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Who is Louise Lucas, Virginia’s outspoken state senator?

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Who is Louise Lucas, Virginia’s outspoken state senator?

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Louise Lucas, the outspoken Virginia state senator whose offices and cannabis retail business were reportedly raided this week by the FBI, is a longtime public servant known for her outspoken style, marijuana advocacy and post-victory jubilation dancing.

On May 6, media outlets reported that the FBI raided Lucas’ office in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, as well as the shop she co-owns called Cannabis Outlet. The raid was carried out as part of an ongoing corruption investigation, The Washington Post reported.

Mr. Lucas, 82, who has served in the state Senate since 1992 and is president pro tempore of the Senate, is one of the state’s most prominent and outspoken Democrats.

For example, in November, Mr. Lucas criticized Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson for failing to counter Republican efforts backed by President Donald Trump to redraw congressional maps in their favor, even as he praised the Democratic Party’s victory in the Virginia gubernatorial race.

“Say your victory in Virginia while aligning yourself with the MAGA talking points,” she said in a Nov. 5 post to X. “Raise a pair and stand up to this president.”

In December 2023, when someone at X suggested that her vote might be bought, she responded: “In the words of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress in 1968, ‘I am not being bought and I am not being bossed.'”

Advocating for cannabis legalization

Lucas, who earned degrees in urban affairs and career industrial education, was one of the first women to graduate from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s apprenticeship program and became the first female shipyard mechanic in 1971, according to Norfolk State University.

She began her political career in 1984, becoming the first black woman elected to the Portsmouth City Council and then to the state’s 18-member council.th Since then, she has advocated for voting rights, expanded background checks for firearm purchases, and regulation of casino gambling.

Lucas is also an advocate for cannabis use, with the advocacy group NORML giving her an “A+” rating. According to the group, black Americans are arrested for marijuana possession violations at four times the rate of white Americans, even though both groups consume marijuana at roughly the same rate.

In 2021, Lucas sponsored Senate Bill 1406, which was signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam, making Virginia the first Southern state to legalize marijuana.

“Let’s talk about cannabis,” she wrote to X in 2022. “Yes, we legalized cannabis, and after legalizing it, I opened a cannabis outlet! But the job is not done. People are still in jail for what is legal today.”

According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Lucas has also supported bills that would allow the medical use of marijuana oil, help create a retail marijuana market, and modify sentences for marijuana-related crimes.

Lucas’ dance becomes a hot topic

Lucas’ energetic dance went viral on social media, perhaps in response to a political victory or community event. In June 2023, during the state’s highly competitive Democratic primary in a redistricted district, she posted a reel on her Facebook page with the caption, “Dancing until June 20th.”th Election day! After her victory, news cameras captured her in blue, throwing her arms up in joy and saying “sazay”.

Mr. Lucas became an assistant professor at the school in 1994, managing research activities and procuring federal aid for retraining programs to offset shrinking military and defense industries in the region, according to Norfolk State.

In June 2020, Lucas was arrested for obstruction of justice during a racial justice rally in his hometown.

Patricia Cornwell’s memoir is straight out of the novel ‘Scarpetta’

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Patricia Cornwell’s memoir is straight out of the novel ‘Scarpetta’

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Patricia Cornwell spent much of her career working in a morgue. She wanders through a corpse farm full of decomposing corpses. She tattooed a turkey she bought at a grocery store to see how it would fade after death.

The author of Kay Scarpetta’s novels is known for turning herself into forensic science for her research, but this time she’ll be dissecting her own life.

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of mental fortitude it takes to spend all day dealing with violent crime, real or imagined, her memoir may be the answer. True Crime (now available from Grand Central Publishing) follows the author from his mentally unstable childhood, to his tenure as a police reporter, to the peak of his career as a thriller writer.

Patricia Cornwell runs towards fear in the style of ‘True Crime’

Cornwell’s mother suffered from episodes of psychotic depression and sent her to a psychiatric hospital while Cornwell and her siblings lived with abusive foster parents. Cornwell learned from his mother at an early age that the world was dangerous. “She always predicted what would hurt or kill us,” she writes.

Life would prove this to Cornwell again and again. She revealed that she was sexually abused when she was five years old, and later raped and drugged by a police officer in her early adulthood. She wrote that TV and radio host Larry King pressed his hand against her crotch during the flight.

For Cornwell, writing is cathartic, and he likes to tackle his fears head-on. She’s afraid of sharks, so she says she naturally reads every article she finds about sharks. She thinks about the dangers that lurk around her. Scaffolding that can fall, escalators that can be torn apart.

“Most people are on autopilot and just wandering off into the unknown,” Cornwell said. “There’s a difference between being cautious and being afraid. Fear is very dangerous. You don’t want to be ruled by fear. A life ruled by fear is doomed, because it prevents you from doing anything you need to do to achieve success and purpose.”

The same research lens applies to her trauma. In Scarpetta’s first book, Postmortem, a police reporter is raped by a district attorney. Although details have changed, the plot was largely inspired by Cornwell’s own rape while she was a reporter for the Charlotte Observer. In hindsight, writing about it was a “therapeutic act,” she says.

Patricia Cornwell takes a scalpel to childhood abuse, eating disorders and intergenerational trauma

Cornwell’s childhood memories are unusually detailed. But it’s not her fictional talent that comes into play here. Much of “True Crime” comes from a manuscript Cornwell wrote when she was 19, a “thinly veiled” autobiography about her eating disorder. She submitted about 300 pages for her university thesis, put it in a box, and never read it again.

When she reread the book in her 60s, she discarded the language but retained a vivid memory.

“Without Patsy Daniels (her maiden name) from way back when, I wouldn’t be writing this book today, and without Patricia Cornwell, her work would never have seen the light of day,” says Cornwell. “The best part about it was that I felt like I went back and saved the child.

“I was surprised at what I realized at the time and how to explain it. And I found it to be quite humbling. I had more respect for the young person who was there, who I didn’t think was any good at anything.”

A childhood in limbo is also brought into painful focus here. Cornwell introduces readers to her parents’ rocky relationship (“They were practically destroying each other,” she says) and her mother’s struggles with her mental health. In one case, the mother gathered up all of her children’s clothes and belongings and threw them into a fire before being admitted to the hospital.

“This is not just my story,” Cornwell says with the eyes of a journalist and mystery writer. She traces her family tree to explain her mother’s mental health issues and investigates her grandfather and great-grandfather, who fell to their deaths under somewhat mysterious circumstances. The family tragedy affected the next generation. Cornwell did not have children because she feared the “abandonment, loss and fear” she felt from her parents would be transmitted to her.

Cornwell is an individual. She is dealing with a stalker. She said she felt “uneasy” having her personal life under the microscope, but “it’s important to do what you have to do, even if it’s a little scary.”

“If anyone was destined for disaster or failure, it was me, to be honest, but it didn’t turn out that way. So it should give hope in your own story to others, especially artists and dreamers, and people who feel hopeless because they keep failing at what they want to do. I understand that feeling.”

A look back at Scarpetta at Nicole Kidman’s new show

Scarpetta fans will enjoy a trip down memory lane with “True Crime.” When Scarpetta debuted earlier this year, the film finally hit the silver screen starring Nicole Kidman. But getting there wasn’t easy.

Cornwell reminisces about Kay Scarpetta wannabes, including Susan Sarandon, Jodie Foster, and Demi Moore. Cornwell has regrets about Moore. Although Moore did her best to prepare for the role of Scarpetta, the film adaptation failed. Around the same time, Cornwell overturned his car on the highway and was charged with drunk driving. Cornwell canceled a study visit with Moore to the FBI Academy.

“I said I needed to understand why I didn’t die,” she writes. “All I had in mind was the movie.”

It wasn’t until she became friends with Jamie Lee Curtis that the film adaptation passed the screenplay stage. Curtis wanted Kidman for the role.

“I thought it was great, but at the same time I really didn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it would happen,” Cornwell says. “Every step of the way, I kept waiting for the problem to go away. I didn’t believe it was going to happen until we actually started filming. And until it actually aired, I kept wondering if something was going to go wrong, because it always does.”

Cornwell praises Amazon Prime for being a “book-centric” studio that stays true to beloved books like Scarpetta. And Kidman is “immersed” in the world of forensic science, Cornwell said.

“Welcome to my scary world, this is not for the faint of heart,” says Cornwell. “It’s not an easy role. And like I said, the person who was going to do this had to deal with 36 years of fans. It was a very tall order, but she pulled it off.”

With all of his attention now focused on Scarpetta, it’s hard to imagine that there was ever a time when Cornwell considered quitting the bestseller. After her 2016 book Chaos, she took a five-year hiatus. Amid the pandemic, Cornwell was struck by inspiration. She tried to call the hero out of his hiding place.

“‘I’m wondering if you would like to work on a case together again,’ I ventured. ‘It depends on what it is,'[Scarpetta]replied, implying that it had better be a good one,” Cornwell wrote.

Autopsy was published in 2021. Since then, Cornwell has published a steady stream of books each year. If she were to retire from Scarpetta once and for all, she would be making a major change in direction. Cornwell had always wanted to ride a rocket for research. Scarpetta might be able to do some good research on the moon.

“She’s going to do that. Someone’s going to die there. They’re going to need people,” Cornwell says.

Claire Mulroy is USA TODAY’s books reporter, covering hot releases, chatting with authors, and diving into reading culture. please find her on instagramsubscribe to our weekly magazine book newsletter Or tell her what you’re reading cmulroy@usatoday.com.

Best Flooring Contractor of 2026

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Best Flooring Contractor of 2026

The right flooring will make your space warmer, brighter, and more inviting. But even the highest quality materials are useless if they aren’t installed by the right people. That’s where a truly great flooring installer comes into play.

Whether you’re renovating one room or your entire home, knowing who you can trust is half the battle.

The USA TODAY team surveyed 14 of the top flooring installation companies across the country to find out. The flooring contractors on our list are:

Why trust USA TODAY?

The USA TODAY team uses an in-house ranking system to review the best flooring contractors in the United States. We analyze the services and products offered by each provider and read third-party reviews to understand the customer experience. Financing, costs, warranties, and project management are also factored into a company’s final score.

Best Flooring Contractor of 2026

Carpet One Floor & Home: Best Overall

Shop Carpet One Floor & Home

Affordable costs, a seamless installation process, and an extensive catalog of flooring options are just a few of the reasons why Carpet One Floor & Home ranks at the top of our list of best flooring contractors. The company offers everything from virtual visualization tools to professional designs to help you find the perfect flooring for your home.

One of the standout features of Carpet One Floor & Home is our beautiful warranty. Most flooring companies offer workmanship warranties that cover labor costs, but Carpet One goes a step further and covers the cost of replacing your flooring if you’re not satisfied with the installation.

Lowe’s: Great for replacing flooring.

When it comes to flooring, Lowe’s has it all. You can visit a Lowe’s store to browse the selection or browse through hundreds of flooring options online. Lowe’s carries all the major brands like Pergo, COREtec, and Mohawk, but also offers its own brand, STAINMASTER. When you replace your flooring at Lowe’s, you don’t need to do anything. We do everything from moving furniture to cleaning up.

Lowe’s does not install its own flooring; it outsources the work to local flooring contractors. Your project will continue to be managed by Lowe’s every step of the way.

more: Lowe’s Flooring Reviews

Empire Today: Lots of coupons and deals

Budget is especially important when it comes to flooring. If you’re not careful, replacing your flooring can cost you thousands of dollars. Empire Today offers discounts and special offers to all customers, often saving you hundreds of dollars on your flooring project.

At Empire Today, we make your on-floor shopping experience as easy as possible. A professional design consultant will visit your home and help you choose the right flooring material. Flooring installation can be scheduled as early as the next day.

National Floors Direct: Ideal for in-house installations

Shop National Floors Direct Flooring

Need new flooring right away? National Floors Direct is committed to next-day installation on in-stock flooring. This means our in-house design consultant can help you choose your new flooring one day, and our in-house installation team can install it the next.

We also like National Floors Direct’s price match guarantee. If you get a lower quote than a competitor, National Floors Direct will beat it. National Floors Direct offers free furniture relocation with every installation, but that cost can typically add $100 to your flooring quote.

Floor Coverings International: Ideal for specialty flooring

Flooring Manufacturing International Flooring

Few providers offer the vast number of brands present in Floor Coverings International’s flooring catalog. This list includes dozens of brands, including popular brands like COREtec and Pergo. Additionally, this provider has access to specialty flooring materials such as bamboo, cork, recycled materials, and specialty hardwoods.

Post-installation service is just as important as pre-installation, and Floor Coverings International is your best choice. We always follow up after your floor is installed to make sure you’re happy, and we include a 1-year workmanship guarantee to back up our work.

50th floor: perfect for a comprehensive quote

Shop 50th floor flooring

No one likes surprises in a floor renovation project, especially one that adds hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the total bill. 50Floor provides comprehensive quotes that take everything from subfloor preparation to furniture removal into consideration, so you know what you’re getting in return before you commit.

At 50Floor, we carry all major types of flooring, from laminate and tile to hardwood and carpet, so you can find the right flooring for every room.

The Home Depot: Perfect for a variety of flooring materials

Buy flooring from Home Depot

If your home goal is to master the “Rule of 3,” The Home Depot is your flooring installer. This provider carries every type of flooring imaginable, so you can find the perfect luxury vinyl plank for your living room, fine tile for your bathroom, or luxurious carpet for your bedroom.

Although local contractors will complete the installation, your flooring project will be managed from start to finish by The Home Depot personnel. Home Depot charges a $35 fee to measure new flooring in your home, but that fee is applied to the overall flooring estimate.

more: home depot flooring reviews

Floors and decorations: perfect for professional designs

Store floors and decorative flooring

If you want a professional design, Floor & Decor is your flooring installer. At Floor & Decor, we offer free professional home design, and our consultants can help you choose the perfect flooring for your home.

Floor & Decor offers flooring options to fit every budget, starting at $1.19 per square foot for quality flooring. With this provider, you can choose to use your own flooring contractor or choose a hand-picked professional from Floor & Decor’s network of contractors.

How to compare estimates for flooring installation

“When comparing prices for flooring installations, don’t buy based on price alone,” says Carl Murawski, a construction coordinator, electrician, and tradesman with more than 20 years of experience. “Even if the price is lower, the value of the product and installation can be significantly reduced.”

Murawski warns that while a “low-budget” offer can be a strategy for winning business, it can leave out important parts of the job.

“A good estimate should include a breakdown of labor and materials, as well as all flooring requirements, such as subfloor preparation (leveling and lubrication) and removal of old flooring,” he says.

Flooring installation price and schedule structure

The cost and schedule of a flooring project is based on many variables, not just square footage and materials used.

“Installing basic laminate flooring in a relatively square room in good condition is a quick and economical solution,” Murawski says. “However, if subfloor work is required, there are corners that are difficult to negotiate, or extensive precautions need to be taken to address excess moisture, both costs and project duration will inevitably increase.”

The main variables that affect the price and schedule of a flooring installation project are:

  • Type and brand of flooring used
  • Subfloor condition
  • Level of design complexity

Factors influencing flooring installation estimates

Although materials and labor make up the bulk of a flooring estimate, other factors can quickly add up.

“You may be surprised to find out that you need to control humidity and level the floor,” Murawski says.

He says the most common factors that influence flooring installation estimates are:

  • Substrate condition of the flooring
  • Type of flooring installed (hardwood, laminate, tile, etc.)
  • Room configuration
  • Preparatory work that needs to be done on the floor and its surroundings before laying a new floor

Common flooring installation times and causes of delays

Flooring installation time varies depending on the type of flooring chosen, but in most cases it can be completed in a short amount of time.

“Most simple installations can be completed in a few days,” explains Murawski. “The typical installation time for flooring is 1 to 3 days.”

But like any project, delays are bound to occur. For flooring projects, the causes are typically “uneven subfloors, delays in material delivery, and structural damage to the floor and its foundation discovered during removal of old flooring,” Murawski says.

To avoid problems, good installers will “pad” the estimated time or add additional time to account for unexpected delays.

How to prepare your home for flooring installation

Unless you hire a flooring installer to do some prep work, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your flooring installation goes smoothly. To prepare for flooring installation, you need to:

  • move all furniture out of the room
  • Please make sure your pet is safe before installation
  • Disconnect electronic devices and appliances
  • Please remove mirrors, artwork, ceramic/glass fixtures, and other fragile items.

FAQ

What is the best flooring material to install?

It depends on your room and budget. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are affordable, durable, and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. However, tiles are generally preferred for bathrooms and entryways. Carpets are best for bedrooms.

What are the rules of 3 for flooring?

Rule of 3 refers to floor design. For optimal flow and continuity, limit your flooring to three or fewer types.

What are the latest trends in flooring?

Flooring trends for 2026 include warm tones and textured looks. LVP and LVT are affordable flooring options that are becoming increasingly popular due to their luxurious feel and durability.

(This article has been updated with new information)

Poll shows Americans side with Pope over President Trump’s post about Jesus

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Poll shows Americans side with Pope over President Trump’s post about Jesus

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  • A recent poll found that most Americans disapprove of President Trump’s comments and posts about religion.
  • Nearly 9 in 10 Americans had a negative reaction to the AI-generated image of Trump as a Jesus Christ-like figure.
  • The poll also found that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s posts about the Iran conflict.
  • Pope Leo XIV holds an online favorability rating of 25 points among Americans, according to a poll.

A recent poll shows that most Americans oppose President Donald Trump’s religious-related comments about Pope Leo

Nearly nine in 10 Americans (87%) have a negative reaction to images of President Trump posted on Truth Social, including 69% with a strong negative reaction, according to the latest Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll.

The latest results from a wide-ranging poll conducted April 24-28 on President Trump’s handling of the Iran war, the economy and the cost of living come as the president stokes misgivings about the pope, days before Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to make a high-stakes visit to the Vatican.

An image posted on April 12 showed President Trump wearing a white and red robe with his hand on a sick person’s forehead and a light emanating from his other hand, with the American flag flying and an American eagle in the background, which many interpreted as a Christ-like or messianic depiction.

The post sparked widespread backlash from some in President Trump, as well as accusations of blasphemy. The post was deleted from the President’s Truth social account on April 13th.

“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.”

According to the poll, 80% of people who voted for Trump and 79% of Republicans surveyed responded negatively to Trump’s posts.

Just before posting the controversial image, the president posted a lengthy message on Truth Social criticizing the pope, who has been critical of the Iran war, calling him “weak on crime and weak on nuclear weapons.” In response, the Pope said, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loud the message of the Gospel.”

Trump also reshared an AI-generated image of himself being hugged by Jesus on April 15. The post depicted President Trump glowing like an angel, with American flags surrounding him and the AI ​​Jesus.

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:

Tensions between the president and the pope: Trump reignites feud with Pope ahead of Rubio’s Vatican visit

Americans react negatively to President Trump’s controversial Iran post

The Washington Post ABC-Ipsos poll also noted that a majority of Americans had a negative reaction to another controversial Truth Social post on April 7 about the Iran war that drew widespread condemnation.

A poll found that 76% of Americans disagree with a post by President Trump threatening that unless Iran makes a deal with the United States, which appears to have threatened to use nuclear weapons, “the entire civilization will perish tonight, never to rise again.”

An additional 53% of Americans “strongly” disagreed with the post, which also sparked widespread scrutiny and debate from politicians, theologians, and other experts who study ethics and war.

Most Catholics (75%) and Protestants (70%) surveyed also responded negatively to Trump’s posts, along with non-Christians (72%).

Additionally, 69% of Americans disapprove of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s prayer for the U.S. military to inflict “overwhelming acts of violence against people who do not deserve mercy,” the poll found.

What did the president say?: Has Trump bombed Iran yet?

Opinion poll finds Pope favorably among Americans

A Washington Post ABC Ipsos poll found that many Americans support the Pope. According to a public opinion poll, the online favorability rating for Pope Leo among all Americans was 25 points, with 41% saying it was favorable, 16% saying it was unfavorable, and 43% saying they had no opinion about him.

The poll also pointed out that while 66% of Americans responded positively to Pope Leo’s April 7 call for Americans to work for peace and contact Congress to reject war, 57% responded negatively to President Trump’s Truth Social post that read, “We don’t want a pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”

Dealing with the Vatican: Will the conflict between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV divide Catholics?

Among Catholic Americans, 70% responded positively to Pope Leo’s call for Americans to contact Congress, while 61% responded negatively to President Trump’s posts about the pope and nuclear weapons.

Overall, favorability ratings for the pope rose to 61% among Catholic Americans, who saw the feud as the most controversial relationship between a secular leader and the papacy dating back to the Middle Ages, the poll said. Only 14% of people disapprove of the Pope, and 25% of Catholics surveyed have no opinion.

Meanwhile, according to opinion polls, President Trump’s approval rating has fallen from 45% in February 2025 to 37%.

What you need to know about Nicholas Brendon and cardiovascular disease

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What you need to know about Nicholas Brendon and cardiovascular disease

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States. In March, Nicholas Brendon became one of the many people who die each year from the disease, which remains the country’s leading cause of death.

The 54-year-old “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actor died of atherosclerosis and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a coroner’s report seen by USA TODAY. The report also cited a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) and acute pneumonia as contributing factors to his death, and the cause of death was determined to be natural.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on artery walls, and ASCVD-related diseases are a “leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,” according to the American Heart Association. The autopsy report said Brendon’s right coronary artery was 90% blocked.

Here’s what you need to know about Brendon’s condition and what you can do about your risk of heart disease.

What is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?

According to the Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (also called plaque) in your arteries. This narrows the arteries, blocks blood flow, and causes blood clots to form, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis usually does not cause symptoms until the arteries become significantly clogged or narrowed. When this happens, symptoms vary depending on which artery is affected.

If the affected artery is in the heart, you may experience symptoms such as chest pain and pressure called angina. If the artery connects to the brain, symptoms may include sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, sudden or temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping of the face.

If the affected artery is in the arm or leg, symptoms may include leg pain when walking and decreased blood pressure in the limb. If it is in arteries leading to the kidneys, symptoms such as high blood pressure in these arteries and kidney failure may occur.

more: ‘Buffy’ star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death revealed

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking emergency medical help if you experience any of the following: sudden numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, sudden or temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping facial muscles.

What is hypertensive cardiovascular disease?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypertensive heart disease involves damage to the heart caused by years of uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure. It can cause heart failure and increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Symptoms include leg swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fainting.

The coroner’s report said Brendon’s longtime friend, who was “spending more time with him due to his declining health,” said Brendon “couldn’t stop coughing and was self-medicating with over-the-counter medications.” The actor also complained of chest pain, but when a friend suggested he go to the hospital, he refused.

What can you do about your risk of heart disease?

Heart disease is very common. Although we can’t control family history, gender, age, or menopausal status, there are many modifiable lifestyle and health factors that can be adjusted to reduce the risk of heart disease, Dr. Karol Watson, co-director of the UCLA Preventive Cardiology Program and director of the UCLA Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health, previously told USA TODAY.

Some long-established risk factors for coronary heart disease include high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 99% of people who experience a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure were exposed to at least one of four risk factors above acceptable levels: blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and smoking.

Dr. Philip Greenland, a professor of cardiology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and one of the study’s lead authors, previously told USA TODAY that it was important for researchers to evaluate multiple measurements “because risk factors tend to fluctuate.”

Is heart disease preventable?

Watson previously told USA TODAY that health experts often estimate that heart disease is at least 80% preventable.

Watson added that people are not always aware of their risk of heart disease, especially if they “haven’t checked their blood pressure in a while or don’t know their cholesterol.”

But if it is detected that someone has high cholesterol levels, “we become more aggressive in treating things like cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, diabetes, etc. to prevent that person from having a heart attack in the future,” Dr. Eugene Yang, a professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Carl and Renée Behnke Endowed Chair in Asian Health, previously told USA TODAY.

Is heart disease preventable? How to reduce risk, according to a cardiologist

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is a framework that details eight aspects of cardiovascular health to consider. These include following a healthy eating pattern, getting regular medical attention, quitting smoking, practicing good sleep hygiene, controlling your weight, and watching your blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. According to the AHA, improving these lifestyle and health factors can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.

From a prevention perspective, “we need to focus more on (adherence to) these eight essential life behaviors, because that’s what really prevents heart disease,” Yang said.

Contributors: Brendan Morrow, Caroline C. Boyle

Apple agrees to settle Siri case class action lawsuit. Who is eligible?

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Apple agrees to settle Siri case class action lawsuit. Who is eligible?

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Some iPhone owners may be eligible for a payout from a class-action lawsuit that Apple agreed to settle this week.

The tech giant has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging it misled consumers over artificial intelligence enhancements coming to new iPhones in 2024.

According to court filings, the lawsuit accuses Apple of promoting the iPhone 16 at the time by touting new AI technology, including enhancements to Siri, which the device did not include at the time of its release.

Apple denied the allegations in its lawsuit. In a statement to USA TODAY, the company said it resolved the lawsuit in order to “continue to provide our users with the most innovative products and services.”

According to a May 5 filing, both sides have agreed to settle the lawsuit. The deal must now be approved by a judge before any payments can be made to consumers. Here’s what you need to know:

What is the Apple class action lawsuit?

California resident Peter Landsheft first filed a lawsuit against Apple in March 2025. Several other plaintiffs have since joined the lawsuit.

According to the complaint, Apple falsely promoted the AI-enhanced features of the iPhone 16, which was announced in September 2024. According to the complaint, the allegations stem from a number of AI features known as Apple Intelligence that the company launched in 2024.

The plaintiffs accused Apple of promoting a “dramatically enhanced Siri” as the focus of its new Apple Intelligence technology.

But Apple Intelligence and so-called Enhanced Siri were not present when the iPhone 16 was released, according to the complaint.

The complaint alleges that Apple “deceived millions of consumers into spending hundreds of dollars on phones they didn’t need by offering features that didn’t exist.”

Apple denied the allegations, according to the filing. It also said it offers more than 20 Apple Intelligence features and plans to roll out additional Siri Apple Intelligence features in future software updates.

Who is eligible to receive a payout in the Apple settlement?

Apple and consumers agreed to a $250 million settlement. The court must approve the contract before payments can be distributed. A court hearing is scheduled for June.

If approved by the court, the settlement class or payment-eligible group would include everyone in the United States who purchased a covered device within a certain period of time.

  • Target device:iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Purchase period: June 10, 2024 to March 29, 2025

How much can I receive with Apple payment?

Those eligible for payments under Apple’s proposed settlement will receive a payment of $25 per eligible device if the settlement is approved, according to the filing.

Depending on the number of approved applications, that total can increase to $95 per device.

Should I file a claim in the Apple Settlement?

The settlement administrator’s website, which will provide details on filing a claim, will be launched soon, according to the Clarkson Law Firm, which represents the consumers.

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

Marco Rubio visits Pope Leo amid feud between Vatican and Donald Trump

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Marco Rubio visits Pope Leo amid feud between Vatican and Donald Trump

Marco Rubio’s visit to Pope Leo is fraught with potential political problems caused by President Trump himself. Catholics are the largest religious group in the United States.

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WASHINGTON – Marco Rubio has added papal peacemaker to his ever-growing list of roles.

President Donald Trump has denounced Pope Leo

The country’s chief diplomat, a Catholic, is scheduled to meet with Leo on May 7 for a possible reset of relations.

Rubio insists that his visit to the Vatican was not to befriend the pope. The Secretary of State said there were urgent matters to discuss, including humanitarian aid to Cuba and the persecution of Christians.

But the trip is fraught with potential political problems for Trump himself, as he skewers the leader of America’s largest religious sect and leading voting bloc ahead of the midterm elections.

“It’s an unnecessary battle between key groups of voters,” said Republican pollster Brent Buchanan, founder of the Washington, D.C.-based firm Signal.

Rubio’s papal visit is an opportunity to mend rifts that could have political consequences for the party. He was the most senior US official to visit the Vatican since President Trump began criticizing the leaders of a religion worshiped by about a fifth of American adults.

“Regardless of what the administration says, this is a complete reset effort, and there is no question that they sent Rubio,” said Christopher Hale, publisher of “Letters from Leo” and former Obama Catholic Outreach director.

The president has continued to criticize Leo, slamming the pope in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on May 4, the night before Rubio’s visit. President Trump accused Leo of being “okay” about Iran’s nuclear weapons possession, which the Pope does not support.

Asked by Rubio at an Oval Office event on May 6 what message he would like to send to the Pope, Trump said “the only message” is that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb.

“I think he’s putting a lot of Catholics and a lot of people at risk,” Trump told Hewitt about Leo’s comments about the war.

The ongoing attacks could complicate Rubio’s efforts to ease tensions with religious leaders who are also heads of state.

Leo said he is not afraid of the administration or “speaking the message of the gospel out loud.”

“If anyone wants to criticize me for preaching the gospel, let me be honest,” he told reporters on May 5.

Catholics fear Trump’s attack

Catholics make up a huge voting bloc and were supporters of Trump when he was first elected president in 2016, but turned to Joe Biden, a Catholic, in 2020 when Trump lost re-election. Trump won the White House with a Catholic in 2024, according to exit polls and polls.

Trump’s support increased among white Catholics, who are more likely to support the Republican Party than Hispanic Catholics.

Buchanan, the pollster, said his research shows that Catholic support for the Republican Party in general voting for Congress declined from March to April 2026, with more respondents now saying they don’t know which party to support. Although he was hesitant to draw conclusions without more data, he noted that the question in the midterm elections will be which party’s base is more enthusiastic.

The decline in Catholic support will be a cause for concern for Republicans heading into the midterm elections, which are expected to be tough for the president’s party.

Kristan Hawkins, president of the conservative group Students for Life and a member of Trump’s 2020 campaign advisory board, said Trump should focus on issues like abortion that galvanize his conservative base in the run-up to November’s midterm elections.

“He needs to take the fight to Planned Parenthood, not the Pope,” Hawkins said.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released last month found that while President Trump’s approval ratings have declined since the outbreak of the Iran war, the pope’s popularity remains high. The poll found that 60% of Americans support Leo, compared to just 36% for Trump.

When Trump’s “confrontation” with the pope began, Catholics “hidden a little bit, but there’s no question about it,” said TW Arrighi, a Catholic Republican consultant.

But Arrighi, a former spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said he doesn’t think the controversy will deter floating voters from supporting Republican candidates.

“If there’s a group of Catholics who stopped supporting the Republican Party because of Donald Trump’s attacks on Leo, I’d love to meet with them,” he said. “I feel like those people left a long time ago.”

But the papal dispute is not the only reason President Trump has come under criticism from some religious conservatives in recent weeks. President Trump also shared a widely condemned and now deleted Christ-like image of himself on social media. Trump posted an image the same day he attacked Leo, but all that came down was the AI ​​image.

Daniel Philpott, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame, said continuing to quarrel with the pope will only hurt President Trump in the midterm elections.

“Conservatives and populist Catholics, who are most likely to vote for him, don’t like that the president is attacking a pope they respect, not just for his office but for his holiness and wisdom,” he said.

Marco Rubio takes the wheel

Rubio is “quick-witted,” good at reading the mood, and “plays really well with others,” Arrighi said.

“The president recognizes that people make him look good, and Rubio has consistently made him look good,” he added.

Rubio, a former President Trump rival who once said he could not be trusted with the country’s nuclear laws, became one of the most powerful figures in the second administration.

In January, President Trump said at the World Economic Conference in Davos, Switzerland, “Marco was great,” and asked for standing applause. “He will be the best Secretary of State.”

President Trump has regularly praised Rubio’s performance, fueling speculation that the former Florida senator could run for president again. Rubio dismissed the questions, saying he supports Vice President J.D. Vance and is focused on doing a good job as America’s top diplomat.

Mr. Vance, also a Catholic, has been an outspoken defender of Mr. Trump and a critic of the Pope. Arrighi noted that Rubio has “kept his thoughts about the church close to his heart.” If both men run for president, support from Catholic voters will be key. Both men attended the pope’s inaugural mass last year.

Aside from his potential political ambitions, Rubio, as a devout member of the faith, has both diplomatic and personal motivations to seek good relations with the Vatican. The Catholic Church is a major force providing humanitarian aid to Cuba and countries around the world.

In a May 5 briefing with reporters at the White House, Mr. Rubio said he also shared Mr. Leo’s concerns about religious freedom on the African continent, to which he had just returned.

“So we have a lot to talk to them about and we’re pretty involved with them on that front,” Rubio said. “This trip has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that it is normal for us to engage with them and other secretaries of state have done so in the past.”

White House allies agreed that Rubio, who also serves as Trump’s national security adviser and director of the National Archives, is a natural fit to be the papal peacemaker.

“We’ve all seen that there’s no job that Secretary Rubio can’t do,” said Hawkins, the anti-abortion activist.

Firehouse Subs will offer free subs to anyone named Mike on May 6th

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Firehouse Subs will offer free subs to anyone named Mike on May 6th

Is your name Mike or another name for Mike? If so, you can get a free sandwich at Firehouse Subs on May 6th.

The sandwich chain announced in an April 29 news release that guests matching “Mike Family Name” will receive a free medium-sized Steak & Cheese Melt at participating U.S. locations on Wednesday, May 6 (no purchase necessary). This includes names like Michael, Mikey, Miguel, Michelle, Michelle, and Michaela.

This offer is valid for one visit per eligible guest. The company said in a news release that customers must present a valid government-issued ID that reflects the eligible name at the time of redemption.

More food news: How to get deals for National Nursing Week 2026

Mike can get a free Steak & Cheese Melt at Firehouse Subs

The Steak & Cheese Melt is a new menu item at Firehouse Subs and includes USDA Choice prime rib, provolone, brown sugar caramelized onions, and red and green peppers, according to the chain.

“We’re so proud of this sub, with prime rib, caramelized onions, and a top-cut roll. Once you try it, you’ll know it’s one of the best steak subs around,” Firehouse Subs President Mike Hancock said in a news release. “We felt it was a great way to start things off by sharing it with all the Mikes across America.”

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

FBI raids VA Sen. L. Louise Lucas’ office in corruption probe: Reports

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FBI raids VA Sen. L. Louise Lucas’ office in corruption probe: Reports

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On May 6, the FBI raided the offices of Virginia Senate Majority Leader L. Louise Lucas and the marijuana retail business she co-owned as part of a corruption investigation, according to multiple media reports.

In a statement to USA TODAY, the FBI said it was executing a court-authorized federal search warrant in Portsmouth, Virginia.

“There is no threat to public safety. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is being released at this time,” the agency added.

Lucas could not be reached for comment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes Portsmouth, declined to comment.

The Washington Post and the Associated Press both reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, that the FBI had searched Lucas’ offices and a Portsmouth marijuana outlet business as part of a corruption probe.

Lucas led Virginia’s recent redistricting efforts, which are expected to win more Democratic seats in the upcoming midterm elections.

Some Democratic lawmakers expressed concern that the investigation was politically motivated.

“Given the politicization of this administration, with an FBI led by Kash Patel and a Justice Department led by President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, I think people should take this with a grain of salt and wait for the facts to emerge before jumping to conclusions,” Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) said in a statement.

The Justice Department is currently run by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as the president’s personal attorney. Under Mr. Blanche and his predecessor, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Justice Department has repeatedly indicted people that President Trump has said he wants to prosecute, including former FBI Director James Comey and former New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

Initial charges against both targets were dismissed, and the Justice Department recently filed new charges against Mr. Comey.

During the current Trump administration, the Justice Department has also investigated people hostile to Trump, including California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and six members of Congress who urged military members to disobey potentially illegal orders.

Contributor: William Atkinson – USA TODAY Network

Kentucky Derby Golden Tempo will not run in Triple Crown race in Preakness

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Kentucky Derby Golden Tempo will not run in Triple Crown race in Preakness

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There will be no Triple Crown winners in horse racing this year, which is likely to lead to calls for changes to the long-standing calendar of horse racing’s signature events.

Less than a week after the horse won the Kentucky Derby in a stunning upset, Golden Tempo’s team announced that he will not run in the 2026 Preakness Stakes, to be held in Laurel, Maryland, on Saturday, May 16th. Trainer Shelley Devaux said Golden Tempo will instead prepare for the June 6 Belmont Stakes.

“Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him going forward is to give him a little more time after such a tremendous effort,” Shelley Devaux Racing said in a statement. “His health, well-being and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

opinion: It’s time for Triple Crown to adapt to a grueling schedule and make some big changes

The Preakness Stakes is considered the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, which concludes each year at Belmont Park. There has been speculation in recent months that the schedule could be changed to increase the time between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. There are currently two weeks between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, and three weeks between the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

Golden Tempo is the third Kentucky Derby winner in the last five years to choose not to run in the Preakness, and the second consecutive year after Sovereignty did not run at Pimlico in 2025.

“There’s a reason the Triple Crown is hard to win,” DeVoe said Sunday when asked about the controversy over the horse racing calendar, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. “I appreciate that history. The horses are obviously different. They’re not the same size. They’re not trained the same way they were back then. But the current era shows that with the right horse it’s possible.”

Churchill Downs, the parent company that owns the Kentucky Derby, recently reached an agreement to acquire the intellectual rights to the Preakness Stakes, with media rights negotiations looming after this month’s race. Due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, this year’s Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park.

How many horses have won the Triple Crown?

Since the Kentucky Derby was founded in 1875, a total of 13 horses have won what is officially known as the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. they are:

  • Lord Burton (1919)
  • Brave Fox (1930)
  • Omaha (1935)
  • Army Admiral (1937)
  • Whirlway (1941)
  • Earl’s Fleet (1943)
  • Raid (1946)
  • Quote (1948)
  • Secretariat (1973)
  • Seattle Through (1977)
  • Affirmation (1978)
  • American Pharoah (2015)
  • Justify (2018)

MAHA supporters’ concerns about medical costs are higher than vaccine or food safety

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MAHA supporters’ concerns about medical costs are higher than vaccine or food safety

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Americans who identify with the “Make American Healthy Again” movement often associate it with issues such as vaccines, food additives, and pesticides.

But the biggest concern among MAHA believers is the well-known increase in health care costs, according to a survey released May 6 by KFF, a health policy nonprofit.

According to the poll, 4 in 10 adults who support MAHA say lowering health care costs, including prescription drugs, is the most important health-related priority for the federal government. Additionally, two in 10 would prioritize restricting chemical additives in food, and one in 10 would like the government to re-evaluate the safety of vaccines currently in use.

The survey was conducted online and by phone between April 14 and April 19 among 1,343 adults, and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

KFF officials said the survey results mirror past research showing health care costs are a top priority among adults and voters heading into the November midterm elections.

“Even for voters who support MAHA itself, health care costs are overwhelmingly the priority,” said Audrey Carney, senior research analyst with KFF’s Public Opinion and Survey Research Program.

Other recent polls have found that Americans cite health care costs as one of their primary financial concerns. According to a Gallup poll released April 28, 6 in 10 Americans worry they won’t be able to cover their medical bills in the event of a serious accident or illness, and nearly half are worried about everyday expenses.

About 4 in 10 voters overall said they supported the MAHA movement, led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and focused on issues such as vaccine safety, chemical additives and pesticides in the food supply, according to the KFF poll. About two-thirds of MAHA supporters identify as Republicans or Republican-leaning independents, but the movement has appeal beyond politics. According to KFF, about one in five MAHA supporters are Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents.

Will medical costs affect midterm elections?

MAHA supporters said medical costs are also a motivating factor when it comes to influencing how people vote.

Approximately 56% of MAHA supporters said health care costs would be a major factor in which political party candidate they would support. While the MAHA movement has focused on issues such as vaccines and food safety, four in 10 MAHA voters believe these issues will have a significant impact on their voting decision, a smaller percentage than those who cite health care costs as a motivator.

In 2025, President Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, fired all 17 original members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which recommends vaccines for adults and children. Kennedy replaced them with members that critics called unqualified. He also moved to reduce the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children.

Previous KFF polls have shown that most voters disapprove of President Kennedy’s move to overhaul the childhood immunization schedule. Still, more than two-thirds of MAHA supporters support the Trump administration’s food and vaccine policy responses, the KFF poll found. Nearly seven in 10 people approved of the way Kennedy is conducting his job as the nation’s top health official.

Democrats highlighted health care affordability issues after Congress failed to extend enhanced pandemic-era tax credits that made Affordable Care Act marketplace plans cheaper for millions of Americans.

Without the enhanced tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2025, the average cost for the 22 million Americans with subsidized ACA insurance would have more than doubled as of January, according to KFF.

President Donald Trump has touted efforts to lower prescription drug prices by negotiating “most-favored-nation” deals directly with drug companies. In April, Regeneron became the 17th major drug company to enter into a drug pricing agreement with the administration.

President Melania Trump praises the ‘quiet strength’ of military mothers ahead of Mother’s Day

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President Melania Trump praises the ‘quiet strength’ of military mothers ahead of Mother’s Day

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WASHINGTON — First lady Melania Trump spoke of the “silent power” of motherhood ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend and paid tribute to mothers of U.S. military personnel, including those who served in the Iran war.

“This is a time of military conflict for the United States, and we regularly honor our selfless and brave service members,” he said at a White House event in the East Room, where he was joined by President Donald Trump and mothers of military personnel. “Today is the day we pay our utmost respect to their mothers.”

The event came after the president warned earlier in the day that suspended military operations in Iran would continue “at a much higher level and intensity than before” if Iran refused to agree to the Strait of Hormuz reopening deal.

Latest information on the Iran war: President Trump says he will resume bombing if Iran does not agree to peace

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. Melania Trump, a mother herself, said military mothers “wake up alone in the darkest hours of the night, thinking.” He said the public should also not forget mothers who have spouses overseas.

“At the very heart of America’s strength lies the boundless love and quiet strength of mothers,” the first lady said. “We are the most dedicated teachers, gently cultivating empathy, encouraging children to dream, and guiding them toward good. We help children rise up with courage when life gets difficult.”

The first lady wore a pink blazer and an olive green skirt. Introducing her husband, she said, “Most people know my husband as a strong commander-in-chief, but his empathy transcends his role and molds him into a caring leader who never forgets that each American soldier is someone’s child.”

During his remarks, Trump singled out three military mothers in the audience — Marine spouse Brittany Stevenson, Lt. Col. Amanda Collazo and Melody Wolfe — and then veered off to other topics, including the administration’s efforts to reduce crime in Washington, D.C. and combat maritime drug trafficking.

more: The Pentagon says the Iran war will cost $25 billion. See how it’s measured

Stephenson and Wolfe, the mother of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolf, who survived the November shooting in Washington, D.C., was brought to the stage. “We’re supporting our country at a time when no one thought our son would make it,” Wolf said. “We have strong faith in God, and He is the one who brought our son through this.”

“No one should doubt the determination of America’s military moms. They are incredible,” President Trump said. “From the inception of our republic to this day, our nation has been strengthened by the love, dedication, and dedication of our incredible women.”

President Trump briefly mentioned the Iran war and predicted that Iran would eventually agree to U.S. demands, whether or not leaders formally sign the deal.

“We’ll see if they agree, and if they don’t, we’ll agree shortly thereafter,” Trump said. That’s what it means.

X Contact Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.

Travis Kelsey says he’s excited about his wedding to Taylor Swift

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Travis Kelsey says he’s excited about his wedding to Taylor Swift

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Travis Kelsey had three words about his upcoming wedding to pop star Taylor Swift.

But honestly, who’s counting? one two three…

After golfer Rory McIlroy talked about how unforgettable his wedding will be on the May 6 episode of “New Heights,” the Kansas City tight end smiled and said, “I can’t wait.”

What we know about Taylor Swift’s wedding

Swift and Kelce’s wedding is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated celebrity events of the year. Although there is no confirmed location yet, experts have been able to rule out several possibilities.

Initial speculation was that the wedding would take place on June 13th in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, near Swift’s waterfront home, but that theory was quickly dispelled after a high-end wedding planner publicly confirmed that Swift was not involved in the June 13th ceremony at Ocean House, a historic waterfront luxury hotel in the area.

“I’m the wedding planner for June 13th at Ocean House in Rhode Island! I’m sorry to inform you all, but Taylor is not my bride this weekend! Boo!” planner Tara Guerard wrote on Instagram.

Westerly Mayor Sean Lacy was asked at April’s town hall if there was any news about a wedding being held in Rhode Island. He replied: “There is no information that the wedding will take place in June. If the wedding was to take place in June, we would definitely know by now.”

Most fans speculate that the wedding will take place before the NFL training season begins in mid-July. Page Six suggested that the event would be held in New York over the weekend of July 3rd, but that could also be dangerous. Swift’s team did not respond to an email seeking clarification about the wedding.

For celebrity couples operating under intense public scrutiny, keeping wedding plans private is often part of the strategy itself.

Ahead of the Super Bowl, Christian McCaffrey told USA TODAY that maintaining privacy during his 2024 Watch Hill wedding to Olivia Culpo will require careful planning and trust within his close circle.

“I have the best wife. She’s done a great job,” the 49er said. “It’s not hard for me to enjoy it and keep it to myself or keep it a secret from us. But it can be very stressful. And I think I have the best wife because no one plans better than her.”

Swift and Kelce’s wedding told by a luxury wedding planner

For elite wedding planners, the need for privacy translates into intensive strategy and logistics behind the scenes.

“She’s probably the most popular celebrity right now,” said Valerie Edwards, president of Valerie Joy Events, which specializes in high-profile weddings. “Taylor Swift’s wedding probably attracts more attention than any other celebrity wedding.”

Edwards is planning an ultra-private wedding in the Big Sky area of ​​Montana. To be clear, Swift and Kelsey have previously vacationed at the exclusive Yellowstone Club, but there’s no indication they plan to get married there.

“I love bringing my clients’ vision to life and designing weddings that feel very personal,” says Edwards. She has worked in remote wedding venues in Montana for years. Privacy and access are controlled there, making it especially attractive for high-profile events.

Edwards said privacy is often the starting point for couples of Swift and Kelsey’s level of fame.

She added that the guest list is strictly monitored and transportation arrangements are made in advance. Some guests may not even know the venue and may instead be directed to a central meeting point. Invitations may also include subtle markers to identify potential leaks.

Tightly controlled venues provide confidential discretion for staff, reinforced by a sea of ​​non-disclosure agreements. Custom-built settings in remote locations like Montana, on the other hand, give couples the freedom to design every detail from scratch. That can create logistical problems “like planning a wedding in the middle of the ocean,” Edwards said. But if a couple can afford to fly in guests and their favorite vendors, a remote location may offer more privacy than a metropolitan area like New York City.

Edwards said she has never worked with an engaged pop star, but the planner has noticed some aspects of Swift’s style, saying, “She doesn’t necessarily do what’s trendy or follow a book about how other people do things.”

Once details such as the dress designer, color palette and caterer hired are revealed, the ripple effect will be immediate, Edwards said. Within minutes of the engagement, the Ralph Lauren dress Swift wore in her announcement photo was sold out. The same seems to be true of Swift’s wedding aesthetic.

Not every couple can match Swift’s budget. However, Edwards said couples will try to replicate some aspect of the design, setting or overall experience. Perhaps Swift will set the bridal trends for the rest of 2026.

Edwards said Swift’s partnership with any vendor, such as a florist, could be “transformative” in their career. Although Edwards hasn’t heard of Swiftkels’ specific plans to get married in Montana, she knows the power of Swiftonomics and how future weddings will change the bridal industry.

“I guarantee you that, because when Taylor does something, everyone wants to do what Taylor does,” she said.

Don’t miss any Taylor Swift news. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter, This Swift Beat.

Taylor Swift reporter Brian West on Instagram, TikTok, and X as @BryanWestTV.

Why it’s a smart purchase

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Why it’s a smart purchase

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  • Hertz has partnered with eBay to sell thousands of used cars from its rental fleet online.
  • The average price of a used car in April 2026 was $25,500, and the average price of a new car in March 2026 was $49,275.
  • Advantages of purchasing a previous rental car include warranty protection, no-haggle pricing, easy return options, and more.

Hertz has partnered with eBay to offer a list of used cars coming out of its fleet for car buyers hungry for deals as prices for new and used cars increase.

Hertz said in a May 5 announcement that the partnership with eBay will make 8,000 used car listings available on eBay’s website, one of the busiest commercial online retailers.

Chris Berg, Hertz’s executive vice president of global fleet management, said in a statement that the deal with eBay is a “natural next step” as the company continues to build its used car business and digital presence.

“This gives us access to millions of in-market shoppers on a trusted platform, supports a scalable retail model, reduces our reliance on wholesale channels, and puts our near-new certified inventory in front of more customers than ever before,” Berg said.

“eBay has long been the destination of choice for value-seeking car buyers,” Andreas Wiergoss, GM of Vehicles at eBay US, said in a statement.

“With Hertz bringing its inventory to eBay, we are connecting shoppers with world-class, near-new certified vehicles, all supported by eBay’s Secure Purchase, which enables a seamless end-to-end buying experience online,” Wielgoss said.

The USA TODAY Cars team investigated why ex-rental cars offer good value for car buyers looking for a deal.

What is the average price of a used car? How does it compare to the price of a new car?

According to Carfax, the average price of a used car in April 2026 was $25,500. The group said the figure was about $1,500 higher than a month earlier, in March 2026.

The average price of a new car in March 2026, the most recent data available, was $49,275. This is a 3.5% increase compared to one year ago, as of March 2025.

“As prices rise, flexibility is key,” Sri Melkote, chief analytics officer at Carfax, said in a statement.

“Shoppers need to consider different makes, models, years, trims, and even nearby markets to find the best deal for their budget,” Melcourt said. “Such price fluctuations suggest a volatile market, so it’s important to track prices now. When you’re ready, a vehicle history report can help you avoid expensive surprises and secure your true value.”

Why are previous rentals valuable to car buyers?

Previous rental cars have long had a reputation for being in worse condition than other types of used cars, on the theory that drivers don’t take as much care of their cars as those who own or lease them.

But Consumer Reports said in a post on its website that buyers shouldn’t automatically exclude previous rentals when purchasing a used car.

“Used rental car prices are very competitive, with a wide selection of models under $20,000,” said Michael Crossen, lead technician at CR Auto Test Center. “Depending on the company you buy from, used rental cars may come with warranties that can help reduce your financial risk.”

Crossen added: “When purchasing a used rental car, we recommend purchasing from the largest companies for added protection and a wider choice of models. However, be sure to check the terms carefully before purchasing.”

Here are some of the benefits found by Consumer Reports for people who buy used cars from major car rental companies like Hertz and Enterprise.

  • Warranty may be available: According to Consumer Reports, some used cars that were once rented may still be young enough to be covered by their original factory warranty. Major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis also typically offer a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty from the time of purchase.
  • Price without negotiation: Most car rental companies offer competitive prices for used cars because they want to take delivery of their rental vehicle.
  • Easy return options: Most car rental companies allow you to return your used car within a week of purchase if you change your mind. According to Consumer Reports, if you change your mind within the first week or 1,000 miles of your original purchase, Enterprise will buy your car back. The group said Hertz will rent the car for three days at a special rate for an extended test drive.
  • Access to trade-ins and multiple financing options: Some rental companies will accept trade-ins when shoppers buy used cars, Consumer Reports said. Some have their own finance companies or work with multiple lenders to provide car buyers with options.

President Obama jokes Colbert should consider running for president: ‘Standards have changed’

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President Obama jokes Colbert should consider running for president: ‘Standards have changed’

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  • Former President Barack Obama joked with Stephen Colbert about the talk show host running for president.
  • He said the attorney general should be the people’s lawyer, not the president’s personal lawyer.
  • Mr. Obama believes that norms that prevent the expansion of executive power may need to be codified into law.
  • The former president expressed concern about the politicization of the Justice Department and the military.

Former President Barack Obama jokingly encouraged late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert to consider a new job he once held.

During the May 5 episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the normally friendly interview turned a little more serious as Colbert talked about his possible plans.

“I’m looking for a new job in the near future,” Colbert said, alluding to his long-running CBS talk show, which airs its final episode on May 21. “And a lot of people are telling me I should run for president.”

In response, Obama laughed and told Colbert that he had the “look” to be president, adding: “You’ve got that hair.”

Colbert responded, “Just to be clear, I think that’s a stupid idea. How stupid do you think it is for people to say I should run for president?”

“The standards have changed,” the former president said. Although he did not mention President Donald Trump by name, the meaning was clear.

Colbert, who President Trump cheered on when The Late Show was canceled, quipped that the hurdles to becoming president are “sometimes underground.” Then the talk show host said, “You don’t have to be so depressed, do you?”

Obama laughed and added, “Let me tell you this: I think you can perform much better than some of the people we’ve seen. I have a lot of confidence in that.”

Mr. Colbert thanked Mr. Obama and asked if that was a formal endorsement. The 44th president declared, “That was not the case.”

In an emailed statement to USA TODAY on May 6, White House press secretary Davis Ingle called Obama “a classless idiot who clearly suffers from severe and debilitating Trump derangement syndrome that has rotted his brain.”

“He is an absolute disgrace to all the division he sowed in this country, and history will not judge him well,” Ingle said. “The only special interest guiding the Trump administration’s decision-making is the best interest of the American people. Only a pathetic train wreck like Stephen Colbert would waste his time interviewing one of the worst presidents in history on a failed show.”

President Obama in the spotlight is “rather preferable” President Obama admits political demands have caused ‘real tension’ in his marriage

President Obama expresses concerns about expanding executive power

In a nearly 30-minute prerecorded interview at the Obama Center, which opens next month, President Obama said the United States will have some work to do when it comes to expanding the powers of the executive branch after the current administration leaves office. Although he did not mention President Trump by name, he expressed concern that the White House was using the Justice Department as a political tool.

Mr. Obama, a former constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago, told Mr. Colbert, “There’s a lot we can overcome, including bad policies and bad elections.” “We cannot overcome the politicization of the judicial system and the formidable power of the state, and we cannot allow those in charge to use it to go after their political opponents or reward their friends.

President Obama said, “Although it is not provided for in the Constitution, it may be better not to tolerate those who have donated large sums of money to election campaigns.”

“Clown Show”: Barack Obama speaks out about Trump’s post depicting President Obama as a monkey

When Colbert asked Obama about the need to limit presidential power and what powers a president should not have, Obama said there were some guidelines that were “not law, but that we followed.”

“We need to do some fundamental work to get back to this basic norm, and perhaps we need to codify it now,” President Obama said. “The White House should not be able to direct the attorney general to prosecute anyone the president wants to prosecute.

“The common sense and the idea is that the attorney general is the people’s lawyer,” Obama continued. “I am not the consigliere of the president.”

President Obama added that the Justice Department must “make independent judgments about specific cases and prosecutions.”

The former president also expressed concern about the potential politicization of the U.S. military, but did not mention the Iran war that began on February 28. Amid the ceasefire, the president said the war could end if Iran agrees to U.S. terms and allows commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, President Trump said in a May 6 post on Truth Social that if the Iranian government did not agree, U.S. bombing would resume “at a higher level and intensity.”

In the interview, President Obama touched on the role of the president in international conflicts, telling Colbert that it was a mistake to “politicize” the military.

“We had a set of norms in place to ensure that we were not trying to make the military loyal to us in violation of the Constitution and the American people,” Obama said. “We’ll have to find a mechanism to restore it.”

Why rodent sightings on cruise ships are rare

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Why rodent sightings on cruise ships are rare

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Authorities are working to determine the source of the hantavirus cluster on board the cruise ship, which has resulted in three laboratory-confirmed cases and five additional suspected cases.

Three people aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ MV Hondius have died, one of whom was confirmed to have been infected with a variant of the hantavirus.

Hantaviruses are primarily spread by exposure to the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. World Health Organization official Maria van Kerkhove said at a May 5 press conference that the cruise line had told the organization there were no rats on board.

That’s the norm, said Walt Nadolny, professor emeritus of shipping and global business at the State University of New York Maritime College and former environmental director for Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. Although much remains unknown about where the passengers were infected, it is unusual for rats, mice and other rodents to be observed on cruise ships.

Here’s why:

Are there rats or mice on cruise ships?

In general, no. “I’ve been on cruise ships and inspected everything from the bilge to the galleys to the cabins, and I’ve never seen any evidence of rodents or rodent droppings,” he said.

He said traps are set “everywhere” as a precaution, but rodents are not usually caught. Cruise lines typically have a designated crew member on board who is responsible for these procedures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ship Hygiene Program also regularly inspects ships calling at U.S. ports in a variety of areas, including pest management. The health department’s website says inspectors are interviewing “the person responsible for the ship’s pest management plan” to ensure that employees are knowledgeable about pest control.

Other jurisdictions have similar authorities.

Van Kerkhove said the WHO believes the first guest to show symptoms and his wife, who both died, were infected on land. “Our guess is that they got infected from the ship and then went on the cruise,” she said.

The expedition’s sailings also stopped at several islands off the coast of Africa, some of which were home to large numbers of rodents, she added. “Therefore, it is possible that other suspected cases also have some source of infection on the island,” van Kerkhof said.

Person-to-person transmission may also occur between close contacts.

Van Kerkhove stressed that the health threat to the general public is low. “This is not a virus that spreads like the flu or COVID-19,” she said. “It’s completely different.”

You also run the risk of encountering rats and mice on your next cruise. If CDC inspectors find evidence of rodent feces, “the ship will be stopped in port for a thorough cleaning,” Nadolny said.

“The cruise industry takes hygiene on board very seriously.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.

United Healthcare relaxes “prior authorization”

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United Healthcare relaxes “prior authorization”

good morning! I’m Daniel de Visé from Daily Money.

UnitedHealthcare announced it would eliminate “prior authorization” requirements for many of its medical services after complaints from doctors and patients who ended up delaying or denying care.

Is it time to reconsider I-bonds?

Medora Lee reports that inflation is rising again. This means investors can earn competitive interest rates on I-bonds.

This investment portfolio will outperform stocks in 2025

Finally, let’s talk about “diversified” portfolios in investing. Morningstar has a mix of 11 different asset classes that together outperformed the U.S. stock market in 2025.

The components are:

📰 Other stories you can’t miss 📰

Daniel de Visse covers personal finance for USA TODAY. Daily Money breaks down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

Dwayne Haskins Jr.’s father talks about his son’s mental state before his tragic death

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Dwayne Haskins Jr.’s father talks about his son’s mental state before his tragic death

This is grief with a purpose.

More than four years after the tragic loss of his only son, Dwayne Haskins Sr. is determined to add compassion and depth to the legacy of the former NFL quarterback’s complicated life, and perhaps help others.

Here are some words to describe this. “wonderful”. Brave. spiritual.

Through her family’s foundation, Haskins will host a talkback discussion about mental health on May 16 at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn in Maryland, followed by a community walk in conjunction with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to honor her son’s life and launch an awareness campaign. He believes his son, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2018 and led the NCAA with 4,831 passing yards and 50 touchdowns in his only season as a starter at Ohio State, but was waived less than two seasons after being a first-round pick by Washington in 2019, suffered from unchecked mental health issues as his career and life quickly deteriorated off course.

A day after celebrating Dwayne Jr.’s 29th birthday on May 3, Haskins told USA TODAY Sports, “Brother, this is personal to me. I’ve never said anything publicly about Dwayne.”

This floor is yours, sir.

“I knew my son had mental health issues,” Haskins said. Haskins’ family includes his wife Tamara and daughter Tamia. “Our family recognizes that it is very difficult for a professional athlete to communicate that he has a mental health issue when he is chasing his dreams. There is a stigma attached to it.

“We started recognizing the warning signs that something was wrong with Dwayne, and now we’ve become advocates for people to be aware of that. There are mental health conditions that come on over a period of time, and then suddenly something traumatizes a person and they can’t make effective decisions. And it keeps getting triggered and triggered.”

It’s a remarkable coincidence that Haskins is launching this campaign, which he hopes to develop and roll out across the country next year, at a time when the NFL is ramping up its mental health support programs following the tragic suicides of two current players in recent months: Marshawn Kneeland of the Dallas Cowboys and Rondale Moore of the Minnesota Vikings.

“I think there’s still a stigma, but I think that stigma is not so much about mental health in general, but about help-seeking behavior,” Dr. Nyaka Neelampti, the NFL’s vice president of wellness and clinical services, told USA TODAY Sports.

“Is prejudice a sign of weakness? Is asking for help a sign of weakness?”

At the last NFL owners meeting in late March, the league announced an expansion of mental health services, requiring all 32 teams to hire a full-time mental health clinician to work at each team’s headquarters. Previously, the league required teams to have a part-time clinician. Additionally, the NFL is currently partnering with Cigna to create a network of experts that players and their families can tap into beyond team experts.

“You’d be surprised how receptive players are to utilizing these resources,” said Neelamptti, who held a similar position with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) before joining the NFL. “Some players say, ‘Look, I have an athletic trainer, right? I have a strength and conditioning coach. Why don’t I have someone to go through what’s going on in my head?'”

NiiLampti hopes expanding the NFL program will solve the challenges of getting support and resources quickly. Undoubtedly, timing is critical when a crisis occurs.

“They don’t have time. They need someone to work with them now,” Neelampti said. “We need to find a way to engage them and strike while the iron is hot.”

Haskins wasn’t aware of the NFL’s recent announcement to place more emphasis on mental health support programs, but he praised the effort. Looking back on his son’s journey, he wonders if there are barriers to recognizing his son’s challenges from a mental health perspective.

“I think that was the problem. He wasn’t strong enough to say, ‘I want help,'” Haskins said. “But we knew something was wrong. That’s why the (May 16) celebration is a place to make people aware of the red flags.”

Let’s put ourselves in the father’s shoes. There is no one way to deal with the loss of a son or daughter. Haskins realized that the grief would last the rest of her life. He noted that even though he and Tamara are still grieving the loss of their young mother in 1988, they have been forced to deal with the loss of their son in other circumstances. Dwayne Jr. didn’t get a chance to say goodbye until the early morning hours of April 9, 2022, when he was struck by a dump truck while crossing the highway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

And the circumstances surrounding his death (according to a toxicology report, Dwayne Jr. was legally drinking alcohol with ketamine and other drugs in his system, fueling suspicions of foul play) left many unanswered questions. Dwayne Jr., who played his third and final NFL season as a backup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, was in Florida for several weeks of offseason training.

Although Haskins did not address controversies such as the dismissal of Dwayne Jr.’s image rights lawsuit against his widow Calabria, it seems clear that his focus on mental health, in addition to his Christian faith, is an anchor in processing this tragedy.

At the next event, they will use the acronym “NINO” to clarify the theme of paying attention to warning signs. He hopes that eventually it will be widely recognized as a distress signal.

“NINO – ‘No, I’m not okay’ – would become a code word for people who don’t understand or don’t know how to express their emotions,” Haskins said. “We believe that if we can make this acronym stick, we can save more lives and provide solutions with more attention and support from mental health organizations like NAMI.”

Talk about dealing with bias. I have a suggestion for the NFL. Work with Haskins to visit teams, share his journey and speak to players. Imagine the actual conversations in these sessions.

Especially now, with so many NFL coaches and executives claiming to be more sensitive to mental health issues after the tragedies of recent months. This realization resonates enough that some say it was a factor in evaluating prospects heading into recent drafts.

“This generation has a lot of stress and anxiety and probably deals with it very differently than our generation,” Los Angeles Rams GM Les Sneed told USA TODAY Sports, alluding to social patterns. “But I also know this: If you think about what they’ve been through, this group has been pushed into a corner.

“You’re a professional athlete and you’re a company. You make a bad play and the next minute you’re a meme. I know there are other variables, but as a general manager and a father, you definitely understand what the reality is for this generation.”

Haskins knows. What happens on the field and on social media only scratches the surface. One of his key messages for the upcoming event refers to what he calls “the perseverance of dreams,” which includes a myriad of potential pitfalls.

Even if he sounds like a man with a spiritual mission, he probably won’t agree.

Haskins says matter-of-factly that his campaign was inspired by a message from God: “This needs to be shared in order for you to deal with it.”

I can also imagine the message from my son.

“Dwayne is looking down on us right now,” Haskins said. “And it’s, ‘I’m so proud of you, mom and dad. You’re raising awareness on my behalf.'”

That is a very noble purpose.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health resources or support, call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for access to our free and confidential service 24/7.

Contact Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow X: @JarrettBell

Billionaires could be allowed to donate stocks to Trump’s account

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Billionaires could be allowed to donate stocks to Trump’s account

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If you’re one of the roughly 5 million kids who currently own a Trump account, you might eventually find yourself adding Tesla or Nvidia stock to your portfolio.

Federal savings programs for children continue to expand. The initiative began as a federal commitment to deposit $1,000 into a savings account for every child born between 2025 and 2028. It’s basically an IRA for kids.

Pledges from philanthropists and American businesses then poured in, potentially expanding the scope of the program.

According to the New York Times, the Trump administration is currently discussing allowing some of the world’s wealthiest people to donate their company stocks to Trump accounts. In other words, Elon Musk could gift Tesla stock, or Jensen Huang could acquire Nvidia stock.

Opening Trump accounts to stocks would fundamentally change the program, which currently only allows cash investments in broad index funds.

Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Trump Account, starting with how to get one.

When will Trump Account be available?

The Trump account will launch on July 5, 2026. Donations cannot be made before that date.

How do I open a Trump account?

Parents or legal guardians have at least two options for opening an account. The newest and easiest method is to file IRS Form 4547 online at trumpaccounts.gov. This form asks for your date of birth, social security number, and contact information.

You can also file Form 4547 on your 2025 tax return.

Vanguard advises eligible families to consider submitting their forms early to ensure their accounts are ready for rollout in July.

After filing, the IRS will establish a Trump account. The official website states that “the partner financial company where your Trump account is held will contact you shortly to provide further instructions on how to complete the setup.”

The process will begin in May, according to the guidance document.

In April, the Treasury Department announced that Bank of New York Mellon Corporation would be the financial agent for the Trump account. The bank will partner with Robinhood to act as the account’s custodian and develop the Trump Account app.

How many people have claimed Trump’s account?

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said at an April event hosted by CNBC that about 5 million children are enrolled in Trump accounts, including 1.2 million infants who are eligible for $1,000 in federal seed money.

When will $1,000 be deposited into your Trump account?

The seed money will be deposited into Trump’s account after July 4 and “as soon as practicable” after the account is verified, according to a Treasury Department guidance document.

Who actually owns the Trump account?

Trump accounts are owned by children but managed by adults until the child turns 18, according to Fidelity Investments.

Who is eligible for a Trump account?

All US citizens born between 2025 and 2028 are eligible to obtain a Trump Account. Must have a social security number.

U.S. children under the age of 18 born before 2025 will also be eligible for a Trump Account, which will have all the same features but will not receive the $1,000 seed money from the federal government.

Only one Trump Account may be opened per child.

When can I withdraw my funds?

In this regard, the facts remain unclear.

According to IRS rules, you can begin receiving distributions from your Trump account starting January 1 of the year you turn 18.

But Rita Assaf, vice president of retirement recruiting at Fidelity, said the guidelines could change to only allow withdrawals after a child’s 18th birthday. Reason: Children under the age of 18 do not have the same legal rights as adults.

From that point on, the Trump Account will function like an individual retirement account. IRA rules generally include penalties for withdrawals before age 59 1/2, with some qualifying exceptions such as first-time home purchases, higher education, and medical expenses. After age 59 1/2, you can withdraw IRA funds without penalty.

How can I invest money in a Trump account?

The Trump account comes with unusual restrictions. Funds can only be invested in low-cost index funds. They are either mutual funds or ETFs that track an index of “primarily” U.S. stocks. According to IRS guidance, at least 90% of the funds must be invested in U.S. companies. The Fund may not charge an expense ratio of more than 0.1%. The expense ratio is basically an administrative fee.

J. Spencer Williams, founder and CEO of financial technology company Retirement Clearinghouse, said this is a unique rule with an overarching theme of “Investing in America.”

Once a child turns 18, the rules change and the Trump account becomes a “regular IRA,” Williams said. Account holders then have more freedom to choose how their funds are invested.

Who will manage Trump’s account?

The US Treasury will create and manage the Trump account, with BNY and Robinhood serving as custodians.

Eventually, families will be allowed to move their accounts to outside financial providers. It’s probably the same company that already manages your 401(k) and IRA accounts.

Who can contribute to a Trump account?

Donations can come from almost anyone: individuals, employers, governments, philanthropists, and charities.

How much can I donate to my Trump account?

The contribution limit is $5,000 per year. However, one-time “seed” contributions from governments do not count toward the annual limit, nor do contributions from governments or charities.

Employers can contribute up to $2,500 per employee per year, which can be split among multiple children. Employees can transfer their pre-tax paychecks to Trump accounts. These contributions count toward the $5,000 annual limit.

The annual limit is indexed to inflation and increases over time.

How are Trump Accounts Taxed?

Individual contributions to the Trump account typically come from after-tax dollars. If these funds are withdrawn, only the gains will be taxed, Vanguard advises.

Contributions from other sources, such as employers, employees, charities, and the government, are pre-tax, so the full amount withdrawn is taxed.

With so many potential contributors and different tax rules and variable contribution limits, Trump account holders may have a hard time keeping track of them.

“It’s unclear what happens when your grandfather puts in money and your employer puts in money,” Williams said. “It’s unclear how all this will resolve itself over time.”

Who announced the Trump Account Matching Fund?

Philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell have pledged $6.25 billion, which will include $250 each for the first 25 million Trump account applicants under the age of 10 born before 2025 in ZIP codes with a median income of less than $150,000.

Dell’s pledge expands the reach of the Trump account, and “it’s not for newborns,” Fidelity’s Assaf said.

Philanthropists Ray and Barbara Dalio pledged to donate $250 to 300,000 children in Connecticut. Hedge fund manager Brad Gerstner announced a similar pledge in Indiana as part of the federal government’s 50-State Challenge to mobilize philanthropy across the country.

JPMorgan Chase, Charles Schwab, BlackRock, Visa, Intel, Bank of America and many other companies have pledged to donate to Trump accounts for the children of their employees.

Green Shields Endorses Blue State Senate

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Green Shields Endorses Blue State Senate

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Democrat Chedrick Green won the special election for the open Michigan Senate seat held on Tuesday, May 5, giving his party a narrow majority in the key battleground state.

The victory comes as local elections receive increased attention as Democrats and Republicans vie for influence across the country ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Charles Stewart III, a political science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told USA TODAY on May 6, “Michigan could have had a special election that could have resulted in a deadlock in the state Senate.” Greene’s victory gives Democrats a 20-18 majority in the state Senate, meaning Republicans cannot delay the bill’s passage by abstaining.

Here’s a closer look at Green’s win and what it means from a national perspective.

Democrats control the Senate in battleground states

Greene, a retired military officer and firefighter from Saginaw, Michigan, won the 35th Senate District by a margin of 58.9%, according to CNN and the Associated Press. The seat became vacant when current U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivette was elected to the House of Representatives and sworn into office in early 2025.

“We achieved this decisive victory by listening and speaking about the things that keep everyday people up at night: concerns about affordability, safety, and freedom,” Greene said on social media.

Greene defeated Republican Jason Tunney, a lawyer in private practice, with 39.4% of the vote.

According to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, the seat will be up for reconsideration in November, a fact that Taney noted in his concession remarks.

“This is only the halfway point,” Tunney said. “As we move into November, the contrast between Chedrick and me will become clear to more and more voters. I’m excited to see what’s to come, and I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

What Green’s victory means

Tuesday’s special election was the first midterm test for Michigan, a battleground state that President Donald Trump won with 49.7% in 2024, according to Ballotpedia. The race also comes as the president’s allies have signaled a willingness to invest in local races such as Indiana, where they can further widen the lead.

Jared McDonald, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, said Greene’s victory is part of a national trend of Democratic wins in special elections since Trump took office.

“Democrats are benefiting from a combination of voter enthusiasm, or perhaps anger, and the Democratic coalition includes more voters who are more likely to participate during off-cycle elections,” he told USA TODAY on May 6. “These dynamics are leading to Democratic numbers being released.”

Democrats control the state Senate and the gubernatorial majority as lawmakers consider a budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the Detroit Free Press reports. While Republicans control the state Legislature, Democrats retain negotiating power over spending plans.

Contributed by: Detroit Free Press

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