• Jane Fonda, 87, says her workout routine hasn't changed much over the years.
• "I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower," Fonda told People, adding that she loves walking.
• Research has shown that walking just 4,000 steps a day can lower a person's risk of dying early.

Jane Fonda may be 87, but she's still as fit as a fiddle.

In fact, her workout routine hasn't changed much over the years, the actor told People in an interview published over the weekend.

"I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower," Fonda said. "I used to be a runner, but now I love walking. I love being outdoors in the woods, especially up and down hills."

Regardless of her schedule, Fonda ensures that she gets a bit of exercise every day.

"I work out every day, so it is important to mix up the way I move. I alternate days doing upper body and lower body work for strength. I also find some way to get cardio in. Walking outside is one of my favorite ways to do so," she said.

The actor has long been passionate about fitness. In the '80s, she released a series of home workout videos, beginning with "Jane Fonda's Workout" in 1982.

Looking back at her home workout tapes, Fonda said she had "no idea" they would become so popular.

"When I was starting out, there weren't many rigorous forms of exercise available to women," Fonda said. "I learned the basic workout from a charismatic teacher named Leni Kasden in the '70s."

After the videos were released, she would receive "amazing letters from around the world" from fans about how the workouts impacted their lives, she added.

"One was from a young woman in the Peace Corps in Guatemala who did the exercises in her mud hut," Fonda said. "Another woman said she looked in the mirror as she was brushing her teeth and noticed new muscles in her arms. She wrote that it made her feel empowered, and that day she went to work and stood up to her handsy boss for the first time."

Walking can help you live longer

For those who lead sedentary lifestyles, the best thing they can do for their health is to start somewhere, Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a preventative cardiologist, told Business Insider previously.

"Doing something is better than doing nothing," she said. "If walking is the beginning stages of embracing a heart healthy life, then it is the initial stages that will create habits that will be sustainable and last for a lifetime."

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in 2023 found that walking just 4,000 steps a day can lower a person's risk of dying early.

Research shows that walking can help reduce stress and anxiety while improving heart health. Some studies also suggest that brisk walking — at about 2.7 to 3 miles an hour — can make a bigger difference in terms of health benefits.

A representative for Fonda did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by BI outside regular hours.

• Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has a net worth of $160 billion.
• The billionaire and philanthropist plans to give away most of his wealth to his charity foundation.
• For now, he spends his wealth on luxuries, from his car collection to a vast real estate portfolio.

Bill Gates may be one of the 10 richest people on earth, but he doesn't plan to stay that way forever.

The billionaire philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft has pledged to give away most of his wealth to charity, which he says will bump him off the world's richest people list.

Gates' net worth is $160 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. He is one of only a handful of moguls to reach centibillionaire status.

He's also made some lavish purchases over the years: Gates owns a mansion in Medina, Washington; a private airplane; and a luxury car collection. These indulgences comprise only a fraction of his massive fortune.

Gates has also given money to charitable causes through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and vowed to give away most of his fortune through the Giving Pledge, which he and his ex-wife Melinda French Gates launched in 2010 along with Warren Buffett.

Here's a look at how Gates spends his billions.

Gates has an estimated net worth of $160 billion.

Gates long held the title as the world's richest person, up until 2018 when Jeff Bezos surpassed him.

Now, Gates is only the world's seventh-richest person and part of an exclusive club of centibillionaires — people worth over $100 billion.

Gates has invested in various stocks and assets and launched a $1 billion investment fund, Breakthrough Energy, alongside 20 other investors.

Despite his massive fortune, Gates previously told Ellen DeGeneres that when he became a billionaire at age 31 (which was history's youngest billionaire at the time), he didn't immediately start splurging. Gates' initial spending spree was limited to just two "crazy" purchases: a Porsche and a private jet.

Gates has splurged on some things, like his luxury car collection.

After founding Microsoft, Gates bought a Porsche 911 — his first big splurge, which he purchased in 1979, even before Microsoft's hit products like Windows and Word ever reached the market. Gates later sold the Porsche, and it was auctioned for $80,000.

Gates' car collection later included a Porsche 959.

Gates also owns a small fleet of private jets.

Gates invested heavily in his Washington estate called Xanadu 2.0.

Gates owns at least 12 parcels of land spanning about 10.5 acres in Medina. He purchased the land for a combined $34 million between 1988 and 2009. In 2023, the Gates' property taxes in Medina came to $1.3 million.

Gates' estate includes a 60-foot pool — in its own separate, 3,900-square-foot building — with an underwater sound system. He reportedly paid to import sand from St. Lucia in the Caribbean to the shore surrounding his house.

There's also a 2,100-square-foot library, home to a 16th-century Leonardo da Vinci manuscript that Gates bought at auction for $30 million in 1994. The home also features several famous paintings, including a Winslow Homer painting Gates purchased for $36 million in 1988.

The mansion has six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, a home theater, and various garages for his 23 cars.

Gates also has properties in Florida and Montana.

Aside from his Washington home, Gates has a 20-acre estate in Wellington, Florida. The estate includes at least two mansions, one 6,668 square feet, and the other 5,716 square feet. He bought the properties over three years for about $35 million.

Gates' daughter, Jennifer Gates Nassar, is an accomplished equestrian, and he bought the property to support her passion. It serves as the home base of her horseback riding facilities, and the area is a hot spot for many other wealthy equestrians as well.

He also purchased property at the Yellowstone Club in Montana. The main house is 6,993 square feet and has eight full baths, eight bedrooms, a sauna, and a home theater, according to property records.

Additionally, Gates is the biggest owner of private farmland in the country, with a whopping 275,000 acres. Gates has faced questions in the past about what he is doing with the land, and has downplayed concerns about the farmland, saying it's managed by his investment team and makes up only a small fraction of total US farmlands.

Gates has several properties in California, too.

In California, Gates owns the 228-acre Rancho Paseana, which he purchased for $18 million. When he bought it, the property had a racetrack, olive orchard, and five barns.

In 2020, he dropped $43 million on an oceanfront home in Del Mar with a 10-person Jacuzzi and 120 feet of Pacific coastline.

Gates also owns a 6-bedroom home on the grounds of Indian Wells' famous Vintage Club.

There's also another home on the grounds of a country club, Santaluz Club, in San Diego.

Some of the properties have likely been divvied up between Gates and French Gates following their divorce.

Gates has made numerous investments through his personal investment firm.

Using his personal investment firm, Cascade, Gates has made several investments, including partial ownership of the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In 2013, Gates and several unnamed buyers paid $161 million for the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.

Gates takes luxurious vacations.

Gates never took weekends or vacations during the early days of Microsoft, and has said startup founders shouldn't, either. However, Gates made time for some splashy trips later in his career.

In 2014, he treated his family to a Mediterranean vacation on board the 439-foot superyacht Serene, which he chartered for $5 million a week. It included a helicopter.

He's also traveled to Australia, Croatia, Belize, and the Amazon in Brazil.

He previously said that he likes to play tennis and go skiing. He's also been spotted at tennis matches.

But Gates' downtime isn't always so adventurous. Gates loves books, and is an "avid bridge player," as he told Reddit in a 2013 AMA.

Gates is a well-known philanthropist.

Gates has sometimes said he has no use for money, and often speaks of his philanthropic giving and healthcare investments.

A grant from Gates and his then-wife Melinda led to the creation in 2003 of Amyris, a synthetic biology company that originally produced precursors to malaria drugs and hydrocarbon-based biofuel but also uses the technology for things like fragrances, skincare, and sweeteners. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023.

In November 2017, Gates invested $50 million into Alzheimer's research. In 2018, he invested another $30 million with a group of investors in the Diagnostics Accelerator, a "venture philanthropy" fund to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier.

Gates and his former wife also pledged about $2 billion to defeat malaria, donated over $50 million to fight Ebola, and pledged $38 million to a Japanese pharmaceutical company working to create a low-cost polio vaccine.

During the pandemic, their foundation announced a 5-year, $1.6 billion commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver vaccines in the world's poorest countries.

The Gates Foundation also funds education through its $1.6 billion initiative known as the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

The foundation said it made $77.6 billion in grant payments from its inception through Q4 2023. Gates' total giving to the foundation during that time period totaled $59.5 billion.

Its 2024 budget is $8.6 billion, and the foundation is targeting a $9 billion yearly budget by 2026.

In the future, Gates has pledged to give most of his wealth away.

Gates is frequently named among the most generous philanthropists in the United States.

He has vowed to give away most of his fortune through the Giving Pledge, which he helped launch in 2010.

In July 2022, he reiterated that he plans to give virtually all his wealth to his and French Gates' foundation, saying that he'll eventually fall off the list of the world's richest figures.

• Jodie Foster, 62, has two sons named Kit and Charles.
• Her younger son, Kit, accompanied her to the 82nd annual Golden Globes.
• Foster married photographer Alexandra Hedison in 2014. 

Jodie Foster shouted out her family, including her two sons, during her Golden Globes acceptance speech on Sunday.

"Kit, my scientist son, and Charlie, my actor son starting his career, hopefully you understand the joy, such joy that comes from doing really hard, meaningful, good work," said Foster, who won best female actor in a limited series, anthology, or motion picture made for television for her role in the HBO series "True Detective: Night Country."

"So, my boys, I love you, and this, of course, is for you and the love of my life, Alex. Thank you forever," she continued. Her son, Kit, was in the audience.

While one of her kids is now following in her footsteps, Foster previously revealed that at one point, they didn't even know she was an actor. In fact, she actually told them she was a construction worker when they were younger.

Foster, 62, opened up about parenting during a January 2024 episode of "The View." Foster shares her two children with her former partner, Cydney Bernard: Charles "Charlie" Bernard Foster, 25, and Christopher "Kit" Bernard Foster, 22.

"I guess I just didn't want them to know me that way," Foster said. "I wanted them to know me as their mom and the person who went away to work and stuff."

She recalled one day when she brought her eldest son to set.

"I brought him to set one day and I bought him a little plastic tool belt and stuff," Foster said. "And I was like, 'Yeah, and this is this set and this set and this set.' And for a really long time, he thought I was a construction worker."

The Oscar-winner emerged as a Hollywood titan after having an illustrious career in the entertainment industry. After scoring her breakout role in the 1976 film "Taxi Driver," Foster appeared in several acclaimed films like "The Silence of the Lambs" and directed films like "Home for the Holidays" in 1995.

Even so, she's managed to remain relatively mum about her family. Here's a look at her wife and two children.

Foster's wife, Alexandra Hedison, is a photographer and former actor who appeared in "The L Word"

According to People, Hedison, 55, married Foster during an intimate ceremony in April 2014. Hedison is a photographer who often shares pictures of her work and artistic endeavors on Instagram. Hedison also directed the documentary "ALOK," which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was executive produced by Foster.

Hedison, like her wife, is a jack of all trades. In addition to photography and directing, Hedison is a former actor who played Dylan Moreland on "The L Word" and appeared in other shows like "Melrose Place." Hedison's father is the late actor David Hedison, who appeared in the 1973 James Bond film "Live and Let Die."

Hedison also worked in home design. People reported that she appeared on a 2006 reality TV series called "Designing Blind." According to the Los Angeles Times, a home Hedison designed hit the market for $2.75 million in 2014.

Not much is known about Hedison's past relationships, but she dated television personality Ellen DeGeneres from 2000 to 2004, according to a 2004 report by The New York Times.

Foster and Hedison don't often make public appearances, but the couple has posed for certain red-carpet events, including the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Charles "Charlie" Bernard Foster is the eldest child of Foster and her former partner, Cydney Bernard

Entertainment Weekly and the Sun Sentinel reported that Foster gave birth to Charlie in July 1998 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. According to HuffPost, she shares Charlie with her former longtime partner, Cydney Bernard, whom she dated for 15 years before the two split in 2008.

Foster said Charlie had a natural affinity for Hollywood life, even at a young age.

"[He'll say] 'I want to be in movies. Why can't you get me a job?' Then I say, 'You have to earn that. If you want to be an actor, you can start by doing a little theater.' Then he says, 'I'm not interested in that. I just want to be famous and see my face.'" she told More Magazine in 2007, per People.

Based on Foster's comments at the 2025 Golden Globes, Charlie appears to have chased his dreams. He attended Yale University, where he participated in several acting projects. In 2019 and 2021, he played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a local "Rocky Horror Picture Show performance," according to the Yale College Arts website.

Christopher "Kit" Bernard Foster is her youngest child

Foster and Bernard welcomed their second child in September 2001, according to CBS News.

Unlike Charlie, Foster said Kit isn't interested in following in his mother's footsteps.

"I know the perils of having a parent involved in your art form are too great," Foster told The Guardian in July 2018. "My older son is getting more interested in acting now, and I'm glad he discovered it late. My younger son is really shy and I can promise you he will never be an actor."

In other interviews, Foster shared small tidbits about Kit, including Magic Radio in May 2016. During her appearance, Foster called Kit "a little sensitive" and said that she waited "many years" before she let him watch "The Silence of the Lambs."

According to his LinkedIn page, Foster's "scientist son" graduated from Princeton University with a BA in chemistry and now works as a research associate.

• Celebrities walked the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet in Beverly Hills on Sunday night.
• Unfortunately, a few of those stars missed the mark with their overpowering outfits.
• Melissa McCarthy and Andrew Scott wore vibrant colors that didn't work for them.

The Golden Globes brings out some of the best red-carpet fashion each year.

Still, there are usually a few misses — even from the most stylish stars.

This year was no different, with actors including Melissa McCarthy and Andrew Scott wearing outfits that were overpowering and missed the mark.

Here's a look at what they wore and a few other ensembles that could've been better.

The color of Demi Moore's dress wasn't quite right for her.

Moore walked the red carpet in a custom Armani Privé gown, which was strapless and crafted from a metallic fabric that shifted between silver and gold.

Unfortunately, the blended shades washed Moore out, and its mermaid-style skirt distracted from its unique, asymmetrical bodice.

Ali Wong's Golden Globes look had too much going on.

Less would have been more for Wong's Golden Globes ensemble this year.

She wore a red Balenciaga gown covered in curled frills and embellished with a satin bow around the waist. Black, over-the-elbow gloves and thick plastic glasses completed the look.

The comedian could have improved her overall outfit by eliminating her arm accessories and swapping her chunky glasses for more delicate ones.

The color of Andrew Scott's suit was a bit too bold.

You couldn't miss Scott when he arrived on the red carpet. The "Ripley" star wore a Vivienne Westwood suit in a vibrant blue shade, a matching tie, and black dress shoes.

His fashion risk was appreciated, and he did stand out among other male celebrities at the event. That said, its color was a bit too bold and reminiscent of a Tiffany and Co. jewelry box.

Kathryn Hahn's look wasn't a good fit for the Golden Globes.

The black long-sleeved top, yellow pleated skirt, and gold buckle belt Hahn wore would have been great for a date or dinner with friends.

However, the outfit was too casual for the prestigious awards ceremony. The same shirt made from shiny silk, a different belt, and a slightly shorter skirt could have elevated the look.

Melissa McCarthy's look would have been stronger as a dress.

Christian Siriano designed McCarthy's two-piece outfit, which included a hot-pink pantsuit and an oversize, ruffled cape.

The baby-pink shade on the latter piece complemented McCarthy and would have looked stunning in the form of a gown. However, the pantsuit and cape combination she wore overpowered the actor.

Anthony Ramos' belt didn't add much to his ensemble.

Ramos arrived in a gray suit that was sharply tailored and looked chic. But there was one thing he could have changed: the non-functional belt that sat wrapped around his waist.

Instead, it would have been fun to see the actor embellish his outfit with a statement brooch, a unique tie, or even a more interesting shirt.

Heidi Klum's look felt like a safe choice for the runway star.

Klum brought her signature, sultry style to the Golden Globes with a strapless green gown. It had a deep neckline, ruched fabric, and diamond-shaped cutouts across its bodice.

Still, the model has worn many similar dresses in the past. It would have been fun to see Klum experiment with something even bolder and more high-fashion this time around.

The cape on Keri Russell's dress was unnecessary.

Stéphane Rolland designed Russell's cream dress to look like a suit, with a plunging neckline and a slit in the center of the skirt mimicking the look of a jacket and pants. Lapel detailing and an oversize belt completed the illusion.

The look was fun, but a layer of straight fabric flowed down from the back, making the dress look boxy and unnaturally stiff. Without the additional fabric on the back, it would have been stronger.

Salma Hayek's dress had a sequin problem.

Hayek chose a burgundy Gucci dress for the Golden Globes. Sequins covered the halter bodice, and the sparkles reappeared on the train, flowing from the form-fitting skirt. She wore a green necklace with the look.

The dress felt disjointed and would have been more cohesive if there were any sparkles on the skirt to connect the bodice and train.

• Sam Altman is hoping Donald Trump's second administration will benefit AI developers like OpenAI.
• Altman said in a new interview the most helpful thing Trump can do for AI is invest in new infrastructure.
• He sided with Trump's opposition to bureaucratic blockades, saying it's "difficult" to build in the US.

Sam Altman says he doesn't agree with President-elect Donald Trump on everything, but he does believe that the US has a problem with bureaucracy stifling innovation.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the OpenAI CEO described his hopes for the AI landscape under the next Trump administration, which he said he believes should come with substantial investment in new, US-built infrastructure.

"The thing I really deeply agree with the president on is, it is wild how difficult it has become to build things in the United States," Altman said. "Power plants, data centers, any of that kind of stuff. I understand how bureaucratic cruft builds up, but it's not helpful to the country in general."

He added: "It's particularly not helpful when you think about what needs to happen for the US to lead AI. And the US really needs to lead AI."

Altman suggested that AI isn't the only industry where regulation is hindering infrastructure development. He added that it's a hurdle for the fusion power startup Helion, which he's invested in. In July, Helion received a license from the Washington State Department of Health, allowing the company to use radioactive byproduct materials to operate its fusion generator.

"Soon there will be a demonstration of net-gain fusion. You then have to build a system that doesn't break. You have to scale it up," Altman said. "You have to figure out how to build a factory — build a lot of them — and you have to get regulatory approval. And that will take, you know, years altogether?

Oklo, another Altman-backed nuclear power company, has yet to receive approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after its previous application was denied in 2022, Tech Crunch reported.

In addition to siding with Trump on a looser approach to regulation and infrastructure development, Altman also hedged his prior support of the CHIPS Act, a multibillion-dollar manufacturing incentive for semiconductor production pushed forward by President Joe Biden's administration.

"I think the CHIPS Act was better than doing nothing but not the thing that we should have done," Altman said. "And I think there's a real opportunity to do something much better as a follow-on. I don't think the CHIPS Act has been as effective as any of us hoped."

The OpenAI chief reportedly wants to raise trillions of dollars to address the global chip shortage, and according to the Wall Street Journal, has held talks with international investors to raise the funds, including from the United Arab Emirates.

Representatives for the Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. OpenAI declined to comment.

Altman has donated $1 million of his personal funds to Trump's inauguration fund, saying in December that the President-elect "will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Business Insider previously reported.

He told Bloomberg he supports "any president," adding that he believes "AGI will probably get developed during this president's term, and getting that right seems really important."

"Supporting the inauguration, I think that's a relatively small thing," Altman said. "I don't view that as a big decision either way. But I do think we all should wish for the president's success."

As the second Trump administration is set to begin later this month, Altman isn't the only executive angling to help shape policy over the next four years with substantial donations to his office. BI previously reported companies including Meta, Amazon, Uber, Ford, and Toyota have donated $1 million each to Trump's inaugural fund.

• The 2025 Golden Globes were hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California on Sunday.
• Celebrity couples were among the famous attendees to walk the Golden Globes red carpet.
• Leighton Meester and Adam Brody wore coordinating outfits, while the Sandlers' looks stood out.

On Sunday, Hollywood's biggest stars arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California for the 82nd annual Golden Globes, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.

Celebrity couples wore some of the most fashionable outfits of the night, arriving in coordinating and complementary looks.

From Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco to Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, here's a look at the best outfits worn by celebrity couples on the Golden Globes red carpet.

Leighton Meester and Adam Brody

The longtime couple arrived in different shades of green.

Brody wore an emerald suit from Prada. It consisted of a double-breasted jacket and coordinating pants. He wore a white flower on his lapel.

Meester's sage gown from Versace was figure-hugging with a cowl neckline and a subtle sparkle.

Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler

The Sandlers both wore black to the Golden Globes.

Jackie Sandler's Tom Ford dress was backless, and the halter neckline was attached with a gold choker. The bodice featured a cutout that flowed nearly to her waist while a train extended behind her.

Adam Sandler's look was monochromatic, as he paired a black shirt and tie with his suit.

Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson

Danson, who was honored with the Carol Burnett Award at this year's Golden Globes, walked the red carpet in a navy tuxedo and a velvet bow tie.

The strapless neckline of Steenburgen's black dress had a square cutout in the center, contrasting with the white flowers that adorned the bodice. She wore a black scarf around her neck, flowing behind her like a train.

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon

Tennon walked the red carpet in a traditional suit and sneakers, keeping his outfit simple to let his wife shine.

Davis, who was given the Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille Award, wore a black sparkly gown with a dazzling cape across her shoulders. The cape shined with rainbow colors as she walked beneath the event's lights.

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne

Bagshawe and Redmayne both wore patterned looks to the Golden Globes.

Bagshawe's long-sleeve dress was taupe, and it featured billowy sleeves that cinched at the wrist with ruffles, as did the high neckline. Gold polka dots adorned the dress, and the skirt had tiers of ruffles, creating a maximalist look.

Redmayne's black-and-white look consisted of a checked jacket and pants paired with a cream top. He wore the shirt with the collar popped up and completed the outfit with black shoes.

Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry Teller

Miles Teller kept his look classic, donning a black tuxedo for the Golden Globes.

Keleigh Sperry Teller's semi-sheer blue dress was covered in intricate beading. Velvet fabric sat atop the halter neckline, offsetting a cutout in the center of the bodice.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco

The newly engaged couple coordinated their elegant looks.

Gomez wore a dusty-blue gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and extra fabric that she draped across her arm, while Blanco stood beside her in a fuzzy white suit and a matching shirt embellished with lace detailing.

Sebastian Stan and Annabelle Wallis

Stan brought a fun twist to classic menswear with a long suit jacket and skinny trousers — both of which had white stripes down each side.

Wallis stood out in a sparkling pink gown with a corseted bodice and ruched neckline.

• Nikki Glaser hosted the 2025 Golden Globes. Compared to Jo Koy last year, her monologue killed it.
• Despite expressing worry over a Diddy joke in the press, Glaser went for it on stage.
• Glaser said that she ran her monologue many times in clubs before doing it on the Globes stage.

At last year's Golden Globes, comedian Jo Koy defended his poorly received opening monologue by saying that he only had 10 days to write it.

In 2025, his successor Nikki Glaser — who was also nominated for best performance in stand-up comedy on television — showed up prepared. She still took some risks onstage, though.

Glaser's monologue took shots at streamers like Paramount+ (which is streaming the awards show), Netflix, and Peacock, viral moments like the viral Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo "holding space" meme, and somewhat surprisingly, the rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, who will stand trial in May on a sex-trafficking indictment. (Combs' attorneys said in a statement that he has "never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone — woman, adult or minor.")

"That movie was more sexually charged than Diddy's credit card," Glaser said of the Zendaya-led film "Challengers," prompting laughter from the crowd.

"I'm sorry. I'm upset too," Glaser continued. "The afterparty's not gonna be as good this year, but we have to move on."

"Stanley Tucci 'freak off' just doesn't have the same ring to it. No baby oil this year, just lots of olive oil," she said, referencing the allegations of sex performances and baby oil usage found in Combs' indictment, and Tucci's proclivity toward Italian food.

Combs' attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Glaser ran through her monologue dozens of times in clubs ahead of the Globes. The New York Times reported that during one of those runs, Glaser expressed hesitation about telling a joke about Combs at the show despite it landing with the club audience.

"You promise you will still be hollering on your couch when it dies in the room? I don't think you will," Glaser told the audience after someone urged her to keep it in her monologue.

Glaser told the Times the following day that she felt it was "almost more important" that the jokes in her monologue land for the people in the room than audiences at home.

"I don't know if I'm savvy enough to watch a joke that bombs on TV and still go: That's still a good joke," Glaser said.

Luckily for Glaser, her joke about Combs — and later in the monologue, another crack about the possibility of other, yet-to-be-uncovered celebrity criminals in the room — landed with the in-person audience. The rest of her opening was a hit for Globes attendees and those on social media as well.

"Nikki Glaser is very very good at this," "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart wrote on X.

Here are the other most memorable moments from Glaser's monologue.

Glaser poked fun at streaming platforms like Paramount+

Glaser opened her monologue with a joke about the Globes being "Ozempic's biggest night." She quickly transitioned to poke fun at the Globes' own streaming host: Paramount+.

"If you're watching on CBS, hello. If you're watching on Paramount+, you have six days left to cancel your free trial," she said.

Later in her monologue, Glaser shouted out Eddie Redmayne's Golden Globe-nominated role in "The Day of the Jackal," which airs on the streaming service Peacock.

"It's about a top-secret, elite sniper that no one can find, 'cause he's on Peacock," Glaser said. "I think I've seen more actual peacocks in my life than shows on Peacock."

Glaser didn't spare Netflix, knocking its recommendation system by way of "Emilia Pérez."

"I think it is without a doubt the most audacious, groundbreaking film to ever autoplay after 'Is It Cake?'" she said. "Seriously."

Glaser brought Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Adam Sandler in on bits

Glaser also proved that she knew how to involve her audience.

The host referenced a viral meme from the "Wicked" press tour, when journalist Tracy Gilchrist informed stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande that people were "taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that." When Erivo became emotional while responding, Grande delicately held on to one of her fingers.

"I'm scared," Glaser said at one point during the monologue. "Ariana, hold my finger."

In response, Grande reached out to her, before grabbing Erivo's finger.

"Tonight, we celebrate the best of film, and hold space for television," Glaser continued.

Later in the monologue, Glaser honed in on Timothée Chalamet.

"Can I just say, you have the most gorgeous eyelashes on your upper lip," she remarked.

After praising Chalamet's ability to play "beloved eccentrics" like Bob Dylan and Willy Wonka, Glaser suggested that he take on a role as Adam Sandler next.

"Actually, your name sounds like something Adam Sandler would say," Glaser remarked, before launching into a Sandler impression and repeating Chalamet's name.

When Glaser called out to Sandler, who was sitting in the Golden Globes audience, she coaxed a "Chalamet" out of him as well.

Watch Glaser's full monologue below.

Watch the 2025 Golden Globes on Paramount+ with Showtime.

• Winter Storm Blair will dump snow and freezing rain onto much of the US starting Sunday.
• The frigid conditions are already impacting travel.
• Snow is forecast for Washington, DC, as the area prepares for the Trump administration transition.

Blizzards, ice storm warnings, and unpleasantly cold conditions are blowing into much of the northern US, with major impacts expected by Monday morning.

The Arctic outbreak, dubbed Winter Storm Blair by the Weather Channel, will bring heavy snow to areas in the mid-Atlantic area that haven't had such weather in a decade, the National Weather Service warned.

Kansas City, for instance, could get up to a foot of snow by the end of the weekend.

In the mid-south, the NWS warns that freezing rain could result in power outages. More than 100,000 power outages have so far been reported across Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, leaving residents in the region in the dark and without heat, per The Weather Channel.

And snow — possibly mixed with sleet and freezing rain — could reach 10 inches in Washington, DC, where preparations are underway for Donald Trump's incoming administration and where the election results are set to be certified Monday.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser on Sunday declared a snow emergency which will remain in effect in the area until at least the end of the day on Tuesday, January 7, according to a press release from Bowser's office.

Additional cold weather warnings have also been issued in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky, and St. Louis, with officials warning to limit travel in the impacted areas, The Weather Channel reported.

The Governors of West Virginia and Kentucky have also declared a state of emergency across their jurisdictions, providing additional resources for road clearing and responding to emergencies. Local news outlet WCHS-TV reported that officials in both states were backed up responding to crashes and calls for help from first responders.

In all, about half the US population is expected to experience freezing temperatures over the next week, Axios reported.

More than 8,600 flights had on Sunday been either delayed or canceled due to the storm, per Forbes, including triple-digit flight cancellations for Kansas City (MCI), St. Louis Lambert (STL), and Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW) airports. The numbers of impacted flights are expected to continue to rise.

Airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, and United said they are waiving change fees for flights impacted by the storm.

• Tweens, teens, and college-aged kids showed off their Christmas hauls in TikTok videos.
• Casey Lewis, who writes about young consumers, watched about 1,000 haul videos, she told BI.
• Here are the top items that Gen Z kids bragged about getting for Christmas.

It was a very merry Christmas for some Gen Zers who took to social media to show off everything they unwrapped.

Casey Lewis, who writes the youth insights newsletter After School, analyzed Christmas haul TikTok videos from tweens, teens, and college-age consumers and compiled a list that she shared on her own TikTok.

"This is the third year I've done this sort of thing with the Christmas hauls, and I tried to refine my system just so that I'm able to actually crunch the data a little bit more scientifically," Lewis told Business Insider.

She said she watched hundreds of videos at double the speed to tally the standout gift items.

"I think conservatively, at least a thousand [videos]," Lewis said. "I was trying to discreetly binge Christmas haul TikToks while also spending time with my family."

From luxury clothing to throwback tech, these were the top gifts that the younger generation showed off in their Christmas hauls.

Digital cameras

"I think the thing that surprised me the most was how popular digital cameras were," Lewis said, noting that Gen Z has an affinity for Y2K nostalgia. "Everyone got digital cameras. It was also really interesting to see some of them got really expensive Sony ones, but then now Amazon makes those digital cameras that come in cute colors."

A basic Sony digital camera might run at around $750, but Lewis said she saw people showing off cheaper options from Amazon and Urban Outfitters for less than $100.

"They've sort of caught onto this trend, but then you kind of wonder how long is that going to last?" Lewis said.

UGG boots

UGG remained a hot item this year with the Ultra Mini boots and Classic Mini boots, which cost $150 to $160, reigning supreme.

"This year, it was the Minis, and last year, it was the Minis but also the Platforms," Lewis said. "Every year, they're just able to continue to be such a thing."

While she was going through the videos during the holidays at her childhood home, Lewis, who is 37, said she was surrounded by relics from her own childhood, like her own pair of UGG boots.

"Uggs and digital cameras — has anything changed? Am I still just a 16-year-old?" she said.

Rhode skin and beauty products

Lewis also said it was "staggering" how popular Rhode, Hailey Bieber's beauty brand, had become.

"Everyone got the lip peptide treatment," Lewis said. "It's such a popular skincare brand."

Rhode's peptide lip tint retails for $18.

"We know that celebrity brands are so fickle," Lewis said, "but it almost feels like this may have successfully reached the point where it's bigger than her and will thrive independently."

Sol de Janeiro products

Another popular beauty brand was Sol de Janeiro, which makes body and hair care as well as fragrances.

Gen Z kids showed off their "Cheirosa '62" perfume mist, which Lewis said was a big hit this year.

A full-size, 240 ml bottle retails for $38.

Jellycats

Tweens and teens went crazy over Jellycats, small plush toys that retail for $30 to $50.

"Jellycats were mentioned on every wish list, and they were very popular in hauls," Lewis said.

Lewis saw many Jellycats in haul videos but not as many as she expected, prompting her to question whether the kidult purchasing trend is declining.

"Are parents tired of buying their kids, their almost grown kids, stuffed animals? I don't know," Lewis said. "It feels very similar to Beanie Babies where it was a craze, but it wasn't able to sustain because no craze is."

White Fox apparel

Luxury loungewear remained popular this holiday season.

The $50 sweatpants from White Fox, which is headquartered in Australia, were "very popular" in haul videos, Lewis said.

"Athleisure had such a moment coming out of COVID, but young people are still very much prioritizing comfort clothes," Lewis said, noting that brands like Lululemon were also popular. "Teen and college-age girls, so many of them just wear sweat sets."

Roller Rabbit pajamas

Roller Rabbit pajamas were a popular gift pick as well, according to Lewis' analysis.

Available in dozens of different brightly colored patterns as well as in short- and long-sleeve options, the pajamas retail from $138 to $158.

Lewis noted the pajamas convey a sense of status.

Shark hair tools

Whereas last year saw a craze for Dyson hair tools, this year was all about Shark tools.

"I don't think I could have been trusted when I was a teen with an expensive hair tool," Lewis said. "I just don't think I could have taken care of it and not accidentally broken it."

While the classic set of Dyson hair tools retails for $600, the Shark set is comparatively more affordable at $300.

Vanity desk and mirror

While not a name-brand item, many tweens, teens, and college-age girls said in their Christmas haul TikToks that they got a vanity desk or a vanity mirror to put on their desk.

Vanity mirrors often come with lighting that is optimal to use while applying makeup. Depending on the brand, a desk with a vanity mirror might cost about $1,000.

Dae hair styling cream

A styling product from the brand Dae was a popular stocking stuffer, Lewis said.

The styling cream comes with a small wand that's helpful for doing a slick back hairstyle.

A 0.6 oz tube retails for $18.

Adidas Campus shoes

Adidas also continued its reign of popularity.

The Campus 00s, which retail for $110, were the go-to pick, Lewis said.

In previous years, Adidas Gazelles and Sambas were the choice picks.

Alani Nu energy drink

Alani Nu energy drinks were a popular, small-dollar item. Lewis referred to it as the "cool girl energy drink" in her TikTok analysis.

A 12-pack retails for $30.

"What's fascinating about that is it is a very accessible energy drink, but it's also very aesthetic," Lewis told BI. "The energy drink that appeared in so many Christmas hauls this year was nowhere to be found in Christmas hauls last year. So that's a little bit about how quickly some of this stuff changes."

Touchland hand sanitizer

Touchland hand sanitizers were another popular stocking stuffer, Lewis said in her analysis.

"$10 for a tiny hand sanitizer is kind of crazy," she told BI.

But for a 30ml hand sanitizer, it still carries some clout, she said.

"These more affordable, or at least accessible, items that have a little bit of status associated, a little bit of clout," Lewis said. "You don't need to have the Louis Vuitton, or you don't need to even have the Sony camera."

LoveShackFancy Perfume

LoveShackFancy's perfume in the scent "Forever In Love" was a hot gift, Lewis said.

A 2.5 oz bottle retails $125.

Other popular perfume runner-ups were Billie Eilish's "Eilish Eau de Parfum," which retails for $72 for a 3.4 oz bottle, and Glossier's "You," which costs $112 for a 100 ml bottle.

ONE/SIZE setting spray

Wrapping up the list was waterproof setting spray from ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr.

A 3.4 oz can of the mattifying spray retails for $32, adding to the subset of more affordable items that Lewis noted.

"There were not a lot of, I don't know, designer sunglasses. I did see a couple of designer purses," Lewis said. "It's not like there's one emerging or one dominant luxury item that everyone is feeling like they need to have."

• Celebrities gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California for the Golden Globes on Sunday.
• Stars arrived at the awards show in bold suits and eye-catching gowns.
• Elle Fanning and Adam Brody wore some of the most memorable looks of the night.

On Sunday, the 82nd annual Golden Globes kicked off at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California.

The biggest stars in television and film arrived on the red carpet ahead of the show, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.

Hollywood legend Ted Danson was in attendance to accept the Carol Burnett Award, while Viola Davis was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

They were just some of the stars wearing stunning ensembles. From dramatic ball gowns to daring suits, take a look at the best looks of the night.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus arrived in a black, floor-length gown designed by Celine.

It featured a halter neckline that plunged to her navel and was trimmed with silver beading, as were cutouts on the bodice. The neckline and cutouts formed a flower.

The back of the dress was open, with strips of sparkly fabric connecting the gown.

Zendaya

Louis Vuitton designed Zendaya's orange gown.

The form-fitting piece had a sweetheart neckline and hit Zendaya at the ankle. A train attached to Zendaya's waist flowed out behind her.

She wore Bulgari jewelry.

Sebastian Stan

Instead of wearing a traditional suit, Stan's black jacket flowed to his calf and was trimmed with white, giving it a modern flair.

His black pants ruched around his legs, and he wore black shoes.

Nicole Kidman

Kidman's silver dress had one shoulder strap and was backless, creating a design that was elegant in front and daring from behind.

The custom Balenciaga piece was also covered in silver sparkles and had a train that glided as she walked.

The actor completed her outfit with a ponytail.

Dwayne Johnson

The Rock posed in a shiny lilac top and a jacket in a slightly lighter shade of purple. He added a colorful brooch to his lapel and donned see-through sunglasses.

Black pants and shoes completed the look.

Sarah Paulson

Instead of opting for a simple, little black dress, Paulson wore a dramatic gown decorated with feathers.

The strapless piece had a short train, a fitted waist, and a sweetheart neckline.

Paulson also wore vibrant blush and a statement choker necklace.

Emma Stone

Louis Vuitton custom-made Stone's red gown, which was strapless and puffed at the hips.

The dress also had a satin belt that extended out on one side, and Stone debuted a short haircut.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne chose a sparkly look for the night, wearing a high-neck, blue dress that was sleeveless.

Gems trimmed the neckline, adding even more glamour to the look.

Margaret Qualley

Qualley's white dress had a square neckline, which was adorned with delicate beading.

The dress cinched at her waist with a shiny black bow, and the skirt featured tiers of ruffles that almost seemed to hover around Qualley.

Ariana Grande

Grande's archival Givenchy Haute Couture gown first debuted in 1966, when Hubert de Givenchy's designs were heavily inspired by Audrey Hepburn.

The yellow silk dress was hand-beaded on the empire waist bodice. The skirt flowed to her ankles and was slightly ruched. White gloves and Swarovski jewels completed the retro look.

Colman Domingo

Domingo played with patterns with his black and white Golden Globes look, which was designed by Valentino.

His suit was black, and he paired it with a white top covered in black polka dots. He wore a scarf in place of a tie that formed a bow on his neckline, which featured both a checked pattern and stripes.

Kate Winslet

Winslet's single-breasted, white suit included a slightly oversize jacket and flared pants.

Black sparkly flowers were embroidered into the jacket on the bodice and sleeve, adding dimension to the look.

Viola Davis

Davis' black gown featured a V-neckline and an A-line shape. The skirt flowed to the floor after being cinched at her waist.

The gown was covered in delicate sparkly beading, which complemented the semi-sheer, multicolored cape attached to it.

Zoe Saldaña

Saldaña chose a brown Saint Laurent dress for the Golden Globes.

The sparkly gown hugged her figure and curved into a plunge on the strapless neckline. She accessorized the look with a coordinating detached cape that functioned as a train.

Kate Hudson

Hudson's navy ball gown, designed by Carolina Herrera, had a strapless neckline and full skirt. The dress was covered in sparkly floral embellishments that glittered as she walked the red carpet.

A coordinating choker necklace tied the look together.

Alexandra Daddario

Daddario mixed textures with her custom Vivienne Westwood dress.

The asymmetrical neckline was covered in voluminous white feathers that spilled over the bodice, while the rest of the dress was made of sparkly black fabric.

Eddie Redmayne

Redmayne chose a black and cream-patterned suit for the Golden Globes.

The slim-fit ensemble's jacket and pants featured a checked pattern. He paired the bold set with an off-white shirt with a popped-up collar. Black shoes grounded the look.

Jessica Gunning

Gunning, who is nominated for her performance in "Baby Reindeer," arrived at the awards show in a velvet blue dress.

A ruffled, voluminous layer of fabric covered the neckline of the dress, contrasting with the figure-hugging skirt.

Mindy Kaling

Kaling arrived in a sparkly gold gown from Ashi Studio.

The form-fitting dress, which shimmered as Kaling walked the red carpet, had a strapless neckline and a slit on the side.

Cristin Milioti

Milioti, who was nominated for her performance in "The Penguin," chose a simple black dress for the Golden Globes.

The gown's neckline was trimmed with angular, sparkly fabric designed to look like leaves, giving it a chic pop. That same trim was attached to Milioti's black gloves.

Elle Fanning

Fanning's glamorous taupe gown from Balmain featured a full skirt, which cinched at the waist.

The V-neck bodice brought a modern edge to the gown's classic shape, as the top was covered in leopard-print fabric. Cartier jewelry completed the look.

Adam Brody

Adam Brody put a fresh twist on menswear with his deep-green suit from Prada. The double-breasted jacket had black hardware, and he accessorized with a white flower on one of his black lapels.

Black shoes completed the look.

Zoë Kravitz

The neckline of Kravitz's black gown plunged nearly to her navel, where a white ribbon cinched her waist.

The bow flowed out behind her in place of a train. Saint Laurent designed the dress.

Eiza González

Gucci designed the shimmering gold dress Gonzalez chose for the Golden Globes.

The figure-hugging dress was sleeveless and featured a high neckline, contrasting with the back, which was nearly entirely open aside from thin ties.

Rachel Brosnahan

Brosnahan's deep-green gown was covered in architectural detailing, from the ruching across the bodice that flowed into one sleeve to a thigh-high slit on the skirt that allowed the fabric to cascade around her leg.

The dress also featured a subtle ombré, turning nearly blue at the bottom of the skirt.

Leighton Meester

Meester's sage-green dress featured a cowl neck that dipped low on her chest.

She accessorized with a simple diamond necklace and bracelet.

• Investors are seeing new value in the strip mall.
• A lack of supply and an uptick in in-person neighborhood shopping has increased their value.
• One commercial real estate investor called the opportunity a "retail renaissance."

Strip malls, of all things, appear to be trending up.

After decades of decline brought on by the rise of large box stores, e-commerce, and the pandemic, the humble and sometimes derided neighborhood shopping center had long been on the outs. Many retailers shifted focus, buying and building large fulfillment warehouses instead of storefronts.

That's led to a perhaps surprising shift, according to The Wall Street Journal: There is now a dearth of supply of convenient neighborhood shopping centers, and that is driving up the value of existing ones.

Large investors like Blackstone have noticed and are now betting on the lowly strip mall. Blackstone spent $4 billion in November to acquire Retail Opportunity Investments, which owns about 90 shopping centers, most of them anchored by grocery stores.

Blackstone President Jon Gray said at the time that he believes the extreme distress the commercial real estate market has faced in recent years is beginning to ease up. He now sees opportunity in the sector.

"If you were an investor in real estate after the financial crisis, you would have made a lot of money. And my guess is, if you're an investor today, the same thing will happen," he said at an event hosted by Goldman Sachs.

Beyond just the value driven by scarcity, an uptick in in-person shopping also bodes well for the shopping center. Foot traffic to grocery stores was 12% higher in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same time in 2019, before the pandemic, the Journal reported. And there are many small businesses that still attract IRL shoppers, like coffee shops and nail salons. Flexible work schedules are also allowing residents to take quick shopping trips nearby.

James Corl, head of New York-based private real estate group Cohen & Steers, wrote in a September blog post that the investment market for open-air shopping centers amounted to a "retail renaissance." Corl's firm bought a fully leased outdoor shopping mall in San Mateo, California for $127 million last month.

"Open-air shopping centers are the only major property type that is experiencing an acceleration in rental rate growth," Corl said in the blog post. "We believe that a durable acceleration in earnings growth combined with relatively high current yields will propel shopping center investment performance for some time, a reality that the market has yet to fully recognize."

• The New Orleans attacker used Meta glasses to record the area before the massacre, the FBI says.
• The FBI is investigating the attack as terrorism after police found an ISIS flag in the truck.
• The FBI also said the man stopped a multiple gun stores in Texas the day before the attack.

The Army veteran who attacked a crowd in New Orleans on New Year's Day wore Meta smart glasses to record the area in advance, the FBI said at a press conference on Sunday.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas, died in a shootout with police after driving a pickup truck through a crowd of people on Bourbon Street. Jabbar killed 14 people and injured dozens more in the attack.

The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism after authorities found an ISIS flag, weapons, and a possible improvised explosive device, or IED, in the Ford F-150 pickup truck that Jabbar used.

FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil said Sunday that Jabbar made two trips to New Orleans before the attack — once in October and once in November.

In October, Myrthil said Jabbar stayed in a rental home in New Orleans for two days, where he used his Meta smart glasses to record the streets of the French Quarter as he rode around on a bicycle.

"Meta glasses appear to look like regular glasses, but they allow the user to record videos and photos hands-free," Myrthil told reporters. "They also allow users to potentially livestream their video."

Jabar was wearing the Meta glasses during the attack, but he did not livestream it, Myrthil said.

Myrthil also said during the press conference that Jabbar stopped at "multiple gun stores" in Texas on December 31 and visited one business where he purchased a white ice chest that he used to hide an explosive device.

US military spokespersons told the media after the attack that Jabbar served in the Army from 2007 to 2015, during which he was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.

He served in information technology and human resources roles at the time and was later an IT specialist in the Army Reserve from 2016 to 2020. He left the military as a staff sergeant.

• The 'Breaking Bad' house in Albuquerque, New Mexico is selling for $4 million.
• The 3-bedroom, 1-bath home, valued by Zillow at about $350,000, is a fan attraction.
• The longtime owners hope the buyer will turn it into a museum or bed-and-breakfast for fans.

The iconic home of Walter White from "Breaking Bad" can now be yours for just $4 million.

Fans from all over the world have for years traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to visit the home of the iconic AMC character.

Homeowner Joanna Quintana, who grew up in the house, said her family decided to finally sell it after 52 years in part because of the constant presence of fans.

"We're going to walk away with just our memories," she told KOB4, a local NBC affiliate. "It's time to move on. We're done. There's no reason to fight anymore."

While the home is listed for $4 million, Zillow estimates the modest three-bedroom, one-bath house is worth closer to $350,000, though that does not take into account the fan appeal, which could either raise or lower its value depending on the buyer.

Quinatana's family said they hope the $4 million price tag will attract a buyer who wants to use the space as something that fans could enjoy.

"I hope they make it what the fans want. They want a BnB, they want a museum, they want access to it. Go for it," Quintana told KOB4.

Potential buyers can view the home's 1,910-square-foot layout on the listing's website, which describes the house as an "unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of television history."

"From the explosive opening to pivotal scenes that captured audiences around the world, this Albuquerque home became more than a house — it became a character in its own right," the site says. "Now, you have the chance to own this piece of television history."

For the Quintana family, the fans have mostly been a headache since the show became a worldwide sensation after its release in 2008. Devotees often show up at the residence to take photos — or worse.

"Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" creator Vince Gilligan called for fans to stop visiting the house in a 2015 episode of the "Better Call Saul Insider Podcast." Gilligan made the request after several fans tried to throw pizza onto the roof to recreate a famous scene.

"There is nothing original or funny or cool about throwing a pizza on this lady's roof," Gilligan said on the podcast. "It's been done before — you're not the first."

"And if I catch you doing it, I will hunt you down," he added.

Luke Mones, a comedian who visited the home in 2018, described in a documentary how his visit turned hostile. Mones said one of the owners was sitting outside in a lawn chair, yelling at him when he approached.

"'The show ended eight years ago. Get a life!'" he recalled the owner yelling at him.

• Elon Musk said Reform UK's Nigel Farage "doesn't have what it takes" to be the party's leader.
• It comes after Farage disagreed with Musk's support for jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
• Musk's comments came just hours after Farage called the Tesla CEO a "friend" in an interview.

Elon Musk appears to have turned on Reform UK's Nigel Farage, the leader of the country's right-wing party.

"The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn't have what it takes," Musk wrote on X on Sunday.

Musk has recently supported Reform UK as an alternative to the ruling Labour Party, primarily for its anti-immigration stance. Farage has welcomed that support and the two appeared to be forging a strong relationship. Farage recently visited Musk in the United States. And Musk was rumored to be lining up donations for Reform UK.

But things took a turn after Musk called for the release of Tommy Robinson, a jailed far-right anti-immigration activist. Speaking at a Reform UK event earlier this week, Farage said Robinson was "not what we need," The Telegraph reported.

"There are people in Britain who think that Robinson is a political prisoner. That's the narrative that he's pushed out. That's how he earns his living but it isn't quite true," he said.

On Sunday, Farage responded to Musk, calling the billionaire a "remarkable individual" but saying that he disagreed with his view on Robinson.

"Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a remarkable individual but on this I am afraid I disagree," he wrote. "My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles."

Robinson is a controversial far-right figure in the UK who was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October for contempt of court. Musk has repeatedly called for Robinson's release.

Robinson is something of a third rail in the UK. Farage, who does not shy away from controversy, accused the activist during far-right, anti-immigration riots in the UK over the summer of trying to "stir up hatred."

"As for the Tommy Robinsons and those that genuinely do stir up hatred, well, I've never had anything to do with them," Farage said in a video he posted at the time.

Hours before Musk's latest comments, the Reform UK leader described the tech mogul as a "friend" in an interview on the BBC.

Farage said the fact that Musk "supports me politically and supports Reform doesn't mean I have to agree with every single statement he makes on X."

Business Insider has contacted Reform UK for comment.

• McDonald's is among the most iconic and successful brands worldwide.
• Ray Kroc, a Multimixer salesman, stumbled upon the original McDonald's brothers' burger restaurant in 1954.
• Kroc became McDonald's first franchisee and transformed the restaurant into a global empire.

The McDonald brothers opened their small restaurant in 1940 with a simple menu: burgers, fries, and beverages like their "Triple Thick Milkshakes."

Ray Kroc, a Multimixer salesman, saw the restaurant's potential and became McDonald's first franchise agent.

In 1955, Kroc founded McDonald's System, Inc., which would later become the McDonald's Corporation. He bought out the brothers in 1961 for $2.7 million, the equivalent of about $28.5 million today.

Here's a timeline showing how Ray Kroc built McDonald's from a small burger joint to a global fast-food empire.

1902: Ray Kroc was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on October 5.

Biography reported that Kroc showed early promise as an entrepreneur. As a child, he opened his own lemonade stand and worked at a soda fountain.

He eventually found a job as a salesman and manager at a cup company, which connected him with Earl Prince, the owner of an ice cream shop.

Prince had invented a mixer machine that could make five batches of milkshakes at once. By the 1940s, Kroc had left his job to sell these "multi-mixers" to soda fountains and restaurants across the country.

1940: Dick and Mac McDonald founded the original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, California.

The original menu was long and included items like barbecue. However, by 1949, the McDonald brothers had reduced the restaurant's offerings to just nine items.

The new menu included hamburgers, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and a slice of pie.

By having a small menu, the brothers were able to focus on quality and efficiency. Their innovative self-service model eliminated the need for waitstaff, while pre-cooked, paper-wrapped burgers that were kept warm under heat lamps ensured customers got their food quickly and at the quality you could expect from a made-to-order restaurant.

Britannica wrote that the McDonald's brothers also reduced the price of their burgers to just 15 cents, about half the cost of their local competitors' burgers.

1954: While working as a salesman, Kroc came across the small restaurant and saw great promise.

Kroc wrote in his biography that multiple restaurants had been referred to Multimixer by the McDonald's brothers, who he was shocked to learn owned eight Multimixer milkshake machines — most restaurants and soda fountains he worked with only needed one or two.

When he visited the brothers' restaurant, he was amazed by their "Speedee Service" concept and saw promise in the restaurant, which had already become a success among locals who loved the 15-cent hamburgers.

He imagined scores of McDonald's restaurants, all utilizing the Multimixer machines he sold, and took his plans for expansion back to the McDonald's brothers. He offered to be one of the restaurant's first franchisees.

1955: Kroc opened the first franchised McDonald's restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Kroc opened his first restaurant on April 15, 1955. The chain reported that first-day sales at the new location were $366.12, the equivalent of about $4,300 today.

The restaurant differed slightly from the first burger joint opened by the McDonald brothers. For one, it had a new look created by architect Stanley Meson, who designed a modern-looking red-and-white exterior. Believing the roof appeared too flat, Dick McDonald introduced the idea of the now-iconic yellow "golden arches."

The oldest operating restaurant still featuring the original red-and-white design is located in Downey, California.

1961: Kroc bought the McDonald brothers out for $2.7 million, kicking off a decade of massive growth for the brand.

Kroc, envisioning a larger future for the newly established McDonald's System, Inc., the precursor to the McDonald's Corporation, secured the exclusive rights to the McDonald's brand name and control over all McDonald's locations.

Kroc implemented strict standards for preparation, portion sizes, cooking techniques, and packaging to guarantee that McDonald's food would be consistent across the chain's many franchises.

He also created a training program for employees that would later be known as Hamburger University.

In 1965, the company's stock was publicly traded for the first time, and the number of restaurants reached 1,000 units. The brand's identity also changed a lot during the '60s, with the introduction of Ronald McDonald as the chain's mascot, the launch of the Filet-O-Fish, and the now-iconic double-arch "M" logo.

1968: The Big Mac was added to menus nationwide.

The iconic burger was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti of Pittsburgh in 1967.

Fox News reported that Delligatti believed that McDonald's should sell a larger burger to compete with another local fast-food chain, Eat'n Park, which sold a "Big Boy" sandwich.

In 1968, as the company planned to launch the burger nationwide, a 21-year-old secretary came up with its name.

AP reported that multiple executives and other employees thought the "Big Mac" name sounded silly. However, it stuck.

The burger was an immediate hit and remains one of the chain's most popular items.

1977: Kroc stepped down as CEO and took on the role of senior chairman.

Kroc held this role until January 14, 1984, when he died of heart failure at Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego.

At the time of Kroc's death, there were 7,500 McDonald's restaurants in nearly 30 countries around the world, and the company was worth $8 billion.

• I loved visiting Mérida, Mexico, which feels more laid-back and less crowded than Cancún.
• Mérida has beautiful architecture and excellent cuisine for a range of budgets.
• There's nothing like exploring the area's cenotes, which are unique fresh-water chambers.

Mexico is a really popular spot for tourists.

One of its most-visited cities is Cancún, with its famous nightlife and beautiful beaches, which make it an especially popular spot for college spring-breakers from the US.

I wished I could have afforded to go there in college with my friends. But now that I'm in my late 30s, I'm not looking to party hard when I visit Mexico — I want history, adventure, and culinary delights.

Luckily, I found all of the above in Mérida, which is about 200 miles inland from Cancún. With millions of fewer tourists annually, Mérida also feels less crowded and more relaxed than Cancún.

I adore the city so much, and I think it's perfect for anyone looking for laid-back adventure in lieu of nonstop beach parties.

I still dream of the city's historic architecture

Located on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and founded on the site of an ancient Mayan city, Mérida is both historic and beautiful.

With its distinct blend of Mayan design and 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture, the city's history can even be felt as you walk around it.

It has an array of beautiful churches and arches that made me want to stop in my tracks — and its brightly-colored homes in shades of blue, green, pink, and yellow look straight-up dreamy.

In addition, the city has a range of impressive museums dedicated to topics such as Mayan culture and Mexican music.

Mérida has culinary delights to accommodate a range of budgets and dietary preferences

No matter your budget, you'll likely eat very well here. In my experience, Mérida's casual restaurants are just as fantastic as its higher-end contemporaries.

Local watering hole The Negrita Cantina is not to be missed. It feels like the special kind of place where you'll know everyone's name by the end of the night.

Its scrumptious food, like ceviche and aguachiles, and wide selection of tequila and mezcal always impresses me — and it frequently has live music that keeps visitors dancing through the morning.

La Chaya Maya is my go-to stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves some of the best chilaquiles and margaritas — and many meals cost under $10.

If you're willing to spend more, Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca (also known as the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy or MUGY) is a solid choice.

The restaurant offers a great selection of craft cocktails and local cuisine, as well as many options for people with a range of dietary restrictions.

Lastly, the area has incredible cenotes

Mérida and the area around it are famous for its cenotes, which are sinkholes or pits filled with fresh water that's often swimmable. Seeing one of these unique chambers has long been on my bucket list.

I especially enjoyed going on a cenote-seeing journey with Magic Cenotes + Hacienda Tour through Airbnb Experiences.

My day trip included a visit to two separate cenotes, a well-rounded guided historical tour, and a homemade lunch in the home of a local resident. I had a fantastic time and made many international friends I still keep in touch with.

The tour was definitely a highlight of my time in Mérida — and I can't wait to go back to see even more of the wonderful city.

• Miss USA and Miss America are often confused — but the pageants are quite different.
• Women aged 18 to 28 can compete in Miss America. All women 18 and over can now compete at Miss USA.
• Miss USA has a swimsuit round, which Miss America got rid of in 2018.

Do you know the difference between Miss USA and Miss America?

They're the two biggest pageants in the country, and both involve a sash and crown. But that's where most of their similarities end.

From eligibility requirements and prize packages to swimsuit versus talent competitions, here are all the differences between Miss America and Miss USA.

How did the Miss America and Miss USA pageants begin?

Miss America predates Miss USA by 31 years. The first pageant — held in September 1921 — was part of a strategy to bring tourists to Atlantic City after Labor Day, according to the Miss America website. It was won by a 16-year-old named Margaret Gorman, competing as Miss Washington, DC.

The Miss America website states that the pageant also featured a "bathing beauty review," which was an "act of rebellion during a time when women weren't permitted to wear swimsuits in public."

Miss USA began because of a very different act of rebellion. In 1951, the new Miss America winner, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose for pictures in a swimsuit. Catalina, a swimwear company sponsoring the competition, was upset by her decision — so it decided to create its own pageants.

In 1952, Jackie Loughery was crowned the first Miss USA, and Armi Kuusela from Finland became the first Miss Universe. Every winner of Miss USA has continued to compete at the Miss Universe pageant. Nine American women have won Miss Universe since its inception — the most of any country.

What are Miss USA and Miss America's different eligibility requirements?

To be eligible to compete in Miss America, contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 28. Women between 14 and 17 can compete in Miss America's Teen, its sister pageant.

Miss America contestants cannot be married or have children. It's a rule that past winners, including Grace Stanke and Camille Schrier, have defended in interviews with Business Insider.

The Miss America pageant also previously had a strict "anti-boyfriend" rule. However, current Miss America Madison Marsh, who is engaged, told BI in February 2024 that the policy has changed under CEO Robin Fleming.

"She has been saying it's a new day at Miss America, and she really meant that," Marsh said. "There are a lot of outdated rules that have gone away, one being that you can't be engaged and be Miss America."

Miss USA has significantly changed its eligibility rules in the past two years. The pageant began allowing married women and mothers to compete in 2023, and 2024 was the first year that all women aged 18 and over were eligible (the previous cutoff age was 28). Women between 14 and 19 can compete at Miss Teen USA.

How are Miss USA and Miss America judged?

While many pageant queens compete at Miss USA and Miss America, the competitions consist of different rounds.

Miss USA contestants are judged on three rounds: swimsuit, evening gown, and interview.

All three rounds previously held equal weight in the contestants' final scores. But under the leadership of Laylah Rose, who became president and CEO in 2023, the interview now makes up 50% of the total score, while evening-gown and swimsuit are each 25%. Rose also decided to remove questions involving politics, sex, or religion from the interview round, which disappointed many past contestants.

Unlike Miss USA, Miss America features a talent competition. It also has evening wear, interview, and fitness rounds. The pageant removed its swimsuit round in 2018, announcing that it would no longer judge contestants based on their "outward physical appearance."

What are the different prizes for Miss America and Miss USA?

According to its website, Miss America was one of the first organizations in the country to offer college scholarships to women — which it began doing in 1945.

Instead of offering scholarships, the Miss USA Organization has typically paid the winner a salary for their yearlong reign. In past years, the prize package has included an apartment in New York or Los Angeles for their time as Miss USA.

Why are Miss USA and Miss America controversial?

The Miss USA and Miss America pageants have had their share of scandals.

Sam Haskell ran the Miss America Organization for 12 years before he stepped down in 2017 after his vulgar and offensive internal emails about past Miss America winners were leaked to the press.

In the 2023 A&E docuseries "Secrets of Miss America," Mallory Hagan, who won in 2013, said Haskell repeatedly spread false rumors about her sex life. Haskell said Hagan slept with more than 25 men in one of the emails, which were leaked to The Huffington Post.

Haskell resigned from the organization days after the emails were published. He was replaced by former Fox News host and Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson, who took over at the beginning of 2018. Carlson resigned in June 2019 after Cara Mund, who was Miss America at the time, spoke out against her leadership.

The Miss America Organization is also currently embroiled in a legal battle between Robin Fleming and Glenn F. Straub.

Fleming accused Straub of fraud, defamation, and trademark infringement over the Miss America brand in a 32-cause complaint that BI obtained. The lawsuit came after Straub filed for bankruptcy and told Miss America board members that Fleming was using the organization's scholarship fund to pay her legal fees.

In the complaint, Fleming said Straub's bankruptcy filing was fraudulent because he does not own Miss America and the organization has no debt.

"I just feel very strongly that this is a case about standing up and having your voice heard," Fleming told BI in December.

Miss USA made headlines in October 2022 when then-president Crystle Stewart was suspended after contestants said that year's pageant had been rigged. The Miss Universe Organization said it found no evidence of rigging during its investigation, though Stewart and the organization parted ways.

The pageant was back in the headlines after Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava gave up their crowns in May 2024. It was the first time in the pageant's 72-year history that a woman had given up her title.

Both pageant queens said they could not share details publicly due to nondisclosure agreements that Rose made every contestant sign before they competed at Miss USA 2023. But their mothers, Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava, told BI in an interview in May that their daughters experienced "eight months of torture and abuse" while working with Rose.

After Voigt and Srivastava relinquished their titles, Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus resigned in solidarity and Miss Teen USA first runner-up Stephanie Skinner refused to assume Srivastava's title. Paula Miles and Kimberly Nicewonder — who both ran state pageants for the Miss USA organization for over three decades — also resigned in 2024 due to Rose's leadership, as they told BI. Rose did not respond to previous requests for comment on the resignations and Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava's statements.

The Miss America 2025 competition will take place on January 5. It can be streamed on the Miss America YouTube channel.

• I recently got the Capital One Venture X card, which comes with a hefty annual fee.
• It has great travel benefits, but I've had mixed experiences with my complimentary Priority Pass.
• I haven't been able to use many airport lounges with it, but it and the card are still a good value.

After years of seeing Capital One's catchy "What's in your wallet?" commercials, I finally looked into its credit cards.

As a frequent flyer, I found its Venture X card to be the most appealing option due to its variety of travel perks, but I hesitated to apply for it because of its fairly high annual fee of $395.

I finally gave it a shot when I realized it comes with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which usually costs a few hundred dollars.

At the time of writing, I've had this card for just over a month and have used it for two vacations, with more scheduled in the weeks to come.

Here are my initial reactions to the benefits — particularly the Priority Pass membership, which felt so desirable it convinced me to get the card in the first place.

The Capital One Venture X card won me over with its cash-back and travel perks

By signing up for the Capital One Venture X card, I immediately got a lot of perks, including a $300 annual travel credit and a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit.

These benefits alone help defray the $395 annual fee, and the card also comes with:

• 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases

I also got an initial bonus of 75,000 miles after I spent $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of owning the card.

For my family, the card's biggest draw is the aforementioned complimentary Priority Pass membership, which provides unlimited access for me and two guests to select airport lounges worldwide.

My family of three spends a lot of time in airports, and waiting in a lounge is far more appealing than vying for crowded seating close to the gate.

The Priority Pass membership gets me access to many lounges, but there are limitations

Once I got my Priority Pass membership, I used its easy-to-navigate app to see which lounges I could access.

I was delighted to find my pass got me into lounges in all three terminals at my home airport, Orlando International Airport (MCO).

However, I learned most airline-specific lounges, such as the Delta Sky Club, don't accept Priority Pass.

I was also surprised by the lack of Priority Pass lounge options in some larger cities with major international travel hubs — I found no lounge options when I had layovers at Salt Lake City International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Los Angeles International Airport doesn't have lounges guests can access with Priority Pass, either.

I also realized that even if lounges are available, they may not be close enough to my flight to be worth visiting.

For example, while I was flying out of Montréal, the only lounge I could use was in a terminal quite far from the one my plane was departing from.

Still, over 1,700 lounges around the globe do accept Priority Pass. I'm hopeful I'll be able to take advantage of my membership as I visit more airports.

Despite its drawbacks, Priority Pass is still a good solution for my lounge-loving family

On my recent trips, I've struggled to find available lounges outside of my home airport. However, I still think Priority Pass is great for my family.

Having access to airport lounges in Orlando, our home base, is a great perk on its own, as I've previously paid as much as $50 per person per visit for this benefit. Now, we all get into the lounge for free.

I enjoy having comfortable seating, ample charge ports, and a quiet place to relax before boarding a plane. My son loves stocking up on the complimentary lounge snacks, which saves me from having to buy him pricey — and generally mediocre — airport food.

Knowing there's a comfy airport lounge waiting for me at MCO the next time I travel helps make my journey feel almost as fun as the destination.

Plus, with my Capital One Venture X card, I also earn travel rewards for every dollar I spend. Although I've only had my card for a few weeks, I've already racked up miles I can redeem for future flights.

The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate products and services to help you make smart decisions with your money.

• For Love & Money is a column from Business Insider answering your relationship and money questions.
• This week, a reader is tired of their wife upheaving their lifestyle.
• Our columnist says actively participating in her goals is the first step toward compromise.
• Got a question for our columnist? Write to For Love & Money using this Google form.

Dear For Love & Money,

My wife has a habit of making sweeping declarations about how we'll change everything we've been doing and reinvent our lives to be better, healthier, happier people.

Every few months, we start eating clean, buying nothing, waking up early, going on evening walks, or doing a new workout routine. Each time, the phase lasts for a week at the longest, but one or two days is the norm.

As you might've guessed, New Year's is her Super Bowl. This year, once again, we're doing it all differently, especially the spending. She's put together an unrealistic budget and a chore chart and tossed everything in the pantry.

I like our life, though, and playing this game where I participate in her phases is beginning to wear thin. It's not the goals that bother me; I like to save money and could lose a few pounds, but I'm sick of the constant resolutions to "fix "our lives.

Why can't she just be happy? How can I show her I want the same things as her but don't see our lives as broken?

Sincerely,

Contented

Dear Contented,

I love that you chose to sign your letter "Contented" because that word highlights the key difference between you and your wife's worldviews. For people like you, the higher virtue is finding joy and meaning in what you already have. Self-love, gratitude, and recognizing the little miracles in life make the ordinary extraordinary.

For others, like your wife, the higher virtue is relentless idealism: work ethic, striving, and recognizing individual responsibility and agency in a broken world.

We all need a bit of both, and I'm sure the true virtue is found somewhere between the two — a middle ground your marriage of contentment and growth-orientation is perfectly suited to achieve. Finding this balance, however, is the tricky part.

I've often heard people like your wife call themselves "self-development addicts," and it's a fitting name. These self-development addicts tend to be dreamers, and it's the pot of gold they imagine at the end of the rainbow that gets them out of bed every morning. The image of themselves rocking toned abs, headlining a conference about how to get debt-free and build wealth, and finally becoming good enough to feel that emotion that comes naturally to people like you: content.

As you seek a compromise that both of you can live with, remember that this hunger for growth is essential to who your wife is. Like you, I tend to fall on the contented side of the dichotomy. So, I recognize that beyond the hassle these constant phases create, they can also feel like implicit criticism.

I see this pain in your final question: How can I show her our lives aren't broken? If your spouse is looking at your shared life and saying, "We must improve this," it can feel like they are saying, "You're not good enough."

You must unlearn the belief that you're the problem your spouse is trying to solve. Even when you're being swept up in the latest resolution, even when her enthusiasm for change extends to your habits, remember that your wife is simply a dreamer, and it's the hope for the future, not her hatred of the present, that drives her.

Honoring your wife's dreams is an excellent path toward a reasonable compromise. I keep using the word "compromise," which may seem strange because right now, your wife seems to have things all her way. After all, up to this point, you've supported your wife by going along with whatever kick she's on, but you can better support her in a couple of ways.

One, get invested and stay invested. If your wife wants to save money or pay off debt, take the initiative to find a good savings account option and budgeting app. Update your tracking devices, and help her develop a reward system. A lot of your issues with your wife's phases seem to be the whiplash of it — going all-in on day one and pretending nothing happened by day four.

You probably feel a lot of relief when you see your wife's enthusiasm for her New Year's resolution waning. Meanwhile, she is likely feeling like a failure and already plotting the next life upheaval that will fix everything once and for all. And so it goes. Your best bet for stopping the cycle is to help her achieve her goals and keep both of you on track rather than staying quiet and hoping she'll forget.

Second, you can support your wife by being honest about your feelings and outlining what you need her to compromise. A goal you can work toward together might be instituting a daily gratitude practice. List five things you love about your lives to one another every night before bed, or keep a catalog of things you're thankful for on the fridge.

Practicing gratitude together will help you feel appreciated despite your wife's posture toward growth and improvement, and will also remind her that happiness isn't a destination she has to climb the mountains of life to reach. It's something she can carry with her on her journey.

As for your wife's part of the compromise, this depends on your needs. What do you want to stop? What is your threshold for work and revision? If it's the cycle that bothers you, agree to her plans on the condition that this is the last time you rearrange this area of your life. Or, if it's the extremity of the budgets and diets wearing on you, tell your wife you need her to downscale her plans to something that feels more sustainable.

Finally, remember that you may not like or believe in every new scheme your wife devises, and sometimes, you can and should opt out. Sometimes, compromise means one person training for a marathon while the other cheers for them at the finish line.

Rooting for you,

For Love & Money

Looking for advice on how your savings, debt, or another financial challenge is affecting your relationships? Write to For Love & Money using this Google form.

• Ukrainian forces appear to have launched a new offensive in Russia's Kursk region.
• Russia's Ministry of Defense said Ukraine had launched a "counterattack" at around 9 a.m. local time.
• A Ukrainian official said Russia was "getting what it deserves."

Ukrainian forces appear to have launched a new offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said in a post on Telegram that Ukraine had launched a "counterattack" at around 9 a.m. local time.

"In order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack by an assault group consisting of two tanks, a demolition vehicle, and twelve armored combat vehicles," it said.

In a short post on Telegram, Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, said: "Kursk, good news, Russia is getting what it deserves."

The scale of the reported offensive is unclear. Ukraine launched an initial incursion into Kursk in August.

Rybar, a Russian war blog with more than 1.3 million subscribers, said that the latest operation could serve as a diversion. The US government has offered up to $10 million for information on Rybar, saying it had attempted "to bolster Russia's military capabilities and advance pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives."

"The intensification of the situation in the Kursk region may be a diversionary maneuver for a simultaneous offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in other areas," read a post on Rybar's account.

"The Ukrainian command has been hatching plans for several months to break through the defense of the Russian Armed Forces in the Zaporizhzhia region and is probing for weak spots," it added.

It comes at a potentially pivotal moment for Kyiv as it gears up for the return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

Both Russia and Ukraine are racing to place their respective sides in the best possible position ahead of Trump's return.

Trump has pledged to bring the war in Ukraine to a swift end but has not detailed how he intends to do so.

Analysts say one possibility is a negotiated cease-fire deal with frozen front lines.

In a post on Truth Social in December, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire and the start of negotiations.

"Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," he wrote, adding: "It can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act."