All I Want Is Records: Mariah Carey’s Christmas Classic Makes ‘Billboard’ Hot 100 History
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" remains an unstoppable yuletide force more than 30 years after its release.
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is the gift that keeps on giving. This time it has helped the Grammy-winning singer reach a set of milestones on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
With the 2025 holiday season in full effect, Carey’s signature 1994 Christmas classic is once again leading Billboard’s ranking of the most-played songs nationwide. With its latest climb to No. 1, Carey has now logged 100 total weeks atop the Hot 100—the second-highest total in history behind The Beatles, and the most ever for a female artist or solo performer, Forbes reports.
Within the next month, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” will have spent more time at No. 1 than any of Carey’s other hits. The holiday classic has notched its twenty-first week at the top of the Hot 100, marking another first in her career.
After hitting 20 weeks at No. 1, Carey’s holiday classic surpassed both Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which had previously shared the record after each spending 19 weeks at the top. Among all artists in Hot 100 history, Carey stands far ahead when it comes to total weeks spent at No. 1—a lead she’s held for years.
Elvis Presley follows with 79 weeks, while Rihanna, The Beatles, and Drake round out the top five with 60, 59, and 56 weeks at the summit, respectively.
So far this holiday season, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has ruled the Hot 100 for three straight weeks. The holiday classic is one of three Carey singles to enjoy double-digit weeks at No. 1. “One Sweet Day” with Boyz II Men and “We Belong Together” topped the chart for 16 and 14 weeks, respectively. Her early ’90s hits, “Fantasy” and “Dreamlover” each spent eight weeks in the No. 1 spot.
BofA’s CEO Brian Moynihan: Maintaining An Independent Fed Is ‘Paramount’ To Economic Stability
Despite the numerous attempts to shake things up at the Fed and consumers feeling the weight of Trump’s policies, Moynihan feels the economy is on the upswing.
While President Donald J. Trump searches for a new chair of the Federal Reserve, banking leaders like Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan say that without independent banking systems, the market will push back, CBS News reports.
In an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Moynihan suggested there is “too much fascination with the Fed” right now amid interest rates being cut down for the third time in a row, reducing the federal funds rate. He warns there will be consequences and that the market “will punish people if we don’t have an independent Fed.” “And everybody knows that,” he told Brennan.
Brian Moynihan, Bank of America CEO: “The market will punish people if we don't have an independent Fed. And everybody knows that.”
Principles are principles. The independence of the Federal Reserve is one we can’t afford to discard. pic.twitter.com/AaW330OGrL
During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest rates fell to almost zero, but in 2022 they began rising again to curb inflation. Following the agency’s meeting in early December, the benchmark interest rates reached their lowest since November 2022.
Moynihan may be correct in his stance on the fascination with the Federal Reserve, thanks to Trump bringing the independent agency to the forefront. Since taking office, the president has expressed displeasure with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who is retiring in May 2026. Then there was his attempt to remove Lisa Cook, who serves on the Board of Governors, and his unsuccessful claim that she committed mortgage fraud.
A 1935 Supreme Court ruling found that Congress may limit the grounds on which the president can fire Fed members, but that didn’t stop the high court from giving Trump the power to fire members of federal labor boards. However, the limit was the Federal Reserve, which was called a “uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks of the United States.”
Despite numerous attempts to shake things up at the Fed and consumers feeling the weight of Trump’s policies, Moynihan feels the economy is on the upswing — it may just take some time for consumers to feel it. “It’s pretty solid right now,” he said, according to the Washington Times, while highlighting spending in November being higher than in 2024, wages going up, and unemployment remaining “very low.”
“They saw the inflation in ‘20 and ‘23 and ‘24 that was on their minds, and they want to see it subsist, and it’ll take a little while to subsist, but as you go into 26, having come through 25, the incremental hit of that [inflation] would be lower,” the banking CEO continued.
Meanwhile, Republicans are crossing their fingers that a strong economy and consumer optimism will work in their favor ahead of the 2026 midterm election season, when the Democratic Party has the opportunity to snatch back the House majority. Trump and GOP lawmakers have remained steadfast in telling voters the economy is all thanks to the Biden administration and Democrats.
Breaking! Ex-Boxing Champ Anthony Joshua Injured In Deadly Car Crash In Nigeria
Two died in the Monday collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries Monday in a fatal vehicle collision in Nigeria on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just nine days after his high-profile knockout victory over YouTube star Jake Paul.
Local authorities confirmed that two other passengers in the vehicle were killed in the accident, which occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time near Sagamu, Joshua’s ancestral hometown in Ogun State, according to ESPN.
The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer was a rear-seat passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle suffered a tire failure. According to Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, the burst tire caused the driver to lose control, sending the car into a stationary commercial truck parked along the shoulder of the highway.
“He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention,” the Ogun State Police Command said in a statement. “Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene.”
Joshua was transported to an undisclosed hospital in Nigeria for evaluation. While photos circulating on social media showed the boxer being assisted from the wreckage and appearing to be in pain, his representatives have offered an optimistic outlook.
“Early indications are he is OK but waiting on further official news,” a spokesperson for Joshua told ESPN.
The crash comes during a period of professional resurgence for Joshua. On Dec. 19, he delivered a commanding sixth-round knockout against Paul in Miami, a win that moved him to a 29-4 professional record. The victory also reignited talks of a massive 2026 domestic showdown with British rival Tyson Fury.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was on vacation with family at the time of the incident, expressed relief regarding Joshua’s condition while acknowledging the severity of the crash.
“We are trying to contact Anthony, and in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on how he is, but thankfully, he appears OK from what I have seen in the images,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport. “We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Preliminary findings from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest that excessive speed may have played a role in the collision during an attempted overtaking maneuver. Five adult males were reportedly involved in the crash; two died at the scene, while two others escaped without injury.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most critical and congested arteries, frequently cited by local authorities for accidents involving stationary vehicles and high speeds.
The Ogun State Police Command said that a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway.
DOJ Leverages Civil War-Era Fraud Statute To Investigate DEI Initiatives At Google, Verizon, And Defense Firms
The False Claims Act (FCA), a 162-year-old statute originally designed to combat fraud by defense contractors during the American Civil War.
The Department of Justice has launched an expansive investigation into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs of several of the nation’s most prominent corporations, signaling a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle race-conscious policies in the private sector.
According to a Dec. 29 report by The Wall Street Journal, federal investigators have issued demands for documents and internal information from companies, including Google and Verizon, targeting hiring and promotion initiatives that critics argue may violate federal law.
The probes are being conducted under the False Claims Act (FCA), a 162-year-old statute originally designed to combat fraud by defense contractors during the American Civil War. By utilizing this specific legal mechanism, the administration appears to be testing a theory that companies receiving federal contracts may have defrauded the government by misrepresenting their compliance with neutral hiring standards or by utilizing federal funds to support prohibited diversity quotas.
The investigation is not limited to the tech and telecommunications sectors. According to sources familiar with the inquiry, the Justice Department’s Fraud Section has extended its reach into the automotive, pharmaceutical, defense, and utility industries. Several executives from these sectors have reportedly met in person with DOJ officials in recent weeks to discuss their workplace programs.
Spokespeople for Google, Verizon, and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Using the False Claims Act is a high-stakes tactical shift. Under the statute, any entity found to have “knowingly” submitted false claims to the government can be held liable for triple the damages sustained by the government, plus substantial inflation-linked penalties. Perhaps more critically, the FCA allows for “qui tam” lawsuits, enabling private citizens—often referred to as whistleblowers—to file suits on behalf of the government and share in the financial recovery.
This legal framework allows the relator to receive a share—typically 15% to 30%—of any recovered funds as an incentive for reporting the misconduct. Covering fraud in healthcare, defense contracts, education, and now potentially corporate diversity compliance, these suits serve as a crucial tool to combat government waste and corruption by holding wrongdoers accountable through the eyes of internal insiders.
The move follows a series of executive actions taken by President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration in January, aimed at purging DEI frameworks from federal agencies. Those efforts have included the termination of diversity officers and the rescinding of grant funding for programs deemed to prioritize identity-based metrics over merit.
Legal experts suggest that by targeting private-sector firms through the lens of government contracting, the administration is seeking to create a de facto ban on DEI initiatives for any company doing business with the United States.
“The administration is clearly signaling that DEI is no longer just a cultural debate, but a financial and legal liability,” said one industry consultant who requested anonymity due to ongoing litigation. “By framing these initiatives as potential fraud against the taxpayer, they are putting every major federal contractor on notice.”
The DOJ remains aggressive in its use of the FCA, having obtained more than $2.9 billion in settlements and judgments related to civil fraud cases in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. While the vast majority of those cases have historically involved healthcare and defense spending, the pivot toward workplace diversity represents a novel and potentially lucrative application of the law for the Treasury.
As the investigation continues, legal observers expect a wave of corporate policy shifts as firms weigh the benefits of their diversity initiatives against the risk of multi-million dollar federal penalties and the loss of government contracts.
Holiday Tragedy: Boy, 15, Arrested In Fatal Christmas Shooting of 13-Year-Old Girl
Emony Nicole Jackson died at a local hospital in Orange County, Florida.
In Orange County, Fla., 13-year-old Emony Nicole Jackson was shot at home on Christmas before dying from her injuries at a local hospital, WTOC reports.
Officials from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said a 15-year-old boy told police officers that he was responsible for the shooting and that it was an accident.
The boy was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
“She would never go to prom,” said Tremaine Henderson, Jackson’s cousin. “She would never get to go to college. He’s a child, but at the end of the day, his family will get to see him. My family won’t get to see Emony anymore.”
Jackson had two close family members die in a 2017 car crash.
“She went through a lot in her life with her mother passing away, a few years back, and her baby sister, but the lemons she was given, she made lemonade of it,” Henderson said.
People reported that the incident took place around 4:45 p.m. Police officers were summoned to the scene after being informed that someone had been shot at the 2200 block of Okada Court in Orlando.
“At 15, you should not have a gun,” Chrissy Boyce, who was mentoring Jackson through a nonprofit organization, Elevate Orlando, said. “I think there needs to be some accountability.”
Boyce said Jackson was looking forward to starting high school and wanted to become a cheerleader. “I talked to the coach,” Boyce said, according to People. “But unfortunately, I won’t be able to get that information to Emony.”
No details have been released regarding the suspect’s court date.
‘GWOAT’ Claressa Shields Inducted Into Michigan Sports Hall of Fame
The Flint-born boxing champion will be honored for her historic amateur career as she prepares for a major title rematch in Detroit.
Claressa Shields, one of the most decorated boxers in American history, was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame this month, an honor that arrives while she remains an active and dominant force in the sport. The ceremony was scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
The induction ceremony recognized Shields’ extraordinary amateur career, which includes two Olympic gold medals and a record that established her as a generational talent before she ever turned professional.
Tickets for the event were available on the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame website and ranged from $25 on up.
For Shields, the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects achievements earned long before her professional success.
“To be named a Hall of Famer before I even fully stepped into my professional journey is incredible,” she said. “It’s an honor I truly appreciate.”
A native of Flint, Shields maintains deep ties to Michigan, frequently choosing to fight in Detroit rather than relocating major bouts elsewhere. She has consistently drawn large crowds to hometown arenas, building a loyal fan base in the state that helped shape her rise. “The support I get here is amazing,” she said. “I keep selling out arenas because of the love.”
While the Hall of Fame honor highlights her past accomplishments, Shields’ focus remains firmly on the future. She is currently preparing for a highly anticipated rematch against Franchón Crews-Dezurn, scheduled for Feb. 22 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Multiple championship belts will be at stake in the bout, which Shields expects to be fiercely competitive. “This fight is going to be intense,” she said. “All the belts are on the line. It’s going to be a fire fight.”
Shields has often spoken about the motivation she draws from representing both Flint and Detroit, cities with long-standing sports traditions. “Detroit is the center of everything,” she said. “The energy here keeps me motivated.”
Being inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame while still chasing championships places Shields in rare company. She views the honor as recognition not only of her victories but of her broader influence on boxing.
“Winning a world championship is amazing,” Shields said. “But being recognized as a Hall of Famer? That hits different.”
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, the 2025 Hall of Fame class included seven inductees across multiple categories, with Shields joining fellow honorees such as Detroit Red Wings legend Chris Chelios and former Detroit Pistons star Rasheed Wallace.
More Than New Year’s Eve: Black Churches Nationwide Mark Freedom’s Eve With Sacred Watch Night Service
The service continues a tradition that traces its roots to Dec. 31, 1862.
Morris Brown AME Church Freedom’s Eve Midday Watch Service on Dec. 31 in Charleston, South Carolina,continues a tradition that traces its roots to Dec. 31, 1862, when African Americans, specifically those held in enslavement in Confederate states, gathered in prayer and anticipation for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect at midnight.
The midday event, held at Morris Brown AME Church, invites worshipers to gather from noon to 1:30 p.m. for reflection, praise, and a communal moment of spiritual preparation. Organizers are aiming for a communal gathering of positivity as the year ends and a new one begins.
Watch Night services are late-night vigils held on New Year’s Eve that combine worship, prayer, testimony, and fellowship. They are especially meaningful in African American churches as a time to remember the legacy of emancipation and to enter the new year with renewed faith and hope.
A few other Watch Night events include:
Annual Watch Night Service, New Unity Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio —Worship, testimony, prayer, and a sacred countdown into the new year beginning at 7 p.m. at 2908 Hamilton Ave.
Watch Night Service, Westside Baptist Church — A community worship service beginning at 10 p.m., featuring preaching, praise, and fellowship as congregants celebrate the end of 2025 and look ahead to 2026.
Watchnight Service, Shiloh Baptist Church of Baltimore County — A Dec. 31 event marking the year’s close with worship and spiritual reflection.
Watchnight Service, MT Calvary Holy Church — Begins at 10 p.m. Dec. 31, inviting congregants to pray and celebrate as the new year arrives.
Watch Night Service, Trinity Retreat Center, New York City — A late-night service from 11 p.m. to midnight for reflection and transition into the new year.
Asbury United Methodist Church Watchnight Services, Washington, D.C. — Multiple gatherings, including evening watch time led by church leaders, reflecting the widespread tradition of watchnight vigils.
Across the United States, many Black churches and other congregations hold Watch Night services. The events often begin in the late evening and continue past midnight. Church’s combine prayer, song, and spiritual reflection as congregants celebrate a year’s accomplishments and seek guidance for the year ahead.
The Freedom’s Eve tradition remains central to these services, commemorating the moment when enslaved and free African Americans collectively awaited freedom and helping shape Watch Night into an enduring spiritual and cultural observance.
California Judge Rules Schools Cannot Withhold Students’ Gender Identity From Parents
LGBTQ+ activists say the ruling can negatively impact students’ safety.
A federal judge in San Diego ruled that parents have a constitutional right to be informed if their child changes their gender presentation at school, and schools can’t withhold that information from parents.
The ruling originates from a class-action lawsuit filed in April 2023 by two former teachers from the Escondido Union School District, Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori Ann West. They cited their Christian faith when challenging their district’s policy, which prohibited school employees from informing parents about a student’s transgender status without the student’s consent. They argued that this policy violated their First Amendment rights.
In a 52-page ruling issued on Dec 22, Judge Roger Benitez determined that parents have a constitutional right to know if their child might be transgender, and California public schools cannot prevent employees from informing parents. Additionally, the ruling bans public school employees from misleading parents about their child’s gender presentation at school, such as by using pronouns or names different from those used at home. The ruling also prohibits employees from calling students by names or pronouns that don’t match their legal ones unless they have the parents’ permission.
In the ruling, Benitez cited the Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year in Mahmoud v. Taylor, where the court sided with Maryland parents who argued that the Montgomery County School District’s refusal to allow opt-outs from the LGBTQ+-inclusive K-5 curriculum infringed on their First Amendment religious rights.
The LGBTQ+ legal advocacy group Equality California said that the decision is “dangerous” because it targets protections that keep LGBTQ+ students safe in schools.
“This ruling comes at a time when transgender and gender-nonconforming youth across the country are facing a coordinated effort to undermine their safety and well-being, Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang said in a statement.
The state has already appealed the case, arguing that the injunction could cause significant harm to students.
“The Court’s sweeping injunction, which forecloses enforcement of state constitutional and statutory protections applicable in the school environment, inflicts severe and indisputable irreparable harm on California,” the appeal notes.
Petition To Deport The Head Barb In Charge, Nicki Minaj, Is Taking Off
The petition calls for Minaj to be returned to her home island Trinidad and Tobago.
A petition to deport rapper Nicki Minaj, real name Onika Maraj, to her home country of Trinidad and Tobago has gathered more than 37,000 signatures.
The petition, hosted on Change.org, surfaced after Minaj’s recent appearance at a Turning Point USA America Fest event, where she made comments in support of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Minaj also made remarks that were considered transphobic.
During her talk with Erika Kirk, Minaj leaned into a right-wing talking point that posits white people are being demonized and asked to be ashamed of themselves.
“I don’t need someone with blonde hair and blue eyes to downplay their beauty, because I know my beauty,” she said.
Minaj added that she thinks boys are being discouraged from being masculine.“It’s OK. Be boys,” she said. “There’s nothing wrong with being a boy…How powerful is that? How profound is that? Boys will be boys, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
While Minaj said nothing explicitly malicious, her willingness to lend her voice in support of Turning Point USA and its backers was a hard pill to swallow for many. Charlie Kirk, the late founder of the organization, is on record saying disparaging things about Minaj, Black people, and Black women.
Her willingness to share the stage with Kirk’s widow, Erika, is enraging and baffling to many fans and foes. Needless to say, when the calls for deportation came, reactions varied.
@yubeeri posted: “Me liking all the deport Nicki Minaj tweets,” accompanied with a popular Beyonce Gif.
— bee likes stranger things and will be spoiling (@yubeeri) December 21, 2025
@fudontlike2bad laid out a case as to why the “Pink Print” rapper should no longer be allowed in the country including her support for known child abusers.
“Nicki Minaj keeps inserting herself into U.S. political debates despite not being a U.S. citizen & after supporting her brother, convicted of child sexual assault, & her husband, a sex offender. She can’t vote & defends deviants & has sh*tty opinions.”
For X user @rodrodyrod, the petition revealed Minaj’s non-citizen status: “Hold on, wait a goddamn minute: Nicki Minaj is not a US Citizen . . . and she’s Maga?”
With America’s immigration policies in upheaval, Minaj’s immigrant status could very well become a problem. In a recent TikTok live session, she said she is paid more than enough monetarily to be granted citizenship.
“I was born on a beautiful island called Trinidad and Tobago. But I’ve been in the states for many years. You would think that with the millions of dollars that I’ve paid in taxes to this country that I would have been given an honorary citizenship many, many, many thousands of years ago.”
Niger Cancels All U.S. Visas After Trump Expands Travel Ban
According to Niger government officials, the country is "completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens."
A growing diplomatic standoff is unfolding after one country announced it will cancel all visas for Americans in response to the Trump administration’s expanded U.S. travel ban that included the West African country.
In mid-December, President Donald Trump broadened restrictions on travel to the United States, adding 20 more countries and the Palestinian Authority to an existing list. The move brought the total number of affected nations to 39, spanning Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
Some countries now face a total ban on entry to the U.S., while others are subject to limits on student and business visas.
Niger has responded. According to government officials, the country is “completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens” and indefinitely banning Americans from entering its territory until further notice.” TheStreetreported the statement was confirmed to the Associated Press and marks a rare instance of a country imposing a blanket visa ban on U.S. travelers.
U.S. officials pointed to Niger residents’ overstay rates exceeding 13 percent for business visas and more than 16 percent for student visas, along with concerns about militant activity in the region.
Niger’s decision follows mounting tension between Washington and Niamey. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated since a military coup last year and the collapse of long-standing security partnerships. Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in Niger suspended routine visa processing, signaling a broader breakdown in cooperation. Analysts say visa restrictions have now become a pressure tactic on both sides.
Other countries targeted by the expanded U.S. ban have also pushed back. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne publicly criticized the administration’s reasoning, calling the allegations about the country’s citizenship policies outdated and inaccurate. Several African and Caribbean nations have issued statements condemning the travel restrictions as unfair and damaging to diplomatic ties.
The consequences are immediate for Americans. Those traveling to Niger for humanitarian aid, journalism, business, or family reasons now face major obstacles unless they already hold valid visas or qualify for narrow exemptions. Niger, meanwhile, risks losing economic benefits tied to foreign travel, international projects, and investment.
Nigerien nationals are set to be fully barred from entering the United States when the expanded ban takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
