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Things to see, eat and do in Sydney for first-time visitors

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  • Sydney offers a wide range of activities for travelers, including cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and a famous foodie scene.
  • Iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge are popular attractions for first-time visitors.
  • American travelers must apply for an electronic travel authorization before visiting Australia.

SYDNEY, Australia — Sydney is one of those places that seems to be on every American traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason. When I told my friends and family that I was going to Australia, they either said they had been there and got a tip from me, or that they had always wanted to go.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 728,900 tourists entered Australia from the United States between October 2024 and September 2025, an increase of 4.2% from the previous year. The bureau said interest in Australian holidays appears to be increasing among US tourists.

In just a few days in Sydney, we discovered a city with opportunities for almost every kind of traveler, from cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene to stunning scenery and outdoor adventures.

Here are just a few of the things first-time visitors can experience.

Cultural experience and food

On my first night in town, I had dinner right across from the Harbor Bridge and saw a show at the Opera House. The Opera House is clearly two of Sydney’s most famous and loved landmarks.

Sometimes tourist attractions don’t live up to the hype, but both the bridge and the Opera House were impressive in person and made me realize that I was in one of the most famous cities in the world.

I saw a performance of “The Shiralee” on November 11th. The show is described by Sydney Theater Company as an “Australian epic” about “life and love on the frontier”.

I had never heard of this show before, but the production was moving and the simple fact of seeing something on the Opera House stage gave me a special sense of enjoyment.

With multiple performance venues within the complex, visitors to Sydney can find what they want to see on any given night of the week, across a variety of genres and production types, from stand-up comedy and live music to theater and, of course, opera.

A night at the theater isn’t complete without a delicious meal or nightcap. Sydney’s restaurant scene doesn’t disappoint.

Opera Bar is located just steps away from the Opera House, serving fast-casual pub food and drinks with terrace seating and stunning views of the Harbor Bridge. It’s a little pricey – a burger costs AU$28 (about US$18.50), but most of that goes for the setting.

For a more adventurous (and complex) gastronomic experience, check out St. Peter at the Grand National Hotel in Paddington. The restaurant is known for its fish-focused tasting menu, and its award-winning chef has a philosophy of using as much of every fish he buys as possible. It’s not cheap. The nine-course tasting menu costs AU$295 (approximately US$200 per person), so it’s a luxury meal, but foodies will find it well worth the price.

One of the dishes that night was a ravioli-like pasta with a fish consommé, but the dough was made from ground fish bones. It may seem strange and disgusting, but it was actually delicious and a perfectly al dente first course.

Where you stay can also be part of your cultural experience. 25Hours I stayed at the Olympia, a newly opened hotel on the border of Paddington and Darlinghurst, which was a great and cool place to relax every night. I loved the decor and international aesthetic. My only complaint was that the lighting in the bathroom was a little too moody, so I couldn’t get a good look at myself in the mirror before heading out in the morning.

How to see the skyline

Sydney is a city full of beautiful scenery, and there are many ways to take advantage of it.

Perhaps two of the most adrenaline-filled high-altitude experiences are the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb and the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk.

Both experiences are uplifting, but can be a little pricey.

A 60-minute skywalk experience at the Sydney Tower Eye costs AU$95 (approximately US$63).

BridgeClimb uses dynamic pricing, and in mid-December, the lowest price for a partial climb was $165 per person, and the lowest price for a summit climb was $252 per person.

Both experiences offer great views and are certainly high up, but you feel taken advantage of and both feel completely safe. As the name suggests, bridge climbs involve a fair amount of movement, so make sure you’re comfortable navigating stairs and ladders for at least an hour. Also note that for safety reasons you are not allowed to bring your own camera on either tour, but photos taken on the ground are available for purchase.

Both experiences were very enjoyable, but I thought the Skywalk was better value for money. It’s the same reason I tell tourists visiting my hometown of New York not to visit the observation deck of the Empire State Building. When you’re on the Sydney Harbor Bridge, don’t go to the observation deck. look Sydney Harbor Bridge. The skywalk offers stunning views across the harbour. But both experiences are great and don’t disappoint.

However, if you want to stay close to Terra Farm, there are still many great ways to enjoy the cityscape. One of the popular ferries is the high-speed ferry from Sydney Harbor to Manly, arriving on the water just behind the bridge and past the Opera House. The ferry costs AUD 9.20 (approximately USD 6).

outdoor adventure

Sydney is also a city for the outdoors, from Bondi Beach to the boats in the harbour.

While this is kind of a cross-over recommendation, another great way to see the skyline and spend some time outdoors is to take a kayak tour in the harbor. Sydney by Kayak offers low-intensity kayaking tours with stunning views of the Harbor Bridge and the city behind. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about the port ecosystem and its importance to the city’s economy.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a stop at the famous Bondi Beach. It’s a great place to people-watch or take a surfing lesson (assuming there’s swell, which there wasn’t the day I went).

It’s also the starting point for the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 5.5-mile paved path along the coast. The entire trip offers beautiful natural scenery and takes 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. A friend from Australia said this was one of her favorite things to do in Sydney and it did not disappoint.

How to travel to Australia

Australia is a far-flung destination for American travelers, with a direct flight from the West Coast taking approximately 13 hours.

Still, it’s popular enough that many airlines offer daily direct flights from the US market to many Australian cities. American Airlines recently introduced new business class suites on its Dallas to Brisbane flights, and United Airlines recently launched nonstop flights from San Francisco to Adelaide.

Melbourne and Sydney are common Australian gateways for US and international airlines serving the US.

Economy tickets are rarely available for less than $1,000 USD in most markets, so it’s a trip that many travelers need to plan to save.

American tourists do not need a visa, but must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before traveling.

The reporter for this article received access from American Airlines and Destination New South Wales. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.

Dunkin’ offers free donuts in a small tote bag. How to get it.

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Dunkin’s week-long sale to help consumers overcome holiday fatigue ends on Friday, January 2 with exciting offers.

The coffee and donut chain announced on its social media channels that it will be giving away a free donut with the purchase of a drink on January 2, and while supplies last, customers will receive a free donut in a small reusable donut tote bag. The offer will include a free classic donut with every drink purchased at participating Dunkin’ locations during the promotional period, the company announced on Instagram.

Donuts must be added to your order when ordering in-store or on the Dunkin’ app, and this offer is not available on delivery platforms.

Dunkin’ wants to make you ‘provocative’

The sale week, dubbed “Produnktivity Week,” kicked off with free coffee on Monday, December 29th. Dunkin’ then held a merch sweepstakes on Wednesday, December 31st.

“This is our way of getting through the last part of the year with a bang,” Dunkin said on its website. “Honestly, if ever there was a week worth picking up, it’s this one.” “Check out our Instagram for more surprise drops to keep you going this week.”

Contributor: Melina Khan, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.

Christian Barmore expresses concerns over Patriots’ treatment of Stefon Diggs

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Just when the New England Patriots seemed to be riding the perfect wave of momentum heading into their return to the NFL playoffs, something happened that shocked fans.

Look at Stefon Diggs. In the Dec. 2 incident, a beef dispute over an apparent unpaid bill escalated and he was accused of punching and attempting to strangle a former chef. Really? The reliable recipient faces a felony charge of strangulation or suffocation.

Consider Christian Barmore. He is accused of throwing the mother of a 2-year-old to the floor and threatening her while she was cooking food during an argument Aug. 8 over a disagreement over room temperature. Seriously? The 315-pound defensive tackle is charged with misdemeanor domestic assault and battery.

This week, two allegations surfaced in quick succession that two key figures have committed heinous crimes. Bad timing. The optics are bad. The NFL had enough regular season finale plotlines to set up Week 18, but as we move from 2025 to 2026, the Patriots have another version of new drama in store.

As Patriots coach Mike Vrabel insisted, those are doubts at this point. Lawyers representing both players flatly denied the accusations.

“We have issued a statement and we take the allegations very seriously, and we will discuss the outcome later,” Vrabel said at a midweek news conference. “But I don’t think there’s any need to jump to any conclusions right now, and there’s no need to sacrifice the process.”

Of course, Vrabel has a vested interest in keeping players on the field. This is not a question of the coach’s integrity. Allegations of fabrication arise. Still, it certainly sounds like the Patriots may have jumped to some conclusions.

“We stand behind Stephon,” the team said in a statement Tuesday.

In a statement Wednesday, the team indicated it was aware of the incident involving Barmore shortly after it occurred. But it appears the team has come to the conclusion that whatever happens is not serious enough to remove a key player from the lineup.

In 1996, the Patriots waived the rights to a fifth-round defensive tackle a week after drafting Christian Peter. Myra Craft, the team owner’s wife, learned of Peter’s history of violence against women and made the same statement amid growing backlash from women’s groups. Robert Kraft set the standard for the Patriots early in his ownership.

That was a long time ago. Mayra, may you rest in peace. Myra passed away in 2011.

But, as Vrabel argues, these are doubts. It’s just that the nature of the allegations is disturbing enough to raise red flags. But unlike Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf’s assault on a fan that was caught on video and resulted in a two-game suspension, it’s difficult to assess when there’s no clear evidence (at least in Diggs’ case).

You might think that Roger Goodell, who is no stranger to managing the messy aftermath of domestic violence cases, would quickly step in and take the players off the field and put them on the commissioner’s exempt list while the legal process plays out.

Sure, that’s a possibility, but not this week. On Sunday, the last-place Patriots (13-3) host the Miami Dolphins.

According to the NFL’s personal conduct policy bylaws, players can be placed on the exempt list, which is equivalent to paid leave, if formal charges of a felony or violent crime proceed through a grand jury indictment, prosecutorial indictment or arraignment in criminal court.

Diggs’ arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23, two days before the AFC title game.

Barmore’s arraignment is scheduled for February 3, five days before Super Bowl 60.

Of course, there’s no guarantee the Patriots will advance to the AFC Championship Game or the franchise’s first Super Bowl since the Tom Brady era. But given the state of things this season, it can’t be called a pipe dream.

Vrabel returned to raise New England’s profile as quickly as possible, showing how impactful the right coach can be in the right situation. In Jerrod Mayo’s only season since replacing Bill Belichick in 2024, New England went 4-13. The Patriots now have a chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. And while Drake Maye developed into an MVP candidate in his second season, Diggs assisted in that effort with big plays and great leadership, helping the Patriots end Buffalo’s run to five straight AFC East titles.

But none of that matters when weighing the positions of Diggs and Barmore.

And, no, Goodell doesn’t have to wait for an arraignment date to make the call. The same personal conduct policy also has a small section that allows the league to place players on the exempt list on a limited, temporary basis to allow time for a preliminary investigation into violent crime charges.

So what’s going on with that feature of policy in cases like this?

In the charges against Barmore, which were first reported by Boston-area television station WCVB, the police report includes photos of bruises provided by the woman. And did the Patriots know about this incident in August? Hmm.

The team clearly had no hesitation in putting him on the field. You wonder what type of evidence you would need to pin a domestic violence case on your home, maybe an elevator video?

“Again, the allegations. And we want to make sure that the courts, the ongoing court proceedings, are done. And once those are satisfied, we will make whatever decision we make,” Vrabel said.

This is a decision that goes far beyond the Patriots. Certainly, there are nuances.

No photos of the bruises exist in the charges against Diggs. There are no third party witnesses. This seems like a classic case of he said, she said. Does it matter that the alleged victim did not report the incident to the police until December 16th, two weeks after the incident, and did not decide to press charges until December 23rd?

In some cases, it may take some time for victims to come forward. And in this case, there are discussions about the possibility of a financial solution.

In the meantime, Vrabel insists the new revelations are not a distraction for the team.

I agree. No, it will not interfere with your game plan or practice. But the timing isn’t ideal for the Patriots, who have the playoffs looming. And there’s still some energy that participants and other people in the organization are putting into this. So, distraction or not, this is definitely not business as usual – at least not for everyone.

“It’s something we have to deal with, and there are distractions every day, some of which are smaller than others,” Vrabel said.

However, this developing issue, coupled with a defective optics system, has the potential to cause even greater disruption for the Patriots.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow X: @JarrettBell.

Bodyweight exercise program for beginners, according to experts

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We lead busy lives, and between school, work, or time with family, it can be difficult to find time to work out, especially if you’ve just established a regular exercise routine.

But keep this in mind, especially if your New Year’s resolution is to start exercising more. “Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective,” asserts Dr. Rosa Pasculi, a nonsurgical sports medicine physician at Emory Orthopedics and Spine Center, head team physician at Emory University, and team physician for the College Park Skyhawks. “I always tell my patients: Start small and think about being consistent.”

A consistent workout routine will build strength, confidence, and ultimately create long-term exercise habits. One of the easiest places to start? At-home workouts.

How to make time for training

In her clinic, Pasculi sees many patients who have a hard time scheduling exercise into their calendars. “The biggest thing I’ve remembered is that exercise doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” she says. “Sometimes the barrier for people is thinking they need a full hour or two[to exercise]or that they need access to a gym with all the equipment.” She recommends setting aside two to three days a week for exercise. But know that setting aside even 15 minutes a day for exercise can be just as meaningful, she says.

Dr. Kyle Lau, primary care sports medicine fellow and team physician for UCLA Athletics, says having a dedicated space at home to practice bodyweight exercises or going outside for a short 10-minute walk is a great place to start. “Even a short walk after a meal has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels and have health benefits,” he says.

How to start working out at home

If you want to create a workout routine at home, experts recommend starting with a circuit consisting of bodyweight exercises. The main advantage of circuit training is that you can arrange a series of exercises that complement each other. Here I will try out a circuit for beginners.

  • groot bridge. The classic glute bridge activates the glutes and hamstrings, and is especially beneficial for people who have problems with their lower back, hips, or knees, or for those who “sit a lot during the day because it can stabilize the pelvis,” Pasculli says. To try it out, lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet on the floor, and the hand at your side lightly grasping the back of your heel. Press your lower back into the floor, squeeze your glutes and lift your hips. Lower your hips back to the starting position and repeat 8 to 12 times.
  • Plank hold. Loading your body with plank holds supports core strength and helps strengthen your shoulders. To try this, you don’t necessarily have to maintain a high plank position with your elbows extended and your hands under your shoulders. Sit on a low plank with your elbows touching the ground, or to make the job a little easier, jump up on a high plank and place your hands on a bench or other elevated surface. Hold the plank for 15 to 30 seconds to complete this part of the circuit.
  • classic squat. When you bend over into a squat position, you experience added force from your quadriceps and glutes, and a secondary activation of your hamstrings and core muscles, Pasculli says. Squats are a great exercise for improving your balance, but you need to watch carefully to make sure you’re using the correct form when you start lowering your heels. Avoid letting your knees dive toward each other. If you’re new to squatting and feeling a little nervous, Lau recommends practicing in front of a mirror or with a chair behind you. “When squatting, try to control your descent as much as possible,” he says, and once you reach the point where you can’t go any lower, stand up. Repeat 8-12 times.
  • push ups. Push-ups are the ultimate upper body exercise that works your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles. For an easy push-up, your setup will be similar to that of a high plank. “Keep your elbows straight and your hands either directly below your shoulders or a little wider apart,” Pasculli says. Imagine lowering your body onto a straight plane and then immediately pushing up to extend your elbows. When it comes to form, you don’t want to drop your hips, as this can put stress on your lower back. If you need a fix, try doing incline push-ups on your knees or against a wall. Repeat 8-12 times.
  • Lateral lunge. Lateral lunges target the same muscles as squats (quadriceps and glutes), but they also activate two additional sets of muscles: abductors and adductors. These muscles are located on the outside and inside of the leg and are important for stabilizing the hip and pelvis, Pasculli says. To try a lateral lunge, start with your feet together. Step your right foot out to the side, slightly wider than shoulder width. With the right food facing forward, push your hips back and bend your right knee, just like in a squat. Push off your right leg and return to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 12 times, alternating right and left sides.

The number of sets you should complete and the amount of rest you should take when completing a circuit depends primarily on your personal fitness level and health. Lau recommends completing two to five sets, taking 30 to 60 seconds of rest between each exercise (especially if you need to catch your breath), and 60 to 120 seconds of rest between each full set.

Are there any risks to exercising at home?

“There are some risks to exercising at home, especially if you’re a beginner,” Pasculli says. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your body during your workout sessions. “It’s normal to have discomfort, but pain is not,” she says. “It’s okay to feel difficult while exercising, but if you’re experiencing sharp pain, it’s your body telling you to back off.”

Before starting a new exercise program, Pasculli says it’s important to consult your doctor or qualified fitness professional (such as a sports medicine doctor or certified physical therapist), especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or have concerns. “It’s really important to understand proper form and give them the confidence to do the exercises themselves,” she says.

Be sure to take time to warm up and cool down to reduce the risk of injury. According to Pasculi, your warm-up should consist of five to seven minutes of dynamic movement. Take a few minutes to briskly walk or march in place, practicing shoulder rolls, arm rolls, torso twists, and alternating downward dog and plank exercises. As a cool-down, do static stretches like child’s pose, cobra pose, seated forward bends, or spine twists for 3 to 5 minutes, she adds.

Today’s college football bowl game schedule includes four matchups

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The year 2026 has officially begun, and the college football season is coming to a close. But there’s time to enjoy one more day of bowl games before wrapping up the Bowl Subdivision with next week’s College Football Playoff semifinals and subsequent title game.

If you’re hoping for a big-name show, Friday’s lineup may not appeal to you. However, this list features several teams that participated in the U.S. LBM Coaches Poll, as well as some of the nation’s leading academic institutions. I’m hoping one of the primetime contests will be worthy of its spot in the bowl rankings, but I freely admit that some of them were way off the mark. This is Friday’s bowl menu.

Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET on ESPN in Fort Worth, Texas.

Reasons to watch: The final full day of bowl season begins with a pair of Lone Star State teams that don’t have much of a shared history. But those same two teams met in the First Responder Bowl two years ago, with the Bobcats winning a 45-21 decision. The 2025 campaign wasn’t a huge success for either program, but both should enjoy this opportunity. Unfortunately, Owls starting QB Chase Jenkins and reserve Drew DeVilliers have announced plans to transfer, leaving either Lucas Schielhorn or Patrick Clayton Jr., both of whom are rarely used freshmen, out of action. The Bobcats should have most of their key contributors, including QB Brad Jackson and WRs Bo Sparks and Chris Dorn.

Reasons why it may disappoint: Texas State produces a ton of long scoring plays, and the Owls tend to give them up. From a competitive perspective, this is certainly creepy.

Time/TV: 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN in Memphis, Tennessee.

Reasons to watch: After finishing the season with double-digit wins and earning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, the Cadets have another goal to accomplish: finishing the campaign in the top 25 rankings. The Bearcats briefly beat the polls themselves this fall, but ended the year with a four-game losing streak. With Cincinnati QB Brendan Thorsby in the portal, Brady Lichtenberg will start. He attempted only six passes, but completed four of them. Navy QB Blake Horvath will look to cap off his outstanding career on a high note, with the usual help from running back Alex Tekuza and fullback Eli Heidenreich.

Reasons why it may disappoint: That can’t be true. Even with most of its normal lineup in place, Navy usually wins not by a wide margin, but by performing better in the details. A close battle is expected here.

Time/TV: 8pm ET, ESPN, Charlotte, NC

Reasons to watch: His first year under Jake Dickert in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, definitely exceeded expectations. The Demon Deacons are currently closing out the year by giving their new head coach a mayonnaise bath. The Bulldogs won just one game in the SEC, but were within one point on other occasions. Wake QB Robbie Ashford wasn’t always an accurate passer, but he usually got the ball where it was needed. They will be without draft pick running back Damon Claiborne and breakout receiver Chris Barnes, who is in the portal. Mississippi State’s offense will be in the hands of freshman Kamario Taylor. He didn’t have much luck in his start against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, but he has some speed weapons at his disposal.

Reasons why it may disappoint: Wake’s most notable improvement this fall was defensively, which clearly wasn’t the case for the Bulldogs. It may be Deacon’s duty to ease the tempo, as Miss State may win the shootout.

Time/TV: 8pm ET, Fox, San Diego.

Reasons to watch: The non-Playoff Bowl calendar ends in San Diego, where the typically sunny weather could see the Wildcats and Mustangs put on an offensive showing. Most of the top producers from both teams should be in attendance. Arizona QB Noah Fifita was primarily targeted by WR Chris Hutson, and RB Ismail Mahdi led the ground game, rushing for 2,963 yards and 26 TDs. SMU counters with QB Kevin Jennings, who also has 26 scoring tosses but doubles that number with 10 picks a season. They spread the ball well, but TE Matthew Hibner is a valuable weapon in the red zone.

Reasons why it may disappoint: Hopefully this game pays off, but both teams have opportunistic defenses that take advantage of takeaways. It might help if those things happen early, like what happened to SMU during last year’s playoff appearance.

What is it, how it works, types and how to calculate it

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Filing taxes can be daunting or even daunting. Whether you file with the help of a professional or on your own, accurately calculating how much you’ll pay to the Internal Revenue Service or the IRS can be stressful and time-consuming.

You may not even fully understand what is being deducted from your paycheck and why.

Here’s a primer on income tax. We’ll explain what income tax is, how it works, how it’s calculated, and which states don’t have income tax.

What is income tax?

Income tax is a tax that governments impose on the income generated by people and businesses within their jurisdiction.

There is federal income tax and state income tax. However, not all states have income taxes. In states that impose an income tax, taxpayers must file both a state and federal return each year.

The purpose of income tax is to pay for public services and government obligations and provide goods to the people. Personal income taxes help fund Social Security, schools, and roads.

Types of income tax

Personal income tax, also known as personal income tax, is levied on an individual’s wages, salaries, and other income. Depending on your situation, there are certain exemptions, deductions, or credits that allow you to avoid paying taxes on a portion of your income.

Business income tax is levied on corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and self-employed individuals. A company, its owners, or shareholders disclose business income and then subtract operating expenses, capital expenses, and other deductions. The difference between a company’s taxable business income.

Which states have no income tax?

There are eight states that have no income tax.

  • alaska
  • florida
  • nevada
  • south dakota
  • tennessee
  • texas
  • washington
  • wyoming

New Hampshire has no state tax on income, but residents must pay a 5% tax on income earned from interest and dividends.

What percentage of my income is taxed?

The percentage of your income that is taxed depends on your specific circumstances, such as your income and filing status. Simply put, the more you earn, the more taxes you pay.

How to calculate income tax?

To calculate income tax, add up all forms of taxable income earned during the tax year. Next, find your adjusted gross income. Then subtract your eligible deductions from your adjusted gross income.

Contributor: Daniel de Visset

Social media slams Lane Kiffin after Ole Miss gets second win without CFP

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There is no problem even if there are no lanes.

Thanks to Trinidad Chambliss’ historic second-half performance and Lucas Carneiro’s game-winning 47-yard field goal, No. 6 Mississippi won the shootout and upset No. 3 Georgia in the CFP Sugar Bowl quarterfinals on Thursday, Jan. 1, advancing to the CFP Fiesta Bowl semifinals.

And the Rebels did it all without their first-ever CFP berth coach in Lane Kiffin.

Chambliss completed 13 consecutive passes, setting a new Sugar Bowl record. That included two outrageous throws on a run to Kewan Lacy in the fourth quarter, but a down pass was incomplete at 6:19 of the fourth quarter. He completed 30 of 46 passes for 362 yards and two touchdown passes.

The Rebels’ five-point victory over the Bulldogs was the closest game in the CFP quarterfinals and the closest game in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff. The Rebels’ next opponent will be against No. 10 Miami in the CFP Fiesta Bowl semifinals on Thursday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Given the nature of the upset and the infamous fact that Kiffin left the Rebels before they qualified for the CFP, social media didn’t hesitate in making the decision to slam Kim Mulkey and the Tigers’ current coach, who spent all day watching the LSU women’s basketball team get upset by Kentucky.

Excerpts from these responses follow:

College football social media goes wild over Lane Kiffin after Ole Miss CFP win

Here’s what social media looked like after Ole Miss’ win over Georgia in the CFP Sugar Bowl quarterfinals.

College Football Playoff winners and quarterfinal losers

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  • Indiana will face Oregon and Ole Miss will face Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
  • After the latest games, Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia and the Big 12 Conference are listed as “losers.”

The 12 will be reduced to four as the College Football Playoff heads to the national semifinals, with No. 1 seed Indiana set to play No. 5 seed Oregon State in the Peach Bowl and No. 6 seed Oregon State facing No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.

In the Rose Bowl, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza had another perfect game as the Hoosiers defeated No. 9 Alabama 38-3, throwing three more touchdown passes than two missed ones.

The Rebels rallied from a 21-12 deficit at halftime, hit a 47-yard field goal with six seconds left, and pulled away late to win 39-34 over No. 3 Georgia.

Oregon State held off No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 in the Orange Bowl thanks to four turnovers by the Red Raiders, including a key end zone interception by QB Behren Morton in the third quarter.

In the Cotton Bowl, the biggest upset of this year’s tournament, Miami defeated No. 2 Ohio State 24-14, sending the defending national champions into the offseason with a second straight loss.

Before we move on to the next round, here are the biggest winners and losers of the quarterfinals.

winner

Indiana

There’s a reason they’re number one in the nation. But for doubters and cynics, the destruction of the mighty state of Alabama highlights an important point that cannot be ignored. Indiana isn’t just a great story, it’s a potential powerhouse that could be as dominant as any team in the tournament. Aggressive, more physical, calmer and clearly more prepared than the Tide, the Hoosiers showed no rust at all after the month-long break following the Big Ten Championship Game. Build a time machine, go back a few years, find your younger self, and whisper these words in your ear: Alabama lost to Indiana in the Rose Bowl by 35 points.

Ole Miss

The Rebels, 2-0 without Lane Kiffin, avenged one loss in the regular season thanks to a big night from senior Trinidad Chambliss, who passed for 362 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Trailing 21-12 at halftime, Ole Miss began to take control in the third quarter and scored two key points early in the fourth. On the way to the game-clinching field goal, the Rebels had to deal with several questionable penalty calls (or lack thereof) and had to regain their composure after Georgia State tied the game with a minute left. Ole Miss’ continued defiance in the face of adversity is a testament to new coach Pete Golding’s ability to unite the team.

Oregon

The image that Oregon State is a slick program persists despite ample evidence to the contrary. The most recent example was the Ducks’ shutout in the Orange Bowl, where the defense did not allow the Red Raiders any aerial attacks, allowing just 215 yards on 3.5 yards per play. The running game was dismal, gaining just 64 yards, but Oregon quarterback Dante Moore completed 26 of 33 for 234 yards. However, the defense did the dirty work in this win. Not only that pick in the end zone, but also a fumble return for a strip sack early in the third quarter that set up the Ducks’ first touchdown.

miami

What matters is how Miami beats Ohio State. Against a team many expected to see a rematch and a defense ranked No. 1 in the nation in the majors, the Hurricanes set the tempo and tone by dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. That materialized late in the fourth quarter during a five-minute drive that helped Miami bury the Buckeyes. Matchups are important in the postseason, and Miami may have faced a friendlier opponent with Ohio State’s slower style of play. But after the Cotton Bowl, there is no question that the Hurricanes are capable of winning two more games and achieving the program’s first national championship since 2001.

loser

Alabama

Alabama hasn’t lost by more than 30 points since 1998. The Crimson Tide was a decidedly inferior team in terms of talent, leadership, drive, and toughness, so by necessity, the 35-point loss was not surprising. But that doesn’t make the situation any less embarrassing. After fighting back from a 17-point deficit to defeat Oklahoma in the opener, Alabama didn’t even argue against the Hoosiers, seemingly content to end things early in the second half and look ahead to next season. This was the program’s seventh loss in two years under coach Karen DeBoer, after dropping nine games in coach Nick Saban’s final six seasons.

ohio

After losing the last two games to Indiana and Miami, questions remain about just how good Ohio State really was. Yes, the Buckeyes beat Texas, but that was in the season opener. The next best win was against Michigan. The defense has been great all year, but against Miami they just couldn’t get the important stops, especially with the game on the line. The offensive line has been great over the last two games, allowing just six sacks in the first 12 games and five to both Indiana and Miami. While a lot of talented players return to Columbus, Ohio State needs to pick up speed on offense after playing so poorly this season.

georgia

The Bulldogs scored 21 points in the second quarter and looked like they were on the verge of making the winning run near the end of the first half. Returning the game at this point emphasizes Georgia’s unpredictability even during a 12-1 regular season, and the offense in particular ran the ball better than in 2024, but was often unable to pull teams apart. With the Rebels leading 34-31, Georgia State was plagued with great scoring opportunities late in the game. A second goal near the 3-yard line turned into a fourth-and-6, and instead of being the go-ahead score, it was a field goal that decided the game. For a team that ranked third in the country with a 79.3% red zone touchdown rate and played in the Sugar Bowl, not scoring six points was an impossibility.

big 12

The Orange Bowl was a bad run for the Big 12, which joins the ACC and sends only one team to the tournament, but that team was promptly ejected while Miami already has two wins in the playoffs. This loss also came after a postseason in which Big 12 teams had bowl wins against teams from the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten. Despite the ugly ending against Oregon, this still goes down as Texas Tech’s best season, but it’s clear the Red Raiders will need to restart their finances to assemble a new playoff-worthy roster next season.

Este Haim to have celebrity wedding on New Year’s Eve – see her dress

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Este Heim is raising the banner for 2026.

The 39-year-old musician married technology entrepreneur Jonathan Levine on December 31, 2025, in a ceremony in California.

Haim’s eldest sister told Vogue that she had “met the right person” and was looking forward to a night of parties with friends and family. Fellow musicians and collaborators Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift were also in attendance to celebrate, according to a photo published in People magazine.

The star-studded guest list was announced just months after the band teased new music with Nicks. The band also just finished their “I Quit” North American tour, which concluded in October in their home state of California.

Haim Sisters Wear ‘Something Blue’ at Esthetic Wedding

According to Vogue, Haim wore a Louis Vuitton dress designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s women’s creative director. Her bridesmaids (including her bandmates and sisters) wore pale blue dresses. Este joked that Alana and Danielle both borrowed her something blue because she knew she wanted to wear it herself someday.

“I’ve been looking forward to this day since I was five years old,” Haim told Vogue. “When I was 5 years old, I had a vision of myself coming down a spiral staircase. I guess there was a scene from Cinderella and I was imitating it. But I walk down wearing this giant ballroom dress and my fiancé,[my]husband, is at the bottom and he grabs my hand.”

Levin surprised Heim with this suggestion in December 2024 while on a hike. The singer told Vogue magazine: “I was taking Mario Badescu’s acne medication, my hair was in a topknot, I didn’t wear makeup and I was wearing sweats and sneakers.” They designed the finished engagement ring together as a couple.

USA TODAY has reached out to Heim’s representatives for comment.

Social media reaction to the Rose Bowl

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Alabama football lost in embarrassing fashion in the Rose Bowl.

In one of the Crimson Tide’s worst losses and performances in the Cullen DeBoer era, No. 1 Indiana defeated No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Rose Bowl on Thursday, January 1st.

The Crimson Tide was held to just a third-quarter field goal and 193 yards of total offense by the Hoosiers’ defense this afternoon. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was injured after taking a hit in the second quarter and was benched in the third quarter by DeBoer in what ESPN called a “coach’s decision.”

The Crimson Tide’s 35-point loss is the fourth-largest loss in College Football Playoff history.

The loss to Alabama means the Crimson Tide has lost four games in a row under DeBoer, something that hasn’t happened in Tuscaloosa since the 2006 and 2007 seasons, the latter of which was Nick Saban’s first season as head coach.

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza threw for 192 yards and three touchdowns for the Hoosiers, their first bowl win since the 1991 Copper Bowl. The Hoosiers will advance to the CFP semifinals against No. 5 Oregon State on Friday, Jan. 9, and the Peach Bowl.

Considering the Hoosiers’ dominance and the ugliness of the Crimson Tide’s performance in the Rose Bowl, college football social media didn’t hold back. Here are excerpts of reactions to the CFP quarterfinal match results:

College football reaction to Alabama vs. Indiana’s performance in the Rose Bowl:

Here’s what social media looked like after Alabama’s performance in the Rose Bowl.

Hoosiers blow the tide in CFP quarterfinals

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The new year began with a bold reminder of the brave new world that college football is in.

In the sport’s most storied game, a program that until this season was the losingest program in FBS history not only defeated one of college football’s most decorated programs, it dominated it.

Watch CFP Quarterfinals Indiana vs. Alabama Live on Fubo (Free Trial)

Behind three touchdown passes from Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, No. 1 Indiana defeated No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 1.

The Hoosiers became the first team in the history of the 12-team playoffs to win the first round with a bye and win the quarterfinals. Teams in this ranking have had 0 wins and 6 losses so far, including 0 wins and 2 losses this season.

Indiana scored touchdowns on five of its final six full drives and outscored Alabama by a 407-193 margin.

A win would advance them to the playoff semifinals, where they will face No. 5 Oregon State in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta on January 9th.

The Crimson Tide finished the season with an 11-4 record, marking the second time in the past few seasons that coach Karen DeBoer lost in four games. In the last 16 seasons under DeBoer’s predecessor, Nick Saban, Alabama only lost more than one game once.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Rose Bowl victory between Indiana University and the University of Alabama. Here are the highlights.

This section will be updated throughout the game.

1 2 3 4 F
Alabama 0 0 3 0 3
Indiana 0 17 7 14 38

Things are getting ugly for Karen DeBoer’s team in the Rose Bowl.

Indiana expanded its lead over Alabama to 38-3 with a relatively easy drive, gaining 65 yards in just five plays. With 10:33 remaining, Roman Hemby put the exclamation point on an 18-yard touchdown run through the middle of the Crimson Tide defense.

The Hoosiers have scored touchdowns on five of their past six possessions.

Indiana’s shutout victory is over, but its lead continues to grow.

The Hoosiers responded to Alabama’s field goal with a touchdown and easily moved up the field with a six-play, 75-yard drive. The march ended with Kaylon Black’s 25-yard touchdown run with 14 minutes, 21 seconds left in regulation, extending Indiana’s advantage to 31-3.

There were only 15 minutes left. Indiana had a first-and-10 at Alabama’s own 27-yard line, threatening to extend its lead to 21 points.

Austin Mack was impressive on his first drive as Alabama quarterback, driving the Crimson Tide 65 yards up the field into Indiana’s red zone. But possession eventually stalled, and Alabama made a 28-yard field goal by Connor Talty to make it 24-3 with 2:44 left in the third quarter.

Alabama lost 24-0 and changed quarterbacks. Ty Simpson was examined by a team trainer after a fumble in the second quarter, but was put on for the Crimson Tide on the first drive of the second half. However, he will not play on the second possession, and redshirt sophomore Austin Mack will be the quarterback.

Simpson finished the day with 12 of 16 yards and 17 rushing yards.

He’s slowly moving toward an explosion at the Rose Bowl.

After Alabama forced a punt, Indiana marched 79 yards up the field and on third-and-1 Fernando Mendoza punctuated the drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Surratt. It was the third touchdown pass of the day for the Heisman Trophy winner.

With the extra point, the Hoosiers led 24-0 with 7:46 left in the third quarter.

Alabama’s initial attempt to close the gap by 17 points failed, as the Crimson Tide went 3-and-out on its first attempt of the second half. The Crimson Tide punted and Indiana took over at its own 21-yard line.

The Hoosiers led Alabama 17-0 heading into halftime, with Alabama taking the opening kickoff of the second half.

Coach Curt Cignetti’s team defeated the Crimson Tide 179-93 in the opening 30 minutes, showing none of the rust that has plagued them in first-round byes during the 12-team playoff’s short existence.

Indiana is starting to pull away a little bit heading into halftime.

After Ty Simpson’s fumble, the Hoosiers moved the ball up the field, gaining 58 yards in 11 plays, and converted second-and-goal on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Fernando Mendoza to Omar Cooper Jr. with 17 seconds left in the first half, extending Indiana’s lead to 17-0. It was Mendoza’s second touchdown pass of the game.

Alabama has been in this position before, although the quality of the opponent (and offensive line) is different. The Crimson Tide led Oklahoma 17-0 in the second quarter of the first round of the playoffs before going on to win 34-24. However, in that matchup, Alabama tied the game by halftime.

After being forced to punt at Indiana, Alabama had one of the most promising drives of the afternoon, with Ty Simpson set to pick up a first down inside the Hoosiers’ 45-yard line. But before he can fall, the ball is knocked out by D’Angelo Pons and Indiana falls on top of it.

With 3:09 left in the first half, the Hoosiers took the lead with 42 points on their own.

Looking down at a double-digit lead, Alabama was once again unmanned and unable to get beyond its own 38-yard line. Indiana’s Jonathan Brady punted a 36-yard punt with a 17-yard return, giving the Hoosiers the ball at their own 43 with 8:02 left in the first half.

Indiana was able to capitalize on the fourth-down stop when Fernando Mendoza connected with Charlie Becker in the end zone on a third-and-8 for a 21-yard touchdown pass, increasing the Hoosiers’ lead to 10-0 with 10:49 left in the second quarter. At first, Becker made an amazing catch on a throw that seemed high.

For the second time in a playoff game, Alabama has a double-digit deficit in the first half.

One of the first big decisions of the game came from Alabama’s Karen DeBoer, who scored on a fourth-and-one from the Crimson Tide’s own 34-yard line.

The gamble didn’t pay off, as a shovel pass from Daniel Hill to Jermie Bernard was stopped about a half-yard short of the sticks, allowing Indiana to take over at the Alabama 34.

Indiana entered the game first, with Niko Radic’s 31-yard field goal completing a 16-play, 84-yard drive with less than 8 minutes and 55 seconds to play.

It was a productive possession for the Hoosiers’ offense, which went 3-and-out on its previous drive, but could have easily ended up scoring more points. Indiana had a first-and-10 at the Alabama 13-yard line, but the drive stalled.

The first quarter ends scoreless for Indiana vs. Alabama, but that could quickly change as the Hoosiers line up for a 31-yard field goal to start the second quarter.

Despite a strong starting field, Alabama went scoreless on its first drive. The Crimson Tide had one first down, but Ty Simpson’s pass to Ryan Williams on third-and-14 from Indiana’s own 41-yard line fell incomplete.

Alabama forced Indiana to punt down deep in its own territory for three points.

Indiana takes the opening kickoff, but the offense, which was one of the most productive in the country during the regular season, was unable to gain much initial momentum.

The Hoosiers went 3-and-out and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was sacked twice, including on 3-and-4. Indiana followed this up with a short punt, and the kick traveled just 39 yards and was out at the Alabama 41-yard line.

before the game

According to CFP’s official availability report, Indiana’s injury status heading into the Rose Bowl vs. Alabama is as follows:

outside

  • DL #8 Stephen Daly
  • DL #13 Kellan Wyatt
  • DB #24 Bryson Bonds
  • RB #29 Lee Beebe Jr.
  • K #35 Brendan Franke

According to CFP’s official availability report, Alabama’s injury status heading into the Rose Bowl vs. Indiana is as follows:

outside

  • LB #20 Jermalien Latham
  • DB #21 Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.
  • DL #92 Jeremiah Beeman

In-game decisions

It’s an unusually cold day in Pasadena, California today with cloudy skies and a high of 63 degrees. After rain early in the day, no precipitation is expected for the remainder of the afternoon and evening, with only an 11% chance of precipitation. Stadium staff were seen drying the field in the hours leading up to the game.

Hopefully the clouds will clear a little as the game progresses and fans across the country will get a chance to watch the famous sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains.

In his first full season as a starter at Alabama, Simpson completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

He is tied for ninth among all FBS players in passing touchdowns and 10th in passing yards.

What TV channel is Indiana vs. Alabama on today?

The Rose Bowl game between Indiana and Alabama will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit broadcasting the game from the booth, and Holly Rowe and Chris Budden reporting from the sidelines.

One streaming option for games is Fubo, which offers ESPN and offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Indiana vs Alabama time today

  • date: Thursday, January 1st
  • time: 4:00 PM ET (1:00 PM PT)
  • position: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California)

Indiana vs. Alabama is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Indiana vs Alabama predictions, selections and odds

Odds provided by BetMGM, as of Wednesday, December 31st

  • Spread: Indiana (-7)
  • Top/Bottom: 48.5 points
  • Money line: Indiana (-250) | Alabama (+200)

Prediction: Indiana 24, Alabama 19

We all saw what happened last season when a Big Ten team, after an extra week and a half of rest, took a coveted first-round victory in the Rose Bowl against a talented opponent with a struggling coach. However, this Alabama team is not last year’s Ohio State team. The offensive ingenuity of Karen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb will keep the Crimson Tide close, but the lack of a viable and consistent run game will leave them crushed by one of the best defenses in the country.

New York Mayor Zoran Mandani’s inauguration ceremony

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On a freezing New Year’s Day, the democratic socialist mayor took the oath of office on the steps of New York City Hall.

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New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s Jan. 1 inauguration and block party reflected a diverse city seeking to fulfill the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist’s pledge to address affordability.

On a freezing New Year’s Day, the Democratic mayor took the oath of office on the steps of City Hall. Thousands of people lined several blocks across Manhattan, and many celebrities defended the mayor, a touchstone of millennial culture. Mamdani acknowledged that people, including those outside the five boroughs, want to know how the left will run city government.

The former state legislator from Queens has vowed to govern the state as an unapologetic democratic socialist, just as he was when he was elected.

Here are five key points about his inauguration.

Mamdani’s faith is on full display

Mamdani’s Islamic faith was brought to the fore during the inauguration ceremony.

He took the oath of office at midnight by swearing into Islam’s holiest book, the Koran, and later took the oath again at a public inauguration ceremony.

Imam Khalid Latif, along with representatives from multiple faiths, made the call focused on how Mamdani’s coalition represents ordinary New Yorkers, rather than the rich and powerful..

Mamdani will be the first Muslim mayor of the country’s largest city. He is an outspoken advocate of Palestinian rights and a critic of Israel. His selection raised concerns among many conservatives and supporters of Israel. Some political opponents have sought to link him to Islamist terrorists. Mamdani previously said he was told to downplay his faith when seeking elected office.

Latif is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Islamic Center of New York City and was appointed Chaplain of the New York City Police Department in 2007.

“Never forget that this office exists to serve the people, not to stand above them,” Latif said in his prayer. “We encourage all those who came together to make something happen that many said would never happen.”

Latif continued: “I want no one to have to choose between rent or dignity, medicine or food, stay or survival.” “Let’s shape policy with compassion and budgets that reflect our values.”

democratic socialists come to power

Nearly a decade ago, democratic socialism was an obscure term unknown to most Americans.

Since then, several MPs, including Mamdani, have brought the issue to the forefront.

Before taking Mamdani’s oath of office, fellow Democratic Socialist and Brooklyn native Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said Mamdani’s policies to address affordability were not radical.

But Sanders said his supporters need to continue pushing for his policies, such as free buses, universal child care and even city-run grocery stores. Mr. Sanders’ trademark message of making the wealthy and big corporations pay more taxes drew chants of “tax the rich.”

“The billionaire class of this city and country needs to understand that they can’t have it all in America,” Sanders said. “America, our great country, must belong to all of us, not just a few, and that lesson begins today in New York City.”

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), a fellow democratic socialist, opened the inauguration ceremony with a speech. Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani look to Sanders as a source of inspiration for progressive politics.

Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that Mamdani’s campaign platform focuses on addressing affordability through free universal child care, affordable rent, and “clean and dignified” public transportation for New Yorkers.

“I chose that over the distraction of bigotry and the brutality of extreme income inequality,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “We chose this path because we know it’s the right thing to do, we know it’s the smart thing to do, and we think if we can succeed here, we can succeed anywhere.”

In his speech, Mamdani said he was elected as a democratic socialist and would now govern as one. Two moderate Democrats, Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Eric Adams, sat on stage and listened.

It’s time to recognize and govern that the world is watching.

Mamdani acknowledged that the world is watching to see what democratic socialists can do in power. President Donald Trump and Republicans such as House Speaker Mike Johnson have used Mamdani as a boogeyman, but he did not mention them or Congress in his inaugural address. Instead, he focused on New Yorkers and their city.

His campaign promised a lower cost of living, and that message spread far beyond New York and changed Democratic politics. But now, he said, the administration needs to implement his platform.

“They want to know whether the left can govern,” Mamdani said. “They want to know whether the difficulties that plague them can be resolved. They want to know whether it is right to have hope again.”

Mamdani said New York City will serve as a model for the world. “Ladies and gentlemen, the work has just begun,” he said.

Mamdani is totally a millennial

Like many millennial men, Mamdani began his rap career under the monikers Mr. Cardamom and Young Cardamom, complete with SoundCloud.

His inaugural music was chosen from a wide range of genres and emphasized his generation.

Broadway actor Javier Muñoz, who appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” sang the national anthem. New York-based disc jockey DJ mOma served as master of ceremonies prior to the inauguration, playing welcome music during a seven-block street party.

His set included international selections, from Jennifer Lopez’s 2001 song “Pray” to Indian singer Bharatraj Masinia’s “Thali Mummy Ne Chawe Pono Delhi Walo.” Mamdani, whose parents were born in India, will be the first South Asian mayor of New York.

Jay-Z and Stevie Wonder had multiple plays in this set. Jay-Z’s songs included “Beware of the Boys,” a remix of a 1998 song by British-Indian recording artist Punjabi MC, a remix of an original song by Indian Bhangra singer Love Janjua, and, of course, “Empire State of Mind,” a duet with Alicia Keys. “As” and “Another Star” from Wonder’s 1976 album “Songs in the Key of Life” are also included in the playlist.

A mix of Bad Bunny’s (“NUEVAYoL”) popular hits and ABBA’s 70’s pop track “Dancing Queen.” Walk-up music continued during the swearing-in ceremony, with snippets of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People” and Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” heard.

Mamdani, who has now become a key figure in national politics, also represents a change in the old, grey-leaning Democratic Party politics.

Mamdani inspires supporters in freezing cold

Temperatures in Manhattan hovered in the 20s, even with the sun shining through the buildings. But that didn’t stop thousands of Mamdani supporters from taking to the streets and celebrities praising the new mayor.

At times, the celebration felt more like a concert than a political celebration.

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin, who celebrated Hanukkah with Mamdani, gave a musical performance with public school students. Grammy Award-winning singer Lucy Dacus performed a political song often associated with the labor movement at Mamdani’s inauguration.

Dacus, a solo artist and member of the supergroup Boygenius, performed “Bread and Roses,” an early 20th century song derived from poetry and political slogans during the women’s suffrage and labor movements calling for fair wages and better working conditions.

The “Night Shift” singer, 30, from Richmond, Virginia, has been outspoken about abortion rights, LGBTQ+ issues, including condemning Tennessee’s anti-drug law, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Celebrants gathered in front of City Hall bopped to the classic “New York, New York” song popularized by Frank Sinatra, along with music from Jay-Z, Daddy Yankee and Bollywood performers. The song emanating from the steps of City Hall was a love letter to New York’s diversity and multiculturalism, and to the city itself, emblematic of Mandani’s South Asian background.

But even as they danced and sang together, several speakers moved the audience to tears as they shared their vision for a new New York.

Pink, hospitalized on New Year’s Eve, expresses hope that 2026 will be “positive”

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Pink rang in the new year alone in her hospital bed, but the “Raise Your Glass” singer was still smiling as 2026 arrived.

While her family spent the holidays “snowboarding happily,” Pink, wearing a hospital gown and a bandage around her neck, posted a post reflecting on a year that ranged from “catastrophic to slightly annoying.” She also revealed that she underwent extensive medical procedures and told fans that she would be finishing this year focused on “fixing my body.”

“It may not be a flashy facelift, but I now have two shiny new discs in my neck. New scars, new memories, and a reminder to be grateful for this vessel I have and use it to its full potential,” the singer posted. “Rock and roll is a contact sport.”

USA TODAY has reached out to Pink’s representatives for comment.

Celebrities and fans pray for Pink’s soul while singer is hospitalized

In her year-end post, Pink shared a long reflection with her fans, wishing 2026 a year filled with compassion, joy, and caring for each other.

“Let’s be better for ourselves and others. Let’s not be afraid to take care of ourselves and others. I choose joy and leave the hurt behind,” she wrote. “I’m going to choose positive thoughts over negative ones, and I’m going to be furious that the light is going out. I’m going to reclaim my wildness, and I’m going to continue to look for the light even as I experience darkness.”

Pink’s post drew congratulations and sympathetic comments from fellow entertainers including Kristin Chenoweth, Rosie O’Donnell and Juliette Lewis.

Singer Sheryl Crow, who was a special guest on Pink’s 2024 Summer Carnival Stadium Tour, commented that the singer inspired her, writing, “I’m going to print out the post and tape it to my fridge! I encourage everyone to do the same!!”

Actor David Burtka chimed in, saying he “had the same surgery” and called it “the best thing I’ve ever had,” likely referring to the intensive spinal fusion surgery he underwent in 2021.

Tuberville says ‘the enemy is at the gate’ regarding Mamdani’s appointment

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Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville was referring to Mamdani’s oath to the Koran. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has documented his history of anti-Muslim statements.

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“The enemy is at the gate,” Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville wrote on social media after learning that Zoran Mamdani had become the first New York City mayor to be sworn in using the Quran.

The Quran is Islam’s main religious document, similar to the Christian Bible. Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York, the largest city in the United States.

Tuberville, a conservative soccer coach turned politician, has a history of anti-Islamic comments, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

On Dec. 14, a Republican lawmaker wrote about X, “Islam is not a religion. It’s a cult. Islamists are not here to assimilate. They are here to conquer.” A few months ago, Mr. Tuberville gave a speech on the Senate floor holding up an “No Sharia” poster. Sharia is Islamic religious law.

“One of the reasons why Sen. Tuberville continues to express such dangerous hatred of American Muslims and complete ignorance about Islam is that he has rejected months-old invitations from Alabama’s Muslim community to visit a mosque in Birmingham, learn about America’s Muslim membership, and ask him anything that concerns him,” CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Mitchell said in an official statement in October.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, has criticized Islamophobic rhetoric from his political opponents.

Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can email us at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and on Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social..

Actor sued by touring violinist for harassment

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Will Smith is being sued by a violinist who claims he fired her for reporting a sexual assault while on tour.

Brian King Joseph is suing Smith and his company, Trayball Studio Management, for wrongful termination following an incident at the rapper’s Based on a True Story 2025 tour in Las Vegas in March. According to a civil lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court on December 31, the musician claims that when he returned to a hotel room booked by Smith’s company, he found someone had left behind sexual messages, wipes, beer bottles, HIV medication with someone else’s name on it, and someone else’s hospital discharge papers.

Joseph said the note read, “Brian, I’ll be back by 5:30 at the latest, just us (I’m excited)” and was signed “Stone F.”

Joseph said he reported the situation to hotel security and the tour manager, but they accused him of lying and blamed him for the incident. He was fired a few days later, but said management told him the tour was “going in a different direction.” He says another violinist was soon hired to replace him, which he claims is proof that he was not fired for “pretext” reasons.

The violinist’s lawsuit also alleges that Smith has been “preparing and priming him for further sexual exploitation” since meeting in November 2024, as the two “began spending more time alone” in the months leading up to the tour. Joseph said Smith once commented, “You and I have a special connection that no one else has.” He also mentioned an incident in which a tour manager claimed to have suspiciously lost a bag containing a room key.

“The chain of events” and “the circumstances of the hotel break-in all indicate a pattern of predatory behavior rather than an isolated incident,” Joseph contends.

USA TODAY has reached out to Smith’s representatives for comment.

Joseph is suing for retaliation, wrongful termination, intimidation and sexual harassment, and seeks compensation for personal and economic damages. The musician’s lawsuit alleges that he made a significant financial investment in preparation for the tour, which lasted from July to early September. He also said he now suffers from significant physiological damage and PTSD as a result of the incident and shooting.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Here’s how much you would have made if you invested in Costco 10 years ago

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The stock has been a profitable investment, but it currently trades at a premium valuation.

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costco wholesale It has become a profitable investment for investors. Early investors would have become millionaires, but even if they had bought the stock in 2015, it would still have outperformed the stock price. S&P500.

A $1,000 investment in Costco stock 10 years ago would be worth about $6,400 today, assuming you bought more shares with the dividends. That’s more than the $4,000 you could earn by investing in an S&P 500 index fund.

But what about investors who buy stocks today?Here are the returns investors can reasonably expect over the next 10 years.

Is Costco stock worth buying?

Costco has steadily expanded its membership base over the years and currently has 146 million cardholders. It could be a long road for the company to continue to grow, especially if it expands its store presence in the U.S. and abroad.

However, investors should be aware that much of the stock’s return over the past decade has been due to investors paying a higher multiple of the company’s earnings per share. Costco’s price-to-earnings ratio has increased more than 50% since 2015, and the company currently trades at 46 times trailing 12-month earnings.

The stock is currently valued at a high valuation, which could limit its upside in the coming years. Costco’s profits are up about 10% year-over-year, and analysts’ consensus forecast is for long-term profit growth to be 9%. If the stock still trades at 46 times earnings, a $1,000 investment today will be worth about $2,600 in 10 years, excluding dividends.

John Ballard has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a position in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Bernie Sanders casually sworn in again for Zoran Mandani

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Five years ago, Sen. Bernie Sanders made headlines for his mitten meme at Joe Biden’s inauguration. In the words of Zoran Mamdani, progressives kept things casual.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders skipped the stilettos and skipped the meme mittens from Joe Biden’s inauguration to celebrate the second swearing-in of newly minted New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani.

The Vermont progressive attended the ceremony wearing a green down winter coat and was sworn in by Mamdani outside City Hall after being introduced by another protégé, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Sanders made headlines five years ago when he wore brown and white mittens with chevron detailing. He also wore a COVID-19 mask over his face and wore a characteristically calm expression with his hands crossed, creating a memorable moment online. The “Bernie Sanders Mittens Meme” spurred sales of Christmas ornaments, merchandise and T-shirts.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Mamdani’s fellow Democratic Socialists said the mayor’s newly enacted policies focused on addressing affordability were not radical. Sanders said New Yorkers need to continue pushing for his policies, such as free buses, universal child care and even city-run grocery stores. Mr. Sanders’ long-standing insistence on making wealthy Americans and big corporations pay more in taxes was met with the slogan “Tax the rich.”

Mamdani is the 112th person to lead the country’s largest city, but the first Muslim and first of South Asian descent.

In 2025, Mamdani surprised the political world by first defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary and then winning again in the general election in November. Mamdani pursued a similar progressive platform to Sanders, focusing on affordability.

“The billionaire class of this city and country needs to understand that they can’t have it all in America,” Sanders said before Mamdani was sworn in. “America, our great country, must belong to all of us, not just a few, and that lesson begins today in New York City.”

And this time, Sanders was wearing gloves.

This story is developing.

Contributors: Eduardo Cuevas, Dan Morrison, Rebecca Moerin, Trevor Hughes. Maliha Saeed, Burlington Free Press

New York City mayoral campaigns cost millions of dollars. It costs $9 to make it official.

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The cost is $9 and can be paid by credit card or money order.

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It costs millions of dollars to be elected mayor of New York. But do you want to make it official? It’s much cheaper: $9.

Mayor Zoran Mamdani was sworn in as leader of the country’s largest city shortly after midnight on January 1st. He received applause after taking the oath of office at a private ceremony held at a subway station beneath City Hall, but he had to go through the bureaucratic process of paying a fee to city officials. He also signed the city ledger both in print and with his signature.

“OK, this is official,” City Clerk Michael McSweeney told Mamdani. “Congratulations, Mayor.”

The new mayor said, “Thank you very much.” “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime honor.”

According to the agency’s website, when someone is elected, appointed or employed by the city, they must file an oath with the city clerk’s office. A small fee will be paid by credit card or money order. Mamdani said the payment should be just change.

More than $16.3 million was spent on Mamdani’s 2025 campaign, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Commission.

Trump says in new interview that sparks speculation: “My health is perfect”

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“They say aspirin is good for thinning the blood, but I don’t want thick blood to flow into the heart,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal.

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President Donald Trump says in a new interview that he takes more aspirin each day than his doctor recommends, and that he continues to take it because he’s been taking it for years and is “superstitious.”

“They say aspirin is good for thinning the blood, but I don’t want thick blood to flow into the heart,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal. “I want thin, good blood flowing through my heart. Does that make sense?”

The president also spoke to Barron’s about his health amid recent public speculation, denying that he fell asleep in meetings, calling any exercise other than golf “boring,” and saying that he actually had a CT scan instead of an MRI during a recent test.

The newspaper’s report on Trump’s health and signs of aging led to an “impromptu” interview with the president, who “expressed frustration” with the discussion on the subject.

President Trump told the newspaper, “My health is perfect.”

At 79 years old, Trump is the oldest person ever elected president, and his health has been a focus of attention.

In July, the White House revealed that Trump was experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand after he was photographed with a swollen ankle and an affected area on his hand covered in makeup. The newspaper said President Trump blamed the bruises on taking aspirin, and that doctors recommended reducing the dose.

Trump’s doctor, Sean Barbavera, told the Journal that Trump’s use of aspirin is for “heart prophylaxis,” and that he takes 325 milligrams a day. The Mayo Clinic says that aspirin helps prevent blood clots by thinning the blood, which may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and that low doses range from 75 to 100 milligrams.

In a letter released by the White House last year, Barbabella said the swelling in President Trump’s legs was due to “chronic venous insufficiency,” a benign condition that is especially common in people over 70.

The president underwent medical examinations twice in 2025, in April and October. The medical report from October states that he underwent an “advanced imaging test,” but the results of the imaging test were not disclosed. Trump said he then underwent an MRI scan.

However, the president and Barbabella told the Journal that he actually underwent a CT scan. Barbabella said in a statement to the Journal that doctors told Trump he would undergo either a CT scan or an MRI, and that they opted for the CT scan “to ensure we rule out any cardiovascular issues.”

“It wasn’t an MRI,” Trump told the Journal. “It was less than that. It was a scan.”

The newspaper also reported that Trump’s aides encouraged him to keep his eyes open during the event. The president has been seen stretching with his eyes closed in public, including during a cabinet meeting on December 2, leading to questions about whether he was dozing off, a question he denied.

“I’m done. It’s very relaxing,” Trump told the newspaper, adding, “Sometimes they’ll take pictures of me blinking and they’ll catch me blinking.”

Trump has maintained a rigorous public schedule as president, despite questions about his health and energy levels. He is also an avid and frequent golfer, although he has expressed disdain for other forms of exercise.

“I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” Trump said. “Walking or running on a treadmill for hours on end like some people is not for me.”

Contributed by: Reuters

Ducks lead CFP game in Orange Bowl

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Texas Tech and Oregon State will meet in the Orange Bowl on Thursday, January 1st, for a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

The No. 4 Red Raiders (12-1) secured a first-round bye with a dominant 34-7 victory over BYU in the Big 12 Conference Championship. No. 5 Oregon State welcomed No. 12 James Madison in the first round in Eugene, Oregon, and defeated the Dukes 51-34, allowing more than 500 total yards and 28 points in the second half.

Watch Oregon vs. Texas Tech in the CFP Quarterfinals live on Fubo (free trial)

Texas Tech secured one of the nation’s best transfer portal classes last offseason, adding key players like All-American edge rusher David Bailey, fellow edge rusher Romello Hite and Interior defensive lineman Lee Hunter to a unit that ranks third in the nation in total defense (254.4 yards per game).

Oregon State (12-1) did little offensively this season despite losing Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel and several other weapons to the NFL. Quarterback Dante Moore was one of the best passers in the country this season, passing for 3,046 yards, 28 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, completing 72.4 percent of his passes.

USA TODAY Sports brings you live updates and highlights from Texas Tech vs. Oregon State in the Orange Bowl. follow me.

Oregon vs. Texas Tech Score

This section is updated live.

team 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q F
Oregon 3 3 7 – –
Texas Tech University 0 0 0 – –

Oregon vs Texas Tech live updates

This section will be updated.

After a Texas Tech turnover, Jordan Davison scored a 6-yard touchdown run to give Oregon a 13-0 lead. The Red Raiders’ defense cannot overcome a very short field.

Behren Morton was strip-sacked by Matayo Uiagerelei and returned the ball 16 yards to Texas Tech’s own 6-yard line.

This is a huge play for Oregon State and a devastating failure for Texas Tech, especially when it comes to their defensive play. This is the Red Raiders’ third turnover of the day.

Dante Moore’s run fell one yard short, and Texas Tech closed down Oregon’s fourth-and-2 attempt. The Red Raiders occupy their own 34-yard line.

Oregon State has made 3 of 6 on fourth down attempts so far.

Texas Tech’s offensive woes continue as the third quarter begins with a three-and-out.

Oregon State has a 6-0 lead at halftime due to the defensive battle so far. Oregon has 198 yards of offense so far, while Texas Tech has gained 88.

The Red Raiders will need to make some adjustments at halftime to make shots.

Oregon was unable to reach the end zone, but Atticus Sappington made a 39-yard field goal to extend the lead to 6-0.

The Ducks led 6-0 with 1:33 left in the second quarter, but Texas Tech’s defense continued to pull away.

Texas Tech’s Cameron Dickey fumbled on a run play before Oregon’s Bryce Bettcher recovered. The Ducks got the ball back at the Red Raiders’ 29-yard line.

Texas Tech’s offensive line isn’t helping the lockdown defense at this point.

Oregon went for the third and fourth down of the drive, but Texas Tech got close and stopped them on fourth-and-goal at the 2-yard line. Texas Tech held the score at 3-0 and took control deep in their own half.

David Bailey knocked down a pass from Dante Moore on the play.

Dan Lanning rolled the dice again for Oregon State, converting a 4-yard pass from Dante Moore to Noah Whittington on a fourth-and-3.

The Ducks go all out on this drive, moving to the Texas Tech 39-yard line.

Lo and behold, Oregon State punter James Ferguson-Reynolds faked a punt and threw a short pass to Zach Grace for an 11-yard gain on a fourth-and-3. Grace got wide open there and moved the Ducks’ chains to the Texas Tech 46-yard line.

Stone Harrington attempted a 54-yard field goal, but the kick missed to the right. Oregon still led 3-0 with 10:53 left in the first half.

Texas Tech finally got a big play on offense as Jay Coby Williams cut back past the tackler and completed a 50-yard run. This was the Red Raiders’ first first down conversion of the game.

Texas Tech advanced to the Oregon State 38-yard line.

Texas Tech is forced into a three-and-out after the interception. The Red Raiders’ stingy defense has so far saved the offense in key sequences.

Brandon Finney Jr. intercepts Behren Morton’s pass and returns the ball to Oregon on a short field at Texas Tech’s own 33-yard line.

The Red Raiders’ offense has struggled so far since Morton threw his first interception in his past 147 pass attempts.

Behren Morton was sacked for a 17-yard loss on third-and-three, forcing Texas Tech into another three-and-out. With 1:25 left in the first quarter, the Red Raiders had six plays for minus-2 yards.

Oregon attempts to score on a fourth-and-1 from Texas Tech’s own 23-yard line, but a run play with Jordan Davison is detonated by inside defensive lineman Lee Hunter.

Dante Moore completed 10 of 12 passes for 87 yards, but the Ducks scored three points late in the first quarter.

Texas Tech forced Jay Coby Williams to make three consecutive plays, but the Red Raiders were able to punt from a 3-and-out to a 4-and-2. Oregon takes control at its own 28-yard line.

Atticus Sappington sank a 50-yard field goal, but it came after Texas Tech’s David Bailey sacked Dante Moore on third down for a 12-yard loss.

The Ducks’ passing game was successful early on, with Dante Moore completing 5 of 6 passes for 55 yards on the first drive.

Oregon State quarterback Dante Moore will start every possession in the Orange Bowl. Here we take a look at the second round of the 2025-26 CFP quarterfinals.

Oregon State receiver Malik Benson, linebacker Bryce Bettcher, defensive lineman Bear Alexander and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon will captain the Orange Bowl vs. Texas Tech.

ESPN’s “College GameDay” aired a feature on Texas Tech star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez’s unique path to becoming one of the best players in the sport. The full text is as follows:

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton has been plagued by injuries all season, but said his winning percentage in the Orange Bowl was closer to 80-85 percent. The redshirt senior is coming off a three-touchdown performance against BYU in the Big 12 Conference Championship Game.

Morton missed two games this season with a lingering hairline fracture in his foot.

Here are his stats this season:

  • Pass: 201 of 300 passes (67%) for 2,643 yards, 22 touchdowns, 4 interceptions

What time does Oregon vs. Texas Tech start?

  • time: Noon Eastern Standard Time
  • date: Thursday, January 1st
  • position: Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Florida)

Which TV channel will be broadcasting Oregon vs. Texas Tech today?

Oregon Tech and Texas Tech will be broadcast live on ESPN, with streaming options available on the ESPN app or on Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Oregon vs. Texas Tech predictions, selections, odds

Odds provided by BetMGM as of December 31st.

  • Spread: Oregon (-2.5)
  • Money line: Oregon -140 | Texas Tech +115
  • over/under 51.5
  • Prediction: Oregon State 24; Texas Tech University 20

Although Texas Tech’s defense did its best to withstand Oregon State’s powerful attack, it was unable to attack effectively. The Ducks caught up late and advanced to the semifinals.