VOUX MAG

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Quarterback Maverick McIvor came off the bench to lead three second-half touchdown drives and Western Kentucky rallied to beat Southern Mississippi 27-16 on Tuesday night to win the New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome.

Head coach Tyson Helton has led the Hilltoppers (9-4) to a bowl game in seven straight seasons, winning five of them.

McIvor completed 12 of 19 passes for 199 yards with one interception and rushed for a season-high 48 yards and a score on eight carries. Matthew Henry had seven receptions for 126 yards. Jack Cannon kicked two field goals.

Braylon Braxton threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Tychaun Chapman in the first quarter and Creighton Wilbanks kicked two field goals in the second to help the Golden Eagles (7-6) take a 13-6 lead into halftime.

Southern Miss piled up 265 yards in the first half, while holding Western Kentucky to 84. The Hilltoppers outgained the Golden Eagles 338-112 after halftime.

Freshman quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. completed 9 of 20 passes for 65 yards with an interception for Western Kentucky before leaving right before halftime after taking a hard hit.

McIvor, who hadn't played since starting the first seven games, led the second-half charge.

McIvor capped an eight-play drive with an 11-yard touchdown run to tie it 13-all midway through the third quarter before Wilbanks kicked a 41-yard field goal to put Southern Miss up 16-13 heading to the fourth.

McIvor had a 23-yard run to the Golden Eagles' 1 and George Hart III plunged into the end zone two plays later for a 20-16 lead 7:48 remaining.

McIvor completed a 14-yard pass to Matthew Henry on third-and-11 and Marvis Parrish raced 54 yards for a score on the next play to set the final margin with 3:38 left. The Hilltoppers were successful on all eight third-down opportunities in the second half after going 1 for 9 in the first.

Braxton totaled 258 yards on 24-for-47 passing with an interception.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-football

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Wearing a T-shirt, shorts and running shoes following a walk-through practice, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen made his way to the podium with the slightest hint of a limp, and declared himself ready to play this weekend.

"Feels good. Yeah, ready to go," Allen said Tuesday after hewas held out of practice because of a sore right foot.

Allen acknowledged still feeling some soreness from the injury he played throughin a 23-20 win over Cleveland on Sunday. But he otherwise put to rest any doubts about his status for Sunday, when Buffalo (11-4) hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (10-5).

"Yes, I'll be planning on playing," he said.

In ruling out Allen from practice earlier in the day, coach Sean McDermott said he anticipated the quarterback would be able to play this weekend.

Allen played through the injury after being hurt when he appeared to catch his foot in the turf during a scramble in the final minute of the second quarter. The team announced tests on Allen's foot taken during halftime were negative, and he finished the game without missing a snap.

Buffalo clinched its seventh consecutive playoff berth following Indianapolis' loss on Monday night, and maintained its slim bid to catch the AFC East-leading New England Patriots (12-3). The Bills need to win their final two games and the Patriots lose once to earn their sixth straight division title.

Allen is the reigning AP NFL MVP and ranks second in the league with 37 total touchdowns. The 29-year-old also has 299 touchdowns, putting him one short of becoming the NFL's first player to reach 300 before turning 30.

The eighth-year player has not missed a start since being sidelined for four games with an injury to his throwing elbow during his rookie season in 2018. Allen's 120-game streak of consecutive regular-season starts is the NFL's longest active run among quarterbacks.

McDermott had a lengthy injury list that included tight end Dalton Kincaid, who continues nursing a knee injury, and safety Jordan Poyer, who hurt his ankle on Sunday.

The Bills aren't required to post an injury report until Wednesday.

Also on the list was kicker Matt Prater, who did not play last week after hurting his right quadricep.

Prater's replacement, Michael Badgley, hit a 41-yard field goal, but missed one of three extra-point attempts on Sunday. Badgley missed three extra-point attempts in seven games with Indianapolis, which led to him getting cut by the Colts.

According to the NFL transactions list released Tuesday, the Bills had three kickers in for workouts: Younghoe Koo, Gavin Stewart and Maddux Trujillo.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates took another step toward being a contender in 2026, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn that's designed to give one of the worst offenses in the majors a boost.

A person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the deal includes $500,000 annually in performance bonuses. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because it was not yet official.

O'Hearn receives the first multiple-year free agent deal the Pirates have agreed to since 2016. The left-handed slugger is coming off the best season of his big league career. He hit .281 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 2025 and made the All-Star team for the first time while playing for Baltimore and San Diego.

The rare splurge by the Pirates is their second significant acquisition in less than a week. Pittsburgh acquired two-timeAll-Star second baseman Brandon Lowefrom Tampa Bay on Dec. 19 as part of a three-team deal that included sending starting pitcher Mike Burrows to Houston.

Pittsburgh has vowed to build around a pitching staff that includes reigningNL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenesand rookie Bubba Chandler. The Pirates are coming off a 71-91 season in which the offense finished at or near the bottom of the majors in most significant statistical categories, including runs and home runs.

O'Hearn gives Pittsburgh a bit of versatility. He has played both first base and a corner outfield spot. The Pirates have the left-handed hitting Spencer Horwitz at first, though O'Hearn could see time there and perhaps in the outfield alongside Oneil Cruz and two-time All-Star Bryan Reynolds.

O'Hearn is a career .252 hitter, but his numbers improved as he became a reliable contributor during his 2 1/2 seasons with the Orioles, who traded him to the contending Padres at the deadline. He is batting .277 with 46 homers and 182 RBIs since 2023 and now finds himself playing half his games in a ballpark where the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall starts just 320 feet from home plate.

This story has been corrected. A previous version reported incorrectly that O'Hearn played for Kansas City in 2025.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Bryan Steffy/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• During an interview with PEOPLE at the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, Ali Larter shared the secret to her 16-year marriage to husband Hayes MacArthur

• The Landman star wed MacArthur in Maine on Aug. 1, 2009

• The couple share two children, son Theodore and daughter Vivienne

Ali Larteris sharing the secret to a strong relationship after more than 16 years of marriage with husbandHayes MacArthur.

TheLandmanstar, 49,wedthe fellow actor, 48, on Aug. 1, 2009. While exclusively chatting with PEOPLE at the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday, Nov. 22, Larter revealed the simple key to her long-term marriage.

"Enjoy every day," Larter says. "Try to be really kind."

David Becker - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty

Since tying the knot in an outdoor ceremony at MacArthur's family estate in Kennebunkport, Maine, Larter and MacArthur havewelcomed two children together— 15-year-old son Theodore and 10-year-old daughter Vivienne. Larter tells PEOPLE that one thing she most admires aboutThe Runaroundsstar is his caring nature toward her and their kids.

"The way that he takes care of our family," Larter answers, of what makes her heart race for her husband.

Larter and MacArthur met on the set of the 2005 movieHomo Erectus. Two years later, the pairgot engagedin December 2007. When the couple said "I do" in 2009, Larter wore a Vera Wang sweetheart neckline, an A-line gown of Chantilly with hand-pieced corded lace appliqué, while MacArthur opted for a Ralph Lauren Black Label peak-lapel tuxedo with a Polo Ralph Lauren bow tie.

Larter and MacArthurbuilt their dream homein Sun Valley, Idaho, afterrelocating there from Los Angeles in 2022.

Speaking toRue Magazinefor a September 2024 cover story, theLegally BlondeandVarsity Bluesalum explained that she and MacArthur "fell in love with the beauty of the mountains and their quiet grandness" as well as the "real sense of community" in the area.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

"Most of the time in my life, I feel like I'm going 1,000 miles an hour and these giant rocks chill me out," the actress told the outlet.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She added, "The mountains have a way of grounding you and slowing you down—especially when you're stuck in traffic because there's a herd of elk blocking the road."

Read the original article onPeople

Samir Hussein/WireImage

NEED TO KNOW

• The British royal family's tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve comes from their German heritage

• Prince Harry revealed in his memoir that the royal family prefers exchanging gag gifts over lavish ones

• Christmas Eve at Sandringham includes tea, snacks and a festive meal, followed by traditional Christmas Day activities

For theBritish royal family,Christmas is rife with tradition— annual holiday luncheons, parties,festive cards with well-wishes, games, formal dinners andvisits to Sandringham House.

One custom that has steadfastly remained for centuries? Opening presents on Christmas Eve.

While many families around the world open gifts on Christmas morning, the royals take their cue from their deep German roots and exchange gifts on Dec. 24. Since 1988, their celebrations have been held at the monarch's country estate in Norfolk,per the royal family's official website.

The presents are laid out on trestle tables, with an exchange occurring at teatime. Then on Christmas Day, the familytakes their walk to attend morning servicesat St. Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, a church dating back to the 16th century.

Find out why the British royal family keeps up the German holiday practice of opening holiday presents on Christmas Eve, and what it — and other merry celebrations — have to do withQueen Victoria.

What day does the royal family open presents?

Members of the British royal family exchange gifts every Dec. 24 — not on Christmas morning as many families do.

Why do the British royals follow a German holiday tradition?

Joe Giddens/PA Images/Getty

AsPrince Harryput it in his 2023 memoir,Spare, exchanging presents on Christmas Eve is "a German tradition that survived the anglicizing of the family surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor."

According toHouse Beautiful, Christmas Eve, or "Heiligabend," is when the holiday is celebrated in Germany.

"Many households spend the day decorating the tree, preparing food for the family and sprucing up the home. As soon as the night draws in, households will gather around the tree," the publication reported. "According to tradition, the 'Christkind' (Christ child) delivers the presents when the children are waiting outside the room. A bell is rung for children to let them know it's time to come into the room, where they find the presents lying under the tree."

The British royal family "is inextricably entwined with Germany,"according toBarron's. King George I, crowned in 1714, was the first German king of Great Britain; he belonged to the House of Hanover. In 1940, Queen Victoria, one of his descendants, married a German prince, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Victoria's German roots also include her mother, Marie Louise Victoria, the Duchess of Kent, and her paternal grandmother.

What do Christmas Eve and Christmas Day look like for the royals?

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

The German tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve continues to this day.

On Dec. 24, around 4 p.m., tea and snacks are typically served to guests — who arrived earlier in the afternoon — in the White Drawing Room at Sandringham. In the Red Drawing Room, staff have already laid out presents on trestle tables for each family member.

The royal family doesn't exchange expensive, lavish presents; instead, they opt for gag gifts. As Harry describes it inSpare, each royal family member stands before their assigned presents, then collectively tears into the gifts.

"Suddenly, everyone began opening at the same time," he wrote. "A free-for-all, with scores of family members talking at once and pulling at bows and tearing at wrapping paper."

Later, on Christmas Eve, the royal family gathers for a meal together at Sandringham at 8:30 p.m. The dinner typically involves "something festive, some game, like pheasant or venison, and roasted wintery vegetables, like parsnips," chef Darren McGrady, who worked for the royal family for 15 years, told PEOPLE.

On Christmas morning, the family heads to church service at St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate and mingles with the public.

"I have had the giggles many, many times in the service,"Prince Williamsaid of the Christmas Day service on the Apple Fitness+ podcastTime to Walkin December 2021,perThe Mirror. "Luckily, no one's filming it, so you can get away with it. And on Christmas Day, it's fun to have a giggle and enjoy yourself."

After the services, they head back to Sandringham House to enjoy the traditional Christmas lunch of Norfolk turkey. Then, the family gathers to watch the annual Christmas broadcast delivered by the monarch at 3 p.m. U.K. time before adjourning to the Saloon, where jigsaw puzzles are traditionally laid out, or to exercise on Sandringham's 20,000 acres.

When did the royal family change their surname?

Roger Fenton/Roger Fenton/Getty

Following her marriage, Queen Victoria rechristened the royal family's name from Hanover to Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Then in 1917, the royal family adopted its current surname: Windsor. That change occurred during World War I, made "as a result of anti-German feeling,"per the royal family's official website. The name Windsor came from "the castle of the same name."

What Christmas traditions did Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularize?

Peter Nicholls/Getty

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are responsible for many of the royal family's Christmas traditions that continue today, not the least of which ismaking the Christmas tree a popular staple.

According toCountry Living, the first decorated Christmas tree, similar to those popular today, originated in 16th-century Germany. According to the royal website, Queen Charlotte is thought to have introduced the tree to the royal family, but Victoria and Albert popularized it throughout England years later.

In 1948, an etching of them celebrating with their family around the evergreen was published in theIllustrated London News. The idea of trimming Christmas trees and decorating them indoors was then extended to English households.

Bringing the tree into Windsor Castle on Christmas Eve was an annual tradition for Victoria and Albert,per the BBC. The royal family would also exchange gifts that evening,according to the Royal Collection Trust.

Known as both a popular monarch and a trendsetter, Victoria alsopopularized the white wedding dress.

How did the royals celebrate Christmas in 2024?

Samir Hussein/WireImage

The royal family experienced a difficult year of health struggles in 2024 — bothKing CharlesandKate Middletonwerediagnosed with cancer— but they still came together for The Firm's cherished tradition of celebrating Christmas at Sandringham.

Charles andQueen Camillaled the royal family's annual Christmas walkfor the third year. Theywere joined by Kate, William and their children,Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis, who were allcoordinated in shades of green and blue. Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, joined with their children,Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, as didPrincess Anneand her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Anne's children,Zara Tindalland Peter Phillips, also stepped out with their families.

After the service, Kategreeted the members of the publicwho lined the route, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal family. She warmly shook hands, accepted armfuls of flowers and knelt to speak with young children. Her kids stood close by William, gathering trinkets and treats from the crowd.

Earlier that month, meeting with families of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment of Picton Barracks in Wiltshire, William shared that he was anticipatingcelebrating with 45 family membersin 2024.

Absent from the festivities werePrincess BeatriceandPrincess Eugenie, as they spent the holiday season with their respective in-laws. Harry and his wife,Meghan Markle, were also not in attendance, as theyweren't invited to Christmas at Sandringhamin 2024.

Do Prince Harry and Meghan Markle keep up with the tradition in the U.S.?

Harry added in his memoir that even after he, Meghan and sonPrince Archie— born in May 2019 — relocated to the U.S. in 2020, they continued to open presents on Christmas Eve. Their daughter,Princess Lilbet,was born in June 2021.

"Keeping to the Windsor family tradition," he wrote.

Though they were celebrating in the U.S. rather than England, fans got a peek into how their year was leading up to the holidays, as Harry and Meghanshared a public holiday cardin December 2024 (they alsosent a private oneto family and friends).

"Every single holiday is a new adventure," MeghantoldMarie Clairein November 2024, adding that she stressed the importance of her kids experiencing the "magic' of traditions like "great recipes that they end up connecting to a formative memory," with one of those traditions including putting out "carrots for the reindeer."

Read the original article onPeople

Al Golub-Pool/Getty; Frederic Larson-Pool/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Scott Peterson was convicted of killing his wife, Laci Peterson, and unborn son in 2004

• His parents, Jackie and Lee, stood by their son's side and insisted on his innocence

• Jackie died in 2013, and Lee died in 2024

It's been over 20 years sinceScott Petersonwas charged with the murder of his wife,Laci Peterson, but his family still maintains his innocence.

On Christmas Eve in 2002, Laci, who was eight months pregnant with her and Scott's first child, was reported missing from their home in Modesto, Calif. Four months later, her remains were discovered in the San Francisco Bay along with the remains of the couple's unborn son, who they had planned to name Conner.

Scott was then arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of his wife and the second-degree murder of his son. It was also revealed that Scott had been having an affair with a woman namedAmber Frey.

Scott's parents, Lee and Jackie Peterson, had seen the couple just four days before Laci's disappearance. "We were all putting our hands on [Laci's] stomach ... Scott was trying to find the baby for us so we could feel it kick," Jackie recalled during aJuly 2004 interviewwithBarbara Walters. She added that Scott and Laci were "ecstatic" about becoming parents.

Lee and Jackie stood by their son throughout the trial, including when Scott was eventually found guilty. They also continued to believe in his innocence until their deaths in 2013 and 2024. Several surviving members of Scott's family are still working to clear his name, and in 2024, his case wastaken on by the Los Angeles Innocence Project.

Here's everything to know about what happened to Scott Peterson's parents after Laci Peterson's death.

Lee and Jackie welcomed Scott in 1972

Michael Maloney-Pool/Getty

Lee and Jackie welcomed Scott, their only child together, on Oct. 24, 1972. The couple wed the year prior and raised Scott in San Diego.

Lee worked for a trucking company before he started his own shipping and packing business, and Jackie owned a clothing boutique in La Jolla called The Put On.

During a 2004 interview withSF Gate, Lee and Jackie described Scott as the "perfect" son growing up, noting how he never got into trouble and loved golfing, fishing and Cub Scouts.

"We'd tell him, 'You're a lucky man.' He never got in a scrape," Lee told the outlet. "He was like Mr. Perfect."

Lee and Jackie had a large blended family

Monica M. Davey-Pool/Getty

In addition to Scott, both Lee and Jackie had children from previous relationships. Lee had three children from his first marriage, daughter Susan and sons Joe and Mark, while Jackie had a son named John.

Jackie also had two children whom she gave up for adoption, who reconnected with the family years later.

During their interview withSF Gate, the couple compared their family dynamic to the Brady Bunch.

Jackie's father was murdered

Dan Honda-Pool/Getty

When Jackie was just 2 years old, her father, John Latham, was attacked and killed outside of his tire shop in San Diego, perSF Gate.

Shortly after his death, Jackie's mother struggled to care for her and her siblings. Jackie was then sent to what she described as an orphanage when she was 5 years old, where she was raised by Catholic nuns.

Jackie opened up about her traumatic childhood while testifying during the penalty phase of Scott's trial.

Lee and Jackie saw Laci four days before she went missing

Modesto Police Department/ZUMA Press/Shutterstock

During a sit-down interview with Walters in July 2004, Scott's parents revealed that they had seen both him and Laci just days before she went missing, claiming that everything seemed fine between the couple.

Jackie added that Scott was "very excited" about becoming a father, and that he and Laci had tried to get pregnant for three years. She also recalled the moment she found out Laci was missing.

"The phone rang and I answered it. Scott was sobbing on the phone, and all I could hear was 'Laci' and 'Miss,' " Jackie told Walters. "I thought she had miscarried, and my heart just sank ... and then he told me she was missing."

Of their marriage, Jackie claimed: "They backed each other up all the way ... they were totally dedicated to each other."

Lee and Jackie testified during Scott's death penalty sentencing

Monica M. Davey-Pool/Getty

Both Lee and Jackie testified during the penalty phase of Scott's 2004 trial, urging the jury to spare him from the death penalty.

"He's an exceptional young man and he's my son," Jackie said during her testimony, perCBS News. "I know he's not perfect ... but he is genuinely a loving, caring, nurturing, kind, gentle person."

She continued: "I really feel if you were to take Scott away from us — they were like a family, Laci, Conner and Scott — it would be a whole family wiped off the face of the earth."

During his testimony, Lee described Scott as his "best friend" and said he helped bring their family "closer together," according toSF Gate. Scott's half-sister Susan also testified, noting that she was worried about her parents' health.

"I see the pain in their faces every day," she said of Lee and Jackie. "I can't imagine it getting any worse than having him put to death. We're sticking together, we're strong, we're supportive of him 100 percent, but I don't think my parents will make it if he goes."

Scott was ultimately sentenced to death. However, years later, in 2020, the California Supreme Courtoverturned his death sentence, citing significant errors in jury selection during the original trial. He wasresentenced to life in prisonthe following year.

Jackie died in 2013

Ron Lewis-Pool/Getty

Jackie died of cancer in 2013. She had been suffering from respiratory issues for several years and used an oxygen tank throughout Scott's trial.

Lee reportedly took Jackie home from the hospital to care for her in her last days.

Lee died in 2024

Justin Sullivan/Getty

On Nov. 9, 2024, Scott's sister-in-law, Janey Peterson, shared on Facebook that Lee had died. "We said our tender goodbyes to my father-in-law last week. Rest in perfect peace, Pops," she wrote alongside aphotoof Lee holding his great-grandson.

Janey, who is married to Scott's older half-brother Joe, has beenactively working to clear Scott's nameand even became an attorney to assist with the case.

"There's evidence that was completely ignored that shows Laci was alive after he left for the day," she said during a 2021 appearance onToday. "But also, there was no evidence that he had anything to do with what happened to Laci."

"We don't have justice," Janey added. "This crime is not solved."

Read the original article onPeople

CHICAGO, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Gary Vetter was 10 years old when he started feeding cattle at his family's farm.

Fifty-five years later, after surviving bouts of extreme weather, changing consumer tastes and global trade disruptions, the Westside, Iowa, farmer faces an unexpected risk from the man he backed for U.S. president: Donald Trump.

Facing intense frustration from voters over rising everyday costs, Trump declared this fall that beef was too expensive and ranchers must lower cattle prices. The price of beef ​was "higher than we want it, but it's going to be coming down soon," Trump said.

Much like the price of eggs during the Biden administration, the cost of beef has become an emblem of the affordability crisis in America. Beef prices hit record ‌highs earlier this year as the cattle herd shrank and consumer demand remained strong.

Trump's comments shocked ranchers, who largely voted for the president. Then his administration announced plans to quadruple low-tariff U.S. imports of beef from Argentina, launched an investigation into meatpackers for price manipulation, and removed duties that Trump imposed over the summer on imports of Brazilian ‌beef.

The series of moves knocked down cattle markets but did not significantly lower the cost of beef at grocery stores, causing ranchers, typically straight shooters, to speak up.

"It would have been nice if Trump hadn't said anything," Vetter said. "I'm still a Trump supporter. I'm just not a happy Trump supporter."

Reuters spoke with a total of eight ranchers who said they still backed Trump, though he hurt prices for their cattle.

Feeder cattle futures dropped by an exchange-imposed maximum that limits how far prices can fall each day and sank by 21% over a little more than a month after reaching a high on October 16. On that day, Trump first said his administration was working to lower beef prices.

CATTLE FARMERS FEEL HEAT

The selloff sliced profits for ranchers, pushed livestock buyers from making purchases, and chased away speculative traders as cattle markets turned increasingly volatile, cattle producers and traders said.

"It's affected the price that we ⁠as ranchers are getting; it's affected what feedlots are getting; but it hasn't done anything that ‌I've seen or heard about yet to impact what the consumers are paying," said Marty Smith, 66, whose family has been ranching in Wacahoota,Florida, for 175 years.

Cattle futures started rising in late November following their steep slide but remain below where they were before Trump's comments. Economists said it would likely take months for retail beef prices to reflect the setback in cattle markets. Impacts on retail prices would also be less dramatic ‍because meatpackers, wholesale distributors and retailers stand between ranchers and consumers and add to costs, they said.

Many cattle ranchers also raise crops, and cattle had been a bright spot for their businesses as grain and soybean prices slumped due to large supplies and Trump's trade policies. Trump unveiled a $12 billion aid package intended mostly for crop growers this month.

Cattle prices had reached record highs throughout 2025 after years of drought dried up grazing lands and forced producers to slash the nation's herd to its smallest size in decades. As a result of the decline, the U.S. for the first time in 2025 lost its spot as the ​world's biggest beef producer to Brazil, according to U.S. government estimates.

Cattle supplies tightened further after the Trump administration halted U.S. imports of Mexican livestock to keep out a flesh-eating parasite.

As tight supplies raised costs for meat processors, Tyson Foods said in November it would permanently shut ‌a major U.S. beef plant, removing a market for cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture this month lowered its estimates for cattle prices through 2026 in part because of the impending closure.

Trump has accused meatpackers such as Tyson of driving up beef prices through manipulation and collusion, and ordered the Justice Department to investigate. Meatpackers said their industry is heavily regulated, and transactions are transparent.

STICKER SHOCK IN THE GROCERY AISLE

The retail cost of ground beef in November climbed to $6.54 per pound from $5.63 per pound a year earlier, up 16%, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For boneless stew meat, retail prices jumped 23% to $9.17 per pound from $7.43 per pound.

Since Trump's comments in mid-October, wholesale prices for select cuts of beef shipped to buyers in large boxes were up 0.5% as of Monday, while wholesale prices for choice boxed beef eased 1%, according to U.S. data.

High prices for a range of goods, including beef, coffee and electricity, have upset consumers and frustrated Trump. A recent Commerce Department report showed annual inflation rose at its fastest pace in nearly 1-1/2 years in September.

Democrats exploited voters' angst about the economy in ⁠recent state and local election victories, campaigning in 2024 on a pledge to lower consumer prices.

"The Trump administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to lowering beef prices, ​with multiple agencies slashing regulations, supporting small processing facilities, and taking other actions to support both ranchers and consumers," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said.

WHO WILL REBUILD THE ​HERD?

Ranchers felt beef was targeted unfairly because costs were high for a number of goods.

"It's a sock in the gut for all of us," said Dean Meyer, 62, a Rock Rapids, Iowa-based cattle feeder who temporarily paused buying cattle last month due to increased uncertainty and falling prices.

Eight ranchers in rural America said that they still supported Trump because of his stances on immigration and other issues, after voting for him in the last presidential race. But ‍for some of them, Trump's interference in the beef market shook their ⁠confidence in him.

"He's waged war against a group of producers that literally have no real effect on the price of beef in the store," said Todd Hertzog, owner and operator of beef processor Hertzog Meat Company in Butler, Missouri.

A fledgling effort to rebuild the nation's cattle herd, which economists say would eventually help reduce beef prices, is at risk after Trump injected uncertainty into the market over imports, ranchers and economists said.

Falling cattle prices did not help.

Vetter, who buys young cattle to fatten for sale to meatpacker ⁠Cargill, said he paid about $2,500 per head for 450 steers weighing about 500 pounds each around the end of October. By the end of November, the price had dropped by about $300.

At the same time, meatpackers were willing to pay less to buy cattle that Vetter feeds to weigh about 1,650 pounds.

Reached just before Thanksgiving, Vetter said that ‌he was facing potential losses of $250,000 on his recent cattle purchases after prices tumbled.

"The president can do whatever he wants but it's going to be hard to build the cow herd if we don't have some stability," Vetter said. "I'm going ‌to push a pencil really hard before I buy that next set of calves."

(Reporting by Tom Polansek. Editing by Emily Schmall and Michael Learmonth)

PresidentDonald Trumpis nearing the end of 2025 with anapproval ratingunderwater, but slightly better than his lows in November.

With the turn of the new year,voter moodswill be top of mind as the 2026 midterms approach and Republicans hope to hold onto control of Congress. Recent elections and polls have been pointing to a weak spot for Trump: theeconomy and cost of living. But in aprimetime address on Dec. 17, Trump blamed problems with affordability on the Democrats.

Another problem that has plagued Trump in his second term is rearing its head in the final weeks of December. The Department of Justice is in the process of releasing criminal case files onJeffrey Epsteinafter the Dec. 19 deadline put in place by theEpstein Files Transparency Act. A batch released Dec. 23 mentionedTrump numerous times. Here is what to know about his approval rating:

Live updates on Epstein files:Trump named in latest documents

See President Trump speak from the White House in primetime

What is Trump's average approval rating?

Averages based onRealClearPoliticsandNew York Timesaggregators show Trump's approval rating is net negative, but appears to have rebounded slightly and begun stabilizing after a sharp drop last month.

As of Jan. 27, 50.5% approved, giving Trump a net positive rating until March 13, when it flipped to net negative with 47.8% approval, compared to 48.5% disapproval,RealClearPolitics graphics show. The approval rating reached a low on April 29 at 45.1% approval, which fell around Trump's 100-day mark. It reached a new low of 42.3% on Nov. 14, as the controversy on Jeffrey Epstein's emails heated up following the end of the government shutdown. The following week, his disapproval also ticked up to a term high of 55.6% on Nov. 21. As of Dec. 23, RealClearPolitics found 43% approve and 53.6% disapprove.

The New York Times aggregator showed Trump's approval fell from 52% approval in January to 44% approval in April, and then mostly held steady for months. According to the Times, Trump's term low is 41% approval, which he first reached on Nov. 12. His disapproval also notched up to 56% on Nov. 19, a high for this term per the aggregator. As of Dec. 23, 42% approve and 54% disapprove, per the Times.

Morning Consult: Voters want Trump to focus on the economy

In aMorning Consult pollconducted Dec. 19-21, Trump had a 45% approval rating. The poll surveyed 2,203 registered U.S. voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. The approval is down one point from the previous week, while the 52% disapproval held steady. Both are worse than the pollster's average since January.

The survey also found that voters were most likely to want Trump to focus on lowering prices, but not as many see Trump as prioritizing those policies.

Gallup: Voters have negative view of other US leadership

A newtwo-week poll from Gallupreleased on Dec. 22 showsTrump's approval rating for the last month of the year is weak, standing at 36%, though it's buoyed by a strong 89% level of support among Republicans. Among independents, his support in the latest Gallup poll is 25%. Democrats' opinions of the president tanked to 3% in the survey. Trump's December approval rating is unchanged from last month's Gallup numbers, when itfell to the lowest of his second term, just barely above his personal low of 34% in January 2021.

The poll also shows that a majority of Americans are unhappy about congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country and do not approve of the country's top leaders in the White House,Supreme Courtand the Federal Reserve.

Thepoll surveyed 1,016 U.S. adultsliving in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

How does PresidentDonald Trump's approval rating compare to past presidents?

A historical analysis byGallup shows Trump's approval ratingsin December of his first years in office − both as the 45th and 47th presidents − are lower than any other modern president at the same time in their administrations. Here is how his December approval compares to other presidents in December of their first year of their terms, according to Gallup:

• Joe Biden (December 2021) - 43% approve

• Trump (December 2017) - 36% approve

• Barack Obama (December 2009) - 50% approve

• George W. Bush (December 2001) - 86% approve

• Bill Clinton (December 1993) - 53% approve

• George H.W. Bush (December 1989) - 71% approve

• Ronald Reagan (December 1981) - 49% approve

Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her onX (Twitter),BlueskyandTikTok.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump's approval rating? Epstein saga rears head as 2025 ends

By Jessica DiNapoli and Waylon Cunningham

NEW YORK, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Packaged food makers and fast-food restaurants may be forced to overhaul more of their products next year as newly approved, appetite-suppressing GLP-1 pills become available in January, analysts say.

More Americans are expected to try the ​drugs as a pill rather than as a shot because the medication will be cheaper and many patients are hesitant to inject themselves.

The U.S. ‌Food and Drug Administration approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy GLP-1 pill on Monday, sending shares of food companies down on Tuesday. Eli Lilly's rival medication is expected to gain approval from regulators next year.

Food ‌companies including Conagra Brands and Nestle are already dealing with shifts in consumer tastes toward higher protein and smaller portions due to the popularity of weight-loss injections, and analysts believe widespread GLP-1 adoption could mean long-term changes in demand.

To cope, businesses are promoting products with more protein, tweaking labeling to say they are GLP-1 friendly and working with large retailers to better market products.

"We are seeing people cut (back) specifically on salty snacks, liquor, soda, drinks, and bakery snacks, and more focused on protein and fiber, so we ⁠expect food companies and also restaurants to cater to ‌this audience that is growing," said JP Frossard, consumer foods analyst at Rabobank.

"We'll see more access to those drugs and a higher addressable market for products that have in mind the needs of the GLP-1 user," he said.

Andrew Rocco, stock strategist at ‍Zacks Investment Research, called Novo's approval "groundbreaking" because the pill would be cheaper than the injectable version of Wegovy and deliver the same weight-loss metrics. "High protein, smaller portions, and functional food innovation will be necessary," he said.

FOOD COMPANIES ARE TAKING NOTE

Some 40% of American adults are obese, U.S. government data shows, and around 12% of adults say they currently take GLP-1 drugs, ​according to a poll published last month by health policy research organization KFF.

Households using GLP-1 medications cut spending at grocery stores by 5.3% and fast-food restaurants ‌by about 8% on average, according to a Cornell Research study published last week that used purchase data collected by Numerator from about 150,000 households.

Those reductions largely faded when households stopped using the medication.

"The decreases we saw will likely show up in a much broader slice of the population" because of weight-loss pills, said Sylvia Hristakeva, one of the study's co-authors. She said the cheaper price and ease of use of pills will also make it likely that people use the medication for longer.

While the Cornell study found modest increases to spending only in a handful of categories like yogurt and fresh fruit, companies are taking note.

Earlier this year, Conagra ⁠started labeling some of its Healthy Choice frozen meals with high protein and fiber as "GLP-1 ​friendly." A spokesperson said those meals are selling faster than rival products making similar claims on ​their packaging. The company plans to introduce new Healthy Choice recipes with the same labeling in May and work with grocers like Walmart and Kroger to market them, the spokesperson said.

French dairy company Danone, which makes Oikos Greek yogurt, said in a statement that ‍it is seeing double-digit growth in its ⁠high-protein offerings, a trend that has accelerated with the adoption of GLP-1 medications.

Nestle, the world's biggest food company, has also introduced new frozen meals that cater specifically to GLP-1 users, called Vital Pursuit. The Swiss company did not respond to a request for comment.

Fast-casual Mexican chain Chipotle on Tuesday added ⁠a "High Protein Menu" that features, among other items, a single cup of chicken or steak.

In recent months, some restaurant chains including Olive Garden have added menu items for smaller, cheaper portions.

Noodles & Company marketing ‌head Stephen Kennedy said such menu additions were about offering guests "options that satisfy without going overboard."

(Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli and Waylon Cunningham ‌in New York, Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Jamie Freed)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jordan Eberle had a power-play goal, Frederick Gaudreau and Ben Meyers also scored, and the Seattle Kraken held on for a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.

Joey Daccord made 35 saves and Eeli Tolvanen had two assists for the Kraken, who have won three in a row after dropping nine of their previous 10 games in regulation.

Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko scored as the Kings were held to fewer than three goals for the seventh straight game. Pheonix Copley made 25 saves.

Seattle had struggled in the second game of back-to-backs, but reeling Los Angeles was a welcome panacea. Eberle got the Kraken's fifth power-play goal in six games when he beat Copley over the goalie's left shoulder from close range early in the second period.

Gaudreau benefited from a gaffe by Copley, who couldn't catch a fluttering puck after Brian Dumoulin broke up the shot and it trickled between the goalie's legs for a 2-0 lead.

Copley hadn't started in the NHL since Dec. 10, 2023, when he made 23 saves in a 4-1 loss at the New York Rangers, and tore his ACL in practice in January 2024.

Meyers made it 3-0 off the rush before Fiala got Los Angeles on the board with 3:47 left in the second period.

Kuzmenko got LA within 3-2 at 8:45 of the third period on a wraparound.

The Kraken didn't have top defenseman Vince Dunn because of an upper-body injury he sustained in a win at Anaheim on Monday on a hit from Ducks forward Ross Johnston. Forward Berkly Catton was back for Seattle after missing eight games because of an upper-body injury.

Kraken: Host Philadelphia on Sunday.

Kings: Host Anaheim on Saturday.

AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Luke Kunin and Anton Lundell scored 43 seconds apart during a five-goal third period for the Florida Panthers, who rallied past the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Tuesday night.

Niko Mikkola began the Panthers' burst with his first goal of the season and Florida ended up with four goals in slightly more six minutes. Anton Lundell also scored, and Seth Jones capped the scoring on the power play. Sam Reinhart had three assists, and Eetu Luostarinen and Aaron Ekblad each provided two.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 17 saves for his sixth consecutive victory as the Panthers, who made their first visit to Raleigh since their series-ending Game 5 victory in the Eastern Conference finals last spring, won for the fifth time in six games.

Eric Robinson and Andrei Svechnikov scored for the Hurricanes, who've lost three straight games for the first time this season. Frederik Andersen, playing for the first time after a nine-game layoff, made 17 saves but is winless in his last seven games (0-5-2).

It was Florida's second comeback against the Hurricanes in less than a week. The Panthers wiped out a three-goal hole in the third period Thursday on the way to a shootout victory at home.

Robinson scored 4:15 into the game. Svechnikov's goal came as he skated out of the penalty box and caught the Panthers off guard, scoring on a breakaway 1:58 into the second period. He slid the puck between Bobrovsky's pads.

The Panthers had seven shots on goal through the first two periods and then nearly as many goals in the third on 15 shots.

MAPLE LEAFS 6, PENGUINS 3

TORONTO (AP) — Max Domi scored the winner with 8:25 remaining to snap a 23-game goalless streak and added an assist to end Toronto's three-game slide with a win against Pittsburgh.

Domi danced around Pittsburgh newcomer Brett Kulak for the deciding goal, a few hours after Toronto general manager Brad Treliving gave coach Craig Berube a vote of confidence for the second time this season.

William Nylander scored twice and added two assists, and Matias Maccelli and Steven Lorentz also scored for Toronto. Bobby McMann added an empty-netter to give Toronto its third win this season against the Penguins.

Bryan Rust, Rutger McGroarty and Anthony Mantha scored for the Penguins, who have lost nine of their last 10.

Nylander scored the icebreaker for his first in 11 games, midway through the first period. But Rust drew the Penguins even 44 seconds later, getting behind Nicolas Roy and Chris Tanev for a successful breakaway.

RED WINGS 4, STARS 3, OT

DETROIT (AP) — Dylan Larkin scored the tying goal late in the third period and then got the winner 34 seconds into overtime to rally Detroit to a victory over Dallas for its third straight win.

James van Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist, Emmitt Finnie also scored and Moritz Seider had two assists for the Red Wings. John Gibson finished with 19 saves as Detroit improved to 9-2-2 in their last 13 games.

Roope Hintz, Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston scored for the Stars, who snapped a four-game win streak. Mikko Rantanen had two assists and Casey DeSmith stopped 21 shots as Dallas lost for the fifth time in 18 games (13-2-3).

In the extra period, Larkin brought the puck into the offensive zone, skated into the slot and fired it past DeSmith for his 20th goal of the season.

Johnston gave the Stars a 3-2 lead with 8:42 remaining in regulation, redirecting a pass from Miro Heiskanen past Gibson for his 20th. It was his league-leading 14th power-play goal.

Larkin tied it again on a power play with 4:03 to go, getting a backwards pass through traffic across the front from van Riemsdyk and beating DeSmith.

RANGERS 7, CAPITALS 3

WASHINGTON (AP) — Taylor Raddysh and Alexis Lafreniere scored 68 seconds apart, part of a five-goal third period for New York in a victory over Washington.

Raddysh scored twice against his former team, and Vincent Trocheck also had two goals. Will Cuylle and Artemi Panarin also scored for New York, which is 14-6-1 on the road this season and 5-10-3 at home.

John Carlson, Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas scored for the Capitals, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven games.

After the Rangers trailed 3-2 entering the third, Raddysh tied it when his backhand effort in close ended up behind goalie Logan Thompson with 11:50 to play. Just over a minute later, Panarin's shot from near the blue line deflected in off Lafreniere.

Trocheck made it 5-3 with 6:17 left, and Panarin added a goal into an empty net. Then with the goalie back in, Trocheck scored another.

Raddysh, who scored seven goals for the Capitals last season, received a message on the video board welcoming him back, then opened the scoring later in the first period. It was 1-all in the second when Strome scored after Igor Shesterkinnearly robbed himwith a glove save. The puck came across the goalmouth to the Washington forward, and he appeared to have most of the net to shoot at before Shesterkin snapped his glove across and caught the puck in spectacular fashion.

ISLANDERS 2, DEVILS 1

NEW YORK (AP) — Adam Pelech scored the tiebreaking goal late in the third period, and New York beat New Jersey.

Simon Holmstrom also scored for the Islanders and David Rittich stopped 28 shots as New York snapped a three-game skid before the NHL enters its three-day holiday break.

Brett Pesce scored for New Jersey in its second straight loss. Jacob Markstrom had 23 saves.

Islanders captain Anders Lee made a cross-ice pass to set up Holmstrom for a one-timer that went wide, and Pelech scored on the rebound with 1:15 remaining.

Holmstrom tied the score with 7:50 left in the second period after capitalizing on a miscue by Markstrom. The Devils' goaltender left the crease to play the puck in the corner, but a miscommunication with Jonas Siegenthaler allowed the puck to squirt free, and Holmstrom scored into the open net.

Pesce opened the scoring with less than five minutes remaining in the first period with his first goal of the season in his 13th game.

CANADIENS 6, BRUINS 2

BOSTON (AP) — Zachary Bolduc scored to give the Canadiens the lead as Montreal scored four goals in a five-minute span to snap a third-period tie and run away from Boston.

Sammy Blais, Ivan Demidov, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky also scored for Montreal. Jacob Fowler stopped 26 shots for the Canadiens in a game thatstarted with fisticuffsbut ended with the Bruins going down meekly.

Marat Khusnutdinov and Alex Steeves scored in the first period to give Boston a 2-1 lead, but Demidov tied it two minutes into the second when he swept in to steal a bad pass from Nikita Zadorov to David Pastrnak and skated in on Jeremy Swayman for the goal.

The Bruins had a goal waved off in the final seconds of the second period and it was still 2-2 when Zadorov broke his stick while trying to clear the zone and left the puck for Bolduc.

The Canadiens winger passed the puck and then followed up to knock home a rebound to make it 3-2. Caufield scored on a power play 99 seconds later, and Suzuki scored with a two-man advantage.

SABRES 3, SENATORS 2, OT

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Bowen Byram scored his second goal of the game 31 seconds into overtime and Buffalo beat Ottawa, extending its win streak to seven heading into the Christmas break.

It marks the first seven-game winning streak for the Sabres (18-14-4) since November 2018.

Noah Ostlund also scored for Buffalo, with an assist from Byram, and Alex Lyon made 24 saves.

Ridly Greig and Tim Stutzle each had a goal for the Senators, who had won four in a row. Linus Ullmark stopped 22 shots.

Stutzle extended his point streak to eight games (7 goals, 8 assists).

Ottawa (18-13-5) had an opportunity to take the lead after Alex Tuch was assessed a hooking penalty with 1:51 left in the third period, but the Senators were unable to capitalize.

PREDATORS 3, WILD 2, OT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Steven Stamkos scored 53 seconds into overtime to give Nashville a victory over Minnesota.

Stamkos got a step on his defender as he raced down the slot, and Erik Haula found him with a pass that Stamkos deflected past goalie Filip Gustavsson.

Ryan O'Reilly had a goal and an assist, Roman Josi also scored and Juuse Saros stopped 30 shots for the Predators, who have won three in a row and four of five.

Brock Faber and Joel Eriksson Ek scored for the Wild, who have lost two straight following a seven-game winning streak. Gustavsson made 26 saves.

Faber gave the Wild a lead seven minutes into the game on a one-timer off a pass from Quinn Hughes. But then O'Reilly and Josi scored power-play goals to give the Predators a 2-1 advantage after one period.

Eriksson Ek tied it early in the second, scoring while the Wild had an extra skater on the ice due to a delayed penalty on Nashville.

AVALANCHE 1, MAMMOTH 0

DENVER (AP) — Scott Wedgewood made 32 saves for his second shutout of the season, and NHL-bestColoradobeat Utah.

Wedgewood's 10th career shutout helped extend Colorado's home winning streak to 13 games. The Avalanche have won six in a row overall and eight of nine heading into the holiday break.

Colorado's 61 points are the second most in the NHL after 36 games behind the 1929-30 Boston Bruins, who had 63 points at that stage.

Samuel Girard scored the lone goal for the Avalanche (27-2-7), who remain unbeaten in regulation at home (15-0-2). They have not lost on home ice since Carolina's 5-4 shootout win on Oct. 23.

Vitek Vanecek stopped 25 shots for Utah, which had won two of three.

The Mammoth's No. 1 goaltender, Karel Vejmelka, was a late scratch with an upper-body injury. Utah signed Colten McIntyre to an amateur-tryout agreement to serve as Vanecek's backup for the night.

FLYERS 3, BLACKHAWKS 1

CHICAGO (AP) — Travis Konecny scored and added his 300th career assist, leading Philadelphia past Chicago while handing the depleted Blackhawks their sixth straight loss.

Noah Cates had a power-play goal, Carl Grundstrom added an empty-netter and Philadelphia leading scorer Trevor Zegras assisted on Konecny's goal to extend his point streak to a career-high nine games. The Flyers won their second straight, coming off a 5-2 win over Vancouver on Monday.

Samuel Ersson made 20 saves and Sean Couturier had two assists.

Chicago's Ryan Donato scored to end an 11-game drought. Spencer Knight stopped 23 shots for the Blackhawks, who've dropped eight of nine and have just three wins in their last 17.

Chicago played tight hockey in its fifth game without leading-scorer Connor Bedard. He's out until at least early January with a shoulder injury.

The Blackhawks also were without center Frank Nazar, sidelined for four weeks after being struck in the face with a shot Saturday at Ottawa. Captain Nick Foligno remains out with a hand injury.

Konecny opened the scoring at 10:17 of the first, 18 seconds after the Flyers killed a penalty to Zegras. Konecny drove down the right side of the slot and tapped in Zegras' pinpoint cross-ice feed for his 11th goal.

OILERS 5, FLAMES 1

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor McDavid had five assists, Leon Draisaitl scored three goals and Edmonton kept rolling into the holiday hiatus with a victory over rival Calgary.

Zach Hyman had a goal and two assists, Evan Bouchard added two assists and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also scored for the Oilers (19-13-6), who have won four of five and are 8-2-1 in their last 11 games.

Mackenzie Weegar scored for the Flames (15-18-4), who won their previous two.

Connor Ingram, making a second consecutive NHL start for the first time since early February with Utah, stopped 18 shots to improve to 2-0-0 with the Oilers.

Dustin Wolf made 34 saves in the loss.

McDavid extended his point streak to 11 games, with 12 goals and 19 assists during that stretch. It was the 45th time he's had at least four points in a game, tying Jari Kurri for second in Oilers history.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS 7, SHARKS 2

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mitch Marner scored two goals, Reilly Smith had a goal and an assist, and Vegas tied a franchise record with five goals in the first period, beating San Jose.

Mark Stone also had a goal and an assist, and Brett Howden, Colton Sissons and Tomas Hertl also scored for Vegas. Pavel Dorofeyev, Kaeden Korczak, Braeden Bowman and Ivan Barbashev each had two assists, and Carter Hart had 21 saves to help the Golden Knights snap a three-game skid (0-2-1).

Macklin Celebrini and Colin Graf scored, and Tyler Toffoli had two assists for San Jose in its third straight loss. Yaroslav Askarov gave up four goals on 16 shots before he was pulled with 5:03 left in the first period. Alex Nedeljkovic had seven saves the rest of the way.

The Golden Knights had a season-high scoring output, topping the previous high of six reached three times in October.

The five-goal first tied the Golden Knights' franchise record for a period, accomplished four times previously. Vegas had 13 players record at least a point in the period,breaking the previous mark of 11accomplished three times.

KRAKEN 3, KINGS 2

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jordan Eberle had a power-play goal, Frederick Gaudreau and Ben Meyers also scored, and Seattle held on for a win over Los Angeles.

Joey Daccord made 35 saves and Eeli Tolvanen had two assists for the Kraken, who have won three in a row after dropping nine of their previous 10 games in regulation.

Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko scored as the Kings were held to fewer than three goals for the seventh straight game. Pheonix Copley made 25 saves.

Seattle had struggled in the second game of back-to-backs, but reeling Los Angeles was a welcome panacea. Eberle got the Kraken's fifth power-play goal in six games when he beat Copley over the goalie's left shoulder from close range early in the second period.

Gaudreau benefited from a gaffe by Copley, who couldn't catch a fluttering puck after Brian Dumoulin broke up the shot and it trickled between the goalie's legs for a 2-0 lead.

SACRAMENTO,Calif. (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 23 points and 14 assists, Jalen Duren had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons beat the Sacramento Kings 136-127 on Tuesday night.

Tobias Harris scored 24 points for the Pistons, who have won nine of 11.

Duren's double-double was his fourth straight and 17th of the season. Ausar Thompson had 19 points for Detroit, and Isaiah Stewart added 16 points off the bench.

DeMar DeRozan scored 37 points and Russell Westbrook had 27 for the Kings, who have lost 10 of 12.

Westbrook had four assists to reach 10,140 for his career, one short of Magic Johnson for seventh in NBA history.

The Pistons, who lead the NBA in points in the paint at 58.1 per game, had 70 points inside to the Kings' 48.

Detroit led 75-58 at halftime and 115-97 after three quarters. Sacramento closed within eight in the final period but got no closer.

Pistons: At Utah on Friday.

Kings: Host Dallas on Saturday.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Former Vice PresidentKamala Harrissuggested that it is sexist to mock her distinctive cackle.

Harris made the comment during a recent appearance on the "Rich Little Broke Girls" podcast, when she recalled a reporter asking her about criticisms of lacking humility.

"I don't aspire to be humble. Humility, yes, is very important. [It's] a very dated perspective on who women should be. To say, women should be humble. Women should be quiet. Women should laugh quietly," Harris said.

Kamala Harris Says She Hasn't Decided On 2028 Presidential Campaign Amid Report She's 'Stepping Toward' Run

"Women should not have a sense of humor. Women should not raise their voice," she continued. "I have never felt burdened by those very dated, and I think out-of-touch standards."

The former vice president has previously argued that sexism was to blame for criticism of her cackle, including during an April 2024 interview with talk-show hostDrew Barrymore.

Read On The Fox News App

"Like, apparently, some people love to talk about the way I laugh," Harris said at the time.

"Well, let me just tell you something: I have my mother's laugh," she continued. "And I grew up around a bunch of women, in particular, who laughed from the belly."

Kamala Harris Warns That Democratic Party Is 'Stuck In The Past,' Speaking Inauthentically

During Harris' appearance on the "Rich Little Broke Girls" podcast, she also gavedating advice to young single women, highlighting the importance of finding someone who is kind and makes them laugh.

"Choose to be with someone who allows you to laugh at yourself and them," she said. "Choose to be with someone who you know you like, going to the grocery store together, taking a walk together."

"There are different phases in your life and you may not know what phase you're in," Harris added. "Maybe you're going to choose that you want to have that kind of Friday night relationship — or you want that Sunday morning relationship. Sometimes you can get both — and sometimes they just are oil and water. And that's okay! Be in those phases where you are having fun!"

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Noting that people want different things at various stages in life, Harris said she was not sure if she would have been ready to marry Doug Emhoff, who she married in 2014, earlier in life.

"Doug and I got married in our 40s, and I love my husband so very much. He is my best friend," Harris said.

"We've talked about it. If we had met in our 20s, I don't know that we would have really been in the same place," she added.

Harris' office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Original article source:Kamala Harris suggests mocking her cackle is sexist: 'Out-of-touch standards'

Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who alreadyWordle,Connections,Strandsand theMini Crosswordnow have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Wednesday,December24, 2025, you've come to the right place.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Related:The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on December 24, 2025

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: What separates two entities.

• Green: Head to the mountains.

• Blue: Mitt makers.

• Purple: Kick it.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: GAP BETWEEN TWO OPPONENTS

• Green: A SKIER'S NEEDS

• Blue: BASEBALL GLOVE MANUFACTURERS

• Purple: NFL PUNTERS

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #457 are coming up next.Related:15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• GAP BETWEEN TWO OPPONENTS: ADVANTAGE, EDGE, LEAD, MARGIN

• A SKIER'S NEEDS: BOOTS, POLES, SKIS, SNOW

• BASEBALL GLOVE MANUFACTURERS: MIZUNO, NIKE, RAWLINGS, WILSON

• NFL PUNTERS: ANGER, HAACK, STOUT, WAY

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next,catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: Costco's Rustic and 'Solid' Lamp Is So Beautiful, Shoppers Are Buying 2 At a Time

This story was originally published byParadeon Dec 24, 2025, where it first appeared in theLifesection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

AsPrince HarryandMeghan Markleunveiled their official2025 holiday card, offering a rare glimpse of their two children, the internet wasted no time tearing it apart over certain suspicious details.

Shared on December 19 on the Duchess of Sussex's Instagram account as part of the couple's annual festive tradition, the image quickly sparkedbacklash.

Critics accused them of yet anotherphotoshopping mishapand blasted Meghan's "questionable" outfit choice in the image.

"This is not just a fake. It's a really bad fake," one furious netizen wrote.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Christmas Card With Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Slammed Over Possible Photoshop Fail

Image credits:Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

Sharing annual Christmas cards has been a tradition for the Sussexes since their 2018 wedding, with the couple releasing one each holiday season without fail.

In the festive photo, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stood on a whimsical wooden bridge surrounded by greenery, with a narrow stream flowing beneath it.

They were joined by their two children, with everyone dressed in coordinated shades of white, except for Princess Lilibet, who wore a pale blue knee-length dress.

Image credits:meghan

Prince Harry embraced Prince Archie, while Markle held her daughter's hands, touching her forehead to the four-year-old's in an affectionate moment.

The former actress captioned the post, "Happy Holidays! From our family to yours."

As soon as the image was shared on social media, users beganquestioning its authenticityafter noticing a distortion around Prince Harry's head.

Image credits:meghan

Many pointed out what appeared to be a smudge near his head, while others claimed that a portion of the 41-year-old's hair seemed to be missing.

One netizen wrote, "What happened with the editing? The back of Harry's head is missing above the hairline."

Another added, "Right away you can see all the Photoshop mistakes… I may be wrong, but this photo doesn't look right to me."

Critics claimed that a chunk of Prince Harry's head appeared to be missing, while the 44-year-old actress was slammed for wearing an "awful" sheer dress

Image credits:The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan Duke & Duchess of Sussex

Others pointed out what they described as the "unnaturally" long feet of both the Duke of Sussex and four-year-old Lilibet, arguing that her proportions appeared inconsistent, especially given that she is younger than six-year-old Archie, who seemed to have shorter feet.

Summing up the speculation in a Reddit thread, one critic wrote, "Archie's also much smaller than lilibet despite being literally inches away. Meghan's forehead has a weird curvature that isn't in any of her other pics and lili isnot dressed to match anybodyin the photo."

Image credits:meghan

According to the commenter, "harry and archie are not in the pic, they are photoshopped in. Meghan possibly photoshopped herself with lili."

Another point of contention was theSuitsalum's slightly sheer ivory dress, which revealed the outline of her back and legs, something several critics deemed "unattractive" and inappropriate for a Christmas card.

"Awful dress. Not only was the picture taken with her see-through dress, she [also] chose this picture as her Christmas card," one critic wrote.

Image credits:meghan

While the couple has not addressed the latest wave of photoshopping accusations, it certainly isn't the first time they have faced such claims.

Earlier this year, in May, to mark the seventh anniversary of their 2018 wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Markle shared an Instagram post that once again landed her in the midst of photoshop allegations.

"The harder they try to make themselves appear natural, the more they fail," one critic reacted after noticing certain "fake" details in the image

Image credits:meghan

Inone of the imagesfrom the post, Meghan and Harry were seen facing each other with their noses touching.

However, viewers suggested that the moment was not genuine and had instead been edited into a single image using two separate photos taken during their 2018 tour of New Zealand.

During that visit, the pair performed the hongi, a traditional Māori greeting in which two people press their noses and foreheads together, which critics believe was used to create the anniversary image.

Image credits:The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan Duke & Duchess of Sussex

Moreover, last year's Christmas card from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also sparked speculation that the image may have been artificially created.

Their 2024 Christmas card featured a collage of six photographs, including one imageshowing the entire family togetherin a park setting.

However, upon closer inspection, viewers claimed to spot several apparent inconsistencies in the image, such as Prince Harry appearing to have six fingers on one hand, dogs that seemed "digitally positioned," and Princess Lilibet looking roughly the "same height as her brother."

Image credits:Dan Wootton Outspoken

One observer commented at the time, "Look at this dodgy digitally altered photo Harry and Meghan have released for Christmas! The shadows are all wrong, you can see the digitally altered outline around Meghan and the dogs have been superimposed."

"Also, are we supposed to believe Lilibet is around six or seven years old or what?!"

Over the years, the couple has faced multiple photoshop accusations, at times even drawing comparisons to Princess Kate Middleton's own editing backlash

Image credits:The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan Duke & Duchess of Sussex

As Harry and Meghan's 2025 card was dragged online, netizens also resurfaced past controversies, speculating that this latest "terrible Photoshop" may have been intentional, aimed at stirring a reaction similar to Catherine's Mother's Day editing scandal.

For those unaware, in March last year, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, Meghan's sister-in-law, sparked backlash after sharing a digitallyaltered Mother's Day photofeaturing her three children.

Image credits:meghan

The controversy escalated when major news agencies, including the Associated Press (AP), Getty Images, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP), withdrew the image from their archives over concerns about photo manipulation.

Kate later addressed the situation herself, confirming that the image had been an "experiment with editing" in anapology shared on her Xaccount days later.

Image credits:princeandprincessofwales

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused."

"Meghan photoshops because no one will pose in a photo with her. She has been doing it since at least her suits days," one netizen harshly claimed