Dozens of American college students visited Israel and the United Arab Emirates over the winter break, where they witnessed firsthand the successes of the historic Abraham Accords amid ongoing campus tensions at home as the war in Israel continues. 

Forty-three undergraduate students from across the country participated in a 10-day trip to Israel and the UAE over the winter semester break through the Israel on Campus Coalition’s Geller International Fellowship, Fox News Digital learned. The students met with business leaders, academics and political leaders to discuss and experience Middle East culture, as well as see firsthand the importance of the Abraham Accords, which were brokered under President-elect Trump’s first administration in 2020. 

"Witnessing the successes of the Abraham Accords firsthand with a group of college students who are passionate about peace and coexistence, in an era where dialogue on American college campuses like my own is sparse, has been a poignant and critical reminder of what the future of the Middle East can hold," Eden Yadegar, a Columbia University senior studying the Middle East, said in comment to Fox News Digital. 

"Peace, security, and coexistence are not distant ideals, but a reality on the ground thanks to the United States, Israel and the UAE. The future of the Middle East is here and it’s bright, and I am incredibly grateful to the Israel on Campus Coalition for providing me with the opportunity to engage in these critical conversations and experiences."

TRUMP'S HISTORIC ABRAHAM ACCORDS WOULD BE BOLSTERED WITH MILITARY 'EXCHANGE PROGRAM' UNDER BIPARTISAN BILL

The Abraham Accords are a historic peace agreement brokered by the U.S. in 2020 between Israel and the UAE. As part of the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel’s sovereignty and established full diplomatic relations. It marked the first time Israel had established peace with an Arab country since 1994 with the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. 

"This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region," Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE, said in a joint statement at the time. "All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from today’s historic achievement."

BIDEN HAS 'REPEATEDLY HELD ISRAEL BACK,' SAYS ABRAHAM ACCORDS NEGOTIATOR

Students who participated in the fellowship met with experts such as Israeli politician and diplomat Ruth Wasserman Lande and Middle East expert and lecturer Dan Feferman to discuss entrepreneurship and coexistence in the Middle East following the peace deal, as well as experts such as the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ senior fellow Jonathan Conricus and Saudi YouTuber Loay Alsharef to discuss diplomacy and peacebuilding under the accords. 

WHAT I SAW IN ISRAEL REVEALS ABRAHAM ACCORDS IN ACTION

"The Geller International Fellowship highlights the promise of the next generation of pro-Israel leaders and their potential to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and advance the principles of the Abraham Accords," Israel on Campus Coalition CEO Jacob Baime told Fox News Digital. "Thanks to the generosity of Martin and Lauren Geller, this program provides students with a deeper understanding of Israel's complexities and a foundation for informed advocacy. These fellows return to campus with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to sharing their experiences. This fellowship reflects ICC's ongoing work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and develop new leaders."

The Israel on Campus Coalition is a U.S.-based organization that works to inspire American college students and pro-Israel college groups to "see Israel as a source of pride and empower them to stand up for Israel on campus." 

Aidan Bloomstine, a University of Southern California senior studying public policy, ​told Fox Digital that the trip was "the opportunity of a lifetime" that reignited his optimism "that one day this region will live in peace and prosperity."

BIDEN ADMIN SHOULD LOOK AT ABRAHAM ACCORDS-TYPE INITIATIVE WHEN HAMAS TERROR REGIME IS DEFEATED

"Those foundational principles were perfectly displayed on this trip. Hearing the successes of the diplomatic and economic cooperation firsthand from Emiratis and Israelis shows us a well-paved path for peace in other areas of the region," the ICC fellow continued. 

University of Michigan Ross School of Business senior Sam Heller echoed Bloomstine that the fellowship and trip abroad was "one of the most transformative experiences," especially after war broke out in Israel in 2023, which soon led to antisemitism on U.S. college campuses and repeated anti-Israel protests. 

"Being surrounded by like-minded campus leaders, all deeply committed to ensuring that truth prevails in these challenging times since the 10/7 Hamas massacre, has been both inspiring and reassuring. It has given me confidence that the next generation of leaders in our country will continue to champion Western values and steadfastly support America's closest ally, Israel. I am incredibly grateful to ICC for the opportunity to engage experts on the Israel-Palestine conflict and professionals dedicated to advancing peace in the Middle East. I eagerly anticipate watching this remarkable cohort of young leaders evolve into the policy," Heller said. 

KT MCFARLAND: TRUMP'S ABRAHAM ACCORDS ARE SO SIGNIFICANT, EVEN 'A BIDEN ADMIN CAN'T SCREW IT UP'

Agitators and student protesters flooded college campuses nationwide last school year to protest the war in Israel, which also included spiking instances of antisemitism and Jewish students publicly speaking out that they did not feel safe on some campuses. 

Protesters on Columbia University’s campus in New York City, for example, took over the school's Hamilton Hall, while schools such as UCLA, Harvard and Yale worked to clear spiraling student encampments where protesters demanded their elite schools completely divest from Israel. 

'WOKE' POLITICAL, COLLEGE LEADERS SET STAGE FOR PRO-HAMAS DC PROTEST: LAWMAKER

The terrorist organization Hamas launched a war in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which initially fanned the flames of antisemitism on campuses in the form of protests, menacing graffiti and students reporting that they felt as if it was "open season for Jews on our campuses." The protests heightened to the point that Jewish students at some schools, including Columbia, were warned to leave campus for their own safety. 

On Penn's campus, Fox News Digital exclusively reported in May that anti-Israel radicals were passing around multiple guides directing agitators on how to break into buildings, "escalate" protests, create weapons and even administer first aid.

The sponsors of the fellowship, Martin and Lauren Geller, highlighted in comments to Fox Digital that the program bolsters the next generation to strengthen the principles outlined in the Abraham Accords. 

"The Geller International Fellowship is more than a program – it is an educational investment in the next generation of leaders committed to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and the principles of the Abraham Accords. We are honored to partner with Israel on Campus Coalition, whose exceptional leadership ensures that students gain a transformative understanding of Israel's heritage, innovation, and resilience and to prepare these talented individuals to be leaders in the pro-Israel movement on campus as well as in their communities. Supporting this fellowship is a privilege, and we are inspired by the impact these students will have as advocates for Israel on campuses and beyond," the couple said. Martin Geller is the founder and chairman of wealth management firm Geller & Company. 

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Ahead of Trump’s election win over Vice President Kamala Harris last year, the former and upcoming president said on the campaign trail that he planned to expand the Abraham Accords if re-elected. Trump is set to be inaugurated as the nation’s 47th president on Jan. 20. 

 "If I win, that will be an absolute priority: just getting everybody in. It’s peace in the Middle East. We need it, and it’s very important. It will happen," Trump said of the Abraham Accords during an interview with Saudi outlet Al Arabiya in October.

President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the nation's highest civilian honor, to Pope Francis on Saturday.

The medal was scheduled to be presented to the pope in person in Rome during what was to be Biden's final overseas trip of his presidency, but Biden canceled his travel plans so he could monitor the wildfires in California.

Instead, Biden bestowed the award on the pope during a phone call in which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.

"Pope Francis is unlike any who came before," a White House announcement reads. "Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."

BIDEN’S MEDAL OF FREEDOM PICKS SHOW DEMOCRATS ARE ‘OUT OF TOUCH’ AND ‘TROLLING’ REPUBLICANS: COLUMNIST

It was the first time during his four years in office that Biden awarded the medal "with distinction," it said.

Biden, 82, leaves office on Jan. 20. The lifelong Catholic is also a recipient of the award with distinction, recognized when he was vice president by then-President Barack Obama in a surprise ceremony eight years ago. That was the only time in Obama's two terms when he awarded that version of the medal, according to the Associated Press.

Both Biden and Francis have been weakened by global events, said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic and professor at Villanova University who follows the papacy.

"That is really hard to underestimate how tragic this moment is for both men in different ways," he said. "Because what could go wrong did go wrong in these few years."

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. 

The former WWE star known as Melina was reportedly "unreachable" amid the devastating wildfires that left a path of destruction in Southern California over the last week.

A Matter of Pride Wrestling and the Cauliflower Alley Club asked their followers about the location of Melina Perez on Saturday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"We’re deeply concerned as WWE Legend Melina has been unresponsive amidst the troubling events unfolding in Los Angeles," A Matter of Pride Wrestling wrote on X. "If anyone has seen or heard from her, please report her safe. Any information helps."

The Cauliflower Alley Club added, "Reading on X that apparently former WWE superstar Melina has reportedly been unreachable amidst the wildfire oubreak in Los Angeles. If anyone knows her whereabouts or can contact her it would be a great relief to everyone concerned about her safely. Please share, Thank you."

Perez, 45, was born in Los Angeles.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

She burst onto the WWE scene when she appeared on "Tough Enough" in 2002 in hopes of earning a roster spot. While she didn’t win the spot, she later was the valet for the MNM tag team of Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury.

She had a successful singles run as she was the WWE Women’s Champion three times and the WWE Divas Champion twice.

Perez also competed for the National Wrestling Alliance and TNA Wrestling.

She wrestled from 2001 to 2021.

The Los Angeles wildfires have killed more than a dozen people and left thousands of structures and acres of land burned.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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It’s looking more and more like the rumored ultra-thin iPhone we’ve been hearing about for the last few months will get Apple’s “Air” branding. In the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the iPhone 17 lineup will feature a new model that could be called the iPhone 17 Air, and it’ll be roughly 2 millimeters thinner than any other model we’ve seen yet. “It will have a base-level A19 chip and a single-lens camera system,” Gurman notes, and will serve “as a testing ground for future technologies, including ones that could allow for foldable devices.” That and the upcoming new iPhone SE will use Apple’s first in-house modem, according to Gurman.

We’re also likely to see upgrades to the entry-level iPad that will make it compatible with Apple Intelligence. Gurman reports that the next generation of iPad will get the A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of memory. That news should come in the spring along with the iPhone SE and new iPad Air models, according to Gurman.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/this-year-could-bring-the-iphone-air-and-an-entry-level-ipad-with-apple-intelligence-175059162.html?src=rss

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Tim Allen revealed whether there are plans for former Home Improvement costar Jonathan Taylor Thomas to appear on his new sitcom Shifting Gears.

“Everything is a possibility,” Allen, 71, exclusively shared in the newest issue of Us Weekly. “He just came back [to the last episode we filmed]. He showed up on the set.”

Allen said he would love nothing more than to share the screen with Thomas, 43, again, adding, “He’s literally my kid. I raised that kid for eight years on Home Improvement. All of these are my kids and I’m kind of sick about this.”

Before leading the cast of ABC’s Shifting Gears, Allen starred on Home Improvement from 1991 to 1999 alongside Thomas, Patricia Richardson, Taran Noah Smith, Zachery Ty Bryan, Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning. Thomas exited the series early to focus on school and ultimately made the decision to step back from acting entirely.

'Home Improvement' Cast: Where Are They Now?

Allen and Thomas ended up reuniting on screen for four episodes of Last Man Standing. Thomas also directed three episodes of the sitcom. While Thomas has remained out of the public eye, Allen continued to find success as America’s favorite sitcom dad with his roles as Mike Baxter in Last Man Standing, which ran from 2011 to 2021, and now Matt Parker in Shifting Gears.

“[My former onscreen wife] Nancy Travis once told me [something] after I called her during Last Man Standing. I said, ‘Have you talked to the girls [who play our daughters] over the summer?’ Then there’s this long pause and she goes, ‘Tim, these aren’t our daughters and I’m not actually your wife,'” he quipped. “She was so wonderful about it because sometimes when they were having trouble on the show, I’d go, ‘How do you think they feel?’ And she would respond, ‘Tim, they’re actors. We just read [what is on the page but] she’s not really that sad.'”

On Shifting Gears, Allen plays a widowed father opposite an estranged daughter played by Kat Dennings. The duo gushed about how they “immediately” formed a connection once being cast on the show.

What to Know About Tim Allen and Kat Dennings' ABC Sitcom 'Shifting Gears'

“The director wanted to see how we got along. It never stopped. The kismet was crazy. We’re both born on the same day — many years apart,” he told Us. “We’re different in so many ways. But our attitude about comedy is very similar. She cracks me up and I’m not easy that way. Kat can [deliver these lines] with a straight face. Her anger — that she played on 2 Broke Girls — is very similar to the sharpness that Mike Baxter could get into now.”

Allen continued: “When we argue on screen, it’s funny that we interrupt each other and it comes quite naturally. I don’t know where it’s coming from. I adore this person already. She and her husband [Andrew W.K.] are great people. It is like I’ve known her for freaking years, same as most of this cast.”

Dennings, 38, felt the same way about her bond with Allen.

“It clicked pretty fast. We had lunch after I accepted the role and I felt immediately like I could trust him for some reason,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Us. “And he opened up really fast to me. So I [was] like, ‘OK, this guy is like letting me in.'”

The trust on set allowed Dennings and Allen to elevate their comedy skills. “It felt very organic,” Dennings recalled. “And as [filming has] progressed, our scenes are so funny, if I do say so myself. The arguments are my favorite scenes to play because I have no fear. There’s no fear for either of us. We just absolutely go for it and it’s so much fun.”

Winter TV Preview 2025: Inside Must-Watch New and Returning Shows

While Allen has enjoyed working on Shifting Gears, he wasn’t initially sure he would come back to sitcoms, telling Us, “It was a complicated decision. I was doing Disney+’s Santa Claus series at the time and I said, ‘I really can’t think about this now.’ Do I want to do linear TV? I was so depressed at how streaming has hurt television. So if I did it, I want to elevate it.”

Shifting Gears airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

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Robertson was a late replacement for Ronnie O’Sullivan after the reigning champion withdrew.

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• TikTok faces a potential US ban if its owner, ByteDance, doesn't find a buyer in about a week.
• TikTok allows users to download and save video content, but it can be tedious.
• Some competitors, like Triller, also offer ways to migrate TikTok content.

With a potential TikTok ban in the United States fast approaching, some social media users are looking for the best way to archive their content.

Congress passed a law last year that would limit the influence of social media apps tied to countries the United States deems foreign adversaries. The US then gave TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, which is Chinese, a January 19 deadline to find a buyer for the app in the United States or face a ban.

TikTok then challenged the law in court. On Friday, the Supreme Court heard arguments from TikTok and the Biden administration as it considered whether to delay the law's effective date, which is now set for January 19.

Legal experts told Business Insider that they expect the Supreme Court will uphold the TikTok ban. "I expect the court to deny the stay, probably soon, and also uphold the law," Matthew Schettenhelm, a litigation and policy analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, said.

During Friday's hearing, lawyers for TikTok said the social media app could "go dark" and "essentially stop operating" in the United States if the court upholds the law.

If that's the case, TikTok's millions of users may be looking for a way to extract their content ahead of time. Here are a few options.

How to migrate TikTok videos

Triller, a media and marketing company that once positioned itself as a competitor to TikTok, unveiled this week a service that promises to "back up" all of a user's TikTok videos and reupload them to the Triller app.

However, the feature's process is not as easy as the "click of a button" that Triller promises, according to TechCrunch. Once users agree to the terms of service, they can connect their TikTok account to the website, which gives Triller access to videos, profile information, and more.

Triller sends users an email once all of their TikTok content has been downloaded. Then, users have to make a Triller account and follow instructions on uploading their TikTok content onto the Triller app.

How to save your TikTok videos manually

For users who want to avoid giving their personal information to yet another social media platform, the best way to save their TikTok content is likely already inside the app.

Though it is a more tedious process, TikTok allows users to download their content one video at a time from inside the platform.

Inside the TikTok app, you can go to any video you want to download, press the "Share" button, and tap "Save video" to download the video to your device. According to TikTok, if the "Save video" option does not appear, that means the person who posted the content does not allow video saves.

TikTok also allows you to save a copy of any content you post to your device while posting it to TikTok. Inside the "post" screen, you can tap the "more options" button and choose "save to device."

TikTok also lets users download a copy of their entire profile data from inside the app. Inside the TikTok app, users can tap the "profile" button at the bottom of the screen, then tap the "menu" button at the top of the screen and navigate to "settings and privacy." Users can then choose "Account" in the settings menu and tap "Download your data."

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