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Tiger Woods says he’s ‘talking to the president’ in body camera footage

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Tiger Woods says he’s ‘talking to the president’ in body camera footage

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Body camera footage released Thursday by the Martin County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office shows Tiger Woods talking on the phone as he is approached by police following the rollover crash that led to his arrest last week.

After hanging up, he told the official, “I’m just talking to the president.”

Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he crawled out of his overturned vehicle following a two-vehicle crash on Jupiter Island just after 2 p.m. ET on March 27.

Tiger Woods body camera footage: “Am I going to be arrested?”

The golfer was driving his Land Rover northbound at high speed when he overtook a truck towing a trailer containing a pressure washer and ripped out the truck. The speed limit was 30 miles per hour.

It’s not clear whether Woods just got off the phone with President Donald Trump, but Trump sent a message of congratulations to Woods in the hours after the accident.

Asked about Woods, President Trump said: “He’s had some difficulties. There was an accident, that’s all I know.” “He’s a very close friend of mine. He’s a great guy. A great guy. But there are some things that are a little difficult. I don’t want to talk about it.”

A White House representative did not respond to USA TODAY’s questions about Woods’ video released on April 2.

The 50-year-old golfer is dating Vanessa Trump, 48, the ex-wife of President Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. President Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, in 2019.

Woods was released from the Martin County Jail in Stuart, Florida late on March 27th. He was seen leaving the prison through a side entrance in the passenger seat of an SUV.

CVS opens 60 stores in U.S., including ‘pharmacy-style’ stores

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CVS opens 60 stores in U.S., including ‘pharmacy-style’ stores

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CVS will open the first of its new “pharmacy-style” pharmacy-only stores in 2026 and plans to open more.

The drugstore chain announced its new store format on March 30th, and announced that it plans to open 20 similar stores nationwide in 2026. These pharmacy-only stores, the first of which opened last year in Birmingham, Alabama, will consist of full-service pharmacies that offer both prescription filling and over-the-counter product selection, minus the rest of the corner stores typically found in CVS stores.

Images of a newly released store in Chicago’s West End show a stripped-down version of the CVS Pharmacy counter you often see in the back of local CVS stores. Rather than occupying a small portion of the approximately 3,000 square foot space, the center is centered around a counter and accompanying waiting room, not dissimilar to a doctor’s office waiting room.

more: CVS takes over Rite Aid assets in bankruptcy transaction

The purpose of these “pharmacy-style” stores is to give pharmacists more face-to-face interaction and consultation with customers, the company said in a press release.

“Our new dedicated pharmacy locations will allow our pharmacy teams to continue to build relationships with patients, their friends and neighbors, and provide on-site pharmacy care in the communities that need us,” Len Shankman, CVS Health executive vice president and president of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, said in a statement.

Where will new CVS locations open?

CVS plans to open a total of 20 pharmacy-only stores by the end of the year. Although the exact list of addresses was not shared, the format will expand to Houston, Detroit, Brooklyn, New York, and Roxbury, Massachusetts, according to a press release.

The company also plans to open more than 40 new CVS pharmacies nationwide in 2026, including traditional stores and Target pharmacies. Exact location details were not available as of April 2nd.

CVS closes thousands of stores and opens hundreds

Like other drugstore chains, including the now-defunct Rite Aid, CVS has struggled in recent years to maintain store numbers amid competition, leading to significant downsizing efforts.

The company announced plans to close 270 stores in 2025, adding to the roughly 800 net closures over the past three years as reported by the Wall Street Journal, for a total of more than 1,000 store closures.

Part of the chain’s strategy is to open more pharmacy counters inside Target stores and smaller in-store MinuteClinics for minor illnesses and injuries, vaccines and other simple care.

The company has also agreed to pay up to $4.9 billion over 10 years to settle a series of high-profile lawsuits alleging Medicare fraud, improper pricing and contributing to the opioid epidemic.

Army’s top officer, General Randy George, resigns at Hegseth’s request

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Army’s top officer, General Randy George, resigns at Hegseth’s request

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Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked the U.S. Army’s top official, General Randy George, to resign from his post and retire immediately, according to Pentagon officials.

According to CBS News, George has been the Army Chief of Staff since 2023. According to CBS News, Hegseth wanted someone in the Army who could better implement his and President Donald Trump’s vision. George’s retirement was also reported by Reuters. The official confirmed to USA TODAY that the CBS report was accurate.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity. The Army referred USA TODAY to Hegseth’s office.

Top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that General George will be retiring with immediate effect. “We are grateful for General George’s decades of service to our country and we wish him well in his retirement,” the Pentagon wrote.

Mr. George’s dismissal comes as the U.S. military engages in a war with Iran and increases its military presence, including parts of the Army, in the Middle East.

It also comes after Hegseth said in a social media post that a military investigation into the helicopter pilot who flew near the home of pro-Trump musician Kid Rock would be closed.

He wrote on March 31: “Thank you @KidRock. The @USAarmy pilot’s suspension has been lifted. No penalties or investigations. Carry on, patriots.”

Mr. Hegseth has fired a number of senior military personnel and generals, many of them women or black people, and some critics have questioned whether their race or gender contributed to their dismissal. The New York Times reported in late March that he blocked the promotion of two Black and two female Army officers to the rank of one-star general.

Mr. Hegseth fired several of his senior advisers last year for leaking information to the media.

George has over 40 years of military service. He was commissioned as an infantry officer from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1988 and completed multiple deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Who fired President Trump? Latest updates on Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem

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Who fired President Trump? Latest updates on Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem

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President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, April 2, marking the second time in his second term that he has fired a Cabinet member.

Mr. Bondi’s firing is the latest example of Mr. Trump’s leadership style as president, which has been characterized by frequent changes at the top of his administration. Lawmakers from both parties accused Mr. Bondi of failing to release the Jeffrey Epstein files as ordered by Congress in December.

From Bondi to Kristi Noem, here are some notable examples of Trump’s use of his signature catchphrase as president over the years: “You’re fired.”

Bondi becomes the latest member of the Trump administration to be shown the door, with the president announcing the move in a post on Truth Social. He praised Bondi as a “great American patriot and a loyal friend,” adding that he plans to move into the private sector.

Following his firing, Mr. Bondi said he would hand over his duties at the Justice Department to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and continue to support Mr. Trump and his administration.

“President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure is the honor of a lifetime,” Bondi wrote on social media, calling his tenure “the most important first year of the Department of Justice in American history.”

Kristi Noem

Noem, who served as Homeland Security secretary and oversaw President Trump’s promise of mass deportations, was fired on March 5, shortly after being questioned by lawmakers over the department’s massive spending.

Her exit came after controversy surrounding a $220 million Department of Homeland Security ad campaign that featured Nomu prominently. She said President Trump approved the ad, but the president denied this claim.

During her time in office, Noem was a frequent target of criticism as her administration ramped up immigration enforcement. Her leadership at the department has come under increased scrutiny as public outcry over violence in Minneapolis, including the shooting deaths of two Americans, has garnered national attention.

Rex Tillerson

Rex Tillerson, who served as Secretary of State during the Trump administration’s first term, was fired by the president in March 2018 after returning from a trip to Africa.

During his time in office, Tillerson was often seen as operating outside of Trump’s inner circle and sometimes publicly diverged from the president’s views. President Trump said his decision to dismiss Tillerson was based on differences of opinion on North Korea diplomacy, steel and aluminum tariffs, and the Iran nuclear deal.

Mike Pompeo replaced Tillerson as Secretary of State.

President Trump’s first term: Reasons for Rex Tillerson’s dismissal and implications for North Korea negotiations

jeff sessions

Jeff Sessions, who served as U.S. attorney general, was fired by President Trump after a year of intense scrutiny from the White House.

His resignation was forced by President Trump and came after the president criticized Sessions over his decision to recuse himself from the Justice Department’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The President has named Matthew Whitaker, Chief of Staff to the Attorney General, as interim Attorney General.

john bolton

Bolton served as President Trump’s national security adviser until he was fired by the president in September 2019 following sharp disagreements over foreign policy.

President Trump announced the move in a social media post, writing that he and Bolton “strongly disagree” on several issues and that Bolton’s service in the White House is no longer needed.

Mr. Bolton publicly disputed Mr. Trump’s explanation, saying that Mr. Trump was not fired but offered to resign.

“I tendered my resignation last night, and President Trump said, ‘Let’s talk about it tomorrow,'” Bolton said at the time.

anthony scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci served as White House communications director for just 11 days during President Trump’s first term, making him one of the shortest-serving senior officials in the Trump administration.

His short tenure drew scrutiny for his lack of communications experience and confrontational style, which caused tension within the West Wing. Scaramucci also publicly vowed to root out leaks from within his administration and said he would fire any staffer found speaking to the media without permission.

james comey

President Trump surprised the political world in May 2017 by firing FBI Director James Comey, an abrupt end to a term fraught with political controversy, from the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia to the handling of Hillary Clinton’s classified emails.

In recommending that Mr. Comey be fired, Justice Department leaders criticized Mr. Clinton’s handling of the investigation into his use of a private email server while secretary of state. In a letter to Comey released by the White House, Trump agreed that he was “unable to effectively lead the department.”

Democrats, including some who had previously attacked Comey for his handling of the Clinton investigation, viewed Trump’s firing as a blatant attempt to obstruct the Russia investigation.

contribution: Bert Jansen, Terry Collins, Sarah Wyer, Ryan W. Miller, Gregory Cote, Michael Loria, USA TODAY

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_.

Starbucks pays baristas bonuses for friendly, fast service

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Starbucks pays baristas bonuses for friendly, fast service

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Does your Starbucks barista have a big smile on his face? It might have something to do with Starbucks investing in lattes.

The world’s largest coffee company is dangling hefty bonuses for friendly and fast service at its cafes.

Hourly workers, from baristas to shift supervisors, can earn an additional $1,200 a year if their stores meet or exceed customer service and other goals.

Starbucks rolled out the initiative in July, with the first payments expected to begin in the fall. It’s part of an attractive attack to boost sales by reconnecting with customers turned away by long wait times and high prices.

Brian Nicol, who was hired by Chipotle as CEO in 2024, wants baristas to resume serving the company. His turnaround strategy calls for warmer interactions, faster ordering and more inviting cafes.

The “return to Starbucks” effect seems to be taking place. Global sales at current locations increased 4% last quarter. Starbucks also announced a more bullish outlook for 2026 than expected.

Starbucks is also expanding its tipping offering by adding the option for customers to tip with a credit or debit card when ordering online using the app or paying at the register. From August, employees will be paid weekly instead of twice a month. The company said the changes could increase wages by an average of 5-8%.

Currently, baristas earn an average hourly wage of $30 with benefits, according to Starbucks. Baristas at hundreds of cafes (about 5% of stores) represented by the Starbucks Workers United union will have to negotiate individually for increased bonuses and tips, the company said.

Contract negotiations between Starbucks and the union have stalled.

The cover of J.D. Vance’s new book ‘Communion’ raises eyebrows.

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The cover of J.D. Vance’s new book ‘Communion’ raises eyebrows.

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Vice President J.D. Vance’s upcoming book is attracting attention not for its content but for its newly released cover.

Vance and publisher Harper (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) announced on March 31 that they will introduce a faith-centered memoir, Communion: Finding Your Way Home to Faith, to be released in June.

Vance described the book as a reflection on his “personal journey and how he found his way back to the faith,” specifically his upbringing as a Protestant and his conversion to Catholicism after spending time as an atheist.

The logline for Harper’s memoir reads: “Vance reflects on how he came to his faith and details his conversion to Catholicism. In doing so, he reveals how his faith guides his public work and how it influences his vision for the future.”

But eagle-eyed social media sleuths are pointing out a possible problem. The picturesque place of worship on the cover, nestled in the green hills of Virginia, appears to refer to the United Methodist Church, not the Catholic Church.

What is the cover photo for “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith”?

The cover image depicts the United Methodist Mount Zion Church in Elk Creek, Virginia, USA, and was confirmed today by metadata from Google Maps and a matching church image by the same photographer. Vance cited his family’s Appalachian roots in his previous memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which debuted on the New York Times bestseller list when it was published in 2016, but it is unclear whether the book’s cover was intended to mimic a similar setting.

This discrepancy was first pointed out by Bulwark contributor Joe Particone.

Particone wrote on March 31: “While Mr. Vance has become particularly Catholic during his return to faith, the church featured in his book is not the Catholic Church. Given the vice president’s outspokenness about his Catholic faith, the choice of photo of Vance struck me as odd.”

Perticone similarly noted that idealistic images of “photogenic” churches taken by local photographer Tim Pennington are popular subjects for stock images. You can find several similar photos of the same church on the stock photo site Getty Images.

In a Dec. 26, 2020 comment posted on Instagram, Pennington confirmed the name and location of a similar image of a church, identifying it as Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Comers Rock, an Elk Creek recreation area.

Representatives for Mr. Vance and Mr. Harper did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s requests for comment. USA TODAY also reached out to Tim Pennington.

JD Vance and the Catholic Church

Vance’s Catholic faith was often talked about during his time as vice president.

Vance told the American Conservative in 2019 that he grew up a Christian without any strong religious affiliation, and went through a period of identifying with evangelicalism and his father’s Pentecostal church before calling himself an atheist in college.

Vance officially converted to Catholicism in 2019, but has faced repeated criticism from both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV since the start of the Trump administration. Pope Francis directly contradicted Vance’s interpretation of Catholic principles, condemning his administration’s immigration policies as “shameful.” Pope Leo has been vocal about his anti-war views since the Iran war began in February.

Vance also spoke about his wife’s religion at a Turning Point USA event in October 2025, during which he said he hoped Usha Vance would abandon her Hindu faith and convert to Christianity.

“Ultimately, do I hope that she is moved in some way by the same things that moved me in church? Well, honestly, I hope so, because I believe in the Christian gospel, and I hope that eventually my wife will see that as well,” he said. “But even if she didn’t, that doesn’t matter to me because God says everyone has free will.”

“Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith” is scheduled to be released on June 16, 2026.

Gasoline prices vary by state. What’s behind it?

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Gasoline prices vary by state. What’s behind it?

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  • Gas prices vary by state, depending on factors such as local taxes, distance from the source, and environmental programs.
  • In addition to state taxes, a federal tax of 18.4 cents per gallon has been applied to all gas purchases since 1993.
  • California has the highest state gas tax at 71 cents per gallon.

With gas prices averaging more than $4 per gallon, motorists are wondering what causes the differences in gas station prices from state to state.

These questions arise after the national average gasoline price rose to $4.08 per gallon on Thursday, April 2, according to the AAA Auto Club. This figure is up from the national average price of $3.98 a week ago on March 26th and the average price of $3.00 on March 5th.

The state with the highest gas prices on April 2 was California, where drivers paid an average of $5.89 per gallon, up from $4.65 a month earlier on March 5. The state with the lowest gas prices on April 2 was Oklahoma, where drivers paid an average of $3.27 per gallon, still up from Oklahoma’s average gas price of $2.47 a month earlier on March 5.

The USA TODAY Cars team investigated what causes gas price fluctuations in states and which states have the highest gas taxes.

What causes the variation in gas prices across states?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, regional differences in gas prices can be explained by several factors.

The agency cites the following reasons for regional differences in gas prices.

  • Differences between state and local gas taxes
  • Distance from source
  • interruption of supply
  • Retail competition and operating costs
  • environmental program

“The more gasoline has to be transported to the point of sale, the higher the transportation costs, so the retail price of gasoline tends to be higher,” the agency said.

“Slowing or halting gasoline production could result in increased bidding for available gasoline supplies,” the agency added. “Gas station prices are often highest in locations with the fewest gas stations.”

The agency added: “Some regions of the country require the use of special reformulated gasoline that contains additives to reduce the production of carbon monoxide, smog, and toxic air pollutants from gasoline evaporation and combustion.”

Which state has the highest gas tax?

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 that Congress has not acted to raise gas taxes in more than 30 years.

In addition to the federal gas tax paid by all drivers, each state imposes its own local gas tax.

Here are the states with the highest gas taxes and current average gas prices.

1. California

  • gasoline tax: 71 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $5.89

2. Illinois

  • gasoline tax: 66 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.27

3. Washington

  • gasoline tax: 59 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $5.37

4. Pennsylvania

  • gasoline tax: 59 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.08

5. Indiana

  • gasoline tax: 55 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.95

6.Michigan

  • gasoline tax: 48 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.89

7. Maryland

  • gasoline tax: 46 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.06

8. New Jersey

  • gasoline tax: 45 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.05

9. Virginia

  • gasoline tax: 42 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.01

10. Rhode Island

  • gasoline tax: 41 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.91

11. North Carolina

  • gasoline tax: 41 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.91

12. Oregon

  • gasoline tax: 40 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.97

13. Florida

  • gasoline tax: 39 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.23

14. Utah

  • gasoline tax: 39 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.19

15. Ohio

  • gasoline tax: 39 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.76

16. West Virginia

  • gasoline tax: 36 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.91

17. Washington DC

  • gasoline tax: 35 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.20

18. Georgia

  • gasoline tax: 34 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.70

19. Montana

  • gasoline tax: 34 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.75

20. Idaho

  • gasoline tax: 33 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.27

21. Wisconsin

  • gasoline tax: 33 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.79

22. Nebraska

  • gasoline tax: 33 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.43

23. Minnesota

  • gasoline tax: 32 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.55

24. Maine

  • gasoline tax: 31 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.91

25. Vermont

  • gasoline tax: 31 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.99

26. Alabama

  • gasoline tax: 31 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.80

27. Iowa

  • gasoline tax: 30 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.48

28. South Dakota

  • gasoline tax: 30 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.52

29. Missouri

  • gasoline tax: 30 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.49

30. Colorado

  • gasoline tax: 29 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.83

31. South Carolina

  • gasoline tax: 59 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.83

32. Massachusetts

  • gasoline tax: 27 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.86

33. Tennessee

  • gasoline tax: 27 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.84

34. Kentucky

  • gasoline tax: 26 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.90

35. Kansas

  • gasoline tax: 25 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.33

36. Arkansas

  • gasoline tax: 25 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.53

37.Connecticut

  • gasoline tax: 25 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.02

38. New York

  • gasoline tax: 25 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.01

39. Wyoming

  • gasoline tax: 24 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.84

40. New Hampshire

  • gasoline tax: 24 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.87

41. Nevada

  • gasoline tax: 24 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.94

42. North Dakota

  • gasoline tax: 23 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.43

43. Delaware

  • gasoline tax: 23 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.88

44. Mississippi

  • gasoline tax: 21 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.71

45. Louisiana

  • gasoline tax: 21 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.75

46. ​​Oklahoma

  • gasoline tax: 20 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.27

47. Texas

  • gasoline tax: 20 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.80

48. Arizona

  • gasoline tax: 18 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.69

49. New Mexico

  • gasoline tax: 19 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $3.83

50. Hawaii

  • gasoline tax: 19 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $5.50

51. Alaska

  • gasoline tax: 9 cents per gallon
  • Average gasoline price on April 2nd: $4.60

Pam Bondi’s biggest controversies as AG, starting with the Epstein file

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Pam Bondi’s biggest controversies as AG, starting with the Epstein file

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After just over a year on the job, Pam Bondi is no longer the nation’s top law enforcement officer.

The former Florida attorney general and ally of President Donald Trump served as U.S. attorney general for 14 months, during which time he sparked controversy and significant criticism.

Bondi’s tenure has been eventful, from launching investigations into people considered the president’s enemies to overseeing the botched release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Here’s what you need to know about her biggest controversies.

more: President Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after criticism of Epstein dossier

Pam Bondi fired from Justice Department amid reports of rift with President Trump

In an April 2 social media post, President Trump praised Bondi as a “great American patriot and loyal friend” and said he would move to the private sector.

But in recent days, multiple media outlets have reported that the president is unhappy with the attorney general, particularly over the department’s response to the release of documents related to the sex trafficking investigation into the late convicted financier Epstein.

Bondi’s firing marks the second time in President Trump’s second term that he has fired a Cabinet member. He fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March and replaced her with former Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

In the interim, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the president’s former personal lawyer, will lead the Justice Department.

Bondi’s tenure in office jeopardized by Epstein file controversy

Mr. Bondi’s tenure was marred by accusations of mismanagement over his handling of the Epstein file. In recent months, several prominent members of Congress have alleged that she was involved in a cover-up regarding the investigation, further fueling what has proven to be a stubborn thorn in the Trump administration’s side.

The outgoing attorney general was one of the most vocal advocates for transparency in the Epstein case before and shortly after becoming the country’s top law enforcement official, pledging to release Justice Department information about the accused sex trafficker. But within months, Bondi became the subject of federal misconduct charges related to the Epstein investigation and a frequent target of conspiracy theories.

Congress almost unanimously passed an unusual bipartisan agreement to force the Justice Department to release the files to the public after Mr. Bondi refused to release them in July 2025, breaking an earlier promise. The department missed the deadline and released about 60% of Epstein-related documents. Blanche said the records left behind include the names of women who have accused Epstein of abuse, who could harm potential prosecutions, or who are protected under legal privilege.

The Justice Department under Bondi also came under fire for failing to prosecute the alleged accomplices of sex traffickers. Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is the only person indicted so far and is currently serving a 20-year sentence. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. The Justice Department estimates that the deceased fund manager victimized more than 1,000 women and children.

Anger over the release culminated in a raucous oversight hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on February 11, which featured heated exchanges and open yelling between Bondi and House Democrats. Lawmakers accused Mr. Bondi of abandoning victims of sex offenders to protect the president, who once befriended Mr. Epstein, and other powerful friends and allies of President Trump. Bondi strongly denied allegations of a cover-up, telling lawmakers at a hearing in February that an investigation into possible co-conspirators was underway.

Republicans on the committee rushed to Bondi’s defense, but the cracks in support have widened, with some Republicans also expressing displeasure with his response to the release of the files. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee subpoenaed Bondi on April 14 to testify about the Epstein file.

Investigations into people considered President Trump’s Democratic opponents have failed.

Mr. Bondi has also come under fire for firing dozens of career prosecutors who worked on investigations criticized by Mr. Trump, with critics accusing him of abandoning the Justice Department’s traditional emphasis on impartial justice.

Her handling of the investigation into President Trump’s political rivals has also been controversial, and the president has made an unusual public request to speed up the investigation.

President Trump publicly pressured Bondi on social media in September 2025 to take legal action against New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. But judges dismissed the charges against James and Comey, and a grand jury declined to bring new charges. Mr. Schiff has not been charged.

The grand jury also declined to indict any suspects in the investigation by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. One investigation targeted six Democratic members of Congress for encouraging the military to disobey illegal orders.

Contributed by: Reuters; Bert Jansen, USA TODAY.

Kathryn Palmer is USA TODAY’s political reporter. She can be reached at the following address: kapalmer@usatoday.com And to X@Kathryn Purml. Sign up for her daily politics newsletter here.

President Trump imposes 100% tariff on branded drugs and changes to steel tariffs

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President Trump imposes 100% tariff on branded drugs and changes to steel tariffs

Pharmaceutical companies that promise to shift production to the United States will be subject to a 20% tariff, but if they also agree to lower prices, the tariff will be reduced to zero.

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President Donald Trump has ordered a 100% tariff on branded drugs made overseas as his administration ramps up efforts to encourage drug companies to manufacture in the United States.

President Trump threatened to impose tariffs last year, but has since worked to negotiate deals with drug companies to lower prices and force the U.S. to produce medicines.

Several companies have agreed to such deals. According to the order, drug companies that commit to shifting production to the U.S. will be subject to a 20% tariff during the transition, but will be exempted if they also agree to reduce prices to the so-called “most-favored-nation” level paid by other countries. If the drug is not produced in the U.S. within four years, full tariffs will be imposed.

The European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are exempt from tariffs due to existing trade agreements with the United States.

A White House official said the tariffs would help ensure the United States does not benefit from other countries for life-saving drugs. The tariffs will take effect on July 31st for some companies and September 29th for others, depending on the size of the company.

“The United States is highly dependent on imports, and disruptions to global supply chains due to geopolitical or economic turmoil could limit America’s access to life-saving medicines,” the executive order signed by President Trump on April 2 said, adding that approximately 53% of patented medicines distributed in the United States are manufactured overseas.

However, experts say higher tariffs could lead to higher drug prices.

Approximately 90% of drug prescriptions in the United States are generic drugs. The 100% tariff applies to branded drugs that still have patents, not generic drugs.

more: Does TrumpRx offer the lowest drug prices?Why the results are mixed.

In enacting the drug tax, President Trump is using tariff authority that was unaffected by the Supreme Court’s decision that invalidated the use of emergency powers to enact blanket tariffs.

The new tax on pharmaceuticals was introduced on the anniversary of President Trump launching an aggressive tariff program last year. Since then, it has suffered setbacks in the courts and faced strong criticism from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about soaring prices.

The Democratic National Committee said on April 2 that President Trump is damaging the economy with a “reckless trade war.”

The Trump administration was undaunted by polls showing tariffs are unpopular. In an April 2 press release, the White House praised President Trump’s trade policies, saying they will “make our country rich, strong, and respected again.”

“This is just the beginning of the President’s transformation of global trade…Americans can look forward to the best yet,” White House Press Secretary Khush Desai said in a statement.

On April 2, President Trump also ordered changes to tariffs on foreign steel, aluminum and copper, which White House officials say are aimed at preventing steel exporters from other countries from undervaluing the steel they export to the United States, thereby lowering their tariff costs. The President also revised tariffs on metals in finished products, eliminating tariffs on products with less than 15% metal content and changing the way tariffs are calculated on products with high metal content.

President Trump has been pressuring drug companies to lower prices and invest in U.S. production.

The president held a White House event in December to announce that nine companies had agreed to lower prices: Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Gilead, GSK, Merck, Novartis, and Sanofi. In February, the administration launched TrumpRx, a new website aimed at helping Americans buy medicines at lower prices.

White House officials said pharmaceutical companies are also committed to investing hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributor: Ken Alltucker

FSIS says dinosaur chicken nuggets may contain dangerous levels of lead

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FSIS says dinosaur chicken nuggets may contain dangerous levels of lead

A public health warning has been issued for frozen dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with dangerous levels of lead, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The agency said the issue was discovered during “routine surveillance sampling” and is continuing to investigate.

FSIS said no recall has been requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. However, the product may still be in the consumer’s freezer.

Here’s what you need to know:

Which Frozen Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets are affected?

The product subject to the public health warning is a 29-ounce plastic bag of great value fully cooked dinosaur-shaped chicken breast nuggets. Each bag contains approximately 36 nuggets, has a “best before” date of February 10, 2027, and a lot code of “0416DPO1215.” The establishment number “P44164” is printed on the back of the bag.

Where were the chicken nuggets shipped?

FSIS said the nuggets were shipped to Walmart stores across the United States.

Why are chicken nuggets unsafe?

Chicken nuggets can be contaminated with dangerous levels of lead.

According to FSIS, lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm the developing brain and nervous system, potentially causing permanent problems.

“There is no safe amount of lead exposure. Food and Drug Administration guidelines establish an Interim Reference Level (IRL) of 2.2 micrograms,” FSIS said in a public health alert. “The amount of lead in these nuggets can be up to five times higher than this IRL for children.”

Consumers who have purchased these products and still have them in their freezers are advised not to consume them and to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

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

Why was Pam Bondi fired? President Trump fires attorney general

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Why was Pam Bondi fired? President Trump fires attorney general

“(President Trump) wants to prosecute his opponents and doesn’t understand why he can’t press the button and do it,” Dave Aronberg, a former Florida prosecutor who worked with Bondi, told USA TODAY.

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WASHINGTON – “We love Pam.” “A great American patriot.” “My faithful friend.”

Judging by President Donald Trump’s effusive praise of former Attorney General Pam Bondi on social media on April 2, you might think he was nominating her for the award rather than firing her.

But this was the president’s way of saying that Bondi would no longer work at the Justice Department after only a year on the job.

President Trump praised Bondi for doing a “great job” targeting crimes and homicides across the country, and said he “faithfully fulfilled” his role. So why would he oust the woman he had chosen to serve as the nation’s highest law enforcement officer?

Asked for comment on Trump’s reasoning, the White House referred USA TODAY to Trump’s social media posts, which not only praised Bondi but also said, “She will be moving to an important new job that is desperately needed in the private sector and will be announced in the near future.”

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment, but Bondi posted on social media that he would “continue to fight” for the president, where he would help transition the department “before moving on to a key role in the private sector, which I am excited about.”

President Trump has so far chosen to keep the reasons opaque in his public statements, but Bondi has been immune to criticism for about a year in office. She is accused of politicizing the Justice Department and ignoring the victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and is facing multiple impeachment efforts.

And despite being accused of weaponizing the Justice Department, she has had little success prosecuting political opponents and critics, reportedly drawing the president’s ire.

“(President Trump) wants to prosecute his opponents, but he doesn’t understand why he can’t just push a button and do it,” Dave Aronberg, a former state attorney in Palm Beach County, Florida, who worked in the Florida attorney general’s office in Bondi, told USA TODAY. Aronberg, a Democrat, testified in support of his nomination for U.S. attorney general.

“Attorney General Bondi is an experienced prosecutor, and she will never be the Roy Cohn that (Trump) wants her to be,” Aronberg added, referring to the lawyer who helped Sen. Joseph McCarthy investigate suspected communists in the 1950s and later mentored and represented Trump.

Targeting Trump’s opponents but failing to capture them

In September, Bondi agreed to Trump’s request to appoint Lindsey Harrigan, a lawyer with no experience as a prosecutor, as Virginia’s top prosecutor, but Trump wanted to indict his critics, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Harrigan then heeded President Trump’s call for grand jury indictments against each.

But those prosecutions went nowhere.

The judge ruled that Harrigan was illegally appointed and dismissed the charges in both cases. The Justice Department has since tried at least twice unsuccessfully to obtain new indictments against James from a grand jury. As for Comey, the department faces questions about whether the legal deadline to seek new charges has passed.

The Justice Department has appealed an initial ruling that threw out the cases against Comey and James.

The Justice Department under Bondy is also investigating others who have been hostile to President Trump, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and six members of Congress who urged military personnel to disobey potentially illegal orders. However, the department has not secured charges against these people.

more: ‘They have egg on their faces.’ Trump’s failed retaliatory prosecution stumps Justice Department

Epstein file controversy

Bondi has also come under fire for his handling of the Epstein file, as Republicans in Congress join Democrats in calling for greater transparency at the Justice Department.

In March 2025, Mr. Bondi fueled expectations that the Justice Department would release incriminating information against associates of Mr. Epstein, who died in a Manhattan jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

But in May, Bondi reportedly told Trump that his name appeared multiple times in the file. The Justice Department then released a memo in July saying that a systematic internal review of the files had not uncovered a list of criminal Epstein clients and that “further disclosure is not appropriate or warranted.”

Since then, Mr. Bondi has had to face accusations of involvement in a cover-up from some Republicans and many members of the public who sympathize with Mr. Trump’s MAGA movement.

After Congress passed a transparency law forcing the Justice Department to release the Epstein documents, the department missed its legal release deadline by weeks. He released an image of the alleged victim, but admitted it was a mistake. And he has since been accused of withholding and editing documents in violation of the law.

“Sadly, the Department of Justice has failed to adequately redact victim information and, at the same time, has failed to avoid exposing individuals who are criminals,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), the transparency law’s lead sponsor, told USA TODAY in a statement in February.

Bondi’s troubles with Epstein didn’t seem to end when she was fired. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Mr. Bondi to testify under oath in an April 14 deposition about how the Justice Department handled the Epstein file.

The committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia of California, posted on social media on April 2 that those plans remain unchanged.

“Pam Bondi and Donald Trump may think that if she is fired, she will not be able to testify before the Oversight Committee. They are wrong. We look forward to hearing from her under oath.”

Who will replace Pam Bondi? Showdown looms in the Senate

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Who will replace Pam Bondi? Showdown looms in the Senate

The Justice Department’s mishandling of the Epstein file is likely to be central to future confirmation hearings.

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Pam Bondi is absent from the Department of Justice. And all paths to replacing her lead pass through one place: the U.S. Senate.

An impending political brawl has already begun on Capitol Hill over who will replace the embattled attorney general as the nation’s top law enforcement official, whom President Donald Trump fired on April 2.

For a variety of reasons, regardless of who President Trump installs in the position permanently, it won’t be easy or quiet.

Anger over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein file is spreading like wildfire within Congress, both among Republicans and Democrats. Allaying that discontent will be a key variable in determining how much support her successor receives in the Republican-controlled Senate. A simple majority vote is all it takes for the next nominee to become the next attorney general, but just a few Republicans could block confirmation.

Live updates: President Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after criticism of Epstein dossier

Mr. Bondi’s successor will have to navigate larger changes at the traditionally apolitical Justice Department. Under Bondi’s leadership, the department, for the first time in recent history, has aggressively pursued investigations into the president’s political rivals. In an unusual legal move, a Democratic senator, a former FBI director, and the New York state attorney general were all targeted. This controversial pattern has even infuriated some Republican senators, who need the White House to work with another Justice Department chief.

For example, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) has been blocking President Trump’s nomination to lead the Federal Reserve until the Justice Department dropped its investigation into current Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.

Importantly, Tillis serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and his support may be needed to pass the next attorney general confirmation.

Democrats promise to fight

In February 2025, all Republican senators and one Democrat (Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania) voted to confirm Mr. Bondi as head of the Department of Justice.

A lot has happened since then that has upset Senate Republican moderates.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the actions of some of the most closely scrutinized parts of the Justice Department and joined Democrats in calling for an investigation into Bondi’s oversight of the release of files related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has been a vocal opponent of cutting the Justice Department’s budget and previously said the investigation into the Fed raised “many disturbing questions.”

Who the president chooses to replace Bondi will be a determining factor in how much support that person receives in Congress. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who was recently replaced by President Trump after he fired Kristi Noem, is on track for Senate confirmation, in part because he is a sitting senator and has friends across the aisle.

According to the New York Times and CNN, President Trump is reportedly considering replacing Bondi with Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. He immediately appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised Bondi’s leadership in a statement and said Senate Republicans were ready to begin confirmation.

“The Judiciary Committee is ready to endorse President Trump’s nominee for the next attorney general,” he said. However, that process does not begin until President Trump nominates a nominee. And the Senate won’t return from its two-week recess until April 13.

Democrats have vowed to stop it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said while his caucus was glad Bondi was gone, “corruption in the Justice Department begins and ends with Donald Trump.”

“The cover-up of the Epstein file will continue, along with myriad other problems at the Justice Department, as long as the focus remains on using the Justice Department as a vehicle for revenge, rather than law enforcement,” he said.

Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can email us at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and on Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social..

If you work after retirement, your Social Security benefits could be cut in 2026.

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If you work after retirement, your Social Security benefits could be cut in 2026.

In 2026, rules regarding working styles and receiving benefits will change.

christy bieber
|The Motley Fool

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For many older Americans, retirement doesn’t mean spending all day on the golf course or gardening. Many people plan to work out of necessity or desire. That means it’s important to understand how earning a paycheck affects your Social Security check.

If you work while collecting Social Security, your benefits may be affected. And the rules for what that will look like have changed just recently, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for updates. Here’s what you need to know:

How have the rules for working while receiving Social Security changed in 2026?

The big rule changes include the amount you can earn while collecting benefits. Specifically, if you have already reached retirement age, there are no restrictions. You can work as much as you want without any problems, and your Social Security checks will continue to arrive.

However, if you it’s not However, once you reach full retirement age, things change dramatically. Specifically, if you try to work while receiving benefits, you may run into annual income limits. Once you reach this limit, your Social Security check will be reduced based on your income, and in some cases, it will disappear completely. This limit changed in 2026, and anyone who has a job or plans to work while receiving a retirement check should be aware of this update.

Starting in 2026, the earnings limits will be:

  • For those who do not reach full retirement age during the year, it will be $24,480, up from $23,400 in 2025.
  • $65,160 for those who plan to reach FRA this year but haven’t yet. This is up from $62,160 in 2025.

Once you reach these limits, Social Security will deduct $1 for every $2 over the $24,480 limit, or $1 for every $3 over the $65,160 limit. The entire check will be garnished to account for the excess income you are earning. Then, when you reach full retirement age, your check will increase slightly because the Social Security Administration will readjust your benefits to account for the income you didn’t collect.

Make sure you’re not planning on hitting a double dip when the Social Security Administration imposes restrictions

If you don’t really need the money, temporarily losing your Social Security benefits isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Especially since you’ll receive a credit for the missed month’s income, so you can receive a larger check later. Still, many people do I really need money. If you were expecting to receive social security benefits and These earning rules can become problematic when you get paid as you get older, for example because you may be working less but not at full capacity.

The good news is that a rule change in 2026 means you’ll be able to make a little more money. But the bad news is that it may still not be enough. After all, $24,480 isn’t a lot of money.

You need to be aware of these rules during your retirement planning process to avoid basing your financial security on a plan that doesn’t work. Invest as wisely as possible throughout your lifetime to ensure you have enough money in your 401(k) or other retirement plan. That way, you can no longer expect to receive both Social Security and a large paycheck from age 62 until age 67, when you’ll likely reach full retirement age.

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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Newsom says California will fight President Trump’s mail-in voting order

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Newsom says California will fight President Trump’s mail-in voting order

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California leaders are speaking out against President Donald Trump over his recent executive order imposing federal control over voter rolls and mail-in voting, further increasing the administration’s efforts to enact new voting restrictions for the 2026 midterm elections.

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

The order directed the U.S. Postal Service to oversee mail-in voting, develop rules to establish “uniform standards” for ballots, and to ensure that ballots from unauthorized people are not sent.

“Donald Trump is using unconstitutional means to suppress voting and rig the midterm elections,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said on the X show earlier this week. “California will fight back to protect the integrity of our elections and the right of our citizens to vote.”

Voter groups and Democratic Party officials have since filed two lawsuits aimed at blocking President Trump’s executive order.

On April 1, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), along with Democratic groups, filed a lawsuit alleging that the voting changes “could disenfranchise lawful voters and clearly exceed the president’s lawful authority.” One of the groups targeted in the lawsuit is the Democratic Governors Association, of which Newsom is the policy chair.

The second lawsuit was filed on April 2nd.The ACLU, which represents voting rights organizations, and other civil rights groups argued that President Trump’s order would exclude “potentially millions of eligible American citizens” from voting.

The executive order faced immediate backlash from Democrats, states’ rights, and voting rights advocates. Under the Constitution, each state has the power to determine the “time, place, and manner” of federal elections. State and local governments administer voting, but the Constitution gives Congress the power to “make or alter” election rules.

“President Trump’s executive order marks a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in President Trump’s ongoing attack on our elections,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a post on X.

“The power to regulate elections lies with the states and Congress, and he has no role to play. We have blocked his previous executive orders regarding elections in court, and we are prepared to block him again.”

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said President Trump has “zero constitutional authority over federal elections.”

“This action is clearly illegal, unconstitutional, and a desperate attempt to interfere and rig the election,” Weber said in a statement. “California won’t tolerate that.”

President Trump has criticized mail-in voting for years, particularly questioning the “security” of the voting method. In recent months, President Trump has suggested the federal government could nationalize the voting process.

“Fraud in mail-in voting is legendary,” President Trump said at a signing ceremony at the White House on March 31. “It’s scary what’s going on. … I think this will help the election a lot.”

Trump has falsely claimed in the past that he won the 2020 presidential election and said the president’s actions would help avoid future “stolen elections.”

How will President Trump’s vote-by-mail order affect California?

Matt Lesenier, a political science professor at California State University, Long Beach, questions whether Trump’s executive order will have an immediate impact on residents, with midterm elections just months away and likely to face a lengthy legal battle.

“It’s not just California that’s fighting back. A lot of states, including Republican states, are saying, ‘This is how we were elected, so why would we give up that power?'” Lesenier said.

Lesenier also noted that amid a potential legal battle, the U.S. Supreme Court likely won’t hear the case during this election cycle.

“The Supreme Court has said for at least a decade that we don’t want fraud in the shadow of elections,” Lesenier said. “Following the court’s own logic, this major shift in elections that could change on a national scale should not occur in an election year.”

If the courts were to uphold President Trump’s executive order, Lesenier believes it could have a significant impact on the more than 23 million registered voters across California, potentially “disenfranchising the people.” Specifically, Lesenier questioned the federal government’s efficiency in determining which voters’ ballots are valid, since ballots are processed through the U.S. Postal Service and checked by multiple federal agencies.

“I think the possibility of malign bureaucracy comes to mind,” he says. “If these voter records are not accurate about who is a citizen, this order suggests that the Postal Service will either prevent those ballots from being delivered to voters or keep them from being returned to (county) clerks.”

Weber said the state has seen a significant increase in the use of mail-in voting since 2020, with “more than 80% of voters in California alone voting by mail in the 2024 election.”

Specifically, of the more than 16 million Californians who voted in the 2024 general election, approximately 13 million voted by mail-in ballot.

Even before 2020, voting by mail was considered a popular voting method, with more than 50% of voters sending their ballots by mail, according to data from the California Secretary of State.

more: President Trump signs order imposing federal control over mail-in voting

contribution: Zach Anderson and Aisha Bagchi, USA TODAY

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..

Chocolate prices will go up this Easter. trigger a meltdown

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Chocolate prices will go up this Easter. trigger a meltdown

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Add an Easter basket to your list of more expensive things this year. Chocolate prices are skyrocketing ahead of the weekend, but one expert believes the market will ease soon.

Although Easter isn’t as candy-focused as other holidays, chocolate is a big part of it. According to the National Confectioners Association’s annual report, about 90 percent of all Easter baskets contain chocolate.

more: No matter how expensive it is, it’s not Valentine’s Day without chocolate.

Fortunately, the international cocoa market is showing signs of stabilization after a tumultuous past few years, David Branch, sector manager at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Research Institute, said in emailed comments.

These ups and downs have come from West Africa, where about 70% of the world’s chocolate is produced. This region is plagued by erratic weather and aging trees.

Some of these problems have been resolved and cocoa futures prices have fallen, but it will be a while before lower prices hit shelves. Mr Branch said shoppers should expect prices to be on par with or slightly above Valentine’s Day levels, but Halloween could see some relief as cocoa costs continue to fall throughout the production cycle.

Would jelly beans be a good substitute?

Of course, Americans have other candy options. A recent National Confectionery Association survey found that one-third of Easter celebrants sort their jelly beans by color, and two-thirds prefer a random assortment. Strawberry, cherry, and grape are the most popular flavors.

Still, Blanch said, “It’s hard to imagine Easter without a chocolate bunny, and most consumers will stick with that tradition, even if they mix in more non-chocolate candies and gummies to stretch their budgets.”

(According to the same NCA survey, 77% of Americans say they bite off a rabbit’s ears first, 16% start with the feet, and 6% bite the tail first.)

In rare good news for consumers, egg prices have fallen from last year’s highs. The average price for 12 Grade A eggs in the U.S. was $2.50 in February, according to the most recent data available. This was a whopping 58% decrease from the previous year.

But if the Easter Bunny needs to fill up the tank to deliver the candy, the cost is much higher. Right before the holidays, gas prices averaged more than $4 a gallon.

Police say Lindsey Buckingham was attacked by a stalker

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Police say Lindsey Buckingham was attacked by a stalker

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Fleetwood Mac musician Lindsey Buckingham was allegedly attacked by a woman while out in Santa Monica, California recently, according to reports.

Buckingham, 76, was allegedly attacked by a woman when he showed up for an appointment in a Southern California beach town on March 25, police confirmed to KTLA and multiple law enforcement sources confirmed to NBC4. The woman, identified by police as his stalker, approached Buckingham as he entered the building, forced the Grammy-winning rocker to drink an unknown substance and fled, media outlets reported. The guitarist was not injured.

The LAPD Threat Management Unit is leading the case, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday, April 1. “To protect the integrity of this open and ongoing investigation, we will not be commenting further at this time,” police told USA TODAY.

USA TODAY has reached out to the Santa Monica Police Department and Buckingham’s representatives for comment.

According to the report, police have identified a suspect, but have not released the woman’s name and no arrests have been made. She has been labeled a “suspected stalker” by authorities based on past incidents with Buckingham.

The incident comes nearly a year after Buckingham first announced he would be re-releasing his 1973 album Buckingham Nicks with former Fleetwood Mac bandmate Stevie Nicks.

The album is sourced from the record’s original analog master tapes and was re-released in September in both vinyl and CD form. Legend has it that drummer Mick Fleetwood heard the album’s song “Frozen Love” during a trip to Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and was so impressed that he later offered Buckingham a role in Fleetwood Mac when guitarist Bob Welch left the group.

Buckingham reportedly insisted that he and Nicks were a package deal, and in 1974 the duo reached a deal that would ultimately become the most successful musical endeavor of their careers.

Buckingham’s latest solo album, the self-titled Lindsey Buckingham, was released in 2021.

Empire Flooring Reviews, Pros, Cons, Process and More

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Empire Flooring Reviews, Pros, Cons, Process and More

When you choose a flooring company you can trust, you’re more likely to get the quality and customer service you want at a price you can afford.

Empire Today sets itself apart from our competitors with a thorough in-home consultation process that helps you find the flooring that best fits your needs, including your budget.

In this Empire Today flooring review, we discuss product options, pricing, pros, cons, and more to help you decide if Empire is the best choice for your next flooring project.

Would I recommend Empire Flooring?

Empire Today is a reputable flooring provider. Recommended for your flooring project. We carry all types of major flooring materials including carpet, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and tile. Empire Today’s flooring is high quality and comes with both product and installation warranties.

Unlike its competitors, Empire Today does not publish its prices online. The only way to get a quote is to schedule a free in-home consultation. While you do get VIP service, this has both advantages and disadvantages, as you won’t be able to compare the exact initial cost until you get a quote.

About Empire Today

Empire Today was founded in 1959 and sold protective plastic covers for furniture and floors. Since then, we have evolved into a full-service flooring company that installs carpet, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and tile floors.

When we added carpet to our product line, we introduced a unique on-site consultation process that provides convenience when purchasing flooring for your home. That process remains a core feature of Empire Today today, but the product line has grown even larger.

Empire Today Pros and Cons

Strong Points

  • Convenient in-home consultation
  • Remove and dispose of old flooring
  • Includes manufacturing warranty
  • Interest-free financing available in-house
  • Free flooring estimates
  • We offer discounts regularly

Cons

  • Outsource all installation to a third party
  • various customer reviews
  • We do not offer third party brands

How does installing Empire Today work?

Empire Today will supply your flooring, schedule a home design consultation, and measure your home for your new flooring.

During your consultation, your Empire representative will bring hundreds of samples based on the type of floor you want, including one of the following:

After an initial consultation and measurements, Empire Today subcontracts all work to a local flooring company. Your designated contractor will install the flooring, and Empire will handle further customer service and warranty claims.

Subcontracting is common for flooring companies of this size, but this can lead to inconsistent customer service and installation quality.

Empire Today installation fees

Empire Today does not post prices online and the only way to get a quote is to schedule an in-home consultation. The company says it offers “all-inclusive pricing” for projects that include flooring, prep work, installation and cleaning.

Material costs aren’t listed online, so we researched recent customer reviews to find out what homeowners were paying. The average cost per square foot is: Between $5 and $15depends on the type of flooring and the level of quality. This cost includes installation and materials costs.

The cost of new flooring in Empire depends on the following factors:

  • Type of flooring material to choose
  • room size
  • room complexity
  • Your location can affect labor costs
  • Types of flooring that must be removed before installation
  • condition of your subfloor
  • Add-ons you want to include, such as trim or door saddles

How Empire Today Measures the Floors We Install

At Empire Today, we have a unique consultation process that takes place entirely in your home. An Empire Today representative will come to your home with flooring samples, talk about your home and lifestyle, and help you find the flooring option that’s right for you.

This process allows you to see a variety of colors and styles within your space, making choosing a flooring product less stressful. You can also use Empire’s visualizer tool to see what the floors in your home will look like. Simply upload a photo, select your flooring, and the visualizer will show you what it will look like.

Once you have selected your flooring material, our staff will measure your room and provide you with an estimate.

Do you buy flooring before or after Empire Today measures?

Empire Today is a one-stop shop for flooring materials, so we can help you choose your flooring material all the way through to installation. Empire doesn’t explicitly say it won’t install pre-purchased flooring, but the FAQ on its website suggests that flooring installation always requires materials and labor.

How much does Empire Today measurement cost?

Empire Today’s in-home consultations are free and come with no obligation, making it easy to get pricing information for your flooring projects. Measurement is also included in this process.

Empire Today Review

Empire Today has received positive reviews on multiple sites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​and Trustpilot. As of April 2026, these sites have a combined customer review score of 3.26 stars and 4.30 stars, respectively.

Overall, Empire Today’s reviews are positive, but customer complaints, particularly on Yelp and Reddit, suggest that using a third-party installer can cause issues with the quality of work and the customer service you receive after installation.

Customers on these sites seem to like the in-home consultation process and find all the in-house personnel and installers to be professional. Many customers specifically mention the appearance of the flooring, saying it meets and even exceeds their expectations. Some customers rate the turnaround time for installation (sometimes as early as the day after the quote).

Empire Today has poor reviews on Yelp, with just a 1.4-star rating. Customers there have complained about poor installation, including visible gaps around the flooring, and customer service issues that appear to be related to the company’s outsourcing practices. Specifically, as first cited by Empire, some installers were unwilling or unable to perform the work. Please note that this varies by location, so your experience may vary.

Empire Today Alternatives

Empire Today’s many direct competitors operate nationally and outsource installation to local flooring companies. Here are some options: These are considered some of the best flooring installers overall.

If you prefer a company with a wide scope that uses only in-house contractors for installation, you can consider the following options:

Alternatively, you can hire a local flooring company. This company rarely outsources installation work to other companies, so they’re more likely to provide predictable customer service.

Lowe’s vs. The Home Depot: Which is better for flooring?

Empire Today Ranked by USA TODAY

We rank Empire Today and other flooring companies based on four main categories, including service and offerings, financing and pricing, customer ratings, and product offerings. Within these categories, we use 26 different metrics to create an objective score for each provider. These metrics include:

  • Types of flooring offered
  • Existence of internal financing
  • Assessing whether the quote typically matches the final price
  • Manufacturing warranty details
  • Providing after-sales customer support
  • Is an in-home estimate available?
  • Learn more

As part of our customer service and satisfaction ratings, we also looked at dozens of customer reviews across multiple review sites to understand what we do well and what we do poorly compared to our competitors.

FAQ

How does Empire Today compare to local installers?

The biggest difference between Empire Today and local installers is that Empire outsources all installation work to local contractors. With a local installer, you’re more likely to get what you expect based on reviews. For companies that rely on third-party installations, your experience may not match what you read online.

How much does Empire Today flooring cost?

Empire Today does not list prices for its services or products online. The only way to find out pricing is to schedule a free consultation and get a quote. The cost of your project will vary widely depending on the type of flooring you want, the size and layout of the room, and your location.

Is Empire Today flooring worth it?

Empire Today flooring can be worth it, and based on customer reviews, it often seems like it is. Reviews are generally positive, with customers stating how satisfied they are with the quality, appearance, and value. However, reviews are mixed, with some complaining about poor customer service and shoddy installation. Ultimately, its value seems to depend largely on the third-party company assigned to the installation.

How long has Empire Today been in business?

Empire Today was founded in 1959 and has over 60 years of experience in the industry. The company started as a company selling plastic protective covers for flooring and furniture, but quickly added carpet and other flooring options and installation services to its offerings. We now offer a range of flooring services including old floor removal, sub-floor repair and complete installation.

President Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

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President Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

Bondi became the second Cabinet member to be fired during Trump’s second term, following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after her alleged rival obstructed multiple investigations and faced criticism for her handling of files related to suspected sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

“Pam Bondi is a great American patriot, a loyal friend, and has faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump said in a social media post. He said she would move on to “an important new job that is much needed in the private sector.”

Bondi’s firing marks the second Cabinet change in Trump’s second term. He fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March and replaced her with former Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

Mr. Bondi will be temporarily replaced by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, thanked Mr. Bondi for his work and said he was prepared to approve Mr. Trump’s next nominee.

“During her tenure, Pam Bondi helped reduce violent crime to historic lows.”

Bondi was a lightning rod regarding the Epstein file

Lawmakers from both parties accused Mr. Bondi of failing to release the Epstein files as ordered by Congress in December. The bill was enacted after Mr. Bondi refused to release the files last July, even as Mr. Trump and his allies campaigned for the release of all federal records related to the case.

The department ultimately released about 3 million pages of documents, but kept an additional 2.5 million pages sealed. Blanche said the records that were left behind either contained the names of women who accused Epstein of abuse, could harm potential prosecutions, or were protected under legal privilege.

The documents led to investigations in other countries, including the arrest of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, but not in the United States.

Annie Farmer, who accused Mr. Epstein and his colleague Ghislaine Maxwell of abuse, said Mr. Bondi’s ouster was about more than one person, as the government and judicial system have repeatedly failed people who have been abused.

“Regardless of who is in power, survivors deserve accountability, transparency, protection from retaliation, and assurances that those who enabled Mr. Epstein, Mr. Maxwell and others will be investigated and possibly prosecuted,” Farmer said in a statement.

Lawmakers accuse Bondi of ‘covering up’ Epstein investigation

Bondi’s critics argued that more of his work should be published.

“This is bigger than Watergate,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) told Bondi during a February hearing. “This cover-up has been going on for decades, and you are partly responsible for it.”

Bondi called Massey a failed politician.

Asked about not prosecuting Epstein’s accomplices, Bondi said lawmakers should appreciate the stock market’s rise under the Trump administration.

About an hour after Bondi was fired, Massey posted a survey asking X users a simple question:

“I support Trump firing Pam Bondi. Do you think so?” Massey said. “We hope the next DA’s office will release all Epstein files in accordance with the law and continue to investigate, prosecute, and arrest.”

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who tearfully left a closed-door Oversight Committee meeting in September with women who accused Epstein of abuse that she described as “full-blown panic attacks,” said Bondi had “handled the Epstein file in a terrible manner and seriously undermined President Trump.”

“She has thwarted every effort to hold the guilty accountable,” Mace said in an April 2 post on X. “We look forward to a new attorney general who is committed to bringing justice to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.”

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee subpoenaed her on April 14 to testify about the Epstein file.

Investigation of Democratic politicians ’embarrassing’ for Trump administration: Slotkin

The Justice Department also had delays in investigating people considered to be President Trump’s enemies. On September 20, President Trump took to social media to press Bondi to take legal action against New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

Mr. James won a $500 million civil fraud judgment against Mr. Trump last year, but the penalty was later overturned by an appeals court. Comey led an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, but no ties to the Trump campaign were found. Mr. Schiff led the first House impeachment against Mr. Trump over his dealings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“We cannot afford to delay any longer. This will damage our reputation and our credibility,” Trump said in a Truth Social post addressed to Bondi. “Justice must be served now!!!”

But judges dismissed the charges against James and Comey, and a grand jury declined to bring new charges. Mr. Schiff has not been charged.

The grand jury also declined to indict any suspects in the investigation by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. One investigation targeted six Democratic members of Congress for encouraging the military to disobey illegal orders.

“Today, a grand jury of anonymous American citizens upheld the rule of law and decided that this case should not proceed,” Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said on social media on February 10. “But today is not just an embarrassing day for this administration. It’s another sad day for our country.”

Bondi critics have hailed her sacking as a “disgusting political hack” to oversee a “den of corruption”

Bondi’s critics in Congress and among former Justice Department officials welcomed her firing.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in an April 2 post on X that Bondi is “a partisan, angry, political hack. And now she’s gone. Keep the pressure on each and every one of these extremists.”

On April 2, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said in a post to X, “Good,” and also criticized President Trump.

“Pam Bondi was the wrong choice from the beginning,” Schumer said. “But the corruption in the Justice Department begins and ends with Donald Trump.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), the top Democrat on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, said in a post on X that the department had become a “den of corruption” under Bondi.

“Mr. Bondi will be remembered for blocking the release of the Epstein files, weaponizing the Justice Department to go after Mr. Trump’s political opponents, and approving mergers as a political expediency,” Warren said.

California Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said in a post on X that Bondi should continue to testify under subpoena.

“Pam Bondi and Donald Trump may believe that her firing will prevent her from testifying to the Oversight Committee,” Garcia said. “They are wrong. We look forward to hearing from her under oath.”

Stacey Young, executive director of Justice Connection, an advocacy group for former Justice Department employees, said Bondi “has delivered a major blow to the Department of Justice and its employees.”

Young said Justice Department lawyers have lost credibility with the court by ignoring court orders, misrepresenting facts and making claims that have no basis in law.

“What she destroyed in one year could take decades to rebuild,” Young said.

Artemis II toilet issue has been fixed. what happened?

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Artemis II toilet issue has been fixed. what happened?

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NASA said the crew of the Artemis II mission resolved an issue with the ship’s toilet system shortly after launching into space on April 1.

The astronauts worked with NASA’s mission control team in Houston to restore the Orion spacecraft’s toilet to “normal operation” after a problem occurred after launch, the agency announced.

NASA said in a blog post that before performing an engine maneuver known as an apogee ascent burn on April 1, the crew “reported flashing fault lights” related to the toilet system.

“The control team successfully evaluated the data and worked with the crew to troubleshoot and resolve the issue,” the agency said.

At a post-launch press conference, NASA Deputy Administrator Amit Kshatriya described the problem as a “problem with the toilet controller.”

The Artemis II crew of four embarked on a historic space mission aimed at returning astronauts to the moon’s surface for the first time since the Apollo program ended more than 50 years ago.

Toilet checks and dispute resolution: Meet the Artemis II crew and their work

How does the Artemis II toilet work?

The Orion spacecraft toilet is known as the Universal Waste Management System.

The restrooms are equipped with separate rooms for privacy and ergonomic toilet seats. The toilet itself consists of a compact titanium vacuum-based toilet that uses suction to draw waste into separate containers for urine and feces.

In a video from the Canadian Space Agency, Artemis II mission specialist Jeremy Hansen said the system uses a hose to collect urine, which is ejected into space several times a day.

The feces is sucked into a bag at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Once the bag is capped, it will be pushed into a canister and returned to Earth with the crew, Hansen said.

“As a crew member, we’re pretty lucky to have a toilet with a door on this little spacecraft. It’s the only place you can go during the mission, and you can actually feel alone for a moment,” Hansen said in the video.

The crew of Artemis II was the first to install a toilet system on a spacecraft orbiting the moon. Modern space toilets were not available on the Apollo missions, so the crew used plastic bags to collect waste.

Contributors: Jennifer Borresen, Ramon Padilla, Shawn J. Sullivan

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

President Trump’s order restricting mail-in voting sparks lawsuit between Democrats and ACLU

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President Trump’s order restricting mail-in voting sparks lawsuit between Democrats and ACLU

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A series of voting rights groups and Democratic Party officials have accused President Donald Trump of an unlawful power grab in two separate lawsuits aimed at blocking his new restrictions on mail-in voting.

The ACLU and other civil rights groups represent voting rights groups, including the League of Women Voters of America, in a lawsuit filed April 2 that claims President Trump’s order excludes “potentially millions of eligible U.S. citizens” from voting.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) filed the lawsuit on April 1, along with Democratic groups. They argue that changing the voting method “imminently threatens to disenfranchise lawful voters and clearly exceed the president’s lawful authority.”

The Justice Department and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

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

Voting rights groups and Democrats say Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers by attempting to use powers that belong to either Congress or the states.

The Constitution provides that each state determines the time, place, and manner of holding elections for members of Congress, but also provides that Congress may pass laws changing these regulations, except for the location of Senate elections.

For years, President Trump has promoted baseless claims that Joe Biden actually won the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous audits and studies confirming that he actually won. Since retaking office as president in 2025, Trump has repeatedly sought to cast doubt on U.S. elections and pushed for control of the electoral process, which is primarily run by states.

Appearing on “The Dan Bongino Show” on Feb. 2, President Trump said Republicans should “nationalize” voting and “take over voting in at least as many 15 places.”

Mr. Trump has unsuccessfully pushed Congress for weeks to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID to vote, force states to turn over their voter rolls to the federal government and create a program to remove noncitizens from states.

Contributors: Zach Anderson, Joey Garrison, Zachary Charmelet – USA Today

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