Jimmy Kimmel used his Christmas Day message to U.K. viewers Thursday to declare victory for free speech over President Trump's calls to cancel his talk show.
The big picture: British public broadcaster Channel 4 selects a high-profile figure to deliver an alternative to the British monarch's annual Christmas message — and Kimmel admitted in his that he has "no idea" what's going on in the U.K. but said "tyranny is booming" in the U.S., per a transcript published online.
Christmas doesn't end at the tree — for many, it ends at the return counter.
Why it matters: Americans return tens of billions of dollars' worth of unwanted Christmas gifts every year, turning good intentions into one of retail's biggest annual money sinks.
Last Christmas, we showed you how people would use AI in their daily lives. This year, to save you from tears, we're telling you how they're choosing not to use it.
Why it matters: AI is reshaping how people work and create, but many are making deliberate choices about when to leave it on the sidelines.
The weight-loss drug boom is creating a whirlwind of uncertainty for the fitness industry around a very basic question: Will GLP-1 users work out more or less?
Why it matters: About 1 in 8 U.S. adults have already taken the medications, whether for diabetes or weight loss purposes, according to the KFF Health Tracking Poll in May 2024 — and it's expected to keep surging.
Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas, lottery officials said Thursday.
Why it matters: The win caps one of the largest jackpot runs in U.S. lottery history and delivers a rare Christmas Eve payout — turning a $2 ticket into a life-changing windfall.
Photo illustration: Maura Kearns/Axios; Photos: Kypros/Getty Images, Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Over a million more potential Epstein documents have been handed over to the Department of Justice for review and possible release, the DOJ said Wednesday.
Why it matters: The announcement mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve comes as the DOJ faces scrutiny for not releasing all records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before a Dec. 19 congressionally mandated deadline that President Trump signed into law.
Santa Claus is coming to town — and he's down with the digital age.
The big picture: The old Santa model consisted of a long line of tiny tots waiting for a camera, a chair and a photo op. The mall Santa still exists, but the modern Saint Nick also meets families where they are.
The Trump administration imposed visa restrictions Tuesday on five Europeans the State Department accused of leading "efforts to coerce American platforms to censor" or "suppress" U.S. viewpoints they oppose.
The big picture: Among those now barred from entering the U.S. is former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, whom under secretary of state for public diplomacy Sarah Rogers on X called "a mastermind of the Digital Services Act," which imposes requirements on social media platforms, including content moderation.
Just a few years ago, Santa Claus literally couldn't come to town: Headlines warned of too few St. Nick lookalikes available to make appearances at malls, stores, office parties and private gatherings.
Recent anecdotes suggest that demand for Santas has become more Grinch-like, mirroring what's happening for temporary workers broadly.
Why it matters: Not even a Christmas season icon can dodge the labor market's woes.
The big picture: Many retailers are operating with reduced hours on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day, including Walmart, Best Buy and Macy's. Store and curbside pickup hours can vary by location.
The U.S. is on pace for the largest one-year drop in murders the nation has ever recorded, according to an analysis by crime stats expert Jeff Asher.
The big picture: The decline in killings is part of a broader decrease in violent crime following the COVID-era spike. Mass killings in the U.S. also fell in 2025, reaching their lowest level since 2006.
Last-minute holiday shoppers will find fewer options Wednesday, as most grocery stores shorten hours on Christmas Eve and some close earlier than usual.
Why it matters: Christmas Eve is one of the busiest grocery shopping days of the year — and also one of the most limited.
