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NASA’s Artemis II astronauts use iPhone and Android on their way to the moon

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NASA’s Artemis II astronauts use iPhone and Android on their way to the moon

All of NASA’s Artemis II astronauts carry smartphones with them as they travel toward the moon. Here’s how to use the device:

If you’ve been following NASA’s Artemis II mission, you already know all the milestones the intrepid crew of four astronauts is set to accomplish.

The crew includes three pioneers of spaceflight. One is the first woman, the first black man, and the first Canadian to venture near the moon. And all four will travel the furthest distance from Earth in human history.

All worthy praise, no doubt.

But there’s another, less prestigious way astronauts can make a little history. They were among the first government astronauts to take iPhones and Androids into space.

Under a new NASA policy, astronauts participating in the space agency’s missions will now be allowed to carry the latest smartphones with them as they venture beyond Earth’s borders. The latest guidelines for what crew members can bring on space adventures went into effect ahead of the February launch of the SpaceX mission known as Crew-12.

This allowed the modified second Artemis II crew to take their personal cell phones into space. Here’s what you need to know:

Artemis II: A glossary of terms astronauts need to know when approaching the moon

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts brought smartphones into space for the first time

The Artemis II crew, including NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen, all carried smartphones during the 10-day flight around the moon, a NASA spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY Network.

The news comes nearly two months after NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced on social media that NASA astronauts will soon be “flying with the latest smartphones.” The move was intended to challenge “longstanding processes” governing the types of hardware and technology considered safe for space travel.

A NASA spokesperson said in a statement that the guidance is intended to make it easier for astronauts to document the sky environment, “capture special moments for their families, and share inspiring images and videos with the world.”

The spokesperson added that the smartphones carried by the astronauts went through a certification process “to ensure they are safe for use during flight.”

SpaceX Crew-12 also brought iPhones and Androids to the space station

NASA has certified commercial astronauts in the past to use smartphones during missions, but before the change in policy, NASA astronauts did not have access to iPhones or Android devices.

The change meant that astronauts selected for the joint NASA-SpaceX mission known as Crew-12 would be the first to be allowed to take the latest iPhone and Android smartphones into space.

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency’s Sophie Adenot and Russian cosmonaut Andrei Fezyaev arrived on February 14 for a nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station.

What photography equipment has been previously approved?

NASA astronauts interested in astrophotography have long been able to capture stunning views of space in orbit and share them on social media. All of these images and videos were previously created using off-the-shelf technology, including DSLR cameras, digital video cameras, and tablets, NASA said.

“The addition of smartphones to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission gives crew members the flexibility to quickly capture informal, spontaneous moments to better share their mission story with the world,” NASA said in a statement to the USA TODAY Network.

What’s next for the Artemis II astronauts in Mubound?

After launching from Florida on April 1, the Artemis II astronauts expect to thoroughly document their journey around the moon, scheduled to arrive on Monday, April 6 for a historic flyby.

This next rendezvous will be the first time humans have returned near the moon since NASA’s Apollo era ended in 1972. Although the Artemis II astronauts will not land, their mission will be an important test flight before humans set foot on the moon again, as early as 2028.

In the process, the Artemis II astronauts will make history by flying further from Earth than any human before them, breaking the record set during the infamous Apollo 13 mission in 1970. This mission will make Glover the first black man to venture near the moon, Koch the first woman and Hansen the first Canadian.

The mission is scheduled to conclude with splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10th.

Eric Lagatta is a Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact elagatta@usatodayco.com.

Social Security spousal benefit rules, age limits, and payment amounts

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Social Security spousal benefit rules, age limits, and payment amounts

Knowing these rules will help you decide whether claiming spousal benefits is right for you.

stephon walters
|The Motley Fool

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Because many of an individual’s Social Security benefits depend on their earning history, spousal benefits allow people with short or unstable work histories to still receive some benefit from the program.

When you claim Social Security spousal benefits, you may be eligible to receive up to 50% of your primary claiming spouse’s primary insurance amount (the amount of your monthly benefit if you claimed at full retirement age). It may not be the best option for all married retirees, but it’s a strategy worth considering.

If you’re wondering whether you should receive spousal benefits, here are three things you should know beforehand.

1. Who is eligible to receive spousal benefits?

To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, you must check three main boxes:

  1. The spouse making the primary claim must be currently receiving benefits.
  2. Must have been married for at least one year.
  3. You must be at least 62 years old and raising a child under 16 or with a disability that began before age 22.

If all three conditions are true, you are eligible to receive spousal benefits. If you do not meet all three, you will be disqualified.

2. How early claims for spousal benefits affect monthly benefits

Similar to standard benefits, the Social Security Administration will reduce your monthly spousal benefit based on when you claim before your full retirement age. How different is it?

If you claim your standard benefit before reaching full retirement age, your benefit will be reduced by 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months. If you claim your spousal benefit early, your benefit will be reduced by 25/36 of 1% for the first 36 months, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 8.33%. For each additional month you claim benefits before reaching full retirement age, both your standard benefit and your spousal benefit will be reduced by an additional 5/12 of 1%.

If your full retirement age is 67 (for those born after 1960) and you claim spousal benefits at age 64, your benefits will be reduced by 25% (20% for standard benefits). If you claim spousal benefit at age 62, your spousal benefit will be reduced by 35% (compared to 30% for standard benefits). Unlike standard benefits, spousal benefits do not increase if you delay past retirement age.

3. Divorced people can also qualify for spousal benefits.

Divorced people can also claim Social Security spousal benefits as long as:

  • You were married for at least 10 years.
  • You have not remarried.
  • Divorced for at least two consecutive years (applies only if ex-spouse is eligible but has not yet applied for benefits)

To be eligible for standard spousal benefits, the primary claiming spouse must be currently receiving benefits, but the same does not apply to divorced claims. If you are 62 or older, you can make a claim at any time as long as you check the box above.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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In the Final Four, Alex Karavan becomes UConn’s ‘old dog that never dies.’

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In the Final Four, Alex Karavan becomes UConn’s ‘old dog that never dies.’

INDIANAPOLIS – Everyone thinks of an old dog.

You know, the one who’s a little surly, who might have lost his eyesight or hearing or both, who has unkempt hair and walks pretty slow and won’t even fetch things? The interesting thing about them is that even though they seem to be in the final stages of life, they never die. You wait and keep waiting for the end.

There’s an old Husky lurking in the locker room in Connecticut. That’s Alex Karaban, he never goes down.

“Everyone knows that old dog that won’t die,” said University Center Talis Reed Jr. “My aunt had an old dog that lived for a while, but it didn’t die. It was just there, and it was hard to kill it. I think that’s the thing about (Karaban).”

opinion: Dan Hurley isn’t actually stupid. he just plays on tv

Illinois vs. UW predictions: Who will win the Final Four and play for the national title?

Well, that’s one way to say it. It even threw the dog itself.

“An old dog? Why an old dog?” he asked his teammates, but the explanation left him speechless.

He’s not exactly Old Yeller, but the coach gave him another title: babysitter.

“He’s been just babysitting the team for 4 and a half decades,” UW coach Dan Hurley said. “I mean, he was the best babysitter.”

Importantly, while this is not Karavan’s first rodeo, it is certainly his last as he concludes a storied collegiate career looking to accomplish something no athlete has been able to accomplish in more than 50 years: win three national championships.

It has been accomplished eight times in history, all by members of John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty in the 1960s and 1970s, but was last accomplished by Larry Farmer and Larry Holyfield from 1971 to 1973.

Fifty-three years later, Karavan is two wins away from joining this prestigious list, and even though the 23-year-old is a clown, his teammates hope he joins that list.

What’s remarkable about Karavan’s era is that he wasn’t a benchwarmer during his first two titles. A two-time captain, he was a major factor in leading the university to the pinnacle of the dynasty.

That’s why he became the first active men’s basketball player to be named to the university’s illustrious Huskies of Honor, already making him the winningest player in team history.

As a redshirt freshman, he started the final 38 games and played in all 39 games, leading the team in total minutes while shooting 40.2 percent from 3-point range. The following season, he started every game and increased his scoring from 9.3 to 13.3 points per game, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.

“He’s the greatest problem solver ever, whether it’s in practice or in a game. And so is the atmosphere he imparts to the culture through his work habits and the peer pressure that he puts on everyone in the organization when the best players work as hard as they do,” Hurley said.

The Huskies, now in Indianapolis, haven’t stopped relying on Karaban either. He enjoyed reminding first-timers that this was his third trip to the Final Four. His presence really helped newbies take on the sport’s biggest stage.

Whether it’s playing in a soccer stadium, dealing with pressure from the media or endless questions, Karavan gave tips on how to get through it and not let it become too much. Perhaps that’s why Reed and guard Silas Demarie Jr. would both take Karavan down if they needed a teammate as an emergency contact.

“We’ve had players here who literally lead the team, and we’re ready for this stage,” Reid said. “It’s really special to have that guy in your corner.”

There aren’t many people who can be in Karavan’s shoes, who could be 4-0 or 6-0 in the Final Four. Despite all this success, the Huskies feel like they have a chip on their shoulder as they are not championship favorites.

Yes, Karavan is an old dog and not ready to die yet.

“That’s a funny way to say it. But I mean, I don’t want this to be the end. I want to keep going. I want to keep fighting and I really want to keep wearing the Connecticut jersey on my chest,” Karaban said. “I guess the old dog wants to keep living for his treats, and my treats are a victory, so I’ll keep fighting for them.”

In-N-Out is opening new stores in four states. See list.

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In-N-Out is opening new stores in four states. See list.

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The popular burger chain continues its steady expansion, opening four new locations in four states.

In-N-Out, which was the subject of a White House firestorm last year, has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening stores in Colorado, Texas, Idaho and even as far east as Tennessee and Texas. The company also previously announced its intention to open a store in New Mexico by 2027.

The four new stores come after the chain announced growth plans in late 2025, opening its first three stores in Tennessee, where it also plans to open its second headquarters. In a press release at the time, CEO Lynsi Snyder said more hiring and recruiting efforts were planned “in the coming months.”

Here’s what you need to know about the soon-to-open location.

Where will new In-N-Out stores open?

According to In-N-Out’s location tracker, four new stores will be opening at the following addresses across the country.

  • vegas – 3747 S Las Vegas Boulevard #32w
  • Madison, Tennessee – 1900 Gallatin Pike North
  • St. George, Utah – 4643 S. Pioneer Road
  • vancouver, washington – 13511 SE Third Way

The store is marked as “opening soon.” In-N-Out did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment or to share more information about the timeline.

In-N-Out expands to more states

The chain says In-N-Out has consistently opened stores in new states since the 1990s, steadily expanding beyond its home state of California. Still, the company operates most of its locations in the state, although it has opened several locations in Tennessee since In-N-Out announced last year that it would close its Irvine, Calif., office and split its workforce between California and Tennessee.

The company announced several more stores in California, Colorado, and Tennessee in October 2025, after CEO Lynsey Snyder dashed hopes of further expansion to the East Coast.

In an appearance on the Relatable podcast in July, she cited logistical challenges, saying, “Florida has been begging us and we’re still saying no. East Coast states, we’re still saying no.”

According to the company, In-N-Out operates more than 400 locations across the country and has approximately 27,000 employees, Forbes reports.

Olivia Dean talks about taking social media hiatus and deleting apps

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Olivia Dean talks about taking social media hiatus and deleting apps

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Olivia Dean said she took a step back from social media after her monumental Grammy win, including deleting apps from her phone.

The London-born rising star touched on her lifestyle changes after her big night in the cover story for Elle, which was released on April 2nd.

“I’ve been thinking about doing that for a while, and even though the love was overwhelming, sometimes even that isn’t healthy,” Dean told the magazine. “I don’t think I need to know what everyone thinks about me, and I’ve decided that I want to live in sweet ignorance.”

A 2025 study by JAMA Network Open found that a one-week social media detox improved young people’s mental health. Other celebrities, from Billie Eilish to Selena Gomez, have spoken out about taking hiatus from the app in the past.

Who is Olivia Dean?: Charming artist of “Man I Need”

“I know who I am,” says Dean

In an interview with ELLE, Dean, 27, said that as his popularity and online conversation grew, he felt more confident in himself.

“There’s a lot of discussion on the internet and I feel like it’s so unproductive. I know who I am and I know I perform and create from a place of purity,” she explained. “You can’t please everyone, and I feel very at peace with that.”

She also spoke to ELLE about what success means to her during her blossoming career. “Success for me is the venue and how many people you can gather in one space. It’s how many people you can interact with.”

Dean, who topped the charts with his hit single “Man I Need,” won the Best New Artist trophy at the 2026 Grammy Awards in February. Cateye, The Marias, Addison Rae, Sombre, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and Laura Young were also nominated in this category.

“I am here as the granddaughter of immigrants,” she said in her speech. “I’m a product of courage and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”

Dean’s “The Art of Loving Live” tour kicks off in North America on July 10th in San Francisco.

Contributor: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY

Taylor Eardley is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at tardrey@usatodayco.com.

Peeled garlic has been recalled due to the risk of botulism. See affected items.

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Peeled garlic has been recalled due to the risk of botulism. See affected items.

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The New York-based supermarket chain is recalling all bags of peeled garlic it distributed from two different brands due to possible bacterial contamination, according to a warning on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.

Tops Friendly Market announced the recall on Wednesday, April 1, telling customers that the peeled garlic came from California-based manufacturer Christopher Ranch and Florida-based supplier Garland.

Tops Friendly Market said the garlic was stored at “inadequate temperatures” and customers who ate it could contract botulism, a disease caused by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

“Consumers are cautioned not to consume the product, even if it does not look or smell rotten,” Tops Friendly Markets said in a notice, adding that there had been no reports of illness as of early April.

When USA TODAY contacted Tops Friendly Markets on April 3, the company declined to say how many bags of peeled garlic had been recalled, but noted that the recall affected 52 of the company’s 151 stores.

Christopher Ranch, which makes one of the garlic products, said in a March 26 news release that the recall has nothing to do with how the garlic is made. The Topps store “failed to properly store this product within the FDA-recommended temperature range of 32 to 37 degrees,” the company added.

Christopher Ranch supports following federal guidelines for fresh produce and said the recall was issued due to Topps’ “challenge in maintaining proper temperature control in fresh produce display equipment.”

“Any reasonable person should know that improper storage can reduce a product’s freshness and shelf life,” continued Christopher Lunch. “Out of an abundance of caution, Tops Markets has chosen to recall (products) sold in its stores.”

Ken Christopher, executive vice president of Christopher Ranch, said in a release that the company is grateful that Topps recognized the mistake and that Christopher Ranch is prioritizing food safety.

Where was the product sold?

Recalled products include:

  • Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with UPC no. 74574-10852
  • Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with UPC no. 71894-00000 and 68826-75340

Tops has 151 supermarkets, including one franchise store. Tops Markets said the recalled garlic was sold in stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. According to the recall notice, the supermarket chain discovered the possible contamination during routine store inspections.

Topps said customers can return the garlic to the store for a full refund. If you have any questions, please call Tops Consumer Affairs at 1-800-522-2522.

Health updates: ‘Super Green’ unwell, dozens more hospitalized due to salmonella outbreak

More about botulism, a potential disease caused by improper storage

The garlic had been stored at the wrong temperature, putting customers who ate it at risk of contracting botulism, a rare but potentially fatal food poisoning.

Botulism occurs when you eat food contaminated with botulinum toxin, a powerful toxin that attacks the body’s nervous system.

According to the notice, botulism can cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.

Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, weakness in other muscles, bloating, and constipation. Botulism is treatable, but severe cases can cause muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, or death.

Self-canned and self-preserved foods are highly susceptible to clostridial growth, Shona McBride, an associate professor in Emory University’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, previously told USA TODAY.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, ways people can protect themselves include:

  • Refrigerate food within 2 hours after cooking. This prevents bacteria from producing spores.
  • Cook food thoroughly. To kill the bacteria that causes botulism, consumers should heat food to at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. When cooking at low temperatures (such as 176 degrees Fahrenheit), consumers should cook the food for 20 minutes.
  • Throw away any food cans that appear to be bulging on the inside.
  • Use proper canning and sterilization methods.
  • Sterilize home-canned foods in a pressure cooker at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
  • Throw away preserved foods that have a smell.

This story has been updated to add information.

Contributor: Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trends team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Please send your email to: sdmartin@usatoday.com.

Suspending or banning the federal gas tax? Why is momentum building?

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Suspending or banning the federal gas tax? Why is momentum building?

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  • Momentum is growing to suspend or eliminate the 18.4 cent federal gasoline tax, citing soaring gasoline prices due to the Iran war.
  • A lobbying group for major automakers has proposed replacing the gas tax with a new vehicle fee based on weight.
  • Suspending or repealing this tax would require an act of Congress, but Congress has not voted to cancel the tax since 1932.

There appears to be momentum building to suspend or eliminate the 18 cents per gallon federal gas tax to help motorists struggling with rising gas prices due to the Iran war.

The Automotive Innovation Alliance, the largest lobbying group for automakers in Washington, has endorsed a plan to eliminate the federal gas tax and introduce a new vehicle fee based on vehicle weight.

“Depending on how long the current global oil crisis lasts, we expect consumers to shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles,” John Bozella, president of the alliance, which works with most major automakers including Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Honda and Toyota, said in a blog post. “This will likely accelerate the bankruptcy of the Highway Trust Fund, the government’s dedicated account for building, repairing, and maintaining America’s transportation infrastructure.”

The comments follow similar statements by President Trump and some U.S. lawmakers who floated the idea of ​​suspending the federal gas tax to help drivers who are currently feeling the pinch at the pump. According to the AAA Auto Club, the increase in the national average gasoline price to $4.09 per gallon on April 3 is also a contributing factor. This figure is up from the national average price of $3.10 a month ago on March 3.

“Gasoline tax is something that people have been talking about,” Trump said recently when asked if he was considering suspending the gas tax, which has been collected by the federal government since the 1930s. “It’s something you keep in your pocket if you think you need it.”

On March 13, two Democratic members of the U.S. Senate also introduced a bill calling for a suspension of the federal gasoline tax until October 1, in light of soaring domestic gasoline prices.

The USA TODAY Cars team investigated what it would take to suspend or eliminate the federal gas tax, and how likely it is to happen.

How much gas tax does the federal government collect?

The federal government has collected taxes on all gasoline purchases made at U.S. gas stations since the 1930s. The current tax rate of 18.4 cents per gallon was established by law passed by Congress in 1993. Transportation funding advocates lament the fact that Congress hasn’t moved to raise gas taxes in more than 30 years.

Gasoline taxes are normally approved by Congress each time it adopts a federal highway funding bill. That’s because the revenue generated by the gas tax is used to fund the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Highway Trust Fund, which is distributed to states to help pay for road and transportation construction projects.

The federal gasoline tax was first enacted in 1932 at a rate of 1 cent per gallon. Since then, Congress has raised taxes multiple times, and some lawmakers have called for tying tax increases to inflation, as voters make it politically difficult to vote for increases.

Most states also impose their own gas taxes to fund local road projects.

In case you missed it: Depending on the state you live in, gas can be cheap or expensive. Here’s why:

Why does the automaker lobby support repealing the gas tax?

“The market share of conventional gasoline vehicles has declined by 24 percentage points since 2016. Hybrids accounted for 19 percent of sales in January 2026,” said AutoAlliance Chairman Bosella. He also added that online searches for EVs have increased by 20% since the Iran war began.

“So we may see a shift in the market,” he said. “Congress is currently considering a five-year highway and transportation funding bill. Now is the perfect time to consider policy changes that do two things: lower gas prices and shore up the trust fund for the era of fuel-efficient gas, hybrid, and electric cars. Here’s an idea: What if we eliminated the federal gas tax and replaced it with a single tax?” every Are cars based on weight? ”

Bozzella said his proposed vehicle fee would be “like a registration fee. It’s simple and straightforward and easy to collect.”

In case you missed it: Proposed EV road tax could reduce petrol savings for motorists. The reason is as follows

“This policy ensures that every vehicle on our roads contributes something to the maintenance of America’s transportation network,” Bosella wrote. “Right now, millions of drivers are on the road but paying little (or nothing) into trust funds. People who drive older, less fuel-efficient cars and people who travel longer distances are bearing the financial burden. This is unfair.”

The federal gasoline tax hasn’t been raised since 1993, and at current levels it only brings in about $40 billion a year, according to the Tax Policy Center. The federal government typically spends about $60 billion on transportation projects, but infrastructure advocates say that’s barely enough to maintain the nation’s roads and transit systems. Most states also impose their own gas taxes to fund local road projects.

Infrastructure advocates say Bozella’s proposal to eliminate the gas tax without a replacement like a vehicle fee would drastically reduce federal funding for road improvements and increase maintenance costs for drivers.

“Changes to the current funding approach must pass a litmus test: It must be reliable while generating sufficient revenue. It must be seamlessly manageable while protecting privacy,” Brittney Kohler, legislative director for transportation and infrastructure services at the National League of Cities, said in a blog post.

“Above all else, it has to pass the equity and affordability test,” she says. “Most of the user fee revenue tools being discussed today do not meet these basic test points for most Americans.”

What would it take to repeal or suspend the gas tax?

Suspending or repealing the federal gasoline tax would require an act of Congress, as the collection of the federal gasoline tax was authorized by lawmakers in a previous highway funding bill.

The idea is now being floated as the current federal highway funding bill, which was included in former President Joe Biden’s signature bipartisan infrastructure bill passed in 2021, expires on September 30th.

The last time Congress voted on anything other than reauthorizing the gasoline tax at its current level of 18.4 cents per gallon was in 1993.

Since the fuel tax was first introduced in 1932 at a rate of 1 cent per gallon, Congress has voted to raise the fuel tax nine times, including the most recent vote in 1993, according to the Congressional Research Service.

During the same period, lawmakers voted to lower the federal gasoline tax only twice: once in 1934, when it was lowered from 1.5 cents per gallon to 1 cent, and once in 1987, when it was lowered from 9.1 cents per gallon to 9 cents per gallon.

Congress has been debating the idea of ​​temporarily suspending the gas tax when fuel prices soar, or eliminating it entirely in favor of Bozella’s proposal, which would tax drivers based on the number of miles they drive or the weight of their vehicles. But lawmakers have never voted to cancel the tax since they first authorized it in 1932.

President Trump asks Congress for $152 million to turn Alcatraz into a prison

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President Trump asks Congress for $152 million to turn Alcatraz into a prison

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President Donald Trump wants to reopen San Francisco’s infamous Alcatraz Island as a modern-day federal prison, and is asking Congress for $152 million in funding to get the project started, according to his 2027 budget proposal.

In his Justice Department budget request, the president proposed turning Alcatraz into a “state-of-the-art” secure prison facility. It is currently operated as a San Francisco Bay tourist attraction. As part of its budget request, the administration specified that it would draw money from the president’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the “Big and Beautiful Bill.”

The request was included in the budget released by the White House to fund the government for fiscal year 2027. Such spending requests are typically treated as proposals by members of Congress.

The facility opened in 1934 as a maximum-security prison, housing notorious criminals such as Chicago gangsters Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud. The prison operated for about 29 years until the federal government deemed it too expensive to operate and closed it in 1963.

The president has voiced his desire to reopen Alcatraz, and after visiting the prison on May 4, 2025, he ordered the Bureau of Prisons to develop a plan to rebuild the facility.

“Reopening Alcatraz will be a symbol of law, order and justice. We will make America great again,” President Trump posted on Truth Social on May 4, 2025. “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, habitual criminals, the dregs of society, who would never contribute anything but misery and suffering. Even in the past, when we were a more serious nation, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals and keep them away from those who could do them harm.”

It was not immediately clear what the total expected cost of rebuilding Alcatraz would be.

Trump is not the first president to consider reopening Alcatraz.

In 1981, former President Ronald Reagan and his administration considered reopening the maximum-security facility. However, construction was ultimately rejected due to the facility’s lack of facilities, historic nature, popularity as a tourist destination, and limited space for the facility, which can accommodate up to 336 people.

What is Alcatraz?

Alcatraz Island is an island in San Francisco Bay that was used as a prison from 1934 to 1963, according to the BOP.

The island was discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named it Isla de los Alcatraces, meaning Island of the Pelicans. Over time, it was shortened and Americanized and became known as Alcatraz, according to the National Park Service.

According to the BOP, the island was used as a military fort from 1850 to 1933, during which time it also housed military prisoners of war.

In 1933, the Department of Justice took over Alcatraz Island and opened a maximum-security prison housing some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals.

According to the NPS, Alcatraz closed in 1963 after 29 years of operation. Alcatraz remained abandoned until 1969, when a group of Native American activists occupied the island and remained there for the next two years, according to the NPS.

In 1973, NPS opened Alcatraz Island as a public museum. According to the BOP, it receives more than 1 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular national parks.

Where is Alcatraz Island?

Alcatraz Island is a 22-acre island located in San Francisco Bay about 2.4 miles off the coast, according to the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy. It is about five miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, according to Pacific Open Water Swim.

The only way to get to the island is by boat, which helps the prison maintain its physical separation from society, according to the BOP.

One of the common rumors about Alcatraz is that it was surrounded by shark-infested waters, making it impossible to swim to the mainland shore. However, this rumor is not true as there are only small bottom-feeding sharks in San Francisco Bay, according to BOP.

Several prisoners attempted to swim to the mainland, but cold water temperatures and strong currents largely thwarted their attempts. BOP said several people, including several children and fitness coach Jack LaLanne, have successfully swam across the bay over the years.

When was Alcatraz closed and why?

According to the BOP, the Alcatraz prison was closed on March 21, 1963 because it was too expensive to continue operating.

Alcatraz cost nearly three times more to operate than other federal prisons, in part because physical isolation required food and supplies to be unloaded by boat.

The island also had no fresh water source, so nearly 1 million gallons had to be pumped in each week.

At the time of its closure, Alcatraz Island was in need of restoration and maintenance work that was estimated to have cost approximately $3 million to $5 million, not including day-to-day operating costs.

contribution: melina khan and Dinah Boyles Pulvertoday’s America; Reuters

Noe Padilla is a Northern California reporter for USA Today. To contact him, npadilla@usatodayco.comX Follow him at @1NoePadilla or Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social..

Who won the Final Four games and why?

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Who won the Final Four games and why?

of genuine National championship game. At least, that’s what many are calling Saturday’s national semifinal game between Arizona and Michigan in Game 2 of the Final Four.

The Wolverines and Wildcats are the remaining No. 1 seeds and considered by many to be the two best teams remaining. This should give you a shocking game-like sound in your nightcap. Las Vegas can’t figure it out either and basically just picks up (Michigan State -118, Arizona State -102).

The final four bold predictions: Which one is in a drought? Who will win it all?

The final four X-factors: 4 players who are the key to winning the national championship

So who will win Saturday night? Our predictions are:

Arizona vs. Michigan predictions

  • Blake Topmeyer: Arizona State. The semifinal between Arizona and Michigan will be the de facto national championship game. They looked like the two best teams throughout the tournament. Arizona, a team with no weaknesses, has a slight advantage. All five Wildcats starters are averaging double-digit points.
  • John Bryce: Arizona State. Let me tell you, this is a national championship game. Both teams are playing their best. It’s easy to taboo Michigan State after dismantling Tennessee and the early front. Tell us about Tommy Lloyd’s blend of veteran and freshman genius.
  • Jordan Mendoza: Arizona State. In one of the best Final Four matchups in history, Arizona’s Jiki had a big fight in the paint for a thrilling victory.
  • Paul Meyerberg: Michigan State. It was supposed to be a high-scoring semifinal, with a frontcourt of Jaxel Lendeborg, Mores Johnson Jr. and Adei Mara giving Michigan the advantage in what was essentially a title game.
  • Eddie Timanas: Arizona State. Perhaps this conference was held too soon, but don’t start talking about all the things the committee has done wrong in this area. Now that I’ve got this game, I just hope it’s worth the bill. The Wildcats won the entire game, so I’m going to stick to my guns.
  • Matt Greneske: Michigan State. Touted as the real National Championship Game, this matchup should be a great one. Michigan State looks better than everyone (along with Illinois) so far this tournament. Arizona attacked the Boilermakers after suffering a blip in the first half against Purdue. This team has so much talent, but I’m going to go with the Wolverines, who have shown no weaknesses this tournament.
  • John Luuzzi: Arizona. This feels like a real contest considering how dominant both teams have looked in the first two weeks. Arizona won its best Final Four in history with big shots from Jaden Bradley and Koa Pete at the end.
  • Brent Schrotenboer: Arizona State. The best team in the best league wins: Arizona in the Big 12. It’s time for the first national championship west of Kansas since 1997.
  • Craig Meyer: Michigan State. These have been two of the best three teams in the country for most of the season, and there is little to separate them. The Wolverines have a little more experience in this situation, with an older roster and a coach who has been on this stage before, which should be enough to narrowly win. It’s tempting to call this a de facto national title fight, but let’s pump the brakes. Just ask Houston’s 1983 team how that common sense worked.
  • Ethan Kasim: Arizona. This will become an instant classic and turn heads. The Wildcats escape with a narrow victory over Dusty May’s crew.

Arizona vs Michigan betting odds: Who is favored to win?

Odds are provided by BetMGM.

  • Money line: Michigan (-118); Arizona (-102)
  • Spread: Michigan (-1.5)
  • Total over/under: 157.8

What time is the Arizona vs. Michigan Final Four game?

  • time: Saturday, April 4th, 8:49pm ET.

Which channel is Arizona vs. Michigan? How to watch the Final Four and distribution information

  • The game is being streamed on TBS, TNT, truTV and HBO Max.

Democratic-led states sue Trump over recent challenges to mail-in voting

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Democratic-led states sue Trump over recent challenges to mail-in voting

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A coalition of Democratic-led states has filed another court challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing restrictions on mail-in voting.

The April 3 lawsuit by more than 20 Democratic state attorneys general and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro alleges that President Trump has “ignored” the constitutional principle that gives states primary responsibility for conducting federal elections.

The Constitution gives states the power to set the “times, places, and manner” of electing members of Congress, while also giving Congress the power to pass laws that change many of these regulations.

The states focused on this constitutional provision, arguing that President Trump was acting without authority.

“Neither the Constitution nor any law of Congress gives the president the authority to order major changes to a state’s election systems or procedures,” they said in their lawsuit.

President Trump’s March 31 executive order directs the U.S. Postal Service to develop “uniform standards” to prevent mail-in ballots from being sent by people who are not authorized to vote. The service would provide each state with a list of “registered” voters.

“The only people who would be offended by legitimate efforts to secure America’s elections and ensure that only eligible Americans vote are Democratic politicians and operatives,” White House press secretary Abigail Jackson told USA TODAY in a statement.

“President Trump campaigned to secure the election, and the American people sent him back to the White House to get that job done,” she added.

States claim the order coerces them with threats of investigation and prosecution to disenfranchise voters who are missing from the federal government’s “shadow voter eligibility list.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the state attorneys general leading the case, said in a statement that “free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and no president has the power to rewrite the rules himself.”

A range of voting rights groups and top Democratic leaders in Congress are also suing Trump in two separate lawsuits aimed at blocking the president’s new restrictions on mail-in voting, arguing they amount to an unlawful power grab.

Contributor: Zach Anderson – USA TODAY

‘The Price is Right’ producer defends show following Bob Barker documentary

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‘The Price is Right’ producer defends show following Bob Barker documentary

The producer’s comment will appear after the E! The documentary series “Dirty Rotten Scandals” featured sexual harassment allegations from several former game show models.

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Roger Dobkowitz, the longtime producer of “The Price is Right,” is speaking out after allegations against host Bob Barker were highlighted in a recent documentary series.

Dobkowitz, who appeared on the Daytime Emmy Award-winning show for 36 seasons from 1972 to 2008, weighed in on E!’s “Dirty Rotten Scandal,” a show that pulls off the classic TV series through behind-the-scenes revelations.

The series’ two-part segment, “The Price is Right,” which aired on March 18, included accusations from several former game show models and described the culture of sexual harassment that permeated the show’s early production.

Dobkowitz said in a March 29 Facebook post that he initially “avoided commenting” on the docuseries because he “didn’t want to draw public attention to such an obvious ‘hit film.'”

“The price is right” claim: Game show model claims harassment during Bob Barker era

“The ‘documentary’ should quietly disappear into the bottom of the trash can of television, along with other forgotten so-called ‘revelations,'” continued the 80-year-old Dobkowitz. “There are people in this world who are willing to exaggerate and fabricate falsehoods to draw attention to themselves and to justify their own hateful personal vendettas against others.”

USA TODAY reached out to Dobkowitz and E! Network for comments.

Former ‘Price is Right’ producer says Bob Barker accuser is not ‘brave’

Holly Hallstrom, who modeled for Barker’s Beauties from 1977 to 1995, claimed in the Dirty Rotten Scandal that Barker often silenced women who accused him of sexual harassment on set.

“Bob was in charge of the show, so if someone went to Bob and said, ‘I have a problem. I have a complaint,’ he would have told her to either give up or find a new job,” Hallstrom said, accusing the game show host of having an affair with fellow model Diane Parkinson.

Barker retired from hosting “The Price of Light” in 2007 and died in 2023.

“What makes the situation even worse is that the defendant is dead, making it impossible for him to defend himself,” Dobkowitz wrote on Facebook. “The adjective ‘brave’ should never be used against someone who attacks a dead person.”

Barker faced his fair share of legal trouble during his time on the iconic game show. In 1994, Parkinson filed an $8 million sexual harassment lawsuit, but Barker denied the charges and Parkinson dropped the suit a year later.

Barker later sued Hallstrom for defamation and libel after he told the press that he was fired because he gained weight due to drugs. He eventually dropped the case 48 hours before trial, but Hallstrom then countersued him for wrongful termination and malicious prosecution.

“Most people and individuals in society move on with their lives, especially after disputes in court are resolved and closed,” Dobkowitz continued. “If someone feels the urge to bring it up all the time for another 30 years, that’s a sign that something may be wrong with their mature, logical thinking skills.”

‘The Price is Right’ producer Roger Dobkowitz says the game show was his ‘happy place’

Dobkowitz is not alone in supporting Barker and “The Price is Right.”

In a March 18 statement to USA TODAY, Barker’s longtime agent Roger Neal denied allegations of sexual misconduct against Barker or the show.

“Barker was and is loved, and people still love him to this day,” Neal said at the time. “He was part of the fabric of American pop culture. He was the greatest MC in the history of television. I was honored to represent him.”

Dobkowitz echoed similar sentiments in a Facebook post, saying the game show was his “happy place.”

“Our working conditions were the envy of other programs,” Dobkowitz wrote. “Staff members rarely quit…Dozens of women who were in our model repertoire returned year after year and were happy to appear on our show.”

He added: “As in any company, the only people who are unhappy are those who didn’t get the raises they wanted, those who didn’t get the promotions they thought they deserved, and those who were fired for not doing their job.”

Mr. Dobkowitz joined the production staff of “The Price is Right” in 1972 and became a producer in 1984. During his decades-long tenure, he created 18 programming pricing games and won five Daytime Emmy Awards.

“Someday, when I write a book (if anyone still cares by then), my 36 years of observations with Bob, the models, and his staff will clear up many misconceptions and dismiss many false accusations,” Dobkowitz concluded. “I was there for 36 years. I was on that stage.”

Contributor: Anthony Robredo, USA TODAY

Vanessa Trump talks about boyfriend Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest

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Vanessa Trump talks about boyfriend Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest

Vanessa Trump spoke out last week after her boyfriend Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

The model and ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. shared a photo of herself and the professional golfer cuddling on a hammock on social media on Friday, April 3. “I love you,” she captioned the image she posted to her Instagram Story, adding several heart emojis.

Trump, 48, was married to President Donald Trump’s eldest son from 2005 to 2018, and she and Woods have been dating since 2025.

Woods, 50, was involved in a car accident on March 27 on Jupiter Island, Florida, where he has lived since 2007. The professional golfer was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, criminal damage to property, and refusing to submit to legal inspection by a local sheriff. He pleaded not guilty.

Officers observed Woods to be “lethargic and slow” and had difficulty following breathalyzer instructions, according to the arrest report. Woods gave all zeros on a breathalyzer test, but officers found two pills in Woods’ pocket that they identified as hydrocodone, an opioid used to treat severe chronic pain, according to the report.

President Trump took time to reflect on the arrest of his former daughter-in-law’s partner in a March 31 phone interview with the New York Post.

“As you know, he tested negative for alcohol. He is under a lot of physical pressure with various ailments, including his back and legs,” he told the show. “He’s lived a life of pain. He’s been in a lot of pain. He’s a great guy. He’s a great athlete. He’s certainly been in pain.”

Contributors: Elizabeth Flores, Andres Soto, Tim Schmidt, Will Greenlee, Laurie K. Blandford, Tom D’Angelo, Valentina Palm, america today

See all products from Huda Beauty’s new Strawberry Latte collection

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See all products from Huda Beauty’s new Strawberry Latte collection

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Move over the matcha. Huda Beauty presents a new collection, this time inspired by the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of coffee.

The popular cosmetics brand is reimagining “a new generation of Y2K beauty” with a new Strawberry Latte collection that brings back “glowing lips, flushed cheeks, and the signature ‘concealer lip.'”

Huda said the collection includes products across three categories, including blush, bronzer and lip gloss, and “responds to the return of 2000s glamor through the lens of 2026.”

The four-shade Blush Filter Palette is “designed for both blushing and bronzing, adding hints of pink for a filtered, sun-kissed finish,” while the two new Blush Filter Liquid blush shades “blend seamlessly into skin for a radiant, second-skin flush.” It added that the blush features an “updated stamped doe foot applicator” that allows for seamless application.

“We all want to go back”: The internet reminisces about the makeup era of 2016

The collection also adds three new “milky nude shades” to its lineup of faux filler glosses, which are “a modern take on the iconic ‘concealer lip’ of the early 2000s.”

“The high-shine, non-greasy formula delivers visibly plump lips and pairs perfectly with flushed mauve cheeks,” said Hooda.

What’s in Huda Beauty’s Strawberry Latte Collection?

Huda Beauty’s Strawberry Latte Collection products include:

  • blush filter palette “Strawberry Latte” in the shade – $43
  • Brush filter liquid blush “Strawberry Latte” (Mocha Mauve) and “Berry Fever” (Bit Berry Red) shades – $25
  • fake filler gloss “Lightcealer” (light beige), “Midcealer” (caramel nude), “Richcealer” (toffee brown) shades – $21

When will Huda Beauty’s Strawberry Latte collection be released?

Huda Beauty’s Strawberry Latte Collection will be available online at Huda Beauty and Sephora starting April 9th.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito recently received medical treatment

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Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito recently received medical treatment

Justice Alito, the second oldest person on the court, has been the subject of speculation about his retirement.

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WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, the second-oldest member of the Supreme Court and the subject of recent speculation about his retirement, became ill last month and sought medical treatment, the court confirmed on April 3.

CNN first reported that Alito was taken to the hospital after attending a dinner hosted by the conservative legal group The Federalist Society in Philadelphia on March 20.

A court spokeswoman said in a statement that Alito “out of an abundance of caution” agreed to the garda’s recommendation that he seek medical attention before making the three-hour drive home.

Alito was given fluids due to dehydration and returned to his home in Virginia that night. He then underwent a “thorough examination” by his doctor, the court heard.

The statement did not provide details about his health.

Will Trump get a fourth Supreme Court nomination? Speculation swirling around Alito

Alito, 76, has been on the court for 20 years.

Alito’s age and tenure are among the reasons court commentators have recently speculated that Alito, one of the court’s most conservative justices, may want to retire soon. Another potential factor is the desire to give President Donald Trump a chance to succeed Republicans while they still control the Senate.

CNN reported that Alito is considering retirement, but a decision does not appear to be imminent.

Eye drop recall affects millions of bottles. See list.

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Eye drop recall affects millions of bottles. See list.

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Millions of eye drop products have been recalled over concerns that they may not be sterile, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration enforcement report.

On March 3, KC Pharmaceuticals, a company that sells eye care products, announced a voluntary recall of more than 3 million eye drops.

The eight affected product batches are sold under various brand names and have expiry dates from April to October. These were distributed to national retailers such as Walgreens, Kroger, and CVS.

The FDA classified this as a Class II recall on March 31st. Class II, the FDA’s second highest recall class, indicates that use of the affected product may result in temporary adverse health effects.

USA TODAY reached out to KC Pharmaceuticals.

Which eye drops have been recalled?

The recall targets eight types of eye drops that were sold by various brands and distributors.

Many of them can be identified by a universal product code or national drug code number. These numbers are usually located near the barcode on the bottle.

You can also identify it by the lot code number printed on the bottle.

According to the FDA enforcement report, the eye drop products subject to the recall are:

  1. Sterile eye drops AC 15mL
    • Lot code and expiry date:
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Best Choice – UPC: 0-70038-47010-6
      • QC – Quality Choice (Irritation Reduction of Sterile Eye Drops) – NDC: 83324-190-14
      • Discount Drug Mart (Eye Drops AC) – UPC: 0-93351-01158-0
      • GoodSense (sterile eye drops) – NDC: 50804-160-01
      • Walgreens (eye drops) – UPC: 3-11917-17954-4
      • CareOne (anti-itch eye drops)
      • Equaline – UPC: 0-41163-25114-4
      • Top Care Health – UPC: 0-36800-03640-6
      • Meyer – NDC: 41250-598-01
      • H‑E‑B AC Eye Drops – UPC: 0-41220-43746-7
  2. Advanced Relief Eye Drops 15mL
    • Lot code and expiration date:
      • AR24D01, April 30th
      • AR24G01, July 31st
      • AR24G02, July 31st
      • AR24M01, October 31st
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Walgreens – UPC: 3‑11917‑20074‑3
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      • CVS – UPC: 0‑50428‑43544‑1
      • QC – Quality Choice – NDC: 83324‑191‑14
      • Discount Drug Mart – UPC: 0‑93351‑01155‑9
      • Foster & Thrive – NDC: 70677‑1158‑1
      • Good Sense – NDC: 50804‑130‑01
      • Top Care Health – UPC: 0‑36800‑03641‑3
      • DG Health – UPC: 0‑95072‑02556‑3
      • Fast-acting – Code Red Eye Drops – NDC: 83817‑963‑01
  3. Dry eye relief eye drops 15mL
    • Lot code and expiry date:
      • LT24E01, May 31st
      • LT24E02, May 31st
      • LT24E03, May 31st
      • LT24F01, June 30th
      • LT24G01, July 31st
      • LT24M01, October 31st
      • LT24M02, October 31st
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Jelicare – NDC: 57896-181-05
      • Top Care Health – UPC: 0-36800-36100-3
      • Ritual Aid – NDC: 11822-1067-2
      • Reader – NDC: 70000-0502-1
      • Discount Drug Mart – UPC: 0-93351-01156-6
      • H‑E‑B – UPC: 0-41220-43741-2
      • Foster & Thrive – NDC: 70677-1158-1
      • Meyer – NDC: 41250-718-01
      • DG Health – UPC: 0-95072-02656-0
      • Harris Teeter – UPC: 0-72036-71303-2
      • Replacement selection – UPC: 6-14299-05620-6
      • Good Neighbor Pharmacy – NDC: 46122-605-05
  4. Super lubricating eye drops 15mL
    • Lot code and expiration date:
      • SU24E01, May 31st
      • SU24E02, May 31st
      • SU24E03, May 31st
      • SU24K01, September 30th
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Reader – NDC: 70000‑0457‑1
      • Harris Teeter – UPC: 0‑72036‑73588‑1
      • Foster & Thrive – NDC: 70677‑1160‑1
      • Walgreens – UPC: 3‑11917‑20167‑2
      • P High Performance (Publix) – UPC: 0‑41415‑09876‑3
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      • Good Sense – NDC: 50804‑160‑01
      • Meyer – NDC: 41250‑937‑01
      • CVS Health – UPC: 0‑50428‑39690‑2
      • CVS Health (Twin Pack) – UPC: 0‑50428‑44738‑3
      • QC – Quality Choice – NDC: 83324‑029‑15
      • Avenova (twin pack) – UPC: 8‑57005‑00411‑9
  5. sterile eye drops 15mL
    • Lot code and expiration date:
      • RG24E01, May 31st
      • RG24G01, July 31st
      • RG24G02, July 31st
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Good Sense – NDC: 50804‑141‑01
      • Walgreens – UPC: 3‑11917‑20073‑6
      • Walgreens (2 Bottle Pack) – UPC: 3‑11917‑20076‑7
      • Kroger – UPC: 0‑11110‑38597‑0
      • Lil’ Drug Store Products – UPC: 3‑66715‑68324‑3
      • CVP – UPC: 7‑61606‑16500‑3
      • Harris Teeter – UPC: 0‑72036‑71302‑5
      • H‑E‑B – UPC: 0‑41220‑43747‑4
      • Rugby – NDC: 0536‑1217‑94
      • Equal line – UPC: 0‑41163‑25110‑6
      • Discount Drug Mart – UPC: 0‑93351‑01156‑3
      • Reader – NDC: 70000‑0454‑1
      • CareOne – NDC: 41520‑431‑05
      • Circle K – UPC: 1‑94283‑65185‑8
      • DG Health – UPC: 0‑95072‑00556‑5
      • Good Neighbor Pharmacy – NDC: 24385‑075‑05
      • Top Care Health – UPC: 0‑36800‑03639‑0
      • Best Choice – UPC: 0‑70038‑47011‑3
  6. Sterile eye drops redness lubricant 15mL
    • Lot code and expiration date:
      • RL24D01, April 30th
      • RL24F01, June 30th
      • RL24F02, June 30th
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Industrial Eye Relief – UPC: 130209
      • Good Neighbor Pharmacy – NDC: 46122‑606‑05
      • Eagle Eye Eye Drops – UPC: 3‑48201‑01615‑5
      • Ophthalmycin eye drops – UPC: 3-48201-01613-1
      • Reader – NDC: 70000‑0010‑1
      • Equal line – UPC: 0‑41163‑46151‑2
      • Walgreens – UPC: 3‑11917‑17741‑0
      • Foster & Thrive – NDC: 70677‑1161‑1
      • Ritual Aid – NDC: 11822‑6453‑4
      • Discount Drug Mart – UPC: 0‑93351‑03411‑4
  7. Sterile eye drops to soothe tears 15mL
    • Lot code and expiration date:
      • SY24K01, September 30th
      • SY24K02, September 30th
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Rugby – NDC: 0536‑1219‑94
      • Walgreens – UPC: 3‑11917‑20300‑3
  8. Artificial tears, sterile lubricant eye drops 15mL
    • Lot code and expiration date:
      • AT24D01, April 30th
      • AT24E01, May 31st
      • AT24E02, May 31st
      • AT24G01, July 31st
    • Brand and distributor:
      • Reader – NDC: 70000‑0011‑1
      • Good Sense – NDC: 50804‑110‑01
      • Good Neighbor Pharmacy – NDC: 24385‑006‑05
      • TopCare Health – UPC: 0‑36800‑09331‑7
      • Best Choice – UPC: 0‑70038‑47008‑3
      • Kroger – UPC: 0‑11110‑38600‑7
      • P (Public) – UPC: 0‑41415‑00976‑9
      • Quality selection – NDC: 83324‑189‑14

What to do with recalled eye drops

The FDA said in a statement to USA TODAY that the recall is classified as Class II, meaning it is “unlikely to pose a serious health problem.”

“Patients and consumers can continue to use the drug unless directed otherwise by the recall company or the FDA,” the statement said.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

California sues over Trump’s ‘unconstitutional’ mail-in voting order

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California sues over Trump’s ‘unconstitutional’ mail-in voting order

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California is challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at imposing federal control over voter rolls and mail-in voting. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the executive order a “desperate attempt” by the president to change the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections.

California, along with 22 attorneys general and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, filed a lawsuit on Friday, April 3, challenging Bonta’s recent order, which he called “unconstitutional.” The state joins other lawsuits aimed at blocking President Trump’s order, which opponents warn could affect voters’ ability to vote.

“He can see the blue wave coming,” Bonta said. “He knows he will lose badly, so his only recourse is to try to influence the election. If people can vote fairly, honestly and safely, if everyone who is eligible to vote is given the opportunity to participate, to vote, the way they want, then he will be crushed.”

President Trump’s order, signed on March 31, requires the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Social Security Administration to compile a list of U.S. citizens of voting age who are residents of each state and communicate it to voting officials in each state at least 60 days before the election.

The order directed the U.S. Postal Service to oversee mail-in voting, establish “uniform standards” for ballots, and develop rules to prevent unauthorized people from submitting ballots. The Postal Service would provide each state with a list of voters who are “registered” with the Postal Service.

The order says the Trump administration could withhold federal funds from “noncompliant states and localities.” Bonta said the order also “threatens criminal investigations against election officials.” The attorney general said all state and local election officials “should be able to administer elections without fear of federal overreach or threat of prosecution.”

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Network’s request for comment on the lawsuit.

On March 31, Bonta announced that he would challenge the order in court, stating that “the power to regulate elections rests with the states and Congress.”

“The executive order violates the separation of powers. The president has no authority over when, where, or how each state holds elections,” Bonta said on April 3.

The president’s order comes as California sees another voting-related fight unfold. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor, and his hundreds of thousands of ballots seized over alleged discrepancies in the number of votes cast in last year’s Proposition 50 special election.

All of this comes weeks before Californians vote in the June 2nd primary election and then the November 3rd general election.

Governor Gavin Newsom responded to President Trump’s order earlier this week, saying on the X Show that “Donald Trump is attempting to rig the midterm elections by suppressing the vote through unconstitutional means.” “California will fight back to protect election integrity and people’s right to vote.”

USA TODAY Network reporters Zac Anderson and Noe Padilla contributed to this article.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. please contact her pbarraza@usatodayco.com.

Tiger Woods’ drunk driving raises questions about sheriff’s response to 2021 crash

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Tiger Woods’ drunk driving raises questions about sheriff’s response to 2021 crash

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  • Experts suggest the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department missed signs of impairment in Tiger Woods’ 2021 car crash.
  • Unlike his recent arrest in Florida, Woods was not evaluated by a drug recognition expert or ticketed after the 2021 incident.
  • Some experts believe the driving accident could have been prevented by holding Woods accountable in 2021.

The last time Tiger Woods drove recklessly and endangered other drivers, law enforcement officials came to a conclusion that didn’t seem to match the evidence.

They said there was “no evidence of any impairment.” They didn’t even issue Woods a ticket, much less charge him with reckless driving or driving while impaired.

Golf legend Woods is out of the woods in 2021, even though his car crash in Los Angeles County may have been more dangerous and had more signs of impairment than his most recent crash in Florida on March 27, according to evidence and experts contacted by USA TODAY Sports.

The recent arrest in Florida also raises questions about whether Woods and the public would have been safer if the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department had responded differently to Woods in 2021.

“It’s clear that it was overlooked in 2021,” said Jonathan Charney, a former Southern California detective who now works as an expert in auto accident reconstruction and police practice. “It’s easy to conclude that the L.A. Sheriff’s Department was either starstruck or had an attitude of, ‘He hasn’t actually hurt anyone but himself, so why bother?'” The problem with that attitude is that no one gave him any incentive not to do it again. ”

The Los Angeles crash is the only one of four high-profile incidents since 2009 in which Woods did not receive at least a ticket for driving problems. Paradoxically, it was also his most dangerous accident.

Key differences between the current and 2021 investigation in the Tiger Woods case.

In the latest crash, on March 27, Woods was charged with driving while impaired after his Land Rover clipped a tractor-trailer from behind in a residential area, causing it to overturn. Woods has maintained his innocence and said he is resigning to “receive treatment and focus on his health.” In 2021, a Genesis SUV crashed through a median sign, ran into oncoming traffic, left the road, hit a tree and overturned, causing a broken right leg but no injuries.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department did not bring in a drug recognition expert (DRE) to evaluate Woods’ impairment in this case, unlike in Florida on March 27, when a DRE evaluated Woods and determined he was impaired. The LA Sheriff’s Department also made no attempt to obtain a warrant to draw Woods’ blood to assess the presence of drugs.

“Florida law enforcement responded much better,” Charney told USA TODAY Sports. “They probably looked at what happened with the L.A. Sheriff’s Department and thought, ‘Gang, we need to get this right.’

The conclusions of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, then under Sheriff Alex Villanueva, drew scrutiny from auto accident experts, including Charney, who visited the scene of the Los Angeles crash and told USA TODAY Sports it appeared to be “a classic case of falling asleep at the wheel because the road curves and the car goes straight.”

Evidence of Tiger Woods’ 2021 crash

Even without assessing his cognitive function, the following signs were present in 2021:

∎ Instead of sticking to the curve in the right lane, Woods’ Genesis SUV continued on a nearly 400-foot collision course in a nearly straight line. He hit a curb in the median, hit a large wooden sign in the median, sped into oncoming traffic, hit another curb and ran off the road, uprooting a tree and overturning.

∎ However, evidence in the case showed that Woods did not brake during the recorded crash sequence, swerved from the emergency, and did not remember driving. Can a conscious person swerve out of their lane in a straight line across a median or oncoming lane without any evidence of braking or trying to steer?

∎ Woods said immediately after the 2021 accident that he didn’t know where he was and thought he was in Florida instead of California. It was a reversal of sorts since 2017, when he was found asleep in a car with the engine stopped on the road in Jupiter, Florida. He told police he didn’t know where he was and thought he was from “Los Angeles, California.” At the time, five types of drugs were detected in his blood, including the sleeping pill Ambien and the painkiller Vicodin, and he was charged with drunk driving.

∎ An unlabeled medicine bottle was found inside a backpack at the scene of a crash in Los Angeles.

Why Tiger Woods’ 2021 crash matters now

Despite this evidence, the LA County Sheriff’s Department did not suspect impairment, instead stating that the cause of the accident was “driving at an unsafe speed for road conditions and failing to negotiate curves in the road.”

If the Sheriff’s Office had responded differently and evaluated Woods’ impairment, the evidence they obtained could have led to Woods being charged or not charged, depending on the outcome. If convicted, his sentence could change driving decisions, especially after a 2017 drunk-driving incident.

“If we had gone back in 2021 and found out that Tiger Woods was under the influence of drugs at the time of that incident, and been charged and convicted, it might have had a psychological effect on him and made him realize that if he continues to need pain medication for his chronic illness, he shouldn’t be driving,” said Doug Burnetti, a Florida traffic injury attorney.

Charney noted that a DUI conviction in California would result in a mandatory 90-day DUI program, suspension of Woods’ driver’s license and probation. That’s the whole point of traffic law enforcement: protecting the public and drivers.

LA Sheriff: ‘I won’t engage in speculation’ about 2021

USA Today Sports recently contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to ask if they would reconsider their conclusions from 2021 following Woods’ recent arrest in Florida.

“We do not engage in speculation about incidents that occurred five years ago, regardless of the individuals involved,” the department said in an April 2 statement to USA TODAY Sports.

When Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Woods was traveling at an estimated speed of 84 to 87 mph during the first portion of the series of crashes, the department instead referred USA TODAY Sports to the department’s press conference on the matter. Data received from the black box recorder in Woods’ loaned Genesis SUV showed that instead of applying the brakes, Woods was actually accelerating before the crash.

When asked at the time whether Woods had made a conscious effort to avoid the accident, Captain Jim Powers said, “I don’t know about that.”

Villanueva unsuccessfully sought re-election in 2022, but ran again for sheriff this November. His campaign did not return messages seeking comment.

Signals and patterns of Tiger Woods’ driving problems

Woods previously admitted he has trouble sleeping in addition to pain issues. He has been involved in four reckless driving cases since 2009, including drunk driving cases in 2026, 2021 and 2017.

In 2009, Woods was behind the wheel of a Cadillac Escalade outside his Florida mansion when it crashed into a hedge, hitting a fire hydrant and a tree. Neighbors reported seeing Woods snoring at the scene. Still, Woods was ticketed for careless driving, resulting in a $164 fine and four points on his driving record.

The most dangerous crash in Los Angeles was the one in which Woods didn’t even get a ticket. Just as I was lucky not to have the same accident in Florida on March 27th, I was lucky not to collide with oncoming traffic.

The difference this time is that law enforcement is holding him accountable.

“Tiger didn’t just lose his swing after 2009, he lost control of something in his life,” said Richard Tate, founder of Carrara Treatment, a high-end rehabilitation company in Los Angeles. “I’m not going to extrapolate beyond the facts, whether it’s pain management, administering prescription drugs, or anything else. But if the same type of incident happens over and over again, it’s not bad luck. It’s a sign.”

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

College graduates soften hopes for employment

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College graduates soften hopes for employment

good morning! Daniel de Visse, Consumer Friday Edition Daily Money. Betty Lynn Fisher is on hiatus.

Last year, recent college graduates sought well-paying jobs in remote locations that aligned with their values.

Rachel Barber reports that this year they’re just looking for work.

President Trump talks about tariffs on branded drugs

President Donald Trump is talking about tariffs again.

His latest move is a 100% import tax on branded drugs, part of a campaign to encourage companies to make drugs in the United States.

What does this mean for your next prescription?

Are Black Caucus scholarships discriminatory?

Finally, groups opposed to affirmative action are suing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, alleging that some college scholarships for black students discriminate on the basis of race.

It’s time for Consumer Friday! Here are some headings.

📰 Other stories you can’t miss 📰

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

Where is Artemis II today? Location updates for NASA’s lunar exploration

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Where is Artemis II today? Location updates for NASA’s lunar exploration

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Want the latest information on the Artemis II moon mission?

NASA’s flight tracker lets you follow the four astronauts of the Artemis II mission as they make their way to the moon.

After a successful launch from Florida on April 1, the Artemis II mission was more than 70,000 miles from Earth as of 6 a.m. Friday, April 3.

NASA has a website and app to help keep track of everyone during the 10-day mission that sends astronauts to the far side of the moon and back.

Artemis II Tracker. Track moon missions in real time

NASA’s online tracker (available on both desktop and mobile apps) lets you follow the Artemis II astronauts as they adventure to and around the moon aboard the Orion crew capsule.

Officially called the Artemis Real-time Orbit Website (AROW), the tracker allows users to see where the Orion spacecraft is and how fast it’s traveling, as well as its distance from both Earth and the moon in miles, NASA said.

The desktop website version’s interface includes major mission milestones and features for the Moon, including information about Apollo-era landing sites. The mobile version of NASA’s app for smartphones is similar, but adds an augmented reality feature that allows users to move their phone to see where Orion is currently positioned relative to Earth.

Download the app to your smartphone from here.

➤ App store

➤Google Play

Data is collected in real time by Orion’s sensors and transmitted to the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. That information will be constantly updated throughout the 10-day mission.

Artemis II Mission: Where is the Orion Capsule now?

Shortly before 6:30 a.m. on April 3, the astronauts were more than 72,000 miles from Earth.

One day and 11 hours into their 10-day mission, the astronauts are traveling at 4,880 miles per hour and have just over 180,000 miles left to reach the moon.

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NASA Artemis II launch brings astronauts on historic lunar mission

Artemis II has taken off! A giant NASA SLS rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

What will the Artemis II crew do today, April 3rd?

According to NASA, on Friday, April 3, astronauts will:

  • Practice the steps you will take as you approach the moon on day six of your mission. This includes thoroughly carrying out planned observations of the lunar surface.
  • Astronauts also need to exercise using a flywheel exercise device.
  • There will also be safety demonstrations such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and evaluation of medical kits.
  • Mission Specialist Christina Koch will use the second half of the third day to test Orion’s emergency communications system using its deep space network, NASA said.

Introducing the Artemis II crew

The Artemis II crew of four arrived in Florida on March 27 after entering standard preflight quarantine to avoid illness. Here’s what the team looks like:

  • NASA astronaut Reed WisemanThe mission commander, a Baltimore native, last flew to the International Space Station in 2014 on a Russian Soyuz rocket.
  • NASA astronaut Victor Glovera pilot from Pomona, California, who flew into space in 2020 on a SpaceX mission to the space station.
  • NASA astronaut Christina Kocha mission specialist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, holds several space agency records and flew on the Soyuz ISS mission in 2019.
  • Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy HansenAnother mission specialist flying into space for the first time.

FTC reports $15.9 billion stolen in 2025 through consumer fraud

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FTC reports $15.9 billion stolen in 2025 through consumer fraud

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  • What form of fraud occurs most often? Someone pretends to be someone else—FBI, FTC, IRS, your bank, your grandchild, the new love of your life.
  • The Federal Trade Commission said the spike in lost dollars may be due to a “sudden increase in consumers reporting large losses of $100,000 or more.”

The billions of dollars lost to fraud continue to add up.

Fraudsters and fraudsters stole a record $15.9 billion through various scams in 2025, up from $12.5 billion in 2024, according to the latest data from the Federal Trade Commission.

According to the FTC, the largest number of losses in 2025 ($7.9 billion, nearly half of all reported losses) involved some type of investment fraud.

Lois Greisman, associate director of the FTC’s Division of Marketing Practices, made these bombshell statements in testimony before the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, March 25th.

In his testimony, Greisman noted that reported fraud losses have increased by nearly 430% since 2020.

Greisman said the FTC will receive 3 million fraud reports from consumers in 2025, a significant increase from the 2.6 million fraud reports it received in 2024.

Scammers trick us into pretending to be someone else

What form of fraud occurs most often? Someone pretends to be someone else—FBI, FTC, IRS, your bank, your grandchild, the local sheriff, the new love of your life.

The FTC has received more than 1 million reports of identity fraud, and consumers have reported losses of more than $3.5 billion.

How do scammers reach out?

Often via a simple text message, this was the top contact method reported by consumers when they identified a connection to a scammer in the 2025 Fraud Report.

Social media is said to be the most common communication method for reported losses. In 2025, consumers reported more than $2 billion in total losses claiming fraud started on social media.

In case you missed it: Fake duty refund texts proliferate as tax season scams evolve

In a June 2025 warning, the FTC warned that if a new friend you met on social media asks you for money, it’s often a complete scam.

“When asking for money, these scammers often offer instructions on how to send the money,” according to a previous FTC warning. “People are reporting that scammers have instructed them to transfer money through companies like Western Union or MoneyGram, send a number on a gift card, use a payment app, or send cryptocurrency.”

Although the testimonies do not specifically mention Bitcoin ATMs such as those at grocery stores or liquor stores, consumers continue to be told by scammers to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and deposit it at a Bitcoin ATM near their home. That money then often ends up in the hands of criminals forever.

For example, in March, a 55-year-old woman told police she received a call at work from someone claiming to be a sergeant with the local sheriff’s office.

The scammers told her she had missed a jury trial and had two warrants for her arrest, among other false claims.

The woman was then told she needed to go to the bank to withdraw money to serve the warrant. “The victim was instructed to deposit money into a local Bitcoin machine and did so before realizing it was a scam,” according to the police report.

Consumer watchdog groups say consumers have become more willing to report losses due to fraud in recent years. As scams increase across the country, perhaps people are becoming less aware that they are actually the only ones losing their hard-earned cash in this town to fake text messages, fake ads, and scammers.

But some people are losing far more money than you can imagine.

Some people lose more than $100,000 to fraud

Unfortunately, some people are losing large chunks of their retirement nest eggs due to ongoing and sophisticated fraud.

Greisman said the spike in losses could also be due to “a surge in consumers reporting large losses of $100,000 or more.”

According to the FTC, in 2025, consumers reported the highest total losses from sending money to scammers via bank transactions, followed by cryptocurrencies. Credit card payments were most commonly identified in fraud reports.

Greisman said reported fraud losses represent only a fraction of actual losses because not all consumers who lose money to fraud report it to the FTC or one of the FTC’s many data sources.

The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network includes reports the FTC receives from approximately 180 data sources, including other government agencies, industry members, and consumer organizations.

The FTC estimates that the total cost of fraud to consumers in 2024 could reach $195.9 billion, accounting for underreporting.

The FTC said it is working with international trade organizations to track down fraudsters based overseas. Many efforts include targeting U.S.-based companies and others that illegally facilitate fraudulent fraud schemes.

For example, the FTC filed a law enforcement settlement last year against Paddle, a British payment processing company that operates in the United States through a U.S. subsidiary. According to the FTC, Paddle was involved in collecting payments on behalf of an alleged tech support fraudster operating out of Cyprus.

Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompol: stompor@freepress.com. follow himr X @tompor.

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