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‘SNL’ cruelly mocks President Trump over Epstein file, Patriot Games

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‘SNL’ cruelly mocks President Trump over Epstein file, Patriot Games

As President Trump on “Saturday Night Live,” James Austin Johnson defended the renaming of the Trump Kennedy Center.

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‘Saturday Night Live’ concludes 2025 with a holiday message from President Donald Trump.

The cold opening of this year’s final “SNL” episode featured James Austin Johnson playing Trump giving a special holiday-themed speech at the White House. In his speech, he defended the move to rename the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center the Trump Kennedy Center.

“We are renaming the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and it will now be called ‘Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, No Homo,'” he said.

Like Trump, Johnson has announced his intention to rename other national monuments after him, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

“People say, ‘Doctor, why are you putting your name on so many buildings?’ And I say, ‘It’s because we had to remove it from so many files,'” Johnson said, referring to the release of new documents on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that included numerous redactions.

The cold open also referenced President Trump’s announcement that he would create an event for high school athletes called the Patriot Games, described as a competition consisting of “one young man and one young woman from each state and territory.”

“I’m inventing my own Hunger Games,” Johnson’s Trump said. “That’s right. The White House is going to host the Patriot Games, where high school athletes compete, because they thought, what’s the best way to distract from the Epstein file? I know, invite a bunch of teenagers over to the house. That’ll help.”

“They’re doing The Hunger Games and they say they know how the book ends, but of course I don’t know, because it’s a book,” he added. “I don’t like reading books. To be honest, I might never be able to read them again.”

Johnson’s Trump also claimed that the Epstein file was “very transparent.” “Jeffrey Epstein was a terrible man. I didn’t know him, but I really liked him,” he said.

Ariana Grande hosted the December 20 episode of SNL with musical guest Cher. This will be Grande’s third time hosting SNL, and Cher’s first time as a musical guest on the show since 1987.

The episode was also the last for longtime cast member Bowen Yang, who confirmed he would be leaving SNL after the Christmas show.

‘SNL’ President Trump gets cold skewered: Sketch parodies Jeffrey Epstein’s new photo

Last week’s “SNL” started off with a cold start, with President Trump ranting on a variety of topics aboard Air Force One, including the release of new photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate. “The truth is, these photos are fake news and a Democratic hoax,” Johnson said, impersonating Trump, before changing his tone and prompting White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt (played by Ashley Padilla) to intervene, admitting, “I’m on file. I took a lot of great photos!”

So far, Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler, Sabrina Carpenter, Miles Teller, Nikki Glazer, Glen Powell, Melissa McCarthy and Josh O’Connor have hosted Season 51 of SNL, which began in October after a summer reshuffle.

SNL has added five new cast members to the new season: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Cam Patterson, and Veronica Slawkowska.

So far, Padilla is considered the breakout star of Season 51. The comedian, who joined the show in 2024, not only impersonated Leavitt, but also had key roles in several other popular skits, including one in which he played a woman who claims to be happy with a bad haircut.

When will ‘SNL’ return in 2026?

“SNL” returns on January 17th with host Finn Wolfhard and musical guest A$AP Rocky.

The student loan cliff looms in the new year. how to save yourself

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The student loan cliff looms in the new year. how to save yourself

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Before the new year, millions of Americans may want to contact their student loan servicers because they may be on a soon-to-be-reported default list, experts say.

Technically, more than 4 million Americans are behind on their student loans, or at least 270 days past due, said Michele Ranelli, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. It just hasn’t been reported to the credit bureaus yet for a variety of reasons, including processing delays, she said. When finally reported, about 10 million borrowers, representing about 25% of the federal student loan portfolio, could default on their loans, the Education Department said. Experts say this is a record.

If borrowers don’t act quickly to avoid being reported to the credit bureaus, their credit scores can plummet and their wages, Social Security benefits, and tax refunds can be garnished.

“Borrowers have remained delinquent since payments resumed after the pandemic, but these delinquencies will not fully show up on federal reports until 2026,” said Kady Ambus, a consumer finance expert at Earnest, a platform that connects students with private loans, refinances and scholarships. “The tension is already here. What looks like a cliff in 2026 is actually a delay in reporting.”

More and more borrowers are deferring payments

The first day a payment is past due or delinquent, it remains so until the past due amount is paid or other arrangements are made, such as a change in repayment plan or deferment or forbearance.

If your payment is more than 90 days late, the delinquency will be reported to the national credit bureaus and could negatively impact your credit rating. Credit scoring agency FICO said in May that Americans’ average scores were down 2 points from a year ago, as delinquencies of 90 days or more and serious delinquencies exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

The serious delinquency rate reached a record high of 30.6% in March, Ranelli said. It has since fallen to 28.5%, but is still rising.

The rate of serious delinquency rose to 14.3% from July to September, the Fed said, compared to 12.9% in the previous three months, 8% in the first three months of this year and 0.8% by the end of 2024.

“This is the fastest rate of transition to serious delinquency since data was collected back in 2000,” said Matthew Nessler, senior economist at KPMG. “This means more borrowers will remain in the early stages of delinquency without making payments.”

What happens if the borrower cannot pay?

Ranelli said Americans who report their loans are more than 90 days behind have already seen their credit scores drop by an average of 60 points.

A drop in your credit score has lasting effects. Lenders use these to decide whether to approve a loan or credit card, and to determine interest rates and credit limits.

“The thing that people are most upset about is when they want to get a house,” Ranelli said. “They saved money, did their research, and ultimately found a home within their budget. But when they try to get a mortgage, they find out their score is too low. It’s something that takes time to recover, so it’s a missed opportunity.”

In the meantime, borrowers will face high collection fees, wage garnishments, and even Social Security garnishments and tax refunds, hitting very low-income households the hardest. “These foreclosures exacerbate economic hardship for those who can’t afford it,” the nonprofit Institute for College Access and Success warned in a report.

“The pain is not evenly distributed,” Ambus says. “Older borrowers, those on fixed incomes, and those without a degree face the highest repayment stress.”

Borrowers who are behind on their student loans will be flagged on the government’s credit reporting system, making them ineligible for new federal student aid and unable to qualify for federally assisted home loans.

What should the borrower do?

If you’re on the brink of serious delinquency, “the biggest mistake you can make is waiting too long,” Ambus says. “If you think you’re going to miss a payment, call us right away. Late payments give you more options, but being late gives you more options.”

Experts said borrowers should consider other payment plans that may be more compatible with their cash flow.

“Consolidation could also be a prudent move for borrowers seeking Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or those looking to lock in access to their current income-driven plans before the new rules go into effect,” Ambas said. “For borrowers with strong credit, refinancing can lower monthly payments and interest costs. It’s not suitable for everyone, but it can provide short-term respite while stabilizing people’s finances.”

Experts say borrowers, especially those on the brink of default, need help and should call a debt collector immediately.

“If you’re late, it’s going to be unpleasant to make that first call,” Ranelli said. “But you have to do it yourself and start talking to someone to find a way to work it out with your servicer. Don’t just let that happen and let your credit score drop.”

If you haven’t yet been reported in default, “consider this a grace period to contact your servicer and resolve the issue,” Ranelli said. “Get funding to improve your situation and protect yourself from taking a hit to your credit score.”

Instead of splurging on holiday gifts this year, you might consider asking friends and family to help pay off your student loans, she says.

Medora Lee is USA TODAY’s money, markets and personal finance reporter. Please contact us at mjlee@usatoday.com. Subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday to Friday morning.

Details of Scott Bessent’s soybean farm revealed

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Details of Scott Bessent’s soybean farm revealed

The secretary’s claim that “I’m actually a soybean farmer” sparked an online meme and commentator frenzy that skewered the 63-year-old Ivy League graduate.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is no longer in the soybean business, and the details of his $12.4 million sale are now public.

Mr. Bessent raised eyebrows in late October when he told ABC’s Martha Raddatz that he too was feeling the pain of the agricultural trade war with China. “I’m actually a soybean farmer,” he said.

The claim sparked a frenzy of online memes and commentators skewering the 63-year-old Ivy League graduate who rolled up his sleeves and ignited the combine.

In fact, Bessent disclosed early in the Trump administration that he owns thousands of acres of farmland in North Dakota through a limited liability partnership. He planned to sell these holdings by April 28, 90 days after taking office.

In August, government ethics officials warned in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee that the land would have to be sold because the secretary was not complying with regulations. “The assets are illiquid and cannot be easily brought to market,” said Bessent, a finance official in charge of ethics.

The August letter said Bessent would be “removed from certain matters affecting these assets.” But that was just a few weeks before Mr. Bessent flew to Malaysia to meet with his Chinese counterpart and hammer out the framework for an agreement that crucially included purchases of U.S. soybeans.

In early December, he announced in an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that he was finally done being a farmer. “I run a soybean farm,” he told host Margaret Brennan, who was quick to point out that he was invested in the farm.

more: Treasury Secretary Bessent says the Fed should be independent but made a mistake

“People in my family are out there working on this work. In fact, I just sold my company this week as part of an ethics agreement, so I’m stepping away from that work,” Bessent said.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden criticized the slow divestment process in a statement to USA TODAY this week.

“The purpose of requiring federal authorities to sign and abide by these agreements is to demonstrate that those in power are putting the interests of the American people ahead of their own interests,” Wyden said. “This deeply corrupt administration makes a mockery of ethics as a systemic issue, so it’s no surprise that Mr. Bessent has trivialized legally binding ethics agreements.”

more: Treasury Secretary says President Trump’s account is a ‘back door to social security privatization’

Soybean prices soared from $9.80 a bushel to $11.12 a bushel in late October after the trade deal with China was announced.

The Trump administration also announced a $12 billion relief plan for farmers on December 8th.

So who bought Scott Bessent’s soybean farm?

Records obtained by USA TODAY reveal a deal that resolved a conflict of interest for the Treasury secretary, who plays a direct role in negotiations with China to buy 12.5 million tons of soybeans.

For many years, Bessent’s husband, John Freeman, was listed as a managing partner in a corporation called High Plains Acres LLP, along with Scott Bradford of Victoria, Minn.

The company owns more than 5,000 acres across 23 parcels in six North Dakota counties, according to its most recent annual report filed with state regulators. The property earns him hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in rent and profit sharing, according to Bessent’s ethics disclosure form.

more: Trump considering four candidates for new Fed chair, excluding Scott Bessent

To clear ethical hurdles, Bessent said in a December disclosure statement that he had difficulty selling the farmland “due to illiquidity,” but would do so by Dec. 15 at the latest.

Sure enough, on December 15th, the recorder’s offices of six small towns in North Dakota received the paperwork to sell everything. Over 5,000 Acres from High Plains Acres to another company called Glacial Ridge LLP.

Glacial Ridge, which was founded just days earlier, is managed by the same Scott Bradford and his wife, Lynn Bradford, according to state filings. They paid more than $12 million for the farmland, or about $2,300 per acre.

According to an investigation by Agweek magazine, farmland in central-eastern North Dakota, where Mr. Bessent owned parcels, went from an average of $1,981 an acre in 2018 to $3,413 an acre in 2025. This means his business partner got the deal.

Bradford is Bessent’s longtime friend and former roommate at Yale University. Mr. Bessent graduated from the school in 1984. According to an archived database, Mr. Bradford played as a forward on the Yale University hockey team from 1981 to 1985. The school confirmed that he graduated in 1985 with degrees in political science and economics.

Bradford received a call from a reporter, but he hung up without answering any questions.

Mr. Bessent’s office confirmed that he had signed the necessary ethics documents and sold all of the properties in question. His spokesperson declined to answer questions about his relationship with family members who helped harvest the soybeans or with the Bradford family. Ms. Bessent’s husband, Mr. Freeman, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

At Yale, Bessent lost the job of editor of the student newspaper, the Yale Daily News. He told the alumni magazine that this was the turning point when he switched from wanting to be a journalist to thinking about becoming a wealth manager.

Coincidentally, the student paper’s publisher at the time was Steven Mnuchin, who served as President Trump’s first Treasury secretary from 2017 to 2021.

Pending Supreme Court case concerns disability rights groups

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Pending Supreme Court case concerns disability rights groups

Because people with intellectual disabilities often require ongoing support throughout their lives, a clinical diagnosis can help them receive special education, home, and community-based services.

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WASHINGTON – Disability rights groups are concerned that a death penalty case in the Supreme Court could impact people with intellectual disabilities far beyond the criminal context.

Judges are considering how to weigh multiple intelligence scores when determining whether a death row inmate’s intellectual disability is so severe that the death penalty would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

But advocates say the outcome of the court’s rules could potentially impact eligibility for government services for people with disabilities, such as health care, educational services and income support.

A 2017 report found that more than one-fifth of working-age people receiving Supplemental Security Income were eligible because of an intellectual disability.

“It’s really important that there is a universal definition of intellectual disability,” said Sheila Wakschlag, general counsel at Arc of America.

Ark and other advocacy groups worry that courts could move toward relying solely on IQ tests and not taking into account other information, such as ability to perform daily activities or how early the problems started.

The Supreme Court rejected this approach in 2014, ruling that Florida cannot use a single IQ test to determine an inmate’s eligibility for the death penalty.

“Intellectual disability is a condition, not a number,” the court said in a 5-4 opinion.

And in 2019, the court said Texas assumed that an IQ score above 70 would rule out intellectual disability and did not take into account the possibility of error in IQ scores.

In a current case in Alabama, courts are considering what to do when most (but not all) people’s IQ scores are above 70, given the margin of error.

Disability rights groups told the court that when IQ scores are ambiguous or their accuracy is in question, other evidence about a person’s functioning should be considered.

During the court’s December oral arguments, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson addressed the mental health community’s position.

more: The person at the center of the Supreme Court’s death penalty case is likely to claim low IQ.

“They seem to be saying we need to look at different things to get to the truth of whether or not this person is actually mentally retarded,” she said.

Alito presents specific criteria for death penalty cases

But Justice Samuel Alito suggested that death penalty cases would be more “consistent and predictable” if defendants had to meet specific criteria.

more: Justice Alito still doesn’t like the court’s same-sex marriage decision, but says it’s a precedent

“Isn’t that one of the mainstays of the court’s death penalty jurisprudence, as opposed to a situation where everything is up for grabs in every case?” Alito asked.

According to disability rights groups, death penalty cases are only “a small part of the world of intellectual disability assessment.”

Because people with intellectual disabilities typically require ongoing support throughout their lives, a clinical diagnosis can help them access special education, home- and community-based services, and other supports.

Vakshlak, the Ark’s general counsel, said the Supreme Court has resisted past efforts by states to change their approach to assessing intellectual disabilities.

But if the court reverses course, “those decisions will have implications for courts in other future cases, and for how government agencies in general define this term,” she said.

“Any deviation from the clinical definition is very dangerous,” Wakszlag says.

Eagles win NFC East, ending Cowboys’ hopes

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Eagles win NFC East, ending Cowboys’ hopes

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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 went for week 16:

AFC playoff photos

x − 1. Denver Broncos (12-2), AFC West Leader: Sunday’s loss to New England, the first team in the league to win 12 games and the first AFC team to make the playoffs, also increased the Broncos’ chances of finishing as the No. 1 seed. If enough problems arise, you can claim it in week 16. remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

2. New England Patriots (11-3), AFC East leader: After 10 games, they lost the district championship on Sunday and lost valuable ground to the No. 1 seed. However, the Pats are still the favorites to win the AFC East and can clinch a playoff berth with a win in Baltimore. remaining schedule: Ravens, Jets, vs. Dolphins.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4), first in the AFC South: A sixth straight win on Sunday will at least clinch a wild card spot. However, if they lose, they could fall from the top spot. remaining schedule: Broncos vs. Colts vs. Titans

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) AFC North Leader: They attacked Miami on Monday night, eliminating the Dolphins from postseason contention. No matter what else happens in the next three games, Pittsburgh will clinch the division by dominating the Ravens. remaining schedule: Lions, Browns, vs. Ravens

5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4), Wild Card No. 1: They completed the Chiefs’ winning season and officially eliminated the three-time defending AFC champions from playoff consideration. The Bolts currently have six of seven wins, but need one more win (and help) to qualify for Sunday. They have a one-win advantage (8 wins, 2 losses) over Buffalo in AFC play. remaining schedule: Cowboys vs. Texans vs. Broncos

6. Buffalo Bills (10-4), Wild Card No. 1: The Bills, who have resolved their split with the Pats and are still in the hunt for a sixth consecutive AFC East championship, could lock into that field this weekend. remaining schedule: Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

7. Houston Texans (9-5), third place wild card: They have won seven of eight games, including six straight. Another win and loss to Jacksonville moved Houston into first place in the AFC South. remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, at. Chargers, vs. Colts

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6); In the hunt: Now, in the hands of 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers, they face a steep climb back to relevance. A 7-1 start already feels like ancient history. Rivers put up a valiant effort last weekend against Seattle, his first NFL action in about five years, but fell short. And the Colts’ schedule doesn’t slow down anytime soon, including a date with San Francisco on Monday night. remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

9. Baltimore Ravens (7-7) In the hunt: If they win, they will maintain their third straight district title. remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, Packers, Steelers

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

2. Chicago Bears (11-4), NFC North leader: With a stunning overtime win against Green Bay on Saturday night, they clinched a playoff berth and remain the No. 1 seed in the NFC. If Detroit loses on Sunday, Da Bears will officially be out. remaining schedule: 49ers vs. Lions

y – 3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), NFC East Champions: By defeating the Commanders on Saturday, they became the first team to finish the First Division this season, and the first team to 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. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7); NFC South Leader: I hope coach Todd Bowles (expletive) pays close attention this week. The Bucs suffered their fifth loss in their past six games and fell to .500 in Week 15, but the loss to Carolina returned them to first place. A one-game advantage in the common game tiebreaker is currently the difference between them and the Panthers. Even if they beat Carolina twice, the Bucks will still win the NFC South. remaining schedule: Panthers game, Dolphins game, vs. Panthers

x − 5. 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

6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4), second wild card: A win on Monday would seal their spot and tie for second place in the NFC West. A win would give the Niners a sweep over Seattle on the final weekend of the regular season and clinch the No. 1 seed. remaining schedule: Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

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. The Lions could come within a half-game of them on Sunday. remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, Vikings

8. Detroit Lions (8-6), on the hunt: The blowout loss to the Rams left them 1.5 games out of the expected playoff spot. Still, Detroit remains within striking distance of a wild-card berth and perhaps could still claim the NFC North crown. remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, Vikings, Bears

9. Carolina Panthers (7-7) in the hunt: Had they defeated the Saints on Sunday, they would have needed one win over Tampa Bay to win the NFC South. But the Panthers turned heads in New Orleans. Carolina and the Buccaneers will decide this on the field in two meetings from Weeks 16 to 18. remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, vs. Seahawks, Buccaneers

Week 16 NFL Playoff Decision Scenarios

Denver Broncos earn AFC West and No. 1 seed in the AFC:

▶ Win + Chargers lose or tie + Patriots lose + Bills lose or tie

Denver wins AFC West:

  1. Win + Chargers loss or tie or
  2. Broncos tie + Chargers lose

Buffalo qualifies for the playoffs:

  1. Win + Colts loss or tie or
  2. Win + Texans loss or tie or
  3. Tie + Colts lose or
  4. Tie + Texans lose

New England qualifies for the playoffs with:

  1. Win or draw? or
  2. Colts lose or tie or
  3. Texans lose or tie

Jacksonville qualifies for the playoffs with:

  1. Win + Colts loss or tie or
  2. Win + Texans loss or tie or
  3. Tie + Colts lose or
  4. Tie + Colts tie + Texans lose

Los Angeles Chargers qualify for playoffs:

  1. Win + Colts loss or tie or
  2. Win + Texans loss or tie or
  3. Tie + Colts lose or
  4. Tie + Colts tie + Texans lose

Chicago qualifies for the playoffs with:

▶ Lions lose or draw

San Francisco qualifies for the playoffs with:

  1. win or
  2. Lions lose or
  3. tie + lions tie

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.

3 people ejected after scuffle during Commanders vs. Eagles game

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3 people ejected after scuffle during Commanders vs. Eagles game

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Three players were ejected after a skirmish broke out late in the fourth quarter of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 16 game against the Washington Commanders.

The scuffle occurred after Saquon Barkley converted a two-point conversion to give the Eagles a 29-10 lead. Several players from both teams began a scrap after the play, and Commanders defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw attacked an Eagles player.

Moments later, Eagles right guard Tyler Steen took a few swings at command safety Quan Martin as a cascade of flags rained down on the field.

Below is the full story of the skirmish.

The game resulted in Kinlaw, Martin, and Steen having their personal foul penalties offset. All three players were also ejected with 4 minutes and 26 seconds left in regulation.

It was not immediately clear what sparked the scuffle. But what’s notable is that after Tank Bigsby scored a touchdown to give his team a 27-10 lead, the Eagles still decided to try a two-point conversion even though they led by three points.

Nick Sirianni explained his decision to go for two in his postgame press conference.

“We were up by 17 points,” Sirianni said, according to a reporter for The Athletic. “To get up to 18 points, we did the math and wanted to make sure we got up to 19 points. We thought it was a little better. Then they could only tie it with a field goal…two touchdowns and two two-point conversions.”

“We were already three scores ahead,” he added. “We wanted to make sure we were going in that direction just in case. In that particular case, that’s what our calculations told us and that’s what we did and we went ahead with it.”

Commanders coach Dan Quinn was also asked about Sirianni’s decision. He didn’t seem to care much about it.

“That’s the guy they picked,” Quinn said. “I want to watch the tape and see what happened before the ejections and lulls and things like that. Our guys are definitely going to hang in there for themselves and their teammates, so we’ll get a better feel as we get through it.”

“If they want to do that, that’s fine,” Quinn later added. “We’ll play again in two weeks.”

Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner echoed similar sentiments when asked about his play after the game.

“That’s what it is, brother. I don’t care,” Wagner told reporters in the locker room. “Is that rude? Maybe so. But we still have to stop them. That’s the way I see it. We have to stop them. And we’ll see them in a few weeks.”

Check here to see if you won the Powerball jackpot on December 20th.

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Check here to see if you won the Powerball jackpot on December 20th.

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The Powerball jackpot continued its incredible momentum ahead of Saturday, December 20th’s drawing, reaching $1.5 billion by the weekend’s drawing.

The cash value of the current fifth-largest Powerball jackpot in the history of the game was an estimated $689.3 million.

Last year was a historic year for lottery games. Back in September, two tickets sold in Texas and Montana won the second-largest jackpot in the game’s history, amounting to a staggering $1.787 billion.

Last night’s Powerball winning numbers were:

Powerball winning numbers for December 20, 2025

(Click here for winning numbers)

The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery company.

Has anyone won Powerball?

(Click here for the winner)

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 Monday, December 22nd, just after 11pm ET.

What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?

  • $2.04 billion – acquired in California on November 7, 2022
  • $1.787 billion – won in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion – acquired in California on October 11, 2023
  • $1.586 billion – acquired on January 13, 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  • $1.5 billion – no winner yet
  • $1.326 Billion – Earned in Oregon on April 6, 2024
  • $1.08 billion – acquired in California on July 19, 2023
  • $842.4 million – earned in Michigan on January 1, 2024
  • $768.4 million – sold in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
  • $758.7 million – sold in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017

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, grocery stores, etc. 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 select your lottery games and numbers, place your order, view your tickets, and claim your winnings, all from your mobile 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.

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_.

HGTV designer David Bromstad seeks rehabilitation after storm destroys home

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HGTV designer David Bromstad seeks rehabilitation after storm destroys home

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David Bromstad revealed that he went to a treatment center while filming his new HGTV special, which premieres on Friday, December 19th.

According to a clip from “My Lottry Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending” shared by People, the HGTV star said he struggled with substance abuse after his dream home in Florida was destroyed in a storm while he was renovating it. As a designer, he said, he didn’t realize how intertwined his home was with his own mental health.

“I engaged in some unhealthy behaviors, and it’s really easy to go there when you’re struggling,” Bromstad said. “I knew I was in trouble.”

“I think everything stopped, my home, my place, emotionally, physically, mentally, psychologically. I was literally crying out for help.”

How was David Bromstad’s house destroyed?

Bromstad, 52, said extreme water damage, flooding and excessive mold destroyed her “childhood dream” home and forced her to start from scratch. Recognizing the toll this devastation had taken on his mental health, he decided he had to address his own personal struggles.

“I decided it was time. I needed to put my house on hold and participate in some kind of program,” he said. “We need to talk. We need to crawl out of this hole. We need to understand why we got into it in the first place.”

He explained that the house was meant to help him heal from his own traumas, including bullying, depression, and growing up as a closeted queer teenager.

“I was just this much gay, this much perfect, and it wasn’t celebrated and I was looked at differently at the time,” he added. “I was extremely depressed. I was extremely bullied. So idealizing my childhood was a beautiful, perfect defense for me. It saved me.”

Bromstad confirmed he was sober in an Instagram post in August 2023 after traveling to Norway to celebrate his 50th birthday, during which he climbed 2,000 steps up Mount Rheinbringen in the Lofoten Islands.

“It has given me intense clarity to let these moments pass and lay the foundation! It feels good to be sober now and living the life I was meant to live,” he wrote.

Jake Paul’s mouth was deformed by Anthony Joshua’s KO punch

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Jake Paul’s mouth was deformed by Anthony Joshua’s KO punch

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(This story was updated at 2:20 a.m. ET Saturday to reflect confirmation of a broken jaw)

Don’t let your lips change like Jake Paul did in his boxing loss to Anthony Joshua on Friday at Caseya Center in Miami.

Immediately after his sixth-round TKO loss, Paul indicated that he believed he had broken his jaw, a statement later echoed by his manager Nakisa Bidalian. Shortly after the fight, Paul posted some evidence that seemed to support his claims.

First, Paul shared a short clip on Instagram of a mouth filled with blood. However, what caught my eye the most was the lower left tooth, which was badly aligned and stuck out backwards.

“It’s okay, right?” Paul said, perhaps sarcastically.

Next, confirmation became even more difficult. X-rays showed that Paul’s jaw was broken in two places instead of one.

Vidalian said Paul, 28, skipped the post-game press conference and went straight to the hospital.

He may be limited in speaking over the next few weeks, but that may not be a problem for Paul as plenty of viewers will be doing plenty of chatting on his behalf. Regardless of his detractors and a few supporters, Paul will still be smiling and heading to the bank even if he falls to 12-2.

Powerball winning numbers for December 20th lottery jackpot worth $1.5 billion

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Powerball winning numbers for December 20th lottery jackpot worth $1.5 billion

Just in time for the holiday season, the Powerball jackpot now stands at a staggering $1.5 billion, the fifth largest in lottery history.

If the ticket matches all five numbers and the Powerball in the drawing on Saturday, December 20th at 11pm ET, the winner will have the option of receiving a one-time cash payment of $686.5 million before taxes. There have been 45 consecutive Powerball jackpots since September 6, when two tickets in Missouri and Texas won the second-largest jackpot in the game’s history ($1.787 billion).

Top 10 biggest Powerball jackpot winners

  • $2.04 billion: November 7, 2022 – California
  • $1.787 billion: September 6, 2025 – Texas and Missouri
  • $1.765 billion: October 11, 2023 – California
  • $1.586 billion: January 13, 2016 – California, Florida, Tennessee
  • $1.5 billion: Current jackpot
  • $1.326 billion: April 6, 2024 – Oregon
  • $1.08 billion: July 19, 2023 – California
  • $842.4 million: January 1, 2024 – Michigan
  • $768.4 million: March 27, 2019 – Wisconsin
  • $758.7 million: August 23, 2017 – Massachusetts

Powerball winning numbers for December 20, 2025

The winning numbers for Saturday’s drawing will be posted immediately after the numbers are drawn on Saturday, December 20th at 10:59 PM ET.

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

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.

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_.

Brett Ratner, ‘Rush Hour’ director, Epstein file photo

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Brett Ratner, ‘Rush Hour’ director, Epstein file photo

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“Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner, who is directing First Lady Melania Trump’s next documentary, is pictured in the latest Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Justice Department..

The undated photo shows the Florida filmmaker posing with a shirtless Jean-Luc Brunel. Brunel was a French modeling agent and longtime colleague of Epstein.

Brunel committed suicide in prison in France in 2022 after being charged with raping a minor and providing the child to disgraced financiers.

Ratner and Brunel’s photos did not include dates, locations or backgrounds.

more: Melania Trump is fed up with construction, gets into the Christmas spirit

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Ratner and his production company, RatPac Entertainment, for comment.

Newly released photos of the Epstein files feature many prominent names, including former President Bill Clinton and actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. Music icon Mick JaGar, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross.

Director Brett Ratner directed “Melania” and “Rush Hour 4.”

Mr. Ratner directed the first lady’s new documentary, “Melania,” which depicts the 20 days leading up to the former model’s return to the White House following President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Fox News released a trailer for the project on December 17th ahead of its January 30th release.

This documentary presents Paramount as it is. “Rush Hour 4” is being developed with Ratner set to RAccording to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, he will co-star with stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

In 2017, amid the #MeToo movement, six women, including actresses Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge, accused Ratner of sexual misconduct. No criminal charges were filed against him.

The fourth Rush Hour movie was postponed, and Ratner kept a low profile for years.

Warner Bros. and Ratner parted ways in November 2017. “Melania” will be Ratner’s directorial debut. 2014 action movies “Hercules.”

Texas A&M vs. Miami makes strange CFP history in low-scoring game

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Texas A&M vs. Miami makes strange CFP history in low-scoring game

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The points were at a premium between Miami and Texas A&M, a result that will go down in College Football Playoff history.

In the first round matchup on Saturday, December 20th, the Hurricanes defeated the Aggies 10-3. Not only was this a low-scoring game, it was the lowest-scoring game ever in a College Football Playoff game. Just 13 points separate the Aggies and Hurricanes, surpassing the previous record of 30 points set in the 2017 Sugar Bowl semifinals between Alabama (24 points) and Clemson (6 points).

Miami’s winning points of 10 marks the first time a playoff game has been won by fewer than 20 points and is the lowest score by a winning team in College Football Playoff history. The previous record was 23, set by Notre Dame in last season’s Sugar Bowl quarterfinal game against Georgia.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M failed to score a touchdown in a playoff game, becoming the sixth team in CFP history to not reach the end zone. The three points are tied for the second-lowest total in a playoff game, tied with Notre Dame in the 2018 Cotton Bowl semifinals. The lowest points were shutout losses to Ohio State in the 2016 Sugar Bowl and Michigan State in the 2015 Cotton Bowl.

Lowest point total in College Football Playoff history

  • 1. Texas A&M vs. Miami, 2025 1st Round: 13 (Miami 10, Texas A&M 3)
  • 2. Alabama vs. Clemson, 2018 Sugar Bowl Semifinals: 30 (Alabama 24, Clemson 6)
  • T-3. Alabama vs. Washington, 2016 Peach Bowl Semifinals: 31 (Alabama 24, Washington 7)
  • T-3. Clemson vs. Ohio State, 2016 Fiesta Bowl Semifinals: 31 (Clemson 31, Ohio State 0)
  • T-5. Alabama vs. Cincinnati, 2021 Cotton Bowl Semifinals: 33 (Alabama 27, Cincinnati 6)
  • T-5. Clemson vs. Notre Dame, 2018 Cotton Bowl Semifinals: 33 (Clemson 30, Notre Dame 3)
  • 7. Alabama vs. Michigan State, 2015 Cotton Bowl Semifinals: 38 (Alabama 38, Michigan State 0)
  • T-8. Alabama vs. Notre Dame, 2021 Rose Bowl Semifinals: 45 (Alabama 31, Notre Dame 14)
  • T-8. Penn State vs. Boise State, 2024 Fiesta Bowl Quarterfinals: 45 (Penn State 31, Boise State 14)
  • T-8. Georgia vs. Michigan, 2021 Orange Bowl Semifinals: 45 (Georgia 34, Michigan 11)

Lowest scoring team in College Football Playoff history

  • 1. Miami: 10 (vs. Texas A&M, 2025 1st round)
  • 2. Notre Dame: 23 (vs. Georgia, 2025 Sugar Bowl Quarterfinals)
  • T-3. Alabama: 24 (vs. Washington, 2016 Peach Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-3. Alabama: 24 (vs. Washington, 2018 Sugar Bowl semifinal)
  • 5. Alabama: 26 (vs. Georgia, 2018 National Championship)
  • T-6. Alabama: 27 (vs. Cincinnati, 2021 Cotton Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-6. Notre Dame: 27 (vs. Indiana, 2024 1st round)
  • T-6. Michigan State: 27 (vs. Alabama, 2024 Rose Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-6. Notre Dame: 27 (vs. Penn State, 2025 Orange Bowl Semifinals)
  • 10. Ohio State: 28 (vs. Texas, 2025 Cotton Bowl Semifinals)

Lowest scoring in College Football Playoff game history

  • T-1. Ohio State: 0 (vs. Clemson, 2016 Fiesta Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-1. Michigan State: 0 (vs. Alabama, 2015 Cotton Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-3. Texas A&M: 3, (vs. Miami, 2025 1st round)
  • T-3. Notre Dame: 3 (vs. Clemson, 2018 Cotton Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-5. Clemson: 6 (vs. Alabama, 2018 Sugar Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-5. Cincinnati: 6 (vs. Alabama, 2021 Cotton Bowl Semifinals)
  • T-7. TCU: 7 (vs. Georgia, 2023 National Championship)
  • T-7. Washington: 7 (vs. Alabama, 2016 Peach Bowl semifinal)
  • T-9. SMU: 10 (vs. Penn State, 2024 1st round)
  • T-9. Georgia: 10 (vs. Notre Dame, 2025 Sugar Bowl Quarterfinals)

Jake Paul posts x-ray of broken jaw, playfully criticizes Canelo

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Jake Paul posts x-ray of broken jaw, playfully criticizes Canelo

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Jake Paul had a bad night on Friday as he was beaten by former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, scoring a sixth-round knockout of the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Paul said he suffered a “bi-jaw fracture” and posted an X-ray on Instagram showing the two places where the fracture occurred.

Paul certainly kept his sense of humor even after being knocked down four times and outclassed in every way due to a nearly 30-pound weight difference (and an obvious disparity in boxing skills).

“Both jaws are broken,” Paul wrote on Instagram. “Please return Canelo within 10 days.”

In what appeared to be a hospital room, Paul also posted about his health condition, saying, “Thank you for all the support, I’m fine.”

Nakisa Bidalian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) drove himself to the hospital after the fight.

“We think he broke his jaw, but he’s fine. He took a shower and drove himself to the hospital,” Bidalian said. “Jaw fractures are common in sports, especially boxing and mixed martial arts. Recovery takes four to six weeks.”

Paul said he had been working hard on boxing for six years and was planning to take a break for a while.

“Good. Great, one of the best ever. I love this. And I’m going to come back and get the world championship belt,” he said.

“We’re going to get my broken jaw fixed and come back and fight people at my weight. I’m going for the cruiserweight world title.”

Will the new Epstein files raise more questions than answers?

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Will the new Epstein files raise more questions than answers?

Authorities have identified 1,200 victims allegedly trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell or their relatives.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s long-awaited partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files raises important questions about how the investigation may have gone awry and what other evidence the government has about potential co-conspirators, lawmakers and victim advocates say.

Many of the thousands of documents released Dec. 19 to meet legal deadlines included heavily redacted entire files and grand jury transcripts. Other key investigative documents known to be in the government’s possession were completely missing, including information that led to the federal indictments of Epstein in 2019 and longtime colleague Ghislaine Maxwell in 2020.

The announcement was the first confirmation that authorities had identified 1,200 victims allegedly trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell or relatives of those victims, but their names had to be carefully redacted from the documents.

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Epstein files to be dropped on legal day, but remain incomplete

The Justice Department released the Epstein file in response to the Epstein File Transparency Act, but many documents are still missing.

But the massive haul did not support long-standing claims by people, including top aides to President Donald Trump, top Republicans and some Democrats, about a government cover-up to protect Epstein’s wealthy accomplices. The Justice Department released additional documents on the afternoon of December 20, CBS News and Politico reported.

Here are some of the main unanswered questions.

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

What was on Epstein’s computer?

For example, an evidence list released on Dec. 19 described a large number of computers, hard drives, and digital tape recorders seized during a search of Epstein’s home, but its contents were not made public. It also included a list of more than 200 of Epstein’s masseuses, but their names were redacted due to Justice Department policy aimed at protecting victims.

And while there are many suspicions about the ubiquitous cameras that captured everything that happened in his various mansions and massage rooms, the “Epstein Library,” as the Justice Department calls its first batch, contained no such videos.

“They didn’t even release the interviews with the victims, only the photos of the tapes of the interviews,” said Julie K. Brown, author of the 2021 book “Perversion of Justice: The Story of Jeffrey Epstein.”

“Think about it: a picture of a tape cassette,” Brown said in a post on Substack. “It would be funny if this wasn’t about a crime involving the rape of a 14-year-old girl.”

Investigators said the former hedge fund manager and international socialite lured girls as young as 14 to his mansions in New York, Palm Beach and the Caribbean, sometimes paying them cash for massages that led to sex acts, possibly over decades.

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How the Epstein file haunted President Trump’s second term

The Epstein scandal revealed the limits of President Trump’s influence over the MAGA base.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), who led the charge to force the Trump administration to release the Epstein files, said the Justice Department’s partial release was “in flagrant violation of both the spirit and letter of the law” and vowed to file a legal challenge.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California, co-author with Massey of the Epstein File Transparency Act, said the release amounted to a political cover-up, even given the Justice Department’s claims that it was processing the documents as quickly as possible.

more: Who’s in the Epstein files? See recent names

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department is doing its best to balance legal disclosure requirements with its obligation to redact all information about victims from its files. He told Fox News that he plans to “release more documents in the coming weeks.”

“Today there are hundreds of thousands,” Blanche said. “And we expect to see hundreds of thousands more in the coming weeks.”

Blanche also rejected claims that the Trump administration was trying to protect Trump, saying the Justice Department would release any documents it has on him and others in its files by the end of the year.

“Assuming it’s consistent with the law, yes,” Blanche told ABC News. “There is no effort to hold anything back because of the name Donald J. Trump or anyone else’s name. … We are not redacting the names of any well-known men or women associated with Epstein.” Mr. Trump and Mr. Epstein were close friends for more than a decade in the 1990s and early 2000s, but have since fallen out.

Giving the Department of Justice the “benefit of the doubt”?

Khanna said the Justice Department is not doing enough.

“Look, we’re going to give them the benefit of the doubt,” Khanna told CNN. “But we found out that the most important documents were missing.”

“They over-edited it,” he said.

more: ‘It’s a huge failure’: Lawmakers involved in releasing Epstein files slam Justice Department

Does the file mention Donald Trump?

The documents include numerous photos of Epstein with celebrities, including former President Bill Clinton. He has long been linked to Mr. Epstein, but like Mr. Trump, he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Two of the photos showed Clinton in a hot tub or swimming pool with women with their faces painted black, and White House and Justice Department officials flooded social media with claims that Clinton was with Epstein’s victims at the time.

Mr. Clinton’s press secretary, Angel Ureña, denied this, saying in a statement that the Trump administration was trying to use people like Ms. Clinton as “scapegoats.”

“This is about protection from what happens next, or what they try to hide forever,” Ureña said. “So they can release as many grainy photos as they want from over 20 years ago, but this is not about Bill Clinton. It has never been released and will never be released.”

more: How Trump and ‘great guy’ Jeffrey Epstein’s party-boy friendship finally ended

A series of photos and other information released on Dec. 19 contained few references to Trump, even though the two have been close friends for more than a decade.

Trump’s name appears on Epstein’s private jet flight manifest, as do those of Clinton and dozens of other VIPs.. President Trump has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He declined to answer questions from the Justice Department on Dec. 19 about his release.

“I don’t want to taint the situation by asking questions, even if they’re very fair questions, and I’d love to answer them,” Trump told reporters. “So I think we should stop here.”

Democratic lawmakers and victims’ advocates have publicly questioned whether Trump was included in the documents, noting that for months he vehemently opposed the release of the Justice Department and FBI documents and tried unsuccessfully to arm-twist Republicans to defeat legislation requiring it.

For weeks, Mr. Trump’s allies in Congress, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, refused to swear in newly elected Democratic lawmakers to block a tie-breaking vote to order the Justice Department to release the files.

more: The Epstein story in Trump’s own words. what does he say about it?

What do the files say about the early Epstein investigation?

For Epstein’s alleged sexual assault victim, Maria Farmer, the release confirms longstanding claims that she went to the FBI about Epstein and Maxwell in 1996, nearly a decade before the sex trafficking investigation that led to the first indictment in South Florida in 2008.

The new documents include a September 3, 1996 FBI report in which Farmer accused Epstein of involvement in “child pornography.” said Farmer, one of the earliest public whistleblowers against Epstein. Friday The department failed her and other victims by not pursuing her complaint.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for more than half my life, 30 years,” Farmer said in a statement released before the Justice Department’s announcement. “When I was ignored and detained by the FBI in 1996, my world turned upside down and time seemed to stand still. I faced death threats, ridicule, and ridicule from some of the most powerful people on Earth.”

Farmer said the release is an important step for Epstein’s victims to hold the government accountable for “the largest grotesque law enforcement failure in American history.”

“Had the FBI acted, it could have saved thousands of victims and nearly 30 years of trauma,” added Farmer’s attorney Helen Weiss.

What is missing from the Department of Justice release?

Khanna and Massey said the Justice Department has failed to turn over important investigative materials and is ignoring the new law.

It includes information about how federal authorities handled investigations into Epstein in 2008 and in 2019 after Brown’s Miami Herald exposed a lenient plea deal between Epstein and local prosecutors.

As a result of that second investigation, Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges. He died by suicide in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial. Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

However, over 350 pages were completely blacked out.

Documents missing from the initial South Florida investigation include 53 draft indictments and an 82-page prosecution memorandum from 2007 that were uncovered in a 2020 victim lawsuit against Epstein.

The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida at the time was Alex Acosta, who allowed Epstein to obtain a lenient plea deal from local Palm Beach prosecutors on a minor state charge of soliciting a minor into prostitution.

Epstein served just 13 months at the Palm Beach facility and was allowed to leave custody and work in an office six days a week. Acosta was later selected by President Trump to be the first Secretary of Labor, but resigned after the plea deal became public.

Also missing from the Dec. 19 document were key documents from the 2019 federal investigation and prosecution, as well as a report from the Justice Department’s internal investigation into the failed investigation into Epstein.

Massey tweeted on Friday a copy of the law stating that “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” must be made public.

Khanna called for “the wealthy and powerful men who raped underage girls and covered up this abuse to be held accountable. The Epstein class must go.”

The Justice Department has 15 days to produce a report detailing why documents are withheld or redacted.

Three Rochester, New York police officers shot dead, suspect killed in shootout

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Three Rochester, New York police officers shot dead, suspect killed in shootout

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A suspect was shot and killed by police in Rochester, New York after firing at three police officers and one victim, authorities said.

The shooting occurred late Friday, Dec. 19, while police were responding to a domestic incident. The officer and other victims sustained various injuries.

Rochester Police Chief David Smith said at a news conference Saturday morning, Dec. 20, that two Rochester Police Department officers responded to a call of a domestic dispute around 10:15 p.m. and were fired upon when they arrived on the scene.

“The caller stated that his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend was trying to break into her home and that the suspect may have a gun,” Smith said, adding that the caller told police he also had a handgun and a legal permit to own it.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the suspect and “without warning, he was shot at point-blank range,” Smith said. Smith said the suspect “immediately pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at the man who had called the dispute and at the officers,” striking both officers.

A gunfight then ensued between the suspect and the caller, and the caller was also shot multiple times.

The suspect fled, but another officer found him minutes later. When the officer ordered him to stop, the suspect pulled out a handgun again and shot the officer, Smith said. The officers opened fire, striking the suspect multiple times. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, Smith said.

All three Rochester Police Department officers remain hospitalized. The first victim was shot multiple times and was wearing a bulletproof vest. Smith said his injuries are not life-threatening and his condition is stable. The second victim, who was shot in the upper body, underwent surgery and is said to be in critical but stable condition. The third officer, who was shot in the upper body and seriously injured, is said to be in stable condition.

Smith said the victim who called the call had been shot multiple times. He is listed in serious but non-life-threatening condition.

Smith said the identities of the injured officer, suspect and victim have not been released and the investigation is ongoing. He said the Rochester Police Department’s Professional Standards Division, the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office are conducting parallel investigations into the shooting.

Civil servants expressed their admiration and concern for the injured officer. “We deeply appreciate the heroic actions of our officers and thank our fellow officers, law enforcement partners, and other first responders for their efforts to keep the scene safe and save lives,” Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement Saturday.

In a statement posted to X, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Last night, three @RochesterNYPD officers were shot and killed while responding to a call. I will speak with Mayor Evans, share my prayers for their full recovery, and offer @nyspolice’s full support.”

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

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The theater’s ‘Avatar’-inspired burger is colorful and controversial

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The theater’s ‘Avatar’-inspired burger is colorful and controversial

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Australia’s dine-in cinemas are welcoming ‘Avatar’ fans back to Pandora with a colorful new menu – Blue Ioli Burger.

Dubbed ‘Smoked Pandoran’, FoMo Cinemas in Melbourne, Australia is offering a limited edition sandwich to coincide with the release of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. The sandwich will consist of a charcoal-grilled brioche bun, 24-hour smoked beef brisket, blue aioli, crispy onions, pickles and lettuce, and will be served with blue salt-crusted fries, according to the theater.

In a Dec. 14 Instagram post about the burger and two other limited menu items, the theater said the food was “inspired by the world beyond the stars.”

When “Avatar: Fire and Ashes” opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 19 and Australian cinemas on Dec. 18, fans online are confused over the burger, with some in disgust and others intrigued at the prospect of devouring the “Avatar food.”

According to a Dec. 19 Instagram post from FoMo Cinemas, Blue Burger isn’t the only food and drink Avatar fans can expect to see on the menu. The other two menus offered are:

  • Ashlands: An alcoholic beverage made with tequila, lime, pomegranate, chile, Tabasco, and chili salt rim.
  • Navi Sheikh – A bright blue milkshake with a smooth and light vanilla flavor.

Commenters on FoMo Cinemas’ Instagram post seem to have mixed opinions about the blue burger. Although the theater received some praise for its creation, most commenters made fun of the blue burger with memes, GIFs, jokes, or insults.

Although comments were mixed, FoMo Cinemas’ Instagram post encouraged fans to try the limited menu and “experience Avatar the FOMO way.”

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” cast

Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar series, features faces old and new. The film’s star-studded cast includes:

  • Sam Worthington as jake
  • Zoe Saldana as Neytiri
  • sigourney weaver left axle
  • Stephen Lang as qualich
  • kate winslet as ronald
  • Oona Chaplin as varan
  • cliff curtis As Tonowari
  • joel david moore as standard
  • CCH Pounder as moat
  • Edie Falco as General Ardmore
  • brendan cowell as scoresbee
  • Jemaine Clement as Dr. Garvin
  • Giovanni Ribisi as selfridges
  • david thewlis Payrak role

Avatar: Fire and Ash Trailer

Rob Reiner’s wife defines ‘family love,’ friend says – Exclusive

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Rob Reiner’s wife defines ‘family love,’ friend says – Exclusive

“I met the real Michelle, and I will love her forever,” says Michelle Reiner’s friend Jay Flora-Katz.

In 2013, Rob and Michelle Reiner founded Save Malibu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving “Malibu’s unique character by preventing overdevelopment,” according to state records.

The idea for their involvement originated primarily with Malibu resident Jay Flora Katz, and the ongoing protection of local businesses planned is the result of their efforts. Another result of their work? The lasting friendship between Flora-Katz and the Reiners, especially Michele. “I wasn’t some A-list celebrity who just ate with her or showed up to a movie screening. I’m the kind of person who had her arm around me. There was no glamor, and I didn’t have to try to impress her. We both just wanted to help our neighbors. That was it. I met the real Michelle, and I will love her forever.”

Here she remembers a dear friend.

Reeling from the devastating news of global violence following the Brown University and Bondi Beach shootings, I texted my close friend Michelle the day she died: “What kind of world are we living in?” Her world, fueled by her life, was the definition of glorious and irrefutable integrity. She embraced some of the country’s toughest social equity battles with compassion. Michelle Reiner bonded her soul with Rob’s and helped her fellow humans obtain justice. I craved her wisdom.

It never came.

In the summer of 2013, I found myself sinking into the quicksand of a community’s desperate efforts to protect the lives of its at-risk neighbors. Commercial landlords were pushing through small business evictions to force a lavish version of our cities that didn’t include middle-income Americans. Our collective efforts have failed as residents fight against billionaires and the politicians who gobble them up.

Goliath took this victory and David was on the mat.

I knew that Reiner and the others lived near close friends. As a final hurray, I asked her to ask if she would like to meet me. In this town full of celebrities, no one offered to help. As I answered her phone, prepared for an obvious “no,” I heard a voice say, “Please come to Rob and Michelle’s house tomorrow.”

When a stranger knocked on their front door, the door opened and their hearts welcomed a new friend. This was the world of Rob and Michelle Reiner.

Michele was the driving force behind this effort. Not to protect Hollywood’s “elite” and their insatiable desire for luxury. In fact, the opposite was true. “Mom and pop” store and restaurant owners are being decimated by the ravenous Godzilla that devours the town. Until Michele Reiner opened the front door.

She urged the eager Rob to jump in. If you’re lucky enough to get one, you can get two. And if you have two = you win. After a fierce battle, some of the Reiners’ ordinances protecting Malibu’s small business owners go down in the record books as a lasting gift to the city they loved.

Michele was on a life mission to tilt our world in the direction of justice and mercy. The underdogs encouraged her. She did not avoid the fight, shook hands with it. Michelle, who I cherish as one half of one of the strongest marriages in Hollywood, simply couldn’t play games or trip her ego. She didn’t need it, her core essence was pure power. She didn’t care what your movie credits were – she cared what your life credits were. What were you doing to help?

Michele’s cells exuded the love of her family. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to make them shine. When Rob was busy with movies, she was the focus of their strong conscience director. The list of their accomplishments is endless, including health care for young children, education for parents, marriage for gay couples, security for small businesses, and equity for the disadvantaged.

Her creativity blossomed when she joined Rob to produce the film. Already talented photographers, they now decided to create films that conveyed their social passions and truths. Rob and Michelle were two pieces of life’s puzzle that, when put together, became a creative hellhole. We may never know the extent of all the good this couple accomplished on earth. That’s simply because they didn’t need to brag about it.

Our woven humanity asks, “What kind of world do we live in?” Now we just wish we were still alive in Rob and Michelle Reiner’s world of magic and benevolence.

(This story has been updated to include video.)

December 20th CFP Matchup

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December 20th CFP Matchup

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By the end of Saturday, the eight College Football Playoff quarterfinalists will be known. We already know five of them, and it’s time to find out who will be joining Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech, and Alabama in just over a week from now.

If you don’t remember much about Round 12 from when you first saw the format a year ago, you’re not alone. Every game on campus was memorable. As neutral observers, we hope that doesn’t happen again this year, but we suspect it might. Alabama’s win over Oklahoma on Friday night was a step in the right direction as the Crimson Tide erased a 17-0 deficit and advanced to play No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

CFP opportunities are rising: Karen DeBoer passes moment of proof at Alabama

Agitation alert? Tulane and James Madison ready to ‘surprise’ CFP skeptics

Here’s what you need to know about today’s CFP matchup.

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC/ESPN.

Reasons to watch: This is probably the most interesting match of the opening quartet. The Aggies and Hurricanes are both in the 12-team field for the first time, and both teams are mostly here thanks to their September wins over Notre Dame. Miami QB Carson Beck is used to the big stage since his days at the University of Georgia, but he can still make serious mistakes at the wrong time. If he accomplishes his goals, WR Malachi Toney will be able to take advantage of the Aggies’ sometimes vulnerable secondary. A&M DE Cassius Howell will try to keep him off balance. Aggies QB Marcell Reed is also a hard hitter, but they have great playmakers at their disposal like receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Kleiber. The Hurricanes have their own destructive power in DE Ruben Bain, who often gets help from Akheem Mesidor on the opposite side.

Reasons for disappointing expectations: Both teams have enough big-play weapons to suggest a comeback is possible for either team. If either team is able to pull away, it’s likely due to a barrage of turnovers, which can happen to either team.

Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30pm ET, TNT/truTV.

Reasons to watch: This is the second pairing in the playoffs of teams that faced each other in the regular season. The first matchup wasn’t particularly competitive as the Rebels won 45-10, but the Green Wave have won their last four games by double digits, including the American Championship final against North Texas. Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff has five receivers with at least 23 catches, and he may need all of them to keep the ball moving against DT Will Echols and the Ole Miss defense. Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kiwan Lacy found the end zone early and often in preliminary meetings with the Green Wave. Tulane’s defense may be overwhelmed again, but S Jack Chien-Chou usually shows up at the point of attack.

Reasons for disappointing expectations: If not, I’d be pleasantly surprised, but sometimes movies shouldn’t have sequels. If the first few drives don’t go the Green Wave’s way, there may not be much that can be done.

Time/TV: Saturday, 7:30pm ET, TNT/truTV.

Reasons to watch: The Sun Belt champion Dukes have the toughest task ahead of their playoff debut against the veteran Ducks on the opposite coast. But JMU won’t complain, even if it’s a heavy loser. JMU’s backfield tandem of QB Alonza Barnett III and RB Wayne Knight performed well on schedule, resulting in a 47.67% third-down conversion rate and over eight minutes of possession advantage per game. But this week, when he plays against the likes of Ducks LB Bryce Bettcher, it may be even harder to find the gaps. Oregon QB Dante Moore and RB Noah Whittington also know how to keep the sticks moving, but their blockers will have to consider Dukes DE Sahil West.

Reasons for disappointing expectations: Of course, this isn’t a rematch, but see above about the importance of the first few possessions. The Ducks want nothing more than to get things quickly.

(This story has been updated to include a photo gallery.)

U.S. seizes ship off Venezuela, officials say

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U.S. seizes ship off Venezuela, officials say

The seizure came days after President Trump announced a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.

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  • The U.S. military seized the ship amid a military buildup near Venezuela, sources told Reuters.
  • Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said the United States wants to overthrow him and take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.

The United States is intercepting and seizing ships in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, three U.S. officials told Reuters on Saturday, December 20. The move comes days after President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.

It is the second time in recent weeks that the United States has seized a tanker near Venezuela and comes amid a major U.S. military buildup in the region.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to say where the operation was taking place, but added that it was being led by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard and Defense Department referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Venezuela’s oil ministry and state oil company PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment.

“I am ordering a total and complete blockade of all licensed oil tankers in and out of Venezuela,” President Trump said Tuesday.

A de facto embargo has been in place since the U.S. military seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week, with the ship carrying millions of barrels of oil remaining in Venezuelan waters without risk of seizure.

Since the first seizure, Venezuela’s crude oil exports have declined significantly.

While many vessels taking oil from Venezuela are subject to sanctions, vessels transporting the country’s oil and crude oil from Iran and Russia are not, and some companies, most notably the US company Chevron, transport Venezuelan oil on their own licensed vessels.

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President Trump has ‘no problem’ informing Congress of Venezuela attack

President Donald Trump said he has “no problem” informing Congress of any future attacks regarding Venezuela.

China is the biggest buyer of Venezuela’s crude oil imports, accounting for about 4%, with shipments expected to average more than 600,000 barrels a day in December, analysts said.

Since the U.S. imposed energy sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, traders and refiners who buy Venezuelan oil have relied on “shadow fleets” of tankers with disguised locations and sanctioned vessels to transport oil from Iran and Russia.

Trump’s pressure campaign against Maduro has included an increased military presence in the region and more than two dozen military attacks on ships in the Pacific and Caribbean near Venezuela, killing at least 100 people.

President Trump also said that a US ground attack on the South American country would begin soon.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has claimed that the US military buildup is aimed at overthrowing him and seizing control of the OPEC member country’s oil resources, which have the world’s largest oil reserves.

Traveling with a disability on vacation? Here’s how to prepare.

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Traveling with a disability on vacation? Here’s how to prepare.

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  • Travelers with disabilities should plan ahead by contacting their airline early and arriving at the airport in plenty of time.
  • It helps to be prepared for potential problems and to remain patient and kind when problems arise.
  • Enrolling in a program like TSA PreCheck can help expedite the security screening process for your upcoming trip.

“Something seems wrong.”

As a person with a disability, Marc Raymond Jr. fully expects that when traveling, especially during the holidays.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some kind of disability.

“I am a power wheelchair user and suffer from quadriplegia from the chest down,” Raymond said.

He was paralyzed in a 2016 accident and has dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities by founding Split Second Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive resources and care.

“Traveling is painful, especially when you have a disability. I think it’s painful for able-bodied people, too, right?” he said. “So when you face challenges, it becomes a little more complicated.”

Over the years, many travelers with disabilities have spoken to USA TODAY specifically about the challenges of air travel. Raymond shared five practical tips to help you navigate this holiday season.

1. Pack your patience.

“One of the big aspects of vacation travel is knowing you’re going to be dealing with a lot more people,” he said. “So one of the biggest tips I give people is to have patience.”

2. Plan ahead

“In the travel process, you often want to take more time to make sure everything is going well,” he says. “Call as far in advance as possible to make sure everything is scheduled as you need it to be.”

“As a power wheelchair user, I always call the airline as soon as I book my ticket and request an ADA seat on the plane, because the airline will move you with a bulkhead, or an attendant if you need one,” he added. “They also ask you in advance what type of chair you have, how much it weighs, what kind of batteries the chair has, etc. because some of these smaller regional aircraft cannot accommodate a power wheelchair without laying it on its side or damaging the chair.”

Wheelchair damage: How 30+ passengers were affected when an airline damaged a wheelchair

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A disabled woman is carried up the stairs from an airplane

Flight crew members used an aisle chair to transport the disabled woman, but the woman said it lacked armrests and was badly damaged.

3. Prepare for the worst

“You can almost predict that something will go haywire,” he says. “If you act on that expectation, it will definitely help you prepare if you encounter any adversity along the journey.”

4. Arrive early

“Go to the airport earlier,” he said. “You’re the first one on the plane, so get to the gate early. You want to get on the plane, make sure you’re comfortable, and have everything set up for your chair. Especially if you’re a wheelchair user, having to carry your chair from the bridge of the jet to the bottom of the plane just gives you extra time to secure everything in your chair.”

“These are my legs. That’s my back,” he added of the wheelchair. “What I tell people who are loading chairs is, ‘Don’t break your legs,’ because you might end up in a situation where you end up getting hurt because you don’t have the specialized equipment. And for someone like me, sitting on a hard chair at an airport can cause pressure sores.”

5. Stay calm when things don’t go well

“Try to be a blessing to others,” he added. “Try to handle the situation to the best of your ability and don’t be hostile to the process, because…just being kind makes a big difference, especially when the other person is trying to help. And more often than not, it’s also an issue outside of their control.”

“We want people to want to work with us,” he added. “I mean, this is a very personal experience, right? You have people coming to pick you up to put you in a seat, picking you up to put you in a chair in the aisle, and you don’t want them to feel anxious or nervous while you’re doing that, because if you fall or something, you could cause some harm again. You give them advice on how to deal with it. We want to give them clear direction, but again, they need to feel valued for doing this work…A lot of people feel underpaid and undervalued in these roles, so again, that’s why it’s so important to perform gracefully and support the system.”

For future trips

Although it’s too late to get TSA PreCheck in time for vacation travel, Raymond strongly recommends that travelers with disabilities enroll in the program in the future.

“It just speeds up the process,” he said. “You don’t have to go through what I call an airport massage, a really tough massage to make sure you’re not wearing any kind of weapon. And that process takes time.”

TSA offers modified screening procedures for travelers with disabilities through TSA Cares. TSA is also working on a free pre-screening program for disabled veterans. Although TSA does not offer waivers or discounts to other travelers with disabilities, some credit card companies and loyalty programs will cover your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry registration fees.

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