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What is President Trump’s approval rating? This year’s victory may be featured in tonight’s speech.

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What is President Trump’s approval rating? This year’s victory may be featured in tonight’s speech.

President Donald Trump is expected to tout his accomplishments in a live speech on December 17th, but what do Americans think of his first year in office?

“This has been a great year for our country, and the best is yet to come!” President Trump announced in a speech on Truth Social at 9 p.m. ET.

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said the speech would highlight his successes since taking office at the beginning of the year.

“He will talk a lot about his accomplishments over the past 11 months, what he has done to make our country great again, and what he continues to plan to continue serving the American people over the next three years,” Levitt told reporters on Dec. 16.

What is President Trump’s approval rating? Check out the latest poll.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Vice President Vance urges patience on affordability

What is President Trump’s average approval rating?

President Trump’s approval ratings are net negative, but appear to be starting to stabilize, recovering slightly from last month’s steep decline, according to an average compiled by RealClearPolitics and the New York Times.

According to graphics from RealClearPolitics, President Trump’s approval rating was 50.5% as of January 27th, making him net positive, but by March 13th, his approval rating was 47.8%, and his disapproval rating was 48.5%, making him net negative. The approval rating hit its lowest of 45.1% on April 29, but it declined near the 100th day of the Trump administration. It hit a new low of 42.3% on Nov. 14 as the controversy over Jeffrey Epstein’s emails intensified after the end of the government shutdown. The following week, his disapproval rating rose to a season high of 55.6% on November 21st. As of Dec. 17, according to RealClearPolitics, his approval rating was 43.6% and his disapproval rating was 53.3%.

President Trump’s approval rating fell from 52% in January to 44% in April, then remained roughly flat for several months, according to a New York Times tally. Trump’s lowest approval rating of his term is 41%, which he first reached on November 12, according to the Times. The disapproval rate also rose to 56% on November 19, the highest level this term, according to the aggregation company. According to the Times, as of Dec. 17, 43% of voters approve and 54% disapprove.

more: Trump has won today, but there are many challenges ahead. Happy new year?

How does President Donald Trump’s approval rating compare to previous presidents?

In a Gallup poll conducted Nov. 3-25, 36% approved of President Trump’s job performance.

Trump’s approval ratings in his first November as the 45th and 47th president of the United States were lower than any other modern president during the same period, according to a historical analysis by Gallup. According to Gallup, his November confirmation compares to other presidents’ first year in office.

  • Joe Biden (November 2021) – 42% support
  • President Trump (November 2017) – 37% approve
  • Barack Obama (November 2009) – 51% approve
  • George W. Bush (November 2001) – 87% approved
  • Bill Clinton (November 1993) – 49% support
  • George H.W. Bush (November 1989) – 70% approve
  • Ronald Reagan (November 1981) – 52% approve

NBC News: Trump support declines among MAGAs

The latest NBC News Decision Desk poll shows that enthusiasm for the president has declined since April among people who identify as Republicans and members of the MAGA movement.

Overall approval ratings for the president also declined during this period. According to the latest poll released on December 14th, President Trump has an approval rating of 42% and a disapproval rating of 58%. This represents a 3-point decline in the four NBC News polls since the first poll was conducted in April.

The poll was conducted online for 18 days from Nov. 20 to Dec. 8 among 20,252 adults, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points in either direction.

Among the president’s supporters, support for his performance has also taken a hit. An NBC News poll found that 7 in 10 MAGA supporters still said they “strongly approve” of the president’s performance, but the outlet reported that fewer Republicans say they are not part of the MAGA movement compared to earlier this year.

Among MAGA supporters, Trump’s approval rating remains high at 70%. However, since April, it has fallen 8 points to 78%.

The overall approval rating of the Republican Party also declined. Among those surveyed who consider themselves more Republican than the MAGA movement, 35% now strongly support President Trump, up from 38% in April.

Reuters/Ipsos: Economic approval rating at lowest

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Dec. 12-14, 39% of respondents approved of President Trump’s job performance. The poll was conducted among 1,016 people nationwide and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points. The polling organization says his approval rating is one point higher than the lowest point during his term.

But his lowest point has been support for his handling of the economy. According to Reuters, only 33% of respondents said they supported his handling of the issue. Approval ratings for how he handles living expenses also fell to 27% from 31% earlier this month.

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.

Hyundai, Kia Motors offer free repairs to millions of vehicles after soaring thefts

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Hyundai, Kia Motors offer free repairs to millions of vehicles after soaring thefts

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South Korean automakers Hyundai Motor Co 005380.KS and Kia Motors Co 000270.KS agreed on Tuesday to modify 7 million U.S. cars to address theft concerns and install anti-theft devices on all new vehicles to resolve an investigation by a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general.

The state attorney general said the automaker will provide zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors free of charge to owners of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that were previously eligible only for the company’s software updates. The companies also agreed to equip all future U.S. cars with engine immobilizer anti-theft technology to curb auto theft using techniques popularized on TikTok and other social media channels.

Hyundai said the hardware update would be available for about 4 million vehicles, while Kia said it would affect about 3.1 million U.S. vehicles.

In 2023, regulators said TikTok videos showing how to steal a car without a push-button ignition device or how to immobilize an anti-theft device led to at least 14 crashes and eight deaths in the United States.

Automakers pay compensation

Hyundai and Kia will also pay up to $9 million in restitution to consumers and the state to cover the costs of the investigation. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, citing automakers’ estimates, said the cost to install ignition cylinder protectors in all affected vehicles could exceed $500 million.

In case you missed it: What are the most stolen cars in 2025? See list

“Hyundai and Kia failed to equip their vehicles with industry-standard anti-theft technology, resulting in a wave of auto thefts that cost Minnesotans their cars, their hard-earned money, and sometimes even their lives,” Ellison said.

Hyundai said the investigation’s resolution is another step in addressing thefts related to certain 2011 to 2022 model vehicles without engine immobilizers. “This cooperation agreement builds on Hyundai’s continued efforts to strengthen vehicle security against theft techniques prevalent on social media,” Hyundai said in a statement.

Kia Motors said the agreement “is the latest in a series of steps Kia has taken to support customers who have been victims of crime.” Kia said the zinc sleeve hardware improvements will help counter social media-inspired theft techniques by “strengthening the ignition cylinder body and preventing removal.”

Once eligible consumers receive notification in early 2026, they will have until the end of March 2027 to install an ignition cylinder protector at their local dealership.

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to settle a consumer class action lawsuit worth $200 million over the South Korean automaker’s rampant vehicle theft in 2023, according to lawyers for the owners. In 2023, automakers also provided software upgrades to 8.3 million U.S. vehicles that do not have anti-theft immobilizers.

Reporting by David Shepherdson in Washington. Editing: Rod Nickel

Senate confirms Elon Musk’s ally Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator

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Senate confirms Elon Musk’s ally Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator

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  • Billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as NASA’s 15th administrator.
  • Isaacman will oversee NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2026.
  • Many expect Isaacman to increase collaboration with private space companies for future missions.

After a year of twists and turns, NASA finally has a new administrator.

Jared Isaacman was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next NASA administrator on December 17, after being renominated by President Donald Trump on November 4. The vote was 67-30.

Isaacman will lead a 14,000-employee agency that is investing billions of dollars in its most ambitious space exploration venture to date. The idea is to return humans to the moon, maintain a long-term presence on Earth, and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

“As Administrator, Mr. Isaacman will oversee NASA’s work across human exploration, space science, aeronautics, and technology development, including the Artemis program that returns astronauts to the Moon and prepares for future missions to Mars,” NASA’s Dec. 17 press release said.

Isaacman follows in the footsteps of Bill Nelson, who served as NASA administrator under former President Joe Biden. Isaacman becomes NASA’s 15th personth It has been an administrator since its founding in 1958.

Originally nominated for the role in December 2024, the Shift 4 billionaire and astronaut was awaiting a final vote in the Senate to confirm his appointment in late May. However, Mr. Trump withdrew Mr. Isaacman’s nomination, citing Mr. Isaacman’s past donations to the Democratic Party. The move also comes at a time of heightened tensions between Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has been one of Isaacman’s strongest supporters.

NASA was waiting for a permanent administrator, so Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took on the task. Duffy congratulated Isaacman on his X and wished him “every success as he begins his tenure leading NASA as we return to the moon in 2028 and defeat China.”

Isaacman first rose to prominence in the space industry in 2021 when he funded Inspiration 4, the first all-private private orbital mission to fly aboard SpaceX’s Dragon. In 2024, it returned to orbit on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, where it participated in the first spacewalk conducted by a private company.

more: NASA’s Webb telescope and Curiosity spacecraft rank on Time magazine’s list of best inventions

Many space industry experts and astronauts have consistently supported Isaacman, saying he provides the right perspective to NASA, especially as the agency faces budget cuts and competition from China for space leadership.

The White House is cutting NASA’s workforce by 20% as part of a government efficiency drive led by Mr. Musk and cutting NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget by about 25% from its usual $25 billion, jeopardizing dozens of space science projects that scientists and some officials say are priorities.

NASA’s Artemis sends astronauts to the moon

Isaacman’s appointment comes as NASA prepares to return humans to the moon. Artemis II aims to launch by February 2026 and fly a crew of four astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Artemis III will follow by the end of 2027, and that mission will see astronauts set foot on the moon’s surface for the first time since 1972.

“Isaacman will take command just as NASA prepares to launch Artemis 2, NASA’s first crewed mission on a Space Launch System rocket and the first crewed mission aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will bring American astronauts closest to the moon’s surface since 1972,” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said during a December hearing.

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NASA captures the ‘clearest ever’ image of an interstellar comet at breakneck speed

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured what the agency calls the “clearest image yet” of an interstellar comet hurtling through our solar system.

Isaacman has flown two commercial missions with SpaceX, and many expect him to be an advocate for continued collaboration with private space companies. This includes the possibility of transitioning away from traditional NASA contractors during future launches.

Some Democratic senators said at Mr. Isaacman’s confirmation hearing on Dec. 3 that they were concerned about Mr. Isaacman’s closeness to Mr. Musk, noting that Mr. Musk’s company has about $15 billion in contracts with NASA and could benefit from certain policies Mr. Isaacman advocates.

Musk supported Isaacman’s nomination when Trump was elected president in 2024. During his tenure as Trump’s top adviser, Musk sought to reshape the U.S. space program with greater focus on Mars.

Contributor: Joey Roulette, Reuters

Diddy, Odell Beckham Jr., Dorsky’s ‘gang rape’ lawsuit dismissed

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Diddy, Odell Beckham Jr., Dorsky’s ‘gang rape’ lawsuit dismissed

Odell Beckham Jr. and Dolsky are speaking out after a “frivolous” lawsuit over an alleged “gang rape” was dismissed after the accuser missed a deadline and failed to secure a new attorney.

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After more than a year, a California federal court has dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, Odell Beckham Jr., and comedian Dorsky.

Ashley Parham’s October 2024 lawsuit over the 2018 “gang rape” charges was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin on Dec. 16, citing procedural issues on the plaintiff’s side.

Lin’s order said Parham’s attorneys withdrew from the case in September, missed numerous deadlines, failed to provide proof that legal documents had been served on the defendants, and were unable to obtain new counsel or proceed without representation.

“More than two months have passed since Plaintiffs’ attorney resigned, and Plaintiffs say they have consulted numerous potential attorneys, all of whom have declined to take on the matter. It therefore appears that what is preventing them from obtaining counsel is not Plaintiffs’ ability to seek counsel, but their attorney’s desire to remain on the matter,” Lin wrote.

It added: “There is no sign that this barrier is going away.”

The suit was dismissed without prejudice. This means Parham “will not be precluded from filing a new lawsuit if he can find an attorney, as long as other legal requirements are met.”

Parham originally sued Combs in 2024 for sexual assault, battery, abuse, false imprisonment and kidnapping. In March, she amended her lawsuit to allege that Mr. Combs directed Mr. Drusky (real name Drew Desbordes) to take turns assaulting Mr. Beckham and another man.

The three denied the charges.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s lawyer slams ‘litigation travesty’

In a statement shared with USA TODAY on Dec. 17, Beckham’s attorney Andrew Jablon welcomed the end to “this travesty.”

“Mr. Beckham and his attorneys are pleased that the dismissal of the lawsuit finally puts an end to these unjustified allegations,” he said, adding that Lin’s decision “reinforces the reality that this lawsuit should never have been brought against Mr. Beckham.”

Lawyers for the NFL players claim that Mr. Parham’s lawyers withdrew “at the 11th hour” rather than continue to “prosecute the frivolous case against Mr. Beckham,” and that they were “provided with indisputable evidence that Mr. Beckham, who had never met the plaintiff or been to the area in question,[and]was hundreds of miles away at the time of the alleged assault.”

Beckham’s team filed a motion for sanctions against Parham and his attorney in August, but Lin dismissed the motion in a Dec. 16 order, stating that “at the time of filing the amended complaint, there appeared to be a reasonable factual basis to name Beckham as a defendant on the same grounds as Defendant Drew DeBordes.”

Beckham’s lawyers were seeking monetary penalties totaling at least $61,000 for legal costs incurred “as a result of this frivolous lawsuit” and the dismissal of Beckham’s claims against professional athletes.

Dorsky celebrates end of ‘frivolous lawsuit’

“It was only a matter of time before this frivolous lawsuit against me was dismissed,” Dorsky said in a statement provided to USA TODAY.

“The evidence I presented overwhelmingly showed that I was innocent,” the 31-year-old continued. “It’s proven that I never knew this person and wasn’t even in the same state when the incident occurred. I knew from the beginning that these damn lies would be exposed as nothing more than a malicious money grab.”

He thanked “the support of my family, friends, fans, and business partners who stood by me even as their greed tried to destroy my reputation.”

“I pray for the real victims of assault,” he concluded. “We cannot allow these influence-seeking antics to deter real survivors from coming forward and speaking out against their abusers in the future.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish to survivors and their loved ones: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.

2025 Toyotathon incentives make now the perfect time to lease a new car

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2025 Toyotathon incentives make now the perfect time to lease a new car

A new Toyota could be the perfect gift this holiday season.

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  • Toyota produces some of the most popular SUVs and some popular nameplates in 2025.
  • Toyotason offers great deals for drivers interested in leasing a new Toyota vehicle.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to be a car buyer, thanks to significant incentives from popular automakers. Every year, the best-selling auto brands compete to offer the most favorable purchase and lease deals to attract drivers and move inventory in the final quarter before the new year.

Toyotathon is one of the most popular holiday incentive programs due to the Japanese automaker’s popular nameplate. These Toyotason lease deals on popular cars, trucks and SUVs are too good to pass up for some car buyers looking for a new vehicle for Christmas.

Lease the best new hybrid car for $289/month

Edmunds ranks the 2026 Toyota Camry as the best hybrid car of 2025 and 2026. The redesigned Camry is a hybrid-only midsize sedan that combines sportiness, efficiency, and practicality.

Lease the 2026 Toyota Camry LE for $289 per month for 39 months with $3,999 due at signing. For a medium-sized hybrid vehicle, the cost will be $15,270 for 3 years and 3 months.

The redesigned Camry offers impressive fuel economy and benefits from the increased power of its electric motor. Perfect for commuters and drivers with small families.

Toyota leases its original hybrid car for $259 per month.

If the Camry isn’t efficient enough, the recently redesigned Toyota Prius is a great option. Toyota is leasing the OG Hybrid for 39 months at $259 per month, with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to just $14,100 over 3 years and 3 months for a 2026 Prius LE (all-wheel drive).

In this configuration, the Prius gets an impressive 54 miles per gallon combined. For those who regularly travel long distances and want to save money on gas, the new Prius is definitely one of the most competitive choices in its segment.

In case you missed it: Consumer Reports reveals 2026’s best auto brands with affordable winners

You can lease Toyota’s most popular SUV for $259 per month.

The Toyota RAV4 has dominated small SUV sales for years. According to a recent sales release, Toyota sold 358,134 vehicles as of the third quarter of 2025. The RAV4 is America’s most popular SUV because it’s affordable, practical, and reliable.

Drivers can lease the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE for $259 per month for 39 months, with $4,899 due at signing. That equates to $15,000 over three years and three months for the best-selling small SUV. If you have a small family and are looking for a practical daily driver, there’s a reason the RAV4 is the choice of millions of American drivers. Kelley Blue Book says he is “doing everything right for many of his supporters.”

Toyota is leasing its Tacoma mid-sized pickup truck for $249 per month.

Don’t worry if your car or SUV isn’t up to your speed. Toyota is leasing the 2025 Tacoma SR5 mid-size pickup truck for just $249 per month for 39 months, with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to $13,710 over 3 years and 3 months for the Tacoma.

The Toyota Tacoma is a great daily driver for people who want the practicality of a pickup truck. It’s sturdy and versatile. Leasing a Tacoma is a great way to experience truck ownership for a short period of time before committing to a long-term commitment.

The Toyotathon is valid until January 5, 2026, so if you’re looking to lease a Toyota, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the incentive.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr criticizes President Trump’s comments about Kimmel and Reiner

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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr criticizes President Trump’s comments about Kimmel and Reiner

Lawmakers blasted the committee chair on December 17 over his criticism of ABC and Jimmy Kimmel after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and his response to President Donald Trump’s comments after the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner.

In his opening monologue on Sept. 15, Kimmel said Trump supporters were “desperately trying to characterize” Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man charged in Kirk’s murder, as “something other than one of them.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr later made comments that were interpreted as threatening to revoke ABC’s license if Kimmel was not fired.

“This is a very serious issue for Disney right now,” Kerr said at the time. “You can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

ABC temporarily suspended Kimmel for his comments, but he has since returned to the late-night show and signed an extension to continue on the show until May 2027.

At a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, several senators highlighted bipartisan outrage over Carr’s comments, saying his words and actions contradict pre-2025 social media posts defending the First Amendment.

The first few hours of the hearing included tense moments, including an altercation with Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and sharp comments from other lawmakers.

“You parroted President Trump and diminished the independence of the FCC,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said at one point.

Throughout the hearing, Carr argued that broadcast television is different from other media because licensees are required to abide by policies, including those related to news distortion and public interest standards.

He said the FCC’s actions under the Trump administration are just one example of enforcing the law in a way he says the previous administration failed to do.

Kimmel questions about Trump

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) anticipated some of the final themes in his opening comments.

He suggested that if his Democratic colleagues were to “blame” Carr on the “newfound religion” of the First Amendment and its free speech clause, they would be hypocritical if they also didn’t condemn actions taken by former President Joe Biden’s administration to curb misinformation on social media.

Carr agreed with Cruz’s assessment that the FCC’s rules “have been a weapon against conservatives in the past.”

Mr. Cruz called Mr. Kimmel’s comments “in bad taste,” but reiterated his earlier statements about his abhorrence of federal involvement in such matters.

“When government officials threaten negative repercussions for objectionable content, it is an unconstitutional coercion that chills protected speech,” Cruz said.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar later addressed Kimmel’s comments in relation to President Trump’s comments after the Reiners were killed, in which Trump said Rob Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to anger that Mr. Trump provoked in others…a debilitating illness known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Klobuchar asked Kerr whether Trump’s comments were appropriate and what she would have done if Kimmel had made the same comments about Kirk.

Kerr rejected what Klobuchar said was an attempt to “encourage me to police speech on the internet,” reiterating that broadcast television is “fundamentally different” from other media.

Later in the hearing, Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-Missouri) echoed Cruz, calling his Democratic colleagues’ concerns about the First Amendment “extraordinary” and “ridiculous” given the actions taken under the Biden administration.

References to FCC independence removed from website

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) described his collegial relationship with Carr, telling the speaker that despite their disagreements, Carr was “praising you behind your back.” But Schatz said Kerr’s recent behavior has been “out of line.”

“It’s not going to get very old on either the conservative or liberal side,” he says. “This is not an American FCC action, so we hope it can be readjusted.”

Mr. Carr asked Mr. Schatz whether he had a problem with Democratic senators urging the FCC to investigate Sinclair Broadcasting Group in 2018 over their belief that it distorted the news, but Mr. Schatz said he had not signed the letter.

Markey said Carr is “currently the chairman of the Federal Censorship Board,” referring to the FCC’s investigation of a San Francisco radio station that reported on a federal immigration raid in January.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) asked Kerr to give a yes or no answer on whether the FCC is an independent agency.

When Mr. Carr began answering questions, Mr. Lujan replied that it was not a “trick question” and pointed to the FCC’s website, which declared itself an independent agency.

Kerr ultimately said the FCC is “not formally an independent agency” because the president has the power to fire commissioners.

As of Dec. 17 afternoon, the website described the FCC as “an agency of the United States government with oversight by Congress.” The website said in October that the FCC is an “independent U.S. government agency with oversight from Congress.”

An FCC spokesperson told USA TODAY that the website and materials “need to be updated” and that such updates will continue “to ensure they reflect the position of the FCC’s new leadership.”

Contributor: Anthony Robredo

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

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

Penny’s funeral is scheduled for December 20th in Washington, DC. Here’s how to participate:

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Penny’s funeral is scheduled for December 20th in Washington, DC. Here’s how to participate:

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Penny mourners gather for a funeral in Washington, D.C., at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, Dec. 20, just over a month after the United States stopped producing the penny.

The event, which includes former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln as one of its organizers, is being held to “honor our fallen friend,” according to Partiful’s invitation page. The funeral will be held on December 20 at 1:01 p.m. at the monument to President Abraham Lincoln, whose face appears on the coin.

Attendees are encouraged to “BYOP (bring your own penny) to pay your respects.”

“Let’s give our little copper heroes the send-off they deserve,” the invitation said, adding that the Treasury Department’s decision to halt penny minting was not “retirement” but “murder.”

penny funeral dress code

Organizers are advising funeral attendees to wear funeral attire, including black clothes, black veils and “watery eyes.” Attendees should note that there is an emphasis on Victorian attire. The invitation states that Abraham Lincoln costumes are also encouraged.

The memorial is still being drafted, but mourners should expect statements from coin appraisers, Treasury Department representatives, and “other notable mourners,” Mary Todd Lincoln.

Ramp, a financial operations platform, is also listed as a host for Partiful pages. Lamp reposted an Instagram video of DC influencer Tony P discussing the event.

“Thanks to my friend @tryramp, I’m thrilled to be live at this historic event honoring Penny this Saturday, December 20th at 1:01pm at the Lincoln Memorial!” Tony P’s post caption reads.

USA TODAY contacted Lamp on Dec. 17 but did not receive a response.

Other social media users also seem to be looking forward to the funeral. Earlier this week, one user posted a video of himself dressed as Abraham Lincoln and asked Penny mourners to attend the event.

Social media users said flyers advertising the event were also posted around the city, with a penny in the sky and the words “Come mourn Penny.”

USA TODAY requested additional information from the National Park Service, the agency that manages the Lincoln Memorial and approves events at the facility, but did not receive a response.

According to Partiful’s page, more than 700 people have applied to participate in the event as of 3pm ET on Wednesday, December 17th.

When did the United States stop producing pennies?

The U.S. Mint struck the last penny in circulation in the United States on November 12 in Philadelphia. This month, a special auction of about 700 rare pennies sold for about $16.8 million.

The coins auctioned by Stack’s Bowers Gallery on Thursday, Dec. 11, included the last 2,025 pennies produced by the U.S. Mint, paired in 232 sets of three coins. Each set included a unique 24 karat gold uncirculated penny.

President Donald Trump said in February that he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt production of the coins as a cost-cutting measure. According to the U.S. Mint’s 2024 annual report, it costs the United States 3.69 cents to produce one penny.

The penny was first minted for circulation in March 1793 at the newly established United States Mint in Philadelphia. Approximately 11,178 of the copper cents were originally minted for circulation.

In 1982, pennies were made primarily of zinc and contained only 2.5% copper. Abraham Lincoln’s face was added to the penny in 1909.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.

LA march, rally planned for International Day of Migrants 2025

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LA march, rally planned for International Day of Migrants 2025

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Southern Californians traveling to Los Angeles may see marches and rallies along Wilshire Boulevard on Thursday, December 18th.

It is part of International Migrants Day, perhaps the most important day in the past five years, said Oscar Zarate, director of external affairs at the Humane Migrant Rights Coalition. CHIRLA is also participating in Thursday’s rally.

Participants will gather at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, and the march will proceed through MacArthur Park to a nearby Home Depot. According to organizers, the location of the march and rally has a purpose: “It will cross the streets of Los Angeles in areas that have been heavily impacted by recent ICE raids.”

Part of the importance behind the move is to tell local residents “not to be afraid,” countering what Zarate said was part of the Trump administration’s goal to use fear to force people to choose voluntary deportation.

“Selecting those locations is our way of saying, ‘No, these spaces are ours. We’re going to take them back,'” Zarate said. “And people shouldn’t be scared or be too scared to leave their homes.”

The case comes amid a months-long and sometimes very public crackdown by the federal government on people without legal status in the United States, including communities in Los Angeles and Southern California. Protests against a federal raid in Los Angeles in June prompted notable reactions. President Trump sent the California National Guard and Marines to the city, a move condemned by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials.

Sebastian Silva, deputy communications director for SEIU United Service Workers West, said the march and rally serve as a “loud reminder” that “there is no Los Angeles without immigrants.”

Silva said immigrants have made up the “fabric” of Los Angeles from its founding to the present day and “drive the economy.”

“This is an opportunity for us to say, ‘We don’t just want to be here. We don’t just demand safety and security, we demand to live free from fear and attack, we have rights, and we deserve recognition for all the hard work we put into creating the LA we know and love and the LA that continues to welcome immigrants,'” Silva said.

What is the theme for International Migrants Day 2025?

The theme of this year’s International Day of Migrants is “My Amazing Story: Culture and Development”. According to the United Nations, the theme “focuses on how human mobility fosters growth, enriches societies, and helps communities connect, adapt and support each other.”

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. please contact her pbarraza@usatodayco.com.

Burger King will be offering BOGO on the Krabby Whopper on December 19th. Billing method

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Burger King will be offering BOGO on the Krabby Whopper on December 19th. Billing method

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Burger King is celebrating all things “SquarePants” for a little while longer.

In addition to the SpongeBob Movie Menu smorgasbord released to celebrate the release of The SpongeBob SquarePants on Friday, Dec. 19, the fast food chain is extending the SpongeBob Crabby Whopper BOGO offer for Rewards members.

Burger King says the SpongeBob Krabby Whopper, which comes with a yellow square bun, has been “selling off shelves” since its launch on Monday, Dec. 1.

“To celebrate, for one day only on December 19th, Royal Parks members can enjoy BOGO SpongeBob’s Krabby Whoppers all day long – one for you and one from Patrick to SpongeBob,” Burger King said in a statement.

Here’s how to claim Burger King’s BOGO offer:

How to get a free Krabby Whopper on December 19th

To receive the giveaway, customers must be a Burger King Royal Park Rewards member. If you’re not already a Rewards member, just sign up.

“SpongeBob’s Krabby Whopper is a fan favorite, and now guests can enjoy it twice as much!” Burger King said. “It’s the perfect meal for BK guests to celebrate the film’s release and enjoy a little Bikini Bottom magic in every bite.”

Now, all you have to do is buy one Krabby Whopper and claim your free burger through the free-to-download Burger King app on Friday, December 19th.

This offer is valid “while supplies last” on Premiere Day at participating Burger King restaurants nationwide.

See Burger King’s SpongeBob-themed products

From Patrick’s Starberry Shortcake Pie to SpongeBob’s Krabby Whopper, a variety of foods inspired by the colorful worlds and characters from the hit series are waiting for Burger King customers, at least for a limited time.

SpongeBob themed products include:

  • spongebob’s krabby whopper – A 1/4 pound beef patty layered with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and generous amounts of ketchup and mayonnaise, then flame-grilled on a square yellow bun.
  • Mr. Krabs Cheese Bacon Tots – Crispy coin-shaped tots stuffed with melted cheese, bacon bits and potatoes, packaged in a treasure chest carton.
  • Patrick’s Starberry Shortcake Pie – Strawberry Shortcake Pie Slice with creamy layers of strawberry and vanilla flavor, crunchy cookie crumb crust, shortcake cookie crumble, and pink star sprinkles.
  • pirate frozen pineapple float – A pineapple-flavored frozen drink topped with tropical-flavored cold foam.
  • bikini bottom bundle – Can’t choose just one? Enjoy all four items in our pineapple-shaped Under the Sea box. Comes with a medium float and 8 pieces of cheese bacon tots.
  • king junior meal – Burger King is offering a special edition King Jr. Meal in a pineapple-shaped Under the Sea box featuring one of six collectible SpongeBob toys and a limited edition SpongeBob crown.

Contributor: Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY

Gwyneth Paltrow was burnt out and quit acting. now she’s back

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Gwyneth Paltrow was burnt out and quit acting. now she’s back

The Oscar winner said she only knew Timothée Chalamet as “this kind of cultural phenomenon” before co-starring in Marty Supreme.

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  • Gwyneth Paltrow plays her first dramatic role since 2010’s Marty Supreme.
  • She plays a fading movie star who has an affair with a man (Timothée Chalamet) who is obsessed with table tennis.
  • The film opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, December 19th, and will be released nationwide on December 25th.

NEW YORK – Gwyneth Paltrow is back where she belongs.

In Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme (opening Dec. 19 in New York and Los Angeles, Christmas Day), the A-lister plays Kay Stone, a fictional, fading movie star, in a high-profile yet heart-wrenching role. Kay Stone feels reinvigorated by a passionate romance with upstart table tennis fanatic Marty Moser (Timothée Chalamet).

This is Paltrow’s first dramatic role since 2010’s Country Strong. In the 15 years since, the Oscar winner has continued to expand her wellness and lifestyle empire, Goop, with small screen appearances on TV comedies Glee and The Politician, as well as playing Pepper Potts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I don’t think I’m disillusioned,” Paltrow, 53, said, sitting with Safdie in the luxurious Central Park townhouse where “Marty” was filmed. “I was very focused on building my business. In my 20s, I was really pushing myself to the point of burnout, and I wasn’t always strategic about my choices. I just thought, ‘I have to say yes and keep going.'”

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She briefly took a break from acting in the early 2000s when she had children Apple, 21, and Moses, 19, with ex-husband Chris Martin. And when he returned to Hollywood, he typically only made one movie a year after launching Goop in 2008.

“I buckled down and kept going, and I think part of it was contemplating whether this was something I really wanted to do or if I just wanted to do it,” Paltrow says. “I had to do a lot of calculations: If I wanted to go back, what would the situation be like?”

For a while, she didn’t really look at the scripts that were sent to her. “Sometimes something would come through and I would just say no.”

But when “Marty” came out, “I was at a point where my kids were leaving home, so I was an empty nester, and I was really reevaluating, ‘What’s my purpose? Who am I?”’ Paltrow recalls. “I felt like I was thrown into a tumble dryer. I was really disoriented. At the same time, my brother[director Jake Paltrow]told me about Josh Safdie. I didn’t know who he was. I was embarrassed to say that I was out of the loop.”

Safdie is best known for his nerve-wracking thrillers co-starring Adam Sandler (Uncut Gems) and Robert Pattinson (Good Time). As he says, “For the first few years, I couldn’t even have a conversation with[Paltrow]. I couldn’t send her the script, I couldn’t have any meetings, because you just didn’t do it.”

But Safdie, 41, knew she needed Paltrow to play Kay, who she envisioned as a cross between classic Hollywood stars Grace Kelly and Ruby Keeler. As a teenager, he remembers seeing Paltrow in the films “Great Expectations” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” There, she exuded an aura of “radiant, untouchable greatness” that was perfect for this character.

Eventually, at her brother’s insistence, Paltrow arranged to meet Safdie at her home, and the two hit it off immediately.

“Through a series of events, I came to understand the incredible genius that Josh was,” Paltrow recalls. “It wasn’t until I got through this kind of cultural phenomenon[around him]that I started to understand who Timmy Chalamet was and how talented he was. The script was great and I didn’t have anyone to make dinner for me, so I moved to New York and had the best time making this movie.”

President Trump suggests Dan Bongino may quit FBI

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President Trump suggests Dan Bongino may quit FBI

Asked on Dec. 17 whether Bongino had told him why he was leaving, Trump said: “Dan has done a great job. I think he wants to come back to the show.”

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President Donald Trump appeared to confirm that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino would be leaving, telling reporters that former conservative media personality Dan Bongino might be interested in returning to the show.

MS NOW reported that Bongino has told everyone he will quit his job early next year and is cleaning up his office.

President Trump said of Bongino on December 17: “Dan has done a great job. I think he would love to come back to the show.”

Bongino is a former New York City police officer and host of “The Dan Bongino Show.” He has been part of a sweeping overhaul of federal law enforcement by allies appointed by President Trump, who has been a deep critic of the Justice Department.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.

Dolphins continue to struggle, QB demoted

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Dolphins continue to struggle, QB demoted

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Add quarterback to the list of areas of increasing uncertainty for the Miami Dolphins’ future.

Manager Mike McDaniel announced Wednesday that Tua Tagovailoa will start on the bench and will be replaced by rookie Quinn Ewers.

“I think Quinn gives this team the best chance to win,” McDaniel said.

Zach Wilson will serve as backup, and Tagovailoa will be the emergency third-stringer.

The move comes a day after McDaniel questioned Tagovailoa’s status, saying “everything is on the table” after “the quarterback play wasn’t good enough (Monday)” in a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tagovailoa has had a rocky sixth season in South Florida. He leads the NFL with a career-worst 15 interceptions. The southpaw signal-caller was benched in Week 7’s blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns, but McDaniel said that day, “I just wasn’t good enough.” He caused havoc last week by criticizing unspecified teammates who were late or absent entirely from player-only meetings. McDaniel reprimanded the quarterback, who later apologized for his remarks.

Ewers, a seventh-round rookie from Texas, replaced Tagovailoa in the loss to the Browns. He completed five of eight attempts for 53 yards in his NFL debut.

In the loss to the Steelers, Tagovailoa struggled in the first three quarters, but improved on his final three drives. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Tagovailoa’s demotion is the latest shake-up for a franchise that has already gone through quite a bit of upheaval in the last year, and there could be more upheaval to come. General manager Chris Grier parted ways with the organization on Halloween, but McDaniel’s departure after the season remains unclear.

With the loss to the Steelers, the Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs. The team’s postseason win drought dates back to the 2000 season and is the longest active streak for any team in the league.

McDaniel developed a fruitful partnership with Tagovailoa early in his coaching tenure with the Dolphins. His peak came in the 2023 season, when he led the NFL in total yards of offense and earned the quarterback his only Pro Bowl berth. But the following year, Tagovailoa missed six games due to a concussion and hip ailment.

Miami staged a late-season resurgence this year with four straight wins heading into the matchup against Pittsburgh, spearheaded by a rushing offense that averaged a league-high 192 yards per game during that span.

The Dolphins will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in a rescheduled game from the original “Sunday Night Football” prime-time slot.

tua tagovailoa contract

Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.1 million extension in 2024, making him the sixth-highest paid player in the NFL.

With $54 million guaranteed in 2026, Tagovailoa’s contract could be prohibitively expensive to part with if the Dolphins want to move on. If he were to be released after the season, his dead cap hit would be a record $99.2 million, but that number could span two seasons if he is drafted after June 1.

Dolphins QB depth chart

  • quinn ewers
  • zach wilson
  • tua tagovailoa

(This story has been updated to add video and new information.)

Tesla avoids immediate suspension of sales in California over Autopilot complaints

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Tesla avoids immediate suspension of sales in California over Autopilot complaints

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California regulators have postponed an injunction against Tesla Inc TSLA.O from sales in the company’s biggest U.S. market, giving the electric car maker time to address accusations of misleading marketing and overstating its self-driving features.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adopted the judge’s recommendation to suspend Tesla’s manufacturing and sales license for 30 days, but immediately put it on hold, DMV Secretary Steve Gordon told reporters on Tuesday.

The suspension would come as a relief to automakers that, along with their peers, are struggling with a sharp drop in demand for electric vehicles as tax credits that were a major driver of sales expire.

At the same time, CEO Elon Musk has shifted Tesla’s focus not just to humanoid robots but to robotic taxis with self-driving technology, and much of the company’s valuation rests on those bets.

In 2022, the DMV accused Tesla of misleading consumers by using the brand names “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” for advanced driver assistance features in its vehicles. The regulator told Administrative Hearing Judge Juliet Cox that the names falsely suggested the cars would drive autonomously.

Tesla’s lawyers said at the hearing that the company has “clearly and consistently” explained that cars equipped with Autopilot and FSD software require supervision and are not self-driving.

Judge Cox recommended probation, which the DMV adopted, but it was put on hold Tuesday. Gordon said the agency wants to give Tesla “one more chance to improve the situation” and hopes it will “find a way to correct these misleading statements.”

In case you missed it: Why Tesla’s Grok AI could cause disaster

The DMV suspended Tesla’s sales license for 90 days and its manufacturing license indefinitely.

To avoid the outage, the DMV said Tesla could either stop using the name “Autopilot” for its driver-assistance software or submit a statement confirming that its vehicles can operate without active human supervision.

The DMV said Tesla has until Feb. 14 to challenge the suspension or seek court review.

“This is a ‘consumer protection’ order regarding the use of the term ‘Autopilot’ when no customer has come forward with a problem. Sales in California will continue uninterrupted,” Tesla said in a statement.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on how Tesla knew there were no customer complaints. He also did not say whether Tesla would stop using the Autopilot name or whether it would appeal.

Autopilot helps Tesla cars accelerate, brake, and stay in their lane on the highway. Fully autonomous driving allows the vehicle to change lanes on city streets and follow traffic lights.

Gordon said the DMV zeroed in on the term Autopilot because Tesla made changes to its FSD during the process, without elaborating.

Tesla has added the term “supervised” to its passenger car FSDs. Some factories use an unsupervised version of the software to move cars from the assembly line to the shipping lot. The robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, also uses FSD, with passenger seat human safety monitors and remote support.

Reporting by Abhirup Roy in San Francisco and Chris Kirkham in Los Angeles. Additional reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City and Mike Scarcella in Washington, DC. Editing: David Gregorio and Christopher Cushing

Mick Foley leaves WWE over President Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner

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Mick Foley leaves WWE over President Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner

Pro wrestling legend Mick Foley says he is severing ties with World Wrestling Entertainment because of the company’s support for Donald Trump, citing the president’s “incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death” as the “last straw.”

Foley said in an Instagram post that he doesn’t want to represent “a company that coddles a seemingly inconsiderate man who is pushing our country toward tyranny.”

As a result, Foley has stated that he no longer intends to represent or appear in WWE as long as President Trump remains in office.

Disgraced WWE co-founder Vince McMahon is known as a longtime friend of President Trump, but is no longer directly affiliated with WWE. McMahon’s wife, Linda, currently serves as President Trump’s secretary of education. And their son-in-law, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, is a member of the President’s “Fitness Council.”

Foley, who also wrestled under the aliases Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, the same class as Trump.

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

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

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Pharmaceutical companies have expanded recalls of nasal spray products due to the potential for yeast, mold and microbial contamination that can cause infections.

MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. announced its latest recall on Tuesday, December 16, just one week after the company recalled one lot of ReBoost nasal spray. The latest recall includes all lots of ReBoost Nasal Spray and ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico-based company says its ReBoost spray has been found to contain yeast, mold and even microbial contamination. ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray was found to contain microbial contamination that may be related to the same bacteria as the ReBoost brand.

“The use of this product by immunocompromised individuals may result in adverse health effects, including life-threatening infections,” Medinatura New Mexico said in a notice posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Medinatura New Mexico says there have been no reports of injuries related to the recall.

USA TODAY reached out to Medinatura New Mexico on Wednesday, Dec. 17, but did not receive a response.

Here’s what you need to know about the initial recall and recent expansion.

FDA: The impact of mass layoffs at HHS: What does it mean for new drug and food safety?

Where was the recalled nasal spray sold?

The recalled products were sold nationwide through retail and online sales at www.medinatura.com.

According to MediNatura New Mexico, ReBoost nasal spray is used to treat nasal congestion, sinusitis headaches and pressure, postnasal drip, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose.

ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray is used to treat mild allergy symptoms such as sinus pressure, runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, allergy-related headaches, and itchy throat and skin.

Which products have been recalled?

Reboost nasal spray

  • Comes in a 20ml bottle
  • Sold in white and yellow cartons
  • National Drug Code (NDC) – 62795-4005-9
  • Universal Product Code (UPC) – 787647 10186 3
  • Expiration date – December 2022 to December 2025

ClearLife Allergy Nasal Drop

  • Comes in a 20ml bottle
  • Sold in white and green cartons
  • National Drug Code (NDC) – 62795-4006-9
  • Universal Product Code (UPC) – 787647 10188 7
  • Expiration date – December 2022 to December 2025

What if I have the product?

According to MediNatura New Mexico, all customers should immediately stop using the recalled nasal spray.

If you purchased products directly from MediNatura New Mexico, Inc., please contact us at recall@medinatura.com to receive a refund. Anyone who purchased the recalled product in a store must return it to the retailer for a refund.

The company says anyone who experiences problems using the product should seek medical attention. You can report side effects or quality issues to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program by:

Customers with questions may contact MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. at (800) 621-7644, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. (Montana) to 5 p.m. (Montana). Customers may also send an email to recall@medinatura.com.

For information about the first recall, please visit www.tinyurl.com/MediNaturaRecall1. For information on the December 16th recall, please visit www.tinyurl.com/MediNaturaRecall2.

Saleen Martin is a reporter for USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia. – Email sdmartin@usatoday.com.

Trump prosecutor Jack Smith defends actions in House testimony

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Trump prosecutor Jack Smith defends actions in House testimony

His appearance at the Capitol came after Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), the Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, subpoenaed Smith for a private deposition.

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WASHINGTON – Jack Smith, the former U.S. Department of Justice special counsel who brought two now-dropped criminal cases against President Donald Trump, defended his investigation before a House committee Wednesday, telling lawmakers that the basis for the charges is “entirely against President Trump and his actions.”

Smith’s private testimony before the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee follows months of revelations by Trump appointees at the Justice Department and Republican lawmakers aimed at discrediting Smith’s investigation and strengthening Trump’s case that the incident was an abuse of the legal system.

“If you asked me today if I would prosecute a former president based on the same facts, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or a Democrat,” Smith said in part of his opening statement obtained by USA TODAY.

Smith and his team secured an indictment in 2023 accusing Trump of illegally preserving classified documents after his first term in office and plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss. Smith dropped both cases after Trump won the 2024 presidential election, citing a Justice Department policy that prohibits prosecuting sitting presidents.

His appearance at the Capitol came after Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), the Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, subpoenaed Smith for a private deposition. Mr. Smith requested a public hearing.

Republican lawmakers expressed anger over revelations that investigators sought information from a wide range of conservative groups as part of their investigation into President Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat, and also obtained limited cell phone data from eight Republican senators in the period before and after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.

Trump allies point to the revelations as evidence that Smith’s investigation was overzealous and targeted political opponents.

But Smith pushed back on Dec. 17, claiming that obtaining Republican cell phone records showed the investigation was political, saying it was related to the investigation into President Trump’s alleged efforts to illegally overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

“President Trump and his allies called members of Congress in furtherance of their criminal agenda, urging them to further delay the certification of the 2020 election,” Smith said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY. “I didn’t choose that senator, President Trump did.”

Mr. Smith also argued why his prosecution is important. One indictment focuses on an alleged plot to illegally overturn the election results, and the other accuses President Trump of intentionally mishandling classified national security information.

“Our investigation has produced evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and prevent the lawful transfer of power,” Smith said.

Smith painted a portrait of recklessness when it came to national security documents.

“President Trump knowingly retained highly classified documents even after he left office in January 2021, storing them in social clubs, including bathrooms and ballrooms where events and gatherings were held,” the opening statement said.

Contributed by: Reuters

The Oscars will leave ABC and move to YouTube in 2029

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The Oscars will leave ABC and move to YouTube in 2029

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After decades on ABC, the Oscars are moving to YouTube.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on December 17 that it has signed a multi-year agreement with YouTube, giving the popular streaming platform exclusive worldwide rights to the Oscars, starting with the 101st Academy Awards ceremony in 2029. The contract runs until 2033.

The deal marks a major change in the viewing experience for the prestigious awards ceremony, with live coverage of the Oscars, including red carpet and behind-the-scenes content and access to Governors Ball, now available for free on YouTube.

“YouTube will help make the Oscars accessible to the Academy’s growing global audience through features such as closed captioning and audio tracks available in multiple languages,” the Academy said in a news release announcing the move.

A surprising move is the recent migration of award shows to streaming services. Netflix will begin broadcasting the Actor Awards (formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards) in 2024, and this year’s 97th Academy Awards ceremony was broadcast live for the first time on Hulu alongside ABC.

The 2025 Oscars had the highest ratings in five years, with 19.7 million viewers, after a slowdown due to the pandemic. But Disney said it also saw “dramatic growth” among younger viewers who watch on digital devices. Overall Oscar ratings have been on the decline in recent years, and by comparison, the 2014 ceremony drew 43 million viewers.

In addition to the ceremony itself, the Oscar YouTube channel also provides access to other Academy events, including the Governor’s Awards, Oscar Nominations Announcement, Oscar Nominations Luncheon, Student Academy Awards, Science and Technology Awards, as well as interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, film education programs, and podcasts.

“We are excited to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to make it the home of future Oscar ceremonies and year-round Academy programming,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a joint statement.

“The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will benefit Academy members and the film community by allowing us to expand access to Academy films to as wide an audience as possible around the world,” the statement said. “This collaboration leverages YouTube’s vast reach and injects innovative opportunities for participation into Oscar and other Academy programs while honoring our heritage. We can celebrate film, inspire a new generation of filmmakers, and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.”

YouTube’s chief congratulated the move.

“The Oscars are an important cultural institution for us, celebrating excellence in storytelling and artistry,” YouTube CEO Neil Mohan said in a statement. “Partnering with the Academy to bring this arts and entertainment extravaganza to audiences around the world will stay true to Oscar’s storied legacy while inspiring a new generation of creatives and film lovers.”

Contributor: Brian Truitt

no one wants to pay social security contributions

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no one wants to pay social security contributions

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

Americans like Social Security, according to a new survey. But no one wants to pay for it.

What happened to the tariff inflation crisis?

Millions of American consumers have been waiting for President Donald Trump’s tariffs to cause a dramatic increase in consumer prices and push inflation into the red zone.

they are still waiting.

📰 Other stories you can’t miss 📰

📰 great read 📰

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

A Charles Schwab survey of America’s richest Americans reveals an interesting generational divide in how and when they leave money to their heirs. Research shows that Millennials and Gen Xers want to transfer wealth to the next generation during their lifetimes. Baby boomers prefer to wait until they die.

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

President Trump insults Rep. Ilhan Omar at White House Hanukkah event

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President Trump insults Rep. Ilhan Omar at White House Hanukkah event

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President Donald Trump attacked Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar at a Hanukkah event at the White House on December 16, saying she “hates Jews.”

President Trump said that Israel and the “Jewish Lobby” were once the most powerful lobbies in Washington. But that is “no longer true,” the president added.

“Congress in particular is becoming anti-Semitic,” Trump claimed. “You have AOC plus three. You have people like that, Ilhan Omar, she hates Jews. And you have to be very careful because big changes are happening.”

Omar has long been critical of Israeli leaders, particularly during the war with Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In March 2023, the House voted along party lines to remove Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over her past comments about Israel, which drew criticism from members of both parties.

Still, Omar has repeatedly accused anti-Semitism. “We continue to oppose any attempt to silence the Israeli government’s real concerns about anti-Semitism,” the congressman said in a news release last year.

Omar has not commented on Trump’s latest criticism, but previously said, “The president’s creepy obsession with me is very unhealthy.”

“Mr. Trump is returning to the same tired bigotry to distract from his obvious failures,” she argued in X on Tuesday afternoon. “His recycled xenophobia will not intimidate me or silence my fight for the people of Minnesota’s 5th District.”

The president has targeted Omar, a Muslim, since her first term in office after she was elected to Congress in 2019 and became part of a progressive faction known as “The Squad.” President Trump has stepped up his attacks on the Minnesota Democrat and her native Somalia in recent months.

President Trump has implemented a travel ban on some foreign visitors, including Somalis, South Sudanese, Syrians and Palestinians.

President Trump’s Hanukkah event at the White House comes amid a rise in anti-Semitic attacks, including a mass shooting in Australia over the weekend that left 15 people dead. President Trump is a strong ally of Israel and has emphasized his administration’s efforts to broker peace in the region.

The violence has not completely stopped since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect in October. Hamas-run health authorities say Israeli forces have killed at least 386 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire. Israel says three soldiers have been killed and a number of fighters have been attacked since the start of the ceasefire.

During the Hanukkah event, conservative talk show host Mark Levin, whom the president invited on stage, called Trump “the first Jewish president.”

“I’m not Jewish, but my father was very friendly with many Jews,” Trump said in his speech. “We grew up respecting and loving Jews.”

Contributor: Michael Loria, Reuters

Consumers face fewer EV charging options as states sue government

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Consumers face fewer EV charging options as states sue government

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A group of 16 states and the District of Columbia sued the U.S. government on Tuesday after President Donald Trump’s administration ended two subsidy programs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said President Trump’s Department of Transportation has refused to approve new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs created by Congress as part of the $1 trillion 2022 infrastructure law.

Purchase an electric car: Why does EV battery range drop rapidly in cold climates? These tips can help.

In June, a U.S. judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding money given to 14 states, including California, New York, Illinois and Washington, from another $5 billion electric vehicle charger infrastructure fund that would be approved in 2022.

“This is yet another reckless attempt to slow the fight against air pollution and climate change, slow innovation, hinder green job creation, and deny communities access to clean, affordable transportation,” Bonta said.

One program directs $2.5 billion to states and cities to build EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The lawsuit, led by California, Washington and Colorado, said President Trump’s actions “put at risk $1.8 billion in federal aid to dozens of state and local governments, making the majority of these funds unavailable.”

USDOT did not immediately comment.

President Trump has set his sights on electric vehicles on a number of fronts. In June, the Republican president signed a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act that would ban California’s landmark plan to end sales of gasoline-only cars by 2035 and two other auto regulations.

President Trump also signed a bill that eliminates the $7,500 EV tax credit. This month, he proposed lowering fuel economy standards that former President Joe Biden put together last year to make it easier for automakers to sell gasoline-powered cars.

In February, the USDOT suspended a $5 billion EV charging program that was part of Biden’s anti-inflation law and rescinded pre-approval of states’ spending plans.

Reporting by David Shepherdson in Washington. Editing: David Gregorio

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