The Faulkner Focus - Wednesday, December 24
Economy, Tarrifs, Scott Bessant
Jack in the Box shut down more than 70 stores with more expected by year's end over financial struggles
Jack in the Box is closing dozens of restaurants as part of a major cost-cutting plan, with 72 locations shuttered so far and more expected in the near future.
Holiday barks sold at Aldi recalled over potential undeclared pecans, wheat: FDA
Silvestri Sweets recalled Choceur-branded holiday bark sold at Aldi stores after a packaging mix-up led to undeclared allergens in the popular treats.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan reveals book, documentary offers after 16 years leading the Archdiocese of New York
Cardinal Timothy Dolan reveals book and documentary offers as he steps down from his role as archbishop of New York, a position he has held for 16 years.
Americans lose track of time between holidays, research shows
'The Big Money Show' panel discusses the trend of decompression and disconnecting between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Rand Paul's 'Festivus Report' indentifies $1.6 trillion in waste
'The Big Money Show' panel examines Sen. Rand Paul's 'Festivus Report' and discusses the government's wasteful spending.
Where you can shop for your last-minute Christmas needs
Need last-minute holiday essentials? Find out which major retailers like Target have modified hours on Christmas Eve and will close for the holiday.
It's ‘no surprise at all’ that inflation is higher in blue states, GOP lawmaker says
Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., weighs in on a report regarding the difference in inflation between Democratic and Republican states, whether there is a solution to health care and the Minnesota fraud scandal on 'Varney & Co.'
Mortgage rates fall ahead of Christmas holiday
The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell this week to 6.18%, according to the latest Freddie Mac data released on Wednesday. That is down from last week's reading of 6.21%.
Low inflation and rising wages set stage for strong growth ahead
‘The Big Money Show’ panel breaks down falling gas prices, record stock gains and why strong economic data has critics scrambling.
FDA approves Novo Nordisk's weight-loss pill
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel discusses the FDA approving Novo Nordisk's Wegovy weight-loss pill, 19 states suing Health and Human Services over youth gender care and more on 'Varney & Co.'
University teaching assistant fired after failing student over Christian views in essay
Campus Reform reporter Emily Sturge joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down a University of Oklahoma controversy after a student was given a zero for referencing the Bible in an essay on gender stereotypes.
Jim Beam suspends flagship distillery production for all of 2026
Fox News chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to report on Jim Beam’s decision to pause flagship distillery production in 2026 amid falling consumption, tariffs and growing economic concerns in bourbon country.
R 'Ray' Wang forecasts ‘interesting action’ ahead for markets in 2026
Constellation Research founder R 'Ray' Wang breaks down his expectations for markets and trends in the year ahead, as well as ServiceNow’s anticipated acquisition of Armis, on ‘Varney & Co.’
Why cheaper beef prices are still a long way off
Beef prices may drop but consumers face "slow and painful" wait for relief, warns a Wells Fargo economist. Cattle shortages continue to keep costs high.
Ex-Toys'R'Us CEO downplays fear mongering over tariffs: ‘The sky is not falling’
Storch Advisors CEO Gerald Storch joins 'Varney & Co.' to discuss consumer resiliency during the holiday season and how retailers have dealt with the impact from tariffs.
Turmoil inside China’s military as Xi Jinping loyalists disappear
Gatestone Institute senior fellow Gordon Chang joins ‘Varney and Co.’ to discuss turmoil inside China’s military, growing missile threats to the U.S. and mounting economic instability under Xi Jinping.
Trump expands Gen Z outreach through social media and campus engagement
Political commentator Brilyn Hollyhand joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss growing Gen Z support for President Donald Trump, shifting political priorities among young voters and the role technology and AI play in the future workforce.
Bull market has 'room to run' heading into 2026: Market expert
Morgan Stanley senior vice president of investments Jim Lacamp joins 'Mornings with Maria' to discuss a potential Santa Claus rally, AI-driven market gains and why the outlook for interest rates could shape stocks and housing in 2026.
GOP lawmakers call for fiscal discipline to protect economy
Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss rising GDP growth, wage gains and how GOP economic policies could ease affordability pressures.