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Direct File users should file for free elsewhere this tax season

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Direct File users should file for free elsewhere this tax season

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With the Trump administration’s repeal of IRS Direct File, Americans will have one less free option to file their taxes in 2026.

Direct File, launched during former President Joe Biden’s term, was intended to simplify and save Americans money on filing their federal taxes. The program was initially launched on a pilot basis for the 2023 tax year, allowing taxpayers in 12 states to file returns directly with the IRS. The following year, the program expanded to 25 states.

Without it, Direct File supporters said, Americans would spend even more time and money paying taxes. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who served in the Biden administration, estimated that the average American taxpayer spent $270 and 13 hours preparing their tax return.

“I wrote the bill to create Direct File because existing free options are not enough and large tax preparation companies have been caught red-handed trying to scam taxpayers out of overpayments,” Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in a statement.

Why are direct files terminated?

Critics said DirectFile’s development cost taxpayers a lot of money, but few Americans took advantage of it.

Direct File had the lowest participation rate of all free tax preparation programs, according to the House Revenue Report. Just under 141,000 returns were filed during the 2023 tax year pilot program, in which 12 states participated.

The following year, 25 states participated and 296,531 returns were filed, less than 0.5% of the approximately 146 million total returns. But the program cost taxpayers at least $41 million, or at least $138 per return, the report said.

It also states that “the $41 million underestimates the actual costs of developing, administering, and supporting Direct File for the 2024 tax year because not all agency support functions are included in Direct File’s costs.”

“It turns out that taxpayers simply did not want to take advantage of the costly and inefficient government-run Direct Filing Tax Program, where the IRS acts as the preparer, filer, and auditor for Americans’ taxes,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri said in a statement.

What can Americans do instead of direct files?

Richard Pong, a certified public accountant in San Francisco, said Americans who used Direct File will now have to prepare paper returns or use another software. “But there are low-cost software providers everywhere, and some offer free versions for basically W2 or anyone interested,” he said.

Free options for taxpayers include:

  • IRS Free File. Free tax preparation software available exclusively on IRS.gov provided to eligible taxpayers by eight private companies affiliated with the IRS. Last year, taxpayers could qualify if their 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less. IRS Free File also provides fillable forms that can be used by all taxpayers, regardless of income, who are comfortable preparing their own returns.
  • Income tax volunteer/tax consultation for the elderly. IRS certified volunteers who work with some community organizations. Provides free tax assistance to eligible taxpayers, including working families, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide, part of Tax Counseling for Seniors, is billed as the nation’s largest free, volunteer-staffed program to help people prepare and file their taxes. In 2024, approximately 28,000 volunteers helped approximately 1.7 million taxpayers file their tax returns.
  • Miltax. Department of Defense program. Generally, we provide free return preparation and e-filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns to all military members and some veterans, with no income restrictions.
  • H&R Block Online Free Edition. Although H&R Block is no longer participating in Free File, the tax preparation giant offers its own free service. According to the website, 52% of taxpayers qualify for the online free version. You should get a relatively easy return.
  • TurboTax free version. TurboTax also provides free tax preparation to taxpayers with relatively simple filing. Approximately 37% of applicants qualify.

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.

Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland dies at age 24

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Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland dies at age 24

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  • Frisco (Texas) police say the death of Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland is being investigated as a possible suicide.
  • Nyland was a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • He recently scored his first NFL touchdown on a blocked punt during a “Monday Night Football” game.

This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died sometime between late Wednesday, Nov. 5, and early Thursday, Nov. 6, according to Frisco, Texas, police. His death is being investigated as a possible suicide.

Kneeland was 24 years old. His agent, Sportsstars’ Jonathan Pursley, said Kneeland died Wednesday night, while the Cowboys said in a statement that he “tragically” passed away Thursday morning.

“We are deeply saddened to share with the Dallas Cowboys that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization.”

Kneeland scored his first touchdown in Dallas’ Monday Night Football loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3 by scooping up a blocked punt in the end zone. The Michigan native played collegiately at Western Michigan University.

Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death

The cause of death was not immediately known, but Frisco police announced at 10:39 p.m. local time on Nov. 5 that they began assisting the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in “locating a vehicle that fled from officers during a pursuit.”

Police lost sight of the vehicle, but several minutes later the vehicle was moved and crashed onto southbound Dallas Parkway. Kneeland was later identified as the person who fled the scene, the release said. Police found Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m., and the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Coroner’s Office.

The NFL said it has been in contact with the Cowboys and is offering support to players and staff.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Marshawn Kneeland of the Cowboys,” the league said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and his teammates.”

The NFL Players Association said it was “deeply saddened” by Nyland’s death.

“His impact on those around him has been immeasurable and his loss is deeply felt across our community,” the union said in a statement. “We are working to ensure our players receive the support they need and our condolences go out to Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”

The Cowboys selected Nyland in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 draft. He started three games this season and recorded 12 tackles.

“I am shocked to learn that my client and beloved friend, Marshawn Kneeland, passed away last night,” Pursley said in a statement. “…Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. Losing a man of his talent, spirit, and goodness is an indescribable pain. His family, teammates, and others who loved him. My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives and I wish them all the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. Please allow his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need to grieve this incredible loss.

The Western Michigan football community also expressed their heartbreak.

“My heart is completely broken by the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was more than just a great football player. He was a great young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally,” head coach Lance Taylor said in a statement. “His leadership, energy and smile were contagious and left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Coaching him during my first season here created a special bond that went far beyond football.

“His passion for life and his teammates was unparalleled. Our entire Bronco football family is devastated. We send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and everyone who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco Brotherhood.”

Mexico announces national campaign against harassment after presidential attack

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Mexico announces national campaign against harassment after presidential attack

@apnews

What was supposed to be a quick five-minute walk from Mexico’s National Palace to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Education Ministry has become a symbol of what Mexican women face every day since a video surfaced showing a drunk man groping the country’s first female president. President Sheinbaum of Mexico

♬ Original Sound – Associated Press – Associated Press

The sexual harassment that President Claudia Sheinbaum was accused of on November 4th was not just a criminal complaint. This fact prompted immediate action by the federal government, which announced this Wednesday the launch of a national campaign against sexual harassment and abuse and a strategy to normalize this crime in the republic’s 32 states.

Citlali Hernández, General Secretary of Morena State and Director of the National Institute for Women, revealed that the initiative seeks to create a uniform legal framework across the country, as sexual harassment is not even classified as a crime by some organizations. “The question is not how the president acted, but why he believed he could touch her,” Hernández said in an interview with newspaper Azucena Uresti, setting the tone for a new campaign that seeks to focus the debate on the perpetrator’s actions rather than the victim’s reaction.

The campaign will target both women and men and will also include an educational component aimed specifically at men, with the aim of creating a cultural change that eradicates the normalization of sexist behavior. “Women are not alone. The important thing is to report and break the cycle of impunity,” Hernandez stressed.

The starting point for this national mobilization was Tuesday’s attack on Sheinbaum, who was harassed while touring the historic center. The president immediately filed a formal complaint with the CDMX public prosecutor’s office, and the head of the capital’s government, Clara Brugada, confirmed the arrest of the suspected invaders.

More than an isolated incident, this incident sparked a concerted response to transform outrage into public policy to structurally combat sexual violence that affects millions of women in Mexico.

The facts behind Mexico’s biggest anti-harassment campaign

On the afternoon of November 4, in the historic center of Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum walked towards the Ministry of Education, taking greetings, selfies and hugs. But in the middle of the crowd, an unexpected gesture stopped her in her tracks and froze the air. The man touched her and tried to kiss her without her consent.

The episode, recorded on a cell phone, went viral within seconds and depicted a moment that evoked anger and remorse in equal measure.

The next day, Sheinbaum, the first woman to rule Mexico, filed a formal complaint. “If something like this happens to the president, what will be left for young women?” he said.

Her statement resonated beyond politics. It was a statement about women’s bodies, their dignity, and their right to occupy public spaces without fear.

What exactly happened and how did Sheinbaum react?

The incident took place between the National Palace and the Ministry of Education, a short distance where presidents typically travel unescorted, in keeping with his predecessor Andres Manuel López Obrador’s habit of being “close to the people.” The video shows a middle-aged man, who authorities say was under the influence of alcohol, approaching Sheinbaum, hugging him and touching him inappropriately before the team intervened.

No matter what happens, the president vowed that he will not change the way he interacts with the public. “We have to stand by our people,” he said. However, the event reignited debate over presidential security and the exposure of public figures, especially women, in open spaces where gender violence can manifest even at the highest levels of power.

What legal and ethical measures are in place?

Sheinbaum criticized the newspaper. reform He released an image of the moment of the attack and called it “re-victimization.” He called for a public apology, recalling that Mexican law prohibits the distribution of content that violates the integrity of victims. “Using that image is also a crime,” he warned.

The Women’s Secretariat, a division established during her mandate, urged the media not to reproduce images of violence and urged victims to report it. The president also called for a review of state criminal laws to criminalize sexual harassment nationwide, as only half of organizations currently classify it as a crime.

Aiming for a safer Mexico for women

The perpetrator, identified as Uriel Rivera, was arrested on the night of November 4, but the case is now beyond court. The attack on Mexico’s president has sparked collective calls for stronger laws, protection mechanisms and equal education.

Sheinbaum’s message resonated strongly. No class or position protects women from violence, but each grievance can pave the way to justice. The public dialogue now beginning calls for change, not just punishment, but for a Mexico where walking freely is a right, not a privilege.

Contributed by: USA TODAY

Boris Q’va is a national Spanish language trends news reporter for Connect/USA TODAY Network. You can follow him on X as @ByBorisQva or write to him at BBalsindesUrquiola@gannett.com.

Will Mamdani’s ‘millionaire tax’ really drive the wealthy out of New York City?

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Will Mamdani’s ‘millionaire tax’ really drive the wealthy out of New York City?

A common argument against raising taxes on wealthy Americans is that they will displace wealthy Americans, but research suggests such concerns may be overblown.

In her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris promised to preserve most of Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, with at least one notable exception: her tax increases on the wealthiest Americans.

Now, New York’s newly elected mayor has made a similar proposal. Among other plans, Zoran Mamdani wants to raise income taxes for the wealthiest New Yorkers by 2%.

“We will end the culture of corruption that has allowed billionaires (like President Donald Trump) to take advantage of tax evasion and tax cuts,” Mamdani said in his victory speech after the election on November 4.

In both cases, the idea is to generate revenue by taxing the wealthy and use that money to pay for other initiatives. Harris called for taxes on the wealthy to help finance the estimated $2 trillion national deficit. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is calling for free city buses and a rent freeze in New York.

Taxing the wealthy has been effective before. During World War II, America’s wealthiest people endured top tax rates of over 90% to prop up the economy.

But will it still work?

Millionaires may escape tax hikes

A common objection is that raising taxes on wealthy Americans will displace them. They take steps to avoid paying taxes, such as leaving a city, state, or country or moving their wealth overseas.

Here’s how the opposition received Mamdani’s proposal.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she could veto the tax increase, saying it would encourage wealthy people to flee. “I don’t want to lose any more people in Palm Beach,” she told a television interviewer, according to the New York Post.

In a commentary for Reuters, financial writer Marty Fridson warned of “the likelihood, if not the probability, that many high-income earners will leave New York City to escape additional taxes.”

The New York Times has collected quotes from business leaders about their exodus from New York. Sample: “‘We may consider closing the supermarket and selling the business,’ John Catsimatidis, owner of the Gristedes chain, told the Free Press.”

Mamdani’s campaign estimates that a 2% tax on New Yorkers earning more than $1 million a year would raise $4 billion a year.

Of course, this prediction would go awry if enough millionaires left the city to avoid taxes.

Are warnings about a “millionaire tax” exaggerated?

Are the dire warnings too exaggerated?A wealth of research on taxes and their impact on immigration suggests that perhaps they are. But a lot depends on who you ask.

Kamorika Das, local policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank, said tax hikes generally do not encourage wealthy people to move.

“Tax policy doesn’t really drive relocation decisions,” Das told USA TODAY in an interview earlier this year. “They’ve been claiming this for a long time, but there’s just very little evidence to support it.”

A 2023 study by the nonpartisan Fiscal Policy Institute found “no evidence of significant tax-motivated migration” from New York state even after the tax increase.

The main reason: The top 1% of earners move at a slower rate than other income groups. And when they move, it’s usually from one high-tax area to another.

In 2004, New Jersey raised the top income tax rate for high earners by 2.6 percentage points.

“A total of 37 billionaires left in the next year,” Lindsey Owens, executive director of the progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative, told USA TODAY earlier this year. “But in that very same year, New Jersey’s millionaire population grew by more than 3,000 people.”

Not all researchers agree.

California loses high-income earners to taxes, study says

Fridson, the Reuters columnist, cited a study by the nonprofit California Center for Employment and Economics. It found that high-income individuals who left California incurred a net loss of $5.3 billion in personal income taxes over the five-year period since a 2016 ballot measure that extended tax increases on the wealthy.

Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, told USA TODAY in an interview earlier this year that New York’s tax increases “will raise revenue. There’s no question about it.” But tax increases “will certainly displace some people,” he said, adding that “the impact could be greater in New York City than it would be at the state or national level.”

Walchuk said leaving the U.S. over taxes is another thing. Moving from Manhattan to Hoboken, New Jersey is something else entirely.

“Leaving the country is much harder than leaving the state, and leaving the state is much harder than leaving the city,” he said.

Mr. Walchak points out that Mr. Mamdani’s proposed 2% tax increase would be a flat tax rate “down to $1” on all income earned by wealthy New Yorkers. This will raise the city’s top tax rate from approximately 3.9% to 5.9%.

At this rate, high-income earners “will end up paying more in city taxes in New York than they do in state taxes in most states,” Walczak said.

The remote work boom in recent years has created pandemic “boomtowns,” with generally low-tax cities filled with refugees from high-tax cities who can work remotely.

“You could work for a company in New York City, but you could take your home to Austin, Texas, where there’s no income tax,” Therese McGuire, a strategy professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, told USA TODAY in an interview earlier this year.

According to research by the Tax Foundation, states with high taxes tend to lose residents to other states, while states with low taxes tend to gain residents. Taxes are one of many factors, including work, weather, quality of life, and broader cost of living.

Other studies suggest that billionaire tax avoidance is occurring, but at a negligible rate, “to a very small extent.”

“We make decisions about where we live for ourselves and our families based on a variety of considerations, many of which are non-financial,” Owens said.

Nancy Pelosi to retire after groundbreaking career as Speaker of the House of Representatives

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Nancy Pelosi to retire after groundbreaking career as Speaker of the House of Representatives

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on social media on Nov. 6 that she would not run for office again, ending a groundbreaking career that made her the most powerful woman in the country’s history.

“I am not seeking re-election to Congress,” she said in a six-minute video to voters that began with “Dear San Francisco.” “I am grateful and look forward to my final year as a proud representative of your company.”

more: From Obamacare to impeachment, Nancy Pelosi’s ‘old school’ career in Congress

The 85-year-old San Francisco congressman, a liberal stalwart revered by his supporters and reviled by his opponents, has faced growing frustration that it’s time to step down after 20 terms. State Rep. Scott Wiener has already announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination next year, and other candidates are sure to follow suit as they seek solidly Democratic seats.

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Nancy Pelosi announces retirement from Congress

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress after decades in office.

During her two terms as the highest-ranking member of Congress, Pelosi led two impeachments of President Donald Trump and orchestrated efforts to persuade President Joe Biden to withdraw his bid for a second term. She pushed through the Affordable Care Act, the biggest health care expansion in half a century, and the controversial 2008 fiscal relief law that economists say averted another Great Depression.

In the video, she praised “bringing billions of dollars back to our city and state” for transportation, environment and other projects.

Pelosi arrived in Washington after winning a special election in 1987, running for president for the first time after working as a political fundraiser and chair of the California Democratic Party.

She did not say why she decided to retire now, but rejected the idea that she was at risk of losing the election.

“I have no doubt in my mind that if I decide to run, I can win,” she told CNN a few days ago. “It’s not arrogance, it’s competency.”

States pass constitutional amendments on redistricting, parental rights, water conservation, and more

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States pass constitutional amendments on redistricting, parental rights, water conservation, and more

Voters in multiple states approved constitutional amendments and changes to state laws in Tuesday’s elections. These include California’s redistricting measures, which are part of a nationwide battle over who controls the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 election, Maine’s “red flag” gun control measures and Texas’ water conservation measures.

The measure also appeared on ballots in Colorado, New York, and Washington. Seventeen of the 26 total bills are on Texans’ ballots, and all 17 are expected to pass. Below are some of the issues addressed in the measure and the election results as of Wednesday afternoon.

redistricting

California Voters approved Proposition 50. This is a legislatively introduced constitutional amendment that would allow the use of new Congressional district maps until 2030. Although votes are still being counted, the proposal appears to have won by a wide margin. It was one of the most expensive voting measures in the state’s history.

The proposed map is designed to favor Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, with five seats expected to be contested or easily won by Democratic candidates. The redraw was endorsed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) after the Texas Republican Party proposed and passed a new map that is expected to flip five current Democratic seats. Proposition 50 also calls for returning authority to draw congressional boundaries after the 2030 election to the state’s nonpartisan redistricting commission.

Congressional maps are typically redrawn only after the decennial census results are released. Redraws in the middle of a cycle are rare. However, several states are currently considering changes to their congressional maps.

vote

texas Voters agreed to amend the constitution to prohibit “persons who are not citizens of the United States” from voting in Texas. Eight states approved similar language in 2024. State and federal laws already restrict voting to citizens only, making it extremely rare for non-citizens to vote in elections.

in mainevoters said no to an amendment to state law that would make several voting-related changes, including limiting absentee voting and requiring voters to show a photo ID before voting absentee or in-person. (All changes were proposed in one citizen-initiated question.)

gun control

maine Voters approved Question 2, a citizen-initiated measure that would “authorize a court to temporarily prohibit a person from possessing a dangerous weapon if law enforcement, a family member, or a household member certifies that the person poses a significant danger to themselves or others.” PBS News noted that the vote came two years after the state’s worst mass shooting.

parental rights

texas The ballot title says voters approved a constitutional amendment that affirms “parents as the primary decision makers for their children.” Before the election, texas tribune It said the amendment would specify the right in the way it is currently defined in federal court precedent. The amendment had bipartisan support in Congress, but nation Organizing in support of the proposal was reportedly done primarily by conservative groups.

judicial act

Another amendment was passed texans The bill would change the composition of the state Judicial Conduct Commission, increasing the number of members the governor selects from the public from five to seven, and giving the governor the power to appoint a majority of the 13 members. The amendments would also change how the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court selects the tribunals that review the commission’s recommendations regarding the removal or retirement of judges, and limit the commission’s ability to take private disciplinary actions in certain circumstances. Opponents of the amendment expressed concern that it would give too much power to the governor. Current Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) previously fired the acting chief justice over his 2019 decision to discipline judges who rejected same-sex marriages.

environment

texas They also voted in favor of an amendment that would create a state water fund to help state officials repair aging infrastructure and create new water projects to address the worsening water crisis.

in new yorkvoters narrowly approved an amendment that would allow the development of a winter sports facility on more than 300 acres in the Adirondack Mountains. The proposal also calls for conserving more than 2,500 acres of land.

criminal law

texas Voters “overwhelmingly passed” Proposition 3, which would allow the state to deny bail if the state shows “by a preponderance of the evidence” that bail is not sufficient to prevent a defendant’s “failure to appear” in court or to ensure the safety of the community. The changes relate to certain criminal offenses, including the death penalty, aggravated sexual assault, and indecency with a child.

taxes and national investment

Most of the voting measures texas Everything related to taxes was approved by voters. These include banning capital gains taxes on individuals and real estate, exempting taxes related to “border security infrastructure,” exempting seniors from school taxes, and expanding property tax exemptions that would allow Texas homeowners to spend less on public schools.

colorado Approved a proposal to raise funds for the universal school lunch program by lowering the tax deduction limit for some citizens. in washingtonearly returns indicate voters are likely to pass an amendment that would allow state-run long-term care funds (which allow eligible workers to pay for services such as home care, medical equipment and nursing home stays) to be invested in stocks. A similar amendment was rejected by voters in 2020.

• • •

Most of the bills considered by residents would amend the state constitution and were initiated by state legislators, meaning they voted to place the measures on the ballot for public approval. But Maine’s proposal was a citizen-led proposal to change the law. A simple majority vote is required to pass a ballot measure in each of the six states.

Erin Geiger-Smith is a writer and editor at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Starbucks Hello Kitty Collaboration 2025 includes cups, stuffed animals, and other goods

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Starbucks Hello Kitty Collaboration 2025 includes cups, stuffed animals, and other goods

“Starbucks and Hello Kitty have a strong fandom and are deeply ingrained in our culture,” said Kap Pitalis, Starbucks’ director of U.S. merchandising.

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Speaking of November, Starbucks’ annual holiday collection is here, and this year it includes a special line of Hello Kitty products.

Starting November 6th, the holiday menu will return to Starbucks, including fan-favorite Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brûlée Latte, and other drinks. In addition to caffeinated sweets, the coffee chain will also be releasing a Hello Kitty series on November 6th.

Hello Kitty limited goods such as stuffed animals, mugs, and tumblers are now available.

“Starbucks and Hello Kitty have a strong fandom and are deeply ingrained in our culture,” Kap Pittaris, Starbucks’ director of U.S. merchandising, said in a statement. “Interestingly, Hello Kitty was born in 1974 and Starbucks was born in 1971, both in the ’70s. We’re excited to bring back that nostalgic vibe this holiday season with this special collaboration.”

Here’s what you need to know about Starbucks’ Hello Kitty collection.

Check out Starbucks’ complete holiday menu: Starbucks holiday items are back. Here’s what you can order:

What kind of Hello Kitty items does Starbucks have?

In addition to several containers to hold your caffeine of choice, Starbucks’ Hello Kitty collection also has other items. See full text.

  • boxed stuffed animal: A special edition Hello Kitty stuffed animal wearing a green Starbucks apron, packaged in a convenient gift box. Price: $34.95
  • ceramic mug: A 16 oz boxed ceramic mug featuring a Hello Kitty design and a red silicone ribbon on top. Price: $32.95
  • stainless steel cold cup: 26oz stainless steel Hello Kitty cold cup. Price: $32.95
  • water bottle: A 20-ounce stainless steel bottle with a picture of Hello Kitty holding a coffee mug. Price: $29.95
  • cold cup:24oz acrylic cold cup. The design features Hello Kitty and Tiny Chum, and is dotted with coffee beans and Starbucks mugs. Price: $24.95
  • stainless steel tumbler: Hello Kitty and Tiny Chum 12oz tumbler. Price: $32.95
  • gift card: Two gift card designs including standard physical and digital gift cards for a minimum of $5 and a special Hello Kitty-shaped card for $10 and above.

How to get Starbucks’ Hello Kitty collection

The Starbucks Hello Kitty Collection will be available starting November 6th at participating Starbucks locations in the U.S. and Canada while supplies last.

Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

Chicago judge limits use of force by Trump’s Midway Blitz personnel

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Chicago judge limits use of force by Trump’s Midway Blitz personnel

U.S. District Judge Sarah L. Ellis’ ruling aims to protect the free speech rights of Chicago journalists, clergy, and protesters. It happened during President Trump’s crackdown on cities.

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CHICAGO – A federal judge presiding over a case involving the use of force by immigration officials in the city has placed sweeping limits on their tactics, saying the justification for using chemical weapons and other types of force is “absolutely not true.”

U.S. District Judge Sarah L. Ellis’ ruling came amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown known as Operation Midway Blitz. Many Chicago residents are frustrated by the use of chemical agents and raids on their homes by federal authorities. A group of journalists, clergy, and protesters filed suit, saying the agents’ tactics were scaring people and preventing them from exercising their right to free speech.

Mr. Ellis, speaking in court, cited many of the derogatory examples faced by violent agents cited by government lawyers. Federal officials say chemical weapons and other tactics are needed to deal with Chicago’s “riots.”

“Describing the neighborhood moms as professional agitators shows how out of touch these operatives are and how unbelievable their views are,” Ellis said. “Overall, this calls into question everything the defendants say they are doing and their characterization of the case.”

Ellis’ order requires warnings before using chemical weapons, limits their use to extreme situations and requires the use of body-worn cameras.

Lawyers for the defendants, including President Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, are expected to appeal Ellis’ order. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit previously ruled against Ellis, barring him from summoning Bovino to court for daily reports.

Chick-fil-A Holiday Menu 2025 includes Peppermint Chip Milkshake and more

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Chick-fil-A Holiday Menu 2025 includes Peppermint Chip Milkshake and more

It’s the holiday season and many fast food favorites are back, including Chick-fil-A’s Peppermint Chip Milkshake.

Peppermint is a holiday staple, and Chick-fil-A will add peppermint treats and more to its seasonal menu starting Monday, Nov. 10, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY.

From milkshakes to coffee to frozen desserts, Chick-fil-A’s lineup is packed with limited-time holiday treats.

The brand is also bringing back Chicken Tortilla Soup and 30-count nugget meals that can be easily shared or kept to yourself, depending on your donation mood.

Here’s what you need to know about Chick-fil-A’s holiday menu.

More news: Chick-fil-A pioneers a new beverage concept. What you need to know about Daybright.

When will the holiday menu return to Chick-fil-A?

The holiday lineup returns to Chick-fil-A stores on Monday, November 10th.

What peppermint treats will be added to the menu?

The following peppermint sweets will be added.

  • peppermint chip milkshake
  • peppermint chip frosted coffee
  • peppermint iced coffee
  • Ice Dream Peppermint Bark Chips

What else will be added to the menu?

Seasonal options added to the menu include:

  • chicken tortilla soup
  • 30 piece nugget meal

In a news release, Chick-fil-A said that while the 30-count Nuggets meal will be added, multiple options are already part of Chick-fil-A’s menu, including the 30-Count Nuggets football-shaped tray and the Chick-fil-A Nuggets Family Style Meal, which includes 30 chicken nuggets, four sides and four desserts.

Chik-fil-A holiday merchandise

Chik-fil-A lovers may be able to add a few more options to Santa’s wish list.

Chick-fil-A is putting holiday menu items back on the menu and also introducing products for the holiday season, which will be available for purchase on its website starting Monday, Nov. 10.

Chik-fil-A fans can purchase the following for a loved one or themselves.

  • Chick-fil-A themed wrapping paper and gift tags
  • Chick-fil-A Bottled Sauce 3-Pack including Garden Herb Ranch, Chick-fil-A Sauce, and Polynesian Sauce
  • Chick-fil-A holiday charm bracelet with charms designed to match iconic Chick-fil-A cups, chicken sandwiches, and Chick-fil-A french fries with waffle fries
  • Chick-fil-A Holiday Crewnecks for Kids and Adults
  • Chick-fil-A Holiday Wearable Blanket
  • White serving bowls and trays with Chick-fil-A logo

“The Legend of Evergreen Hills” is also returning.

Also, Chick-fil-A’s original animated series “Legends of Evergreen Hills” is returning to the Chick-fil-A Play app for a second season.

New games and recipes will also be available in the app.

This story has been updated with new information.

Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY, covering scientific research and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com

President Trump’s White House event cut short after attendee collapses

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President Trump’s White House event cut short after attendee collapses

The White House said the man passed out but was OK. He collapsed as speakers discussed an agreement to reduce the cost of weight-loss drugs.

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The Trump administration has suspended a White House event announcing price cuts for weight loss drugs after an attendee standing behind President Donald Trump collapsed.

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said the pharmaceutical company representative was unconscious, but “the gentleman is safe.”

The individual’s name was not immediately known. He collapsed in the Oval Office as speakers discussed deals with drug companies aimed at cutting costs.

Attendees who were standing next to the man began clinging to him, and Dr. Mehmet Oz of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administration held his head as he was taken to lie on the floor.

The media was chased out of the room as those attending the event turned their attention to the person. The event was scheduled to resume soon.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.

President Trump announces Medicare coverage for weight loss drugs

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President Trump announces Medicare coverage for weight loss drugs

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President Donald Trump on Thursday, Nov. 6, announced an agreement with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk that would lower the prices of popular weight-loss drugs and expand Medicare coverage of these drugs for seniors.

The negotiated agreements will enable Medicare and Medicaid coverage for Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo’s Wegovy, allowing consumers to purchase the drugs at discounted prices through the federal government’s direct-to-consumer website TrumpRx, which launches in 2026.

“Politicians have been talking about making health care more affordable for years,” Trump said at an Oval Office press conference announcing the price cuts. “But my administration is actually doing that.”

The lowest price ($149 per month) applies to unreleased oral versions of these weight loss drugs. Lilly is seeking priority review from the Food and Drug Administration for an oral drug called orforglipron.

Pharmaceutical companies will sell injectable versions of these treatments for an average of $350 a month, but the companies plan to reduce that price to $250 over the next 24 months, a government official said.

Pharmaceutical company officials said the discounts could vary depending on the dose.

The negotiated agreement will expand access to millions of Medicare beneficiaries who currently have to pay out-of-pocket for the weight-loss drugs Zepbound and Wegovy. Medicare drug plans cover Novo’s Ozempic and Lilly’s Munjaro for type 2 diabetes.

Pharmaceutical companies have agreed to sell drugs to Medicare at an average price of $245 per monthly dose. Eligible Medicare enrollees will be charged a $50 monthly copayment to obtain the weight loss drug. Medicare plans to begin covering these drugs by July 2026.

The announcement comes as political games over cost-of-living issues intensify, with Democrats making affordability a central message in off-year elections they won in landslides across the country.

The cost of health care and health insurance has long been a thorny political issue, at the heart of the debate over reopening the government during a record-long shutdown. Most Senate Democrats are refusing to vote on the Republican-backed government funding bill unless Republicans include provisions to extend pandemic-era health insurance subsidies.

Many consumers will pay higher prices for their ACA insurance plans in 2026 because Congress has not extended pandemic-era subsidies that make Affordable Care Act plans less expensive for millions of Americans.

I am on Medicare. Am I eligible for compensation?

Government officials estimate that about 1 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for weight-loss drugs, based on height, weight and underlying health conditions.

Medicare beneficiaries with prediabetes and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher can receive this drug. People with a BMI of 30 or higher and who have kidney disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure are also covered.

Also, severely obese people with a BMI of 35 or higher are eligible for Medicare for weight loss drugs.

The Trump administration has not released estimates of how much expanding Medicare coverage for these drugs would cost federal health programs. But government officials said the price tag would be offset by the improved health of Americans taking these drugs.

States that administer Medicaid programs would have the option to expand coverage of weight loss drugs to low-income households and others eligible for Medicaid. Currently, some states cover obesity drugs for Medicaid enrollees, but most do not.

In November 2024, the Biden administration drafted a rule to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage of obesity drugs starting in 2026. At the time, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid officials estimated that anti-obesity drugs would cost Medicare and Medicaid about $40 billion over 10 years.

Do private insurance companies cover weight loss drugs?

Weight loss drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs (GLP-1) suppress the user’s appetite, leading to weight loss.

While insurance companies often cover GLP-1 drugs when prescribed for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea, more than half of employer insurance plans refuse to cover drugs to treat obesity. Mercer, a benefits consultant, said 44% of all large employers will have GLP-1 drug coverage for obesity in 2024, up from 41% in 2023.

Most working-age adults are covered by employer insurance plans, but government officials said the negotiated agreement could allow consumers to buy cheaper versions of these drugs through TrumpRx or directly from drug companies.

Sam’s Club and Costco pharmacies are currently selling Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight loss drug Wigovy and diabetes drug Ozempic for $499 a month.

What else is the Trump administration doing about drug prices?

President Trump has already announced deals with several drug companies to sell other drugs at discounted prices to federal health programs and TrumpRx.

The president is pressuring drug companies to lower prices to what patients are paying in other countries, a concept known as most-favored-nation pricing. On September 30, President Trump announced that he had entered into a most-favored-nation agreement with Pfizer to sell drugs more cheaply through Medicaid.

President Trump also said last month that EMD Serono, the nation’s largest maker of fertility drugs, had agreed to reduce the price of commonly used IVF drugs.

Is AI in a bubble? Success despite market correction

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Is AI in a bubble? Success despite market correction

With the push to deploy generative and agentic solutions, a common question has emerged: “Is there an AI bubble and will it burst soon?”

For many organizations, this new wave of generative and agentic AI is still in the experimental stage. The main focus is on the low hanging fruit and internal. Most companies are turning to AI to improve efficiency, such as automating workflows and streamlining customer support. The problem is that these benefits are difficult to obtain.

Ben Gilbert, vice president of 15gifts, points out that “these benefits often take years to see real benefits and are difficult to measure beyond time savings.”

This is where the cracks start to appear. The rush to unfold is uncomfortably familiar and can trigger PTSD-like feelings in some people.

“The tendency for companies to jump right into AI projects and solutions reflects a pattern we’ve seen many times in past tech bubbles, such as the dot-com era,” Gilbert explains.

This gap between experimental spending and measurable returns is precisely where bubbles are weakest.

Gilbert argues that AI projects that “focus on efficiency gains and deliver opaque or delayed ROI” will be the first to fail when the bubble bursts. Exit is inevitable when an investment “risks becoming a costly experiment rather than a profitable tool.”

“Budgets may tighten, startups may shut down, and large enterprises may reevaluate their AI strategies,” Gilbert says.

This is a data-backed warning. Gartner has already predicted that “more than 40% of agent AI projects will fail by 2027 due to rising costs, governance challenges, and lack of ROI.”

So what separates costly experiments from viable AI strategies that can survive the bubble burst? Gilbert suggests it’s because of human nuances. This is something that many projects overlook in their rush to automate. He points out that there is a strange contradiction. “Why is AI being adopted across the board for efficiency improvements and customer support, but not for sales?”

The answer may be that while algorithms are extremely valuable for sifting through data to inform decision-making, consumers also want the involvement, intuitiveness, and fluidity of human interaction. Therefore, success is about augmenting talent, not replacing it.

Gilbert argues that “AI should be taught by real humans so that it understands the nuances of human language, needs, and emotions.” This requires a transparent process, and “human annotation of AI-driven conversations allows us to set clear benchmarks and improve platform performance.”

The AI ​​bubble is not imminently bursting completely. Gilbert explains that there is likely to be a “correction rather than a complete market collapse” and that the potential for AI remains strong. But the hype will deflate.

For corporate leaders, moving forward requires a return to first principles. “Whether AI projects are built on hype or business value, they must address real human needs to be successful,” Gilbert says.

Whether it’s a bubble or a healthy market correction, this cooling-off period may even be a good thing, as it provides an opportunity for companies to focus on the quality of their AI over hype and smarter ethics. Gilbert believes that for CIOs and CFOs managing their budgets, the brands that grow will be those that “use AI to augment human capabilities, rather than automating human capabilities.”

“Without empathy, transparency, and human insight, even the smartest AI is doomed to fail.”

See also: Stay calm: New model design could solve high AI costs for enterprises

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

Tired of your bank? Try “soft switching”.

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Tired of your bank? Try “soft switching”.

good morning! I’m Daniel de Visé from Daily Money.

A few years ago, there was a lot of talk about “quiet exits” in corporate America. Now, a banking industry report points to another new trend with the alliterative name “soft switching.”

Remote work and birth rates

Birth rates have continued to decline in recent decades. Could remote work fuel a new baby boom?

Less activity at the airport

And here’s the latest fallout from the government shutdown. Flights have been canceled.

📰 Other stories you can’t miss 📰

Daniel de Visse covers personal finance for USA TODAY. Daily Money breaks down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

Honda aims for U.S. growth with new hybrid platform

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Honda aims for U.S. growth with new hybrid platform

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Honda Motor Co. 7267.T announced on Thursday that it is developing a platform centered on medium-sized hybrid vehicles and a hybrid system for large vehicles, aiming to strengthen its competitiveness amid delays in the transition to fully electric vehicles.

The new platform, which will be introduced in vehicles from 2027 onwards, will be designed for hybrid use, but will also be compatible with gasoline-only models. Honda says the platform will be about 90 kg (200 lb) lighter than the current design.

Japan’s second-largest automaker behind Toyota 7203.T is stepping up efforts to grow in the United States as it faces stiff competition in China and other markets, while also dealing with import tariffs and price pressure in North America.

New car review: The legendary Honda Prelude returns as a hybrid in 2026 with exciting new features

The company aims to use the platform to share more than 60% of parts between models and adopt a modular architecture to reduce costs and speed development. This change is said to improve driving stability and handling.

Honda places the battery on the platform near the center of the vehicle rather than the rear, uses fewer proprietary parts, and adjusts load capacity for different vehicle weights.

The company also announced a prototype of a large hybrid system it is considering for use in D-segment and above models by 2030, potentially targeting the North American market, where demand for large vehicles remains strong. D segment models are medium to large size vehicles.

Honda said it aims to improve fuel efficiency by more than 30% compared to similar gasoline models while improving acceleration and towing capacity for boats and trailers.

This announcement comes after Honda announced in May that it plans to launch 13 next-generation hybrid models around the world over a four-year period starting in 2027.

The company aims to increase sales of hybrid vehicles from 868,000 last year to 2.2 million to 2.3 million by 2030, with total sales of 3.8 million in 2024.

Honda’s efforts highlight how automakers are relying on hybrid vehicles at a time when demand for electric vehicles is growing more slowly than expected. Rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. 005380.KS already sell three-row hybrid sport-utility vehicles in the United States.

Report by Daniel Rusink. Editing: Tomasz Janowski

Trump reconsiders New York criminal hush money case

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Trump reconsiders New York criminal hush money case

Trump maintains that the president is immune from prosecution for official actions.

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NEW YORK, Nov 6 (Reuters) – Donald Trump will have another chance to prove that his New York hush money criminal case belongs in federal court, a federal appeals court said on Thursday, giving the U.S. president another chance to try to expunge his conviction.

Trump has maintained that the president enjoys immunity from prosecution for official actions.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said a federal judge should have looked more closely at whether a 2024 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity should have excluded some evidence in President Trump’s criminal trial.

In May 2024, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Trump of trying to influence the 2016 presidential election by concealing $130,000 in hush money paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels, who claims she had a sexual relationship with Trump.

Prosecutors said the payments amounted to undisclosed excessive donations to the Trump campaign. Trump denied Daniels’ claims and defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the election.

The judge who oversaw the trial upheld the conviction, sparing Trump from jail time and fines, but he said the unusually light sentence would help ensure confirmation. Trump was sentenced just before his inauguration for a second term in the White House on January 20th.

Trump claims executive privilege

In seeking to have the case moved to federal court, President Trump said the Supreme Court’s finding that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for acts of officialdom immunized him from prosecution as jurors heard evidence from his first term in the White House.

That included meeting with White House communications director Hope Hicks in the Oval Office in 2018, shortly after news of the hush money payments became public, to discuss what to tell the press. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan rejected President Trump’s proposal to move the case to September 2024, saying it belongs in state court because it deals with Trump’s personal conduct.

Mr. Trump’s lawyer, Jeffrey Wall, told the 2nd Circuit in June that the criminal case essentially concerned federal campaign finance law, and that prosecutors’ emphasis on Mr. Hicks’ testimony showed that Mr. Trump’s official conduct was central to the case.

Stephen Wu, a lawyer in Mr. Bragg’s office, countered that the discussion of Trump’s “unofficial conduct” in the White House “does not transform a private conversation about private conduct into evidence of official conduct.”

Texas antitrust probe targets Dallas Stars hockey club

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Texas antitrust probe targets Dallas Stars hockey club

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The Texas Attorney General’s Antitrust Division is investigating anti-competitive business practices in youth hockey, USA TODAY reported.

The Dallas Stars, a $2 billion National Hockey League team that dominated the state’s youth hockey world, are the focus of the investigation.

The state investigation, which is in the early intelligence-gathering stages, follows a USA TODAY investigation in August that revealed how professional sports franchises had a monopoly on amateur hockey at all levels from preschoolers to adults in Texas.

“The Dallas Stars have not been contacted by the Texas Attorney General’s Office,” Joe Calvillo, the NHL team’s communications director, said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY. “Through our long-standing partnerships with cities across the DFW Metroplex, the Dallas Stars are committed to providing the best possible experience for all players, teams and families participating in our league and tournaments.”

Assistant Attorney General Paige Etherington, who is handling the case, told USA TODAY by phone that the office does not comment on confidential investigations.

This is the second investigation into a youth hockey organization by state authorities following the USA TODAY report. In October, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office launched an investigation into the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association’s mismanagement of charity 50/50 raffles held at professional sporting events to benefit youth hockey teams.

Latest research: The 50-50 draw at professional sports matches was intended to help children. Thousands of dollars gone.

As part of the Texas investigation, Etherington and Stephen Craig, an investigator with the Texas Attorney General’s Office Antitrust Division, spoke with Lisa Bly, a Dallas-area hockey mom who went public with her experience with the Stars on a USA TODAY series.

Etherington and Craig asked Bly about the Stars’ dominance in the youth hockey market, pricing power and the rink’s experience trying to compete with NHL teams. They discussed the youth leagues run by the Stars, tournaments, private lessons, and hotel requirements during their stay. This is a practice detailed in USA TODAY in March.

Bligh said the state’s investigation offers hope to hockey parents across the country who feel stuck in a system where corporate interests exploit the passion of families and children for profit.

“I hope the Stars are shaking right now,” Bligh told USA TODAY about the state investigation. “I think this could be a big deal.”

A USA TODAY investigation details how Starz used tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to build an ice rink empire, crush competition and regularly raise prices while lowering the quality of service. Knowing that most families have nowhere else to go, the Stars impose their will by reminding parents that they can block the path of their children trying to make it to the sport’s highest stage.

Reports document multiple instances in which the Stars retaliated against people they deemed a threat, from coaches who defected to other rinks to parents who criticized them on Facebook. The Stars also installed their own leadership in the Texas Amateur Hockey Association, the nonprofit USA Hockey governing body that regulates the sport in the region, and sought to avoid interference.

A March investigation by USA TODAY revealed that three former Stars executives profited from their positions with the NHL team and the Texas Amateur Hockey Association by forcing participants in Stars-run tournaments to book at least three nights of hotel stays that they did not necessarily want or need. At the same time, those executives were running a business that earned a portion of the revenue from each hotel reservation.

The continued play requirement, which is common across youth sports, is perhaps the clearest example of the Stars’ anti-competitive business practices, antitrust attorney Luke Haskamp of the Bona Law Firm told USA TODAY in July.

Haskamp said threatening or retaliating against parents and coaches who use non-Stars-run rinks, and locking cities into 20- to 30-year leases to control taxpayer-funded rinks, could also run afoul of antitrust laws that require companies to compete for business solely on the merits of their products and services.

The lodging requirement was one of the focuses of a 2020 antitrust lawsuit against Varsity Brands, a company that required participants in youth cheerleading competitions to stay at certain hotels and received kickbacks. The Varsity agreed to limit its continued play policy as part of an $82.5 million settlement of the lawsuit.

In July, Stars spokesman Dan Stuchar said in response to a USA TODAY report that the NHL team would “relax” its suspension requirements. Two current and former Stars employees who served on the board of the Texas Amateur Hockey Association also resigned, and one did not seek re-election.

Mr. Etherington and Mr. Craig asked Mr. Bly for the names and contact information of other people in the Texas hockey community who might be interviewed for the state investigation. They also told Ms. Bly that they planned to issue her with a civil investigative demand (a discovery tool used by government agencies to compel information before filing a lawsuit) for documents and communications related to Starz.

Bligh said he would be happy to comply.

“My hope is to stop other markets from following this model that Stars has created and allow Stars to look internally and maybe make better business decisions,” Bligh said. “This cannot continue. Children are not dollar signs.”

Kenny Jacoby is an investigative reporter for USA TODAY, covering sports, higher education and law enforcement issues. Email kjacoby@usatoday.com. Follow him on X @kennyjacoby or Bluesky @kennyjacoby.bsky.social.

Bob haircuts, regrets, and why there are bad haircuts everywhere

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Bob haircuts, regrets, and why there are bad haircuts everywhere

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Kristen Gamboa considered buying a wig.

The 27-year-old cut her hair in January and wore it in a blunt, chin-length bob. She and her friend had promised not to cut it into a bob — but Gamboa’s hair fell about 10 inches to the ground.

“She stayed strong, and I didn’t,” says Gamboa, an executive assistant based in Tennessee. “I just regret it. It’s going to take years to recover from this.”

Gamboa, a self-proclaimed “victim of the bob trend,” still manages her short hair. She is one of the many women who have given in to Bob’s temptations and posted their regrets on social media. Dewy-eyed women with ruined bobs share their sadness and warnings about impulsive hair shaving.

Lauren Downing Peters, an associate professor of fashion at Columbia University Chicago, says of the bob theory, “There’s an element of ‘don’t make the same mistakes I did’.” “Women look out for other women.”

Bob is not as easy-going as we think

The bob trend is nothing new. In the 1920s, the flapper-cut style was popularized and marked a fundamental shift from Victorian-era femininity, Peters says. That sense of freedom that Bob evokes lives on, she says.

“It’s about what the bob symbolizes as this free, easy-going hairstyle,” says Peters. “Soft long waves have been very suffocating for the past decade. This is a trend cycle that moves into the next trend.”

However, Bob is not as easy-going as many people think. “There’s a desire to have one less thing to worry about by getting a haircut that looks easy, but in reality it’s often more difficult,” says Peters.

Bob takes Hollywood by storm: Sydney Sweeney shows off shocking hair transformation at ‘Christie’ premiere

And if you don’t take care of Bob, you’ll run into perhaps the internet’s most feared risk. Peters says he resembles the villain Lord Farquaad from “Shrek.” She, too, admits to having been subjected to multiple “unhappy bobs” in recent years.

“There’s something about the ubiquity of this hairstyle, because of how many images we’re exposed to on a daily basis,” Peters says. “We tend to lose ourselves. Our phones are mirrors, and we’re always looking at other people’s photos. There’s an element of, ‘If I go get that bob haircut, I’ll transform into that person online.’ But at the end of the day, you’re the only one with a different haircut.”

And the internet can be painful if your style isn’t perfect, Gamboa says.

“Social media is the worst. People post pictures of themselves with bob hair, and people get mean in the comments. It can feel like it’s diminishing you as a woman,” she says. “It can affect your self-esteem.”

Why not try it with a bob?

It’s not all bad news. Gamboa pairs her short hair with chunky earrings and a baseball cap, and she likes how the cut feels “cute” and girly. Long hair is “elegant,” but a bob is “edgy,” so she enjoys styling her hair (after washing it much faster) with outfits that convey this feeling.

Whether you’re aligned with Lord Farquaad or just love the look, Gamboa says, “Own it while you can.”

“Embrace it,” she says. “It’s hair.”

If you’re interested in a bob right now, Peters suggests trying a modest cut first to see how you like the change and practicing styling your hair short. You can always take more off if the length feels right.

And Peters is trying out another chop idea. “I have intrusive Bob thoughts that are trying to push out. There’s definitely something in the air. I have that desire, but there’s also a part of me that’s trying to remember the recent past.”

Apple plans major updates to Siri with help from Google AI

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Apple plans major updates to Siri with help from Google AI

Apple reportedly plans to use a custom version of Google’s Gemini model to support major Siri upgrades. bloomberg’s Mark Garman. The company could pay Google about $1 billion each year for access to technology that can create summaries and handle planning tasks.

bloomberg Apple says it will continue to rely on its own systems for parts of Siri, while running custom models on its own private cloud computing servers. Gurman reports that the Gemini model uses 1.2 trillion parameters, far more than the 150 billion parameters behind the current cloud-based version of Apple Intelligence.

Apple is preparing to spend about $1 billion annually on a powerful artificial intelligence model built by Google with 1.2 trillion parameters, people familiar with the matter said. bloomberg. The system is expected to play a central role in a major update to Siri, a project the company has been working on for years.

After months of testing, Apple and Google are nearing a deal that would give Apple access to the technology. The people discussing the plan requested anonymity because the talks are private.

Apple has asked Google to rebuild Siri’s core technology, laying the groundwork for a wide range of feature updates planned for next year. The scale of Google’s model will far exceed the AI ​​systems Apple currently uses.

Apple tested other external options, including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Anthropic’s Claude, before deciding to move forward with its partnership with Google earlier this year. The goal is to rely on Gemini as a temporary solution until Apple’s own efforts reach the same level.

The updated Siri is scheduled to be released next spring. bloomberg Reported. There are still a few months left until launch, so some plans may change. Apple and Google declined to comment.

Shares of both companies briefly rose after the news surfaced on Wednesday. Apple’s stock rose less than 1% to $271.70, while Alphabet’s stock rose 3.2% to $286.42.

The custom Gemini model is a big leap from the 150 billion parameter system that Apple currently uses in the cloud for Apple Intelligence. This move is aimed at increasing Siri’s ability to handle complex tasks and understand context at a deeper level.

The effort, known internally as Glenwood, is led by Mike Rockwell, creator of the Vision Pro headset, and head of software Craig Federighi. The revamped voice assistant, scheduled to arrive in iOS 26.4, is code-named “Linwood.”

Under the deal, Google’s model will support Siri’s summarizer and planner features, the parts that help the assistant understand information and decide on action steps. Apple’s proprietary model continues to handle some tools and responses.

This model runs on Apple’s private cloud computing servers, and user data is isolated from Google’s systems. Apple has already secured server hardware to support Siri’s new features.

While the partnership is large, Apple has no plans to promote it to consumers. Google acts as a silent technology provider, unlike the visible search contract within Safari. Improvements to Siri are likely to emerge without Google’s branding.

This deal is separate from previous talk of putting Gemini directly within Siri as a chatbot. Those conversations came close to production in 2024 and earlier this year, but never moved forward. Additionally, the new agreement will not place Google AI search functionality within Apple’s operating system and will not change Siri’s search behavior.

During Apple’s latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said Siri may have more chatbot options in the future beyond its current ChatGPT options. Apple continues to explore ways to extend Siri without relying on one provider.

Other companies have also adopted Gemini. Snap and several large companies are building products using Google’s Vertex AI platform. For Apple, the move reflects how far behind the company is in the AI ​​space and how willing the company is to use external tools to improve Siri.

Still, Apple has no intention of using Gemini forever. Although the company has lost AI engineers in recent years, including the head of its modeling team, Apple executives still hope to develop its own technology and eventually replace Google’s system within Siri.

Apple’s internal teams are building a proprietary cloud-based model with up to 1 trillion parameters that could be available for consumers as early as next year. This initiative is expected to support Siri’s growth in the long term.

Over time, executives believe they can match Google’s quality. But as Google continues to improve Gemini, it’s becoming harder to close the gap. Its 2.5 Pro version ranks near the top of most large language model comparisons, and this has implications for how Apple plans updates to Siri.

Apple also wants to bring Apple Intelligence and the latest version of Siri to China. Google services are banned in the country, so the systems used there do not rely on Gemini.

Instead, Apple plans to use its own model in conjunction with content filters built by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. This tool will tailor the response to meet government requirements. Apple is also exploring a partnership with Baidu Inc. for AI capabilities in the Chinese market. bloomberg It was reported earlier this year.

(Photo provided by Omid Armin)

See also: Inside Tim Cook’s efforts to get Apple back into the AI ​​race

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

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

Which restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving 2025? What you need to know

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Which restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving 2025? What you need to know

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With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are in abundance.

But most people need something to last them until Thanksgiving dinner, and fortunately, several well-known restaurant chains will remain open over the holiday, meaning consumers will have plenty of options this Thanksgiving.

Some chain restaurants, such as McDonald’s, Subway, and Whataburger, should be open for most of Thanksgiving, although business hours vary by location. If you’re looking to get your caffeine fix during the day, Starbucks and Dunkin’ should also be open most days, although hours vary depending on location.

Here’s what you need to know about restaurants and fast food chains on Thanksgiving, including if they’ll be open and what hours they’ll be open.

When is Thanksgiving in 2025?

This year’s Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 27th.

Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving?

Business hours vary by store, but most McDonald’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day. You can check local restaurant opening hours here.

Is Starbucks open on Thanksgiving?

Starbucks store hours vary by location. You can check a specific store’s opening hours using the Starbucks app or here.

Is Dunkin’ open on Thanksgiving?

Dunkin’ hours vary by location. You can use the Dunkin’ Store Locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app to find the hours of operation for a specific store.

Is Chick-fil-A open on Thanksgiving?

All Chick-fil-A restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the company’s website.

Is Chipotle open on Thanksgiving?

No, Chipotle restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.

Is Wendy’s open on Thanksgiving?

Wendy’s business hours vary by store, so the company recommends customers check with local restaurants for specific holiday hours.

Is Burger King open on Thanksgiving?

The company says holiday hours vary by location, so customers are encouraged to check with local restaurants for specific hours. You can use Burger King’s store locator to find a restaurant near you.

Is Cracker Barrel open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, Cracker Barrel stores will be open as usual on Thanksgiving, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.

Is Taco Bell open on Thanksgiving?

No, Taco Bell stores in the U.S. will be closed on Thanksgiving, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Is Subway open on Thanksgiving?

A company spokesperson told USA TODAY that most Subway restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving. However, because Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated, business hours vary by location.

Please check with local restaurants for specific holiday hours.

Is Raising Cane’s open on Thanksgiving?

Raising Cane restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Is Firehouse Subs open on Thanksgiving?

Most Firehouse Subs locations will be closed on Thanksgiving. However, we recommend checking with your local store for specific holiday hours.

Is Shake Shack open on Thanksgiving?

No, Shake Shack locations will be closed on Thanksgiving, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Is The Cheesecake Factory open on Thanksgiving?

All Cheesecake Factory locations will be closed on Thanksgiving with two exceptions: Arundel Mills in Hanover, Maryland, and The Forum Shops in Las Vegas.

Is Texas Roadhouse open on Thanksgiving?

No, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.

Is IHOP open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, IHOP locations will be open on Thanksgiving. However, business hours vary by location, so we recommend checking with local restaurants for specific business hours.

Is Waffle House open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, Waffle House locations will be open on Thanksgiving.

Is Krispy Kreme open on Thanksgiving?

Krispy Kreme stores will be open on Thanksgiving and close at 2 p.m. local time, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Is Whataburger open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, Whataburger locations will be open on Thanksgiving, the company told USA TODAY.

Is First Watch open on Thanksgiving?

No, First Watch restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving.

Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.

Trump seeks to minimize damage from tumultuous 2025 election: Live updates

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Trump seeks to minimize damage from tumultuous 2025 election: Live updates

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WASHINGTON – After winning a landslide victory in the year-end elections, Democrats declared the results a referendum on President Donald Trump, but Republicans sought to ensure it was not a prelude to the 2026 midterm elections.

In the first barometer for voters in President Trump’s first year in office, Democrats swept statewide races in Virginia, New Jersey, California and Pennsylvania, and racked up victories in lower-profile races in several states.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the election “a repudiation of President Trump’s policies.” President Trump blamed the result on the absence of his name on the ballot and public outcry over the 37-day federal government shutdown.

more: “A message has been sent.” 5 points for a landslide victory for the Democratic Party in the 2025 election

The president also sought to cast incoming New York City mayor Zoran Mamdani as a new foil, denouncing the 34-year-old democratic socialist as a “communist.” Meanwhile, Trump vigorously defended his economic record, even as Democrats exploited American anxiety to win.

“We have the best economy right now, and a lot of people don’t understand that,” President Trump said Wednesday in a speech at a business forum in Miami.

A year ago, Trump capitalized on voter concerns about stubborn inflation to win the 2024 election and return to the White House.

But in the year-end elections, Democrats succeeded in making Mr. Trump the new face of Americans’ lingering economic anxiety.

Economic issues were a driving factor in Tuesday’s 2025 off-season election, which focused attention on consumer costs that remain high under the Trump administration and set off alarm bells for Republicans. Democrats believe the same message will be conveyed in the 2026 midterm elections.

more: Democrats take advantage of Trump’s economic concerns with victory that shows medium-term strategy

The economy, often a deciding issue in any election, was a focus for both moderate Democrats Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger running for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as New York’s Mamdani. It was a convincing victory for all, with polls showing voters worried about President Trump’s management of the economy amid trade wars, a weak job market and continued concerns about the cost of living.

“We need to focus on the home front,” Vice President J.D. Vance wrote in a post on X. “The president has done a lot and is already being rewarded with lower interest rates and lower inflation, but we inherited a disaster from Joe Biden and Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

He added: “We will continue to strive for a decent and affordable life in this country, and that will be the standard by which we will ultimately be judged in 2026 and beyond.”

– Zack Anderson and Joey Garrison

President Trump lashed out at Mamdani on the first day after the election.

President Trump said Wednesday that New York City had “installed a communist” by electing Mandani mayor, and declared, “As long as I am in the White House, the United States will not become communist in any way.”

President Trump criticized Mamdani during remarks at a business forum in Miami, a day after Mr. Mandani, a self-described democratic socialist, won the New York mayoral race by a wide margin on the basis of his emphasis on cost of living and affordability.

more: American mayor? Why people outside New York should care about Mamdani’s win

“I once said that we would never elect a socialist to any position in our country,” Trump said. “We ignored the socialists and put communists in their place. It didn’t work very well.”

“After last night’s results, the decision facing all Americans could not be clearer. We have no choice but to choose between communism and common sense,” Trump said.

In the months leading up to Tuesday’s election, President Trump had criticized Mamdani as a “communist” and threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City if elected.

– Joey Garrison

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