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An “Appeal to Heaven” flag hoisted at the Ministry of Education office

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An “Appeal to Heaven” flag hoisted at the Ministry of Education office

The agency’s union said the agency “has no place for symbols of insurrection.”

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WASHINGTON – A senior official at the U.S. Department of Education left a controversial flag associated with Christian nationalism and the Jan. 6 insurrection hanging outside his office, according to the department’s union and a department employee who witnessed it.

This is the latest in a series of examples in which a flag with a pine tree and the words “Appeal to Heaven” has been associated with the highest levels of the federal government.

The banner has long been associated with the American Revolution, but in recent years it has been “adopted primarily by evangelical Christian nationalist groups,” as well as the Proud Boys and some neo-Nazi groups, according to the independent nonprofit Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. It was flown in 2021 by rioters attempting to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election results.

The symbol’s appearance at the agency responsible for overseeing billions of dollars in federal funding for schools across the country is already raising concerns about the separation of church and state.

read more: Ministry of Education prepares for further demolition

Rachel Gittleman, president of the National Education Department Employees Union, said in a statement that the Department of Education has “no place for symbols of insurrection.”

“Since January, the hard-working public servants of the U.S. Department of Education have been subjected to intimidation, harassment, and sustained demoralization,” she said. “They are now required to work in an environment where senior leaders prominently display an offensive flag, which, despite its origins in the American Revolution, has become a symbol of intolerance, hatred, and extremism.”

In a statement to USA TODAY, the Department of Education did not confirm the presence of the flag or address concerns about its ties to extremist ideology.

“As always, our members are more worried about imagined grievances and stupid political battles than about the abysmal test scores of our nation’s students,” said Maddie Biedermann, assistant secretary for public affairs.

It’s unclear how long the banner hung outside the Washington, D.C., office of Murray Bessette, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development.

Before joining the Trump administration, Bessette oversaw academic programs at the Alexander Hamilton Institute, a nonprofit organization that prepares young people for careers in foreign policy and national security. Early in his career, he worked for the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. in Political Science from Claremont Graduate University.

According to WIRED magazine, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency raised the “Appeal to Heaven” flag at a ceremony in June, but it was only raised for about one day. Last year, The New York Times reported that the banner was discovered outside the summer home of conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in the summer of 2023. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) sometimes displayed the symbol outside his office at the Capitol.

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

Why more people are turning to AI for gift-giving during holiday shopping

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Why more people are turning to AI for gift-giving during holiday shopping

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This holiday season, more shoppers are using AI, whether they’re using the technology intentionally or not.

As technology continues to advance and people’s comfort level with AI increases, the use of AI to help find gifts and track prices has skyrocketed this holiday season.

“Consumers are doing research and comparing prices,” Kathryn Black, partner and head of food, drug and mass merchandise retail at global management consulting firm Kearney, told USA TODAY. “They’re getting ideas for presents.”

She said the main growth in AI is as a referral channel, directing consumers to retailer links to purchase products.

AI options include ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and AI built into retailers’ own websites.

AI usage increases

More than half, or 53%, of shoppers recently surveyed by CouponFollow said they have used or plan to use AI tools and services for their holiday shopping this year. Nearly 7 in 10, or 69%, said they believe AI is more helpful when shopping compared to traditional methods like flyers and loyalty emails. USA TODAY exclusively investigated CouponFollow’s research.

Samelweb’s State of Generative AI report released in November reported that Generative AI platforms saw a 76% year-over-year increase in web visits and a 319% jump in app downloads.

According to SimilarWeb, in the five days between Thanksgiving and Cyber ​​Monday, the number of AI-powered referrals to top retailers was 9.3 million, an increase of 274% from last November, and total converted visits (resulting in purchases) increased by 14.7% from last November.

Trade seekers are using AI to shop

David Schweidel, a marketing professor at Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business in Georgia, said AI tools are getting better at providing gift ideas, especially when users are already using them and the technology can build on previous interactions. His research focuses on marketing technology and AI.

One of the easiest ways to leverage AI is to trade and find the lowest prices, Schweidel told USA TODAY. AI can check coupon codes to see which ones are actively working, he said.

“Previously, you had to go back and forth between browser windows or browsing tabs to test this code,” Schweidel says. “Now we can outsource that activity to (AI) agents.”

Black said both the systems underlying AI and people’s comfort level with AI are increasing. The main reason is that people are getting used to AI being part of many aspects of their lives. “Shopping is part of it, and what they’re doing now is mainly research, idea generation and price comparison,” she said.

Black also said there is a wide range of users, from those who are very comfortable using AI technology to those who are using it to track product prices or set price alerts, but are unaware that they are using AI.

How is AI different from a search engine?

Using AI is different from typing some term into a search engine, Schweidel says.

“AI is going to be very different, because the more you keep trying, the better you’ll get. So the first reaction you get is likely not going to be great, but what you need to do is counteract the feeling of, ‘Okay, let’s just stop,'” he said.

“Really, this is a dialogue,” he said.

Holiday gifts: Baby boomers, listen up. Gen Z wants money this holiday season

AI may raise privacy concerns

However, privacy can be a concern for AI users.

“If you’re the type of person who wants to have as much privacy as possible, you shouldn’t use social media, you shouldn’t use Google, and you definitely shouldn’t use AI,” Schweidel said. “What most people end up with is that they’re willing to sacrifice some privacy for the convenience that these types of tools provide.”

But Black says it’s a good idea to keep personal information, such as a person’s address and name, away from AI tools.

The growth and use of AI will continue

Black said the growth and use of AI among consumers will continue to expand.

“We’re looking broadly, and the first adopters who are using it for almost every use are very tech-savvy. But the next group of shoppers who are really starting to adopt this technology are not necessarily the big tech players,” Black said. They are people who want to save money and feel like they got the best deal. ”

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

AWS’ legacy lies in AI success

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AWS’ legacy lies in AI success

As the company that started the cloud computing revolution, Amazon is one of the world’s largest companies, and its general technology practices can be seen as a blueprint for implementing new technologies.

This article highlights some of the ways the company is implementing AI into its operations.

Amazon’s modern AI strategy has progressed from basic chatbots to agent AI, systems that can use a variety of tools to plan and execute multi-step work across multiple processes. As a company, Amazon sits at the intersection of cloud infrastructure (in the form of AWS), logistics, retail, and customer service, all of which are areas where small efficiency gains can have a big impact.

In early 2025, Amazon established a new group within the company focused on agent AI to clarify its AI intentions for its cloud company, AWS. In an internal email report, AWS leaders said agent AI could become a “billion” business, emphasizing that the technology is considered a new platform layer rather than a standalone feature.

The company hasn’t been shy about saying publicly that it expects to lose its workforce because of the technology. In June 2025, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told employees that the proliferation of generative AI and agents will change the way work is done, and over the next few years Amazon expects routine tasks to become faster and more automated, slowing hiring, changing roles, and shrinking some jobs even as others grow.

Amazon’s best use case is a high-volume, rule-bound workflow that requires a lot of searching, checking, routing, and logging. These have had or will have a significant impact on forecasting, delivery mapping, customer service, and product content. /Reuters/ pointed to examples of Gen AI’s internal goals such as optimizing inventory, improving customer service, and improving product detail pages.

Amazon has described AI-powered upgrades to its U.S. operations, suggesting an agent approach could take shape. In June 2025, we outlined AI innovations such as generative AI systems to improve delivery location accuracy, new demand forecasting models to predict what (and where) customers want, and agent AI teams looking to enable robots to understand natural language.

Consumer agents are where autonomy is first realized, as the system can take actions even when money is involved. Reporting The Verge For Alexa+, we highlighted things like the ability to monitor item price drops and (optionally) automatically make purchases for users when a threshold is reached. This is a concrete example of the concept of an agent in everyday parlance, where the user sets constraints (in the form of price thresholds) and the system monitors and executes within those boundaries.

Amazon’s Rufus Assistant is positioned as an AI interface to shopping that helps customers find products, compare them, and understand the tradeoffs between different options. Amazon says Rufus is powered by generative (and increasingly agentic) AI, which uses your shopping history and current context to create personalization and help you shop faster. The agent thus becomes a shopping interface, and its value to retailers lies in shortening the journey from purchase intent to final purchase.

Internally, AWS creates “building blocks” for agents. The Agent for Amazon Bedrock is designed to perform multi-step tasks by using tools and integrating with other platforms to tune your model. Amazon Bedrock AgentCore provides a platform for securely building (PDF), deploying, and operating agents at scale. Features include runtime hosting, memory, observability dashboard, and evaluation.

AgentCore is Amazon’s attempt to become the default infrastructure layer for monitored enterprise agents, especially for organizations that require auditability, access control, and reliability.

If Amazon is successful, the next stage of this technology will be managed AI. This consists of mechanisms for granting or revoking permissions for tools and data access, monitoring agent behavior, assessing whether performance and governance guidelines are being met, and establishing escalation paths when agents experience uncertainty.

Signals to employees are built into the company’s leadership messages. Fewer people will be needed for some enterprise tasks, and more roles will be needed to design workflows, manage models, ensure systems are secure, and audit the results of using agent AI.

As a proven technology leader, Amazon’s stance on AI and meaningful ways to implement it explains the path companies will likely take. Realizing the productivity gains and cost savings that AI technology promises is not as simple as connecting a local device or launching a new cloud instance. But the company can also be seen as lighting the way for others to follow. Whether it’s supervising agents or directing customer inquiries to automated response systems, AI is transforming the tech giant in every way.

(Image Source: CHEN – The Arousing, Thunder – Awakening, Excitement, Inspiration; Thunder rising from below; Awe, Alert, Trembling; Fertile Intrusion. Ideogram: Excitement and Rain” – Public Domain)

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

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

Bondi militant group may have been influenced by Islamic State in the Philippines

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Bondi militant group may have been influenced by Islamic State in the Philippines

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Two suspects who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14 had traveled to the Philippines before the attack, which killed 15 people, and appeared to be inspired by Islamic State, police said.

The incident was the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly 30 years and is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community. Australia has strict gun laws and firearm-related violence is relatively rare.

Authorities identified one of the gunmen as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot and killed by police. His 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice, Naveed Akram, was also shot and remains in critical condition in hospital.

Bondi Beach Attack: Australia’s strict gun laws failed to save victims

Australian police said both men traveled to the Philippines for “military training” last month, and the trip is currently under investigation. The Philippine National Police said it was also investigating the matter. Networks affiliated with the Islamic State are known to be active in the Philippines and exercise some influence in the southern Philippines.

“Early indications point to an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack, allegedly carried out by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Chrissy Barrett told a news conference.

“These are the alleged acts of people who are affiliated with terrorist organizations, not religions.”

Who are the heroes of Bondi Beach? What you need to know about Ahmed Al Ahmed

A father and son are believed to have opened fire on hundreds of people attending a festival in a 10-minute murder spree at Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Police said the vehicle registered to the young man was loaded with an improvised explosive device and two handmade flags linked to the Islamic State group, an extremist group listed as a terrorist organization by Australia and many other countries.

The victims include a Holocaust survivor, a 10-year-old girl and a British-born rabbi.

Officials said about 25 survivors were being treated at various Sydney hospitals.

Olivia Robertson, 25, visited the monument before work.

“This is the country that our grandparents came to to make us feel safe and give us opportunities,” she said.

“And now this happened in our backyard. It’s pretty shocking.”

Contributed by: Reuters

Contractors’ strong belief in AI for industry-wide transformation

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Contractors’ strong belief in AI for industry-wide transformation

The construction industry generates vast amounts of data, much of which is unused or locked in spreadsheets. AI is changing this, enabling teams to accelerate decision-making, increase profits, and improve project outcomes. The true transformative impact of AI is highlighted by contractors, with 87% believing that AI will “significantly transform their business,” despite current low adoption rates, according to a new study from Dodge Construction Network (Dodge) and CMiC.

A recent study titled “AI for Contractors” found that automated proposal generation and progress tracking from site photos both reached a 92% effectiveness rating. Meanwhile, contract risk reviews achieved 85% effectiveness compared to previous, more traditional methods.

The report highlights how AI is enabling project managers to focus on strategic decision-making rather than time-consuming administrative tasks. Finance teams are also benefiting from AI technology, moving from historical reporting to predictive insights, allowing operational leaders to apply data-driven intelligence to improve project execution. The report found that AI is actually augmenting human input, rather than completely replacing human expertise.

“For decades, construction companies have lacked the tools to turn the data they collect into action. AI-powered solutions are changing that,” said Gord Rollins, president and CEO of CMiC. “This study highlights the high-impact results that contractors are achieving today.”

AI will change the role of contractors

Contractors surveyed believe that AI will act as a catalyst to reshape routine aspects of their operations, enabling predictive insights rather than reacting to problems as they occur. This provides a wide range of benefits, including tighter cost control, improved scheduling, and higher quality project delivery. In other words, overall outcomes improved.

A significant 85% of contractors expect to spend less time on repetitive tasks, and 75% believe AI will help mine historical data to learn from past projects. Rather than relying entirely on AI, 70% said the technology helps them make better and more informed decisions thanks to insights that might not exist otherwise.

AI adoption rates remain low, but businesses are preparing for broader adoption

Currently, adoption of AI in the construction industry is low, despite awareness being between 32% and 34%. There can be several reasons for this, including lack of clear understanding, internal approvals, and access to software. However, Dodge’s research found that more than half of the companies surveyed are making strategic preparations for AI, including pilot programs and staff training for AI-related roles.

According to the report, 40% of companies have set a fixed budget for AI, 38% are developing implementation teams, 19% are adapting old workflows, and 51% are evaluating AI changes.

Early adopters lead the way

Overall awareness of the use of AI in the industry is very low, with only 20% to 50% of contractors aware that AI has been implemented for specific administrative tasks, and few actively using these capabilities. Nevertheless, early adopters of AI have provided positive feedback, with over 70% finding AI tools highly effective compared to traditional methods, suggesting the potential for rapid growth in the use of AI across industries.

Security and accuracy are concerns

The main concerns of AI deployment revolve around security and accuracy. The report found that 57% are concerned about the accuracy of AI output and 54% have doubts about the security of their corporate data.

Internal resistance to change (44%) and implementation costs (41%) were also cited as key concerns, but perhaps surprisingly, only 21% expressed concern about job losses. 31% believe current data quality is still not good enough to support AI analytics.

According to the report, large contractors are more likely to rely on AI than smaller companies and are therefore more concerned about the quality and reliability of their data. For example, 69% of large contractors cited lack of reliability or accuracy in AI output as a major concern, compared to 54% of small and medium-sized contractors.

Survey data shows that while contractors are generally open to adopting AI, they tend to be deterred by the accuracy of AI output and demand better tools, more information, and more internal support.

17% of contractors say they don’t fully trust AI results, and this problem is even more pronounced in sensitive areas such as payments. Distrust in AI operations rose to 35%, with 31% not trusting AI to manage project budgets.

The big theme is that we need to understand AI before we can use it. On average, 21% of respondents said they wanted to know more about how AI works before considering using it, rising to 31% for more complex tasks such as safety risk assessments.

Contractors also believe they are limited by current software capabilities, with an average of 19% reporting that their software does not provide the AI ​​capabilities they need. Increased to 33% for resource management.

Internal approval remains a notable barrier, with 22% saying their company has not yet approved the use of AI despite personal interest. Another barrier is the lack of time and resources to effectively evaluate AI tools. 13% cited this as the main reason AI has not yet been deployed.

Although there are obvious challenges and therefore significant market opportunities for mass use of AI in the construction industry, only 5% believe that AI will not be beneficial or improve current methods. This shows resistance stemming from a variety of concerns rather than a lack of values.

Steve Jones, Dodge’s senior director of industry insights and analytics, spoke about the findings.

“We designed this study to explore the use of AI in the digital tools that contractors already have in place, as it may offer the best solutions to data quality challenges. But we are also encouraged that many contractors recognize the key challenges and the need for a rigorous approach to successfully deploying these tools in their organizations,” the Dodge study states.

Key interests in new AI capabilities

The potential of AI is clearly recognized, even if the industry’s readiness to adopt it does not fully align with the data. When it comes to AI capabilities, certain areas such as automated construction analysis are garnering the most attention, with 81% seeing potential benefits. 80% are also interested in intelligent permitting, and 79% believe in autonomous schedules and resource optimization.

92% value contract management automation, and 76% recognize the potential for AI-powered dynamic pricing. While AI adoption remains limited, these strong numbers suggest the tide could soon turn.

A new era of AI and the construction industry

The latest data suggests a strong willingness, or enthusiasm, for AI adoption in the construction sector. However, better tools, clearer guidance, and more reliable output are just some of the areas that need to be addressed before interest can be implemented.

“With high awareness, strong interest, and strong validation from early adopters, contractors appear poised to significantly expand their use of AI-enabled tools in meaningful ways,” said Steve Jones.

Jones said the industry is at a “tipping point in AI adoption.” As companies begin to provide clearer paths for adoption, the movement toward AI-powered construction workflows will undoubtedly accelerate rapidly and forever reshape the way projects are delivered.

(Image source: “Tianjin Construction Site” Jakob Montrasio by @yakobusan is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

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

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

Will my Roomba stop working? What you need to know about iRobot’s bankruptcy.

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Will my Roomba stop working? What you need to know about iRobot’s bankruptcy.

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iRobot, the maker of the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner, filed for bankruptcy protection on December 14, saying it would be acquired by a Chinese manufacturer and taken private.

The company announced the move in a Dec. 14 news release, citing factors including increased competition from foreign rivals, high debt and rising costs due to tariffs. The filing comes about two years after the company’s failed attempt to merge with Amazon.

“Today’s announcement is a critical milestone in securing iRobot’s long-term future,” said Gary Cohen, CEO of iRobot. “This transaction strengthens our financial position and helps provide continuity for our consumers, customers and partners.

iRobot was founded in 1990 by three roboticists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company initially focused on defense and space research before debuting the Roomba robot vacuum in 2002.

iRobot will be acquired by Picea Robotics, the company’s flagship manufacturer, it added.

iRobot said it owes more than $3 million in unpaid duties, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY. New U.S. tariffs, particularly a 46% tariff on imports from Vietnam, where iRobot makes vacuum cleaners for the U.S. market, are also hurting the company.

iRobot is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts and has 274 employees, according to court documents.

What does iRobot’s bankruptcy filing mean for consumers?

Will my Roomba stop working?

iRobot said in a news release that its devices will continue to operate normally despite the bankruptcy filing.

“During the Chapter 11 process, iRobot will continue to operate as usual with no expected disruption to app functionality, customer programs, global partners, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support,” the release states.

As part of the bankruptcy process, the company will be taken private and merged with Picea Robotics, which makes other home devices such as Shark and Anker.

What kind of products does iRobot manufacture?

Currently, iRobot sells a variety of robot vacuums and mops ranging from as low as $200 to as high as $1,400.

Among them are the Roomba Max 705 vacuum cleaner, which comes with an AutoEmpty dock, and the Roomba 105 combo robot, which combines both a vacuum cleaner and a mop.

Contributed by: Reuters

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_.

Steelers win. Chiefs lose to Dolphins

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Steelers win. Chiefs lose to Dolphins

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

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

Here’s how things stood as we completed week 15.

x − 1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3), NFC West leader: They narrowly avoided Sunday’s game against the Lions and became the first team to qualify for the playoffs. LA has home-field advantage and an inside track for a first-round bye, mostly because the Rams’ loss to Seattle in Week 11 remains pivotal for now. However, the rematch will take place on Thursday night. remaining schedule: Seahawks games, Falcons games, Cardinals games

2. Chicago Bears (10-4), NFC North leader: How packed is the NFC? After a narrow loss in Week 14, the Bears fell from first place in the conference to seventh place. Sunday’s win and Green Bay’s loss moved the Da Bears back into second place overall. remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions

3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5), NFC East leader: A decent win against the Raiders gave them the breathing room they needed. A win at Washington on Saturday would keep the district title in Philadelphia for another year. remaining schedule: Commanders game, Bills game, vs. Commanders game

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7); NFC South Leader: I hope coach Todd Bowles (expletive) pays close attention this week. After suffering their fifth loss in their past six games and dropping to .500 on Thursday night, Sunday’s loss to Carolina put the Bucs back in the lead. The Bucks’ one-game advantage in the common-game tiebreaker is now 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

5. Seattle Seahawks (11-3) Wildcard #1: Colts QB Philip Rivers narrowly missed returning to the NFL for the first time in five years, but they still managed a two-point victory. All three of the Hawks’ losses have come against NFC opponents, including two in division, making them unfavorable losses in a tiebreaker scenario. But splitting the season series against the Rams on Thursday would actually catapult Seattle to the top of the NFC heap. remaining schedule: vs. Rams, Panthers, 49ers

6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4), second wild card: They are just behind the Rams and Seahawks for first place in the NFC West, but are still only half a game out of the No. 7 seed. remaining schedule: Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1); Wildcard #3: DE Micah Parsons was injured on Sunday, and the Pack’s standings fell as well. The loss in Denver dropped them from the 2nd seed to 7th. remaining schedule: Bears vs. Ravens vs. 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 spot and possibly the NFC North championship. 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

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1) on the hunt: Sunday night, they suffered a crushing loss to the Vikings and were almost eliminated. Dallas needed to win every game and wanted the Eagles to lose all of them for “America’s Team” to win the NFC East. remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, Commanders, Giants

x − 1. Denver Broncos (12-2), AFC West Leader: Great Sunday, becoming the first team in the league to win 12 games and the first AFC team to qualify for the playoffs. New England’s loss also increases the possibility that the Broncos will finish as the No. 1 seed. remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

2. New England Patriots (11-3), AFC East leader: After a 10-game hiatus, they were unable to win the division on Sunday, losing valuable ground in their quest for the No. 1 seed. But the Pats are still in the driver’s seat to win the AFC East. remaining schedule: Ravens, Jets, vs. Dolphins.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4), first in the AFC South: A win puts them ahead of rising Houston. 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, they will dominate the Ravens and Pittsburgh will secure the division. remaining schedule: Lions, Browns, vs. Ravens

5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4), Wild Card No. 1: They completed the Chiefs’ season sweep on Sunday, officially eliminating the three-time defending AFC champions from playoff consideration. The Bolts now have six wins out of seven. They have a one-win advantage (8 wins, 2 losses) over Buffalo in AFC play. remaining schedule: Chiefs, Cowboys, vs. Texans, Broncos

6. Buffalo Bills (10-4), Wild Card No. 1: Following Sunday’s win over Foxboro, they still have a shot at winning their sixth consecutive AFC East title. 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. remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, at. Chargers, vs. Colts

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6); In the hunt: Now, in the hands of the 44-year-old Rivers, they face a steep climb back to relevance — their 7-1 start already starting to seem like ancient history. Rivers put up a valiant effort Sunday in his first NFL game in nearly five years, but fell just short. And the Colts’ schedule has no breaks in the remaining games. remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

9. Baltimore Ravens (7-7) In the hunt: Sunday’s shutout at Cincinnati could be key in the AFC North race. remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, Packers, Steelers

Week 16 NFL Playoff Decision Scenario (incomplete)

New England qualifies for the playoffs with:

▶Win

Philadelphia wins NFC East title:

  1. Will you win?
  2. dallas loss

▶ 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

× – 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.

Cooked chicken recall affects 60,000 pounds of Susannah’s Kitchen products

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Cooked chicken recall affects 60,000 pounds of Susannah’s Kitchen products

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More than 60,000 pounds of fully cooked, breaded chicken has been recalled due to allergen concerns, according to a notice from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Georgia-based Susannah’s Kitchen has initiated a recall after a labeling error resulted in important allergen information not being included on the packaging of some of its chicken products. According to a Dec. 12 FSIS notice, the recalled products contain soybeans that are not listed on the product label.

The FSIS notice said the chicken was distributed to restaurants across the country. As of December 12, there have been no injuries or illnesses related to the recall.

What chicken products are being recalled?

The affected 8-piece bone-in breaded chicken portions were manufactured on October 16, 2025 and have the USDA inspection mark and establishment number “P-1380” printed on the side of the package.

  • A case of 4 18 lb. fully cooked breaded chicken portions. The case code “P-1380 126237 B30851 23:11 K04” is printed on the side of the package.

What to do with recalled chicken

FSIS warned restaurants not to serve affected products and to throw them away. If you believe you may have become ill after eating affected chicken, officials recommend contacting your doctor.

Execution of Georgia inmate who murdered two real estate agents suspended

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Execution of Georgia inmate who murdered two real estate agents suspended

Stacey Humphries was scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, Dec. 17, for the murders of 21-year-old Lori Brown and 33-year-old Cindy Williams. This is currently on hold, and it is unclear whether it will materialize or not.

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A Georgia commission has halted the execution of a death row inmate who attacked two real estate agents while they were working in 2003, stripped them naked and shot them execution-style.

Stacey Humphries, 52, was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Wednesday, Dec. 17, for the double murder of 21-year-old Lori Brown and 33-year-old Cindy Williams, who were murdered at a business in the Atlanta suburb of Powder Springs just before the holidays.

The state Board of Pardons and Parole issued an order Monday halting Humphries’ execution without explanation.

The Georgia Attorney General’s Office did not respond to an email late Monday asking whether prosecutors would try to resume executions as scheduled before Humphrey’s death warrant expires on Christmas Eve. If the plan is not changed by then, the state will have to seek a new death warrant.

Here’s what you need to know about this crime and why Humphries’ death penalty has been delayed almost 20 years since his conviction.

What was Stacey Humphries convicted of?

On November 3, 2003, Lori Brown, 21, and Cindy Williams, 33, were working in a business office located in a model home in a new subdivision in Cobb County.

Around 12:40 p.m., while Brown was out, Humphries came in and found Williams alone. At gunpoint, Humphries forced Williams to remove her clothes, hand over her debit card and give her PIN number, according to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.

At one point, Humphries pushed Williams to the ground behind a desk. As she lay face down, the man shot her in the back, then shot her in the head, prosecutors said.

During or shortly after, Brown entered the office and Humphries immediately attacked him. He also forced Brown to remove his clothes and hand over his debit card and PIN number, then pushed him to the ground and shot him in the back of the head, prosecutors said.

Construction workers at the site soon encountered the body.

Following information from a witness who saw Humphries and his truck at the crime scene, police attempted to arrest him at his grandmother’s home, where he lived. However, Humphries was able to escape and fled more than 1,300 miles north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was arrested after a high-speed chase with police.

In the days following the murders and before his arrest, Humphries withdrew more than $3,000 from the women’s accounts. Prosecutors said the man used some of the money to buy a new Dodge Durango truck for $565, ​​took out a high-interest payday loan and told police, “That stinky truck gave me a headache.”

There was no evidence that Brown or Williams had been sexually assaulted. According to an archived Associated Press article, Humphries told police he had read that if a woman was naked, she could be stopped during a robbery.

Mark Serra, prosecuting the case, told jurors at the time that Humphries had an “abandoned malignant heart.”

“It’s all about money,” Celia said of the 2007 incident, according to an archived article in the Florida Times Union, part of the USA TODAY network. “They had to die so he could pay for the truck.”

Why did the parole board halt Humphries’ execution?

The state Pardons and Parole Board’s decision to halt Humphries’ execution came without explanation.

But two members of the board have conflicts of interest, potentially tied to claims by Humphries’ lawyers that they should not be involved in deciding whether to grant him clemency. The inmate had a clemency hearing scheduled for Tuesday before the board, but that was also canceled.

Humphries’ attorney argued Monday in District Court that one of the board members, Kimberly McCoy, is a former victim advocate who worked on Humphries’ case, WANF-TV reported. Lawyers pointed out that another member, Wayne Bennett, was the sheriff of the county where the trial was held at the time.

The state claims McCoy has already agreed to abstain from voting on whether Humphries deserves a pardon, and Bennett testified Monday that he was not directly involved in the bond provided during the trial and that its connection to the case had no bearing on his decision, the news station reported.

The Stacey Humphries case also took a notable turn at the Supreme Court.

Stacey Humphries’ lawyers have also argued in recent months that she was wrongly sentenced to death due to jury misconduct in her trial. This issue was argued all the way to the Supreme Court.

Initially, only one juror wanted to sentence Humphries to death. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a dissenting opinion in October after a majority rejected Humphries’ request to overturn the death penalty, saying the jury “misleadingly omitted important details about his own experience as a victim of similar crimes” during jury selection and “used that past experience to bully fellow jurors into voting for the death penalty.”

In a dissent joined by fellow liberal Justices Elena Kagan and Kentangi Brown Jackson, Sotomayor described the jury’s misconduct as “extreme” and said it “appears to have single-handedly changed the sentence from life in prison without parole to the death penalty.”

The juror said: “She screamed, swore and screamed that if Humphriest was sentenced to death, she would ‘stay here forever’.”

“Perhaps unsurprisingly, jury deliberations almost completely collapsed,” Sotomayor wrote. “Screams could be heard coming from the courtroom. One of the jurors ‘swinged’ at (her) and punched a hole in the wall. Jurors were also seen crying on several occasions.”

Sotomayor said he believes the matter should be heard in a lower court for reconsideration.

What are the victims’ families saying?

USA TODAY has not been able to reach the families of Brown and Williams to learn more about who they are.

Lori Brown’s father, Wayne Brown, ran a newspaper ad in 2005 complaining that Humphries’ case was moving too slowly, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. In 2007, just shy of the four-year anniversary of the murder, he was among the victim’s family members who wept and hugged each other after a jury sentenced Humphries to death.

“Any sentence other than the death penalty for this crime would send a message to future murderers…We’ll just clap your hands and send you to your room,” he said, according to the Associated Press.

Williams’ sister, Terry Marks Brunner, said the death sentence is “the next step in healing,” but there is still a lot of room for healing.

She said, “There’s always going to be a hole there.”

Brown’s mother, Linda Brown, posted on Facebook about how the murder changed her world forever.

“I cried buckets of tears…I can honestly say that without the grace of my God, I would not have been able to accomplish it,” she wrote. “Time has helped, but not a day goes by that I don’t think about Lori Brown. All six feet of her. I miss her so much. I really wish she was back with me.”

She wished her daughter Angel a happy birthday in another post, writing, “I love you forever.”

When is the next execution?

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Florida is scheduled to execute Frank Asen Walls, a serial killer who murdered four women and one man from 1985 to 1987, but police say was sexually motivated.

Walls will be the 47th inmate to be executed in the United States this year, a number not reached since 2009. Death penalty experts blame the rise in death row inmates on the political climate under pro-death penalty President Donald Trump and a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

Walls also became the 19th inmate to be executed in Florida this year, breaking the state’s previous record of eight executions set in 1984 and 2014.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has signed more death warrants than any other state in state history, said in May that he wanted to bring an end to families who have waited, sometimes decades, for their loved ones’ killers to be put to death.

Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter covering cold case investigations and capital punishment for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat.

Route 66 on display at Detroit Auto Show to celebrate 100th anniversary

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Route 66 on display at Detroit Auto Show to celebrate 100th anniversary

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  • Route 66 was first established in 1926.
  • The 2026 Detroit Auto Show will feature an exhibit celebrating the route’s history and displaying the vehicles that made the voyage.
  • The exhibition features photos and stories from their travels.

The upcoming Detroit Auto Show may feel more like Illinois. Or Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona or California.

That’s because the auto show will feature an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the historic Americana journey first established in 1926, from Santa Monica, California, to Chicago. The exhibit will feature nine classic and modern Route 66-inspired vehicles, and the show will be the final destination for a cross-country convoy of nine historic vehicles traveling Route 66.

The morning radio show “Big Jim’s House” on Detroit’s WCSX-FM (94.7) has drivers calling in from the road every day. The trip will also be shared on the car show’s social media channels.

Route 66 did not originally include Detroit, but to commemorate the 100th anniversary of that journey, vehicles will travel from Santa Monica to Chicago, then drive hundreds of more miles to Huntington Place in the Motor City. Some of the vehicles that participated in the trek will remain on display during the exhibition. Short films and photos taken during recent trips to historic and classic landmarks, diners, motels and gas stations will also be on display.

2026 Detroit Auto Show: Pete Buttigieg to speak at Detroit Auto Show forum in January

The show, titled “Detroit Auto Show: Route 66 Centennial Exhibition,” has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial Project by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Committee.

“We look forward to the opportunity for show goers to experience this rare piece of Americana on the show floor,” said Sam Clemmett, executive director of the Detroit Auto Show. “We look forward to sharing the story of this historic milestone with our visitors and previewing the new products and technologies that will be available to the public in the coming days.”

Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Centennial Committee, said the exhibit will celebrate Detroit’s place in the nation’s long automotive history that Route 66 represents, even if it is not a stop along the route.

“Route 66 is more than just a road; it’s a journey of discovery, freedom and innovation. By designating the ‘Detroit Auto Show: Route 66 Centennial Exhibition’ as our official Centennial Project, we invite people to experience the Mother Road through the lens of the cars that made this road legendary,” Thomas said.

The Detroit Auto Show opens to the public on Saturday, January 17th, and the show runs through Sunday, January 25th. Tickets can be purchased online.

Liam Rapley covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@freepress.com.

Multiple conservatives condemn President Trump’s Rob Reiner post

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Multiple conservatives condemn President Trump’s Rob Reiner post

Republican Representative Thomas Massie said of Trump’s comments: “This is inappropriate and disrespectful speech toward a man who was just brutally murdered.”

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President Donald Trump drew strong bipartisan criticism for criticizing acclaimed film director and actor Rob Reiner so soon after his death, with Republican lawmakers calling his response “wrong” and “disrespectful.”

Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer were murdered in their Los Angeles home on December 14th. President Trump said in a social media post the next day that Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to anger he provoked in others due to a paralyzing illness known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

“He was known for driving people crazy with his rabid obsession with President Donald J. Trump,” the president added.

Trump continued to criticize Reiner at a White House event later that day, responding to questions about Republican backlash to his social media posts and whether he supported them, saying, “I was never a fan of his. As far as Trump goes, he was a crazy person.”

more: Rob Reiner ‘responsible’ for death of wife Michelle Singer’s son – Live Updates

There is no suggestion from officials that Reiner’s death had anything to do with his political beliefs. Police took Mr. Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, into custody and charged him with murder, with bail initially set at $4 million but being held without bail, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records reviewed by USA TODAY.

Trump’s response to Reiner’s death was quickly rejected by many on both the left and the right.

“Regardless of how you feel about Rob Reiner, this is an inappropriate and disrespectful remark about a man who was just brutally murdered,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has opposed President Trump, said on social media.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has also opposed Trump, also shared a post about Reiner, saying, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political opponents.”

more: Marjorie Taylor Greene slams Trump and Reiner’s deaths: ‘It’s not about politics’

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said President Trump’s comments about Reiner were “wrong.”

“This is a terrible tragedy that should evoke sympathy and sympathy from everyone in our country,” Lawler added.

Russell Moore, a conservative Christian theologian, Trump critic and former official at the Southern Baptist Convention, was more scathing.

“How this vile, hateful and immoral behavior became normalized in America is a shame for our generation, as our descendants will learn in school,” Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today magazine, wrote on social media.

President Trump’s attacks on Reiner contrasted with praise for the Hollywood icon from other politicians and entertainment industry leaders.

Former President Barack Obama posted on social media: “Rob’s legacy in film and television has brought some of our most important stories to the screen.” “But underlying every story he created was a deep belief in human goodness and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”

Reiner, 78, has repeatedly criticized President Trump. “We have one year left until this country becomes a complete dictatorship and democracy leaves us completely,” he said during an October appearance on MSNBC, according to The Hill. He told Variety in 2017 that Trump is “mentally unfit to be president.”

Trump often lashes out at his political opponents, and in the past has continued to do so even after their opponents’ deaths.

The president continued to attack Republican Sen. John McCain even after his death in 2018.

“Honestly, I didn’t really like McCain,” Trump said of McCain in a 2019 speech in Ohio.

Mr. Trump’s criticism of Mr. McCain worried some Republicans at the time, but Mr. McCain remained undaunted and maintained a strong grip on the Republican Party. But the number of conservative voices speaking out in response to President Trump’s comments about Reiner is notable.

“A father and mother were murdered at the hands of their troubled son,” Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) wrote in a social media response. “We should not make this about politics, but rather lift up families through prayer.”

Many Democrats also reacted strongly to President Trump’s remarks.

“Rob Reiner was a beloved Californian who always used his platform to make the world a better place,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) wrote on social media. “Donald Trump’s downplaying the murders of himself and his wife is a new low for this vile, hateful man.”

Known for starring in “All in the Family” and directing films such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Few Good Men,” Reiner was outspoken about his political views, supported progressive causes, and helped raise money for the Democratic Party.

contribution: Contributors: Brendan Morrow, Annika Reid, kinsey crowley, Joey Garrison

Powerball winning numbers for December 15th. Has anyone won the $1.1 billion jackpot?

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Powerball winning numbers for December 15th. Has anyone won the .1 billion jackpot?

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The Powerball jackpot rose to $1.1 billion for Monday, December 15th’s drawing after no one won the top prize on Saturday, December 13th.

If the ticket matches all five numbers and the Powerball in the 11 p.m. ET drawing, the winner can opt for a one-time cash payment of $503.4 million before taxes.

Back in September, two tickets sold in Montana and Texas won the game’s second-largest jackpot in history, at an estimated $1.787 billion.

Here’s what you need to know about winning numbers.

more: Powerball reaches $1 billion. See winning tips from financial advisors.

Powerball winning numbers for December 15, 2025

The winning numbers for Monday, December 15th drawing are 23, 35, 59, 63, 68 and 2 for Powerball.. The multiplier for “power play” is 4x.

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

more: The Powerball jackpot reaches $1 billion. These tools can give you an edge

Has anyone won Powerball?

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

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

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, December 17th, just after 11:00 PM ET.

How to play Powerball

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

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

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

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

US military carries out deadly attack on ships in Eastern Pacific

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US military carries out deadly attack on ships in Eastern Pacific

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Southern Command announced Monday, December 15, that eight people were killed in attacks on three ships in international waters.

“Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was sailing along known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and engaged in drug trafficking,” the military said in a post to X.

The United States has attacked more than 20 ships in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near Venezuela as part of a military operation launched by President Donald Trump against drug smuggling from the region. At least 90 suspected drug smugglers were killed in the process.

The use of the military to attack drug smuggling vessels marks a significant departure from the way the United States has historically dealt with drug ships. The Trump administration has sought to defend the legality of the airstrikes, which some legal experts say amount to illegal extrajudicial killings.

“Our operations in the Southcom region are lawful under both U.S. and international law, and all actions comply with the laws of armed conflict,” Pentagon spokesman Kingsley Wilson told reporters earlier this month.

The airstrike is seen as a precursor to a U.S. ground attack on Venezuela that President Trump has said will begin soon.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Caitlin Webber)

How to watch scores, highlights, and MNF

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How to watch scores, highlights, and MNF

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Two AFC playoff contenders will face off on “Monday Night Football” to conclude Week 15.

In 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) will host the Miami Dolphins (6-7), and both teams have experienced moments of success and turmoil.

The South Beach team got off to a disastrous start to the season, going 2-7, losing star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a serious foot injury in Week 4. Coach Mike McDaniel has taken the brunt of the blame, but the Dolphins have improved over the last month and enter tonight’s game on a four-game winning streak.

Pittsburgh is fresh off its biggest win of the season, defeating the Baltimore Ravens on the road last week, and enters the final four weeks of the regular season with a shot at the AFC North title.

But the Aaron Rodgers-Mike Tomlin partnership and Steelers team have faced adversity as well, with Pittsburgh dropping five of its last seven games before defeating Baltimore in Week 14.

Tomlin and the Steelers haven’t won in the playoffs in eight years, but the hope is that the reinvigorated 42-year-old quarterback (now the second-oldest in the NFL) can repeat his Week 14 success in the remaining games and extend his winning streak.

These teams made big trades in the offseason, with Pittsburgh releasing Miami safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, and all three are playing tonight. But who will take the lead tonight and improve their playoff chances?

USA TODAY Sports will bring you the latest information, highlights and more from the Steelers and Dolphins Monday Night Football game below.

Rodgers attended Butte Community College for one year in 2002 and then played two seasons at California from 2003-2004.

The Steelers’ final touchdown drive threatened the Dolphins’ safety, and Miami ruled him questionable to return for the Week 15 game.

Miami allowed 28 unanswered points en route to a 65-yard drive down the field in six plays. Waller caught two passes for 26 yards, the latter catch giving Miami six more points.

The Dolphins tried to score two points to cut the deficit to 17 points, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa beat Waller in the back of the end zone.

Steelers still lead 28-9 9 minutes and 41 seconds left in the game.

Smith, a tight end, lined up in the backfield, received a toss from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and began a 14-yard rush into the end zone. This was Smith’s third touchdown of the season and his second rushing touchdown.

The score was Pittsburgh’s fourth consecutive touchdown without a loss. Steelers lead 28-3 There are 13 minutes left in the game.

For the first time since Week 8, Metcalf hit paydirt. After the Dolphins broke a scoreless tie late in the first half, the Steelers scored 21 unanswered points.

It’s 21-3 Steelers. 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Valdes-Scantling, who Pittsburgh signed from the practice squad to the active roster earlier in the day, scored his first touchdown of the season on a 19-yard pass from QB Aaron Rodgers.

Valdes-Scantling and Rodgers previously connected for several touchdowns during their time with the Green Bay Packers in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Their first connection as Steelers extended Pittsburgh’s lead on “Monday Night Football.”

It’s 14-3 Steelers. 11:20 left in the 3rd quarter.

The Dolphins’ rookie running back twisted while attempting a rush in the first half. Miami ruled that the player is questionable to return for the Week 15 “Monday Night Football” game.

The Steelers tight end has established himself as a QB sneak enthusiast in Pittsburgh. After Pittsburgh failed to drive the ball in twice on traditional rushing plays, Heyward took a snap under center and crossed the goal line.

Heyward’s fourth carry of the night went for 4 yards and was the Steelers’ first score on Monday Night Football.

Pittsburgh leads 7-3. 17 seconds left in the first half.

Rodgers got married during the 2025 offseason. Rogers’ wife has not yet appeared with him in public.

Before confirming their marriage, Rodgers last mentioned having a girlfriend in December 2024 during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” During the appearance, Ms. Rogers said her name was “Brittani” and revealed that it was spelled with an “I.”

Mr. Rogers has not disclosed whether this is the woman he will marry in 2025.

The Dolphins kicker broke the scoreless tie with a 54-yard field goal late in the first half. Before his kick, the first six possessions of the game all ended in punts or interceptions.

Miami leads 3-0 5:11 left in the first half.

According to Spotrac, Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Steelers with a base value of $13.65 million. He received a $10 million signing bonus and is scheduled to carry a $14.15 million cap hit in 2025.

Rodgers’ contract could be worth up to $19.5 million in total thanks to a $5.85 million incentive package tied to the deal. His incentives for the 2025 NFL season are:

  • Playoff berth: $500,000
  • Wildcard Win: $600,000
  • Division winner: $750,000
  • Conference championship: $1 million
  • Super Bowl win: $1.5 million
  • League MVP: $1.5 million

Philip Rivers turned 44 on December 8th, making him the oldest active NFL player. Aaron Rodgers turned 42 on December 6th. There will be 12 players in the NFL in 2025 who will be 39 or older.

  • Philip Rivers, QB, Indianapolis Colts: 44 years old
  • Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: 42 years old
  • Nick Folk, K, New York Jets: 41 years old
  • Matt Prater, K, Buffalo Bills: 41 years old
  • Marcedes Lewis, TE, Denver Broncos: 41 years old
  • Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: 40 years old
  • JJ Jansen, LS, Carolina Panthers: 39 years old
  • John Weeks, LS, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
  • Morgan Cox, LS, Tennessee Titans: 39 years old
  • Thomas Morstead, P, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
  • Josh Johnson, QB, Washington Commanders: 39 years old
  • Calais Campbell, DL, Arizona Cardinals: 39 years old

Tua threw an interception in the first half of the Steelers-Dolphins game on Monday Night Football. It was his 15th interception of the season. Entering Week 15, he is tied with Geno Smith for the NFL’s most interceptions in 2025, currently leading the league with 15 interceptions.

temperature The temperature in Pittsburgh at tonight’s kickoff was 18 degrees.

Which channel will tonight’s Steelers vs. Dolphins Monday Night Football be broadcast?

Week 15 “MNF” Steelers vs. Dolphins matchup will be broadcast on ESPN.

What time is the Steelers vs. Dolphins game tonight?

  • Start time: 8:15pm (Eastern Time) 5:15pm (Central Time)

The Steelers and Dolphins are scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, the traditional start time for Monday Night Football. The Dolphins will travel to Acresure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the matchup.

Steelers vs. Dolphins stream

Cord-cutters looking to catch up on the Week 15 “MNF” matchup can tune in to Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Fubo also offers a free trial.

The game will also be available on ESPN’s streaming services, Select and Unlimited.

Watch “Monday Night Football” with Fubo

Steelers vs. Dolphins picks and predictions:

USA TODAY Sports’ NFL experts predict how tonight’s game will go:

  • Jarrett Bell: Steelers 23, Dolphins 20
  • nick brinkerhoff: Steelers 24, Dolphins 16
  • Chris Cotton: Steelers 24, Dolphins 22
  • Nate Davis: Steelers 20, Dolphins 17
  • Tyler Dragon: Steelers 26, Dolphins 20
  • Mike Middlehurst Schwartz: Dolphins 24, Steelers 23

Steelers vs. Dolphins Odds, Moneyline, O/U

Powered by BetMGM Sportsbook. Visit the USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds Hub for the complete list.

  • Moneyline (ML): Pittsburgh -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Miami +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Pittsburgh -3 (-115) |Miami +3 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Yes, we have a Manning cast tonight. The Manning brothers will appear as alternate cast members for the Steelers-Dolphins game on Monday Night Football.

  • WR Roman Wilson
  • QB Will Howard (3rd QB)
  • OL Andrus Pete DT
  • brodrick martin rose
  • OLB TJ Watt
  • DT Derrick Harmon
  • QB Quinn Ewers (3rd QB)
  • DB Elijah Campbell
  • CB AJ Green III
  • OL Larry Borom
  • WR Taj Washington
  • DT Matthew Butler

The Steelers running back was added to the injury report after waking up sick Monday morning. Tom Pelissero said Warren woke up under the weather but is optimistic about playing tonight.

Warren will officially participate in tonight’s game.

Temperature is an empirical valueTemperatures near kickoff in Pittsburgh are expected to be 22 degrees. There is no snow in the forecast.

Tua has never won an NFL game where the temperature at kickoff was below 40 degrees. Here’s a breakdown of Tua’s record as a cold-weather NFL starter:

  • Below 40 degrees: 0-5
  • Below 45 degrees: 1 to 6
  • Below 50 degrees: 2-8
  • Below 55 degrees: 4 to 13 degrees

Pittsburgh is in first place in the AFC North. They are looking to end the Ravens’ two-year streak of winning a district title. The current AFC North division standings are as follows:

  1. pittsburgh steelers (7-6)
  2. baltimore ravens (7-7)
  3. cincinnati bengals (4-10)
  4. cleveland browns (3-11)
  1. denver broncos (12-2, 1st place in AFC West)*
  2. new england patriots (11-3, 1st place in AFC East)
  3. jacksonville jaguars (10-4, 1st place in AFC South)
  4. pittsburgh steelers (7-6, AFC North Division Leader)
  5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4, Wild Card No.1)
  6. buffalo bills (10-4, Wild Card No. 2)
  7. houston texans (9-5, Wild Card No.3)

in the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-6), Baltimore Ravens (7-7), Miami Dolphins (6-7).

* Qualify for playoffs

Excluded: New York Jets (3-10), Cleveland Browns (3-10), Las Vegas Raiders (2-11), Tennessee Titans (2-11), Kansas City Chiefs (6-8), Cincinnati Bengals (4-10).

  1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3, 1st place in NFC West)*
  2. chicago bears (10-4; NFC North leader)
  3. philadelphia eagles (9-5; 1st place in NFC East)
  4. tampa bay buccaneers (7-7; NFC South leader)
  5. seattle seahawks (11-3, Wild Card No. 1)
  6. san francisco 49ers (10-4, Wild Card No. 2)
  7. green bay packers (9-4-1; Wild Card No. 3)

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-6); Carolina Panthers (7-7); Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)

Excluded: Minnesota Vikings (6-8); Atlanta Falcons (5-9); New Orleans Saints (4-10); Washington Commanders (4-10); Arizona Cardinals (3-11); New York Giants (2-12)

Here are the first-round standings, updated after Week 15 results, according to Tankasson, who calculates strength of schedule differently than the NFL:

  1. New York Giants: 2 wins, 12 losses. .536 Strength of schedule
  2. Las Vegas Raiders 2-12; .548 SOS
  3. Tennessee Titans: 2 wins, 12 losses. .576 SOS
  4. Cleveland Browns: 3 wins, 11 losses. .483 SOS
  5. New York Jets: 3 wins, 11 losses. .538 SOS
  6. Arizona Cardinals: 3 wins, 11 losses. .571 SOS
  7. New Orleans Saints: 4 wins, 10 losses. .494 SOS
  8. Washington Commander: 4 wins, 10 losses. .508 SOS
  9. Cincinnati Bengals: 4 wins, 10 losses. .521 SOS
  10. Atlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams): 5 wins, 9 losses. .502 SOS
  11. Kansas City Chiefs: 6 wins, 8 losses. .519 SOS
  12. Minnesota Vikings: 6 wins, 8 losses. .521 SOS
  13. Miami Dolphins: 6 wins, 7 losses. .481 SOS
  14. Dallas Cowboys: 6 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw. .447 SOS
  15. Baltimore Ravens: 7 wins, 7 losses. .500 SOS
  16. Carolina Panthers: 7 wins, 7 losses. .519 SOS
  17. Detroit Lions: 8 wins, 6 losses. .496 SOS
  18. Indianapolis Colts (Jets): 8 wins, 6 losses. .530 SOS
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7 wins, 7 losses. .519 SOS
  20. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 wins, 6 losses. .508 SOS
  21. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-5; .490 SOS
  22. Houston Texans: 9 wins, 5 losses. .542 SOS
  23. Green Bay Packers (Cowboys pick): 9-4-1; .475 SOS
  24. Buffalo Bills: 10 wins and 4 losses. .460 SOS
  25. Chicago Bears: 10 wins and 4 losses. .445 SOS
  26. Los Angeles Chargers: 10 wins and 4 losses. .464 SOS
  27. San Francisco 49ers: 10 wins and 4 losses. .492 SOS
  28. Jacksonville Jaguars (picked by Browns): 10-4. .492 SOS
  29. New England Patriots: 11 wins, 3 losses. .374 SOS
  30. Seattle Seahawks: 11 wins and 3 losses. .494 SOS
  31. Los Angeles Rams: 11 wins and 3 losses. .521 SOS
  32. Denver Broncos: 12 wins and 2 losses. .433 SOS

The Steelers’ final three games after tonight are as follows:

The Dolphins’ final three games after tonight are as follows:

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USPS, FedEx, and UPS holiday shipping deadlines are approaching

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USPS, FedEx, and UPS holiday shipping deadlines are approaching

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The first shipping deadline of the holiday season is approaching.

Shoppers who want their packages delivered by Christmas Day should note the schedules recommended by FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service.

USPS said in October that it is “prepared to handle the anticipated increase in mail and package volumes during the holidays.” The agency hired 14,000 seasonal employees to help with holiday work.

In a news release, Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner said, “The Postal Service plans to deliver high-volume holiday mail and packages across the country throughout the year and is fully prepared to deliver to Americans.”

Here’s a breakdown of shipping deadlines for the upcoming holiday season:

USPS Holiday Package Deadline

The Postal Service has announced the following recommended shipping deadlines to ensure your holiday packages arrive on time by Christmas Day.

  • USPS Ground Advantage Service (2-5 business days): December 17th
  • First class postal service (1-5 business days): December 17th
  • priority mail service (2-3 business days): December 18th
  • Priority Mail Express Service (1-3 days guaranteed): December 20th

Items sent to Alaska and Hawaii must be shipped by the following dates:

  • USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16th
  • First Class Postal Service: December 17th
  • Preferred mail service: December 18th
  • Priority Mail Express Service: December 20th

Delivery dates for FedEx holiday deliveries

FedEx Home delivers daily packages under 150 pounds. FedEx Ground delivers packages under 150 pounds to businesses Monday through Friday.

The company recommends the following dates to ensure your package arrives by December 24th:

  • FedEx Courier 5-day delivery: December 17th
  • FedEx Courier 4 day shipping: December 18th
  • FedEx Courier 3-day shipping: December 19th
  • FedEx Courier 2 Day Shipping: December 22nd
  • FedEx Courier 1 Day Shipping: December 23rd
  • FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight: December 23rd
  • FedEx same day: December 24th
  • FedEx Grand Economy: December 15th
  • FedEx Ground 5 Day Shipping: December 17th
  • FedEx Ground 4 Day Shipping: December 18th
  • FedEx Ground 3 Day Shipping: December 19th
  • FedEx Ground 2 Day Shipping: December 22nd
  • FedEx ground 1 day delivery: December 23rd

UPS shipping deadline

UPS has announced the next shipping date for packages arriving by December 24th.

  • ground: Check the UPS website for deadlines and details.
  • 3 days selection: December 19th
  • Day 2 aviation: December 22nd
  • Next day flight: December 23rd

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

RFK Jr. hopes to improve Lyme disease diagnosis

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RFK Jr. hopes to improve Lyme disease diagnosis

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Secretary of State Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Heath on December 15 promised to refocus “diagnostic efforts” on tick-borne Lyme disease, arguing that it is an “invisible” disease that previous White House administrations have ignored.

President Kennedy made this comment while convening a roundtable of patients and health care providers.

Exactly one year ago, before being confirmed as secretary of health in February, Kennedy promoted the conspiracy theory that Lyme disease was a military-created biological weapon. In 2024, President Kennedy said on a podcast that it was “likely” Lyme disease developed at a military research lab on Long Island, New York.

“We can’t be 100% sure, but we know they were experimenting with ticks there,” he said.

During his confirmation hearing in January, he was asked by Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado about comments that it was a “biological weapon.”

President Kennedy replied, “I may have said that.”

His conspiracy theories, which claim vaccines cause autism, link antidepressants to school shootings, and even suggest that Wi-Fi causes cancer, have alarmed medical experts and Democratic lawmakers.

At Monday’s roundtable, President Kennedy claimed, without evidence, that officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had claimed Lyme disease “doesn’t exist.”

For many years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a webpage dedicated to Lyme disease, detailing its symptoms and treatment. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded numerous projects to study the disease, including five in 2023. This study aims to improve our understanding of Lyme disease syndrome after treatment.

The CDC does not say that Lyme disease does not exist, but it does say that it “discourages the use of the term ‘chronic Lyme disease’ because it implies that long-term symptoms are caused by an ongoing bacterial infection.” That’s not it.

Instead, the CDC uses the term “post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome” for patients who experience “lingering symptoms,” but this practice is controversial.

“Lyme disease is an example of a chronic disease that has been ignored for too long because patients receive inadequate care,” he said, adding, “I want to announce to the world that the gaslighting of people with Lyme disease is over.”

Kennedy said one of his sons suffered from facial paralysis for nearly a year due to Lyme disease.

“You can imagine the heartache it caused the parents,” he said. “This is an invisible disease. For many years, this agency has had a deliberate policy of refusing to engage with the Lyme disease community. And some government officials have maintained that Lyme disease does not exist.”

Kennedy claimed that his patients’ concerns were ignored and some of his patients were sent to psychiatrists.

“I can’t think of a worse combination,” he says. “These people are really sick, and we’re being told to find psychiatric problems that explain their symptoms.”

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi It is transmitted to humans through the bite of a deer tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it most commonly occurs in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest regions.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, and skin rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause facial paralysis, irregular heartbeats and arthritis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated with a few weeks of antibiotics.

“I lived in Bedford, New York, in the epicenter of Lyme disease, for 35 years,” Kennedy said. “Everyone in my family has Lyme disease.”

One health care provider at the roundtable said they are working on a rapid test for tick-borne diseases that can be completed in 20 minutes. She said she hopes it will be available for purchase at Walgreens.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, whose state has one of the highest numbers of people diagnosed with Lyme disease, was among those who attended the roundtable.

“Early and accurate diagnosis can reduce costs and improve prognosis,” she said. “But the problem is that there are still very few effective diagnostics on the market.”

Collins added that LymeX (Lyme Innovation Accelerator), a public-private partnership created in 2020 between HHS and the Stephen and Alexandra Cohen Foundation focused on better diagnostics, is critical.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharyya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said the agency is conducting “ongoing clinical studies using post-treatment neuroimaging and blood markers to assess the mechanisms of neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease.”

He said the Lyme disease framework would be launched in early 2026.

“The idea that Lyme disease is incurable and that patients are just making it up is long gone,” Bhattacharyya says. “We are committed to making sure you follow the golden rule signs to address your symptoms.”

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is USA TODAY’s White House correspondent. You can follow her at X @SwapnaVenugopal.

Why was the “person of interest” in the Brown shooting case released? what we know

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Why was the “person of interest” in the Brown shooting case released? what we know

A man was released hours after the FBI and police announced they had taken him into custody in connection with the attack at Brown University. what happened?

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Within hours after a gunman opened fire inside a classroom at Brown University, the FBI and local police announced they had captured the person responsible for the shooting that left two students dead and nine injured.

However, officials held a late-night press conference later that day and made the surprise announcement that the detained man would be released because the evidence “now points in the other direction.”

“Frankly, we have a killer,” Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha told reporters.

Live updates: Search for Brown University gunman’s resume to confirm victim’s identity

Scott Duffy, co-director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Wilmington in Delaware, said it’s not unusual for people to be detained and released during large-scale police investigations.

“This kind of thing happens over and over again,” said Duffy, a former FBI agent who spent 10 years focused on catching fugitives.

But he and other experts say the way authorities announced the arrest led people to believe investigators had more than they actually had, causing confusion and backlash when the person was released and the search continued.

The exchange drew similarities to the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination, in which the FBI announced it had detained a “person of interest” but released him hours later.

Rep. Seth Magudger (DR.I.) appeared on CNN to talk about the mass shooting, referenced the Kirk investigation, and accused FBI Director Kash Patel and others of being “very eager to release news before they’re sure it’s true.”

The FBI is “pleased” to report that a person has been taken into custody.

Federal agents and local police arrived at a hotel in Covington, Rhode Island, about 20 miles from the Brown campus, around 3:45 a.m. on Dec. 14 and took the man into custody, police said. Within hours, Brown University lifted its campus-wide shelter in place.

Patel then posted a photo to X showing agents, Providence police and Covington police standing inside a hotel where dignitaries were being held. Patel touted the FBI’s role in the detention, writing that the man’s identity was determined after Providence police relayed information to the agency.

Authorities have not released the man’s identity, but multiple news outlets cited law enforcement officials as naming him as a former U.S. Army veteran from Wisconsin. USA TODAY will no longer be publishing the person’s name because he has not been named or charged as a suspect in the shooting.

A large police presence was seen at the man’s associated home in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, the USA TODAY Network’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

At a press conference announcing the man’s detention, FBI Agent Ted Docks thanked law enforcement for their quick response.

“We couldn’t have done that without seamless collaboration with our partners,” he said, adding, “We were definitely honking with glee when we found someone of interest.”

“It’s not a mistake.”

Hours later, around midnight, the tone was dramatically different, when officials held a surprise news conference announcing that the man was no longer in police custody and that the investigation was moving in a different direction.

“We will soon be releasing the dignitaries who were detained earlier today,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said. “We know this may cause additional anxiety in our community.”

Law enforcement officials did not provide details about why they arrested the man in the first place. Neronha said there was a “massive body of evidence” to justify the initial detention, but not enough to charge the man in connection with the shooting.

“I’ve been in this business for a long time and I know that sometimes you go in one direction and then you have to pick yourself up and go in another direction, and that’s exactly what happened in the last 24 hours or so,” Neronha said.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar L. Perez Jr. echoed those comments, telling reporters, “It’s not a mistake. It’s how investigations work.”

Law enforcement experts interviewed by USA TODAY agreed that detaining and arresting suspects is a natural progression during police investigations.

“People are often detained, interrogated and ultimately released,” Duffy said. “A big incident like this one gets more attention.”

Concerns grow over handling of investigation information

What’s unusual, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Alok Chakrabarty told USA TODAY, is that “you have stopped being concerned about public safety and have led the media to believe that there is no longer a risk or threat to the community.”

“There seems to be an unnecessary and sometimes dangerous urgency to disseminate information, even if it has not been thoroughly vetted,” Chakravarti said.

Chakravarti said police may have information about whether an attack was targeted, which could lead them to believe there is less ongoing danger to the public.

“Having said that, once someone is wanted, they can become desperate,” he added. “And if they have already taken lives, it will be more convenient to attack again.”

Chakravarti cited the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, which he helped prosecute, as an example. Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev shot and killed an MIT police officer who was fleeing after the attack.

What is happening now?

Providence police said Monday, Dec. 15, they continued their search for the suspect, reviewing physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and searching for clear video of the shooter.

At a news conference Sunday night, Smiley asked for the public’s help in identifying the shooter and asked businesses and residents to check their surveillance cameras.

Police have previously released multiple videos showing the suspect walking near campus, but not at the engineering building where the shooting took place.

“There weren’t that many cameras in that Brown building,” Neronha said, describing it as “old.”

Duffy said investigators are likely focused on finding evidence that could identify the suspect, such as fingerprints or recent threats against the school.

He added that investigators were in a race against time. As hours and days pass, eyewitness testimony becomes less reliable and the suspect has more time to run or hide.

Law enforcement’s first goal is to find a name, he said.

“If you don’t know who you’re looking for, you’re still just an investigator,” Duffy said.

First look at Kia’s 2026 Seltos showcases new features and more space

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First look at Kia’s 2026 Seltos showcases new features and more space

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  • Heading the list of new features for the next Kia Seltos is hybrid power.
  • Sales in the U.S. will begin in 2026, likely as a 2027 model.
  • Virtual assistant powered by Chat GPT is now available.

Kia Motors is hoping to inject some Telluride magic into its cheaper Seltos subcompact SUV and roll out the new model worldwide in 2026.

The new Seltos has grown in almost every way, adding more features and styling to match Kia’s popular Telluride and EV9 three-row SUVs.

For the first time, Kia Motors plans to add a hybrid version of the five-seater Seltos, which is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2026. Kia Motors does not have an electric Seltos in its plans.

Kia Motors unveiled the new Seltos in South Korea this week. Prices and fuel efficiency will be announced near the start of sales. Pricing for the 2026 Selto starts at $23,690. Kia Motors says that new models will continue to be offered at affordable prices.

The Seltos competes with small SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Nissan Juke, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Volkswagen Taos.

It will likely be badged as a 2027 model in the US.

New Kia Seltos trim levels

Car purchase: Consumer Reports reveals 2026’s best auto brands with affordable winners

Big sellers get even bigger

Kia sold 2 million original Seltose units in the past five years. The new model, built on the company’s new K3 platform, is expected to sell 430,000 units annually.

Kia plans to assemble the new Seltos in India, South Korea, and China. This is the basis of the automaker’s plan to sell more vehicles in India. This is the first time that Kia Motors will sell the Seltos in Europe.

At 174.4 inches, the new Seltos is 1.8 inches longer than the old model. The vehicle’s wheelbase has grown by 2.4 inches. Width has increased by 1.1 inches and height has decreased by 0.6 inches to create a sportier profile.

Kia executives say the vehicle will have more passenger and cargo space, but could not provide further details because the vehicle has not yet been measured using U.S. standards. The 2026 Seltos remains on sale in the United States.

New Kia Seltos dimensions

Length: 174.4 inches

Wheelbase: 105.9 inches

Width: 72 inches

Height: 63 inches

US sales expected in 2026.

More comfort, technology and storage

Customer research revealed demand for more space, connectivity, and safety features. Kia is responding by adding two new trim levels: the sporty GT-Line and the rugged-looking X-Line.

Because it’s sold in such a wide market, available features range from basics like a 6-speed manual transmission to things like a 12-inch head-up display and a virtual assistant for navigation using ChatGPT AI.

Kia hasn’t said which features will be available and where, but it’s safe to assume that in the US it will have a HUD and AI, but not a manual gearbox.

Kia has added sound deadening and thicker glass to make the interior quieter.

Seltos offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive and drive modes to suit different types of driving, terrain and weather.

Kia plans to build the Seltose with three gasoline engines producing 149, 180, and 193 horsepower.

The extremely wide transmission lineup consists of manual, 6-speed and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 8-speed automatic, and continuously variable transmission.

With the arrival of hybrids, there will be even more variations.

There’s no doubt that the hybrid will be available in the U.S., but it’s unclear which gasoline engines Kia will offer here.

New features available on Kia Seltos

  • AI virtual assistant powered by ChatGPT
  • panoramic sunroof
  • 16, 17, 18, 19 inch tires
  • 64 color interior lights
  • column shifter
  • mesh headrest
  • matte paint
  • 12 inch head up display
  • Twin 12.3 inch screens
  • Front wheel drive or all wheel drive
  • 3 gasoline engines
  • Hybrid model (late arrival)
  • harman kardon audio
  • bose audio

Fresh style inside and out

The Seltos’ wide grille and “star map” style running lights are reminiscent of the Telluride and EV9. The grille contributes to the wide feeling. Other exterior features include flush door handles, two-tone roof, and matte paint.

Inside features include a pair of 12.3-inch screens surrounding a 5-inch touch screen that houses most controls. A few physical buttons and dials control volume and other functions. Kia did not say whether Apple CarPlay and Android Auto would be available.

The rear seats can be folded flat for cargo, and the seatbacks can be moved 24 degrees when reclined. When the Seltos is stationary, you can fold the driver’s seat back and relax.

Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.

It’s not just Oscar Mayer’s Vienna Mobile. Check out this quirky job with wheels.

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It’s not just Oscar Mayer’s Vienna Mobile. Check out this quirky job with wheels.

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  • The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is a 7 meter long hot dog on wheels and is one of the earliest “product mobiles”, introduced in 1936.
  • Zippo introduced the Zippo Car in the 1940s. Replicas of this car still exist today.
  • Although not a motorized vehicle, the eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdale is the brewery’s iconic mobile vendor.

What’s better than an 8 meter long hot dog on wheels? Maybe a 26 foot long peanut or a 13 foot tall boot?

“Product Mobiles”, marketing vehicles such as the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and Planter’s Nutmobile, have been around for decades. Maybe nothing convinces you that you need a pack of wiener or a can of nuts like a giant version rolling down the road.

Kraft Heinz is now accepting applications for competitive hot dogger positions. This is a one-year commitment to promote Wienermobile nationwide. Only 12 lucky people, less than 1% of all applicants, will be able to apply for this job. In addition to driving their giant Wieners around, the Hot Doggers are also expected to schedule marketing events, appear in on-air interviews, and, of course, hand out merchandise.

Wienermobile is a classic “product mobile” example and one of the oldest (introduced in 1936), but there are several other brands that have utilized this marketing strategy over the years.

Introducing 7 “product mobiles” that will catch the attention of passersby. This includes items that have been discontinued.

Do you want to be a hot dogger? Oscar Mayer opens the application that powers the Wienermobile

LL Bean Bootmobile

As the name suggests, the LL Bean Bootmobile is a boot with wheels. The company launched its first Bootsmobile in 2012 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. According to L.L. Bean’s website, the 13-foot-tall, 20-foot-long bootmobile is a replica of the original Bean boot molded around a Ford F250 Super Duty pickup truck. This bootmobile has since been retired.

Over the years, LL Bean has launched three more Bootmobiles, two of which will be launched in 2025. One of the two cars was built in St. Charles, Missouri, outside St. Louis. Prior to construction, the Bootmobile was built using 3D rendering. The team then assembled the bootmobile’s shell before covering it with aluminum and fiberglass, according to a video showing the behind-the-scenes process on the LL Bean YouTube channel. I then painted the base and added a large braided mooring rope that resembled lace.

Since 2012, the bootmobile has traveled more than 350,000 miles and appeared in at least 25 states, according to LL Bean’s website.

Do you want to see it? Users can request a Bootmobile visit on LL Bean’s website events.llbean.net.

blue diamond nutty cruiser

Peanuts aren’t the only nuts on wheels. Blue Diamond unveiled the Nutty Cruiser, an almond car, in time for this year’s National Almond Day. The Natty Cruiser was built in Dallas and took more than 1,150 hours to complete, according to a news release.

The Nutty Cruiser, which concludes its “Bring Your Flavor Tour” this month, caters to all experiences, like most “product mobiles.” Blue Diamond employees use almond launchers to send packets to passersby. There are also several games set up for fun, including “Almond Hole,” a spin on cornhole.

Do you want to see it? The Nutty Cruiser schedule is available on Blue Diamond’s website at bluediamond.com/nutty-cruiser/#tour-date.

Zippoker

What’s that thing with four wheels and a giant lighter on top? A Zippoker, of course. The gray 1947 Chrysler New Yorker has two 5-foot fiberglass frames, 17-inch flint wheels and 24-karat gold lettering on the sides.

According to Zippo’s website, the original Zippo car was built in 1947 at the request of Zippo creator George Blaisdell. The car cost $25,000 to build and features a removable neon flame, a snap-down lighter lid, and the word “Zippo” written on the side in 24-carat gold. The car toured much of the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.

But when the car was sent in for repairs in the ’70s, it was too expensive and ended up in a repair shop in Pittsburgh. According to ZIPPO’s website, when Blaisdell went to retrieve his car, he found the store closed and the car missing. To this day, the disappearance of the original ZIPPO car remains a mystery.

By 1998, Zippo cars were back in action. According to Zippo’s website, the car cost about $250,000 to build, which is a lot by 40s prices. This car has covered over 180,000 miles over the past 25 years.

Do you want to see it? When off the road, the Zippo Car can be found at the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

red bull mini cooper

How many Red Bulls can fit in a Mini Cooper?

The Red Bull Mini Cooper has a large Red Bull can on top and a cooler at the rear where the trunk is located. It’s unclear when Red Bull started rolling wheels advertising, and the company did not immediately respond with further details when contacted by USA TODAY on Dec. 10.

Red Bull has not released any details about Minicorp, but the driver of the vehicle is a participant in the brand’s student marketer program for university students studying communications. Students drive mini-coops around the college district handing out free cans.

It’s unclear how many Red Bull Minicorps are currently on the road, but according to a 2024 Red Bull UK TikTok video, the company initially created 500.

clydesdale hitch

The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Hitch, or Budweiser Clydesdale, is not an electric vehicle, but it is an iconic mobile marketing tool.

In 1933, August A. Busch Sr. was given six Clydesdale horses by his two sons to celebrate the end of Prohibition, according to the Anheuser-Busch website. That same year, the company arranged to send six more Clydesdales to New York City as part of the celebration. Over the years, more horses were added to Hitch, and in 1950, the Dalmatian was added as the official mascot.

According to the Anheuser-Busch website, 10 Clydesdale horses (and one Dalmatian) currently participate in the hitch, which travels 10 months of the year. The horses pull a red, white and green beer wagon behind them. A team of trainers supervises the horses, making sure they get 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals and vitamins, 50 to 60 pounds of hay, and up to 30 gallons of water on hot days.

Do you want to see it? The Budweiser Clydesdale family resides at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis. As for travel, the Clydesdale Hitch schedule can be found on the Anheuser-Busch website at budweisertours.com/clydesdale-calendar.

Not all “product mobiles” stand the test of time. Here are some fan favorites that are no longer in stores.

hershey’s kiss mobile

Although Hershey’s Kiss Mobile is no longer mobile, fans can still enjoy it in person. The 12-foot-tall, 26-foot-long vehicle features three Hershey’s Kisses. The vehicle was launched in 1997 and distributed more than 2 million Hershey’s Kisses before being discontinued in 2020, according to the Antique Automobile Museum website.

Do you want to see it? The original Kissmobile is located outside the Antique Automobile Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania. A replica is located outside Hershey Chocolate World, also in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Big Tour de France advertising car

Let’s turn back the clock even further and take a look at some of the iconic vehicles that Bic (yes, the pen company) created for the Tour de France.

In the run-up to the 1953 Tour de France, Bic debuted a vehicle shaped like a Bic crystal pen, according to a Bic statement obtained by USA TODAY. The car body was painted green, and the logo and pen on the side were illuminated at night.

According to a statement from Bic, for the 1954 and 1955 Tour de France, Bic decorated a French bus, the Citroën U55 Curse Cityrama, with the Bic logo displayed on the rear and sides, and six speakers hidden inside the vehicle.

What happened to the vehicles? Unfortunately, they didn’t stand the test of time. According to a statement from Bic, the ’53 cars were stored at the Bic factory for several years before being scrapped, and the ’54-55 cars are said to have broken down on the side of the road during the 1955 Giro d’Italia.

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

New poll shows Trump support declines among MAGA voters

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New poll shows Trump support declines among MAGA voters

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As he nears the end of his first year in the White House, President Donald Trump is losing support from two groups that helped him win in 2024, according to a new poll.

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 marks a 3-point drop between the four NBC News polls since April, when the poll was first conducted.

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.

His approval rating is in line with the New York Times’ average daily poll, which had him at 43% as of Dec. 15. The average disapproval rating is several points lower than the 54% in the NBC News poll. After holding steady for several months, President Trump’s approval ratings declined slightly in mid-November, which some polls attribute to dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy.

more: ‘Putting words in my mouth’: President Trump sues BBC over edited January 6 video

According to NBC News, the percentage of people who strongly support Trump has declined over the year, to 21% from 26% in April. The number of people who strongly disapprove of Trump now stands at 44%, up slightly from 42% in April.

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.

The survey also confirms what several major opinion polls have concluded in the past few weeks. The economy is a top issue among voters, who say Trump’s position on inflation and the cost of living is precarious.

more: ‘It’s bad for our country’ Trump doubles down on attack on late Rob Reiner

Compared to the last NBC News poll conducted in August, both Republicans and MAGA supporters were several percentage points more likely to say their personal finances are worse now than they were a year ago.

Overall, 64% of Americans think the country is heading in the wrong direction, up from 60% at the beginning of the year. NBC News reported that Republicans and MAGA members are 6 points more likely than in August to say the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Kathryn Palmer is USA TODAY’s political reporter. She can be reached at the following address: kapalmer@usatoday.com And with X@Kathryn Purml. Sign up for her daily politics newsletter here.

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