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Michigan State football recruits Kyle Whittingham from Utah State and gets high praise

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Michigan State football recruits Kyle Whittingham from Utah State and gets high praise

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  • Michigan State is looking at a safe and secure landing spot for Kyle Whittingham. It’s not an elite hire, but it’s not bad either.
  • Utah State won 18 games in 21 years under Whittingham.
  • Sherone Moore brought shame to Michigan. Whittingham will restore his reputation.

Michigan State isn’t closing out Sherone Moore’s chapter in the program’s history anytime soon.

The Wolverines have signed a contract to hire longtime University of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham went 177-88 at the University of Utah, a record that included two Pac-12 championships and a 10-win season in the Big 12 this year as Utah State contended for the College Football Playoff.

Here’s how to evaluate your hire:

Grade: B-

Michigan has been upgraded. They’re hiring better coaches than the ones they fired.

The Wolverines brought national disgrace to Moore. Closing the deal with Whittingham was the winner of his career. He is a symbol of stability for a university that needs to calm down scandals.

Yes, indeed, Whittingham is an upgrade over Moore.

He’s not the home run that some other obvious targets could be.

Acquiring Alabama’s Karen DeBoer or Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham would have been a big flex for Michigan. Whittingham is seen as having made a safe, if unspectacular, landing after a tumultuous few weeks.

Moore’s shame became Whittingham’s gain. He leveled up. At 66 years old, he faces one of the biggest challenges of his career. He will have the support of Michigan’s great resources while facing greater expectations than he faced in Utah.

Prior to Moore’s firing, Whittingham announced that he would be leaving the University of Utah at the end of this season, but would not be retiring. He makes way for Morgan Scully, who is waiting to replace him as coach.

As long as Whittingham’s fire still burns hot, don’t worry about his age. He is only two years older than Curt Cignetti, according to the Indiana reveal.

It’s natural to have questions about hiring a coach who has never worked within the Big Ten or on the Mountain East side.

First, can Whittingham successfully recruit the four- and five-star talent Michigan needs to pursue the highest level of success?

Whittingham found success in Utah by signing and developing three-star players primarily from west of the Mississippi River. That worked out well enough for the Utes. With that approach, they won’t be able to compete with Ohio State, Oregon, or Indiana.

How high will Michigan’s ceiling be under a coach who usually loses Utah’s games against higher-ranked opponents while winning most of its remaining games? Consider Whittingham’s final season at Utah a microcosm of his career. The Utes lost to two of the Big 12’s top teams, Texas Tech and Brigham Young, and other teams.

Last year, Utah endured a seven-game losing streak while playing a freshman quarterback and playing a schedule that included multiple ranked opponents.

Whittingham earned a reputation as a serious line of scrimmage coach. His team is built around physicality, and that should translate to the Big Ten. His brand of ball and track record of player development should maintain a stable social standing. He had a winning record in 18 of his 21 seasons as Utah coach.

Whittingham never drafted a quarterback during his time at Utah State. The future of Michigan’s quarterback position and current starter Bryce Underwood, a former five-star player, is a matter of concern.

Will Whittingham be able to assemble the kind of skill position talent found on Ohio State, Oregon or Indiana’s playoff rosters? Could he develop a Heisman Trophy winner like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza or a first-round NFL prospect like Oregon’s Dante Moore? Even more relevant question.

Whittingham is a solid transition option. Before the season, the USA TODAY staff ranked Whittingham No. 12 on its list of college football’s best coaches. By comparison, Moore didn’t rank in the top 25.

Moore landed in jail and Michigan fell forward.

Given the timing and circumstances, Michigan could have done worse than hiring a player with a career winning percentage of .668.

Don’t expect Cignetti to tremble at the sight of Whittingham in the Big Ten. However, the Wolverines can become competent and respectable, if not elite, under his leadership.

Blake Topmeyer is USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow at X @btoppmeyer.

Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham contract finalized: Social media reaction

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Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham contract finalized: Social media reaction

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After the highly publicized firing of its football coach and subsequent search for his replacement, Michigan State appears to have found who will lead the program next.

The Wolverines are finalizing a deal to bring longtime Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham to Ann Arbor to replace Sherone Moore, who was fired on Dec. 10 and then charged with burglary, stalking and trespassing on Dec. 12, the same day Whittingham abruptly announced his retirement from Utah State after 21 seasons at the helm.

Must read: Michigan State football signs contract to hire Utah’s Kyle Whittingham as coach

The timing works out well for the University of Michigan, not only because it allows a proven coach to lead the program after Moore’s firing, but also because it allows the Wolverines to minimize potential damage through the transfer portal.

NCAA rules allow players on a team to enter their names into the transfer portal five days after a new coach is hired. If Michigan officially announces the recruitment on Friday, Dec. 26, Michigan players will be able to enter their names into the portal on Dec. 31. This comes just two days before the 15-day portal opens across the United States on January 2nd.

Early reports suggest Whittingham could also be in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl game between Michigan State and Texas, which kicks off 30 minutes before Utah and Nebraska play in the Las Vegas Bowl. It is unclear whether Whittingham will finish the season with the Utes or potentially get a head start with his new team.

Here’s how social media reacted to the news that Michigan State finalized a deal to hire Whittingham.

Kyle Whittingham to Michigan State: Social media reaction

What should I do in return for the gift? Amazon, Target, and Walmart policies include:

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What should I do in return for the gift? Amazon, Target, and Walmart policies include:

Christmas gift returns are a sign of the holiday season, with retailers expecting post-holiday returns to increase by up to 35%.

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Holiday gift wrapping is complete. Now, the returns begin.

The day after Christmas marks the beginning of holiday gift returns, which are expected to increase by 25% to 35% compared to the past six weeks or so, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks e-commerce.

The last week of December has historically been the busiest period for returns. One in eight returns during the 2024 holiday season will occur between Dec. 26 and Dec. 31, according to Adobe, which analyzed data from more than 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail sites.

The National Retail Federation estimates that approximately 19% of all online sales will be returned by 2025. According to NRF, total retail industry revenue is expected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025.

more: The $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot winner can remain anonymous. For now.

If returning a gift in the next few days is on your to-do list, here’s what you need to know.

Can I return gift items for free?

The usual. Most retailers, including Amazon, Target, and department stores like Walmart and Nordstrom, offer free returns on most items. Additionally, most retailers have extended return windows, typically through January.

However, some retailers charge restocking fees. For example, Marshalls offers free returns for items purchased in-store and returned in-store, but there is an $11.99 fee for returns by mail. TJ Maxx, which like Marshalls is also owned by TJX, has a similar return policy.

“Retailers are trying to shift many of the costs associated with returns onto consumers in order to reduce losses and encourage consumers to be more cautious when purchasing online,” Neil Saunders, retail analyst and managing director of market intelligence and analysis firm GlobalData, told NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.

More than half (53%) of merchants say restocking fees lead to lower overall return rates, according to an NRF study conducted in conjunction with UPS company Happy Returns. According to the survey, more than a quarter (26%) of merchants say they have had to adjust their return policies due to return fraud.

Other retailers that charge restocking fees include:

  • Abercrombie & Fitch: For items returned by mail, a $7 refund fee will be deducted.
  • american eagle outfitters: Online returns are subject to a $5 restocking fee.
  • Best Buy: There is a $45 restocking fee for products that require activation, such as smartphones and tablets. Returns of items such as drones, digital cameras, and mobility devices are subject to a 15% “Restocking Fee.”
  • DSW: In-store returns are free, but returns by mail are subject to an $8.50 handling fee.
  • H&M: In-store returns are free, but returns by mail are subject to a $3.99 restocking fee.
  • JC Penney: This is the fastest way to return most items and receive a refund or store credit. There is an $8 fee for online returns by mail.
  • J. Crew: Items purchased online or by phone may be returned in-store, but returns by mail will be subject to a $7.50 handling fee.
  • Mr. Cole: Items purchased in-store may only be returned to the store. You may return eligible online Kohl’s purchases by mail, but you will be responsible for shipping costs. If you don’t have a gift receipt, you can get a Kohl’s credit towards the lowest sale price for 13 weeks. A valid photo ID may be required.
  • Land’s End: Some orders are eligible for free returns. However, there is a fee of $8.95 + tax for mailed returns.
  • Macy’s: Store returns are free. Return shipping is free for Star Rewards members. If you are a non-member, a return shipping fee of $9.99 plus tax (if applicable) will be deducted from your refund.
  • Urban Outfitters: In-store returns are free. Returns by mail are subject to a $5 “restocking fee.”
  • Zara: Items purchased in-store or online may be returned to the store for free, but items returned to a store return location will be subject to a $4.95 restocking fee.

Here are the details of the major retailer’s return policy:

Amazon return policy

Amazon’s Returns Center allows gift recipients to return items that were marked as a gift at the time of purchase. Your digital gift receipt will include your 17-digit order number. Gift buyers must contact Amazon if they do not have an order ID or tracking number.

The gift recipient will be refunded the gift price in the form of an Amazon.com gift card. If you wish to exchange, you can reorder the desired item after you have received the gift card amount.

For the 2025 holiday season, most items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2025 can be returned until January 31, 2026 (Apple-branded products purchased during that period can be returned until January 15, 2025). For the remainder of the year, Amazon.com and most Amazon.com sellers will routinely offer returns on items within 30 days of receipt of shipment.

Items that cannot be returned include gift cards, devices such as laptops, desktops, and Kindles that have been delivered for more than 30 days, some Amazon Fresh and grocery items, and hazardous materials such as flammable liquids and gases.

costco return policy

Items purchased at a Costco store must generally be returned within 90 days at a Costco warehouse return counter. Items ordered online can be returned at a Costco warehouse or through Costco.com.

Some items, such as Apple products, tires, tickets, and digital products, cannot be returned through Costco.com’s self-service return process.

target return policy

Target accepts returns for most items within 90 days and is extending the holiday return period for some items purchased during the holiday season, including electronics and entertainment (return by January 24), Apple and Beats products and phones (unlocked or prepaid by January 8).

Target Circle 360 ​​members and Target Circle cardholders have an additional 30-day grace period to return most items. The company allows returns on store-branded products for one year.

Exceptions to our return policy include specialty gift cards, trading cards and trading card accessories, personalized items, and digital downloads.

Walmart return policy

According to Walmart’s return policy, Walmart accepts returns for most items purchased in-store or online from October 1st to December 31st, or within the standard 90 days after purchase. Marketplace seller participation varies.

In most cases, returns at Walmart are free. You can return your item in-store, by mail, or by returning it in-store without a restocking fee. Walmart also provides free prepaid return labels for online orders when you initiate a return through the Walmart app or website.

Some products have shorter return periods. For example, major home appliances must be returned within two days, and most smartphones and collectibles must be returned within 14 days.

Items that cannot be returned include diabetes monitoring systems, medicines, weapons, and ammunition.

contribution: Daniel Muñoz of NorthJersey.com and The Record.

Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham close to hiring football coach

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Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham close to hiring football coach

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Michigan State is finalizing a deal with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as its next head football coach, a person familiar with the situation confirmed to the Detroit Free Press. The person spoke to the Free Press on condition of anonymity because the hire is not official.

The expected move concludes a relatively swift investigation that began after former coach Sherone Moore was fired for cause earlier this month.

Whittingham, who led Utah State for 21 years, announced on Dec. 12 that he would step down as Utah coach after the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31.

Whittingham, 66, told reporters on Dec. 18 that he has no intention of retiring and is “in the transfer portal.”

He took over after Urban Meyer left for Florida and compiled a 177-88 record in 20 years in Salt Lake City. Whittingham, a Brigham Young graduate who has spent his entire career coaching in the West across the Continental Divide, will be a capable collaborator to guide Michigan’s program out of this turmoil.

Whittingham projects him to be a safe, transitional choice who can keep the floor respectable at Michigan, while recognizing his ceiling won’t reach the top of the Big Ten.

Whittingham led the Utes in three different conferences (Mountain West, Pac-12, Big 12) and proved to be a consistent winner. He won the Mountain West once (2008) and the Pac-12 twice (2021 and 2022).

He last coached outside of Utah in 1993, when he was defensive coordinator at Idaho State University. His place in Utah history is secure, but his tarnished record against ranked opponents raises questions about whether he can reach the level Michigan covets.

Whittingham is making a notable departure from the school’s traditional recruiting of football players.

Five of Michigan’s seven head coaches since Bo Schembechler retired in 1990 have had previous ties to the program, including former players in Jim Harbaugh and former assistant coaches such as Gary Maurer, Lloyd Carr, Brady Hoke and Moore.

The only other outside hire during that period was Rich Rodriguez, who went 15-22 from 2008 to 2010.

Although Harbaugh won on-field victories, including a national championship in 2023, the end of his tenure was marred by two NCAA investigations that resulted in two suspensions, two show-cause penalties that run through 2038, and a $30 million fine for the school.

Moore was also suspended twice during his time at the University of Michigan. Moore was suspended for one game in 2023, when he was an assistant, for being involved in recruiting violations. Mr. Moore is also suspected of being involved in the school’s signature stamping operation. He served two of his three-game suspension in 2025 and was scheduled to miss the team’s opening game in 2026 before his dismissal. He also received a two-year show cause penalty.

Michigan State announced the firing of Moore on December 10, citing an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Chili’s, the airport’s ‘stairway to heaven’, will close

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Chili’s, the airport’s ‘stairway to heaven’, will close

Chili’s Grill & Bar, located just off the “Stairway to Heaven” escalator at Orlando International Airport, will be permanently closed.

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Chili’s Grill & Bar, located just down the “Stairway to Heaven” escalator at Orlando International Airport, is scheduled to close permanently at the end of the year.

Florida Airports (MCO) announced the news in a post on X on Dec. 26, causing customer disappointment and shock.

“Chili’s is a perennial favorite for many travelers who have climbed the ‘Stairway to Heaven,'” MCO said in a post. “Over the years, you have shared so many memories and memories.”

MCO noted that the restaurant will close permanently on Dec. 31 and encouraged travelers to “visit one last time and raise a glass to this great partnership.”

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is ‘rethinking its concession program’

It’s unclear what will replace Chili’s and MCO, but a social media user clarified that “Space will not replace Chili’s Two.”

An MCO spokesperson told USA TODAY in an email that while the exact details of what will happen at the site are not known, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is “rethinking the concession program,” with the first phase expected to be approved in December 2024 and construction to begin in 2026. The program has brought “more than 40 new retail and dining establishments” to Orlando International Airport, and “will continue to expand with the introduction of even more shops and restaurants.” Phase 2 and Phase 3,” the plan states.

“Several existing sites will cease operations so that construction on new blocks can begin,” a spokesperson said, without providing further details.

Under the “Concession Master Plan,” GOAA will “reimagine the Terminal A and B concessions to create modern, visually appealing spaces that showcase Central Florida hospitality and popular national brands, positioning MCO as a destination in its own right,” the plan reads.

“The end of an era”

Needless to say, customers were disappointed with the MCO announcement, with many expressing their disappointment in the comments.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

Trump press secretary Caroline Levitt announces pregnancy

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Trump press secretary Caroline Levitt announces pregnancy

The White House press secretary shared the news in a Dec. 26 social media post, calling it “the best Christmas present we could ever ask for.”

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White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt’s family has welcomed a new addition to the new year. She announced that she had given birth to a baby girl.

Leavitt shared the news in a social media post on Dec. 26, calling it “the best Christmas present we could ever ask for.”

“My husband and I are excited to expand our family and can’t wait to see our son become a big brother,” Levitt said.

Levitt said the baby is due in May.

Levitt, 28, one of President Donald Trump’s most high-profile surrogates, is the youngest White House press secretary ever.

Levitt served as press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign before joining Trump’s White House team and giving birth to her son during the campaign. Before that, she worked for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, ran an unsuccessful congressional campaign in New Hampshire, and interned at the White House during Trump’s first administration.

Mr. Levitt thanked President Trump and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, for “fostering a family-friendly environment at the White House.”

Arctic explosion occurs as New Year approaches

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Arctic explosion occurs as New Year approaches

An arctic blast is expected to bring multiple dangerous cold waves to the Midwest and Northeast next week, forecasters warn.

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An arctic blast is expected to bring multiple dangerous cold waves to the Midwest and Northeast next week, forecasters warn.

“As 2025 ends and 2026 begins, a strong cold front will move into the northern United States,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Renee Duff said in an online forecast. “Behind each front, temperatures will drop and lake effect snow removal will kick in.”

How cold is it? Temperatures as far south as the Gulf Coast are expected to drop below freezing by Tuesday, Dec. 30, according to the Weather Prediction Center’s forecast map.

more: Snowstorm expected to hit parts of US, with 10 inches of snow possible in New York state

“We’re going to see a sharp drop in temperatures across the Great Lakes and into the Northeast and Southeast as we enter the new year of 2026,” Weather Trader meteorologist Ryan Maue said on the X show.

Even after the extreme cold temporarily subsides, it returns again.

The drop in temperatures due to the recent mild weather will be shocking in some areas.

Duff said high temperatures could drop more than 30 degrees in the 24-hour period from Sunday, Dec. 28 to Monday, Dec. 29, with the biggest temperature drop expected in the Ohio Valley. In Indianapolis, for example, high temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s on Monday, Dec. 29, following near-record warm temperatures in the low 60s on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Daytime temperatures are expected to be in the 20s to 30s across the Northeast by Tuesday, Dec. 30, and in the teens to single digits in the Upper Midwest, according to AccuWeather.

The strength of the arctic atmosphere increases

Around 2026, when the calendar changes, the polar atmosphere is expected to increase in strength and move southeastward from Canada and into the northeast.

“The coldest air will move through western Canada into early January, but a colder air mass could be drawn south behind storms in the Rockies and Plains before briefly drifting east,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

Although cold, temperatures from the latest Arctic blast are not expected to reach record levels, the weather forecast center said in an online forecast.

What are the predictions for 2026?

January will likely continue the pattern of late December, which featured above-average warmth across most of the country’s southern two-thirds, according to online forecasts from Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Bells.

He added that February could be the warmest in the country (relative to average) along the East Coast.

Bells said the forecast depends on the polar vortex in the stratosphere, which is likely to strengthen by the start of the year. This means that although storm systems will occasionally bring wetter, cooler weather, the cold air is unlikely to blow in here in the U.S. for long.

Doyle Rice is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, specializing in weather and climate.

Retirement savings mistakes to avoid in 2026

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Retirement savings mistakes to avoid in 2026

By avoiding these, you may be able to avoid future financial crises.

morley backman
|The Motley Fool

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Your 50s are a pivotal time in the grand scheme of saving for retirement. At that point, you may be very close to the end of your career. You may also have big plans for your senior years, like travel, a vacation home on the beach, or something else you’ve always wanted.

It’s important to make the most of your last 10 years so you can start your retirement on the right foot. Here are three retirement savings mistakes you should avoid next year if you’re in your 50s.

1. Forgetting that you can make a catch-up contribution

Making catch-up contributions to your IRA or 401(k) is a great way to increase your retirement savings. You also don’t have to put your savings in arrears to take advantage of catch-up contributions. All you need to do is be over 50 years old by the end of the calendar year.

In 2026, IRA savers age 50 and older can make an additional contribution of $1,100, bringing the total allowable contribution to $8,600. If you have a 401(k) plan, your catch-up contributions total $8,000, giving you a total of $32,500 to contribute next year.

Additionally, for 401(k) savers between the ages of 60 and 63 in 2026, there is a special retroactive contribution of $11,250 instead of the $8,000 mentioned above. For people in this age group, the maximum 401(k) contribution in 2026 is $35,750.

Magic number: We have almost enough savings in our 401(k) retirement plan. Here’s what you need to know:

Forgotten funds: $2.1 trillion is left in 401(k) accounts. Will it be yours?

Note that if you earned more than $150,000 in 2025, your only option for making 401(k) catch-up contributions in 2026 is a Roth 401(k). This means you will lose the tax break on the money you put into savings, but you will still be able to enjoy tax-free gains and withdrawals in return.

However, if your employer doesn’t offer a Roth option in your 401(k), you may not be able to make additional contributions. Now is the time to determine if that option is available to you and make a plan.

2. Selling too many stocks

As you near retirement, it’s a good idea to start removing risk from your portfolio. But one thing you don’t want to do is give up too many stocks in your 50s, when you may still have quite a few years left before your career ends.

What you should do is take a look at how much you have invested in stocks and decide whether it would be beneficial to scale back a bit. If you want to reduce your risk, you can also replace some growth stocks with more stable dividend stocks.

3. Not diversifying your portfolio enough

If you’re looking to successfully grow your savings as you approach retirement, or if you’re playing catch-up to catch up on years of not saving, you may be more inclined to invest your money in some high-potential growth stocks. It’s easy to see why it’s appealing. But another big mistake you don’t want to fall victim to is not broadening your portfolio.

Strategy shift: Here’s why investment giants are trying to overturn the 60/40 rule

If you invest 20% of your assets in a single stock that crashes in value and never recovers, you may not have enough time to recover those losses before you retire. So it’s a good idea to continue investing in stocks into your 50s, but be sure to invest in a variety of market sectors. Also, if you are not sure whether the business is sufficiently developed, you can always buy shares. S&P500 Index funds for further diversification.

Your 50s is an important time to think about your retirement plans. If you can avoid these big mistakes, you’ll be able to retire more confidently and do all the things you’ve always dreamed of doing.

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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‘Big Brother’ star dies at 35

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‘Big Brother’ star dies at 35

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Mickey Lee, a television personality known for his appearance on the reality competition series Big Brother, recently passed away after being hospitalized. She was 35 years old.

Lee, who was hospitalized earlier this week after suffering a series of cardiac arrests, passed away on Christmas Day, his family said in a post on his official Instagram page on Friday, December 26th.

“Mickey won the hearts of audiences across America through her appearance on Big Brother, and her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike,” Lee’s family wrote.

“She will be remembered for the joy she brought to the lives of so many people and the genuine connections she made on and off screen. …Mickey’s light, legacy and influence will never be forgotten.”

Mickey Lee’s health status: ‘Big Brother’ star hospitalized after cardiac arrest

Details of Ms. Lee’s memorial service will be shared at a later date, her family added.

A message posted on Ms Lee’s Instagram page on Monday revealed that she had suffered cardiac arrest due to flu-related complications and was in a critical but stable condition in intensive care. The statement added that Mr. Lee was “surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones.”

The post also included a link to a GoFundMe page to help with Lee’s medical expenses. The online fundraiser had raised more than $32,000 as of Friday.

Lee competed on “Big Brother” earlier this year, coming in 10th place and being eliminated in week eight.

The Event Curator reigned alone as Head of Household in Week 4, when he used his interrogation powers to remove Riley Jeffries from his post. She was also part of several influential alliances, but was eventually targeted for eviction by other guests who deemed her overbearing leadership style.

‘Big Brother’ stars react to Mickey Lee’s ‘devastating’ death

Following news of her death, Lee’s friends and colleagues in the reality TV industry took to social media to mourn the Big Brother star’s death.

Rachel Riley, who won Season 13 of “Big Brother” and co-starred with Lee in Season 27, wrote, “I am so sorry for his passing. I pray for his family.” “Rest in peace Mickey, we will miss you – with love to you all 🙏”

Another of Lee’s castmates, Jimmy Heagerty, remembered the television personality as his “ride or die.”

“Outside of the house, we reaffirmed our friendship, which meant more to me than I could have ever imagined,” Heagerty continued. “What we had was more than just a game relationship. It was real and it mattered. … Losing you hurts in a way I wasn’t ready for, but I will always carry the love, trust, and memories we shared. You will forever be a part of my heart.”

“This is so devastating,” Big Brother season 25 contestant Mecole Hayes wrote. “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate death. May you rest in peace 😔”

“My heart sank…I met Mickey recently and was drawn to her beautiful spirit and infectious energy,” said Destination X star Ty Lowry. “Rest in peace to her family. We love you Mickey ❤️🕊️ Rest in peace 🙏🏽.”

“It’s heartbreaking. I’m so happy that she was able to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Big Brother and share her light with the world,” wrote Big Brother Canada’s Bailey Pelham. “It was a pleasure to meet her for a little while. She was so sweet and beautiful. Her light really amazed me. This hurts.”

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributor: Melina Khan, USA TODAY

Why is President Trump attacking Nigeria? What you need to know about the Christmas attack

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Why is President Trump attacking Nigeria? What you need to know about the Christmas attack

President Donald Trump said he ordered a military strike against the “remnants of ISIS terrorists” in Nigeria on Christmas Day.

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The United States launched an offensive against Islamic State militants in Nigeria on Christmas Day, after President Donald Trump threatened in November to storm Nigeria “with guns blazing” over what he called a “genocide” of Christians.

According to U.S. Africa Command, at the direction of President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. forces have launched an attack on “ISIS terrorists” in northwestern Nigeria.

President Trump said on Truth Social that he has ordered the military to launch “a strong and deadly attack against the ISIS terrorist bastards in northwestern Nigeria who are primarily targeting and brutally killing innocent Christians.”

The military “carried out a number of flawless attacks,” it added.

“More to come,” Hegseth wrote in the X post.

The operation marked the first time the United States launched a deadly attack in Nigeria as part of the fight against ISIS in Africa.

more: US attacks Islamic State in Nigeria after President Trump warns

The United States began airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria on December 19, after a gunman suspected of having ties to a terrorist organization shot and killed two American soldiers and an interpreter stationed in the country earlier this month.

The airstrike confirmed Trump’s threats that began in late October over what he called the “mass murder of Nigerian Christians.” This issue has long been promoted by the internet right wing, and was recently grilled by President Trump. Continued violence in the country is affecting Christians, but experts say the situation is far more nuanced than President Trump has described.

Where was the strike?

U.S. Africa Command said the airstrike took place in Sokoto state in the northwestern part of the country, on the border with Niger.

The United States has not released further information on the number of targets attacked or the number of deaths. The Pentagon contacted USA TODAY with U.S. Africa Command, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the United States was coordinating the attack with the Nigerian government and the two countries were sharing intelligence. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tugar told CNN that he had discussed the airstrike with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on two phone calls beforehand.

“We are ready, willing and able to cooperate and coordinate with foreign governments committed to combating terrorism,” Tager said. “This is not a religious issue, this is an issue for innocent civilians in Nigeria and the wider region.”

Why is President Trump concerned about Nigeria?

President Trump first expressed concern about the killing of Christians in Nigeria in the fall. On October 31, he placed Nigeria on the State Department’s list of countries of particular concern that are involved in “particularly serious violations of religious freedom.”

The next day, he threatened on Truth Social that if the government “continues to allow the killing of Christians,” the United States could cut aid to Nigeria and “move into the now disgraceful ‘shooter’ country.”

Concern about violence directed specifically at Christians in Nigeria has long been widespread among right-wing and religious groups. Celebrities such as President Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Walz, talk show host Bill Maher, and rapper Nicki Minaj have recently weighed in on the topic.

Are Christians really being killed in Nigeria?

Nnamdi Obasi, Nigeria’s senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, said the country’s security challenges are “multidimensional” and Christians are not the only ones at risk.

Obasi said both Christians and Muslims, who make up about 60% of Nigeria’s population, are targets of violence.

Some attacks, such as suicide bombings, are said to be indiscriminate. Islamic places of worship including mosques, places of worship and Islamic schools were destroyed, he added.

“This is not a single story of Christian killings. There are different manifestations of violence in different parts of the country,” he said.

Obasi said the northwest, where the US announced it had launched attacks, was a “majority of Muslims” areas. That means most victims of the violence, which is perpetrated mainly by armed robberies in the region, are Muslims, he said.

Obasi said ISIS is primarily present in northeastern Nigeria. In the region, another faction of violent extremist group Boko Haram has split and formed alliances with other ISIS factions in the Middle East, he said.

Obasi said the group known as Laklawa in the northwest was initially brought to the area by locals to protect against bandit groups around 2017, but evolved into an extremist group in the years since.

ISIS in the Sahel (ISSP) has expanded its operations along the Niger-Nigeria border, including Sokoto, since early 2024, according to armed conflict location and incident data.

Obasi said the continued US operation, especially in defense of Christians, risks “further polarizing the country on religious grounds.”

“A US military operation that doubles down on protection for Christians will almost certainly be misinterpreted by Muslims as a unilateral response,” he said.

What does a strike do?

Javed Ali, who served as the National Security Council’s counterterrorism chief during Trump’s first term, said airstrikes alone are unlikely to destroy or significantly reduce ISIS’ presence in Nigeria. “It’s too big, it’s too dispersed, and Nigeria is a huge country,” he said.

“The jihadist environment in Midwest Africa has been strong and strong for decades,” said Ali, now an associate professor at the University of Michigan. The United States has deployed hundreds of troops and intelligence-gathering capabilities to fight Islamist groups in Africa, but there has never been a serious effort to launch an attack in Nigeria, he said.

“This is my first time,” he said.

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Politicians react after US strikes ISIS targets in Nigeria

President Trump said U.S. forces had attacked Islamic State targets in Nigeria, claiming that the group was targeting Christians in the region.

Ali said other considerations would also be taken into account, such as whether ISIS would seek to retaliate against the United States or forces in the region if the attack was the beginning of a longer-term operation.

“Do we really understand the highly complex ethnic, religious and tribal makeup of a country like Nigeria?” he said. “If we don’t, the lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan teach us: the deeper we become involved in these countries, the harder it will be to reach an end state,” he said.

Where is Nigeria?

Nigeria is located on the west coast of Africa. With a population of 218.5 million, it is the most populous country in Africa.

Will Travis Kelce retire? Chiefs star mom after Broncos game

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Will Travis Kelce retire? Chiefs star mom after Broncos game

Travis Kelce’s NFL future has been a hot topic this season, especially after the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention.

Thursday’s Christmas night game against the Denver Broncos was the Chiefs’ final home game of the 2025 season. But was it also the last home game of Kelce’s career?

The Chiefs star largely avoided the topic.

NFL Christmas winners and losers: The Travis Kelce Mystery, the Packers’ Gift, and the Murder of Snoop Dogg

When asked if there was any special emotion attached to the game, Kelce said, “Yeah, it’s a Christmas game, baby.”

“There’s just so many emotions,” Kelce said. “Let’s let the whole world see it. Go out there with a young guy like Chris Oladokun. It’s prime time television. I’m excited for him and I’m excited for the guys around us. A lot of young guys are getting a chance to get a taste of what NFL life is like on a big stage. I just wanted to go out there and get a win for them.”

When asked further about the topic, Kelce joked that the only time he thought about the possibility of this being his last home game was when he “drove in the other day and saw how big the Powerball was.”

“I thought, ‘Wow, if I win this, I’ll never have to work again in my life,'” Kelce said.

He added: “I’m just focused on winning football games.”

“I will make the decision (to retire) with my family, friends and the Chiefs organization when the time is right,” Kelce said.

Watch Travis Kelce leave the field

After the Chiefs’ 20-13 loss to the Broncos, Kelce received a huge cheer as he left the field at Arrowhead Stadium. His fiancée Taylor Swift and mother Donna were also in attendance.

Arkansas Powerball $1.8 billion jackpot winner can choose to remain anonymous

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Arkansas Powerball .8 billion jackpot winner can choose to remain anonymous

If you won the Powerball jackpot, would you choose to remain anonymous?

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One lucky person in Arkansas has won the second-highest Powerball jackpot in history, but it could be years before their identities are revealed to the public.

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, after months of growing Powerball jackpots, someone finally got lucky and won a fortune. Let’s talk about great Christmas presents!

The $1.817 billion jackpot was won on a single ticket. If the lucky winner chooses to take the cash option, they will receive an estimated $834.9 million.

If the winner chooses to remain anonymous, the world will not know who won the grand prize, but only for a limited time.

Here’s what you need to know:

Can Arkansas Lottery Winners Stay Anonymous?

Yes, according to Arkansas law. If you win more than $500,000 in the lottery, you can choose to remain anonymous. However, after three years, the names of those who claimed the jackpot will be made public. This law was enacted in 2021.

This is the second time in the game’s history that the jackpot was won by a ticket sold in Arkansas. The first time was in 2010.

More news: The Powerball jackpot reaches $1.6 billion. Check out the top 10 gaming jackpots.

See other states that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous

More than a dozen states allow winners to receive prizes anonymously, and in some places, such as Arizona and Virginia, the terms depend entirely on the amount won.

Michigan, Ohio, the Territory of Puerto Rico and other states have special anonymity provisions.

Only 10 states allow true anonymity, including Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wyoming.

Has anyone else won the Powerball jackpot?

No other ticket won the Powerball jackpot, but Powerball said tickets sold in California, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, as well as two tickets sold in New York, won the Match 5 prize of $1 million.

In addition, 114 tickets sold across the U.S. won $50,000 prizes and 31 won $100,000 prizes. Two more tickets won $500,000 in double-play drawings in Colorado and South Carolina.

Powerball winning numbers for December 24, 2025

The winning numbers for Wednesday, December 24th drawing are: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the powerball 19. The multiplier for “power play” is 2x.

The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of the USA TODAY Network.

What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?

  1. $2.04 billion – acquired in California on November 7, 2022
  2. $1.1817 billion – won in Arkansas on December 24th
  3. $1.787 billion – Won in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
  4. $1.765 billion – acquired in California on October 11, 2023
  5. $1.586 billion – acquired on January 13, 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  6. $1.326 Billion – Earned in Oregon on April 6, 2024
  7. $1.08 billion – acquired in California on July 19, 2023
  8. $842.4 million – earned in Michigan on January 1, 2024
  9. $768.4 million – acquired in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
  10. $758.7 million – acquired in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017

2025 was a big year for Powerball. The September jackpot reached $1.787 billion, making it the second-highest amount in the game’s history. Two people from Fredericksburg, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri won the jackpot.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Saturday, December 27th at 10:59pm ET.

Because someone won the grand prize, the jackpot resets to an estimated $20 million, with a cash value of $9.2 million.

How to play Powerball

To play Powerball, you must purchase a $2 ticket. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls with numbers from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes.

“Power Play” multipliers allow you to increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

If you’re feeling unlucky or just want to let the computer do the work for you, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option, where a computer-generated number is printed on your Powerball ticket. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls with the red Powerball in any order.

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.

Where to buy lottery tickets

Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythese states and territories of the United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.

Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY, covering scientific research and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

Place students with special needs in a “time-out box”

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Place students with special needs in a “time-out box”

New York state is investigating claims that public schools were putting students with special needs in “time-out boxes” that resemble shipping containers.

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A photo of a structure resembling a shipping container with four wooden exterior panels and a padded interior was posted on Facebook on December 15th. But there has been outrage over what, or who, was inside the containers due to claims that special needs children were kept in them during time-out sessions.

The photo posted by the former school board member is of the St. Regis Mohawk School in the Salmon River Center School District in the upstate New York community of Akwesane near the Canadian border, which launched a state investigation that led to school staff being placed on administrative leave and the superintendent being temporarily reassigned.

“We recognize the pain, concern and distress these events have caused, and we sincerely apologize for the harm and trauma this has caused to our community,” board president Jason Brockway said in a Dec. 18 statement. “Let me be clear: The circumstances surrounding these allegations are not reflective of the values ​​and standards of care that guide this district.”

Chrissy Onientas Jacobs, who posted the image, says that’s not enough.

“I want to see (Superintendent) Stanley Harper fired. I want to see Assistant Superintendent Angela Robert fired. I want to see Special Education Director Alan Gravel fired,” Jacobs said in an interview with USA TODAY.

more: Their children are dependent on special education. President Trump’s cuts are putting them at risk.

District officials’ story changes.

“The items depicted in the photos used by Mohican (sic) School students never existed,” the district wrote in a Dec. 15 Facebook post. “In fact, before these photos were distributed, the district had already decided not to use the specific devices shown.”

However, the Albany Times Union reported that during a raucous school board meeting on Dec. 17, multiple parents claimed their children were put in boxes. Television station WNNY reported that an anonymous parent claims the box was used on his son, who is nonverbal.

The station quoted the child’s parents as saying, “He explained that this is a place to calm down when he is angry or sad.”

In a portion of the proceedings broadcast by attendees and reviewed by USA TODAY, Harper revealed that three boxes existed at two schools in the district and that he had known about their existence weeks before Jacob’s post.

“I found out about three weeks ago,” Harper said. “When I saw that, I said, ‘Get rid of it.'” Immediately after the comment, a participant can be heard saying, “End now,” on the stream.

The district announced that it had launched an independent investigation through an unnamed law firm. Franklin Essex Hamilton BOCES is leading the investigation, according to a Dec. 24 statement provided to USA TODAY by the district.

Harper was assigned “housework,” while St. Regis Mohawk Principal Alison Benedict and elementary school teacher Carrie Haverstock were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Time Out Box” Resurfaces Past Trauma

Jacobs said the box revelation brought back memories of past abuse at boarding school.

The Salmon River Central School District is 61% Native American, according to data from the New York State Department of Education. But Jacobs told USA TODAY that the rate is much higher, but families don’t realize it that way for fear of abuse.

“My grandparents went to school there when it was built as the Indian Day School, and my grandparents were kept in cages and boxes in the basement of that school in the ’30s and ’40s,” Jacobs said. “My father went there in the ’60s and got abused. I went there in the ’90s and got abused. Now our kids are there and making boxes.

more: Education Department cuts threaten special education system, advocates warn

“Trust has been lost,” the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council said in a statement to the New York Times. “It is clear that what happened should never have happened and our children deserve better recognition from those in charge of their care.”

“This is history that has been lived for generations at our family tables, and we continue to deal with systemic abuse, but now in 2025, it is championed as support and education,” Jacobs said.

The Times Union reported that the mother claimed during the meeting that the school district forced her to agree to use a time-out box in order for her child to continue his education.

“This is where it gets really disappointing. We’re a very poor school district,” Jacobs said. “When you try to say to a parent, ‘You need to sign this or your child will be kicked out,’ what you’re really telling them is that even if you don’t agree with it, even if you don’t feel it’s right, agree with it, because you’re going to lose your job, you’re going to lose your home, you’re going to starve, you’re going to lose your kids.”

the country responds

The use of “restraint and seclusion” is prohibited under New York state code, according to a letter sent to Harper from the Department of Special Education ordering the removal of the boxes and obtained by USA TODAY.

“The conditions at Salmon River are below that standard, and the department is committed to working with the school community to ensure the district is in full compliance with all applicable segregation laws and regulations,” the department said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The Times Union reported that state regulations allow educators to lock students alone in an unlocked space during a timeout period, where they can be supervised and “move around or lie down comfortably.” It added that the state updated its regulations in 2023 following an investigation by the paper into disciplinary practices across New York.

The Times Union added that second-graders and high school students in the Salmon River School District were either physically restrained or had their time expired, but said, “Due to the small number of incidents, the state suppressed the details of these incidents.”

more: Trump administration aims to curtail access to disability lawyers, advocates say

New York Governor Cathy Hochul said in a statement that the allegations are “alarming and completely unacceptable.” “As a mother, I know firsthand the trust parents place in schools and the teachers and administrators who work with their children,” Hochul said. “Schools should be places where all children feel safe, respected and supported.”

The district announced at a special meeting on Dec. 23 that it had appointed Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES District Superintendent Dale Breaux as acting superintendent.

USA TODAY has reached out to the district and Harper for further comment.

American distilleries need stiff drinks

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American distilleries need stiff drinks

good morning! I’m Daniel de Visé from Daily Money.

With Christmas over, American distillers realized they needed a stiff drink.

Import duties and declining alcohol consumption are pushing some distilleries into bankruptcy in 2025.

Parents are concerned about an AI-driven job market

Parents are increasingly concerned about whether their children are ready for the AI-era job market, according to a new survey.

📰 Other stories you can’t miss 📰

📰 great read 📰

And here are some popular articles from earlier this year that you may have missed. Please read it! share!

The average retirement age of American workers is steadily increasing, according to a report by prominent economists. And this trend begs the question, “When will America’s retirement age stop increasing?”

Daniel de Visse covers personal finance for USA TODAY. Daily Money breaks down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

President Trump and President Zelensky meet at Mar-a-Lago amid Ukraine peace talks

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President Trump and President Zelensky meet at Mar-a-Lago amid Ukraine peace talks

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet on December 28, with Zelenskiy saying a new chance to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine is on the horizon.

The White House did not immediately confirm the meeting to USA TODAY, but President Zelenskiy said the meeting was “specifically to finalize everything as possible.” President Zelenskiy added on social media that “many things may be decided before the new year.”

The meeting, reportedly scheduled to take place at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, comes after a flurry of diplomatic talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials over a new 20-point peace plan announced by President Zelenskiy on December 24. The framework amended clauses in an earlier US draft peace deal that were widely criticized as being skewed in Russia’s favor, including a reduction in Ukraine’s military.

Zelenskiy’s plan was developed in consultation with the United States, but it still faces several major hurdles before it can be formally presented to Russia.

Territory is a continuing point of contention. Russia wants complete control of eastern Ukraine, which is currently under the control of Kiev forces. President Zelensky has said he would consider creating a demilitarized zone in the region, as the United States has proposed, but Ukraine officially wants to end the conflict along the current front lines, where its forces have established defensive positions.

Another challenge may be the commissioning of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the south of the country, currently owned by Russia. Russia and Ukraine both want to work with the United States, but exclude their adversaries, and run factories together. The United States has previously indicated its intention to locally lead a joint nuclear project with both Russia and Ukraine.

more: Putin hints at no compromise on Ukraine at marathon press conference

However, it seems unlikely that Russia will accept any peace terms other than its own. At his annual public press conference on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated the previous peace terms: full control of the four main regions of the disputed region.

Contributed by: Reuters

Until 2025’s Most Heartbreaking TV Death: ‘The Last of Us’

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Until 2025’s Most Heartbreaking TV Death: ‘The Last of Us’

On New Year’s Eve we sing “Should old acquaintances be forgotten?” But we will never forget last year’s worst television disaster.

Ned Stark (Sean Bean) lost his head on Game of Thrones in 2011. It still hurts. Derek McDreamy Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) left Grey’s Anatomy following a 2015 car accident that remains under investigation. The brutal death of Yellowstone mainstay John Dutton (Kevin Costner), which took place in 2024, dragged on for too long in the second half of Season 5, almost spilling over into 2025.

However, in 2025, a traumatic toll occurred that was televised. Here are the most significant TV-related deaths of the past year.

And again in 2025! Spoilers ahead for 2025 shows you haven’t seen yet..

7. Marge is still alive, but church organist Alice Glick plays her final notes on “The Simpsons.”

Despite rumors on the internet, Marge Simpson did not die on “The Simpsons” in 2025. But Alice Glick, a longtime church organist who started performing in Season 2 in 1991 (when the first George Bush was president), screamed.

The November 16th episode of Season 37 began with Mrs. Glick suddenly collapsing in church during Pastor Lovejoy’s sermon. Executive producer Tim Long briefly acknowledged the death of the character, once voiced by the late Oscar-winning actress Cloris Leachman, saying Mrs. Glick was “dead as a nail.”

6. Why did Tom Pelphrey’s character Robbie have to die in “The Tusk” episode 6?

Soulful Tom Pelphrey played the troubled Ben Davis in Netflix’s crime drama Ozark, breaking 2020’s hearts with a TV murder (on his sister’s orders!). Pelfrey reprized his role as single father Robbie Prendergrast on HBO’s “Tusk.” He is a kind-hearted sanitation worker who robs drug dens and criminals.

Robbie’s death was inevitable as he was cornered and his life was targeted. However, the fatal stabbing by Dark Hearts thug Jason (Sam Keeley) was even more tragic as members of the motorcycle gang had already killed Robbie’s younger brother Billy (Jack Keeley). The death that hit viewers in the sixth episode of the seven-episode HBO series was especially tough. We thought we would have more time with Robbie.

Pelfrey, you’re on TV death probation until 2028.

5. Vann’s “Yellowjacket” death was the cruelest cut of Season 3

Season 3 of Yellowjackets was full of bloodshed. But no death was more painful than that of plane crash survivor Van (Lauren Ambrose). Even if he has terminal cancer and is spending his free time. Van makes the moral choice not to stab fellow survivor Melissa (Hilary Swank) in order to cure his cancer with supernatural powers, but Melissa thrusts a knife into Van’s heart, fatally wounding him. Cue the needle drop of Radiohead’s tear-jerking “Exit Music (for a Film),” which shows a flashback to Van’s teenage self (Liv Hewson), followed by a conversation between the two of them on the fatal plane. After everything Van and his rekindled girlfriend Taissa (Tawney Cypress) have been through, we were hoping for an endgame for these two.

4. British socialite Alexandra brings Dutton the ultimate death in “1923.”

Much of Season 2 of 1923 follows brave, pregnant Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) as she journeys across oceans and continents to reunite with her hunky American husband, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Skenner). After losing his life aboard a ship, a train, and finally a car, Alex escapes from a snow-bound car, leaving behind a frozen and stiff fellow traveler. After battling death himself and suffering from frostbite, Alex reunites with Spencer on a snow-covered railroad track in the final episode of the two-hour series in April (shot in the Texas summer). Doctors wanted to amputate her blackened limbs to save her. However, Alex refused to guarantee the birth of a premature son named John Dutton (who may be the grandfather of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner). With the drama dial stuck at 11 o’clock, Alex passed away with her heartbroken husband lying next to her.

3. ‘White Lotus’ star couple’s death was harder to swallow than a poisoned pina colada

A heated debate surrounding HBO’s “White Lotus” Season 3 (well, one of them) was which of the characters at the luxury resort would die in Thailand and how. Tortured Rick Hatchet (Walton Goggins), like Inigo Montoya in a flower-print shirt, ranks high on the hit list with his reckless quest to avenge his father’s death. Similarly, Rick’s bubbly younger girlfriend Chelsea (Amy Lou Wood) was a distinct possibility. But Chelsea dying in the crossfire during the finals shootout, followed by a heartbroken Rick – fully aware of the damage he had caused – was as hard to swallow as a poisoned piña colada.

2. Calling 9-1-1 about Bobby Nash’s death

As the 118’s steady fire chief, Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) was not only the central leader of “9-1-1” for eight seasons, he was the show’s conscience. Nash escaped pirates, snipers, and killer bees before heroically dying from a deadly virus on the April 17 episode of ABC. Nash steps in like a hero, saving his fellow firefighter Chimney (Kenneth Choi) and ensuring the safety of the crew. He has a final conversation with his wife, Athena (Angela Bassett), and they cry as they touch each other through a glass partition.

1. Joel’s death in ‘The Last of Us’ was a national shocker.

Millions of people who played “The Last of Us” video game knew about Joel Miller’s death. But the majority of the world’s unsuspecting television audience never imagined that the killing machine with a heart (Pedro Pascal) would die, much less in episode 2 of season 2 of the hit HBO series. It was a brutal act in which he was beaten to death with a golf club.

After Joel saves Abby and her group’s lives, the vengeful Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Deaver) challenges Joel to avenge her late father in a torturous and soul-destroying scene. The assault ended with the final execution in front of the surrogate’s daughter Ellie (Bella Ramsey). “The Last of Us” is forever changed as Ellie seeks revenge. Contributors: Claire Mulroy, Patrick Ryan, Brendan Morrow.

How do home warranties work? 2026 Guide

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How do home warranties work? 2026 Guide

Home warranty plans cover the cost of repairing or replacing aging home systems and appliances if they break down through normal use. But how do home warranties work? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical home warranty claim process so you know what to expect when you need to make the call.

How does a home warranty work?

The home warranty claim process is simple. “If something breaks, the homeowner files a claim, pays the service fee, and the warranty company sends out a contract technician,” says Austin Glanzer, co-owner of 717 Home Buyers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “In many cases, the entire repair will be covered,” Glanser added, but coverage varies by warranty type.

Most home warranty companies follow a similar claims process, but some are slightly different. Some providers may send you an online form. Others may call you or let you use their mobile app. The biggest difference is response time and how quickly claims are approved.

Step 1: Contact your provider and submit your claim

If you notice a problem with your covered system or appliance, contact your home warranty provider immediately. Many providers require this claim to be made immediately or your claim may be denied due to improper maintenance or neglect.

Most home warranty companies have an online portal to file a claim, but you can also start a claim over the phone by calling their customer service line.

Step 2: Schedule a service visit

Once your claim is processed (usually within 24-72 hours), a service technician will be dispatched to your home. Christy Conti, broker and owner of Peacock Premier Properties in Inglewood, Fla., explains that most home warranty providers “can expect a local provider to come out and fix it within 24 to 48 hours. If it’s an emergency issue, like a broken water line, they’ll get someone out sooner.”

There are two routes to scheduling this visit. Some home warranty providers will automatically dispatch a technician from their network, or you may be able to select your own service specialist. In any case, at this point a diagnosis has been made and repairs can begin.

Step 3: Pay the service fee

Whenever you file a claim and have a service technician sent to your home, you pay the service fee. The amount you pay depends on your contract, but you can pay anywhere from $65 to over $125.

Note: Service call charges may be paid before or after the technician is dispatched. It depends on the home warranty provider.

more: How much does a home warranty cost in 2026?

Step 4: Get your application approved

Once the technician diagnoses the problem, they will work with your home warranty provider to determine if the problem is covered by your warranty. If covered, a service technician can order parts or begin repairs.

Step 5: Repair or replace your home system or appliance

If the repair is easy, a service technician will repair your system or appliance on the spot. However, if you need a new part or complete replacement, you may have to wait several days for repair.

If the repair cost is less than your coverage limit, you won’t have to pay more than the service call fee. If the repair or replacement exceeds your coverage limits, you must pay the difference after the service is completed. Additional charges may apply for some parts and labor. “Depending on the warranty, service calls typically include parts and labor,” Conti adds. However, this does not apply to all home warranties.

When to file a home warranty claim

If you notice a problem with a covered system or appliance, file a home warranty claim immediately. Delays in filing a claim can lead to further damages and, in some cases, the provider may deny compensation if the problem is deemed to be the result of negligence. The sooner you act, the more likely your application will be approved.

more: Is a home warranty worth it in 2026?

How quickly will my home warranty claim be approved?

Most home warranty companies aim to process claims quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your request. For example, emergency issues, such as a complete HVAC failure during extreme weather, may receive priority service, but non-emergency requests, such as a built-in microwave that won’t start, may have a longer wait.

Once approved, a service technician will typically be dispatched within a few days, depending on availability and urgency. Schedules and repair schedules may vary depending on location and contractor availability.

5 Reasons Why Your Home Warranty Claim Is Denied

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for claims to be denied. Here are the five most common reasons home warranty claims are denied.

  • This item is not applicable: Systems, appliances, or components are not covered by warranty.
  • Improper maintenance: The breakdown was caused by lack of routine care or carelessness, but there are no maintenance records to prove otherwise.
  • existing symptoms: This issue existed before the warranty period began.
  • Unauthorized repair: If you hire your own technicians without prior approval from your warranty provider.
  • Damage other than normal wear and tear: Problems caused by misuse, accidents, or natural disasters are not covered. These are more likely to be covered by your home insurance policy.

FAQ

How do home warranty claims work?

If you file a home warranty claim, you will be charged a service call fee to have a technician come to your home. After diagnosing the problem, the service technician will contact your home warranty provider to obtain approval. If your claim is approved, we’ll cover the cost of repairing your home’s systems or appliances up to your coverage limits.

How often do I pay my home warranty fee?

Home warranty plans are paid monthly or annually. You will also pay a service fee each time you file a claim and have a technician sent to your home.

How long can I use my home after receiving a warranty?

Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before making a claim.

Dove launches new limited edition collection inspired by ‘Bridgerton’

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Dove launches new limited edition collection inspired by ‘Bridgerton’

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A new limited-edition collection inspired by the royal theme of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” has arrived at Target.

Beauty brand Dove’s new “Dove x Bridgerton Collection” is inspired by the upcoming season 4 of Netflix and Shondaland’s hit series, allowing fans to “experience the royal treatment every queen deserves.”

The beauty brand said the new collection is “based on authentic beauty” and “celebrates topical authenticity.”

“Bridgerton inspired a cultural movement that embraced one’s own true beauty, which is very true to the Dove brand,” Marcela Melero, Dove North America’s chief growth officer, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring this limited edition collection to Dove and Bridgerton fans around the world. It will allow fans to experience Dove’s signature care, paired with scents and stories that capture the elegance, intrigue and grandeur of the Bridgerton world.”

Shondaland co-president and chief innovation and design officer Sandy Bailey said in a statement that the collaboration is a “natural fit” and revolves around “shared values ​​such as inclusivity, authenticity, and a commitment to beauty in all its forms.”

Dove x “Bridgerton” scent

The Dove collection includes four “luxurious” and “seductive” scents:

  • Moonlight Masquerade: “Inspired by the famous masquerade charm of Season 4’s Bridgerton,” the fragrance features notes of fresh hydrangea and eucalyptus “intertwined with romantic florals” and a warm, musky base.
  • Whispering Wisteria: Described as a “scent fit for a queen”, the scent includes notes of orchid and champagne, with “watery florals and a woody, sophisticated finish.”
  • raspberry rendezvous: This “playful, passionate, fun and luxurious experience” invites users to “Ton’s most delicious teatime happenings.” The fragrance features a blend of juicy raspberries, blooming roses, peony and whipped cream, “all based on notes of vanilla and cedarwood.”
  • Love & Meadows: The “fresh and joyful” scent “blends bergamot, wildflowers, rose with cedarwood and amber.” According to Dove, the scent captures the “silently unfolding” of Sophie and Benedict’s long-awaited encounter.

Fragrances from this collection are available in a variety of Dove products including:

  • body wash
  • body scrub
  • body mist
  • hand washing
  • antiperspirant deodorant
  • beauty bar

Need breaking news? Check out the all-new PLAY hub with puzzles, games, and more!

How to get Dove’s Bridgerton collection

Dove’s Bridgerton collection will be available online at Target.com starting December 25th and in stores December 28th.

Dove said the lineup is available for a limited time and will range in price from $3.99 to $7.99.

When will ‘Bridgerton’ season 4 be released?

Bridgerton season 4 will premiere on Netflix in two parts. Part 1 will be released on January 29, 2026, and Part 2 will be released on February 26, 2026.

What will “Bridgerton” season 4 be about?

Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, each season of Bridgerton spotlights a different sibling in the Bridgerton family. Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), the second son of a free-spirited wealthy family who avoids marriage, is set to headline season four.

In the next season, viewers will watch over eight episodes as Benedict meets and falls in love with a “silver lady” named Sophie at his mother’s masquerade ball.

Exclusive interview: Luke Thompson talks about next season’s ‘Bridgertons’, Benedict and more

Season 4’s logline reads: “Despite both brothers being happily married, Benedict is reluctant to settle down, until he meets the seductive Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.”

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

Congress has become useless and has ceded its power to Trump.

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Congress has become useless and has ceded its power to Trump.

The main difference between past parliaments and today’s dysfunctional parliaments is how MPs communicate with voters and how voters consume politics.

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I often complain that Congress enacts legislation and abdicates its duty to be the driving force behind the federal government. But that’s why I want to write about it today. Why is Congress doing so little?

I have blamed this problem on the existence of an independent body, certain Supreme Court precedents, and overzealous executives.

Certainly, these are factors that should be considered. But the cause of Congress’s decline is much simpler. The rise of social media and direct communication with voters has destroyed incentives for Congress to assert itself.

Our elected leaders clearly have no interest in the prestige of their office, given that they have no interest in reclaiming legitimate war powers, taxing powers, or other powers from the executive branch.

Lawmakers no longer have any incentive to act.

In my opinion, the main difference between past parliaments and today’s dysfunctional parliaments is how MPs communicate with voters and how voters consume politics.

In the past, members of Congress had to actually accomplish something or be involved in something to gain visibility. In the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, some topics did not meet the standards for discussion due to limited newspaper space and television time.

opinion: President Trump is running out of time to start rebuilding the economy.

The incentive was to increase productivity. Because it gets them in the news and gives them material to take back to the district during re-election campaign time. You can see this by looking at activity levels over the past few years and decades.

Americans now consume politics through social media, where algorithms are used to keep content relevant and prevent it from blending into the background. The way we communicate has changed. There is no longer gatekeeping by existing news sources that limits information about candidates to only important issues.

Now, members of Congress seem more concerned about being glorified as partisan stars on social media.

Opinion warning: Get columns from your favorite columnists and expert analysis on key issues delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. If you don’t have the app, download it for free from the app store.

This is by no means a new phenomenon. Barack Obama pioneered the use of social media during his 2008 presidential campaign, and by the time Donald Trump was first elected, social media use had become widespread. However, the development of hyper-tuned algorithms has further exacerbated this impact on ordinary people.

As a result of this change, members of Congress are constantly campaigning, always focused on how they can get more attention on social media rather than actually doing their jobs. Negative partisanship also increased, as content criticizing the opposition received the most attention.

Congress decided to follow the president’s whims

Now, members of Congress can use their social media accounts to serve as nothing more than glorified pundits. Often this comes across as a partisan cheerleader rather than an individual interested in actually accomplishing something.

For Republicans, this has led the party to descend into a cult of personality around Trump. Members of Congress are more interested in rallying behind the president and protecting him from his enemies than in achieving actual policy outcomes. Their role shifted from legislative to partisan.

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Regarding the attack on a Venezuelan drug smuggling ship, members of Congress praise the president’s actions, but ignore the fact that they need to be the ones to authorize the use of force against Venezuela. When it comes to customs authorities, members of Congress had no problem staying silent while President Trump unilaterally changed tariff rates for every country in the world, even though that’s their authority. Regarding the cuts made by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, members of Congress praised the illusion of cutting government waste while doing little to actually solve the problem, even though it is perfect for cutting government waste.

But this is not a purely Republican phenomenon. As for President Joe Biden’s illegal promise to address student debt through cancellation, members of Congress could have pushed for student loan cancellation through legislation. Rather, they had no problem free riding on the backs of Biden’s blatantly illegal plan to cancel student debt and then just watching the courts rightly strike it down.

We Americans are partially responsible for being consumers of this decentralized political landscape. Americans will need to consider the new realm of social media in politics, as the shift in incentives for lawmakers is incredibly harmful and here to stay.

Dace Potas is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY and a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in political science.

Does a school’s pronoun policy violate free speech? It’s complicated.

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Does a school’s pronoun policy violate free speech? It’s complicated.

Courts have so far reached different conclusions about the constitutionality of these policies, potentially paving the way for a Supreme Court case.

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Employees in a Virginia school district are required to refer to each other with pronouns that reflect their natal gender.

The Chesapeake School Board decided in December that workers cannot be forced to violate principles by using pronouns they deem inappropriate.

The commission is one of many to pass similar regulations. In 2025 alone, a school district in Wisconsin settled a lawsuit brought by one of the teachers who was fired for not using a transgender student’s preferred pronouns, and an appeals court ruled against a school district in Ohio that implemented a policy banning offensive or derogatory language related to pronouns.

President Donald Trump’s administration is also weighing in on the issue.

In January, President Trump signed an executive order banning federally funded K-12 schools from engaging in what the order describes as “unlawful and discriminatory treatment or indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology.” The order’s definition of “social transition” prohibits recipients of federal funds from supporting students and includes the use of pronouns that do not match the person’s biological sex.

And at the Religious Freedom Commission’s September hearing on religious freedom in education, members heard testimony from Monica Gill, a Virginia teacher who participated in a lawsuit over a school district policy that requires teachers to use students’ preferred names and pronouns.

Whether a school’s pronoun policy is constitutional is a complex question made even more difficult by the conflicting rulings of various courts on such cases, said Alex Morley, an expert at the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan group that advocates for the First Amendment.

But the growing number of such cases may be laying the groundwork for the nation’s highest court to consider them.

“Historically, the more the Supreme Court recognizes confusion about a law, the more likely it is to step in and provide needed clarity,” Morley said.

Government cannot force speech

While the overall issue is complex, Morley said there are certain elements of these debates that are largely settled.

For example, private schools have much more freedom to implement such policies because they are not state actors and are therefore not subject to constraints. by to First Amendment.

That’s why “the real heart of this problem” lies in public schools, she said.

“They are a nation,” she said. “The First Amendment can be brought into question whenever regulations are enacted that affect speech.”

Another well-established concept is that the government cannot compel speech.

Morley pointed to the 1943 case West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnett, in which the Supreme Court ruled that a policy requiring public school students to salute the American flag was unconstitutional.

Additionally, the Supreme Court’s famous 1969 opinion in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District stated, “It is almost uncontroversial that students and teachers waive their constitutional rights to free speech and expression at the school gates.”

“Broadly speaking, schools cannot force teachers or students to express any views they do not hold,” Morley said.

‘Watch this space,’ say experts

But other factors are more complex.

The 2006 Supreme Court case, Garcetti v. Ceballos, held that public officials can impose limits on what employees say on the job without violating the First Amendment.

Also, as established in the 1968 Pickering v. Board of Education case, off-hours speech can also be punished if it is proven that it disrupts the work or educational environment.

Morley said it’s unclear whether public school teachers’ use of certain pronouns in the classroom constitutes personal or professional speech.

The same question underlies a lawsuit brought by more than a dozen former FBI agents who were fired in 2020 for kneeling while patrolling a protest over the killing of George Floyd. Investigators maintained that their actions were not intended as political speeches, but rather were a strategic decision made to de-escalate the hostile crowd.

These factors make it difficult for educators to win in court when their free speech rights are violated.

“Teachers are actually losing in many of these cases,” Morley said.

Ultimately, when it comes to the question of whether and to what extent such policies are constitutional, “stay tuned to this area,” she said.

“No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, people want to know what they can and should say, and teachers want a fuller understanding of what their rights are in and out of the classroom, especially when it comes to this issue of pronouns,” Morley said.

Contributor: Kelly Meyerhofer

Breanna Frank is USA TODAY’s First Amendment reporter. please contact her bjfrank@usatoday.com.

USA TODAY’s coverage of First Amendment issues is funded by the Freedom Forum in collaboration with our journalism funding partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

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