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Young women increasingly want to leave the U.S., according to Gallup poll

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Young women increasingly want to leave the U.S., according to Gallup poll

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More Americans say they want to leave the United States permanently in 2025 than at any time in the past 20 years, and young women are leading the trend, according to the latest national poll.

Two in five American women and girls between the ages of 15 and 44 say they would leave the United States permanently if they could, according to a Gallup poll analysis released Nov. 13. This is four times higher than in 2014, when 10% of women and girls seeking deportation were roughly in line with other age and gender groups. This increase includes both single and married women.

Other Gallup polls: April poll finds a majority of Americans are pessimistic about their personal finances

Gallup polling organization said in a data review that more than twice as many women as men say they want to immigrate. In the same age group of 15 to 44 years, 19% of men and boys surveyed expressed a desire to emigrate, compared to 40% of women. This gender gap is the largest ever recorded by Gallup on this issue since 2007, when it began measuring the issue in global public opinion polls.

Gallup polling firm said this is also the largest gender gap it has ever surveyed in more than 160 countries.

Canada was cited as the most desired travel destination by American women, followed by New Zealand, Italy and Japan.

more: Survey reveals what Europeans really think about American tourists

Gallup’s question asks about a desire to move, rather than plans or intentions, and researchers note that previous Gallup research shows that not everyone who wants to move does so.

The data also shows that people who wish to leave the country are more likely to disagree with the country’s political leadership and express lower levels of trust in the country’s institutions.

Among both men and women who said they supported President Donald Trump, only 4% said they wanted to leave the country. The survey found that 29% of opponents said they wanted to leave.

Gallup researchers said young women also made records in the latest survey when it comes to their opinions of various groups and U.S. institutions such as the government, judiciary and military. We found that trust in institutions declined the most sharply of any age or gender group.

more: Poll shows Americans are concerned about political violence after Charlie Kirk assassination

Since 2015, American women and girls between the ages of 15 and 44 have lost 17 points of trust in their nation’s institutions. Across the same time period and age group, men’s confidence in institutions remained generally stable, declining by just one point.

Kathryn Palmer is USA TODAY’s political reporter. She can be reached at the following address: kapalmer@usatoday.com And to X@Kathryn Purml.

Flight cancellations and delays are not over yet.

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Flight cancellations and delays are not over yet.

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Flight reductions continue to be implemented at 40 major U.S. airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a 3% reduction in flights through the weekend, down from 6% at the end of the government shutdown. If the closure lasted longer and the shortage of air traffic controllers worsened, more flight cancellations were expected.

“The 3% reduction will continue while the FAA monitors system performance over the weekend and assesses whether normal operations can resume,” the FAA said in a Nov. 14 news release, citing improved staffing levels as a mitigating factor.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Brian Bedford have repeatedly said that data will guide operational decisions.

Rollback: DOT withdraws proposed rule requiring cash compensation for grounded aircraft

As of 2 p.m. ET on Nov. 16, fewer than 120 U.S. flights had been canceled and about 2,000 were delayed, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

Travelers whose flights are canceled can rebook without penalty or receive a full refund if they choose not to fly. There is no obligation to compensate for delays outside of the airline’s control, including delays mandated by the FAA.

Airlines may automatically rebook customers on the next available flight, but are flexible about timing. As always, travelers should check flight status before departing for the airport and allow plenty of time for connections as delays are possible.

Who won the government shutdown negotiations? Republican Party, new poll results.

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Who won the government shutdown negotiations? Republican Party, new poll results.

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Most Americans now believe Republicans, not Democrats, won the government shutdown battle, according to a new poll released Nov. 15.

A poll conducted Nov. 13-14 by CBS News and YouGov found that 55% of Americans think President Donald Trump and the Republican Party got more of what they wanted from negotiations to end the government shutdown. Only 6% said Democrats won, and 24% said neither party won.

The results were announced weeks after Democrats cited their victory in the 2025 election as a referendum on President Trump and Republican leadership. The survey also stands in stark contrast to polls conducted during the government shutdown that showed Republicans bearing the brunt of voter criticism.

more: Inside the details of the closure agreement, from new cannabis regulations to Jack Smith’s jab

The government shutdown ended last week after a record 43 days when eight Senate Democrats bent their health care demands and voted with Republicans. The Senate compromise was quickly passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Trump hours later.

Democrats agreed to fund the government after Republican Senate leaders promised a future vote on extending Obamacare subsidies that help millions of Americans access health care. But Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has said he has no intention of holding a similar vote in the chamber, leaving the health care bill in limbo.

According to a CBS News poll, about 70% of Republicans think their party compromised “the right amount” during negotiations, while 55% of Democrats said their party conceded too much.

More Americans (60%) than Republicans (54%) disapprove of the way Democrats are handling the government shutdown. A majority of those surveyed (56%) said they disapproved of the way Trump has led the fundraising fight.

The poll was conducted among a sample of 1,288 adults nationwide who were first surveyed during the government shutdown. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 points.

What did the closure agreement include?

Under the agreement, most federal agencies will receive funding through January 30th. If the two parties don’t agree on a new spending package by then, the government could be shut down again.

Lawmakers funded the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2026, and provided additional funding for Veterans Affairs health care.

It also includes more than $200 million to strengthen security measures for members of the House and Senate, as well as additional funding to protect Supreme Court justices.

Another measure in the package would allow a group of Republican senators whose phone records were subpoenaed during the FBI’s 2020 election interference investigation to sue the government for up to $500,000 in damages.

And one of the most controversial measures included in the law closes a loophole that has allowed the unregulated sale of certain hemp products nationwide for years.

Contributor: Zachary Schermele. america today

5 things to know if you’re in crisis

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5 things to know if you’re in crisis

Make sure you understand what you’re getting into.

morley backman
|The Motley Fool

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Medicare’s open enrollment period has been going on for more than a month. And at this point, you only have a few weeks left to make changes to your health insurance for 2026.

One option you may be considering is switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. While there are benefits to moving to Medicare Advantage, there are also drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of signing up for Medicare Advantage for the first time.

1. More services may be covered

If you’re living on a fixed retirement income made up of savings and Social Security, it’s important to budget your medical expenses carefully. Many retirees are surprised to learn that there are many important medical services that Medicare doesn’t pay for as a matter of course, such as teeth cleanings, eye exams, and hearing aids.

One of the great things about Medicare Advantage plans is that they typically offer additional benefits beyond what you pay for in Original Medicare. These benefits often include dental care, eye exams, hearing aids, and more. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer fitness and nutrition benefits, which can lead to significant savings.

2. There is an annual limit on the out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Another pitfall of Original Medicare is that there is no cap on annual medical expenses. Again, if you quit your job and are living off an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and monthly Social Security checks, that can be difficult to manage.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, do There is an annual limit on the amount of out-of-pocket medical expenses. If your medical bills tend to be high or your retirement finances are generally tight, doing so may give you peace of mind.

3. You may not save money compared to Original Medicare

Some Medicare Advantage enrollees find it less expensive than Original Medicare, especially since many Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. But that doesn’t mean you are. guaranteed To save money.

As a Medicare Advantage enrollee, you may incur other costs, including high co-pays and deductibles. You’ll need to do some careful calculations to see if Medicare Advantage really makes sense based on your specific health conditions and prescription needs.

Medicare savings: 4 ways retirees can cut costs

4. Restricted to specific provider networks

One of the great things about Original Medicare is that you can see which providers in your country accept Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you are typically limited to a certain network of health care providers based on your location.

This can be problematic for several reasons. First, you may not be able to see your preferred doctor. Second, if you travel frequently or spend significant time in another part of the country, it can be difficult to access eligible providers.

If you go outside of your Medicare Advantage plan’s network, you can face huge out-of-pocket costs that will eat into your retirement savings. Therefore, it must be carefully considered.

5. You may have to deal with bottlenecks

Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization for various procedures and diagnostic tests. However, this may delay needed treatment.

Having to get pre-approval for tests and appointments can also be stressful. If you decide to stick with Original Medicare, you may have less trouble accessing care.

It’s definitely worth considering your Medicare Advantage plan options during fall open enrollment. If you don’t research, you won’t know what’s out there. If you’re not familiar with Medicare Advantage, keep these general points in mind as they may affect your enrollment decision in 2026.

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.

The $23,760 Social Security bonus that most retirees completely overlook

Offers from the Motley Fool: If you’re like most Americans, you’re several years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But there are some lesser known ones “Secrets of Social Security” It may help ensure that you increase your retirement income.

One Easy Trick Could Pay You Up to $23,760…every year! By learning how to make the most of your Social Security benefits, we think you can retire confidently with the peace of mind we all desire. participate stock advisor To learn more about these strategies,

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‘Home Alone’ is the ultimate Christmas movie, you filthy animals.

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‘Home Alone’ is the ultimate Christmas movie, you filthy animals.

When I was a kid, I loved “Home Alone.” As an adult, I believe it embodies the true Christmas spirit.

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  • “Home Alone” 35th anniversary! This holiday classic arrived in theaters on November 16, 1990.
  • This popular Christmas movie stars Macaulay Culkin as a kid defending his home from bumbling burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
  • For the film’s most ardent fans, it captures the spirit of Christmas.

Get ready for the best Kevin McAllister shouts out: “Home Alone” was released in theaters 35 years ago.

On November 16, 1990, 8-year-old boy Kevin (MacGyver for children) McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) was introduced to the world. After his family accidentally goes to Christmas in Paris without him, McAllister musters up the courage to defend his home from bumbling robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). C’est la vie!

I was three years old when Chris Columbus’ masterpiece was released, but I don’t remember the first time I saw it. But I know I’ve seen it dozens of times over the years, many times every season, next to a sparkling Christmas tree. This movie grips my heart as tightly as Sticky Bandit grips my pennies.

As a Catholic, I am not in the habit of arguing with the Pope. It’s a Wonderful Life is probably one of his top 4 movies. But personally, I find no joy or hilarity in George Bailey (James Stewart) being exposed to a depressing alternate reality in which he never existed. You can also tuck “A Christmas Story” into your stocking. What’s so good about Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) getting kicked off a slide by a scary Santa while a pair of crotched elves taunt him?

Daniel Stern felt ‘really bad’ Macaulay Culkin ‘nearly got killed’ by cocaine on screen

For me, Christmas is about slowing down, catching my breath and crawling into a warm blanket. It could be buying or making a gift, big or small, or writing a card to show someone you care. Just like the Grinch, it’s that time of year when your heart grows three sizes because there’s magic in the air. The film is about the scent of togetherness that Kevin longs for after thinking he has lost his family, and how he hugs his loved ones as tightly as he and his mother Kate (Catherine O’Hara) embrace on a snowy Christmas morning when they are finally reunited.

As a child, I admired Kevin’s ability to face his own fears and confront the once-scary basement furnace. His brilliant ingenuity was to booby-trap the McAllister mansion using toy cars, nails, feathers, torches, and irons. his touching kindness to a lonely neighbor called Shovel Slayer (Roberts Blossom) in South Bend;

As an adult, I realized that this movie embodies what I believe is the spirit of Christmas: being with your loved ones. Kevin’s mom says it best. Frustrated (and frightened) not to be reunited with her young son for days on end, she pleads with an airline employee. “This is Christmas, the season of eternal hope!” says Kate. “And even if I have to hitchhike out on your airstrip, even if it means sacrificing all my wealth, even if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I’m going home to my son!” At Christmas, it feels like anything can happen, both a logistical disaster and a miracle. And we fight against any obstacle, like a snowstorm or a canceled flight, to be with family and friends.

Top Christmas movies ranking: Top 20 from “Home Alone” to “Die Hard”

What’s more, “Home Alone” is a quote machine, and the witty and perfect screenplay (written by John Hughes) is full of inspirational aphorisms and cheeky quips that are perfect for dropping at any time of the year. Wondering what to pack for your trip? Take Kevin’s brother Jeff (Michael C. Maronna)’s advice: toilet paper and water. Tip your server in a cheeky way? “Keep your change, you dirty animal.” When you go out with friends, tell everyone “Leave the Pepsi down.” And if someone wrongs you, burn them with Uncle Frank’s seven cruelest words known: “Look what you’ve done, you son of a bitch!”

“Home Alone” also taught us the importance of using toothbrushes approved by the American Dental Association, planting the seeds of the 21st century self-care movement. “I took a shower and washed every part of my body with real soap, including between my toes and my belly button, which I had never done before, but it was kind of fun,” Kevin says.

This is my answer to the question, “If you could only take one movie to a deserted island, which movie would you take?” This is the perfect movie. My love for this film is why I dressed up my blonde and brunette nieces as Kevin and Fleur (Kieran Culkin) in 2022. (And their mother’s love for me is why she let me do it.) That’s why I bought a vintage Pepsi can on eBay for the photo shoot. (It arrived after the shooting and is now in my office.)

If you love Christmas and love your family, Home Alone should be at the top of your list. Just as Harry and Marv rated McAllister House as the best on the block, for me this movie is the “silver tuna” of them all.

President Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene have beef. Here’s why:

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President Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene have beef. Here’s why:

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has long been one of Donald Trump’s most loyal MAGA allies. Until now.

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is in a feud with one of the most vocal MAGA supporters, and things are getting ugly.

President Trump’s spat with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has reached a climax in recent days, with the president withdrawing his support for the Georgia Republican and giving her a nickname. This is usually an act given to the most bitter political opponents.

“All ‘weird’ Marjorie is doing is complaining, complaining, complaining!” Trump wrote on social media on November 14, referring to concerns raised by Greene about her focus on foreign policy, the government shutdown and the controversy surrounding sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

more: Epstein’s emails reveal about the rich and famous who asked him for advice

Her comments came more than a month after Ms. Greene began publicly expressing frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers, including Mr. Trump.

From international disputes to the Epstein file, here’s what you need to know about the causes of the rift and what they mean.

“I’m not ready yet.” Michelle Obama said this country doesn’t want a woman president.

Where it all began: Closures and Green’s dissatisfaction with medical care

Greene, who represents a district in Georgia’s northwest corner, first began criticizing House Republican leadership during the government shutdown that began Oct. 1. In particular, Greene expressed concern about rising health care costs, citing rising health care costs as a reason for Democrats to hold off on voting to open government agencies and approve funding.

more: The ACA health insurance tax credit could end in December. How will it affect you?

Although Greene said she does not support the Affordable Care Act passed under the Obama administration, she broke with her Republican colleagues and called for an extension of soon-to-expire ACA subsidies. Without the funds, some Americans could face higher premiums.

“I’m going to disagree with you on this issue because when the tax credit expires this year, my own 2026 adult child premium will double, along with all the great families and hard-working people in my district,” Greene said in an Oct. 6 post to X.

President Trump has long said he wants to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, but Republicans have yet to propose a comprehensive bill on how to do so.

Tipping point: foreign policy

Amid the government shutdown, Greene met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shalah at the White House and criticized Trump for vowing to help the Middle Eastern country.

“I really wish there were non-stop meetings at WH about domestic policy, not foreign policy or foreign leaders,” Greene wrote to X on Nov. 10.

This attitude came as no surprise to Green. Georgia’s representative has long supported what President Trump calls an “America First” approach to world affairs and called for an end to foreign wars. She supported the president’s campaign promise to “solve” the Ukraine war, which the president still hasn’t done.

more: What a century of U.S. intervention in Latin America says about President Trump’s Venezuela strategy

Trump immediately fired back. He told reporters on November 10 that Green had “lost his way.” In response to her criticism, he said there was a need to “see the presidency as a global situation, not a regional one.”

And on Nov. 14, President Trump doubled down on his response, calling her “weird,” withdrawing his support, and encouraging other Republicans to challenge her in the 2026 Republican primary.

epstein file

Greene argued that Trump’s anger with her was not about his stance on the government shutdown or foreign policy, but rather because he asked the Justice Department to release federal files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is accused of trafficking hundreds of underage girls.

“President Trump attacked me and lied about me. …Apparently this is what pushed him over the edge: Epstein files,” Greene said in a post on X, along with screenshots of text messages she said she sent to Trump.

Asked directly by CNN anchor Dana Bash if she thought President Trump didn’t want the American people to see anything in the Epstein file, Greene said on November 16 that that’s part of the confusion.

“The women I talked to themselves said over and over again that Donald Trump did nothing wrong,” Greene said.

Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in his friendship with Epstein, and the two had a falling out in the 2000s.

Where we are now: Greene calls for an end to ‘toxic politics’

On November 16, Greene expressed her desire to move past her feud with Trump and called for an end to divisive politics. Her comments came after President Trump posted on the X show on Nov. 15 that he feared calling her a “traitor” would “radicalize people” against her and put her life in danger.

But Greene, who has long promoted reprehensible conspiracy theories, said she now wants Americans to “end toxic conflict in politics.”

When Bash asked why Greene had not previously spoken out about political division and harmful rhetoric, the congresswoman apologized.

“I would like to humbly say that I am sorry for participating in politics that is very bad and harmful to our country,” she said.

It appears that the feud between Greene and Trump is far from over. The ball is now in Trump’s court.

Contributors: Joey Garrison and Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY

Top 25 coaches polled after Week 12 upset

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Top 25 coaches polled after Week 12 upset

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Following some interesting results in Week 12, the US LBM Coaches Poll has had a bit of a makeover.

The top three teams are still undefeated and maintain their respective positions, but one of them had a pretty dramatic turn of events. Ohio State remains in first place this week with 60 of 63 first-place votes. Indiana doesn’t need any last-minute heroics this time and remains in second place. Texas A&M is still in third place after a wild second-half rally to escape South Carolina, but the Aggies have only been in first place three games to date.

Georgia took over the No. 4 spot thanks to a decisive win over Texas. Oregon State is back in the top five, with Mississippi State and Texas Tech also moving up.

Top 25: Respond to US LBM Coach Poll after Week 12

Oklahoma State advanced to the playoffs with a road win over Alabama and moved up to 8th place. The Sooners moved past Notre Dame and also had a decisive road win in Pittsburgh, but remained in ninth place. The University of Alabama dropped six spots to 10th place, and the University of Texas dropped eight spots to 18th place.

North Texas, Houston and Tulane all returned to the top 25 in the final three spots.

It was a tough weekend for schools near the Ohio River, with Louisville, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh dropping out.

Who is Thomas Massey? Republican lawmakers hit back at President Trump’s marriage judge

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Who is Thomas Massey? Republican lawmakers hit back at President Trump’s marriage judge

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Rep. Thomas Massie fired back this week after President Donald Trump appeared to criticize the Kentucky Republican’s recent marriage, accusing him of “trying to be a bully.”

President Trump asked whether Massey was “already married” in a post on Truth Social on Friday, Nov. 14, saying, “His wife will soon find herself in a relationship with a loser!” Massey married Carolyn Moffa, a former congressional staffer to Sen. Rand Paul, last month. Mr. Massey’s late wife, Rhonda Massey, passed away in June 2024. The two were married for more than 30 years.

Mr. Massey and Mr. Trump have been at loggerheads in recent days after Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a Kentucky lawmaker, introduced a bill that would force the Justice Department to release the full government files on sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The Trump administration opposes the move.

But when Massey was asked about Trump’s comments during an interview on ABC’s “This Week” on Nov. 16, he joked that his wife said, “I should have invited Donald Trump. I’m upset he didn’t get an invitation.”

“We discount that,” Massey said. “He’s either a bully or trying to be a bully.”

In the interview, Massey also noted Trump’s support for a Republican opponent running against a Kentucky lawmaker in the 2026 midterm elections.

“We’re winning,” Massey said. “Not only the Speaker, but the attorney general, the FBI director, the president himself, and the vice president are all at a huge loss this week, because after months of fighting, I have a victory this week with Mr. Ro Khanna. We are pushing for this vote, and it will happen,” he said of his push, known as the removal petition.

Massey and Trump’s ongoing feud is not the first time they have publicly broken up. For example, in June, President Trump slammed Massi over his criticism of U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

Contributors: Fernando Cervantes Jr., Kinsey Crowley, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswami

Dana White on UFC 322 brawl, Dillon Danis suspension

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Dana White on UFC 322 brawl, Dillon Danis suspension

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Dana White did not take responsibility when asked about the large brawl that broke out during UFC 322 on Saturday night, November 15th, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“I actually blame myself for that,” UFC CEO White said in a post-event press conference.

White said that before appearing on the main card and leaving, he was told that MMA fighter Dillon Danis was in the arena and was not sitting in his seat, but in the fighter’s seat. In 2018, Danis was involved in a brawl after Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor by submission at UFC 229.

McGregor’s teammate Danis was subsequently suspended for seven months and fined $7,500 for his involvement in the incident. He denied allegations that he directed Muslim slurs at Nurmagomedov.

In 2023, Danis boxed against Logan Paul, but was disqualified in the sixth round after attempting a takedown and illegal choke.

Now, back to Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

“He had a ticket, but they said, ‘Do you want him out of here?'” White said of Danis. ”

White suggested there was another potential problem: A retired UFC fighter disrespectfully told people he was going to injure Danis “on the field,” and when told that the fighter was seated six or seven rows away from Danis, White said he responded, “Well, if that guy has a ticket, let him sit in his seat and watch what he’s doing and watch him.”

“I had no idea it was so stupid that the entire Muslim Brotherhood was here tonight in the first five rows because of Islam.”

That’s Islam Makhachev, who fought in the main event and teamed up with Nurmagomedov, the primary combatant with Danis during the brawl at UFC 229.

Sure enough, a brawl broke out at Madison Square Garden, with Danis instigating it.

White said, “And the moment it broke out, I was on the other side and I said, ‘(Expletive), I know exactly what it is. I knew it. And yeah, I’ll never see Dillon Danis in a UFC fight again.’

3 Social Security Changes Retirees Should Plan for in 2026

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3 Social Security Changes Retirees Should Plan for in 2026

There are also other changes related to Social Security that could have a big impact next year.

Keith Spates
|The Motley Fool

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Social Security is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The popular federal program began in 1935, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. Over the years, there have been some major changes to Social Security, including gradually increasing the full retirement age from 65 to 67.

Further changes to Social Security are on the way. Here are three big things coming in 2026.

1. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

The most important Social Security change next year for beneficiaries is the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA). Last month, the Social Security Administration announced that benefits would increase by 2.8% starting in January 2026. The average Social Security retirement benefit increases by about $56 per month.

This adjustment is larger than the 2.5% increase in 2025. However, it is lower than the average COLA of 3.1% over the past 10 years.

Not everyone is happy with the 2.8% increase. “The 2026 COLA is going to hurt seniors,” said Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, a nonprofit advocacy group for seniors. Benton and her organization want Congress to modify the way COLAs are calculated to better reflect the costs borne by seniors.

2. Increased income limits for early retirees

Some people continue to work while claiming Social Security retirement benefits before reaching full retirement age. A portion of your income from work may be subject to Social Security retirement income testing.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) deducts $1 from benefits for every $2 earned above the annual limit for people under full retirement age. In 2025, that annual limit is $23,400 ($1,950 per month). However, it increases to $24,800 ($2,040 per month) in 2026.

For individuals who reach full retirement age while continuing to work, the SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 earned above another higher annual limit. In 2025, this earnings limit was $62,160 ($5,180 per month). In 2026, the annual limit increases to $65,160 ($5,430 per month).

Will I receive a customs dividend check? Here are the betting odds if you receive $2,000

3. Increase in the upper limit of taxable income

Another big Social Security change isn’t limited to current beneficiaries. Instead, it applies to high-income working Americans.

The maximum amount of income subject to the Social Security portion of the FICA payroll tax will increase from $176,100 this year to $184,500 in 2026. All employees must pay 7.65% of their salary to fund both Social Security and Medicare. Employers pay each employee the same rate. Self-employed individuals pay both employee and employer FICA taxes (15.3% total).

Income over $184,500 will no longer be subject to FICA taxes in 2026. However, the maximum threshold for taxable income may be raised again in the future.

Another important change related to social security

A 2.8% annual COLA, higher income limits for early retirees, and higher maximum taxable income are the biggest changes to Social Security next year. But there is also another important change related to Social Security.

Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from most individuals’ monthly Social Security benefit payments. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2025 was $185. However, some people may pay higher Medicare Part B premiums if their modified adjusted gross income is higher than the established threshold.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not yet released Medicare Part B premium amounts for 2026. However, standard Part B premiums are expected to increase by 11.6% to $206.50. This additional amount will offset much of the COLA that many retirees received.

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.

The $23,760 Social Security bonus that most retirees completely overlook

Offers from the Motley Fool: If you’re like most Americans, you’re several years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But there are some lesser known ones “Secrets of Social Security” It may help ensure that you increase your retirement income.

One Easy Trick Could Pay You Up to $23,760…every year! By learning how to make the most of your Social Security benefits, we think you can retire confidently with the peace of mind we all desire. participate stock advisor To learn more about these strategies,

See “Secrets of Social Security” »

“I want to make up.” Marjorie Taylor Greene reflects on her feud with President Trump

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“I want to make up.” Marjorie Taylor Greene reflects on her feud with President Trump

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she hopes she and President Donald Trump can reconcile amid intense public conflict over the controversy surrounding sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

“I certainly hope they can reconcile,” Greene told CNN’s Dana Bash on Nov. 17 when asked if there was a path forward for the president and the Georgia Republican. “I can only speak for myself. I’m a Christian, and one of the most important parts of our faith is forgiveness, and I value that.”

Greene noted that she was once one of President Trump’s top allies in the “Make America Great Again” movement. But a rift developed between the two when she pushed the House of Representatives to vote to release all government files on Epstein. The Trump administration blocked its release, contrary to a campaign promise, and now calls the situation a hoax.

“I stand with rape victims, I stand with children who are in situations of severe sexual abuse, I stand with survivors of human trafficking, I stand with people caught in the trap of sex trafficking, and I will not apologize for that,” Greene told CNN.

“I believe that this country deserves transparency in these files, and I don’t believe that the rich and powerful should be protected when they do something wrong. That’s why I stand with the women,” she said.

more: ‘I worship God, not Donald Trump,’ says MAGA stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene.

CNN host Dana Bash referenced Greene’s post to X in an interview in which the congressman said the exchange “really makes you wonder what’s in the file.”

“Are you saying there’s something in the Epstein file that President Trump doesn’t want the American people to see?” Bash asked Greene. Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein, and the two had a major falling out in the 2000s.

“That’s the part that confuses so many people. The women I talked to themselves said over and over again that Donald Trump did nothing wrong,” she said. “A good number of them even said they voted for him. Those are the women I want to support and see in the Oval Office.”

Green noted that Virginia Giuffre, who has accused Epstein of widespread abuse, wrote in her recently published book that she met Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, and that Trump “could not have been friendlier and told me it was great that I was there.”

Although the Georgia conservative firebrand said she was willing to reconcile, she criticized President Trump’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shalah and accused him of raising political temperatures.

Here’s what you need to know:

Greene says U.S. military personnel have been hurt in Syria negotiations

After his landmark meeting with al-Shara last week, President Trump vowed on Monday to do everything in his power to make Syria a success. This will be the first visit to Washington by a Syrian president, and Green noted that al-Shara is a former al-Qaeda commander who was until recently sanctioned by Washington as a foreign terrorist.

  • “There are times when I disagree with the president, especially this Monday, on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps, when I praised the new president of Syria, an al-Qaeda terrorist who was wanted by our government for many years,” Greene told CNN.
  • “I’m totally against it. I think it’s very hurtful to the great men and women who served and were sent there in the Middle East, and to the many who were killed or injured in the fight against al-Qaeda and who still live with PTSD,” she added.

President Trump said earlier this year that he would order the lifting of sanctions against Syria to give the country a “great chance” of normalizing relations with the new government after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Greene says President Trump is putting her at risk

The Georgia lawmaker, a longtime right-wing firebrand who has promoted widely condemned conspiracy theories, said he now wants Americans to “end toxic conflict in politics.” She said the most “hurtful” thing Trump said during their divorce was calling her a “traitor.”

  • “These words could radicalize people against me and put my life in danger,” Green said.
  • The comments came after Ms. Greene claimed in a Nov. 15 post on X that she had “received a call from a private security company warning me of my safety as a hotbed of intimidation against me is fueled and fueled by the most powerful man in the world.”

But Mr. Bash pressed Mr. Greene with harsh political rhetoric about his history, saying, “With all due respect, I’ve never heard you say anything about that until it was directed at you.”

  • “Dana, I think that’s a valid criticism,” Ms. Green said. “And I humbly say that I am sorry for participating in politics that is very bad and harmful to our country.”

Contributors: Zach Anderson, Joey Garrison, Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY. Reuters

Do you want to leave Paradise early? Here’s how to avoid paying fees:

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Do you want to leave Paradise early? Here’s how to avoid paying fees:

christopher elliott
| USA TODAY Special Feature

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  • More Americans are cutting their vacations short due to work, tight schedules, or financial uncertainty.
  • Leaving your trip early can be costly due to airline and hotel cancellation and change fees.

It was supposed to be his first real vacation in years, a hiking trip to the Canadian Rockies. Then Erwin Gutenkunst received a phone call from his office.

“Shipping was delayed and project deadlines were getting really close,” said Gutenkunst, who runs a building supply business in Marina del Rey, California. “I was sitting there looking at these beautiful mountains, and all I could think was, people are counting on us. I couldn’t just stay there and pretend things were going to be fixed.”

check out Elliot Confidentialthe newsletter the travel industry doesn’t want you to read. Each issue is packed with the latest news, deep insights, and unique strategies to help you become a better traveler. But don’t tell anyone!

Experts say more and more people are quitting their jobs during the holidays. But going home early can be costly. Fortunately, with some new tricks, you can avoid the harsh cancellation penalties that airlines and hotels apply to customers who change their mind.

Gutenkunst said he threw his clothes in his luggage and drove to the Calgary airport, cutting his vacation short. He was unable to spend several days in a hotel and had to pay for a new plane ticket. However, he returned in time to solve the problem.

These are the most absurd Fear of Travel (and How to Overcome It)

Why do people end their holidays early?

One reason more people are cutting back on their trips is because they’re biting off more than they can chew.

“Americans treat vacations like a checklist,” says Susan Schellen, founder of luxury travel company Couture Trips.

Since the pandemic, people are trying to fit more events and activities into their schedules, she said. They ignore their travel advisor’s warnings about pacing and end up overindulging in touring, eating, and sightseeing until they’re exhausted. This happens frequently with her clients, and it’s often an expensive decision.

Another thing that keeps us from stumbling is uncertainty. Especially during times like these when the economy feels like it’s on a roller coaster. There’s nothing quite like being thousands of miles away from home while the stock market plummets. It’s a unique feeling of helplessness and anxiety. I don’t know what I’ll go back to when the holidays are over.

And of course there’s homesickness. That’s what happened to one of James Katz’s clients last summer. “She decided she didn’t want to travel anymore,” said Katz, a travel advisor for Ovation Network. “Fortunately, we were able to cancel her remaining hotels without penalty. The only out-of-pocket expense was the change fee for her flight.”

No matter the reason: homesickness, worry about work, over-planning, the result is often the same. To get home faster, you have to pay more.

How can I avoid paying change or cancellation fees?

There are some easy ways to avoid extra expenses.

  • Please check the cancellation policy before departure. “Travelers often regret not checking the cancellation policy before booking,” said Deepak Shukla, CEO of travel agency Pearl Lemon Adventures. In some cases, you may be able to secure a fully refundable flight or hotel room for a small premium. If you want to reconsider, it might be worth the extra money.
  • Consider travel insurance. “Good policy is a way to protect your travel investment from cancellation,” said Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Historically, during times of high uncertainty, people tend to seek greater flexibility in planning,” she says. However, typical travel insurance only allows cancellation for covered reasons, such as flight cancellation or illness. If you want to quit at any time, Godlin recommends a “cancel for any reason” policy, which refunds a percentage of prepaid, non-refundable reservations. (It’s a little more expensive, but it’s quite effective.)
  • listen. Travel companies can be very strict about cancellation fees, but may make exceptions in special circumstances. “Airlines and hotels show unexpected flexibility when customers are honest with them about their situation,” said Abdullah Bourad, CEO of Rehabilitation Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland. “Honest” means not making up stories or embellishing your situation. You might be pleasantly surprised by the answer.

But leaving your vacation early isn’t just expensive

Experts say the costs of quitting work early are not just financial.

Sabrina Romanoff, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University, said, “To end your vacation early without incurring significant emotional costs, you need a combination of practical and psychological strategies.”

First of all, very few people leave a trip empty-handed. Your spouse, partner, child, or travel companion should make the decision. And that can be difficult, Romanoff says.

“Try to communicate openly. If you’re traveling with others, discuss the possibility of leaving early and set expectations in advance,” she advised. “Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and helps everyone adapt if plans need to change.”

She advised staying positive and thinking about long-term consequences.

“It’s okay to prioritize your health over the sunk costs of a long-term stay,” she says.

I agree. I left in the middle of several trips. One time, I booked an outdoor hotel in central Florida that turned out to be completely unsuitable for my family. I had a lot of work piled up when I got home, so I was ready. We arrived, turned around and left.

And as much as I wanted to leave that place more times than I would like to admit, I didn’t. I travel all the time, but travel isn’t as glamorous as influencers believe. It is often unbearable.

That’s why this trend gives us hope for the quality of future vacations. More Americans are canceling their vacations, and that’s perfectly fine. If you plan correctly, you can avoid the worst fees and fines. Getting my family to let me come home early — well, as a father of three, I still don’t understand that. But I’m working on it.

christopher elliott I’m an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. he founded Elliot Advocacy, A non-profit organization that helps solve consumer problems. he publishes Elliot Confidentialtravel newsletter, Elliott Reporta news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer issue, you can: Contact him here Or email chris@elliott.org.

College football top 25 poll ranking predictions after Week 12

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College football top 25 poll ranking predictions after Week 12

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  • The University of Oklahoma’s victory over the University of Alabama is expected to cause a major shake-up in the college football rankings.
  • Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M are expected to remain the top three undefeated teams.
  • Georgia is expected to advance to the top four after a decisive win over Texas.

Note the top 10 change in the US LBM Coaches Poll following Oklahoma’s blowout win over Alabama. We could expect a similar move in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings.

The Crimson Tide, previously ranked No. 4, will drop at least four spots and as many as six spots, depending on how voters shake off a long list of two-loss teams that includes Alabama, Oklahoma and Notre Dame.

If it falls to only eighth place, voters will ignore the result of Saturday’s head-to-head contest, but that seems unlikely. But to move Oklahoma up to No. 8, voters will need to get the Sooners out of the way before the Irish, who had a very impressive performance in defeating Pittsburgh.

Here are the top 10 in this week’s coaches poll:

1. Ohio State (10-0)

The Buckeyes suffered a 48-10 loss to UCLA behind 115 rushing yards and a score from Bo Jackson. Rutgers is next up, scheduled to play Michigan in Ann Arbor, which could determine which team will face Indiana in the Big Ten championship game.

2. Indiana (11-0)

The Hoosiers, who had already clinched a playoff berth, continued their march towards perfection by defeating Wisconsin 31-7. One of the lesser-known aspects of Curt Cignetti’s incredible run has been the play of a defense full of NFL talent.

3. Texas A&M (10-0)

Down 30-3 at halftime, A&M completed the biggest comeback in program history, defeating the University of South Carolina 31-30. This was also a dividing line in SEC history. Since 2004, teams are 0-286 when the margin is at least 27 points. Next up is training with Sanford before heading to Austin to face rival Texas.

4. Georgia (9-1)

The Bulldogs defeated Texas 35-10 and moved up one spot to replace Alabama. They may even replace the Tide in the SEC Championship Game after Saturday’s rough conditions made the race more uncertain than ever. A lot will depend on how Texas A&M plays against Texas.

5. Oregon State (9-1)

After playing against Minnesota, Oregon State will face the season-deciding match against Southern California. A win would make the Ducks one of the favorites for an at-large bid, and a chance to advance to the Big Ten title game if Michigan tops Ohio State.

6. Mississippi State (10-1)

The Rebels trailed Florida 24-20 at halftime, but tightened their defense in the second half and won 34-24. After a week off, it’s the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State. Advancement to the playoffs is almost certain.

7. Texas Tech (10-1)

Let’s hope Tech can get a little closer to Ole Miss after defeating Central Florida 48-9. More importantly, another shake-up in conference play, combined with the crazy results we saw on Saturday, means the Red Raiders are much closer to winning at-large before the Big 12 title game.

8. Holy Moloko!

Believe it or not, Oklahoma is the eighth-best team in the nation, more important than wins over Michigan, Tennessee and Alabama, and is part of a very solid resume against one of the toughest schedules in the country. The best-case scenario for the Sooners is to finish the regular season with only two losses, falling short of the SEC Championship Game after defeating the University of Missouri and LSU.

9. Alabama

Alabama may fall behind Oklahoma, but it will continue to outperform Notre Dame thanks to a dramatically stronger win list. Despite the loss, the Tide has a chance to beat Auburn, play for the SEC title and re-emerge in the rankings.

10. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame could sweat a little if it falls behind Oklahoma in the playoff rankings. First, the Irish are close to Syracuse and Stanford, so there is no chance of a win that would impress the selection committee. That means if the Sooners move up in the standings this week, they will remain ahead of the Irish. And if the rankings drop, Notre Dame will move closer to Miami, potentially leading to a head-to-head victory for the Hurricanes.

President Trump pardons Kentucky mob on January 6th to clear firearm charges

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President Trump pardons Kentucky mob on January 6th to clear firearm charges

President Donald Trump has granted a “full and unconditional” pardon to a Kentucky man who pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy on federal firearms charges unrelated to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

According to multiple reports, President Trump secretly granted the pardon on November 14th. As of November 15, the Department of Justice has not announced any pardons on its website.

Dan Wilson was sentenced in 2024 to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution for actions related to the Capitol attack. According to the Justice Department, Wilson began planning the attack in the winter of 2020 and wrote on December 27, 2020, “I am ready to risk my life. It is time for a good man to do evil.”

The Justice Department said Wilson was a member of an anonymous militia group. Politico reported that Wilson was a member of the Gray Ghost Partisan Rangers and other groups.

Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people for crimes related to his first day in office on January 6, 2021, but Wilson also had convictions for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm from Kentucky.

Immigrant attacks spike in North Carolina city as crackdown spreads south

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Immigrant attacks spike in North Carolina city as crackdown spreads south

Doina Ciak and Mike Stone
|Reuters

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Federal authorities conducted a raid on a banking hub in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 15, expanding a crackdown on illegal immigration in the South, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

“We are rushing DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure the safety of Americans and the removal of the threat to public safety,” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “Too many victims of criminal illegal aliens.”

DHS, which oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, did not provide details of the operation, including the number of law enforcement officers involved or the number of people detained.

But authorities blamed North Carolina authorities, saying they refused to detain the suspects as sought by immigration authorities, leading to Saturday’s operation.

DHS said North Carolina has not responded to immigration officials’ requests to hold about 1,400 “detainees,” or suspects, for up to 48 hours beyond the time they would normally be released.

The North Carolina Governor’s Office and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department did not respond to requests for comment.

Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles and city commissioners on Nov. 15 urged people to seek help from agencies such as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Police Department, which are not participating in the federal raid.

“There are a number of organizations ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance regarding immigration matters,” city officials said in a statement.

The raid reportedly caused fear and anxiety in Charlotte, as similar operations have taken place in other cities and people with no criminal records were detained.

Local leaders said they were informed in advance that the CBP operation would begin over the weekend. Democratic Rep. Alma Adams said she was “very concerned” about Border Patrol and ICE agents coming to Charlotte.

“Charlotte’s immigrant community is a proud part of the Queen City, and I will not stand by while my voters are intimidated and harassed,” Adams wrote on X.

Gregory Bovino, the U.S. Border Patrol agent who has been leading Trump’s aggressive crackdown in Chicago since September, responded to Adams by saying she and North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, should “learn the difference between an illegal alien and an immigrant.”

ICE detention requests have increased dramatically since Republican President Donald Trump took office, from an average of about 400 people a day during the same period last year to about 700 people a day through early June, according to a Reuters analysis of ICE data collected by the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Berkeley.

President Trump has focused on ramping up immigration arrests in Democratic-led cities, with large-scale efforts taking place in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington in recent months.

Border Patrol agents in Chicago have contributed to an increase in immigrant arrests, but protesters and some residents say they are using excessive force, including deploying tear gas in crowded urban areas.

A Chicago-based federal judge has barred immigration officers from using some aggressive tactics and ordered them to wear body cameras after videos cited in the lawsuit showed violent confrontations with protesters.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Sergio Non, Franklin Paul and Christian Schmollinger)

‘SNL’ privately criticizes Epstein’s emails and defense of Trump

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‘SNL’ privately criticizes Epstein’s emails and defense of Trump

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“Saturday Night Live” features Jeffrey Epstein’s emails.

The show’s latest cold opening stars James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump defending himself after the House Oversight Committee released emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein this week. Trump’s name appears in the email, and Epstein wrote that the president “knew about the girls.” President Trump has denied knowing about Epstein’s sex trafficking.

The sketch takes place during a White House briefing, and begins with White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt (Ashley Padilla) claiming, “There’s been no news this week, nothing has happened to the president, and no weird information has come to light!” Padilla, who shares Mr. Levitt, insisted that the president had done nothing wrong after being pressed by reporters about why Mr. Trump’s name appeared in Mr. Epstein’s emails.

“If anything, his sin was that he loved too much, and perhaps too young,” she says.

Mr. Johnson, like Mr. Trump, quickly took over the press conference and declared that Mr. Epstein “has very little to hide,” but said there was “enough to be very suspicious.”

“Jeffrey Epstein, I barely knew the man. This is probably a book we’ll all be looking forward to reading, as evidenced by the thousands of photos of us together dancing and gnashing our teeth at various parties, always staring and pointing just outside the camera,” he added.

The sketch ended with Johnson’s President Trump announcing that he had pardoned a turkey for Thanksgiving who is “completely coincidentally a convicted sex offender.”

Glen Powell hosted the Nov. 15 episode of SNL, the day after the new action movie Running Man was released in theaters. This marks the actor’s SNL hosting debut, and he made a cameo appearance when his Anyone But You co-star Sidney Sweeney hosted in 2024. Olivia Dean was the musical guest on Powell’s episode.

Regarding Glen Powell, “Saturday Night Live” is hosted by “The Top of the Mountain”

In his monologue, Powell addressed critics who are “tired of seeing my face” after a busy few years. “Who doesn’t get tired of seeing my face? It’s your mom,” he joked.

Last week’s “SNL” opened with a sketch parodying a White House event in which a man passed out behind Trump in the Oval Office. In the sketch, Johnson, dressed as Trump, declared that his “normal” reaction would be to “stand there and stare like a sociopath.”

In the “SNL” sketch, President Trump ignores travel disruption: ‘There are no more planes’

Johnson, who played Trump in the sketch, touched on a number of other topics, including rising food prices and flight cancellations due to the ongoing government shutdown.

“We promised that food prices would plummet, and that’s exactly what happened. They plummeted in one fell swoop,” he said. “People say, ‘But how are you going to buy your family a turkey for Thanksgiving?’ Well, the good news is your family isn’t coming because all the flights are gone.”

Everything you missed on ‘SNL’ This weekend, Nikki Glaser hosts and Pete Davidson returns.

Powell was preceded by comedian Nikki Glazer, who hosted the Nov. 8 episode of “SNL” and shocked viewers with a humorous monologue about dark topics such as sex trafficking and pedophilia.

“SNL” is currently in its 51st season of six episodes, which premiered in October after several cast members, including Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, left the show during its summer hiatus.

During Saturday’s episode, it was announced that Melissa McCarthy would return to “SNL” and host the Dec. 6 episode, which will feature musical guest Dijon.

Contributors: Bart Jansen, Erin Mansfield, Joey Garrison, Josh Meyer, USA TODAY

Are tips and overtime pay tax-free? Not if you live in these states

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Are tips and overtime pay tax-free? Not if you live in these states

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Experts say the emergency bill passed in Washington, D.C., repeals a major tax break for residents enshrined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, highlighting why Americans should pay attention to their state tax laws.

To address an expected $1 billion in revenue losses over the next three years due to federal job losses, the Washington City Council passed an emergency tax bill this month that would separate parts of the tax code from recent federal tax changes under President Donald Trump’s signature Tax and Spend Act. Among the changes are the elimination of the new tax exemption for tip deductions and the local income tax savings associated with the $6,000 bonus senior deduction. That means District residents who qualify for these federal tax benefits won’t be able to claim them on their local tax returns and end up losing their savings.

While most Americans focus on federal tax law, the move in Washington shows why Americans need to start paying more attention to state tax law. Each state is not required to comply with all federal tax provisions. As coronavirus-era federal aid dries up, the economy becomes uncertain, and states seek funding, many states may be looking to shore up their budgets by decoupling from the federal tax code.

“The District of Columbia is not alone in assessing the costs of OBBBA compliance, and lawmakers across the country are evaluating the tradeoffs associated with adopting or severing key provisions of the Settlement Act,” wrote the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit research organization.

What tax benefits are excluded in DC?

Effective retroactively to January 1, 2025, school districts suspended several provisions of the law, which President Trump signed on July 4.

  • Increase in basic basic deduction amount
  • Charitable donations to non-itemizers
  • Exclusion of qualified small business stock
  • Tips are not taxed
  • Overtime pay is not taxed
  • Private car loan interest deduction
  • Bonus $6,000 Senior Tax Credit

Parliament’s emergency amendment will apply for 90 days, with a temporary extension of 225 days planned. Any permanent measure would have to go through the usual longer permanent state legislative process, requiring more debate and votes.

Repealing some of the tax provisions could save school districts $95 million in fiscal year 2025 and $567 million by fiscal year 2029, the Tax Foundation said.

Some of the savings will be funneled toward promoting full local matching of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and establishing a local child tax credit of $1,000 per child for eligible households, the council said.

Still, residents who qualify for these tax breaks will lose out. Richard Pong, a San Francisco-based certified public accountant, estimated that eligible seniors who can’t claim the extra $6,000 deduction on their tax returns stand to lose between $360 and $390.

What are other states doing?

Washington is not alone in choosing to break away from federal tax law that could benefit individual taxpayers.

Bong said President Trump’s tax juggernaut is “wreaking havoc on state budgets as many states comply with the Internal Revenue Code, resulting in significant reductions in projected revenue for these states.”

Other states working to protect their budgets include:

  • Colorado: Refusal to exempt overtime pay from tax. The plan is to add an “excess federal deduction for overtime pay” section to the state tax return. Taxpayers must report the amount withheld to the federal government and add it back for state purposes.
  • new york: Continue to tax tips and overtime pay by adding new codes to the IT-225 form: “Add Exempt Tip Income” and “Add Exempt Overtime Pay.”
  • Illinois: It does not introduce a tax exemption for overtime pay or tips, and would likely update Schedule M to require federally exempt tips and overtime pay to be added to income.
  • maine: Denying bonus senior deductions and deductions for car loan interest, tips, and overtime pay.

“Each state has a different approach, so we will need to pay close attention to state alignment over the next few years,” said Eric Clements, director of tax compliance at Thomson Reuters. “This complexity makes DIY tax preparation impractical for affected customers.”

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

Cheney fought with Democrats over Iraq, then joined them to confront Trump

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Cheney fought with Democrats over Iraq, then joined them to confront Trump

Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Cheney a “patriotic American” even though she “strongly” disagrees with him “on most policy issues.”

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WASHINGTON – Then-Rep. Adam Schiff didn’t know who was standing next to the congressman at the time. Liz Cheney and Liz Cheney chat in the House chamber after a moment of silence on the one-year anniversary of the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Lawmakers were still wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schiff, a California Democrat who investigated the Capitol riot with Wyoming Republican Cheney, said he eventually introduced him to an “older gentleman” who was standing nearby: his father, Dick Cheney.

“I turned around and said, ‘Sorry, Vice President, I didn’t realize you were wearing a mask!'” Schiff, a former congressman and current senator, told USA TODAY. “I thought he was a congressman too. I’m sure he shook his hand and told him I appreciated him being there.”

more: Dick Cheney, the powerful vice president who pushed for the invasion of Iraq, has died at the age of 84.

This scene may have caused anyone who lived through President George W. Bush’s administration to do a double take or two. Democrats approached their longtime opponents, the Republicans, to express their gratitude and congratulations.

“It brought out a human side of Dick that was sometimes well hidden,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), then the House majority leader, told USA TODAY.

Pelosi: Cheney is a “patriotic American”

Cheney was more than just a former congressman. And he wasn’t always well-received by Democrats.

Decades before his death on Nov. 3 at age 84, Mr. Cheney was a top Republican bogeyman as vice president in the Bush administration, advocating for the Iraq war, championing harsh interrogation of terrorists and expanding domestic surveillance after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But in later years, Democrats praised Cheney for opposing President Donald Trump over the Jan. 6 riot.

Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who became Speaker of the House under the Bush administration partly due to the unpopularity of the Iraq War, repeatedly clashed with Cheney during her time as vice president. She described the Iraq war as a “war of choice” and a “grotesque mistake.” But she also appointed Liz Cheney to the commission investigating the Jan. 6 attack. Pelosi held a moment of silence for the rioters and served as Speaker of the House before shaking hands with Dick Cheney.

“Dick Cheney was a patriotic American who loved his country,” Pelosi said in a social media post on Nov. 4. “While we strongly disagreed on most policy issues, his patriotism was evident as he returned to the House floor to commemorate his first anniversary on January 6th.”

Cheney and Democrats clash over Iraq, then unite against Trump

Cheney helped lead the Gulf War as secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush. After September 11, Cheney became the architect of war plans in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He accepted the nickname Darth Vader because he had confidence in a position that others harshly criticized. One conflict occurred in February 2007, when President Cheney told ABC News that Pelosi’s attempts to prevent further troop increases into Iraq would “legitimize al-Qaeda’s strategy.”

“I think that’s a mistake for the country,” Cheney said.

Pelosi responded that critics must challenge the president, saying Cheney’s reference to al-Qaeda “devalues ​​the sacrifice of our troops.”

As is typical of former presidents and vice presidents, Cheney maintained a relatively low profile after leaving office in 2009. After suffering his fifth heart attack and undergoing a heart transplant, he provided commentary on political and foreign affairs and wrote several books on politics and his health. Like many members of her party, Cheney supported Trump as the top Republican candidate in 2016.

But Cheney’s public reputation changed after she criticized Trump for the January 6 riot. He later supported the anti-Trump campaign of Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris (current vice president at the time).

“There is no one more threatening to our country than Donald Trump,” Cheney said at the time.

Liz Cheney was one of 10 House Republicans to vote in favor of impeaching Trump on January 6, but he was acquitted in the Senate trial. She joined a committee calling on the Justice Department to prosecute Trump on January 6, saying he is “clearly unfit” to be president.

“We all saw how proud Vice President Cheney was as she watched her daughter Liz follow in her father’s footsteps and serve in the House of Representatives with courage and integrity,” Pelosi said in a social media post. “May it be a comfort to Lynn, Liz and Mary that so many people are praying for them at this sad time.”

Raskin found Cheney’s “dramatic” break with Trump “reassuring”

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who also served on the Jan. 6 committee and led President Trump’s second impeachment, said Dick Cheney is a symbol of bipartisan opposition to the storming of the Capitol.

“Dick Cheney was always seen as the bulwark and mastermind of conservative Republican politics,” Raskin told USA TODAY. “It was dramatic and heartening to see him break so sharply from Donald Trump.”

Raskin, who was a constitutional law professor for 27 years, marched against the Iraq war and was a fierce opponent of Dick Cheney’s policies at the time. Raskin said Cheney is a champion of the executive branch and seeks to expand the limits of presidential power while adhering to the rule of law.

“Despite his big differences with Dick Cheney, he was never one to say the Constitution and the rule of law weren’t important,” Raskin said. “He just had a different interpretation of what they meant.”

At one point in the investigation on January 6, Raskin defended committee member Liz Cheney from a verbal attack by Republicans on the House floor. Later, Dick Cheney called to thank him.

“It was a very fatherly thing to do,” Raskin said. “It made me feel even more tender.”

Hoyer: Cheney ‘was never soft’ but showed ‘human side’ on January 6th

Hoyer, who was the No. 2 House Democrat at the time of the Jan. 6 memorial service, said he thanked Cheney for exemplifying the bipartisan view that the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol should never be repeated. Hoyer served with Cheney in the House in the 1980s and knew that the No. 2 Republican was a “very tough” partisan conservative.

“He wasn’t a softie, so his statements of, ‘Yes, I believe in a strong, centralized president, but I don’t believe in insurrection, I don’t believe in treason, I don’t believe in undermining the Constitution,'” Hoyer said.

Hoyer said he has been a strong supporter of Liz Cheney running against the president, even though the Jan. 6 investigation cost her House leadership and her subsequent re-election campaign was defeated by a Republican primary challenger backed by Trump.

“She called on Republicans to show the same courage when the emperor is not clothed, knowing that the emperor could have a very strong and very negative reaction,” Hoyer said. “Sadly, in fact, he did.”

Cheney to be expelled from the Republican Party on January 6th

Dick and Liz Cheney were the only two Republicans to attend a moment of silence on the anniversary of the attacks on January 6, 2022.

Dick Cheney said in a statement at the time: “I am deeply disappointed by the failure of many members of our party to recognize the gravity of the January 6th attack and the ongoing threat to our country.”

“The importance of January 6th as a historic event cannot be overstated,” Cheney added. “I was honored and proud to join my daughter on the House floor to celebrate this anniversary, honor the heroic actions of law enforcement that day, and reaffirm our dedication to the Constitution.”

Mr. Trump has long criticized Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also faced federal and state criminal charges over his role on Jan. 6, but the cases were either dropped or remain on hold while President Trump remains in the White House.

The current president has not made any public comments since Cheney’s death. But after the former Republican vice president, once despised by Democrats, became a bipartisan supporter of Harris, slamming her as “irrelevant” and a “Republican in name only,” she made her views on Cheney clear in a social media post in September 2024.

“He, like Comrade Kamala Harris, is the king of endless, pointless wars wasting lives and trillions of dollars,” President Trump wrote.

Who is Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett? Meet Virus Cop.

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Who is Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett? Meet Virus Cop.

A young and ambitious police chief in Birmingham, Alabama has been “honored” for gaining online attention. But after the city’s deadliest year on record, he remains focused on reducing homicides by more than 50%.

Chief Michael Pickett’s hair was styled. It has a badge and a carved beard.

And an Instagram video posted Oct. 31 by Essence, a leader with the Birmingham, Alabama, police department, received nearly 5,000 comments from online fans praising his appearance.

“It’s Halloween so we feel like we need a little treat,” Essence’s caption reads. “Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett has captured the hearts of people on the internet, and he makes us want to protect and serve. Wee, wee, wee, wee, it’s like a police car!”

But Pickett didn’t set out to become a famous face on Instagram or the latest TikTok. Instead, he wants to be a new model for community policing in America. This strategic approach is used by departments across the country and encourages officers to prioritize true partnerships with the communities they serve.

Police investigation, ties between the dead Illinois crash goes viral on TikTok livestream

Last year was Birmingham’s deadliest year on record, with 139 people violently murdered. But under Pickett’s first year of leadership, the city reduced homicides by 51% by 2025 and hired the largest police force in its history.

A few days after Mr. Pickett’s interview with USA TODAY, three murders occurred in Birmingham on Saturday, November 8th. “Let me be clear: borderline personality disorder remains locked up,” Pickett said in a statement on Nov. 10. “If you lose your life in this city, we will work relentlessly to find you.”

All three arrests were made within 48 hours.

Still, Pickett says there’s still work to be done in Birmingham. The chief said he’s happy about the attention he’s received online, but remains focused on his goal.

“I’m really honored to be recognized by Essence. I know it’s a huge, huge, huge outlet,” Pickett told USA TODAY, calling the coverage “humbling.” But he insisted he is “consistently focused on serving the people of Birmingham, fighting crime, and, as I said, holding accountable those who choose to break the law in our city.”

Birmingham shooting suspect He is also charged with two other murders.

Pickett’s rise comes five years after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, sparking a national debate over law enforcement tactics. It also coincided with President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to major metropolitan areas across the country after President Trump called for a crackdown on crime during the 2024 campaign.

Magic City residents share a troubled relationship with police dating back to before the 1963 Birmingham riots. This is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail, where he worked to desegregate the South.

This is where nonviolent protesters were doused with water, harassed with tear gas and attacked by police dogs. And it’s also where the Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in downtown in September 1963, killing four black girls.

West Birmingham son meets mentor who changed his life

Pickett grew up in Birmingham in the late 1980s and early 1990s, at a time when distrust of police remained even 20 years after the peak of the civil rights movement.

His “unfortunate” past was the reason he was introduced to the city police.

“As a kid, I grew up hearing stories from my parents, my uncles, my aunts, my grandparents, and of course the Birmingham Police Department was part of that story,” Pickett said.

However, since the chief grew up in the city, he did not have much interaction with the police. He credits his “amazing” family for keeping him out of trouble.

He wasn’t exposed to danger until adolescence, but that didn’t mean he wanted to be in law enforcement. The Ramsey High School graduate later met Victor “Vic” Langford, a Birmingham police officer, while attending Miles College, a historically black educational institution on the outskirts of Birmingham.

“He said, ‘I see something in you. I think you should go take a test to see how you can become a police officer,'” Pickett said of the coach, who went by his nickname. Pickett got good grades, passed his next class at the police academy, and joined the police department in 2004.

Not only did Vick set an example for Pickett as a law enforcement officer, he also built real connections in the Alabama community. Pickett said he had a strong presence by helping lead one of the police campaign teams that connected the department with Birmingham residents.

In 2021, Coach Vic will gain statewide attention when he helps arrest a murder suspect after he catches him in an alley during his off-duty hours. “You always hear bad things about police officers. Officer Vic didn’t have to do what he did,” local resident Marcella Stevenson told AL.com at the time. “He went above and beyond. He showed he cared.”

“They understand people.”

Pickett, like Vick, rose through the ranks in the city’s West Police Department. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin appointed Pickett as interim police chief until spring 2024. “Birmingham deserves a police force that is proactive, professional and people-oriented,” Pickett said at his April 1 inaugural press conference.

At the age of 40, he became the youngest mayor in Birmingham’s history. His number of supporters also increased. On Instagram, Pickett has amassed 13,000 followers. His posts typically receive over 1,000 likes.

Cities want to attract more police By reducing educational requirements

Jeffrey Walker, a criminal justice professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said Pickett’s popularity is partly due to his upbringing in Birmingham. “He knows a lot of people here, so it’s very easy for him to build a fan base. It’s kind of growing up,” Walker said.

He added that Pickett’s connections are important because “there’s not a lot of trust in the city itself,” citing longstanding local complaints about trash pickup, dilapidated buildings and overgrown grounds.

Police departments like Birmingham are also responding to the national sentiment. Americans across the country have a complex relationship with police and their work. A Gallup poll conducted last year found that 51% of Americans say they have “a lot” or “a lot” of trust in police, compared to 32% who say they have “some” trust and 16% who say they have no trust at all.

And despite FBI data showing that the nation’s crime rate has declined over the past 30 years, nearly every Gallup poll conducted since 1993 shows more than half of Americans believe crime has increased from the previous year.

Pickett said several things need to happen to improve the department’s relationship with Birmingham. First, he wanted the majority of Birmingham officials to be from the community, like himself.

“Ideally, most police officers would be from the communities they serve because they know the people and understand the people,” Pickett said. “They understand the good and the bad. I feel like the more familiar you are with the community, the more you’re from the community, the better you can serve the community.”

How Chief Michael Pickett and Birmingham Police Officers Got ‘Locked Up’

He then told officers to “stand firm” – to be focused and prepared to protect themselves.

Mr Pickett told the Birmingham Times over the summer that he was “absolutely pissed off” by 2024, which marked Birmingham’s worst-ever death toll. If the department wants to combat violent crime, BPD officers need to combat misconceptions about officers, Pickett said. He wrote letters to his comrades, pleading with them to be locked up.

“That was my message to the authorities: Last year was the deadliest year on record, and our community depends on each and every one of us,” Pickett said. “We applied for this job, that’s what we promised.”

“It’s a global world now, so even if something isn’t happening in our community, people can see it because it’s all on the internet now,” Pickett added. Officers “have to understand the atmosphere, understand the current events of what’s going on, and we have to combat that,” he told USA TODAY.

Pickett said the work goes beyond the moment police make an arrest or investigate potential criminal activity. After the shooting, he shows up at the door. Get to know your neighbors. He talks to people on the street. BPD officers are live streaming the event on Facebook.

“The way we fight this problem is the way we police it, the way we make people feel heard, they feel valued, they feel respected, and the way we make people feel when we’re there,” Pickett said.

Experts say there is no direct link between crime reduction and local policing.

Justin Nix, a professor at the University of Omaha, said there is no scientific evidence to suggest a direct correlation between crime reduction and community policing efforts.

However, strengthening community ties helps build trust. “As humans, we look for people who seem approachable, but that only helps police if they are perceived that way by the community,” Nix told USA TODAY.

What police officers are required to do is Do you live in a city they patrol? there is no evidence that it matters

Lorenzo Boyd, a former law enforcement officer and community policing expert at the University of New Haven, agreed, telling USA TODAY that positive encounters can help foster a sense of safety and camaraderie in Birmingham and beyond.

“If there’s something that would shine a positive light on the police, it would be for someone to just take a moment to say, ‘Look, maybe I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, and maybe I’ll talk to the police a little bit more, then that’s a good thing,'” Boyd said.

After an eight-year hiatus, Mr. Pickett restarted the police athletic team, which Coach Vick helped coach, in March to mentor children through sports.

“The goal of our PAT program will be to promote mutual respect between law enforcement and our youth,” he told local news station WBRC.

His approach also attracted more recruits to the Birmingham Police Department, which held its largest-ever police academy class in August. 93 recruits were ready to be locked up.

When the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta, BPD increased staffing for the soccer tournament held at Legion Field in Birmingham. They were given the nickname “Olympic Class” in honor of the 1996 Olympics.

“We actually outperformed our class,” Pickett told USA TODAY, adding that “I think it’s a testament to our recruiting team and that we were able to put the right people in the right places.” BPD hired more than 200 officers this year.

“I just want to see the director.”

Pickett isn’t kidding around about crime in the area just yet. On August 28, he released a statement detailing why the department arrested the parents after a fight broke out at a public housing complex. “I would like to say two things,” the chief wrote. “Parental Responsibility.”

However, nothing could stop him from becoming nationally famous thanks to his work as a local police chief. A week before Essence posted about Pickett, a Magic City Classic football game was held in the area. In the nation’s biggest HBCU football game, Alabama State defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 56-13.

What you need to know about Magic City Classic football match in birmingham

Pickett participated in the parade and had fun on TikTok with fans.

A woman named Zakiyah Milhouse, an internet creator, also traveled to Birmingham police headquarters with a lawn chair in hopes of meeting him. “I’m not bothering anyone. I just want to see the chief, baby, he’s the talk of social media,” she said in a Nov. 2 video. “I’m just trying to make sure he’s really okay.”

“As much as the girls love him, he’s the talk of the internet,” Milhouse told USA TODAY. “Actually, I feel like the girls just honestly did what they wanted with the ball.”

Pickett is celebrating one year since Mayor Woodfin appointed him interim chief on Nov. 20.

It feels like just a few years ago he was a kid on Birmingham’s west side. He didn’t think about becoming a police officer – at least until he met Coach Vic. He also never thought he would become a police chief.

Now, all Pickett wants is for kids on Birmingham’s west side to be safe.

Contributed by: N’dea Yancey-Bragg

Four police officers injured in Kansas shooting. suspect was killed

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Four police officers injured in Kansas shooting. suspect was killed

Four Kansas police officers were shot and injured while responding to a domestic violence incident around 10:30 a.m. on November 15, authorities said.

Three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were injured at the home just north of 113th Street and Topeka Boulevard, said Melissa Underwood, KBI public information director.

A male civilian, identified as the suspect by Col. Eric Smith, was killed. Another man was taken to a hospital and is believed to be in stable condition, Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattibi said.

The shooting scene is about 8 miles south of Topeka.

The names, ages and genders of the six people shot were not immediately released.

Details about the severity of the officers’ injuries have not been released.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

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