Following the Republican’s single-digit victory in Tennessee, Republican lawmakers are already talking about a shift in political strategy for next year’s midterm elections.
What to watch for in the Tennessee state election
The results of the Tennessee state election could show how well Republicans can do in the midterm elections.
WASHINGTON – Republicans won the December 3 special election in Tennessee. But some in the Republican Party fear this could soon represent a loss.
Although conservative candidate Matt Van Epps won a widely expected victory, Democrat Aftin Behn’s overperformance in the Volunteer state boded potentially poorly for President Donald Trump’s coalition.
With then-presidential candidate Trump winning by 22 points and holding a single-digit lead in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District last year, Republican lawmakers are already considering a shift in political strategy to maintain control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections.
The next morning, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) told reporters that the nine-point victory was “a pretty easy victory.” However, he acknowledged that the party had shown that “there are some challenges ahead of us”.
“Obviously we need to be mindful of the fact that the message has to be clear,” he said. “But I think the Republican Party will be united across the country.”
read more: Is the blue wave heading toward Trump and the Republican Party? Tennessee sends ‘warning signs’
Other conservatives in Congress have expressed similar confidence. But they acknowledged that a change in message may be warranted following the Democratic Party’s landslide victory in November.
“Midterm elections are tough for those in power,” said Sen. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia. “We just have to worry.”
Republicans should ‘do better’ by touting affordability, lawmaker says
Republicans still control both houses of Congress. But with only a year until the midterm elections, the majority in the House of Representatives is already slipping. Several special elections in the coming months, as well as the impending resignation of Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, are tipping the scales in Democrats’ favor.
These political calculations, combined with Democratic victories in states like Virginia and Georgia in November, are creating a rift among Republicans who believe the party must act quickly to prevent harsh losses in 2026.
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) told USA TODAY that Republicans haven’t done a good enough job communicating how they’ve been working to lower costs for Americans over the past year. He specifically pointed to the president’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and its “tip tax exemption” provision.
“We have to realize that we have to work for our votes,” he said. “We’re not telling the rest of the story, and we need to start telling it more.”
But under President Trump’s leadership, it may be difficult to stay on top of the Republican message into next year.
“The term ‘affordable’ is a fraud by the Democratic Party,” the president said at a cabinet meeting on December 2nd.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told USA TODAY he was satisfied with Tennessee’s election results, despite the lower margin than usual. Still, he agreed that his party could always refine its pitch to voters.
Ultimately, he stressed, the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections will depend on turnout.
“What will determine the outcome next November is whether conservatives emerge and whether common-sense centrists emerge,” he said. “If people stay home and only angry leftists participate, we’re going to have a very bad election.”
Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can email us at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and on Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social..
Manufacturing executives are betting nearly half of their modernization budgets on AI, betting that these systems will boost profits within two years.
This aggressive capital allocation marks a decisive turning point. AI is now considered a key engine of financial performance. According to the Future-Ready Manufacturing Study 2025 by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and AWS, 88% of manufacturers expect AI to capture at least 5% of their operating margins. One in four people expect returns of more than 10%.
The money is there. The ambition is there. Unfortunately, this is not the case with plumbing.
There is a disconnect between financial forecasts and factory floor reality. While spending on intelligent systems accelerates, the underlying data infrastructure remains weak and risk management strategies still rely on expensive manual buffers.
The pressure to extract cash value from your technology stack has never been greater. 75% of respondents expect AI to be a top-three contributor to operating profits by 2026. As a result, organizations will focus 51% of their transformation spend on AI and autonomous systems over the next two years.
This spending dwarfs other important areas. Allocation to AI significantly exceeds workforce reskilling (19%) and cloud infrastructure modernization (16%). For CIOs, this imbalance points to the impending danger of deploying advanced algorithms on unstable legacy foundations.
Anupam Singhal, President, Manufacturing, TCS “Manufacturing is an industry defined by the relentless pursuit of precision, reliability, and performance. Today, that foundational strength is multiplied many times over with AI that coordinates decision-making and delivers transformative business outcomes through greater predictability, stability, and control.”
“At TCS, we believe this is a critical opportunity for manufacturers to build resilient, adaptable, and future-ready enterprise ecosystems that can thrive in the era of intelligent autonomy.”
Analog hedging in the digital age
Despite heavy investments in predictive capabilities, operational behavior shows a lack of trust. When disruptions occur, manufacturers cannot rely on the agility of digital systems. They are returning to physical safety measures.
61% of organizations increased their safety stock following recent disruptions. Half chose multi-sourcing logistics. Only 26% used digital twin scenario planning to avoid volatility.
This is a disconnection. While AI promises dynamic inventory optimization, cited as a benefit by 49% of respondents, the common instinct is to hoard inventory. Supply chain leaders are buying Ferraris, but driving them like tractors. Closing this gap requires a shift from reactive safety measures to proactive, system-driven responses.
“Manufacturers today face unprecedented pressures, from tight profit margins to unstable supply chains and labor shortages,” said Ozgur Tumuk, General Manager of Automotive and Manufacturing at AWS. “At AWS, we are revolutionizing manufacturing through autonomous, AI-powered operations, moving from manual, reactive processes to intelligent, self-optimizing systems operated at scale.”
“By incorporating artificial intelligence into every layer of their operations and leveraging cloud-native architectures, manufacturers can move beyond simple automation to truly autonomous decision-making, where systems predict, adapt, and act on their own with minimal human intervention. This not only improves response times, but also enables them to fundamentally transform their operations with AI-driven predictability, resiliency, and agility.”
infrastructure debt
The main obstacle to these economic gains is not the AI model. It’s the data they feed on. Only 21% of manufacturers claim to be “fully AI-enabled” with clean, contextual, and integrated data.
The majority (61%) operate with partial readiness and suffer from inconsistent quality between different plants. This fragmentation creates data silos that prevent algorithms from accessing enterprise-wide inputs needed to make accurate decisions.
54% of respondents cited integration with legacy systems as a major hurdle. This “technical debt” accumulated over decades of digitalization makes it difficult to layer modern autonomous agents on top of older operational technologies.
Security is also strict. Security and governance concerns top the list of plant-level obstacles at 52%. In an environment where a cyber-physical breach can disrupt production or cause physical damage, the risk appetite for autonomous intervention remains low.
Transitioning to agent AI in manufacturing
Despite the headwinds, the industry is moving toward agent AI (i.e., systems that can make decisions with limited human oversight).
74% of manufacturers expect up to half of day-to-day production decisions to be managed by AI agents by 2028. More directly, 66% of organizations already allow or plan to allow AI agents to approve routine work orders without human approval within 12 months.
This evolution from a “co-pilot” to an independent agent capable of completing an entire task fundamentally changes the workforce. 89% of manufacturers expect AI-guided robotics to impact their workforce, but the focus is on augmentation rather than replacement.
Currently, productivity gains are focused on knowledge-intensive roles. Quality inspectors (49%) and IT support staff (44%) are growing the fastest. Traditional production roles such as maintenance technicians (29%) are lagging behind. The introduction follows a pattern of strengthening cognitive functions before addressing physical conditioning.
As AI agents are embedded throughout platforms, enterprise architects will have to make orchestration choices. The market has shown a strong aversion to vendor lock-in.
63% of manufacturers favor a hybrid or multi-platform strategy over a single vendor solution. Specifically, 33% plan to coordinate via multiple platform-native agents, and 30% prefer a hybrid model that combines platform-native and custom orchestration. Only 13% are willing to stick with a single underlying platform.
Turn manufacturing industry AI investments into profits
To turn this huge capital expenditure into real profits, executives must ignore the hype.
First, fix the data. Only 21% of companies are fully prepared, so the immediate priority must be modernization, not algorithm development. Without clean, integrated data, high-value use cases in sustainability and predictive maintenance cannot scale.
Second, leaders must close the AI trust gap. Reliance on safety stock shows a lack of trust in digital signals. Gradual autonomy is the answer. Before handing over complex supply chain decisions, 66 percent start with administrative tasks like work orders, which they are already working on.
Finally, avoid the monolithic trap. Data supports a multi-platform approach to staying leveraged and agile. Manufacturers are betting their future on AI, but to realize the benefits they need to focus less on model “intelligence” and more on mundane tasks like cleaning data, integrating legacy equipment, and building employee trust.
See also: Frontier AI Research Institute tackles enterprise implementation challenges
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out the AI & Big Data Expo in Amsterdam, California, and London. This comprehensive event is part of TechEx and co-located with other major technology events including Cyber Security Expo. Click here for more information.
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GameStop pays buyer $30,494 for Pokemon card in perfect condition
GameStop recorded the highest trade-in ever for a grade 10 Gengar card.
A GameStop customer made a fortune by trading Pokemon cards for more than $30,000 in a historic transaction.
On December 1, a customer in Grapevine, Texas, sold a fully certified PSA Grade 10 Hologengar card to a gaming retailer for a fair market value of $33,883, according to a news release posted by GameStop on X.
The store paid customers $30,494 after completing inspections, verification and compliance procedures, the company said.
“This event represents the single most valuable trade-in ever recorded in GameStop’s history,” GameStop said in a news release.
The game retailer added, “Furthermore, trolls publicly claiming that GameStop’s trade-in prices are bad are demonstrably factually incorrect. Previous and ongoing objections to our trade prices are now deemed to be without merit and effectively null and void.”
The company concluded the release with the slogan “Power to the Player.”
This massive trade-in also comes after GameStop announced it would be holding its first-ever “Trade Anything Day” on Saturday, December 6th. On this day, customers can trade in anything they want for store credit, with limitations, GameStop told USA TODAY in an email in late November.
Logan Paul buys rare Pokemon cards for over $5 million
Recently, Pokemon cards have been known to be exchanged for high amounts of money. In 2022, YouTuber Logan Paul broke the Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokemon trading card sold privately. According to Guinness, the card was a PSA grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator card valued at $5.275 million.
Paul purchased the PSA grade 9 Pikachu illustrator from noted sports card collector Matt Allen in 2021 for $1.275 million. At that point, Paul told Guinness that he had “never spent so much money on physical assets.”
According to Guinness, the YouTuber and WWE wrestler went to Dubai, where he purchased the PSA Grade 10 version of the card for more than $5 million from a collector named “Dubsy.”
The PSA Grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator Card is a rare collector’s item. According to the Guinness website, only 39 of them were created in 1998 and were given to the winners of a Pokemon illustration contest. Of the 39 cards, only 20 have been evaluated by PSA, a leading card verification service. Eight of them have been given a PSA grade of 9 (9 out of 10).
A grade of 9 means the card is nearly perfect, but may show minor imperfections, such as a slight wax stain on the back or a slightly off-white border. The PSA website states that for a card to be awarded a grade 10, it must be deemed perfect with “no four sharp edges and no marks, dents or minor scuffs on the front or back.”
At the time of the auction, Paul’s card was the only one to receive the coveted Grade 10 rating.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
A former Missouri police officer admitted to stopping more than 20 women’s cars and searching women’s cell phones to obtain nude photos and videos over a three-month period in 2024, prosecutors said.
In a plea deal reached with federal prosecutors on Dec. 2, former Florissant employee Julian Alcala pleaded guilty to 20 counts of deprivation of rights, according to online records. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped one charge of destroying records in a federal investigation.
Alcala, 30, admitted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to illegally searching the cell phones of 20 women and obtaining nude photos and videos during a traffic stop, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said in a news release. Prosecutors say Alcala pulled over the women while on duty from February 6, 2024 to May 18, 2024, wearing a uniform and riding in a marked police vehicle.
Prosecutors said Alcala took each victim’s cell phone under the guise of verifying insurance coverage or vehicle registration. According to the plea agreement, he told 19 victims that they needed to use their cell phones to check their insurance coverage and told one victim that he was checking the registration of their vehicle.
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“Alcala then searched the phone without a warrant or probable cause,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “He used his cell phone to take photographs of one or more images depicting either the victim or a loved one, or both, partially or fully nude, which he found in various folders and apps.”
A grand jury indicted the former police officer in November 2024, with prosecutors accusing him of depriving women of their right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. At the time, prosecutors said Alcala was the second former law enforcement officer to be indicted on such charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Alcala is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2026. Each count of disenfranchisement under color of law is punishable by one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Plea deal: Former Missouri police officer arrested after victim discovers text messages
According to the plea agreement, Alcala’s first victim was taken on February 6, 2024. When he took the woman’s cell phone back to his car during a traffic stop, he found a video of her engaging in a sex act.
He then texted the video to his cell phone, the plea agreement states. Alcala also found nude photos of the woman and used his cell phone to take the images.
After the traffic stop, the victim said she checked deleted text messages and realized the video had been sent to a phone number she didn’t recognize, according to the plea agreement. She then reported the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to the plea agreement, the FBI tracked Alcala’s phone number and began investigating the incident. The FBI executed a court-authorized search warrant on Alcala’s cell phone and iCloud storage and discovered 19 additional victims.
“The images taken by the defendant included individual naked women,” the plea agreement states. “These images were stored in various locations on the victim’s phone, including the camera roll, within text messages with loved ones, and in folders within applications on the phone, including SnapChat.”
Killed by police: US to set new grim record for police killings in 2024
After Alcala was indicted in November 2024, the Florissant Police Department announced in a statement that Alcala resigned in June 2024 after the FBI notified the department of the investigation. At the time, Mr. Alcala had been employed by the department for 11 months.
“We are disgusted by this behavior. It is a complete betrayal of the values we stand for and is in no way reflective of the professionalism or integrity of our dedicated staff,” the department said. “We recognize the gravity of this breach of trust and its impact on our community.”
Florissant is a suburb north of St. Louis.
Former Missouri State Highway Patrol officer charged with similar charges
Alcala became the second former law enforcement officer to be indicted in November 2024 on charges of destruction of records and deprivation of rights under color of law in a federal investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former Missouri State Highway Patrol Officer David McKnight was indicted on November 12, 2024, on one count of destruction of records in a federal investigation and nine counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Prosecutors accused McKnight of searching nine women’s cell phones between September 1, 2023 and August 19, 2024.
According to the indictment, McKnight stopped most of the women for traffic violations and searched their cellphones.
“He took their cell phones for the purpose of verifying their insurance coverage and verifying their identity,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said McKnight used his personal cell phone to take photos of nude images that were stored on the victim’s cell phone. The man then deleted the photos from his phone, according to the indictment.
Easily make a natural car odor eliminator using baking soda and essential oils.
problem solved
Paul Hanson was looking for a used truck with a specific checklist in mind, like power locks and cruise control, but not many extra features. gas engine. Enough towing capacity to tow a camper.
By the time he narrowed down his search online, he had found only three cars in the country that matched his criteria, and none of them were near his hometown of Brayton, Iowa. He decided to buy a 2021 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty in Seattle, but it would cost about $2,500 to have the car shipped to a nearby location.
But there was another option. Hanson calculated that a weekend road trip with a one-way ticket booked would cost nearly $1,200, including hotel stays, food and gas. It was an easy choice for Hanson, who loves road trips.
“Basically, we wanted a work truck with four doors,” Hanson said. “I could go find a fully loaded F-250, or I could find trucks of all sizes and brands nearby that were fully loaded, but those are astronomically expensive, so I didn’t want that.”
Shopper picky eaters and used car prices are causing some buyers to look out of state for their next car. Buying a car across the country is easier than ever thanks to online marketplaces and shipping options, but experts warn buyers should be especially careful when buying from another state.
Car purchase: What are the best-selling electric pickup trucks in 2025? See the top three.
Is it worth going out of state to buy a car?
Brian Moody, editor-in-chief of online marketplace Autotrader and car research firm Kelley Blue Book, said it makes sense for some buyers to buy out of state, especially if they’re looking for a specific vehicle. When Moody couldn’t find what she wanted for her daughter nearby, she had a Saab sedan shipped from Maryland.
“This car had 50,000 miles on it and had only had one owner, so I felt it was worth the extra $1,200 to ship it,” Moody said.
However, “Generally speaking, if you live in a town of a certain size, unless you’re looking for something really special, there are plenty of Honda Accords, Chevrolet pickups, and Toyota minivans in your area.”
Mr Moody warned that buyers should take precautions when buying sight unseen. He suggested using a used car pre-purchase inspection service before purchasing.
“It’s really hard to buy a car that you haven’t seen in person,” he says. “You can look at everything about the car[online]and think, ‘This is great,’ and then it arrives at your house and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I need tires in the next six months.’
If you are purchasing from out of state, there are some additional considerations.
Buyers typically pay sales tax where the vehicle is registered, so there is no benefit to purchasing from a state that is exempt from sales tax.
Drivers must obtain a temporary registration from a dealer before driving their vehicle home. Alternatively, if you purchase from a private party, you must ensure that all appropriate documentation required by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles is signed and dated before driving.
Ivan Drury, director of insights at car research site Edmunds, said drivers should call their insurance company before making a purchase to decide whether to add the car to their plan.
What is the cheapest state to buy a used car?
High used car prices may encourage more shoppers across the country to look for bargains, but affordability remains a challenge for consumers amid high interest rates.
A recent study by lending platform NetCredit ranked used car prices in each state based on 200,000 listings of popular models, taking into account variables such as mileage, number of owners, transmission type, and generation.
According to their findings, the states that offer the most affordable used cars are:
north dakota
new jersey
new york
florida
Utah
Some of the most expensive states include:
alaska
Hawaii
mississippi
montana
new mexico
But Drury said shoppers can expect similar pricing across states for many models.
“There may be variations, but for the most part it can be explained as: What trim level do I have? What configuration do I buy?” he said. “That’s not to say you can’t find a deal, but it takes more time and research than just saying, ‘I’m going to two states. It’s going to be cheaper everywhere.'”
Check out Rivian, offering an off-road experience in downtown Austin, Texas.
Fox – 7 Austin
Rivian Automotive RIVN.O is recalling 34,824 electric delivery vehicles in the United States because their seat belt systems may not properly restrain drivers, increasing the risk of injury in a crash, Rivian Automotive RIVN.O said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday.
Rivian said it is not aware of any incidents or injuries related to this issue in any market. This recall affects certain 2022-2025 EDV models.
U.S. auto regulators launched a preliminary investigation into Rivian’s 17,198 electric delivery vans in September after complaints that cables were fraying, snapping or unraveling, putting drivers at risk of becoming unrestrained in a crash or sudden stop.
Purchase an EV: Rivian’s new EV is scheduled to be released in 2026. Any chance of rivaling Tesla’s best-selling SUV?
Rivian said the problem occurs when drivers repeatedly sit on already-tight seat belts, damaging the pretensioner cable, a critical component designed to instantly tighten the belt in the event of a collision or sudden deceleration.
The EV manufacturer has released an over-the-air software update that can automatically detect seatbelt misuse by drivers.
In addition, Rivian will inspect the driver seat belt pretensioner assembly in eligible vehicles and replace it, if necessary, free of charge.
Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese and Mihika Sharma in Bengaluru. Edited by Shelly Jacob Phillips and Leroy Leo
Jeff Probst talks about ‘Survivor’ popularity at 2025 Emmy Awards
Jeff Probst introduces his current favorite ‘Survivor’ contestants and looks back on his 25 years hosting the 2025 Emmy Awards.
Spoiler alert! Below are details about ‘Survivor’ Season 49, Episode 11.
The only thing more satisfying than $1 million and the title of “Survivor” for the season 49 cast seems to be revenge.
Revenge appears to have inspired some of the castaways to make strategic moves as they fight their way from the final seven to the final six on the Wednesday, Dec. 3, episode of the reality competition series. This episode was a great one for Colorado rocket scientist Steven Lamb, who won both vote-blocking benefits and immunity at Tribal Council.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise for the other contestants.
Miami entrepreneur Sophie Bareldi (Blue) is waiting for the right opportunity to betray her two closest allies, Savannah Louie and Rizo Velovic. Christina Mills is still working to eliminate Louis after years of rift over games and personality differences.
Here’s what else happened on tonight’s episode.
Who was voted off on ‘Survivor’?
Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands were found not to be large enough for two Sophies to live in, after (yellow) Sophie Segreti was blinded by a 6-1 vote.
After winning two immunity challenges and playing in both alliances, the 31-year-old strategist from Darnestown, Maryland, can no longer stay in the spotlight. Her plan to vote out fellow challenger Savannah Louie ultimately failed, making her the fifth juror.
The vote was especially thrilling for Uri tribal rival Savannah Louie (whose name was thrown out at Tribal Council) and Sage Ahrens Nichols, who wanted revenge on Sophie for voting out her aide Jawan Pitts in the previous episode.
“I was unanimously blindsided. To be honest, I take this a little bit as a compliment because it means I was a big threat to everyone’s game,” Segreti said in his exit interview. “I was the first Sophie to be voted out, so now I think I’m the ‘other Sophie’. It’s very upsetting.”
How to watch ‘Survivor’ Season 49
Subscribers to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan can watch on CBS or live stream on Paramount+. Subscribers to Paramount+ plans can stream episodes the next day.
The first 48 seasons of the show are all available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.
Watch all seasons of Survivor on Paramount+
Who is the host of “Survivor”?
Jeff Probst has hosted every season of the show since 2000 and is also an executive producer.
Who will remain in ‘Survivor’ season 49?
Here are the final six of ‘Survivor’ season 49.
Christina Mills: 36 year old MBA career coach from Houston
Rizo Velovic: A 25-year-old technology salesman from Yonkers, New York.
Sage Ahrens Nichols: 30 year old clinical social worker from Roxboro, North Carolina
Savannah Louie: 31-year-old marketing strategist and former reporter from Walnut Creek, California.
Sophie Bareldi: 27 year old entrepreneur from Miami
Stephen Copper: 35-year-old rocket scientist from Littleton, Colorado
Where was “Survivor” filmed?
Survivor has been filmed in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands for the past 16 seasons. The show has previously been held in remote locations around the globe, from the Australian outback and China to the Philippines and Guatemala.
From time to time, we recommend interesting products and services. Click to purchase.
The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
The Powerball jackpot rose to $775 million for the Wednesday, Dec. 3 drawing after no one won the top prize on Monday, Dec. 1.
If the ticket matches all five numbers and the Powerball in the 11 p.m. ET drawing, the winner can opt for a one-time cash payment of $362.5 million before taxes.
The latest Powerball drawing follows one lucky player who won a $90 million Mega Millions jackpot on December 2nd.
Check out the Powerball winning numbers for December 3 below.
The Powerball jackpot is nearing historic levels. What is the best prize of all time?
Powerball winning numbers for December 3, 2025
The winning numbers for Wednesday, December 3rd drawing are 1, 14, 20, 46, 51 and 26 for Powerball. The “power play” multiplier is 3x.
The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of the USA TODAY Network.
Has anyone won Powerball?
Powerball winners will be posted here as soon as they are announced by lottery officials.
To find a complete list of past Powerball winners, go to Click on the link to the lottery website.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Saturday, December 6th at just after 11pm ET.
How to play Powerball
To play Powerball, you must purchase a $2 ticket. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes.
“Power Play” multipliers allow you to increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
If you’re feeling unlucky or just want to let the computer do the work for you, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option, where a computer-generated number is printed on your Powerball ticket. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball in any order.
Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, 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 companythe following U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia. With the Jackpocket app, you can choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and Claim all your winnings using your mobile phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
Luqman Khan was arrested by police and charged with multiple federal crimes with a machine gun and a notebook detailing a plan to target police officers on the University of Delaware campus.
FBI says Michigan terror plot thwarted; see Trump’s reaction
Video captured FBI agents searching a Dearborn home after Director Kash Patel announced that “multiple subjects” had been arrested in a failed terrorist plot.
Delaware State Police arrested a man in possession of an illegal machine gun and a notebook detailing plans for “urban warfare,” “martyrdom,” and at least one designated target, according to federal officials and court documents.
Luqman Khan, a Pakistani-born American national, was arrested on November 24 after police drove up to him for being at a park in New Castle, Delaware, after hours. According to federal court filings, Khan refused to comply with officers’ commands and was arrested.
When police searched Khan’s Toyota Tacoma, they found a Glock pistol, a machine gun conversion switch, a bulletproof vest, and a backpack containing an “ambush” and “surprise” plan written in a marble configuration notebook.
Khan, 25, told FBI agents that martyrdom was “one of the greatest things a person can do” and was a “goal,” according to court filings.
The note repeatedly mentions martyrdom, includes plans to target members of the University of Delaware Campus Police Department, and a map labeled “UD Police Department.” Khan is a former student of the university.
Khan, of Wilmington, Delaware, was charged in federal court with possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Federal criminal charges against Khan were brought by FBI agents assigned to the Delaware Counterterrorism Task Force. When the FBI searched Mr. Khan’s home, additional firearms were found, including a rifle with a red dot sight, hollow-point pistol ammunition, and another handgun with a machine gun switch.
University of Delaware Interim President Laura Carlson said in a statement that Khan has been removed from the school and banned from all university campuses while the case is pending. Carlson said there is no known threat to the university.
Khan’s lawyer could not be reached for comment. According to court filings, Mr. Khan immigrated to the United States when he was young.
Ghislaine Maxwell plans to petition a judge for her release.
New Epstein Island photo shows room with dental chair and mask
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released previously unreleased photos and videos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate.
Ghislaine Maxwell plans to petition a judge for her release, according to a new court filing.
Maxwell plans to represent herself in the petition, which will be filed about two months after the Supreme Court rejects her appeal.
Maxwell’s lawyers have warned that if Jeffrey Epstein’s petition is granted, unsealing case documents could preclude a fair retrial.
Maxwell’s new court filing coincides with the release of new photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s private island.
Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate and convicted accomplice of the late disgraced financier and accused sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, plans to petition a judge for his release.
In court papers filed with U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer on Wednesday, Dec. 3, Ms. Maxwell’s attorneys did not provide specific details about what legal basis she would assert in her habeas corpus request for release.
The court filing also states that Maxwell plans to enter the plea in “prosec.” This means she can seek early release on her own behalf without the help of a lawyer. The filing is in response to a Justice Department request to unseal the grand jury transcripts of Maxwell’s case.
Maxwell’s petition was also filed about two months after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected her appeal of her conviction and sentence. She was convicted in New York federal court in 2021 on five charges related to sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Mr. Maxwell is the only associate of Mr. Epstein to receive a prison sentence. Epstein died in custody while awaiting trial in 2019.
She was transferred from a federal prison in Florida and is currently being held at a minimum security women’s prison in Texas. The move came shortly after she was questioned about Epstein by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former defense attorney for President Donald Trump.
The new court filing warned that releasing documents related to Maxwell’s case “may contain unverified and unproven allegations.” The one-page document added that if Maxwell’s request for release is granted, the release of grand jury materials would “create unfair prejudice so severe as to preclude the possibility of a fair retrial.”
The court filing came on the same day that House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released previously unreleased photos and videos from a private Caribbean island once owned by Epstein. The Justice Department must release more records from its files by Dec. 19 under a law passed by Congress in November.
The House Oversight Committee did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on Maxwell’s court filing.
More Epstein files released: Jeffrey Epstein’s island captured in new ‘never seen before’ photos
Controversy over the Epstein file continues
The continuing controversy over Epstein’s criminal case file is plaguing President Trump. Epstein and Maxwell were friends of President Trump in the 1990s and early 2000s.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump supported releasing the Epstein files. But after teasing “truckloads” of Epstein files in March, President Trump’s Justice Department issued a memo in July saying no further disclosure of the documents was necessary. This caused an unusual conflict within the Republican Party, leading to a movement to force a vote on the Epstein File Transparency Act.
President Trump had always claimed the issue was a hoax, but after the bill quickly passed the House and Senate and was signed by President Trump on November 19, he surprisingly reversed course and supported releasing the files.
Black Friday brings fewer crowds and more online shopping
More consumers than ever are doing their Black Friday shopping online rather than in person.
Walmart shoppers went crazy for Kraft on Black Friday, Nov. 28, snapping up 65-inch boxes of the food manufacturer’s flat-screen macaroni and cheese in minutes.
The special edition product was promoted on social media and in a news release and became available for purchase on Walmart’s website at 12:01 a.m. on Black Friday. Walmart told USA TODAY on Dec. 3 that the boxes sold out within an hour.
The never-before-sold box contains 65 small boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese. According to Walmart, this equates to 3.5 servings per box, or more than 227 servings. Customer purchased macaroni and cheese for $19.37, saving over 75% per box.
The company said the giant box of macaroni and cheese sold so quickly because it was a “great product” sold in a “fun, collectible format, with great value.”
Here’s what you need to know about novelty macaroni and cheese boxes and what customers are saying about the Black Friday sale.
What’s in the mac and cheese box next to the Kraft TV?
Last week, social media influencers who were sent 65-inch boxes, including @snachwithzach and @snackolator, shared videos of themselves unwrapping tons of macaroni and cheese and offered to donate some of the boxes to food banks or people in need.
The Kraft Mac & Cheese novelty box lists features such as the noodles’ “4K” rating. It also includes a “Setup Guide” that mimics a real flatscreen and instructs users to:
Take out the Mac from the box (resist the urge to eat the whole box)
Share (or don’t share) with friends and family
Install the display (“cook macaroni” in TV parlance)
Stream (TV term for “add cheese powder”)
Enjoy (not all at once)
The internet blames bots for selling out 65-inch mac and cheese boxes
While influencers and some shoppers nabbed boxes of macaroni and cheese, others were unlucky and took their anger out on X. One X user tagged Walmart and said the boxes sold out in two minutes.
“Literally in my cart,” the user wrote with a crying emoji.
Another user said everything was pre-loaded, including payment information and shipping. I refreshed the page until the box was available for purchase, but it was too late.
“Press ‘Buy Now’ and ‘Checkout’ within 10 seconds of availability,” the user wrote. “I didn’t get it yet. I think my toddler would have loved it.”
The reason the boxes sold out so quickly was probably because of “nerds with bots,” wrote a third user.
Will Kraft macaroni and cheese 65-inch boxes be restocked?
Customers also criticized Walmart and Kraft, questioning how many boxes they could buy in the first place.
“I had the Craft 65 pack in my cart as soon as it was released and it was gone before I could hit pay with the instant payment option… it was gone in less than 10 seconds,” wrote one X user. “@kraftmacncheese only made 5 boxes?! Disappointed!”
On Dec. 3, USA TODAY asked Walmart how many boxes it had, but the company said it did not provide sales details.
When asked if 65-inch boxes of macaroni and cheese would be sold again on Walmart’s website in the future, the retailer said it is always working with its supplier partners but had no news to share.
Saleen Martin is a reporter for USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia. – Email sdmartin@usatoday.com.
Director Quentin Tarantino slams ‘The Hunger Games’ as a ‘rip-off’ of ‘Battle Royale’
Director Quentin Tarantino has accused the “Hunger Games” series of being a “rip-off” of the Japanese movie “Battle Royale.”
Banshaw Biz
Quentin Tarantino isn’t shy about his disdain for Paul Dano.
Dano sparked outrage when the legendary director appeared on the Bret Easton Ellis Podcast to discuss the top 10 movies of this century. Tarantino named Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood as his fifth favorite movie since 2000, stressing that the film would have been higher had it not been for Dano’s “major flaw”.
Dano, 41, starred opposite Daniel Day-Lewis, who won an Oscar for his performance. Tarantino, 62, said the two are not on equal footing. “Obviously, it should be a two-hander, but it’s also very clear that it’s not a two-hander,” the coach said. “He’s a weak sauce, he’s a weak sister.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Dano’s representatives for comment.
Quentin Tarantino slams “The Hunger Games” as a “copy” of this book
Director Tarantino was not yet finished, but later called the Little Miss Sunshine actors “uninteresting” and said Austin Butler would have been better suited for the role.
Ellis tried to push back against the criticism by pointing out the gravity of Day-Lewis’ role, but the filmmaker was unconvinced.
“So you put him up there with the weakest male actor in SAG?” Tarantino retorted. “I’m not saying he’s having a terrible performance. I’m saying he’s having an incorporeal performance.”
Asked if there are any other Dano roles that he likes, Tarantino couldn’t think of any other roles, and pointed to other actors he’s also not a fan of. “I don’t care about him, I don’t care about Owen Wilson, I don’t care about Matthew Lillard.”
Dano was nominated for a BAFTA for his role in There Will Be Blood, as well as a Primetime Emmy Award for his roles in the reboot of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and the 2018 limited series Escape at Dannemora. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won a Gotham Award for her role in the 2014 film Love and Mercy. He has also appeared in the Oscar-winning film “The Night Goes” as well as Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” and Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.”
Tarantino reveals his top 20 movies of this century:
Here is the complete list of Tarantino’s top 20 movies of the century.
“West Side Story” directed by Steven Spielberg (20th place)
Eli Roth’s “Cabin Fever” (No. 19)
Bennett Miller’s “Moneyball” (No. 18)
Pracha Pingaeo “Chocolate” (No.17)
Rob Zombie’s “The Devil’s Rejects” (No.16)
Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” (No. 15)
Richard Linklater’s “School of Rock” (No. 14)
“Jackass: The Movie” directed by Jeff Tremaine (13th place)
“Big Bad Wolves” by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushad (No. 12)
Kinji Fukasaku’s “Battle Royale” (No. 11)
“Midnight in Paris” directed by Woody Allen (10th place)
Edgar Wright’s “Shaun of the Dead” (9th place)
Directed by George Miller “Mad Max: Fury Road” (8th place)
Tony Scott’s “Unstoppable” (7th place)
David Fincher’s “Zodiac” (6th place)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” (No. 5)
Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” (4th place)
“Lost in Translation” directed by Sofia Coppola (3rd place)
Tariff dividend checks discussed by President Trump at Cabinet meeting
President Donald Trump discusses tariff dividend checks at Cabinet meeting.
Fox – 5 DC
President Donald Trump is sticking with his plan to return tariff dividends to Americans in 2026.
President Trump appeared to nod, calling the issue of “affordability” a “Democrat scam” during a two-hour-plus Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, during which he discussed the possibility of checks.
“Next year is expected to be the biggest tax refund season in history, and we’ve taken in literally trillions of dollars in taxes, and we’re going to refund them in tariffs,” President Trump said at the beginning of the meeting. “In addition to debt reduction, we intend to give good dividends to the people.”
President Trump said that ultimately, customs revenue could become “so large” that the government could stop collecting income taxes. “Whether you get rid of it or just keep it for fun, you can pay it for a really low amount, much lower than it is now, and you won’t have to pay income tax,” he said.
Regarding expected tariff revenues, the Congressional Budget Office on November 15th lowered its forecast for tariff revenues over the next 10 years from $3.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion. That would result in an additional $500 billion in debt interest payments, totaling a total value to the government of $3 trillion.
Epstein files: Democrats release ‘never-before-seen’ photos of Jeffrey Epstein’s island
But critics of the administration’s tariff plan question whether reimbursing dividends makes economic sense, citing opaque tariff revenue and the high cost of rebates.
The nonpartisan nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that President Trump’s tariffs will generate about $300 billion a year, with each round of tariff dividends costing about $600 billion. “Additional customs revenue should be used to reduce the deficit, rather than passing that revenue on to taxpayers in the form of cash dividends,” the group said.
Are you receiving a $2,000 customs dividend check?
That remains to be seen. President Trump has been talking about dividend rebates since July, saying that revenue from tariffs, which the president began implementing in March and April, “could lead to some rebates, but the big thing we want is to pay down the debt.”
President Trump said last month that tariff dividend checks would be issued “probably in the middle of next year” and would amount to “a few thousand dollars to middle-income, moderate-income individuals.”
But estimates from the Tax Foundation, another nonpartisan nonprofit group, suggest that the plan could be cost-prohibitive and that tariff revenues may not be as high as expected. President Trump’s tariffs are expected to raise $2.1 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years, but that drops to $1.6 trillion after foreign retaliation and other negative economic impacts are factored in.
The tariffs could be struck down by the Supreme Court, which, while hearing arguments on November 5, appears to be questioning whether President Trump has the authority to impose them.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” on Nov. 16 that if tariffs continue, some kind of legislation will be needed to provide refunds.
Why would President Trump want to issue tariff checks?
Probably because the Americans helped pay the customs duties. After signing an executive order exempting certain agricultural products such as bananas, coffee and beef from the reciprocal tariffs imposed on April 2, President Trump told reporters on Air Force One on November 14 that the tariffs “could potentially increase” prices.
But Trump said the costs of the tariffs are “to a significant degree… being borne by other countries.”
Still, the Tax Foundation estimates that the tariffs would represent an increase in taxes of $1,100 per U.S. household in 2025 and $1,400 in 2026.
The group said that rather than issuing dividends, “a better way to provide relief would be to simply eliminate tariffs altogether.”
Contributor: Francesca Chambers and Reuters
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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Kennedy Center Opera House could be renamed after Melania Trump
The House Appropriations Subcommittee has voted to rename the Kennedy Center Opera House after First Lady Melania Trump.
The U.S. State Department announced on social media Wednesday that the U.S. Institute of Peace, a 41-year-old agency that works with national executive branches to resolve violent conflicts abroad, has been renamed in honor of President Donald Trump.
“Welcome to the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute. The best is yet to come,” the department said in a statement.
The post described the president as “the greatest dealmaker in the history of our country.”
The institute sued the president and the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year, challenging the administration’s efforts to seize its headquarters and install new agency leadership. The independent agency was created and funded by Congress and was targeted as part of DOGE’s efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy.
A federal judge ultimately approved the purchase.
Over the past two years, Republican lawmakers have proposed a number of bills and resolutions that tout Trump or take away his image. That includes a bill introduced in June 2024 by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) that would require the U.S. Treasury to resume producing $500 bills that feature Trump’s portrait instead of President William McKinley’s.
Others have advocated awarding Trump the Congressional Gold Medal for foreign policy accomplishments, renaming Dulles International Airport and state highways after him, or applying his name to the nation’s 4.4 million square miles of exclusive economic zone.
Since taking over the presidency, Trump has sold or endorsed Bibles and coins, and previously peddled Trump-branded sneakers and NFT trading cards. As a real estate and reality TV billionaire, Trump’s name has graced high-rise hotels, casinos, airlines, vodka, and a shuttered university that was forced to pay $25 million in damages on fraud charges.
Reporter Dan Morrison contributed to this article.
E. coli, metals and even dead bats have been found in the recalled foods. In fact, food recalls are on the rise. But it could actually be a good sign. Here’s why:
america today
More than 1 million bags of cheese sold at popular stores like Walmart, Target and Aldi have been recalled because they may contain metal fragments, according to a recently updated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report.
Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese Co. initiated the ongoing recall on Oct. 3, saying the affected cheeses may be contaminated with metal debris that could cause injury if ingested.
On Dec. 1, the FDA reclassified the recall to “Class 1,” meaning the food “may cause a temporary or medically reversible health hazard,” according to an enforcement report.
The recalled cheese products were a mix that was sold in 31 states under a variety of brand names, including store brands such as Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Sprouts and Happy Farms.
“All recalled products have been removed from the market and replaced with new products. Additionally, the products currently on retail shelves are safe to consume and are not related to the October recall,” Great Lakes Cheese Co. said in a Dec. 3 statement. “Although the enforcement report marks the recall status as ongoing, our records indicate that all products have been permanently removed from store shelves.”
Here’s what you need to know about the recall.
Which cheese products have been recalled?
The FDA report lists low moisture partially skimmed mozzarella shredded cheese individually packaged in plastic bags with the following names:
Italian-style shredded cheese blend (low moisture part-skim mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, romano, fontina, asiago). They are individually packaged in plastic bags with the names below.
Happy Farms by Aldi Italian Style Shredded Cheese Blend (low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, unsmoked provolone, shredded Romano, Asiago, and Parmesan cheeses)
12 oz., individually wrapped in plastic bags, UPC 4061463330949
Simply Go Italian Style 6 Cheese Blend – Shredded Fine Cut, 8 oz., UPC 1015983015
Pizza-style shredded cheese blends (containing low-moisture part-skim mozzarella and mild cheddar cheese) are individually wrapped in plastic bags and sold under the names below.
Food Club Shredded Pizza Style 4 Cheese Blend (partially skim mozzarella with low moisture content, unsmoked provolone, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese)
8 oz., individually packaged in plastic bags, UPC 3680017231
Simply Go Pizza Blend Two Cheese Mix – Classic Cut Shredded, 32 oz, UPC 1015983022
Shredded Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese Blend (contains low moisture part-skim mozzarella and unsmoked provolone cheese) is individually packaged in plastic bags and sold under the following names:
Great value provolone & mozzarella blend – Shredded, 16 oz, UPC 7874226743
Mozzarella & Parmesan Shredded Cheese Blend, individually wrapped in plastic bags, sold under the following names:
Good & Gather Mozzarella & Parmesan Shredded Cheese Blend – Fine Cut, 8 oz, UPC 8523903856
Where was the recalled cheese sold?
According to the FDA, the cheese was distributed in the following U.S. states and Puerto Rico:
Alabama
arkansas
arizona
California
colorado
florida
georgia
idaho
illinois
Indiana
Kansas
kentucky
louisiana
minnesota
missouri
mississippi
north carolina
nebraska
new mexico
nevada
new york
Oklahoma
Oregon
pennsylvania
south carolina
tennessee
texas
Utah
virginia
washington
wisconsin
What to do with recalled cheese?
Great Lake Cheese Co. said that starting in October, households with affected products stored in their refrigerators or freezers should either throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
A lot of money could be up for grabs, like $775 million.
In recent days, the Powerball jackpot has increased by $35 million, making it one of the top 10 largest prizes in history.
When there was a jackpot with the same multiplier as the previous timeThe prize was won in September, when players from Missouri and Texas split the $1.787 billion jackpot, the second-largest prize in history.
The current estimated cash value is $362.5 million (pre-tax), which can be paid as a one-time lump sum cash payment or as annuity payments over 29 years. Either way, players will have a merry Christmas if they win the prize.
If you’re lucky, here’s when the next Powerball drawing will take place.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10:59pm ET.
More lottery news: Mega Millions winners win a $90 million jackpot. See where tickets were sold.
How to play Powerball
How to play Powerball is easy:
Buy a $2 ticket anywhere tickets are sold.
Think about which six numbers you would choose.
For Powerball, select five “white” numbers from 1 to 69 and one “red” number from 1 to 26.
Players can also add “Power Play,” a $1 feature that increases the winnings on all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
If you’re not feeling particularly lucky, or just want to let the computer do the work, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option. All numbers selected in the “Quick Pick” option are computer generated.
To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball in any order. The draw takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores all sell lottery tickets. Tickets may also be sold at some airport terminals.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery courier, in the following U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. USA Today Co., Inc 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.
Liviby Dunn talks about NIL and how female athletes can benefit from it
Megan Hall talks with Livivy Dunn about the world of NIL and how she is setting the course for future college athletes to be as successful as she is.
take sports seriously
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, with a final vote scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd. The bill would allow the NCAA and its newly created Collegiate Athletic Commission to create and enforce national rules that have been subject to legal disputes in recent years.
The SCORE Act (Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements) provided more regulation and sought to calm the turbulent environment created by the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation, revenue sharing, and transfer portals to college sports. The bill passed a procedural vote of 210-209 on Tuesday, but drew bipartisan opposition as it neared a final vote.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and the Congressional Black Caucus have also been vocal critics, and questions about how the bill violates athletes’ rights inspired House Democrats to introduce a competing bill earlier this week. House Republican leaders withdrew the SCORE bill about two hours before it was originally scheduled for a final vote, in what was seen as a sign that it no longer had enough support to pass.
Signing date: College football winners and losers include Vanderbilt, USC, Penn State
“The SCORE Act was removed from consideration simply for lack of a vote, a clear sign that lawmakers on both sides saw it for what it was: a gift to the NCAA and the Power Two Conferences at the expense of athletes. This bill would impose new restrictions on athletes, but it would do nothing to address the real instability in college athletics,” Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) wrote in a social media post after the vote failed.
The bill, introduced in July by lawmakers from both parties with the support of leaders on three House committees, would allow the NCAA to set caps on how much schools can spend on NIL contracts and on the parameters of how players transfer, as long as they can transfer at least once and are immediately eligible.
Other aspects of the proposed bill would enact the fair market value valuation of athletes’ NIL contracts with non-school entities provided under the House of Representatives v. NCAA settlement and would allow universities to prevent athletes from entering into NIL contracts that conflict with the school’s sponsorship agreements. The bill also notably prevents athletes from becoming university employees and protects the NCAA, committees, conferences, and schools from potential state court lawsuits arising from antitrust laws and regulations.
The NCAA has lobbied Congress for antitrust rules for the past decade, as rules governing player pay and transfer eligibility were challenged and ultimately changed by state legislatures and lawsuits.
“The SCORE Act (College Sports) has good intentions, but it falls short and is not ready for prime time. I will vote against it,” Roy explained his position in a lengthy social media post condemning the current state of college sports. “Process issues aside (that could have been fixed)… there are a lot of legitimate concerns and questions.”
The SCORE Act (College Sports), while well-intended, falls short and is not ready for prime time. I vote against it. Process issues aside (which could have been fixed)…there are a lot of legitimate concerns and questions. 1) Threshold – Why are you not concentrating…?
Wednesday’s House vote is expected to come the same week that Trahan (D-Mass.), a former Division I volleyball player, also announced plans to introduce a competing bill modeled on a recent Senate proposal that would include federal standards for NIL rights and media rights pools, as well as the creation of a bipartisan college sports stabilization commission with a two-year timeline to develop recommendations for a permanent governance model.
“Despite years of intense lobbying by the most powerful organizations in college athletics, Congress is increasingly divided on how to address the challenges threatening our industry,” Trahan said in a news release that proved prophetic days later.
Bed Bath & Beyond plans to reopen, accepting old coupons
Bed Bath & Beyond is making a comeback after filing for bankruptcy in 2023 with the grand opening of its first Bed Bath & Beyond Home store.
Bed Bath & Beyond announced in November that it had entered into a merger agreement to acquire Brand House Collective (formerly Kirkland Co.).
The merger means some Kirkland stores will become Bed Bath & Beyond, but The Brand House Collective said it plans to close some stores. Brand House Collective announced in a news release that the merger agreement was announced on Nov. 24 and is valued at $26.8 million.
“This acquisition is a major step in building a profitable and growth-oriented Everything Home company,” Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, said in a statement. “The power of this transaction comes from more efficient and productive engagement with consumers, while reducing duplicative costs by more than $20 million.”
The Brand House Collective says the early conversion of Bed Bath & Beyond stores has resulted in double-digit sales growth since reopening.
Bed Bath & Beyond Home plans to open more stores
Bed Bath & Beyond opened its first store in Nashville on August 8 since filing for bankruptcy in 2023, USA TODAY previously reported. The new store’s name is “Bed Bath & Beyond Home.”
Nearly all of Kirkland’s former stores will reopen as Bed Bath & Beyond stores, Brand House Collective announced in September. Bed Bath & Beyond acquired Kirkland’s intellectual property for $10 million. Bed Bath & Beyond said the move will allow it to convert more stores.
About 250 Kirkland Home stores will be converted to Bed Bath & Beyond stores as a result of the merger, USA TODAY previously reported. Lemonis announced in August that it would not open a store in California and would only serve the state by delivery. As of February 2022, the company operated just under 90 stores in the state, Forbes reported.
Lemonis said in August that the decision was “not about politics, it’s about reality,” adding, “California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America. This system makes it harder to hire talent, harder to keep your doors open, and harder to deliver value to your customers.”
Lemonis said in an interview with Fox Business in August that the company plans to open 300 stores over the next 24 months.
Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and closed all of its physical stores. The retailer is currently trying to make a comeback with a planned reopening. However, Brand Collective said in a Nov. 24 release that more than 40 Kirkland stores that are underperforming or non-strategic have been confirmed to close in early 2026.
The company said the Kirkland store closures are intended to help improve profitability and optimize inventory. Brand House Collective said the merger is expected to save the company $20 million by eliminating duplicate functions, duplicate systems and operational inefficiencies.
“This cost reduction plan is a core element in building a more profitable platform, allowing the company to reinvest in growth strategies such as high-converting store formats, digital and omnichannel enhancements, advanced data-driven customer acquisition, and merchandising innovation,” the company said.
When will the Kirkland acquisition be completed?
The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, according to a Nov. 24 release from Brand Collective. Since Oct. 4, Bed Bath & Beyond has opened stores across Tennessee, including in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Juliette and Nashville.
What is Bed Bath & Beyond’s stock price?
As of 1:00 pm ET on Wednesday, December 3, Bed Bath & Beyond stock was up about 9%. It is currently up 16% year-to-date. Meanwhile, Brand House Collective’s stock price rose about 2% over the same period. Year-to-date, it’s down 26%.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
Smith’s attorney said in a statement that his client volunteered to answer questions from lawmakers about the investigation at the hearing.
The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee on Dec. 3 issued a subpoena to former special counsel Jack Smith, who led the prosecution of President Donald Trump in his absence.
In a letter sent to Mr. Smith and posted on social media, Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said he was subpoenaing Mr. Smith to testify in a Dec. 17 deposition and was also seeking documents from former officials as part of the investigation into Mr. Trump’s prosecution. A deposition is a formal legal process for giving testimony under oath, usually in a private setting.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Smith’s attorney, Peter Koski, said his client volunteered several weeks ago to answer questions from lawmakers about the investigation at a public hearing.
“I am disappointed that the proposal was rejected and that the American people were not given the opportunity to hear directly from Jack on these topics,” Koski said. “Jack looks forward to meeting with the committee later this month to discuss his work and clarify various misconceptions about his investigation.”
President Trump said on December 3 that he would “probably want to see (Smith’s testimony) in a hearing” rather than a deposition.
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee posted President Trump’s response to X, saying, “We agree with the President on this important point. Jack Smith should testify in a hearing for the world to see.”
Smith sued Trump in two separate lawsuits, the first alleging that Trump mishandled classified documents and the second alleging that Trump illegally tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases, but Mr. Smith dropped the case after Mr. Trump won the 2024 election, citing a Justice Department policy barring prosecution of sitting presidents.
The subpoenas came in tandem with the Justice Department’s efforts under the Trump administration to investigate various people who investigated or criticized the president.
The department secured grand jury indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and former New York State Attorney General Letitia James on September 20, after the president posted on social media calling for criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and former New York State Attorney General Letitia James. A judge dismissed both charges on November 24, ruling that the prosecutor who secured the indictments, Mr. Trump’s former personal lawyer, was not lawfully appointed.
Comey served as FBI director at the beginning of President Trump’s first term, when the bureau investigated potential contacts between Trump’s 2016 campaign and the Russian government. After Trump fired Comey, he became the president’s leading critic.
James filed a civil suit against Trump in 2022, accusing Trump of inflating the value of his assets for years in order to get better loan terms. The judge in the case agreed and imposed a monetary penalty on Trump of about $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.
Matthew Perry, doctor who sold ketamine, sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the doctor who provided Matthew Perry with ketamine before he overdosed in 2023, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
A Los Angeles doctor who supplied “Friends” actor Matthew Perry with ketamine before he died of an overdose in 2023 has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a doctor who surrendered his medical license, pleaded guilty in July to four counts of illegally distributing the prescription anesthetic ketamine in connection with the actor’s death at 54. The former owner of an urgent care clinic in Calabasas, California, is one of five people to plead guilty in the case, but the first to be sentenced.
As the verdict was read in Los Angeles federal court, Plasencia said there was no excuse and told Perry’s family to their faces that she was “truly sorry,” according to The New York Times and Variety.
In a statement to USA TODAY after the Dec. 3 verdict, Placencia’s attorneys said their client accepted the sentence with “humility and deep remorse.”
Dr. Matthew Perry Ketamine is ‘not a bad person,’ says Dr. Placencia’s attorney.
“The mistakes he made during the 13 days he treated Mr. Perry will remain with him forever,” the statement continued. “Mr. Placencia has voluntarily surrendered his medical license and will continue to serve his community in other meaningful ways. We hope this painful experience will help other doctors avoid similar mistakes and prevent other families from suffering tragedies like this one.”
The statement called Mr. Placencia “a compassionate, caring and honest physician whose practice filled a void in the community that needed him.”
Plasencia’s lawyer said, “He was a good doctor who was loved by the people he treated. He is not a bad person.” “He is the person who made serious errors in treatment decisions involving the off-label use of ketamine, which is commonly used for depression for which there is no uniform standard.”
Matthew Perry’s mother addresses Dr. Placencia in court
According to the NYT and Variety, Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, spoke to Plasencia in court and asked him if he had any children, to which he nodded. “This is my son!” Mr. Morrison said. “Despite being called ‘stupid,’ there is nothing stupid about this man. He even knew how to be a successful drug dealer.”
“I want you to meet his mother,” she told Plasencia. “This was a bad thing you did.”
Perry’s half-sister Madeline Morrison accused Plasencia of exploiting Perry’s greatest fears and greatest weaknesses, saying, “Celebrities aren’t just plastic dolls that can be exploited. They’re human beings.”
When and how did Matthew Perry die?
Perry died on October 28, 2023, after being found face down and unresponsive on the “warm side” of his Pacific Palisades pool, according to an autopsy.
The actor known for his breakthrough role as Chandler Bing on the classic sitcom died from “acute effects of ketamine,” the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed.
The coroner’s office said in a statement that his cause of death was an accident and that contributing factors included “drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.”
Five people plead guilty in Matthew Perry’s death
Other defendants in Perry’s case include Jasveen Sangha, whom prosecutors have dubbed North Hollywood’s “queen of ketamine,” who they allege provided Perry with the ketamine that killed him. She has previously pleaded not guilty to all charges against her, and Geragos maintained her innocence in a Peacock documentary special released in February.
She is scheduled to be sentenced next week on December 10th and could face up to 65 years in prison.
Eric Fleming, the film producer who said he distributed Sangha’s ketamine that killed Perry, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine causing death.
He is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on January 7 and could face up to 25 years in prison.
Prosecutors say Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, purchased at least $55,000 worth of ketamine for Perry. The 60-year-old agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14.
Prosecutors say he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to distribute the dissociative anesthetic ketamine.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17th and could face up to 10 years in prison.
