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Click here to see where the minimum wage will rise in 2026

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Click here to see where the minimum wage will rise in 2026

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In the new year, dozens of states, cities and counties will raise local minimum wages, helping millions of Americans offset an increasingly pressing price crisis.

On January 1, 2026, 19 states and 49 cities and counties will raise their minimum wages, and four more states and 22 local governments will increase their minimum wages in the second half of 2026, according to an annual report from the National Employment Law Project (NELP), a labor advocacy group. In 2026, a total of 79 jurisdictions will have a minimum wage of $15.00 or more.

“Minimum wage increases are a lifeline for low-wage workers who are most affected by the growing affordability crisis, defined here as the widening gap between household income and the cost of housing, food, and other basic necessities,” said Yanet Lathrop, NELP senior researcher and report author.

Kathryn Ann Edwards, an economist and policy consultant, said in an interview with USA TODAY that state and local government minimum wage measures are critical because the federal wage floor has not increased since 2009. Nearly 20 years later, one million Americans still earn that amount, or $7.25 an hour..

But such changes sometimes require ballot initiatives, or policies driven by ordinary voters rather than state legislatures or city councils, Edwards added.

“Minimum wage is one of the most popular voting issues of this century,” she said. “If you put the minimum wage on the ballot, it will pass, because no one in their right mind would say $7 an hour is a reasonable wage in 2025.”

Which states will increase their minimum wage in 2026?

According to the NELP report, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington will raise their minimum wages on January 1, 2026.

It also plans to take action in Alaska, Florida and Oregon later this year. California also plans to enact a separate new minimum wage for health care workers.

more: What is universal basic income? Can it solve the affordability crisis?

Which cities and towns will see a minimum wage increase in 2026?

Areas from Washington state to Maine and places in between are scheduled to see minimum wage increases in 2026. One of the more notable changes is in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where future wage increases will be tied to a combination of the consumer price index and housing costs. This policy is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States.

Also noteworthy: In May, the Los Angeles City Council voted to gradually raise the minimum wage for some tourism industry workers to $30 by 2028, making it the highest minimum wage ever established in the country.

What impact will increasing the minimum wage have on the economy?

Matthew Nestler, senior economist at KPMG, said he “doesn’t expect to see a significant impact” on the economy or inflation from the boost that takes effect next year because minimum wage hikes, by definition, affect people with lower incomes.

Read next: Inflation could spike again thanks to tax incentives

But Nessler said that for many Americans at the bottom of the income scale, even an extra $1 an hour could be “life-changing.” Minimum wage workers tend to be employed in the “care economy” as home health aides, day care providers, etc., or in retail, entertainment, and hospitality industries. And many of them are immigrants, who may have less bargaining power than native-born workers.

Many of these workers have been particularly hard hit by inflation over the past few years, when the cost of necessities such as housing, day care and food rose more than other goods and services. “Since 2020, overall inflation has increased by 23.6% and food prices have increased by 26.4%,” the NELP report notes.

As Nessler notes, daycare and kindergarten prices represent only 0.7% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI is a broad measure of inflation calculated by the Department of Labor and used as a proxy for economy-wide inflation. But for some households, these costs can take up nearly a quarter of their monthly budget.

That’s one reason the government’s official measure of inflation (CPI showed prices rose just 3% in September compared to a year ago) doesn’t match many Americans’ real experience of the economy. That’s why pushing for an increase in the minimum wage is one small way to “encourage governments to work to help ordinary people live in this economy,” Edwards said.

How GLP-1 causes pelvic floor dysfunction and painful sexual intercourse

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How GLP-1 causes pelvic floor dysfunction and painful sexual intercourse

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GLP-1 usage is on the rise, and researchers are looking for other health benefits associated with the drug, such as its effects on bladder health.

However, as GLP-1’s popularity has grown, nicknames such as “Ozempic’s chest” and “Ozempic’s face” have also proliferated. Now, a new side effect has been revealed: “Ozempic vagina.”

This is not a medical diagnosis, but is used colloquially to refer to vaginal changes that can occur due to the effects of GLP-1 on muscle mass, hormones, and the gastrointestinal system. Pelvic floor experts warn that common GLP-1 side effects, such as rapid weight loss and constipation, can cause pelvic floor dysfunction and a range of unpleasant symptoms that can affect users’ sex lives.

“If you’re using GLP-1 and you lose weight too quickly, it’s going to have a huge impact on your tissues and muscles everywhere,” explains nurse and pelvic floor specialist Kathy Cates. “People talk about the ‘Ozempik face’ and it’s the same thing: fat loss, tissue integrity loss, all of which are important for a healthy pelvic floor.”

Impact of GLP-1 use on women’s health

Vaginal changes due to GLP-1 use may include decreased lubrication, vaginal dryness, decreased pelvic floor strength, and symptoms related to pelvic floor weakness such as bladder leakage and painful sex.

Constipation is also a common side effect of GLP-1, putting strain on the pelvic floor muscles and increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, bladder or fecal incontinence, and chronic pain. Experts estimate that up to 50% of people who suffer from long-term constipation also have pelvic floor dysfunction.

Kates has many patients taking GLP-1 and prescribes microdosing to help regulate menstrual cycles and help patients with underlying inflammatory conditions.

“With microdosing, we don’t see the significant gastrointestinal effects that we see with more standard doses,” Kates explains.

“People want to lose weight that way, but they can’t because it negatively impacts pelvic floor function, muscle tone, and motor control,” she says.

Targeted research on GLP-1 and pelvic floor dysfunction is limited. However, there is a link between obesity and overactive bladder syndrome.

A November 2025 study found that the use of GLP-1 receptor antagonists (RAs), including semaglutide, was associated with lower rates of urinary retention and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in non-diabetic women being treated for overactive bladder syndrome. The current study, sponsored by Hartford Healthcare, aims to understand how weight loss treatment affects pelvic floor symptoms. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, it’s still in its early stages.

GLP-1 is a “miracle” for PCOS. Why isn’t it covered by insurance?

How to reduce uncomfortable pelvic floor symptoms

The first action to reduce uncomfortable pelvic floor symptoms associated with GLP-1 is to reduce constipation.

Cates recommends using the Squatty Potty, whether it’s an actual stool or a stack of books to prop your feet up. According to Kates and WebMD, as soon as you raise your knees above your hips, your colon straightens and is in the ideal position for effortless defecation.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help. Why don’t more people know about it?

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as abdominal breathing or abdominal breathing, is a deep breathing technique that helps stretch and stretch your pelvic floor muscles. Helps relax muscles while increasing strength and flexibility.

“If you don’t start with length, you’ll never develop strength,” Cates says. “Every article we read about the pelvic floor is like, ‘Just do Kegels…’ Kegels aren’t right for everyone, but diaphragmatic breathing is right for everyone.”

How people actually use AI: Surprising truths from analyzing billions of interactions

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How people actually use AI: Surprising truths from analyzing billions of interactions

Over the past year, artificial intelligence has been touted as revolutionizing productivity, helping us write emails, generate code, and summarize documents. But what if the reality of how people actually use AI is completely different from what we have been led to believe?

A data-driven study by OpenRouter pulled back the curtain on real-world AI use by analyzing over 100 trillion tokens (essentially billions of conversations and interactions with large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, and dozens of others). The findings challenge many assumptions about the AI ​​revolution.

OpenRouter is a multi-model AI inference platform that routes requests across 300+ models from 60+ providers, from OpenAI and Anthropic to open source alternatives like DeepSeek and Meta’s LLaMA.

With more than 50% of usage occurring outside the US and serving millions of developers worldwide, the platform provides a unique cross-section of how AI is actually deployed across different geographies, use cases, and user types.

Importantly, the study analyzed metadata from billions of interactions without accessing the actual conversation text to uncover patterns of behavior while protecting user privacy.

Open source AI models will grow to account for approximately one-third of total usage by late 2025, with notable spikes following major releases.

A role-playing revolution that no one expected will occur

Perhaps the most surprising finding is that more than half of open source AI model usage is not for productivity purposes at all. For role play and creative storytelling.

Yes, that’s right. While tech executives tout the potential of AI to transform business, users are spending the majority of their time engaging with character-driven conversations, interactive fiction, and game scenarios.

More than 50% of interactions in open source models fall into this category, dwarfing even programming assistance.

“This contradicts the assumption that LLMs are primarily used for writing codes, emails, and summaries,” the report states. “Many users actually use these models for companionship and exploration.”

This isn’t just a small talk. This data shows that users treat AI models as structured role-playing engines, with 60% of role-play tokens falling into specific game scenarios or creative writing contexts. This is a large-scale, largely invisible use case that is reshaping the way AI companies think about their products.

The rapid rise of programming

While role-playing dominates the use of open source, programming has become the fastest growing category of all AI models. At the beginning of 2025, coding-related queries accounted for only 11% of total AI usage. By the end of the year, that number had jumped to more than 50%.

This growth reflects the deepening integration of AI into software development. The average prompt length for programming tasks has quadrupled from about 1,500 tokens to over 6,000 tokens, with some code-related requests exceeding 20,000 tokens. This is roughly equivalent to inputting the entire codebase into an AI model for analysis.

For context, programming queries now generate the longest and most complex interactions in the entire AI ecosystem. Developers are no longer just looking for simple code snippets. They conduct advanced debugging sessions, architectural reviews, and multi-step problem solving.

Anthropic’s Claude model dominates the space, accounting for more than 60% of programming-related usage for most of 2025, but competition is increasing as Google, OpenAI, and open source alternatives emerge.

Programming-related queries exploded from 11% of total AI usage at the beginning of 2025 to more than 50% by the end of the year.

China’s AI surge

Another important fact has become clear. China’s AI models now account for about 30% of global usage, nearly triple the 13% share at the beginning of 2025.

Models from DeepSeek, Qwen (Alibaba), and Moonshot AI are quickly gaining traction, with DeepSeek alone processing 14.37 trillion tokens during the study period. This represents a fundamental shift in the global AI landscape, with Western companies no longer holding an unshakeable advantage.

Simplified Chinese is currently the second most common language for AI interactions globally, accounting for 5% of total usage, behind English at 83%. Asia’s overall share of AI spending more than doubled from 13% to 31%, with Singapore emerging as the second-largest user after the US.

The rise of “agent” AI

This study introduces agent inference, a concept that defines the next stage of AI. This means that AI models are no longer just answering single questions, but are performing multi-step tasks, calling on external tools, and reasoning across extended conversations.

The percentage of AI interactions classified as “inference-optimized” jumped from nearly zero at the beginning of 2025 to more than 50% by the end of 2025. This reflects a fundamental shift from AI as a text generator to AI as an autonomous agent capable of planning and execution.

“The median LLM request is no longer a simple question or personalized instruction,” the researchers explain. “Instead, it’s part of a structured agent-like loop that calls external tools, infers state, and persists over longer contexts.”

Think of it this way. Instead of asking AI to “write a function,” you’re asking it to “debug this codebase, identify performance bottlenecks, and implement a solution,” and it can actually do that.

“Glass slipper effect”

One of the most interesting insights from this study relates to user retention. Researchers have discovered a phenomenon they call the Cinderella “glass slipper” effect, where AI models that “solve” important problems the first time create lasting user loyalty.

If a newly released model perfectly matches a previously unmet need (a figurative “glass slipper”), early users will stick with it much longer than later adopters. For example, Google’s June 2025 cohort of Gemini 2.5 Pro retained about 40% of its users in its fifth month, which is significantly higher than subsequent cohorts.

This challenges conventional wisdom about AI competition. Being first is important, but especially being the first to solve high-value problems creates a lasting competitive advantage. Users incorporate these models into their workflows, making switching expensive both technically and operationally.

Cost isn’t an issue (as much as you think)

Perhaps counterintuitively, this study reveals that the use of AI is relatively price inelastic. A 10% decrease in price would only increase usage by about 0.5-0.7%.

Premium models from Anthropic and OpenAI cost between $2 and $35 per million tokens while maintaining high usage rates, while budget options like DeepSeek and Google’s Gemini Flash achieve similar scale for less than $0.40 per million tokens. Both coexist successfully.

“The LLM market does not yet appear to behave like a commodity,” the report concludes. “Users balance cost with inference quality, reliability, and breadth of functionality.”

This means AI is not in a race to the bottom in pricing. Quality, reliability, and features still come at a premium, at least for now.

What does this mean going forward?

OpenRouter’s research paints a much more nuanced picture of real-world AI usage than the industry narrative suggests. Yes, AI is transforming programming and professional work. But it is also creating a whole new category of human-computer interaction through role-play and creative applications.

The market is diversifying geographically, with China emerging as a major power. This technology has evolved from simple text generation to complex multi-step inference. And user loyalty depends more on being the first to truly solve a problem than on being first to market.

As the report points out, “The ways in which people use LLMs do not always match expectations and vary widely from country to country, state to state, and use case to use case.”

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it will be important to understand these real-world patterns, not just benchmark scores and marketing claims. The gap between how we think AI is being used and how it is actually used is wider than most people realize. This study helps fill that gap.

See also: Deep Cogito v2: Open source AI to hone your inference skills

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These states have the most affordable assisted living and retirement homes available

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These states have the most affordable assisted living and retirement homes available

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If older Americans are thinking about retiring, they may not consider moving to another state where elder care costs are lower.

However, the cost of elder care varies widely by state. The average annual cost of assisted living in South Dakota is $52,200, while in Connecticut it’s $107,460. A private room in a nursing home costs $85,045 in Texas and $205,130 in Oregon.

According to the Boston University Retirement Research Center, more than 80% of Americans will need long-term care at some point. Long-term care provides assistance with daily living, such as dressing and eating.

A recent report from Caring.com, a senior care platform, ranks and evaluates each state on affordability of assisted living, nursing homes, and other long-term care metrics.

Long-term care costs can be significant

No matter where you retire, long-term care costs can be significant. According to long-term care network CareScout, assisted living will cost an average of $5,900 per month in 2024. A private room in a nursing home costs an average of $10,646 per month.

Many Americans are unaware of these costs and believe they do not have to pay them. Most Americans incorrectly believe that Medicare covers long-term care, according to a Nationwide survey.

“I think the first thing that surprises them is that Medicare won’t pay for their care,” said Doug Robertson, senior director of government affairs at home health care provider Right at Home. “Sticker shock is not something they plan for, it happens out of the blue,” Robertson told USA TODAY in September.

Much of the data in the Caring.com report comes from CareScout, which publishes median prices for long-term care by state. Here are some great points:

  • The least expensive state for assisted living is South Dakota, with annual costs of $52,200. Mississippi and Alabama are ranked second and third.
  • Texas has the lowest cost for a private room in a nursing home at $85,045 per year. Missouri and Oklahoma State rank second and third.

Mississippi is the most affordable state for senior care.

According to Caring.com’s analysis, Mississippi is the most affordable state overall for senior care, followed by Texas and Arkansas.

Most affordable states: Hawaii, followed by Connecticut and Rhode Island.

“There are obviously different cost levels in different states,” Susan Crawford, Caring.com’s senior vice president of sales, said in a September interview. “In the 1950s, no one would have thought that they would be spending $13,000 a month on assisted living, nor would they have thought about how to prepare for it.”

Of course, cost is not the only consideration when it comes to elderly care.

AARP published its State Scorecard for Long-Term Care in 2023, evaluating states not only on affordability but also on factors such as access, consumer choice, safety, and quality.

The AARP Scorecard lists Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Washington and the District of Columbia as top states. None rank near the top in the Caring.com report, which only considers affordability.

“I think quality is a big factor here,” says Lindsey Theodore, a certified financial planner at T. Rowe Price and co-author of another recent report on long-term care.

“When you move to a lower-cost state or a lower-tax state, you have to think about what you’re willing to give up to achieve affordability,” she said in an interview in September.

Top 10 states with the most affordable senior care

Here are the profiles of the 10 most affordable states for senior care, according to Caring.com.

  1. Mississippi. Caring.com gives Affordable Mississippi a score of 8.98 out of 10. The state’s annual welfare costs are $55,343, second only to South Dakota. Mississippi also ranks second (tied with Alabama) in the cost of a full-time home health aide at $57,200 per year.
  2. Texas. Texas State has a score of 8.41 out of 10. The state has the lowest median cost for a private room in a nursing home, at $85,045 per year, half the annual cost of New York and California. Texas also spends generously on Medicaid, at $9,637 per enrollee per year.
  3. Arkansas. With a score of 8.21, Arkansas offers assisted living services for $56,688 per year and home health aide services for $59,488, both of which are relatively affordable.
  4. Louisiana. The score for this condition is 8.16. Louisiana has the most affordable home health aids of any state, with a median annual cost of $50,336. And these costs have decreased in 2024.
  5. Alabama. Score: 7.59. Alabama ranks high among states for affordable home health aids, with a median annual cost of $57,200. Assisted living costs average $54,870 per year.
  6. Missouri. Score: 7.58. The state has the second-lowest annual cost for a private room in a nursing home at $85,775. The cost of assisted living is $61,800 per year.
  7. Kansas. Score: 7.42. Medicaid spending per enrollee is relatively generous at $10,089 per enrollee. The cost of assisted living is $71,400 per year.
  8. Okla hola! Score: 6.89. Assisted living costs just $57,870 per year, one of the lowest rates in the nation. Private nursing home rooms cost an average of $91,250, which is also relatively low.
  9. Wyoming. Score: 6.82. Assisted living costs just $56,400 per year. Home health aides earn an average of $74,360 per year.
  10. georgia Score: 6.81. The cost of assisted living is $59,280 per year and the cost of home health assistance is $66,352.

Top 10 Most Affordable States for Elderly Care

And the 10 states with the lowest costs for senior care are:

  1. Hawaii. A private room in a Hawaii nursing home will cost you $196,370.
  2. Connecticut. Assisted living in Connecticut costs a median of $107,460 per year.
  3. Rhode Island. Home health aides in Rhode Island earn an average of $96,096 per year.
  4. Maine. The cost of assisted living in Maine is $95,850 per year.
  5. Massachusetts. Assisted living costs average $108,696 per year.
  6. Oregon. A paid nursing home room in Oregon costs $205,130 per year.
  7. California. The median cost of assisted living in California is $88,200 per year.
  8. Washington. Home health aides in Washington state earn an average of $96,096 per year.
  9. New Hampshire. A private room in a nursing home in this state costs $157,680 per year.
  10. Colorado. Home health aides in Colorado average $96,096 per year.

Trump, midterm elections, redistricting, ‘Mormon Wives’, Taylor Swift, Mayor of Miami, Golden Globes, Heisman Trophy: Daily Briefing

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Trump, midterm elections, redistricting, ‘Mormon Wives’, Taylor Swift, Mayor of Miami, Golden Globes, Heisman Trophy: Daily Briefing

morning! Welcome to the daily briefing. Let’s skim through some of the headlines.

  • The Supreme Court appears likely to grant President Trump authority over government agencies.
  • Do you admit to stealing from the self-checkout?
  • The “Mormon Wife” star has been accused of “false” assault.

nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know on Tuesday, from the implications of the presidential visit to the political possibilities of Indiana’s new congressional map. Then there’s Sidney Sweeney, who missed out on a 2025 Golden Globe nomination.

Why is President Trump heading to Pennsylvania?

President Donald Trump delivers a message on the economy during a speech Tuesday at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania.

The visit to working-class towns in battleground states comes as the White House and Republicans struggle to address Americans’ affordability concerns.

Despite President Trump’s efforts to downplay economic concerns, Wilkes University political science professor Kyle Crider told USA TODAY that the president’s visit is a sign that Republicans are concerned about the midterm elections.

coffee break

  • The Republican Party, and Trump, are facing new challenges. The race for a seat in the Miami mayor’s office will come to a close Tuesday night during a special runoff election.
  • USA TODAY Network is covering the following redistricting issues: Indiana’s mid-decade redistricting efforts will likely remove all Democratic representatives from the state’s legislative caucus. The bill’s fate now rests in the Indiana Senate, where it could be voted on Thursday if committee testimony survives.
  • “We all still celebrate Juneteenth and MLK Day”: Americans will no longer have free admission to the nation’s national parks to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, but will be free on President Trump’s birthday, but people have opinions.

Let’s take a look

Florida State University wins Women’s College Cup

No. 3 Florida State defeated No. 1 overall seed Stanford 1-0 in the Women’s College Cup on Monday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. This is the Seminoles’ third national title in the last five years and fifth overall. Florida State withstood Stanford’s attack, and Stanford entered Monday’s championship with a nation-high 96 goals, 25 more than the next closest team.

things to talk about

The Golden Globe Award won’t reach Ozian.

Perhaps the most shocking snub of this year’s Golden Globe nominations was the removal of the “Wicked” sequel from the Globe’s Best Musical or Comedy category in favor of surprise nominations for Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon” and “Nouvelle Vague.” These are the most surprising names that won’t be joining next month’s show (including Sydney Sweeney).

before you go

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

Snow on Christmas? White Christmas forecast, latest information on chances.

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Snow on Christmas? White Christmas forecast, latest information on chances.

December is expected to be cold, so odds may be higher than historical averages in many areas.

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With Christmas still more than two weeks away, meteorologists can’t predict exactly where people will see snow on Christmas Day. However, with predictions that December is likely to be a cold month, including the possibility of an arctic explosion, the odds could be higher than historical averages in many regions.

For now, all we can go on is where snow has been reported to have fallen on Christmas Day in the past.

If you’re yearning for a snowy vacation and looking for the best chance to see a white Christmas, weather history suggests there are many areas of the United States to visit. Continue reading to learn more.

Here’s what you need to know

Snow does not have to fall on December 25 to meet the Bureau of Meteorology’s definition of a white Christmas. All you need is at least 1 inch of snow on the ground. Small amounts of snow are not counted. However, snow falling during the day definitely adds to the Christmas mood.

On average, about 38% of the lower 48 states will see an inch of snow on the ground on Christmas Day, according to 21 years of data compiled by NOAA.

Since 2003, that percentage has varied widely from year to year, from just 17.6% in 2023 to a whopping 63% of the continental United States in 2009, according to Weather.com.

Is it because of Bing?

America’s fascination with white Christmas dates back to 1942, when Bing Crosby first sang the heartwarming song in the movie “Holiday Inn.” The song’s lyrics, written by Irving Berlin, evoke romantic images of Christmases past, “just like the Christmases I used to know.” A second film, White Christmas, also starring Crosby, was released in 1954.

Where is a white Christmas most likely to occur?

Alaska. Minnesota. Maine. Upstate New York. Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Almost everywhere in Idaho. And, of course, the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. If you’re looking for the best chance for a white Christmas, NOAA says these are the areas that U.S. weather history suggests are the best.

Looking for a city where you’re almost guaranteed to see a white Christmas? According to NOAA data, Fairbanks, Alaska has had snow on Christmas almost every year since weather records began.

As of early December, Fairbanks was already reporting snow depths of 11 inches.

Other large cities with the highest odds of a white Christmas based on historical averages include Minneapolis, Green Bay, Buffalo and Burlington, Vermont, according to AccuWeather.

All of these cities reported snow on the ground as of Dec. 8, a good sign that the holiday season is fast approaching.

Historically, northern Minnesota and much of Wisconsin, much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and much of the Mountain West have a white Christmas more than 90 percent of the time.

President Trump threatens Mexico with 5% tariff hike, demands more water

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President Trump threatens Mexico with 5% tariff hike, demands more water

Both sides of the Rio Grande are suffering from water shortages, but President Trump said Mexico has fallen far short of its obligations to provide more water across the border.

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has demanded that Mexico provide more water to the United States, threatening to raise tariffs on imports by 5% if the country doesn’t turn it on by the end of the year.

Under the 1944 treaty, Mexico must send 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the United States every five years through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs. Water is measured in increments needed to cover land one foot deep.

President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on social media in April in response to water shortages, and the State Department announced that Mexico would commit to more water supplies.

But President Trump said on social media on Dec. 8 that Texas’ crops and livestock are suffering from water shortages. He called for 800,000 acre-feet of water from the water shortage that has accumulated over five years, and said 200,000 acre-feet is needed by Dec. 31.

“The longer Mexico takes to release water, the harder it will hurt our farmers,” Trump wrote, threatening to impose 5% tariffs on Mexico if it did not comply. “Mexico has an obligation to resolve this now.”

Mexico claims it is in a drought and its water resources are under strain.

The water dispute and tariff threat come as the 2020 trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada is set to expire in July. Trade negotiations continue, but President Trump has said he may not renew agreements with two of the country’s largest trading partners, citing unfair practices.

Contributed by: Reuters

Has anyone won the Powerball jackpot? See results for December 8th

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Has anyone won the Powerball jackpot? See results for December 8th

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The Powerball jackpot has risen to $880 million since no one won the prize on Saturday, December 6th, so the drawing will take place on Monday, December 8th.

Monday’s jackpot had an estimated cash value of $405.9 million, making it the seventh-largest Powerball jackpot in the game’s history.

However, no one won Monday night’s drawing, and the jackpot has risen again to an estimated $930 million ahead of the drawing on Wednesday, December 10th.

2025 was a historic year for Powerball. Back in September, two tickets sold in Montana and Texas won the second-largest jackpot in the game’s history, estimated at $1.787 billion.

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

Powerball winning numbers for December 8, 2025

The winning numbers for Monday, December 8th drawing are: 8, 32, 52, 56, 64, and the powerball twenty three. The multiplier for “power play” is 2x.

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

Has anyone won Powerball?

No one won the Powerball jackpot or the Match 5 + Power Play prize of $2 million, but one lucky person in Florida won the Match 5 prize of $1 million.

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 10th, just after 11pm ET.

What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?

  • $2.04 billion – acquired in California on November 7, 2022
  • $1.787 billion – won in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion – acquired in California on October 11, 2023
  • $1.586 billion – acquired on January 13, 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  • $1.326 Billion – Earned in Oregon on April 6, 2024
  • $1.08 billion – acquired in California on July 19, 2023
  • $930 million – no winner yet
  • $842.4 million – earned in Michigan on January 1, 2024
  • $768.4 million – sold in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
  • $758.7 million – sold in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017

How to play Powerball

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

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

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

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

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

Where to buy lottery tickets

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

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

Christina Milian and her family find stress-free travel by train

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Christina Milian and her family find stress-free travel by train

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  • Actress and singer Christina Milian became a fan of train travel after spending time in Europe.
  • Milian and her daughter Violet Madison Nash feature in a new campaign for train platform Trainline.
  • Milian believes that train travel is a simple and stress-free option, especially for families with children.

You may recognize Christina Milian’s voice from the “Kim Possible” theme song, or you may have seen her in a movie from the early ’10s. She is not only an actress, singer, and mother, but also an experienced traveler.

For the past 10 years, she has split her time between the United States, where her musician husband is from, and Europe. There she discovered train travel, which became one of her favorite ways to explore.

“It’s a big deal in Europe, but as Americans, that’s something we’re not used to, and we’ve come to know through my husband and just living there that it’s so easy to travel like that,” she told USA TODAY.

When they first met, Milian and her husband were traveling around Europe on what she called “mini-vacations,” from romantic Paris to museums in Florence. Now, she continues that tradition with her eldest daughter, Violet Madison Nash.

Train and bus travel platform Trainline’s new mother-daughter campaign reflects their shared love of travel. Regarding her trip with a 15-year-old boy, Milian said, “Being able to plan the trip and think about what to do together creates really good memories.” “At the end of the day, that’s all I ask for: make good memories, take lots of pictures, and have fun.”

The two spoke to USA TODAY about their favorite destinations they’ve reached by train and why they love this type of travel.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What was it like working on this Trainline campaign together?

Christina: I think this is one of our first campaigns in a really long time. When Vi was little, we did things together, and we always did things if it was something we felt passionate about and something we could really relate to. Rail travel is definitely something that is pretty important to us.

What is your favorite family vacation?

Violet: We’ll start in Strasbourg. It’s one of my favorites because it has a Christmas market.

Christina: Our family likes to go there during the holidays. Usually we go at the end of November every year. My husband is from there, so we visit his family, go to the cathedral, and do the Christmas market. It’s fun when I have friends from out of town so they can join in too.

I also enjoy going to southern France such as Marseille and Nice. Because it’s always warm there. You can be by the sea and have a party on the beach. No matter where you go, many of these places have historical sites, so it’s not just a beach vacation. You can also dive into the culture.

How does train travel compare to other modes of transport, especially for families?

Christina: It’s really convenient for people who are traveling last minute because it makes it so much easier, especially if you have kids. Honestly, it’s so simple that you can bring everything you want. When you arrive at the station, look at your destination and just get on. It’s very simple. I think the simplicity of the process from arriving at the station to getting on the train is stress-free.

Even if you just want to hang out at a station, some of these stations have been around forever. You can feel the history at the station and do some shopping.

What are your must-have items when traveling?

Violet: Definitely headphones and a cell phone. I like to bring my iPad, even my computer, just to work on school work along the way, even if it takes a while to get to my destination. You don’t have to worry about bringing too much stuff.

Christina: I think the kids always have something to draw with them. They love to draw, so I bring supplies like paper and markers to keep them busy. And for me, that’s when I immerse myself in my hobbies. It’s very peaceful on the train, everyone doing their own thing. I also make beads, make jewelry, and sometimes knit.

Then I like to look out the window – it’s beautiful. Day and night, you can catch a glimpse of the greenery and stunning views of the farm. Next thing you know, you can see the city. You can see a lot in an instant.

What kind of trip do you want to go on?

Christina: I haven’t been able to take Violet to London by train yet, so I’m not sure whether to go just the two of us or with the kids. Violet and I know what we both like, so we like shopping, dining, and I like to add museums here and there.

Violet: I love food and so do my mom. I always find something on TikTok and go, “Oh my gosh, mom, look over there.” So we go to the place but always look for reviews.

What are your travel complaints and unfavorable travel opinions?

Christina: I mentioned the late departure, but we always hope to arrive on time. We both like to go everywhere early.

Violet: We always prepare our clothes for the next day the night before.

Christina: For us, we’re going to go early, so we’re going to go get some croissants here and have a little coffee here. Maybe I’d like to stop by the store and do a little shopping. So what is frustrating for us is that we arrive late and don’t even get to experience it before we reach the station. Sometimes we miss out on some nice things.

Can employers hire based on race?

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Can employers hire based on race?

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
| USA TODAY Special Feature

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

Have a question? Please submit here.

Question: Why is it legal for someone less qualified than me to get a job just because he’s Hispanic? We abolished affirmative action, right? Why is DEI legal? – Mike

answer: There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s get straight to the point. No, an employer cannot legally hire someone who is less qualified because they are Hispanic. Or because they’re white. Or black. Or anything else. It’s nothing new. Since 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act has made discrimination based on race completely illegal. And that protection applies to everyone.

So why the confusion? First, the Trump administration’s recent executive orders have been misconstrued as outlawing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). they didn’t. They eliminated illegal DEI practices and targeted only federal contractors and subcontractors. The keyword here is illegal. These executive orders did not invent new rules, but reinforced what had been true for 60 years.

people: DEI is losing ground as white men profit from boardrooms

Let’s clear up another common misconception. Yes, a recent executive order prohibits affirmative action for federal contractors and subcontractors. But even before that, affirmative action already had long legal implications. Back in 1978, the Supreme Court abolished racial quotas. The high court has further narrowed these rules over the years, completely eliminating race-based affirmative action in higher education in 2023. In other words, affirmative action never We allowed organizations to ignore Title VII. It was never a license to discriminate.

How AI works: Should I tell my boss if I’m using artificial intelligence? Ask HR

So let’s get back to your situation. If a company hired someone who was truly unqualified because of their race, it would be illegal. However, before you hire a lawyer, make sure you take a step back and look at the situation clearly. This is because being “qualified” in hiring is not as simple as determining who checks the most boxes on a piece of paper.

I’ve hired a lot of people over the years. And I’ve seen many candidates with impressive resumes fall flat the moment the interview process begins. why? Because employers value more than technical skills. They look at attitude, communication, curiosity, cultural fit, emotional intelligence, or what I call power skills. You can teach someone software. Honesty cannot be taught. I can’t teach you how to drive. You can’t tell them how to treat people. And sometimes the candidates Apparently Someone who is stronger on paper is not actually a stronger candidate.

So my advice is to honestly look at the whole picture before assuming it’s discrimination. Have you clearly demonstrated your presence as well as your abilities? Do I need preparation as well as experience? Did your interview demonstrate the strong skills that separate good candidates from great candidates?

If you truly believe that race was a determining factor and are looking at the situation harshly and fairly, then yes, consult a lawyer. Title VII exists to protect you.

But if you honestly look back and see what you’re lacking, it’s time to focus on personal growth: how you show up, how you communicate your value, and how you make your excellence undeniable.

After all, it is the law’s job to prohibit discrimination. Your job is to stand out with your ability. And that’s what gets you hired, not race or assumptions.

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

Side job: Should you tell your employer about your side hustle? Ask your human resources department

Face test for Trump and Republicans in Miami mayoral runoff: Meet the candidates

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Face test for Trump and Republicans in Miami mayoral runoff: Meet the candidates

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The Republican Party, and President Donald Trump, are facing a new challenge.

The race for a seat in the Miami mayor’s office is a tight race between Democrat Eileen Higgins and Republican Emilio González, with Democrats holding a slight lead in early voting and culminating Tuesday night during a special runoff election.

Democrats secured multiple wins in this year’s off-season elections, including governorships in Virginia and New Jersey and the mayoral race in New York. Democrats also appear to be making inroads in districts where President Donald Trump previously won by double digits, such as Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

In Miami, that trend appears to remain in an area that Trump flipped in the 2024 presidential election.

Higgins has received the support of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other key figures in the national Democratic Party, and came in first place in the Miami mayor’s race on November 4th with about 35% of the vote. González, who secured President Trump’s support, came in second place with 19%.

Since no candidate received more than 50% of the votes, a runoff election was held between the top two candidates from the two major political parties.

Miami has not elected a Democratic mayor in about 25 years.

Here’s what you need to know about the race.

Who is Eileen Higgins?

Higgins, 61, is a former Miami-Dade County commissioner who wears the label “La Gringa.” Until this year, she served on the committee representing the district that includes the Cuban enclave of Little Havana. She was first elected in 2018.

Higgins resigned from the commission under Florida’s resignation law. The law requires elected officials to resign before running for another office. She was the longest-serving member of the committee.

This is not the first time Higgins has attempted to run for another office.

In May 2022, Higgins announced his candidacy for Florida’s 27th Congressional District and ended his campaign a few days later. At the time, she said she wanted to avoid a Democratic primary against Annette Taddeo, the party’s eventual nominee.

Higgins has focused on housing affordability throughout her mayoral campaign. New Yorkers and Californians flocked to Miami in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to higher living and housing costs for residents, which was a key factor in Trump’s double-digit victory in Miami-Dade County.

Throughout his campaign, Higgins has focused on local issues and his past accomplishments as a commissioner who helped secure funding to expand affordable housing and expand two rapid transit lines.

But even though Higgins could make history as the first Democrat and first non-Hispanic mayor in nearly 30 years, he said in an interview with USA TODAY that he has so far relied on support from all party members and will govern with that in mind.

“I lead with democratic values, but I serve everyone,” she said. “I never asked you what party you were, and I never asked you if you voted for me.”

Who is Emilio González?

Mr. Gonzalez, 68, is a retired Air Force colonel who served as city manager under Mayor Francis Suarez.

He had a 26-year military career that included military attaché in Mexico and El Salvador and senior positions at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is also the former director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under Republican President George W. Bush.

Throughout his campaign, González has focused on fighting corruption and “nepotism” in the city.

Mr. Gonzalez has been endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Rick Scott and Mr. Trump.

After it was announced that the race would be a runoff, President Trump said in a Nov. 17 post on Truth Social that Gonzalez would “continue to fight tirelessly to grow our economy, cut taxes and regulations, advance MADE IN THE USA, unleash America’s power over energy, protect our now very secure borders, ensure security, stop immigration crime, and protect the Second Amendment, which is always under siege.”

Is this a sign of a blue wave for the 2026 midterm elections?

This year, Democrats won overwhelming victories in the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. In Tennessee’s Republican district, which Trump won by 22 percentage points, Democrat Aftin Behn lost to Trump supporter Matt Van Epps by just 9 points.

This is a trend Democrats hope to continue in the Miami mayoral race.

The Democratic National Committee poured resources into supporting Higgins ahead of the runoff, including a bilingual organizing campaign. She has also received support from national politicians like Buttigieg and Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego.

“I believe deeply in the importance of local leadership, especially right now, and Eileen has spent years serving this community,” Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, said in a video endorsement posted on Dec. 5. “She listens, she works hard, and she delivers. And that’s exactly what Miami needs right now.”

Trump flipped Miami-Dade County in 2024, winning about 55% of the vote, to Democrat Kamala Harris’ 44%. Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton won the country in 2020 and 2016, respectively. A loss for Mr. Gonzalez would be seen as a setback for Mr. Trump and the Republican Party nationally.

But locally, longtime politicians say they don’t seem to think too much about whether Higgins will secure victory.

Xaver Suarez, who served as mayor in the 1980s and 1990s and is the father of current Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, downplayed the chances of a Democratic victory in the race.

“This is a strange year in bipartisanship. Each party recognizes that money makes a big difference,” Suarez said, pointing to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) campaign, which supports Higgins.

But Suarez said Democrats will still try to use the victory to “build momentum.”

“Mommy didn’t raise a fool,” he said.

Eagles, Bears fall despite narrow loss

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Eagles, Bears fall despite narrow loss

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  • Considering there is one change in the top 10, this league should be locked in.
  • The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers made significant jumps in the rankings, moving up four and seven spots, respectively.
  • The Chicago Bears experienced a notable drop in the standings, dropping from the NFC’s projected top playoff seed to seventh place with Sunday’s loss.

NFL power rankings entering Week 15 of the 2025 season (previous rankings in parentheses):

1. Los Angeles Rams (1): They hold on to No. 1, but their season-high 45 points on Sunday shows that their Week 13 stumble in Charlotte was a fluke. Matthew Stafford continues to play like an MVP favorite, whether or not he is actually the best quarterback in the league. If L.A. can hold off the formidable Lions, Stafford’s old team, it could further hone its case on Sunday.

2. New England Patriots (2): They hold on to their No. 2 spot, but lost their spot as the AFC’s No. 1 seed during the bye week. Drake Maye continues to play like an MVP runner-up, whether or not he’s actually the second-best quarterback in the league. New England could further refine its case on Sunday if it can defeat the Bills all season and claim its first AFC East title since 2019.

3. Seattle Seahawks (3): They hold onto their No. 3 spot, thanks in large part to a defense that has allowed just nine points (and zero TDs) over the past eight quarters. If they win their next two home games (Colts, Rams), the Hawks will clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

4. Green Bay Packers (4): They maintain a stable 4th place. This is largely due to being the only team above .500 in the NFC North, arguably the toughest division in the league. And just a note to Ben Johnson, Matt LaFleur is currently 12-1 against Chicago since taking the Pack job in 2019…and frankly, he definitely enjoys beating you twice a year.

5. Denver Broncos (5): They’ve been holding steady in fifth place, but staying there and staying atop the AFC could be tough considering Kansas City is the only opponent in the final four not expected to make the playoffs.

6. Houston Texans (6): They hold on to their No. 6 spot and are on the verge of winning their sixth straight game when Arizona plays Houston on Sunday. And if QB CJ Stroud and the offense can pick up the pace even a little, this team could be a legitimate threat to Lombardi.

7. Buffalo Bills (7): They hold on to No. 7, and QB Josh Allen, currently the best QB in the league and perhaps the most dangerous and experienced QB on the AFC side of the playoff picture, finally looks like the guy who could do a fruitful mission in the Super Bowl.

8. Detroit Lions (12): It’s amazing how many good players coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have put together here, and it’s unfortunate that so many of them are out. But Jahmil Gibbs, who has to be recognized as the best running back in the league right now, is fortunate to remain in the lineup of a team that can dominate the competition offensively.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (9): They remain a solid No. 9, with fifth-year QB Trevor Lawrence playing his most efficient football of the season and solidifying themselves at the top of the AFC South heading into the stretch drive.

10. San Francisco 49ers (10): They have held steady in 10th place and were able to move up in the wild card standings during a much-needed bye week. The Niners are also one game away from leading the NFC West, but with only one regional game left (in Seattle), the Seahawks and Rams appear to face a tougher final month.

11. Chicago Bears (8): My first year with Johnson was great. But after the Bears dropped from the No. 1 seed in the NFC to the No. 7 seed over the weekend, it feels like the bottom could drop out at any moment. Chicago’s final three games will be against Green Bay, San Francisco and Detroit.

12. Los Angeles Chargers (19): Many of their key players have been hit by injuries. But if they are led by tough players like QB Justin Herbert and OLB Khalil Mack, can overcome some physical setbacks, and have rookie running back Omarion Hampton back on the team, they are a team that can handle late-season (and postseason) adversity well.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (11): What if a team goes the quarterback’s way? Jalen Hurts doubled his season turnover total from five to 10 on Monday night, becoming the first player to score two goals on one play since the league expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978. After two Super Bowl appearances in three seasons, it’s certainly starting to feel like Philadelphia is going to have two cheesesteak meltdowns in three seasons.

14. Carolina Panthers (17): Bye week is finally here. Not only have they moved into a tie for first place in the NFC South, but they are now in control of their own destiny. Just by dominating the Bucs in Weeks 16 and 18, the Panthers would win their first division since appearing in Super Bowl 50. Coincidentally, the venue was Santa Clara, which is also the site of this season’s Super Bowl 60.

15. Dallas Cowboys (14): Three of their last four opponents are below .500. And if the Eagles keep losing, the divisional chances could still be wide open for “America’s Team.”

16. Kansas City Chiefs (15): What was the last time they lost seven games? What about 2014? That was also the last time they missed the playoffs. Even if this dynasty wins, they still need a lot of help to reach Week 19.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (21): Before we “shut up for a week,” dare we say the Steelers delivered a classic Aaron Rodgers performance, both on the field and on the podium, in Sunday’s win at Baltimore?

18. Cincinnati Bengals (20): Who would have thought that DE Trey Hendrickson would be shut down before QB Joe Burrow? Anything. Just get 40 points every week and you’ll be fine. perhaps.

19. Baltimore Ravens (16): QB Lamar Jackson hasn’t rushed for more than 50 yards since Week 1. He has a record of 5 wins and 5 losses this season, and is in danger of dropping his winning percentage as a starter below 50 percent for the first time in eight years of his career.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18): We always admire QB Baker Mayfield’s toughness. But injuries caught up with this team (both to him and the Bucs in general), and Mayfield had less than 200 passing yards in each of his last four games, losing all but one.

21. Miami Dolphins (24): Like Mayfield, QB Tua Tagovailoa has caught less than 200 yards passing in his past four games, all of which were…wins. It’s a very Florida dichotomy.

22. Indianapolis Colts (13): If you’re thinking about a 44-year-old quarterback who hasn’t played in five years, it’s going to be pretty hard to know what to do.

23. Arizona Cardinals (22): If Trey McBride catches the ball five more times on Sunday, he will set a record for most consecutive five-receiving games by a tight end (16). We must look for the rays of hope we can find in the desert.

24. Minnesota Vikings (28): QB JJ McCarthy, a first-round pick a year ago, just had the best game of his career. Are you in a good mood for 2026?

25. Commander Washington (25): QB Jaden Daniels, a first-round pick a year ago, just had the worst game of his career. Do you have a bad feeling about 2026?

26. New Orleans Saints (29): Arch Manning? Oh my God. Tyler Schau is the first rookie quarterback to win multiple games with the franchise since Arch’s grandfather, Archie Manning, in 1971. And although he’s only started five times, Schau’s two wins this season are tied for the most in his draft class.

27. New York Jets (26): Of his 26 touchdowns this season, four, or 15%, came on special teams. do not have. Sustainable. But trust the process.

28. Cleveland Browns (23): Rookie QB Shedule Sanders will start the remaining games, already posing quite a dilemma for a team that was once certain to spend one of its 2026 first-round picks on another passer.

29. New York Giants (30): They aren’t scheduled to play any teams with championship experience in their remaining games…so securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft won’t be easy.

30. Atlanta Falcons (27): There’s no doubt they’ll get the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft…because the Rams own it and this isn’t the NBA.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (31): If the season ended today, they are They will own the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, and a team with such a clear need for a quarterback could likely draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.

32. Tennessee Titans (32): Last year’s No. 1 pick could really accelerate their rebuild if they finish high in the 2026 draft…assuming struggling rookie QB Cam Ward makes a breakthrough as a sophomore.

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

Usha Vance talks Christmas decorations, the VP family’s holiday traditions

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Usha Vance talks Christmas decorations, the VP family’s holiday traditions

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WASHINGTON — Five-year-old Vivek Vance said he wanted a “really skinny tree” on the second floor of the Vice President’s mansion. And his parents, Usha and JD, mostly gave him minimalist holiday wishes.

Usha said her son liked trees that were “leaning” and had exposed spots. However, the Vances reached a family compromise. “That’s the way it goes,” Usha told USA TODAY about the tree. “But it was a little less grieving than he had hoped.”

Of course, there are three large trees on the first floor of the house that guests see. But for families, there’s a Charlie Brown-style Christmas tree.

So is the decision to vacation at the Vance family’s luxurious Naval Observatory mansion in Washington. Like any American family, there are concessions to decor.

Usha Vance isn’t used to showing off her holiday trim. But this year, as second lady, on Monday mornings after her husband and children have left, she opens her Washington home and offers a tour of the first floor.

J.D. Vance was the third-youngest vice president when he was sworn into office, and the couple’s children (Ewan, 8, Vivek, 5, and Mirabel, 3) were the youngest vice presidents to ever live at the mansion.

A young family’s first Christmas at the Vice President’s Office at the Naval Observatory is decorated with garlands, ornaments and ribbons.

“Usually we’re not really into tinsel or frost trees, but this year it’s fun,” Usha Vance, 39, said in an interview with USA TODAY.

A large white tent out front features framed photos of the home’s former residents, where the family has been entertaining this season and as part of this year’s “Golden Noel” theme, which pays homage to 50 years of Christmas at the Vice President’s residence. Some of the images are from a scrapbook left behind by the former vice president. Others are from the Library of Congress.

The Mondales became the first vice presidential family to live in a 33-room Queen Anne-style home located about four miles from the White House and near many of the capital’s embassies and ambassador’s residences. The mansion’s first Christmas celebration was held in 1975 during Nelson Rockefeller’s presidency, and this year’s theme is a throwback to both, Usha Vance said. “It’s a bit of a vintage Christmas,” she added.

Planning the exhibit took months. It started with a mood board and concept. Construction then involved artists and volunteers, who assembled everything while the family was away, Vance said of the elaborate design process that began over the summer.

In areas available to party and dinner guests, three trees from Pennsylvania’s Evergreen Acres, a runner-up in this year’s National Christmas Tree Association contest, are dotted around the first-floor sunroom, living room and dining room.

Rare interview with Mr. Usha and tour of the Vice President’s official residence

The Vance family has lived in the mansion in northwest Washington since the day after Vice President J.D. Vance’s inauguration on January 20, and spent his free time remodeling it during his first 10 months as vice president.

Above the dining room fireplace, a commissioned painting from Delaware-based artist Allison Cosmos hangs on the wall. It features a blue jay that is reminiscent of the Second Lady. There are also pheasants and monarch butterflies, which are my son Vivek’s favorites. The California quail is a symbol of strong family ties.

Rothko’s works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution are on display.

They built a tree house for the children. Usha said the play area is insulated so it can be reused as a work space for adults.

They built a storage shed that resembled a house. The family uses it for biking and family woodworking, she says. Inside, we added a pantry to store snacks and lunchbox essentials.

“I hadn’t actually seen it before I arrived and had no idea what it would actually be like, but obviously safety has been taken into account,” she said of the child safety measures. “We have a pool outside, so we wanted to make sure the kids couldn’t jump out and fall into the pool.”

more: President Trump’s brawler, Vice President J.D. Vance, avoids Harris-Pence mistake

The Vances have sold the home in Alexandria’s Del Rey neighborhood where J.D. Vance lived while he was a U.S. senator from Ohio. They still own a home in Cincinnati and visit there from time to time.

In Washington, a 12-acre plot set back from the road on a 72-acre property is their primary home for now, and Usha said they are still putting the finishing touches on the living space’s stockings and other decorations. At Vivek’s request, trees cut down by his family in Lexington, Kentucky decorate their living quarters.

Usha said the family does not plan to spend Christmas Day on the property. They usually visit her parents, sister, and brother-in-law in Southern California. Thanksgiving is usually spent with my husband’s family in Ohio.

Usha was the first Indian-American second lady and was raised as a Hindu, but said in interviews that she always celebrated Christmas and exchanged gifts with her friends. She said it was important for her father to spend time thinking about the religious meaning of the holiday.

“We read the Bible and thought about the Christmas story, and we did activities such as volunteering that emphasize the spirit of giving and serving others,” she said. “It wasn’t a purely secular Christmas experience, but it wasn’t our religious tradition either.”

Her husband is a Christian and converted to Catholicism in 2019 after they were already married. She has said in the past that she has no intention of converting. Their eldest son, Ewan, chooses to be baptized in 2024.

That was also the year he decided he no longer believed in Santa. Usha said he told the class that St. Nick wasn’t real.

“But it worked because the other kids who were still Santa believers basically talked him into it. So it didn’t have as much of an effect as he intended,” the second woman said.

Five-year-old Vivek basically understands this. That’s because her eldest has a “big mouth,” she says, but 3-year-old Mirabel doesn’t realize it yet. “She’s still working on it,” says the second woman.

Until recently, her children’s favorite holiday movie was Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” “They were a little obsessed with it,” she said, calling the film, which bridges Halloween and Christmas, “a little crazy.” Then they moved on to “The Grinch.” Original version. She says she has never seen Jim Carrey’s work.

“It’s probably their favorite because it’s my favorite,” she says.

Usha said her children have become increasingly passionate about ice skating and are taking lessons at a rink on the National Mall. Vivek liked the holiday opera and plans to go again.

“We need to intersperse them between all parties and formal commitments,” says Usha.

The second woman said she has hosted nine receptions this week alone, including one on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend. She hosted three or four parties last week.

She forgot the number.

Archdiocese of New York to negotiate child sexual abuse settlement

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Archdiocese of New York to negotiate child sexual abuse settlement

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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, the second largest diocese in the United States, has agreed to a settlement that will pay compensation to more than 1,300 people who say they were sexually abused by priests and lay staff as children.

In a letter released Dec. 8, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the archdiocese is preparing to raise more than $300 million that will be earmarked for compensation to survivors of sexual abuse. The cardinal said the archdiocese had made “a series of very difficult financial decisions” including layoffs and a 10% reduction in its operating budget to fund global reconciliation.

He added that the archdiocese is also working to finalize the sale of assets, including the former archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan and other real estate.

“As we have repeatedly acknowledged, the sexual abuse of minors in the distant past brought shame to our church,” Dolan wrote in the letter. “Once again, I ask forgiveness for the failures of those who failed to provide the safety of our young people and who betrayed their trust.”

Dolan said archdiocese officials met in November with a special group of lawyers representing hundreds of people who have accused the church of sexual abuse and discussed “a process by which a global solution could be achieved.”

Dolan said at the meeting that the archdiocese and its lawyers agreed to use retired California judge Daniel J. Buckley as a neutral mediator. Mr. Buckley previously helped negotiate similar settlements with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 1,000 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy as children.

“As we undertake this work, we hear from victims and survivors who are willing to discuss resolving the remaining cases through international settlements,” Dolan wrote. “An international settlement is one that is negotiated with the assistance of a third-party mediator who can help resolve the case more quickly, without the financial and emotional stress of lengthy court proceedings.”

Accountability questions: Pope Leo XIV criticizes and praises record of sexual abuse by clergy

Law firm criticizes Archdiocese of New York’s arbitration decision

Lawyers with the PCVA law firm, which represents more than 75 people who have filed abuse allegations against the archdiocese, criticized the archdiocese’s Dec. 8 announcement as a “despicable attempt against survivors.”

“For more than 50 years, the Archdiocese of New York has waged a campaign of intimidation and delay against the more than 1,300 lawsuits it faces as a result of decades of child sexual abuse,” Jason Amara, a partner at PCVA Law, said in a statement.

Amara said the archdiocese’s $300 million funding is less than its settlement with the Diocese of Rockville Center on Long Island, New York. In December 2024, a judge approved a bankruptcy settlement in which the Diocese of Rockville Center will pay $320 million to 600 victims of clergy sexual abuse.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020 after New York state enacted the Child Victims Act (CVA). The CVA changes the state’s strict statute of limitations for child sex crimes, giving people of any age a one-year window to revive old claims.

“Some have gotten sick, some have died waiting for justice, and now, instead of offering a fair deal, ADNY is offering the survivors half of what the Diocese of Rockville Center agreed to,” Amara said. “It’s insulting and intolerable.”

Hundreds of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse

The settlement announcement comes after hundreds of lawsuits were filed against the Archdiocese of New York seeking compensation for injury and suffering, said Herman Law, which represents sexual abuse victims.

In 2018, the New York State Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into child sexual abuse by Catholic priests. And in 2019, the Archdiocese of New York released a list of 120 priests the church had “deemed credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors,” according to the Herman Law.

The Journal News, part of the USA TODAY network, reported in 2019 that the accused priests who were still working for the church were removed from ministry.

Jeff Anderson & Associates, another firm that represents victims of sexual abuse, announced that more than 3,300 child sexual abuse cases involving the Catholic Church were filed in New York state from 2019 to 2021. The lawsuit alleges decades-old abuse by more than 1,700 people, including cardinals, bishops, priests, members of religious orders and lay employees, the company said.

“Although lawsuits have been filed involving many of these alleged perpetrators, the majority of claims against these individuals have either been settled or have not been fully evaluated in civil or criminal court,” the company says on its website. “Accordingly, this allegation should be considered merely an allegation and not as proven or substantiated in court.”

The Archdiocese of New York serves about 2.5 million people in about 300 parishes across three New York City boroughs and seven counties, according to the archdiocese’s website.

Jeff Anderson & Associates and Herman Roe did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on Dec. 8.

“Repeated dismissal history”: Report details sexual abuse of more than 600 children by priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore since the 1940s

Other clergy abuse settlements

For years, churches and dioceses across the country have reached multimillion-dollar settlements in sexual abuse lawsuits. Some companies have declared bankruptcy to manage and resolve these lawsuits.

In 2020, states such as New York enacted laws temporarily allowing victims of child sexual abuse to sue over decades-old crimes. According to Reuters, these laws have forced more than 20 Catholic dioceses to file for bankruptcy protection in recent years.

Dolan previously said that on Dec. 8, parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale, New York, learned that the parish had declared bankruptcy. According to the cardinal, the church is one of the “most frequently named defendants” in Child Injuries Act lawsuits involving abuse allegations by former members of the congregation.

The Archdiocese of New York’s announcement comes after a federal judge on December 8 approved a $230 million settlement between hundreds of victims of clergy sexual abuse and the Archdiocese of New Orleans, NOLA.com reported. The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020, and the settlement resolves one of the longest-running Catholic bankruptcies in the country.

In October 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to 1,353 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy as children. This was the largest settlement involving a U.S. diocese.

Contributed by Joseph Spector, USA TODAY Network. Reuters

Instacart pilots agent commerce by embedding it into ChatGPT

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Instacart pilots agent commerce by embedding it into ChatGPT

Instacart introduced an embedded checkout experience within ChatGPT through the emerging Agentic Commerce Protocol.

With this introduction, the company became the first partner to launch an app on ChatGPT that provides a complete shopping cycle from query to payment without the user having to leave the conversational interface.

Operationalization of agent commerce

This integration fixes broken links, or “handoffs,” in conversational commerce. Previously, AI models could suggest products or generate meal plans, but the execution phase required a deep link to another application or website, often leading to cart abandonment.

With this new development, users can interact with AI to plan their meals and have the system build their cart based on inventory at local retailers. The differentiator here is the checkout process. By leveraging the Agentic Commerce Protocol, transactions are processed directly within the chat interface using credit card flows powered by Stripe.

According to Nick Turley, vice president and director of ChatGPT, the goal is to connect AI suggestions directly to real-world services.

“Using ChatGPT directly into the Instacart app, users can go from meal planning to checkout in one seamless conversation,” said Turley. “This is another step in realizing our vision, where AI provides helpful suggestions, connects directly to real-world services, and saves people time and effort in their daily lives.”

Instacart checkout agent commerce experience embedded in OpenAI's ChatGPT.

This integration goes deeper than using standard APIs. Instacart served as an early contributor to the OpenAI Operator research preview, providing feedback to ensure the technology overcomes real-world constraints while adhering to established norms.

This “preview” involvement suggests that Instacart’s complex data environment, which includes tens of thousands of SKUs and dynamic inventory levels, served as a testing ground for OpenAI’s agent capabilities. Rather than simply adopting a tool, Instacart helped define the parameters of how its AI agents interacted with external fulfillment logistics.

Instacart’s introduction highlights why structured, real-time data is important when integrating with large-scale language models (LLMs). The effectiveness of an AI agent is determined by the data it has access to. Illusion in commercial situations, such as selling out-of-stock items, carries financial and reputational risks.

Anirban Kundu, CTO at Instacart, says that powering shopping within AI agents requires technology that can interpret highly local and ever-changing inventory. Instacart seeks to reduce the risk of “illusions” by basing its AI responses on a large dataset covering more than 1.8 billion product instances across 100,000 stores.

“Instacart and ChatGPT are redefining what is possible with AI-powered shopping,” said Kundu. “This experience, built on the Agentic Commerce Protocol, provides intelligent, real-time support in one of the most important parts of daily life: getting groceries for your family.

“Together, we are creating a seamless and secure way for people to turn simple conversations into real-world actions, helping customers move from inspiration to full carts delivered easily from the store to their door.”

Dual hire: customer care and internal efficiency

While the embedded checkout grabs the headlines, Instacart’s broader plans include a large-scale internal rollout. The company uses ChatGPT Enterprise to streamline internal workflows with the goal of accelerating the development of customer experiences. Additionally, we introduced OpenAI’s Codex to power our internal coding agent.

Two approaches provide operating models: Selling with AI (Agentic Commerce) and Building AI (Codex). This moves beyond individual pilots to an overall stance where generative models drive both revenue and R&D efficiency.

This development signals a shift in how brands view digital storefronts. Instacart’s approach seems to accept that consumer entry points are fragmented. Rather than forcing all traffic through its own apps, the company is positioning its infrastructure as a backend fulfillment layer for third-party AI platforms.

The company has clearly stated its intention to serve as a key partner for major AI players such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, bridging the gap between AI inspiration and real-world realization. By incorporating its services into these broader platforms, Instacart aims to capture the growing demand that comes from outside of its native ecosystem.

Instacart implementation and availability on ChatGPT

This experience is currently enabled for users on desktop and mobile web platforms, but native mobile availability for iOS and Android applications will be rolled out soon.

To access this feature, users must link their accounts by calling a specific Instacart application within the ChatGPT interface (for example, by displaying the prompt, “Instacart, can you help me shop for apple pie ingredients?”). This opt-in mechanism ensures that data sharing is consensual and is an essential governance step for companies deploying consumer-facing AI agents.

This integration serves as a case study for agent AI for commerce. For retail and technology executives, the Instacart model shows that the next stage of digital adoption involves preparing API structures and data pipelines to serve “non-human” customers (AI agents) as reliably as human customers.

Data accuracy and real-time availability must remain a focus. Without these foundations, agent workflows cannot deliver a return on investment.

See also: OpenAI: Enterprise users can exchange AI pilots for tighter integration

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Florida to execute Mark Geralds for murdering housewife

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Florida to execute Mark Geralds for murdering housewife

Mark Allen Geralds is scheduled to be executed for the 1989 murder of Tressa Lynn Pettibone, whose body was discovered by her son on the kitchen floor more than 36 years ago.

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This story contains details of a violent crime that some readers may find disturbing.

A Florida man who stabbed a housewife to death and then orchestrated a daring prison escape will become the 18th man to be executed in the state this year, adding to the state’s death penalty record.

Mark Allen Gerards, 58, is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, Dec. 9, for the murder of Tressa Lynn Pettibone, a mother of two whose brutal body was found by her 8-year-old son in her Panama City Beach home in 1989.

At the time, Prosecutor Jim Appleman called the murder “one of the most brutal cases ever” in the area. “The brutal beating he inflicted on Tressa Pettibone was outrageous,” Appleman told jurors, according to an archived Associated Press report.

Geralds decided not to fight the death penalty. His lawyers have previously argued that he did not receive a fair trial because jurors who saw gruesome crime scene photos were biased against him.

Here’s what you need to know about the case, including how Gerards escaped from prison with four other inmates while awaiting trial.

When and where will the death penalty be carried out?

The state of Florida is scheduled to execute Mark Allen Geralds at 6 p.m. ET at the Florida State Penitentiary in Raeford.

The state has executed 17 inmates so far this year, far surpassing the state’s previous annual highs of eight in 1984 and 2014. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed more death warrants than any other governor in state history, and in May he said he wants to end families waiting sometimes decades for their loved ones to be executed.

Gerards is also scheduled to become the 45th inmate to be put to death in the United States this year, a number not reached since 2010. Death penalty experts blame the rise in executions on the political climate under pro-death penalty President Donald Trump and a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

What was Mark Allen Geralds convicted of?

On February 1, 1989, eight-year-old Bart Pettibone came home from school to discover the unthinkable: his mother’s bloody body on the kitchen floor. Tressa Lynn Pettibone, 33, was beaten, bound, gagged and fatally stabbed twice in the neck and once in the side. The coroner determined that her wrists had been tied with a plastic tie for at least 20 minutes before she was killed.

Designer sunglasses and jewelry were stolen from the house, and Tressa’s Mercedes was also missing.

According to court records, Bart and his sister, Bryce, then 14, played a pivotal role in the ensuing investigation. They told police that about a week before their mother was killed, they were with their mother at the mall when they encountered Mark Gerards, a 22-year-old carpenter who was doing some renovation work on a house.

During their chat, the children recalled that their mother had mentioned that her husband, Kevin, was away on a business trip. Shortly after, Burt recalled Gerards walking up to him in a shopping mall arcade and asking when his father would be home and if the children always went to school.

Police later discovered that Gerards had pawned a gold herringbone necklace that matched the one missing from Pettibone’s home and gave the sunglasses to a friend. A plastic tie that matched the one used on Tressa matched a tie found in Gerards’ car, according to court records.

Prosecutors told jurors that Gerards had come to the house looking for $7,000 in cash and knew it was there, beating Pettibone to find out where it was.

“Tressa Pettibone was subjected to 20 minutes of painful beatings and torture,” they said. “She bled to death in her home. She was a caring woman…and she took her last gasp in her home, breathing blood into her lungs.”

A jury found Gerards guilty of first-degree murder and he was sentenced to death.

Who is Tressa Lynn Pettibone?

Tressa Lynn Pettibone is a 33-year-old married mother originally from Ohio before settling with her husband in the charming and upscale waterfront neighborhood of Panama City, located between Pensacola and Tallahassee in northwest Florida.

Tressa’s children went on to have children of their own. She is the grandmother of at least five children, and one of her granddaughters is named after her.

Pettibone’s daughter Bryce posts a tribute to her mother every Mother’s Day, and in her 2024 post, she said she treasures each of the few photos of her and her mother.

“Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven, Mom!” she wrote. “Thank you for setting the bar high. You taught me how to be a mother and I am so grateful for your example.”

In May 2020, she wrote that she had never wanted her mother to be with her “just to talk to me.”

“There have been many times over the years that I wish I had asked her for advice. I will miss having her in my corner when life gets tough,” she wrote. “She believed in her family and would fight like a caged lion if she messed with her children! She was a great protector and defender and loved her family with all of her heart.”

In 2022, the family suffered another shocking tragedy when Tressa’s son, Bart Pettibone, suddenly passed away at the age of 41, leaving behind a wife and three children. His obituary said Tressa “went home to be with his loving mother and Jesus.”

Who is Mark Allen Geralds?

Mark Allen Geralds was a 22-year-old with eight previous convictions when he robbed the Pettibones after working construction work for them.

During the sentencing portion of Gerards’ trial, lawyers argued that he should be spared the death penalty because of his youth, his “love and concern” for his daughter and wife, his bipolar manic personality disorder and the fact that he “came from a divorced family and was not loved by his mother,” according to court records.

In 1990, Gerards made headlines when he escaped from prison while awaiting trial.

Geralds was being held at the Bay County Jail, the first private prison in Florida history, according to archived news reports. His wife was accused of slipping a saw blade on Mr. Gerald during the visit.

He and four other high-security inmates used the knives to cut through metal frames and punch out windows on the sixth floor. Then they climbed down a rope made of sheets and blankets. Gerald and most of the other prisoners were recaptured within hours of their escape.

When is the next execution?

The next execution in the United States is scheduled for this week in Tennessee. The state is scheduled to execute serial rapist Harold Wayne Nichols on Thursday, Dec. 11, for the 1988 rape and murder of 20-year-old Karen Pooley.

Two more executions are scheduled for this year, one in Georgia and one in Florida. This puts the US on pace to kill 48 people in 2025.

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

Coffee by Paris Hilton will be available soon. See flavor.

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Coffee by Paris Hilton will be available soon. See flavor.

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Paris Hilton and International Delight are teaming up to make coffee ‘hot’ again.

A new collection of coffee creamers and cold foam flavors inspired by the personal style and go-to coffee order of one of America’s most beloved socialites will hit stores next month, International Delight announced Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The brand says the flavor profile has been created to be “bold, iconic, and unmistakably Parisian,” and the “unique” limited-edition flavor flights “can’t be found anywhere else.”

“Life is too short to drink plain coffee,” Hilton said in a statement. “Whether it’s my outfit for the day or my cup of coffee every day, I always add sparkle and bring flavor.” “With International Delight’s creamer and cold foam flavors, you can turn every bite into a party. Survive!”

Panera Bread x Whitney Leavitt: Tips for making the perfect “dirty” soda

Here’s what you need to know about Paris Hilton and International Delight’s partnership, including the flavors.

Discover the flavors of Paris Hilton x International Delight

From Raspberry Champagne Creamer to Sweet & Spicy Creamer, these products are aimed at “those who want to add new and exciting flavors to their coffee beverages,” International Delight said.

Paris Hilton-themed services include:

  • raspberry champagne creamer (32 oz): “Cheers to fruity flavors that are unexpected, indulgent and sweet as a kiss.”
  • cotton candy cold foam creamer (14oz): “Nostalgic, sweet, and wonderfully pink – this bubbly delicious icon delivers creaminess and color!”
  • Sweet & Spicy Creamer (32 oz): “That’s hot. Literally. This mashup tempers plain coffee by combining opposing flavors and cranking up the heat. (Yes, it really has a kick!)”

International Delight’s “unique” limited edition flavors will be available at major retailers nationwide in January 2026.

Trump administration sued by ICEBlock to remove app

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Trump administration sued by ICEBlock to remove app

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The developer of ICEBlock, a popular app used to share field sightings of federal immigration agents, sued the Trump administration on December 8 for violating its free speech rights after Apple removed the app from its online store.

ICEBlock developer Joshua Aaron claimed in a filing that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other administration officials made “unconstitutional threats and demands against Apple,” which led to the app’s removal in October.

“When we see the government doing something wrong, it’s our duty as citizens to hold the government accountable, and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this case,” Aaron said, according to Reuters.

People who oppose President Trump’s immigration policies and advocate for the safety of immigrants and others are using apps and other methods to track and record ICE activity and alert people who are at risk of being detained.

Aaron said he believes the Trump administration is attacking not only his own free speech rights, but the free speech rights of all Americans when it goes after apps like ICEBlock, and he hopes his lawsuit will help stop the administration’s “erosion of the Constitution.”

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, told Reuters that assaults and death threats against federal immigration officials have skyrocketed since the department stepped up operations to arrest and deport people in the country illegally.

“But of course the media is reporting that Apple, bowing to pressure, is making the right decision to remove these apps instead of preventing further bloodshed and killing law enforcement,” McLaughlin said.

The U.S. Attorney General’s Office, DHS, and Apple did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on Dec. 8.

“National Censorship Mechanism”

The Trump administration has condemned the ICE tracking app, saying it could lead to increased attacks on immigration officials conducting federal deportation campaigns. The complaint rejects this claim, saying the data collected is deleted four hours after the ICE sighting and that the app’s design “makes it available for informational purposes only.”

“Fundamentally, ICEBlock does not enable or encourage confrontation; it merely provides time-limited location information to help users remain aware of their surroundings in a responsible, non-violent manner,” the complaint says.

In July, President Donald Trump said he was considering suing CNN after news outlets reported on ICEBlock. The complaint alleges that the defendants “launched a coordinated campaign of retaliation” against Aaron, illustrating the pattern of criticism the app faced after CNN’s reporting.

“Ms. Bondi’s call for Apple to remove ICEBlock from the App Store and her perspective-based criticism of CNN, which released the app, amount to a ‘state censorship plot,'” the complaint says.

According to the lawsuit, the app had more than 1 million users at the time of its removal.

“Growing up in a Jewish household, I have learned from history the consequences of remaining silent in the face of oppression,” Aaron said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. “I will never back down from resisting the Trump administration’s targeting of immigrants and co-opting businesses into its unconstitutional agenda.”

Immigration raids in NOLA: Federal agents begin enforcement operation in New Orleans

Legal Professionals: Oversight of Representatives Mainly Protected by the Constitution

The app is still functional for those who downloaded it before it was removed from app stores, and allows users to report publicly observable activities of federal immigration officials and their locations. Aaron argued in his lawsuit that this feature is similar to what mapping apps like Waze do when they allow users to report police locations.

According to the complaint, Aaron submitted the app to Apple for approval and it was available through Apple’s app store from April of this year until it was removed. Legal experts told Reuters that surveillance of immigration officials is largely protected by the U.S. Constitution, as long as people do not interfere with their work or encourage others to do so.

Courts have long held that recording law enforcement activities in public places is legal.

The complaint cites a message Apple sent to Aaron saying that “information provided to Apple by law enforcement agencies” indicates his app violates the company’s guidelines because “its purpose is to provide location information of law enforcement officers that can be used to harm law enforcement officers as individuals or groups.”

The lawsuit asks the court to stop the defendants from “coercing, threatening, or requesting that Apple or any other app distribution service stop distributing the app” and “threatening, investigating, or prosecuting Aaron.”

“If we allow community information sharing to be silenced, our democracy will fail. The United States is no different from China or Russia,” Deirdre von Dornam, the lead attorney representing Aaron, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Contributor: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY. Reuters

Winners and losers of the Chargers’ win over the Eagles on Monday night

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Winners and losers of the Chargers’ win over the Eagles on Monday night

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  • Both teams combined for six turnovers in the first half, and the Chargers defense ended up forcing five total turnovers.
  • Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played through a hand injury, rushing for 66 yards and passing for 139 yards.
  • Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a career-high four interceptions, including the game-ending interception in overtime.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers have won back-to-back games.

The Chargers were able to come away with a 22-19 overtime victory in a poor game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chargers scored a touchdown on their first drive, but it was their only touchdown of the first half. There were six total turnovers in the first two quarters, and the Chargers held a 10-6 lead at halftime.

The Eagles took a 16-13 lead in the fourth quarter with a 52-yard touchdown run by running back Saquon Barkley. However, the Chargers were able to storm behind Herbert.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made a 46-yard field goal, sending the game into overtime.

In OT, Dicker made a 54-yard winning field goal. With the Eagles in possession and the Eagles looking to score, the Chargers defense picks off Jalen Hurts for the fourth time.

USA TODAY Sports was at SoFi Stadium for Monday night’s interconference matchup. Here are the winners and losers of the game:

winner

Justin Herbert’s Toughness

Herbert played a week out from surgery on his left hand. He was wearing protective clothing and gloves on his injured left hand. The Chargers quarterback also took snaps under center.

Herbert showed incredible toughness throughout. Surprisingly, he hurt the Eagles as much with his legs as his arms. Herbert rushed for 66 yards, passed for 139 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

chargers defense

The Chargers entered Week 14 with the third-ranked total defense, allowing 275.3 yards per game.

The Chargers’ defense allowed just six points and forced three turnovers in the first half. They continued to play tough against the Eagles for most of the game.

The Chargers picked Jalen Hurts four times, and Cam Hart, Dashawn Hand, Donte Jackson and Tony Jefferson had interceptions.

Saquon Barkley topped 100 yards rushing, but the Chargers’ defense forced five turnovers and held Philadelphia’s offense in check.

eagles defense

The Eagles’ defense was solid in the loss without standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter (both shoulders injured).

Philadelphia pressured Justin Herbert early and often. The Chargers’ offense struggled to contain the onslaught, and their running backs and tight ends didn’t help much either.

Herbert was sacked a career-high seven times.

eagles fans

Eagles fans showed up in droves Monday night, and Eagles jerseys were displayed around SoFi Stadium.

loser

Eagles passing offense

The much-maligned Eagles offense entered Week 14 with 23 teams.rd-Rank passing attack (196.3).

The Eagles insist on a basic passing concept and the passing game continues to lack consistency.

Jalen Hurts had a career-high four interceptions. His interception in the fourth quarter came on a pass to AJ Brown. The ball was a little high, but I was able to catch it. The game conveniently ended in overtime with Hurts’ interception.

Hurts finished with a career-high total of five turnovers (four interceptions, one lost fumble).

Hurts had recorded just two interceptions before Monday night.

interception, fumble, fumble

Jalen Hurts had a rare two turnovers on one play.

Hurts threw an interception to Chargers DT Dashawn Hand. Hand fumbled during the 7-yard return. The loose football was recovered by Hurts, but he fumbled and the football was eventually recovered and preserved by Chargers linebacker Troy Dye at the Los Angeles 43-yard line.

First half turnover

Both teams had a total of six turnovers in the first half. Indeed, there were three turnovers on one play. Both teams each committed three turnovers.

Both offenses were sloppy in the first half.

Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts each (appropriately) had 95 passing yards in the first half.

The Chargers’ offense scored the only touchdown of the first half.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TylerDragon.

Where in California will J.C. Penney close? See locations here

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Where in California will J.C. Penney close? See locations here

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J.C. Penney plans to close another store, this time in California’s San Francisco Bay Area.

The clothing retailer plans to close its store in Stoneridge Shopping Center in Pleasanton, California, on its last day of business on February 22, 2026. The closing was first reported by local news station KRON-TV.

In a statement to the store, J.C. Penney said the company was “unable to continue with the current lease terms of this store and was unable to find another suitable location in the market.”

It’s unclear whether employees affected by the closure will be reassigned to other J.C. Penney stores in the Bay Area.

“We are grateful to our dedicated employees and loyal customers who have shopped at our Pleasanton, California, store over the years,” J.C. Penney said in a statement.

tough year

The California closure comes amid a year of other store and warehouse closures across the United States.

The company closed eight other stores nationwide in May. J.C. Penney previously told USA TODAY that these closures were due to “lease expirations, market changes and other factors.”

Separately, J.C. Penney also closed its Alliance Supply Chain facility in Haslett, Texas, in November.

The department store chain, currently headquartered in Plano, Texas, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. At its peak, the company had more than 1,900 stores in the United States. That number is now less than 650.

JC Penney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

USA TODAY’s Greta Cross contributed to this report.

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_.

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