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‘Off Campus’ – New hockey romance resembles ‘heated rivalry’

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‘Off Campus’ – New hockey romance resembles ‘heated rivalry’

Prime Video’s “Off Campus” has been compared to “Heat Rivalry.” Here’s what you need to know about the new hockey romance drama.

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Are you ready for some hot romance with hockey, trauma, and eyelashes fluttering?

No, we’re not talking about “Heat Rivalry,” HBO Max’s film adaptation of a bizarre hockey romance novel about two professional players on a slow-burning journey of lust and love, but “Off Campus,” Prime Video’s film adaptation of a hockey romance novel about a college player and a musician who works at a concession stand. A slow-burning journey of desire and love.

“Campus” (currently streaming) may sound a lot like “Rivals” on paper, but it has more in common thematically and tonally with Prime’s recent young adult (YA) romances like “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Maxton Hall,” with more earthy youthful antics, more English papers to write and scholarships to win, and a kickier soundtrack.

But whether you want to call it a new ‘hot rivalry’ or not, there’s been a storm brewing in streaming this week.

Here’s everything you need to know about “Off Campus,” from its stars and romance to the book it’s based on and whether it’s worth binge-watching this weekend.

What is “off-campus”?

Set at the fictional Brier College (hence the title), Campus is a melodrama about introverted singer-songwriter Hannah (Ella Bright) and hockey team star Garrett (Belmont Cameli). Garrett needs Hannah’s help as a tutor, and Hannah has to create a fake boyfriend to make her crush, punkish guitarist Justin (Josh Houston), jealous. Garrett and Hannah pretend to be in love until they stop pretending to be in love.

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The cast roomed together for the first few weeks of filming ‘Off Campus’

Ella Bright talks ‘Off Campus’ cast bond and group chat named ‘Briar U’

Who are the stars of “Off Campus”?

The cast of “Campus” features a group of bright young stars who help bring the world of Brier College to life.

In addition to Bright, Cameli and Houston, Jalen Thomas Brooks (The Pit) as John Tucker, Mika Abdallah as Allie, Steven Cullin as Dean, Antonio Cipriano as John Logan, and Riley Davis as Sean round out the cast. Steve Howie (“Reba”) plays Garrett’s father, Phil.

The cast lived together in Vancouver, Canada, for part of the production, bringing the college community feel to real life.

“For the first two weeks of filming, we all stayed in a house with 10 people. We played a lot of hide-and-seek,” Bright told USA TODAY at the April 29 red carpet premiere of “Campus.”

“It was a really good bonding experience,” Bright added. “Our group chat name is Briar U.”

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Josh Houston talks about fan edits inspired by ‘Heated Rivalry’

Josh Houston jokes about fan edits of him and Belmont Cameli from “Off Campus” to the “Heated Rivalry” soundtrack.

Is “off campus” okay? Does it really feel like a “heated rivalry”?

This series is a solid entry into Prime Video’s catalog of light, binge-worthy romances. The story is fluffy and frivolous at first, but the second half brings a bit more weight (and sadness) to the story.

“Campus” may be a romance and include hockey, but it’s not the same kind of show as “Rivals.” The biggest difference is that “Rivals” focuses on a closeted same-sex couple, while “Campus” has a straight protagonist.

Tonally, the two shows are very different. “Rivalry” is heavy, foreboding, and intensely intimate in scope and style. “Campus” has a larger, more hilarious cast.

“Campus” features partial nudity, but it doesn’t. very It’s as sexually explicit as the “Rivals” scene that made the internet buzz after its release in December 2025.

How to watch “Off Campus”

“Off Campus” Season 1 is now available on Prime. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

Fidelity agrees to a $2.5 million settlement. Check if you’re eligible for a payment

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Fidelity agrees to a .5 million settlement. Check if you’re eligible for a payment

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Fidelity Investments clients may be eligible for a payout from the company’s $2.5 million settlement in a 2024 data breach class action lawsuit.

Fidelity Investments and Fidelity Brokerage Services agreed to a settlement on May 13th. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, alleges that Fidelity failed to protect its computer networks from a “data security incident” that occurred between August 17, 2024 and August 19, 2024.

According to the payment site, a third party gained unauthorized access to the network during that time and obtained certain information. As part of the settlement, Fidelity denied any wrongdoing.

“The parties have agreed to resolve the litigation to avoid the costs, risks, interruptions and uncertainties associated with continued litigation,” Fidelity said in a statement.

According to court documents, the attorneys representing their clients in the lawsuit “determine that the settlement set forth in this Settlement Agreement is fair, reasonable, appropriate, and in the best interests of the Settled Class.”

Those eligible to receive a portion of Fidelity’s $2.5 million settlement are:

target: Does your target look different? More than 130 stores are being renovated

Who will be paid in the Fidelity Settlement?

Consumers who sued Fidelity agreed to settle the lawsuit for $2.5 million. This agreement must be approved by a court before payments can be made to class participants. A hearing is scheduled for July 9. You can file an online claim on the settlement website, but you must do so by July 27th.

Fidelity said it has notified more than 77,000 people about the breach. An additional 86,000 customers whose financial accounts and routing numbers were compromised could be affected, according to court documents.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a payment, please contact Fidelity by email at info@FidelityDataSettlement.com or by calling (833) 386-6470. Please see the payment site for details.

If approved by the court, groups eligible to receive payments include:

  • All people in the United States that Fidelity has notified about the incident.
  • Other U.S. persons whose account and routing numbers were exposed in this incident.

How much money can I get from the Fidelity settlement?

Payment amounts can range from about $50 up to $5,000. The types of payments that can be issued are:

  • Reimbursement of documented financial losses: You could receive up to $5,000 in actual, documented out-of-pocket losses for a breach that occurred between August 17, 2024 and July 27, 2026.
  • Pro-rata cash payment: Class members may receive payments of approximately $100, which may be more or less than that (“proportionate” means proportionate). Affected people do not need to provide any evidence or explanation to claim this payment.
  • California Consumer Privacy Act Payments (California residents only): Another pro rata payment under CCPA is expected to be approximately $50.

Do I need to file a claim in the Fidelity settlement?

no. However, if you do nothing, you will not benefit from the settlement. If you want to opt out of the settlement, perhaps filing your own lawsuit, you have until June 26 to do so. Those who remain in the Settlement Class for potential payments may not participate in any other litigation against Fidelity for the breach.

Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

Mysterious parade of empty Waymo cars seen in Atlanta area

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Mysterious parade of empty Waymo cars seen in Atlanta area

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Atlanta residents and visitors are all too familiar with the incursion of self-driving cars into the city.

Waymo has been operating in Atlanta for most of the year, gradually expanding its fleet and mapping parts of the city. Uber users can hail a Waymo vehicle whenever they want a ride in the city, and people are often seen waiting for rides outside major sporting events and concerts.

But now, in some parts of the city’s northwest, parades of empty Waymo vehicles are arriving at dead-end streets in the mornings, and officials say they don’t know why.

Dozens of Waymo vehicles appear nearby

Residents of a cul-de-sac on Battleview Drive, just west of Interstate 75 on the city’s north side, told local news outlets they recorded more than a dozen Waymo vehicles driving through their neighborhood early in the morning without any passengers on board.

One resident told WSB-TV that as many as 50 vehicles entered the neighborhood between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday.

Video obtained by Atlanta News First shows 13 Waymo vehicles passing by a home within 10 minutes.

@atlantanewsfirst Buckhead residents say Waymo’s self-driving cars are using neighborhoods as staging areas, with some streets seeing up to 50 cars an hour. Neighbors on Battleview Drive and nearby Fernleaf Circle say they have complained of safety concerns after near-misses with pets and children, but have struggled to get responses from Waymo, local representatives and GDOT. Waymo has since said it has addressed the routing behavior. #waymo #buckhead #atlanta #selfdriving ♬Original Sound – Atlanta News First

At one point, residents tried to block vehicles by placing a traffic sign in the middle of the road, leaving up to eight vehicles stuck trying to figure out how to turn around.

Residents told local media that the problem had worsened over the past few weeks and that they tried to explain to Waymo why the vehicles kept showing up but initially received no response. Residents are concerned that their neighborhoods are being chosen as locations for Waymo vehicles to be trained or stored during off-peak hours.

In a statement to WSB-TV, Waymo said the company is “committed to being a good neighbor.”

“We take community feedback seriously and have already addressed this routing behavior. With more than 500,000 weekly trips nationwide, our service is proven to significantly reduce traffic injuries and improve road safety. We value our relationship with Atlantans and remain focused on providing a seamless, respectful and safe experience for both our passengers and residents,” the company said.

Waymo has had problems in Atlanta before.

This is not the first time that trust between Atlantans and self-driving car services has been tested.

In February, a Waymo vehicle was videotaped entering a crime scene in Atlanta. An 11Alive reporter filmed the vehicle passing police cars and emergency vehicles before coming to a stop on the road.

Asked about the incident, Waymo told USA TODAY the vehicle was driving through a parking lot and entered an unblocked lane. When the vehicle recognized the emergency vehicle, it stopped and a roadside assistance team was called, per Waymo protocol.

Last year, Atlanta Public Schools reported six incidents in which Waymo vehicles passed parked school buses.

Waymo previously announced a software update aimed at improving vehicle safety around buses, but incidents continued to occur in other cities, including Austin, Texas, even after the update, according to a letter from the school district. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the incident.

Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

Ditch the can of Spam and replace it with a hot dog. where can i get it

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Ditch the can of Spam and replace it with a hot dog. where can i get it

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Spam has released a new product perfect for summer dog days.

The canned meat brand is now making hot dogs, the company announced on its website.

The company describes SpamDog as a “reimagining of the classic hot dog” that brings the flavor of Spam to a new format.

more: Eat Like a Local: Why Spam Musubi is Popular in Hawaii

“One of the most exciting convenience food innovations in years, the Spam Dog combines two American culinary icons into one bold, unexpected bite,” Spam wrote on its website.

Spamdog will officially debut at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago from May 16th to 19th of this year.

Where to get spam dogs

Spam is known for its canned meat, but the brand announced it is moving away from canned meat for its new hot dogs.

At least for now, Spam Dogs won’t be in stores. Spam said the hot dog is designed for food service businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores and stadiums.

Currently, fans can try Spamdog at the following locations across the country:

  • Rutter’s Convenience Store in the Northeast
  • CHS Field in St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Some ABC and 7-Eleven stores in Hawaii

The company said it plans to roll out SpamDog to more locations and vendors throughout the summer.

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

Georgia Governor signs medical marijuana bill. What you need to know

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Georgia Governor signs medical marijuana bill. What you need to know

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Georgia has taken another step to increase access to cannabis and THC in the state.

On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Patients First Act (SB 220), which expands the legality of medical marijuana use after the legislative session ended earlier this year.

The bill replaces “low THC oil” with “medical marijuana” and refocuses product use on people with medical conditions rather than recreational use.

What does the Medical Cannabis Act include?

SB 220 would eliminate Georgia’s 5% THC concentration cap on medical marijuana products, allowing patients to have 12,000 milligrams of medical marijuana as long as the drug container is labeled.

It will also expand the types of THC products that can be sold at Georgia dispensaries. Edibles, gummies, and vaporized flower will be legal to sell under the new potency level.

People prescribed medical cannabis will also no longer need to undergo annual certification, even if they have an “incurable” or “irreversible” condition. The bill’s registry of diseases has also been expanded to include lupus, autism, stage III HIV, severe Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

THC production facilities must be 3,000 feet away from schools and churches. Out-of-state medical marijuana registration cards are available in Georgia for a 45-day supply, and under the new law, registration cards are valid for five years.

At some point, registration will also be required to move to electronic registration cards through the Ministry of Health, although the timeline for this change is not clearly stated in the bill.

The new law still prohibits smoking or burning medical marijuana, but allows vaporization for people over 21 who use THC for medical purposes.

Is marijuana legal in Georgia?

Even with the new changes, most medical and recreational uses of marijuana remain illegal in Georgia.

The sale or possession of marijuana in leaf form and the manufacture or sale of marijuana in any quantity or amount remain illegal. Penalties for possession can include hefty fines and even jail time.

Marijuana itself has not been legalized for medical use. Only low-potency THC, called medical marijuana, is legal for medical use.

What is the difference between THC, marijuana, and CBD?

Marijuana refers to the entire Cannabis sativa plant, while THC is a compound derived from the marijuana plant. There are over 100 types of “cannabinoids” that can be obtained from the marijuana plant.

THC and CBD are the best-known and most commonly used cannabinoids.

THC is an acronym for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which refers to the cannabinoid that produces the “high” sensation from marijuana. THC is most often sold in oil form, but it can also be sold in edibles, herbs, and flowers.

Although closely related to THC, CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not give users a “high” response. CBD is much easier to find and less restrictive in many states. CBD comes in the form of oils, extracts, patches, e-cigarettes, or topical lotions and is used for a variety of health benefits.

Eileen Wright covers Georgia politics as an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

Rivian postpones R2 SUV that could change affordable EVs

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Rivian postpones R2 SUV that could change affordable EVs

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  • Rivian has postponed the release of its electric SUV R2 until 2027.
  • The R2 is expected to be more affordable starting at around $45,000.
  • Company officials believe the R2 is essential to Rivian’s long-term success as a mass-market automaker.

Rivian has postponed the release of its next electric SUV, the R2, which starts at about $45,000, which company officials say is critical to its long-term future as a viable automaker.

The Irvine, California-based company announced in a post on its website that its most affordable model, an electric SUV, will be available in 2027. Rivian previously said the R2 would go on sale in the first half of 2026.

The news comes after Rivian announced in an XPost on May 15 that a configurator for the R2 is live on its website, allowing visitors to “investigate paint colors, interior wheels, and more” for the new car’s release in 2027.

What you need to know about R2

The R2 is expected to start at around $45,000 and be released in 2027.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe appeared on the podcast “On with Kara Swisher” on January 29 and said R2 is important to the company’s plans to scale up to become a mass-market electric car maker.

“Rivian isn’t just designed for R1,” Scaringe said. “If the goal was to build a company that only produced 15,000 cars a year, it would be a very different business. But we have invested seriously in the business and have thought and planned for Rivian to become a much larger company. So R2 needs to be successful in supporting the speed of capital construction of the business, depending on how much technology we develop and how much infrastructure we build.”

What are people saying about R2?

In its review of the R2 prototype it drove, Car and Driver said the EV is “powered by permanent magnet electric motors on each axle, producing a total output of 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque.”

Learn more about R2: Why Rivian CEO teases electric SUV R2 could be a major disruptor in 2026

“The ride quality is a bit more refined than the R1S; the tires don’t have to operate at as high pressures to support the mass, and the lower body height reduces the feeling of how much the vehicle rolls in corners,” the website says. “And yes, turn the corner.”

The website InsideEVs.com said in a review published after taking an independent test drive of the R2 prototype that the electric SUV has “more than 300 miles of range, 656 horsepower, 609 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.”

“This is a serious situation for a family SUV that not only competes with the ubiquitous Tesla Model Y, but also potentially competes with mainstream gas-powered crossovers,” the website says.

Hayden Panettiere says being groomed as a child actor led to his addiction

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Hayden Panettiere says being groomed as a child actor led to his addiction

Hayden Panettiere says he was forced into Hollywood and looks back on the dark days of his childhood.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 36-year-old “Scream VI” star detailed how her experience being groomed as a child actress influenced her later decisions as an adult. Panettiere chronicles her unconventional childhood and acting career in her new memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, scheduled for release on May 19th.

“I was groomed. I was like a little soldier and always have been. No was never an option. It was just, ‘Here’s your scene, here’s your line, memorize it, hit the mark, follow the director’s instructions.’ I was given my marching orders,” she told the news outlet.

She explained that she later turned to self-harm due to substance abuse and the pressure she faced took a toll on her. Panettiere said she began engaging in people-pleasing behavior and became consumed with anger, frustration and anxiety that continued to build up until she exploded.

“My life revolved around other people and I lived to make other people happy, and I was the last person on the list,” she said. “I started thinking about ways I could get through it. Believe it or not, sometimes people say in treatment, our addiction probably saved us at some point.”

Panettiere was virtually born into the entertainment industry, appearing in commercials at the age of one in 1990. She soon began acting on television, and by the age of four she began starring on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live from 1994 to 1997.

She later joined the cast of Guiding Light for four seasons, voiced Ari Dot in the 1998 Pixar film A Bug’s Life, and also appeared in the 2000 sports classic film Remember the Titans. Her acting career continued as a teenager on “Heroes” and into adulthood on “Nashville.”

Hayden Panettiere talks about the difficult decision to give up custody of his daughter

Panettile also opened up about her decision to relinquish full custody of her daughter Kaya to her father, Wladimir Klitschko, in 2018 after battling both postpartum depression and addiction.

On the May 11 episode of the “On Purpose” podcast, the “Ice Princess” actress told host Jay Shetty, “The idea that anyone would think I would give up my child and be okay with it is heartbreaking.”

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. Years of battling depression, anxiety, alcoholism, drug abuse, and just me trying to figure out how to get back together led to this horrible cycle.”

Panettile and his ex-fiancée, former Ukrainian professional boxer Klitschko, currently share custody of their 11-year-old daughter.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she revealed Kaya’s recent interest in acting and said she would support her interests when she goes to college. “And if you really love it, I wholeheartedly support you. And if she doesn’t like it, just leave. Her world doesn’t have to revolve around it.”

Contributor: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

“Six Gender”, Vegans and Jesus

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“Six Gender”, Vegans and Jesus

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has unleashed a barrage of insults and attacks against Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, but declined to say which Republican candidate he will support in the state’s upcoming Republican runoff elections.

“I think the Democratic Party has a strange, strange candidate,” President Trump told reporters on Air Force One on May 15, upon returning to Washington from China. “Six genders. Really attacking Jesus. So this guy is bad news. He’s only been wearing a mask relatively recently. And he’s vegan. He’s vegan. All of a sudden he’s not vegan anymore. He’s vegan.”

Trump added, “Texas doesn’t like vegans.”

Trump’s comments echoed some of the attacks the 36-year-old Texas congressman made against Talarico in a March 22 Truth Social post after he won the Democratic nomination for the Texas Senate earlier that month.

more: Texas Senate election poll shows Democrat Talarico leading Republican

But Trump was not asked about Talarico by reporters when he made his latest comments. A reporter asked the president whether he would support Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn or his challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in the May 26 Republican primary runoff.

Trump told Talarico, “I don’t want to say that. I think very strongly about it. I like both.”

Mr. Trump has passed on supporting Mr. Cornyn in the primary, even though polls show Mr. Talarico doing slightly better in a hypothetical showdown with Mr. Paxton, who was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 on bribery charges and recently accused of infidelity by his wife. Paxton is widely seen as more popular among President Trump’s MAGA base.

Talarico’s camp did not respond to requests for comment.

Republicans have sought to paint Talarico as a radical liberal who leans too far to the left to represent Texas.

President Trump’s “six genders” comment was a reference to remarks Talarico made before a Texas House committee during consideration of a bill that would require student-athletes to play sports according to the gender on their birth certificate. “Modern science clearly recognizes that there are far more than two biological sexes. In fact, there are six. Honestly, Congressman Hefner, this surprised me too,” Talarico said.

more: President Obama joins Texas Senate race, supporting Democrat Talarico

Republicans have accused Talarico of being a vegan in a state known for its barbecue brisket. The attack stemmed from Talarico’s pledge to animal rights activists to run a “no-meat campaign” and only buy vegan products in the run-up to his 2022 re-election to the House of Representatives. Talarico denied the accusations and responded in March by posting a photo of himself eating a giant turkey leg.

President Trump’s “yes” statement is likely a reference to Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian who has made Christian beliefs and values ​​central to his political identity.

Talarico received a boost from former President Barack Obama on the campaign trail this week and could be in a position to become one of the nation’s youngest Democratic stars if he can accomplish what so many have tried and failed to do: turn Texas blue in the Senate. No Democrat has won a statewide election in Texas since 1994.

Polls conducted April 17-20 by the nonpartisan Texas Poll show Talarico leading both Republicans, with a 44% to 41% lead over Cornyn and a 46% to 41% lead over Paxton.

X Contact Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.

Stephen Colbert and David Letterman reunite for ‘Late Show’ return

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Stephen Colbert and David Letterman reunite for ‘Late Show’ return

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It was a top 10 moment for late night fans.

David Letterman returned to his former home, the Ed Sullivan Theater, on Thursday, May 14th, to appear as one of the final guests on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” before the show ends on May 21st.

“I almost burst into tears over that,” Letterman, 79, told Colbert, 62, of his emotional comeback before quickly taking a jab at CBS. “You know what happened backstage? I’m standing (there) and a guy comes up and says he’s from CBS, and he fires me.”

Later in the show, Letterman and Colbert vented their anger over Colbert’s cancellation in a bizarre segment in which the TV host threw some furniture off the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater. An eyeball shaped like the CBS logo was used as a target.

The final guest revealed: CBS announces final guest for Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’

“I thought tonight’s occasion might be a little sad because my run here is coming to an end, but this brought real joy to my heart,” Letterman said. “We are here for the wanton destruction of CBS properties.”

Colbert added, “When I first got this job, the first thing they told me before I even moved into the office was that I wasn’t allowed to throw things off the roof of the Ed Sullivan building because obviously they had issues with the previous tenant. I didn’t do that, but I’m at the end here, so all is not on the table.”

How long was Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show”?

Colbert premiered his version of “The Late Show” on September 8, 2015. He was canceled in the summer of 2025.

CBS’ parent company, formerly Paramount Global and now Paramount Skydance Corporation, described the call as “a purely financial decision against a difficult background in late night.” But some suspect Colbert’s criticism of President Donald Trump may have played a role.

Who will replace Stephen Colbert?

CBS will fill the “Late Show” timeslot with the syndicated “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen.”

Stephen Colbert’s last performance date

The final episode of “The Late Show” will air May 21 on CBS.

Why did David Letterman leave ‘The Late Show’?

Letterman hosted CBS’s “The Late Show” from 1993 to 2015. He left NBC when Jay Leno was announced as Johnny Carson’s replacement on “The Tonight Show.”

The late-night host ended his tenure on television in May 2015 after revealing his plans to retire the previous year. “I called[then-CBS CEO Les Moonves]right before the show and said, ‘Leslie, that was great, you were great, the network was great, but I’m retiring,'” he said at the time.

In a 2017 interview, he joked that he was “fired,” but admitted, “If anyone[ruined]me, it was me, because I got older and stupider.”

David Letterman calls Colbert cancellation ‘gutless’

At the time of Colbert’s ouster, Letterman called the move “utter cowardice” and “heartless.” The comedian continued to vent in an interview with The New York Times published on May 5th.

Letterman suggested that Colbert “was sold because the people selling the network to Skydance said, ‘Oh, we’ll have no problem with that guy. We’ll take care of the show. We’ll just put it in the contract. When is the ink dry on the check?'”

Letterman added to journalist Jason Zinoman: “Let’s just go on record: ‘They’re lying. Jason, let me just add one more thing: They’re lying weasels.'”

Letterman returned to “The Late Show” for the first time in 2023, sitting behind a desk reminiscing about the old days.

Contributor: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY

Gold fell 3.44% on May 15, 2026

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Gold fell 3.44% on May 15, 2026

How much is gold worth per ounce today?

As of 12:05 PM ET on May 15, 2026, the spot price of gold is $4,535.15 per oz., according to the latest market data. This was a decline of 3.44% and $161.33 from the previous closing price of $4,696.48.

A year ago, gold was trading at $3,182.44 per ounce. This means the price has increased by 42.51% over the past 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $3,200.40

52 week high: $5,477.79

Gold is trading 17.21% below its 52-week high. The stock is still 41.71% above its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of gold?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$4,535.15 $4,704.14 $4,832.48 $3,182.44

A week ago, gold was trading at $4,704.14 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 3.59%.

A month ago, gold was trading at $4,832.48 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 6.15%.

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 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 gold today?

The price of gold is driven by inflation expectations, central bank policies, 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 is XAU/USD?

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

XAU stands for 1 troy ounce of gold 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 gold

To invest in gold, you can buy physical coins and bars, buy ETFs that track the price of gold, or invest 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.

What you need to know about the White House Dental Clinic

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What you need to know about the White House Dental Clinic

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President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo a dental exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center later this month, marking his third visit to the dentist this year.

He went to see a local dentist in Florida in January and had another dental appointment in Florida earlier this month.

But President Trump actually has another dentist he can visit, just a short walk from the Oval Office.

Here’s what you need to know about the White House Dental Clinic.

Is there a dentist in the White House?

The White House added a dental clinic during President Herbert Hoover’s presidency in the 1930s, allowing presidents to receive “quick and private” dental care.

The White House dental clinic is located in the basement of the building and reportedly features “state-of-the-art equipment and a fully functional operating room.”

The dental facility exists as part of the White House Medical Command, a 24/7 military unit responsible for the health and safety of the President, Vice President, their families, and White House staff.

In 2024, former President Joe Biden used this dental clinic when he underwent root canal treatment at the White House.

The White House has not said why President Trump did not choose the White House for dental treatment.

“There’s been such a lack of candor about the president’s health that even a visit to the dentist raises questions,” Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist who was former Vice President Dick Cheney’s doctor, told the X show. “Why would he visit Florida on a Saturday morning when WH has a dental surgery facility (President Biden had root canal treatment there)? Maybe he just likes this dentist.”

Nicki Minaj says President Trump’s support makes her a ‘catalyst’ for change

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Nicki Minaj says President Trump’s support makes her a ‘catalyst’ for change

The outspoken rapper has become a prominent ally of President Trump in recent months.

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Nicki Minaj wants to make Hollywood great again, or at least a little more honest.

The 43-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper opened up about his support for President Donald Trump in an interview with Time magazine published on Wednesday, May 13.

Minaj has gained political attention in recent months as she has vocally advocated an alliance with the president. In January, Minaj attended the Trump Account Summit and touted herself as “probably the president’s biggest fan.” That same month, she attended a screening of First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary “Melania” at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center.

“A lot of celebrities feel the same way I do, but they don’t say it,” Minaj told Time magazine. “Sometimes it just takes one brave person to bear the brunt of the impact, and I think I’m a catalyst for that change.”

She added, “Hopefully, when they see me and hear me and feel my energy, they’ll be like, ‘You know what? Who am I afraid of? What am I afraid of?'”

Minaj, who visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion in South Florida for an interview, praised the president’s charisma, saying, “It’s the same way Marilyn Monroe has a vibe. Donald Trump is his own vibe.”

The “Super Freaky Girl” host has been a longtime supporter of Trump, but said she has refrained from expressing her political beliefs due to potential backlash from her peers in the music industry.

Nicki Minaj says: Rapper says Trump’s ‘bullying’ inspired him to enter politics

“I already felt that way about him, but I just didn’t have the courage to act that way in public,” Minaj said. “It’s ingrained in everyone in the music industry that we’re supposed to be a Democratic family. I knew they wouldn’t like me supporting Trump.”

Minaj also cited her disappointment with Trump’s predecessor, former President Barack Obama, as motivations for supporting President Trump, as well as her friendship with Jay-Z, Minaj’s hip-hop rival.

“I think Jay-Z ended up costing Obama a lot, whether he knew it or not,” Minaj said. “A lot of rappers hated Jay-Z and were afraid to say it.”

Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump: 1 fan gets Trump’s gold card after rapper says he’s his ‘No. 1’

In her personal life, Minaj said the support she received from the Republican Party after a series of alleged swatting incidents at her Los Angeles home helped her change the way she views political advocacy. Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna reportedly contacted Minaj and connected her to federal law enforcement officials and the private security company she uses.

“I’ve never seen anyone treat me like that in politics,” Minaj said. “That’s what made me say I don’t want to keep it a secret anymore.”

D.C. school bus driver wins $5 million in scratch-off lottery ticket on his way to work

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D.C. school bus driver wins million in scratch-off lottery ticket on his way to work

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What would you do if you found out you won $5 million in the lottery? For Maurice Williams, a school bus driver in the Washington, D.C., area, the answer was simple. He was doing his job.

Williams was on his way to work when he stopped at a 7-Eleven in Hyattsville, Maryland, to cash in a $50 prize he had previously won on the same game, the $5 million LUXE game. According to the Maryland Lottery, he used his winnings to buy another ticket and sat in his car playing, barely noticing the fact that he had won the $5 million prize.

“At first I didn’t realize there was a matching number until I scanned it,” Williams told the Maryland Lottery. “It’s strange because my reference number was 59 and I just turned 59 the other day.”

When Williams scanned his ticket, it showed he had won the game’s top prize.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Maurice told the Maryland Lottery. “I had to get my head right.”

Williams called his mother, and after she shared his excitement and reassured him that everything would be okay, he put away his ticket and got to work. During a break, he called the Maryland Lottery and arranged to collect his winnings.

What will Williams do with his winnings?

Williams told the Maryland Lottery there was one thing he definitely wanted to do with his winnings: buy his mother a house.

He said he plans to save the rest and wait to make financial decisions until he has time to think them through.

What is the $5,000,000 LUXE Scratch-Off Game?

According to the Maryland Lottery, the $5 million LUXE Scratch-Off began in February with three top prizes worth $5 million, and Williams won the first one, meaning two more are still up for grabs.

There are also nine $200,000 prizes, 10 $50,000 prizes, and hundreds of thousands of other prizes ranging from $50 to $10,000.

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

Is DEI illegal? House Democrats object to FCC investigation

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Is DEI illegal? House Democrats object to FCC investigation

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Congressional Democrats have accused Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr of using merger reviews and broadcast license decisions to force companies to scrap diversity initiatives, warning of political pressure within the powerful independent regulator.

“The FCC has significant authority over the communications market,” the 18 senators said in a letter provided exclusively to USA TODAY. “Congress granted this authority to ensure that telecommunications services serve the public interest…It does not influence the internal governance decisions of private companies.”

The controversy reflects a broader escalation in battles over corporate diversity programs, with Carr emerging as one of the most aggressive regulators testing whether federal agencies can influence internal business policies through routine approvals and oversight.

While Carr and his allies argue that DEI efforts could violate federal law, Democrats warn that the approach could set a precedent for using regulatory power to shape corporate behavior far beyond the communications sector.

Virginia Rep. Jennifer McClellan and Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson, son of the late civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson, said Kerr’s public statements and recent media reports “raise concerns that companies seeking FCC approval may feel pressure to change internal policies to avoid regulatory hurdles and delays.”

USA TODAY has reached out to the FCC for comment.

Democratic lawmakers object to FCC investigation

Carr has threatened to block mergers and other deals unless companies stop their DEI efforts. More recently, we have begun using the FCC’s early license renewal authority as a tool to enforce these standards.

The FCC is demanding an early review of ABC’s licenses in major markets such as Los Angeles and New York, years ahead of schedule. Carr said the early renewal stemmed from his agency’s year-long review of parent company Disney’s DEI efforts.

The timing of the order troubled Democrats, who have accused media outlets critical of the Trump administration of “speech control.” The remarks came a day after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump called on the network to fire Jimmy Kimmel for describing Melania Trump as a “widow.”

More than a dozen Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, called on Kerr to rescind the order, but Kerr did not.

“If the evidence actually develops and shows that they engaged in discrimination based on race or gender, that would be a very serious issue for the FCC, and even the possession of a license could fundamentally implicate their character qualities,” Kerr said recently on Fox News.

And Democratic lawmakers say they see that as a problem.

Their letter lists a series of questions, asking Carr to respond by June 2, including how the FCC defines “harmful forms” of DEI and what legal authority the commission relies on to make that determination.

Lawmakers also requested all published communications, memos, guidance, and policy documents that instruct staff on how to evaluate corporate governance and internal policies when reviewing merger applications and license transfer requests, as well as communications between leaders and staff of companies doing business with the FCC.

Additionally, they are asking for a list of all instances in which the FCC has considered internal policies, such as DEI programs, when evaluating license renewal or other business applications before the agency.

Trump took credit for the DEI rollback. he may be right

A vocal critic inside the FCC

The letter marks the latest protest from Democrats over Carr’s role as FCC administrator and scrutiny of diversity programs that are part of the Trump administration’s broader DEI crackdown. T-Mobile and Verizon are among the companies that have scaled back programs while seeking federal approval for multibillion-dollar deals.

Companies have become more cautious since President Trump took office on a campaign promise to restore equity in the workplace by bulldozing through “woke” DEI policies that he says harm men and white Americans. Fearing investigations and the loss of government contracts, dozens of the nation’s largest companies, from McDonald’s to Facebook owner Meta, have changed or eliminated their diversity programs to avoid the administration’s scrutiny.

Pressure to align with the president’s policies has only increased in recent months as the administration launches investigations and recruits whistleblowers.

Some within the commission have been vocal critics of the FCC’s investigation into DEI programs. In a May 11 letter to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, FCC Chairwoman Anna Gomez called the early renewal request “the most egregious attack on the First Amendment ever undertaken by the FCC.”

“The FCC’s attempt to usurp control over internal corporate decision-making through limited authority requires reaching into legal powers that the statute, agency rules, and applicable case law simply do not provide,” Gomez, the committee’s only Democrat, wrote. “Courts have repeatedly and categorically ruled that actions such as the FCC’s current investigation are unconstitutional.”

Roth IRA Conversion Plan for Tax Year 2026

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Roth IRA Conversion Plan for Tax Year 2026

If you take this action now, you could potentially save a lot of money in retirement.

Kylie Hagen, CFP
|The Motley Fool

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You need Roth savings in retirement so you don’t have to pay taxes on withdrawals. But so far, most of your savings are in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s. It’s not a big problem. This means you need to do a Roth IRA conversion to change some of your tax-deferred savings to Roth savings.

This means you will pay taxes on the converted funds in the year you move them into your Roth IRA. It needs to be handled carefully so you don’t walk away with a surprise bill. Here are three signs that 2026 could be the best time to make a Roth IRA conversion.

1. You are in a low tax bracket

Converting to a Roth IRA is best done if your taxes are low. This way, you will pay less tax when converting your money. Your funds will then begin to grow tax-free, but you will not be able to withdraw your converted funds without penalty until January 1 of the fifth year after the conversion. For example, if you make a Roth IRA conversion in 2026, the clock starts on January 1, 2026, and you can withdraw the money penalty-free on January 1, 2031.

In case you missed it: As Generation X ages, Roth IRA conversions are gaining momentum. Need to convert?

If your income this year is lower than in past years, perhaps due to job loss or retirement, 2026 is the best year to make the Roth IRA conversion. You don’t have to cash out all your tax-deferred savings at once. Consider converting enough to reach your current maximum tax liability. Then, convert it a little each year as needed.

2. Eligible for elderly tax deduction

The new senior tax credit is in effect for a limited time until 2028 and reduces taxable income by up to $6,000 for single adults and $12,000 for married couples. This could result in a significant reduction in taxes over the next few years.

It is unclear whether the government will extend the tax credit beyond 2028. So, if you’re eligible, take advantage of bill reductions over the next few years and move some of your savings into a Roth account. If your tax refund covers the conversion costs, you may not even be charged.

3. Your portfolio is underperforming

If your investments decline, you pay less taxes to make a Roth IRA conversion. Then, once your assets are recovered, all of that increase is tax-free. That way, you may be able to keep more of your hard-earned savings into retirement.

If you’re not sure whether converting to a Roth IRA is the right move for you this year, consider waiting until closer to December. This will give you time to figure out which tax bracket you fall into. If you want a personalized estimate of how much your Roth IRA will cost in 2026, talk to your accountant.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Latest updates on the search for Iranian spy suspect Monica Witt, a former officer

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Latest updates on the search for Iranian spy suspect Monica Witt, a former officer

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The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a former U.S. military government official accused of spying for Iran.

Monica Witt, a former defense contractor and U.S. Air Force information technology sergeant, was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019 on charges of espionage, including transmitting national defense information to the governments of countries in the Middle East.

Witt, 47, served in the U.S. military from 1997 to 2008 and then worked as a contractor for the U.S. government until 2010. Her military service and contract employment gave her access to highly classified information about foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations, including the identity of undercover U.S. intelligence agents.

She defected to Iran in 2013, according to the FBI.

Update information: President Trump says of Xi Jinping on Iran war: ‘He wants the war to end’

“Monica Witt betrayed her oath to the Constitution by defecting to Iran more than a decade ago, allegedly providing defense intelligence to the Iranian regime, and likely continuing to support their heinous activities,” Daniel Wierzbicki, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber ​​Division, said in a news release. “The FBI is aware and believes that there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts at this critical time in Iran’s history.”

“Puts U.S. military personnel and their families overseas at risk.”

Witt then provided information to the Iranian government, endangering sensitive U.S. national defense information and programs, according to an indictment filed in the District of Columbia.

“Mr. Witt is suspected of knowingly providing information that endangered U.S. service members and their families overseas,” the FBI said in a statement. “She also allegedly conducted research on behalf of the Iranian regime that enabled her to target former colleagues in the U.S. government.”

The FBI said Witt’s actions benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is responsible for intelligence gathering, irregular warfare and support for terrorist organizations that target Americans.

Description of Monica Witt

The FBI said Witt was a white female with brown hair and brown eyes, 5 feet 10 inches tall and 120 pounds.

Her other names include Fatemah Zahra and Narges Witt.

Anyone with information on Witt’s whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Tipsters can also contact their local FBI office or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Natalie Neisa Alland covers trending news for USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter. @nataliealund.

This year, we aim to renovate more than 130 stores and open 30 new stores.

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This year, we aim to renovate more than 130 stores and open 30 new stores.

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Your local Target store may soon look a little different.

That’s because, in addition to opening 30 new stores in priority markets, the company recently announced it will spend about $5 billion on more than 130 renovations, which the company calls “more transformational for our stores than at any point in the past decade.”

Markets where the company is focusing on opening new stores include Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

The company says the redesign includes an updated layout for easier navigation and a “more intuitive” shopping experience. New features in the newly renovated store include:

  • Expanding the lineup of dry foods, and expanding the fresh and frozen food sections in some stores
  • Facilities with modern decor and special LED lighting
  • In addition to updates to our traditional and self-checkout lanes, we have updated spaces and expanded services to support order pickup, drive up, exchanges and returns.
  • Modern guest amenities such as restrooms and designated lactation areas
  • In some stores, Target is installing natural refrigeration systems, more efficient lighting, and HVAC systems to help reduce emissions.

“These investments are designed to make Target an easier, more exciting and friendlier place to shop,” said Laurie Mahowald, senior vice president of Target Properties, in a news release. “From more intuitive layouts to expanded selections, we are evolving our stores to reflect the way our customers shop today, while strengthening the role they play in enrichment and our long-term growth.”

Target told USA TODAY what’s new for guests will vary by location and the timing of each renovation will vary.

Where will Target go next? Check out our list of over 30 upcoming locations.

Which Target stores will be renovated?

Target provided USA TODAY with a list of stores in 10 states that will be renovated. While this is not a complete list of 130 stores, Target provided information on more than 50 stores that will receive upgrades.

Note: Some stores that are undergoing renovations have their full addresses listed below, while others only have their cities listed..

texas

  • Greater Houston: Westchase, Willowbrook, Galveston
  • San Antonio/South Texas: SW Military Drive, Southeast San Antonio and San Marcos
  • DFW/North Texas: Vista Ridge, Garland East, Eastchase
  • Central and West Texas: Temple, northwest McAllen, central El Paso

California

  • Southern California: San Clemente, Poway, Seal Beach, Norwalk East, Redondo Beach, Carson, Brea, Culver City Westfield Mall
  • Inland Empire: orange show san bernardino
  • Northern California: Fremont South

florida

  • Lee County: 10000 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers, FL, 33913
  • Fort Myers North: 9350 Dynasty Dr., Fort Myers, FL, 33905
  • University Plaza: 13658 University Plaza St., Tampa, FL, 33613
  • VIERA: 8455 N Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL, 32940
  • Sanford: 1201 WP Ball Blvd., Sanford, FL, 32771
  • Boynton Beach West: 10201 Hagen Ranch Rd., Boynton Beach, FL, 33437
  • Venice: 4271 Tamiami Trl S., Venice, FL, 34293
  • Lady Lake: 716 N US Highway 441, The Villages, FL, 32159

ohio

  • north olmsted
  • Wadsworth
  • cleveland west
  • mansfield
  • parma
  • medina
  • Mayfield Heights
  • coleraine
  • Cuyahoga Falls

Michigan

  • Macomb Township: 20877 Hall Rd., Macomb, MI, 48044
  • West Lansing: 5609 W Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI, 48917
  • Kalamazoo West: 5350 W Main St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
  • Rochester: 2887 S Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI, 48307
  • Wyoming: 5455 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI, 49509
  • Shelby Township: 8200 26 Mile Rd., Shelby Township, MI, 48316
  • Battle Creek: 5700 Beckley Rd., Battle Creek, MI, 49015
  • Port Huron: 4300 24th Ave., Fort Gratiot, Michigan, 48509

virginia

  • red mill
  • fredericksburg
  • pembroke
  • chester
  • Merrifield

arizona

  • south mountain
  • west ridge
  • Tempe Rio Salado
  • scottsdale road
  • Peoria SW

illinois

  • chicago state avenue
  • stream wood
  • Homewood
  • chicago wilson yards
  • chicago west loop

north carolina

  • Charlotte: East and Southwest locations
  • Pineville
  • Winston Salem University Parkway
  • Raleigh Capital Boulevard

oklahoma

  • Owasso
  • moore
  • tulsa
  • northwest oklahoma city
  • Southeast of Tarth

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

Georgia early voting ends with record turnout

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Georgia early voting ends with record turnout

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Early voting has ended in Georgia as the state prepares for next week’s midterm primary elections.

The last day for early voting is Friday, May 15th. Voting times may vary by location, and Georgia voters can check their registration status, voting location, and more through the Secretary of State’s Office’s My Voter Page.

Voting day is Tuesday, May 19th, and polling places will be open everywhere from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There are several high-profile races in Georgia, including the Democratic and Republican primaries for governor, the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, and the bipartisan primary for secretary of state. Many other local horse races in the state are also on the ballot.

This may also be the last election using the current district maps and voting system. Outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp brought state lawmakers back to Atlanta for a special session this summer to discuss voting machine changes and possible redistricting for the 2028 election cycle following the Louisiana v. Calais Supreme Court ruling in late April.

more: The redistricting battle comes to GA. Lawmakers and candidates react

Early voting sets record on first day

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said more than 35,000 Georgians cast early votes on the first day, April 27, setting a record for the state.

“This is proof that Georgians trust our elections,” he said in a post to X.

Raffensperger, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, also served as Georgia’s secretary of state during the 2020 general election, when President Trump claimed there was widespread voter fraud, particularly in Fulton County. In the call, the president called on Georgia officials to “find” the votes to defeat Joe Biden.

In the two weeks since early voting began, more than 800,000 Georgians have voted as of Thursday night. This represents 11% of Georgia’s current 7,356,974 eligible voters.

The highest early voting rate was in Bleckley County in central Georgia, where more than 20% of the county voted early. Turnout was also high in McIntosh, Butts and Wilkes counties.

Democrats lead in early voting turnout

Of the 816,227 voters who have already cast their ballots in Georgia, more Democrats have voted than Republicans.

Unofficial turnout statistics show that 451,901 Democrats, 352,098 Republicans and 12,228 independent voters took advantage of early voting in Georgia, according to the Secretary of State’s Election Data Hub.

The majority of early voters were white, with 430,677 votes cast. Black voters followed with 274,756 votes. and other racial minorities making up the remaining 110,794 people.

Women accounted for 57% of early votes, and the majority of voters are between the ages of 55 and 79, according to Elections Hub data.

Data is considered “unofficial” at this stage and may be updated later.

Many voters are unsure whether to vote at the ballot box.

Polls released during the first week of early voting showed many voters undecided about who they would choose for the state’s top seat.

Eight Republican candidates are on the ballot, including Brad Raffensperger, Bert Jones, Chris Carr, Clark Dean, Greg Kirkpatrick, Ken Yasger, Rick Jackson, and Tom Williams.

Seven Democratic candidates are also in the race, including Amanda Duffy, Derrick Jackson, Jeff Duncan, Jason Estevez, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mike Thurmond and Ol Brown.

Rick Jackson and Bert Jones have been vying for the top Republican nomination for months, each spending time at the top of the polls and polarizing the Republican base. Brad Raffensperger consistently finishes in third place. While Jones is a Trump-endorsed candidate, Jackson is closely aligned with the MAGA movement and stronghold in Georgia. The two sides have spent much of the campaign attacking each other, leading Raffensperger to release an ad depicting his opponents throwing mud in each other’s faces while he was “focused on getting the job done.”

On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms has a wide lead, with approval ratings ranging from 39% to 52%, depending on the poll. In recent months, polls have shown Michael Thurmond and Jeff Duncan trailing behind her, with Jason Esteves gaining ground in fourth place.

But the number of undecided voters is as high as 35% in some polls, matching Mr. Bottoms’ approval rating, and it is unclear which way he will go once he hits the ballot box.

Georgia gubernatorial primary likely to head to runoff

Both the Democratic and Republican primaries could easily go to runoffs, meaning no single candidate achieved a 50% majority in the first round.

If that happens, the top two candidates from each party would be voted on again on June 16, the day before the General Assembly begins a special session under the Gold Dome in Atlanta. This means that lawmakers will (likely) know the primary results when considering statewide redistricting.

Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team, covering midterm races in Georgia. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

Foods that lower cholesterol, according to experts

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Foods that lower cholesterol, according to experts

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A healthier diet can be of great help to people whose cholesterol levels are gradually rising.

At first glance, changing what you eat may seem scary and expensive, but there are many common foods that can lower your cholesterol and make you feel brighter and more energetic.

What causes high cholesterol?

“Bad” cholesterol, or LDL, makes up the majority of the body’s cholesterol. Excess LDL builds up in blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

According to Harvard Medical School, you can lower your numbers by switching to foods containing polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL, and foods containing plant sterols and stanols, which inhibit cholesterol absorption.

Christina Manian, a nutritionist and sustainable food systems expert, said foods high in soluble fiber (which binds to cholesterol in the digestive system and drags it out of the body before it enters the circulatory system) and foods with anti-inflammatory compounds can also help.

In case you missed it: A surprisingly easy way to improve your cholesterol

Eat these foods to lower your “bad” cholesterol

  • avocado: Rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and plant sterols, avocados are an effective tool for reducing cholesterol.
  • Legumes: Think beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas. Legumes, which are rich in soluble fiber, can greatly help lower cholesterol. It also takes longer for your body to digest, making you feel more satisfied after eating, which is great for weight loss.
  • almond: With a combination of healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, Almonds help lower LDL. Replacing them as a daily snack is also effective. A study found that almond snacks lowered cholesterol more than crackers with the same number of calories.
  • Oats: Oat-based products contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that removes bile acids, including cholesterol, in the intestines and can lower LDL in people with dyslipidemia. The recommended amount is 5 to 10 grams of fiber per day (approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of cooked oatmeal).
  • dark chocolate: Dark chocolate, small squares of extra dark chocolate with a high cocoa concentration, can lower LDL and support heart health when consumed in moderation.

Other foods that lower cholesterol include tofu and edamame, leafy greens like broccoli and kale, apples and citrus fruits, says nutritionist LeeAnne Weintraub.

Silver fell 10.73% on May 15, 2026

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Silver fell 10.73% on May 15, 2026

How much is silver worth per ounce today?

As of 8:05 AM ET on May 15, 2026, the spot price of silver is $78.24 per oz., according to the latest market data. This is a decline of 10.73% and $9.41 from the previous closing price of $87.64.

One year ago, silver was trading at $32.17 per ounce. This means that the price has increased by 143.20% in the last 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $32.28

52 week high: $117.39

Silver is trading 33.35% below its 52-week high. It is 142.37% higher than its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of silver?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$78.24 $79.28 $79.35 $32.17

A week ago, silver was trading at $79.28 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 1.31%.

A month ago, silver was trading at $79.35 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 1.41%.

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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