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Couple allegedly stole more than $200,000 for cruise ships and other luxury items

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Couple allegedly stole more than $200,000 for cruise ships and other luxury items

Authorities said two Miami residents received nearly $45,000 for Royal Caribbean trips the victims had not booked.

Two Miami residents allegedly defrauded friends and family members of nearly $45,000 in unbooked Royal Caribbean cruises and other luxury goods.

Antonio Diaz, 65, and his wife Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, were arrested on April 7 and charged with stealing a total of $200,259.85, according to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

One of the victims asked Blasco Diaz for his opinion on cruises, as he often went on cruises. Blasco Diaz allegedly told her that she could get the discount through a friend who claimed to work for Royal Caribbean.

“Mr. Diaz provided cruise trips, drink packages, room upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and travel insurance,” the arrest report states. “The victim and his family paid Mr. and Mrs. Diaz a total of $44,910 through Zell, checks, and cash. All checks were cashed by Mr. Diaz, and Zell’s payments were transferred to Mr. Diaz.”

The cruise was scheduled to set sail on July 9, 2023, aboard the cruise line’s Odyssey of the Seas. Authorities said Blasco Diaz had not provided the victim with travel documents by late June and gave multiple excuses, claiming that her friend had been fired from the cruise line.

She provided a check for partial repayment with a promise to repay the balance using a home equity line of credit, according to an affidavit in the case. However, the affidavit states that those checks were “later determined to have been drawn from a newly opened account with insufficient funds.”

When the victim contacted Royal Caribbean, the cruise line said the reservation number was valid but had not been assigned to her or her family. Blasco-Diaz and Diaz failed to make further promises to repay the funds, according to the arrest report.

The cruise line’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, and an attorney listed on behalf of the couple did not respond to requests for comment.

The pair also allegedly received deposits for 16 Rolex watches and a Patek Philippe watch from 2022 for nearly $139,000, and the victims claimed they would receive a 50% discount from Diaz, who worked at a jewelry store, and a pair of “discounted” diamond earrings for $3,000. Nothing was delivered.

Other jewelry purchased by the victim’s family totaled more than $13,400. According to the arrest report, Antonio Diaz exercised his right to legal counsel and Blasco Diaz admitted to the crime and said her husband had “nothing to do with it.”

Both defendants later pleaded not guilty.

This article has been updated to update the headline.

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

RFK Jr. makes unauthorized rants about health and sex life

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RFK Jr. makes unauthorized rants about health and sex life

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An unauthorized new biography of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. details the highs and lows of the famous Kennedy-turned-Health Secretary.

In a book titled RFK JR.: The Fall and Rise, released April 14 by HarperCollins, New York Post investigative reporter and author Isabel Vincent uses accounts from Kennedy’s personal diary to describe the intimate details of the controversial figure’s life, from the pressure he felt to protect his political family’s legacy, his grief after the assassinations of his father and uncle, and his trajectory from suspended student to environmental activist. From lawyers to ministers.

The diary contains more than 1,200 pages of entries and was obtained in 2013 from a “reliable source,” Vincent wrote. The source was a friend of Kennedy’s second wife, Mary Richardson, who died by suicide in 2012. According to sources, Kennedy’s late wife is said to have received the magazine “as insurance” during their tumultuous divorce.

President Kennedy has not publicly commented on the book, but he previously acknowledged the Post’s publication in 2013 of some details from the 2001 journal, calling the diary “a tool for self-examination and dealing with mental conflicts.” “The Fall and Rise” also includes journal details for 1999 and 2000.

Representatives for Kennedy did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment about the book and its contents.

The biggest points are:

RFK Jr.’s struggle with addiction detailed in new book

According to the book, Kennedy was already experimenting with drugs such as amphetamine pills and LSD when he was 15 years old, and years later wrote about doing “acid, meth, and dope.”

Heroin came next, and he introduced his younger brother David to heroin, David previously told a Kennedy biographer. David later died of an overdose.

The late biographer David Horowitz said in the book, “When David was 13, Bobby held him down and gave him heroin. Bobby was the mastermind.”

Kennedy was suspended and expelled from various schools early in his life, due in part to drugs. He was also arrested on suspicion of selling joints to an undercover police officer.

By the time he entered college, he was a “serious drug user” and a dealer in cocaine, heroin, and a mixture of the two called “speedball,” according to the book.

His drug use continued after his first marriage, and he visited rehab facilities multiple times after being arrested for heroin possession, it adds.

Kennedy’s “The Devil of Desire”

The book also highlights Kennedy’s relationships with women, with pages detailing how he battled what he called “the demon of desire.”

The book alleges how he cheated on his first wife (Emily Black) with his second wife (Richardson), his second wife with his third and current wife (actress Cheryl Hines), and there were numerous acts of infidelity throughout. The book also describes what appeared to be a record of his conquests in the back of his diary, which contained the names of women and numbers from 1 to 10 indicating various sexual acts. At times, Vincent wrote, he received as many as three entries a day, including one with an exclamation point added to the word “victory.”

He also referred to random sexual encounters as “robbers,” which is a colloquial term. “I got robbed on my way home,” he wrote in one entry. “I have to try harder.”

During the 1999 trip, he wrote, “I was able to get through a difficult week without taking any action…I’m proud of myself because sirens were on every rock out there.”

revelations about his own health

In addition to describing his vocal challenges with paroxysmal dysphonia, the book also documents some of Kennedy’s own health challenges, including atrial fibrillation and irregular heart rhythms he experienced in 2001. Kennedy’s heart disease began in his 20s, he said in a deposition related to his second divorce.

”It happened in college…I feel like I have a bag of bugs in my chest. I feel it as soon as it wears off,” he said, adding that he had to avoid caffeine and stress, but the condition caused short-term memory loss. Studies have linked atrial fibrillation to cognitive decline.

Afterwards, he said he had severe heart palpitations, which caused him to seek medical attention. “I underwent an electrocardiogram,” he wrote, adding that he was given a blood thinner injection and another drug that could lead to heart failure. Doctors don’t usually prescribe this treatment, but his doctor said, “I know I won’t tell him.” President Kennedy, known these days for his “Make America Healthy Again” movement, has taken controversial positions on many health issues, including vaccines, and these topics have not always been in line with scientific consensus.

Kennedy was also diagnosed with hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a genetic disease that causes excessive iron absorption and can cause liver and heart damage.

Kennedy wrote that the diagnosis “may explain my heart problems,” which he described as being “like a gerbil cage for several hours a day.” He added that high iron levels were also detected after a blood test revealed hepatitis C, and pointed out that around the same time he was suffering from “Captain Winkie” problems, a slang term for erectile dysfunction. Research shows that iron imbalances can cause problems with sexual function.

his take on famous friends

Kennedy has been associated with many celebrities over the years, and in his book he mentions connections with Jeffrey Epstein, Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more. Part of the diary in this book also contains unfiltered thoughts about famous people in his circle.

  • bill clintonabout a year after his impeachment over his affair with Monica Lewinsky, said, “He looked like a playboy: tanned, healthy, well-spoken, laughed a lot, very charming.” But following Clinton’s controversial pardon, Kennedy changed his tune, saying, “I defended her against everyone on every issue and never wavered…but now I’m fed up.[Clinton]is a really flawed person.”
  • andrew cuomo“Andrew could win because he’s totally focused and energetic. He could lose because he lacks humanity and doesn’t love people. He’s not a retail politician,” Cuomo, his brother-in-law after marrying his sister Kelly, said in his first run for governor.
  • Laurie David, Larry David and friend Julia Louis-Dreyfus1999, After Dinner: “I’m crazy about these guys.” Of David’s wife Laurie, he wrote in particular, “I love her energy and dedication and humor.” The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” stars took part in introducing Kennedy to Cheryl Hines, but their friendship has since appeared to be on the rocks due to political divisions.
  • rob reiner: “Reiner was a lot of fun and helpful as always.”
  • john wilburthe former football star marveled at Kennedy’s luck with women: “It always amazes me,” he wrote. “His head is shaped like a football and his ears are shaped like blimp wings, but he…always succeeds. He calls it his ‘hot body.'”
  • president bush After the 9/11 attacks, he said, “Our president is a fool and a puppet, and it hurts to watch him on TV…He’s such a simple man. It hurts to have him as our leader, and I know that the dark forces in his administration will take advantage of this national tragedy…”
  • Rudy Giuliani: “I like his violent, forbidding personality and narrow eyes.”

RFK Jr.’s long list of strange pets

While Kennedy’s history with falconry is well known (he had his own falcon by the age of 11), the book also outlines other strange pets kept in his childhood home.

According to the book, these included a sea lion named Sandy who lived in one of the house’s pools and was fed fresh mackerel, and who was roaming the neighborhood with a pack of dogs and causing traffic jams. After the incident, Sandy was donated to the Washington National Zoo.

After traveling to Africa in 1964, Kennedy returned home with a 16-pound leopard tortoise that he reportedly brought back in a Gucci suitcase. This leopard tortoise had lived in the home for over 20 years.

Kennedy was also gifted a lion cub at one point and took it to a boarding school that had a zoo on the grounds before being expelled.

Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis dies at age 74

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Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis dies at age 74

Dave McGinnis, former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and color commentator for the Tennessee Titans, passed away on Monday, the Titans announced. He was 74 years old.

McGinnis, who coached in the NFL for 31 years, had been hospitalized since March, the Titans said. The Athletic reported that he died of kidney failure.

McGinnis, who served as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bears for nearly a decade, was promoted to head coach during the 2000 season and served as interim coach after Vince Tobin was fired midway through the season. He was given the full-time job after the season and remained in the position until the 2023 season, but was fired after a 4-12 season.

McGinnis compiled a 17-40 record as head coach, including 1-8 as interim.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave McGinniss and extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved him,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “As Dave often said, he was a ‘ball coach’ through and through, and no one played that role with more passion, enthusiasm and charisma. Coach Mack truly loved the game and everything involved, and everyone involved, especially the players. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.”

In January 1999, McGinnis found himself at the center of one of the strange chapters of the NFL coaching search. Then the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator interviewed for the Bears’ head coaching job after the team fired Dave Wannstedt. Chicago announced McGinniss had been hired before the deal was finalized, to McGinniss’ surprise. The next day, McGinniss withdrew from consideration, saying, “My gut feeling was that it didn’t feel right.”

After being fired by the Cardinals, McGinnis joined Jeff Fisher’s staff with the Titans as linebackers coach from 2004 to 2011. He would follow Fisher to the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams as assistant head coach from 2012 to 2016.

“The lives he touched and the number of people who cared about him are truly amazing,” Fisher said in a statement to the Titans. “Mac treated people very well and made everyone feel like they were important. People stopped by to see him at the hospital and even when he could barely speak, he asked about his family and grandchildren. He had a great impact on so many people. Everyone loved him.”

After that season, he began his broadcasting career as a color analyst for Titans radio.

Rodeo and Ferris wheel? Trump plans to remodel National Mall as 250th

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Rodeo and Ferris wheel? Trump plans to remodel National Mall as 250th

Organizers have announced plans for a massive two-week festival on the National Mall this summer to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

WASHINGTON — Livestock competitions, rodeo events and a 110-foot Ferris wheel will be on the National Mall this summer as part of a White House-sponsored “World’s Fair-style” celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The 16-day event, dubbed the Great American State Fair, will transform the National Mall and temporarily reshape one of the country’s most iconic civic spaces. It’s one of many events, including IndyCar races and athletic competitions for high school students, hosted by Freedom 250, a nonprofit organization founded by President Donald Trump to realize his National Day vision.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement that the event will give the Mall “a stage to tell our country’s story.”

Freedom 250 is working with the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies on logistics and permitting for the large-scale temporary addition, the organization said.. The effort is separate from those planned by America 250, a bipartisan commission created by Congress to plan the signature celebration.

While World’s Fairs showcase cultures from countries around the world, the Great American State Fair will feature immersive exhibits from across the country, organizers said.

Each of the 50 states and six territories will design a pavilion with interactive experiences that highlight their unique characteristics and contributions. The other five national pavilions will center around the themes of Made in America, American Heartland, American Innovates, The American Canvas, and Faith & Family.

According to Freedom 250, the exhibit will be displayed in a semi-permanent “Beaux Arts” style structure. White buildings line the National Mall, which stretches from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. A small replica of the Arc de Triomphe proposed by President Trump will be installed at the venue.

The fair will be held for two weeks from June 25th (Thursday) to July 10th (Friday).

Other attractions include a Ferris wheel about one-fifth the size of the Washington Monument, the mall’s renovated carousel, and a variety of classic state fair attractions. Organizers are planning rodeo-style events such as a livestock blue ribbon competition and a barrel race, in which horses and jockeys race as fast as they can around pre-placed barrels.

Daily themes such as “Military and Veterans Appreciation Day” and “Engines of the Enterprise” are designed to celebrate aspects of American life. Freedom 250 is accepting nominations for “creative artists of all ages and disciplines” to perform at the festival, including vocalists, dancers, crafters and cultural heritage performers.

What will the state fair look like?

Each participating state expects to receive about 600 square feet of space to place exhibits under large white tents that will be set up along the National Mall’s gravel walkway.

Arizona, for example, plans to use the space to create a “sensory journey” through the way light defines the state, said Paul Behnen, the creative director who helped design the state pavilion.

Visitors walk through a space that resembles the rippling sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, with light streaming in from above. They move into a room with a video feed of Ponderosa Pines and flickering, dappled light, and finally into a room styled to mimic the Sonoran Desert, with views of the Milky Way above.

Meanwhile, Florida wants to create the feel of an old Spanish fort at the beginning of the pavilion, discussing explorer Ponce de Leon. “We want it to be an immersive game… There will be coquina brick walls and sights and sounds and maybe some cannon fire,” said Brian Griffin, president and CEO of Visit Florida.

The exhibit, which focuses on Michigan agriculture, will feature mechanical milking cows, said Nate Engle, who is leading the state’s effort.

Freedom 250 did not immediately respond to questions about how the fair will be financed.

In 2025, Congress appropriated $150 million in taxpayer funds to the Department of the Interior to be distributed as needed to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Officials allocated $50 million of that to America250 and $100 million to Freedom 250, according to people familiar with the deal. Freedom 250 is also soliciting donations from individuals.

Carissa Wadick covers America’s 250th anniversary on USA TODAY. Contact him at kwaddick@usatoday.com.

2026 WNBA Draft winners and losers: UCLA makes history

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2026 WNBA Draft winners and losers: UCLA makes history

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NEW YORK — The 2026 WNBA Draft appeared to have some surprises.

But as it turned out, Ajee Fad, who was expected to be the top pick heading into the college season, was actually selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. She will be reunited with UConn teammate Paige Bakkers.

UCLA drafted a record six players from a national title team, including Angela Dugalich, Gabriella Jaquez, Gianna Knepkens, Charliss Ledger-Walker and Kiki Rice. Notre Dame drafted five players in the top 20 in 2019. The 2023 South Carolina Gamecocks and 2008 Tennessee Volunteers also drafted five players in one year, but none in the first round.

A total of 45 players had their names called. Here are the winners and losers of the WNBA Draft.

2026 WNBA Draft Winner

dallas wings

No one is more relieved than the Wings that the WNBA Draft is over. Choosing Aji Fad as the overall number one will surely make you feel a sigh of relief and happiness at the same time. Fudd is a dynamic talent that Dallas could pair with Paige Backers and Arike Ogunbowale to form a three-guard attack that is difficult to defend. The UConn product brings her outstanding shooting and off-ball movement to a franchise that has largely missed it the past few seasons.

Cori Close and UCLA

The Bruins set a WNBA draft record by selecting five players in the first round, led by Lauren Betts, who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics. Starting with Betts, UCLA made a flurry of acquisitions, with Gabriela Jacks going to the Chicago Sky at No. 5 and Kiki Rice going to Toronto Tempo at No. 6. Angela Dugaric joined Betts in Washington with the ninth overall pick, and Gianna Neepkens was drafted 15th overall by the Connecticut Sun. UCLA’s sixth player, Charliss Ledger Walker, lost to the Sun in the second round. With the transfer portal still open and the top six scorers being replaced, UCLA head coach Cori Close will be able to sell the fact that he can develop WNBA prospects to new players.

Dukes Taina Mare

Taina Mare wasn’t expected to be a first-round pick by many draft boards, but the Duke guard had a sensational performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament that earned him the No. 14 pick. Maher totaled 43 points in Duke’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games against LSU and UCLA. Maher is the first Blue Devil to be selected in the first round since 2018, when Lexi Brown was taken ninth overall by the Connecticut Sun.

Dawn Staley and South Carolina

Although the University of South Carolina ended its season with a heartbreaking loss to UCLA in the national championship game, Dawn Staley’s program has officially turned the page with a strong showing in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Staley drafted three players, the first being Raven Johnson, who went to the Indiana Fever with the 10th overall pick.

2026 WNBA Draft Loser

Las Vegas Aces allow team to draft Jania Barker

The Las Vegas ace always manages to pull off high-profile moves even without many draft picks. They drafted Jania Barker late in the second round this year as well, finishing with the 29th pick. The Ace rookie has the opportunity to learn from a group of veterans who have won at the highest level in almost every way, something many first-year players don’t get the chance to do. The Tennessee forward already has a solid mix of size and skill that makes him difficult to defend when he gets into a rhythm, but he will now have the chance to be coached by Becky Hammon and hone his skills. Pencil Barker joins the All-WNBA Rookie Team too soon.

Tanya Latson of South Carolina

Latson transferred from Florida State to South Carolina to increase his WNBA draft stock and become a part of a bigger team. It seemed like she would achieve both goals, as the Shamcocks advanced to the national title game and Latson was widely expected to be a first-round pick. But of the 15 prospects invited to the WNBA Draft, Latson had to wait the longest. She was ultimately drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks, who took her in the second round with the 20th overall pick. Latson will join a Sparks team that features Kelsey Plumb and will have a chance to make an impact in Los Angeles, but backcourt depth is otherwise needed.

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Macy’s will close its stores in this city in April, with closure scheduled for 2026.

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Macy’s will close its stores in this city in April, with closure scheduled for 2026.

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One of Macy’s 14 stores will close in the coming months, leaving some shoppers with less than two weeks until the store closes permanently.

The Macy’s store at Pittsburgh Mills Mall in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, is scheduled to close on April 26, according to local media outlets TribLive and WTAE. The store is one of 14 stores Macy’s announced will close in the first half of 2026.

Macy’s also announced in January that it would close 150 stores this year. The company said in a statement that the closure was an effort to “better serve our customers and support our long-term growth.”

USA TODAY reached out to Macy’s again to get specific closing dates for the stores listed below, but did not immediately receive a response.

Where is the Macy’s that will be closing soon?

The list of closing stores below was confirmed to USA TODAY by Macy’s in January.

  • 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, California
  • 3400 Naglee Road, Tracy, California
  • 4880 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA
  • 7900 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD
  • 3850 Rivertown Parkway SW, MI
  • 4101 W Division St., St. Cloud, MN
  • 50 Fox Run Rd., Newington, New Hampshire
  • 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, New Jersey
  • 225 Interstate Shopping Center, Ramsey, New Jersey
  • 1255 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, New York
  • 3801 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC
  • 5488 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX
  • 17855 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila, Washington
  • 100 Pittsburgh Mills Cir., Tarentum, Pennsylvania (April 26, TribLive and WTAE report)

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

Swalwell’s resignation changes Democratic predictions for California governor’s race

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Swalwell’s resignation changes Democratic predictions for California governor’s race

Allegations of sexual assault ousted the top Democratic candidate, reducing the risk of a Republican-only general election.

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  • Congressman Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race has drastically changed the race for his Democratic rivals.
  • His resignation is an opportunity for other Democratic candidates, including Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, to court his supporters.
  • California’s “top two” primary system has raised concerns among Democrats that two Republicans could advance to the general election.

Former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s sudden withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment may seem like bad news for Democrats, but there is also a major sign of hope that the risk of a Republican-only victory in the state’s bipartisan primary on June 2 is reduced.

The Golden State’s unusual voting system, in which the top two finishers advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation, has left liberal voters split between eight candidates, while Republicans are focused on two candidates: former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

As a result, some polls showed Hilton and Bianco leading in heavily Democratic states. The same polls, including one released March 18 by the University of California, Berkeley, placed Mr. Swalwell in third place. If his supporters were redistributed across the left side of the field, two progressive challengers who were trailing him by just a few percentage points, billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, would have a better chance of making it through the primary.

“I think Mr. Swalwell’s rapid bottoming out is something that fundamentally shakes up the campaign,” said David McCune, a veteran political science professor at Sonoma State University. “He was gaining momentum. The momentum was going in his favor and he was hit by a tsunami.”

“Going forward, any candidate could benefit from Mr. Swalwell’s ouster,” he added.

Swell well out: Eric Swalwell withdraws candidacy for California governor following sexual assault allegations

Swalwell faced possible expulsion from Congress and resigned from the House on April 13 after serving seven terms. Political observers, including former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, said his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race a day earlier cleared the way for candidates who are languishing in the single digits.

Willie Brown, former San Francisco mayor and California state chairman, told USA TODAY that Stalwell’s loss in such a close race could lead to the emergence of these three candidates and Steyer.

“These four are strong options to consider,” Brown said.

Swalwell’s fall from grace

Mr. Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial race on April 12 after the San Francisco Chronicle reported on allegations of sexual assault by a former staffer and CNN followed up with the same sources and three other women who accused them of other forms of sexual misconduct.

A former aide accused Mr. Swalwell of raping her while drunk and leaving her bruised and bleeding after the encounter. Swalwell vehemently denies the assault charge, but admits to making other unspecified “mistakes.”

This led to an onslaught of criticism of Mr. Swalwell from top Democratic leaders in Congress, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff of California. Mr. Schiff had previously supported Mr. Swalwell’s candidacy for governor. Labor unions and other progressive groups also withdrew their support.

“This is one of the fastest candidate withdrawals I’ve ever seen,” said Brian Sobel, a veteran political communications and strategy consultant based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mr. Swalwell was asked to stand aside. Democrats ask Swalwell to withdraw from California gubernatorial race over sexual allegations

Mr. Swalwell, 45, was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing a Northern California district outside Oakland, where he was Alameda County’s prosecutor. He was a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and was considered a generational charismatic figure before dropping out and endorsing eventual winner Joe Biden.

Brown speculated that rival candidates in both parties knew about Swalwell’s misconduct allegations, but that only Democrats wanted them to disclose them before the primary.

“Republicans would have known, but someone else moved too soon,” Brown said. “They waited and tried to steal the gubernatorial election at the 11th hour.”

California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks said in a statement on April 12 that Swalwell “finally” did the right thing by ending his campaign, but said his name would still appear when ballots are mailed next month.

“I ask everyone who cares about California’s future to help me make sure all voters understand that he is unfit for office and will have as little support as possible at the polls,” Hicks said.

Swalwell’s rivals jump to retreat

In most polls released for California’s gubernatorial race, Swalwell, Porter and Steyer are the only Democratic candidates with double-digit approval ratings.

In an April 8 poll commissioned by two groups supporting Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Hilton led with 22%, followed by Mr. Swalwell with 18%, Mr. Bianco with 13%, Mr. Steyer with 12% and Mr. Porter with 11%.

The survey found that the approval ratings for all the other candidates remained below 5%.

Porter’s campaign shared an internal February poll with USA TODAY this week that found 46% of Swalwell supporters said the former congressman was their second choice, compared to 14% who supported Steyer, who has poured about $112 million of his own money into the race.

“Katie has never spent a dime on paid advertising and has consistently been at the top of her field since day one,” Peter Ortiz, a spokesman for Porter’s campaign, said in a statement. “Katie is the only candidate who has never taken a dime from a corporate PAC.”

“She took on Donald Trump and won,” he added. “While billionaires are trying to buy this election, Katie’s sole focus is on making California more affordable for working families.”

In a statement, Steyer sidestepped the political implications of Swalwell’s departure and instead praised “brave former staffers” and other women for coming forward.

“We were failed by a political system designed to silence victims and protect power,” Steyer said.

Other Democrats vying to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom see this as a chance to reset the equation.

For example, former California Attorney General Becerra pointed to his track record in handling sexual assault cases in an April 12 post about X. He continued the following day touting support from California officials, saying no candidate has fought to protect the state from the Trump administration more than he has.

For lesser-known candidates like former Gov. Betty Yee, who has an approval rating of about 1%, the realignment will give voters a chance to think twice about their choices. She said many of the candidates who are high in the polls have not been properly vetted compared to previous statewide officeholders like her.

“This should give voters at least some reassurance that if they’ve been with us before, they know what we’ve got,” she said. “There are no skeletons in the closet.”

Porter’s personal life has come under intense scrutiny since details of her divorce were made public. She was accused of verbal and physical abuse by her ex-husband, claiming in a 2013 court filing that she threw a pot of boiling potatoes at his head. Porter denied these allegations, but they resurfaced during her failed Senate bid in 2024.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Yee said a candidate’s character is important and highlighted past incidents in which Porter criticized reporters and staffers as something voters should consider when choosing their next governor.

“I question whether she has the right temperament to govern under stress. I mean, there’s a lot of stress in being governor of California,” she said.

San Jose Mayor Mahan echoed those concerns when he spoke briefly with USA TODAY this week. He said the race was now “wide open” and that personality issues would come to the forefront going forward.

“I’m concerned about the other options in this race: a billionaire who made his fortune funding private prisons and ICE detention centers, a former congressman who has serious charges of abusing staff,” Mahan said in an interview.

Porter’s campaign did not immediately respond to these comments.

Candidates may need only 15% to win in primaries, experts say

Despite Swalwell’s controversial exit, the race remains crowded, with Sonoma State University professor McCune estimating that a candidate may need only 15% of the vote to win in the primary.

“At least 15%, that’s the magic number,” McCann said. He added that lower-ranking candidates who win 5% have an “incredible challenge” to double or triple their vote total.

“There are lanes, but they’re not for everyone. Voters will have to decide, for example, whether they support Mr. Becerra or the candidate who has a better chance of winning,” McEwan said. “Or do you want to sit out this primary? Some may.”

Melissa Michelson, a political science professor at Silicon Valley’s Menlo College, said the Swalwell scandal could also increase voter interest in the race. And the now “must-see” April 22 debate in San Francisco could reintroduce the remaining candidates, she said.

“You know what?” said Mr. Michaelson. “It’s still everyone’s game.”

Some of California’s most prominent Democrats, including Pelosi, Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, have not endorsed anyone, but an endorsement could help narrow the field.

Brown said he has not yet chosen a candidate but plans to do so.

“Oh, I’m going to find someone, believe me,” Brown said. “The California governor’s office is important not only to the state of California, but to the entire country.”

Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut is back for a limited time

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Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut is back for a limited time

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Keurig Dr Pepper is bringing back a nostalgic item just in time for summer.

“Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut” and “Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut Zero Sugar”, which appeared in the summer of 2024, will be sold again for a limited time at retail stores nationwide.

Sold in 12-packs of 12 ounces, the flavor blends Dr. Pepper’s iconic 23-flavor blend with “a refreshing, summery coconut taste for a smooth, creamy indulgence.”

Proper Dr Pepper: Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut is back with new flavors

According to Keurig Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut is “perfect for hot summer days” and is the only “coconut cream-flavored dark soda” on the market.

Here’s what you need to know about the return of Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut, including where to buy it.

Where can I buy Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut?

Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut will be available at major retailers nationwide starting Monday, April 13th. From Walmart to Kroger, this flavor will be stocked on shelves until July 31st.

According to Keurig Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut 12-packs, both classic and sugar-free, retail for $11.99.

Jenna Bush Hager celebrates daughter becoming a teenager on ‘Today’

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Jenna Bush Hager celebrates daughter becoming a teenager on ‘Today’

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Jenna Bush Hager is now a mother to a teenage daughter, and she recently celebrated the milestone with her “Today” show co-host and more than 1.5 million Instagram followers.

Hager, the granddaughter of 41st US President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush, posted on her Instagram Stories on Monday, April 13, a photo of herself cradling her now 13-year-old daughter Mila with the caption, “Happy birthday to the girl of my dreams.”

The 44-year-old author and journalist reflected on how quickly her daughter has grown up on Monday’s episode of “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.”

“That little one turns 13 today. I can’t believe it,” Jenna said on the Today show.

Co-host Sheinelle Jones also joined in on the birthday celebration, telling Hager, “You’re officially a teenager.”

Jenna Hagar recalls going into labor at baby shower

Hager also posted a photo of her newborn, Mila, on her Instagram Stories with the caption, “What was the day like 13 years ago when I became a mom?” She added a video of herself having a tender moment with baby Mila.

The reminiscences didn’t stop there, as Hager, a mother of three, recalled the moment Mila’s contractions began at Mila’s baby shower, about three weeks before her due date.

“All of a sudden the water exploded and everyone had different reactions,” Hager said on the “Today” show. “There was one guy who was the caterer, and he just threw a roll of paper towels and walked out the door.”

He added: “Those who were pregnant there started crying in fear.”

Hager says Mila is “coming into her own.”

Jones, who is already the mother of two teenagers, twins Clara and Uche who will turn 13 in July 2025, echoed Hager’s sentiments.

“It’s only a few months away,” Shinel said of the twins becoming teenagers. “You know, they become their own thing. For years, I say, ‘Wear this,’ and they just wear it. Finally, Clara is old enough to wear what she wants.”

In response to her co-host’s remarks, Hager said, “If you told Mila Hagar what she should wear, she would laugh.”

Hager also talked about how Mila is coming into her own, away from her younger sister Poppy, 10, and older brother Hal, 6.

“I think you could tell she was her own person,” Hager said. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, she’s going to go trick-or-treating with her friends, I’m not going to remember her,’ and that was fine.”

And how will Mira react when she hears her mother talk about her birthday on live TV? “She’ll be happy that I talked about it on the show,” Hager joked.

Tinder agrees to a $60.5 million settlement. Which users are eligible to receive payments?

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Tinder agrees to a $60.5 million settlement. Which users are eligible to receive payments?

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Tinder has agreed to pay customers $60.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the dating platform of charging users over the age of 29 exorbitant fees.

A 2015 complaint filed in California Superior Court in Los Angeles County accuses Tinder of charging older customers $19.99 a month for Tinder Plus, while charging customers under 30 just $9.99 to $14.99 a month. The dating app company released Tinder Plus in 2015, which offers premium features to customers.

The company’s pricing policies violate California law, the complaint alleges. California law prohibits companies from treating consumers unfairly based on characteristics.

“Tinder brazenly announced and adopted multi-tier pricing plans that treated consumers unequally based solely on age,” the complaint states.

The parties agreed to a $60.5 million settlement in December 2025, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY.

According to the class action notice, Tinder has settled the case, but the company “denies any wrongdoing, violation of law, or any harm caused to class members by its age-based pricing policies.”

USA TODAY contacted Tinder on April 13, but did not immediately receive a response.

How much does Tinder pay?

The $60.5 million settlement still needs to be approved by a judge. A final approval hearing is scheduled for May 20, according to the settlement website.

If the settlement amount is approved, affected customers will have until August 18 to select a payment method. Additionally, if you do not receive a notification, you must confirm your membership in the class by that date.

If a customer does not select a payment method, payment management will attempt to pay the customer via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle based on their Tinder records, the website states.

How to qualify for Tinder payments

The settlement applies to those who purchased Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold in California after March 2, 2015, if they were 29 years of age or older, or after March 2, 2016, if they were 28 years of age or older.

How much settlement money will I receive?

According to the settlement website, people will receive a share of the settlement money on a per capita and pro rata basis. The website states that each class member is entitled to a share equal to the court-approved net settlement amount, divided by the total number of class participants participating in the settlement.

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

Judge dismissed for blocking deportation of pro-Palestinian students

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Judge dismissed for blocking deportation of pro-Palestinian students

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The Trump administration is firing more immigration judges, including two who dismissed high-profile deportation cases against pro-Palestinian student activists earlier this year, according to the union representing immigration judges.

The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed on Monday, April 13, that six immigration judges were fired over the weekend, and three were fired on April 3. The layoffs were first reported by the New York Times last week.

The union said the dismissals also included Massachusetts judges Roopal Patel and Nina Froese, who were appointed during the Biden administration. Patel and Froese had thwarted the Trump administration’s efforts to deport Rumeisa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, and Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank.

“The recent firings mean that 113 immigration judges have been fired without due process, reason or explanation since January of last year,” the National Immigration Judges Association said, according to Reuters.

The union called the firings “wrong and unjust,” noting that it is highly unusual for an immigration judge to be fired before President Donald Trump returns to the White House. In July 2025, USA TODAY reported that the Justice Department had fired 17 immigration judges from federal courts in 10 states amid the Trump administration’s deportation push.

Immigration courts have come under increasing scrutiny as immigrants who wish to attend regular hearings are being restrained from entering and exiting the courts by masked officials. Courthouses and other federal buildings have become centers of protests across the United States, including in Los Angeles and New York.

Deportation case against Rumeisa Ozturk and Mohsen Mahdawi dismissed

Ozturk, a child development researcher, was arrested in March 2025 after the State Department canceled his student visa. Her arrest was made public by a video that showed masked, plainclothes immigration officers detaining Ozturk as she walked on a sidewalk near her Boston-area home.

The incident comes as the Trump administration seeks to deport pro-Palestinian campus activists. Ozturk was arrested after co-authoring an opinion piece criticizing Tufts University’s response to students’ calls to divest from companies with ties to Israel and to “recognize the genocide of the Palestinian people.”

She was released in May 2025 after spending more than six weeks in a Louisiana immigration detention center. In February, Patel ruled there was no reason to deport Ozturk.

“I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that despite the flaws in the justice system, my case may offer hope to others who have also been wronged by the United States government,” Ozturk said in a statement at the time.

President Trump targeted college students. The campus fell silent.

In April 2025, Mahdawi was arrested after participating in a pro-Palestinian protest. Federal authorities detained him when he arrived for his naturalization interview. He was then detained at a correctional facility in Vermont.

After two weeks in custody, a federal judge in Vermont ordered his release. Froese blocked his deportation in February, saying the Department of Homeland Security had failed in its obligation to prove he could be deported.

“This decision is an important step to protect what terror sought to destroy: the right to speak for peace and justice,” Mahdawi said in a statement at the time.

President Trump targets college campuses in response to pro-Palestinian protests

The Trump administration has come under intense scrutiny over its immigration policies. Some lawmakers and civil rights groups have condemned the controversial crackdown, alleging human rights violations and disregard for due process.

In 2024, pro-Palestinian protests erupted on university campuses across the country as demonstrators demanded that university endowments be stripped of Israeli benefits and that the federal government end military aid to Israel. The protests began in October 2023 after the start of the Israel-Hamas war and subsequent US-backed Israeli attack on Gaza.

When President Trump began his second term in 2025, he cracked down on pro-Palestinian activities, including attempting to deport international students and threatening to freeze funding to universities where protests took place. The crackdown faces judicial hurdles.

President Trump and his allies have accused university administrators of allowing anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, alleging that some pro-Palestinian campus protesters have physically attacked and harassed Jewish students and community members. Protesters say the president mistakenly conflated criticism of Israel’s attack on Gaza with anti-Semitism, and advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism.

Contributors: Eduardo Cuevas, Trevor HughesMr. Miss, and John Bacon, USA TODAY. Reuters

Dallas Wings acquire Aji Fuad, reuniting him with UW teammate Paige Bakkers

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Dallas Wings acquire Aji Fuad, reuniting him with UW teammate Paige Bakkers

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NEW YORK — After all the drama surrounding the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, it ended the way many expected before the college season began.

In fact, UConn All-American Aji Fuad was selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft held at The Shed at Hudson Yards on Monday, April 13th. She becomes the seventh UW player to be selected first, joining Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Brianna Stewart and Wings teammate Paige Bakkers.

“I’m excited to be playing with Paige again, a great player, a great person,” Fudd told ESPN’s Holly Rowe after his selection.

Bueckers sat in the crowd with the entire UConn team. Fudd said he is grateful for the support of his teammates and family.

The 5-foot-11 shooting guard helped the school win 54 straight games over the past two seasons, including the 2025 All-America Championship where he was named Most Valuable Player. The Huskies’ winning streak ended this season with a loss to South Carolina in the national semifinals.

“It’s not how I wanted the season to end, but I think the biggest takeaway is how great my five years have been,” Fudd said when asked about college. “If you can learn from it and embrace every experience, wins and losses, tough practices, good and bad, you can grow from it.

“All those habits, that championship, that winning mentality, I have to be able to bring them back.”

Fudd averaged 14.7 points and shot 42.2% from 3-point range during his four years in college. This season, she averaged 17.3 points and 3.1 assists per game. Fudd finished his career with the highest free throw percentage in UConn history (92.5%).

“Everything we did, we did it with discipline and intensity,” Fudd said of what he learned from the Huskies. “We did it the right way. That winning mentality, that culture, the way we think… being able to read the defender, being able to learn the tendencies of the offensive players, and still being able to just play without being too restricted.”

Fudd was a first-team All-American and a finalist for both the Wood Award and the Naismith Trophy. She was also named to the All-Big East first team the past two seasons. Fudd can put up a lot of points, as he did in March when he scored 34 points, including eight 3-pointers, against Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament.

Fudd, the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the 2021 class, has suffered several injuries during his career.

  • April 2019: Fudd tears his ACL and MCL during the U.S. Under-18 3-on-3 Championship.
  • As a college freshman (2021-22 season): Fudd missed 11 games as a freshman due to a foot injury.
  • As a sophomore (2022-23 season): Fudd missed 22 games due to a knee injury sustained when a teammate took a knee in a game against Notre Dame in December.
  • Junior (2023-24 season): Fudd tore his ACL and medial meniscus in his right knee during practice in November. A non-contact injury kept her out of two games.

When asked about becoming a professional basketball player, Fudd listed all the things he’s looking forward to in his next chapter.

“I feel like I can’t pinpoint one thing,” Fudd said. “No matter what happens next or where I end up, I have endless opportunities in front of me. I’m excited to go to a new city, learn from the players around me, play with great players, learn from the coaches, everything.”

Texas investigates Lululemon over ‘permanent chemicals’ in activewear

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Texas investigates Lululemon over ‘permanent chemicals’ in activewear

Texas’ top prosecutor announced on April 13 that the agency has opened an investigation into Lululemon’s possible presence of toxic “permanent chemicals” in its activewear, despite Lululemon’s insistence that the allegations are false.

Attorney General Ken Paxton said he has launched an investigation to determine whether the clothing company misled consumers about the safety, quality and health effects of its products.

The company markets itself as a lifestyle wellness brand with a focus on sustainability and performance, but “emerging research and consumer concerns are raising questions about the potential presence of certain synthetic materials and chemical compounds in apparel that may be associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and other health issues,” according to a news release.

“Americans shouldn’t have to worry about being deceived when they try to make healthy choices for themselves and their families,” Paxton wrote in the release. “We will not allow any company to sell harmful substances to consumers at a premium price under the guise of health and sustainability.”

Lululemon said it is aware of the investigation and is “cooperating with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.”

“Lululemon does not use PFAS in its products,” the company wrote in an April 13 email to USA TODAY. “We phased out this substance in FY23, which was used in a small number of our durable water repellent products.

The company said the health and safety of its customers is its “top priority” and that its products “meet or exceed global regulatory, safety and quality standards.”

“We require all of our vendors to undergo periodic testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, by a trusted third party to ensure ongoing compliance,” the company said.

Lawsuit: Tinder agrees to a $60.5 million settlement. Who is eligible for payment?

What is the eternal chemical?

Chemicals persist in the environment long after their intended use and have been linked to long-term illnesses, including cancer and other health problems. They are best known for their use in non-stick cookware and waterproof or stain-resistant products. Critics have warned of its potential toxicity.

Their use has led to lawsuits by towns and cities across the United States seeking funds to purify their water. Firefighters and other first responders who believe the chemicals affected their health have also filed lawsuits.

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

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces the 2,026 inductees. See complete list.

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces the 2,026 inductees. See complete list.

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026 puts rock back in the spotlight, with Iron Maiden, Billy Idol and Oasis joining the eight new members.

This lineup also includes Sade, the only female.

The latest participants announced during the live broadcast of the April 13 “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night” episode of “American Idol” are:

The chosen group was chosen from a pool of 17 candidates, 10 of whom appeared on the ballot for the first time, and spanned rock, hip-hop, pop, soul and Latin music. Mr. Collins, Mr. Vandross and the Wu-Tang Clan were voting for the first time.

Those not chosen include the Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Mariah Carey, Melissa Ethridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Pink, Shakira and fan vote winner New Edition.

In addition to the Hall of Fame performers, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons will receive the Early Influence Award. Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin will receive the Excellence in Musical award. The annual Ahmet Ertegun Award will be in memory of Ed Sullivan.

When will the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony be broadcast?

Rock Hall ceremonies have been broadcast live for several years, but plans are to return to a recorded format in 2026. The ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 14th and will premiere on ABC and Disney+ in December, date to be determined.

Ticket sales information for the 2026 entrance ceremony will also be announced at a later date.

The 2027 ceremony will return to its home base in Cleveland.

Who won the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fan vote?

New Edition received over 1 million votes in this year’s fan vote, followed by Phil Collins with 900,825 votes, Pink with 852,581 votes, Shakira with 738,034 votes, and Luther Vandross with 732,747 votes.

New Edition joined Phish in 2025 and the Dave Matthews Band in 2020, making them the only artists who received flowers from fans but were not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the same year (DMB will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024).

Approximately 9.5 million votes were cast during the fan voting period from February 25th to April 3rd.

After that period and voting ended, the top seven fan votes each received one vote towards the final total.

How does an artist get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

To be eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an individual artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of nomination.

Melissa Ruggieri is one of more than 1,200 voting members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, made up of artists, historians, and members of the music industry.

Powerball jackpot rises to $45 million for April 13 drawing

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Powerball jackpot rises to $45 million for April 13 drawing

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The Powerball jackpot has increased to $45 million with a cash value of $20.5 million ahead of the drawing on Monday, April 13th.

According to Powerball, the jackpot has been won nearly 200 times since the lottery’s inception in 1992. Currently, 48 lotteries in the United States participate in Powerball games, but five states do not offer Powerball games: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

The top five states with the most recipients include Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This year, there were three Powerball winners who won a total jackpot of $668, but that’s still a long way from the seven winners in 2025.

Here’s what you need to know about Monday night’s Powerball drawing.

What are the winning Powerball numbers for April 13th?

USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers at 11pm ET after the lottery drawing.

feel lucky: Which Powerball Number Should You Choose?

Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?

The short answer is no.

You do not need to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball. Anyone visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may purchase lottery tickets from authorized and licensed retailers, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18 years old) at the time of purchase.

Top 10 Powerball Jackpots

  • $2.04 billion in California on November 7, 2022
  • December 24, 2025, $1.817 billion in Arkansas.
  • $1.787 billion in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion in California on October 11, 2023
  • January 13, 2016, $1.586 billion in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  • April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion in Oregon.
  • $1.08 billion in California on July 19, 2023
  • January 1, 2024, $842.4 million in Michigan.
  • March 27, 2019, $768.4 million in Wisconsin
  • August 23, 2017, $758.7 million in Massachusetts

States with the most lottery winners: What you need to know.

How to play Powerball

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores.

In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online depending on your local jurisdiction.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26.

You can also add a “power play” for $1. This increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

A “Quick Pick” option is also available if you want the computer to select the numbers for you. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball in any order.

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.

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

A look back at President Trump’s 10 most controversial Truth Social posts

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A look back at President Trump’s 10 most controversial Truth Social posts

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President Donald Trump sparked criticism on Sunday, April 12, after posting and then deleting an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus on Truth Social, which quickly sparked a backlash from the religious community, calling it blasphemous and blasphemous.

This is not the first time President Trump’s social media posts have caused a stir. The president regularly uses Truth Social to circumvent traditional media, often gaining attention for posts that critics have described as inflammatory, misleading and offensive.

more: F-bombs, profanity and politics: Not a story fit for this family newspaper.

Here are 10 of President Trump’s most controversial social posts this season.

President Trump posts an AI image of himself that resembles Jesus

On April 12, the president posted an image of himself dressed as Jesus on his Truth social account.

The post showed Trump, wearing a white robe, placing his hand on the forehead of a man lying in bed. A light shines in Trump’s other hand, and a light also shines around the sick man’s head. An American flag flies in the background as a bald eagle flies nearby.

The image was removed from President Trump’s social media feeds after harsh criticism from Trump supporters. The president later defended the post and pushed back against the idea that he was comparing himself to Jesus in an image shared on April 13.

“I actually posted it, but I thought it was me as a doctor,” the president told reporters at a White House event on April 13. “I just heard about it and I said, ‘How did you come up with that?'” he added. It’s supposed to be me as a doctor who makes people better, and I actually make people better. I make people better. ”

more: “It’s a terrible blasphemy.” An image depicting President Trump as a statue of Jesus was removed after the uproar.

President Trump calls Pope Leo XIV “weak” and “terrible”

Just before posting the now-deleted AI Jesus photo, Trump posted a long message on Truth Social criticizing Pope Leo

“I don’t want a pope who criticizes the president of the United States because he’s doing exactly what I was elected to do in a landslide,” President Trump said in a post on Truth Social on April 12. “Leo should behave himself as a pope, use common sense, stop pandering to the radical left, and focus on being a great pope, not a politician.”

Hours later, the pope responded to Trump’s comments, saying he was “not afraid” of the Trump administration and calling the name of the president’s social media platform “Truth Social” “ironic,” but did not elaborate.

AI-generated video depicts Barack and Michelle Obama as monkeys

In February, President Trump posted an apparent video meme depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, but the post was ultimately deleted after bipartisan backlash.

The minute-long video, released on February 5, featured footage discussing baseless allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, before briefly cutting to a clip of the Obamas that appeared to be created using artificial intelligence. The image of the Obamas featured the remains of two monkeys, whose faces had been replaced with those of the former president and first lady. They looked like they were in the jungle with monkeys flying in the background.

The White House initially dismissed criticism that the video was racist, saying it was derived from a meme depicting President Trump and the Obamas as characters from “The Lion King.” Trump posted the video without text just before midnight on February 5th, but it was deleted by noon ET on February 6th.

Asked about the video aboard Air Force One on February 6, President Trump told reporters he had only seen the beginning of the video and had no intention of apologizing.

“I didn’t make a mistake. I looked at it the first time and it was fine,” the president said on his way from Washington to the Florida resort of Mar-a-Lago.

Trump says Rob Reiner had a ‘ferocious obsession’ with him after his death

Shortly after the death of director and actor Rob Reiner on Dec. 14, President Trump said on Truth Social that his death was “reportedly due to the anger he provoked in others due to a debilitating illness known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

“He was known for driving people crazy with his rabid obsession with President Donald J. Trump,” the president added in a Dec. 15 social media post. Trump continued to criticize Reiner in the rest of his message, calling him “tortured and suffering” and describing his view of the president as “an enormous, humiliating, incurable pain.”

more: President Trump slams Rob Reiner after death

The message came a day after Reiner and his wife, Michelle Singer, were murdered in their Los Angeles home on December 14th. There is no suggestion from officials that Reiner’s death had anything to do with his political beliefs.

Amid ‘No King’s’ protests, President Trump posts ‘AI poop’ video

During the nationwide “No Kings” protests in October 2025, President Trump posted an AI-generated video that appeared to show him wearing a crown, piloting a fighter jet labeled “King Trump,” and dropping feces on protesters below.

Previous posts: President Trump attacks ‘No Kings’ protesters with AI video of himself wearing a crown

The post was one of several shared by Trump throughout the day. But it struck a chord with some Americans and social media users, who demanded answers from the White House about why the video was posted in the first place.

President Trump lashes out at Iran

The president escalated tensions with Iran earlier this month when he used profanity in a Truth social post and threatened to attack Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.

“Tuesday is Power Plant Day and Bridge Day rolled into one in Iran. There’s no better day than this!!!” Trump wrote in an April 5 post on Truth Social. “Open the F—— Channel, you crazy bastard, or you’ll live in hell – look!” The president signed the message, “Praise be to Allah.”

Further threats: President Trump calls on Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, ‘or you’ll live in hell’

The United States and Iran have since struck a fragile ceasefire, but peace talks earlier this month failed to reach an agreement. President Trump has issued similar warnings to Iran on social media, including that it may have sea mines in the strait.

President Trump: ‘Entire civilization will perish tonight and we will target Iran’

President Trump took to social media again on April 7, threatening Iran as a deadline looms for the United States to target the country’s critical infrastructure if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz.

“Tonight, an entire civilization will perish, never to rise again,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

The US did not target infrastructure and instead struck a fragile ceasefire with Iran.

President Trump uses slur in social media post

President Trump also came under fire over Thanksgiving after posting a series of anti-immigrant messages on Truth Social, including one that disparaged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

In a Nov. 27 post, Trump accused political leaders of allowing the country to be “divided, confused” and “ridiculed” over immigration policy, then singled out Minnesota and used the so-called “r-word” to describe the state’s Democratic governor. The term was once used medically to describe people with intellectual disabilities, but is now widely considered offensive and is frequently cited by advocacy groups as harmful and demeaning.

Disability rights groups have been campaigning to stop using the term, but it has started to appear again, including on Joe Rogan’s podcast and Elon Musk’s social media posts.

Other posts: President Trump says he’s “glad” by Robert Mueller’s death as his enemies increase

President Trump is ‘glad’ over Robert Mueller’s death

President Trump did not offer online condolences or condolences for former special counsel Robert Mueller, who died on March 20, instead reacting to his death on Truth Social on March 21 in a manner that people would later call “shocking.”

“Robert Mueller just passed away. I’m glad he’s dead,” President Trump posted on Truth Social. “He can no longer hurt innocent people! President Donald J. Trump.”

Mueller, who served as special counsel in the investigation into possible Russian interference in President Trump’s favor during the 2016 presidential election, died at the age of 81 after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He served as FBI Director from September 4, 2001 to September 4, 2013.

President Trump accuses Democrats of ‘sedition’

On November 20, 2025, President Trump accused Truth Social of committing “seditious acts punishable by death” in numerous posts after a group of six Democratic congressmen released a video urging soldiers to refuse illegal orders.

“This is called sedition at the highest level,” Trump wrote. “Each and every traitor to our country must be arrested and brought to justice. Their words cannot be ignored – we no longer have a country!!! We must set an example.”

“Sedition, punishable by death!” he added in a later post.

Read the first report: President Trump accuses six Democratic congressmen of “sedition, potentially punishable by death”

Some Democrats and officials later described the president’s message as “appalling” and threatening. President Trump clarified in a November 21, 2025 interview on the FOX News radio program “The Brian Kilmeade Show” that he was “not threatening to kill” members of Congress.

“I think they’re in deep trouble,” Trump added in a Nov. 21 interview. “In the old days, it was death.”

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

Contributors: Zach Anderson, Cybele Mays Osterman, Kinsey Crowley, Melina Cahn, Joey Garrison, Jonathan Limehouse. america today

Texas Congressman Tony Gonzalez to resign over extramarital affair allegations

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Texas Congressman Tony Gonzalez to resign over extramarital affair allegations

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Texas Congressman Tony Gonzalez has announced he is resigning from Congress after admitting to having an affair with a former staffer who self-immolated.

“There is a season for everything, and God has a plan for all of us. Tomorrow, when Congress reconvenes, I will tender my resignation,” Gonzalez wrote in an April 13 post for X magazine.

According to a report in the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY network, Gonzalez initially denied the allegations and claimed the report was an attempt at extortion. Gonzalez appeared on the Joe Pags podcast on March 4 and admitted to the affair, saying, “I made a mistake.”

Gonzalez dropped his bid for re-election in March after House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders asked him to withdraw from a May runoff for the party’s nomination against gun activist Brandon Herrera.

The announcement came on the same day that Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who is facing accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, also announced he would withdraw from the House. The California Democratic Party said the accusations are “completely false.”

House exit: Eric Swalwell announces resignation from Congress

What are the charges against Tony Gonzalez?

Gonzalez has been embroiled in controversy over rumors that he had an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who has since passed away.

In February, NBC News reported that Gonzalez sent multiple sexually explicit emails in May 2024 to Santos Aviles, who died in September 2025. The San Antonio Express-News also reported that Santos Aviles admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a former co-worker in a text message.

“I made a mistake in judgment and lacked faith. I take full responsibility for my actions,” Gonzalez said on the podcast. “I asked God for forgiveness and He granted it. My faith is as strong as ever.”

House reacts to Gonzalez’s resignation

House members on both sides of the aisle approved Gonzalez’s resignation on social media.

New Mexico Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez threatened to bring up an expulsion vote against Gonzalez after saying on X shortly after Swalwell’s resignation that “any member of Congress who sexually harasses or abuses a staff member needs to leave.”

“Public outrage + solutions = accountability for sexual abuse of women,” she added after Gonzalez’s announcement.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said on social media that Gonzalez’s resignation was “the right thing to do.”

After Gonzalez’s announcement, Luna wrote to X: “This week we succeeded in draining some of the quagmire with the resignation of two highly corrupt members of Congress.”

Former Congressman George Santos, whose sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump last year, had harsh words for Gonzalez.

“Okay, you asshole!” Santos said in an April 13 post on the X show. “May you never find peace in the face of what you did to that poor woman.”

This story has been updated with new information

Details about ‘The Pit’ Season 3 from Noah Wyle at PaleyFest finale event

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Details about ‘The Pit’ Season 3 from Noah Wyle at PaleyFest finale event

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LOS ANGELES — Noah Wyle is previewing season 3 of “The Pit.” And it will cause a boom.

Weil, who serves as star, writer and executive producer, shared important details about the upcoming season with USA TODAY ahead of PaleyFest LA’s “The Pit” event on April 12 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

The next season of the HBO Max show will begin filming in June and will take place in the fictional Pittsburgh ER in early November.

“It’s going to be before Thanksgiving and we’re going to move into colder weather. The holidays are coming up. The weather is changing. People are going to turn on their heaters for the first time,” said Wiley, 54.

“It’s going to be explosive,” he promises.

More from PaleyFest: Noah Wyle sets record with Supriya Ganesh’s ‘The Pit’ ejection

Season 1 took place over one shift in September. The current season 2 took place 10 months later, during a 15-hour shift over the July 4th weekend. The next season is just four months away.

“So it’s not as big a jump (in time) as it was last time,” says author R. Scott Gemmill. “And let’s play in the cold weather.”

This season required nine months of intensive filming, leaving the cast and crew exhausted. But Gemmill said writers, including Weil, are already working on a medical series that mimics the old Hollywood model of annual seasons.

Amid a major career resurgence and multiple award wins, “ER” star Wiley says he doesn’t need a break anyway.

“You’re so worried about losing your job again that you try your luck,” Weil says. “We’re working on the story in the writers’ room and will be back filming in June and hopefully back on the air in January.”

Season 1 of “The Pit,” he says, was “a speculative adventure.” No one expected it to become such a hit. Wiley said he was able to enjoy the worldwide excitement that followed this year’s Emmy Award for Best Drama Series.

“We created Season 1 with nothing, and once the first episodes started airing early on, we had an inkling that this might be really popular,” Weil says. “During Season 2, we were honored at award ceremonies and had our pictures taken. It was great.”

Wiley called the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on April 6, which he had dreamed of since childhood, just steps away from the Los Angeles landmark, “the best cherry blossom of my year and my life.”

PaleyFest crowd goes wild as they preview ‘The Pit’ finale

Wiley and Gemmill, along with fellow Emmy Award winners Katherine LaNasa (Chief Nurse Dana Evans) and Taylor Dearden (Dr. Melissa “Mel” King), felt the love firsthand at Sunday’s raucous PaleyFest event. All four floors of the Dolby Theater were filled with cheering fans, many wearing customized “The Pit” T-shirts.

“I’ve been living under a rock, so this helps me,” Dearden said, looking out at the appreciative crowd.

The crowd got even louder when event organizers announced they would be previewing the Season 2 finale, which won’t air until April 16 (up to 8 ET/PT). The atmosphere was positively excited as they showed the entire finale episode to hundreds of fans.

Gemmill promised the audience the same in Season 3 as the beloved cast moves forward.

“We’re going to accept these people and follow the next shift,” Gemmill said. “We follow each of their journeys through life. Every year, we get to know them a little bit more.”

Wiley said Dr. Michael “Robbie” Rabinovich, a highly talented but mentally challenged man, will continue to evolve and learn that he is unable to effectively deal with the trauma from the ER and his own life.

“The theme of season one is that the doctor is the patient,” Wiley said. “Season 2 is about how doctors don’t make very good patients. Season 3’s theme is that doctors can benefit from being patients.”

What records are required for IRS tax relief?

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What records are required for IRS tax relief?

Documentation is very important when applying for tax credits. Whether you apply for an installment agreement, offer in compromise (OIC), or other form of relief, the IRS requires a clear picture of your financial situation. This means you will need to provide detailed records of your income, expenses, debts, and assets so that your eligibility can be assessed.

Requirements vary by program, so it’s important to check the specific criteria before applying. Gathering the appropriate documentation in advance can streamline the process, reduce interaction with the IRS, and avoid unnecessary delays.

If you’re wondering what records you need to claim a tax credit, here’s a complete checklist.

Why documentation is important for tax relief

Many forms of tax relief, including installment agreements, offers in compromise (OIC), and currently not collectible (CNC) status, are designed for taxpayers who cannot afford to pay their taxes in full. To determine whether you qualify, the IRS needs a complete and accurate picture of your financial situation.

That’s where the documentation will be needed. Typically, you’ll need to provide records of your income, expenses, debts, and assets so the IRS can assess your overall ability to pay. This financial review is central to determining both eligibility and relief conditions.

“The burden of proof is on the taxpayer, so any claims or assertions should be well documented,” says Sergio Garcia, CFP, EA, senior financial planner at Hightower Signature Wealth.

Providing thorough documentation will not only support your case but also help prevent fraud and misrepresentation. Missing or incomplete records can slow down the review process and even cause your application to be denied.

Key records typically required for tax relief

Documentation requirements vary by program, but most types of tax relief rely on the same core financial records. Generally, you will need to provide evidence of your income, expenses, assets, and overall financial situation.

  1. income certificate

The IRS will request documentation of all sources of income to assess your ability to pay. This may include:

  • pay slip
  • W-2 or 1099
  • Income statement if self-employed
  • social security benefit letter
  • Pension or retirement income statement
  1. Bank statements and financial accounts

You’ll also need to provide records of your financial accounts so the IRS can examine your available cash and savings. These may include:

  • Checking and savings account statements
  • Investment and retirement account statements
  • cash value life insurance documents
  1. monthly living expenses

The IRS will evaluate your living expenses and determine what you can reasonably pay. You may be required to provide the following documents:

  • rent or mortgage payment
  • public works
  • food expenses
  • Transportation expenses
  • health insurance premium
  • medical expenses
  • Childcare fee
  1. asset documentation

The IRS will examine your assets to determine whether you can sell or borrow them to pay your tax liability. This analysis helps you calculate the reasonable collectibility (RCP), or the amount the IRS believes can realistically be collected.

You may be asked to provide documentation showing:

  • Real estate, including current home prices and mortgage balances
  • the vehicle, both its current value and loan balance
  • Other valuable assets such as investments or personal property
  1. Tax returns and IRS notices

To qualify for most tax relief programs, you must file a current tax return, even if you can’t pay the taxes owed. The IRS may require:

  • Recent tax returns (usually from the past 1 to 3 years)
  • A copy of any IRS letter or notice regarding your debt.

Records required by certain tax relief programs

Some tax relief programs require more detailed documentation than others. Here’s what you can expect based on the type of relief you apply for.

Offer in compromise (OIC)

An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe, but you must provide detailed records to prove your eligibility. Records of compromised offers may include:

  • Detailed financial disclosures, specifically Form 433-A for individuals or Form 433-B for businesses.
  • Form 656, Application to OIC
  • Proof of income, expenses and assets
  • Application fee and first payment

installment agreement

Installment agreements allow you to pay back your taxes over a period of time. Documentation requirements are usually less extensive, but a clear financial overview is still required.

You may need to provide:

  • Summary of monthly income and expenses
  • Bank account information
  • Confirming that all required tax returns have been filed

The IRS may require Form 433-F, which is a less detailed financial disclosure than Form 433-A.

Currently Not Collectable (CNC) Status

If you can’t afford to pay taxes, you may be able to obtain CNC status. The IRS will ask you to provide the following information:

  • proof of financial hardship
  • Detailed breakdown of monthly living expenses
  • Documents proving inability to pay

reduction of penalties

The IRS may waive penalties in certain circumstances. If you request a penalty reduction for reasonable grounds, you may be required to provide the following information:

  • A written explanation of the situation such as a serious illness or natural disaster.
  • Supporting documents such as medical bills, insurance claims, and official records

Common mistakes to avoid

Dealing with delinquent taxes is already stressful, so the last thing you want is your application to be delayed due to missing documents. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

  • If your documents are missing or outdated: Complete the tax relief documentation checklist and make sure all records are current and up-to-date.
  • Inconsistent financial information: Your income, assets, and other financial details must match across the various documents.
  • If you’re underreporting your income or assets: Please include all income and assets. Otherwise, the IRS may deny your request.
  • Unable to include all required forms: Find out which IRS forms you need to fill out, such as Form 433-A and Form 656.

New to tax reduction rules? Check this out: IRS Fresh Start Program

How to organize tax relief records

Being organized before you apply for tax relief can save you time and prevent delays. By taking a few simple steps, you can make the process smoother and ensure you get everything the IRS requests.

  • Create a checklist. Start with a clear list of all documents required for tax relief so you don’t miss anything
  • Keep a digital copy and a physical copy. We store records electronically for easy access, but keep hard copies as backups.
  • Label your documents clearly. Use consistent and descriptive file names or folders so you can quickly find what you need.
  • Keep your records up to date. Before submitting your application, please ensure that your documents reflect your current financial situation.

Taking the time to organize your records in advance will streamline your application and reduce the risk of delays and follow-up requests from the IRS.

What happens after I submit my records?

Once you submit your records, the IRS will review your application and supporting documents to assess whether you qualify for tax relief. During this process, the agency may request additional information, such as updated bank statements and a description of your income, expenses, and assets.

Timelines can vary widely depending on the type of relief sought and the complexity of the case.

“In most cases, the process is not quick and can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to resolve,” Garcia says.

While your application is being reviewed, it’s important to respond promptly to IRS requests and keep your financial information up to date. By being organized and proactive, you can avoid unnecessary delays and move your case forward.

If you need professional help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your tax situation, it may be helpful to consult a qualified professional. Tax relief companies use certified public accountants, enrolled agents (EAs), and tax accountants who can explain your options, help you complete the paperwork, and, in some cases, interact with the IRS on your behalf.

“Taxpayers should always seek professional guidance if they feel they cannot be fully and accurately addressed,” Garcia said. “The support of experienced and knowledgeable professionals will speed up the process and reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

Professional help is especially helpful if:

  • Have a complex financial situation or multiple sources of income
  • you are in arrears with a large amount of tax
  • Not sure which tax relief option is right for you?
  • I have difficulty collecting and organizing the necessary documents.

You don’t need to hire an expert, but the right support can help you avoid mistakes, stay compliant, and move through the process more efficiently.

conclusion

Understanding what records are required to claim tax credits is an important step in the process. Each program has its own requirements, but most require up-to-date documentation of your income, expenses, debts, and assets.

Submitting complete and accurate records will make your application go more smoothly and reduce the risk of delays. However, providing the proper documentation does not guarantee approval. The IRS ultimately makes its decision based on your financial situation and overall ability to pay.

What records are required to claim a tax credit?

How far back do I need records for tax relief?

Records from the past one to three years are often required, but some tax relief offers may require a more detailed history.

Do I need to submit original documents?

Unless the IRS requires originals, you can usually submit copies of your documents.

Can missing documents delay my application?

Missing documentation can result in your tax relief application being delayed or denied. Please double-check that your records are complete, consistent, and up-to-date before submitting.

What if I can’t find a particular record?

You may need to contact the IRS, your financial institution, or other parties to trace missing records. For example, you may be able to obtain old tax returns from the IRS or duplicate account statements from your bank.

Do all tax relief programs require the same documentation?

Most tax relief programs ask for financial information, but specific documentation requirements vary. OIC and CNC status requests typically require more detailed financial disclosure than installment agreements, while penalty abatement requests may require proof of illness, natural disaster, or other qualifying reasons.

Inside Delta Air Lines’ new Delta One cabin on future Airbus planes

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Inside Delta Air Lines’ new Delta One cabin on future Airbus planes

Delta Air Lines has announced a redesigned Delta One Business Class Suite that will be introduced on its new Airbus A350-1000 and upgraded A330 aircraft.

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Delta Airlines has announced a new generation of Delta One Business Class. It will be introduced on the new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and the overhauled Airbus A330-200 and -300 aircraft.

The new business class configuration is expected to enter service on the A330 from December and on the A350 in 2027.

The airline says the new suites will feature Bluetooth connectivity, additional accessibility features and larger beds than existing business class seats.

Here’s what Delta’s high-paying passengers can expect on upcoming flights.

new suite

All of Delta’s new business class suites are equipped with privacy doors, and the airline plans to have privacy doors on 90% of its business class seats by 2030.

On the A350-1000, seats are laid out in a reverse herringbone configuration, with window passengers facing the window and middle passengers facing each other.

Adjacent middle seats will have retractable privacy dividers for travelers not traveling together.

The new suites are finished with Delta’s latest in-flight décor, which the airline said has been well-received by customers since it was first previewed exclusively by USA TODAY in 2024.

“Every time a customer flies on a Delta flight, the experience and environment should be familiar and create a feeling of home and comfort on the go,” Mauricio Parise, Delta’s vice president of brand experience, said in a statement. “This is the driving force behind every intentional design feature and investment we made as we developed the brand new A350-1000 experience, expanded through nose-to-tail upgrades on the A330-200/300, and will continue to be rolled out across our fleet.”

Improved accessibility

While many airlines are leaning toward touchscreen controls for business class seats, Delta is sticking with analog to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities.

“In consultation with Delta’s Advisory Committee on Disability and Accessible Travel, new accessibility features have also been incorporated into both the A350-1000 and A330-200/300 aircraft,” the airline’s statement said. “The new custom-designed seat control center, inspired by luxury cars, uses haptic elements that allow customers to intuitively adjust seat comfort through touch.”

Accessibility improvements extend to the restrooms, with each aircraft equipped with new Delta One Suites with private accessible bathrooms onboard.

Other improvements

Delta’s updates include new, larger, higher-quality screens in all suites and improved storage.

In addition to regular seat service, Delta One cabins also feature grab-and-go snack bars.

The overhauled aircraft will see improvements across all cabins, including more legroom in economy and updated premium economy seats.

“This experience is designed to be thoroughly human-centric, with every part of the aircraft crafted to provide first-class comfort and connectivity,” Parisse said. “These aircraft will ensure our customers have the right capacity, efficiency and experience they expect from Delta as we expand our network into Asia, Africa, the Middle East and beyond.”

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.

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