unfold with every new episode. In fact, Joe exclusively told Us ahead of the season that TJ’s β€œmindset” will β€œmake a lot more sense once you watch it.”

He teased, β€œSome people thinks that he has feelings for me, [but] I think that’s in the past, but who knows? This season everyone will kind of find out TJ’s true colors and why he’s acting the way he is towards me.”

Southern Hospitality airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Who Is Zac Efron's Brother Dylan? What to Know About 'Traitors' Contestant

9 January 2025 at 19:00
Who Is Zac Efrons Brother Dylan Efron 5 Things to Know About The Traitors Season 3 Contestant
Dylan Efron PEACOCK

Zac Efronβ€˜s brother Dylan Efron has already made a lasting impression onΒ The Traitors β€” but what else is there to know about the season 3 contestant?

The Traitors, which premiered in January 2025, brought together reality TV stars from various franchises as they competed in a mafia-style game for up to $250,000. Despite appearing to be a natural on camera, Dylan previously admitted that he wasn’t sure he wanted to follow in his brother’s acting footsteps.

β€œI’ve been behind the camera. But being able to not stay behind the scenes has been a really nice change,” Dylan exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2023 about his plans to try something new. β€œSo I think as long as I can kind of wear all those hats and still kind of craft the stories I want to tell [that would be great]. To be able to experience it firsthand, it’s really nice. It’s a good mix of both worlds.”

While Zac rose to stardom after landing a multitude of TV and movie roles, Dylan enjoyed playing a smaller role behind the scenes. His transition to taking part in a competition show came after Dylan previously admitted he wasn’t trying to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.

Zac Efron’s Family Guide: Meet Brother Dylan, Sister Olivia and More

β€œWhat Zac does, I could never do. I play myself in front of a camera while Zac’s playing characters. It is two different skill sets,” he added at the time. β€œHe can play different characters and I can only play myself.”

Dylan’s commitment to staying true to himself should serve him well on The Traitors. Keep scrolling for everything to know about Dylan Efron amid his stint on the Peacock series:

What Does Dylan Actually Do?

When asked by Wells Adams during the Traitors season 3 premiere, Dylan said he is best known for his work on β€œsocial media.” But Dylan has left a lasting impression online courtesy of his sweet bond with brother Zac and his work in the entertainment industry.

Dylan got his start as a physical production coordinator on movies like Jersey Boys, American Sniper, Get Hard and The Accountant. From there, Dylan went on to become an assistant on Unforgettable, Ready Player One and A Star Is Born. His most recent work consisted of performing stunts on Disney+’s shows The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.

Zac Efron's Sweetest Family Photos With His Siblings Over the Years

How Does Dylan’s Family Fit Into the Equation?

Who Is Zac Efrons Brother Dylan Efron 5 Things to Know About The Traitors Season 3 Contestant
Courtesy of Dylan Efron/Instagram

To follow the Efrons on social media is to bless your timeline with adorable family photos featuring Dylan and Zac’s younger siblings. The brother’s parents were married for nearly two decades before calling it quits in 2016. Dylan and Zac’s father, David Efron, ultimately moved on with second wife Jenny and they welcomed kids Olivia and Henry.

β€œMy motto [for building a strong bond with brother Henry and sister Olivia] has just been FaceTime. I try to see them as much as I can,” Dylan told Us. β€œBut really, I just think back and my brother was such a good brother to me and I want to be that for them. So it’s really just β€” I like thinking what they think of me and I want to be that presence for them.”

Dylan expressed his gratitude to Zac for being a good example.

β€œHonestly, my little sister’s the sweetest. She doesn’t have favorites, so it’s more we’re playing with each other. But every time we see her β€” I can’t say enough about her. And then Henry too,” Dylan continued at the time. β€œHe’s just getting to that age where he is [developing his] personality. So it is hard to even pick between the two of them really. I see myself so much in Henry and then [in] Olivia, I see Zac. She’s going to be an actress probably [because] she’s got such a big personality. Henry’s a little sports player.”

Does Dylan Have Reality TV Experience?

While Dylan has worked mainly on scripted projects, he was a producer on Netflix’s Down to Earth, which followed Zac as he traveled around the world and highlighted various life experiences, cultures, culinary ventures as well as green energy and sustainable living practices.

β€œI love doing stuff with my brother. There’s a really comforting thing being with family [and] doing this stuff. That’s always going to be high up there on what I love to do. But I think it’s good that we do things separately too,” Dylan exclusively told Us in September 2023. β€œBecause I remember back in the day, we wanted to do a show together and I really wouldn’t have been prepared for that. He’s been in front of the camera his whole life and it’s been second nature for him. I was a shy little kid, so I’ve had to grow into that.”

Dylan said he would be thrilled to work with Zac on a project again in the future. β€œIt’ll be the right time now,” he shared. β€œWe’re still thinking [about what to do]. We’re in the thinking process. We really want to just take a step back and see what stories we want to tell, how we can do it and enjoy ourselves. We want to keep leveling it up.”

Dylan also worked on telling his own stories with a three-part 2023 YouTube series about surf culture in California.

Hollywood's Most Memorable Celebrity Siblings Over the Years

What Skills Is Dylan Bringing to the Table?

Who Is Zac Efrons Brother Dylan Efron 5 Things to Know About The Traitors Season 3 Contestant
Courtesy of Zac Efron/Instagram

Over the years, Dylan has documented his interest in surfing, skateboarding, kayaking and running.

β€œSomething I quickly retired from was speed flying, where you are running off a cliff with a parachute and then you go really fast. I wanted to do it and I quickly retired from it once I did one. It’s really scary,” he revealed to Us in 2023. β€œIf I went back to that, I would go back to just normal skydiving and stay away from that.”

He continued: β€œEspecially when I’m on the road a lot, I don’t try to lift heavy weights. I just want to use my muscles and stretch and try to just keep my body limber. I don’t want to kill myself trying to use heavy weights so I just make sure to keep everything used. When you get in trouble is if you get used to sitting all day and then you don’t use your body at all.”

What Does Zac Think About Dylan’s Chances on β€˜The Traitors’?

Before his time in Scotland aired on Peacock, Zac showed support for Dylan’s newest endeavor. β€œI think Dylan’s going to win,” Zac told E! News in June 2024. β€œI hope he does, because he’s so good at games. He always has been, since we were kids. He’s like the game master. … If anyone can do this, it’s him. I’m rooting for him.”

Ronda Rousey Welcomes 2nd Baby With Husband Travis Browne

9 January 2025 at 18:58
Ronda Rousey Welcomes 2nd Baby With Husband Travis Browne
Travis Browne and Ronda Rousey. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Ronda Rousey has given birth to her second child with husband Travis Browne.

The professional wrestler, 37, announced the arrival of their daughter via an Instagram post shared on Thursday, January 10.

β€œOur little girl came into this world during a windstorm into a city on fire, so grateful she made it safe and sound,” Rousey captioned the post, revealing their daughter’s name is β€œLiko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha Browne ❀”

A video of the couple’s eldest daughter La’akea Makalapuaokalanipō, 2, visiting her mom and newborn sister in hospital alongside her dad accompanied the caption.

Wrestler Ronda Rousey Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 With Travis Browne

Also included in the carousel of images were several family snaps taken at Rousey’s hospital bed.

Rousey surprised fans in July when she announced her pregnancy during San Diego Comic Con.

The athlete shared the news during her panel for her first graphic novel, Expecting the Unexpected, telling the crowd that she and Browne were expecting their second child.

Rousey and Browne, 42, tied the knot in August 2017 in Browne’s home state of Hawaii. The pair grew their family in September 2021 with the birth of their daughter, La’akea Makalapuaokalanipō. Browne is also a dad to sons Keawe and Kaleo from a previous relationship.

In October 2021, Rousey gave a glimpse into her experience of motherhood as she wrote about breastfeeding via an Instagram post.

β€œOur boys asked me the other day how I’m gunna feed Pō on the plane when we take her with us to Hawaii. And I was like β€˜uhhh, same way I always do’ πŸ€·πŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Then it occurred to me that they probably never seen anyone breastfeed before and weren’t sure if it was appropriate in public,” she wrote.

Rousey added that breastfeeding in public shouldn’t be seen as taboo as it’s a natural experience.

β€œMotherhood’s some badass, primal, beautiful sβ€” that shouldn’t be hidden,” she added. β€œIt still blows my mind that my body assembled this little person, pushed her out and now makes everything she needs to thrive 🀯 It’s really nothing to be ashamed of, it’s something to brag aboutπŸ€°πŸΌπŸ‘©πŸΌβ€πŸΌ #normalizebreastfeeding #proudmama.”

Ronda Rousey Reveals Sex of Baby No. 2 With Husband Travis Browne

Several months prior to the breastfeeding post, Rousey was candid about her experience with pregnancy and praised Browne for his support.

β€œI wish I could say that pregnancy feels amazing, that I’ve never felt more powerful as a woman. But it feels more like my organs are being crushed by the miracle of life,” Rousey wrote via a July 2021 Instagram post. β€œI’ve never felt more exhausted, unmotivated or aware of gravity. Some days I have to lay on my side for hours just to comfortably breathe. There’s no break, it’s a grind, I’m just trying to get through one day at a time.”

Rousey continued, β€œThank God for Mr. Browne. Not a day goes by without him telling me I’m beautiful, sexy, loved, and appreciated. He holds my belly to give me breaks from carrying, gives me bites of everything he’s eating, then drags me hissing into the sunlight when I wanna go full Gollum. He makes me proud to put on a swimsuit and show the world what I sometimes want to hide from myself.”

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Low Movie Salaries

9 January 2025 at 18:43
Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis Rachel Luna/Getty Images ; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Many A-List actors and actresses have been candid about various movies where the salary didn’t match the role.

Hilary Swank starred in the 1999 film Boys Don’t Cry, receiving her first Academy Award for the performance . While Swank was applauded for her peers, she only received a salary of $3,000.

Meanwhile, when Jamie Lee Curtis was cast in the original Halloween film at age 19 in 1978, she received only $8,000. In addition to the money she received from acting, she also was tasked with staying on a $200 budget for her character’s wardrobe.

Keep scrolling to see what other stars have received shockingly low salaries in some big name movies:

Sean William Scott

While Sean William Scott had his breakout role in American Pie as Steve Stifler, his initial paycheck doesn’t match up to what the now cult classic is worth. Scott earned $8,000 for the entire movie, which ended up grossing $235 million at the box office.

β€œI think so, yeah, because I remember afterward I bought a used Thunderbird for like $5,000 or maybe $6,000, I’m like, β€˜Oh yeah, baby,’” Scott said of what he did with his earnings during a March 2022 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. β€œI don’t know what happened to the other $2,000 because I ended up having to work at the LA Zoo as a churro guy, so maybe it was even less than $8,000.”

Ryan Reynolds

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Ryan Reynolds Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Before making Deadpool a household name, Reynolds confessed that his paycheck was not all that it appeared to be while filming the first superhero flick.

β€œNo part of me was thinking when Deadpool was finally greenlit that this would be a success,” the actor said in a July 2024 interview with The New York Times. β€œI even let go of getting paid to do the movie just to put it back on the screen. They wouldn’t allow my cowriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick on set, so I took the little salary I had left and paid them to be on set with me so we could form a de facto writers room.”

Christopher Lee

Lee starred in the 1973 film, The Wicker Man, and opted not to take a salary so the movie could get made.

β€œI got paid nothing. I keep repeating to people and they don’t believe it’s true,” he said in the 2001 documentary The Wicker Man Enigma, per The Independent. β€œIf they paid me my normal fee – and everyone else their normal fees – they wouldn’t have been able to make the film.”

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Hilary Swank Raymond Hall/GC Images

β€œSo when I did Boys Don’t Cry, I was 24 years old. I made $3,000. In order to have health insurance, you have to make $5,000. So I didn’t even know that I didn’t have health insurance until I went and tried to get a prescription filled,” Swank recalled during an October 2016 appearance on Chelsea Handler’s Netflix self-titled talk show. β€œThey said, β€˜That’s $160.’ I went, β€˜Um, did you try my insurance?’ They said, β€˜Mmm-hmm.’ I had an Academy Award, no health insurance.”

Ethan Hawke

Hawke shared in an June 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly that while working on The Purge he didn’t have a big salary and even β€œslept on the producers’ couch” throughout the filming. The actor confessed that he believed in the horror’s premise and wanted to be a part of it no matter the cost.

β€œI’ve never really prioritized making money that way. I decided months ago that I loved The Purge and I felt it was a cool movie,” he said. β€œI would love it [even] if it bombed. I’ve had so few movies ever make money in my 20-year career. I’ve learned not to care about it.”

Jeff Daniels

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Jeff Daniels John Lamparski/Getty Images

While Daniels starred in Dumb and Dumber alongside Jim Carrey, the Newsroom alum allegedly had a significantly smaller salary. Daniels made $50,000 while Carrey reportedly received $7 million. The writer-director duo Bobby and Peter Farrelly recalled to The Hollywood Reporter in November 2014 how the movie studio didn’t want to cast Daniels in the role due to his lack of a comedic background, despite the Farrelly brothers wanting him to get the role.

β€œThe studio didn’t want him. They said, β€˜Please, anyone but him. Get a comedic actor,’” Bobby said. β€œSo they offered him, if I recall, 50 grand, which was, you know, Jim’s getting seven mil, they offered him 50 figuring he’ll say, β€˜No, I’m not taking that,’ but he took it.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Jamie Lee Curtis Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

β€œI made $8,000. I made $2,000 a week, which at the time was a fortune,” Curtis told People magazine in October 2018 of her original Halloween salary and added that the crew was small and young. β€œ20 people, maybe 15. The oldest person was 30. Every other person was under 30. It was magic. A friend of somebody cooked the food each day and we all ate on the ground together.”

In addition to acting, Curtis also got a $200 budget for her character’s clothing which she used at JCPenney.

Nick Castle

Much like Curtis, Castle β€” who played the infamous Michael Meyer β€” did not have a big salary on Halloween but he found the on set experience to be much richer.

β€œI was paid $25 per day for Halloween. That was a lot at the time!” he recalled to Vanity Fair in October 2018. β€œYou have to remember: my interest in doing the film was being on set, so I could demystify the experience of filmmaking and directing. I expected to hang around the set for no money. But hey, $25 per day, and all I had to do was wear a rubber mask.”

Taraji P. Henson

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Taraji P. Henson Amy Sussman/Getty Images

While working on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, Henson was initially offered $100,000 for her role despite asking for $500,000. After some negotiating, Henson received $150,000 for the role which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

β€œI want to make this very clear β€” I’m not saying that Brad or Cate shouldn’t have gotten what they got. They put asses in seats, so give them their money. They deserve it. I’m not saying they shouldn’t get what they’re getting,” Henson reflected in an April 2019 interview with Variety. β€œI was just asking for half a million β€” that’s all. That’s it. When I was doing Benjamin Button, I wasn’t worth a million yet. My audience was still getting to know me. We thought we were asking for what was fair for me, at the time.”

Rebel Wilson

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Rebel Wilson Joe Maher/Getty Image

Before Pitch Perfect, Wilson appeared in Bridesmaids. In her memoir, Rebel Rising, Wilson revealed she made $3500 for her scenes with costars Kristen Wiig and Matt Lucas. The amount was the minimum required for her to be able to join the SAG-AFTRA union, which was enough for Wilson.

Terrence Howard

Hilary Swank, Jamie Lee Curtis and More Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Salaries from Various Projects
Terrence Howard Mark D. Gunter/FilmMagic

Howard claimed that in addition to having a small salary for his leading role in the 2005 film Hustle & Flow he also didn’t get any royalties for his singing.

β€œI made $12,000 for doing Hustle & Flow,” the actor said in a November 2023 interview with WREG News Channel 3. β€œWhat Paramount did, instead of putting my name as Terrence Howard performing the songs, they put β€˜performed by DJay.’ Well, they owned DJay, so guess what? The performance royalties went to Paramount,” he claimed.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez
US singer and actress Jennifer Lopez arrives for Elle’s 2023 Women in Hollywood celebration, at Nya Studios in Los Angeles, California, on December 5, 2023. Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images

Lopez revealed that she opted not to take a salary for her performance in Hustlers. However, she did produce the crime comedy.

β€œI didn’t get paid a whole bunch of money for Hustlers,” she said in a November 2019 interview with GQ. β€œI did it for free and produced it. Like Jenny From the Block β€” I do what I love.”

Adam Levine

The Maroon 5 frontman made his acting debut in the 2013 rom-com Begin Again and ultimately decided to do it for free.

β€œI did this movie for no money. I’m very lucky that I’m in that position,” Levine said in an interview with USA Today in June 2014. β€œI want to have good experiences. I don’t want to do a bunch of sβ€” that I hate. I want to treat [acting] completely differently because I have the very fortunate luxury of not having to think of this in terms of money.”

George Clooney

George Clooney Smiling at the Camera in Gray suit
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Clooney got paid $1 each for writing, directing, and acting in Good Night, and Good Luck, earning a total of $3. The actor later shared that his desire to do the movie was inspired by his father’s work ethic as a journalist.

β€œIt’s me saying [to my father], β€˜Thanks for setting the bar that high, for believing so strongly in the responsibility of information,’ and taking it to the level where it cost him a lot of things over the years,” Clooney reflected to the LA Times in September 2005. β€œThere were jobs he left because he wasn’t willing to compromise.”

Supreme Court weighs TikTok ban Friday; national security, free speech arguments are considered

10 January 2025 at 01:00

The Supreme Court on Friday will hear oral arguments about a U.S. law requiring TikTok to either divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or be banned from operating in the U.S. It's a heavily followed case that pits national security concerns against free speech protections for millions of Americans.

The court agreed in December to hold an expedited hearing on the case, giving it just nine days to decide whether to uphold TikTok's request to halt or delay the ban passed by Congress before it takes effect Jan. 19.Β 

It is unlikely the court will take that long, however, and justices are expected to issue a ruling or order in a matter of days.

The case comes as TikTok continues to be one of the most popular social media apps in the U.S. with an estimated 170 million users nationwide.Β 

'HIGHLY QUALIFIED': FORMER STATE AGS URGE SENATE TO CONFIRM BONDI TO LEAD JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

President-elect Trump has also signaled support for the app, putting the case further into the national spotlight in the final weeks before his inauguration.

Ahead of Friday's oral arguments, here's what to know about the arguments and how the Supreme Court might act.

TikTok arguments, alleged free speech violationsΒ 

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are urging the court to either block or delay the enforcement of a law Congress passed with bipartisan backing in April.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act gave TikTok nine months to either divest from its Chinese parent company or be removed from U.S. app stores and hosting services. Its owners have said repeatedly they will not do so. It also grants the president a 90-day window to delay the ban if TikTok says a divestiture is in progress.

TikTok, ByteDance and several users of the app swiftly sued to block the ban in May, arguing the legislation would suppress free speech for the millions of Americans who use the platform.Β 

Lawyers for TikTok argued that the law violates First Amendment protections, describing it as an "unprecedented attempt to single out applicants and bar them from operating one of the most significant speech platforms in this nation" and noting that lawmakers failed to consider less restrictive alternatives compared to an outright ban.

"History and precedent teach that, even when national security is at stake, speech bans must be Congress’s last resort," attorneys said in a reply brief filed last month to the high court.Β 

National security concernsΒ 

Congress has cited concerns that China, a country it considers a foreign adversary of the U.S., could use TikTok to download vast troves of user data and push certain Chinese government-backed content onto users, prompting it to order the divestiture last spring.Β 

The Biden administration also echoed these concerns. In a Supreme Court brief, U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar noted the law focuses solely on China’s control of the app, which the Biden administration argued could pose "grave national security threats" to Americans, rather than its content.Β 

Beijing could "covertly manipulate the platform" to advance geopolitical interests in the U.S., Prelogar noted, or use the vast amount of user data it has amassed for either espionage or blackmail.Β 

Lawyers for the administration will argue Friday that Congress did not impose any restrictions on speechβ€” much less any restrictions based on viewpoint or on content β€” and failed to satisfy the test of free speech violations under the First Amendment.Β 

The Biden administration also filed under seal classified evidence to the court that it argued "lends further support" to its conclusion that TikTok under ByteDance ownership should be banned.Β 

That evidence has not been released to the public.Β 

Political pressuresΒ 

The Supreme Court's decision to fast-track the case comes as President-elect Trump has signaled apparent support for the app in recent months.

In December, Trump hosted TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago resort, telling reporters during a press conference his incoming administration will "take a look at TikTok" and the divestiture case.Β 

"I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok," Trump told reporters.

Attorneys for the president-elect also filed a brief with the Supreme Court last month, asking justices to delay any decision in the case until after Trump's inauguration Jan. 20.

The brief did not signal how Trump might act.Β 

Still, attorneys for TikTok have cited that relationship directly in their Supreme Court filings. Last month, they argued an interim injunction is appropriate "because it will give the incoming Administration time to determine its position, as the President-elect and his advisors have voiced support for saving TikTok.

"There is a strong public interest that this Court have the opportunity to exercise plenary review.

The case also comes amid a groundswell of support from some lawmakers in Congress.Β 

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.; and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., filed a brief Thursday urging the Supreme Court to reverse the ban, arguing the lawmakers do not have sufficient evidence needed to outweigh free speech protections granted under the First Amendment.Β 

In the brief, lawmakers referenced the nation's longtime reliance on national security claims as a means of justifying censorship, citing examples from the Sedition Acts of the 18th and 20th centuries and Cold War-era free speech restrictions. Banning TikTok due to "speculative concerns" about foreign interference, they argued, is "unconstitutional and contradicts fundamental American values."Β 

They argued the U.S. could adopt less drastic measures that would effectively address any data security concerns posed by the app while also not infringing on First Amendment rights.

Others remained deeply opposed.Β 

Sen. Mitch McConnell blasted TikTok's arguments as "unmeritless and unsound" in a filing of his own, noting that Congress explicitly set the Jan. 19 date for the divestiture clause to take force since it "very clearly removes any possible political uncertainty in the execution of the law by cabining it to an administration that was deeply supportive of the bill’s goals."

Red state AGs welcome Trump crackdown on illegal immigration after four years battling Biden

10 January 2025 at 01:00

FIRST ON FOX: Twenty Republican attorneys general are prepared to bolster President-elect Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, according to a joint statement led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach shared with Fox News Digital.Β 

"The Biden Administration took dozens of executive actions that weakened border controls and sanctioned illegal immigration from around the world," the letter states.Β 

"Republican attorneys general fought back by taking the Biden Administration to court for ending successful Trump Administration immigration policies and replacing them with new policies that violated the law and encouraged illegal immigration. The Republican attorneys general prevailed in virtually every one of these laws."

REPUBLICAN AGS DOUBLE DOWN ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION LAWSUITS AS PRESIDENT PREPARES TO LEAVE OFFICE

The AGs say they're ready to restore Trump's "America First" policies from Trump's first administration, particularly his "Remain in Mexico policy" and mass deportations.

"As we point out in this letter, the Remain in Mexico policy is something that's found in federal statute, and it's been in federal statute since 1996. President Trump was the first president who actually implemented that policy set by Congress," Kobach told Fox News Digital in an interview.Β 

"President Trump has all the statutory tools he needs," he added. "They are already in the federal code, and that's what we're saying too. As lawyers who have been trying to stop the Biden administration from violating the law, we are saying, β€˜President Trump, you have our support, and you have a wide open runway ahead of you to renew the enforcement of our federal immigration laws.’"

BIDEN MOVING TO BAN OIL AND GAS LEASES FOR 20 YEARS IN NEVADA REGION, JUST WEEKS BEFORE TRUMP INAUGURATION

The attorneys general are also anticipating Trump will "fully rescind the unlawful DACA programs," as he promised during his first term. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, introduced in 2012 by the Obama administration, permits illegal immigrants brought to the country as children β€” often referred to as "Dreamers" β€” to temporarily remain in the country.

In addition to Kobach, attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia and Tennessee signed the statement.

Republican attorneys general across the U.S. have been at the forefront of filing lawsuits against the Biden administration over the last four years. This month, Texas AG Ken Paxton filed his 103rd lawsuit against the outgoing administration over its energy efficiency standards for housing. Β 

GROWING CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT IN CANADA IS FIGHTING BACK AGAINST 'CALIFORNIA ON STEROIDS,' SAYS STRATEGIST

The Republicans have secured several legal wins. In 2021, a coalition led by then-Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry obtained a preliminary injunction against the administration's suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land. In May 2024, Paxton achieved a significant win in a lawsuit alleging unlawful censorship by the administration, with a federal judge denying the government's motion to dismiss and ordering expedited discovery.Β 

And a federal judge recently vacated the administration's Title IX rule, which had expanded protections against discrimination based on gender identity, after challenges from Republican-led states.Β 

"I think what the 20 or so attorneys general signing this statement is about what the law is and what the law requires," Kobach said. "And … we are very grateful and expect that President Trump will return us to a country where the law is enforced and the strictures that Congress has put in place are observed."

Trump accuses Newsom of prioritizing endangered fish species over protecting residents from wildfires

10 January 2025 at 01:00

President-elect Trump set off a fiery debate over whether Democrats should be to blame for California's wildfires after he accused Gov. Gavin Newsom of caring more about protecting an endangered fish species than protecting the state's residents from wildfires.Β 

The president-elect has long railed against Democrats in California for limiting the availability of water for Californians that comes from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers in the northern part of the state. He stumped on the issue during his 2016 campaign and, during his first term, Trump sought to divert more water away from a delta where the two rivers meet that is home to an endangered fish species known as smelt.

But Newsom and his administration challenged this in court, arguing opinions suggesting that the water diversion would not impact the fish were wrong. Newsom also previously opposed efforts to construct a pipeline meant to divert water south. He has overseen programs in his state that annually release hundreds of billions of gallons of stormwater buildup into the Sacramento-San Jaoquin River Delta to benefit the smelt habitat β€” rather than redirecting the water south for use by people in the central and southern parts of the state.

BERNIE SANDERS TAKES HEAT FOR BLAMING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES ON CLIMATE CHANGE: β€˜GLOBAL WARMING ATE MY HOMEWORK’

Trump set off a firestorm on Wednesday when he called out Newsom on his Truth Social platform for wanting "to protect an essentially worthless fish" over protecting the water needs of Californians. The comments are not new, however. In the run-up to the November election, Trump made the claim during an October interview with podcaster Joe Rogan.

"I was in [California] farm country with some of the congressmen," he told Rogan. "We're driving up a highway and I say, β€˜How come all this land is so barren?’ It's farmland and it looked terrible. It was just brown and bad. I said, 'But there's always that little corner that's so green and beautiful.' They said, β€˜We have no water.’ I said, β€˜Do you have a drought?’ 'No, we don't have a drought.' I said, 'Why don't you have no water?' Because the water isn't allowed to flow down. And in order to protect a tiny little fish, the water up north gets routed into the Pacific Ocean. Millions and millions of gallons of water gets poured."

California's devastating wildfires have killed at least five people and driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. The Palisades Fire alone has burned through more than 17,000 acres of land, which is larger than the island of Manhattan. The damage so far has been estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars.Β 

The president-elect's claims have been paired with reports that firefighters are running out of water as they battle the blaze, prompting the state to mobilize resources to replenish empty supplies.Β 

CAUSE OF RAGING LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES STILL UNDETERMINED AS MAYOR KAREN BASS DEFENDS HER LEADERSHIP

"There's no water in the Palisades. There's no water coming out of the fire hydrants. This is an absolute mismanagement by the city. Not the firefighters' fault, but the city's," Rick Caruso, a billionaire developer who unsuccessfully ran against Karen Bass for mayor in 2022, told Fox News. Β 

The governor's press office said in response to Trump's accusations that he was completely wrong, arguing the president-elect "is conflating two entirely unrelated things:Β the conveyance of water to Southern California and supply from local storage."

"Broadly speaking, there is no water shortage in Southern California right now, despite Trump's claims that he would open some imaginary spigot," Newsom's office added. "[The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power] said that because of the high water demand, pump stations at lower elevations did not have enough pressure refill tanks at higher elevations, and the ongoing fire hampered the ability of crews to access the pumps. To supplement, they used water tenders to supply water β€” a common tactic in wildland firefighting."

Firefighters in California made progress towards slowing the spread of the fire on Thursday, according to The Associated Press. Crews reportedly were able to eliminate a fire that broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening and by Thursday had lifted the area's evacuation order. Still, the fires continue to burn and most are only partially contained as of Thursday afternoon, according to reports.

DeSantis calls for media to hold Democratic California leaders accountable for wildfires: 'Have not seen that'

10 January 2025 at 00:45

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called out a reporter on Thursday for the lack of blame being placed on California leaders for the devastating wildfires, pointing out that it's in stark contrast to how Republican leaders are often treated in the wake of disasters.

DeSantis, and all other Republican governors, had just wrapped up a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday evening when the heated exchange with a reporter took place.

The reporter appeared to be asking another governor if it was appropriate for Trump to criticize Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom as deadly wildfires rage throughout the state.

NEWSOM CALLS TRUMP'S CLAIMS 'PURE FICTION' AFTER PRESIDENT-ELECT POINTS FINGER OVER CALIFORNIA FIRE TRAGEDY

The question prompted DeSantis to step forward and ask, "Is it appropriate for people in your industry to try to create division and to try to create narratives any time these things happen?"

"Now, you're not as interested in doing that because Newsom is a D. If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would go try ... you would have him nailed to the wall for what they're doing over there," he continued.

DESANTIS HALTS RIVALRY WITH NEWSOM, OFFERS AID TO BESIEGED BLUE STATE GOVERNOR

The Florida governor, who has managed multiple disasters during his tenure, said he has often been criticized for things that were out of his control and has been blamed for incidents before the facts came out, referencing the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse.

"I think your track record of politicizing these things is very, very bad," DeSantis said.

He said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass would be treated much differently for her trip to Ghana while fires were high risk if she were a Republican.

"You should have been there preparing and doing that, and yet I don't see a lot of heat being directed [toward her]," DeSantis said. "I'd like to see some balance on how this is done. You can criticize the president-elect, but you also have to hold these other people accountable, and I have not seen that."

ADAM CAROLLA RIPS CALIFORNIA LEADERS FOR RUNNING STATE 'INTO THE GROUND' AS FIRES RAGE: 'LUNATIC NUTJOBS'

Bass returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday, and didn't have much to say to the residents of her city outside of news conferences. While waiting to deplane, she gave the cold shoulder to Sky News reporter David Blevins, who was asking her if she had anything to say about the devastating fires.

"No apology to them? Do you think you should have been visiting Ghana while this was unfolding back home?" Blevins asked as Bass continued to look at the ground.

"Madam mayor, let me ask you just again, have you anything to say to the citizens today as you return?" he said.

As multiple wildfires rage on in Los Angeles County, California residents have been criticizing both Newsom and Bass for past decisions related to fire-prevention efforts, including Bass' decision to cut the LAFD budget by $17 million.

The wildfires have claimed at least 10 lives since they broke out on Tuesday, scorching more than 35,800 acres total and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Firefighters were still struggling to contain the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire – the two largest of the group – as they sit at 6% contained and 0% contained, respectively, on Thursday evening, according to data by CAL FIRE.

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