Easily assemble furniture with a compact electric screwdriver
See how a compact electric screwdriver can help you fix furniture, repairs, and electronics around your home.
IKEA is making an April Fool’s joke a reality with Swedish meatball and lingonberry lollipops hitting stores this summer. And yes, it’s vegan.
The limited edition lollipops created with Chupa Chups started out as an April Fool’s joke. Following an overwhelmingly positive response to the unique flavor combination, Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest retailer, has confirmed that the candy will be arriving in hundreds of IKEA stores worldwide in June.
“We are working with Chupa Chups to bring that idea to life in a playful way,” Inca Group commercial manager Javier Quiñones said in a statement. “This is a fun way to celebrate our love of food and shows that even a simple joke can turn into something real.”
The collaboration also “fits perfectly” into IKEA’s Focus on Cooking & Eating, a year-long initiative that highlights how food plays an important role in creating joyful shared moments in everyday life, according to the announcement.
Here’s everything you need to know about IKEA’s Swedish meatball and lingonberry lollipops, including how to get them.
How to get the “world’s first” IKEA lollipop
IKEA has announced that one million lollipops will be produced and distributed to stores around the world in June this year, but shoppers will not be able to purchase them.
“This is bad news for those who want to stock up,” Inca Group said, noting that the lollipops will not be sold.
Instead, customers will have the opportunity to sample it for free when they visit an IKEA store this summer.
If customers want to learn more about Tasting Moments, they can check it out at their local IKEA store or on social media, according to Ingka Group.
Authorities in northern Mexico said no Americans were involved in the attack. Authorities suggested in previous statements that they were taking part in the raid.
FIFA expresses support for World Cup host Mexico amid cartel violence
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed support for Mexico as one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, despite cartel violence in Guadalajara.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Monday said she wanted answers after two U.S. embassy workers were killed in a traffic accident following a drug bust in northern Mexico, calling it a question of “sovereignty.”
Sheinbaum said at a regular press conference on April 20, “I had no knowledge that there would be a direct operation between the state of Chihuahua and employees of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.Therefore, we are seeking all information from the Chihuahua state government and the United States as well, and are evaluating whether there are any violations of national security law.” “We have been clear and have come to expect that there will be cooperation and coordination, but no joint operations on the ground.”
The Mexican president’s comments came after authorities in the state of Chihuahua announced on April 19 that a U.S. official, along with the head of the state’s investigative agency and an investigative agent, were killed in a “clandestine laboratory sabotage operation” near the border with Sinaloa state.
In a later statement, Chihuahua state authorities said the Americans were not involved in the operation and merely happened to be in the vehicle.
According to the Chihuahuan public prosecutor’s office, Mexican authorities returned from the raid and passed through an area where Americans were giving drone flying lessons, and U.S. officials asked them to ride in a government convoy to go to another location.
Prosecutors said the accident happened around 2 a.m. after their car went over a bump into “one of the ravines in the area.”
“We very much respect the sovereignty of this country and the fact that it is not subject to any kind of interference by non-citizens,” Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui Moreno said in a statement translated into English, adding that “we are cooperating on other programs” near the border.
It was not immediately clear why U.S. embassy personnel were directing drone operations in the area. USA TODAY has reached out to the State Department and the CIA for comment.
The US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, appeared to suggest in a statement that Americans were involved in the drug investigation.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two U.S. embassy staff, the Director of the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency (AEI), and an AEI employee in this accident. I pay tribute to their dedication and tireless efforts in tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time,” Prime Minister Johnson said. “This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks facing Mexican and U.S. officials who work hard to protect our communities. This tragedy strengthens our resolve to continue their mission, advance our shared commitment to security and justice, and protect our citizens.”
Johnson’s comments came before Mexican authorities said Monday that no U.S. military personnel were involved. Their names have not been released.
Record hike in gas prices fuels U.S. consumer inflation in March
Consumer prices rose sharply in March for the first time in about four years as crude oil prices soared due to the war with Iran and tariffs continued to be passed on.
A new poll shows that 12% of Americans are working from home more often due to rising gas prices.
Many drivers are cutting back on driving, traveling, and eating out overall to save money.
Some Americans are looking for jobs closer to home or considering switching to electric vehicles.
Rising gas prices are causing more Americans to work from home, according to a new poll released by the website AmericanMuscle.com.
The poll, conducted by an online aftermarket parts retailer, found that 12% of Americans said they were working more remotely as a result of rising U.S. gas prices.
Among young Americans in Generation Z (roughly referring to people born between 1997 and 2012), 16% have started working remotely more frequently.
The survey found that 6% of Americans said they had looked for a job closer to home in the face of rising gas prices, and 15% said they planned to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
“Fuel costs have always been part of the ownership experience, but in 2026, fuel costs will hit U.S. drivers harder than ever before,” the website says. “Rising prices are changing the way drivers think, spend their money and drive.”
The findings come as the average U.S. gasoline price fell to $4.04 per gallon on Monday, April 20th. This is down from the average price of $4.12 per gallon a week ago on April 13th, but up from the average price of $3.91 per gallon a month ago on March 20th.
How else are rising gas prices affecting driver behavior?
In an American Muscle poll, 96% of respondents said gas prices would be a financial burden through 2026.
The poll found that 69% of Americans are driving less overall because of rising gas prices, and nearly 50% are cutting back on travel, dining out and other non-essential expenses.
Thirty-seven percent of poll respondents said they had postponed or canceled a road trip because of high gas prices, and 22% said they had put off car maintenance, such as an oil change or new tires, because of a sore pump. 11% said they plan to sell their gas-powered car within the next five years.
According to American Muscle, the states with the highest per capita gasoline price anxiety based on online searches are Nevada, Colorado, and California.
Investing in precious metals can diversify your portfolio, but storing your precious metals safely is just as important as purchasing them. If gold and silver are not stored properly, they can be at risk of theft, loss, or damage.
Some of the most common storage options include home safes, bank safe deposit boxes, and professional bullion storage. Each option has cost, security, and access tradeoffs. This guide details how each works and the pros and cons, so you can decide which storage method best suits your needs.
Why storing precious metals is important
Precious metals are physical, portable assets that are not insured like bank deposits, so safe storage is essential. Unlike cash held in a bank account, gold and silver have no automatic protection, so the responsibility to protect them lies entirely with the owner.
Its portability is part of its appeal, but it also makes it a target. If not stored properly, investments can be exposed to theft, loss, and even damage from fire or environmental conditions. If you need to sell quickly, a poorly chosen storage location can also cause access issues.
“Where and how you store these items is critical, because poor storage decisions can put you at risk of theft, loss, or lack of liquidity when you need access to them,” says Linda Jensen, certified financial fiduciary and founder of Hart Financial Group.
With the right storage strategy, you can protect your gold and silver and keep it accessible when it matters most.
Store gold and silver at home
Some investors choose to store their precious metals at home due to the simplicity, privacy, and instant access they have. For those wondering whether it is safe to store gold at home, the answer depends on how securely you store your gold.
“Keeping these items at home gives you more control and accessibility, but increases your security and insurance risks,” says Jensen.
To reduce these risks, store your metal in a securely installed or concealed high-quality fireproof safe. Many investors add additional layers of protection such as home security systems, cameras, and alarms.
Advantages and disadvantages
advantage:
On-demand access to metals
No regular storage fees
Complete privacy and control
risk:
Increased exposure to theft, fire, and natural disasters
Most homeowners insurance policies have limited coverage.
Safes and security systems require significant upfront investment
Perfect for: Investors who want quick access to metals and are comfortable taking responsibility for properly protecting them.
Use a bank safe deposit box
Safe deposit boxes at banks and credit unions are a popular choice for storing gold and silver, especially for investors with moderate holdings. It offers more security than home storage, but is less flexible and protective than professional storage.
Although safe deposit boxes are generally considered safe, there are still limitations, especially when it comes to access and insurance coverage.
Advantages and disadvantages
advantage:
There is a lower risk of break-in and theft compared to storing it at home.
Cheaper annual fee compared to professional storage
Simple setup with no special storage accounts or contracts required
risk:
Access is limited to business hours only
Content not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Banks can access or drill into the box under certain legal circumstances
Access may be delayed due to bank closures or disruptions
Perfect for: Investors who want greater security than home storage and are satisfied with limited access and minimal insurance protection.
Professional bullion storage
A professional bullion vault, also known as a vault, is a facility dedicated to safely storing precious metals. They are popular for storing larger metal holdings because they offer a high degree of security, insurance coverage, and formal record-keeping.
When compared to home storage or bank safe deposit boxes, safe deposit boxes offer the highest level of security and built-in insurance, but they come at a higher cost and less immediate access. Well-known providers include Brink’s, Loomis, and Delaware Depository.
Advantages and disadvantages
advantage:
Institutional-grade security greatly reduces the risk of theft
Storage fees often include comprehensive insurance
Arched metal is easier to sell as it does not require certification or physical transportation.
risk:
Fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the assets held. This means that as the value of the metal increases, so will the amount you pay.
Withdrawals may require advance notice and additional fees
Contracts and storage periods can be complicated for novice investors
Perfect for: Investors with larger portfolios who prioritize maximum security, insurance coverage, and ease of resale over cost and immediate access.
Store gold and silver in a precious metals IRA
A precious metals IRA allows you to hold physical gold and silver in a tax-advantaged retirement account. These self-directed IRAs are often used to diversify portfolios and hedge against market volatility.
However, you cannot store IRA metals at home. Under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, all precious metals must be held by an approved custodian and stored in a qualified storage location.
A custodian (usually a bank or professional financial institution) manages the account, processes transactions, and ensures that the IRA complies with federal regulations. In most cases, metals are stored in third-party vaults that meet strict security and reporting standards.
Precious metals dealers like American Hartford Gold and Goldco specialize in precious metals IRAs. These can help investors avoid IRS regulations and incorporate metals into their retirement plans.
Perfect for: Long-term investors who want to include physical metals in their retirement portfolio while maintaining tax benefits and regulatory compliance.
Home storage vs safe storage vs safe storage
Each storage method involves tradeoffs in security, access, and cost. Many investors take a combination approach, storing a small portion of the metal at home for immediate access and the bulk in a more secure off-site location.
For example, a limited amount of gold can be kept in a home safe for emergencies, and more gold can be kept in a specialized safe to reduce the risk of theft or damage.
Here’s a comparison of the main storage options:
How to save
safety
accessibility
Fee
Ideal for these people
home safe
Moderate: Depends on safe quality and home security
Instant: Access metals on demand
Low: One-time purchase of security systems and safes.
Small personal holdings
bank safe deposit box
High: Secured within banking facilities
Restricted: Accessible only during bank business hours
Very High: Institutional Level Security and Insurance
Limited: Metals can be bought and sold online, although scheduling may be required
High: Ongoing fees based on asset value
Large quantities or long-term storage
precious metals IRA
Very expensive: Custodian-managed storage in insured storage
Very limited: no direct access. Withdrawals subject to retirement provisions
High: Custodian fees, custody fees, and potential account minimums.
Long-term retiree investors seeking tax benefits and maximum security
Insurance considerations
Storing gold and silver often requires additional insurance on top of standard insurance. For example, many homeowners insurance plans limit precious metals coverage to about $2,500, leaving a large gap for investors with larger assets.
If you are using a bank safe deposit box, it is important to understand that the contents are not insured by the FDIC. If coverage is available, a separate private insurance policy is usually required.
Professional storage facilities, on the other hand, usually include insurance as part of the annual fee. This combination of built-in coverage and institutional-grade security is one reason why vault storage is considered the most comprehensive option.
The same is generally true for precious metals IRAs. Metals held by an IRA must be stored in a qualified vault with an approved custodian under IRS regulations and are therefore typically covered by vault insurance. These policies often protect against theft, loss, or damage, but coverage details may vary by provider.
No matter where you store your metals, be sure to carefully review your insurance policy’s limitations, documentation requirements, and exclusions to ensure your investment is fully protected.
Where investors buy gold and silver
Investors have several options when purchasing gold and other precious metals.
Precious metal dealer: Companies like Priority Gold and Thor Metals sell gold coins, silver coins, and bullion. We also offer guidance, including assistance setting up an IRA, ideal for investors seeking expertise.
Online bullion retailers: These e-commerce platforms sell precious metals directly to investors. They offer easy self-service options and home delivery services, but less personalized expertise.
local coin shop: While brick-and-mortar stores offer quick access to metals and avoid shipping risks, prices can be higher than online retailers.
conclusion
Proper storage is key to owning physical gold or silver. The option you choose affects not only your security, but also the speed with which you can access and sell your holdings.
Home storage, bank safe deposit boxes, and professional safes each have different trade-offs in terms of cost, protection, and convenience. For long-term investors, precious metals IRAs can provide a highly secure, fully managed storage solution with built-in insurance, albeit with stricter rules and limited access.
“Small holdings make sense to keep at home with appropriate security and insurance, but as they increase in value it’s worth considering insured safe storage,” says Linda Jensen.
Often, a combination approach of keeping small amounts accessible while storing large portions in secure, insured facilities can balance flexibility and protection.
FAQ: How to safely store gold and silver
What is the safest way to store gold and silver?
Professional bullion vaults are generally considered to be one of the safest ways to store your gold and silver, as they offer institutional-grade security and insurance. Precious metals IRAs offer a similar level of protection because the metals must be stored in an insured, regulated vault.
Can I safely store gold at home?
Yes, gold can be safely stored at home with a high-quality safe and proper security measures. However, it usually involves higher risks than off-site storage, especially for large holdings.
Are bank safe deposit boxes suitable for storing gold?
Bank safe deposit boxes are a good choice for storing your gold because they are physically protected from break-ins and theft. However, the contents of your bank piggy bank are typically not covered by FDIC insurance.
Should gold be kept in a safe?
Vault storage is often recommended for investors with large holdings or those seeking maximum security and insurance coverage. This is one of the most comprehensive storage options available.
Can I keep my money in an IRA at home?
No, IRS rules require that gold held in a precious metals IRA be held in a qualified custodian by a certified custodian. If you keep it at home, you may be subject to taxes and penalties.
Where do investors typically store their precious metals?
Most investors use a combination of home storage, bank safe deposit boxes, or professional safes. Long-term investors can also use a precious metals IRA to store metals within a retirement account.
President Donald Trump has long made repeated debunked claims that the 2020 election he lost was “rigged.” Patel says FBI has ‘information’ corroborating Trump
Kash Patel files defamation lawsuit against Atlantic
FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, citing false and damaging claims.
WASHINGTON – Embattled FBI Director Kash Patel says the bureau is gathering “information” that supports President Donald Trump’s long-debunked claim that the 2020 election was “rigged” against him, and arrests are expected soon.
“I want you to stay tuned this week. We might find one or two things,” Patel said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” on April 19.
President Trump has for years repeated claims that American elections are rigged and that the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was essentially stolen from him due to voter fraud and other electoral problems.
These claims were investigated and rejected by courts and election authorities. Trump lost 61 of 62 cases in court before his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to disrupt the election counting process.
more: Justice Department prepares subpoenas in sweeping criminal investigation into Obama-era Trump-Russia probe
Investigation into President Trump’s claims of voter fraud: ‘Did he do anything?’
Bartiromo, a longtime friend of the president, asked Patel what the FBI was doing to investigate the election he lost to Biden. “Because every time I meet President Trump, he repeatedly says there was fraud in the 2020 election.”
“I mean, he says that all the time,” Bartiromo said. “You’ve been with the FBI for 14 months. Have you done anything about it? Is there anything you’d like to tell us about it?”
“That’s right, Maria,” Patel said, explaining that she “has been with the president almost from day one” on Democrats’ claims that voter fraud amounted to organized election theft.
“They tried to interfere with our elections and rig the entire system,” Patel told Bartiromo. “And…that’s not acceptable on my watch.”
“You keep hitting the target.”
Patel commented on the impending arrest in a wide-ranging interview. It also highlighted a bombshell report in The Atlantic alleging that excessive drinking and erratic behavior were undermining his ability to lead America’s top federal law enforcement agency.
Mr. Patel told Mr. Bartiromo that he intended to sue The Atlantic for defamation over falsehoods in the article, and filed suit on April 20, filing a $250 million lawsuit against the magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick. The Atlantic said it stands by its reporting.
The FBI director linked the two issues, suggesting that the Atlantic Report and other years of negative media coverage were a hit in response to his investigation into alleged anti-Trump conduct by Biden and Obama administration officials.
Patel also played a role in investigating such actions by Democrats, first as a Congressional staffer and then as a national security official in the first Trump administration, including the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
“It shows that even if you cross the mark, you continue to attack the target because the media is going to attack you,” Patel told Bartiromo. “We’re not going to accept this and we’re not going to back out of this.”
“We’re going to be arrested…soon.”
Bartiromo has been a vocal supporter of President Trump’s claims of election fraud, even after investigations and trials revealed fraud. On Sunday’s talk show, she continued to press Patel for details, saying, “Viewers want to know why there is no accountability.”
“I can announce on the show that we have all the information we need. We are working with prosecutors at the Department of Justice under Attorney General Todd Blanche,” Patel said. “And we’re going to make an arrest. And it’s going to be soon. And I promise you, it’s going to be soon.”
Patel said the Trump administration is “weaving the investigation into allegations of election fraud in 2020 into our overall conspiracy case,” and we will let prosecutors speak for them. However, we have information that supports President Trump’s claims. “But because this is an ongoing prosecution and investigation, we cannot get ahead of the Department of Justice and the president.”
Patel appears to be referring to the massive Justice Department investigation based in Miami and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
USA TODAY reported on November 7, 2025 that the Justice Department in the case is preparing a grand jury subpoena seeking documents from Obama administration officials that President Trump believes tried to improperly implicate him in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The Florida investigation, which focused heavily on former Obama CIA Director John Brennan, has reportedly been expanded to possibly investigate President Trump’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election.
On Monday, former Justice Department official Joseph diGenova, an ardent Republican who represented the Trump campaign during its challenge to the 2020 election results, was hired as attorney general’s adviser, his wife and fellow attorney Victoria Tensing confirmed to X.
DiGenova will oversee the investigation from the Southern District of Florida, and will join the team days after Justice Department official Maria Medetis Long was removed from the case, CBS News reported. A person familiar with the matter told CBS News that Medetis Long was removed from the case after she expressed concerns about the strength of the evidence.
A Justice Department spokesperson told CBS News that it is “healthy and normal” to make personnel changes in such cases, but did not provide further details.
In a brief interview with USA TODAY, diGenova said he could not comment on the incident or his role in it.
“I have never spoken to anyone in the press and today is not the first day I have spoken to them,” diGenova said. “I have nothing to say.”
Is Christina Applegate hospitalized? her representative responds
Christina Applegate’s representative has responded to reports that she was hospitalized in Los Angeles in late March.
Christina Applegate is reassuring fans after reports of her hospitalization began circulating on April 16th.
“Thank you for the outpouring of love and blessings. Health issues are common for me, but I’m a strong chick and getting stronger and better each day,” the “Marry…and Kids” alum wrote in the caption of an April 20 Instagram post. “I’m taking some time to focus on my health, but I want to talk to you again soon.”
The message included a photo of a coffee mug resting on top of her memoir, “You with Sad Eyes,” on a balcony railing with lush trees in the background.
“Complex medical condition”: Christina Applegate’s representative responds to reports of hospitalization
In an April 17 interview with USA TODAY, which was reported by TMZ, Applegate’s representative Ame Van Luden declined to comment on whether Applegate was hospitalized.
“As evidenced in her memoir and podcast, she has been refreshingly open about her long and complex medical history,” VanLurden told USA TODAY.
Applegate’s podcast MeSsy, which she co-hosts with fellow actress Jamie Lynn Sigler, who also has multiple sclerosis, went on a brief hiatus at the end of March. They announced that the podcast would be on a “short hiatus for the next few weeks” while Sigler and Applegate promote their book.
Christina Applegate’s multiple sclerosis symptoms
Applegate, who revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021, spoke about the impact the autoimmune disease has had on her health in recent years.
She revealed in a 2025 podcast episode that she has been hospitalized “over 30 times” since being diagnosed with MS. And symptoms such as mobility and balance issues, numbness and vision problems have made it difficult for her to appear in public.
“In January 2021, I was hiking and running and playing tennis. By June 2021, I couldn’t even walk anymore,” she told USA TODAY while promoting her 2026 memoir. In her book, she describes the symptoms as follows: “It’s like I have a brick stuck to my knee, it’s heavy and it hurts. My skin feels like I have third-, fourth-, and fifth-degree burns. There’s always something stuck in my ankle. I wake up and it feels like the floor is made of needles, but I can’t feel it because my leg is completely numb. Somehow I can do both at the same time.”
This chronic neurological disorder is characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath, a “substance that surrounds and protects nerve cells,” causing damage that “slows or blocks messages between the brain and the body,” according to the National Library of Medicine.
Patients report vision problems. Muscle weakness in the limbs. Tingling, numbness, or pain in your arms, legs, torso, or face. Cognitive changes. Mental or physical fatigue, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. There is no known cause or cure.
Humanoid robot outperforms humans in Beijing Half Marathon
Dozens of humanoid robots overtook human runners in the Beijing half marathon, demonstrating advances in athletic performance and autonomous navigation.
“What’s important is movement.”
An ad in a Nike store in Boston now reads: “Runners welcome, walkers tolerated” after the sports brand replaced the sign following backlash over its original message. The ad ran in the athletic brand’s Newbury Street Shop in the run-up to the 2026 Boston Marathon. The brand removed the sign on Friday, April 17, after a response on social media that the term was not inclusive.
“We listen to our athletes,” Nike said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY on April 20.
Here’s the latest news and why running adaptive sports proponents are concerned.
Backlash against Nike’s ad
A red-on-black sign appeared on a popular Boston street corner last week, reading, “Runners welcome. Pedestrians welcome.”
The ad was released in the run-up to the 2026 Boston Marathon, known as one of the most prestigious annual endurance events in the United States. An estimated 30,000 racers were expected to take to the streets for the 130th edition of the world’s oldest continuously held marathon. Runners have to hit a certain time to get an entry bib, which means they need a certain level of fitness to participate, but some have debated on social media whether the word on walking is motivating or exclusive.
Some say Nike’s ads could be aspirational for the race’s elite runners. “This is primarily a race for time and has a unique performance culture. From that perspective, this is very targeted, even strategic, marketing,” @irondoctorhaz wrote in an April 16 Instagram caption, adding that the ad could also perpetuate the idea that “does movement only ‘count’ if it looks a certain way?”
Others pointed out that completing a marathon often requires walking, especially for people with disabilities or those who don’t fit the mold of the typical elite runner.
“Are you kidding me?” adaptive athlete Robin Michaud wrote in an Instagram post. “Due to my spinal cord injury, I have to take breaks from walking. Despite having a cyst in my spinal cord, I still take regular 5-hour breaks in Boston and will be taking another break this weekend. Thank you for your patience, @nike.”
What adaptive sports advocates say
Nike has since amended its policy, replacing the in-store message with a new ad that reads, “Boston is a constant reminder that movement matters.”
But advocates for adaptive athletes say the initial message was still a blow to the diverse community of marathon participants. They were particularly concerned about the word “acceptable”, which implied that any deviation from running during the race was a failure or shameful. This is especially true since not all participants are ambulatory. On Monday, 50 wheelchair participants were scheduled to take on the trails, and although they weren’t walking or running through the streets of Boston, they had the same level of intense competition.
“I was very disappointed to see the word ‘acceptable’ used in a major advertising campaign related to the Boston Marathon,” said Emily Glasser, president and CEO of Achilles International, an adaptive running nonprofit that provides guidance, training and community for people with disabilities.
“Every athlete on the starting line shows grit and determination,” Glasser said in an April 20 email to USA TODAY.
2026 Boston Marathon: How to watch and live stream races for free
And perhaps no race tests American runners more than Boston’s difficult marathon course. The 42.2-mile course includes “Heartbreak Hill,” an uphill section between miles 20 and 21 near the Boston University campus. The hills, the most famous part of the course, are considered an important part of the race, as participants’ energy is often depleted by “hitting the wall”.
Inevitably, some athletes may need to walk a certain amount of time to complete the course. But the will to follow through and listening to your body are the biggest indicators of strength, Glasser says.
“Grit has no pace, and progress is determined by participation, not speed.”
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner announced that his daughter Madison Warner passed away at age 36 after a “decade-long battle” with juvenile diabetes.
“She filled our lives with love and laughter, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void,” Warner said in a statement posted on social media on April 20.
Warner and his wife, Lisa Collis, asked for privacy in a statement as they “work through this significant loss.” The couple is survived by two children, Jillian and Eliza.
Mr. Warner is an advocate for insulin affordability, expanded access to diabetes care, and diabetes research in the Senate and has served as a representative from Virginia since 2009.
The American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 2 million people live with type 1 diabetes in the United States, including approximately 314,000 children and adolescents.
Warner expresses bipartisan condolences after daughter’s death
Warner, a Democrat, received condolences from members of both parties after announcing his daughter’s death.
“My prayers are with Senator Warner, his daughter, and their entire family. What a terrible loss at such a young age. May God comfort them,” Vice President J.D. Vance said in a statement posted on social media.
Virginia’s Democratic governor, Abigail Spanberger, said in a statement that her “deepest condolences go out to the Warner family,” while her Republican predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, said on social media that “our prayers are with the family on this most difficult day yet.”
8 children killed in Shreveport shooting, motive unknown
Police are investigating a shooting that left eight children dead in Shreveport, with investigators investigating the suspect, weapon and motive.
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.thehotline.org. Callers can remain anonymous.This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Eight children were killed in the nation’s worst mass shooting since January 2024 in northwestern Louisiana, leaving their relatives, classmates and local residents reeling.
The victims attended church regularly, were doing well in school and appeared to be doing well before the horrific attack on the morning of April 19 in their Shreveport neighborhood, a city less than 32 miles east of the Texas border, said family members and others who knew the victims.
“It’s just unbelievable. (They’re) a gospel-believing, church-going family. A singing family,” Francine Monro Brown, the victim’s cousin, told USA TODAY on April 20.
Shreveport police said Shamar Elkins opened fire, killing seven of his children and injuring his wife and another woman. The coroner’s office identified the boys who died in the shooting as Jayla Elkins (3 years old), Sheila Elkins (5 years old), Kayla Pugh (6 years old), Layla Pugh (7 years old), Markedon Pugh (10 years old), Sariah Snow (11 years old), Kedarion Snow (6 years old), and Braylon Snow (5 years old).
Brown, a cousin of Elkin’s wife, said the family was still in disbelief after the horrific shooting and the children’s mother remained hospitalized Monday.
“She doesn’t know yet. We’re hiding it from her (for now),” Brown told USA TODAY, adding that her family is worried about broken heart syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can be caused by stressful situations or extreme emotions.
Brown, who lives in the same Eden Gardens neighborhood where the victims lived, said her cousin was still married to Shamar Elkins at the time of the shooting, and they had married several years earlier. According to court records, Shamar Elkins was married in 2024.
Brown said the family continues to wonder what led to the deadly attack, as there has been no apparent familial tension between them in recent days.
“We don’t know what happened. We’re asking the public for prayers,” Brown said. “For the children and the Elkins family.”
Funeral arrangements for the children are pending, Brown said.
The victim, 6 years old, was recently praised by school leaders.
More information about the victims is gradually emerging. Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith S. Burton said one school’s principal told him that one of the 6-year-olds killed in the attack was praised for meeting a literacy test goal.
“When he was first tested earlier this year, he was well below basic level,” the principal said, Barton said. “And just last week, I had the opportunity to congratulate him because he achieved a benchmark goal.”
Mr Barton said during a visit to the school where the young victims attended, he witnessed at least one student crying silently.
The Rev. Stephen J. Newton Sr. said the grief has rippled through the community, impacting not only students who have to return to classrooms without their peers, but also neighbors who have to walk the streets near the shooting scene.
Newton said members of his church, Kingdom Center Shreveport/Bossier, sprung into action, collecting food and other items to donate to families gathered at the scene.
The last time he spoke to his family was around midnight. They struggle to process their grief and find a way to move forward. Still, he said, it’s been “amazing” to see them take refuge in their faith.
“Their spirit is very strong,” he said.
Shreveport City Councilman Rev. James Green said at a news conference that a vigil was set for April 20 at 6 p.m. local time near Linwood Avenue and West 79th Street.
Another vigil is scheduled for April 22 at the same location, Green said.
more: Shreveport searches for answers about gunman who killed 8 children
The motive for the attack is still under investigation
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said at a news conference that several key details of the attack are still under investigation, including how Elkins died.
He said Louisiana State Police are investigating whether Elkins died by suicide or was killed by police in a shootout. Smith said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also investigating how Elkins obtained the gun used in the shooting.
Elkins served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a signals systems specialist and fire support specialist, Army officials told USA TODAY. Elkins never deployed, left the Army as a private, and was working for United Parcel Service at the time of his death, the company confirmed on April 20.
Dutch Brothers employees surprised Benton Franklin Humane Society volunteers by providing puppy cups for all the dogs.
After giving away more than 1 million cups of free coffee on April Fool’s Day, Dunkin’ is at it again.
The coffee chain will give away an additional 1 million cups of coffee on Tuesday, April 21, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.
Dunkin’ Rewards members can redeem rewards in the Dunkin’ app starting April 21 at 9 a.m. local time using promo code “FREECOFFEE1” while supplies last. The company teased the promotion on social media on Friday, April 17th.
The chain also told USA TODAY consumers that they must redeem the offer within seven days of receiving it. Cold brew coffee and extra-large hot coffee are not eligible for the campaign and are limited to one cup per person.
More news: Dirty Mountain Dew is now available in stores. Here’s how to get the new drink:
Dunkin’ announces spring menu, also releases new canned coffee
The free coffee giveaway comes on the heels of Dunkin’ announcing its spring menu, which includes several banana-flavored drinks and the return of the $6 meal price.
The coffee chain also recently announced the launch of Dunkin’ Double 15 oz. The cans “deliver even more of the smooth iced espresso taste our fans love in a format created to power through busy days.”
Dunkin says Dunkin’ Double contains the equivalent of two shots of espresso and comes in three fan-favorite flavors including Original, Café Mocha and Salted Caramel.
Dunkin’ Double joins the brand’s lineup of ready-to-drink beverages that includes bottled iced coffee. Canned beverages are available at major retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, Publix, KwikTrip, and Amazon.
Contributor: Mike Snider, USA TODAY. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
President Donald Trump attended a Turning Point USA event on April 17 and called on Arizona to “win in the midterm elections.”
The “Build a Red Wall” event was part of an effort by conservative organizers to shore up Republican support in Arizona, New Hampshire and Nevada.
However, President Trump’s approval ratings have long been sluggish, hitting record lows in some opinion polls as the Iran war continues for nearly two months. The United States and Iran continue to quarrel over the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for about one-fifth of the world’s oil, but the Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed since the war began. According to AAA gas price data, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is more than $4, compared to $2.98 when the war began.
Midterm elections are typically viewed as a referendum on the presidency, but what do voters think of Trump’s performance? Check out the latest poll.
more: Young voters shun Trump and plan to vote blue in midterm elections, poll shows
What is Donald Trump’s approval rating?
President Trump’s approval rating has been in net negative territory for the past year or so, and the negative trend has become stronger over the past six months, although it has fluctuated. According to the aggregation agency, President Trump’s average approval rating as of April 20th is as follows.
NBC News Decision Desk poll shows worst disapproval rating in second term
An NBC News Decision Desk poll released April 19 found that 63% of adults disapprove of Trump’s performance as president. This is the media’s worst performance since Trump was re-elected as president in January 2025. Additionally, 37% of adults said they supported Trump.
The poll was conducted between March 30 and April 13 among a national sample of 32,433 adults aged 18 and older. The margin of error is plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.
According to the newspaper, the decline in approval ratings for the president’s inauguration is mainly due to worsening public opinion regarding the domestic economic situation and the progress of the United States’ joint war against Iran.
A new poll finds fewer than one-third of Americans, 32%, approve of President Trump’s actions to address inflation and the cost of living. A further 68% said they did not support it. Regarding the Iran war, two-thirds (67%) of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the conflict. Only a third, or 33%, said they agreed.
Quinnipiac University: Majority of voters blame President Trump for gas prices
A Quinnipiac University national poll found that 38% of voters approve of the way Trump is handling his presidency, compared to 55% who disapprove, similar to the March 25 poll. The poll was conducted April 9-13 among 1,028 self-identified registered voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
The poll also found that while a majority of voters (65%) blame President Trump for rising gas prices, 34% blame him less or not at all. Opinions are divided along partisan lines, with a majority of Democrats condemning Trump, and a majority of Republicans not condemning him.
The poll also asked about President Trump’s threat to Iran that “the entire civilization will perish tonight.” 64% of voters found it unacceptable and 28% found it acceptable.
Contributor: Stephanie Murray, USA TODAY Network
Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact KCrowley@usatodayco.com. follow her X (Twitter), thread, blue sky and TikTok.
Man charged with stealing $40,000 from Target using taco seasoning packets
A Florida man was arrested after allegedly stealing $40,000 worth of trading cards from Target in an orchestrated scheme using taco seasoning bags.
A California man is facing theft charges after he allegedly bought a Lego set from Target and returned it with pasta inside, police said.
Irvine Police Department announced on social media that Jarrell Augustine of Paramount, California, was arrested and charged with grand theft after allegedly removing Lego minifigures from boxes and replacing them with dried pasta.
Police say Target has linked Augustine to at least 70 thefts across the country totaling more than $34,000.
Augustine, 28, was booked into the Orange County Jail on April 15 and released the next day, according to arrest records. It is unclear whether he has an attorney.
USA TODAY reached out to Target for comment on April 20, but did not receive a response.
Police say Lego thief allegedly replaced toys with pasta
Irvine police shared surveillance footage of the target that allegedly showed Augustine purchasing some of the Lego sets, but the items were later returned without the toys inside.
In some cases, Augustine returned Lego boxes with bags of dried pasta similar to those used in many sets.
Authorities recovered dozens of Lego toys during the investigation, according to photos shared by the Irvine Police Department.
One photo shows dozens of bags of elbow pasta near a box of the LEGO Avengers Tower set. The LEGO Avengers Tower set sells for $499.99 on the company’s website.
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer leaves Trump Cabinet amid investigation
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer resigned from the Trump administration following reports of a leadership investigation.
WASHINGTON – The White House announced April 20 that Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer will be leaving the Trump administration.
She is the third cabinet minister to resign this year. All are women. Her resignation comes amid allegations of misconduct and after multiple news outlets reported that an investigation into her leadership was well underway.
White House communications director Stephen Chan told the X-Post that Chavez Delemer will be leaving the administration for a job in the private sector. I didn’t say where.
“She has done a phenomenal job in her role protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and helping Americans acquire additional skills to improve their lives,” Chan wrote.
more: Lori Chavez Delemer reportedly under investigation for suspected misuse of funds
He said Keith Sonderling, Labor’s deputy chief secretary, would become acting head of the department. The announcement came days after the New York Times reported that the Labor Department’s investigation into Ms. Delimer’s leadership included text messages allegedly sent by Ms. Delimer’s husband and father to young female staffers.
Her resignation also comes just weeks after President Trump ousted two other Cabinet members. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi also resigned in early April for an unspecified position in the private sector, and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also moved to special envoy in March.
Chavez Delemer is a former Republican congressman from Oregon who was responsible for overseeing federal laws and regulations related to unions, occupational safety, minimum wage and other workplace conditions, and other labor-related issues.
The New York Post reported in January that she was under investigation on charges including inappropriate relationships with subordinates, unnecessary travel using taxpayer money and drinking alcohol on the job. The Department of Labor denied these allegations, and the White House claimed at the time that they were unfounded.
more: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer faces allegations of civil rights violations
In April, the New York Times reported that Delemer had three civil rights lawsuits filed against her by three women who worked in her office. The allegations include Chavez Delemer having his staff perform errands such as picking up dry cleaning and cleaning apartment closets.
According to the newspaper, three of Delemer’s staff and a security guard who was said to have had an affair with her were forced out of their jobs over the allegations.
Her husband, Sean, was also accused of sexual harassment. He reportedly made unwanted sexual advances toward employees and was reportedly barred from the Ministry of Labor’s headquarters.
The Washington, D.C., police department declined to charge him with a crime in February.
Who is Lori Chavez Delemer?
The Senate confirmed Chavez Delemer as the 30th Secretary of Labor on March 10, 2025.
“The daughter of a Teamster, Secretary Chavez Delemer is a successful small businessman and the first in her family to graduate from college,” her bio on the Department of Labor’s website says.
The 57-year-old is married to Dr. Sean Delemer, who founded an anesthesia management company and clinic in the Pacific Northwest, the biography continues. The couple have twin daughters.
From 2010 to 2018, she served as the first female and Latinx mayor of Happy Valley, a city southeast of Portland.
In 2022, Chavez Delemer was elected to the House of Representatives representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. She served in the House of Representatives from 2023 to 2025. She ran for reelection in the 2024 election, but lost to Democrat Janelle Bynum.
While in Congress, Chavez Delemer was one of three House co-sponsors of a pro-union bill called the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which aimed to expand labor protections for people who organize and bargain in the workplace.
Her interim replacement, Sonderling, also heads the Institute for Museum and Library Services, an agency that funds libraries and museums around the country that have been closed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.
Contributor: Bill Poehler, Salem Statesman Journal
Apple has announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO and that John Tarnas will take over as CEO on September 1, subject to board approval.
Apple announced in a news release on April 20 that Tim Cook will step down as CEO and be replaced by John Ternas, senior vice president of hardware engineering.
Cook will remain CEO until September 1, when Tarnas will take over, according to the release. The company said the leadership changes were the result of a “thoughtful and long-term succession planning process.”
If the change is approved unanimously by Apple’s board of directors, he will become executive chairman of the company’s board.
“Becoming CEO of Apple and being trusted to lead such an extraordinary company has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Cook said in a release.
Mr. Cook became CEO of the tech giant in 2011 and oversaw the company’s expansion into wearable technology and artificial intelligence into a multibillion-dollar company.
Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has most recently overseen the company’s hardware engineering efforts and played a key role in reigniting sales of products such as Apple’s Mac computers, which have gained market share in recent years. Cook described Ternas as having “the heart of an engineer” and “the soul of an innovator.”
“Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I was fortunate to work for Steve Jobs and have Tim Cook as a mentor,” Ternas said in a release. “I am committed to leading with the values and vision that have defined this special place for half a century.”
Cook’s resignation is a surprise.
Many on Wall Street had expected Mr. Tarnas to eventually replace Mr. Cook as CEO, but analysts said the timing of the announcement was surprising.
Just last month, Cook denied rumors that he was planning to retire on “Good Morning America.” “No, I didn’t say that,” he said. “I never said that. I absolutely love what I do. 28 years ago, I joined Apple, and I’ve loved every day since.”
The announcement also comes before Apple’s quarterly earnings report on Thursday, April 30, which some analysts say could draw more attention than usual.
Dan Ives, Wedbush’s global head of technology research, wrote of X: “While the timing of Cook’s departure as CEO may make sense, it does raise questions.” “Apple is making a major shift in its AI strategy, and it’s surprising to see legendary long-time CEO Cook stepping down now.”
Apple’s AI struggles
Apple, which turned 50 this year, has struggled to show it can remain a technology powerhouse in the age of artificial intelligence, as software rivals Alphabet and Microsoft have spent tens of billions of dollars to take the lead.
At the end of 2025, Apple’s head of artificial intelligence, John Gianandrea, suddenly left the company.
Apple recently decided to use Google’s Gemini to power Apple models instead of developing its own in-house AI models. Apple also said that Google’s artificial intelligence “will help power future Apple Intelligence features,” such as a more personalized Siri. Apple has delayed improvements to Siri’s AI several times in the past.
more: Apple, now 50 years old, was innovative long before the iPhone was introduced.
However, given Ternus’ background in hardware engineering, some Apple watchers speculated that the move was less an AI effort and more a return to developing great Apple products.
One Reddit poster wrote: “Tim Cook completely blew the company away with supply chain diversification, custom silicon development with M-series chips, etc. But the old Apple magic of creating breakthrough hardware products needs to come back.” “I hope the new guys focus on developing new and great hardware like they used to. There may be a generational opportunity to develop new consumer hardware for the AI era, and Apple may shape it the way it defined the smartphone market with the iPhone.”
Cook’s legacy
No matter what Ternas focuses on, he will have big challenges ahead of him. During Mr. Cook’s 15 years at the top, Apple’s market capitalization increased more than 1,000 percent to about $4 trillion, second only to semiconductor giant Nvidia.
The company has expanded its global footprint, particularly in emerging markets, and is now present in more than 200 countries and territories. Apple’s annual revenue nearly quadrupled from $108 billion in 2011, when Cook took over as CEO from co-founder Steve Jobs, to more than $416 billion in 2025.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Luxury real estate in Los Angeles booms due to intense demand
Los Angeles topped the list for June’s 10 most expensive home sales, with Paris Hilton’s $63 million purchase of a mansion in Beverly Hills standing out.
cheddar
Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Drew Barrymore’s 12-acre Harrison, New York, home is on the market for $4.99 million.
The main building at 19 Winfield Avenue in Westchester County was built in 1747 and the kitchen has been renovated and modernized.
“Renovated to the highest standards, 19 Winfield is a rare piece of heritage where every room has been thoughtfully reimagined for the perfect moment,” the listing says.
Barrymore, host of the daytime talk show “The Drew Barrymore Show,” won a Golden Globe Award for her role as Edith Bouvier Beale on HBO’s “Grey Gardens.” She is also a producer and has published four books, including a memoir.
Compass’ Kori Sassower and Brian K. Lewis are on the list.
What you can expect at your accommodation
The listing says the home has a chalet-style entryway with a limestone fireplace.
The great room has 30-foot-high ceilings and “walls of windows,” filling the space with natural light, according to listing information.
In case you missed it: Taylor Swift’s former Cape Cod mansion sold for $12.3 million
The primary suite has a living room, walk-in closet, two bathrooms, a Juliette balcony, and large windows that wrap around the grounds, allowing natural light to illuminate the room. There are also three family bedrooms, two bathrooms and a finished, livable attic.
The property includes a pool house and separate guest cottage. This pool house is a “tranquil spa-like retreat featuring a living room, bedroom, full bathroom with a timeless bathtub overlooking the grounds, laundry, and a full kitchen.” Guest cottages feature lofts, living rooms, full bathrooms, and kitchens.
The floor plan offers flexibility, with “open spaces flowing between the kitchen, dining room, living room, room, sunny conservatory, cozy family room, spacious living room, and additional gracious entertaining space, all of which are further enhanced by multiple fireplaces, creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and connectedness throughout,” the listing states.
Featuring a gunite heated pool surrounded by wildflower-filled gardens, the listing says it evokes the feel of a secluded northern resort, but the property is near New York City.
This facility is located within the Harrison School District, near Rye, Harrison, and Mamaroneck.
The property is subdivided into five parcels, “creating a unique opportunity to enjoy this estate as one spectacular property or sell additional parcels in the future,” according to the listing.
Businesses can apply for customs duty refunds. Will consumers see it?
Companies are not required to share tariff refunds with customers, but some have said they plan to pass on some relief.
U.S. importers who paid duties that the Supreme Court ruled illegal in February are working to secure refunds from the federal government, but shoppers who paid more likely won’t be refunded.
Two months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed last year by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, U.S. companies that paid those fees will be able to apply for refunds through the new Customs and Border Protection agency. These refunds could total about $166 billion, with more than 330,000 importers paying duties on more than 53 million shipments, according to court filings.
Much of the tariff costs were borne by businesses, but at least some were passed on to shoppers through higher in-store prices. Still, Jackson Wood, director of industry strategy for Descartes’ Global Trade Intelligence business, said consumers are unlikely to see direct refunds or price reductions across the board.
“These tariff payments have left a big hole in their income statements, so getting those tariff payments back will really help make their business healthier,” Wood said. “It is unlikely to provide much relief to U.S. consumers for the foreseeable future.”
Prices are likely to continue rising in the coming months due to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and soaring oil prices due to the Iran war.
more: Importers rush to apply as US launches customs duty refund claim portal
How will customs duty refunds affect consumers?
The two companies promised to take some form of redress if consumers receive refunds.
“But we haven’t heard from anyone else,” said Rohit Tripathi, vice president, industrial and CPG, manufacturing at RELEX. “Prices are unlikely to fall in the short term.”
FedEx said it would issue refunds to customers if it acted as a customs broker as soon as it began receiving refunds, which could take some time. The first phase of the refund process, which began on April 20, is limited to “some uncleared entries” and packages older than 80 days, according to Customs and Border Protection. The agency added that refunds will not be issued until 60 to 90 days after the importer’s request is received.
In March, Costco CEO Ron Vacris said the refunds collected by the grocery giant would be passed on to members through lower prices and better value, but added that the future impact of the tariffs “remains very fluid.”
Shikha Jain, partner and head of North American consumer at consulting firm Simon Kuchar, said companies are aware that some consumers are holding back on spending and may lower prices to lure customers back. But that usually doesn’t happen, she added.
“If you lower your prices, you’re not going to see as much product in your store, you’re not going to see as much foot traffic, and it’s just going to eat into your bottom line and your bottom line,” Jain said. “While this may not be the best answer for consumers who are still struggling, we are finding that there is some disconnect between what retailers expect from price reductions and how actual consumer behavior results.”
What’s next after tariffs?
After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs in February, President Trump immediately took steps to impose a 10% tariff on almost all items imported into the United States.
The president did this under another authority, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The article authorizes the president to impose tariffs to address large trade imbalances, as long as they expire within 150 days. These will come into effect on February 24 and expire at the end of July.
From there, the Trump administration plans to reinstate tariffs closer to IEEPA levels, said Drew DeLong, director of corporate strategy at Kearney Foresight, a division of global management consulting firm Kearney.
This includes leveraging Section 301 of the Act, which requires inspection but allows the administration to impose tariffs in response to actions by foreign governments that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
In March, U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer announced several Section 301 investigations into China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.
“If you are a company today and lower your prices based on IEEPA levels, your tariffs will go back to the previous IEEPA levels, and then you have to take action again,” DeLong said. “I think most people will be waiting to see how 301 develops.”
Contact Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her at X @rachelbarber_
President Trump signs executive order on psychedelic drugs with Joe Rogan
Podcaster Joe Rogan accompanied President Trump in the Oval Office as he signed an executive order aimed at accelerating research into psychedelics.
Podcaster Joe Rogan joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on April 18 to sign an executive order accelerating research into psychedelic drugs to treat veterans. Logan supported the move, and there were recent interactions between the two sides.
The executive order is the latest meeting between Mr. Logan and Mr. Trump, but the president’s relationship with the podcaster goes back years, marked by interviews and public disagreements. Since appearing on the podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan has repeatedly criticized President Trump, his policies, and his administration.
Let’s take a look back at the key moments between the two celebrities.
October 2024: President Trump appears on “The Joe Rogan Experience”
Trump appeared on Rogan’s podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” in late October 2024, just before the presidential election. Rogan’s show is the top-ranked podcast on Spotify with millions of listeners.
The nearly three-hour long interview gave the president an opportunity to target undecided young male voters weeks before he heads to the polls for re-election.
Mr. Logan ended up endorsing Mr. Trump as a presidential candidate after the interview and in the final hours before the election.
July 2025: Logan criticizes Trump administration in Epstein files
Logan’s public comments about Trump have changed since he appeared on the podcast. In July 2025, the podcaster had harsh words for the Trump administration, saying it was “trying to gaslight” the American people about the Epstein file.
“This is a red line,” Rogan said on July 25, 2025, while discussing the scandal with his guest, former CIA official Mike Baker. “We thought Trump was going to come in and fix a lot of things. He was going to drain the swamp and fix everything.”
Logan went on to describe the Epstein scandal as a “line in the sand” where “they’re trying to gaslight you.” As of January 2026, the Department of Justice has released more than 3 million Epstein pages.
More news about Epstein: Justice Department to release approximately 50,000 deleted Epstein files after review
November 2025: Logan mocks Trump over Epstein file
The Epstein scandal will continue to be a hot topic, as Logan later mocked Trump again about the files in November 2025.
Rogan spoke about the scandal on the Nov. 19 episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” criticizing inconsistencies in President Trump’s story about the files, including calling the files a hoax before calling on Republicans in Congress to vote for the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
“I heard there was no file. I heard it was a hoax,” Logan said on the Nov. 19 episode. “And then all of a sudden he tried to release the file. Well, I thought the file wasn’t there.”
December 2025: Logan criticizes Trump’s post about Rob Reiner’s death
President Trump’s reaction to the suspected murder of actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle in their Los Angeles home on December 14 also struck a nerve with Logan.
The day after their deaths, President Trump condemned Reiner in a social media post, claiming that Reiner was killed due to “the anger he provoked in others due to a mind-numbing illness known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Rogan responded to Trump’s post on the Dec. 25 episode of his podcast, calling the president’s comments “not funny,” “hard to like,” and “very disappointing,” adding that “in a caring society,” Trump’s comments have “no validity.”
“It’s no different than the people who were celebrating when Charlie Kirk was shot. It’s the same thing,” Rogan said, adding, “Imagine if President Obama tweeted something about someone after he died like this, that this person was a psychopath who hated Obama.”
Logan added that the post shows how “crazy” Trump is “thinking and speaking.”
More about Reiner’s death: Rob Reiner’s death fills Martin Scorsese with ‘deep sadness’
March 2026: Mr. Logan condemns President Trump’s Iran war
More recently, the joint war between Israel and the United States against Iran has drawn Logan’s criticism. The podcaster said on his March 10 show that the conflict has left people feeling “betrayed” by a president who wants “no more wars.”
“When you think about what he ran away from, I think it’s just insane,” Logan said, criticizing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “I mean, that’s why many people feel betrayed, right?”
“He’s done with wars, he’s put an end to stupid, pointless wars, and now we have wars where we can’t even clearly define why we did it,” Logan added.
Mr. Logan’s comments join a number of backlash Mr. Trump has faced in recent days from his right-wing supporters, including those divided by the Iran war and the president’s recent social media activity.
April 2026: Logan joins President Trump to support psychedelic research
Mr. Trump and Mr. Logan’s most recent interaction was the signing of an executive order on April 18 that helped the podcaster gain attention. Mr. Trump credited Mr. Logan with being one of the people behind his support for research.
“A lot of people called me, including the great Joe Rogan, and he said we have to do something about this, and I thought about it,” Trump said in the Oval Office, surrounded by Rogan and other advocates for drug use for veterans, including Robert O’Neill, the former Navy SEAL who claims to have killed Osama bin Laden.
Still, just days before appearing in the Oval Office, Logan criticized President Trump over the Iran conflict, calling all wars “horrible” on a podcast.
“How is this still going on?” he said.
Contributors: Katherine Palmer, Carissa Wadick, Patrick Ryan, Cybele Mays-Osterman, Zach Anderson, James Powell, Sara Lapidus. america today
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_.
How to stay safe when exercising in the summer heat
Summer is a time for outdoor activities, but the sun can be dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe.
Is it better to exercise more intensely or for longer? The former may reduce the risk of multiple diseases, according to recent research.
In the study, published in the European Heart Journal in late March, researchers found that people who did just a few minutes of vigorous exercise each day were less likely to develop eight major diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, dementia, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 96,000 people, comparing their overall activity level, amount of strenuous activity, and disease risk.
The results showed that people who were the most physically active had a 63% lower risk of developing dementia, a 60% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and a 46% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who did not exercise at all.
The authors added that just a few minutes of this type of effort per day, 15 to 20 minutes per week, can lead to meaningful health benefits.
The authors say that short, intense activities include running to the bus, climbing the stairs quickly, walking briskly between errands, and playing actively with children.
One of the researchers, Mingxue Shen, a professor at Xiangya School of Public Health at Central South University in China, said in a news release that strenuous activity appears to trigger certain reactions in the body that lower-intensity activity cannot reproduce.
“During intense physical activity that leaves you feeling short of breath, your body responds strongly: your heart beats more efficiently, your blood vessels become more flexible, and your body’s ability to use oxygen increases.”
Vigorous activity also appears to reduce inflammation, Shen added.
“This may help explain why we saw strong associations with inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and arthritis. It may also stimulate chemicals in the brain that help keep brain cells healthy, which may help explain the lower risk of dementia,” the researchers added.
There are some limitations to this type of exercise as it may not be safe for everyone, including the elderly.
“For them, increased physical activity is still beneficial, and activity should be tailored to the individual,” Shen says.
Politicians at all levels of government have called for reforms to ease tensions arising from federal immigration enforcement in states. One popular proposal is to ban the wearing of masks by law enforcement officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection officers.
In January, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California made headlines when it issued a preliminary ruling that states can constitutionally ban federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks as long as they do not discriminate against federal employees in the process. This ruling was the first in Japan to consider the constitutionality of a national mask ban.
But this problem is almost certain to occur in other courts across the country. In addition to California, lawmakers in at least 30 other states have introduced, considered, voted on, and even passed similar bills. For example, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington all passed mask bans earlier this year. Local bans have been passed in Los Angeles County, California, and St. Paul, Minnesota.
The federal government argues that these laws are unconstitutional and that states cannot ban federal employees from wearing masks. The argument stems primarily from the doctrine of intergovernmental immunity, a cumbersome and controversial rule derived from the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This section provides that federal law is supreme and supersedes any conflicting state law. To give effect to this provision, the U.S. Supreme Court granted federal officials certain immunity from lawsuits by state laws that interfere with the operations of the federal government.
This makes sense. The lawful operations of the federal government could be hindered if states were able to regulate or prosecute federal employees who are lawfully and reasonably carrying out their duties. However, contrary to recent claims by the federal government, federal employees do not have “absolute immunity” from all state laws. Instead, the intergovernmental immunity doctrine prohibits only state and local laws that:Either directly regulate the United States or Discriminating against the federal government or persons with whom the federal government does business. ”
The second issue, discrimination, is where California’s mask ban failed in court. The ban applies to federal law enforcement officers, but not to California law enforcement officers. As the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit explained last year, “a state law or regulation constitutes impermissible discrimination against the federal government when it favors a state agency over an equivalent federal agency.” Because California law does so, the district court held that the federal government is entitled to a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the ban for the time being.
Importantly, however, the court found that while California’s mask ban failed from a discrimination standpoint, it held up from a direct regulatory standpoint. In other words, the court suggested that California’s law is constitutional if it also applies to state law enforcement agencies. This is welcome news for other states considering their own mask bans, most of which apply their laws to all levels of law enforcement and avoid discrimination issues.
Nondiscrimination laws are unconstitutional under intergovernmental immunity if they “directly regulate” the federal government. In contrast, laws that only incidentally affect the federal government are constitutionally applicable. Relying on the district court’s reasoning in the California case, states can make a strong case that a ban on wearing masks as a routine practice does not directly regulate the operation of the federal government.
In California’s lawsuit, the federal government argued that California’s mask ban regulates federal employees because it “prohibits or imposes a requirement” on them. The government also argues that a mask ban would “impair law enforcement operations” and that investigators would see an increase in assaults and doxxing (publicly disclosing personal information such as one’s home address or the identities of family members). In the government’s view, this amounts to regulation because it can have a chilling effect on federal employees and increases the risk that suspects will be able to identify and evade federal agents. Therefore, masking is necessary for ICE officers to perform their duties, and prohibiting masking constitutes direct regulation, the report said.
But the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the only court currently considering the issue, rejected the government’s argument that the ban amounted to regulation. The court found that California’s mask ban is “similar in a similar sense to the traffic laws that govern how federal employees may operate vehicles on state highways, but is still enforceable against federal employees.” The court made this decision because the Department of Justice found that “current masking and identification practices have not been shown to be essential to federal law enforcement operations.” The court concluded that the federal government “failed to adequately explain how its discretionary masking and identification policies are essential to the operations and safety of federal law enforcement agencies.”
The court disagreed that masks were required for safety reasons. The safety concerns raised by the government “also exist for federal law enforcement officers, whether or not they wear masks,” the court said. Indeed, “the presence of masked, unidentified persons, including law enforcement, is likely to increase a sense of anxiety for everyone,” and the court noted that the alleged harm “is the result of criminal conduct.” The state’s mask ban “does not encourage or enable criminals to harm law enforcement officers,” and disclosure of personal information and assault will remain illegal even if the ban is in place.
Other courts may reach similar conclusions. There is no evidence that masking reduces the likelihood of assault. Nor does it appear that today’s ICE officers are at any greater risk of assault than in years past. In fact, based on available data, 2025 was the second safest year for Border Patrol and ICE agents, and safer than any year since 2015, according to the CATO Institute. Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that assaults by federal agents increased by 1,300 percent in 2025, from 19 in 2024 to 275, but so did the number of ICE agents on the ground and the amount of enforcement activity. It has increased significantly during this time. Additionally, because assault numbers depend on officers reporting assaults, the increase may reflect changes in how assaults are defined and reported. The government has publicly argued that ICE law enforcement videotaping constitutes “violence” against ICE officers. Recent “assault” claims include ICE “arm-in-arm with a man” who was trying to detain him, asking to see a warrant, leaving trash on an officer’s lawn, and creating signs with profanity targeting officers.
Additionally, the government has not provided any public data on how much personal information ICE officers are actually subjected to or whether masking reduces risk. However, the California court noted that “the historical tradition of law enforcement officers not concealing their identities and the current practice of some federal employees who choose to wear masks and reveal their identities alongside their co-workers” undermined the Justice Department’s argument that concealment was necessary for this reason. This is the same point that constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky made in defending California’s mask ban. “ICE agents have never previously worn masks when arresting people, and it has never been an issue. Nor have other local, state, or federal law enforcement agents been put at risk from the public by not wearing masks on the street.” Indeed, the federal government’s failure to require all agents to wear masks suggests that a mask ban is not necessary and does not substantially interfere with federal policy or prerogatives.
A recent case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit further supports the argument that anti-masking laws are not worthy of regulation. In 2024, the Fifth Circuit rejected the federal government’s invocation of intergovernmental immunity when Texas brought common-law conversion and trespass claims against federal Border Patrol agents. Officials cut coiled razor wire fencing that the state had installed along part of its border with Mexico. The Biden administration argued that removing the wires was necessary to fulfill the statutory duties of border security officials and that the Texas lawsuit was invalid under intergovernmental immunity because it sought to directly regulate federal government operations.
The Fifth Circuit disagreed. The “key question” regarding the regulation, the court explained, “is whether a state law seeks to unreasonably ‘control’ an employee’s federal duties, or whether the law merely ‘may incidentally affect the manner in which employment is conducted.'” Even though the Texas case affected the way federal employees performed their jobs and “imposed a burden on them,” intergovernmental immunity was not called into question because the impact and burden were mere. incidental to the accomplishment of federal policy.
Similarly, failure to mask does not prohibit ICE from conducting any aspect of its operations. It only prohibits them from concealing their identity during their activities.
To be sure, there is an argument that the mask ban is in some sense a federal regulation. But the same is true of countless other state laws that federal employees have followed for centuries. The real question is how much of a burden this regulation is putting on their ability to do their jobs.
There is no obvious “right” legal answer to this question. Case law is vague, and much of the relevant case law is decades (or even a century) old, and this scenario raises new and novel legal considerations. A federal district court in California issued a preliminary judgment, but its decision is not binding on other federal district courts. In other words, the doctrine remains unresolved and may be debated again in trial courts, appellate courts, and ultimately the Supreme Court. But for now, the mask ban presents an opportunity to counter supremacy clauses and intergovernmental immunity challenges.
Bridget Lavender is a staff attorney with the State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin School of Law.
Recommended citation: Bridget Lavender; Can states ban federal employees from wearing masks?Sᴛᴀᴛᴇ Cᴏᴜʀᴛ Rᴇᴘᴏʀᴛ (April 20, 2026), https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/can-states-ban-federal-officers-wearing-masks
Iran says no to peace talks as J.D. Vance heads to Pakistan
Iran announced it would retaliate against the United States for seizing an Iranian cargo ship that President Donald Trump claimed had breached the blockade.
Officials announced on Sunday, April 19, that an Iranian woman living in Southern California has been arrested on suspicion of “arms trafficking” for the Iranian government.
Shamim Mafi, 44, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on April 18, according to Bill Esseri, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.
According to the criminal complaint, Mafi is accused of “conspiring with others to conduct an illegal scheme to broker the sale of arms, weapons parts, and ammunition on behalf of the Iranian government,” in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act gives the president “broad authority to regulate a variety of economic transactions following a declaration of a national emergency.” President Donald Trump used this law to impose sweeping tariffs.
According to the complaint, Mafi, with the help of unnamed co-conspirators, “brokered the sale of 55,000 fuses to the Sudanese Ministry of Defense.” Additionally, they “brokered the sale of millions of rounds of ammunition from Iran to Sudan.”
According to the indictment, Mafi is suspected of brokering arms deals on behalf of Iran in early 2025 through a company he owned with his co-conspirators. According to the complaint, this includes a contract worth more than 60 million euros to sell Iranian-made drones to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense. Other items that Mafi brokered or attempted to broker included “bombs” and “assault weapons,” according to the complaint.
Esseri said Mafi is scheduled to make his first court appearance on April 20, but it was not immediately clear who would represent Mafi.
According to the complaint, Mafi was born in Iran but is a legal permanent resident of the United States and maintains a residence in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.
According to the complaint, she frequently travels back and forth to Los Angeles and spends “only a portion of her time” in the United States.
If convicted, Mafi could face up to 20 years in federal prison, Essayli said.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. please contact her pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
