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The Presidential Records Act is upheld. Trump’s inner circle should follow suit.

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The Presidential Records Act is upheld. Trump’s inner circle should follow suit.

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A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump’s aides to comply with the Presidential Records Act, rejecting arguments that the decades-old law exceeds the president’s authority.

U.S. District Judge John Bates began his ruling with a quote from George Orwell’s “1984,” then said Congress enacted the Presidential Records Act to “ensure that government records are created, preserved, and available to the public.”

The decision directly contradicts an April Justice Department memo that claimed the law unconstitutionally infringed on the president’s powers. The administration has until May 26 to appeal the ruling before it takes effect, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY.

So what does the Presidential Records Act require? Here’s what you need to know.

more: President Trump releases more than $1.8 billion in “anti-weaponization” funds after Republican backlash

What is the Presidential Records Act?

The Presidential Records Act, enacted in 1978 after the Watergate scandal, sets rules for how presidents handle official records created while in office.

Under the law, records related to the president’s official business must be preserved and transferred to the National Archives at the end of his administration. The same requirements apply to the vice president’s record.

The law was brought back into the spotlight in 2022 when classified documents were discovered on the premises of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, including more than 100 documents with classified markings. The investigation led to dozens of federal charges related to the handling of national defense intelligence, but those charges were dropped after Trump returned to office.

USA TODAY’s Bart Jansen and Aysha Bagchi contributed to this report.

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 Trump defends $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization’ fund amid Republican backlash

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President Trump defends $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization’ fund amid Republican backlash

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is pursuing an investigation into the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund as Senate Republicans revolt over large sums of money that could collect payments to the president’s allies, including the January 6 defendants.

Trump claimed in a May 22 Truth Social post that he “gave up a lot of money to allow the just-announced anti-weaponization fund to go forward,” adding that he could have settled his family’s now-dropped lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service with “an absolute fortune.”

“Instead, I am helping those who have been horribly abused by the evil, corrupt, and weaponized Biden administration finally receive justice!” Trump said.

The president’s comments came after Senate Republicans left Washington for a week of recess, furious over the fund, which faced questions about its legality and raised political concerns among Republicans about its creation as Americans suffer from high costs.

In another Truth social post, President Trump slammed one of his most critical Republican senators, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Trump criticized Tillis, who is a frequent target of the president and is not running for re-election in November, as “weak and ineffective.”

more: January 6: Police officer files lawsuit seeking to stop President Trump’s $1.8 billion “slush fund” to “insurrectionists”

Tillis told CNN that the defendants in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack who were pardoned by President Trump “don’t need to pay restitution. Many of them deserve to go to prison.”

He called on other like-minded Senate Republicans to “speak out” about the fund. “This is beyond common sense,” Tillis said. “This is not good for my colleagues. There is nothing positive that will come out of this between now and November. This is bad policy. This is bad timing. This is bad politics.”

Republican opposition led Senate Republicans to walk out and adjourn over Memorial Day weekend without passing a reconciliation bill that would strengthen immigration enforcement, but they certainly fell short of President Trump’s goal of passing the bill by June 1.

“It’s clear that our members have very legitimate questions,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota), acknowledging that Republican senators want to “ensure that the Justice Department’s funds are appropriately ring-fenced.”

more: Why President Trump’s $1.776 Billion “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Caused So Much Uproar

“It’s completely stupid and morally wrong,” McConnell said.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on May 18 the creation of an “anti-weaponization” fund as part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit brought by President Trump and his family against the IRS seeking $10 billion in damages over the leak of the president’s tax returns.

The Trump family agreed to voluntarily drop the lawsuit in exchange for the creation of the fund. That means a federal judge won’t rule on the merits of the claim.

The fund has few guardrails. A five-member committee, each appointed by Mr. Blanche, will be responsible for deciding which claimants will receive awards from the fund, the Justice Department said.

Blanche said anyone is welcome to apply for compensation, but the fund was created to pay compensation to individuals who Trump and others say were unfairly targeted by prosecutors under past Democratic administrations. Blanche and other administration officials have not ruled out the possibility that checks could be sent to the roughly 1,600 Trump supporters who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, including some convicted of assaulting police officers.

“So the highest law enforcement official in this country is asking for slush funds to pay people who assault police officers?” Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the former Senate Republican leader, said in a statement. “It’s completely stupid and morally wrong. Make your own choices.”

Amid the turmoil in the Senate, the anti-weaponization fund is also facing bipartisan resistance in the House. Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania) and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi (New York) have introduced legislation that would prohibit federal funds from being put into the fund.

Contributor: Zach Schermele for USA TODAY

X Contact Joey Garrison at @Joeygarrison.

2026 Bathroom Trends to Increase Home Value

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2026 Bathroom Trends to Increase Home Value

Renovating your bathroom can instantly add comfort and practicality to your home, but understanding what’s popular in 2026 bathroom design trends can also help you maximize the value of your home.

USA TODAY asked interior designers and home builders what the bathroom remodeling trends are and what the best return on investment is.

If you’re renovating your bathroom or starting from scratch, here are some bathroom trends to consider.

Important points:

  • Functionality is just as important as trendy design.
  • Natural materials, bold colors, and large-format tiles are key bathroom design trends for 2026.
  • More and more homeowners are incorporating wellness features like steam showers, saunas, and cold plunges.
  • Environmentally friendly designs such as water-saving appliances and LED lighting are gaining popularity.

Bathroom design trends are here to stay

New bathroom trends embrace both design and functionality. Brandon Perry, CEO and president of The Fortress Project, a non-profit construction and home remodeling company in River Falls, Wisconsin, and his team see the following bathroom trends emerging in 2026:

  • wide niche (Recessed wall for placing shower toiletries) Comes with a shelf.
  • Wide shower that accommodates two shower headsmatch the two sinks on the master.
  • The rain still remains“But it’s more for men than women,” says Perry. “Men typically prefer lots of water and multiple body sprays and shower heads. Women tend to want a standard shower head.”
  • Glass is required. “Half of the shower wall is clear glass, allowing natural light into the shower space,” says Perry.
  • add a window to the bathroom Or “even the transom window above the mirror or the shower area,” says Perry.
  • separate toilet closet Full use of the shower and privacy.
  • Closet accessed from main bathroom area It’s very convenient. “While one person is still sleeping, the other person can come in and get ready without disturbing the sleeping person,” says Perry.

Top 6 Bathroom Renovation Trends for 2026

1. Natural materials and biocompatible design

Some of the latest bathroom styles for 2026 center around the use of natural materials and designs that create a relaxing, zen-like atmosphere. While homeowners are incorporating organic materials in things like tile, hardware and vanities, they’re also focusing on bringing in more natural light and fresh air to maintain a connection to the outside world.

“Biophilic design has been popular for a while, but it’s increasingly being incorporated into bathrooms, especially through large windows to let in more sunlight,” says Drew Tryon, founder of Design Lab 314, a full-service home design firm based in Arizona. Homeowners are also choosing “natural materials such as untreated stone and wood vanities” that, when combined, give the room an “organic” feel.

Tomoe Yuzuki, an architectural and interior designer at Morgante Wilson Architects in Chicago, Illinois, agrees. “Materials with an organic/handmade look and feel are in high demand, such as zellige tiles and tumbled edge tiles.” Yunoki’s customers are now more open to natural stone tile countertops rather than classic porcelain.

A related contemporary bathroom design idea is to combine natural materials to give your bathroom, especially the fixtures and hardware, a more eclectic and natural look.

“Brushed brass, champagne bronze and matte black appear together in a way that feels more curated than harmonious,” says Justin Caballero, president of Revive Design & Renovation, a remodeling company based in Orlando and Tampa, Florida. “Gone are the days of one finish in every match.” Thoughtful combinations have emerged.

2. Relaxation and wellness features

One of the aims of incorporating natural and organic materials is to create a truly relaxing space that is more than just practical. Modern bathroom ideas for 2026 take it a step further by introducing wellness-first design with luxury showers and spa-like features.

“Steam showers, cold plunges, and infrared saunas are consistently featured in our luxury renovations,” says Caballero. “It used to be an occasional addition to the spa, but now it’s part of our daily home routine.”

Larger shower areas with impressive fixtures, glass walls and unique door mechanisms are also often requested. “In the shower, clients choose the option of a waterfall shower head, multiple shower heads, or even a steamer for maximum relaxation,” Tyrone adds.

“More and more clients are thinking about the long term and choosing features that will allow them to age more comfortably,” says Yuzuki. These include chair-height toilets, comfortable-height vanities and countertops, curbless showers, and more.

3. Bold colors and textures

For years, bathroom design has focused on muted grays and neutral colors that blend into the background. Today, homeowners are increasingly paying attention to colors and textures that can stand out and express more individuality.

“Textures that express delicate details are very popular,” says Yuzuki. “We’re seeing more textures in cabinet doors, tiles, and stone. Homeowners are also choosing bold colors, especially as accents on vanities and tiles.”

Even in bathrooms where the color itself isn’t bold, homeowners are using color in unique ways. Caballero says another popular trend is drenching color, where “clients stick to a single tone and carry it all the way to the walls, cabinets, and even the ceiling.” This technique creates a consistent, intentional feel that “a mixed palette could never capture,” he explains.

Tryon says homeowners looking for a less permanent commitment to color and whimsy are considering textured wallpaper. “Textured wallpaper is a great way to give a small bathroom even more character and character without having to invest in new tiles or stone,” says Tyrone.

This is especially true for half-body baths. “We see many clients choosing fun wallpapers that allow them to show off their personality,” Tyrone added.

4. Large format tiles and slabs

It’s hard to look for new bathroom trends and ideas without noticing the trend of using large tiles on floors, shower surrounds, and walls.

“Another trend that will continue into 2026 is large-format floor-to-wall-to-ceiling tiles,” says Tryon. “It replaces traditional paint and wallpaper to give a seamless, modern look within the bathroom.”

This design idea is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Tryon says the bathroom will be easier to clean because the floor and walls are made of the same material.

Caballero agrees that the move to larger tiles and slabs is becoming more common, especially in showers and wet areas. “Instead of using traditional tiles, we are installing full porcelain slabs,” he says. “It acts like an oversized tile, but because it’s a continuous slab of porcelain, there are almost no grout lines, giving it a more dramatic and elegant finish.”

You can also jump on this bathroom design trend by choosing thicker, solid-panel countertops. “Clients are attracted to thick (3 to 6 inches) stone countertops and sink bases with strong veining,” Yuzuki says.

One important thing to keep in mind when designing a bathroom is that large tiles or slabs on the floor will have less grip than smaller tiles with many grouts. Using tiles or slabs with a lighter texture can increase the cost of the flooring, but it also reduces the risk of slips and falls.

5.Eco-friendly design

As more and more people move towards reducing their carbon footprint, eco-friendly bathroom design seems to be a trend that’s here to stay. Environmentally friendly options are emerging for lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, materials, and more.

“Many customers are opting for water-efficient shower and toilet systems, as well as smart lighting controls that learn their daily routines to conserve energy usage,” says Tryon. Also consider LED bathroom mirror lights. “This is a simple but quick-fire way to upgrade your bathroom space at a wide range of price points,” he added.

Caballero said a trend in bathroom remodeling involves layered lighting. “Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, we design with sconces, pendants, and backlit mirrors.”

These changes have made the bathroom softer, more functional and “much more inviting,” Caballero says. Additionally, according to the Department of Energy, using LEDs in all your lighting fixtures also has the added benefit of using less electricity and lowering your energy bills.

6. Wet room

Homeowners with a large budget for bathroom renovations may want to consider upgrading to a wet room. These typically require removing the shower space and waterproofing the entire floor, but they maximize utility and add value, especially for today’s buyer market.

“(A) wet room is where the bathtub and shower share one fully waterproof space,” Caballero explains. “The rooms are now more open and feel much more like a real spa than a traditional stand-alone layout, especially in the large primary suite.”

Wet rooms can also introduce some of the other popular bathroom remodeling trends for 2026. Floors, showers and walls can be tiled with large format tiles or slabs. Wet rooms also allow colors to seep in more easily because there are fewer partitions throughout the space.

A realistic timeline for bathroom remodeling

Bathroom renovations can take anywhere from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the job and the extent of changes to the interior.

“A small bathroom remodel takes an average of two weeks, including design, permitting, demolition, and construction,” says Tryon.

If everything is completely demolished, expect a longer schedule. “Gut renovations that involve layout changes, custom elements, or features like steam showers realistically require a construction period of six to 10 weeks, sometimes longer,” Caballero says.

Budget-friendly bathroom remodeling tips

Bathroom remodeling costs can quickly exceed $10,000, and a luxury bathroom can cost significantly more, up to $30,000 for a new walk-in shower. Here are some tips for renovating your bathroom on a budget.

  • Keep the layout the same. “One of the biggest factors is that by staying within the existing bathroom layout, the contractor doesn’t have to redo the plumbing,” Tyron says. You can get a completely new look without having to move your fixtures, and you can save a lot of money by doing so.
  • Focus your efforts on one area. Rather than doing a complete renovation, focus on updating just one major part of your bathroom. “A beautiful vanity or true statement tile can make more visual impact than distributing funds evenly across all surfaces,” says Caballero.
  • Please try again if you can. “If something is salvageable, such as a vanity or cabinet, you can refresh it with a new stone top without having to replace the entire unit,” says Tryon. You can also repaint your bathtub instead of replacing it, paint your walls instead of installing new tile, and refinish your wood vanity or shelves instead of buying new ones.
  • Plan ahead. Working with a professional can help you avoid unexpected expenses once you get started and may help you find innovative ways to save money, like choosing more budget-friendly materials or focusing your efforts on the areas that matter most.

FCC solicits public comment amid battle with ‘The View’

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FCC solicits public comment amid battle with ‘The View’

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  • The FCC chairman announced action against ABC in February consistent with the Equal Time Rule. In a May petition, the network asked the FCC to declare “The View” exempt from such rules.
  • The committee is divided over “views,” with Kerr describing the investigation as a procedural matter and chairwoman Anna Gomez characterizing the action as politically motivated.
  • The commission is seeking comment on whether the program’s decision-making appears to be “based on newsworthiness or an attempt to oppose or support a particular candidate.”

According to a May 22 public notice, the Federal Communications Commission is accepting public comments on whether ABC’s “The View” should be exempted from requirements to provide equal broadcasting opportunities to political candidates.

This follows a May 7 petition from ABC and its Houston affiliate KTRK-TV asking the FCC to “immediately confirm that ‘The View’ remains eligible for the bona fide news interview exemption.”

The Communications Act of 1934 established equal opportunity rules for both radio and later television. It was amended in 1959 to exempt news programs, news interviews, news documentaries, and on-the-ground coverage of news events from that requirement.

The FCC said in January that there is no blanket exemption for daytime and late-night TV talk shows. The commission previously determined that interview portions of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” were eligible for the news interview exemption, but argued that in the years since, that unique decision has been interpreted and applied too broadly, according to the notice.

The following month, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the commission had taken action against ABC under equal time rules after state Rep. James Talarico (D-Texas) appeared on The View while running in the state’s Democratic Senate primary.

At the FCC’s public meeting in March, Carr described the issue as a procedural matter. He said ABC, which is owned by Disney, had not filed the proper filings declaring political candidates to appear, opening the door for rival candidates to request “equal time and placement.”

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023, rejected Carr’s characterization during the meeting and accused the FCC under President Donald Trump of “using the equal time rule as a means to harass broadcasters with unfavorable content.”

ABC’s May 7 filing said equal opportunity rules in the current context “are in serious tension with the First Amendment” and said the FCC’s “actions threaten to overturn decades of well-established laws and practices and chill critical protected speech, both with respect to ‘The View’ and more broadly.”

In a May 22 post in the X, Kerr wrote that television programming would not be exempt “if the decision is based on a partisan purpose, such as the intent to advance or undermine an individual’s candidacy.”

Gomez also said on May 22 that the FCC is “once again targeting critics of the administration through mob rule.”

“Let’s stop pretending that the FCC hasn’t made up its mind yet,” Gomez wrote in the X post. “All they want is for their pro-censorship partisan allies to nod in agreement. My message to Disney is don’t flinch. Fight.”

The commission is seeking comment on whether “The View” qualifies as a genuine news program, whether the equal time rule “passes relevant constitutional scrutiny as a general matter or as applied here,” and whether the program’s decision-making appears to be “based on newsworthiness or an attempt to oppose or support a particular candidate,” the notice said.

Comments may be submitted through the FCC’s electronic comment filing system. The deadline for submitting comments is June 22nd.

USA TODAY has reached out to ABC for comment.

Breanna Frank is USA TODAY’s First Amendment reporter. please contact her bjfrank@usatoday.com.

USA TODAY’s coverage of First Amendment issues is funded by the Freedom Forum in collaboration with our journalism funding partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

Federal judge dismisses criminal charges against Kilmer Abrego Garcia

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Federal judge dismisses criminal charges against Kilmer Abrego Garcia

A federal judge found that the Justice Department prosecuted Kilmer Abrego Garcia solely because he successfully fought deportation.

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A federal judge has dismissed a criminal case against Kilmer Abrego Garcia, who was charged with human smuggling in Tennessee after being wrongly deported to El Salvador.

Mr Abrego’s lawyer had argued that the charges against him were persuasive and had asked for the charges to be dropped.

“The objective evidence here shows that the government would not have brought this prosecution had Mr. Abrego’s lawsuit seeking deportation to El Salvador not been successful,” U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw wrote in an opinion issued May 22.

Crenshaw wrote that the evidence before him “sadly reflects an abuse of prosecutorial power.”

Abrego is a “victim of a politicized and vindictive White House and its lawyers at the once independent Department of Justice,” his attorney Sean Hecker said in a written statement.

“We’re very happy that he’s a free man, and he deserves it,” Hecker said. “As this administration continues to chip away at our democracy, we remain grateful for an independent judiciary that calmly applies binding precedent to the facts.”

Federal immigration authorities arrested Mr. Abrego in Maryland and deported him to his native El Salvador, illegally violating an immigration judge’s order. His lawyers filed a lawsuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court ordered his return. Upon his return, an indictment against him was unsealed in the Middle District of Tennessee.

The human smuggling charges against Abrego stem from a November 2022 traffic stop in Cookeville, Tennessee. He was stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, who released him without charging him.

“The Executive Branch has concluded its investigation into the November 2022 traffic stop,” Crenshaw wrote. “Only after Mr. Abrego successfully vindicated his rights did the executive branch reopen the investigation.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, released a statement praising the ruling.

“Today, a federal judge made clear what we have known for years: that the Department of Justice was engaged in a relentless prosecution of Kilmer Abrego Garcia,” Van Hollen said. “As the judge stated, this is a blatant ‘abuse of prosecutorial power’ and should disturb all Americans. This decision is a powerful repudiation of President Trump’s lawless Department of Justice and a victory for the constitutional rights of all of our countrymen.”

Contributor: Eduardo Cuevas

Walk-in shower costs and ROI, explained by a builder.

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Walk-in shower costs and ROI, explained by a builder.

Few things can upgrade your home like installing a walk-in shower, but this bathroom trend is an expensive one, costing as much as $30,000. Prices vary depending on your current tub and shower setup, the size and type of walk-in shower you want, and whether you choose one with custom tile or a more affordable prefab unit.

Here’s how much it will cost to upgrade your home’s walk-in shower.

Important points:

  • The average cost to install a walk-in shower is $18,000, but most projects range in cost from $6,000 to $30,000.
  • Prefab units are the most affordable option, while custom tile showers using premium materials are the most expensive.
  • Depending on the type and complexity of the shower, labor costs typically account for 50% to 65% of the total cost of the project.

The average cost of a walk-in shower is $6,000 to $30,000

The average cost to install a walk-in shower is $18,000, with most projects totaling between $6,000 and $30,000.

This price range covers a standard-sized walk-in shower that replaces a typical bathtub, measuring 60 inches long and 30 to 32 inches wide. It also applies to custom tilework walk-in showers using ceramic or porcelain tiles. Prefabricated (prefabricated) walk-in showers are much more affordable, while high-end tiles made from granite or marble can push the price even higher.

“These costs include all work associated with this, including demos, plumbing, drywall and trim work for new shower stalls and tiled showers,” said Brandon Perry, president and CEO of The Fortress Projects, a custom home construction and remodeling company based in River Falls, Wis.

Fees by type of walk-in shower

There are three main types of walk-in showers: prefabricated walk-in showers, standard walk-in showers with custom enclosures, and high-end walk-in showers.

walk-in shower type average cost Typical cost range
prefab shower $9,000 $6,000 to $12,000
midrange custom shower $14,000 $12,000-$16,000
high end custom shower $23,000 $16,000-$30,000

prefab walk-in shower

Prefabricated walk-in showers include a one- or two-piece shell, usually made of acrylic or fiberglass. Contractors will remove the existing tub and shower surrounds, install prefabricated shells, and then seal and connect the plumbing. These are the most affordable, costing between $6,000 and $12,000, but they are not as desirable as other options and add minimal value to your home.

mid-range custom walk-in shower

The custom walk-in shower uses thinset tiles and tiles on the walls and floor of the shower space. Labor is much more complex, as the contractor must remove the old shower surround and tub, waterproof the area, and then complete the custom tile work. Mid-range custom walk-in showers use more affordable materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tile. These installations cost between $12,000 and $16,000.

high end custom walk-in shower

High-end custom walk-in showers also utilize custom tilework, but may feature premium materials such as granite or marble tiles or slabs, or more intricate tilework or patterns. They also tend to come with more features, such as rain shower heads and steam shower heads.

“Smaller and more complex tiles mean higher labor costs and longer times to install the tiles,” said Jonathan Clem, founder and CEO of Quality Builders, a Chicago-based home improvement company. “The more expensive the tile, the more expensive the material costs.”

All of these factors contribute to higher material and labor costs, totaling between $16,000 and $30,000.

Labor costs for installing a walk-in shower

According to Perry and Clem, labor costs for walk-in showers vary widely depending on the type of shower desired, but labor costs account for 50% to 65% of the total.

“For prefabricated (walk-in showers), if you’re working directly with a subcontractor, it’s going to cost you 50 percent more labor and 50 percent more materials,” Klemm said. This results in average labor costs of $3,000 to $6,000. “(a) custom tiled shower is much more labor-intensive, so it costs 65% more labor.” That would bring the total labor cost to between $7,800 and $19,500.

These prices vary widely depending on where you live, the local cost of living, and the availability of materials. You can get a breakdown of the cost of your walk-in shower by having a contractor come in and provide you with a formal quote.

Factors Affecting Walk-in Shower Labor Costs

There are many factors that affect the labor cost of installing a walk-in shower. So, to get a better idea of ​​how much your project will cost, consider all of the following:

  • Geographic location: Labor costs are proportional to the local cost of living, so if you live in a metropolitan area or a state with a higher-than-average cost of living, such as Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, or New York, your labor costs may be higher.
  • Location in your home: Installing a walk-in shower in an easily accessible first-floor bathroom may cost less in labor than installing it in an upstairs or more difficult-to-reach bathroom. This is especially true if the contractor needs to maneuver the integrated prefabricated shower surround through a narrow hallway or doorway.
  • Shower size: Most of the labor cost for a tiled walk-in shower is spent on the tile work, so labor costs go up for larger shower spaces that require more tiling.
  • Tile size: Similarly, tilework that includes small tiles will take longer and add up to a higher total. A common exception is when you choose a tile sheet that looks like individual small tiles, but can be installed in sections like larger tiles.
  • Walk-in shower type: Prefabricated walk-in showers have the lowest labor costs, as they do not require tiling of the floor or walls of the area.
  • Existing setup: The shower or tub currently installed in your bathroom will determine how much work your professional will need to do before installation. Removing old tiles is more involved than pulling out a one-piece shower surround.

More bathroom upgrades Turn your bathroom into an oasis with bidets, jets and more

Walk-in shower size pricing

Regardless of the type of walk-in shower you install, size plays an important role in determining the cost of your project. Most professionals charge by the square foot for custom tile work, but even with prefabricated walk-in showers, the more square footage you add to the shower, the more you’ll pay for materials.

In a prefabricated shower environment, material costs can be significantly higher if there is a non-standard shower area that requires custom fabrication.

Use the table below to get a rough idea of ​​costs based on square footage, but keep in mind that ceiling heights and custom dimensions can cause costs to be higher than these averages. “For bathroom shower remodels, square footage cost is not (always) accurate because there are so many factors that contribute to cost,” says Perry.

Walk-in shower size (inches) Prefab cost range custom cost range
30×30 $1,875–$2,500 $3,750 – $5,000
36×36 (typical stall) $2,700 – $3,600 $5,400 – $7,200
36×48 $3,600 – $4,800 $7,200 – $9,600
30×60 $3,750 – $5,000 $7,500 – $10,000
32×60 (tub/shower combo) $4,000-$5,300 $8,000 – $10,600
42×72 $6,300–$8,400 $12,600–$16,800
60×60 $7,500 – $10,000+ $15,000 – $20,000+

Price comparison between walk-in shower and bathtub

Walk-in showers tend to be one of the most expensive options when replacing a standard bathtub, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to replace your bathtub instead of upgrading to a walk-in shower.

However, according to our experts, replacing a bathtub, tiled shower surround, and glass door costs about the same as replacing a bathtub and shower combination with a walk-in shower. If you are just replacing the bathtub, it will be much cheaper, but you may need to do some tiling work to repair the walls around the bathtub after installation.

Additional costs to consider

There are several other factors that can affect the cost of installing a walk-in shower. Ask your bathroom renovator about these additional costs.

  • Piping changes: Depending on your current setup and project goals, you may need to hire a professional to modify your plumbing system to accommodate your new walk-in shower. This can add hundreds of dollars to your total, and potentially more if you reposition the shower in your bathroom.
  • Electrical considerations: Adding a steam shower or on-demand water heater to your new walk-in shower may require changes to your electrical system, such as upgrading to 200 amp service or installing a new subpanel. All of these significantly increase material and labor costs.
  • permission: Permits are usually required to change bathroom equipment. Permit fees vary depending on your area and the fee schedule used by your local building department, but you can expect the average permit fee to be between $150 and $300. In some cases, you may need a permit even if you haven’t made any changes to your plumbing or electrical system.
  • Hardware and supplies: Be sure to factor in the cost of hardware and fixtures such as towel rails, grab bars, door handles, and shower heads. Higher quality materials will result in a higher total price than builder quality items.
  • Enclosure options: Although you need at least a shower curtain to keep the water in while bathing, many homeowners install glass doors or enclosures in their walk-in showers. Frameless shower enclosures tend to have a higher total cost than framed glass walls and doors, but they tend to look the best.
  • Other add-on features: Consider the cost of other additional features, such as a minimalist design or a curbless design for maximum accessibility, a built-in bench, permanent shelving, and a shower niche.

How to save money on walk-in showers

Walk-in showers can cost up to $30,000 or more, making them an expensive (but well-worth it) upgrade. To enjoy the benefits of a walk-in shower while keeping costs as low as possible, you can use the following tips.

  • Consider a prefabricated walk-in shower. Prefabricated walk-in showers aren’t as luxurious, but they can reduce installation costs by $6,000 to $18,000.
  • Choose a mid-range material: High-end materials such as marble or granite tiles or slabs, thermostatic shower fixtures, and frameless glass enclosures can add thousands of dollars to installation costs. Save money by choosing mid-priced materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tile and standard fixtures and hardware.
  • Install only what you need. The cost of a walk-in shower increases with the size of the shower, so limit your project to only what you need. Alternatively, you may consider choosing a stall shower that offers similar functionality at a fraction of the cost.
  • Choose a simple enclosure. You can save money by choosing a simple shower curtain instead of a glass shower curtain. If you use glass, choose framed glass instead of frameless to save on material and labor costs.
  • Minimize changes to layout and utilities. Moving plumbing and waterproofing areas within the bathroom will significantly increase installation costs. If possible, install your walk-in shower in an area where plumbing for the bathtub is already installed.

Are walk-in showers worth paying for?

According to data from Zillow, mid-priced bathroom remodels yield an average return of about 80%. This means you’re unlikely to get all your money back on a walk-in shower installation. If you replace your only bathtub with a walk-in shower, your return on investment (ROI) may not be as great.

However, walk-in showers feel more luxurious than a standard tub and shower combination, so they’re more enjoyable and may be worth the investment if you don’t plan on selling in the near future.

FAQ

How much does it cost to install a walk-in shower?

The average cost to install a walk-in shower is $18,000 for professional installation. A small walk-in shower can cost as little as $2,000, while a large, custom-built luxury walk-in shower can cost as much as $30,000.

What is the cheapest walk-in shower option?

The least expensive walk-in shower option is a prefabricated walk-in shower that fits perfectly into the space where your current bathtub is located. They do not require expensive tile work and rarely require plumbing changes. However, keep in mind that prefabricated walk-in showers are usually less desirable and do little to increase the value of your home.

Do walk-in showers increase the value of your home?

Unless you’re replacing the only bathtub in your home, a walk-in shower usually increases the value of your home. Installing a new walk-in shower as part of a mid-range bathroom remodel can deliver an average return on investment of 80%.

What is GAESA? Why is the US bringing it up in the Cuban Missile Crisis?

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What is GAESA? Why is the US bringing it up in the Cuban Missile Crisis?

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The powerful military conglomerate GAESA is back at the center of the U.S.-Cuba conflict after Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly accused the group of controlling the island’s economy and enriching us as millions of Cubans face power outages, food shortages, and an unprecedented economic crisis.

Tensions escalated this week after U.S. immigration agents arrested Addis Lastres Morella, the sister of GAESA’s current executive chairman, in Florida, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The incident comes as Washington is debating new sanctions and possible measures against figures close to Cuban power, amid increasing pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration on Havana.

What is GAESA and why does it control so much of Cuba’s economy?

GAESA stands for Group of Business Administration SA, a conglomerate controlled by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and created in the 1990s under the leadership of then-Minister of Defense Raul Castro. Over the years, the group has become one of the most powerful economic actors on the island.

The conglomerate controls luxury hotels, supermarkets, gas stations, money transfer operations, Mariel Port, and one of the country’s most important commercial banks. Although the Cuban government rarely speaks publicly about GAESA, U.S. analysts and officials estimate that the group could control between 40% and 70% of Cuba’s economy. According to Reuters, there are no verifiable official figures on the conglomerate’s true financial scope.

One of the most visible symbols of GAESA’s power is the so-called K Tower in Havana. It is a 42-story building associated with the conglomerate’s operations and is considered the tallest in Cuba. The luxury hotel in the complex was completed in 2025, at a time when tourism on the island was in sharp decline.

Why does Marco Rubio and the US blame GAESA for the Cuban Missile Crisis?

In a message to the Cuban people, Rubio accused GAESA of acting as a “state within a state,” asserting that the group is focusing its interests on strategic areas while the population faces power outages and shortages of fuel and food.

The US government says profits from the country’s most profitable industry end up under military control, benefiting elites close to power. For years, the U.S. government has imposed sanctions on companies associated with GAESA, including restrictions affecting American visitors to hotels managed by GAESA.

According to a report by Reuters, the Cuban government denies these accusations and insists that the real cause of the economic crisis is the US trade and financial embargo. Cuban authorities and diplomats on the island have recently noted that energy sanctions and restrictions promoted by the U.S. government have caused “energy suffocation” with serious social and economic consequences.

The lack of transparency surrounding GAESA is also spurring debate. The conglomerate’s finances are not publicly listed in Cuba’s state budget, and Cuban officials have historically defended their secrecy on grounds of national security and protection from U.S. sanctions.

Arrest of relatives of GAESA leader heightens pressure between US and Cuba

Political tensions escalated after ICE confirmed the arrest in Florida of Ania Guillermina Lastres-Morera’s sister, Addis Lastres-Morera, current executive president of GAESA and Brigadier General of the Cuban Military Organization.

Rubio said Morella worked with the Cuban government to manage real estate assets. U.S. officials assured that their presence on U.S. territory is a threat to U.S. national interests and foreign policy. Previously, Cuban officials in Washington, London and Rome had not publicly responded to requests for comment on the accusations.

Rubio also said in Miami that Cuba was a “national security threat” to the United States and said the chances of a peaceful agreement between the two governments were “not high.”

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused U.S. officials of spreading “lies” and denied that Cuba was a threat to the U.S. government.

What could happen next for the United States and Cuba?

The coming weeks could be decisive for relations between Washington and Havana. The Trump administration maintains economic and diplomatic pressure on Cuba, but sanctions against officials and entities associated with GAESA have expanded.

A focus on military conglomerates could tighten fiscal restrictions, further impact tourism, and increase internal pressure on the Cuban government.

It also remains to be seen whether the tensions will lead to new negotiations, further sanctions or political hardening that will deepen the island’s economic and migration crisis.

Contributed by: USA TODAY and Reuters

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

911 call reveals Kyle Busch was coughing up blood before dying

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911 call reveals Kyle Busch was coughing up blood before dying

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Editor’s note: Click here for the latest information on the death of NASCAR star Kyle Busch.

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch was vomiting blood when paramedics responded to the General Motors facility in Concord, North Carolina, the day before he died, according to a 911 call obtained by USA Today.

During the call, a man told the dispatcher that Mr. Bush was awake and in pain on the bathroom floor. He said Bush was vomiting blood, short of breath and extremely feverish. The caller asked that the siren be turned off once emergency personnel arrived.

“I’ve got a guy who’s short of breath and has a really high temperature and thinks he’s going to pass out, but he’s bleeding a little bit and he’s coughing,” the caller told dispatchers.

The caller identified the location as the General Motors Charlotte Technical Center off Speedway Boulevard in Concord, next to Hendrick Motorsports. The Associated Press previously reported that Busch became unresponsive during testing at a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on May 20, citing people familiar with the situation.

Bush was taken to a hospital in Charlotte. The following morning, May 21, his family posted a statement on his X account saying he was hospitalized with a serious illness and would not compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway that weekend.

That night, NASCAR announced his death. He is 41 years old. The cause of death has not been made public.

Kyle Busch’s health has become more serious in the last few weeks

The 911 call added new details to what was becoming an increasingly alarming picture of Mr. Bush’s health in his final weeks. On May 10, during a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International, Busch radioed team physician Dr. Bill Heisel near the end of the race to ask his crew to pick him up at the bus after the race. He wanted a shot. He said on the FS1 broadcast that he had been battling sinus infections all week. He finished eighth in that race.

A week later, on May 15, the 69-year-old won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover.th Busch, who won the Truck Series in his career, talked about the cold in a video. “I can’t say I’m great yet,” he said. “My cough last week was pretty bad.”

He ran in the All-Star Race at Dover on May 17 and finished 17th.th. That was the last race he started.

Is your store monitoring you?

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Is your store monitoring you?

Good morning and Happy Friday! I’m Betty Lynn Fisher for the Friday consumer edition of Daily Money.

When you swipe your rewards card or browse or shop online, do you think twice about how that data is used (to offer discounts or even increase prices)?

Surveillance pricing, the practice of using shoppers’ personal data to change prices, is a controversial topic.

Opponents argue that monitored pricing is unfair and that shoppers are unwilling to pay different, and sometimes higher, prices for the same item. Supporters argue that monitored pricing is used to provide discounts to shoppers, not to drive up costs.

A growing number of states are considering monitored pricing, with at least 40 bills in 24 states considering restricting or banning the practice.

Are you a leisurely traveler?

You’ve probably heard about Type A and Type B personalities. Have you ever heard of Traveler Personality?

Introducing the Type B traveler.

📰 Consumer stories you can’t miss 📰

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her at @blinfisher on X, Facebook and Instagram and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky.. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, breaking down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

Trump says 5,000 soldiers heading to Poland in Europe will reduce whiplash

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Trump says 5,000 soldiers heading to Poland in Europe will reduce whiplash

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President Donald Trump announced this week that he would send 5,000 more troops to Poland, an apparent retreat from earlier threats to reduce the U.S. military presence in the country as his administration considers withdrawing U.S. forces from Europe to punish countries that do not support the Iran war.

Days after the Pentagon announced that it would reduce troop presence in Europe to levels not seen since before Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, President Trump abruptly announced on May 21, in an apparent switcheroo, that he would send roughly the same number of troops to Poland.

“Given the successful election of Karol Nawrocki, the current President of Poland, whom I was proud to support, and because of my relationship with him, I am pleased to announce that the United States will send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The comments appear to contradict the Pentagon’s announcement two days earlier that it would reduce the number of brigade combat teams assigned to Europe from four to three, effectively canceling a planned rotational deployment to Poland of the roughly 4,000 Army troops currently stationed in Texas. According to a May 19 Pentagon statement, the reductions are intended to “encourage and enable NATO allies to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe.”

President Trump has threatened European leaders in recent weeks to reduce the U.S. presence in Europe (about 85,000 troops) to punish allies for not supporting the Iran war sufficiently. Earlier this month, the military announced that 5,000 U.S. troops would be withdrawn from Germany. The announcement came shortly after the country’s President Friedrich Merz said Iran had “humiliated” the United States in the war.

President Trump and Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European countries for not doing more to relieve Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital seaway that Iran seized in retaliation for a joint U.S.-Israel attack in late February.

It is unclear whether the additional 5,000 soldiers heading to Poland will come from the same Army units that were originally scheduled to deploy, or from a completely different unit. The Pentagon referred USA TODAY’s questions to the White House, which responded with a link to Trump’s Truth social post and said only that troops would be sent.

Trump administration officials have downplayed the decision or any suggestion that the administration itself is inconsistent. On May 22, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the administration is “constantly reevaluating the global threat matrix” for the proposed troop reductions.

“None of this is surprising, but I understand why it causes tension,” Rubio said.

“It is widely recognized that Europe’s armed forces will be smaller than they have been historically.”

Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters on the day the Polish troop reduction was announced, ahead of President Trump’s Truth Social announcement, “We’re not talking about removing all U.S. troops from Europe. We’re talking about shifting some of our resources in a way that maximizes U.S. security.”

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing for Europe. It will encourage Europe to take more ownership,” he added.

Vance also characterized this change as a “delay” in troop movement. “Those troops could go elsewhere in Europe,” he said.

Becca Wasser, director of defense research on Bloomberg Economics’ geoeconomics team, said the Pentagon may have gone ahead of Trump in criticizing Poland, which has maintained a good relationship with the Trump administration.

“There’s a disconnect between the Pentagon and the White House,” she said.

“In an effort to make Europe more responsible for its own security and, in many ways, punish various European countries, the Pentagon has ended up punishing a country that President Trump has held up as an example of a model ally.”

Wasser said the move may have been recommended by the Pentagon’s Global Posture Review document, which the Trump administration decided not to make public for the first time in decades, Politico reported.

“There’s a different level of comfort when it comes to withdrawing troops from Germany than when we withdraw troops from Poland,” she said.

Congress outraged by European troop cuts

President Trump’s threat to reduce troops in Europe has sparked outrage among lawmakers, including Republicans, who are increasingly concerned about his threats. Such orders are limited by Congress, which in this year’s Defense Policy Act mandated that the number of U.S. troops on the continent never fall below 76,000.

“I don’t know what’s going on here, but all I can say is that I’m not satisfied,” Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told Army leaders during a budget hearing last week when news of the cuts broke.

“The careless decision to reduce our military posture in Europe and the moves by Pete Hegseth and his political minions to force out some of our best generals are amateurish at best and deadly at worst,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) wrote in a May 16 post to X., He also mentioned the firing of Army Chief of Staff Randy George.

Withdrawing troops from Germany would reduce the U.S. military buildup in Europe that the Biden administration implemented in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The impact will likely be “limited” given that at least 36,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Germany, according to a Bloomberg analysis by Wasser and other analysts. But the analysis said the move would likely halt the deployment of U.S. Army battalions specializing in long-range fires, a unique military capability that Europe would struggle to backfill with its own troops.

Hegseth and other Trump administration officials have repeatedly criticized European allies for not focusing on defense spending. At President Trump’s request, NATO agreed last year to increase each country’s defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Donald Trump Jr. marries Florida socialite Bettina Anderson

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Donald Trump Jr. marries Florida socialite Bettina Anderson

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It’s official, we have a new Mrs. Donald Trump Jr.

President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., married Florida socialite Bettina Anderson on Thursday, May 21, according to a Palm Beach County, Florida marriage license obtained by USA TODAY.

The couple plans to hold a ceremony this coming Memorial Day weekend.

But not the entire Trump family will be in attendance. President Trump announced on Friday, May 22, that he would not be able to attend the wedding, saying he had no choice but to remain in Washington, D.C.

“I wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and my soon-to-be wife, Bettina, the newest member of the Trump family, but the government and my love for the United States of America do not allow that,” Trump said on Truth Social.

“Congratulations to Don and Bettina!” he added.

Trump Jr., 48, announced his engagement to Anderson, 39, during a White House holiday party in December. They got engaged at Camp David, a presidential retreat in Maryland. Anderson had a bridal shower last month at Mar-a-Lago, the president’s mansion in Palm Beach.

This is Trump Jr.’s second marriage. He currently has five children with former model Vanessa Trump. Their marriage ended in 2018.

Vanessa Trump, who is dating golfer Tiger Woods, announced on May 20 that she had breast cancer, saying in a social media post that she was “remaining focused and hopeful, surrounded by the love and support of my family, my children, and those closest to me.”

Who is Bettina Anderson?

Anderson is a socialite and model based in Palm Beach, Florida.

She is the daughter of Palm Beach businessman and philanthropist Harry Roy Anderson Jr. and Inger Anderson. According to an obituary in the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network, Harry Roy Anderson Jr. also had three daughters and two sons.

Bettina Anderson attended Columbia University and lived in New York for several years, she said in a March 2024 podcast appearance.

She started a nonprofit organization with her brothers, and her current job is listed on LinkedIn as executive director of Paradise.ngo. She also leads the Project Paradise Film Fund, which helps fund conservation efforts, the website says.

USA TODAY’s Kinsey Crowley, Jennifer Sangalang and Zac Anderson contributed to this report.

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_.

Sweet potato pancake mix recalled due to undeclared eggs. View products

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Sweet potato pancake mix recalled due to undeclared eggs. View products

Select sweet potato pancake and waffle mixes have been recalled for undeclared eggs, potentially posing a serious risk to allergic consumers.

On May 20, Hometown Food Company announced a recall of certain lot codes for Birch Benders sweet potato pancake and waffle mixes because they may contain undeclared eggs. People with egg allergies or egg sensitivities may be at risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this mixture.

As of May 21, Hometown Food Company has no confirmed cases of illness caused by the recalled pancake mix.

Here’s what you need to know about the pancake mix recall.

Which pancake mixes are affected by the recall?

Hometown Food Company’s voluntary recall affects a single lot code for the company’s 12-ounce Birch Benders Sweet Potato Pancake and Waffle Mix. Other Birch Blender products with different lot codes and expiration dates are also safe to consume, the recall report states. Details of the recalled products are as follows:

Item name size Project item code UPC product code lot code expiration date
Birch Bender Sweet Potato Pancake and Waffle Mix 12 oz 8 1000156076 5 8 1000156076 8 5 265 March 24, 2027

Where was the recalled pancake mix sold?

According to the recall report, the recalled Birch Bender sweet potato pancake and waffle mixes were sold in online stores, as well as grocery stores and natural food retailers across the United States.

What to do if you own recalled pancake mix

Consumers should immediately discard the pancake mix or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may call Hometown Food Company at 855-206-9517 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

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

Get rid of wasps and keep them away from your home

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Get rid of wasps and keep them away from your home

Hornets are some of the more dangerous stinging insects because they can sting repeatedly and can cause severe allergic reactions. If you find a wasp nest or notice wasp activity in or around your home, take immediate action to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe.

Understanding how to get rid of wasps yourself is a good place to start, but for safety and efficiency, you should also know when it’s best to call in a pest control professional.

Here’s how to get rid of wasps and prevent them from coming back, USA TODAY asked experts.

Important points

  • Natural deterrents include limiting flowering plants, covering trash, and using peppermint or tea tree oil.
  • Because of the risk of repeated stings, professional pest control is often the safest and most effective option.
  • Prevent future infestations by sealing off potential nest sites, controlling trash, and considering preventive measures.

Reasons why wasps come into your house

Like most pests, wasps will settle around your home or property if both shelter and food are available.

“They prefer protected areas where they can nest, so homeowners often find them under eaves, in attics, sheds, and in trees and shrubs around the property,” said entomologists at the SC Johnson Insect Science Center who developed Raid®. “In the spring, the queen begins searching for a new nest site. Once settled, she raises her young there throughout the season.”

Wasps may also be attracted to your home or property if a food source is present. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), adults feed primarily on nectar. If you have an abundance of flowering plants, such as fruit trees, wasps may nest on your property.

“They (also) eat sugary foods and drinks, as well as other insects, so outdoor trash cans, uncovered food and sugary drinks can quickly turn your backyard into a wasp hotspot,” says the pest control expert. “Once the hornets find a reliable food source, they may return to the same area in search of food.”

How to safely remove wasps from your home

Wasps are stinging insects and physically removing them from your property is inherently dangerous, especially since they can sting multiple times.

“We strongly recommend against some of the viral hacks you see on social media, such as using apple cider vinegar or boiling water to remove active nests,” say experts. “If there are active nests in trees or under eaves, insecticide sprays labeled for outdoor nest treatment, such as Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer 33, can help homeowners treat the problem if used as directed.” For yellowjackets that nest on the ground, Raid Outdoor Wasp Ground Nest Killer is a good option.

Entomologists interviewed by USA TODAY offered some tips for getting the best results when spraying active hornet nests.

  • After treatment, wait at least 24 hours before removing the nest.
  • Wasps can’t see well in the dark. Please turn off outside lights and avoid using flashlights during treatment.
  • Treat nests after dusk or before dawn, when wasp activity and roosting is less.
  • Stand away from the nest and never go directly under it.
  • Spray with the wind, not against it.
  • Do not attempt treatment if you know you are allergic to stinging insects.
  • Wasps can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed, so safety should always be your top priority.

Natural ways to get rid of wasps

There are several natural ways to deter wasps and make your property less attractive to them.

A professional exterminator is the quickest way to get rid of wasps, but the following natural remedies can also be effective:

  • Limit the number of flowering plants on your property. One way to reduce the risk of wasps taking up residence on your property is to limit food sources. Adults primarily feed on nectar, so limiting the number of flowering plants near your home will naturally keep wasps away.
  • Stored trash should be covered and removed immediately. “Covering food outdoors (and) keeping trash cans sealed can help reduce the likelihood of a (wasp) problem,” experts say. Please remove any stored trash as soon as possible.
  • Use peppermint or tea tree oil. Castile soap with peppermint and tea tree oil is effective at killing wasps and eliminating nests. Fill a hose sprayer with scented soap and spray directly onto the nest until it falls or collapses. You may not be able to kill indoor hornets instantly and there is a good chance they will attack in defense, so be sure to wear protective clothing and keep the area clear of children and pets.

“Wasps and wasps can become aggressive around their nests, so professional treatment may be appropriate for large nests, hard-to-reach locations, or recurring problems,” say our experts.

Note from the editor: The summer after we moved into our first home, we discovered a massive wasp problem. The yellow jackets have taken up residence on the siding of our house and swarmed us every time we went outside. Some of them were invasive, and several were flying around the kitchen every day. We tried all kinds of DIY tricks, used wasp spray after dark, and even wore warm clothing to avoid getting stung. Our attempts helped, but we were unable to completely remove the nest. Eventually I had to get professional help.

Be careful of cicada killers. All about this ferocious wasp

professional wasp treatment

Unlike most insects that homeowners commonly have problems with, hornets are extremely dangerous, so it’s best to have trained professionals remove and control them. Be sure to choose a pest control company that deals with stinging insects, as not all pest control companies do. Companies like Orkin and Terminix offer wasp removal.

“Professional wasp treatment typically begins with identifying the species, locating the nest, and assessing colony activity and aggressiveness,” says our experts. “Based on our observations, we will provide appropriate treatment and removal depending on the situation.”

Professional wasp treatments are more expensive than DIY options, but include:

  • high strength aerosol spray
  • Repellent application to deter future wasp problems
  • Spraying insecticide dust on or around active nests
  • Physical wasp nest removal

How to prevent wasps from recurring

After you address the initial problem, there are several things you can do to prevent wasps from returning and building new nests.

  • Cover and remove debris. Food scraps can be an attractive food source for hungry wasps, as can unrinsed soda and food cans that are being recycled. Cover the can and remove it regularly.
  • Limit flowering plants on the property. If possible, limit the number of flowering plants you plant on your property, as nectar is an attractive food source for wasps and other stinging insects.
  • Keep outdoor areas dry. According to the EPA, you can make your property less hospitable to wasps by repairing outdoor leaks and minimizing outdoor moisture.
  • Cover eaves and other common nesting areas. Wasps often nest under eaves, under decks, or other protected locations. Sealing your deck and covering your eaves with plastic will reduce the risk of wasp infestation.
  • Continue preventive treatment. Professional pest management includes wasp repellents and ongoing protection to keep biting insects away forever.

You should also always be on the lookout for signs of wasp activity, as problems are easier to treat when caught early. “Regularly checking around your home for early nest activity can help reduce the chance of major problems occurring later in the season,” our experts added.

Common mistakes when getting rid of wasps

The most common mistake homeowners make when trying to get rid of wasps is not wearing protective equipment. DIY treatments always run the risk of not killing or trapping all the wasps, leaving them vulnerable to stings. To stay safe, wear goggles, face and head coverings, leather gloves, and thick clothing that covers all exposed areas.

Another common mistake DIYers make is relying on wasp removal “hacks” and tips from the internet. These are rarely effective, so experts recommend starting treatment with an insecticide such as Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer 33.

When to contact a pest control professional

The stinging insects are dangerous, so wasp treatment should be done by a professional. If any of the following apply to you, do not attempt to remove or remove wasps by DIY.

  • You or someone in your household is allergic to bee stings.
  • Small children and pets are often in the garden.
  • We don’t have enough protective equipment.
  • The nest may be in a hard-to-reach location or require you to climb a ladder.
  • We continue to have problems with wasps.
  • I tried DIY solutions but they didn’t work.

FAQ

What can keep wasps away?

There is some evidence to suggest that strong scents such as peppermint and tree oils can help deter wasps, but there is no guarantee that these will be effective. The best option to avoid a wasp problem is to have an exterminator treat your property with a commercially available insecticide that will kill or repel the wasps.

Why does WD-40 kill wasps?

WD-40, like soapy water, can kill wasps by clogging their breathing holes. However, direct spraying is not guaranteed to kill wasps, so do not rely on it as a sole pest management treatment. Instead, use a DIY insecticide like Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer 33 or seek professional help.

If I kill one hornet, will more hornets come?

Killing a wasp releases an alarm pheromone that alerts other wasps to danger, which can attract other wasps and put you and your property at greater risk. Relying on professional treatments that kill the wasp on the spot and deter other wasps is the best way to avoid worsening the problem.

Does Dawn dish soap spray kill wasps?

Dawn dish soap spray can kill wasps as the thick liquid can clog their breathing holes. However, it is not always effective and should not be relied upon as the only treatment. Instead, use commercial insecticides designed for wasps or call a professional exterminator to guarantee effectiveness.

List of candidates for 2026 Texas runoff elections, supporting Trump

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List of candidates for 2026 Texas runoff elections, supporting Trump

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While Texas’ U.S. Senate Republican runoff elections seem to be attracting the most attention in Texas and across the nation, there are several other races in which Texans are voting.

Democrats and Republicans will be able to cast the deciding vote to choose their party’s candidates in November’s general election, from the lieutenant governor race to the congressional race.

Here’s what voters need to know as they head to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, May 26th.

Texas Statewide Runoff Races

Here are the Republican and Democratic voters in each party’s runoff elections for statewide office. For information on congressional, state, and county runoff elections, contact your local elections office.

Republican primary runoff election

  • us senate — John Cornyn vs. Ken Paxton.
  • Texas Attorney General — Mays Middleton vs. Chip Roy.
  • texas railroad commissioner — Jim Wright vs. Beau French.

Democratic primary runoff election

  • lieutenant governor of texas — Marcos Velez vs. Vicki Goodwin.
  • Texas Attorney General — Nathan Johnson vs. Joe Jaworski.

Texas state legislative runoff election

Here’s who the Republican and Democratic voters will be in the party runoff elections for various Texas congressional races.

Republican Congressional Runoff Election

  • district 7 — Tina Cohen vs. Alexander Hale.
  • district 9 — Alex Mealer vs. Briscoe Cain.
  • District 16 —Adam Bauman vs. Manuel J. Barraza.
  • district 19 — Tom Sell vs. Abraham Enriquez.
  • district 23 — Tony Gonzalez vs. Brandon Herrera (Gonzalez withdraws from the race).
  • district 30 — Everett Jackson vs. Shodon Daniels.
  • district 32 — Ryan Binkley vs. Jace Yarbrough. (According to the Texas Tribune, Binkley has withdrawn from the race.)
  • district 33 — Patrick David Gillespie vs. John Sims.
  • district 35 — John Lujan vs. Charles of the Cross.
  • district 37 — Lauren B. Peña vs. Genelle Gary.
  • district 38 — Shelley Dezeballos vs. Jon Bonk.

Democratic Party Congressional Runoff Election

  • District 1 — Dax Alexander vs. Yolanda Prince.
  • 5th ward — Ruth “Truth” Torres vs. Chelsea Hockett.
  • District 14 — Richard Davis vs. Thurman Bill Barty.
  • District 17 — Mira Flores vs. Casey Shepherd.
  • 18 districts — Christian D. Menefe vs. Al Green.
  • district 24 — Kevin Burge vs. TJ Ware.
  • district 33 — Julie Johnson vs. Colin Allred.
  • district 35 — Maureen Galindo vs. Johnny Garcia.

List of President Trump’s Texas runoff supporters

Let’s take a look at who President Trump supports in different races.

  • us senate — Ken Paxton.
  • district 9 — Alex Mealer.
  • district 35 -Carlos de la Cruz.
  • district 38 — John Bonk.

Mateo Rosiles is a Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and local Texas newspapers. Do you have any news tips for him? Email us at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

Donald Trump Jr. to marry in a “private” wedding. what we know

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Donald Trump Jr. to marry in a “private” wedding. what we know

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President Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr. is reportedly planning to wed socialite Bettina Anderson over Memorial Day weekend.

The president met with reporters in the Oval Office on May 21 and appeared to confirm reports regarding the timing of the couple’s wedding.

When asked if he would attend his son’s wedding this weekend, President Trump replied, “I hope he does.”

Trump Jr. (48) and Anderson (39) confirmed their engagement in December 2025 after dating for about a year.

This is Trump Jr.’s second marriage. He and first wife Vanessa Trump divorced in 2018 and have five children, including golfer Kai Trump. He was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is currently the US ambassador to Greece.

Here’s everything we know so far about Trump Jr. and Anderson’s wedding.

Trump Jr. and Anderson are reportedly getting married over Memorial Day weekend.

Page Six and the Daily Mail reported on the timing, and then the president appeared to confirm it on May 21st.

Trump told reporters that the date was “not a good time for me” “in the middle of things like the Iran war.”

President Trump’s eldest son also mentioned the wedding date earlier this month. “News,” Trump Jr. wrote to X after Page Six reported that he was postponing his wedding to Anderson in light of the Iran war.

The wedding was scheduled to take place after Anderson’s lavish bridal shower at Mar-a-Lago last month. The event was attended by Anderson’s future sister-in-law Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump and Lara Trump, as well as Trump Jr. himself.

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s wedding will be ‘a bit of a private affair’

President Trump said his son’s wedding will be a “small, small, private event.”

The couple’s big day will be held on a private island in the Bahamas with only family and close friends in attendance, CNN and Page Six reported.

Page Six, People, and the Daily Mail previously reported that the couple had considered a larger celebration, but chose to scale back due to ongoing global tensions, including the Iran war.

USA TODAY has reached out to Trump Jr.’s representatives for more information.

Will President Trump attend Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding?

Who wouldn’t attend a wedding? The president himself.

“He wants me to go,” Trump said of his son, adding, “We’re going to make it.”

“That’s a game I can’t win,” he told reporters. “If you show up, you’ll be killed. If you don’t show up, of course you’ll be killed by the fake news I’m talking about.”

The president added, “I hope they have a wonderful married life.”

Who is Bettina Anderson?

Anderson is a socialite and model from Palm Beach, Florida. On her Instagram, she describes herself as a “typical stay-at-home mom… who just doesn’t do housework… or has a husband… or kids…”

She was the daughter of Inger Anderson and the late Palm Beach businessman and philanthropist Harry Roy Anderson Jr., according to an obituary in the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network.

In a March 2024 podcast appearance, Anderson said she attended Columbia University in New York and lived there for three years after graduating, but has lived in Florida the rest of her life. Growing up, she attended prestigious private schools such as Palm Beach Day Academy and St. Andrew’s School.

Anderson’s LinkedIn lists her job as executive director of the environmental organization Paradise.ngo. There, she worked with her brother Kent Anderson to finance films about environmentalism, according to a 2022 profile in Palm Beach Illustrated magazine.

Bettina Anderson “loves being in the water” and is a certified rebreather technology diver, according to her bio on the group’s website.

Contributors: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Kinsey Crowley

Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.

Kevin Warsh becomes the new Federal Reserve Chairman. what it means to you

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Kevin Warsh becomes the new Federal Reserve Chairman. what it means to you

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Kevin Warsh will serve a four-year term as chairman of the Federal Reserve, a role that will give him enormous influence over interest rates and the direction of the U.S. economy at a critical moment.

The 56-year-old former financial executive and adviser to President George W. Bush took office on May 22. He previously served on the Fed’s board from 2006 to 2011, a period when the central bank had to navigate the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. He returned to the Fed, which aims to maintain price stability and maximum employment, amid soaring inflation due to the Iran war and concerns about a stagnant job market outside of some industries.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to be called back to public service, and with this oath I accept a high and solemn responsibility,” Warsh said during a ceremony at the White House. “My goal now is to create an environment where talented people can do the best work of their lives, meeting every challenge with a spirit of common purpose and dedication to the national interest. In short, strive for excellence.”

Warsh replaces Jerome Powell, who has served as Fed chair since 2018 and said he plans to keep a “low profile” as a Fed director after Warsh’s confirmation. President Donald Trump appointed Powell as chairman for his first term in 2017. By the following year, the president was criticizing Powell, telling the Washington Post that he was “not at all happy” with his appointment. As Mr. Trump enters his second term, he has shown a willingness to exert influence over the central bank by pressuring the Federal Reserve to lower benchmark interest rates, raising concerns about the Fed’s independence.

At the ceremony, President Trump said he expected Warsh to become one of the “truly great” Fed chairs and that his candidacy would have the “full support” of his administration.

“Honestly, I mean this. I don’t mean it any other way. I want Kevin to be completely independent. I want him to be independent and do a great job. Don’t look at me. No one should look at me,” Trump said. “Thankfully, unlike some of his predecessors, Kevin understands that when the economy is strong, that’s a good thing.”

more: Warsh says during confirmation hearing that Fed independence ‘needs to be earned’

What kind of economy will Warsh inherit as Fed chairman?

In some ways, the economic situation Mr. Warsh inherits as Fed chair is similar to the one Mr. Powell faced when he took over in 2018.

In the first quarter of that year, the U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2%. This was in line with the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s prior forecast for the first quarter of this year. The unemployment rate was 3.9% in April 2018 and 4.3% in the same month this year. However, the inflation environment is different. Prices rose 2.5% year-on-year in April 2014, but rose 3.8% in April this year.

“The biggest challenges he faces are that the economy is strong, employment is good but not spectacular, and inflation remains stubbornly above the 2% target by every measure,” said David Royal, chief financial and investment officer at Thrivent.

Warsh also returns to the Fed at a time when consumer optimism about the economy is at record lows. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell for the third consecutive month in May, dropping to 44.8. Fifty-seven percent of survey respondents said high prices were “eroding” their personal finances, said Joan Hsu, director of consumer research.

What is the difference between Warsh and Powell?

Like Powell, another Fed board member-turned-chairman, Warsh is well known on Wall Street. He is also familiar with central banks, which could help generate consensus on the Federal Open Market Committee, which sets benchmark interest rates.

But Warsh wants the Fed to make some reforms. He suggested during his confirmation hearing that the Fed needs a new inflation framework and a communication style that is less focused on forward guidance.

“When the Fed speaks, the market reacts,” said Frank Sorrentino, founder and CEO of ConnectOne Bank, adding that that’s something Warsh wants to avoid. “In some cases, that can be a precursor to what kind of policy decisions they’re going to make, and it kind of gives the market some predictions and moves them in that direction. I don’t think Mr. Warsh thinks that’s a wise way to run an independent Fed because you run the risk of politicizing the decisions.”

At the same time, he said Mr. Warsh appears to be more forward-thinking than Mr. Powell when it comes to monetary policy decisions, noting that under Mr. Powell, the Fed’s decisions have relied on data available to policymakers at the time of their meetings.

“He has a very differentiated policy theory about the money supply, the Fed’s balance sheet, interest rates in general, the impact that AI is having and continues to have on the economy,” Sorrentino said of Warsh. “He wants to get ahead of things.”

What policies does Warsh support?

Mr. Warsh, once seen as someone focused on curbing inflation through higher interest rates, has recently advocated lowering borrowing costs.

Royal said there may be two reasons for that. First, Warsh sees AI-driven productivity as potentially inflationary. Sorrentino explained the logic that AI is expected to make jobs faster and cheaper, which could lead to an increased supply of goods and services. Due to the laws of supply and demand, prices may fall as a result.

As Jacob Robbins, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Illinois, previously told USA TODAY, he cautioned: “We need to be very confident in what impact AI will have on the economy before calling for interest rate cuts at this point.”

Royal said the second reason is that Warsh also advocates shrinking the Fed’s balance sheet. If that happens, Sorrentino said, it could reduce liquidity in the economy, reduce asset values ​​and ultimately lead to lower inflation.

Sorrentino said Warsh “believes the Fed’s balance sheet is distorting the economy. There’s too much cash running around chasing assets.” “What’s the evidence? If you look at where the gold is, where the market is, where the cryptocurrencies are… they’re inflated.”

What consumers can expect

Historically, markets have fallen following the confirmation of a new Fed chair. Royal said investors shouldn’t be surprised if something like this happens again after Warsh takes over.

“He’s not a current Fed director, and when he takes office he’s less well-known than other Fed chairs, so I’m just going to keep an eye on that volatility,” he added.

The next FOMC interest rate decision will be in mid-June, which will be Warsh’s first decision as chairman. As of May 22, policymakers expect to keep the federal funds rate unchanged this year, in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

Contact Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com, follow her at X @rachelbarber_ and subscribe to her newsletter Making More of Your Money here.

Trader Joe’s new candy product makes customers’ stomachs growl

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Trader Joe’s new candy product makes customers’ stomachs growl

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Trader Joe’s candy is getting attention for all the wrong reasons, making people and their stomachs think twice before satisfying their sweet tooth.

The popular grocery chain’s new sugar-free sweet and sour gummy worms are gaining attention as an unexpected laxative. One serving of candy contains 14 grams of fiber, about half the daily amount recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One serving contains approximately 8 candies.

But Trader Joe’s new “fruity-flavored candy” isn’t advertised as a high-fiber food, completely blinding shoppers who bought it as a simple sweet treat.

“I ate the whole bag without realizing how much fiber it contained,” one person wrote on Reddit. “I’ve been pooping for three days now!”

One person wrote: “I’ve been pooping all day and my stomach keeps growling,” while another joked: “This should be great for curing constipation.”

TikTok user Sondra Tamagotchi shared on May 20, “I accidentally ate an entire bag while watching TV. I was late for work the next morning.”

A nutritionist talks about “Fibermax”: Are the latest fad diets really healthy?

Trader Joe’s warns customers

After the gummies drew attention for unexpected side effects, customers reported that Trader Joe’s employees were warning buyers about the candy’s high fiber content.

“The cashier said it’s loaded with fiber,” one Reddit user wrote. “I’m glad she told me. It was a little strange, but it was good information.”

TikTok user Vegan Hacks Pod also posted a video on May 19 showing a warning sign posted next to gummies at a local Trader Joe’s, stating that each bag of these gummies contains 70 grams of fiber.

Trader Joe’s says the candy should not be considered a low-calorie food because it has zero grams of sugar but contains 35 calories per serving. According to the package, this bug’s sweetness comes from a blend of allulose, organic erythritol, and Luo Han Guo extract.

This product is not listed on Trader Joe’s website at this time, but this is not unusual.

“You won’t find every Trader Joe’s product featured on our website,” the grocery chain said. “The best place to get information about our products, old favorites and new discoveries is at your local Trader Joe’s.”

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

Florida pays $485,000 to employee fired over Charlie Kirk post

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Florida pays 5,000 to employee fired over Charlie Kirk post

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The state of Florida will pay nearly $500,000 in a free speech lawsuit settlement to a biologist who was forced from his job with the state for making critical posts on social media after the shooting death of Charlie Kirk. This is the latest award in response to similar claims for firings across the country in the wake of the killing of a conservative activist.

Brittany Brown, who worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, filed the lawsuit after she was fired in September 2025, days after Kirk was killed by gunman accuser Tyler Robinson while speaking at a university in Utah.

Under the settlement agreement signed May 21, Mr. Brown will receive $485,000. This amount includes $235,000 to cover her unemployment and $40,000 in back pay. She also received $210,000 in legal fees and expenses, the USA TODAY Network in Florida reported.

Brown’s claim marks the first lawsuit in Florida involving a state employee facing disciplinary action for his online response to Kirk’s killing. Dozens of people, including teachers, professors, nurses, lawyers and other professionals, have been fired or disciplined for posts they made after the September 10 shooting. This includes employees of public universities and state government employees, and has broader freedom of speech protections.

Since then, many have filed lawsuits to get their jobs back or receive paychecks from their employers.

Florida biologist fired for post about Charlie Kirk and whales

Brown lost her job on September 15, 2025, after she reposted another account’s post on her private Instagram Story.

The post that bothered Brown read, “The whales are deeply saddened to learn of the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Haha, just kidding, the whales care about as much as Charlie Kirk cared about kids being shot in his classroom. In other words, they don’t care at all.”

The post was condemned and widely shared by conservative accounts on social media, including LibsofTiktok, which called for Brown to be fired. At the time, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Brown’s post “downplayed” Kirk’s murder.

Tennessee: Ex-cop arrested over Charlie Kirk’s social media posts settles lawsuit

“We have a zero-tolerance policy against the incitement of violence and hatred and will not tolerate such behavior,” the agency said in a social media post on Sept. 15.

Brown said she is having trouble finding work because her specialty is bird conservation and the commission is the regulatory body for the field. Part of the settlement includes her agreement not to apply or seek reinstatement with FWC in the future.

A spokeswoman for the agency declined to comment on the settlement. Gary Edinger, an attorney representing Brown, said the lawsuit was the result of Brown’s “refusal to accept that the government decides what opinions employees are allowed to have.”

“These concerning actions highlight the extent to which political pressure from Tallahassee is influencing our state institutions,” Brown said in a statement. “FWC employees deserve better recognition, and so do Floridians.”

Numerous people lost their jobs and faced disciplinary action after Kirk’s post.

A former Tennessee state trooper who was arrested and charged earlier this week over posts about Kirk has reached an $835,000 settlement seeking the dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit against local authorities. Larry Bushart was arrested on Sept. 22 and charged with threats of mass violence after he posted a photo quoting President Donald Trump in the Facebook comments section of a Perry County community group page, the USA TODAY Network’s Nashville Tennessean reported.

His lawyers said he was held on $2 million bail for more than a month, resulting in him losing his job as a medical transporter and missing the birth of his grandson. The charges against him were dropped on Oct. 29 following backlash from the community. His lawsuit accuses Perry County, Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems, and Perry County Sheriff’s Detective Jason Morrow of violating his First and Fourth Amendment rights.

In January, Darren Michael, a theater professor at Austin Peay State University, reached a $500,000 settlement for his firing in September over social media posts about Kirk. Michael had shared an article on his social media accounts titled, “Charlie Kirk says gun death ‘unfortunately’ makes two people worth protecting.”n.d. amendment,” prompting backlash, including criticism from Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

more: Professors fired for criticizing Charlie Kirk return to work

Michael returned to work on Dec. 30, The Tennessean reported. Many more professors fired for their Kirk-related comments have been reinstated, had their suspensions lifted, or had investigations concluded in their favor.

Other settlements include an Iowa public defender and a high school English teacher.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Florida. He can be reached at SMattat@usatodayco.com. About X: @stephanymatat.

Contributor: Chris Quintana, USA TODAY. Angel Latham, Tennessean; des moines register

Daniel Coleman, Danny Go! star announces death of 14-year-old son

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Daniel Coleman, Danny Go! star announces death of 14-year-old son

Child entertainment star Daniel Coleman, also known as Danny Go!, has made a somber announcement.

In an Instagram post on Friday, May 22nd, Coleman revealed that her 14-year-old son, Isaac, passed away on Thursday, May 21st, after a battle with stage 3 oral cancer.

Coleman wrote in the post: “Oh my sweet baby. There’s so much I want to say but I don’t know how yet. I’m already so lonely and the pain in my heart is more than I can handle.” “But as I look at the thousands of photos and videos last week, I am also filled with great pride. Your 14 years have been filled with so many challenges, but you faced them all with such grit…and despite this, you somehow retained your trademark joy. You are truly one of a kind. It brings me great comfort to remember how much you were loved and how full of life your time was. I am so proud of you and love you forever. Rest in peace, my son. ”

Fellow children’s entertainment star Rachel shared her condolences on Instagram on May 22nd.

“Hello, wonderful parents and caregivers. Please send much love and many thoughts and prayers to Danny Go and his beautiful family. We are so sorry for their loss and are thinking of their son’s amazing joy and their immense pride,” she wrote.

Coleman first announced Isaac’s cancer diagnosis in an Instagram post in December 2025, sharing that he was “almost certain” that Isaac had Fanconi anemia.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in certain genes that inhibit the production of blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow. Babies with Fanconi anemia may exhibit physical differences at birth and may later develop bone marrow failure syndrome, which can lead to blood cancers and blood disorders. Cancerous tumors may also develop earlier in children than in children who do not have cancerous tumors.

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

Silver Price Today May 22, 2026

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Silver Price Today May 22, 2026

How much is silver worth per ounce today?

As of 8:05 AM ET on May 22, 2026, the spot price of silver is $75.80 per oz., according to the latest market data. The stock rose 0.19%, or $0.14 from its previous close of $75.65.

One year ago, silver was trading at $33.50 an ounce. This means that the price has increased by 126.25% in the last 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $32.94

52 week high: $117.39

Silver is trading 35.43% below its 52-week high. The stock is trading at a level 130.10% higher than its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of silver?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$75.80 $83.24 $77.48 $33.50

A week ago, silver was trading at $83.24 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 8.94%.

A month ago, silver was trading at $77.48 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 2.18%.

USA TODAY is an independent publisher and not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or trading advice. We recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional regarding any specific financial decisions you may make. Trading commodities, futures, and options involves significant risk of loss. Individual investment results may vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prices can change rapidly and unpredictably due to factors such as supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events. Our company assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information.

What is driving the price of silver today?

The price of silver is driven by inflation expectations, central bank policy, global economic conditions, and investor demand. The strength of currencies, especially the US dollar, can influence daily prices, as well as physical and industrial demand. For more on the market, read the latest investment news on USA TODAY Money.

What does XAG/USD mean?

XAG/USD is the ticker symbol used to track the spot price of silver in US dollars.

XAG stands for 1 troy ounce of silver and USD stands for US dollar. The estimated price tells you how many dollars it costs to purchase one ounce.

Prices are usually quoted per troy ounce, which is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

Spot prices reflect real-time market transactions and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs, and retail bullion prices.

how to invest in silver

Investing in silver can be done by buying physical coins and bars, buying ETFs that track its price, or investing in mining stocks. Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs, and risk tolerance before making a decision. The retail price of a coin or bar typically includes a premium over the spot price.

Disclaimer: This USA TODAY Money article was automatically generated using live market data from Alpha Vantage. If you think we made a mistake or have feedback, please use this form.

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