Make pizza rolls, chicken nuggets, and more from scratch
Recreate your favorite childhood snacks at home, like powdered mac and cheese or pizza bagels.
Kraft Mac & Cheese brings “restaurant” to you.
From Romano Cacio e Pepe to Monterey Jack Caramelized Onions, the Kraft Heinz Company is now offering three new varieties inspired by “restaurant-style macaroni and cheese with elevated flavor.”
Kraft Heinz said Restaurant Edition is meant to reflect restaurant-style macaroni and cheese in every way except price. The Restaurant Edition box contains 30% more dishes than the classic blue box.
“Restaurant Edition brings quality, affordability, and the experience of eating out together without leaving your home,” Sara Roashan, Kraft Heinz’s associate director of mac & cheese innovation, said in a statement.
more: Kraft’s 65-inch mac & cheese box is sold out at Walmart. Will it be restocked?
“Consumers are craving restaurant-style flavors, and we knew Kraft Mac & Cheese could bring it closer to home without the need for advanced kitchen expertise. Treat yourself, your family, or host a dinner party with the simple Kraft mac & cheese format you know and love,” Roashan added.
We will introduce you to the information you need to know, such as the lineup of new flavors and when to get them.
“Restaurant” Style Kraft Mac & Cheese Coming Soon
Kraft Mac & Cheese Restaurant Edition will be available at retailers nationwide this month. Containing 10 grams of protein per serving, each flavor is “designed to balance the approachability and bold flavors of Kraft Mac & Cheese.”
According to Kraft Heinz, “The new lineup offers convenient, delicious, at-home, high-quality macaroni and cheese in the same familiar preparation as the classic blue box: just add milk and butter.”
The full Restaurant Edition lineup includes:
parmesan pesto – Fresh from the pantry, with herbal basil pesto balanced by sharp parmesan and gemelli noodles
Roman Cacio e Pepe – Pipette noodles deliver peppery richness and Pecorino Romano cheese
monterey jack caramelized onion – The first macaroni and cheese flavor on the market – balances the flavor of caramelized onions with milky, mellow Monterey Jack cheese and cavatappi noodles.
Sotomayor apologizes for Kavanaugh’s ‘inappropriate’ comments
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has apologized for “inappropriate” and “hurtful” comments she made about Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has apologized for “inappropriate” and “hurtful” comments she made about her colleague, Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
“I regret my hurtful comments and have apologized to my colleagues,” Sotomayor said in a statement on April 15.
Her statement came about a week after she criticized Kavanaugh’s opinion in the court’s 2025 decision on immigration-related moratoriums in Los Angeles. The suspension sparked widespread protests in California, with many accusing it of racial profiling.
Over a dissent by three liberal justices, including Justice Sotomayor, the court blocked a lower court’s ruling that federal agents must have reasonable suspicion that the person they are interrogating is in the country illegally.
“In that incident, a colleague wrote, ‘This is only a temporary suspension,'” Sotomayor said in a public appearance at the University of Kansas School of Law. “This is coming from a guy whose parents were professionals. You probably don’t really know anyone who buys time.”
Sotomayor added that of those detained, “no one is paying them for the time they are taken away.” “That’s the difference between what he and the kids eat that night and maybe a cold dinner,” she told the audience, Bloomberg Law reported.
In his opinion for the court, Kavanaugh said legal immigrants’ contact with immigration officials is “usually brief” and affected individuals are “promptly released.”
The legal challenge comes after the Trump administration ramped up immigration enforcement across California starting in June 2025, expanding from people with criminal records to broader sweeps of anyone in the country without authorization.
In his 2025 dissent, Sotomayor slammed the court’s decision.
“We should not live in a country where the government can arrest anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and works for low wages,” Sotomayor wrote. “Rather than stand by and watch our constitutional freedoms disappear, I will oppose it.”
“It’s shocking to see a justice criticize a colleague outside of an opinion, in public, and in somewhat personal terms,” court observer and attorney David Rutt said after Sotomayor’s remarks in Kansas last week.
“While the justices do pursue each other in their opinions, they typically ‘keep it on paper,’ meaning they do not address their grievances in other contexts,” Rutt recently wrote on Substack.
In public remarks on April 9, Sotomayor said he had civil relationships with “virtually all” of his fellow judges and considered many of them friends.
Sotomayor said his experience as a trial court judge has helped him understand the real people behind the cases he now decides, but he’s not sure all of his colleagues understand them.
“When you read the transcript, you still see people,” Sotomayor said, referring to the transcript of proceedings held in trial court, where individuals involved in the underlying events of the case can testify. “I don’t know how many of my colleagues do that.”
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes takes a look at the states with the most Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots.
The Powerball jackpot has risen to $58 million with a cash value of $26.4 million ahead of the drawing on Wednesday, April 15th.
According to Powerball, the jackpot has been won nearly 200 times since the lottery’s inception in 1992. Currently, 48 lotteries in the United States participate in Powerball games, but five states do not offer Powerball games: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
The most recent Powerball winner was on April 6, when a lucky player in Delaware won a $231 million jackpot with a single lump sum of $104.9 million. At this time, no one has won the jackpot.
Here’s what you need to know about Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing.
What are the winning Powerball numbers for April 15th?
The winning lottery numbers for Wednesday, April 15 are: 13, 21, 27, 43 and 45. Powerball is 26 And the power play 5 times.
Which Powerball number should you choose? Try out the number generator.
Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?
The short answer is “no.”
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play Powerball. Anyone visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may purchase lottery tickets from authorized and licensed retailers, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18 years old) at the time of purchase.
Top 10 Powerball Jackpots
$2.04 billion in California on November 7, 2022
December 24, 2025, $1.817 billion in Arkansas.
$1.787 billion in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
$1.765 billion in California on October 11, 2023
January 13, 2016, $1.586 billion in California, Florida, and Tennessee
April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion in Oregon.
$1.08 billion in California on July 19, 2023
January 1, 2024, $842.4 million in Michigan.
March 27, 2019, $768.4 million in Wisconsin
August 23, 2017, $758.7 million in Massachusetts
Lottery trivia: Which state has the most lottery winners?
How to play Powerball
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores.
In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online depending on your local jurisdiction.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26.
You can also add a “power play” for $1. This increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
A “Quick Pick” option is also available if you want the computer to select the numbers for you. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls with the red Powerball in any order.
Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
UNC names Mike Malone as new head coach of men’s basketball team
After weeks of tension, UNC has finally named Mike Malone as its new men’s basketball head coach.
It’s been just over a week since the NCAA transfer portal opened, and college basketball fans are getting a glimpse of what next season’s rosters will look like.
Players have one week left to access the portal until Tuesday, April 21st. Even if the portal closes, teams can still make additions to their rosters ahead of next season.
As the 2025-26 season taught us with Michigan’s national title run, growing through the transfer portal is as important as ever in college basketball.
College Basketball Transfer Portal Rankings: Top 40 Players Available
With the NCAA approving a shortened transfer portal period for the 2026 season, the window in which teams can add talent becomes even more important.
Here is a list of winners and losers in the early stages of transfer portal activity for the 2025-26 season.
Transfer by conference: ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Stock Exchange | Big East
winner
Luciville
Added transfers: PG Jackson Shelstad (15.6 points per game, 4.9 assists per game, 2.9 rebounds per game at Oregon). C Florrie Bidunga (13.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 asp for Kansas State). G. Carter Knox (8.1 ppg, 4.5 aps at Arkansas)
Key transfer lost: PF Karni Ruth (5.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg); C Sananda Fur (9.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.4 bpg); C Vangelis Zougris (2.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg)
There’s no bigger winner in the early transfer portal than Louisville. The Cardinals have the No. 1 transfer portal recruiting class thus far with the addition of Vidunga, who had established himself as the best player entering the portal this season.
Adding Helstad and Knox to the mix will help head coach Pat Kelce round out the roster for a competitive season.
Indiana
Added transfers: PG Marcus Burton (18.5 points per game, 3.7 assists per game, 2.8 rebounds per game at Notre Dame), SG Jayden Mutaf (10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 rebounds per game at Georgia Tech). SF Darren Harris (3.3 ppg at Duke)
Key transfer lost: G Nick Dorn (8.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg); Jason Drake. SG Jasai Mile. Alexa Ristic. PF Josh Harris
The football program is the defending national champion, but the basketball program has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2022-23. Something doesn’t add up. With the addition of Verden, a proven scorer, and several rotation candidates, can the Hoosiers get back on the map in 2026-27?
providence
Added transfers: Dink Pate (16.0 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists per game for the G League’s Westchester Knicks). Miles Byrd (10.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.6 apg for San Diego State). Gavin Hightower (4.1 ppg in South Florida)
Key transfer lost: SG Stefan Virks (15.8 ppg, 3.2 apg); SG Jason Edwards (16.5 ppg, 3.0 apg); SG SF Jamier Jones (11.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg); C Oswin Elfunmwunse (6.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg)
With the hiring of Brian Hodgson, the Friars had a strong portal season. Adding two big-time scorers in Pate and Bird will help the team replace last season’s second- and third-best scorers. Adding a player like Hightower who is familiar with the system is also a big benefit.
texas
Added transfers: PF David Punch (14.1 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game at TCU). PG Isaiah Johnson (16.9 ppg, 3.0 aspg at Colorado)
Key transfer lost: F Cam Heide (5.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg); G Simeon Wilcher (5.6 ppg)
Sean Miller’s first season leading Texas basketball was a rocky one. The Longhorns have reached the Sweet 16 and have a chance to build on it with strong transfer portal acquisitions so far. Puch was USA TODAY’s No. 5 ranked player and Johnson was in the top 20.
loser
Kansas
Lost key transfer: F Flory Vidunga (13.3 points per game, 9 rebounds per game, 2.6 blocks per game). F Bryson Tiller (7.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg); G Elmarco Jackson (4.8 ppg); G Jamari McDowell (3.3 ppg); G Jayden Dawson (2.1 ppg)
Added transfers: Not applicable
Despite Bill Self’s announcement that he will return to the Jayhawks for the 2026-27 season, there is a mass exodus from Kansas basketball. Losing Bidunga is the biggest loss to the program. That’s because he’s their second-best player, and their best player will go on to the NBA Draft.
Self will likely have his work cut out to make key additions for the remaining games, as he will be starting from scratch with rotation players from last season.
kentucky
Lost key transfer: G Denzel Aberdeen (13.5 points per game, 3.4 assists per game, 2.5 rebounds per game). G Colin Chandler (9.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg); F Muhamed Diubateh (8.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg); G Jaland Lowe (8 ppg, 2.4 apg); F Andrija Jelavic (5.5 ppg, 4 rpg); G Jasper Johnson (4.9 ppg); C Brandon Garrison (4.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg)
Added transfers: Not applicable
Is Mark Pope in trouble in Lexington, Kentucky? The Wildcats were withdrawn from the NCAA Tournament again in early 2026 and have since lost eight players to the transfer portal, including two starters to SEC opponents. Kentucky needs to add players to its roster to remain competitive in 2026-2027.
Good news: Seven-foot center Malachi Moreno could return. He entered the NBA Draft while remaining eligible.
LSU
Lost key transfer: PG Dedan Thomas Jr. (15.3 points per game, 6.5 assists per game). C Mike Nwoko (13.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg); PF Jalen Reed (9.5 ppg, 5.7 ppg); SG Maji Mosley (6.3 ppg);
Added transfers: Not applicable
LSU opted to retain Matt McMahon while hiring and bringing back Will Wade. While this hire may work out well for the Tigers in the long run, it does impact the transfer portal with eight players leaving Baton Rouge and no players returning to the program yet.
north carolina
Lost key transfer: G Luka Bogavac (9.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg); G Derek Dixon (6.5 ppg, 2.7 apg); W Jonathan Powell (4.8 ppg); G Can Evans (4 ppg, 2.5 rpg); F Zyden Haigh (3.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Added transfers: G/F Neocris Avdalas (12.1 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.1 rpg at Virginia Tech)
With the departure of Hubert Davis and the addition of Mike Malone, the Tar Heels will have a different look for the 2026-27 season, including a brand new backcourt. In addition, top recruit Dylan Mingo has resumed his commitment.
However, unlike the other teams on this list, Malone began a rebuild with the strong addition of Neokris Avdalas.
See the aftermath of the Detroit airport car crash
Dramatic footage shows a driver who crashed into a check-in area at a Detroit airport taken into custody and police rushed to the scene.
Eight people were taken to the hospital after about 70 vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up crash on a stretch of Colorado highway in dangerously cold weather, authorities said.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, troopers were dispatched to the area of Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel on Tuesday, April 14, after receiving a report of a large multi-vehicle crash around 2:50 p.m. local time. The road was initially closed to traffic in both directions.
The Colorado State Patrol said in a statement that further investigation determined the crash occurred only in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70. The westbound left lane of the freeway was closed for medical attention, but the westbound right lane remained open and was moving slowly.
The Colorado State Patrol said in an update that responders at the scene estimated approximately 70 vehicles were involved in the incident. Nineteen people were evaluated for injuries, 11 of whom refused to be taken to the hospital, and eight were taken to nearby hospitals.
The Colorado State Patrol said eight people were taken to area hospitals, one with “serious injuries.” The agency told USA TODAY on Wednesday, April 15, that it had no additional updates on the incident or the condition of the injured.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement that his state is “closely monitoring the serious multi-vehicle crash” and urged the public to follow official guidance and avoid the area while emergency crews respond to the scene.
The Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, located along Interstate 70 about 90 miles west of Denver, is an important connection for motorists traveling from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains to the western slopes, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Police car tracking: At least eight people killed in police chases across the US
Series of collisions on Colorado highway leads to massive pile-up
Prior to the large pileup, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office announced that six crashes occurred on the morning of April 14th. Five crashes occurred on the westbound section of Interstate 70, and one crash occurred on I-40.
“Some were single vehicles, while others were multiple vehicles,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement on social media. “At the end of the day, we need people to slow down, increase their following distance and get to their destination safely.”
The sheriff’s office then reported a “multi-vehicle accident with injuries” in the eastbound lanes of Highway 6 at the on-ramp to Interstate 70 near Loveland Ski Area around 3 p.m. local time. At the time, the sheriff’s office estimated that at least 75 vehicles were involved in the incident, and that the crash closed part of the highway.
“The closure is due to a serious multi-vehicle crash this afternoon on the east side of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel,” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a statement. “However, due to the severity of the accident, motorists approaching the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel should expect to be diverted for the next few hours.”
Following the incident, the Colorado State Patrol announced that all eastbound Interstate 70 is estimated to be closed for four to six hours. The sheriff’s office announced that portions of the highway had reopened by about 8:10 p.m. local time.
The sheriff’s office later reported that westbound Interstate 70 at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel was temporarily closed due to an unrelated incident related to a “jackknifing incident involving a pickup truck and trailer.” All westbound lanes have since reopened.
The accident occurred in the snow
The Colorado Department of Transportation warned motorists on April 14 that winter driving conditions were being reported across the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor, and the agency advised motorists to use caution and prepare for delays.
Snow showers are expected in the mountains into the evening of April 14, according to the National Weather Service office in Boulder, Colorado.
The Japan Meteorological Bureau announced on the morning of April 14, “There will be heavy snowfall in the mountains tonight.” “Slippery snow is possible on high mountain passes early this morning and again this evening.”
While silver bars offer the lowest cost of entry to owning physical silver, not all bars are created equal. Size, manufacturing method, brand, and packaging all affect how easy a bar is to buy, store, and sell.
The right option for you depends on your budget, how much silver you want to accumulate, and how long it will take you to convert it back into cash. Here’s what you need to know about the main types of silver bars available to investors and how to choose the best silver bars for your goals.
Types of silver bars for investment
Silver bars differ in ways that start with size and weight, which directly impacts cost, resale value, and storage requirements.
In terms of size and weight
“Large bars are easier to make than many smaller bars or coins, so buying larger pieces comes at a lower premium,” explains Chris Berkel, investment advisor and president of financial planning firm AXIS Financial.
However, these savings come with trade-offs. Large bars can be difficult to sell quickly because they require a large upfront payment from the buyer.
Below is an overview of common size comparisons.
size
Ideal for these people
Premium over spot (cost higher than raw silver price)
Liquidity (ease of selling)
storage
1 oz
Beginner, low budget
the best
very high
Easy to store at home
5-10 oz
balanced investor
Moderately
expensive
Easy to store at home
1 kg (~32 oz)
bigger budget
lower
Moderately
manageable
100 oz
long-term bulk purchaser
Lowest price for retail industry
less flexible
Professional storage recommended
1,000 oz
institutional investors
lowest
Not realistic for retail business
Requires professional handling
By manufacturing method
Silver bars are typically produced in one of two ways: casting or minting. This method affects both price and appearance.
casting silver bars
If getting the most silver for your money is a priority, mint bars are worth considering. The maker pours molten silver into a mold. This is a simpler process, keeping production costs and premiums low.
The finish is typically rough and matte, with natural variations that make each bar slightly unique. They don’t have the sleek look of cast bars, but they often have a higher value per ounce.
minted silver bars
Cast bars go through a more precise multi-step process. Manufacturers cut blanks from rolled silver and press them under high pressure to create a smooth, polished finish with sharp, consistent edges.
Many minted bars are shipped sealed in tamper-evident packaging that includes an assay card (certificate of bar weight and purity) and a serial number. The premium is higher, but the uniform look and built-in validation make resale easier.
By brand and refinery
“Purity is very important, so buy from a reputable refiner,” says Berkel. “We want our bars stamped with ‘LBMA Quality’ from an authorized source.”
The London Bullion Market Association, LBMA, sets the recognized global standard for the purity of precious metals. Bars produced by LBMA-certified refiners are generally easier to sell because their quality is already trusted in the market.
Prominent LBMA-certified refiners include PAMP Switzerland, the Royal Canadian Mint, and Johnson Matthey. High recognition and verified purity make it easy to sell your bars, regardless of which refiner produced them.
Due to packaging and security features
Silver bars are sold sealed and loose, and the differences can affect both price and resale.
Sealed bars typically include an assay card and serial number to confirm weight and purity. Many products also feature anti-counterfeiting elements such as holograms and micro-engravings to facilitate transactions at the time of sale.
Loose bar prices are often slightly lower, but dealers may require additional verification before completing a sale. Especially for large transactions, additional steps can add time and fees.
more: What is junk silver? Why does that jar of old coins have real value?
silver bars and silver coins
Silver bars typically cost less than the physical item, making them a strong option for investors who want to accumulate as much silver as possible for their money. “When you have a lot, it’s easier to store and stack,” says Berkel.
Silver coins, on the other hand, offer more flexibility when selling. Government-issued coins, such as the American Silver Eagle and Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, typically have a higher price per ounce, but the government mint backs every coin with weight and purity, and most dealers will recognize the coins at first sight. This awareness can make reselling faster and easier.
Here’s how to decide which one is more suitable for you.
Select a bar if…
Choose a coin if…
When purchasing in bulk
I want to sell it in small pieces
has secure storage
This is my first time investing in precious metals.
Minimizing insurance premiums is a top priority
Flexibility and fluidity are paramount
Emphasis is placed on long-term accumulation
When you need government-backed credibility
How to choose the right silver bar
Ekenna Anya Gough, a certified financial planner and founder of fiduciary wealth management firm Pacific Canyon Investments, suggests considering the following factors to choose the right silver bars:
Premium over spot price
Every bar sells for a price higher than the raw market value of silver. This markup, called premium, varies depending on size and manufacturing method.
Larger bars and mint styles will appreciate less than the underlying silver price. Smaller cast bars cost more to produce per ounce, so you pay more per ounce to purchase them.
Budget and investment scale
Start with what makes you comfortable. 1 oz or 10 oz bars are a practical entry point because they are easy to buy and sell, and you aren’t likely to be sitting around with a lot of cash.
Larger bars, such as 1 kilogram or 100 ounce options, have a lower cost per ounce but require a larger upfront commitment.
liquidity needs
Anya Gough calls liquidity “the biggest drawback of owning physical assets,” something investors often overlook.
The smaller the bar, the easier it is to sell because it appeals to more potential buyers. Large bars are suitable for long-term holds where quick access to cash is less important.
storage
Before you buy silver, Anya Gough advises deciding where you want to store it, whether in a home safe or a third-party storage facility.
Larger holdings may require specialized storage. This has an ongoing cost, but the added security and insurance coverage makes it worth it.
Advantages and disadvantages of investing in silver bars
Before investing in silver bars, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Strong Points
Inflation hedge: Physical silver helps protect against inflation and currency risks, especially during times of economic instability.
Dual demand: “Silver has both financial and industrial demand, so it can behave differently than stocks and bonds,” Anya Gough said. This diversification can help balance your portfolio when other investments are difficult.
Tangible assets: Unlike stocks and digital investments, physical silver has no counterparty risk. Its value does not depend on whether the company or institution upholds the end of the contract.
Cons
Limited severability: “You can’t just take a chainsaw and sell half a bar,” says Nate Willardson, a certified financial planner and managing partner at Current Wealth Strategies, a registered investment advisor.
Bulk and weight: “Silver is bulky,” Willardson added. “It has a much lower dollar value per pound than gold, making storage and transportation a logistical nightmare.”
Price volatility: Silver’s price tends to be more volatile than gold, in part because it relies on industrial demand.
Ongoing storage costs: Safely storing large amounts of silver, especially in a specialized vault, can add annual fees and reduce your overall return.
Where to buy silver bars
Investors can purchase silver bars from online bullion dealers, local coin shops, or major retailers.
When comparing options, keep the following in mind to avoid scams and ensure a smooth purchasing experience:
Verify authenticity. Bars sealed with a serially numbered assay card provide the best guarantee of weight and purity. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid unknown sellers. Social media ads, unverified social marketplace listings, and unsolicited cold calls are common red flags. Before you buy, check out the retailer on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.
Please check our buyback policy. Before you commit, ask if the dealer buys back the silver they sell, and how they price it. Many dealers will offer a percentage of the spot price, but this will vary depending on the product and market conditions.
How to store silver bars
While home safes are the most accessible way to store silver bars, Berkel warns that they have important limitations. “It’s almost impossible to get insurance to cover that,” he warns. “Therefore, you may not be compensated if your item is stolen.”
Bank safe deposit boxes provide an additional layer of security, but access is usually restricted and the contents may not be insured.
For larger holdings, it may be worth considering third-party vault storage. In it, Willardson advises clients to look for “allocated” storage. This means you hold ownership of specific bars with identifiable serial numbers, rather than a general right to a common pool of silver.
“Vaults are available worldwide, so you are not limited to domestic storage locations,” he added. Professional storage facilities typically include insurance and 24/7 monitoring for a monthly or annual fee.
conclusion
Silver bars are not a one-size-fits-all investment. The size, production method, and purification equipment you choose can all impact cost, liquidity, and storage requirements.
By taking the time to compare refiners, understand insurance premiums, and research dealers, you can make a more informed decision. Additionally, if you’re new to precious metals, your financial advisor can advise you on how silver fits into your broader investment strategy.
Frequently asked questions about types of silver bars for investment
Which silver bar size is best for beginners?
The best silver bar sizes for most beginners are 1 oz and 10 oz. 1 oz bars are the easiest to buy and sell, while 10 oz bars offer more value per ounce without sacrificing much flexibility.
Are larger silver bars a better investment?
If you prioritize accumulating more silver at a lower cost and are comfortable holding it for the long term, larger silver bars may be a better investment. However, they tend to be less liquid, so selling them can take more time and effort.
Do silver bars hold their value?
Silver bars can hold value over long periods of time, especially as a hedge against inflation. However, silver is more prone to rapid price fluctuations than gold, so short-term declines are common.
Is it better to buy silver bars or coins?
Both options serve different purposes. Silver bars generally come at a lower premium and you get more metal for your money, while coins are usually easier to sell and have government guarantees on weight and purity.
Are silver bars easy to sell?
Standard bars from well-known refiners are unlikely to cause trouble for investors on resale, as most dealers know what they are buying. However, if the bar is large, liquidation can be inconvenient as fewer buyers can buy at once.
U.S. and Iranian officials have so far been unable to reach an agreement to end the war. Uranium enrichment is an important issue.
Senate blocks new resolution to end Iran war
Senate Republicans once again blocked a measure to halt U.S. hostilities in the war with Iran.
A senior Iranian official told USA TODAY that there is no scenario in which Iran would agree to completely abandon enriching uranium for its nuclear program under a theoretical agreement with the United States aimed at ending the war.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Pakistan continues to cautiously try to get both sides to return to peace talks. President Donald Trump said on April 14 that peace talks between the United States and Iran could resume in Islamabad “in the next two days.”
Iran has not officially confirmed its schedule. Iranian and Pakistani officials did not respond to requests for comment on the possibility of new talks in Islamabad.
White House press secretary Olivia Wales said President Trump’s negotiating team has made clear U.S. red lines and “will never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.”
“With President Trump’s highly effective naval blockade in place, the Iranian people’s desire for a deal has only grown,” Wales said. “The President is rightfully securing the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring freedom of navigation for all ships bound for non-Iranian ports, and ending Iran’s blackmail of the world.”
Iranian officials said whether Iran would agree not to enrich uranium and for how long, and whether it would agree to abandon existing stockpiles in its nuclear program, among the hurdles for the United States and Iran to reach a deal aimed at ending the war.
Iran has long viewed its nuclear program as a red line in negotiations with the West. In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was negotiated by the Obama administration and signed by the United States, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
The landmark agreement aims to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for significant sanctions relief, with the goal of extending its “breakout time” (the time needed to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon) from two to three months to at least 12 months. The agreement also gave the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to sites to monitor compliance, and Iran agreed to reduce its stockpile of low-enriched uranium by 98%.
The agreement required Iran to keep its uranium enrichment at 3.67%, well below the 90% enrichment needed to make bombs.
The 2015 Iran nuclear deal also includes a “sunset clause,” under which key limits set on various aspects of the deal, such as lifting restrictions on centrifuges after 10 years and reducing enrichment levels above 3.67%, will only last for 15 years. Critics feared the deal would only temporarily slow Iran’s nuclear program.
In 2018, during his first term as president, Trump withdrew from the JCPOA agreement. The United States has reimposed “maximum pressure” sanctions targeting Iran’s vital energy, petrochemical and financial sectors.
After the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA, Iran began expanding its nuclear activities in 2019, raising uranium enrichment levels to 60%, using advanced centrifuges, reducing IAEA oversight, and moving the regime closer to weapons-grade capabilities, according to the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation.
Strait of Hormuz emerges as leverage for Iran
Amid a joint war launched by the United States and Israel more than six weeks ago, the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas is transported, has emerged as Iran’s most effective lever to block off a key maritime chokepoint for its adversaries.
The waterway briefly reopened following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire on April 7, but Iran closed the strait the next day, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire terms by launching an attack on Lebanon.
The U.S. military blockade went into effect at 10 a.m. on April 13, targeting all Iranian ports and coastal areas. The Trump administration has said ships from neutral countries that do not call at Iranian ports can transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
A White House official told USA TODAY that the U.S. red line includes halting all uranium enrichment. Dismantle all major nuclear enrichment facilities. Recovery of highly enriched uranium. Acceptance of a broader peace, security and de-escalation framework that includes regional allies. End funding to terrorist proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The Strait of Hormuz will be completely opened and no tolls will be charged.
The controversy between Mr. Trump and the Pope continues with Mr. Vance and the bishops’ opinions
President Donald Trump continued his feud with Pope Leo in a post on Truth Social, calling Iran’s possession of a nuclear bomb “absolutely unacceptable.”
President Donald Trump hasn’t backed down from his fight with Pope Leo XIV, resharing an AI-generated image of him being embraced by Jesus.
The latest post depicts President Trump glowing like an angel, with American flags surrounding him and the AI Jesus. This follows another AI-generated image he posted on Truth Social earlier this week, which was later deleted. That version depicted the president in a red and white robe holding a light in one hand and blessing a sick person with the other.
The first post evoked images of Jesus healing the sick, sparking backlash from some in President Trump’s party. The president denied portraying himself as Jesus.
“I thought it was me as a doctor. And I had ties to the Red Cross,” President Trump told reporters at the White House on April 13. “And only fake news would come up with something like that…I’m making people so much better.”
President Trump appeared to make light of the controversy in his latest post.
In an April 15 post, President Trump wrote, “The lunatics on the radical left may not like it, but I think this is a very good thing!!! President DJT,” with the caption:
“It’s a terrible blasphemy.” An image depicting President Trump as a statue of Jesus was removed after the riot.
Trump and Vance double down on criticism of Pope
The first image of President Trump “healing” someone was posted shortly after the president criticized Pope Leo XIV at length. The pope directly criticized not only the Iran war but also President Trump’s harsh words in the conflict, including his threat that “an entire civilization will perish tonight.”
In an April 12 Truth social post, President Trump called the Pope “soft on crime” and credited Leo with being elected to the Holy See.
The pope responded to the post on April 13 during a conversation with reporters, saying, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration, nor will I speak out loud about the message of the Gospel.”
Christians react to President Trump’s AI-generated Jesus Christ post
A post on Truth Social that compared President Donald Trump to Jesus Christ caused an uproar among Christians.
Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic, also said the Pope should be careful.
“I think it’s very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about theological issues,” Vance told the Turning Point USA gathering on April 14. “I like that the pope is a champion of peace. I think that’s certainly one of the roles of the pope. On the other hand, how can we say that God is never on the side of those who wield the sword?”
Trump again hit back at the Pope in an April 14 Truth social post.
“Can someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent and completely unarmed protesters in the last two months, and that Iran’s possession of a nuclear bomb is completely unacceptable,” Trump said.
The president’s public jabs have also angered some Catholics, the single largest religious denomination in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.
Pope continues to pray for peace amid war
Meanwhile, the Pope continues to pray for peace in the midst of war without revealing his name, including during his visit to Algeria, which arrived on April 13.
Pope Leo XIV said in a social media post on April 14 that “war, violence, injustice and lies” tear the heart of God.
“But the heart of our Father is not with the wicked, the arrogant and the proud. His heart is with the little and the humble, with whom he daily builds a kingdom of love and peace,” the pope said. “Where there is love and service, God is there.”
He repeated his message in another lengthy social media post on April 15, calling for an end to the war.
“Let us reject the logic of violence and war and embrace a peace based on love and justice, a peace that is not based on fear, intimidation or weapons. This peace disarms because it can resolve conflicts, open hearts and generate trust, empathy and hope,” the Pope said. “I repeat emphatically: The world longs for peace! Enough of war and all the suffering caused by death, destruction, and exile!”
Contributions: Phillip M. Bailey, Zac Anderson, Bart Jansen, USA TODAY
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.
Terry Collins is a national correspondent for USA TODAY. Please contact us at tcollins@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) and Bluesky.
After the ceasefire, oil prices fell and gas prices stabilized.
Oil prices have fallen following the ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, impacting global market share. Gasoline prices are stable in the news.
Gasoline prices are starting to fall after a month of increases following the start of the war between the US and Iran.
On April 15, the national average gasoline price fell to $4.11 per gallon, down from $4.16 the previous week.
Indiana, Michigan and Ohio have seen the biggest drops in gas prices over the past week.
Gasoline prices have started to fall after a month of soaring since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran.
The national average gasoline price rose to $4.11 per gallon on April 15, according to the AAA Auto Club. This figure is down from the national average of $4.16 a week earlier, on April 8th.
“Gasoline prices are falling slowly in many states, but the increases shouldn’t be that large. The national average is $4.09 per gallon, while diesel is down slightly to $5.60 per gallon,” Patrick de Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, said in an April 15 X post. “With oil prices hovering in the low $90s, I think most cyclical states will see some declines.”
De Haan said some markets could see further declines this week as more states begin to switch to summer blend gasoline, which is generally a bit cheaper due to lower production costs.
Any good news? Northeastern markets (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut) are switching to summer gasoline, but with oil prices falling yesterday, we won’t necessarily see much movement in the coming days.
According to the AAA Auto Club, the USA TODAY Cars team looked at what’s causing gas price fluctuations in states and which states have seen the biggest declines in pump prices over the past seven days.
What causes the variation in gas prices across states?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, regional differences in gas prices can be explained by several factors.
Differences between state and local gas taxes
Distance from source
interruption of supply
Retail competition and operating costs
environmental program
“The more gasoline has to be transported to the point of sale, the higher the transportation costs, so the retail price of gasoline tends to be higher,” the agency said.
In case you missed it: Depending on the state you live in, gas can be cheap or expensive. Here’s why:
“Slowing or halting gasoline production could result in increased bidding for available gasoline supplies,” the agency added. “Gas station prices are often highest in locations with the fewest gas stations.”
Which states are seeing the biggest drop in gas prices?
Don’t waste donuts. Use these simple tips to keep them soft and fresh for longer.
Krispy Kreme has agreed to pay a $1.6 million settlement stemming from a class-action lawsuit that alleges the donut chain failed to prevent a data breach that occurred in November 2024.
The lawsuit alleges that personal information was compromised, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial account access information. Krispy Kreme denies any wrongdoing or liability.
According to the settlement website, individuals who reside in the United States and receive a data breach notification indicating that their personal information may have been affected are included in this class.
Here’s what you need to know about the settlement and how to file a claim.
When is the deadline to file a claim?
Consumers must submit claims by June 22, 2026 to be eligible for payment. The deadline to opt out of or object to the Settlement is June 6, 2026.
What eligible consumers can receive if they file a claim
The entire class will receive a $75 cash payment, according to Krispy Kreme’s payment website. This number is subject to change depending on the number of claims filed.
Class members with documented losses may receive up to $3,500 in compensation for fraud, identity theft, and other losses. Evidence such as receipts, emails, and phone records must be included in the claim form.
Class members who do not file a claim will still have access to one year of credit monitoring. According to the payment website, class members should receive an activation code via postcard notification.
How to submit a claim form
Class Members may submit claims on the Krispy Kreme Settlement Website or by mail to the Settlement Administrator at the address listed on the claim form. Claim forms may also be obtained by calling 1-877-239-1879.
Consumers who have questions or require further information should visit the FAQ page on the payment website.
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
What we know about the Supreme Court’s new term and Trump’s power
The Supreme Court’s new term will define the scope of President Donald Trump’s power. Here’s what we know:
President Donald Trump said in an interview on FOX Business that he has a list of potential candidates for the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurs.
President Trump noted that the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020 allowed him to appoint a replacement and make the high court more conservative.
In the interview, he mentioned the positions of the two oldest justices, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.
President Trump has indicated that he may nominate two or three more judges as needed during his second term in office.
As Justice Samuel Alito’s possible retirement looms, President Donald Trump noted in a television interview how Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death in 2020 tipped the balance of the Supreme Court in his favor.
President Trump told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo that he had a list of potential candidates in mind to replace Alito and maintain the high court’s 6-3 conservative majority, but he did not mention specific names.
In a wide-ranging 35-minute interview that aired on April 15, the president was asked about the future of the two oldest justices on the Supreme Court, Mr. Alito, 76, and Justice Clarence Thomas, 77.
Possibility of retirement: Will President Trump get a fourth Supreme Court justice? Speculation swirls around Alito
President Trump says he may make multiple SCOTUS appointments before the end of his second term
President Trump said he did not know if there would be any changes on the high court, but noted that Ginsburg, the oldest justice at the time, had made the decision to continue serving until her late 80s after repeated bouts with cancer, leaving room for Trump to succeed her in the event of her death.
President Trump pointed out that the average term of office for a judge is approximately 40 years, and said, “There is a theory that once a judge reaches a certain age, they will give up their seat if it is the president they support.” “But she decided to live forever.”
Ginsburg was America’s preeminent litigator for women’s rights and was considered the leader of the high court’s liberal wing, serving as a bulwark against an increasingly conservative majority until her death in September 2020.
Legal pioneers of gender equality: Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and America’s leading litigator for women’s rights
Her death was announced well before Trump lost the general election to Joe Biden, who believed the decision should be made by the next president. Mr. Trump replaced Ms. Ginsburg with Amy Coney Barrett. Prior to Coney Barrett, Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the high court during his first term in office.
Bartiromo asked Trump again in an April 15 interview, saying, “So I guess we don’t know if we’re going to move forward with the next nomination.”
While praising Alito as an “excellent judge” who is “in very good health,” Trump went on to say he could nominate a fourth or more justices to the Supreme Court if necessary.
“Theoretically, it’s two or three. Just look at the statistics and you’ll see,” Trump said. “It could be two, it could be three, it could be one. I don’t know. I’m ready to do that.”
Can the Live Nation settlement with the Department of Justice really revive ticket competition?
Ticketmaster has faced ticketing and payments challenges for decades. Why isn’t competition coming back?
A New York jury has found that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster maintain an illegal monopoly in the live events market in a recent lawsuit against the entertainment giant.
Jurors in Manhattan reached the verdict on Wednesday, April 15, after a lengthy trial that began on March 2 and included testimony from dozens of witnesses, including prominent figures in the live entertainment industry.
“This is a landmark victory in our continued efforts to protect the economy and New Yorkers’ wallets from harmful monopolies,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in an April 15 statement.
“For too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have taken advantage of fans and artists by jacking up ticket prices and stifling any competition that threatens their power,” she said. “The jury found that what we have known for years is true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process.”
The lawsuit was filed in 2024 by the Department of Justice and 39 states and the District of Columbia. Officials accused the company of “anticompetitive conduct,” including retaliating against competitors, restricting artists’ access to venues, and using long-term contracts to block competing ticket sellers and drive up prices.
Live Nation denies any wrongdoing. When the lawsuit was first filed, the company issued a statement saying that the majority of ticket prices go to venues and that competition was eroding Ticketmaster’s market share.
“The Justice Department’s lawsuit does not resolve the concerns our fans have about ticket prices, service fees, and access to popular programming,” the statement said.
USA TODAY has reached out to Live Nation for comment.
Live Nation, Ticketmaster under new scrutiny pressure
Live Nation/Ticketmaster is not immune to criticism and lawsuits. Ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Ellas Tour have come under new scrutiny in 2022 after extensive delays and online queuing errors occurred.
The company is an industry powerhouse, said to have generated $25 billion in sales and $500 million in profits last year, controlling about 70% to 80% of ticket sales for major concerts and live events, and owning a significant share of venues and concert promotions, USA TODAY reported.
The company was accused of forcing performers at the venues it owned to use in-house promotional services, effectively giving it control over marketing and ticket sales for the entire industry.
The Justice Department and several state attorneys general earlier reached a settlement with ticketing companies on March 10, agreeing to a deal that includes the sale of 13 of the nation’s largest amphitheaters. USA TODAY previously reported that the agreement would place a 15% cap on service fees for people who want to use the venue.
More than 30 states, including New York, rejected the settlement and chose to go to trial.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that Wednesday’s ruling found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for harm to the entire music industry.
“This is a historic and huge victory for artists, fans and the venues that support them,” he said. The statement further explained that a judge will now decide how much the company should pay in damages and consumer compensation.
The company recently drew some flak after court filings revealed messages in which a ticketing employee called customers “so stupid” and discussed “stealing customers.”
Contributors: Taijuan Moorman, Aysha Bagchi, Bart Jansen, Melina Khan, USA TODAY; Reuters
If you think an IRA rollover is your best financial move, be sure to follow these rules.
Dana George |The Motley Fool
IRS increases 401(k) contribution limits for 2026
The IRS will increase 401(k) and catch-up contribution limits for 2026, allowing workers to save up to $32,500 for retirement.
If you have an IRA and want to roll it over to another retirement account, we have good news for you. It’s completely doable. However, rollovers are not without risks. Consider this a primer on the regulations governing the 60-day rule and how to protect your assets.
ticking time bomb
The biggest mistake you can make when rolling over one retirement account to another has to do with the 60-day rule. If you take distributions from your IRA for the purpose of transferring funds to another account, you have exactly 60 days to complete the transfer. If you miss the deadline by even one day, the IRS considers the entire distribution to be taxable income.
Let’s say you plan to withdraw $100,000 from your traditional IRA and move it to another retirement account. However, for some reason the 60 day deadline has passed. Depending on your current tax bracket, you could face a tax liability of $24,000 to $37,000 or more. To make matters worse, if you are under age 59 1/2, you may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Solution: Choose the safe approach by requesting a “direct rollover” (also known as a trustee-to-trustee transfer). With a direct rollover, you never have to touch the money. Instead, your funds move directly between your current financial institution and your new financial institution, so you don’t have to worry about the 60-day rule.
Withholding tax trap
Let’s say you choose to have your money in your hands and are confident that you won’t miss the 60-day period. Although this “indirect rollover” is optional, it’s important to understand that your current plan administrator will withhold the 10% federal tax unless you opt out of withholding (if you have an employer-sponsored IRA, such as a payroll deduction IRA, the 20% withholding is mandatory and you cannot opt out).
For this example, imagine you are rolling over $100,000 from an employer-sponsored IRA to another retirement account. If you don’t notify your administrator that you don’t want to have tax withheld, or if you choose a different withholding amount, you’ll receive $90,000 instead of $100,000. However, taxes and penalties will be due unless $100,000 is deposited into the new account.
In other words, the amount withdrawn from one account is must It will be deposited into your new retirement account to avoid an immediate tax bill. This may mean taking money out of your own funds to cover the amount withheld.
Solution: Carefully consider whether you want to take on the responsibility of an indirect rollover, especially if a direct rollover is easy to set up. If you choose an indirect rollover, let your current administrator know if you want tax withheld.
Having access to an IRA in the future can be invaluable. In the meantime, your goal as you prepare for retirement is to make all rollovers as simple as possible.
The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
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The controversy between Mr. Trump and the Pope continues with Mr. Vance and the bishops’ opinions
President Donald Trump continued his feud with Pope Leo in a post on Truth Social, calling Iran’s possession of a nuclear bomb “absolutely unacceptable.”
As the feud between the Vatican and the White House continues to escalate, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) also appears to be siding with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
As reported by Politico and The Hill, Johnson said in comments to reporters at Parliament House that Pope Leo XIV should “expect some kind of political reaction” to his comments.
“The pope and religious leaders can say whatever they want, but when you step into the political realm, I think you should expect some kind of political response, and I think the pope has received some of that,” Johnson said. “I’m not one to criticize clergy or religious leaders. We defend free speech, and we certainly defend the right to the free exercise of religion.”
Johnson’s comments come amid heightened tensions between the White House and the Vatican in recent weeks following the outbreak of the Iran war.
Tensions rise between the White House and the Vatican
The latest clash between the White House and the Vatican erupted after the Pope said President Trump’s threat to wipe out “an entire civilization” in Iran was “unacceptable.”
“As everyone knows, today there are threats against the entire Iranian people, and this is truly unacceptable,” he said.
President Trump later accused the Pope of being “terrible on foreign policy” and “weak on crime.”
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican. Unfortunately, I don’t agree with the idea that Leo is weak on crime and weak on nuclear weapons,” Trump said in an April 12 post on Truth Social.
Potential impact of President Trump’s comments: Will the president’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV hurt Republican Catholic voters?
President Trump has refused to apologize to Leo, but Vance warned the pope about his recent comments.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism and often describes himself as deeply religious, warned Catholic church leaders to be “careful” when talking about theology in a speech at the Turning Point USA rally in Georgia on April 14.
“I think it’s very important for the pope to be careful when he speaks about theological issues,” Vance said.
USA TODAY’s Bart Jansen, Zac Anderson and Phillip M. Bailey contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
In memory of Hollywood greats Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner
The tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner shocked the entertainment world and beyond.
Billy Crystal is worried about how he is coping with the death of his best friend Rob Reiner.
“There are a lot of moments when something good happens or (I) think, ‘Isn’t that crazy?’ I want to pick up the phone and call (him) and say, ‘Did you see that?’ Because that’s what we do,” the 78-year-old actor said during an April 14 appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Crystal remembered his “When Harry Met Sally…” director, who died in December along with his wife Michele Reiner after being accused of serial murder, at the age of 78, as “a hilarious, dedicated man who spoke his mind in the best possible way and fought for the truth of our country.”
“We could talk about anything. He was an uncle to my kids,” Crystal told Colbert.
The City Slickers actor, who is promoting his upcoming one-man show on Broadway, also revealed his last conversation with Reiner during Oscar host Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party the night before his murder.
When Colbert asked about the ensemble tribute to Reiner at last month’s Oscars, Crystal seemed choked up at the beginning of the interview.
After Krystal struggled to find words for several seconds, Colbert said, “I know it’s very difficult to talk about this because he was a great friend to you, a great artist, loved by so many people, but (the Reiners’ deaths) happened in such a shocking and horrifying way.”
“No, I’m fine. It was right after the tragedy. We had spent the night before together talking about each other’s careers,” Crystal said. “We were talking about the movie business and how it’s changing and how people aren’t going to movie theaters like they used to. And we were also talking about the fact that you can’t control what happens to movies.”
“What you can control is the experience of making it. And what we went through together and what he went through with the rest of the cast of the movie was so extraordinary. He said that’s something he’ll always have,” he continued. “It’s great to get hits, but the important thing is to keep people around.”
“I was in shock for quite a while.” Conan O’Brien talks about Rob Reiner’s murder after holiday party
Rob Reiner’s Oscar eulogy ‘would have really made him smile’
It was this philosophy that inspired Crystal to begin coordinating special moments for Reiner during the Oscars telecast.
Crystal and When Harry Met Sally co-star Meg Ryan were joined on stage by Demi Moore, John Cusack, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Kiefer Sutherland, Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Daphne Zuniga, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Jerry O’Connell, Wil Wheaton, Fred Savage, Kevin Pollack and Carol Kane.
“It would have really put a smile on his face if we could get the cast of these movies together and go out together,” Crystal said. “So I reached out to everyone.”
Reiner and Crystal became frequent co-stars after Crystal appeared on All in the Family in 1976 as Mike’s (played by Reiner) friend Al. Other film collaborations include “The Princess Bride” and “This Is Spinal Tap.”
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Michelle and Rob Reiner, is being held without bail after pleading not guilty to murdering his parents.
Reiner’s death remains under investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department said at a Dec. 14 press conference that “numerous family members” will be questioned during the process. Police have released few details about the alleged murder, including the couple’s injuries.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Amazon could be held liable for recalls of defective products.
cheddar
Nail remover sold on Amazon has been recalled because it has been found to contain harmful chemicals that could pose a serious health risk.
Methylene chloride and chloroform in Moroban Gel Nail Polish Remover (15 mL) are of concern because they have been shown to cause cancer in animals and are likely to be harmful to human health, according to a recall notice issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 13.
According to the recall notice, methylene chloride is a prohibited ingredient and is not allowed in cosmetics at any level under FDA regulations.
Approximately 4,000 vehicles are affected by the recall. This product was sold on Amazon.com from August 2025 to January 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall.
What is the recalled nail polish remover?
The recall notice describes the product as a nail polish remover used to quickly, safely and gently remove gel nail polish and builder gel. According to the recall notice, the product comes in a 15 mL (0.5 fluid ounce) square turquoise bottle with a white cap and a matching green packaging box.
Manufactured in China, production date is February 7, 2024, and expiration date is February 7, 2027.
What should consumers do?
Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled nail polish remover and to clearly write the word “recalled” on the bottle and outer box of the product. Additionally, consumers are asked to dispose of the entire product, including the bottle and remaining contents, as normal household waste in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.
Consumers are also asked to take a photo of their discarded product displaying the “recall” label and the product itself and email the image to the company’s customer service team at customer-service@morovan.com for verification.
No injuries or accidents related to the recall have been reported.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
Pope Leo XIV says he is “not afraid” of Trump administration
Leo has been an outspoken critic of the Iran war, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump.
A group representing the nation’s Catholic bishops issued a statement supporting Pope Leo
“For more than 1,000 years, the Catholic Church has taught the theory of just war, and it is that long tradition that the Pope is careful to refer to in his comments on war,” Bishop James Massa, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, said in a statement.
Pope Leo has expressed support for peace talks and opposition to war, saying in a social media post on April 10 that disciples of Christ will “never stand on the side of those who once wielded swords and today drop bombs.”
On April 14, Vance, who converted to Catholicism and describes himself as deeply religious, addressed an audience at the Turning Point USA rally in Georgia. He welcomed the pope’s comments on immigration and abortion, but suggested that his opposition to sword-wielding political leaders would mean his opposition to the American liberation of France and concentration camps during World War II.
“I like that the pope is a champion of peace. I think that’s certainly one of the roles of the pope,” Vance told the gathering. “On the other hand, how can you say that God is never on the side of the sword wielder?”
The Bishops’ Conference Committee’s April 15 statement directly addressed these remarks, noting that the doctrine of the Church’s “just war” tradition teaches that states “can only legitimately take up the sword” in self-defense after peace efforts have failed.
“For a just war to be a just war, it must be a defense against others who actively wage war. This is what the Pope has actually said,” the statement said, citing the Pope’s March 29 homily in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. “The Pope does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
On April 7, after President Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s infrastructure on Easter Sunday, Pope Leo said such rhetoric was “truly unacceptable.”
“When Pope Leo “He preaches the Gospel and serves as the Vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is that all people of goodwill must pray and strive for lasting peace, avoiding the evil and injustice that accompanies all wars.”
WASHINGTON — Military plans for a possible Pentagon-led operation in Cuba are secretly underway in case President Donald Trump orders an intervention there, USA Today has learned.
Two people familiar with the order spoke to USA TODAY on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The directive appears to be the latest escalation in tensions between the United States and Cuba, which began in January when the Trump administration restricted oil shipments to Cuba as part of a broader campaign to force sweeping political changes on the communist-ruled island.
In a statement to USA TODAY, the Pentagon said it has plans in place for a variety of contingencies and stands ready to carry out the president’s orders as directed.
Exclusive: Cuba offers US economic roadmap as President Trump puts pressure on Havana
Exclusive: President Trump focuses on surprise economic deal with Cuba
Reports of the escalating plot first appeared on Zeteo’s Substack and circulated on Capitol Hill and across Washington.
The United States and Cuba admitted they were in the early stages of finding a way out of the crisis., However, it is not clear how far the two sides are willing to compromise. In March, USA TODAY reported that the two countries were in talks to reach a historic economic agreement that would repair relations.
more: Inside Marco Rubio’s Cuba gambling as President Trump pushes for ‘friendly takeover’
“You can do whatever you want.”
Tensions between Washington and Havana have increased in recent weeks, even as the Trump administration’s attention has shifted to the Iran war. President Trump 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.”
April 13th, President Trump told USA TODAY from the White House, referring to the ongoing conflict with Iran: “Once this is over, I might stop by Cuba.”
In a recent interview with Newsweek, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed that Cuba would fight back if the United States launched a military attack.
“We fight and defend ourselves, and even if we fall in battle, dying for our country is living,” Diaz-Canel told the outlet.
The covert U.S. operation that extracted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from a compound in Caracas on January 3 shocked Venezuelan and Cuban exile communities in South Florida and sparked speculation that Cuba was next. The early morning attack on President Maduro killed 32 Cuban military personnel who were protecting the president.
But unlike in the run-up to U.S. military operations in Venezuela and Iran, U.S. officials are not asserting an “imminent threat” from Cuba to the United States, said Brian Fonseca, director of the Jack D. Gordon Public Policy Institute at Florida International University, who has extensively researched the Cuban military.
Fonseca said he thought talk of preparing military plans could be more of a military threat than an actual strategy, adding: “At this point, this is a lot of signals.”
more: Maduro ran toward the door as U.S. troops swooped in. President Trump’s attacks shock the world.
For decades, U.S. officials have discussed some kind of military intervention in Cuba, ever since Fidel Castro and his rebels stormed Havana in 1959 and later pledged allegiance to the Soviet Union and communism.
U.S. military operations in Cuba are likely to be swift and overwhelmingly successful, Fonseca said, as Cuba’s military equipment is deteriorating and its officers are unlikely to submit to an unpopular regime.
What follows, including establishing the rule of law and fielding opposition leaders, will be a much more difficult task, he said.
“This would be a very easy military victory, but a political victory is much more difficult,” Fonseca said.
Contributor: Cybele Mayes-Osterman
Follow Chambers, Hjelmgaard and Jervis on X: @fran_chambers, @khjelmgaard and @MrRJervis.
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes takes a look at the states with the most Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots.
When an Ohio man went to the grocery store to buy tomatoes, he discovered he had a pretty good return on his investment.
According to the Ohio Lottery, the man went to Miller’s Market in Norwalk, Ohio, and decided to buy Scratch while he was buying tomatoes for his girlfriend. He won $20 on one of his tickets and decided to use that winnings toward another ticket.
He bought a Wild Cash Tripler and the ticket said $120,000, but he was confused because it wasn’t listed as a prize on the back of the ticket. It turns out he was winning $120,000 a year for 25 years. This equates to $3 million.
“When he delivered the tomatoes and told his girlfriend, she said, ‘Shut up!’ But because he was shaking, she believed him,” the Ohio Lottery said in an April 10 news release.
More lottery news: There’s one month left until the deadline to claim the $78 million Lotto Texas jackpot
How much money will the lucky winner receive?
The man chose the $1.5 million lump sum option and will receive just under $1.1 million, according to the Ohio Lottery. The man told the Ohio Lottery he plans to pay off his home, go on vacation and invest the rest of his money.
Can lottery winners be anonymous in Ohio?
The Ohio Lottery did not identify any winners. Winners are considered public record, but according to Ohio law, they can remain anonymous by claiming their prize through a trust.
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
J.D. Vance faced heckler interference while speaking at the Turning Point event at the University of Georgia amid heightened tensions over foreign policy.
Vice President J.D. Vance was interrupted this week while answering questions at an event in Georgia when protesters accused him of genocide and “murdering children.”
The protester made the remarks during the Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia on Tuesday, April 14, when the host asked Vance what it was like to be in the middle of a disagreement between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.
On April 10, the Pope posted on X that God and his followers “will never be on the side of those who once wielded swords and today drop bombs.” President Trump has since called the Pope “weak.” While responding to the moderator’s question about being in the middle of a debate between Trump and the Pope, Vance asserted that God is on the side of those who liberated France and other oppressed groups from the Nazis.
Then a demonstrator shouted, “Jesus Christ does not support genocide.” Vance agreed, but soon heard voices saying, “You’re committing genocide in Gaza.”
After Vance finished answering the moderator’s first question, he defended the Trump administration.
“Who got the peace deal in Gaza? Donald J. Trump,” Vance said. “If you want to complain about what happened in Gaza, why not complain to the previous administration, Joe Biden? We are the administration that solved that problem.”
Immediately afterwards, people in the audience shouted, “They’re killing children” and “They’re bombing children.”
In response, Vance said he was proud of the Trump administration’s efforts and “humanitarian assistance” in Gaza.
“Whether it’s there or in Thailand or Cambodia, we’ve consistently done everything we can to solve these problems rather than just complain about them,” he said.
Where did the protests occur?
The event was a stop on Turning Point USA’s “This Is the Turning Point Tour,” a college campus junket featuring speakers such as Erica Kirk, Donald Trump Jr. and Savannah Chrisley.
Other stops scheduled include Ohio State University in Columbus on April 21st, Baylor University in Waco, Texas, on April 22nd, and the University of Idaho on April 28th.
Trump beef: Did Trump post a photo of himself dressed as Jesus? he thought it was a doctor
What did Pope Leo XIV say about the Iran war?
The protesters’ comments came as the vice president was responding to a question about the ongoing altercation between Trump and Leo. The first American pope has previously made comments condemning war. Leo said on April 7 that war in Iran is “truly unacceptable.”
“I would like to encourage citizens of all concerned countries to contact the authorities, including political leaders and parliamentarians, to urge and tell them to work for peace and reject war and violence,” Leo said that day.
In response to a “60 Minutes” segment about Leo earlier this month, President Trump criticized the Pope on Truth Social. On the same day the special aired, President Trump wrote, “Pope Leo is bad on crime, but terrible on foreign policy.”
“I don’t want a pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons,” President Trump said on April 12, claiming that the pope earned that title simply because he is American. The president also claimed that the pope was afraid of the Trump administration, saying the pope should “use common sense, stop pandering to the radical left, and focus on being a great pope, not a politician.”
President Trump also shared a now-deleted photo of himself depicted as a Christ-like figure.
On April 13, on a flight to Algeria, the pope told reporters: “I am not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loud the message of the Gospel. I believe that is what I am here to do and that is what the Church must be here to do.”
Regarding the spat between Trump and Leo, Vance said at a Turning Point USA event that the pope’s job is to “preach the gospel.”
The vice president said he respects the pope and has no problem with him speaking out on issues, but warned religious leaders.
“Just like it’s important for the vice president of the United States to be careful when he speaks about public policy issues, I think it’s very important for the pope to be careful when he speaks about theological issues,” Vance said.
Contributor: Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trends team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Please send your email to: sdmartin@usatoday.com.
