Ramaswamy done at DOGE, Ohio gubernatorial campaign launch expected early next week: sources

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is done at President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, a source close to the multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur confirmed to Fox News Digital.

And Ramaswamy, who along with Elon Musk, the world's richest person, was tapped in November by Trump to steer DOGE, is expected to launch a Republican campaign for Ohio governor early next week, according to the source.

GOP Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026.

DeWine on Friday announced that Lt. Gov. Jon Husted would fill the U.S. Senate seat that was held by former Sen. JD Vance until earlier this month, when the vice president stepped down ahead of Monday's inauguration.

MUSK AND RAMASWAMY IGNITE MAGA WAR OVER SKILLED WORKER IMIMGRATION

Before the Senate announcement, Husted had planned to run for governor in 2026 to succeed DeWine. Ramaswamy, for his part, had expressed interest in serving in the Senate. 

DeWine's decision to choose Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat appeared to accelerate Ramaswamy's move toward launching a run for governor.

Ramaswamy, 39, who launched his presidential campaign in February 2023, saw his stock rise as he went from a long shot to a contender for the Republican nomination.

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Ramaswamy campaigned on what he called an "America First 2.0" agenda and was one of Trump's biggest supporters in the field of rivals, calling Trump the "most successful president in our century."

He dropped his White House bid a year ago after a distant fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses and quickly endorsed Trump, becoming a top surrogate on the campaign trail.

Ramaswamy's exit appears to clear the way for Musk, Trump's top donor and key ally, to steer DOGE without having to share the limelight.

The move also comes a couple of weeks after Ramswamy and Musk sparked a firestorm among Trump's hard core MAGA supporters over their support for H-1B temporary worker visas for highly skilled workers from foreign countries.

Ramaswamy's comments criticizing an American culture that he said "venerated mediocrity over excellence" received plenty of pushback from leading voices on the far right.

Ohio, which was once a top general election battleground, has shifted red over the past decade as Republicans have dominated statewide elections.

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Cubs elect Sammy Sosa to team's Hall of Fame after years away from team due to PED questions

Former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa is being elected to the team’s Hall of Fame, alongside former first baseman Derek Lee. 

The step towards reconciliation between Sosa and the Cubs began when Sosa released a statement in December.

"There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize," Sosa said in a statement through Aurora Global Consulting.

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After that statement, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said the team is "ready to move forward together" and invited Sosa to the Cubs' annual fan convention.

Sosa attending the convention was the first time he had been with the Cubs in any official capacity since he last played for the team in 2004.

Sosa said that the apology in his statement from December was not about using performance-enhancing drugs.

"No. I'm referring, for example, look, 21 years out. I had the fans that loved me very much. I had to apologize to them, because, I mean, normally, they see me play so many years."

When Sosa was announced at the convention, he received a large ovation and ran onto the stage with an American Flag. 

JAPANESE PHENOM PITCHER ROKI SASAKI PICKS DODGERS

"People grow up," Sosa said via ESPN. "That's what happened to me. To give that statement out, it was the right time for me. The response right away was incredible. Now, the door is open, I have to continue to contribute (to the organization)."

"I think that today was a perfect day."

Sosa played 13 seasons with the Cubs and is the franchise record-holder with 545 home runs. 

Sosa finished his big league career with a .273 batting average and 609 homers — currently ninth on the career list. He also had 1,667 RBIs and 234 stolen bases in 18 seasons from 1989 to 2007.

Because a lot of Sosa's success has been clouded by questions about performance-enhancing drug use throughout his career, he did not make the Hall of Fame on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot. 

Sosa’s next chance for Hall of Fame consideration will be if he makes the ballot for the contemporary player committee. 

Sosa and Lee will be recognized in the team’s Hall of Fame at a game this summer. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Top NJ watchdog official abruptly resigns, is removed from state voter rolls following residency flap

Tiffany Williams Brewer, who resigned from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation shortly after the watchdog agency announced her appointment to the role of CEO, made the abrupt move after the Asbury Park Press reported that she had claimed a Maryland property as her principal residence last year, but voted in the Garden State in the November election.

The outlet, which published an owner occupancy affidavit dated March 13, 2024, reported that the document indicated Williams Brewer would occupy the Maryland residence for at least seven of the next 12 months. 

Williams Brewer voted in Tinton Falls during last year's presidential contest, the Asbury Park Press reported, citing the Monmouth County Board of Elections. 

NEW JERSEY GOV. PHIL MURPHY SAYS STATE WILL STOCKPILE ABORTION PILLS AHEAD OF TRUMP'S RETURN TO WHITE HOUSE

"The Monmouth County election officials take the integrity of the election process very seriously," Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon said in a statement. "Upon referral by the County Clerk, the Superintendent/Registrar of Elections investigated the matter and has made the determination to make a referral to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for review and will proceed to remove this individual from the voter rolls in Monmouth."

Monmouth County Superintendent of Elections Christopher P. Siciliano told Fox News Digital that he had removed Williams Brewer from the voter rolls, but noted that she could be reinstated if she furnishes evidence that she meets the requirements to register in New Jersey.

The New Jersey State Commission of Investigation's objective is to probe "waste, fraud and abuse of government tax dollars," according to the state's website. Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, appointed Williams Brewer to the commission in 2022.

"Ms. Brewer previously served as the Chair of the four-member Commission from 2022 through 2024. She also has been serving on an interim basis in the day-to-day leadership role of the SCI following the death of former Executive Director Chadd W. Lackey in a July traffic accident," the agency noted in a Jan. 6 press release announcing her appointment as CEO.

NEW JERSEY ENDS BASIC READING AND WRITING SKILLS TEST REQUIREMENT FOR TEACHERS

Williams Brewer is an assistant professor of law at Howard University's School of Law, the school's website indicates.

An individual at the school indicated that they shared Fox News Digital's comment request with Williams Brewer. But Williams Brewer did not respond in time for publication.

In a statement posted on LinkedIn regarding her resignation from the state agency, Williams Brewer addressed her residency status and work in academia.

"My dual residency in Maryland and New Jersey has always been transparent and in full compliance with all relevant regulations. It has never interfered with my duties at the SCI or constituted an ethical lapse. Let me be clear — my residency status has never run afoul of the NJ First Act," she asserted.

NEW JERSEY MAYOR FLOATS ‘REVERSE CONGESTION PRICING’ TOLL IN RESPONSE TO NYC'S CONTROVERSIAL TOLL

"While I remain dedicated to public service, the recent events, including the revelation of employee-driven mischaracterizations of my actions to the media, have created a toxic climate that dissuades me from continuing in this role. I am disappointed that this environment, which undermines the integrity of the SCI, has necessitated my resignation," she noted in another part of her lengthy statement.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, New Jersey State Commission of Investigation chair John P. Lacey noted that the agency is seeking a new executive director. 

"For nearly 60 years, the State Commission of Investigation has stood as the sole independent fact-finding agency in New Jersey with the legal responsibility to investigate and issue reports concerning organized crime, as well as waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. SCI has a proud history of impactful work and a relentless dedication to serving the public interest. Following the recent resignation of the now-former Executive Director, we remain steadfast in serving as vigilant guardians of accountability and good governance in New Jersey," Lacey said in the statement.

 "The Commission is actively working to find a new Executive Director and has posted the job on the SCI’s website and on several other public websites. Additionally, with the new appointments recently issued by Governor Murphy, the Commission is now at its full complement with four Commissioners and newly-named Chair John P. Lacey. We remain committed to our core values and are confident that with renewed leadership, we will continue to serve the residents of New Jersey with the highest level of integrity."

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13 food products that contain Red No. 3, the artificial dye banned by FDA over cancer risks

Food and drink manufacturers have two years to change recipes and formulas now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the synthetic food dye Red No. 3.

Also known as erythrosine, synthetic food dye Red No. 3, has been primarily used in a wide range of food products, such as candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, frostings and icings, as well as certain ingested drugs.

Here are some of the top recognizable products that could be in your pantry right now.

1. Brach’s Conversation Hearts 

2. Brach's Candy Corn 

3. PEZ Candy Assorted Fruit (cherry, strawberry, grape, raspberry, orange, lemon)

4. AMOS Lollipop Finger Rings

5. Jelly Belly's Gourmet Candy Corn

FDA BANS ARTIFICIAL RED DYE: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CONSUMERS

6. Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins

7. Publix canned mixed fruit

8. Kellanova confetti cake Pop-Tart bites

9. MorningStar Farms Veggie Breakfast Original Veggie Bacon Strips 

10. Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice 

11. Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

12. Nesquick Strawberry low-fat milk

13. Nerds Bomb Pop Popsicles

CERTAIN SNACKS, DRINKS COULD BE BANNED IN SOME STATES DUE TO CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENTS

Red No. 3 is banned for food use in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, except in certain kinds of cherries. The dye will be banned in California starting in January 2027, and lawmakers in Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana have filed proposals to limit certain dyes, particularly from foods offered in public schools.

Manufacturers who use Red No. 3 in food have until Jan. 15, 2027, to reformulate their products, and ingested-drug makers have until Jan. 18, 2028, to comply with the ban.

FOX Business reached out to candy, snack and food manufacturers for their comments on the ban.

The FDA's move is more than three decades after the Red No. 3 dye was barred from cosmetics and non-oral medications because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats. But it kept appearing on the ingredient lists of popular snack foods and other grocery products because it remained approved for use until now.

"Why you would say something can't be in cosmetics, but you can eat it makes no sense to me. I am very pleased that they finally have done what I think they should have done years ago," petitioner Linda Birnbaum, former director at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program said, according to Reuters.

About two-thirds of Americans favor restricting or reformulating processed foods to remove ingredients like added sugar or dyes, according to a new AP-NORC poll cited by the Associated Press. Support is particularly high among U.S. adults with a college degree, as well as those with a higher household income.

FOX Business' Daniella Genovese, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. 

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Kate Middleton's cancer is 'in remission' as she remains 'focused' on recovery

Kate Middleton has announced that her cancer is in remission. 

On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales – who shared her diagnosis in March – took to social media to share the big news. 

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," she wrote on X. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything."

KATE MIDDLETON RETURNS TO ROYAL DUTIES DAYS AFTER REVEALING SHE IS CANCER-FREE

"We couldn’t have asked for more," she continued. "The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional. In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer."

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"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

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During her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, Middleton – who will join her husband, Prince William, as joint royal patron of the Marsden – met with patients to offer her support. 

"I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that's going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time," she said, according to the Daily Mail. 

While visiting with staff, she said, "You think treatment's finished, crack on with that… daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge. And talking… the words totally disappear… understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects."

The 43-year-old royal announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in March, two months after she underwent planned abdominal surgery. 

She returned for her first public engagement since Christmas Day 2023 in June 2024 for the Trooping the Colour parade. 

In September, Kate announced she had finished her preventative chemotherapy, although she said her path to full recovery would be long, and that she would take it day by day. 

"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she wrote. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."

"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," she shared. "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus."

"Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes," the princess continued. "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."

"William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."

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Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson and Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this post. 

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LA fires destroyed Ryan O'Neal's Malibu home he once shared with Farrah Fawcett

The Los Angeles fires destroyed Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett's Malibu home.

O'Neal's daughter, Tatum O'Neal, confirmed the news on social media.

"It’s the saddest ever so sad I could cry," she wrote on Threads. "My father’s house is gone Malibu gone."

O'Neal and Fawcett lived together in the Malibu home for several years before the actress died in 2009. The "Paper Moon" actor died from congestive heart failure in 2023.

L.A. FIRES: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

"Dawson's Creek" star Joshua Jackson also lost his Los Angeles-area home to the fires.

"First and most importantly, all the people closest to me affected by the fire are ok," he said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

"My daughter, my family, my neighbors all made it out safely. Sadly my beautiful home did not survive the fires. But today, I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the people I love."

RORY SYKES, FORMER CHILD STAR, DEAD AT 32 FROM CALIFORNIA FIRES

The number of people who have lost their homes to the L.A. fires, which began Jan. 7 with the Palisades Fire, has continued to rise. The multiple fires have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, leaving 24 people dead so far.

Fierce Santa Ana winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires sparked last week into infernos that leveled entire neighborhoods around the nation's second-largest city, where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.

In less than a week, four fires have ignited more than 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), roughly three times the size of Manhattan.

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Other celebrities, including Anna Faris, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, John Goodman, and Paris Hilton, have also lost their homes. 

Hilton shared an update on Instagram Thursday as she visited the spot where her home once stood.

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"I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable," Hilton captioned a video of the devastation. "When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock – I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces. This house wasn’t just a place to live – It was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family. It was where Phoenix’s little hands made art that I’ll cherish forever, where love and life filled every corner. To see it reduced to ashes… it’s devastating beyond words."

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"All My Children" star Cameron Mathison revealed he left behind some "valuable" items when he evacuated his home due to the Eaton Fire. The actor only grabbed passports, birth certificates and photo albums because he "didn't really believe" he would lose the home.

"I unfortunately left some valuable ones where the kids were very, very young and film that you can't replace," Mathison told Entertainment Tonight. "If I really thought the house was going down, I would've grabbed so much more."

Mathison recalled learning his home burned down while watching the news. "I just was sitting there, it was probably 6 in the morning, and I had to go up there," he continued, saying he bought a mask and protective glasses before going into his neighborhood. "It looked like a war zone." 

The actor realized the family's home "was all gone" when he arrived. "It was really, really decimated. There's nothing there. Less than nothing. It's just all burnt to just ashes."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Federal judge clears way for release of special counsel report on Trump election case

A federal judge cleared the way for the release of the special counsel report on President-elect Trump's election interference case on Monday.

Judge Aileen Cannon approved the release of the first of two volumes of Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation in her Monday ruling. Cannon will consider releasing the second volume, which relates to Trump's handling of classified documents, on Friday.

Smith suspended his investigations into Trump after the president-elect secured his return to the White House in November.

Cannon had issued a temporary block on releasing Smith's reports last week after Trump co-defendants Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira filed an emergency motion to block the reported imminent release of Smith’s final report.

JUDGE GRANTS JACK SMITH REQUEST TO DISMISS JAN. 6 CHARGES AGAINST TRUMP, APPEAL DROPPED IN FLORIDA DOCS CASE

Cannon prohibited the release of the report as she considered Nauta and De Oliveira's claims.

Cannon said Smith was "temporarily enjoined" from "releasing, sharing, or transmitting the Final Report or any drafts of such Report outside the Department of Justice."

JACK SMITH RESIGNS FROM THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

She ultimately ruled against the pair on Monday, however, arguing that there was "insufficient basis" to grant an injunction against releasing the report.

It is customary for special counsels to release a final report, detailing the findings of their investigation and explaining any prosecution or declination decisions they reached. In Smith's case, the prosecution decision is immaterial, given Trump's status as president-elect and long-standing Justice Department policy against bringing criminal charges against a sitting president. 

JUDGE GRANTS JACK SMITH REQUEST TO DISMISS JAN. 6 CHARGES AGAINST TRUMP, APPEAL DROPPED IN FLORIDA DOCS CASE

Trump has blasted Smith's work as a "fake report."

Attorney General Merrick Garland has opted to release the reports from two other special counsels whose investigations concluded during his tenure – publishing both the summary reports submitted by John Durham, who was tapped by then-Attorney General Bill Barr in 2019 to review the origins of the Trump-Russia probe, as well as the final report from Robert Hur, a former U.S. attorney whom he tapped in 2023 to investigate President Biden's handling of classified documents.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

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