Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here’s what you need to know to start your day…

TOP 3

1. Biden is reclassifying the sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates.

2. Illegal immigrant is said to have set fire to train passenger.

3. Top Biden ally reacts as Musk plans to funnel money to ‘heavily Democratic districts’

IMPORTANT HEADLINES

Trail of terror – A violent migrant gang is spreading across the United States; Activity was reported in 19 states. Read more…

MISSING – The congresswoman who quietly disappeared from Capitol Hill lived in a retirement facility. Read more…

BEHIND THE POLES – The Justice Department accuses the state of routinely holding inmates weeks and months after their scheduled release dates. Read more…

I knew you were in trouble – New twist in Blake Lively’s “take-down” drama as Taylor Swift is dragged into the mix. Read more…

NEW ROLE – Denzel Washington becomes minister and admits religion “can’t be talked about” in Hollywood. Read more…

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POLICY

HOME INVASION – The home appliances the Biden administration has focused on over the years. Read more…

countdown – Trump sets the exact date when his administration will be “fully operational.” Read more…

unlikely ally – The Democratic senator sends a clear message to all Americans who speak out against President-elect Trump. Read more…

“DEAL OF THE CENTURY” – Trump is the “perfect leader” to negotiate the future of TikTok in the US, says the chairman of the House China Committee. Read more…

Click here for more cartoons…

MEDIA

“Like leaving a cult” – DNC powerhouse fundraiser announces withdrawal from Democratic Party after attacks. Read more…

“I WAS AN EXPERIMENT” – Young mother facing permanent health problems after sex change warns she was sold a ‘lie’ Read more…

Blame game — The Biden-Harris administrator points the finger at “irresponsible policies” that are undermining border security efforts. Read more…

FLASHBACK — Liberal media and top Democrats keep laughing at concerns about Biden’s fitness. See video

OPINION

DR. NICOLE SAPHIER – Steps the Trump administration must take to make America healthy again. Read more…

GRANT NEWSHAM – DEI is like a woke IED for the left’s war on our military. Read more…

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IN OTHER NEWS

MAGICAL UNION – Disneyland limits popular vacation items as demand increases. Read more…

PLANE PAIN – Passenger goes viral for sharing flight attendant-approved hack that “saved” her. Read more…

AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself with Christmas classics, noble fir trees and popular proteins. Take the quiz here…

NEW HIDEOUT – The picturesque East Coast town that is quickly becoming a celebrity haven. Read more…

IT’S THAT SEASON – Food helps families stay together thanks to an extraordinary effort. See video…

REGARD

CAROLINE LEAVITT – The debt ceiling is the last tool in the Democrats’ toolbox to obstruct Trump’s agenda. See video…

CARDINAL TIMOTHY DOLAN – There seems to be a new appreciation for the role of faith. See video…

FOX WEATHER

What is it like in your neighborhood? Read more…

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reflected on the team’s narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and how the team remains focused on the final two games of the regular season.

Rodgers had 256 yards and a touchdown pass as the Jets lost 19-9 to the Rams. He was asked how the team will maintain a positive attitude when the season comes to an end and New York is no longer contending for the playoffs.

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers waits for the snap during the Los Angeles Rams game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“I think we’ve long since moved past the ‘positive attitude’ thing,” Rodgers said. via SNY. “I think it’s all about perspective. Perspective shapes your truth and your truth shapes your reality.”

“So the reality of the situation is what it is, but your perspective is what you can change every day. Therefore, what you focus on now is the most important thing. It’s not about changing the reality of the situation – being 4-11, eliminated from the playoffs and beginning an unknown offseason.”

Rodgers then talked about what the next two weeks will mean in building the future of the organization.

SAM DARNOLD’S REMARKABLE TD PASS TO JUSTIN JEFFERSON HELPS VIKINGS TOP SEAHAWKS

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks at a press conference after the Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“You have to figure out what it means to be a professional,” he said. “This is an important part of the building culture. Over the last two weeks we’ve really been able to see who’s on board and who’s ready to get out. That’s just part of the game. I’ve been on a few teams that were eliminated.” It’s interesting to watch the practice habits and the preparation habits.

“Hopefully we do the right thing and that means a lot to us because everyone is watching and it’s a business where everyone knows who it is. There will be interesting conversations over the next few weeks, but just focus on the relationships we have with each other and try to finish things off like a pro.”

The Jets saw dramatic changes throughout the season, from firing their head coach and general manager to a major move by Davante Adams.

The team could see more changes as Garrett Wilson has remained non-committal about his future with the team.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacts on the sideline during the Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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New York is 4-11 this year.

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Brooke Slusser, star of the San Jose State women’s volleyball team, warned the NCAA after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the organization over transgender inclusion in women’s sports.

Paxton filed the lawsuit on Sunday, accusing the organization of deceptive marketing practices that allowed transgender women to compete with biological women. Paxton said in a news release that the NCAA violated the Texas Trade Practices Act, “which is designed to protect consumers from companies that attempt to mislead them or entice them to purchase goods or services that are not correspond to the advertising.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

San Jose State Spartans player Brooke Slusser has filed a lawsuit against the team. (Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics)

Slusser, who was involved in a lawsuit against her own school and the NCAA for adding a transgender woman to the Spartans’ roster this season, posted about Paxton’s lawsuit.

“Hey NCAA, in case you haven’t noticed, this fight is only going to get harder for you until you make a change!” Slusser wrote about X.

Slusser and other plaintiffs asked a judge last month to issue a temporary restraining order to ban Blaire Fleming from participating in the Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball tournament, but were denied.

SJSU responds to mass exodus of volleyball players after trans athlete scandal rocks program

Texas AG Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit on Sunday. (Dylan Hollingsworth/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

San Jose State reached the finals of the tournament, but lost to Colorado State.

Paxton accused the NCAA of “engaging in false, deceptive and misleading practices by marketing sporting events as ‘women’s’ competitions, only to then offer consumers mixed-gender competitions pitting biological men against biological women.”

“The NCAA is intentionally and knowingly endangering the safety and well-being of women by fraudulently converting women’s competitions into co-ed competitions,” Paxton said in a statement. “For example, when people watch a women’s volleyball game, they expect to see women playing against other women – not biological men pretending to be something they are not. Radical ‘gender theory’ has no place in college sports.”

Paxton said he is seeking a court’s issuance of a preliminary injunction to prohibit the NCAA from allowing transgender athletes in women’s sports in Texas or “incorporating Texas teams,” or, alternatively, requiring the NCAA to stop hosting events as “women’s” when they are actually mixed sex competitions,” the press release states.

NCAA President Charlie Baker speaks during a news conference Aug. 13, 2024, at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis. (Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar/USA Today Network)

The NCAA released a statement to Fox News Digital later Sunday.

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“College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America, and while the NCAA does not comment on pending litigation, the association and its members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports, and ensure fair competition at all NCAA championships ensure.” “said the organization.

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has ordered the firing of more than a dozen prison employees in connection with the fatal beating of an inmate earlier this month.

Hochul said in a statement Saturday that she had directed the state Department of Corrections commissioner to begin firing 14 workers involved in a Dec. 9 incident at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County that resulted in the death 43-year-old Robert Brooks ended up in a hospital the next day.

Brooks had been in prison since 2017, serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault.

The governor’s office said the decision came after an internal review, but did not provide details about the circumstances that led to Brooks’ death.

HOCHUL was criticized for claiming she had made subways safer when a woman burned alive on the train on the same day

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered the firing of more than a dozen prison employees over the fatal mistreatment of an inmate earlier this month. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“The vast majority of correctional officers perform exceptional work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service,” Hochul said. “But we have zero tolerance for people who cross the border, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”

The Corrections Department provided a list of 13 employees, including correctional officers, sergeants and a nurse, who were suspended without pay. This included another correctional officer who resigned.

State Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III condemned the employees’ involvement and said the suspensions were “in the best interest of the agency and the communities we serve.”

Louisiana prisons routinely hold inmates past their release dates, the Justice Department argues

The governor’s office said the decision came after an internal review. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

“There is no place for brutality in our department and we will vigorously fight for justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act,” he said in a statement to The Associated Press. “These investigations are ongoing and further suspensions may be imposed.”

Brooks’ family said in a statement through their lawyer that they were “incredibly shocked and saddened” by the death The Times-Union in Albany.

“We are grateful that Governor Hochul is taking swift action to hold officials accountable, but we cannot understand how this could even have happened,” the family said. “No one should have to lose a family member this way.”

Robert Brooks had been in prison since 2017, serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault. (iStock)

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Democratic Attorney General Letitia James said her office is also investigating the use of force by correctional officers that led to Brooks’ death. She said her staff had obtained video of the incident and it would be released once Brooks’ family saw it.

“Law enforcement officers must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers the transparency they deserve,” James said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.