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In an era when politics and the culture war debates often spill into entertainment, comedian Charlie Berens is betting that audiences are hungry for something else — a break from the outrage and a room united by laughter.

Berens told Fox News Digital he has no interest in adding to the polarization that has driven so many people away from one another. He would rather use his comedic talents to bring people together.

"I think there's enough polarization going on right now to where I just don't have much interest in that," he said. "I have interest — more in finding ways to bring us together, like out to a club or out to a theater or whatever."

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"I think when you get people in the same room, and you get people who may not connect on other things, connecting over something just gives more touchpoints to know that even if someone has an opposite view to you, they're not the devil, you know? You gotta have common ground."

Born and raised in Wisconsin alongside his 11 siblings, Berens explores in his newest special, "Neighborly," how growing up in a large Midwestern Catholic family has shaped how he sees the world.

"My first special was sort of about the Midwest and this is more about the world from a Midwest guy's perspective," he said. "It's also got a lot, it goes deeper into my family. I love gambling with my grandma. I love fishing with my family, and it's kind of just a lot of stories about growing up. I'm one of 12 kids, so I'm mass-produced — I got that going for me."

Berens' first exposure to comedy didn't come from his first open mic set or competing for laughs at the school lunch table — it came from sitting around his family's kitchen table.

He explained to Fox News Digital that, with such a big family, every dinner turned into a stage.

"If you're going to say something, you better make sure what you're saying is good because it's either going to make people laugh or people are going to use it to make themselves laugh at you."

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"When you're having dinner in a family of 12… the food isn't the only thing getting roasted," he joked. "Everybody is just going after each other. So it's fun… it's a fun way to grow up. I don't think I'm the funniest one in my family — in fact, not by a long shot — but it makes for an entertaining way to grow up."

While most of the roasting between one another was typically off the cuff, the comedian shared a Berens family Christmas tradition they call "gimmicks," which takes place alongside their "Secret Santa" gift exchange.

"You pick one person, obviously be nice to that person, get that person a gift and then you kind of say what you did for them on Christmas Eve. But the thing we all really look forward to is after you do that, then you get to… roast that person," he told Fox News Digital, adding that it's his favorite part of the holiday season.

Before launching his stand-up comedy career, Berens worked in a field not typically associated with laughs — journalism, where he says he infused his reporting with a comedic touch.

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"I started working in local news and doing YouTube news early on in my career. And that was sort of like the early 2010s, mid 2010s… where there was this reshaping of journalism, and comedy journalism… It was always a mix between traditional journalism and kind of like infotainment, almost where you try to make the news engaging to get people to watch," he explained to Fox News Digital.

"A lot of what it was, was sort of headline and then adding some punch lines in there or some banter," the comedian continued. "I think that kind of got me into the sort of structure of comedy — of like headline, punch line, headline, punch line — it just gets you in the rhythm of writing one-liners… So maybe that helped ease me into the comedy." 

As comedy adapted to an increasingly digital world, specials shifted from being released on vinyl records, CDs and television, to primarily existing on streaming services and websites like Netflix and YouTube.

While that evolution has helped comedians expand their reach, Berens argued that rapid technological advancement may also be distracting people from what matters most.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"If you just look at technology… how technology is moving exponentially, and you have artificial intelligence now. So it touches on sort of the absurdity of what that is and that's happening on one end, but on the other end of it, you have taking your grandma to the casino," he contrasted. "Just the observations of something as simple as that, you can find… technologically speaking, we're always looking for more and more and more, but what we have right in front of us is so great and so beautiful." 

"If we just take sort of a moment off of our phone to acknowledge that, maybe we won't always be seeking this next best thing," he added.

For Berens, comedy isn't about thrusting his beliefs onto the audience or scoring political points. It's about filling the room with people from all walks of life and uniting them under the umbrella of laughter and togetherness.

His special "Neighborly" premiered on Dec. 1, 2025, and is currently streaming on YouTube.

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Democrats in the House and the Senate on Capitol Hill clapped back with criticisms about President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, calling him out for "lies" and suggesting the president isn't winning the way Trump says he is. 

Some Democrats, like Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., argued that Trump's move to blame former President Joe Biden for the current affordability issues Americans are facing is expired, while Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said he had to up-and-leave the president's address because he was talking about making America healthier, describing the claim as a "lie." 

Markey wasn't the only Capitol Hill Democrat to accuse Trump of lying during his State of the Union speech, with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., using the same attack line.

"I don't want to respond to all of Dr. Trump's lies," Booker said when asked about Trump's address to the nation.

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But, in the process of discussing Trump's approach to immigration, Blumenthal did admit "that the border is more secure." That comment, however, was quickly followed up with a criticism about how Trump is doing just that.

"I've long favored border security. I'm pleased that the border is more secure," Blumenthal said when asked about his reaction to parts of Trump's speech. "Some of the tactics used within the country, I think, are really regrettable and inhumane. And that's why I think there needs to be reforms that stop the violations of law and constitutional rights."

ICE enforcement appeared to be a sticking point for Omar as well. 

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"It happens all the time when a president is lying and clearly forgets that his administration killed two of my constituents," she told Fox News Digital when asked about some of the interruptions that took place during the State of the Union. "It is important for the reminder to be there."

When asked about her stance on defunding ICE, Omar said, she "look[ed] forward" to doing it. 

"At this moment, actually accountability and for people to go to jail for the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti," Omar responded when asked what it would take for her to fund ICE and end the current partial government shutdown impacting workers.  

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Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran early Saturday, according to an announcement from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Katz declared a special and immediate state of emergency across the entire country.

He said the strike was "to remove threats" against the state of Israel.

This is a developing story; please check back for updates.

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Nearly 50 years after a newborn baby girl was found in a trash bag at a North Carolina landfill, authorities have arrested a woman in one of the area’s oldest unsolved cold cases.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office announced Feb. 25 that Cathy McKee, 69, of Whiteville, North Carolina was arrested and charged with felony concealing the birth of a child. McKee was identified through DNA testing as the infant’s mother.

The investigation began in 1979 after the newborn’s body was discovered at a Columbus County landfill. Despite an extensive investigation, all leads were eventually exhausted. Still, investigators said the case was "never forgotten."

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"For 47 years, this baby girl’s story was carried forward — passed from one generation of investigators to the next," the sheriff's department said. "Some who first worked the scene are still remembered today; others have since retired, moved on, or passed away."

The department said the responsibility felt by the original investigators "did not fade," calling the case a lasting reminder that the child deserved to be remembered and her story deserved answers.

Officials noted that although the case predated modern DNA technology, investigators used "extraordinary care" in preserving evidence, which ultimately made the arrest possible decades later.

"Their professionalism, compassion, and foresight ensured that this baby girl would not be lost to time," the department said.

PENNSYLVANIA GIRL’S CHURCH MURDER SOLVED AFTER FAMILY CONFESSION HELPS IDENTIFY KILLER

The case was formally reopened more than a year ago, and investigators were able to pursue new leads using advances in DNA testing, ultimately identifying McKee as the baby’s mother.

Sheriff Bill Rogers said that even after nearly half a century, the child was "never forgotten."

"As a father, this case is one that hits deeply. Every child who enters this world deserves protection, love, and the chance to be known," he said. "For 47 years, this baby girl’s life — however brief — mattered to the investigators who first held that case in their hands and to every detective who reviewed it after. She was never just evidence, never just a report. She was a child, and she was never forgotten."

McKee was released from custody on a $5,000 bond and waived her right to counsel at a court appearance this week.

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A wave of corporate relocations is reshaping the U.S. economy, and Texas is emerging as the clear winner.

According to a report by CBRE, one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firms, 561 companies have relocated their headquarters nationwide since 2018. The research shows many companies are reassessing tax climates, operating costs and growth prospects as they consider a move. 

That’s significant, because these moves are often driven by long-term financial and growth strategies, not just geography — giving business-friendly states a competitive edge. 

From Texas to Tennessee, those states are racking up new headquarters, while blue strongholds like California and New York are losing companies at a notable clip.

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The Lone Star State clearly dominates the relocation map. Dallas-Fort Worth captured 100 headquarters moves between 2018 and 2024 — the most of any metro in the country — while Austin secured another 81 and Houston added 31. Combined, those three markets accounted for more relocations than most entire states, cementing Texas' outsized role in reshaping the corporate landscape.

Meanwhile, California metros saw the steepest net losses, led by the San Francisco Bay Area with a net loss of 156 headquarters over the same period. 

THIS STATE ISN’T JUST GROWING — ITS ECONOMY IS GETTING RICHER PER RESIDENT

As blue states debate regulation and tax policy, Texas business leaders say the state's approach is paying off. Megan Mauro, interim president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, points to the state’s tax structure and lighter regulatory climate as key draws.

"We have a light regulatory touch and no personal or corporate income tax," Mauro said, citing Texas' recent $25 billion surplus as evidence of what she calls a competitive tax environment.

Her argument aligns with research from CBRE, which found that companies most often cite lower taxes, reduced operating costs and stronger growth opportunities when relocating their headquarters.

The shift has intensified scrutiny of tax policy in high-cost states. Steve Moore, economist and co-founder of Unleash Prosperity, said those states risk driving away wealth and investment.

"It is common sense for business leaders to pick places for future financial success rather than economic suffocation," Moore told Fox News Digital.

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He argued that proposals such as California’s 2026 Billionaire Tax Act are accelerating the outflow of the state's ultra-wealthy residents to lower-tax states like Texas and Florida. 

"These business tycoons are running to states like Florida and Texas because of lower taxes, economic freedom and future economic prosperity," he said, describing it as "voting with their feet."

That shift is also reflected in population data.

From 2021 to 2024, Texas and Florida posted the largest net population gains, while California and several northeastern states recorded some of the steepest losses, according to IRS and U.S. Census Bureau data.

Moore added that the broader economic implications extend beyond corporate balance sheets.

Growth in states like Texas can expand the tax base and provide additional funding flexibility for infrastructure, education and other priorities — often without raising tax rates.

Economic performance frequently shapes midterm messaging, and migration trends like these are poised to feature in debates over tax competitiveness.

Whether those patterns endure remains to be seen. For now, though, population flows are reinforcing a broader argument: tax policy is no longer an abstract debate — it’s shaping where Americans choose to build their futures.

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The federal investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, whose home and school office were raided Wednesday, may be tied to a failed multimillion-dollar AI school contract involving a potential conflict of interest.

Alberto Carvalho previously awarded a $6 million contract, paying $3 million up front, to education technology company AllHere. 

A former salesperson employed by the firm also had her Miami property raided the same day as Carvalho, according to public records cited by the Los Angeles Times. The woman, Debra Kerr, reportedly had close ties to Carvalho during his tenure leading Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Spokesperson Jim Marshall confirmed to local media Miami Herald that "we searched a residence in Southwest Ranches today as part of this matter and have since cleared the scene."

FBI RAIDS HOME AND OFFICES OF MAJOR LOS ANGELES SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

In 2023, Carvalho secured a contract with AllHere to develop an AI chatbot called "Ed," designed to help address student issues such as absenteeism.

It ultimately collapsed in 2024 after its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffi, was accused of embezzling funds amid data privacy risks and whistleblower concerns. She was later charged with securities fraud, wire fraud and identity theft.

Kerr further claimed in AllHere's bankruptcy court filings that the company owed her commissions for helping secure its deal with LAUSD, according to education-focused outlet The 74. 

While federal officials confirmed that search warrants were conducted Wednesday, they declined to reveal the nature of the investigation, noting that the warrants remain under seal.

However, sources told the LA Times that the investigation fell under the broad category of financial issues, and that the raid focused on Carvalho rather than the California school district.  

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LAUSD released a statement saying the district is fully cooperating with federal officials.

"The LAUSD Board of Education understands that today’s news has raised questions across our school communities," it said. 

"The Board’s priority remains ensuring that our students, families, and employees experience a safe and welcoming learning environment. Teaching and learning continue across our schools. Los Angeles Unified continues to stay focused on our responsibility to serve students and our families."

The superintendent has led the nation’s second-largest school district since 2022, overseeing the education of roughly 400,000 students. He was also unanimously reappointed to the position in September 2025.  

Before moving to California, he spent 14 years leading Miami‑Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest school district. 

Wednesday’s raids mark the latest controversy to engulf Carvalho.

In 2020, he helped secure a $1.57 million donation from a company that had a pending contract with the district, the Miami Herald reported.

The funds reportedly went to an education nonprofit he founded, and the company’s online learning program, which was ultimately plagued with problems, was quickly scrapped.

In June 2021, the school’s inspector general determined that the donation, intended to benefit teachers, did not violate any policies but created the "appearance of impropriety," the outlet said. The foundation was subsequently urged to return the funds, which reportedly had been distributed to teachers as $100 gift certificates.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted flights Thursday near Fort Hancock, Texas, after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone was reportedly shot down by a laser sytem operated by the Pentagon.

While government agencies have not identified who the drone belonged to, top Democrats on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released a joint statement Thursday evening claiming the drone belonged to CBP.

U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen, Bennie Thompson and Andre Carson said their "heads are exploding over the news" that a CBP drone was shot down by the Pentagon with "a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system."

The legislators added that this incident is "the result of [the White House's] incompetence" after a "short-sighted" decision to "sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA."

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In a joint statement provided to Fox News Digital, the Department of War, CBP and the FAA said the DoW used counter-unmanned aircraft system to respond to a "seemingly threatening unmanned aerial system operating within military airspace."

The departments said the engagement took place "far away from populated areas and there were no commercial aircraft in the vicinity," adding they "will continue to work on increased cooperation and communication to prevent such incidents in the future."

The departments said they are "working together in an unprecedented fashion to mitigate drone threats by Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations at the U.S.-Mexico border."

"The bottom line is the Trump Administration is doing more to secure the border and crack down on cartels than any administration in history," the statement added.

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Congressional aides told Reuters that the Pentagon reportedly used the high-energy laser system to accidentally shoot down the CBP drone near the Mexican border, an area that frequently sees incursions from drones believed to be operated by Mexican drug cartels.

The FAA told Fox News Digital that a temporary flight restriction (TFR) was "already in place" around the Fort Hancock area and that the TFR "has been expanded to include a greater radius to ensure safety." 

The restriction does not impact commercial flights, the agency said.

The FAA said in a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that airspace around Fort Hancock was temporarily restricted for "special security reasons."

The restriction comes a couple of weeks after the FAA grounded flights to and from El Paso International Airport for 10 days before lifting the order roughly eight hours later.

A Trump administration official previously told Fox News that the initial lockdown came in response to "Mexican cartel drones" that breached U.S. airspace.

A U.S. official later confirmed that the U.S. military had shot down what was later determined to be a party balloon near El Paso.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment and was directed to the joint statement provided by the Department of War, Customs and Border Patrol and Federal Aviation Administration.

Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Reuters contributed to this report.

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