Colombian President Gustavo Petro is urging Colombian nationals in the U.S. illegally to return home, promising to provide loans to those who return, days after being embroiled in a diplomatic controversy with the U.S.
“I ask undocumented Colombians in the US to immediately leave their jobs in that country and return to Colombia as soon as possible,” Petro said on X.
“Wealth is produced only by working people.
COLOMBIA PRESIDENT WELCOMES FIRST FLIGHTS OF DEPORTED MIGRANTS AFTER LOSING PUBLIC SPAT WITH TRUMP
People board a U.S. military aircraft. The White House announced Friday that “deportation flights have begun” in the U.S.(White House)
“The Department of Social Prosperity … will seek to provide productive loans to returnees who enroll in its programs,” he said. “Let’s build social wealth in Colombia.”
Petro had initially refused Sunday to take U.S. deportation flights carrying Colombian nationals, saying the U.S. cannot “treat Colombian migrants as criminals.”
The Trump administration, in response, announced the immediate suspension of visa issuance and travel sanctions on government officials. President Donald Trump warned he would slap 25% tariffs on all goods from Colombia.
“Measures will continue until Colombia meets its obligations to accept the return of its own citizens,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. “America will not back down when it comes to defending its national security interests.”
A VICTORY FOR TRUMP’S ‘FAFO’: HOW THE WHITE HOUSE STRONG-ARMED ONE-TIME CLOSE ALLY COLOMBIA OVER IMMIGRATION
Colombian President Gustavo Petro (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara, File)
At first, Petro retaliated with his own 25% tariffs on U.S. goods. Petro insisted he would not accept the return of migrants who were not treated with “dignity and respect” and who had arrived shackled or on military planes.
But the White House later said Colombia’s president had caved “to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay,”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE
On Tuesday, two Colombian air force planes carrying deportees arrived in Bogotá.
On Friday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that visa processing in Bogotá had resumed.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Our commitment to work together with Colombia to advance our mutual interests remains steadfast,” she said.
Fox News’ Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
Adam Shaw is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
The plane crash near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night struck the sports world when it was revealed that members of the figure skating community were among those on the American Airlines flight.
Six members of the Skating Club of Boston were aboard Flight 5342, and U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement that “several members of our skating community” were on the plane.
The commercial jet collided with an Army helicopter, resulting in the presumed deaths of all 67 people on board the two aircraft combined.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Rescuers set out after a passenger jet collided with an Army helicopter at Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday. (AP)(Associated Press)
After hearing that the flight carried athletes, potentially those with Olympic dreams, gold medal shot putter Ryan Crouser said the news hit closer to home.
“It’s really difficult to kind of process. As an athlete you spend a lot of time traveling and getting on planes,” Crouser said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “It’s a really difficult time, I think, right now just as a country, and as an athlete as well, just thinking about, ‘Shoot, that could have been me.’”
Ryan Crouser of Team USA competes during the men’s shot put final on day 8 of the Olympic Games Paris at Stade de France on Aug. 3, 2024.(Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
SKATING BROADCASTERS TARA LIPINSKI, JOHNNY WEIR EMOTIONAL DISCUSSING ‘UNIMAGINABLE’ LOSS FROM PLANE CRASH
For the three-time gold medalist, it was another reminder to not take what he has for granted.
“My heart goes out to the families, and if nothing else, just to be thankful for every day. You have so many great opportunities ahead of you, but you don’t know when that can be taken away, and in a crazy accident like that, definitely a tough time, and my heart goes out to the families.”
First responders switched to recovery efforts on the Potomac River after it was believed that there were no survivors. There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines flight and three soldiers aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
FBI agents stand near debris on Thursday after American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River the previous night.(Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Two former Olympians, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also believed to be among the victims of the crash, the Kremlin confirmed.
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Former executive NYSE floor governor Jay Woods explains why some big companies might be scrapping their DEI initiatives on Cavuto: Coast to Coast.
Target’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is being met with backlash from the LGBTQ+ community on the Minneapolis-headquartered retailer’s home turf.
Target announced Friday that it will implement some changes to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy, including ending its three-year DEI goals and ending its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives in 2025, as planned.
Shopping carts outside a Target store in Albany, California, US, on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Target Corp. is facing pushback from the LGBTQ+ community in its hometown for scaling back on DEI. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Then over the weekend, organizers of the Twin Cities Pride Festival — of which Target has been a longtime sponsor — said the retailer is no longer welcome.
Andi Otto, Twin Cities Pride executive director, told MPR News that he made the decision to boot Target from any involvement in this year’s festivities due to their rolling back their DEI initiatives.
WHAT CAUSED THE REVOLT AGAINST DEI IN AMERICA?
“In the current climate that we are having to live in as a community, I made the decision that it would not be in the best interest of our community to have Target’s presence at Pride or the parade this year,” Otto told the outlet.
Signage for Target Corp.’s “#TakePride” initiative sits above products displayed for sale at a company store in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., on Monday, May 16, 2016. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
Ticker
Security
Last
Change
Change %
TGT
TARGET CORP.
142.49
+4.62
+3.35%
Twin Cities Pride also announced on social media that it had “made the bold decision to part ways with Target as a sponsor,” noting that the “choice means losing $50,000 in funding.”
A fundraiser posted by the group had earned nearly $28,000 of its $50,000 goal as of this writing.
COSTCO SHAREHOLDERS REJECT ANTI-DEI MEASURE
Target did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment on Twin City Pride’s decision.
Bahnsen Group founder and managing partner David Bahnsen joins ‘The Big Money Show’ to discuss companies reversing course on DEI and ESG investing, UFC CEO Dana White joining Meta’s board and the ongoing California wildfires.
Target announced the rollback of its DEI programs following President Donald Trump’s executive order to review such initiatives. The move adds Target to a growing list of companies scaling back or eliminating their DEI efforts as these programs come under increased scrutiny.
A slew of companies, including Amazon, Lowe’s, Meta, McDonald’s, American Airlines and Boeing, have pulled back on their DEI programs over the past year amid pressure.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
However, some companies, such as Costco, have resisted activist pressure, publicly reaffirming their commitment to maintaining DEI policies.
Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
As part of the second stage of the high-stakes ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, four female hostages who had been held by the terror group in Gaza for 477 days — Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag — were reunited with their families Saturday.
In exchange, Israel released 121 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment for deadly terror attacks and an additional 79 prisoners serving lengthy sentences.
The release of Palestinian prisoners — some convicted of heinous terrorist acts — has stirred profound emotions and debate across Israel. While the deal has helped the return of hostages held in Gaza, it comes at a heavy cost.
Families of victims of the released prisoners have expressed anguish, grappling with the pain of reopening old wounds while recognizing the importance of reuniting hostages with their loved ones.
HAMAS RELEASES 4 FEMALE HOSTAGES AS PART OF ISRAEL CEASEFIRE
Hillel Fuld, whose brother Ari was killed six years ago by a Palestinian terrorist, shared the personal toll of hearing the perpetrator might be freed.
“It’s a punch to the gut, for sure, but I don’t think our personal loss changes our opinion on this deal,” Fuld said. “It’s both terrible and beautiful — terrible strategically, but beautiful because the hostages’ families get to reunite with their loved ones.”
Buses carrying Palestinian security prisoners are greeted by a crowd after they were released from an Israeli prison after a ceasefire agreement with Israel in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.(AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Fuld also highlighted security concerns.
“My understanding is that the terrorist who murdered my brother will be deported outside of Israel, to Turkey or Qatar,” Fuld said. “I’m not overly worried about that, but those returning to Judea and Samaria are definitely a security concern. I hope the government has a plan for what comes next.”
Orit Mark Etinger lost her father, Michael Mark, in a 2016 terrorist attack. Her younger brother, Fedya, who survived the attack that killed their father, was killed in Gaza. Two of her cousins were also victims of terror attacks.
“When I first heard about the decision to release terrorist prisoners in exchange for hostages, I felt deep pain and anguish,” Etinger told Fox New Digital, “Releasing murderers who destroyed entire lives is unbearable. No one can bring my father back. Meanwhile, the terrorist who murdered him may now walk freely on the street.
“One of my father’s murderers had already been released in the Shalit deal and returned to kill. We understand who we’re dealing with, which is why we fear the repercussions of releasing murderers with blood on their hands. But we cannot leave the hostages — innocent people — living in hell in Gaza. They must come home.”
Two of the prisoners released Saturday were involved in the terrorist attack that killed her father.
Hamas terrorists parade in Gaza before the transfer and release of four Israeli female hostages Jan. 25, 2025.(TPS-IL)
Among the 1,900 prisoners to be released in the ceasefire agreement are individuals responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Israeli history. Wael Qassem is serving 35 life sentences for orchestrating suicide bombings that killed 35 people. Majdi Za’atri, sentenced to 23 life terms, drove a suicide bomber to a Jerusalem bus stop in 2003, killing 23, including children.
Another terrorist released on Saturday, according to the Israelis, was Mardawi Tabat, who “was serving 21 life sentences for murdering 21 civilians and injuring 150 others in five suicide bombings and shooting attacks,” according to a post on X.
Other high-profile prisoners include Ammar Al-Ziben, serving 32 life sentences for planning multiple suicide bombings, including the double bombing at the Mahane Yehuda Market in 1997 that killed 16. Ahmad Salah, serving 21 life sentences, was involved in two Jerusalem suicide bus bombings in 2004 that killed 19 people and injured over 100.
Israeli General Security Service Director Ronen Bar warned that 82% of the 1,024 prisoners released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange returned to terrorism.
“Many of the leaders of Hamas who orchestrated the Oct. 7 massacre were among those released in previous deals,” Bar told the security cabinet, while still recommending going ahead with the deal.
BITTERSWEET REJOICING AS FIRST HOSTAGES RETURN TO ISRAEL AFTER 471 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY
A bus carrying released Palestinian security prisoners arrives in the West Bank city of Beitunia as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. As part of the deal, the Netanyahu government agreed to release a large number of convicted terrorists Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Zohar Dvir, former commander of the elite Yamam counterterrorism unit, told Fox News Digital, “Arresting such a terrorist requires immense investment in intelligence, planning, creativity and a high level of risk for our forces, who often pay a heavy price. However, when it comes to the lives of many hostages, we are compelled to pay a heavy price by releasing terrorists.
“The chances of rescuing them alive diminish dramatically from one operation to the next, as time passes. The way to release hostages alive is through a deal. Talking from experience, the security establishment has a long memory and will settle accounts with everyone sooner or later, wherever they may be.”
Israeli journalist Yair Cherki, whose brother was killed in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem, weighed in on the deal’s implications.
“Israel succumbed to humanitarian pressure at the most critical moment, providing aid that effectively reinforced Hamas’s civilian control in Gaza,” Cherki said. “Diplomatically, the strategy relied entirely on waiting for Trump, which proved to be a dead end. Like Biden’s “don’t,” Trump’s gates of hell also worked both ways, leaving Israel without any diplomatic leverage.
Israeli hostage families carry the photos of their loved ones held hostage by Hamas in Gaza as they march to Jerusalem.(Matan Golan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“After 15 months, the time for the hostages has run out, and Israel is left with no choice but to accept the deal to bring the hostages home and begin healing a fractured society. Releasing these terrorists is not just a problem for the victims’ families, but for all Israeli society and future victims.
“This cycle of deals leading to murder and kidnapping must end. Releasing the hostages reflects our society’s commitment to life and mutual responsibility. This is our DNA.”
Even those directly affected, like Fuld and Etinger, acknowledge the hostages must be prioritized.
“Most families support the deal because they would do anything to bring their loved ones back,” Etinger noted. “But we fear these released terrorists will harm others.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Cherki underscored the collective responsibility of Israeli society.
“This deal is not just about individual families,” Cherki said. “It’s about a society’s commitment to life and solidarity. Despite its flaws, this deal may serve as a key to healing a broken nation.”
Global Real Estate adviser Jenna Stauffer breaks down her outlook for the housing market in 2025 during an appearance on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
If you consider owning a home as part and parcel of the American Dream, you aren’t alone. A survey recently released by Realtor.com showed many American adults hold that belief.
The proportion of U.S. adults that still consider home ownership to be a component of the American Dream stood at 75%, according to the Realtor.com survey.
The survey involved about 2,200 adults in the U.S. and took place online Nov. 7-8.
Homes in the Issaquah Highlands area of Issaquah, Washington on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The association between homeownership and the American dream was observed most prominently among Baby Boomers, at 84%, per the real estate site.
TOP HOUSING MARKETS FOR 2025 REVEALED IN NEW FORECAST
Generation X, millennials and Generation Z “agree but to a lesser degree” that owning a home remains an important aspect of the American dream. The survey found 74%, 69% and 67% of those generations respectively reported they hold that belief, Realtor.com said.
Many Americans aim to purchase a home of their own during their lifetimes. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported that feat was a “life goal,” per the survey.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the U.S. homeownership rate hovered at 65.6% as of the third quarter of 2024.
Real estate auctions can be a great way to get a good deal on a home, but there are risks to consider. (iStock / iStock)
In the Realtor.com survey, half of American adults maintained they must become a homeowner to “achieve long-term wealth.”
83% OF AMERICANS CONSIDER HOMEOWNERSHIP AN ESSENTIAL LIFE MILESTONE: SURVEY
Of the generations, millennials reported ascribing to that belief the most, at 53%, per the survey. A similar share of Gen Z Americans – 52% – did as well.
“Home, and land, ownership has been part of the American dream for generations, and while current conditions around affordability and the availability of homes make ownership more challenging, many Americans still see that ideal of having a home that belongs to them as a key cornerstone of achieving both the American Dream and creating long-term wealth for themselves and their families,” Realtor.com Vice President of Research and Insights Laura Eddy said in a statement.
Sold Home For Sale Sign and New House (iStock / iStock)
Bullish feelings about the feasibility of personally becoming a homeowner were reported by 59% of Americans, according to the survey. Meanwhile, 20% “somewhat” or “strongly” disagreed with the notion that it was “achievable.”
LOOKING TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME? THESE MARKETS ARE YOUR BEST BET IN 2025
Homes in the U.S. sold for a median of $427,670 in December, marking a 6.3% jump from the same time in the prior year, according to a Jan. 17 Redfin report. More than 1.7 million homes were on the market as of that month.
Homebuyer demand “dipped at the end of the year because mortgage rates jumped,” Redfin said.
More recently, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.04% on average the week of Jan. 16, according to Freddie Mac. That marked a 0.11 percentage point increase from the prior week.
The Connor Group founder and managing partner discusses what needs to happen to unleash the housing market and the impact of regulations on rebuilding California following the wildfires.
Existing home sales in the U.S. in 2024 were the lowest in nearly 30 years, as home prices hit an all-time high.
The National Association of Realtors released data that showed existing home sales declined to the lowest level since 1995 last year, with 4.06 million homes sold on an annual basis.
Meanwhile, the median home price rose to a record high of $407,500 in 2024.
“With mortgage rates close to 7% and generally soft homebuying sentiment, strength in existing home sales is unlikely to be sustained,” said Alice Zheng, an economist at Citigroup. “We do not expect much further upside for housing demand near-term.”
HOW EXTREME WEATHER, HIGH HOME PRICES COULD AFFECT THE 2025 HOUSING MARKET
Existing home sales fell to the lowest level in nearly 30 years in 2024. (iStock / iStock)
Existing home sales did show signs of rising in the closing months of 2024, rising 2.2% from November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.24 million in December. Year-over-year, sales were up 9.3% from an annual rate of 3.88 million in December 2023.
“Home sales in the final months of the year showed solid recovery despite elevated mortgage rates,” said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.
“Home sales during the winter are typically softer than the spring and summer, but momentum is rising with sales climbing year-over-year for three straight months,” Yun said. “Consumers clearly understand the long-term benefits of homeownership. Job and wage gains, along with increased inventory, are positively impacting the market.”
HOUSING SUPPLY JUMPS TO 4-YEAR HIGH – BUT IT’S NOT ALL GREAT NEWS
Existing home sales increased on an annual basis in all four regions analyzed by the NAR, while prices also increased in each of the four regions.
Sales were up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis – the largest gain since June 2021, which was mostly driven by transactions for housing valued at over $500,000.
TOP HOUSING MARKETS FOR 2025 REVEALED IN NEW FORECAST
Elevated mortgage rates have chilled the housing market. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The median home price for existing homes was $404,400 – an increase of 6% from $381,400 a year ago.
“The median home price was elevated partly due to the upper-end market’s relative better performance,” Yun said. “Sales rose by 35% from a year ago for homes priced above $1 million, while sales fell for homes priced under $250,000.”
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
First-time homebuyers accounted for 31% of home sales in December, up from 30% in November and 29% in December 2023.
NAR’s “Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers” that was released in November found that the annual share of first-time home buyers was 24%, the lowest ever recorded.
Manipur Foundation Day, also called Manipur Statehood Day, is celebrated every year on January 21. Manipur Foundation Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 21. T marks the day when Manipur became a full-fledged state of India. The day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, exhibitions, programmes, workshops, and seminars that talk about the state’s history, culture, and heritage. Celebrate the day by whipping up a delicious plate of Eromba, a traditional dish from Manipur. Eromba is made using boiled vegetables like potatoes, yam or beans, king chillies, salt, and fermented fish, or ngari in Manipuri, which is the hero ingredient. The boiled ingredients are mashed together for a spicy and flavourful dish. For the full recipe, watch the below Raja Rasoi Aur Andaaz Anokha video. Manipur Statehood Day Date: Know the History and Significance of the Day When Manipur Became a Full-Fledged State.
Chef Ranveer Brar Cooks Manipuri Traditional Dish Eromba
(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Ohio State Highway Patrol have released dash cam footage showing a traffic stop and the eventual arrest of four men. The men are suspects in the December robbery of an Ohio home owned by Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow.
The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback was competing against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas when the home invasion took place. Olivia Ponton, a model and social media influencer who was identified as Burrow’s employee in the incident report, was at the home at the time of the incident. But, no one was injured during the break-in.
However, Burrow’s house was rifled through, per a report from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The four suspects, who were described as Chilean nationals, were arrested following “an ongoing investigation involving burglaries of multimillion-dollar homes in multiple states,” according to WLWT-TV, citing court documents.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on before kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona.(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Sergio Cabello, Bastian Morales, Jordan Sanchez and Alexander Chavez were arrested in Clark County after being pulled over by Ohio State Highway Patrol on Jan. 10, documents showed.
“All four males were identified as being illegally in the country or overstaying their permissions,” the arrest report read, as all the men provided fake IDs.
JOE BURROW BREAKS SILENCE ABOUT HOME BURGLARY, SAYS ‘LACK OF PRIVACY’ IS ‘DIFFICULT…TO DEAL WITH’
Court documents added that authorities found “an old LSU shirt and Bengals hat, believed to be stolen from the December 9, 2024 burglary in Hamilton County, Ohio.” Burrow’s played college football at LSU and currently resides in Hamilton County.
The search of the vehicle the suspects were in also discovered “two Husky automatic center punch tools wrapped in a cloth towel.” The tool has been used by the South American Theft Group, according to authorities.
The four suspects face charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, participation in a criminal gang, possessing criminal tools and obstructing official business.
Ponton called her mother Diane Ponton, and then 911 was contacted as the break-in was happening, deputies reported.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Cincinnati, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
“Someone is trying to break into the house right now,” Diane Ponton was heard saying on the recorded 911 call. “My daughter is there. This is Joe Burrow’s house. She is staying there. He’s at the football game. She’s wondering what she should do, if she should be hiding or if she should go outside.”
Burrow broke his silence a few days after the incident occurred, saying the situation left him feeling “violated.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow rolls out to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
“So obviously everybody has heard what has happened. I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one. And way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share, so that’s all I got to say about that,” Burrow said during a scheduled media availablilty in December.
“We live a public life, and one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy. And that has been difficult for me to deal with my entire career. Still learning. But I understand it’s the life that we choose. Doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The NFL released a memo earlier this year urging players to be on high alert after homes were hit, which included Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
In November, the NBA sent a memo to team officials after Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley were victims of home invasions.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
The White House has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the security of internet-connected devices in American homes.
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a new cybersecurity safety label, is set to appear on smart products sold in the United States later this year.
This program aims to help you make informed decisions about the safety of the smart devices you bring into your home.
I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2
U.S. Cyber Trust Mark(FCC)
What is the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark?
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a label designed for consumer smart devices, including home security cameras, TVs, internet-connected appliances, fitness trackers, climate control systems and baby monitors. This mark signals that a device meets a set of security features approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
How does it work?
Vendors can label their products with the Cyber Trust Mark logo if they meet NIST’s cybersecurity criteria. These criteria include:
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
Using unique and strong default passwords
Providing software updates
Implementing data protection measures
Incorporating incident detection capabilities
Consumers will be able to scan a QR code next to the Cyber Trust Mark label to access additional security information. This information includes:
Instructions for changing the default password
Steps for securely configuring the device
Details on automatic updates and how to access them
The product’s minimum support period
Notification if the manufacturer doesn’t offer updates for the device
U.S. Cyber Trust Mark(FCC)
ARE DATA BROKERS ENDANGERING YOUR RETIREMENT SECURITY?
Why is this important?
There is a growing concern about cybercriminals remotely hacking into home security systems and malicious actors tapping into insecure home cameras. With the average U.S. household having 21 connected devices, according to a Deloitte study, the threat of cyberattacks is increasingly significant.
BEWARE OF THESE DOORBELL CAMERAS THAT COULD BE COMPROMISED BY CYBERCRIMINALS
When will we see it?
The program is set to launch in 2025. Companies will soon be able to submit their products for testing to earn the label, and major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon have committed to highlighting labeled products. The program has garnered support from major electronics, appliance and consumer product makers, including Amazon, Google, Best Buy, LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech and Samsung Electronics.
What’s not on the Cyber Trust Mark menu?
While the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark aims to cover a wide range of smart home gadgets, not everything in your tech arsenal will be sporting this new seal of approval. Here’s a rundown of what’s left out:
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Medical devices overseen by the FDA: Your smart pacemaker won’t be getting the mark.
Cars and car equipment that are under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s watchful eye: So, no Cyber Trust Mark on your fancy new electric vehicle.
Wired devices: This program is all about wireless wonders.
Industrial and enterprise gear: It’s focused on consumer products, not factory floors.
Any equipment on the FCC’s naughty list (aka Covered List) or made by companies on that list
IoT products from companies flagged for national security concerns
Gadgets made by companies banned from federal shopping sprees
And here’s a surprise: Your trusty personal computer, smartphone and router won’t be getting the Cyber Trust Mark either, at least not yet. The program is kicking off with wireless consumer IoT products, but who knows? It might grow to include more devices down the road. For now, NIST is cooking up some cybersecurity rules for those consumer-grade routers we all rely on.
So, while you might not see the Cyber Trust Mark on everything in your tech toolkit, it’s a solid start in making our connected homes a bit safer from digital ne’er-do-wells.
SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES
Home devices and cellphone(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HACKED CHROME EXTENSIONS PUT 2.6 MILLION USERS AT RISK OF DATA LEAK
Kurt’s key takeaways
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a game-changer for you and me as consumers in our hyper-connected world. Let’s face it: Understanding device security can be a headache. But this program cuts through the tech jargon, giving us clear, easy-to-grasp info about the gadgets we’re considering bringing into our homes.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
How do you think the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark will impact your future purchasing decisions for smart home devices? Will you actively look for this label when shopping for new gadgets? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
A new lawsuit in New York alleges Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, of ignoring the sexual abuse of a minor that occurred both at their home and a church.
The New York Yankees legend is the pastor of Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle, roughly 15 miles from where he played.
However, “Jane Doe” says she was sexually abused by an older girl, known as “MG,” during a summer internship in 2018. MG was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Yankees star Mariano Rivera stands with his Hall of Fame plaque during a ceremony in his honor at Yankee Stadium on August 17, 2019.(Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The internship took place at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, which was affiliated with Rivera’s church.
The suit says that the victim’s mother informed Clara of the abuse and that Clara promised to investigate the matter. But they allegedly covered it up.
“Rather than take sufficient action to end the sexual abuse of Jane Doe, the Riveras each separately isolated and intimidated Jane Doe to remain silent about her abuse by MG to avoid causing trouble for Refuge of Hope and the Ignite Life Summer Internship,” the suit reads.
The suit also alleges that MG abused the victim at the Rivera residence that summer during a barbecue.
New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera throws in the ninth inning against the Mariners, June 9, 2013, in Seattle.(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
ICHIRO SUZUKI 1 VOTE SHY OF BECOMING UNANIMOUS HALL OF FAMER, PROMPTING SOCIAL MEDIA UPROAR: ‘MORONIC’
“At all times relevant, [the Riveras] knew or should have known that MG was a risk to sexually abuse children… before and during the time of the barbecue,” the suit reads.
“In order to avoid the potential scandal of child sexual abuse in its programs and otherwise protect [themselves] above all else, the Riveras… assured [Doe’s mother] that [Doe] was safe and in no danger at Ignite Life Center, despite actual or constructive knowledge that Doe remained vulnerable to additional acts of sexual abuse by MG.”
Several months later, in January 2019, Rivera became the first, and still only, player to be unanimously elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Later that year, President Donald Trump, during his first presidency, awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees waves to the crowd after breaking the career saves record on Sept. 19, 2011, at Yankee Stadium.(Rob Tringali/MLB via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Rivera, widely known as the greatest closer in the history of baseball, is the sport’s all-time saves leader with 652. His 2.21 ERA is also the lowest by any pitcher with at least 500 innings since the live-ball era began in 1920.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
