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JD Vance says Zoran Mamdani is ‘wise’ to focus on affordability

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JD Vance says Zoran Mamdani is ‘wise’ to focus on affordability

“The fact that he’s so aggressively focused on affordability issues in New York City…is smart,” Vice President J.D. Vance said of New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani.

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Vice President J.D. Vance refused to put any light on President Donald Trump in a new interview with NBC News, saying incoming New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is “at least listening to people” on affordability and musing about leading politicians.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, emerged as a prominent new politician during a campaign focused on the cost of living issue, drawing the ire of President Trump before the two held an intimate meeting at the official residence after the election.

“Obviously, I’m not a communist, and I think he’s a communist,” Vance told NBC News. “But the fact that he’s so aggressively focused on affordability issues in New York City, a city with one of the worst affordability crises anywhere in the world, at least he’s listening to people.”

Vance also said he is “fascinated” by Sen. Bernie Sanders, and called him “interesting” “sometimes” by California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna.

“That’s a very low bar for most politicians, but they don’t even want to listen to what people have to say,” Vance said. “I would put Mamdani, Bernie and Ro Khanna in the category of people who do that at least sometimes.”

The vice president, a front-runner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, insisted he is focused on his current job rather than his political future as the party heads into the 2026 midterm elections.

“I try not to wake up and think, ‘What does this mean for my future?'” I always try to think, ‘How can I do a better job now?’ ” Vance told NBC. “That’s one of the reasons I tried to stay away from the 2028 discussion…I never want to focus on the future at the expense of this job.”

Vance’s political future is closely tied to President Trump’s declining approval ratings. When running for president in 2024, former Vice President Kamala Harris was asked on “The View” if she “would have done anything differently” during her four years in office with former President Joe Biden. She said she couldn’t think of anything, and Vance scoffed at that answer.

When NBC asked Vance the same question, he said, “The president really needs a vice president who is loyal to him and who is not going to plot or use the media to set himself up for 2028.”

“So what you’ll never hear me do in this job is attack the president of the United States,” Vance added. “Of course, if I were to run for another office in the future, people would ask me, ‘Would you have done this? Would you have done that?’ And when the time comes, let’s have that conversation. But I would never attack the president of the United States.”

5 Important Facts About Medicare You Probably Don’t Know

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5 Important Facts About Medicare You Probably Don’t Know

It is important to understand the details of this major program.

morley backman
|The Motley Fool

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Whether you’re nearing retirement or years away, you probably know a thing or two about Medicare. You probably know that it’s how millions of older Americans get health insurance today, a program that your paycheck funds, much like payroll taxes maintain Social Security.

But there are some aspects of Medicare that you may be less familiar with. Here are five things you may not be aware of that you should know.

1. It’s not free

Many people believe that joining Medicare is inexpensive. That’s far from the truth.

Most seniors do not pay premiums for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care. However, Part B, which covers outpatient services, charges a monthly premium, which tends to change from year to year. Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage, also costs a premium (although there are some Part D plans with a $0 premium).

In addition to premiums, there are copays, coinsurance, and deductibles you may face as a Medicare enrollee. And they can be substantial.

To help cover these costs, we recommend purchasing supplemental insurance, known as Medigap, when you first enroll in Medicare. If you don’t, you could end up drawing down on your retirement savings more often than you’d like.

2. Original Medicare is not the only option

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is not your only option for health insurance. Alternatively, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a private insurance company.

Medicare Advantage plans have certain benefits, such as expanded benefits and annual out-of-pocket maximums. However, they do have certain drawbacks, such as being limited to a narrow provider network and often requiring prior approval for more complex or expensive treatments and services.

We recommend looking into your Medicare Advantage options to see if it’s worth enrolling in one of these plans. You can always drop Medicare Advantage if it doesn’t work out for you, but keep in mind that it may save you money.

3. Medicare offers some telehealth services

Some seniors find it harder to leave the house and go to medical appointments as they get older. The good news is that Medicare has expanded its telehealth options over the years. Enrollees can now participate in virtual visits to get the care they need without delay.

If you have Medicare, it’s helpful to find out what services you can access via telehealth. This is especially meaningful if you don’t have easy access to transportation or live in a remote part of the country.

4. You can enroll in Medicare if you’re still working

If you’re still employed, you may think you’re not eligible to sign up for Medicare. However, once you turn 65, you can register even if you are working full time.

Even if you have health insurance through your job, it may make sense to enroll in Medicare. You may find that Medicare is more comprehensive and less expensive than your workplace health insurance.

However, you should know that once you sign up for Medicare, you can no longer contribute funds to a Health Savings Account (HSA). If it’s an employer-provided benefit, you should opt out.

This doesn’t mean it can’t still be done use Once you enroll in Medicare, get an HSA. You cannot add more money.

5. Late registration can cost you a lifetime.

The initial Medicare enrollment period begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after that month. If you don’t have access to eligible group health insurance through your job, it doesn’t hurt to enroll during that time. Not only will this ensure you have health insurance, but you may also avoid costly fines.

If you delay enrolling in Medicare, you risk a 10% surcharge on your Part B premium for every 12 months you could have enrolled but didn’t. What’s worse, it’s usually a lifelong penalty that you can’t escape. Therefore, it is best to avoid it if possible.

Obviously, there’s a lot to know about Medicare. But don’t wait until right before you sign up to start learning. The more you understand before you retire, the better you can plan for your retirement.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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President Trump says “I love all Americans” during Christmas tree lighting

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President Trump says “I love all Americans” during Christmas tree lighting

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump continued the more than 100-year-old tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree with First Lady Melania Trump in memory of two National Guard soldiers shot and killed while on patrol near the White House last week.

Sarah Beckstrom, a National Guardsman, died after the attack. President Trump said he met with the parents of surviving Guard member Andrew Wolf.

“Andrew is recovering. Unfortunately, Sarah is watching from on high, from heaven,” Trump said on Dec. 4. “I just want to salute them. Two wonderful people, incredible people. I talked to the parents, I met them today.” “Andrew’s parents.”

The tree lighting ceremony featured performances by the Beach Boys, Alana Springsteen, Brett Young and other musicians.

President Trump said of the 30-degree weather, “It’s beautiful. It’s not too cold. There’s no wind. There’s no need to wear a hat or anything.”

Trump downplayed his 2020 election loss, saying he would not have become president without the outcome of his four-year absence from the White House before returning in January as he celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence next year.

“I’m so glad I delayed the inauguration, otherwise I would have been sitting at home watching TV without being invited. I would have been extremely upset,” Trump said, repeating baseless claims that the vote was “rigged.”

Trump later said he loves all Americans. “Whether you like them or not, we love them all, we want to take care of them all, and we have to embrace everyone in this country,” Trump said.

LED lights, small trees and student decorations

Dec. 4 was the 103rd tree lighting ceremony held at Ellipse, and its origins date back to 1923, when former President Calvin Coolidge presided over the lighting of a 48-foot-tall balsam fir in his home state of Vermont.

Tree 2025 is a 32-foot-tall red spruce that grows in the mountains of Highland County, Virginia. It was selected by the ranger district of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, according to the National Park Service.

The tree has more than 80,000 LED lights and is surrounded by 59 smaller trees donated by a tree farm in North Carolina. These trees represent every U.S. state, territory, District of Columbia, Bureau of Indian Education, Department of Defense schools, and America250. It is decorated with decorations made by the students.

One of the Florida ornaments features a beach scene, and one of the Alaska ornaments features a moose. The Indiana figurine features a race car.

The National Christmas Tree display runs from December 6th to January 1st and is free for visitors. Open daily from 10am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11pm Friday and Saturday.

Supreme Court allows Texas to use Trump’s preferred zoning map

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Supreme Court allows Texas to use Trump’s preferred zoning map

A lower court ruled that the map was likely racially biased and blocked the ban.

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WASHINGTON – Texas can take advantage of a congressional map drawn to favor President Donald Trump and the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections, the Supreme Court ruled on Dec. 4, potentially helping Republicans maintain a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The ideologically divided court blocked a lower court’s ruling that the map likely discriminated against racial minorities by diluting the voting power of Hispanic and black Texans.

The opinion replaces a temporary freeze in a Nov. 21 ruling by Justice Samuel Alito that would preserve the map heading into the midterm elections as border litigation continues.

The high court said the lower court’s decision was inappropriate because it was too close to the election.

“The district court improperly interfered with active primary election activity, causing significant disruption and disrupting the delicate federal-state balance in elections,” the majority wrote in a short, unsigned opinion.

The court’s three liberal justices dissented in an opinion written by Justice Elena Kagan.

Kagan wrote that the majority’s decision discounts the district court’s efforts throughout the nine-day hearing, which included testimony from nearly two dozen witnesses and thousands of pieces of evidence.

“We are a higher court than the district court, but we are no better than the district court at making fact-based decisions like this,” she wrote. That’s why judges should uphold district court decisions as long as they are plausible, she said.

Alito said the rule doesn’t apply because the district court erred in not requiring those objecting to the map to create alternatives.

In response to the decision, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Texas is “blazing a path to take back our country, district by district, state by state.”

But Rep. Susan DelBene, the House Democratic campaign director, said Republicans won’t be able to make as much of a leap forward as they would like because “people continue to criticize the Republican Party and its broken promises.”

Other Democrats focused their blame on the court itself. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the court’s majority made a partisan decision.

“Tonight’s ruling by far-right Supreme Court justices is further evidence that extremists will do anything to rig the midterm elections,” Jeffries said in a statement.

Texas begins redistricting drive

At the request of the Trump administration, the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature drew new district lines midway through the normal once-a-decade redistricting cycle, setting up a race for states to get in on the game. Some other initiatives are being challenged in court.

Five other states have already adopted the new congressional maps: California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah.

Additionally, Republican lawmakers in Indiana are debating new boundaries. Virginia Democrats are taking steps to redistrict Richmond, and Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature are also gearing up for action.

Pressure is also mounting on Maryland’s Democratic leaders. Depending on the court’s response, four other states – Alabama, Louisiana, New York and North Dakota – could also take action.

Despite the uncertainty about what the playing field will look like, Democrats remain likely to flip the House next year, according to bipartisan researchers at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

But that could change if the Supreme Court rules in the pending Louisiana case, potentially opening the door to further redistricting efforts in Southern states. Analyst Kyle Kondik predicts that depending on what the court says and the judge’s ruling, there could be several districts where Republicans can expect to win.

more: Does protection for black voters discriminate against whites? The Supreme Court weighs in

Republicans aim to gain 5 seats in Texas

The new Texas map is designed to help Republicans pick up five more seats, but that’s not a sure thing.

Republicans currently hold 25 of the state’s 38 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, giving them a slim majority. If Democrats take control, they could block President Trump’s legislative policies and launch investigations into his administration.

more: ‘Proof of Life’ campaign for beleaguered Democrats in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia and California

Racial gerrymandering?

The Supreme Court said that in redistricting disputes, federal courts can examine whether race was improperly used to draw new boundaries, but not whether partisan politics was a factor.

Civil rights groups and others objecting to Texas’ new maps say it will reduce their voting power by reducing the number of districts in which Hispanic and black voters collectively hold a majority.

“This is about as grim a case of racial gerrymandering as you can imagine,” lawyers for some of the challengers said in a filing.

more: SCOTUS takes sides in push for redraw that could affect 2026 vote

A lower court ruled against the state of Texas.

A three-judge panel in Texas that reviewed the maps ruled 2-1 that Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott had directed the Legislature to use race to redraw the state’s boundaries at the request of the Trump administration, which discussed the racial makeup of some districts.

“The public perception of this case is that it is about politics,” wrote Judge Jeffrey Brown, who was appointed to the federal bench by President Trump in 2019. “Certainly, politics played a role in drawing the map of 2025, but it was much more than just politics.” “There is substantial evidence that Texas racially gerrymandered its 2025 map.”

Judge Jerry Smith, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, issued an angry and unusually personal dissent, calling the decision “the most blatant exercise in judicial activism I have ever witnessed.”

Texas says race is not the main factor

Texas lawyers told the Supreme Court that partisanship, not race, drove redistricting. And they argued that the lower court’s ruling caused confusion because candidates had already collected signatures and filed applications to run in new districts.

The Justice Department told the Supreme Court on behalf of Texas that lower courts had “misinterpreted” the administration’s instructions to the state.

“Indeed, the record here affirmatively shows that the 2025 map was drawn with racial disregard,” the Justice Department said in its filing.

Civil rights groups point to witnesses and footage

Civil rights groups and voters who challenged the map said the lower court’s decision was based on an extensive hearing that included hours of footage of lawmakers and Mr. Abbott discussing their motives.

The challengers also said the approaching Dec. 8 filing deadline for Texas candidates running in the spring primary is no reason to allow the new map to be used.

They told the Supreme Court that by unnecessarily choosing to draw new maps, Texas created its own state of emergency and “cannot intentionally shield unconstitutional conduct from judicial review so close to an election.”

Contributor: Bert Jansen

Holiday shopping at Dollar Tree stores can also be a little pricey

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Holiday shopping at Dollar Tree stores can also be a little pricey

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100-yen stores are becoming more like “100-yen stores” as discount chains continue to ratchet up prices, online discount enthusiasts are pointing out on social media.

Dollar Tree appears to have increased the standard price of $1.25 to $1.50 due to an increase in the number of key items, and some items that were previously priced at $1.50 have now increased to $1.75. The company began changing its product price points over the summer, according to TheKrazyCouponLady.com, a website dedicated to helping shoppers get the most value out of their dollar.

But it appears it took months for shoppers to notice.

But analysts say the chain remains a haven for budget shoppers, especially during the holiday season.

“Consumer sentiment has fallen to historic lows as tight financial conditions and inflation fatigue have taken their toll,” said Brasha Arnold of research firm Placer Eye. “Still, some retail categories have seen steady growth in visitor numbers, and dollar stores stand out among them.”

TheKrazyCouponLady.com asserted that the “vast majority” of in-store items are still priced at $1.25.

“Eighty-five percent of our stores are still under $2, so think about it. When you walk into a store, you see value in every corner. I think our customers are really happy about that,” Dollar Tree CEO Michael Creedon said on an earnings call in November.

When did 100 yen stores stop being 1 dollar stores?

Dollar Tree began introducing higher price points in 2019, introducing Dollar Tree Plus stores that sell items in the $3 and $5 price ranges. Following the success of these stores, the company expanded the concept in September 2021.

However, the discount retailer did not increase the base price by $1 until November 2021. Citing inflation, Dollar Tree announced on November 24, 2021 that it would be rolling out price increases to $1.25 on many items in its stores.

Dollar Tree announced further price increases in March 2024, increasing the price of some products from $1.25 to $1.50 and increasing the price of “Plus” items to $7.

According to TheKrazyCouponLady.com, a thorough investigation into which prices have gone up, budget-minded shoppers are reporting that Dollar Tree has quietly raised prices on some items from $1.50 to $1.75 throughout 2025.

Why do 100 yen shops raise their prices?

Dollar Tree warned investors over the summer that tariffs and price volatility could significantly depress quarterly profits. This forced the company to negotiate with suppliers, select new products, scrap others, buy from other countries, and raise prices to deal with the tariffs.

Analysts say a variety of new, more expensive products are also driving impulse purchases among shoppers who come to stores for essentials and attracting higher-income shoppers. So, even though foot traffic may decrease, spending per visit increases.

“Dollar Tree has been able to offset some of this weakness (from lower-income and economically constrained shoppers) by continuing to attract new customers from higher-income groups and by increasing spending slightly among some existing middle-income shoppers,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at researcher GlobalData.

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

Ranking of the top 10 best TV shows of 2025 announced

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Ranking of the top 10 best TV shows of 2025 announced

As the year draws to a close, check out these 10 great TV shows. You might be surprised at what you find.

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In real life, 2025 has been a chaotic year. We have lived through the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the beginning of a divisive presidential term, and witnessed the election of a Pope from Chicago, pop stars in space, natural disasters and history-making events almost daily. Even in the fictional world that fills our television screens in search of a little distraction at the end of the day, things are not so benign. But in a good way.

We’re talking about HBO Max’s “The Pit,” which won an Emmy and won Hearts and Minds. We’re talking about the little British drama on Netflix that generated viewership and cultural buzz. And we’ll also talk about some shows you’ve probably never heard of.

While this year’s television was full of viral Hatewatches (like Hulu’s disastrous but renewed “All’s Fair”) and the biggest shows of all time (like Netflix’s “The Squid Game” and the final season of “Stranger Things”), the ones we loved the most were less flashy, perhaps less glamorous, and less gorgeous than ever.

As the year draws to a close, check out these 10 great TV shows. You might be surprised at what you find.

Scroll through the gallery below to see a long list of the top 20 best TV shows of the year.

10. “Overcompensation” (Amazon Prime)

Underpinning all of the thigh-slapping comedy in Amazon’s raucous and irreverent college comedy Overcompensation is a very real understanding of the messy, imperfect ways humans transition from flopping teenagers to flopping young adults.

Although set in the era of TikTok, “Overcompensating” could represent anyone’s college experience, even if you’re not a timid gay jock stuck in the closet like protagonist Benny (played by series creator Benito Skinner). The hilarious and relatable journey of Benny and his friend Carmen (Wally Ballam) as freshmen is cringe-worthy, funny, heartwarming, and anchored by great beats from Charli XCX (also a producer and guest star). Look away during vomiting and defecation gags.

Read our interview with Skinner: Benito felt guilty for not coming out sooner. “Overcompensation” changed that.

9. “Task” (HBO)

“Easttown Horses” creator Brad Ingelsby returns to the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia for this dark and gripping crime drama starring Mark Ruffalo. The actor plays a depressed and traumatized FBI agent who leads a task force investigating a series of home invasions targeting drug dens in the area. Told from the perspective of Ruffalo’s lawman and the average man (Tom Pelphrey) who surprisingly leads the heist, “Tusk” is an addictive and compelling tale of two cities set in the same Delaware County town.

Interview with actor: Mark Ruffalo explains ‘Tusk’ finale and its ‘cathartic’ ending

Packed with regional accents and references, the “task” encompassed a number of themes, theses, and tones. It’s a deliciously complex story with both tense developments and deep meditations on family and what we owe.

8. “North of North” (Netflix)

This comedy set in a small village in the Arctic Circle is further north than you might imagine, and probably didn’t get your attention this spring. But upbeat and energetic, “North” is worth a look.

The film stars the instantly captivating Anna Lambe as Siaja, a young woman living a seemingly perfect life as a wife and mother in an indigenous community. However, because Siaja walked down the aisle and gave birth to a child at a young age, she did not have time to find her own identity or set her own goals. In the comedy’s opening episode, she finally takes control of her destiny in the most clumsy and humorous way possible.

Packed with cute (but not in a bad way) sitcom high jokes and set in a deeply unique yet strangely familiar place, North will charm its way into your heart no matter how cold it gets.

7. “Taskmaster” (YouTube)

If you’ve never heard of this outrageously hilarious British comedy panel show, you soon will. After 20 seasons and hundreds of hilarious “tasks,” “Taskmaster” is finally reaching a level of cultural saturation on this side of the pond to the point that its stars have appeared on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and American comedians like Jason Mantzoukas are lining up to participate.

This series has a simple formula. Five comedians are given ridiculous tasks, ranging from a game of life-sized chutes and ladders to dressing a mannequin in a wetsuit, and the titular taskmaster, British comedian Greg Davies, is (somewhat arbitrarily) awarded points for their performance.

Created by Alex Horne, who plays an obedient assistant in the episodes, the show has a unique talent for mining comedy from the perfectly ordinary and the unreal, and somehow becomes more creative with each passing season. Seasons 19 and 20, both of which aired this year, are ridiculously funny and provide the full-body, deeply cathartic laughs you need after such a chaotic and unpredictable year.

6. “Boots” (Netflix)

“Boots,” legendary producer Norman Lear’s final TV show before his death in 2023, has the ineffable charm of many of the producer’s iconic shows.

The wry humor of this drama about Cameron (Miles Heiser), a young gay man trying to survive in the United States Marine Corps, is endearing. Military-era boot camp before 1990’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Despite its muddy obstacle courses and loud drill instructors, “Boots” has the kindest, purest heart of any show this year.

Like all the best coming-of-age stories, “Boots” is both specific and universal. Cameron’s journey through the trials and tribulations that the Marine Corps imposes on cadets, endearingly failing, is infinitely more relatable. I can’t help but root for him.

Program review: Netflix’s ‘Boots’ Named Hidden Gem TV Show of the Year

5. “Death by Lightning” (Netflix)

Recently, a new subgenre of historical fiction has appeared on television, and you might call it the “historical epic.” Talented writers and actors bring to life a dry, sordid story from a middle school social studies class in a surprising and surprisingly entertaining way, without sacrificing the weight of the subject matter.

In 2024, Apple TV did just that with its Abraham Lincoln assassination series, Manhunt, and this year, Netflix turned the death of another president into one of the year’s best shows.

“Lightning,” about President James Garfield (a solid Michael Shannon) and his murderer (“Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen), is a raucous and revealing series that shines a light on the fascinating drama of the 19th century. Starring actors like Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, and Betty Gilpin, “Lightning” is the most informed entertainment of the year in a tight four-hour binge.

Interview with the cast: Matthew Macfadyen says President Trump assassination attempt was a reflection of ‘Death by Lightning’ filming

4. “American Revolution” (PBS)

If our top pick of the year tells the story of how we live in America today (more on that later), this wonderful 12-hour documentary tells an important story about how we got here. Leave it to Ken Burns, America’s favorite history teacher, to craft our origin story into such a harsh and often unflattering comfort on the eve of our 250th birthday.

Like his previous masterpiece documentaries, Civil War (1990) and Vietnam War (2017), Revolution is a steady, didactic, and raw look at a defining moment in American history. This documentary film, with co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, tells the story of the Boston Tea Party, Yorktown, and George Washington that you already know, along with the parts you don’t know.

“Revolution” doesn’t suppress or gloss over the story’s violence or discomfort. It’s the discomfort we all have to sit through at the same time as we celebrate the 4th of July with hot dogs and fireworks. Complexity is our friend, but Burns makes it even easier to understand.

November interview: What Ken Burns wants you to know about the ‘American Revolution’ will shock you

3. “Adolescence” (Netflix)

This quiet British crime drama about the dangers of online male addiction to young boys has swelled through the sheer power of its storytelling to become one of the most-watched series in Netflix history.

The moment you set your eyes on this dazzling, hypnotic four-part limited series (each episode is filmed in one mesmerizingly long shot), you can’t look away from the everyday horror of middle schooler Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) brutally murdering a girl in his class. The series not only set viewership records, but also sparked deep debate about the dangerous “manosphere” of the internet and the real harm social media can cause to children in our increasingly digital age. This is the most horrifying fable a parent can witness.

Here’s why: ‘Adolescence’ becomes Netflix’s third biggest English-language show in history

2. “Andor” (Disney+)

Strip Star Wars of all its kitsch, lightsabers, toy-designed creatures and droids, and fanboy baggage, and add in the impeccable writing, performances, and deeply political message the series has always conveyed, and you get what makes Andor so great.

The second season of Disney+’s Star Wars prequel series is every bit as transcendent and sublime as the first season in 2022, a story of a fight against oppression where there is no straight line from good to good. Star Diego Luna’s haunting performance as the title character anchors this brutal series, making Andor a sadly relevant, morally gray, and deeply compelling portrait of love, friendship, trauma, and resistance amidst everything in between.

The best story the Star Wars machine has produced since the original trilogy (yes, even better than any other trilogy), Andor will forever remain in the hearts of audiences.

Our review: Why Andor remains the best Star Wars project in Disney history

1. “The Pit” (HBO Max)

At this point in the year, it feels almost like a cliché to talk about how good HBO Max’s medical dramas are. The series, starring longtime ER star Noah Wyle as a beleaguered doctor in a Pittsburgh emergency room in scrubs, burst onto the television scene in January to the surprise of everyone who saw it.

No TV show in the past five years has captured the current way of life in America better, and no show has done it better. With Wiley in the lead and a group of attractive, talented young whipsnappers right behind him in masks and gloves, “The Pit” is must-see TV that we haven’t seen since “ER” was the biggest show.

more: Explaining our obsession with ‘The Pit’ and other medical shows

Winner of truckloads (or ambulances) of Emmys and subsequent rave reviews, “The Pit” has become synonymous with the best of television in 2025. It’s relevant, heart-pounding, thoughtful, emotional, tense, thrilling, devastating, and fun. We will document the 2026 shift as soon as it begins.

A beloved Japanese-style snack is now available at 7-Eleven stores in the United States. See item

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A beloved Japanese-style snack is now available at 7-Eleven stores in the United States. See item

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The “beloved” Japanese-style snack has landed in select 7-Eleven convenience stores in the United States.

The global convenience store chain announced on December 3 that the “Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich,” which is inspired by the popular “Egg Sandwich” sold at 7-Eleven stores nationwide, is now available at some stores in the United States.

Like the original, this flavorful appetizer is made with “fluffy milk bread and a rich, creamy egg salad made with Kewpie, Japan’s original egg yolk-specific mayonnaise,” according to 7-Eleven.

“The egg salad sandwich has long been a popular item at 7-Eleven stores across Japan, and we’re excited to introduce a version inspired by that popular flavor for U.S. customers,” Brandon Brown, 7-Eleven’s senior vice president of fresh produce, said in a statement.

We’ll show you how to get the hottest new products.

How to get Japanese-style egg salad sandwich from 7-Eleven

7-Eleven’s “Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich” can be enjoyed at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores nationwide.

7-Eleven said, “Fans can enjoy the long-awaited snack in combination with classic 7-Eleven drinks like Big Gulp and Slurpee at participating stores nationwide.”

It wasn’t immediately clear which 7-Eleven, Speedway or Stripes stores would sell the sandwich. USA TODAY contacted 7-Eleven on December 4th for more information, but did not receive a response.

US announces four men killed in boat attack in eastern Pacific Ocean

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US announces four men killed in boat attack in eastern Pacific Ocean

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On December 4, the US military announced another attack on a suspected drug carrier in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four crew members.

U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, said in a statement about the X: “Intelligence officials have confirmed that the vessel was transporting illegal narcotics and traveling along known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.”

U.S. Southern Command announced that Joint Task Force Southern Spear, at the direction of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, conducted a “lethal kinetic attack on a vessel operated by a designated terrorist organization in international waters.” Four men on board the ship were killed.

Why Democrats want answers. Is President Trump’s attack on Venezuelan ships legal?

The military also shared a 21-second video showing the vessel being hit.

Joint Task Force Southern Spear is part of Operation Southern Spear, a military force of more than a dozen naval vessels led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford. Military operations are underway in Caribbean waters, targeting drug smugglers and threatening direct conflict with Venezuela.

Hegseth previously said Operation Southern Spear “will rid the hemisphere of narco-terrorists and protect our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”

The Dec. 4 airstrike came amid mounting criticism of the Trump administration’s attacks on suspected drug vessels, including additional attacks on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, killing two survivors clinging to wreckage. At least 83 people have been killed in at least 21 strikes since September.

Hegseth supported the second attack, but said he did not personally order it. He told the cabinet that he learned about the attack after it happened, but defended the admiral, saying he had authorized it.

Contributors: Francesca Chambers, George Petras, Janet Loehrke, Ramon Padilla, Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY

Halle Berry says Gavin Newsom disrespects women and should not be president

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Halle Berry says Gavin Newsom disrespects women and should not be president

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Halle Berry has chosen her words against California Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming he disrespects women’s health and should not be the next president of the United States.

During a presentation at the New York Times’ Dealbook Summit on Thursday, Dec. 4, the Oscar-winning actress criticized Democrats for vetoing Assembly Bill 432, also known as the Menopause Care Fairness Act, in October. He vetoed a similar bill last year.

“Back in my great state of California, my own Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a menopause bill for not one, but two years in a row,” Berry said ahead of the politician’s presentation at the same event in New York City.

The Catwoman star, 59, previously campaigned for legislation to make it easier for women to access medical care to deal with the effects of menopause. On Oct. 13, Newsom, 58, said he vetoed the bill, saying it “goes too far” in allowing insurance plans to cover menopause-related treatments with few restrictions, according to Politico.

Halle Berry slams Gavin Newsom

“But that’s OK. He’s not going to be governor forever, and given the way he’s neglected half the population, women, by devaluing us in middle age, he probably shouldn’t be the next president,” the actress said. “I’m just saying.”

Berry went on to urge all women and all men to join in advocating for older women, saying, “We need you in this fight. We want you to stay curious. We want you to ask questions. We want you to care. Even if the topic is unfamiliar and uncomfortable, we want you to just have the conversation.”

USA TODAY has reached out to the California Governor’s Office for comment.

Governor Gavin Newsom responds to Halle Berry’s comments

In response to Berry’s criticism of Newsom, his office said in a statement to People that the governor supports his decision to veto AB432.

“The Governor deeply respects Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this important issue. He shares her goal of expanding access to menopausal care that too many women do not have access to,” the statement read.

“He vetoed this bill because, as written, it would unintentionally increase health care costs for millions of already stretched working women, something he is determined to avoid,” the statement continued. “We are confident that by working together this year, we can expand access to essential menopause treatments while protecting women from costly bills.”

Will Gavin Newsom run for President of the United States?

Newsom has not yet decided whether to run for president in 2028. In a recorded interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning” that aired on Oct. 26, the former San Francisco mayor said he was “seriously considering” running for president but would wait until the 2026 midterm elections to make a decision.

“If you don’t, you’re lying,” he said. “I’m just lying. And I’m not. I can’t do that.” Newsom’s second term as California governor is set to end at the end of 2027, and he cannot run for a third term.

See Halle Berry’s comments about Gavin Newsom

Stellantis bets big on hybrids in US market as EV demand slows

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Stellantis bets big on hybrids in US market as EV demand slows

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Stellantis STLAM.MI CEO Antonio Filosa said on Thursday that the company is focusing on hybrid production in the U.S. market, a shift from its predecessor’s focus on fully electric models.

“I truly believe that hybrids will become one of the popular powertrains in the United States,” Filosa said at a conference hosted by Goldman Sachs.

He clarified that automakers are focusing on traditional hybrid models rather than plug-in hybrid models, but that he doesn’t think there will be a similar demand for plug-in hybrid models.

Filosa said Stellantis is looking to expand its offerings across its lineup, highlighting the automaker’s Jeep Cherokee Hybrid.

New Stellantis vehicles: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts with new Hurricane 4 engine and bold redesign

The CEO is trying to reverse a steep decline in market share in the U.S. that contributed to the resignation of his predecessor, Carlos Tavares, who abruptly resigned a year ago.

The new head of Stellantis, which owns 14 brands including Chrysler, Ram and Jeep, took the job about six months ago after a lengthy search for Mr. Tavares’ replacement.

Filosa met with President Donald Trump this week, along with the CEO of Ford Motor FN, to discuss proposals to reduce fuel efficiency regulations.

Easing these regulations will allow automakers to increase production of gasoline-powered models, easing pressure on electric vehicle production.

Stellantis is bringing back the HEMI 8-cylinder engine in some models this year in response to requests from dealers and customers. Filosa said orders for the HEMI V8-powered Ram were 10,000 on the day of the announcement and 50,000 within six weeks.

“There’s a huge mix-up and production improvement opportunity there,” he said.

Filosa said Stellantis’ market share in the U.S. was 7% in the first half of this year, but rose to 8% in the third quarter. He expects automakers to gain further market share with future vehicle launches.

Reporting by Nora Eckert in Detroit and Giulio Piovaccari in Milan. Editing: Mike Collias and Franklin Paul

Grand jury declines to reindict Trump target Letitia James

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Grand jury declines to reindict Trump target Letitia James

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On December 4, a federal grand jury rejected an attempt to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, a key target of President Donald Trump’s ire, less than two weeks after a judge dismissed the Trump administration’s initial indictment.

The grand jury’s dismissal of the indictment marks the Justice Department’s second attempt to indict the New York attorney general, whom the president has sharply criticized in recent weeks. Mr. James filed a lawsuit against Mr. Trump in 2022.

In a statement, Ms James strongly condemned the attempted prosecution, calling the charges against her “baseless”.

“The time has come to end the unchecked weaponization of our justice system,” New York City’s top prosecutor said in a statement. “I thank the members of the grand jury and am humbled by the support I have received from across the country. I will continue my work standing up for the rule of law and the people of New York.”

After the initial indictment on bank fraud charges, Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Curry concluded that Attorney General Pam Bondi illegally appointed Lindsey Harrigan, who served as Trump’s personal attorney, as Virginia’s senior prosecutor. Because Mr Harrigan secured the indictment, the charges had to be dismissed, Mr Currie ruled.

These first charges against James come less than three weeks after President Trump said in a social media post that James and two others – former FBI Director James Comey and California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff – were “thoroughly guilty” and that delaying prosecution was not an option. The post raised concerns among legal experts because the president appeared to be interfering with the Justice Department’s investigation, despite the historical norm since the Nixon administration’s Watergate scandal that the agency’s investigations be independent of the White House.

President Trump directed the post to Attorney General Bondi and praised Harrigan, without specifying what criminal charges he was referring to. Mr. Bondi hired Mr. Harrigan, who had never worked as a prosecutor, within days.

Comey was indicted on Sept. 25 on charges of lying to Congress, and James was indicted on Oct. 9 on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. Judge Currie dismissed both charges based on his conclusion that Mr. Harrigan’s appointment was invalid.

Schiff has not been charged, but the Justice Department is also investigating him.

The three people targeted by President Trump have upset him enough to lash out at him publicly for a variety of reasons.

Mr. James filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Mr. Trump in 2022, alleging that Mr. Trump had inflated the value of his assets for years in order to obtain better loan terms. The judge in the case agreed and handed down a fine of approximately $500 million, including interest.

The Court of Appeals subsequently upheld the finding of wrongdoing but dismissed the fine as excessive. James’ office appealed the ruling.

Comey led the FBI during the investigation into possible contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russian government in 2016. He became an outspoken critic of Trump after the president fired him in 2017.

Schiff investigated the role of Trump and his allies in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and helped lead Trump’s first impeachment over allegations that Trump unfairly pressured the Ukrainian government to investigate then-Vice President Joe Biden.

Contributed by: Reuters

Vice President J.D. Vance says anti-Semitism is not growing on the right

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Vice President J.D. Vance says anti-Semitism is not growing on the right

The anti-Semitism debate has intensified on the right following conservative media figure Tucker Carlson’s interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

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Vice President J.D. Vance said he did not believe that “smoldering anti-Semitism is about to explode” among young conservatives, although some Republicans have expressed concern that such views are gaining traction on the right.

“I think it’s kind of libelous to say that the Republican Party, which is a conservative movement, is extremely anti-Semitic,” Vance said in an interview with NBC.

The anti-Semitism debate has intensified on the right following conservative media figure Tucker Carlson’s interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

Fuentes has a history of promoting racist and extremist views. Carlson did not argue during the interview when Fuentes said Jews were not loyal Americans.

Fuentes said that “the main challenge to unifying the country is an organized Jewry in America.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, criticized Carlson after the interview, saying, “If you sit down with someone who says Adolf Hitler was very, very cool and that their mission was to fight and defeat the Jewish people of the world and you don’t say anything, you’re a coward and you’re complicit in that evil.”

In recent months, there have been a number of incidents in which Republicans have been associated with Nazi symbols and ideology.

In a speech to the Republican Jewish Federation in October, Cruz said there had been more right-wing anti-Semitism in recent months than at any other time in his life, calling it “toxic” and an “existential crisis” for the Republican Party and the nation.

The debate also roiled the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, after President Kevin Roberts released a video in which he said he did not condemn Carlson and lambasted his critics. Members of Heritage’s anti-Semitism committee and two academics resigned in protest.

“I think it’s fundamentally anti-American and anti-Christian to judge people based on the color of their skin or any immutable characteristic,” Vance told NBC. “I think it’s important to speak up when you see something like this.” However, he rejected the idea that anti-Semitism is a major problem on the right.

“Do you think the Republican Party is significantly more anti-Semitic than it was 10, 15 years ago? Absolutely not,” Vance said. “There’s a bad guy in every bunch of apples.”

“KPop Demon Hunters” doll set will be sold out quickly. Will it be restocked?

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“KPop Demon Hunters” doll set will be sold out quickly. Will it be restocked?

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If you’re a fan of “KPop Demon Hunter” and hoping to get your hands on a doll modeled after a character from the hit Netflix movie, you may need to change your holiday shopping plans this year.

The highly anticipated HUNTR/X Rumi, Mila and Zoe “What It Sounds Like” 3-pack became available for pre-order on November 12th and quickly sold out within an hour, Mattel announced. As of Dec. 4, the $150 doll pack is no longer available for pre-order on Mattel’s website, and the toy company has not said whether the dolls will be sold again.

“KPop Demon Hunters”, which was released on Netflix in August, became a huge hit, and this year’s themed products such as official Halloween costumes quickly sold out. The animated film follows three Korean pop stars, another K-pop group, the Saja Boys, who protect their fans from supernatural dangers. The film’s most popular song, “Golden,” has been streamed over 1 billion times on Spotify as of December 4th.

With the holiday season in full swing, here’s what you need to know about the KPop Demon Hunter doll and other toys inspired by the popular movie.

shopping: Here are the best holiday gift ideas for your KPop Demon Hunters fan

See photo: “KPop Demon Hunters” Derpy and Sister become stuffed animals.

Will the “KPop Demon Hunter” doll be available for pre-order again?

As of Dec. 4, Mattel has not announced whether the doll will be restocked for pre-order.

What does the “KPop Demon Hunter” doll include?

According to Mattel’s website, this 3-pack doll set includes Rumi, Mila, and Zoe in their final performance outfits. The doll in the collection box also comes with Rumi’s Sengom, Zoe’s Shinkaru, and Mira’s Waldo weapon.

More KPop Demon Hunter toys coming this holiday season

Would you like to get a doll set? No need to worry.

There are plenty of other KPop Demon Hunter themed toys this holiday season, including the new Monopoly Deal KPop Demon Hunter card game. The game is available for purchase at Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and orders are expected to ship on January 1, 2026, according to a Netflix news release.

Click here for other “KPop Demon Hunters” goods.

How to watch “KPop Demon Hunters”

“KPop Demon Hunters” is available to stream on Netflix with a paid subscription.

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

Ranking the 10 worst Christmas songs

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Ranking the 10 worst Christmas songs

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You know the Dasher, you know the Dancer, you know the plan…well, you know the rest.

Yes, Virginia, while we have Santa Claus, listening to Christmas season music can switch us from being emotionally charged to cringing at the sound of a bell.

However, narrowing down a list of even bad songs is difficult, and sorting out the worst songs is very subjective.

Many people are quick to malign “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” but it’s a difficult song to analyze. There’s no doubt that this Oscar-winning duet made famous by Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell and covered by everyone with vocal cords has a lot of unpleasant elements inherent in it. But when put into the context that songwriter Frank Loesser wrote the song to sing with his wife as a way to encourage guests to quit their housewarming party, it feels as if the cancellation police needed to land a blow.

Another popular choice is Paul McCartney’s “A Wonderful Christmas Time.” It should be impossible to desecrate such a well-intentioned song, which also has a great McCartney melody, but some people just can’t stand its vulgar tendencies.

more: A definitive ranking of the 50 best Christmas songs

There are plenty of other audible lumps of coal to avoid. Here are the 10 worst Christmas songs.

10. NSYNC “I didn’t know the meaning of Christmas”

Isn’t Christmas about the birth of Christ, spending time with people and exchanging gifts, visiting Santa at the mall (or the virtual version that currently exists), and soaking in tinsel and trees?

According to Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, the meaning of Christmas for NSYNC is all about… finding a girlfriend. And only then will you truly understand the spirit of Christmas when you realize, “In my hurry, I missed so much,” and when you hear the words, “Little girl, you finally made me see.”

9. Neil Diamond “Cherry Cherry Christmas”

This feels like a song that came out of a marketing conference. “Hey, let’s see if Neil can take some of his most beloved song titles and phrases and turn them into Christmas songs.” “What a great idea! His fans are sure to go crazy!”

Perhaps some of you do. And while Diamond is undoubtedly one of modern music’s most notable songwriters, this song is sung blue for all the wrong reasons.

8. The Killers “Don’t Shoot Me Santa”

If ever a Christmas song deserves the “What drugs were they on when they recorded this?” response, this is it.

It feels like the band is playing a joke on the fans. A bizarre conversation between singer Brandon Flowers (“Santa Claus, don’t shoot me, I’ve lived a clean life, I promise”) and Santa (“The party’s over, kid, I got a bullet in the gun”). A slow beat suddenly escalates into what would otherwise be a decent chorus, then swirls around again. The video then shows a nefarious Santa holding Flowers hostage in the desert and happily digging a grave for her.

They may all be intended as satire, but sometimes the irony is just plain stupid.

7. Pussycat Dolls “Santa Baby”

There are only two acceptable versions of this song. Eartha Kitt’s original and Madonna. This big band take on the song, which is already swaying with irredeemable absurdity, hopes to be fresh and enchanting. But instead, it’s flat and unappealing, and the songs (of many Dolls) are the equivalent of a fun karaoke routine at a work Christmas party.

6. Lou Monte “Dominic the Donkey”

The man who popularized “Pepino the Italian Mouse” has turned its seedy charm into an Italian Christmas donkey who helps Santa bring presents (“Made in Brooklyn,” of course). Dominic wisely doesn’t have much to say other than “la la la.” That’s because Monte and songwriters Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg, and Wandra Merrell — yes, it took three of them to write this drivel — are too busy imitating the rhythmic flow of “That’s Amore” to focus on the lyrics.

5. New Kids on the Block “Funky Funky Christmas”

If you get past the first 12 seconds of “Ho Ho Ho,” which is delivered with a bizarre vocal that’s meant to sound like Santa Claus (or so we think), you’ve listened for much longer than necessary.

The song, taken from their 1989 album Merry Merry Christmas and between the boy band’s smash hit Hangin’ Tough and successful follow-up Step by Step, is as much a product of popularity as it is an outright cash cow (see: NSYNC).

Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, and Jonathan and Jordan Knight half-rap to a rousing electronic backbeat like Beastie Boys wannabes. James Brown, on the other hand, is rolling over in his grave at the ridiculousness of this tripe being called “Funky.”

more: Bob Geldof calls ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ a ‘vehicle for change’ amid criticism

4. Jessica and Ashlee Simpson “The Little Drummer Boy”

There’s really not much to mess with a simple ballad that requires only a spinning snare drum as the only necessary instrument, but leave it to the Simpson sisters, circa 2004, to burn it all down.

Their breathy enunciation, dripping string arrangements, and oddly placed horns don’t help. And that’s before the song detours into a false gallop before the two drag out every syllable of the song as if it’s a lifeline.

3. New song “The Christmas Shoes”

Look, even the meanest among us can’t fault a song that ostensibly attempts to show the true meaning of the holiday through a song that tells the story of a little boy who asks for help from a stranger in line at a shoe store (?) because he wants to buy his dying mother shoes for Christmas but doesn’t have enough money.

Oh wait. Yes, you can.

2. Elmo and Patsy “Grandma got run over by a reindeer”

The story of the old woman who drank too much eggnog and forgot to take her medicine, and was steamed to a pulp by Rudolph might be laughed at by a 6-year-old, but isn’t it a bit cruel? And forget about her husband Lice, distraught over his grandmother’s untimely death and “drinking beer and playing cards” with his cousin Mel.

Top it all off with a really bad song and you’ve got a novelty song from hell.

1. Alvin and the Chipmunks “Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”

Nails meet the blackboard.

Is there a shriller Christmas song than this? Is there another sound more disturbing than the helium-like “squeak” of Simon, Alvin, and Theodore’s voices? Even the dogs barking Christmas songs are masters of sweet tones compared to this trio. It’s a wonder the Grammys survived, even though this boring fest was nominated for Record of the Year at its first-ever ceremony in 1959 (it didn’t win that award, but won three other Grammys).

Animated or otherwise, this may be the first time I’ve wished bad luck on a lovable forest creature.

Prepare for a strong 2026 with these four financial moves

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Prepare for a strong 2026 with these four financial moves

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  • The end of the year is a great time to review your budget, emergency fund, and debt repayment plan.
  • Experts suggest preparing for tax season now by organizing your receipts, checking your tax withholdings, and considering recovering any losses.
  • Reviewing and maximizing your contributions to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs can help ensure your future financial security.
  • Financial advisors recommend setting new goals for 2026 and understanding how new legislation will impact your finances.

As Americans decorate their venues and work on their gift lists, this holiday season is also a great time to reflect on their personal finances.

Economic uncertainty appeared to characterize 2025. Rising tariffs increased volatility, a cooling job market challenged workers and stagnated inflation. Nevertheless, an AI investment boom and strong spending by high-income households supported growth in some sectors. But for other businesses, the affordability crisis continued to rise.

If you’re looking to end this year on the right foot, these year-end financial tips from our experts can help set you up for a strong start into 2026.

How much will groceries cost this week? Use this grocery price tracker.

1. Take inventory

The end of the year is often a good time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t in 2025.

Jack Howard, director of money wellness at Ally Financial, said he understands that some Americans are stuck in a spiral of ruin, thinking the economy is “crazy,” inflation is high and they’ll never retire.

“You could think of it differently. 2025 was a difficult year for a lot of people. I set a goal and I didn’t achieve it, but I’m really proud that I set a goal and I’m going to move forward and work toward it,” Howard said.

she suggests Review your spending and adjust as necessary You can better align your budget with your values.

It’s also wise to review your emergency fund. Consider replenishing your fund if you drained it this year and increasing it if your expenses increase. Also check to see if you have any debts. Figure out how much you owe and come up with a reasonable repayment plan.

December is also a good time to review estate plans, powers of attorney, and insurance coverage.

Story continues below.

2. Prepare for tax season

Tax day is still a few months away, but you can start preparing now.

Make sure your withholdings are correct to avoid owing too much to the IRS. Track your expenses and organize receipts for deductible purchases. If you plan to make an itemized donation, please consider making a charitable donation by December 31st. However, depending on your circumstances, there may be reasons to refrain from making year-end donations.

Make the most of your tax-advantaged accounts. Use funds in your flexible spending account before they expire and consider contributing to a 529 education savings plan or similar alternative.

If you have taxable investments, you may consider recovering your tax losses or selling your investments at a loss to offset your capital gains taxes. Miklos Ringbauer, founder of accounting and tax strategy firm MiklosCPA, said it was a “huge misconception” that the strategy was only for the wealthy.

To ensure a smooth tax season, Ringbauer recommends keeping records of all financial activities and consulting a professional before making important decisions.

“You don’t have to do it five times a year, but every year or every few years, consult with a reputable accountant you know and trust to provide support, especially after major tax legislation is enacted,” Ringbauer said.

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3. Review your retirement investments

If you have extra cash, the end of the year is also a good time to maximize contributions to your retirement accounts.

“I want you to put as much money into your 401(k) as you can, and your 59-and-a-half-year-old self will thank you,” said Judith Leahy, senior wealth advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management.

In 2025, individuals will be able to contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k) plan. IRA contributions are limited to $7,000 if you are under age 50. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute $8,000.

If you have a traditional retirement account, you may want to consider transferring to a Roth or transferring your traditional pre-tax retirement savings to a Roth IRA, depending on your situation, Leahy says.

People age 73 and older should also make sure they are withdrawing required minimum distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other plans. Otherwise, you may be subject to 25% tax on the amount not withdrawn.

“If you don’t get it done, you’re going to get a penalty,” Leahy said. “If you don’t need the money, make sure you’re doing charity work so the money goes to the charity of your choice and you don’t have to pay taxes.”

Please make sure the beneficiary on those accounts is up to date.

4. Plans for 2026

Once you feel confident in 2025, start preparing for 2026.

Set new financial goals and schedule regular check-ins to track your progress.

You can also take the time to consider how new laws, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will affect you. USA TODAY analyzed the bill’s winners and losers. The change is likely to help high-income earners, families with children, car buyers, people who receive overtime pay and tipped workers. People with incomes under $50,000, SNAP and Medicaid recipients, people with student loan debt, and undocumented immigrants benefit less.

Contact Rachel Barber rbarber@usatoday.com X Follow her at @rachelbarber_

FBI leaders previously called DC pipe bomb incident ‘orchestrated’

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FBI leaders previously called DC pipe bomb incident ‘orchestrated’

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WASHINGTON – Before joining the Trump administration, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino promoted conspiracy theories about pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C., ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, going so far as to call it an “inside job.”

The Department of Justice, including the FBI, identified the suspect in the case on December 4 after an investigation that spanned nearly five years.

But several years ago, Mr. Patel and Mr. Bongino repeatedly questioned the investigation into pipe bombs found outside the facility, particularly those found at Democratic National Committee headquarters because then-Vice President Kamala Harris was at the facility.

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Dec. 4, along with Mr. Patel and Mr. Bongino, identified Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, as a suspect in the investigation into pipe bombs found outside the headquarters of both the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee.

Mr. Bondi said at a news conference that Mr. Cole was charged with using an explosive device, as additional search warrants were still being executed on December 4.

“You wouldn’t walk into our capital, put down two explosive devices, and walk away into the sunset. That would never happen. We were going to pursue this person to the ends of the earth,” Bongino said at a Dec. 4 news conference.

Conspiracy theories surrounding the pipe bomb incident

Patel and Bongino praised President Donald Trump’s FBI and Justice Department for finding the pipe bomb suspect. But last year they promoted conspiracy theories about whether the incident actually happened.

In a January 2024 interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Patel called the incident “very disturbing.”

“If the allegations aren’t true, or if there was a government plot or a corrupt FBI source, then there’s another corruption scandal that they’re promoting during and around the election period,” Patel said.

Bongino claimed on several episodes of his show, The Dan Bongino Show, over several years from 2022 to last year that the pipe bomb incident was “orchestrated” and an “inside job.”

“I have no doubt it was set up. Was it the government? I don’t know. I’m not going to speculate who did it. Someone who hates Donald Trump put a bomb there,” Bongino said on his show in January 2024.

In a September 2024 episode, Bongino claimed that he was told by a whistleblower that a government contractor had planted a pipe bomb “to create a fake assassination plot against Kamala Harris, basically to garner sympathy and shut down people who would question the January 6th vote.”

“There’s a massive cover-up because they don’t want us to know who planted the pipe bomb, because it was an anti-Trump affiliate or it was an inside job,” he said on his show in November 2024.

Patel points finger in pipe bomb investigation

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September, Patel, now the FBI director, defended himself and Bongino as “civilians” when the remarks were made.

“All we can do is put aside our personal beliefs and carry out the mission of justice for this country, and we do that every day,” he said.

Shortly after authorities announced the pipe bomb suspect on Dec. 4, Patel immediately appeared on Don Trump Jr.’s podcast “Triggered” and criticized the Biden administration’s FBI for how it handled the incident.

“We said, ‘Hey, let’s let the cops be cops, we’ve got video, let’s step it up, we’ve got cell phone data that wasn’t triaged properly, so let’s triage it, we have the technology and capacity to do it, let’s go back and work with the investigative team and ask where the pitfalls were,'” he said.

“Just to remind everyone, they took four years off,” Patel added. “We put eight months of effort into this.”

Contributors: Natalie Neysa Alund, Bart Jansen, Sarah D. Wire

Investigators hope for new clues in 17-year-old’s cold case death

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Investigators hope for new clues in 17-year-old’s cold case death

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Since 17-year-old Maggie Long was murdered, her family has had to endure painful memories that come every December.

The day she passed away was December 1st. And her birthday is December 17th. And a week later it’s Christmas.

This week marks the eighth anniversary of Maggie’s death in Bailey, a small Colorado community nestled in the Rocky Mountains about 80 miles southwest of Denver. The girl died in a fire that investigators believe thwarted a robbery at her parents’ home on Dec. 1, 2017.

Maggie is survived by her parents, two older sisters, and a younger brother.

A task force working on solving cold cases this week distributed photos of McGee and potential suspects in hopes of finding new clues and solving the case. They also want the public to know they are not giving up.

“Sometimes with cold cases, there’s this assumption that not much happens,” Audrey Simkins, an investigator with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation who has been working on the case since 2019, told USA TODAY. “However, it is important for people to know that we are meeting regularly regarding this case and are still peeling back layers that may bring some answers to the family.”

Here’s what you need to know about Maggie’s death, including who the promising teenager was and the biggest questions plaguing investigators as they struggle to solve it.

What happened to Maggie Long?

It was December 1, 2017, and Maggie Long left school early to go home to buy snacks for that day’s student concert.

Her two older sisters and younger brother were still in school, and her parents were busy managing the family’s local Chinese restaurant. However, no one was at Maggie’s house when she arrived.

Investigators believe she interfered with the robbery. It’s unclear exactly what happened between Maggie and the thieves, but they ended up setting her and the house on fire. They then fled with stolen property, including jade figurines, a safe, a Beretta pistol, an AK-47-style rifle and 2,000 rounds of ammunition, authorities said.

Maggie’s frightened family had to wait outside while investigators surveyed the damage and eventually discovered her body.

Investigators released sketches of the three suspects. Eight years later, investigators still don’t know who they are and have far more questions than answers.

“Why and how?” said Simkins, the investigator who worked on McGee’s case for six years as part of a 20-member task force that included the FBI. “How did they know about that house, why was it a target, and how did Maggie end up in the middle of it? How do we go from interrupting the robbery to getting this poor girl burned?”

Who is Maggie Long?

Maggie was a bright and cheerful senior at Platte Canyon High School. The high school has fewer than 200 students this year, with just 44 in the senior class. She was in student government and drama club, and starred as Cogsworth the Clock in “Beauty and the Beast.” She “probably would have gone on to do great things,” Simkins said.

Maggie had planned to distribute food to the poor on her birthday in the month she died, she said, adding that friends and family eventually did it on her behalf in her memory. “It comes down to what kind of person she was,” Simkins said.

Maggie’s sister Connie told Colorado Public Radio in 2022 that she was going through Maggie’s belongings on the anniversary of her death. That year, she discovered something that will stay with her forever.

“I opened her computer and found a note she had written to herself when she turned 18,” Connie said. “The main message she was giving herself was, ‘Whatever you decide to do with your life, just be a good person.'”

Maggie’s other sister, Rinna, posted a memorial video made by Maggie’s fellow theater students on Facebook in 2022, saying it was her way of remembering her sister forever. “Have fun, give it your all, sing your heart out, make others laugh, spread joy…I miss you every day.”

Maggie’s death not only devastated her loved ones, but also her small high school class and rural community.

“It was a big deal for them,” Simkins said. “At first they wondered who did this. And are they still in the community? And the fact that Maggie was the victim at such an innocent age makes it even worse. … They’ve never forgotten this incident.”

Colorado Bureau of Investigation spokesman Rob Lowe added that he recently spoke with a Colorado Bureau of Investigation crime scene technician who lives in Bailey. “And every time I go to church, people ask me, ‘When is this going to be solved?'”

Why did Maggie Long’s family criticize the investigation?

McGee’s family and friends have criticized the investigation, especially in its early stages.

The Park County Sheriff’s Office, the local law enforcement agency that first investigated the incident, initially told the family not to speak to the media about the incident. And in an even more unusual move, a judge issued a gag order barring authorities from discussing the matter publicly.

A news release announcing the incident did not go out until about six weeks after her death, which gave the suspect enough time to flee and may have prevented potential witnesses from coming forward in a timely manner, the family told Colorado Public Radio in 2022.

Simkins, who was not investigating the case when those decisions were made, said she understands the family’s frustration, but “I don’t know what the investigators were facing at the time those decisions were made.”

“It’s easy to second-guess what happened a long time ago. … Whenever you have an incident that goes on for a period of time, it’s easy to look back and start poking holes in the past,” she said. “Certainly, it may not be the way we would deal with it now, or even then…but it’s hard to say.”

Park County Sheriff Tom McGraw did not respond to multiple messages from USA TODAY regarding the incident.

In 2021, less than five years into the case, the FBI announced a new possible motive. Investigators said this was a possible hate crime and that the Long family may have been targeted because they are Chinese-Vietnamese.

While the announcement garnered attention and some hints, no evidence has emerged to support this theory. Simkins said by all accounts the Long family was well-liked and valued in the community.

What now?

Long’s family continues to mourn her death and hope that someday justice will be served, and investigators continue to investigate.

There is a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Maggie Long Task Force tip line at 303-239-4243 or maggie.long.tips@state.co.us. Callers can be anonymous.

In a news release on the eighth anniversary of Maggie’s death, McGraw said investigators “believe there is someone out there who knows something that could solve this case and bring some measure of justice to Maggie’s family and the Bailey community.”

“It may only take one person to help us with our investigation, and we are determined to bring closure to one of Colorado’s highest-profile cold cases.”

Simkins said solving Maggie’s case is one of her top priorities.

“She was a special young woman,” she said. “We hope that someday we will have answers as to what happened to her.”

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

Ford’s November sales decline due to sluggish sales of EVs and some SUVs

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Ford’s November sales decline due to sluggish sales of EVs and some SUVs

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  • Sales of electric vehicles fell by a significant 61%, and sales of F-series pickups also fell by nearly 10%.
  • Despite the overall decline, sales of the Explorer SUV, Maverick Pickup, and Ranger Pickup increased significantly.

Ford Motor Co. reported a slight decline in U.S. sales in November compared to the same period last year, primarily due to a decline in electric vehicle sales.

On Dec. 2, Ford reported sales of a total of 164,925 vehicles, down 0.9% from November 2024. Ford’s EV sales plummeted to just 4,247 units, a 61% drop from the same period last year. SUV sales decreased by 5% compared to the same period last year. Sales of pickups, Ford’s most popular vehicle, were also nearly flat at 96,696 units compared to 96,724 units in November 2024.

However, on a bright note, Explorer SUV sales increased nearly 42% over the month to 20,226 units. Additionally, Maverick pickup sales were up 43% to 9,883 units, and Ranger pickup sales were up 36% to 6,845 units. Transit van sales increased 17% to 15,339 units. Even the Mustang, although a low-volume car, sold 4,207 units, a 79% increase over the same period last year.

“Given the headwinds, it’s a solid performance that rides well on Ford’s December sales,” Dan Ives, managing director and senior equity analyst at Wedbush Securities, told the Detroit Free Press.

Industry-wide “price fatigue”

Ford has sold about 2 million new vehicles in the U.S. since the beginning of the year, up 6% from the same period in 2024.

Still, rival Toyota sold 212,772 vehicles in November, an increase of 2.7%. Toyota has sold 2.3 million new cars so far this year, an increase of nearly 8% from a year ago. General Motors and Stellantis do not release monthly sales figures, only quarterly.

Ford spokesman Syed Deep said the company’s total sales were down 0.9% but still outpaced the industry, which is estimated to have declined 8%.

“Ford has found a way out amid a broader decline in the new car industry that many attribute to price fatigue,” Deep said in an email to the Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. “Total sales of entry-level trims for vehicles like the Maverick, Ranger, and Bronco Sport rose 25% in November, hurting the industry.”

It should be noted that total sales of Ford’s Bronco Sport SUV decreased by 4% compared to November 2024 to 9,212 units.

This month was expected to be a difficult one for the industry. As the Detroit Free Press reported on Dec. 1, many analysts expected U.S. new car sales to decline across the industry in November compared to the same period last year.

This is because government subsidies for electric vehicles have declined, leading to a decline in sales. Additionally, prices for all new cars are rising across the board as the costs of President Donald Trump’s 25% auto tariff kick in, and in some cases some of that is being passed on to consumers.

Meanwhile, car-buying analysts say many consumers are resisting price increases amid economic uncertainty, choosing between buying used cars or keeping their cars longer. Analysts say data on new car inventories shows vehicles are sitting idle for much longer.

In case you missed it: Ford CEO Jim Farley has lofty goals for the automaker: ‘When I’m done, everyone will know.’

fallout from fire

Ford announced that sales of Ford brand vehicles in November totaled 156,791 units, down 0.2% from the same period last year. Luxury brand Lincoln sold 8,134 units in November, down 12% from a year earlier. Sales of the Lincoln Nautilus soared by 30% to 2,305 units.

Cox Automotive executive analyst Erin Keating told the Detroit Free Press on Dec. 2 that November’s sales decline was “on par with history.”

“We’re not surprised by the decline in sales of EVs, especially the F-150 Lightning,” Keating said.

The Lightning hasn’t been a strong seller for Ford, but to make matters worse, a fire destroyed part of the Novelis aluminum plant in New York, forcing Ford to halt production of the Lightning, which was assembled at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, on October 23 due to an aluminum shortage. Novelis is a major supplier of aluminum used in Ford pickups and SUVs. Production numbers are still declining, and Ford executives are said to be weighing the long-term fate of the Lightning in Ford’s EV lineup.

Ford leaders warned in October that production of some gasoline F-150 pickups made at the Dearborn truck plant could also be affected by the aluminum shortage. Ford reported that November sales of its popular and profitable F-series fell nearly 10% to 60,961 units.

In case you missed it: Ford supplier Novelis faces second fire, disrupting F-150 production

Morningstar auto analyst David Whiston called the decline in F-Series sales “unfortunate,” but added, “The F-Series is by far the best-selling car, so Ford’s numbers will be depressed for several months while Novelis suppresses sales.”

some unanswered questions

As for the other results, Whiston is left with more questions than answers.

“Is the Explorer driven by deep discounts or is there just a lot of demand?” Whiston said. “On a related note, why is the Escape so much lower but the Explorer so much more expensive? Also, is the Nautilus so much lower because they are reducing inventory to avoid tariffs, or are they made in China and consumers are shying away from them for fear of tariffs?”

Escape sales were 7,054 units, down 32% from the previous year. However, in August, Ford announced that it would end production of the Escape and Lincoln Corsair at the Louisville assembly plant by the end of the year as the plant is renovated to produce all-electric midsize pickup trucks.

Keating said Ford saw “slight increases in sales of midsize and compact SUVs and pickup trucks.” She added that Explorer, Ranger and Maverick all had a good month.

“With a new batch of Explorers coming to market for the 2026 model year, we’re always seeing new buyers looking to take delivery of their old cars,” Keating said. “The Ranger and Maverick may show that consumers still want the practicality of a pickup, but in a more affordable package.”

Prices for the Ranger start at $33,350 and prices for the Maverick start at $28,145, according to www.ford.com.

Jamie L. Lareau is senior auto writer for USA Today and covers Ford Motor Company for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @Jalalean. To sign up for our automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.

President Trump jokes with African leaders about ‘killing each other’

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President Trump jokes with African leaders about ‘killing each other’

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During a multilateral meeting aimed at solidifying a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Donald Trump joked that the two African countries were “killing each other” and mispronounced their leaders’ names.

On December 4, President Trump met with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Felix Shisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace building in Washington, DC. The visiting Central African leaders signed a new agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation and met to iron out details of a U.S.-brokered peace deal that the two countries agreed to in June but have not yet implemented.

In his remarks at the event, President Trump mispronounced the names of both leaders and joked that Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi were coming together to make peace.

President Trump jokes about Rwanda, DRC leaders will soon hug and hold hands

“I think these two gentlemen were very intelligent and really liked each other, and I spent some time with them,” Trump said, before hearing laughter and reactions from the audience.

“Some people may be surprised,” Trump said. “They’ve spent a lot of time killing each other, and now they’re going to spend a lot of time hugging each other, holding hands, and exploiting the United States economically, just like other countries do.”

Trump continued, gesturing to the two leaders sitting next to him on stage.

“Look,” he said, smiling. “Look how much they love each other.”

Some in the audience laughed and clapped along with Kagame. Democratic Republic of Congo leader Tshisekedi did not laugh at the obvious joke.

The leaders of Angola, Burundi and Kenya were also present, along with representatives of Togo, Uganda, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Fighting continues between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo despite President Trump’s agreement

The two countries have been at war with each other for decades since the 1990s, including two major regional wars in 1996 and 2003 that left millions dead. In 1994, the brutal Rwandan genocide occurred, killing at least one million people. The aftermath of that incident led to the outbreak of war between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1996, according to the United Nations Education Assistance Program on Conflict.

Kagame has been Rwanda’s president since 2000 and vice president after the 1994 genocide. Tshisekedi was elected leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018 as a member of the country’s oldest and largest opposition party, founded by his father.

The agreement between the two countries, backed by President Trump, has not led to a significant reduction in fighting that flared up again earlier this year. Fighting continued in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Thursday, December 4, with a spokesperson for the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 accusing government forces of bombing several civilian areas, Reuters reported.

As of February, more than 7,000 people had been killed and more than 450,000 people displaced in the 2025 fighting, as the M23 rebel group took control of much of eastern Congo, according to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government. There are valuable mineral deposits in the eastern region of the country.

After the events of December 4, President Trump told a reporter who asked about the ongoing fighting that the conflict between the two countries could begin to end “very quickly.”

“It will be a great miracle,” he said. “These two gentlemen are leaders. They’re great leaders. They’re going to prove that in the months and years to come. I think you’ll see results soon. I’m confident that will happen.”

The comments came after President Trump said Somalia was “not good.”

President Trump’s comments about the deadly conflict come a week after he posted a message on social media about immigrants from Somalia, another East African country, and two days after he called Somalia a “failure” at a Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting.

In his remarks to the Cabinet, President Trump was referring to reports that dozens of Somali immigrants have been indicted on fraud charges for allegedly stealing $1 billion from public programs in Minnesota.

“I don’t want them in my country,” Trump said. “There’s a reason their country isn’t good. Their country stinks.”

Contributor: Francesca Chambers for USA TODAY; Reuters.

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

The 88-year-old military veteran was working toward retirement. Then he went viral.

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The 88-year-old military veteran was working toward retirement. Then he went viral.

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At 88 years old, Ed Bambas isn’t living the life he always dreamed of.

Bambas, an Army veteran, told social media influencer Samuel Weidenhofer in 2012 that he lost his pension and health insurance. Around the same time, my wife became ill. He sold his house to cover the cost of her care.

Seven years after her death, Bambas said he works eight hours a day, five days a week at a Meijer store in Detroit. But thanks to some generous strangers, he was able to retire soon.

Weidenhofer, who posts emotional videos on TikTok, shared Babmas’ story on December 1st and linked to a GoFundMe in support of Babmas. The video went viral, garnering 8 million views and helping donors raise more than $1.5 million in three days to support veterans.

“This is unbelievable,” Weidenhofer wrote on Facebook on Dec. 4. “Thank you for coming together to change the life of an 88-year-old veteran. And thank you for helping shine a light on all the veterans out there, all the ‘Eds’ who are still working hard to make ends meet.”

It was a whirlwind for Bambas. In an interview with Detroit’s local ABC News station, Bambas said he tries to go to his wife’s grave every day “to say hello.”

If you’re not nice, you can’t live here. This is the friendliest neighborhood in America.

“I think my wife is standing on my shoulders and helping me do the right thing,” Bambas said.

Influencer surprises veteran with $1.5 million

Mr. Weidenhofer said on Facebook that Mr. Weidenhofer would surprise Mr. Bambas with money on December 5.

“We are currently working with a professional trust company to ensure that everything is set up with complete safety, transparency and security,” Weidenhofer said in the post. “100% of the funds will go directly to Ed.”

Madeline Mitchell’s role covering women and the care economy for USA TODAY is supported by partnerships such as: extremely important and Journalism funding partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

Contact Madeline at: memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ With X.

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