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Greenland leader is ‘saddened’ by Trump’s appointment as special envoy

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Greenland leader is ‘saddened’ by Trump’s appointment as special envoy

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Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen said on December 23 that he was “sad” and disappointed that President Donald Trump had shown renewed interest in Danish territory by appointing a special envoy to the Arctic island.

Nielsen made the comments in a Facebook post a day after President Trump argued that the United States needed Greenland for national security and named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his deputy to “take charge.”

Landry became governor in January 2024 and has publicly supported Trump’s ideas. Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have repeatedly criticized President Trump’s plans for Greenland.

What is an envoy? This is why President Trump is considering Greenland as a candidate location.

“We cannot annex other countries. There is no discussion of international security,” Nielsen and Frederiksen said in a joint statement on Dec. 22.

“Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the United States must not occupy Greenland.”

“A crazy and beautiful place with a dark side”: Greenland, but not as you know it

Greenland is a former Danish colony with a population of approximately 57,000 people. Local governments have the right to declare independence from Denmark under a 2009 agreement, subject to a referendum. However, the territory remains heavily dependent on fishing and Danish welfare subsidies. Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States, is also responsible for Greenland’s defense and security.

During his first term, Trump floated the idea of ​​acquiring Greenland, suggesting the United States might buy it. In his second term, he floated the idea of ​​annexing the state. The majority of Greenlanders reject the idea of ​​becoming part of the United States, although some support independence from Denmark.

Greenland’s strategic location along the shortest route from Europe to North America could lend itself to U.S. ballistic missile warning systems.

U.S. troops already have a permanent presence at Pitufik Air Base in northwestern Greenland.

“In any case”: 5 ways President Trump’s Greenland saga could play out

Will the 49ers or Seahawks take on the Rams from first place?

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Will the 49ers or Seahawks take on the Rams from first place?

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NFL power rankings entering Week 17 of the 2025 season (previous rankings in parentheses):

1. Los Angeles Rams (1): I know they lost, but it was their second loss in four games. We know they went from a projected No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs to a No. 6 seed in a matter of days. I know they just fired their special teams coordinator, but it’s probably a premature move considering this phase of the game legitimately cost LA three more wins this season. Put all that aside. The Rams still have Matthew Stafford, who is considered the MVP. He is the best head coach of anyone in the league and has a roster that can win in any format, anywhere.

2. Seattle Seahawks (2): We know they ran the heaters up to five games and won. We know they went from being projected as a No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs to a No. 1 seed. I know they rarely lose playoff games in Seattle. But while his career turnaround has been impressive, we need to see QB Sam Darnold prove he can win on the big stage, as Stafford ultimately did after joining the Rams.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8): They’ve won six in a row, but QB Trevor Lawrence has been really good over the last four games, posting a passer rating of 120.8 and scoring 14 TDs in that span. The defense has also added 10 points in the last four wins. Any number of teams could emerge from a crowded AFC field, but the Jags are certainly playing like any other team in the conference right now after a decisive win in Denver.

4. San Francisco 49ers (9): Considering they didn’t need P Thomas Morstead this month, who should worry about whatever the defensive issues are? The Niners are two wins away from clinching the No. 1 seed and making it to the Super Bowl in 2019 and 2023.

5. New England Patriots (6): QB Drake Maye had his first 300-yard passing game (actually 380 yards) on Sunday night, which included a career-high 31 completions. It definitely feels like the right time to try harder.

6. Denver Broncos (3): Basically, the AFC version of Seattle has a lot to like about a team that seems to be ahead of schedule overall. But how much do you trust QB Bo Nix and this offense in high-leverage situations?

7. Houston Texans (4): They escaped with a win…but they might as well learn their lessons from what was a near-total disappointment against the lowly Raiders.

8. Buffalo Bills (5): They escaped with a win…but struggling against the Browns while trying to deal with QB Josh Allen’s foot injury is something to watch, even though the stars seem to be aligning for this team elsewhere.

9. Chicago Bears (10): This season has been an unqualified success for the presumptive NFC North champions. But losing badly at Soldier Field in the playoffs seems just as likely, if not more likely, than a Super Bowl appearance for a team that always seems on edge.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (11): QB Justin Herbert’s toughness and greatness probably obscure the fact that the Bolts haven’t allowed 20 points to a defeated opponent in a four-game winning streak since their Week 12 bye. LA wins the AFC West with six points.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (12): In a time when it seems like they can’t “push push,” the offense strangely seems to be finding its groove otherwise – averaging 30 points and 386 yards over the past two weeks, albeit against Las Vegas and Washington on the way to the NFC East crown.

12. Green Bay Packers (7): It would be a shame to see the three most important players, DE Micah Parsons, QB Jordan Love, and RB Josh Jacobs, suffer.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (14): Has QB Aaron Rodgers found the fountain of early middle age? He’s averaged 258 yards and a 106.4 passer rating in Pittsburgh’s three straight games, which has also kicked the team’s running game into high gear. Perhaps the Steelers’ latest season, just above .500, won’t actually end in the one-and-done postseason.

14. Detroit Lions (13): A losing streak for the first time since 2022 could lead to them missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

15. Baltimore Ravens (15): Perhaps they could have more success going into the fourth quarter on the back foot rather than trying to protect a lead?

16. Carolina Panthers (17): Crazy Stats – QB Bryce Young has 14 NFL wins on his resume, and all but two required a game-winning drive in the third quarter or later.

17. Atlanta Falcons (23): As they settle into late-season form with QB Kirk Cousins, it’s worth wondering if he’s actually a gift they can and should stick with heading into 2026.

18 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16): They will win their next two games to retain the NFC South title. If only they had won more than one game since October.

19. Indianapolis Colts (18): Maybe it’s time to implore Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis to come out of retirement as well.

20. Minnesota Vikings (19): Justin Jefferson’s professionalism in the midst of a season that would have left many other elite wideouts in tatters was admirable.

21. Dallas Cowboys (20): No Cowboy has ever led the league in passing yards. Dak Prescott could be the first…so he’ll be playing over the next two weeks.

22. Cincinnati Bengals (27): Why pay WR Tee Higgins, skew the salary cap so heavily toward the offense, and target him half as often as Ja’Marr Chase?

23. New Orleans Saints (24): “It can’t be helped.” That’s reason enough to give rookie QB Tyler Schau a full season to prove he can be a long-term starter here. He has certainly shown a lot of encouraging signs over the past six weeks.

24. Tennessee Titans (30): RB Tony Pollard has his first three consecutive 100-yard rushing games and is on his way to his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season…though he has yet to eclipse 1,100 yards.

25. Arizona Cardinals (25): Speaking of 1,100-yard rushers, the Cards haven’t had an 1,100-yard rusher since David Johnson in 2016. The Cards will be lucky to land a 400-yard rusher in 2025.

26. Kansas City Chiefs (21): TE Travis Kelce had one catch for 6 yards in Sunday’s debacle in Nashville. But his 12th consecutive season of at least 800 receiving yards was enough to tie the record set by the legendary Jerry Rice.

27. Miami Dolphins (22): They looked good Sunday without Tua Tagovailoa in the starting lineup, but that was because of their throwback uniforms.

28. Commander Washington (26): QB Jeff Driskel may be under the Christmas tree Thursday against Dallas. It was such a season in old DC.

29. Cleveland Browns (31): Sackaging the Steelers’ quarterback, even if it’s old friend Mason Rudolph, could be a particularly satisfying way for DE Myles Garrett to set a single-season sack record.

30. New York Giants (28): Avoiding a devastating win for the second straight week could be especially difficult for a team targeting the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft on Sunday in Sin City.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (32): Avoiding a devastating win for the second straight week could be especially difficult for a team targeting the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft on Sunday in Sin City.

32. New York Jets (29): Trust the process…even if it means losing three straight by an average margin of 25 points.

All your NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th Monday Newsletter.

Is cash still king? Americans want to maintain payment options

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Is cash still king? Americans want to maintain payment options

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Americans have more payment options than cash, but don’t want the option of using paper or coin currency to disappear and support legislation that would require most U.S. businesses to accept it, according to a new survey.

As more and more businesses go cashless or place limits on whether they accept cash as payment, consumers want to maintain that option due to factors such as privacy and the inability of unbanked people to access credit and debit cards.

In a survey of 5,000 Americans conducted by the Siena Institute, 85% said they had paid cash for something in the past 30 days. The most popular payment method among respondents was debit card, with 35% preferring debit card, 24% cash and 24% credit card.

However, 84% of respondents said they opposed the U.S. transition to a cashless society.

The study was commissioned by the Payment Choice Coalition, a group of businesses and organizations that support the use of cash.

Cash is better in emergencies, advocates say.

“Cash is important and it’s not going away,” said Jeff Sinnes, president of the Payment Choice Coalition.

People’s support for the use and acceptance of cash spans the political and income spectrum, with some wanting a choice that protects their privacy and others highlighting the 25 million households in the U.S. that are unbanked or underbanked and do not have access to payment methods other than cash, Shins said.

Jay Zagorski, an economist and clinical associate professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, said cash could also be useful in the event of a natural disaster or national emergency where the nation’s power and communications networks are crippled and machines that process electronic payments are inaccessible.

If the United States were attacked, the banking system would be the first target, he said.

“The wars of the future are probably going to be cyberwars, and you may think you’re rich, but you can’t really spend money if all electronic access to your funds is cut off,” Zagorsky, author of “The Power of Cash,” told USA TODAY.

Although Zagorski is a proponent of cash, he is not recommending that people stop using electronic payment methods. Still, he suggests using cash at least once a week to maintain the infrastructure that circulates cash through society.

Cash has its advantages, survey respondents say.

Highlights of Siena’s research on cash perceptions include:

92% of respondents said paying with cash offers more privacy than paying digitally or by card. Three in four people, or 75%, said they found it easier to track their spending when using a card or payment app instead of cash. However, 70% of respondents also said that using physical cash helps them stay within their budget.

Reasons for using less cash include the convenience of using card or mobile payments (86%), less in-person shopping (62%), not carrying cash regularly (60%), and stores and businesses that don’t accept cash (30%).

Nearly six in 10 (59%) survey respondents said they believe all businesses, regardless of size, should be required to accept cash.

Pending bill could keep cash transactions in place

Different states and cities have implemented their own cashless bans, but they vary widely, creating a “muddy patchwork,” Thinnes said. The coalition supports the Payment Choice Act. The legislation, introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate, would require most businesses to accept in-person payments of up to $500.

85% of survey respondents said they support legislation requiring most brick-and-mortar stores to accept cash.

Zagorski, who is not affiliated with the Payment Choice Coalition, said the Payment Choice Act is a start, but as currently written, it would apply to retail stores. That rules out many other essential businesses where people might want to spend cash, such as restaurants and doctor’s offices, he said.

Pending legislation also mandates reverse ATMs where people can deposit cash and obtain electronic cards loaded with money. However, Zagorski said the law does not specify that these reverse ATMs must be located in locations that are convenient for consumers.

Are we heading towards a cashless society?

More and more businesses no longer accept cash. For example, Major League Baseball stadiums and many other professional sports arenas have gone cashless.

29% of survey respondents said they had encountered a business that refused to accept banknotes or coins. This also includes restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues.

59% of respondents said they believe all businesses should be required to accept cash.

Payment: Are we moving toward a cashless, checkless society?

The use of cash and personal checks has declined in recent years, while credit and debit card payments have increased in recent years, according to the latest 2025 Consumer Payment Choice Diary, published annually by the Federal Reserve’s FedCash Service.

Cash is the third most commonly used payment method for the fourth year in a row, with 14% in use in 2024, behind credit cards (35%) and debit cards (30%). The usage rate for personal checks was 3%.

A recent survey by Empower found that 18% of people say they use cash every day, and one in five say they use it only a few times a year. Nearly four in 10, or 37%, said each generation is less reliant on cash than the previous generation.

Still, Shins said the survey results show cash remains important to consumers.

“The vast majority of Americans don’t think cash is going to disappear,” Shinnes said.

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her at @blinfisher on X, Facebook and Instagram and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky.. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, breaking down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

Greenland, Venezuela, Clinton, Epstein, Flu, Christmas, Holiday Steelers: Daily Briefing

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Greenland, Venezuela, Clinton, Epstein, Flu, Christmas, Holiday Steelers: Daily Briefing

morning! Welcome to the daily briefing. Start with the following headings.

nicole farato We’re totally feeling the holiday spirit here this Tuesday thanks to Carol the TSA Officer. We talk about what’s going on between the United States and Venezuela, how to avoid getting sick during the holidays, and whether it’ll snow on Santa’s way. ❄️

Immigrants have right to return to court to challenge deportation, judge rules

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said Monday that the federal government denied due process to a group of Venezuelan immigrants who were deported to CECOT, a notorious anti-terrorism prison, earlier this year because of their ties to criminal organizations.

The maximum-security facility is known for its harsh conditions and has become a symbol of President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown. Meanwhile, CBS canceled a “60 Minutes” segment about CECOT hours before it was scheduled to air on Sunday.

In other news related to Venezuela: The US is tracking an oil tanker that refused to allow Coast Guard members on board in the Caribbean over the weekend.

More news you need to know right now

memory

Betty Reid Soskin, once America’s oldest park ranger, dies at age 104

Betty Reed Soskin, who was the National Park Service’s oldest ranger when she retired several years ago, has died at age 104. Ms. Soskin was born in Detroit in 1921 and was the great-granddaughter of former slaves in Louisiana. Mr. Soskin’s Cajun-Creole family moved to California six years later, where he grew up in Richmond and worked as a file clerk in a segregated shipyard union hall supporting the U.S. effort in World War II. Decades of discrimination would harden her character and determination.

Have a nice holiday☃️

Will there be a white Christmas?

After repeated flooding in Washington state, another atmospheric river could bring more rain to the West Coast over Christmas week. However, many places across the country will experience an unusually warm holiday. Track the situation across the country as you plan your trip.

before you go

Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.

Bruce Willis’ wife writes about the ‘sadness’ she felt while on vacation

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Bruce Willis’ wife writes about the ‘sadness’ she felt while on vacation

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Emma Heming Willis wrote a powerful essay about the sadness that comes with celebrating the holidays while her husband Bruce Willis battles dementia.

In a post on his website titled “The Holidays Look Different Now,” Hemming Willis, 47, revealed that he was experiencing what he described as a “web of sadness” during the holidays.

“For me, the holidays bring back memories of Bruce being at the center of it all,” she wrote. “He loved this time of year. The energy, the family time, the traditions. He was the one who made pancakes, the one who went out in the snow with the kids. He was the steady presence that moved around the house as the day unfolded. Especially since I’m a creature of habit, there was comfort in the routine of knowing exactly how the day was going to go. Dementia doesn’t erase those memories. But it creates a space between then and now, and sometimes that space hurts.”

Hemming Willis went on to say that he found himself “cursing Bruce’s name while wrestling with Christmas lights and taking on jobs that Bruce used to do.” He said this wasn’t because he was angry with Bruce, but because “I miss the way he used to lead the Holiday Charge.”

emma heming willis Bruce Willis, Father and Me

But, she added, “You can miss the past and still show up for the present.”

Bruce Willis will retire from acting in 2022 to battle frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD, affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and can cause personality changes and language loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Earlier this year, Hemming Willis revealed on an ABC special that the “Die Hard” actor lives in a separate home with a professional caregiver. She said moving Bruce into a new home was “one of the most difficult decisions” she had to make, but added: “First and foremost, we knew that’s what Bruce wanted for our daughters. You know, he would want a home that was more tailored to their needs rather than his own.”

Bruce and Emma Heming Willis have two children, Mabel (13 years old) and Evelyn (11 years old). Bruce also has three adult children from his marriage to Demi Moore. Scout, 34 years old. and Talulah (31).

emma heming willis Husband Bruce Willis says he’s in a stable position

Hemming Willis frequently writes about her caregiving journey, and in September she published a book titled “An Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself in Caregiving.”

In a new essay, she reflected on how she had long wished “holidays would continue the way they always were,” but has now come to terms with the fact that “life is playing out differently.”

“This holiday season, our family will continue to unwrap presents and sit together at breakfast,” she wrote. “But instead of Bruce making our favorite pancakes, I make them. And no, we can’t share our family’s secret recipe. We show holiday movies. There’s laughter, there’s hugging. And there’s almost certainly tears, because we can make room for sadness, joy. Joy doesn’t cancel out sadness. Sadness doesn’t cancel out joy. They coexist.”

While pruning the tree, she felt “a sense of pain for what dementia has taken from us and a sense of gratitude that we still celebrate together,” and concluded, “I have memories of Bruce as the man who once carried this season for my family, and I embrace his reality now with the same love.”

In a conversation with USA TODAY earlier this year, Hemming Willis said her husband’s care team was in place and “we’re in a stable position now.”

Contributors: Jay Stahl and David Oliver, USA TODAY

How to deal with a manager who doesn’t give feedback

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How to deal with a manager who doesn’t give feedback

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
| USA TODAY Special Feature

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, and author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.

Have a question? Please submit here.

Question: My boss avoids giving feedback, addressing problems, or correcting poor performance. The whole team is frustrated, but no one wants to say anything. How do I navigate this? – Tim

Answer: Tim, let’s start here: You probably can’t imagine this. Managers who avoid feedback, avoid difficult conversations, or refuse to address poor performance create real frustration, and you’re not alone in feeling it.

Here’s what most employees don’t hear: This behavior is much more common than you might think. Many managers avoid difficult conversations because they were never taught how to have them. This is not simply a personal shortcoming, but is often the result of an organization’s collective failure to prepare people for leadership roles.

Not everyone who is great at their job has the ability to manage others. For example, just because you’re good at coding doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be good at leading people. However, organizations regularly promote top performers to management positions, assuming that superior skills will lead to talent leadership. That’s like assuming Serena Williams could step in as the next LeBron James. Both are elite at what they do, but they play completely different games.

Did you get promoted? How can you confidently take on a leadership role at work? Ask Johnny

Think of it this way. We don’t put a teenager behind the wheel for the first time and say, “Good luck and don’t crash into anything.” But we give our employees direct reports and expect them to instinctively know how to coach, correct, and develop others. it doesn’t work.

When an organization promotes someone to a management position without the necessary training, tools, and support, that manager and his or her entire team will be dissatisfied.

What can you do with it? you do?

First, address it directly but constructively. Seek out conversations that focus on clarifying rather than blaming. You might say, “I know what success looks like, so I’d appreciate some clear feedback,” or “If performance issues aren’t resolved, it will affect the entire team. Can we talk about expectations?” The goal is adjustment and better results, not criticism.

Second, be agile and know when to escalate. If a lack of feedback is hurting performance or morale, and direct conversation doesn’t work, talk to HR or a senior leader. Build around support: “Our team could benefit from clearer expectations and more structured feedback. Is there any training or guidance available?”

Finally, learn from what you see. Great managers are built, not born. Observing things that go wrong is often the clearest vision a leader like you will have. please don’t I want to be

After all, waiting for a reluctant manager to suddenly become a confident manager is a losing strategy. If you want change, you may need to create a conversation. Do it respectfully and carefully so that both you and your team succeed.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

Recruitment practices: Is it illegal to hire someone based on race? Ask Johnny

Justice Department releases new trove of Epstein files

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Justice Department releases new trove of Epstein files

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WASHINGTON, Dec 23 (Reuters) – The Justice Department on Tuesday released a trove of new documents from its investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This latest disclosure comes just days after the Trump administration released a large cache of Epstein files to comply with a new law forcing disclosures on politically charged topics.

The law, which passed overwhelmingly in Congress last month, would have required the disclosure of all Epstein files, even though President Trump had kept them sealed for months.

more: Highlights of the Epstein Files: Vaginal creams, celebrities, and edited photos

(Edited by Alex Richardson)

Did President Trump make Christmas Eve and December 26th paid holidays? What you need to know

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Did President Trump make Christmas Eve and December 26th paid holidays? What you need to know

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  • President Trump signed an executive order making December 24 and December 26 federal holidays in 2025.
  • This order applies only to federal departments and agencies.
  • Private businesses, banks and post offices do not have to close and will generally remain open.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 18 giving federal employees additional time off around the upcoming holidays.

President Trump declared Christmas Eve and December 26th as federal holidays, extending the existing Christmas Day federal holiday into a super long weekend.

Although many private companies honor federal holidays and give their employees paid time off, they are not required to do so. This means that President Trump’s newly declared furloughs will only apply to departments within the federal government.

Here’s what you need to know about President Trump’s latest holiday order.

more: Are retail stores open on Christmas? Learn more about Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and more

Did Donald Trump make Christmas Eve a holiday?

Yes, but only for federal employees this year.

According to President Trump’s order, some employees may still have to come to work at the discretion of agency leaders. Private companies can decide to give their employees time off, but they are not required by law.

Did President Trump make December 26th a federal holiday?

Yes, but only for federal employees this year. To permanently designate a specific day as a federal holiday, a bill must be passed by Congress and signed into law by the president. This was last done when Juneteenth was added in 2021 under the Biden administration.

It is not at all unusual for presidents to issue temporary leave orders, especially during winter celebrations. In 2014, President Barack Obama declared December 26, the same Friday as this year, a federal holiday. Trump did the same on Christmas Eve during his first term in 2019 and 2020.

What are the business days and holidays on Christmas Eve and December 26th?

While federal government offices may close around Christmas this year, banks, post offices and private retail stores are generally open.

According to the U.S. Postal Service website, post offices will be closed and no mail will be delivered on Christmas Day. The post office will be open for retail transactions on December 24th and December 26th, and mail will also be delivered on those days.

Banks will follow their normal schedule of being open on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 and closed on Christmas Day, the Fed said.

Large independent retailers such as Target, Walmart and Costco are largely following the traditional rule of closing only on December 25th. Target stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. The store will resume regular business hours on Friday, December 26th. Similarly, Walmart stores, Costco and other private businesses will be closed on Christmas Day.

President Trump has previously said he has too many holidays.

President Trump lamented how many paid vacation days there are in the United States.

“America already has too many holidays,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social on May 5, declaring a celebratory but labor holiday honoring World War I and World War II. “There are not enough days left this year. We were workers then and we are workers now!”

Also on June 11, President Trump said the United States has “too much non-work leave.”

“It’s costing our country billions of dollars to keep all these businesses closed,” President Trump wrote on June 19. “Workers don’t want that either! Soon we’ll have every working day of the year a holiday.”

There are 12 federal holidays in 2025 (two of which fall on the same day). He announced new public holidays, including May 8 as Victory Day in World War II, November 11 as Victory Day in World War I (although the federal government already recognizes this day as Veterans Day), and February 9 as American Bay Day.

Contributors: Marina Pitofsky, Francesca Chambers

Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact KCrowley@usatodayco.com. follow her X (Twitter), blue sky and TikTok.

Tesco signs three-year AI deal focused on customer experience

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Tesco signs three-year AI deal focused on customer experience

For large retailers, the challenge with AI is not whether it can help, but how it fits into daily operations. A new three-year AI partnership with Tesco shows how one of the UK’s largest supermarket groups aims to do just that.

Tesco will work with Mistral to develop AI tools that can be used in its business, from internal workflows to customer-facing systems. The company says the aim is to save staff time, improve the way teams work and enhance customer service. Ruben Lara Hernandez, director of data, analytics and AI at Tesco, said he hopes the partnership will bring together Tesco’s retail experience and Mistral’s technology, allowing colleagues to work more efficiently and support customers more effectively.

Tesco brings AI to everyday retail operations

The company’s focus reflects broader changes in how companies use AI. Early retail experiments often centered around customer-facing tools that were easy to see but difficult to scale. Recent efforts are aimed at internal use, with AI reducing repetitive tasks, supporting planning and enabling staff to make decisions faster.

Over the past five years, the retailer has doubled the size of its technology team, demonstrating that software and data are now core to its business operations. AI is already being used in several parts of organizations, including internal development and partnerships.

For online grocery stores, AI can help find more efficient delivery routes, freeing up additional delivery slots for customers. In supply planning, AI supports demand forecasting and helps stores keep products in stock. The company also uses AI to personalize how it engages with customers through its Clubcard loyalty scheme, tailoring offers and communications based on shopping behavior.

The partnership with Mistral aims to build on this existing initiative. One factor behind this collaboration is Mistral’s approach to model deployment, which allows AI systems to run in a more controlled environment. That level of control is important for retailers who handle large amounts of customer and operational data.

Marjorie Janiewicz, Mistral’s chief revenue officer and U.S. general manager, said the company’s applied AI team will work closely with Tesco’s in-house experts. She explained that the goal is to build customizable and controllable AI products with a focus on improving internal workflows and customer experience.

Long-term partnerships, not one-off projects

The structure of the partnership also suggests a cautious approach to scale. Tesco will establish an in-house AI lab as part of the deal, giving teams space to test and refine their tools before rolling them out broadly. For large organizations, this type of setup can help prevent AI projects from remaining in isolated pilot or expert teams.

There is also a strategic aspect to partner selection. Mistral AI is the only European company developing language models at scale, and Tesco is the first major UK retailer to partner with the startup as part of its broader AI and technology plans. Founded in April 2023, Mistral has grown rapidly and counts companies such as HSBC, AXA and Stellantis among its clients.

For Tesco, the more difficult task lies in execution. Retail data is often fragmented by region, system, and channel, and AI systems rely on that data to be accurate and consistent. Deploying a tool in a company of this size also requires training, oversight, and trust from the staff who use the tool every day.

The success of this partnership will likely depend on how visible its impact is within the organization. As AI tools help store teams, planners, and analysts work more smoothly, the benefits can be gradual rather than dramatic.

As retailers look to move beyond experimentation, Tesco’s approach illustrates how enterprise AI is beginning to take root in daily operations, not as a single solution but as a process of steady change.

(Photo courtesy of Shashank Verma)

SEE ALSO: ZARA’s use of AI shows how retail workflows are quietly changing

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out the AI ​​& Big Data Expo in Amsterdam, California, and London. This comprehensive event is part of TechEx and co-located with other major technology events. Click here for more information.

AI News is brought to you by TechForge Media. Learn about other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars.

Powerball winning numbers for $1.6 billion jackpot on December 22nd

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Powerball winning numbers for $1.6 billion jackpot on December 22nd

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With just three days left until Christmas, one lucky person might just get the best gift ever, as the Powerball jackpot has reached $1.6 billion, the fourth largest in the game’s history.

If the ticket matches all five numbers and the Powerball in the drawing on Monday, Dec. 22 at 10:59 p.m. ET, the winner will have the option of a one-time cash payment of $735.3 million before taxes.

While Monday’s Powerball jackpot itself is historic, it wasn’t the biggest prize of the year. On September 6, two tickets in Missouri and Texas won the second-largest jackpot in the history of the game. The amount was a staggering 1.787 billion.

Here are the Powerball winning numbers for Monday, December 22nd:

more: The Powerball jackpot for Monday, December 22nd is $1.6 billion! Let us help you pick your numbers!

Powerball winning numbers for December 22, 2025

The winning numbers for Monday, December 22nd drawing are: 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 and the powerball 7. 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.

Has anyone won the Powerball jackpot?

Powerball winners will be posted here as soon as they are announced by lottery officials.

To find a complete list of past Powerball winners, go to Click on the link to the lottery website.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, December 24th, just after 11pm ET.

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.

more: Here’s the after-tax value of Powerball’s $1.6 billion 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.

This story has been updated with new information.

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_.

Japan’s oldest park ranger dies at age 104

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Japan’s oldest park ranger dies at age 104

Soskin became a national park ranger in her mid-80s, educating visitors about the contributions of black women to World War II, where they faced discrimination.

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Betty Reed Soskin, a historical figure who was the National Park Service’s oldest ranger when she retired several years ago, has died at the age of 104.

Soskin’s family confirmed her death in a Facebook post on Dec. 21. As a park ranger at Rosie the Riveter World War II Homefront National Historical Park in Richmond, California, she has been sharing her story for more than 12 years, filling in the missing chapters of America’s story that only people like her can know. They did not share her cause of death.

Soskin was born in Detroit in 1921 and was the great-granddaughter of former slaves in Louisiana, according to the documentary about her life, “No Time to Waste: The Urgent Message of Betty Reed Soskin,” produced in conjunction with the Rosie the Riveter Trust.

Mr. Soskin’s Cajun-Creole family moved to California six years later, where he grew up in Richmond and worked as a file clerk in a segregated shipyard union hall supporting the U.S. effort in World War II. Decades of discrimination would harden her character and determination.

As a child of what she called the “service worker generation,” including bellhops, laborers, Pullman porters and domestic servants, Soskin was familiar with racism and its effects. She said her job as a union clerk represented a step up, the modern equivalent of being the first person in her family to go to college.

“I wasn’t making beds in hotels or taking care of white kids,” she said in “No Time to Waste.”

According to the National Park Trust, Soskin was one of the first black record store owners in the United States. She would work with the Black Panthers in California’s East Bay Valley, and would eventually write a memoir, make spoken word recordings, and write songs that reflected her emotional highs and lows. The latter was a way to stay sane, she said.

It wasn’t always easy to stay hopeful, she said, but she was more successful, encouraged by the crowds that gathered on the streets of America during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

“There are other people working on the same thing,” she told USA TODAY in July 2020. “And one of us will be successful one day. The people in the city are multiracial now, but it’s different. So, for me, as a black person, that problem no longer exists. It involves everyone now.”

In 2015, Soskin was invited to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House Ellipse, where she introduced President Barack Obama. Meeting the Obamas was “the high point of my life,” she said.

In 2007, Soskin, then in her mid-80s, became a national park ranger, educating visitors about the contributions of black women to World War II, where they faced discrimination.

“I feel like I’ve lived my life to the fullest,” she said. “I have no regrets. There’s nothing I feel like I’ve left undone. I feel like I’ve lived my life to the fullest and lived every moment of it to the fullest.”

Contributed by Autumn Schoolman, USA TODAY

Pacsun plans to open more stores in the U.S. and internationally in 2026. Click here for details.

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Pacsun plans to open more stores in the U.S. and internationally in 2026. Click here for details.

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Pacsun will grow significantly in 2026 after not opening a new store for nearly 20 years.

As a result of the resurgence of brick-and-mortar stores across the United States, the Anaheim, California-based retail chain and clothing brand announced plans to open 20 to 35 new stores over the next three years.

“Our stores are cultural touchpoints for a generation that values ​​experiences as much as products,” Brieane Olson, Pacsun’s chief executive officer, said in a Dec. 18 press release.

“What starts on our social channels — inspiration and community — ultimately drives young people to see it in person,” Olson added. “Doubling down on our brick-and-mortar stores is just a reflection of what the community is already telling us.”

Where will Park-sun go next?

Founded in 1980, Pacific Sunwear of California LLC (Pacsun) is experiencing its first significant retail expansion after not opening any additional stores in the United States for 18 years.

At least nine more U.S.-based stores will open in 2026, including the first overseas stores at Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Fla. and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and up to 20 stores are expected to open across the Middle East over the next five years.

In 2025, Pacsan will open nine stores in the United States, including three in New York state alone: ​​in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Westchester, a suburb just north of New York City, and Victor, near Rochester.

To find your nearest store, click here to use our map search.

The clothing brand did not immediately respond to USA Today’s request for additional details about when and where the new store will open.

At least 5 killed in Mexican Navy plane crash in Texas: officials

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At least 5 killed in Mexican Navy plane crash in Texas: officials

The plane was carrying four members of the Mexican Navy and four civilians. According to the Mexican Navy, five people were killed, two were rescued and one person is missing.

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On Monday, December 22nd, a Mexican Navy plane crashed in fog in Texas while on a rescue mission to a group supporting child burn victims, killing five people, the country’s government announced.

Mexican officials said the plane, a King Air ANX 1209, was carrying four members of the Mexican Navy and four civilians when it crashed. The plane crashed in Galveston Bay, U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Luke Baker told USA TODAY.

According to the Mexican Navy, two people were recovered alive from the crash site and one person is missing.

Mexican naval officials said the plane was performing a specialized medical evacuation. The mission was carried out on behalf of the Michou and Mau Foundation, an organization that supports child burn victims, the Navy said.

In a statement on social media, the group expressed its sadness following the fatal accident.

“As the Michou and Mau Foundation, we express our deep solidarity with the families affected by these incidents,” the group said. “We honor the memory of those lost and share their pain with respect and compassion.”

The patient in the car was a 1-year-old child, the Associated Press reported. It is not immediately clear whether they survived.

U.S. Coast Guard officials who responded to the crash rescued six people and recovered two bodies, according to the Mexican Navy.

Baker deferred questions about the passenger’s status to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for information.

Contributed by: Reuters

49ers, Bills, Jaguars, Chargers clinch

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49ers, Bills, Jaguars, Chargers clinch

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USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates on the NFL’s evolving playoff picture each week during the 2025 regular season. It usually starts on a Sunday afternoon and continues through the rest of the week (Monday and Thursday games, if applicable, or Saturday games, and I plan to watch them once the holidays are over).

What the hell happened? What does that mean? As the seven-team brackets for each conference begin to take shape, what will be the relevant factors (and perhaps the tiebreakers)? Everything will be explained and analyzed leading up to the postseason berths being decided on Sunday, January 4th.

Here’s how things stood as week 16 was completed.

NFC Playoffs Photos

x − 1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3), NFC West Leaders: Splitting the season series against the Rams in Thursday night’s Classic means the No. 1 seed is up for grabs if they win their remaining two games. remaining schedule: Panthers, 49ers

x − 2. Chicago Bears (11-4), NFC North leader: Saturday night’s overtime victory over Green Bay helped secure a playoff berth, which was sealed with Sunday’s loss to Detroit. Chicago is also still playing as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. remaining schedule: 49ers vs. Lions

y – 3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), NFC East Champions: By defeating Washington on Saturday, they became the first team to finish Division I this season, and the first team to earn a win. this Since splitting 21 years ago, the company has split several years in a row. Philadelphia’s victory also officially eliminated the hated Cowboys from playoff contention. remaining schedule: Game against Bills, vs. Commanders

4. Carolina Panthers (8-7) NFC South Leader: They moved into first place after defeating the Bucks on Sunday. They can win the division with a 1-1 loss against Tampa Bay next week. A loss to the Buccaneers in Week 18 would be effective regardless of the situation. remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks, Buccaneers

x − 5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4), second wild card: A win would give the Niners a sweep over Seattle on the final weekend of the regular season and clinch the No. 1 seed. With Sunday’s loss, Detroit clinched a spot in the postseason. They are ahead of the Rams in NFC West play with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss. remaining schedule: vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

x − 6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4), Wildcard #1: They became the first team to qualify for the playoffs, but were unable to sweep Seattle, losing the inside track to gain home-field advantage and receiving a bye in the first round. remaining schedule: Falcons vs. Cardinals

7. green bay packers (9-5-1), Wildcard #3:They were understaffed into Saturday night, but things got even worse after that. However, the Pack should have been able to escape Chicago with a victory. At least the Detroit loss allowed Green Bay to maintain a 1.5-game lead over the Lions in the wild-card standings. Also, if the Packers win or the Lions lose, Green Bay will be in the game. remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, Vikings

8. Detroit Lions (8-7), on the hunt: Sunday’s loss not only kept two of the contending teams (Chicago and San Francisco) out of the game, but also left the Lions on life support. Detroit needs to win its remaining two games and hopes the Pack loses to qualify. remaining schedule: Vikings, Bears

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8); in the hunt: Sunday’s loss to Charlotte was Tampa Bay’s sixth loss in its last seven games. However, if they win their final two games, the Bucks will retain the NFC South title with a one-game difference in the common-game tiebreaker against Carolina (assuming the Panthers also finish 9-8). remaining schedule: Dolphins vs. Panthers

x − 1. Denver Broncos (12-3), first in AFC West: They entered the day with home-field advantage and a chance to clinch a first-round bye. A decisive loss against Jacksonville reopened the door to New England. If they still win, Denver will take the top seed. remaining schedule: Chiefs vs. Chargers

x − 2. New England Patriots (12-3), AFC East leaders: Officially headed to the playoffs, the Pats are still in the driver’s seat to win the AFC East, and it’s just the tiebreaker for the top spot in the conference. remaining schedule: Jets vs. Dolphins.

x − 3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4), AFC South leader: They snapped a seven-game winning streak Sunday with an impressive win over Denver. Monday’s loss to the Colts sealed the Jags’ playoff invitation. remaining schedule: vs. Colts, Titans

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6); AFC North Leader: Sunday’s victory at Motown clinched the NFC berths for the Bears and 49ers. No matter what else happens in the next two games, they will dominate the Ravens and Pittsburgh will secure the division. A win against Cleveland next week will clinch the division. remaining schedule: Browns vs. Ravens

x − 5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4), Wild Card No. 1: The Bolts have now won seven of eight games, and with Indy’s loss Monday night, they will be in the playoffs for the second straight year. A half-game advantage (8-2) in AFC play keeps them ahead of Buffalo. If they win, the Chargers will win the AFC West…and maybe even more. remaining schedule: vs. Texans, Broncos

x − 6. Buffalo Bills (11-4), Wild Card No. 1: The Bills, who are still in the running for their sixth straight AFC East title, were guaranteed at least a playoff berth with Monday’s loss to the Colts. remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

7. Houston Texans (10-5), third wild card: They have won eight of nine, including seven in a row, but have yet to overtake Jacksonville, who is also on the rise, for first place in the AFC South. Houston’s victory prevented the Bills, Chargers and Jags from qualifying for the playoffs on Sunday. remaining schedule: Chargers vs. Colts

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-7) In the hunt: Their 7-1 start seems like ancient history now that it’s in the hands of 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers, who was unable to pull off a win despite two valiant attempts. One more loss or Houston wins and Indy will be eliminated. remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, vs. Texans

9. Baltimore Ravens (7-8) In the hunt: Sunday night’s loss to New England cost them control of their path to the playoffs, and a win against Pittsburgh next weekend could see them eliminated. remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, Packers, Steelers

Pittsburgh won the AFC North with the following results:

  1. win or
  2. Ravens lose

Carolina wins NFC South:

▶ Victory + Buccaneers loss

Green Bay qualifies for the playoffs with:

  1. win or
  2. Lions lose

NFL teams will be eliminated from playoff contention in 2025

▶ New York Giants

▶ Arizona Cardinals

▶ New Orleans Saints

▶ Tennessee Titans

▶ Las Vegas Raiders

▶ Commander Washington

▶ Atlanta Falcons

▶ New York Jets

▶ Cleveland Browns

▶ Cincinnati Bengals

▶ Kansas City Chiefs

▶ Minnesota Vikings

▶ Miami Dolphins

▶ Dallas Cowboys

× – qualify for the playoffs

yes – clinched division

z- Secure home field advantage and win a 1st round bye

All your NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th Monday Newsletter.

11 products sold by Walmart and Amazon recalled due to safety issues

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11 products sold by Walmart and Amazon recalled due to safety issues

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This month, 11 products sold by Walmart and Amazon were recalled due to various defects and injury risks.

On December 18, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of 11 products sold at retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, or both. From children’s toys and dressers to pool and bed rails, these products can be defective and pose a risk of serious injury or even death. Fortunately, as of December 18th, no injuries have been reported among the 11 recalls.

The biggest recall is Mamisan pain relief topical ointment. More than 50,000 bottles of the ointment were recalled because it contains lidocaine, and child-proof packaging is required, according to the U.S. Consumer Protection and Safety Commission (CPSC). There is a risk of injury or death if the child swallows the serum, as the packaging of the ointment is not tolerated by the child.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the 11 recalls.

Recall: Nasal drops sold nationwide have been recalled. See affected products.

Recall: More than 60,000 pounds of cooked chicken was recovered. See affected items.

Meaicezli play wallet set

According to the CPSC, Meaicezli is recalling its Little Girl First wallet set because the included toy smartphone and tablet contain button and coin batteries that could be easily accessed and swallowed by children. If a battery is swallowed, it can cause serious injury including internal chemical burns and death.

  • Affected units: Approximately 3,090
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • explanation: The Little Girl First Wallet Set is pink and includes toy sunglasses, camera, money, makeup kit, lipstick, wallet, hair ribbon, eye mask, passport, credit card, cell phone, and writing tablet. Toy phones and tablets have built-in button or coin batteries.
  • Sold: Amazon August to October 2025 $15
  • Solution: Stop playing with toy wallets and keep cell phones and tablets away from your child. Please email meaicezli-services@outlook.com with photos of your discarded mobile phone and tablet.

Jokosis portable bed rail

According to the CPSC, Jocosis is recalling its portable bed rails because when attached to a bed, the rails can trap occupants, putting them at risk of becoming trapped or even suffocated. Also, the bed rails do not have the required hazard warning labels.

  • Affected units: Approximately 12,000
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • Model number: HC0262 printed on the package
  • explanation: The bed rails are black and include a zippered storage pouch. The rail height is 31.5 inches and the width is 40.6 inches.
  • Sold: Amazon August to November 2025 $40 to $50
  • Solution: Immediately stop using the bed rail. Write “RECALLLED” on the top and bottom rails with a permanent marker, take a photo, and send it to jokosisbedrailrecall@outlook.com. Please dispose of bed rails.

blue wave above ground pool

Blue Wave is recalling some of its above-ground pools that are 48 inches or taller because compression straps wrapped around the outside of the pool can create a foothold that allows children to access the pool and pose a drowning hazard, according to the CPSC.

  • Affected units: Approximately 13,400
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • Sold: The Home Depot, Lowe’s Dunham’s Sports, Amazon, Walmart.com, Wayfair January 2021 – July 2025, $600 – $2,000
  • Solution: Contact Blue Wave to request a free repair kit. Do not allow children to access or drain the pool until repairs are completed.

Can’t see the table above? Visit infogram.com/1p1r103dx0dd2xbmyln63j5lgmb6rgexwr0.

SereneLife Above Ground Pool

Serene Life is recalling above-ground pools over 48 inches in height because compression straps that wrap around the outside of the pool can provide footholds for children to access the pool, posing a drowning risk, according to the CPSC.

  • Affected units: Approximately 80
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • Model number: SLPORND15 and SLPORND18
  • explanation: Above ground pools over 48 inches tall
  • Sold: Available from December 2021 to May 2025 for $300-$500 on Amazon, Walmart.com, Wayfair, Target.com, and the SereneLife website
  • Solution: Please stop using the pool and contact SereneLife for a full refund. Send your pool photos to recall@serenelifehome.com.

KKL fabric 9 tier dresser

According to the CPSC, Changzhou Seametal Products has recalled a nine-drawer dresser made from KKL fabric. This is because if it is not secured to the wall, it is unstable and can become a trap hazard, potentially resulting in injury or death to the child.

  • Affected units: Approximately 4,740
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • explanation: The dresser was sold in black, brown, and white. It has a metal frame, a wooden top with a recessed power outlet, and nine foldable fabric drawers. Dresser measures 37.8 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 53.9 inches tall.
  • Sold: Amazon September 2023 to November 2025 $100
  • Solution: If it is not fixed to the wall, please stop using it immediately. Please contact HK Brilliant at support-us@kkl-home.com for information on how to dispose of your dresser and receive a full refund.

Feel the Beard Minoxidil Beard Growth Oil (for men)

According to the CPSC, Feel the Beard has recalled its Minoxidil Beard Growth Oil for Men. The reason is that the serum contains minoxidil and requires child-proof packaging. Serum packaging poses a risk of injury or death if children swallow the serum, as children are not immune to it.

  • Affected units: Approximately 840
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • explanation: Beard oil is sold in a 1 oz dark amber bottle with a black dropper cap. The label wrapped around the oil and the outer box reads “Beard Growth Oil,” “Feel The Beard,” and “5% Minoxidil with Biotin.”
  • Sold: Amazon April to September 2025 Approx. $10
  • Solution: Discontinue use immediately and keep out of reach of children. For information on how to discard your bottle and receive a replacement, please contact Feel The Beard via email at ziyad@feelthebeard.com.

Mamisan analgesic ointment

According to the CPSC, MiramarLab is recalling Mamisan Analgesic Topical Ointment because it contains lidocaine and requires child-proof packaging. Ointment packages are not tolerated by children, so if a child swallows the serum, there is a risk of injury or death.

  • Affected units: Approximately 50,330
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • UPC: 860006498115
  • explanation: This topical ointment comes in a 3.52-ounce orange container with a white thread lid and Mamisan printed on the lid.
  • Sold: Available at Walmart.com and Target from April 2024 to October 2025 for $10
  • Solution: Discontinue use immediately and keep out of reach of children. To receive a free replacement lid, please contact Plantimex at customercare@plantimexusa.com (subject line “RECALL”).

Ansen power tap

According to the CPSC, Hefei Juyuan Sports Development has recalled Anquan power strips. That’s because power strips don’t have supplemental overcurrent protection, which can create a fire hazard if overloaded.

  • Affected units: Approximately 11,200
  • injury: As of December 18, Hefei Juyuan Sports Development has received seven reports of blown fuses in power strips. There were no reports of fire or injuries.
  • Model number: EX-D112-05 and EX-D106-25
  • explanation: The power strip model EX-D112-05 has a black metal housing with 12 ports made of yellow plastic. The on/off switch on the strip is located at the end near the power cord. The power strip model EX-D106-25 has a yellow metal housing with six black plastic ports. This strip has separate on/off buttons for each port.
  • Sold: Amazon December 2023 to October 2025, $15 and $40
  • Solution: Please stop using it immediately and contact Hefei Juyuan Sporting Development for a full refund.

TopHomer Pool Drain Cover

Top Homer has recalled its pool drain covers because they violate the Virginia Graham Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and pose a risk of entrapment and drowning, according to the CPSC.

  • Affected units: Approximately 1,040
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • explanation: Drain covers are used for swimming pools. The top grate is 7.2 inches in diameter and the bottom plate is 8 inches in diameter. The grid is made of white plastic.
  • Sold: Amazon August 2024 to October 2025 $15 to $26
  • Solution: Immediately stop using a pool with a drain cover. Take a photo of the cover and send it to tohomer.recall@outlook.com.

Furnulem 8 drawer dresser

According to the CPSC, Furnurem has recalled its eight-drawer dresser. This is because if it is not secured to the wall, it is unstable and can become a trap hazard, potentially resulting in injury or death to the child.

  • Affected units: Approximately 16,800
  • injury: None, as of December 18th
  • Model number: DS-0148D003
  • explanation: The dresser is available in black, brown, and white and has a metal frame and wood top with a recessed power outlet and eight collapsible fabric drawers. Measures 13.8 inches long, 45 inches wide, and 29.7 inches tall.
  • Sold: Amazon September 2023 to November 2025 approximately $80
  • Solution: If it is not fixed to the wall, please stop using it immediately. To receive a full refund, please send a photo of your dresser to Furnulem at support@furnulem.com.

Schwinn Ovation Bicycle Child Carrier

Pacific Cycle has recalled its Schwinn Ovation bicycle child carrier because the buckle that secures it around a child can come loose during use, creating a fall hazard, according to the CPSC.

  • Affected units: Approximately 650
  • injury: As of Dec. 18, Pacific Cycle was aware of one incident where a buckle came loose. No injuries were reported.
  • Model number: SW80356
  • explanation: The child carrier is black with a gray seat cushion, black harness straps and red buckles. Attach to the rear of the bicycle rack.
  • Sold: $90 – 230 from May to September 2025 on Amazon and Schwinn Bikes website
  • Solution: Please discontinue use immediately and contact Pacific Cycle (customerservice@pacific-cycle.com) for a full refund.

Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

Home warranty company methodology

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Home warranty company methodology

The team at USA TODAY has designed an in-house methodology that evaluates companies based on the factors that matter most to homeowners. We used an unbiased, data-driven approach to evaluate home warranty providers to help you make informed decisions about protecting your home.

Plans and coverage (25%)

This category evaluates the breadth and flexibility of a provider’s offerings. We take into account the number of plans available, the inclusion of essential home systems and appliances such as HVAC, plumbing, appliances, and major kitchen appliances, and the availability of optional add-ons such as roof leak repair, electronics, and pool equipment.

A variety of plans and comprehensive coverage options demonstrate the provider’s ability to meet the needs of every household.

Cost (25%)

Affordability is an important factor when choosing a home warranty. In this category, we look at price ranges from the most economical to the most premium plans, as well as service fees and coverage limits. Coverage limits and total service call charges are considered to determine a company’s score.

Low costs combined with reasonable service charges and generous coverage caps rank high because they suggest better value for homeowners.

Service (20%)

Quality of service reflects how well a provider supports customers when making insurance claims. This includes 24/7 claims availability, emergency service options, workmanship guarantees, and average response times.

A home warranty company that provides quick and reliable repairs demonstrates strong customer care and trust.

more: Is a home warranty worth it in 2026?

Customer satisfaction (20%)

Customer feedback is an important indicator of reliability. This category aggregates ratings from third-party platforms such as Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

High scores across these sources suggest a consistently positive experience and strong reputation.

Reliability (10%)

Reliability measures how consistently a provider complies with claims. A high claims acceptance rate and clean legal record indicate a company you can trust to keep its promises. This category allows homeowners to rely on their warranty provider when problems arise.

‘Call of Duty’ developer Vince Zampella dies in Ferrari crash: report

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‘Call of Duty’ developer Vince Zampella dies in Ferrari crash: report

Zampella died in a single-vehicle accident when his Ferrari crashed into a barrier north of Los Angeles, according to NBC4. Zampella heads up large studios Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment.

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Vince Zampella, the video game developer behind the hit “Call of Duty” series, died in a car accident while driving a Ferrari in California, according to news reports.

Zampera, whose studio Infinity Ward helped make the Call of Duty series one of the most popular video games around the world, died on Sunday, Dec. 21, in a car accident on the Angeles Crest Highway in Southern California, according to NBC4 Los Angeles.

Electronic Arts, the game studio where Zampella developed several games including “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” confirmed Zampella’s death in a statement shared with USA TODAY.

“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts go out to Vince’s family, his loved ones, and everyone touched by his work,” the company said.

Zampella, 55, died in a single-vehicle crash on the scenic two-lane highway north of Los Angeles at about 12:45 p.m., when his car veered off the road and crashed into a concrete barrier. The car was engulfed in flames, the passenger was thrown from the vehicle and the driver remained trapped, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Chanel Phillips said both men died from their injuries. A Highway Patrol spokesperson said it’s unclear what caused the car to leave the road.

Key Infinity Ward games that come with Zampella include Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Zampella is also known for leading Respawn Entertainment, the development studio behind games such as Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

“Vince’s influence on the video game industry was deep and far-reaching,” Electronic Arts said. “A friend, colleague, leader, and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape the way games are made and players connect for generations to come.”

“Giant”: The gaming world’s reaction

Geoff Keighley, organizer and founder of The Game Awards, called Zampella a “giant of the video game industry.”

“Vince was an extraordinary person. He was a gamer at heart, but also a visionary executive with a rare ability to recognize talent and give people the freedom and confidence to create something truly great,” Cayley said in a statement. “He produced some of the most influential games of our time, and I always felt his best game was yet to come. It’s heartbreaking that we won’t be able to play it.”

In a short statement, Stephen Totillo, a prominent gaming journalist, called Zampella “a gaming leader who has always struck me as refreshingly humble.”

Totillo cited recent words from Zampella about how focusing on the story behind each game has been the key to his success.

According to Totillo, Zampella said, “That’s what always comes back…The story can be great, and it has to be great.” “If it doesn’t feel good, who cares? You might as well watch a show on Disney Plus or something. So we have to bring our element to it. And that’s the feel, the feel of it. It has to feel good.”

Will banks, post offices, UPS, and FedEx be open on Christmas Eve 2025?

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Will banks, post offices, UPS, and FedEx be open on Christmas Eve 2025?

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This week is Christmas. If you need to mail a gift to someone or perform a banking transaction, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

Almost all grocery stores, restaurants and retail chains will be open on Christmas Eve this year, but most have adjusted their hours, and banks and post offices are no exception. The stock market will remain open on December 24th, but the market will close early at 1pm (Eastern time) in anticipation of Christmas.

Most UPS and FedEx delivery services will be available the same day, and retail stores will remain open, the companies said.

Here’s what you need to know about banks, post offices and delivery services and whether they’ll be open this Wednesday, December 24th.

More news: Here’s where you can get free food and deals this holiday season

When is Christmas Eve in 2025?

This year’s Christmas Eve is Wednesday, December 24th.

Is the post office open on Christmas Eve? Will my mail be delivered?

U.S. Postal Service post offices are open and mail is expected to be delivered on Dec. 24, according to the USPS website. Mail will also be collected from the blue collection box by the scheduled collection time.

The Postal Service recommends checking with your local post office for specific hours on December 24th.

Are banks open on Christmas Eve?

Most bank branches will be open on Christmas Eve. However, we may have shortened or adjusted our business hours.

We recommend checking with your local bank branch for specific holiday hours.

Are UPS and FedEx open on Christmas Eve?

According to the company’s website, delivery for all services by UPS will be available starting Dec. 24, and UPS Store locations will be open until at least 3 p.m. local time.

UPS Store hours vary by location, so the company recommends customers check its store locator to find the hours and contact information for the UPS Store closest to you.

UPS pickup for Air Service and International Air Service is available only by prior arrangement by December 18th, and UPS Ground Service pickup is not available on Christmas Eve. The company says UPS Express Critical is available 24/7. For more information, call 1-800-714-8779 or visit mnx.com.

Most FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on Christmas Eve, and FedEx office hours will also change, according to the company’s website. Please contact your local FedEx office for specific holiday hours.

FedEx Custom Critical is also available 365 days a year. For more information, call 1-800-762-3787.

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

US must provide due process for deported Venezuelans: federal judge

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US must provide due process for deported Venezuelans: federal judge

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A federal judge ruled on December 22 that the Trump administration must provide court hearings or expedite the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants who were deported to El Salvador’s notorious mega-prisons for alleged ties to criminal organizations.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said the federal government denied due process to a group of Venezuelan immigrants who were deported to CECOT, a notorious anti-terrorism prison, earlier this year. The maximum-security facility is known for its harsh conditions and has become a symbol of President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown.

In March, the Trump administration deported more than 200 immigrants to CECOT. For 137 of them, the federal government justified the move under the Alien and Hostiles Act of 1798, alleging that the men were members of the Venezuelan gang Torren de Aragua.

“By granting the motion, this court declares that the plaintiffs should not have been dismissed with virtually no notice or opportunity to contest the basis of their dismissal, in clear violation of their due process rights,” Boasberg wrote in his opinion.

The judge said the immigrants have the right to return to court to fight their deportation. Boasberg ruled that the Trump administration must submit a plan to allow them to return within two weeks.

The ruling is the latest development in a months-long legal battle in which federal courts have issued varying rulings regarding the Trump administration’s interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act. Some federal judges have ruled against President Trump’s use of the law to expel Venezuelans.

In May, a federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled that the United States could use the Alien Hostiles Act to facilitate the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

graphic: Inside CECOT, El Salvador’s infamous prison where inmates never see the light of day

More than 200 migrants to be returned to Venezuela in prisoner swap

Officials previously announced that more than 200 immigrants were deported from the United States to El Salvador on March 15. The federal government sent several men on a plane to CECOT after President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of accused gang members without going through standard immigration procedures.

The deportation quickly drew criticism from human rights groups and sparked a legal battle with the Trump administration, alleging a lack of due process.

In July, a group of migrants was released to Venezuela as part of a coordinated prisoner exchange, and 10 Americans held in Venezuela were returned to the United States, officials said.

The Venezuelan government announced that 252 Venezuelans detained in El Salvador have been released. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro celebrated the arrival of the two aircraft.

At the time, the Venezuelan government said the men would undergo thorough examinations and return home before being released. The government noted that only seven of the men had serious criminal records.

CECOT Agreement: Trump administration’s $4.7 million contract for El Salvador prison revealed

What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798?

The Alien Enemies Act of 1798, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, was enacted under former President John Adams when the United States faced war with France. The law is intended to allow the president to authorize the removal, arrest, and deportation of males age 14 and older from countries at war with the United States.

While the other three Alien and Sedition Acts expired in the early 19th century, the Alien Enemies Act never expired and became part of the U.S. Code.

This law was passed to supplement the Alien Friends Act, allowing the president to deport noncitizens he deems “dangerous to the peace and security of the United States.”

Contributors: Kinsey Crowley and Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY. Reuters

Pop culture moments that defined the year

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Pop culture moments that defined the year

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It’s time to say goodbye to a year filled with late-night arguments, movie theater chaos, and celebrities who literally left the planet.

The year 2025 has been filled with pop culture stories flying far outside the entertainment news world, whether it’s a celebrity engagement breaking the internet or a jeans ad that probably popped up during Thanksgiving dinner.

It was also a year that brought further instability to an entertainment industry that can no longer endure as it continues to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

With the new year just around the corner, these were the pop culture moments that defined 2025, for better or worse.

Kendrick Lamar gives an emotional performance during the Super Bowl halftime show

If you rewatched Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show on YouTube over 30 times throughout 2025, you’re not alone.

Lamar and Drake’s epic war made a roundup of the pop culture-defining moments of 2024, but the rapper is back on the list thanks to his emotional performance at February’s Super Bowl. It felt like a fitting finale to last year’s drama.

A visually stunning set that included surprise appearances by Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams, in which Lamar performed “Not Like Us” and gleefully implied that his mortal enemy was a pedophile in front of more than 100 million viewers, was a level of lameness most of us can only dream of.

Kendrick Lamar’s Intense Super Bowl halftime show elevates Drake feud and makes history

Midnight Crisis: Kimmel suspended, Colbert suspended

The cancellations and suspension of late-night programming here have made this year one of the most significant in the struggling genre’s history.

When CBS canceled “The Late Show” in July, it was a little like when Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013. The news made me think, “Wait, can something like that happen?”

“The Late Show” became a TV show that was simply expected to outlast all of us, but given its impending demise, Democrats still question whether the move was politically motivated. (CBS parent company Paramount claims this was a purely financial decision.)

But no one could have predicted that it wouldn’t even become the biggest late-night news story of the year. Just two months later, in September, ABC made international news by suspending Jimmy Kimmel for his comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder, a move that followed public pressure from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr.

Kimmel’s return to the airwaves after widespread outcry, including from people like Ted Cruz who politically disagree with the cartoon, was a victory for free speech advocates. But the fact remains that serious questions remain about the viability of late-night television.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs convicted and sentenced to prison

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ empire collapsed in 2024, and although he was arrested in September of the same year, 2025 brought an end to the rapper’s legal saga.

More than 30 witnesses testified in a federal criminal trial between May and July as prosecutors advanced their case that one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history ran a criminal enterprise and engaged in sex trafficking for years. Combs denied the charges.

In the end, he received a mixed verdict. Combs was convicted of a lesser charge of transportation to engage in prostitution, but was acquitted of the more serious charges of extortion and sex trafficking. He was sentenced to approximately four years in prison and is scheduled to be released by his 59th birthday in 2028.

Katy Perry flies into space with Gayle King

Katy Perry’s 2025 sounds more like a Mad Libs look back at the year: She started it as an astronaut and ended it with a relationship with a former world leader.

In April, Perry joined Gayle King and an all-female crew in Blue Origin’s latest Star Trek, sparking a backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of being out of line and questioning whether a short 10-minute jaunt into Earth’s orbit counted as “going into space.”

Perhaps that’s why Perry’s recent romance with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hasn’t made as much headlines. When it came to strange news, there was nowhere for Perry to go but back to Earth.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engaged

Few ten words blow up every group chat in America as thoroughly as the words, “My English teacher and my gym teacher are getting married.”

That’s the now-famous caption for Taylor Swift’s iconic Instagram post announcing her engagement to Travis Kelsey on Aug. 26, prompting an avalanche of “Love Story” puns as entertainment reporters everywhere rushed back from their lunch breaks.

Also planned for 2026: A ceremony likely to be America’s closest thing to a royal wedding.

A new Superman takes flight

This is a statement that movie fans would have never believed a decade ago: The highest-grossing superhero movie of the year was released by DC.

The comic book brand tried for years to catch up to Marvel in terms of box office revenue and overall cultural impact, but failed spectacularly. So in 2022, Warner Bros. made a big bet that James Gunn was the man who could right the ship and revive the brand. This year, it paid off, with the arrival of “Superman,” which manages to introduce not only a new representation of the titular hero, but also an entirely new shared world.

The movie wasn’t a huge hit, but it surpassed all three Marvel movies released in 2025. This is the first time in 17 years that the top-grossing superhero movie of the year has belonged to DC, since 2008’s The Dark Knight (excluding 2020, when theaters were closed and Marvel didn’t release a movie). Among critics and audiences alike, Superman received a rapturous reception and gave DC a much-needed boost.

Some of Marvel’s recent films have underperformed at the box office, but if DC can keep up the momentum, there could be a new leader when it comes to superhero movies. And we’re not just talking about crypto.

Movie “Superman” review: David Corenswet soars as empathetic Man of Steel

“KPop Demon Hunters” becomes a cultural phenomenon

If you’re a parent whose “Golden” topped Spotify rap, you can probably tell me that “KPop Demon Hunter” is one of the most talked about movies of the year.

Few expected this animated musical to become such a cultural phenomenon. However, the film was such a huge hit that when it was released in theaters in August, many saw it become the first Netflix film to top the box office, as it had already been streaming at home for two months at that point.

Just when you thought “Wicked: For Good” had next year’s original Oscar locked in, the Huntr/X Girls are rising, rising, rising.

Gen Z turns ‘Minecraft Movie’ into modern-day ‘Rocky Horror’

Movie theater workers won’t soon forget the weekend of April 4, when hordes of children and teens turned their workplaces into popcorn-filled battlefields.

When “The Minecraft Movie” hit theaters, young fans of the video game treated it less like a movie and more like an interactive social event, including screaming during the “Chicken Jockey” scene and throwing popcorn in the air. This scene became a meme before the movie was released.

This brings Minecraft’s worldwide box office to nearly $1 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year and certainly the start of a massive new franchise.

Indeed, the Chicken Jockey prank was definitely disrespectful to the theater employees who had to sweep up all the thrown popcorn, not to mention the general public who prefer to watch movies without live chickens in their theaters (yes, that actually happened).

But at a time when Hollywood is hell-bent on keeping young people in the movies by any means necessary, beggars can’t choose their movies.

“Minecraft Movie” Breaking box office records: Biggest opening in video game movie history

‘South Park’ launches nuclear attack on President Trump

Last September, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone told Vanity Fair that they would avoid covering President Donald Trump when the show returns. “I don’t know what more I can say about Trump,” Parker said.

It’s safe to say they had a change of heart.

In July, the show’s Season 27 premiere dropped the bomb with a brutal and shockingly vulgar Trump parody, depicting Trump as a skinny bully with a small penis who is literally in bed with Satan. This largely appeared to be an effort by Parker and Stone to prove their independence as the merger between Comedy Central’s parent company Paramount and Skydance requires approval from the Trump administration.

But even months after the merger was finalized, Parker and Stone remained on their toes. Since then, every episode has focused on Trump and members of his administration, who now receive more screen time than many of the show’s longtime supporting characters.

This is a very notable development for a series that has been accused of perpetuating political disengagement by suggesting that both sides of an issue are equally bad.

Morgan Wallen says, “Take me to God’s kingdom” after sudden exit from ‘SNL’

Morgan Wallen provided one of the most versatile memes of the year when she posted a photo of her airplane on Instagram and wrote the caption, “Take me to God’s kingdom.”

The comments came shortly after Wallen appeared as a musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” in late March, breaking tradition by abruptly leaving the stage in full view of the cameras during the show’s bedtime period. Normally musical guests would stay there for an extra minute until the credits rolled and the cast members hugged each other, but Warren headed for the exit as quickly as humanly possible.

morgan wallen Sudden exit from ‘SNL’ stage: ‘Take me to God’s kingdom’

“SNL” fans were outraged by Wallen’s disrespectful behavior, while fans of the country singer who can’t stand the show were overjoyed. But we can all agree that “Take me to God’s kingdom” are the perfect words to post on Instagram right before heading to an IMAX screening of “One Battle After Another.”

When the word eugenics appears in a news article about a jeans ad, it usually means something is wrong.

Sidney Sweeney’s American Eagle Jeans commercial became an unlikely cultural flashpoint this summer, with critics claiming it was tone-deaf to portray an attractive white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes as the face of good genes (or, as the pun-filled campaign actually put it, “good jeans”).

At the time, the “Euphoria” star’s PR strategy was to remain silent and focus on promoting Oscar nominee “Christie.” But in the end, the boxing drama garnered little attention during awards season and was a box office disaster. By December, Sweeney issued a statement condemning the hate and restoring her silence, and days later her snub at the Golden Globes capped off the year.

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