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Why your tax refund is delayed and how to track it

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Why your tax refund is delayed and how to track it

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The IRS processed more than 130 million federal income tax returns as of mid-April, according to the latest tax return data available from the Department of Revenue. But what if you filed your tax return a few weeks ago and haven’t received your tax refund yet?

Several issues can cause the IRS to delay your refund. Here are some of the main causes.

Why haven’t I received my tax refund yet?

If your 2025 tax return contains errors or you claim additional tax credits, the IRS may take some time to review it.

The IRS has outlined five main reasons why your tax refund may be delayed:

  • Common mistakes (such as forgetting to sign a tax return or making calculation errors)
  • Claiming Earned Income Credit
  • Claiming additional child tax credit
  • Submit an amended return
  • Seeking Relief for an Injured Spouse

How to track your 2025 income tax refund

You can track the status of your 2025 federal income tax refund using the IRS Refund Status Tool.

IRS tools also allow you to track the status of your 2023 and 2024 income tax refunds.

You must enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund as shown on your income tax return.

In case you missed it: Americans need to act by July 10 to claim IRS coronavirus refunds

Kiplinger at Fiscal Resources has created a breakdown of the IRS tax refund schedule.

Refund delivery time Shipping method for declaration and refund
3 weeks E-file and direct deposit
4 weeks Check electronically
4-8 weeks Return by mail and direct deposit
4-9 weeks Return and mail check

Average tax refund in 2026 will be over $3,200

IRS data shows that the average refund for 2026 is nearly $300 higher than the average refund at this time last year, giving filers even more reason to look for a check.

The average tax refund as of April 18 was $3,275, 11.1% higher than the $2,942 average from this time last year, according to the IRS.

Overall, the Department of Revenue refunded $296.067 billion to taxpayers, a 17% increase over the $253.116 billion refunded by this time last year.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist who reports on trends, news and service-related topics across the Mid-Atlantic region for the USA TODAY Network.

How to deal with the challenges you bring back during the interview

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How to deal with the challenges you bring back during the interview

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
| USA TODAY Special Feature

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, and author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.

Have a question? Please submit here.

question: I applied for a job and was given a take-home assignment as part of the interview process. However, this project feels like overkill and looks like real work that the team would normally be paid to do. Is it reasonable to push back or deny such assignments, and how should candidates deal with requests that cross that line? – Terrace

Answer: Yes, you can push it back. Yes, you can refuse. But before you do that, ask yourself a more important question. What does this process tell us?

The interview is a two-way evaluation. The company is evaluating your skills. We’re evaluating their judgment, their culture, and what they prioritize in candidates. Take-home assignments are not just an ability test. This is a preview of expectations.

These projects are often legitimate skill demonstrations. Employers want proof that you can do the job. That’s reasonable. Focused, time-bound assignments that are directly tied to the role are fair.

At the same time, if you don’t feel comfortable spending that much time on the request, it may indicate a cultural misalignment. The interview process is your first glimpse into the company culture and how it operates.

Salary increase: How do I respectfully ask for a promised raise? Ask Johnny

There’s no need to be confrontational. Be able to answer professionally and ask clarifying questions. “How long will this take?” How will it be evaluated? Is there flexibility in scope? A serious employer will give you a thoughtful answer.

However, be realistic. As a candidate, you are unlikely to completely reinvent established hiring practices. If this is how they hire, then it’s probably how they operate. Your decision is not to change them. It is important to decide whether this process, and ultimately this environment, is right for you.

Also, take a step back and consider all opportunities. Are your compensation, growth prospects, leadership reputation, and mission strong enough to warrant an increase, or does this feel like an early warning sign that you may not be fully aligned with the organization?

Not every opportunity is worth your time. Also, not all processes are worth participating in.

If you choose to opt out, please do so professionally. Thank you to them. Please leave the door open. The professional world is small. And remember, the hiring process is often the most organized a company will ever be. Even if you feel out of place now, it may not get better later. Trust your own judgment.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

Internal transfer: When is it okay to apply?

US flag makers urge President Trump to impose tariffs on Chinese imports

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US flag makers urge President Trump to impose tariffs on Chinese imports

The flag proposal is one of hundreds of tariff proposals that U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is considering when deciding whether to impose new tariffs.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. flag manufacturers say half of the American flags sold in this country are made in China and are calling on the Trump administration to impose huge new tariffs on imports rather than wave the white flag after the Supreme Court overturned emergency tariffs.

“The Star-Spangled Flag, one of America’s most recognized and sacred symbols, is being produced overseas and pushed into the U.S. market at prices that domestic manufacturers cannot match,” said Jen Christiansen of Flag Source, a Batavia, Illinois, manufacturer.

The flag is just one thread woven into last year’s $1.2 trillion trade deficit with other countries, which President Donald Trump is trying to close with tariffs to raise government money and encourage manufacturers to locate plants in the United States.

Public hearings on whether to impose additional tariffs resume this week

U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer is sorting through hundreds of proposals in a hearing on whether to impose new tariffs based on accusations of unfair trade practices abroad.

Mr. Greer heard from 60 witnesses last month about allegations that overseas manufacturers rely on forced labor to produce cheaper products. The investigation focused not only on adversaries such as China and Russia, but also on allies such as Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Israel, India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

A hearing will begin May 5 on accusations that other countries produce more products than they need to sell in the United States at lower prices than comparable domestic manufacturers.

For example, the U.S. Sugar Alliance said the industry is “threatened by a glut of low-cost foreign imports that the policy has flooded global markets with.” Countries such as Brazil, El Salvador, Argentina, Colombia and Costa Rica have dramatically increased sugar production since 2021, according to census data.

But Chicken of Sea International told the government to leave canned tuna alone. The company, a subsidiary of Thai Union Group, said the tariffs would jeopardize its $20 million processing facility in Lyons, Georgia, which prepares, cleans and packs 10% of all canned tuna in the United States.

Airlines also opposed tariffs on the airline industry. About 70 percent of the industry, including aircraft manufacturing, engines and other parts, is dominated by U.S. companies such as Boeing, and exports last year exceeded imports by $93 billion. But airlines don’t want to discourage competitors such as French aircraft maker Airbus.

“The United States does not need to adjust the 30%,” the industry group Airlines for America said.

President Trump lowers tariffs on Scottish whiskey during royal visit

The hearing comes at the same time that President Trump is threatening to increase tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25% from the 15% negotiated as part of the trade deal. President Trump claimed that European countries were breaking the agreement signed last July because it had not yet been finalized. European countries are scrambling to conclude agreements to avoid rising fees.

The Supreme Court invalidated President Trump’s emergency tariffs on countries around the world under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. However, other statutes allow the president to temporarily impose tariffs under one section of the Trade Act of 1974, combat unfair trade practices under another section of the Trade Act, and respond to national security threats under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

President Trump told a meeting of small business leaders at the White House on May 4 that the Supreme Court’s decision was “unfortunate” and “terrible,” but the “good news” is that tariffs can be imposed “in other ways.”

Regarding raising tariffs on Chinese imports, President Trump said, “There are other ways to impose tariffs.” “It’s a little more complicated. I like to keep it as simple as possible. In many ways, it’s better that way.”

While considering these options, President Trump lifted tariffs on Scottish whiskey during a visit by King Charles III last week. President Trump had imposed a temporary 10% tariff in response to a Supreme Court ruling, but lifted the tariff on alcoholic beverages to encourage trade between Scotland and Kentucky.

President Trump’s decision comes after U.S. alcohol exporters reported sales fell by more than $90 million last year as Canadians pulled U.S. spirits from shelves and Europeans imported less, according to a March report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, an industry group.

The American Distilled Spirits Alliance called on Greer to exclude alcoholic beverages from the new tariffs.

“Distilled spirits are artisanal products that are geographically distinct and governed by strict legal identity standards,” said Amanda Nguyen, CEO of the alliance. “They are not manufactured goods that are subject to overproduction concerns. Bourbon cannot be made in France, and cognac cannot be made in Kentucky.”

Manufacturers ask President Trump not to wave the white flag

Nearly all of the 6 million U.S. flags imported each year are manufactured in China, according to industry groups such as the American Flag Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Independent Flag Dealers.

Imported Old Glory flags typically sell for $8 to $20, compared with $30 to $48 for U.S.-made flags, according to industry groups. Manufacturers are encouraging the administration to impose tariffs of 300% to 500% to counter the flood of imports into the U.S. market.

The current tariff on Chinese flags is 24.5%. Christiansen said that without “decisive and aggressive action,” imports from China “will continue to hurt American manufacturers.” The manufacturer employs 5,000 workers and could see shifts cut or factories closed.

China’s Textile Export-Import Chamber of Commerce urged opposition to the tariff hike, arguing that it could raise costs for U.S. consumers and cause long-term harm to importers and distributors.

The chamber also said that despite condemnation from the U.S. Department of Labor and international human rights groups, China “consistently prohibits forced labor.”

“Trade-restrictive measures will not solve the domestic challenges facing the United States; they will only force American businesses and consumers to bear the costs of trade tensions,” the chamber said.

The spirit is gone. This is good news for these airlines.

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The spirit is gone. This is good news for these airlines.

Experts say Spirit Airlines’ withdrawal will likely increase ticket prices and reshape airline competition.

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  • Spirit Airlines’ closure is expected to result in higher airfares, especially in markets previously served by the low-cost carrier.
  • Other airlines, such as JetBlue, are also expanding routes to capture passengers in markets where Spirit had a large presence.
  • Spirit’s more than 170 aircraft will be made available to other airlines through the bankruptcy process, but that will take time.

Spirit Airlines left its competitors with a parting gift.

When the low-cost airline ceases operations on May 2, it leaves room for other carriers to grow.

JetBlue and other airlines have already made moves to attract passengers in markets where Spirit had a large presence, and more than 170 of its planes will be up for sale in some form as the bankruptcy proceedings move forward.

Experts say it will take time for the airline market to reach a new equilibrium, but passengers should expect increased capacity at some airlines and higher airfares in most markets served by Spirit.

Here’s what analysts think is likely to happen next.

Airfares will also rise

The most significant impact for travelers is that airfares are likely to increase across the board, but especially in markets where Spirit competes with other airlines. Airlines are struggling with rising fuel costs due to the Iran war, and the departure of lower-cost competitors means other companies won’t have to compete as hard on price.

“This will make it very easy for the remaining airlines to raise prices to compensate for the higher costs that they are experiencing now. The pace of price increases will accelerate,” Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive officer and current president of RW Mann & Company, an independent aviation consultancy, told USA TODAY.

But Mann warned that if airlines raise prices, it could cut some demand, especially by pushing cost-sensitive travelers out of the market with higher airfares.

Ahmed Abdelghani, associate dean for research and professor of operations management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told USA TODAY that travelers will have to be prepared to pay more if there is no spirit in the airline ecosystem.

“This low price has helped consumers and other airlines in many markets have had to match that low price in some booking classes,” he said. “Certainly capacity is not permanently lost, but what is permanently lost is the lowest end of the market.”

Mental shutdown: Airlines rush to rescue passengers stranded on rescue fares

the plane joins the rest of the fleet

Spirit’s entire fleet of Airbus aircraft is up for grabs.

Aircraft manufacturers are facing delays in delivering new aircraft to customers, and a scramble for Spirit’s aircraft is likely. But Mann cautioned that Spirit’s aircraft redeployment won’t happen overnight and likely won’t help increase capacity during the peak summer travel season, at least not this year.

“Everything is handled under the bankruptcy process, so the idea that things will happen Monday morning or next Monday morning or even sometime in June is optimistic,” Mann said, adding that inspection, repairs and refurbishment of the aircraft alone could take more than a month if a new company were to bring it into the fleet.

“The idea that many of them will go back to work in the summer is very limited. They will only be available after the summer and we don’t need them at that point.”

Spirit had a fleet of 172 planes when it ceased operations on May 2, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Of those, 95 were in active service and 77 were stored, primarily in Arizona. The majority of Spirit’s aircraft (124) are leased and will automatically be returned to their lessors.

Some of Spirit’s 48 aircraft had previously been leased to a lessor, and as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings, only a few of Spirit’s fleet will be sold directly.

Still, Abdelghani said airlines around the world would be happy to accommodate them.

“Since these aircraft primarily belong to the Airbus 320 family, lenders will have no problem transferring them to other airlines,” he said, adding that it would not take long for them to sell their fleet. “This is an attractive option for many airlines.”

Cirium said Frontier Airlines, an American ultra-low-cost carrier owned by Airbus, is one of the companies most likely to benefit directly from the availability of Spirit aircraft. However, other airlines around the world, including in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, may also adopt some of the aircraft.

Frontier Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its future fleet plans.

Airlines will try to capture demand

Closer to home, U.S. airlines are likely to work overtime to fill the hole left by Spirit Airlines, especially in the lucrative and popular Florida market.

JetBlue, one of Spirit’s biggest competitors in the Sunshine State, has already announced aggressive moves to expand into the state.

On May 4, the airline announced 11 new routes from Fort Lauderdale, once the heart of Spirit.

Abdelghani said the move was not surprising and had already been telegraphed by JetBlue and other airlines as Spirit downsized in a spate of bankruptcies over the past few years.

“This has happened before. The closure of Spirit Airlines didn’t happen overnight. Routes and destinations were being cut over the past several months,” he said. “This will mostly be absorbed by the market. Another airline will come in and fill those routes or expand in those markets.”

Mann said JetBlue would be the airline best positioned to benefit from Spirit’s closure because it already has a strong foothold in Florida.

“We are committed to Fort Lauderdale to ensure access to air service in this market,” JetBlue President Marty St. George said in a statement announcing the Fort Lauderdale expansion. “Our focus is simple: make it easy for customers to stay connected to the people and places that matter, while providing the service, comfort and value they expect from JetBlue.”

It also increases the likelihood that JetBlue will be acquired by another airline in the future, Mann said. Spirit’s exit from the market gave JetBlue, which has been experiencing its own financial troubles in recent years, an opportunity to generate additional revenue and become a more attractive acquisition target for other airlines.

According to a Reuters report, the Trump administration signaled in April that it would support further consolidation of the airline market, suggesting that potentially large antitrust hurdles may not be much of a stumbling block.

Spirit employees may be rehired

When airlines downsize, thousands of workers often lose their jobs, but in a tight airline market, many of these professionals, especially pilots and flight attendants, are likely to be hired by other airlines as former competing airlines seek to expand in markets that Spirit once served.

“Some of the workers will be transferred, but we hope that other airlines will absorb the bulk of that workforce,” Abdelghani said.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.

President Trump’s ‘Reddedate 250’ prayer event focuses primarily on Christianity

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President Trump’s ‘Reddedate 250’ prayer event focuses primarily on Christianity

Some religious leaders called the Christian-centered event “deliberately exclusive.”

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WASHINGTON — A national prayer event aimed at uniting the nation will primarily reflect just one faith.

President Donald Trump’s May 17 National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving on the National Mall is intended to “bring together a broad range of voices united by love for God and country,” according to a May 1 release.

“It will be a historic gathering place for Americans of all backgrounds from across the country to prepare for our nation’s 250th anniversary with the Bible, testimony, prayer, and a rededication of our nation to God,” the event description says.

However, 14 of the 15 faith leaders participating in the Reddedicate 250 event are Christian, including seven evangelical leaders and two Catholics, according to a news release. Orthodox Jewish rabbi Meir Soloveitchik is the only non-Christian religious leader listed as a participant.

Freedom 250, a nonprofit founded by President Trump to map out his 250 vision.th He told USA TODAY in March that he was consulting with leaders from a variety of non-Christian faiths in preparation for the milestone event., Includes Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.

No representatives of these or other religions appear in the programs presented. Freedom 250 did not respond to requests for comment.

Activists charged under the FACE Act: Trump Task Force releases controversial ‘anti-Christian bias’ report

The Christian-focused rally comes as some historians and religious groups accuse Trump of promoting Christian nationalism rather than religious freedom and misleadingly rewriting the nation’s founding story.

Christian nationalism is based on the belief that the United States is a Christian nation.

Trump views the Christian Right as an important part of his voting base. But in recent weeks, he has faced backlash from supporters after posting an AI image of himself as Jesus on social media and over his feud with Pope Leo XIV.

The Rev. Paul Rauschenbusch, CEO of the Interfaith Alliance, a group suing the Trump administration, called the national Christian prayer event “intentionally exclusive.”

“This is truly an insult to the American religious community,” said Rauschenbusch, a Baptist minister. “They could be using events like this as an opportunity to showcase the incredible diversity of American religious life, which is so rich, so beautiful and so powerful… They are rewriting American history.”

The Interfaith Alliance, a nonpartisan civil rights and religious rights group, filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department in February alleging an illegal lack of religious and ideological diversity. The Justice Department’s Religious Freedom Committee is similarly dominated by Protestant and Catholic leaders.

There is one Jewish representative. No other representative religions are represented on the main committee.

a focus on christianity

The religious event, which focuses primarily on Christianity, is the latest in a series of moves by Freedom 250 and other government agencies that religious experts say appear to be aimed at promoting Christianity as the national religion. A quarter of the partner organizations listed on the Freedom 250 website are Christian-related, including National Religious Broadcasting Corporation, Angel Studios, the Museum of the Bible, and Pray.com.

The group also teamed up with PragerU, a conservative media nonprofit, and Hillsdale College, a small Christian school, to create a historic education truck that will tour the country in preparation for the anniversary. $10 million in taxpayer funds was used to build and transport the traveling museum.

The “Prayers and Declarations” toolkit published on the Freedom 250 website earlier this year promoted a historical reinterpretation of the nation’s founding events by the Christian right.

The website for May’s National Prayer Event emphasizes Christianity. A video pinned to the top of the page shows an image of a cross in the center of an American flag, as well as audio of a Bible reading. Further down the page, people are encouraged to register their “church” to participate in the event.

The Department of the Interior has allocated $100 million in taxpayer funds to Freedom 250 to enhance National Day planning, but it is unclear whether that money will be used for the Ridicate 250 event.

Religious groups have also warned of the growing influence of Christian nationalism within the U.S. military. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth openly promotes the message of Christianity, including holding monthly Christian services at the Pentagon.

Carissa Wadick covers America’s 250th anniversary on USA TODAY. She can be reached at kwaddick@usatoday.com.

Contributor: BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY

Duke University’s deal with Amazon doesn’t compare to Ohio State University entering the public market

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Duke University’s deal with Amazon doesn’t compare to Ohio State University entering the public market

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While some may still not believe it, Duke put all doubt to rest late last week by announcing a new streaming deal with Amazon.

College sports are not run by universities, presidents, conference commissioners, or hundreds of athletic directors.

College sports are run and constantly stimulated by the free market.

Coaches, players, programs. All available to the highest bidder.

No price is too high, no deal is too ugly.

Big bluff? The SEC will blow up college football as we know it before distributing any revenue | Opinion

Consider the unusual conspiracy that officially took place within the ACC. Not too long ago, the ACC was rearranging the deck chairs of a sinking ship while its two biggest football institutions (Florida State and Clemson) were actively A.) suing the league and B.) trying to secede from the league.

The ACC put out that fire by changing the way the Media Rights Fund is paid out, allowing those at the top to earn more and those at the bottom to earn less. But it was football and the head of the snake.

This is Duke Basketball, one of the few true blueblood programs that can sign its own deal with a streaming site. But the three-game deal with Amazon, which the ACC and its television partner ESPN granted in exchange for their own rewards (future neutral site, ESPN-owned games), is not in question.

The problem is that Duke basketball is no different than coaches and players in college sports who take advantage of the free market to make cash while taking advantage of one program over another.

Like Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, who found out months ago that he was the only quarterback left on the board, knew Miami needed an elite player at the most important position on the field. So he jumped into the transfer portal at the 11th hour, and Miami ultimately paid Mensah’s buyout from Duke, making him the highest-paid player in college football.

A moment like no other: Forget frolicking in the sun, the SEC plans a rare spring meeting

One power conference coach told USA TODAY Sports that Miami paid an “excess” $12 million to match that contract in both buyouts and new contracts.

But guys, athletes are not boogeymen. Check out Nebraska coach Matt Rhule. He is the latest in a long line of coaches preaching undying love, only to sell their agents the idea that they might leave for a suitable offer.

Rhule allegedly pushed Penn State last fall with the idea of ​​bringing him back to his alma mater to replace James Franklin. So Nebraska responded by adding more money and years to his contract.

Rhule is 19-18 in three seasons at Nebraska (including 0-8 against top-ranked teams). If the 2026 Huskers continue in a similar situation to Ruihir’s first three seasons, it would cost him $63.36 million to fire him without cause.

Why isn’t Duke basketball getting in on the action? And the scary thing for the rest of college sports is when will Ohio State football make its move?

When Alabama and USC and Texas and Michigan say, “No more,” we’re tired of Mississippi State and Rutgers and Vanderbilt and Maryland being on our court. We’re going to take away the media rights and see how much someone is willing to pay for it.

Don’t joke. Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, Apple, or any streaming service worth keeping up with their commercial-filled garbage will spend millions and millions and millions of dollars on Ohio State’s seven home games.

Live sports are the only guaranteed winners in broadcast TV and streaming. Do you want to stream live sports at Ohio State? The king of revenue.

And what is the Big Ten going to do? Tell Ohio State you’re either with us or you’re out of the league.

Four words: There will be suitors.

Ohio State’s value in this environment would likely be triple the $91.5 million the Big Ten paid the Buckeyes in 2024-25. The Ohio State vs. Michigan game alone is worth $100 million a year.

It would be financially unwise for the Big Ten to kick Ohio State out of the conference when the current media rights agreement ends after the 2029-30 season. So the next logical step would be a deal.

Welcome to leveraging the free market, everyone.

A deal to keep Ohio State (or Alabama, Texas, Michigan, USC, etc.) would look like this for the Big Ten and SEC: Bluebloods will get significantly more money and loligagars in the back will get significantly less.

This is no different than player salaries in the era of new transfer portals and free player movement, or coach salaries over the past 30 years where nine-win seasons led to outrageous contract extensions.

The scramble for money started with the coaches, moved on to the players, and eventually got paid for their important roles in the game. That will eventually transfer to universities, which will no longer be able to shoulder the burdens of people who cannot carry them themselves.

Why should we use Ohio State’s brand and power to complement the Minnesotas of the world? If you don’t see this happening, and much sooner than you think, you’re the same guy who thinks you can put the player movement toothpaste back in the tube.

That person will leave this world in two years. Ohio State football would still exist and thrive decades later.

Duke acted wisely and wisely. The door was then opened for all other universities to follow suit.

No price is too high, no deal is too ugly.

Matt Hayes is a senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X @MattHayesCFB.

Sonic and Hello Kitty team up for a special kids meal. What’s inside?

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Sonic and Hello Kitty team up for a special kids meal. What’s inside?

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An epic crossover is underway in Sonic.

America’s Drive-In has partnered with Sanrio to launch Wacky Pack, a children’s menu featuring Hello Kitty and her friends.

According to Sonic, each meal includes a “favorite menu” and a toy inspired by Hello Kitty & Friends characters. From cookie dough Pompom Purin to cherry Hello Kitty, customers can collect up to 12 scented figurines or three color-changing spoons.

“For the first time ever, Hello Kitty and Friends will be featured in every SONIC Wacky Pack kids meal!” Sonic’s website reads.

What’s inside?

Hello Kitty and Friends Wacky Packs are available now until May 31st. Regardless of the meal, each customer will receive one Hello Kitty and Friends toy per Wacky Pack.

Sonic offers a variety of Wacky Pack meal options, including Hamburger Wacky Packs, Crispy Tender Wacky Packs, Hot Dog Wacky Packs, Corn Dog Wacky Packs, and Grilled Cheese Wacky Packs. Each meal includes a drink and your choice of small fries, small tots, or applesauce.

According to Sonic, this collectible set includes 15 exclusive toys, including six scented character figures, each with a gold variation, and three color-changing spoons.

  • Hello Kitty with cherry scent.
  • Pompom pudding with the scent of cookie dough.
  • Chocolate-scented chocolate cat.
  • Kuromi with the scent of grapes.
  • My melody with strawberry scent.
  • Vanilla scented cinnamon roll.
  • Hangyodon’s color-changing spoon.
  • A spoon that changes the color of keroppi.
  • A spoon that changes color.

DoorDash expands SNAP grocery delivery to Kroger stores

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DoorDash expands SNAP grocery delivery to Kroger stores

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DoorDash announced it will roll out Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment support to approximately 2,700 Kroger stores, giving millions of recipients across the United States access to online grocery delivery.

DoorDash said the expansion will include grocery store brands under the grocery giant’s banner, including Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs and Harris Teeter. SNAP customers can use this benefit to purchase eligible items such as meat, produce, dairy, frozen foods, and other essentials on the DoorDash Marketplace.

“Access to affordable food is fundamental,” Mike Goldblatt, DoorDash’s vice president of enterprise partnerships, said in a news release. “This partnership with Kroger represents an important step forward for SNAP access nationwide.”

DoorDash offers 0% shipping on first purchase for EBT users

As of Q4 2025, more than 57,000 merchants accepted SNAP and EBT payments on the platform, and 4.5 million users had added SNAP cards to their accounts, the company said.

DoorDash’s 2025 report shows that SNAP users on the platform are twice as likely to live in a food desert compared to non-SNAP users.

DoorDash added in the release that it will offer $0 shipping on users’ first purchases using EBT payments at participating Kroger stores through June 15.

In fiscal year 2025, an average of more than 42.1 million people in the United States used SNAP benefits per month, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Questions swirl over dinner security for White House correspondents

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Questions swirl over dinner security for White House correspondents

A week after a gunman allegedly invaded a dinner party and attempted to kill President Trump and others, important questions remain about various security agencies.

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WASHINGTON — More than a week after prosecutors said a gunman stormed into the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and is suspected of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump, lawmakers, former Secret Service officials and security experts say the official response leaves wide-ranging questions unanswered.

The Secret Service says a layered security plan worked to prevent the suspect from reaching the banquet hall and injuring VIP guardians, but much remains unknown about what happened outside the Secret Service perimeter separating the annual event, attended by about 2,500 people, from the extremely crowded Washington Hilton hotel where it was held.

Some say Congress should at least hold hearings on the shooting, as it did after the Secret Service had another would-be assassin injure President Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, before he was shot and killed by the agency’s anti-sniper team.

At the April 25 dinner, hotel guest and gunman Cole Thomas Allen sprinted through metal detectors on the perimeter of the Secret Service building with a shotgun, tripped and fell, and was subdued by security.

In addition to President Trump, the event was attended by members of the presidential line of succession, including Vice President J.D. Vance, many Cabinet members, and 92-year-old Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, called for an oversight hearing to determine whether the Secret Service did its job properly with sufficient resources and whether the reforms promised by the protection agency after the Butler crisis were implemented.

In a letter to Republican chairmen, Hawley noted that after Butler, the Senate Homeland Security Committee conducted a bipartisan investigation, held public hearings, produced a detailed report documenting significant deficiencies and developed proposals to address them.

“This was an important part of a broader effort to understand and fix what went wrong, whether it was communications failures, technical issues or lack of resources,” Hawley told Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

“The American people deserve full transparency in the wake of yet another apparent assassination attempt by President Trump,” he said.

One of the attendees at the Correspondents’ Dinner, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York, went further in his post about X.

Lawler said there were “a number of obvious safety issues” and called for a “full and thorough” investigation into “how the shooter gained access from a hotel room to a secure location with numerous firearms.”

more: External investigation needed into Washington D.C. celebration shooting, former Secret Service chief says

“The site was set up perfectly”

So far, the Secret Service has stuck to its official position that it did everything in its power to stop Mr. Allen, who was one floor above the president and other wards dining with journalists and dignitaries.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran told Fox News on April 30 that the agency’s “layered approach” worked as intended.

Mr. Allen did break through the perimeter, but other uniformed officers, agents, rifle teams and “other assets” stood between him and the agency’s guardians, Mr. Curran acknowledged.

“We’re doing an investigation. We’re doing an analysis of the explosion. And from beginning to end, we’re talking about almost 355 feet from the magnetometer to the podium,” Curran said. “That’s a long distance to reach.”

All things considered, Curran said, “The site was set up perfectly.”

The White House said in a statement on April 27 that Trump and White House staff “support the Secret Service leadership” and that the president “personally believes they did an outstanding job of neutralizing the shooter and safely transporting the President, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance.”

The White House said Chief of Staff Susie Wiles will meet with Secret Service and Homeland Security leaders to discuss security in the aftermath of the shooting.

Grassley, the Senate president pro tempore and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, also said he would review the protection agency’s bylaws.

On May 4, Secret Service spokesman Joseph Routh told USA TODAY that Curran met with Republican and Democratic members of both the House and Senate last week and provided them with a “comprehensive overview of the security plan and the events leading up to the shooting.”

“It’s a complete joke.”

Still, the official statement defending the Secret Service does not answer a series of questions raised by lawmakers, former officials and security experts.

Juliette Kayem, the Obama administration’s top official at the Department of Homeland Security, said she initially thought the Secret Service could conduct its own investigation into the incident to determine what went wrong and how things could be improved.

But after hearing Curran’s remarks, she told USA TODAY she now disagrees.

“I don’t have a lot of confidence in the Secret Service’s vetting in this time of so much politicization,” said security firm Kayem. The company’s security firm advises host cities and private sector partners on World Cup security. “I couldn’t believe it when the coach said that.”

It’s one thing to say the perimeter worked, but other aspects of security at and around the dinner party raise serious questions, Kayyem said, such as whether the Secret Service should play a greater role in securing space outside the perimeter and investigating and monitoring potential threats. Allen arrived at the hotel the day before with the intention of assassinating Trump and other administration officials.

“To say everything went well is a total joke,” Kayem said.

Critical unanswered questions

Unanswered questions also remain about what happened inside and outside the protective perimeter, what could have gone wrong, and which institutions, if any, are responsible.

“They won’t look into it themselves. The public won’t believe it,” said former Secret Service Director John Magaw, calling for an external FBI investigation into the former agency.

James Reno, a longtime security consultant, told USA TODAY that even if the main security perimeter is strong, “public and adjacent spaces outside of it can pose a variety of challenges that are difficult to control in real time.”

“Incidents like this highlight the complexity of securing large, high-profile events that span multiple zones, agencies, and hierarchies of responsibility,” said Reno, vice president of Shooter Detection Systems and Alarm.com.

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Tom Lynch said it’s too early to answer at least some important questions, including how local law enforcement agencies like MPD can best assist the Secret Service in such cases.

Lynch told USA TODAY in a May 1 interview that “this is the fifth or sixth day after the incident occurred, but it could take months or even years for a review of this magnitude to be comprehensive.”

Who was in charge outside the confines of the Secret Service?

Beyond the shooting itself, the incident exposed broader questions about security lapses in the public areas of the sprawling hotel, which occupies an entire city block a few miles north of the White House.

The hotel, outside the site where another would-be assassin tried to kill President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was open to guests and other visitors during the event, including hundreds of Washington VIPs and journalists who attended more than a dozen pre-event parties held on various levels of the hotel.

Lawler said in his post that no one asked for photo ID and that “there was no verified list of attendees.”

“We did not have a good idea of ​​how many members of Congress attended the event and where they were located in the venue,” Lawler wrote.

He also said there were a number of pre-party parties near the hotel, attended by government leaders, and that there were no metal detectors to deter potential gunmen.

At least some of that security will be provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the primary protection agency for members of Congress, including at events outside the Capitol. The agency did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

In emails and other documents released by investigators, Allen, the gunman, marveled at the hotel’s lack of security, from being allowed to check in with a small arsenal of weapons to wandering the grounds hours before breaking through a Secret Service security perimeter to enter a ballroom where an event was being held.

“I came in with multiple weapons, and no one there considered that I could be a threat,” he said in a letter he wrote to his family shortly before the attack, published by the New York Post. A law enforcement official confirmed the details to USA TODAY.

“Security for the event is all outside and focused on protesters and those currently arriving, as no one seems to be thinking about what might happen if someone checked in the day before,” Allen wrote.

The Secret Service said the crime was confined to a perimeter leading to a banquet hall on the lower floor of the hotel.

But McGaw, former Secret Service Deputy Director A.T. Smith and other security experts told USA TODAY that an investigation is needed into how Allen was able to move around the hotel with the weapon, including descending a flight of stairs and exiting near a checkpoint, an area generally outside the Secret Service’s secure zone.

more: Witnesses tell investigators that Secret Service agent was shot and killed by suspect

A senior law enforcement official told USA TODAY that these areas are under the jurisdiction of hotel security or local police, and that federal protection agencies are prohibited from identifying people for questioning or searching unless they are acting suspiciously.

What is the responsibility of supporting security agencies?

Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Lynch said the department’s role is limited and falls under the direction of the Secret Service.

“We weren’t at first base for this,” Lynch said. He said police provided security for the event outside the Secret Service perimeter, but declined to give details such as the number of personnel deployed for security reasons.

“I’m sure we’ll be part of their broader consideration on this, which could change the way they want us to support them,” he said. “But to my knowledge, at this point, we are not independently reviewing aspects of what happened that day.”

Lynch declined to say whether MPD had identified any problems with its own officers, cautioning that it was too early to draw conclusions.

Capitol Police did not release a statement about the dinner, other than to say immediately after the dinner that “the members of Congress who attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe and secure. We are here to support our federal government and local partners in whatever they need.”

What you need to know about where to buy

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What you need to know about where to buy

With a wide range of online dealers and local options available, purchasing silver has never been easier. For most investors, the key decision is not where to buy, but whether silver coins or silver bars make the most sense for their goals.

Each format comes with trade-offs regarding price, liquidity, and storage. This guide will take you step-by-step through how to buy silver, compare coins and bars, and show you how to evaluate dealers so you can buy with confidence.

Step by step: How to buy silver coins or bars

1. Determine if silver fits your investment goals

Silver has distinct advantages for portfolio diversification due to its widely recognized value, low entry costs, and appeal as a tangible asset independent of any single government.

“Silver can provide diversification because its price drivers are not the same as traditional stocks and bonds and often respond to a combination of factors such as inflation expectations, industrial demand, and currency movements,” said Jeff Judge, managing partner and certified financial planner practitioner at Chesapeake Financial Planners.

He added: “That said, silver is typically more volatile than gold and can fluctuate sharply in both directions, so while concentration risk may be reduced, short-term portfolio volatility can be greater. Investors using silver often view it as a small satellite allocation rather than a core holding.”

Depending on your investment goals, silver may be perfect for satellite growth. Satellite growth refers to more aggressive investments, typically aimed at driving portfolio growth. When combined with “core” investments such as stocks and bonds, they can form a valuable portfolio.

You should also consider investing in physical silver versus paper silver. Investing physically in silver means storing the metal yourself to protect against inflation, but you will need to consider storage and insurance. Investing in paper silver, on the other hand, is easier to trade, but comes with the risk of a third party physically storing your silver.

2. Choose from silver coins and bars

Silver coins are government sponsored and can vary in purity, up to 99.99%. When stored at home, silver coins are small, making them ideal for limited storage space. Another advantage of coins is their high liquidity. That means it’s usually easier to sell.

In contrast, silver bars are worth your money. Although they cost less per ounce than silver coins, silver coins often cost more due to their intricate designs and minting costs. Buying silver bars can save you money. However, bars are generally larger and more expensive than coins, making them difficult to sell.

3. Understand Silver Pricing

Silver is sold based on current market conditions and spot prices. The spot price is the current rate of silver in dollars per troy ounce. Dealers make a profit by selling precious metals at retail prices (spot plus premium).

Before purchasing precious metals, obtain all fees, charges, and agreed upon retail prices in writing before signing a sales contract. If the seller does not provide you with a copy of this prior to the sale, this is a red flag and could be a scam.

4. Choose the right size and type

Silver coins are convenient to store, usually come in 1 troy ounce sizes, and are certified by the government that minted them. Private mints, on the other hand, produce silver bars with a higher content of silver per ounce. You’ll find bars in a variety of sizes, from 1 ounce to 10 ounces to 100 ounces.

5. Find a trusted seller

Many companies sell silver, but it’s important to find a reliable seller. Online bullion dealers, local coin shops, mints, and precious metal dealers are all options for purchasing silver coins.

Alex Riedel, Director of Client Portfolio Management at Advyzon Investment Management, recommends, “Buyers should check ratings and reviews on third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Most reputable dealers are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Professional Numismatic Association (PNG).”

Hint: Most reputable precious metals dealers have buyback policies that guarantee that the metals you purchase will be purchased by the provider in the future. However, please note that this does not guarantee the best possible price.

6. Verify authenticity

If you purchase through an authorized precious metals dealer, you will need to receive documentation of the silver’s origin or analytical test results to determine the purity of the metal. If purchased through the Mint, your silver will include the Mint’s mark and certificate. For example, the U.S. Mint sells uncirculated silver coins with certificates of authenticity.

When purchasing silver directly, request a certificate of authenticity and conduct a thorough visual inspection. Keep in mind that genuine silver coins are precisely crafted and free of noticeable imperfections. Real silver also tarnishes over time, so old, untarnished silver can be a red flag.

7. Purchase

Payment methods mainly depend on the seller. Most locations accept cash, check, wire transfer, and even Google or Apple Pay. You can also purchase silver within your IRA. An IRA is a self-directed account that allows you to purchase silver coins and bars while maintaining tax benefits. For this option, check out the Silver IRA company that coordinates your purchase and storage.

If you are buying locally or purchasing silver directly, consider shipping and insurance costs. Finally, keep records of all transactions to maintain a clean paper trail, comply with federal law and capital gains taxes, and provide proof of ownership.

8. Keep your silver safe

You can store your silver in a bank safe deposit box or your home safe, but storing silver at home comes with the risk of theft. You may also want to consider private insurance for your silver.

If you are interested in third-party storage, look into private institutions that handle precious metals, such as bullion depositories. This option usually includes insurance and is often much more advantageous than purchasing private insurance.

9. Resale planning

Before you buy silver, plan for resale. Silver coins are more liquid than bars because, as long as the coin is in good condition, it can be instantly identified by government mints. Bars are less liquid and the market is smaller because many investors don’t want to store them.

That being said, many precious metals dealers offer buyback programs. This basically guarantees that the provider will buy your bars or coins when you are ready to sell them. While this may not always be the best price, a warranty is a great guarantee that you will find a buyer quickly.

As with all precious metal investments, track the value of the metal and assess how much you can expect to receive before selling.

Silver coins and bars: key differences

Both silver coins and bars are great ways to maintain and even grow your net worth and portfolio. The main difference between the two is storage and liquidity. Bars sell at a lower premium than coins, making them a more cost-effective option, while coins are more liquid and easier to store at home.

Risks of buying physical silver

Investing in silver has its benefits, but it also comes with certain risks.

  • Price volatility and liquidity: The value of silver coins and bars is based on the silver market and its current spot price. Diversifying your portfolio with silver can help protect against inflation, but the value of silver fluctuates based on demand.
  • Risk of counterfeit products: Silver coins are easier to authenticate. Since it is minted by the government, it comes with documents such as a certificate of authenticity. Silver coins often have unique anti-counterfeiting measures in place. For example, Royal Canadian Mint coins have an encryption code that can only be read and verified by a specific scanner. Since a private company is minting silver bars, the only thing at risk is the company’s reputation if something goes wrong. As a result, the production of counterfeit silver bullion becomes more common, so veterinarians purchase silver carefully to ensure safety.
  • Storage fees and insurance fees: Coins are much smaller and easier to store at home, but you’ll have to figure out your own insurance and anti-theft measures, which will eat into your bottom line over time. Similarly, storing your silver bars may require a vault that charges a fee. However, the benefit of using a depository exchange is that they usually include insurance.

Where to buy silver coins or bars

The main ways to purchase silver coins and bars are through online precious metals dealers, local coin shops, or directly from government mints.

Tips for safely purchasing silver

When purchasing silver, follow these tips:

  • Please use a trusted seller. Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​ratings and customer reviews, and ask friends and family for referrals.
  • please be careful: This is a concern when salespeople promise good returns or “low risk” options because no investment is sure or guaranteed.
  • Avoid unusually low prices: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Review the product and documentation. Ask for all documentation upfront and especially get everything in writing, including fees, expenses, and fees.
  • Start with a small purchase If this is your first time investing in precious metals.
  • Avoid dealers who contact you. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission advises against responding to cold calls, junk mail, unsolicited emails, social media posts, and pop-up dealers at public events. These are common scams.

conclusion

Both silver coins and bars are valuable options to enhance your portfolio alongside your core holdings. Before investing, consider the pros and cons of silver coins and bars and how they fit with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Talk to your financial advisor about the best options for your specific needs and vet multiple providers before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions about how to buy silver coins or bars

Is it better to buy silver coins or bars?

Silver coins are highly liquid, making them suitable for investors who need quick access to cash. Plus, it’s easy to store at home. In contrast, silver bars are ideal for investors who can afford to play the long game and are interested in investing in large amounts.

What is the safest way to buy silver?

The safest way to purchase silver is through a government mint. Alternatively, one of the best ways to purchase physical silver is to work with a reputable precious metals dealer that has earned Better Business Bureau ratings and recognition from organizations such as the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Professional Numismatics Association (PNG).

Are silver coins easier to sell than bars?

Yes, silver coins are usually smaller and (often) cheaper than silver bars, so they are easier to sell than silver bars. Coins have a wide range of buyers, including precious metals dealers, local coin shops, and collectors.

How much silver should I buy?

Investing in silver should be based on your own financial goals, risk tolerance, and advice from an investment professional. However, it is traditionally recommended to allocate 5% to 15% of your portfolio to precious metals.

Do silver coins and bars hold their value?

Yes, silver coins and bars retain their value depending on the overall silver market and current spot price. While investors value some coins based on their historical value and collectibility, their value is ultimately based on their precious metal content.

Trump’s revenge, Ramaswamy’s personality shaped elections in Ohio and Indiana

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Trump’s revenge, Ramaswamy’s personality shaped elections in Ohio and Indiana

Primary voters in Ohio and Indiana will go to the polls on May 5 to test whether the president’s grip on the Republican Party is waning.

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Two Midwest primaries on May 5 will provide insight into the fall campaign, including whether conservative voters are tired of President Donald Trump’s demands for obedience from Republicans.

Voters in Ohio and Indiana are heading to the polls to choose candidates for Congress and statewide office, a move that could prove critical in supporting or thwarting the Trump administration’s policy goals.

The most notable example is the campaign featuring former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy is aiming to lead Ohio in a similar fashion to his failed 2024 White House campaign, largely due to divisive opinions over his unique personality.

“He’s a polarizing figure,” said Jessica Taylor, an analyst at the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which forecasts U.S. elections.

The 40-year-old biotech mogul is known for his entrepreneurial bravado and verbose pronouncements about the direction of American culture. He has poured $25 million of his own money into this race, and last year ousted other credible Republican rivals from the race who received support from Republican bigwigs, including Mr. Trump.

That would normally give Mr. Ramaswamy a safe bet in Republican-leaning Ohio, which Mr. Trump won by 12 points in 2024. The state hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in about 20 years.

However, in the general election, he is expected to face Democrat Amy Acton, the state’s former coronavirus response czar, who is running unopposed, and recent opinion polls have shown that it is a close race. It is largely based on Mr Ramaswamy’s controversial statements, including raising the voting age to 25.

“Every time I saw a candidate’s wife and child appear in his first ad, it was clear to me that he had a likability problem,” Taylor said. “It certainly looks like he’s trying to soften his image as a candidate.”

Ramaswamy faced racist backlash for supporting foreign-born workers

Ramaswamy, the son of Indian immigrants, regularly criticizes what he sees as the Democratic Party’s obsession with identity politics.

In 2021, he published the bestseller “Woke, Inc.” It was a critique of the racial justice movement.

“We got so tied up in common ideals that we forgot all about how we are truly Americans,” Ramaswamy said at a town hall hosted by USA TODAY in New Hampshire during the 2024 campaign.

“I believe deep in my bones that those ideals still exist,” he added. “But we’re going to have to do the hard work of rediscovering them.”

In the 2024 primary, Mr. Ramaswamy drew a lot of support from many of the same voters who were attracted to Mr. Trump, who enthusiastically supported him even after he dropped out of school. He was named co-head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, but quickly resigned to run for governor.

When the Cincinnati-born Ramaswamy staunchly defended companies using foreign-born workers in a series of posts on X in late 2024 (which he said was the result of embracing “mediocrity”), he began facing a flood of racist comments about his Indian heritage and Hindu faith.

“My social media feed is littered with hundreds of slurs, most from accounts I don’t remember, calling for me to be ‘back to India’ and deported,” he said in a 2025 guest opinion column for The New York Times. He also challenged conservative activists at a December 2025 convention hosted by Turning Point USA to reject the growing sentiment that “traditional Americans” — primarily white families who trace their ancestry back to this country for generations — have a greater right to this country than other peoples.

Ramaswamy’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment, and most of his supporters deny the clashes are a distraction.

The comments infuriated anti-immigrant conservatives, including Republican Casey Pucci, who describes himself as an “auto entrepreneur” and Ramaswamy’s opponent, “Christian America’s No. 1 candidate.”

He has openly launched xenophobic attacks against Ramaswamy, even though he is trailing Ramaswamy by double digits in the race for the Republican nomination.

President Pooch called Ramaswamy a “foreign-born anchor baby billionaire” and ran provocative ads on social media on April 14, including a spot where he challenged Ramaswamy to a game of “Cowboys vs. Indians” before firing a rifle.

Ramaswamy is expected to win the primary, but experts say they are paying close attention to the margin ahead of the general election.

Cook Political Report downgraded the Ohio gubernatorial race from “likely” to “leaning Republican” in its March assessment, largely due to Mr. Ramaswamy’s controversial statements, including calling for the closure of certain Ohio universities and rolling back property tax repeal.

Acton, a physician, has worked closely with outgoing Republican incumbent Mike DeWine as Ohio public health director and is seen as a strong Democratic candidate who would benefit from his bipartisan credentials.

But just as many believe her past role leading the state’s coronavirus response could be ripe for attack from Ramaswamy, who seems intent on relitigating the pandemic.

Republicans focus on vulnerable Democratic Party after Ohio redistricting

The Ohio election is also the beginning of a test for Republicans to see if redrawing Congressional lines will work, starting with one of the nation’s toughest districts.

Five Republican candidates are vying to take on Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress, who last won reelection in 2024 by less than 1 percentage point.

The state Legislature redistricted Ohio’s 9th Congressional District last year after a previous attempt failed. The district, which currently spans the Toledo area along the state’s northern border with Michigan, is a more favorable seat for Republicans and one of the few seats held by Democrats that could derail the “blue wave” expected this year.

But the biggest concern for Republicans remains President Trump’s growing unpopularity in the state. A Bowling Green State University poll released last month found that 52% of Ohio voters disapproved of his job performance.

There are also concerns that Republicans could lose if voters nominated Madison Sheehan, a former senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement official who led some of the administration’s tough enforcement campaigns in major cities where violent and deadly clashes have occurred.

The University of Virginia’s Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the seat as “leaning Republican,” but the Cook Political Report considers it a toss-up.

Ohio is also one of the key states in the race between Republican incumbent Jon Husted and former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown that could determine who controls the Senate. Both candidates are expected to be on track to win their party’s nominations.

President Trump seeks revenge on redistricting in Indiana

The Hoosier state is also in the spotlight after a handful of Republican lawmakers resisted President Trump’s arm-twisting effort to change the House’s congressional boundaries. These lawmakers now face the president’s wrath in a primary election backed by his political machine.

President Trump supported a primary challenge to seven state senators who rejected a plan to reshuffle nine Indiana seats. He specifically singled out state Senate Majority Leader Roderick Bray, one of 21 Republicans who voted against the bill that would have created two new red districts.

“He’s probably going to lose the next primary,” Trump said at the White House signing ceremony. “I hope he does, because he did something very bad.”

The president’s gerrymandering war is a top priority for the administration, and was further reinforced by the U.S. Supreme Court following last week’s ruling striking down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Many southern states have announced plans to redraw the map.

Trump’s political allies, including Hoosier Leadership for America and American Leadership PAC, have donated about $6 million to targeted incumbent lawmakers, according to AdImpact. Other national groups are also joining the fray with direct mail and field work, including Win It Back PAC, an affiliate of the Club for Growth.

Gov. Mike Brown’s political machine is also on the president’s side.

Mr. Bray has been doing everything he can to combat the flood of dark money, with support from a group called the Indiana First Coalition and the Senate Majority Campaign Committee, which poured about $2.4 million into Mr. Bray’s campaign.

Trump’s challengers have been unable to put together a coherent message about why they should win, and there are already reports that redistricting is not a top priority for local grassroots conservatives.

“This has been a strange and unique election year,” Bray told the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network, in April.

KFC launches new $10 Bucket of the Day. View deals

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KFC launches new $10 Bucket of the Day. View deals

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Kentucky Fried Chicken is tapping into its roots with an all-new Chicken Bucket deal, available Monday through Friday.

Starting April 29, KFC is offering a $10 “daily deal” that varies every weekday, including a bucket of 24 chicken nuggets and four sauces on Mondays and Fridays, and 10 wings and two sauces on Wednesdays.

KFC is also launching a new single-person boneless bucket that includes three chicken tenders, five nuggets, fries and a medium drink. Both bucket sales will be available at the fast food chain starting Monday, May 4th.

Ready to eat? Here’s what you need to know about KFC’s new ‘Deal of the Day’ bucket deal.

What is KFC’s new Bucket of the Day deal?

KFC’s new Bucket of the Day sale offers a different $10 bucket every weekday. The schedule is as follows.

  • Monday: 24 piece nuggets with 4 types of sauce
  • Tuesday: 8 piece drum and thigh
  • Wednesday: 10 chicken wings with 2 types of sauces
  • Thursday: 8 tenders and 4 sauces
  • Friday: 24 pieces of nuggets and 4 sauces

When will KFC’s new Bucket of the Day sale be available?

KFC’s “Bucket of the Day” deal began on April 29th.

What is KFC’s new sauce?

For Saucy Season, KFC has introduced new Honey Chili Crisp Sauce and Jalapeno Ranch Sauce. Both will be released from May 4th.

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

Why March home sales were the lowest since 2009

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Why March home sales were the lowest since 2009

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February showed promising results for the spring housing market. Although existing home sales are up and mortgage rates are below 6% for the first time in years, home prices are not rising as fast as they used to.

But that all came to nothing in March.

According to data released by the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing homes in the United States in March fell 3.6% from the previous month and 1% from the previous year to 3.98 million units.

This was the slowest pace of home sales in March since 2009, according to NAR. This is also the slowest pace in nine months.

By region, the Northeast had the lowest share of existing home sales at 11%. The South had the highest percentage at 47%, followed by the West and Midwest at 19% and 23%, respectively.

According to NAR, the number of pending home sales nationwide in March increased 1.5% from the previous month, but was down 1.1% from the same month last year.

“The housing market continues to be very difficult for homebuyers, with a lot of downturns,” said Kate Wood, senior writer and lending expert at NerdWallet. “Current events in March, such as the Iran conflict, have created great uncertainty in people’s outlook.”

The median home price also hit a new record high for March, reaching $408,800 nationwide.

In case you missed it: Escrow shortages soar, new sign of housing crisis

Wood said basic economics suggests that rising interest rates will force sellers to lower home prices because a lack of affordability reduces demand. However, that is not happening due to a significant lack of inventory on the market.

And this is likely the result of a lock-in effect where homeowners with low mortgage rates do not sell their homes. Even if someone wanted to do a lateral migration rather than an upgrade, Wood said it would be much more difficult to do so while maintaining the same budget.

According to 2024 data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, each time current interest rates exceed a homeowner’s interest rate, the probability of putting a home on the market decreases by 18.1%.

This means that if a homeowner has an interest rate of 3%, they are almost 60% less likely to put their home up for sale than if the current interest rate is 6%.

more: Save hundreds of dollars on home repairs with the cheapest home warranty

“Homeowners, especially those with low interest rates, have a double advantage. They had lower mortgage rates and bought their homes at a lower price,” Wood said. “At the same time, people who are looking to buy a home in today’s market are in some ways doubly disadvantaged because mortgage rates have gone up significantly and home prices are also much higher.”

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to compete for a home in this difficult market, Wood recommends working with a knowledgeable professional who can properly guide you through the process.

He also recommended being strategic about what you’re looking for in a seller, and determining whether you can achieve some of the seller’s priorities, such as a quick closing.

You should also check whether your financial situation is in order. Wood says this includes already getting pre-approved for a mortgage and having all your financial documents in place when you start shopping.

Maddie McGay is a real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering everything that’s worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay or X @maddiemcgayy and sign up for the North Jersey Living newsletter. Have a tip, trend, or great home she should know about? Email MMcGay@gannett.com.

Burlington will open 26 new stores in May. Please check the location

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Burlington will open 26 new stores in May. Please check the location

Burlington plans to open 26 stores in 20 U.S. states in May, continuing to expand to more than 1,000 stores.

Burlington plans to open more than 100 stores by the end of 2026, with openings taking place in May. In an emailed statement to USA TODAY, Burlington CEO Michael O’Sullivan said the new store will feature an “improved store design.”

“Offering incredible value on branded and trending products is at the heart of what we do,” he said. “We look forward to giving shoppers the opportunity to explore big savings, discover fresh brands and experience new and improved store designs, no matter where they live.”

In addition to the May store opening, Burlington also broke ground on a massive 2 million square foot distribution center near Phoenix, Arizona. The new center is expected to open in 2028, Burlington said.

Here’s what you need to know:

Where will Burlington open a new store?

Burlington lists 26 stores scheduled to open in May on its “Grand Openings” page. Their locations are:

  • 26583 Carl Boyer Dr., Santa Clarita, CA – May 8th
  • 4600 W Broad St., Columbus, OH – May 8th
  • 26015 104th Ave. SE, Ste 101, Kent, Washington – May 8th
  • 700 Ocean Beach Hwy., Ste 100, Longview, Washington – May 8
  • 4045 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire, WI – May 15th
  • 1226 S Koeller St., Oshkosh, WI – May 15th
  • 1120 Seaboard St., Myrtle Beach, SC – May 15th
  • 1530 County Road 64, Elmira, NY – May 15th
  • 80 S Tunnel Street #30, Asheville, NC – May 15th
  • 1717 N Dysart Rd., Avondale, AZ – May 15th
  • 3010 Ming Ave., Bakersfield, CA – May 15th
  • 10261 River Marsh Dr., Ste 149, Jacksonville, FL – May 15th
  • 2056 IL-50, Bourbonnais, IL – May 15
  • 4600 Shelbyville Rd., Ste 280, Louisville, KY – May 15th
  • 4715 24th Ave., Fort Gratiot Township, Michigan – May 15th
  • 2050 W University Dr., Ste 250, McKinney, TX – May 15th
  • 1219 N Fry Rd., Ste B, Katy, TX – May 22
  • 2210 Daniels St., Manteca, California – May 22
  • 701 NJ-440, Ste 16, Jersey City, NJ – May 22
  • 3839 Marketplace Dr. NW, Rochester, MN – May 29
  • 1701 US-22, Watching, NJ – May 29
  • 67800 Mall Ring Road 100 015, St. Clairsville, OH – May 29th
  • 28221 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH – May 29th
  • 1610 Church St., Conway, SC – May 29
  • 4446 N Fwy., Houston, TX – May 29
  • 201 University Oaks Blvd., Ste 1260, Round Rock, Texas – May 29

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

$20 million up for grabs on May 4th

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$20 million up for grabs on May 4th

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The Powerball jackpot was reset to $20 million in a drawing on Monday, May 4, with a cash value of $9 million, after two players from Texas and Florida won the jackpot.

Saturday, May 2nd’s victory came just days after two other players from Indiana and Kansas took home $143 million jackpots on Wednesday, April 29th. According to Powerball, this is the first time since 2021 that the jackpot has been hit on consecutive nights.

“This has been a great week for Powerball players across the country,” said Matt Strahan, Powerball Product Group Chairman and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Typically, when jackpots approach $1 billion, we see a large number of winners, but to experience this level of winning activity with much lower advertised jackpot amounts is truly extraordinary.”

Here’s what you need to know about Monday night’s Powerball drawing.

What are the winning Powerball numbers for May 4th?

The winning numbers for Monday, May 4th’s Powerball drawing are 30, 36, 42, 60, 63 and Powerball is 13. The “power play” multiplier is 2x..

Number generator: Which Powerball number should you choose?

Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?

The short answer is “no.”

You do not need to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball. Anyone visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may purchase lottery tickets from authorized and licensed retailers, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18 years old) at the time of purchase.

Top 10 Powerball Jackpots

  • $2.04 billion in California on November 7, 2022
  • December 24, 2025, $1.817 billion in Arkansas.
  • $1.787 billion in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion in California on October 11, 2023
  • January 13, 2016, $1.586 billion in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  • April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion in Oregon.
  • $1.08 billion in California on July 19, 2023
  • January 1, 2024, $842.4 million in Michigan.
  • March 27, 2019, $768.4 million in Wisconsin
  • August 23, 2017, $758.7 million in Massachusetts

Lucky night! 2 Powerball jackpot wins, almost 90 scores $1M, $2M

How to play Powerball

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online depending on the local jurisdiction.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

A “Quick Pick” option is also available if you want the computer to select the numbers for you. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball in any order.

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

President Obama says Trump made him more involved in politics than he wanted

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President Obama says Trump made him more involved in politics than he wanted

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Former President Barack Obama said pressure to join the Democratic Party’s campaign after leaving office caused “real tension” in his marriage to Michelle Obama.

“She wants to see her husband ease off, spend more time together and enjoy the rest of his life,” the former president said in a profile published in the May 4 issue of The New Yorker. “That’s creating real tension in our household and frustrates her.”

This profile focused on Barack Obama’s political presence since becoming president. In a profile for the magazine, he said President Donald Trump’s “recklessness” has put him on the political stage “more than I ever wanted.”

“I’m more forgiving in terms of understanding why people feel the way they do, because they’re not looking at me in comparison to other presidents in history,” Obama told the magazine. “They don’t care about the fact that no other former president has been the party’s primary agent for four election cycles since they left office.”

According to a 2025 Gallup poll, Barack Obama is the most popular living U.S. president, with an overall approval rating of nearly 60% and an approval rating of 96% among Democrats.

According to a 2025 Gallup poll, Barack Obama is the most popular of all living presidents, with nearly 60% Democratic support and a 96% favorability rating. He argued that more political appearances would reduce the impact on viewers.

“If I function like Jon Stewart, and even once a week, I just tune out and just rip off what’s going on — which I’m glad John does, by the way — then I’m not a political leader, I’m a commentator,” Barack Obama told The New Yorker.

“What’s his name?” Barack Obama and Zoran Mandani sing to preschoolers during New York visit

President Obama openly defends the existence of the media

Barack Obama largely avoided political attention during President Trump’s first term, even as some Democrats criticized him for vacationing with celebrities in crowded places. Calls for political participation will continue during Trump’s second term.

“Honestly, we haven’t seen much of him. I wish we’d seen more,” real estate executive Jack Kahn, who heard him speak at a New Jersey campaign rally in 2025, told the magazine.

But Barack Obama pointed to appearing in nontraditional media as a way to reach an audience that doesn’t care about political news.

“President Obama will be talking about a lot of different things and there will be video clips that people will find interesting, because it’s not just a series of political speeches,” David Plouffe, a longtime adviser to the former president, told The New Yorker.

Barack Obama has made headlines in the redistricting battle ahead of the 2026 midterm elections by supporting measures in California and Virginia that tilted their congressional maps toward Democrats in response to Republican-run states redrawing their maps.

President Obama talks about Iran war: Prime Minister Netanyahu got ‘what he wanted’ from President Trump

Barack Obama also revealed in his profile that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made the same claim about the conflict with Iran, prompting President Trump to start the US-Israel war.

He told the magazine that he felt his “predictions” about what would happen in the conflict were “accurate” but that Netanyahu “got what he wanted” from Trump.

“I question whether that’s ultimately what’s best for the people of Israel,” Obama said. “I wonder if I think that’s a good thing for the United States and for the United States.”

The interview was published on the same day the United States launched Project Freedom, an operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Military officials said six small Iranian boats were sunk during the operation.

Heidi Klum will appear on the 2026 MET Gala red carpet as a full-fledged statue

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Heidi Klum will appear on the 2026 MET Gala red carpet as a full-fledged statue

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Heidi Klum looks like a historical piece of art at the 2026 Met Gala.

The supermodel and TV personality, 52, sported a full-length portrait on the red carpet at a fundraising event on Sunday, May 4.

Also known as the Queen of Halloween, she literally took on the “costume art” theme in her stunning marble-like ensemble.

Heidi was captured on the carpet, stating that her custom costume, allegedly created by Mike Marino, was an homage to Rafael Monti’s 1847 sculpture “The Veiled Vestal.”

“I wanted to be her,” she told Vogue, adding that she was inspired by her work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She joked that it took her 20 minutes to complete the detailed look.

Heidi Klum: See supermodels’ amazing nude dresses at the 2026 Grammy Awards

Heidi Klum’s looks are turning heads on social media

Known for her annual Halloween parties in New York, Klum is no stranger to bold and varied looks, often working with a team of special effects artists to create flashy costumes that take months to make, transforming her into the likes of worms, ETs and peacocks.

Last year, she attended the 24th annual party as a green version of Medusa. Just like the Halloween costumes, the 2026 Met Gala looks also caught the attention of fashion fans on social media.

“Her costume is unparalleled. Like…did she leave any crumbs? No, she ate it all up,” one user wrote to X. Another added: “She’s always going to give it her all.”

Taylor Eardley is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at tardrey@usatodayco.com.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 includes deals at Chipotle, Taco Bell, and more

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Cinco de Mayo 2026 includes deals at Chipotle, Taco Bell, and more

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In honor of Cinco de Mayo, restaurants are offering sales to help you celebrate. Cinco de Mayo falls on May 5th every year, but this year it falls on a Tuesday.

Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5th in Spanish, has been used annually to celebrate Mexican-American heritage since the 1800s, according to the National Day Calendar.

One of the biggest misconceptions about this annual celebration is that it is Mexican Independence Day, which is actually not the case. According to National Today, Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th, a day that celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810.

Instead, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla, where Mexican troops defeated Napoleon III’s Second French Empire, USA TODAY previously reported.

The holiday commemorates a victory celebrated in Mexico and throughout the United States during the Civil War.

More than 150 years later, U.S. restaurants are offering perks to help everyone celebrate. Here are some that you can take advantage of.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 Sale: Free Chips and Queso or Waku at Chipotle

Chipotle fans are looking forward to Cinco de Mayo. Digital guests can get chips and queso blanco or chips and guacamole for free when they purchase an entree on May 5 using the code CINCO26 in the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com, according to a news release.

More news: How to make a Cinco de Mayo Margarita using Don Roberto Tequila

Cinco de Mayo 2026 Sale: Free Crunchwrap Supreme at Taco Bell

Grubhub+ members can receive a free Crunchwrap Supreme with orders of $20 or more at Taco Bell from Monday, May 4 through Sunday, May 10, according to a news release.

If you don’t have a membership, you can join for 6 months for 99 cents a month. Grubhub+ discounts are only available for the month of May.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 Sale: $5 Queso Bowls and Drink Sale at Chuy’s

Tex-Mex restaurants are offering multiple Cinco de Mayo discounts.

The restaurant is offering the following discounts from Monday, May 4th to Tuesday, May 5th.

  • House’ Ritas retail for $6 in regular size and $9 in grande. Grande Ritas comes with a commemorative cup while supplies last.
  • $1 off Mexican beer.
  • Chuy’s signature recipes, Compuesto, Lil’ Chuy Gooey, or Boom-Boom Pow Queso bowls are available all day for $5.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 Sale: BOGO Burritos at 7-Eleven

Participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores will be offering the following deals on May 5th.

  • Buy 1 Burrito Get 1 Free
  • When you purchase the limited-time walking taco in a potato chip bag, it includes ground beef, queso, pico de gallo, and crunchy Doritos.
  • Buy a wine-based frozen margarita (classic lime, strawberry, or strawberry-lime swirl) for $3. Larger sizes are also available, including half-gallon for $10 per serving.
  • 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members receive $3 off Modelo Especial, Pacifico Clara, Colonita Extra and other select beers

Other Cinco de Mayo 2026 Sales

  • Moe’s Southwest Grill – May 5th, get a free queso with any entree purchase in-store. Loyalty members have an extended offer and have until Friday, May 10th to redeem their deal.
  • BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – On May 5th, guests can purchase a brewery margarita featuring BJ’s Lunazul Blanco Tequila for $6 during happy hour from 3pm to 7pm and late night happy hour from 9pm to close.
  • Tokaya – On Cinco de Mayo, restaurants are celebrating the holiday and it happens to be Taco Tuesday, so tacos range from $2.50 to $4.25, chips and salsa start at $2.50, chips and queso start at $3.50, beer at $3, wine at $6 and margaritas at $6.
  • on the border – The Tex-Mex chain will be offering $2 tacos and $5 margaritas on May 5th.
  • checkers and rallies – On Cinco de Mayo, fast food restaurants are offering $3 Sourdough Double Melts, Classic Cheese Doubles and Double Spicy Chicken. Guests can upgrade to a small combo of fries and a drink (starting at $6).
  • gopuff – From Monday, May 4th through Friday, May 10th, FAM members can receive 40% off popular items like Siete Tortilla Chips, Snack Club Tajine Mango Rings, Mega Chamoy Cotton Candy, Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix, and more. Options may vary by location.

Julia Gomez is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering popular toys, space phenomena, scientific research, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamariegz or email jgomez@gannett.com.

Supreme Court issues new emergency voting rights ruling to boost Republicans

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Supreme Court issues new emergency voting rights ruling to boost Republicans

Black voters in Louisiana had hoped the judge’s decision would be put on hold until after the November election, invalidating a congressional map that includes two majority-black districts.

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WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on May 4 allowed a recent ruling restricting early enforcement of key parts of the Voting Rights Act, raising the possibility that Republicans will enact a new congressional map for Louisiana before the November election.

Courts typically suspend judgments for a month after they are issued to give the losing party time to request a new hearing.

Successful voters wanted the transfer to occur without a waiting period to give more time for new maps to be drawn.

Black voters, fearful of losing their representation in Congress, opposed the request, arguing that since primary voting had already begun, the judge should hold off on the April 29 ruling until after the election.

The court’s response to the emergency request was not signed, but Justice Samuel Alito wrote in a concurring statement that Louisiana was not required to use a map found to be unconstitutional. He suggested there is still time for the state Legislature to adopt a new map.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, saying the court’s decision had “created chaos” in Louisiana.

On April 30, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry postponed the May primary election to give the state Legislature time to approve new maps that could give Republicans one or two seats.

This suspension is being challenged in a separate court.

Another court will have to decide how to apply the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the existing map. Before these judges issue a decision, the Supreme Court must send the decision to the justices, which makes the decision final.

Judges typically do not issue a final ruling until the losing party has exhausted the time allotted to request a retrial of the case. Requests for a rehearing are rarely granted.

In the Supreme Court’s opinion, the majority said the losing black voters “have not expressed any intention to ask this court to reconsider the decision.”

“And the need for swift action by this court is clear,” Alito wrote.

Jackson, one of the court’s three liberals, said the court appeared to be making a partisan misjudgment by shortening the standard waiting period because of opposition from black voters.

“To avoid appearing biased here, we could choose, as always, to apply the default procedure and remain on the sidelines and not take any position,” Jackson wrote. “But today, the court chose the opposite.”

State officials told the Supreme Court it doesn’t matter how quickly the justices act. Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill said the schedule does not affect the state’s ability to create new maps or election processes for this year’s elections.

If that happens, lower courts won’t have to get involved, she said.

The map, rejected 6-3 by the ideologically divided Supreme Court, includes two majority-black districts. A group calling itself Non-Black Voters filed a lawsuit alleging that “racial quotas” cost the state a Republican seat in a close Congress.

more: The Supreme Court is considering redistricting. Will it affect the national finals?

These districts were created to protect the voting rights of the state’s black residents, who make up one-third of the state’s population.

But Justice Samuel Alito, speaking for the court’s majority, said the map was an “unconstitutional gerrymander” that violated the rights of non-Black voters who challenged it.

Alito said the Voting Rights Act’s vote dilution protections for racial minorities do not work if maps “do not provide a sufficient number of majority-minority districts.” Rather, he said, there must be evidence that district boundaries were established through “intentional discrimination.”

The decision puts both black-majority districts in Louisiana and majority-minority districts in other states at risk of being eliminated in a redraw.

Spirit Airlines crowdfunding campaign raises $88 million

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Spirit Airlines crowdfunding campaign raises $88 million

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A TikTok campaign to buy and revitalize Spirit Airlines, launched hours after Spirit Airlines grounded, has raised more than $88 million.

Last weekend, content creator and voice actor Hunter Peterson posted a TikTok video, which currently has more than 4.6 million views, in which he proposed a plan to buy Spirit Airlines through crowdfunding.

“This is a genius idea: nationalize Spirit Airlines,” Peterson said in the video. “The people are the owners. The airline is gone. We will create a new airline.”

Spirit Airlines announced on May 2 that it would suspend operations due to years of financial difficulties caused by soaring fuel prices. All Spirit Airlines flights will be canceled and the airline’s customer service will be unavailable.

“To continue operating, Spirit needed hundreds of millions of dollars in additional liquidity, which Spirit simply did not have and was unable to obtain. This is extremely disappointing and not the outcome any of us had hoped for,” Dave Davis, Spirit’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Thousands support crowdfunding plan to revive Spirit

Less than three hours after posting his first video, Peterson launched what is now letsbuyspiritair.com. This would allow interested patrons to pledge their shares to Spirit Airlines’ proposed ownership. A non-binding commitment does not require the collection of money, but rather an expression of interest.

And quite a few people seem excited.

As of May 4, about 124,700 people had expressed interest in the share buyback plan, with more than $88 million pledged, according to figures posted on letsbuyspiritair.com. What is the average promise? $667.

“This started as a joke, but it’s quickly spiraling out of control in the best way possible,” Peterson said in a TikTok video after the website posted it.

In addition to the website, Peterson also created an Instagram account, Spirit Airlines 2.0. As of May 4, the account had 163,000 followers.

USA TODAY reached out to Peterson and Spirit’s former attorney.

trip: Spirit Airlines grounded, leaving passengers scrambling

Crowdfunding site crashes

Although Peterson’s TikTok videos and website garnered a lot of attention, the latter crashed shortly after its creation. According to a notice on the website, as of May 4, pledges at letsbuyspiritair.com are currently suspended due to an upgrade to the website’s infrastructure.

Peterson asks for help across the board.

In a TikTok video posted on May 3, Peterson said he is seeking connections with a developer to upgrade the pledge website, a public relations expert to manage news coverage, an attorney with experience in the airline industry, and an airline executive who can provide the necessary details.

“I’m not talking to anyone on TV or anything,” Peterson said in another TikTok video posted on May 3. “If you want to hear from me, you’ll do it on social until you talk to a lawyer.”

Hunter Peterson and Spirit have a history.

The history of Peterson Airlines and Spirit Airlines goes back a long time (at least a year ago).

In 2025, content creators spent 24 hours straight on a Spirit Airlines plane to better understand low-cost carriers. In a YouTube video that has been viewed about 93,000 times, Peterson visited five of Spirit’s busiest airports, but only counted the time he was on the plane as part of the project.

Will the campaign be successful?

Experts say Mr. Peterson’s plan is highly unlikely to succeed.

Spirit Airlines is already in formal liquidation, and its assets will be used by a bankruptcy court to settle outstanding debts.

Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive and current president of RW Mann & Company, an independent aviation consulting firm, told USA TODAY that Spirit would have been saved if it had future business prospects. Still, he said aircraft and other parts of the airline are likely to be created by new divisions at other airlines.

“Spirit will come back in a different form. The planes will come back with a different livery, some of the employees will come back with a different uniform, some slots will be operated by other airlines that absorb use or lose requirements, some of the ground equipment will come back with new equipment, and airports will have to install new signage,” he said. “But other than that, I don’t see it coming back.”

Contributor: Eve Chen, USA TODAY

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

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