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Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announce separation in Instagram post

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April 17, 2026

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Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announce separation in Instagram post

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird have announced their separation.

Rapinoe and Byrd made the announcement in a joint statement on Instagram on Friday, April 17, saying, “There really is no smoother or easier way to share this news. After much consideration, we have made the decision to separate as a couple.”

The former professional athletes said it was not an “easy decision” but one they made together “with great love, respect and compassion for each other.”

Bird, a Hall of Fame basketball player and five-time Olympic gold medalist, and Rapinoe, a fellow gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion soccer player, met at the Rio Olympics and began dating in 2016. The two announced their engagement on Instagram in October 2020.

“For the past 10 years, we have shared our lives together, in both the big and quiet moments, and we hope to continue to do so,” Bird and Rapinoe said in a statement. “We are so grateful for this amazing community that has supported us, welcomed us, and supported us as who we are. So many of you have reminded us over and over again why it’s important to love out loud.”

Bird, 45, and Rapinoe, 40, founded the A Touch More production company together and share a joint podcast of the same name. They released an update on the status of the podcast in a statement, revealing its termination.

“It has been an incredible joy to create A Touch More: The Podcast and build a network around it,” they said. “The conversation, the laughter, the connection, it means more than we can put into words. This chapter of doing the podcast together is over, but what we’ve built with you guys isn’t. Thank you for being with us through it all…it means the world to us.”

Contact USA TODAY national women’s sports reporter Sydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her at X. @CydHenderson.

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What it is, when and why records still matter

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April 17, 2026

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What it is, when and why records still matter

Holiday shoppers are in for a treat on Black Friday. For music lovers, there’s Record Store Day, an annual celebration of independent record stores, a format that continues to grow despite exclusive vinyl releases and streaming dominating the way we listen to music.

This year’s Record Store Day will take place on Saturday, April 18th, and approximately 380 limited edition vinyl records featuring artists ranging from Bryan Adams and Neko Case to Talking Heads and Wiz Khalifa will be in approximately 3,000 record stores across the United States and around the world. And, of course, there’s something from Taylor Swift.

Streaming music services are great, and their recommendation engines offer endless new songs to listen to. But vinyl records have a tactile appeal. When you’re browsing the shelves at a record store, sometimes the cover art catches your attention. When you get home with your purchased LP, you can open it up like a book and get full-color images, lyrics, and liner notes.

vinyl proof

The event comes as spending on records continues to rise, even as streaming has become the dominant form of music consumption.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, spending on recorded music in the United States reached a record $11.5 billion in 2025, with streaming music, including paid music streaming and other music streaming, accounting for 82% of all spending.

Record sales have increased for the 19th consecutive year, rising 9.3% in 2025 to exceed $1 billion for the first time in decades and continue to outpace sales of music CDs, the RIAA said.

“Records are a big part of the Record Store Day story because records are an incredibly big part of the Record Store Day story,” Carrie Colliton, who co-founded Record Store Day with Michael Kurtz, told USA TODAY in an email interview.

“It’s no coincidence that vinyl has grown for 19 consecutive years and we’ve had 19 Record Store Day events. Many stores never stopped stocking records. Many stores opened because of the resurgence of vinyl,” she said. “People want to take ownership of what they listen to, connect more closely with the artists making the music they love, and spend time focusing on the ritualistic aspects of working with physical records. And they want to do it in locally-owned stores where their neighbors and friends are the algorithms.”

Record Store Day legend Robert Plant talks about records

Robert Plant’s widely successful career, including as frontman for Led Zeppelin, and penchant for haunting record stores has earned him the Record Store Legend Award at Record Store Day. Elton John was named the first RSD Legend in 2017, while The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr won the award last year.

“Record stores have always been a part of my life. For me, when you get a physical record, it’s because you really know what the artist was thinking and you want to be a part of it,” Plant said in a statement.

“People want to take home something very special and enjoy all the elements of what the artist has put together. We want that connection to the music and the art as a whole,” Plant said. They also released “Saving Grace: All That Glitters,” which will be released exclusively on Record Store Day. Susie Dian. (You can watch the band’s recent performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on YouTube.)

Bruno Mars will serve as Record Store Day Ambassador in 2026

This year’s Record Store Day Ambassador is singer-songwriter and producer Bruno Mars, who released his fourth solo studio album, The Romantic, in early February of this year.

“I love collecting records. There’s nothing better than sitting on the couch, putting on a record, and just listening to music. It feels like a lost art,” Mars said in a statement.

Mars joins a list of previous ambassadors that includes Paramore, Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Jack White and Ozzy Osbourne.

How does Record Store Day work?

Record Store Day is designed to bring fans to local independent record shops. Shoppers often line up to get their hands on new releases early on Saturday mornings on Record Store Day.

Many releases are pressed in limited quantities and sold only at independent stores, typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no pre-orders, and no hard limits on how many each store will receive. See the complete list of new releases here.

Record Store Day, now in its 18th year, was conceived in 2007 and first held in April 2008 as a party to “celebrate and promote the unique culture surrounding the approximately 1,400 independent record stores in the United States and thousands of similar stores around the world,” according to the event’s website.

To find a store near you, visit the Record Store Day website.

Kate Perez and Mike Snyder cover national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. He can be reached at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_. & Thread (mikegsnider), Bluesky (@mikegsnider.bsky.social)),X (@mikesnider) Email msnider@usatoday.com.

What is a democratic socialist? Why Trump and Mamdani clashed

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April 17, 2026

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What is a democratic socialist? Why Trump and Mamdani clashed

President Donald Trump and Mayor Zoran Mamdani have a lot of history.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, remains (mostly) in Trump’s favor despite significant policy differences, and the two have used social media and face-to-face meetings to forge a unique political relationship.

But those differences are often made public, with President Trump harshly criticizing Mamdani’s new tax plan for wealthy residents on Thursday, and the first-term mayor responding via on-message on Friday.

Here’s how their bromance from Washington DC to New York evolved over time.

What did President Trump think of Mamdani before he became mayor?

The Democratic Socialists suffered a major blow from Republicans after securing the Democratic primary last year. Mamdani defied all odds and defeated one of New York’s biggest political dynasties to win the right to vote, a result that shocked the nation.

The president continued to insult the mayoral candidate in the months that followed, calling him a communist. Mamdani also strongly opposes most of Trump’s policies, calling him a fascist.

In one instance, Mamdani said he would not support ICE officers in the city. President Trump responded by threatening to arrest him.

President Trump also said that “a lot of people say he’s in the country illegally,” which is false. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

“The president of the United States just threatened to arrest me, strip me of my citizenship, put me in a concentration camp, and deport me, not because I broke any laws, but because I refuse to allow ICE to terrorize our cities,” Mamdani said after speaking.

“We will not respond to this threat.”

As the election approached, President Trump endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and said he would withhold federal funding if the Democratic Socialist won. The city receives billions of dollars from the federal government each year.

“If communist candidate Zoran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral election, it is highly unlikely that he will contribute any federal funds to his beloved first home, except for the bare minimum federal funds,” Trump posted on Truth Social last year.

“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really don’t have a choice. You have to vote for him and hope he does a great job. He can do that, Mamdani doesn’t!”

Is Mamdani a socialist?

So, is Mr. Mamdani a communist like Mr. Trump says? The mayor considers himself a democratic socialist, and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) describes it as “a system in which ordinary people have a real voice in their workplaces, communities, and society.”

“We want a democracy driven by everyday people,” the group says on its website.

“The capitalist class tells us we are powerless, but together we can take back control.”

What was President Trump’s reaction to Mamdani’s victory?

Trump, a native New Yorker, posted on Truth Social after his victory: “It finally happened. The Democrats have crossed the line. Zoran Mamdani, a 100% communist lunatic, won the Democratic primary and is on his way to becoming Mayor.”

“We’ve had radical leftists before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks terrible, his voice is raspy, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3, all the dummies are supporting him, and even our great Palestinian senator, crying Chuck Schumer, is cringing at him. Yes, this is a big moment in our country’s history!”

First direct meeting between Trump and Mamdani

A few days later, Mamdani requested a meeting with the president, and Trump agreed. The two met for the first time on November 21st.

After the first in-person meeting, Mamdani said at the White House that it was a “productive meeting that focused on New York City, a place we share admiration and love for, and the need to provide affordability for New Yorkers.”

President Trump said, “If possible, I think we’ll have a really great mayor.”

“I hope to help him, not hurt him.”

There was some degree of policy coherence between the two, including on affordability.

“He wants crime to go away, he wants housing to be built, he wants rent to go down, and I agree with all of that,” Trump said after the meeting.

“Now, we may disagree on how to get there.”

According to reports, during the meeting, President Trump even said about Mamdani, “I’d rather see him in person than on TV.”

Since then, Mamdani has largely ignored Trump’s crosshairs, even though they have differed on specific issues, even meeting him again at the White House after he became mayor.

Why is President Trump furious with Mamdani now?

This week, Mamdani announced plans to tax the wealthy, one of his key campaign promises. The mayor, alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, announced the state’s first new pied-à-terre tax.

The new tax “would impose an annual surcharge on one- to three-unit homes, condos, and co-ops valued at $5 million or more if the owner has another principal residence outside of New York City,” the city said.

However, President Trump did not like this new policy.

“Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is trying to destroy New York! No chance! America should not be complicit in New York’s failures,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday.

“It’s only going to get worse. Taxes, taxes, tax policy is so wrong. People are fleeing. They have to change their ways, and fast. History has shown us that this ‘thing’ just doesn’t work.”

How did Mamdani react?

“Both the president and I want the city to succeed. This is the way to do it,” Mamdani said Friday.

“I’ve made it clear to the president and the people that I wholeheartedly support taxing the wealthy,” Mamdani said at a news conference on trash.

Little Debbie introduces new donut flavors. Let’s see what it is.

Economy

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April 17, 2026

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Little Debbie introduces new donut flavors. Let’s see what it is.

Fans of Little Debbie’s Snacks will soon be seeing new flavors of the popular treat at local grocery and convenience stores.

Following the successful launch of the Old Fashioned Donut last summer, the company has introduced the Chocolate Old Fashioned Donut, now rolling out to major retailers, grocery stores and convenience stores nationwide.

Mackie Foods, which makes and produces Little Debbie snacks, said in an April 14 news release that the Old Fashioned donut has been a top performer in the U.S. breakfast and snack category since its launch in June 2025.

“We’ve had an incredible response to the Old Fashioned donut we introduced last year, and we’re building on what works and giving both our loyal fans and new fans a compelling reason to come back to our stores,” Little Debbie brand manager Scott Brownlow said in a news release.

Check out Little Debbie’s Chocolate Old Fashioned Donuts

Little Debbie launches this treat in both bulk and on-the-go formats.

Big pack carton: Six donuts come in retro packaging that pays homage to the brand’s heritage.
Single serve offering: Little Debbie presents 3 oz. Individually wrapped, single-serve chocolate Old Fashioned donuts.

Little Debbie also recently introduced soft baked cookies

Adding to its extensive portfolio of baked goods, Little Debbie introduced soft baked cookies on April 7th.

The brand says the cookies come in two flavors, chocolate chip and peanut butter, and are individually wrapped to “deliver a filling and satisfying snack for any occasion.”

Little Debbie says the chocolate chip cookies feature a light golden brown finish and semi-sweet chocolate chips, while the peanut butter cookies are infused with real peanut butter.

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

US Navy surveillance drone flies around Cuba as President Trump monitors the island

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April 17, 2026

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US Navy surveillance drone flies around Cuba as President Trump monitors the island

A U.S. military surveillance drone was tracked as it flew along the Cuban coast for several hours.
The drone circled near Guantanamo Bay and Havana before returning to a naval base in Florida.

A U.S. military surveillance drone flew along the coast of Cuba for several hours, according to flight tracking sources, an unusual sighting on the Caribbean island.

According to Flightradar 24, an online global flight tracking service, a U.S. Navy surveillance drone MQ-4C Triton with the call sign BLKCAT6 took off from a naval base in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 16, flew along Cuba’s southern coast, made a holding pattern near Santiago de Cuba, and then another holding pattern near Havana before returning to the United States.

The flight near the Cuban coast took more than six hours, the service said.

Flight Radar 24 spokesperson Ian Pechenik told USA TODAY that similar drones have previously been tracked in combat zones around the world, from the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf. But this is the first time he remembers tracking one near Cuba.

The U.S. military did not immediately respond to inquiries about the drone flight near Cuba.

The Navy recently confirmed that an MQ-4C deployed to the Iran war crashed on April 9th.

Pechenik said his forces tracked similar drones around Venezuela last year as the U.S. military ramped up its forces there in preparation for a dramatic Jan. 3 raid to capture former President Nicolas Maduro.

“We pursued them in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf with the Ukraine war,” Pechenik said. “Everywhere the U.S. government needs a surveillance platform.”

The discovery of the drone flight comes amid rising tensions between Havana and Washington. Military plans for a possible Pentagon-led operation in Cuba are being quietly advanced in case President Donald Trump orders intervention there, officials recently told USA TODAY.

The Trump administration has tightened long-standing sanctions and cut oil exports to Cuba as part of a broader campaign to force sweeping political changes on the communist-ruled island. Already in deep economic crisis, the near-total lockdown is pushing the country towards collapse. The White House also threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply Cuba with oil, including Venezuela and Mexico, and added Cuba to the list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

In recent weeks, President Trump has hinted that he would soon have the “honor” of “occupying Cuba in some way,” adding: “I think I can do whatever I want with Cuba, whether it’s liberating it or taking it.”

Over the past year, the U.S. military has stepped up its use of unmanned aerial vehicles in missions across the Caribbean and South America.

Last year, the Pentagon used MQ-9 Reaper drones to fire missiles at suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, according to The War Zone, an online site that reports on military technology and strategy.

And the same drone that flew near Cuba on Thursday, an MQ-4C Triton, flew a 10-hour reconnaissance mission near Venezuela in January from the same Naval Base Jacksonville, Flightradar 24 reported.

The MQ-4C Triton is an autonomous, high-altitude, high-endurance maritime aircraft manufactured by Northrop Grumman with a range of 7,400 nautical miles and the ability to fly for more than 24 hours at more than 50,000 feet, according to the manufacturer’s website.

The exact mission of the April 16 drone flight is unclear, but Pechenik said the MQ-4C is typically deployed for surveillance purposes. That day, the plane remained in the air about 40 miles off the coast of Santiago de Cuba for just under two hours, then returned to Cuba’s southern coast and spent another two hours circling the airspace about 45 miles off the coast of Havana, he said.

It left the area at approximately 6:22 p.m. ET.

Follow Jarvis on X: @MrRJervis.

Angels legend wins World Series in LA

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April 17, 2026

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Garrett Anderson, one of the greatest and most beloved players in Los Angeles Angels history, has passed away at the age of 53, the team announced on April 17th.

Anderson, a three-time All-Star who led the Angels to the 2002 World Series championship, played most of his 17-year career with the Angels. He holds franchise records for games played (2,013), hits (2,368), runs scored (1,024), RBIs (1,292) and total bases (3,743). From 1997 to 2003, he ranked second behind Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for most hits.

Anderson, the 2003 All-Star Game MVP and Home Run Derby winner, worked as a broadcaster for the Angels.

“The Angels franchise is saddened by the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garrett has been a cornerstone of our organization for 15 seasons, and his stoic presence in the outfield and clubhouse has propelled the Angels into an era of continued success…

“Garrett will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, integrity, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. Our admiration and respect for his game is immeasurable. We extend our deepest sympathies to Garrett’s wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garrett “Trey” Anderson III, and his entire family.”

Anderson, who became the second player in baseball history to hit more home runs (35) than walks (24) in 2000, finished fourth in the AL MVP race in 2002, when the Angels won the World Series. He hit .306 with 29 home runs and 123 RBIs, setting a career high with 93 RBIs.

Anderson retired in 2011 and was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2016.

In his retirement statement, Anderson said, “It is with mixed feelings that I have decided to retire from baseball.” “I know I’m going to miss many aspects of the game, the hardness of playing every day, the game-winning batting, the banter in the clubhouse, the good defensive plays, the players, the cheers from the crowd after wins, and the friendships built over the years. It was a real honor to play this great game and I want to thank a few people for that.”

Jackie Robinson’s influence on baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers

How Jackie Robinson reinvented Major League Baseball and created a lasting legacy of diversity and community with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Anderson grew up in Granada Hills, California and was selected in the fourth round of the 1990 amateur draft. He spent five years in the minors, making his MLB debut with his first hit off Ron Darling on July 27, 1994, against Oakland. In 1995, he finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting behind Marty Cordova of the Minnesota Twins.

He was one of the most durable players in the game, averaging 156 games per year during his first eight seasons. He had 2,529 hits and a career batting average of .293.

The best option for first-time home buyers

Economy

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April 17, 2026

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The best option for first-time home buyers

Good morning and Happy Friday! I’m Betty Lynn Fisher for Friday’s consumer edition of “The Daily Money.”

Are you entering the market as a first-time homebuyer?

In addition to home prices, mortgage interest rates, insurance premiums, and monthly utility bills are also high. Add to this the lack of housing supply, and the situation becomes dire.

Zillow has ranked the top 10 metropolitan areas where first-time home hunters are likely to find success, reports Andrea Riquier.

What do you get for $5 at a fast food restaurant?

Can you get a meal at a fast food restaurant for $5 anymore? USA TODAY looked at the menus of multiple fast food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Taco Bell, to find out what you can get for $5.

Brands representing America

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year, USA TODAY and its national newspaper network are featuring stories about the top 50 iconic brands that helped shape this country. You can also check out all 50 brands. This newsletter may also spotlight individual companies.

First, how did Google develop and turn its product into a verb?

📰 Consumer stories you can’t miss 📰

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

Christopher Meloni reacts to ‘Organized Crime’ cancellation

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April 17, 2026

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Christopher Meloni reacts to ‘Organized Crime’ cancellation

Dan Dan – Is that the end? Law & Order: Organized Crime was canceled after season 5.

NBC announced the cancellation of the crime show on Thursday, April 16, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

The spinoff from producer Dick Wolf’s world of police procedurals aired on NBC for four seasons before moving to Peacock for its fifth season. The show follows Detective Elliot Stabler, with actor Christopher Meloni reprising his role from “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” now working for an organized crime task force.

Meloni addressed the cancellation in an emotional video on Thursday, April 16, as she thanked her fans as she fought back tears.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I saw you announce that ‘The OC,’ ‘Organized Crime,’ will not be coming back,” Meloni said. “So I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the fans who not only gave life and longevity to the character of Elliot Stabler, but also who stood by him and welcomed him back.”

He continued, his eyes beginning to well up with tears. “It’s been a good ride. It’s been a good ride. It’s been a lot of fun playing with him. It’s been a great ride, but thank you. You’ve given me a career I never dreamed of. It’s been almost 17 years.”

Meloni simply captioned the post, “Thank you OC/SVU fans. You gave me life.”

Meloni created the character of Stabler on “SVU” in its September 1999 season premiere.

He last appeared on the show in the season 12 finale, leaving the show in 2011 due to failed contract negotiations, leaving co-star Mariska Hargitay to lead the show alone. Empathetic and fiercely protective, Olivia Benson is now the captain of the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit in Manhattan, making her the longest-reigning character on prime-time television.

“This was a classic two-way show with her and Chris (Meloni). To go from a double star show to a single star show and survive and thrive is a miracle,” Wolf told USA TODAY in 2021. “Everyone at NBC expected the year after Chris left to be the last on the show, but she turned it around. It didn’t get a lot of attention, but it was a huge accomplishment. It’s amazing how the whole structure of the show changed.”

Organized Crime has produced multiple crossover episodes over the years with both Law & Order, currently in its 25th season, and Law & Order: SVU, which is in its historic 27th season, including the Season 5 premiere.

The show’s 10-episode fifth season premiered nearly a year after news of its cancellation broke, airing on Peacock on April 17, 2025, and then on NBC in the fall.

Meloni spoke to USA TODAY shortly before Season 5 aired, saying that sharing the screen with Hargitay was “like slipping into a warm bath, and you know what you’re going to get.”

“No problem. You can focus on making your scenes as honest and funny as possible without worrying about personality or quirky differences of opinion.”

Contributor: Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY

How is the U.S. economy treating you? USA TODAY wants to hear from you.

Economy

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April 17, 2026

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How is the U.S. economy treating you? USA TODAY wants to hear from you.

How is the U.S. economy treating you?

The answer probably depends on your age, industry, location, debt, and assets. For some people, including high-income earners who account for the lion’s share of consumer spending, that reaction may seem “great” or even “wonderful.” For others, such as those who find themselves unemployed in a weak job market or workers who have seen prices rise faster than their paychecks, the answer may be “struggling to make ends meet.”

USA TODAY reporters are asking readers to take the short survey below to better understand what your financial situation is like in your daily life and what issues concern you most.

Affordability concerns are starting to show up in the data. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Confidence Index, which tracks how Americans feel about their personal finances, inflation and the economy as a whole, fell 11% to a record low of 47.6 earlier this month.

USA TODAY reporters talk to experts, economists and officials to help you understand this and other key economic indicators, but we know we don’t necessarily tell you everything.

The U.S. economy added an estimated 178,000 jobs in March, according to Labor Department estimates, but that number may mean little to those looking for jobs in industries that will be heavily impacted by AI adoption, as most of the growth was concentrated in sectors such as health care. A national average of more than $4 for a gallon of gas probably makes more sense for Americans who drive an hour to work each day than for commuters who rely on public transportation.

To best capture these nuances, USA TODAY reporters want to hear directly from you. Whether you’re in the best or worst financial situation in recent years, we encourage you to take the survey below. Survey responses may be used in future USA TODAY articles, but names will not be published unless USA TODAY receives explicit permission from respondents.

Contact Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her at X @rachelbarber_

Mamdani reacts to president’s online rant. what he said on friday

Politics

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April 17, 2026

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Mamdani reacts to president’s online rant. what he said on friday

Mayor Zoran Mamdani points out similarities with President Donald Trump do shared when asked to respond to a public post condemning the president’s new tax policy yesterday.

Mamdani, who was called by President Trump on Thursday night to discuss his latest plan to tax wealthy residents, said both politicians want New York City to succeed.

Here are some comments about the Mayor’s recent post:

Why is President Trump angry with Mamdani?

This week, Mamdani announced plans to tax the wealthy, one of his key campaign promises. The mayor, alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, announced the state’s first new pied-à-terre tax.

The new tax “would impose an annual surcharge on one- to three-unit homes, condos, and co-ops valued at $5 million or more if the owner has another principal residence outside of New York City,” the city said.

Mamdani and Trump disagree on many policies that affect the city and the country, but they continue to reach agreement, especially when the politicians meet face-to-face. However, this tax appears to have struck a nerve with the president.

“Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is trying to destroy New York! No chance! America should not be complicit in New York’s failures,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday.

“It’s only going to get worse. Taxes, taxes, tax policy is so wrong. People are fleeing. They have to change their ways, and fast. History has shown us that this ‘thing’ just doesn’t work.”

President Trump has in the past threatened federal funding for New York City, the nation’s largest city by population.

Before Mamdani’s victory, the president endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and said he would withhold federal funding if the socialist won. The city receives billions of dollars from the federal government each year.

What did Mamdani say to Trump?

“Both the president and I want the city to succeed. This is the way to do it,” Mamdani said Friday.

“I’ve made it clear to the president and the people that I wholeheartedly support taxing the wealthy,” Mamdani said at a news conference on trash.

A release on the new tax plan this week said: “This measure targets the ultra-wealthy and global elites outside the city who use New York City real estate as a store of wealth rather than as a residence.”

“It’s expected to bring in $500 million a year, including some of the most expensive homes in the country.”

Who is Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

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April 17, 2026

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The singer-songwriter and TikTok star remains in the spotlight as he faces felony charges after police say he was found in the trunk of a Tesla belonging to a missing California teen.

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in the fall of 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Burke remained jailed without bail on April 17 and was scheduled to appear in court on April 20 to plead his case, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department told USA TODAY.

It was not immediately known whether Mr. Burke has retained a lawyer in the case, and his representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment from USA TODAY.

So who was Celeste Rivas Hernandez? When did she disappear? Here’s what we know so far about the victim.

Who is Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

Rivas Hernandez disappeared from his home in Southern California when he was 13 years old. Police say her last contact with her family was in 2024.

The coroner listed Celeste’s age at the time of her death as 15 years old, but her body was found inside her Tesla the day after her birthday, the LA Times reported. Los Angeles police said her body was “severely decomposed, suggesting she died before the age of 14.”

Rivas-Hernandez was wearing a tube top, black leggings, yellow metal stud earrings and a yellow metal chain bracelet at the time of her death, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said in a statement shared with USA TODAY on September 18.

Where did Celeste Rivas Hernandez live?

Rivas Hernandez is from Lake Elsinore, California.

The city is located in western Riverside County, approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

When did Celeste Rivas Hernandez disappear?

The teen became the subject of a missing persons investigation in April 2024, more than a year before her death, authorities previously told USA TODAY.

At the time, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officers were dispatched to the girl’s home on a report of a runaway, Lt. Deirdre Vickers previously told USA TODAY. Authorities were later told that the boy left an address in an unknown direction.

After deputies searched the area and were unable to find Rivas-Hernandez, the case was entered into the sheriff’s office’s missing persons database, Vickers said.

Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.

President Trump says Hormuz battle is ‘over’, calls it ‘victory’: Exclusive

Politics

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April 17, 2026

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President Trump says Hormuz battle is ‘over’, calls it ‘victory’: Exclusive

President Donald Trump said the dispute with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz is “over” and declared Friday’s agreement a “great victory” in a phone interview with USA TODAY.

“It’s over. It’s a great victory,” President Trump said in a phone conversation on April 17.

President Trump spoke with USA TODAY shortly after Iran announced it would reopen the strait, and was optimistic about the prospects for moving forward in the Iran war that has divided his party. Iran’s stranglehold on the strait has become a major sticking point, disrupting the global economy and frustrating the Trump administration as it seeks to secure a peace deal.

“It was a great win and I’m going to go all the way,” he said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post on April 17 that the strait was “fully open.” Approximately 20% of the world’s oil is transported through waterways. Restoring shipping traffic in the Strait has become a major focus for the United States in negotiations to end the war.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, it is declared that all commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz will be fully open for the remainder of the ceasefire, in line with the coordinated route already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi said.

President Trump announced a two-week cease-fire with Iran on April 7, conditional on reopening the strait, but Iran has balked at allowing Israel to cross the strait while shelling Lebanon, insisting that the fighting should end as part of the cease-fire.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire on April 16th.

Despite Iran’s announcement to reopen the strait, President Trump said on social media that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will continue “in its entirety” for the foreseeable future.

“The blockade will continue in its entirety regarding Iran only until the deal with Iran is 100% complete. Since most points have already been negotiated, this process should move very quickly,” Trump said in an April 17 post.

The United States continues to negotiate with Iran to turn a two-week ceasefire into a permanent peace deal. The first round of talks, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to result in an agreement. President Trump said on April 16 that a second face-to-face meeting could be held over the weekend.

(This story has been updated. )

How much can you buy with $5 at McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, etc.?

Economy

US-NEA

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April 17, 2026

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How much can you buy with $5 at McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, etc.?

Prices seem to be rising in every aspect of life, from streaming services to groceries. But fast-food restaurants are trying to counter rising costs by raising prices on value menus, meal deals and other ways hungry consumers can save money.

USA TODAY examined the menus of multiple fast food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Taco Bell, to see what items you can get for $5 plus some change. This is what we found.

Note: Prices below are based on restaurant locations in Chicago. Prices may vary across the United States.

mcdonalds

McDonald’s, the popular fast food chain, offers a wide range of menu items from breakfast to burgers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are served at different times each day and can be mixed and matched to create a meal.

Starting with breakfast, you can purchase on-hand items such as Sausage McMuffins, English Muffins, Sausage Biscuits, Hot and Spicy McChicken Biscuits, Egg and Cheese Biscuits, McChicken Biscuits, Sausage McGriddles, Chicken McGriddles, Hot and Spicy Chicken McGriddles, and Sausage Burritos for less than $5.

Lunch and dinner options are also extensive, including Lunch Snack Wraps ($3.79). Spicy Snack Wrap $3.79. Chicken McNuggets 4 pieces $3.39. Six pieces of Chicken McNuggets are $4.99. For sandwich fans, some of the chain’s classic items are also on the list.

Cheeseburger, $3.69
Double cheeseburger, $4.89
Bacon cheeseburger, $4.49
Hamburger, $3.49
Double hamburger, $3.99
McDouble, $4.59
Daily Double Burger, $4.89
Matchkin, $4.29
Hot and Spicy McChicken, $4.79

These on-hand individual items can be paired with sides such as fries ($3.09) or soft drinks ($1-2), which can cost $5 or more. If you want free milk with your meal, the Hamburger Happy Meal costs $4.99 and comes with a sandwich, child-sized fries, apple slices, your choice of drink, and, of course, a toy.

wendy’s

Wendy’s has a menu similar to McDonald’s, including an Everyday Value Menu and lower-priced portable items. The Everyday Value menu includes eight items under $5.

Junior Cheeseburger, $0.99
Junior Cheeseburger Deluxe, $1.19
Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, $1.60
Double stack burger, $1.79
Bacon double stack burger, $2.99
Crispy chicken sandwich, $0.99
Crispy chicken BLT, $1.69
Junior Hamburger, $0.99

Most individual sandwiches are also available for under $5, including Dave’s Single, Dave’s Double, Son of Baconator, Big Bacon Classic, Bacon Double Stack, Classic Chicken Sandwich and Crispy Chicken BLT.

For those who don’t like sandwiches, the chain’s chicken nuggets can also be ordered for less than $5, but the most expensive item is a 10-piece nugget for $4.69. Chili, fries, and baked potatoes are also less than $5.

The chain has also established deals for meals that don’t cost a fortune.

$4 Biggie Bites: Choose from 4 Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Junior Cheeseburgers, or Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers. Nuggets, or junior fries, and the second item in the 4-piece. Nuggets, junior fries or soft drinks (small quantity)
$5 Junior Cheeseburger Biggie Bag: Includes Junior Cheeseburger, 4 chicken nuggets, small fries, and small soft drink

taco bell

Many of Taco Bell’s menu items range from $2 to $5 and include a variety of food options to create a meal, including tacos, crunchwraps, burritos, grillers and more.

Most tacos cost between $1 and $4, with Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos costing $2.89. Burritos like the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito and Beefy 5-Layer Burrito are also typically under $5.

Taco Bell also has a Luxury Value Menu with items under $3. The chain also offers the Classic Luxe Box, which includes a beef-filled five-layer burrito, crunchy taco, cinnamon twist and medium fountain drink, for $5.

Chick-fil-A

Fast food restaurant Chick-fil-A has a large menu, most of which cost just over $10. Some individual items cost less than $5, but the portions may be too small for a complete meal for some customers.

5 ct Chick-fil-A Nuggets, $3.75
5 carat grilled nuggets, $4.20
2ct Chick-fil-A Chick and Strips, $4.19
Medium mac & cheese, $4.59
Side salad, $4.59

For those looking for a quick meal in the morning, Chick-fil-A’s breakfast menu offers multiple unique items for less than $5 before tax. For example, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Muffins, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffins are $4.75, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuits, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits are $4.55.

Breakfast meals, like entrees and other meals, tend to cost $5 or more.

starbucks

Coffee chain Starbucks’ food menu is smaller than other fast food chains, but it still has affordable options. Many of Starbucks’ sandwiches are in the $7 range, but some snacks are under $5.

Jalapeno chicken pockets, $3.95
Spicy Falafel Pocket, $3.95
Sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich, $4.95
Turkey bacon, cheddar cheese and egg white sandwich, $4.95
Spinach, feta and egg white wrap, $4.95

dunkin

Similar to Starbucks, coffee chain Dunkin’ sells all of its sandwiches and wraps in the Chicago area for less than $5, except for one signature breakfast sandwich.

Due to the nature of the restaurant, most sandwiches and wraps cater to the breakfast crowd. Still, the chain’s wake-up wraps and bagel, croissant, and English muffin breakfast sandwiches all cost between $2 and $5.

In addition to breakfast sandwiches, Dunkin’ also has grilled cheese sandwiches. The price is $4.39. Avocado toast $3.89. or Bacon Avocado Toast for $4.89.

subway

Subway options are also slightly limited. However, the sandwich chain has new wraps on the menu called Protein Pockets, which feature different types of meat inside a tortilla and cost $3.99 each.

Protein pocket options include Turkey & Ham, Italian Trio, Peppercorn Ranch Chicken, and Baja Chicken. However, Subway’s website states that the Protein Pocket is a limited time offer, so this option may not be around for long.

The longer-lasting deal gives customers the chance to get a 6-inch subwoofer for $4.99 in Subway’s Meal of the Day option. For an additional $2, you can make it a formal meal with a drink, chips, and cookies.

A different sub will be displayed for each day of the week.

Sunday: Spicy Italian
Monday: Meatball Marinara
Tuesday: Classic tuna
Wednesday: Sweet onion chicken teriyaki
Thursday: Oven roasted turkey
Friday: Black Forest Ham
Saturday: Italian BMT

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_.

The fast-food chain won Best Hamburger. Also the most expensive

USA

US-NEA

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April 17, 2026

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The fast-food chain won Best Hamburger. Also the most expensive

Americans talk about what they believe is the best fast food burger.

A newly released YouGov survey surveyed Americans about their dietary preferences, including where they buy their favorite fast food burger. What’s the consensus? five men.

Five Guys, which specializes in hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries, is one of the more expensive fast food establishments. In 2025, Allrecipes ranked Five Guys as the No. 1 most expensive fast-food chain in the U.S., followed by Jack in the Box, Shake Shack, Cava, and Chipotle.

Despite the price, Five Guys has a loyal customer base, indicative of the backlash the chain received after changing the way its fries are served. In March, Five Guys announced it would phase out traditional plastic fry cups in favor of kraft paper bags, which are oil-resistant and free of BPA and PFAS.

The chain claimed the bag contained the same amount of fries as the cup, but customers said on social media they weren’t so sure.

Five Guys isn’t the only popular fast food burger chain. Let’s look at something else here.

What are the top 5 fast food burger chains?

According to YouGov research, the best places for fast food burgers in the US are:

Five Guys
burger king
in and out
wendy’s
mcdonalds

How much does a hamburger cost at a top fast food chain?

A 2025 LendingTree study found that the average cost of fast food in U.S. subways was $12 per meal. Philadelphia had the most moderate average fast food price at $12.05.

Below are the average costs for a basic burger at each of Philadelphia’s five top burger joints.

5 men: According to the Five Guys website, the Little Hamburger costs $8.25.
Burger King: According to Burger King’s website, each burger costs $2.59.
In-and-out: $2.50 (In-N-Out menu price, as In-N-Out does not offer pickup or delivery).
Wendy’s: According to Wendy’s website, the Junior Burger costs $1.99.
McDonald’s: According to DoorDash, each burger costs $2.59.

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

Silver price today on April 17, 2026

Economy

US-NEA

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April 17, 2026

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How much is silver worth per ounce today?

As of 8:05 AM ET on April 17, 2026, the spot price of silver is $79.78 per oz., according to the latest market data. The stock fell 0.16%, or $0.13 from the previous closing price of $79.91.

One year ago, silver was trading at $32.80 per ounce. This means that the price has increased by 143.25% in the last 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $32.01

52 week high: $117.39

Silver is trading 32.04% below its 52-week high. It is 149.22% higher than its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of silver?

today	1 week ago	1 month ago	1 year ago
$79.78	$75.12	$79.93	$32.80

A week ago, silver was trading at $75.12 per ounce. Since then, the price has increased by 6.19%.

A month ago, silver was trading at $79.93 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 0.19%.

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 or 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.

Why is President Trump angry with Mamdani? Inside the recent feud

Politics

US-NEA

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April 17, 2026

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Why is President Trump angry with Mamdani? Inside the recent feud

President Donald Trump is criticizing Mayor Zoran Mamdani (again).

Coming from different walks of life, the two shocked many with their ability to work together despite ideological differences.

But President Trump appears to be having a change of heart regarding the 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor. In particular, Mamdani’s newly revealed taxes target some of the world’s wealthiest people.

Here’s what you need to know: