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Vance admits to problems with MAGA youth during war with Iran

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Mr. Vance has faced setbacks in establishing himself as a future party leader, failing on two recent foreign policy challenges.

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WASHINGTON – During a stop on a college campus, Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged that young conservatives who handed over the presidency to Donald Trump are dissatisfied with the administration over the Iran war and need to be encouraged to stay politically active in the run-up to the midterm elections.

Vance, who attended the Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia on April 14, said he recognized that “a lot of young voters don’t like the policies” surrounding the Middle East.

Still, Vance insisted his administration is taking steps to secure the border, lower housing and electricity costs and reduce the murder rate. “I’m not saying you have to agree with me on every issue,” he added. “What I’m saying is, don’t stop engaging just because you disagree with the administration on a certain topic.”

Vance’s comments are a nod to the administration’s political problems with the Iran war, which polls show is unpopular. According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 59% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s decision to attack Iran. Young voters, including young Republicans, are likely to be concerned.

The Pew poll found that less than half (49%) of young Republicans and Republican-leaning independents approve of President Trump’s handling of Iran.

The war has raised gasoline prices and raised broader economic concerns. And after President Donald Trump campaigned as a staunch critic of past U.S. wars in the Middle East, some who share his anti-interventionist “America First” pledge have accused his administration of being a traitor.

President Trump ordered Vance, a leading anti-intervention right-wing figure who is said to have expressed concern about starting a war, to negotiate an end to the conflict. However, peace talks in Pakistan’s Islamabad failed to produce an agreement.

President Trump tasked Vance with negotiating an end to the unpopular war.

Vance’s comments dovetail with polls showing the administration is struggling with young voters (in one poll, only half of young Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they supported President Trump’s approach to Iran) and a series of recent setbacks that have seen critics deride the vice president’s political touch.

For three days, Vance failed to finalize a deal to end the Iran war, failed to keep key European allies in power, and became embroiled in a feud with the Pope.

“What a week for the vice president! He took the unusual step of campaigning for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who lost in a landslide today and led the failed peace talks in Pakistan yesterday. This is not the time to buy Powerball tickets!” David Axelrod, former Barack Obama campaign manager, said of X.

Vance’s political acumen comes under scrutiny during Iran negotiations

Mr. Vance is generally considered one of the administration’s best messengers. However, as the party faces midterm elections that will determine control of Congress, his political skills are under scrutiny.

The vice president is helping lead the Republican midterm push amid a tough election cycle for the party, which sets up a 2028 presidential election in which Vance could be on the ballot. He is under pressure to help turn the tide in the Republican Party, but is facing difficulties in trying to establish himself as the future leader of the MAGA movement.

President Donald Trump has increasingly taken on a second and more difficult foreign policy mission, sending him to Jerusalem last fall to help enforce a tepid ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Most recently, the vice president flew to Budapest, Hungary, on April 6 to campaign for Mr. Orbán, a close ally of Mr. Trump whose conservative populism has influenced Mr. Trump’s political campaign.

It is unusual for a U.S. official to campaign for a foreign leader, and the move prompted criticism that the Trump administration was interfering in other countries’ elections.

Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Vance was on a plane to Islamabad, Pakistan, for high-stakes talks with Iranian leaders aimed at turning a two-week ceasefire into a permanent peace deal.

Prominent MAGA figures have been deeply critical of the Iran war, and Vance, a leading figure on the anti-intervention right, has been in a difficult position over the past six weeks.

When lengthy peace talks failed to result in an agreement, Democrats pounced on their 2028 hopefuls.

“J.D. Vance has proven himself to be a lightweight twice in 48 hours,” Vance’s 2028 rival candidate, California Governor Gavin Newsom, wrote on social media.

A day after Vance-led talks in Pakistan failed to result in an agreement, Hungary’s Mr Orbán lost his re-election campaign after more than a decade in power, despite Vice President Trump’s 11-hour campaign.

Mike Murphy, a top Republican strategist turned prominent Trump critic, wrote on social media, “J.D. Vance can now claim to be the political kiss of death in 10 time zones and two continents!”

VP ignores setbacks

Vance dismissed Orban’s defeat on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Bayer.” He said in an April 13 interview that he wanted to support a key ally regardless of whether there was a chance of victory or not.

“The reason we didn’t go was because we expected Mr. Victor to win the election,” Vance said. “We did it because it was the right thing to do, to stand behind someone who has supported us for so long.”

The vice president also said in Georgia that he remains optimistic about a deal with Iran. President Trump endorsed Vance on April 13, saying he “did a good job” in the debate. It was not immediately clear whether the vice president would be named to lead the proposed second round of talks.

Mr. Vance and Mr. Trump will appear at a Turning Point USA event this week as they seek to energize the core group of voters who helped them overcome political disadvantage in the last presidential election. Charlie Kirk, the group’s charismatic founder and a close friend of Vance, was shot and killed last September while speaking on a college campus.

Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, an ally of Mr. Vance, told USA TODAY that he did not want to “judge” Mr. Vance on how active he was in Islamabad. But he said the vice president is “a consummate team player.”

The jury is still out on whether Mr. Vance, a former Ohio senator, can unite Mr. Trump’s political coalition or reach a lasting peace deal with Iran.

There are increasing signs that Republicans will face strong political headwinds in November against the backdrop of Mr. Vance’s own difficulties. A Pew Research Center poll released in March found that only 37% of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of Iran. Gasoline prices are also rising, with global economists warning of far-reaching effects.

Sen. Jon Husted, another friend of Vance’s who represents the Ohio senator, told USA TODAY that the vice president “plays an important role” that is consistent with his worldview and values.

Husted said, “You don’t learn to be tough unless you do tough things, and I think he’s perfect for the tough assignment.”

Contributors: Zach Schermele, Kenny Ford

Disney Store now available to shoppers in two U.S. cities for a limited time

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Disney Store announces two new retail locations for fans.

Disney Store has announced that it will open two limited-time Disney Store stores in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the summer and fall, the company shared with USA TODAY.

“The introduction of Disney Store limited-time offers reflects our continued focus on how we engage with our fans through retail,” Patrick Sager, vice president of Disney Store, said in a statement. “These pop-up stores will offer carefully selected products and a store environment that reflects the creativity, storytelling and quality of the Disney Store brand.”

Collaboration between Disney Store and Go! Retail Group brings to life stores that open for a limited time.

Here’s what you need to know about the store.

Where are the Disney Store limited-time stores located?

The company has two locations: one at Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh and one at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey, about 32 miles northwest of New York City.

When will the Disney Store open for a limited time?

The Pittsburgh store will open on Saturday, May 23rd. The New Jersey store is expected to open in the fall, but an exact date has not been announced.

The store will remain open until the end of the holiday season.

What are the limited time sales at the Disney Store?

The store will offer Disney merchandise for families and fans who love the brand.

The stores will also offer special merchandise and give customers the opportunity to purchase merchandise from Disney parks, stories, franchises and characters, according to a news release. There will also be products that can only be purchased at the Disney Store.

Disney Store guests can expect the following items:

  • Disney apparel and shoes
  • dolls, action toys, playsets
  • stuffed toy
  • Drinkware and other kitchen items

This story has been updated with new information.

Julia Gomez is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering popular toys, space phenomena, scientific research, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamariegz or email jgomez@gannett.com..

Florida doctor charged with removing man’s liver instead of spleen

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PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Florida doctor has been charged in connection with the August 2024 death of a 70-year-old man whose liver was mistakenly removed instead of his spleen during a medical procedure at a hospital, authorities announced.

Dr. Thomas Shakunowski, 44, was indicted by a grand jury in Walton County, Florida, on Monday, April 13, on charges of second-degree manslaughter, according to the county sheriff’s office and the First Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He was arrested on the morning of April 13 and later released on $75,000 bail, according to online inmate records.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the grand jury indictment relates to Shakunowski and “the operating room death of an Alabama man.” William Bryan, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and his wife, Beverly, were visiting a rental property in Okaloosa County when Bryan suddenly started feeling pain in the left side of his abdomen, according to the family’s attorney.

They visited Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Walton County, where he was admitted for further studies due to concerns about an abnormality in his spleen. The sheriff’s office said Shakunowski removed William Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen during a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy, “resulting in catastrophic blood loss and death of the patient on the operating table.”

The grand jury indictment follows an extensive investigation conducted by the sheriff’s office, the First Judicial Circuit State’s Attorney’s Office, other state agencies and medical authorities, according to a news release. The sheriff’s office said the jury found probable cause “to charge that the actions that took place in the operating room constituted a criminal act” under state law.

“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a statement. “The grand jury has rendered its verdict, and our responsibility is to ensure that charges are pursued through the appropriate legal process. Our thoughts remain with the victims’ families and their indescribable loss.”

The coroner discovered during the autopsy that William Bryan still had a spleen in his body.

The Pensacola law firm Zarzaul Law Pennsylvania is filing a civil lawsuit on behalf of William Bryan’s family, alleging wrongful death, medical malpractice and personal injury.

William Bryan began suffering from “severe abdominal pain” while on vacation with his wife in August 2024, said Joe Zarzaul, a lawyer for the Bryan family. Dr. Shakunofsky, who was a surgeon at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital at the time, diagnosed William Bryan with a hemoperitoneal injury and splenic injury, or splenic hemorrhage, the surgical report states.

Zarzaul said William Bryan initially chose to wait for surgery until he returned home to Alabama, but Beverly Bryan said Shakunowski told her husband that he would die from blood loss if he traveled in his condition. The investigative report said Shakunowski performed the surgery after discussing “risks, benefits and alternatives” with the couple.

William Bryan died from massive blood loss after his “large” spleen was removed during surgery on August 21, 2024, according to a surgical report. After the surgery, pathologists realized that the removed organ labeled “spleen” was actually liver tissue, Zarzaul said.

After an autopsy was performed, the medical examiner determined that William Bryan’s liver had been removed and that his spleen remained in his body with a cyst attached to it, Zarzaul said.

“There was a small cyst in the spleen and some bleeding around it, but it was not a fatal problem,” Zarzaul said. “It was a fairly routine cyst. It was probably very treatable.”

Thomas Shakunowski involved in 2023 surgical accident

In September 2024, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo ordered an emergency suspension of Shakunowski’s license. Ladapo cited the death of William Bryan and a previous incident in 2023 in which Schachnofsky removed part of another patient’s pancreas instead of the adrenal glands, which he claimed had been “migrated” to another part of the body.

Zarzaul said the 2023 lawsuit was settled and no lawsuit was filed against the surgeon or Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital. State records show Shakunowski paid $400,000 in a medical malpractice claim settlement in 2024.

“This matter was swept under the rug,” Zarzaul said while announcing the lawsuit at a press conference in September 2024. This is what happened after that.

The Florida Department of Health lists Shakunowski’s current medical license status as “retired.” The department defines retired status as a licensed practitioner who “is no longer practicing in the State of Florida but maintains retired license status.”

According to the state Department of Health, “licensed medical practitioners are not authorized to practice in Florida.” “Practitioners are under no obligation to update their profile data.”

Contributor: Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY

How “Tip Tax Exemption” Helps Tip Earners Buy Homes

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Experts said a “tip tax exemption” could have the unintended consequence of unlocking part of the American dream for 4 million Americans.

Experts say workers will be able to report up to $25,000 in tip income on their tax returns without fear of paying taxes, increasing the amount of reported income lenders use to calculate their debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. DTI is used by the Federal Housing Administration as an important criterion for mortgage loan approval.

“This is a really big change for residents who work in the tipping economy,” said Sam Lundy, chief executive officer of UMH Properties, which operates manufactured housing communities. “They will have even more access to funding.”

How can FHA mortgages be possible if there is no tax on tips?

FHA typically allows people with up to 31% DTI (Delivery Ratio) to secure a mortgage. Up to 31% of your income goes toward housing costs, including mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance.

Mr. Lundy showed how the math works for a couple with two children and a tipped wage.

  • Before tips were taxed, his monthly income in 2024 was reported to have totaled $2,750, including tip income. A decent home with a monthly cost of $1,200 would have a DTI ratio of 43.6%, well above the FHA limit of 31%. In this scenario, your mortgage loan will be denied.
  • Under “no tax on tips,” the same couple could each declare $25,000 of annual tip income without tax consequences, increasing their total monthly income to about $4,833. The DTI ratio for the same home drops to 24.8%, well below the FHA threshold. In that scenario, your mortgage loan will be approved.

Is this a gimmick?

This is not unlike the mortgage crisis of 2007-2008, when lending standards were relaxed and people with bad credit were able to borrow.

Rather, it’s “just a policy change that allows people to take full ownership of the money they earn, pay less in taxes, and have more money to buy the American Dream,” said Eric Steffey, a federal benefits expert and founding CEO of Federal Solutions Support.

For example, people who could take advantage of the lack of taxes on tips to increase their income and qualify for FHA loans are those currently renting in Lundy housing communities.

He said his community maintains a 95% occupancy rate, a 98% rent collection rate, and low turnover, indicating that people there have stable incomes and good payment histories. The only thing holding them back from buying a home is likely the DTI requirement, Lundy said.

“Things are moving in the right direction now,” he said.

Not only will your rent payment history be included in your credit score calculations, but “the fact that tips aren’t taxed gives you an incentive to record and track your tips because there’s no federal tax penalty,” Lundy said.

Are there any pitfalls?

Steffey said workers are not automatically eligible for FHA loans. FHA loans typically require two years of steady employment and income history, so you may still have to wait a year or so.

But Steffey said: “It’s great that the 2.5 per cent of bartenders, servers and other tipped workers now have some hope because they can now own something rather than rent.”

Make the most of your waiting time

While people may be disappointed in having to wait to receive an FHA loan, Steffey said they should focus on the goal of eventually being able to purchase a home and use their time productively.

“Start saving, make a plan, and talk to your mortgage loan officer,” he said.

FHA also takes into account the “back-end DTI,” which measures how much a person’s income is relative to their total debt, which includes not only their mortgage and home-related payments, but also other debts such as car, student loans, and credit card payments. Typically, the maximum value for FHA is 43% of backend DTI.

To ensure this is achieved, Steffey said using the savings from not paying taxes on your tips while you wait to pay down debt or save money for a larger down payment will ensure a smooth and secure home purchase.

If people follow the steps, the tax exemption on tips could “enable 4 million people to buy or upgrade their first home,” Steffey said.

Medora Lee is USA TODAY’s money, markets and personal finance reporter. Please contact us at mjlee@usatoday.com. Subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.

U.S. prosecutors make surprise visit to Federal Reserve Board

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WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) – Prosecutors from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office paid a surprise visit to the Federal Reserve’s headquarters renovation project on Tuesday, as the Trump administration continues its pressure campaign on the central bank.

The unscheduled visit was confirmed by a spokesperson for Mr. Pirro’s office and was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

After speaking with the construction workers, two of Mr. Pirro’s representatives were told they could not access the site without prior permission and were given contact information for the Federal Reserve’s legal staff, the newspaper said.

President Donald Trump is waging an aggressive campaign against Fed officials, including Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, with the goal of lowering interest rates. The campaign sparked political protests and court challenges.

The Justice Department is investigating Powell for overseeing renovations to the central bank’s headquarters in the capital.

A federal judge found the investigation was an elaborate sham designed to pressure Powell to lower interest rates or resign, but the department said it would appeal.

Former Federal Reserve chairmen and former government economic policy leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties are becoming increasingly wary of investigations into the Trump administration.

There was no immediate comment from the Fed. The newspaper reported that Robert Herr, the Fed’s outside lawyer, objected to Tuesday’s visit in a letter to Pirro’s office.

Heo allegedly said that prosecutors showed up at the construction site “without prior notice,” asked for an inspection, and said they wanted to check on the progress of the renovation project.

Central bank independence in setting interest rates to control inflation is considered a central tenet of prudent economic policy, insulating monetary policymakers from short-term political considerations and allowing them to focus on long-term efforts to stabilize prices.

Former Federal Reserve President Kevin Warsh has been nominated by President Trump to head the central bank.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Ross Colvin and Thomas Derpinhaus)

Trump DEI crackdown targets women-only networks. The reason is as follows

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Reshma Saujani had been invited by dozens of people to speak at a networking event about her experiences as a woman who founded two nonprofit organizations, battled infertility and ran for Congress.

So far this year, the Moms First founder has won a total of 10 awards.

“I’m sharing my journey, my story, my past, my wisdom, my tools, my tips and tricks, and I probably reach hundreds of thousands of people a year,” Saujani said. “Those opportunities are currently closed and those meetings are not being held. Those talks are not being organized.”

The cause, she said, is the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion, which has had a chilling effect on women’s efforts across the business world.

President Donald Trump entered office on a campaign promise to restore equity in the workplace by eradicating “woke” DEI policies that harm men and white Americans. Fearing lawsuits and the loss of government contracts, dozens of the nation’s largest companies, from McDonald’s to Facebook owner Meta, have pulled back on their diversity programs. Pressure to align with the president’s policies has only increased in recent months.

Saujani said the current Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuit against the Coca-Cola distributor that hosted the women’s retreat could jeopardize the powerful sisterhood that was created to fight the Old Boys Network.

“The reality is, women didn’t build networks because they wanted to. They built them because they had to,” she told USA TODAY.

The “New Girls Club” is widely credited with helping women break the glass ceiling. Today, women hold more important jobs than ever before, but they still lag behind men. A 2023 USA TODAY analysis of S&P 100 CEOs found that women were outnumbered 5 to 1 and women of color outnumbered 26 to 1 in senior leadership roles.

“What we were doing was bringing women and people of color together to share information, share stories, be inspired and understand that there is a path forward for us,” Saujani said. “Cutting off these opportunities is not restoring meritocracy. Cutting off opportunity is ensuring that meritocracy does not exist.”

Left behind, women rely on their own networks.

For decades, male bonding on golf courses and private clubs (many of which women weren’t allowed) has propelled men to great positions in executive suites and boardrooms.

“Research shows that networking has always been very powerful for men, and I don’t think any man would say otherwise today,” said Brian Uzzi, a leadership professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

As more women entered professional roles in the 1960s and 1970s, they began forming their own networks to overcome discrimination and other career hurdles.

Researchers studying these networks have found that “what advances men also advances women,” Uzzi said.

Sheryl Sandberg’s 2013 bestseller “Lean In” sparked a rise in women-only networking groups — not as a mirror to exclusion, but as a response to it, said Amy Diehl, author of “Glass Walls” and gender equality researcher.

She said women who were given access and left out of the rooms where real decisions were made turned to each other for support, exchanged job opportunities and provided important information to each other in the workplace.

Women’s networks “are not excluding men, they’re helping women catch up,” Diehl said. But the Trump administration’s framing of these efforts as exclusionary has led organizations to disband gender-based mentorship and coaching programs and employee resource groups.

“Regardless of how these cases are ultimately resolved, their impact is already being felt,” Deal said.

Trump lawsuit targets women’s networking group

In the view of EEOC Chairman Andrea Lucas, employer-sponsored “gender-specific” networking, training, and development events, or “new girls’ clubs,” are no different from the “old boys’ clubs” that came before them.

In a recent talk hosted by the Labor and Employment Lawyers Association, Lucas suggested “more careful scrutiny” of company-sponsored initiatives that grant “various employment privileges and other employment benefits based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics.”

In February, Lucas fired a warning shot at her employer for excluding men from a women’s networking event.

Coca-Cola Beverage Northeast has 3,400 employees, more than 85% of whom are men. In an effort to encourage more women into bottling careers, the New Hampshire company brought 250 employees to a hotel in Connecticut in September 2024. The theme of the company’s first in-person women’s forum was “Embracing Your Authenticity: Breaking Down Barriers, Being Authentic, and Inspiring Change.”

Jennifer Mann, Coca-Cola’s president of North American operations and the event’s keynote speaker, explained how she balances work and personal life. The women, seated at tables in the ballroom, participated in a team-building exercise.

A male employee sued for discrimination, claiming he would have attended the event if he had been invited. The EEOC took up his case in January 2025, as Trump prepared to take office, saying there was “just cause” that a Coca-Cola Beverage Northeast networking event violated his civil rights.

Settlement talks broke down in August. The lawsuit in New Hampshire federal court alleges the company denied equal treatment to its male employees “either with malice or reckless indifference.” The EEOC is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for mental pain, suffering, inconvenience and “emotional distress” to the male employee and “similarly distressed male employees.”

Coca-Cola Beverage Northeast told USA TODAY the EEOC has not conducted a full investigation.

“We look forward to hearing the full story in open court and being proven innocent,” the company said in a statement. “We remain confident in our values ​​and our continued focus on equity, respect and opportunity for all.”

Does networking for women discriminate against men?

Civil rights advocates and some employment lawyers questioned why the EEOC would devote its limited resources to the case, when it only receives a few hundred of the tens of thousands of discrimination complaints it receives each year.

“What’s really impressive to me is that the EEOC has decided that this kind of activity of women’s networking is so problematic that it has to be opposed,” said Chai Feldblum, president of EEO Leaders, a group she co-founded last year to counter the Trump administration’s employment and civil rights attacks. “I don’t think our country will do well by scaring employers away from taking proactive action to ensure fair and equal workplaces.”

“Women coming together to build the relationships and visibility that have historically been reserved for men is not morally equivalent to the behavior that led to the Civil Rights Act,” said John Hyman, head of the employment and labor practice at Wickens Herzer Panza.

“When government agencies charged with protecting workers from discrimination begin to treat women’s informal networking as a law enforcement priority, they send not just a legal message, but a cultural message. And that message is not, ‘We are enforcing the law equally.’ It is, ‘We are using the law as a weapon against the very communities that the law is meant to protect,'” he said.

But DEI critics say the EEOC has a point. This, they say, is what equal protection looks like.

“Hosting luxury, all-out-of-pocket retreats for women while marginalizing men is textbook discrimination, plain and simple. The law provides no exceptions for fashion or bona fide discrimination,” Nick Barry, senior counsel at America First legal advocacy group, told USA TODAY.

Some people, even women, don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Kat Shore, founder of an artificial intelligence company, said she has never attended a networking event for women that excludes men.

“If men are interested in women’s issues, they should be able to participate. What am I missing here?” she wrote on LinkedIn. “How would women feel if there was a men-only event? How would everyone feel if there was a whites-only event? I think these things need to be carefully considered.”

David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at New York University Law School, has been considering these questions for years. Mr Glasgow said he advises organizations to avoid awarding employment opportunities on the basis of the three P’s: “Prioritizing protected groups in terms of obvious benefits”.

Glasgow, co-author of “How Equality Wins: A New Vision for an Inclusive America,” says opening affinity groups, retreats, mentorship programs and other diversity initiatives to a wider audience encourages more employees to become allies and creates less resistance in the workplace.

She said the organization was initially concerned that women wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing their experiences “if there were too many men in the room.” “You don’t hear many stories like that anymore, probably because the actual makeup of events hasn’t changed as much as people feared.”

Sidney Sweeney American Eagle ad is back after controversy

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Craig Brommers, American Eagle’s chief marketing officer, said customers were “enthusiastic” about the new campaign.

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  • Sidney Sweeney stars in American Eagle’s new campaign.
  • Her previous collaboration with the brand, with its themes of “genes” and “jeans,” caused a backlash, but was also the most successful in the brand’s history.
  • In this collaboration, a portion of all sales will be donated to Crisis Text Line.

It’s time to say hello to “Sid”.

Months after conversation and controversy erupted over Sidney Sweeney’s American Eagle jeans ad campaign, the star is back with the retailer to put a new spin on summer shorts.

“What brand am I wearing?” Sweeney asks in the commercial, smiling and playing with her hair as she poses in denim shorts against a blue sky. “Yes, that’s it,” she said, and the words “SYD FOR SHORT” flashed on the screen.

It’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to the craze of the original jeans campaign, which was “born out of the idea of ​​collaborating with the No. 1 IT Girl on the No. 1 Jeans Campaign of 2025,” said Craig Blommers, chief marketing officer at American Eagle.

Blommers said Sid represents “her true self, a real person, a more casual version of Sidney Sweeney,” and the collaboration is part of a “throughline” that will “resonate” with consumers.

“American Eagle’s customer base really loved the dual nature of the 28-year-old ‘Euphoria’ star,” Blommers told USA TODAY. “Sure, there are actresses who hit the red carpet with box-office hits and Emmy-nominated performances on streaming shows. But there’s also a side that’s very easy-going, casual, and real — the girl-next-door side.”

Sidney Sweeney’s jeans ad sparks backlash and American Eagle’s success

Some retailers may have backed out after the initial collaboration sparked major controversy.

The fall campaign, released last July, played on the words “genes” and “jeans,” with Sweeney declaring that he “has great jeans.” “Genes are passed from parent to child and often determine traits such as hair color, personality, and even eye color,” Sweeney said in the commercial. “My jeans are blue.”

The internet swooped in. The commercial centered on a traditionally attractive, white, thin, blonde woman with blue eyes, and some said it upheld Sweeney as a standard of beauty. Some said the ad was retrograde, highlighting sexy blonde women and responding to the objectifying male gaze. Others claimed it had references to eugenics, or the belief that some genetic traits are better than others.

President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance also added comments. Sweeney is “running the ‘hottest’ ad. It’s from American Eagle and jeans are ‘disappearing from shelves.’ Go get Sidney!” Trump posted in August.

At the time, the company released its answer: “A great pair of jeans looks good on everyone.” “We stand behind what we did,” the company’s CEO said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

Now, Blommers reveals how excited the company was with the results. American Eagle Outfitters stock rose 22%. “The majority of Americans understood that this campaign was about jeans,” Blommers says. “It was a story, her story.”

“The reaction was definitely a surprise,” Sweeney said in an interview with GQ in November, echoing that sentiment in People magazine in December, adding, “I did it because I love jeans and I love the brand. I don’t support the opinions of some people who have chosen to associate themselves with the campaign. A lot of people have given me motives and labels that aren’t true.”

The campaign “definitely boosted jeans sales,” Blommers said. “American Eagle has stores in all 50 states, and every county in America saw an increase in new customer acquisition during that campaign. It’s true that this was the most successful campaign in the history of the American Eagle brand.”

Blommers said the ad had more than 55 billion impressions and was “the most talked about ad campaign of the year, probably of the last 10 years. ChatGPT sometimes tells me it’s the ad of the century.”

New American Eagle Sydney Sweeney campaign plans to ‘turn down the volume’

Given these results, Blomers said American Eagle consumers are “looking for a new chapter in this partnership,” noting the word “new.”

“When we thought about what we could do together next, it wasn’t about going backwards, it was about moving forward,” Blommers says.

“The world is curious and if we launch a campaign, the world will be talking about it,” Blommers said. “As we learned with our fall campaign, there’s noise but there’s also truth, and we’re excited to see where this campaign takes our brand.”

Blommers said the new ad aims to move away from previous campaigns and lean toward joy, but its language directly criticizes the controversy.

“The real world is so noisy right now, and sometimes you just want to turn it down, be yourself, and live your life in American Eagle jean shorts this summer,” Blommers says.

What exactly is that “noise”? “It could mean anything. It could be geopolitical. It could be the harsh realities of social media. Sometimes it could be the pain that someone is experiencing in their life or their mental health or whatever. I don’t think it’s for me to define someone’s noise,” Blommers says.

“This idea that you should know yourself, embrace yourself and your beliefs, and go out and live your life is a message that has been with the American Eagle brand for many years.…We hope this campaign brings that hope to our viewers during a particularly tumultuous moment in the real world.”

Sidney Sweeney ‘deeply involved’ in American Eagle campaign

Blommers seems to be hinting that this won’t be the last collaboration between American Eagle and “It Girl.”

In case you’re wondering, Sweeney is “very involved,” Blommers said.

“She’s there, choosing the shots, choosing the angles, choosing the storylines that she likes the most. So this isn’t about payday. This isn’t about someone showing up and cashing a check,” Blommers says. “This partnership is deep. He’s a genuine, very savvy businessman and someone who understands his brand very well.”

The new product, like the original product, supports Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential mental health support 24/7 to those in need. 100% of the net proceeds from the shorts and jeans will be donated to nonprofit organizations. The limited edition denim style features a butterfly motif to commemorate philanthropic partnerships, a cause close to Sweeney’s heart.

“Working with Sweeney’s business in Sydney has been great for us,” Blommers said, adding that Sweeney “will always drive the conversation” in a “very culturally distinct partnership.”

Contributors: Anna Kaufman, Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY

Taco Bell’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries will be available soon. How to get it

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Nacho fries are now 1 degree warmer.

Zabu’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries, dubbed the “Limited Time Toppings Fries Experience,” will land at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide on April 16th.

Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries combine Zab’s “St. Augustine Style” sauce with Taco Bell’s fan-favorite Spicy Ranch, the brand’s first partnership with Datil Pepper Hot Sauce.

“We’re always looking for partnerships that allow us to bring different types of flavor experiences to our menus, and our collaboration with Zab’s provides just that,” Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s global chief food innovation officer, said in a statement. “Together, we created a new take on Taco Bell’s ranch: creamy, balanced, and layered with sweet heat thanks to Datil Pepper, which adds a whole new dimension to nacho fries.”

Taco Bell says the collaboration “signifies the evolution of this fan-favorite format into something even bigger, with more flavorful moments to come.”

Available times are as follows:

When can you get Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries?

Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries will debut at participating locations for a limited time starting Thursday, April 16th. Fries cost $5.49.

According to Taco Bell, the fries are “layered with slow-roasted chicken, warm nacho cheese sauce, a three-cheese blend, pico de gallo, and topped with Zabs Ranch.”

Zab’s Ranch is made with Zab’s “St. Augustine Style” sauce and Taco Bell Spicy Ranch, the former made with “rare” Datil peppers.

In addition to the release of Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries, Taco Bell is also offering 500 Rewards members a chance to win a limited edition Zab’s Saucy gift bag on April 21st.

Customers can enter for a chance to win on the Tuesday Drops page in the Taco Bell app from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Pacific Time. Every time you purchase Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries in the app on April 21st, you’ll unlock up to 5 additional earning entries.

President Trump’s tariff fight is far from over. These companies are still fighting

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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is investigating whether President Trump should impose new tariffs. The importer and manufacturer asserted their respective claims.

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WASHINGTON – Bicycle importers already say they can’t match Chinese prices with U.S. manufacturers. Companies that import cheese from Europe say the new tariffs will “cause lasting damage”. A company that imports Cambodian infant sleeping bags also claims that the additional tariffs will have a “terminal” effect.

President Donald Trump had threatened to impose tariffs that companies felt could be a death sentence for them until the Supreme Court revoked his emergency mandate in February. Now, those fears are rising again.

Following the Supreme Court’s sweeping ruling, U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer is investigating whether new tariffs are necessary under the Trade Act of 1974.. The goal is to combat unfair trade practices that burden or restrict U.S. businesses.

But not everyone is against it. For example, U.S. ceramics, medical supplies, and clothing manufacturers support the idea of ​​new tariffs to combat unfair trade practices in countries such as China and India.

Public comment deadline is April 15th, And nearly 300 people rushed in advance. Hearing on forced labor charges scheduled to begin April 28; Another hearing on allegations of overproduction for export to other countries is scheduled to begin on May 5.

What are the arguments for and against tariffs?

A year ago, President Trump announced a massive tariff plan that would impose tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on trading partners around the world and even uninhabited islands. He argued that tariffs are necessary to raise government money, force countries to negotiate new trade deals and force companies to relocate manufacturing in the United States.

But the Supreme Court ruled in February that he did not have the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. Customs and Border Protection is considering ways to refund the roughly $165 billion it collected last year.

President Trump imposed a temporary 10% tariff that would last only for 150 days, arguing that he could get what he wanted under other laws. The other option for permanent tariffs is up to Mr. Greer’s investigation.

The agency argues that manufacturing industries in countries such as China and Europe “pose a significant challenge” to U.S. jobs because they produce more than their own countries need. This excess manufacturing capacity is said to have resulted in increased exports from each country, flooding the market with products and harming U.S. producers.

Mr. Greer also investigates forced labor in other countries, which provides unfair advantages through low costs. The International Labor Organization estimates that 28 million people are working in forced labor in 2021, leading to cost benefits for industries such as clothing manufacturing and agriculture.

“Made in America policy is about encouraging companies to invest and build in America, and bringing jobs and production lines back home,” Greer said on April 2, the anniversary of President Trump’s emergency tariffs.

But critics of potential tariffs argue that foreign companies offer products that cannot be made or grown at the same cost in the United States. Business associations also say they are increasing labor monitoring to avoid exploitation of involuntary workers.

The head of Learning Resources, which imports toys and educational materials and won a Supreme Court case against emergency tariffs, opposed new tariffs on imported goods. CEO Richard Waldenberg said imposing various tariffs under the 1974 Trade Act would be a “disguise” of the law because “the decision to impose these taxes has already been made.”

“Taxes on our companies will lead to job destruction and reduced growth opportunities in America,” Waldenberg said.

Small importers say new tariffs are ‘apocalyptic’ and ‘could cause lasting damage’

Importers opposed to the new tariffs argue that other countries offer products more affordable to manufacture than the U.S., or that they are specialty products from other countries.

Radio Flyer, the Chicago-based company that makes the iconic little red wagon, is also expanding into bicycles, scooters, and electric bikes imported from China. But Radio Flyer chief wagon officer Roger Pasin said the tariffs on bicycles and parts would hurt the company, which is already hampered by changing household spending priorities and inflation.

“Additional tariffs will not encourage domestic production of these products in the United States; they will simply increase prices for American households,” Pasin said.

Ely Kakshouri, CEO of Retrospec, which imports bicycles and parts, said the Perris, Calif.-based company, which has 60 employees, is already facing headwinds from a sharp drop in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tariffs on bicycles could drive up prices and further drive away customers, he said.

“Our mission is to make it easy for anyone to get out and ride a bike,” Kakshouri said. “Tariffs that prohibit people from biking are antithetical to that mission.”

Tavis Malcolm, founder of Morrison Outdoors, which imports infant sleeping bags from Cambodia, said his company moved production out of China to work with countries that have trade deals with the United States.

But he said the additional tariff would be “redundant and terminal for small businesses” because the company already pays a 29% fee.

Laura Lyden McGregor, owner of Peterson Co., which imports cheese and butter from Britain, Switzerland and the European Union, said tariffs on dairy products would hurt an industry that already has limited imports and a trade surplus.

For example, cheddar cheese already faces weight restrictions and import fees, McGregor said. Mr. McGregor’s third-generation family business has 250 employees and warehouses in three New Jersey areas: Auburn, Washington and Moonachie. Cheese imports account for less than one-tenth of total US imports.

McGregor said tariffs on cheese and dairy products would “cause lasting harm” to American businesses, and that they “should not be drawn into any tariff action as a convenient tariff item.”

‘Direct, documented, tough’: U.S. manufacturers complain of unfair trade from China, India and more

Some industries, including makers of ceramics, clothing and medical supplies, welcome the additional tariffs to stem unfair competition from abroad.

Hector Narvaez, executive vice president of Stonepeak Ceramics in Crossville, Tenn., said tariffs or import quotas are needed because “the entire U.S. ceramic tile industry is in crisis.”

India’s ceramic tile imports have soared to almost 24 times the 2018 pace by 2023, according to the North American Tile Council, an industry group. The group claims that the subsidy system allows tiles to be produced in India for 75 cents per square foot, compared to $1.86 in the United States.

“In the face of a surge in cheap ceramic tile imports from India, the fate of our company and the families that depend on us is now uncertain. The tiles are targeted at the U.S. market and are priced so low that they are sold well below the cost of production for U.S. manufacturers,” Narváez said.

Walter Johnsen, CEO of Shelton, Conn.-based Acme United, said tariffs and other trade measures could help combat unfair trade in first aid supplies from China and India.

Acme employs 400 people in the U.S. and makes products such as alcohol prep pads, antibiotic creams and hand sanitizer. But China produced far more than it sold at home, thanks to what Johnsen called “extensive state subsidies.”

China will export $1.3 billion of products such as gauze and bandages in 2024, accounting for about a quarter of the world’s total, Johnsen said. India also exports products at “relatively cheap” prices, he said. Mr. Johnsen said Acme supports Mr. Greer in using trade law “to address these distortions.”

James Poole of Obelisk Tech Systems argued that countries such as Bangladesh and China offer tax breaks, land grants and below-market loans to support clothing manufacturers, which are “unfair and discriminatory” under U.S. law. Cambodia benefits from China’s supply chain in garment manufacturing, Poole said.

“The burden on U.S. commerce is direct, documented, and severe,” Poole said.

Companies argue that tariffs are more complicated than setting a flat rate on imports from each country.

While President Trump has imposed broad tariffs in the past, industry advocates say there are details that Mr. Greer should consider when considering new tariffs.

Despite Europe’s trade surplus with the US, shoes are heading in the opposite direction. Carmen Arias, director general of the European Footwear Industry Federation, said the continent imports nearly seven times as many shoes as it exports, totaling 1.8 billion pairs worth around 6.8 billion euros.

“These figures clearly show that the EU is not characterized by oversupply, but is structurally dependent on imports,” Arias said.

Kathy Abel, CEO of Sun Valley, Idaho-based Wildry, which makes technical apparel for skiing, mountain biking and other outdoor recreation, said she turned to Chinese suppliers after trying to make her clothing in the U.S. had flaws.

Mr. Abel argued that there is a shortage, not an excess, of manufacturing specialty clothing like Wild Rye. The company is exploring options in Vietnam, Italy and Albania after suffering an unexpected $500,000 burden in customs duties and shipping costs last year, but the transition could take several years, he said.

“The current tariff environment is already placing a significant strain on our business and, by extension, U.S. commerce,” Abel said.

US industry calls for action against forced labor in Asia

The Ministry of Labor has determined that China’s Uighur region relies on forced labor to produce cotton and textile products. The materials from China will eventually be used in clothing produced in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, the ministry said.

Kent Kaiser, executive director of the Prosperity Trade Alliance, said China’s failure to adopt and enforce a ban on imports of products produced with forced labor justifies the U.S. imposition of restrictions and fees on its products.

The National Council of Textile Organizations supports tariffs on China and other Asian countries that rely on forced labor, saying “the effects of low-cost raw materials and finished products made with forced labor ripple throughout the supply chain.”

The U.S.-Taiwan Economic Council acknowledged that it is difficult to track working conditions in industries that rely on migrant workers and intermediaries, particularly fishing and textile manufacturing.

But the council said Taiwan is committed to making labor union organizing more streamlined within two years and banning the imposition of labor fees on migrant workers within three years.

“Taiwan’s surveillance and enforcement system is clearly not fully mature and its products pose real risks related to forced labor,” the council said.

Vrable photo, Editor-in-Chief Dianna Russini comments after The Athletic’s resignation

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  • NFL reporter Deanna Russini has resigned from The Athletic amid controversy over a photo with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
  • The Athletic, which initially supported Mr. Russini, began investigating the matter days after the photos surfaced.

Dianna Russini, a former NFL reporter and insider for The Athletic and The New York Times, resigned on April 14 amid controversy after a photo of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel taken at an Arizona resort last month was published in the New York Post on April 7.

In her resignation letter to The Athletic’s editor-in-chief, Stephen Ginsburg, she wrote in an often defiant tone: “Various media commentators are simply moving away from the facts and making self-serving speculations. Moreover, this media frenzy is proceeding at breakneck speed, ignoring the vetting process The Athletic is attempting to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no intention of responding to a public investigation that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.

“Rather than continue with this, I have decided to step aside before my current contract expires on June 30th. I do so not because I accept the narrative built around this episode, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or let it define me or my career.”

But in a letter to The Athletic staff, Ms. Ginsburg not only acknowledged Ms. Russini’s sudden resignation, but also said that the investigation into her conduct had “raised new questions.”

Ginsburg initially expressed support for Russini after photos surfaced showing her and Vrabel in swimsuits poolside and hugging on the rooftop of Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona. It was just days before both were scheduled to attend the NFL’s annual league meeting in Phoenix. Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are both married to other people and have children together.

“These photos are misleading and lack important context,” Ginsburg said in an April 8 statement. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Deanna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we are proud to welcome her to The Athletic.”

But days later, The Athletic, a New York Times affiliate, began investigating the matter, effectively banning Russini from future NFL coverage.

In a letter to staff on Tuesday, Ginsburg wrote in part: “While I cannot share the details of the investigation into Ms. Deanna’s conduct, I would like to emphasize that The Athletic’s management has taken this matter seriously from the moment we learned of it…last week. When this situation was brought to our attention, there were obvious concerns, but we were briefed in detail and our instinct was to support and defend our colleagues as we continued to consider the matter.As additional information came to light, new questions were raised, which became part of our investigation. ”

According to the Times’ Editorial Standards Handbook, “Relationships with sources require sound judgment and self-discipline to avoid unfair facts or the appearance of them.”

The handbook also states that “clearly, romantic involvement with a news source may foster an impression of favoritism.” “Accordingly, staff who have a close relationship with someone who appears in the reporting they provide, edit, package or supervise must disclose that relationship to the Standards editor.”

The handbook goes on to say, “To avoid such conflicts, staff should not write, edit, or supervise reporting about people who are related by blood, marriage, or have a close personal relationship.”

Vrabel addressed the photo the day after it was released.

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” he told the Post in a statement last week.

“I don’t deserve any further response.”

He hasn’t said anything since then, and the Patriots haven’t made any further offers. New England vice president of player personnel Elliott Wolff was asked on April 13 about Vrabel’s role as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft, and said the coach was “very involved. Same as usual. He was a little more involved with us than he was last year.”

Vrabel is expected to speak to reporters at some point during next week’s draft period, which runs from April 23-25.

All your NFL news on and off the field. sign up For USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday Newsletter.

Mega Millions winning numbers for April 14th drawing

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The Mega Millions jackpot has risen ahead of the drawing on Tuesday, April 14, and now stands at $120 million, with a cash value of $53.5 million.

If someone is lucky enough to win the jackpot on Tuesday, they have two options. Take home one-time cash or get paid instantly, then receive an annual check that’s 5% larger than the previous year.

The winner of the most recent Mega Millions win on March 17th was a lucky player from Ohio who took home a $60 million jackpot, according to the Ohio Lottery. The winning ticket was sold in Van Wert, Ohio, about 160 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio lottery officials said.

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing.

What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for April 14, 2026?

Here are the winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions lottery. 17, 21, 24, 57 and 69. mega ball is 12.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, April 17th at 11:00 PM ET.

Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots

  • August 8, 2023, $1.602 billion in Florida.
  • $1.537 billion in South Carolina on October 23, 2018
  • January 1, 2023, $1.348 billion in Maine
  • July 29, 2022, $1.337 billion in Illinois
  • December 27, 2024, $1.269 billion in California
  • $1.128 billion in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
  • January 22, 2021, $1.05 billion in Michigan
  • $983 million in Georgia on November 14, 2025
  • $810 million in Texas on September 10, 2024
  • March 30, 2012, $656 million in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland

What is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is a lottery that is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each ticket costs $5 and allows players to choose six numbers from two separate number pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball), or choose easy pick/quick pick.

If you match all six winning numbers in the drawing, you win the jackpot. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the jackpot prize will be shared.

How to play Mega Millions

To play Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket. This can be done at several locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Mega Millions tickets online.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 70. Gold Mega Balls range from 1 to 24.

If you’re feeling particularly unlucky or don’t want to go through the hassle of picking, you can request a “quick pick” or “easy pick.” When you use these options, your computer randomly generates numbers.

Mega Millions tickets have built-in multipliers that increase non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add a “Megaplier”.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

Bahamian police release missing American husband as investigation continues

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The Royal Bahamas Police Department released Brian Hooker five days after his arrest and after conducting multiple interviews regarding the circumstances surrounding his wife’s disappearance over a week ago.

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Police in the Bahamas have released a Michigan man without charge in connection with the disappearance of his wife, who went out on a boat with the couple at sea more than a week ago.

Royal Bahamas Police released Brian Hooker, 59, late Monday, April 13. Authorities held him for five days and interviewed him multiple times about what happened to his wife, Lynette Hooker, 55.

Police said the release came after local prosecutors recommended that no charges be filed pending further investigation. Royal Bahamas Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles told NBC News that he remains a suspect in the disappearance of Lynette Hooker on the night of April 4.

Brian Hooker’s attorney did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment Tuesday, but she vehemently denied that her client had anything to do with Lynette Hooker’s disappearance.

“Mr. Hooker categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing,” attorney Terrell Butler said in a statement to USA TODAY last week. “He is cooperating with relevant authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.”

Meanwhile, Brian Hooker told CBS News he will continue to search for his wife indefinitely.

“I think I’ve heard that there are people in the Bahamas who have survived falling into the ocean for days, even weeks,” he told CBS News. “There are so many islands, so many sandbars, little atolls, and stretches of land,” he continued. “Of course I’ll think of alternatives, but I can’t turn a blind eye to this.”

Here’s what you need to know about this:

What happened to Lynette Hooker?

On Saturday, April 4, Brian Hooker, 59, reported that his wife fell overboard from his 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy during an overnight trip from Hope Town to Elbow Bay off Great Abaco Island, according to a news release from the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Brian Hooker said his wife had the keys to the boat and the engine stopped when she fell. The man then lost sight of her after “a strong current then swept her away,” police said.

Brian Hooker then rowed his dinghy several hours to shore, arriving around 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, the agency said.

Royal Bahamas Police Deputy Commissioner Advaldo Dames identified Brian Hooker as a “suspect” in an interview with Reuters. And a U.S. Coast Guard official told USA TODAY that the Coast Guard is also conducting a criminal investigation into Lynette Hooker’s disappearance.

Lynette Hooker’s massive search and rescue operation involved professional divers, drone technology, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. The operation is currently considered a recovery operation.

What did Brian Hooker say after his wife disappeared?

Brian Hooker posted a short Facebook post about his wife’s disappearance on Wednesday, April 8, about 12 hours before his arrest.

“I am heartbroken by the recent boating accident in which my beloved Lynette fell from a small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas in unpredictable seas and strong winds,” he said. “Despite our desperate attempts to get closer to her, the wind and currents have pushed us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my only focus.”

He also left a voicemail for his stepdaughter the day after her mother disappeared.

“Hello, Honey, I got a call from Hopetown Search and Rescue saying they found the flotation device I threw when my mother fell into the water,” Brian Hooker said in a voicemail shared by Carly Aylesworth with multiple media outlets. “They haven’t found her yet, but from now on they can focus all their efforts on a smaller area.”

Hooker remains in custody for post-arrest questioning, but his attorney told USA TODAY his client was in an emotional state.

“Brian appears to be completely heartbroken and deeply distressed,” Butler said. “His greatest concern and source of intense frustration is his inability to continue the search for his wife of 25 years. The trauma of her disappearance, combined with his current detention as a suspect, leaves him in an extremely vulnerable state.”

More about Brian and Lynette Hooker’s relationship

Lynette and Brian Hooker have been documenting their sailing adventures on social media for years, and after “sailing away from BS,” they describe themselves on TikTok as a “couple living their best lives.” They have sailed to New Orleans, Miami Beach, Key West, Lake Michigan, and most recently all over the Bahamas.

Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Carly Aylesworth, said in interviews with NBC News, CBS News, and Fox News that her mother and stepfather, Brian, had a rocky and unstable relationship.

“Recently, there has been a lot of fighting and drinking in our relationship,” she told CBS. “So I’m kind of wondering what actually happened in that dinghy.

“It makes no sense at all,” she told Fox News. “There’s a history of him strangling her and threatening to throw her overboard. So given the fact that something like this is happening, I believe there’s more to this story.”

During a 2015 police interview during a fight between the couple, Lynette Hooker, who was “highly intoxicated,” said Brian Hooker choked her and punched her, according to a report obtained from Kentwood police.

Officers found Brian Hooker bleeding from his nose and intoxicated. He told police Lynette Hooker punched him in the face up to five times, the report said.

“He stated that he had not received such a blow in a long time,” the police officer wrote. “He started crying and became emotional.”

Lynette Hooker was arrested because Brian Hooker had a swollen and bleeding nose and Lynette Hooker had no visible injuries, the report said.

USA TODAY was unable to find any records showing Brian Hooker was ever convicted of domestic violence.

What is happening now?

For now, it appears Brian Hooker plans to remain in the Bahamas in search of a wife.

Bahamian police and the U.S. Coast Guard continue to investigate what happened to Lynette Hooker. Brian Hooker remains under the police microscope as police still consider her husband a suspect.

Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter covering breaking news, cold case investigations and the death penalty for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat.

Krispy Kreme, Qdoba, Subway sale information

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This week is Tax Day, and restaurant chains across the country are commemorating the occasion by offering freebies and discounts to their customers.

Whether you’ve already filed your taxes and are waiting for your tax refund, or need to file for a tax extension, customers can still get free or discounted treats at places like Subway, Qdoba, and Krispy Kreme.

Tax day is always April 15th unless that day falls on a weekend or holiday. This year, that day will be Wednesday.

To celebrate the end of the 2026 tax season, here’s where you can grab deals and giveaways on Wednesday.

subway

Subway is offering special offers to Sub Club members on Tax Day. This is free with the purchase of another Footlong Sandwich.

Additionally, 1,040 lucky customers who purchased a sandwich on April 15th using promo code “FLBOGO” will receive an amazing free Footlong coupon that will be credited to their account as a refund. That means both sandwiches are completely free.

The BOGO offer is available through April 28 on the Subway app or website using the promo code “FLBOGO,” the company told USA TODAY.

pot belly

On April 15th, Potbelly customers will receive a free Original Size sandwich or wrap when they purchase a Big or Original size sandwich or wrap.

wendy’s

Wendy’s will offer a free six-piece nugget with any $5 purchase through the Wendy’s app on April 15, the company told USA TODAY.

Qdoba

Qdoba Rewards members can cash in for $5 off full-size entrees this tax season.

Customers can visit www.TaxDayGuacRelief.com to apply for “guac relief” by Wednesday, April 15th at 11:50 PM ET. Qdoba told USA TODAY that the $5 off reward will be dropped into your rewards wallet in the Qdoba app on April 20th after you fill out a quick survey.

This offer is only available to Qdoba Rewards members. If you are a non-member, you can sign up for Qdoba Rewards here.

Popeye

On April 15th, Popeyes is offering customers a 25% off Tax Day 3-item bid combo. It’s available on the Popeyes app or at Popeyes.com.

Meal includes 3 piece tenders, 1 regular side, 1 biscuit, and a drink.

Customers who join the Popeyes loyalty program unlock additional offers that can be paid with Cash App. With your first digital purchase of $10 or more, receive a free chicken sandwich, 2-piece signature chicken, 3-piece tenders, fried pickles, or 6-piece wings.

krispy kreme

On Wednesday, April 15, when Krispy Kreme customers purchase a dozen regular-priced donuts, they’ll get a second Original Glazed donut for free.

This includes in-store, drive-thru, pick-up and delivery orders through the Krispy Kreme app, Krispy Kreme told USA TODAY.

burger king

Burger King isn’t running any promotions specifically related to Tax Day this year, but they are running a Whopper Wednesday sale for customers.

Every Wednesday, you can buy a regular Whopper sandwich for $3.99 or a small Whopper combo meal with small fries and a small drink for $6.99. This promotion is available for in-restaurant and in-app orders only, while supplies last.

Tax Day this year is Wednesday, April 15th.

pizza hut

Starting April 15, Pizza Hut customers will be able to purchase large three-topping pizzas starting at just $10, with a choice of one of three crusts: Hand Tossed, Tavern Style, or Thin and Crispy.

This offer is available in-store, online or via the Pizza Hut app.

smoothie king

On April 15, Smoothie King will offer customers $3 off when they download the Smoothie King app and join the Healthy Rewards loyalty program.

jersey mike’s sub

Starting Monday, April 13, customers will be able to get the Boardwalk Bundle at Jersey Mike’s Subs stores nationwide. Starting at $10.99, this bundle includes Jersey Shore’s #2 favorite subs, chips, and drinks.

Penn Station East Coast Substation

On April 15, Penn Station customers will be able to purchase a small subwoofer for $5.99 using the code “TAX26” (limit 5 per order).

grab hub

GrubHub will give back $100,000 in Grubhub credits to diners who pay through the food delivery app in 2025 with Grubhub Fee Return.

Customers can visit www.GrubhubFeeReturn.com and upload a 2025 receipt from any delivery app for a chance to receive a $20 Grubhub credit, Grubhub told USA TODAY.

olive garden

Olive Garden has reinstated its Buy One, Take One promotion through May 3, the company told USA TODAY.

Customers can order from a selection of entrees and a second chilled entree to-go starting at $14.99. This offer is available for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

taco john’s

On April 15th, Taco John’s Rewards members will be able to earn a free small order of Potato Ole with any purchase of $3 or more. Redeemable through the Taco John’s app or online ordering.

blue buffalo

Ahead of tax day, Blue Buffalo is offering dog parents the chance to earn a $1,000 credit towards Love Made Fresh, the brand’s new dog food.

Dog parents can visit BlueBuffaloDogTaxCredit.com to “claim” their dog as a “Dog Pendant” and enter for a chance to earn a credit.

tacos

Del Taco is offering customers a free snack taco with any $5 purchase, a BOGO sale on crispy fish tacos, and $1 grilled chicken tacos on Tax Day.

More Tax Day sales and discounts

Here are some more fast food and sit-down restaurants offering Tax Day deals.

  • Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger is offering customers with the Freddy’s Rewards app 250 bonus points on purchases made on April 15th. These points can be redeemed on future Freddy’s orders via drive-thru, in-restaurant, pickup, or delivery.
  • california tortilla is offering customers free chips and small orders of queso. Customers can claim their benefits in-store using the secret password “Government Cheese” at checkout or online using the code “GOVCHEESE.”
  • huddle house is offering 2x points on every purchase for Huddle Rewards members every Tuesday through April 15th.
  • Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop will offer Capriotti’s Rewards members a free combo upgrade with the purchase of a subwoofer on April 15th. Rewards members can scan the app in-store and apply rewards to online or app orders.
  • Gigi’s Coffee is offering all customers who make an in-store purchase on April 15 a $2 “bounce back” coupon for their next visit.
  • mountain mike’s pizza On April 15th, Mountain Rewards members will receive $10 off their minimum purchase of $40.
  • kona grill is offering $10.40 appetizers to dine-in guests throughout the day at all locations on Tax Day.
  • Grimaldi’s pizza is offering $10.40 off purchases of $40 or more all day long on April 15th. This offer is available for dine-in, take-out, and online orders using code “TAXDAY26.”
  • dickey’s barbecue is offering customers $10 off orders of $50 or more using the code “WRITEOFF.” This deal will be available exclusively online and on the Dickey app on April 14th and 15th.
  • sony’s barbecue will offer customers a $10.99 St. Louis Rib Dinner on April 15th. This offer is available all day for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru and online orders.
  • portillo’s Portillo’s Perks members will receive $1 off cake with any purchase of $5 or more from April 13th to 15th.
  • BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is offering customers $10 off on purchases of $40 or more on April 15th.
  • Maple Street Biscuit Company is offering a bonus bonus to its customers on April 15th. Customers who dine on April 15 and provide proof of the promotion (such as a social media post, email, or screenshot of an article) will receive three free bonus biscuit-doughnut hybrids.
  • checkers & rallies is offering Big Buford to customers for just $3 from April 14-15.
  • hook is offering a buy one get one 50% off sale on Private Selection Frozen Meals from April 15th to April 22nd.
  • church’s tea chicken is offering Real Rewards members an 8-piece thigh order for just $4.99 on April 15th. The offer is available to members in the U.S. who sign up by April 15 and can be redeemed on the Church’s Texas Chicken app, churches.com, or in-restaurant after checking in with the in-app QR code.
  • Taco Cabana is offering 15% off all purchases for Rewards Members on April 15th.
  • shipley donuts is offering customers six glazed donuts for $4.15 from Friday, April 10th through Wednesday, April 15th. This offer is valid in-store only and is limited to one offer per guest.
  • paris baguette is offering PB Rewards members a free pastry with the purchase of a drink on April 15th.
  • white castle is offering customers 15% off their orders using the code “WC15OFF.” This offer is valid from April 13th to 17th.

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

Footage from Tom Cruise’s movie “Digger” shows Tom Cruise with gray hair and a midriff.

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Tom Cruise plays an unfamiliar role in Alejandro Iñárritu’s film Digger. He plays a visibly aged man. The video was first shown at CinemaCon.

LAS VEGAS – Before releasing the first footage of his new dark comedy at CinemaCon, Tom Cruise described “Digger” as the movie that was “the reason I wanted to make movies.”

The clip, shared during a Warner Bros. panel discussion at a convention of theater owners and studios on April 14, showed Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an aging oil executive with gray hair, a big belly and a Southern accent. His company appears to have an energy sector on the verge of crisis that will have a major impact on the world. John Goodman plays the President of the United States.

“It took me 40 years to be able to wear Digger Rockwell boots and (play) a lot of layers,” Crews said.

Alejandro Iñárritu, the film’s director and co-writer, said he came up with the idea for the film nine years ago and approached Cruise about it seven years ago.

“We know he’s fearless,” Iñárritu said of Cruz. “Stunts, planes, jumps. But I have to say it’s also a kind of fearlessness that embodies this character. I think this role is probably his most challenging.”

The director said the film, scheduled for release on October 2, was made “with the intention of being seen only in theaters.” “Audiences want something original and engaging,” Cruz added.

At the beginning of the event, Warner Bros. announced a new indie studio, Warner Bros. Clockwork.

“We all need to make more quality movies, not just better movies,” Warner Bros. co-CEO Michael DeLuca said.

Get a refund for recalled Sam’s Club Christmas decorations

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Sam’s Club customers may be eligible for a $170 refund after Christmas decorations sold last year were recalled due to burn hazards, according to a notice released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

According to the recall notice, if the ornament’s wires are not connected correctly, the current limiting resistor can overheat, creating a burn hazard.

Approximately 2,460 vehicles are subject to the recall.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Sam’s Club Christmas decorations are being recalled?

The recalled product is the Members Mark 7′ Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck, a light-up reindeer with ribbon.

What should I do if I purchased a recalled Sam Club Christmas decoration?

Sam’s Club is asking consumers to stop using the product and contact Seasonal Specialties, the company that imported the product from China, to request a refund or repair kit. Repair kits include wire connection instructions, color-coded wire labels, and code tag warning stickers.

No injuries related to the recall have been reported. However, Sam’s Club has received five reports of smoke and a burning odor coming from the product.

This item was sold on SamsClub.com from August 2025 to December 2025 for approximately $170.

Consumers may contact Seasonal Specialties at 800-353-3116, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, or by email at buckrecall@seasonalspecialties.com.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.

King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the US to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be in the United States from April 27th to 30th for a four-day trip to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, with stops in Washington, D.C., New York and Virginia.

This visit will be the first state visit by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II visited the United States in 2007, and will include a reception at the White House, the King’s address to Parliament, and an official dinner.

“This visit will be an opportunity to recognize the shared history of our countries, the breadth of economic, security and cultural ties that have developed since then, and the deep people-to-people ties that bind our communities together,” according to a release from the British Embassy on Tuesday, April 14.

Here’s what you need to know about the royal family’s visit to the United States.

royal itinerary

The King and Queen will arrive in Washington, D.C., on April 27, and will be greeted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a private tea time at the White House, the British Embassy said.

The visit will also include a garden party, viewing ceremony and a bilateral meeting between King Charles and the president, while Queen Camilla and the first lady are scheduled to hold a separate meeting.

As USA TODAY previously reported, the king is scheduled to address a joint session of Parliament on April 28, becoming the second British monarch to do so. Her mother Queen Elizabeth addressed Congress during a visit to the United States in 1991.

Later that day, the king and queen will return to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted by the president and first lady.

Before departing Washington, the royal couple will lay wreaths and flowers in memory of fallen soldiers, intended to highlight the long-standing military partnership between Britain and the United States.

The visit will then move to New York City, where the King and Queen will meet with first responders and families of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

While in New York, the King will visit grassroots community organizations that mentor children and youth affected by food insecurity through sustainable urban agriculture after-school programs, reflecting his long-standing interest in environmental and social issues.

Queen Camilla will attend events celebrating the two countries’ shared love of literature, including AA Miln’s Winnie the Pooh stories, which celebrate his 100th birthday this year.

The U.S. leg of the tour will conclude in Virginia, where the King and Queen will see performances by Appalachian cultural groups that represent an important part of the region’s heritage. The visit will include a community “block party” to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary before the royal couple depart for Bermuda, a British overseas territory where King Charles is head of state. Contributors: USA TODAY’s Natalie Neisa Alland and Brendan Morrow. Reuters

What is “conscious boss removal”? Management that changes workplace trends

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The phrase “conscious boss elimination” may sound like a workplace buzzword, but the idea is relatively simple. At its core is a management approach that moves away from traditional hierarchies, increases employee autonomy and brings decision-making closer to the people on the ground.

For employees and job seekers, understanding conscious boss exclusion can provide insight into how the workplace actually feels every day, from how decisions are made to how teams work together to solve problems.

So why are companies adopting this and what does it actually look like?

Why companies are experimenting with boss removal

Companies are rethinking their operations in response to changing employee expectations and the increasing pace of modern business. Unbossing, which gives employees more autonomy and responsibility, has emerged as one approach driven by several key factors.

Expectations for young employees

Millennials and Gen Z are rethinking traditional career paths, and companies are taking notice.

Carolyn Troyan, CEO of Leadership360, says younger employees are starting to question whether middle management is worth the trade-off.

“They’re asking, ‘Is middle management worth it? I’m going to have to give up a lot. It’s going to be stressful. I’m going to be managing my colleagues. Maybe I should go down a different path, maybe I should go down the individual contributor path.'”

Research supports this change. 2025 study published in future business journal Gen Z employees, who have more autonomy and flexible working arrangements, report a stronger sense of control and higher motivation to stay, suggesting that a manager-free style approach can increase retention rates.

For many young employees, climbing the management ladder comes with compromises they are no longer willing to make, and organizations are adjusting to accommodate this change.

Demand faster decision making

As expectations evolve, companies are also under pressure to move faster.

“‘Aren’t we going fast enough?'” Troyan says. “With AI-driven change, speed is so important that people think it’s okay. How can we get faster? And we don’t want to lose this talent… So we’re going to leverage them in a different way.”

Boss removal supports this change by bringing decision-making closer to the business itself, reducing bottlenecks and enabling organizations to respond to change more quickly.

Initiatives to foster innovation and ownership

Removing the boss also creates space for employees to take more responsibility for their work and contribute more creatively.

“I think this is exciting for high performers,” Troyan said. “They feel liberated and able to do their best work.”

By giving employees more autonomy, companies expect them to develop a greater sense of responsibility and unleash new ideas. As more organizations experiment with boss removal, the focus is shifting from why it happens to what it actually looks like.

How Embossing Actually Works

Companies trying to eliminate bosses are rethinking day-to-day leadership functions and creating structures that allow employees to contribute without taking on traditional management roles.

Firing a boss may sound like a company is getting rid of a manager entirely, but that’s usually not the case. Ashley Hurd, who worked in human resources for 20 years before launching The Manager Method in 2019, says many organizations are instead removing layers and expanding the scope of the remaining managers.

“Front-line managers may be overseeing larger teams with fewer layers of support,” she says, increasing both responsibility and pressure.

self-managed team

According to Hurd, self-managing teams are a core part of eliminating bosses. But it’s often easier to explain than to implement.

Rather than automatically promoting top performers to management positions, some organizations recognize that not all top performers want to lead people. Many people prefer to develop their expertise and support others without being responsible for performance reviews or career development.

“Maybe I’m really good at what I do, but I just want to keep doing my job,” Hurd says. “Or you can focus on helping others without actually being responsible for their career or management.”

In practice, this means leading training, mentoring new employees, creating internal resources, contributing to specialized projects, and more – all ways to share your expertise without taking on a formal management position. Some companies replace managers with “team leaders” or rotating project owners

Inflexible reporting structure

Eliminating the presence of superiors will also encourage companies to reconsider traditional hierarchical structures and reporting lines.

Hurd says many organizations rarely stop and ask employees what they actually want from their careers. “It’s worth organizations stopping and asking, ‘What are the career options here?’” she says. “Do you want these roles? Why do you want them? And why don’t you?”

By making career paths more of a two-way conversation, you can open the door to flexible cross-functional roles, rather than siloing teams or pitting them against each other.

What are the benefits of consciously unbossing?

Removing the boss can improve retention, engagement, and collaboration by offering employees a more flexible career path beyond traditional management.

retention

By giving your employees roles that match their strengths and interests, your employees will feel more valued and more likely to stay.

Hurd says many employees don’t quit because they don’t want to, but because they can’t find a role that’s a good fit.

“If you ask a departing employee, ‘If I could set my own role…’, many will say, ‘If I could, if I had known that was an option, I would have stayed.’

By making alternative career paths visible and accessible, companies can potentially retain top talent and reduce turnover.

faster decision making

Removing the boss also allows for faster decision-making by delegating authority to the employees closest to the job.

Troyan says this approach “unleashes employees’ creativity and allows them to bring their best ideas to the table very quickly,” while also helping maintain high performance.

In practice, this means fewer bottlenecks, faster problem resolution, and teams feeling trusted to act without waiting for layers of approval.

Employee empowerment and collaboration

Removing the boss encourages employees to take the lead and take a more active role in shaping how work gets done. Hurd says this change can have a noticeable impact on workplace culture.

“People make decisions, voice things, and share ideas,” she says. “We see that when you give people the opportunity to play a different role than traditional management, you can have such a huge impact.”

She added that in a healthy culture, employees feel comfortable stepping into leadership opportunities rather than avoiding them.

What are the downsides to consciously unbossing?

Removing the boss provides flexibility and autonomy, but it also comes with trade-offs, especially when structure and leadership become less clear.

Lack of clear accountability and role confusion

Without a clear leadership structure, teams can struggle to understand who is responsible for what.

“It can create an environment where you have a lot of individual contributors who don’t really know what their role is,” Hurd says. “It’s important that someone keeps an eye on things.” A lack of clarity can lead to confusion, delayed decision-making, and even conflicts over ownership.

There are also concerns about long-term leadership development. Troyan warns that a weakened management structure could constrain future leaders. “The lack of a leadership pipeline is going to be a big downside,” she says. “How do we plan to develop the next generation of leaders?”

Increased pressure to self-manage

Removing a boss often results in less direct guidance and shifting day-to-day responsibilities to more employees.

Hurd said this could leave some workers unsure of how their performance is being evaluated.

“The fundamental question is: How do you know if you’re doing a good job?” she says.

Without consistent feedback and clear expectations, employees can struggle to measure progress, reinforcing the need for intentional leadership, even in non-traditional structures.

Risk of burnout

With increased autonomy comes increased pressure to continually prove value, especially for individual contributors.

Many employees are juggling multiple priorities, from core responsibilities to upskilling and cross-functional work, which can create new types of strain.

Troyan says burnout is a big concern in these environments. “That’s because you’re doing multiple things at the same time, including managing your workload and performance,” she says.

What employees need to know

There are both advantages and disadvantages to removing the boss, but it ultimately requires employees to take a more active role in their career development.

More autonomy, but potentially less guidance

With fewer traditional layers of management, employees may need to seek support on their own.

Troyan says guidance doesn’t necessarily come from a direct manager. “You want to find great mentors in different places,” she says.

That might mean building what she calls a personal “board of directors,” a network of mentors, colleagues, and advisors who help guide your career, even if they don’t formally manage you.

New expectations for collaboration and leadership

When roles are not clearly defined, it becomes even more important to understand how success will be measured and feedback provided.

Troyan reiterates a key concern raised earlier: “How are you going to get feedback? How are you going to know if you’re doing well?”

From decision-making authority to performance reviews, clarity early on helps employees navigate unstructured environments with confidence.

Greater responsibility for results

Removing bosses also gives employees more ownership, allowing them to shape their own paths and deliver results.

Hurd describes it as an environment that requires “a level of self-ownership” and encourages individuals to reflect on their strengths, goals and next steps.

For employees, it can mean empowerment, but it also means taking initiative in making decisions and being accountable for results. Employers need to support their employees’ autonomy rather than punish them for stepping up.

conclusion

Freedom from bosses creates more room for people to lead by making decisions, taking ownership of their own work, and contributing without waiting for managers to tell them what to do.

And it’s not limited to one type of workplace. Carolyn Troyan says this has traditionally been more common on technical teams, but it’s spreading across departments. “Most professional families can do well if they get creative,” she says.

But, like any workplace model, its success will depend on how it is implemented and whether companies balance autonomy with clear expectations and support.

7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores in North America next year

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For some 7-Eleven fans across the country, getting their hands on a Slurpee may be a little difficult.

Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven, announced in its latest financial report that it will close 645 7-Eleven stores across North America by the end of fiscal year 2026. The fiscal year runs from March 1, 2027 to February 28, 2027, and will mark the fifth consecutive year that the company’s store footprint will shrink.

“While the economy remains strong in North America, consumer spending has also begun to soften, particularly among low-income households, as inflation continues to weigh on spending,” the company said in a report.

There are currently more than 13,000 7-Eleven convenience stores in the United States and Canada.

7-Eleven did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on April 14.

Here’s what you need to know:

Where will 7-Eleven close?

Although there are a large number of store closures, the company has not disclosed the exact locations where they are scheduled to close.

Apart from the 645 store closures, the company expects to open 205 stores in North America during fiscal 2026, according to 7-Eleven’s earnings report.

The company said these store openings are part of 7-Eleven’s future growth by strengthening its stores, expanding its assortment and moving to a “food-focused convenience store” model with freshly made products.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

Justice Department plans to overturn January 6-related convictions

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On April 14, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to overturn the seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders for their involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

President Donald Trump has already commuted the sentences of some Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders in January 2025, but Tuesday’s filing would take it a step further.

In a filing signed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, prosecutors asked the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate the convictions so the government can permanently dismiss charges against the leaders.

“The government’s motion to vacate this case is consistent with the practice of forwarding convictions to the Supreme Court to vacate convictions in cases where the government determines, in the prosecutor’s discretion, that the interests of justice are served by dismissing the criminal case, which the Supreme Court routinely grants,” prosecutors said in court records obtained by USA TODAY.

Prosecutors asked to vacate the convictions of Oath Keepers members Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson and Jessica Watkins, and Proud Boys members Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Lehr and Dominic Pezzola, according to the filing.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Nordean’s attorney, Nicholas Smith, praised the Justice Department’s move, saying it was a wise move to seek the dismissal of the conviction.

“We don’t want to set a precedent that any physical confrontation between protesters and law enforcement constitutes a crime bordering on treason, such as seditious conspiracy,” Smith said.

Smith did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

The Justice Department’s move follows the Trump administration’s move to pardon those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In one of the first moves of his second term, President Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people involved in the riot.

“These are about 1,500 hostages for a pardon. It’s a complete pardon,” President Trump said from the Oval Office at the time. “This is a big deal. I hope they come out tonight.”

President Trump’s proclamation granted “full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of crimes related to events that occurred on or near the United States Capitol” on January 6.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

Take a first look at Holland America’s Solo Balcony Cabin

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Holland America Line is planning new single-person balcony cabins and redesigned suites starting in Oosterdam in 2027.

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Holland America Line customers will soon have new options when sailing solo.

Holland America Line is expanding its inventory of single-occupancy cabins as part of a $500 million-plus six-ship expansion. The multi-year ship-by-ship renovation process will begin in Oosterdam, with 30 solo verandah staterooms and other new amenities scheduled to debut in fall 2027.

“Our customers have been very clear about what they love about our ships and what they want to see more of, and Holland America Evolution is our answer to that,” Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said in a news release. “This investment allows us to introduce new experiences and venues to our fleet, add Pinnacle Class favorites like Grand Dutch Cafe, and create new stateroom categories designed for the way people travel today, while maintaining the perfect-sized ship experience that defines Holland America.”

The company has 12 solo ocean-view staterooms on each of its Pinnacle-class ships (Rotterdam, Nieuwe Statendam and Koningsdam), with the Oosterdam ships offering private balconies. The company made the change in response to “strong and growing guest demand,” according to the release.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report, solo travelers will account for 12% of cruise passengers in 2024, up from 6% the year before. Susan Guthrie, travel agent and owner of Cruisin’ with Susan and More, which is affiliated with Travel with Sparkle, said solo travelers are a “key growth segment” along with first-time cruisers.

She told USA TODAY that companies are changing the way they use space on new ships as a result of that trend. “Cruise lines see an opportunity to allocate smaller spaces to solo travelers,” Guthrie said in an email.

What other new features does Oosterdam have?

The new stateroom category includes more than just solo lanai cabins, each 200 square feet. The ship will be renovated to feature two 900-square-foot Bridge View Suites, named for the views that “emulate the perspective seen from the ship’s bridge,” according to the release.

The suites feature panoramic windows and wrap-around balconies.

The ship will also have 24 additional Vista Suites available on Pinnacle-class ships, with the Pinnacle Suite being “reimagined” with 1,550 square feet of living space. A total of 76 staterooms will be added to Oosterdam.

The Grand Dutch Café, popular with Pinnacle class passengers and offering coffee, sandwiches and more throughout the day, will also make its Vista Class debut in Oosterdam.

The company is also renovating it with sustainability in mind.

“With a focus on waste reduction and circular design, the line refreshes and replaces interiors, prioritizing upcycling and material reuse while delivering further weight savings and a sleek, timeless look and feel,” the release states.

Which other ships have been strengthened?

Other Vista Class ships, Zuiderdam, Noordam and Westerdam, will receive upgrades along with Signature Class ships Eurodam and New Amsterdam. Holland America plans to publish further information about Oosterdam on its website “in the coming weeks,” including details of the enhanced voyage. Travelers can also find updates on plans for other vessels as they become known.

This story has been updated to add new information.

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