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How the US and Iran went from allies to adversaries

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How the US and Iran went from allies to adversaries

Thursday, March 19, 2026, episode of the podcast The Excerpt: As the US-Israel war on Iran rages on, it is hard to imagine that Iran was once a key ally of the US. This special episode describes key turning points in the history of U.S.-Iranian relations and how they continue to shape the ongoing conflict today. Ali Baez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, joins The Excerpt to share his insights and analysis.

Press play in the player below to listen to the podcast and follow the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated and edited in its current format for clarity. There may be some differences between audio and text.

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Zulekha Natu:

The White House is dealing with mixed reactions from critics and supporters over its decision to go to war with Iran alongside Israel. The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran shows no signs of slowing down, affecting everything from diplomatic relations to oil prices. But can history give us any clues as to what will happen next, especially since the United States and Iran were once allies?

Hello. Welcome to this excerpt from USA TODAY. I’m Zulekha Nathoo, producer and host on the Special Projects team. Today is Thursday, March 19, 2026. In this episode, we explore the complex history between the United States and Iran to better understand the circumstances that led to the current conflict and how it can be resolved. Ali Baez will help you with that. He is the Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group. The group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building peace by helping shape global policy.

Thank you for joining us, Ali.

Ali Baez:

It’s wonderful to be with you.

Zulekha Natu:

With all the headlines about this conflict, it is important to take a step back and understand the history of the U.S.-Iranian relationship to better understand what is happening and why. So where do you think a good place to start? For example, what was the relationship like between the two countries decades ago?

Ali Baez:

Where you start determines where you end. Iran and the United States had very good relations before 1979. Iran was America’s best ally in the Middle East and the largest importer of American arms. This was actually the cornerstone of US policy in the region, but this is a simplification of a very complex history. In fact, in 1953, Iran had a democratically elected prime minister who wanted to nationalize Iranian oil, and the United States, in cooperation with Britain, organized a coup against Prime Minister Mosaddegh and overthrew him. And it has already created the first structure in the relationship.

Zulekha Natu:

And it’s important to be aware of that tear or tears. Because during those years there were very few times when maybe things could have been resolved, but they just got worse and worse. So how do you feel about the partnership and relationship you mentioned years later?

Ali Baez:

After the 1953 coup, Iran prospered, had very good relations with the outside world, and was culturally and socially free, but politically the Shah held a very tight grip on power. And many Iranians blamed the United States, which was seen as its main sponsor. The Iranian revolution began in 1978 out of resentment against the Shah and his autocratic rule, and quickly snowballed into a revolution. By January or February 1979, the Shah was completely out of control. The American-trained Iranian military then decided to declare neutrality in this conflict between state and society, and the revolutionaries were able to overthrow Iran’s 2,500-year-old monarchy and establish the Islamic Republic. After the 1979 revolution, the Shah came to the United States for medical reasons. He had cancer and needed treatment. President Carter reluctantly allowed him to enter the country, sparking fears among the revolutionaries that the United States was attempting to stage another coup and restore President Carter to power.

So they tried to pre-empt this by seizing the US embassy. They held more than 50 American diplomats hostage for 444 days, and a military operation to free them failed. This was a real humiliation for President Carter and basically destroyed his presidency. Essentially as an act of revenge, the Iranians waited literally minutes for President Carter to resign from office and for President Reagan to take the oath to release the hostages.

Zulekha Natu:

Now, Americans would probably be surprised to learn that while the current conflict is said to stem from efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear energy capabilities, the United States was actually deeply involved in helping develop Iran’s civilian nuclear program in the 1950s and 1960s.

Ali Baez:

One of the great ironies of this situation is that Iran’s nuclear program was a gift to Iran from the United States as part of President Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace program. The concept at the time was that many countries would try to acquire nuclear technology, which was cutting-edge technology at the time. These programs are used only for civilian purposes, rather than allowing countries to develop their own outside surveillance systems. The United States also provided Iran with a small research reactor, which is still in operation today. Also, at the time it operated using highly enriched uranium, which could be used for weaponization, but over the years it was converted to 20% enriched fuel. But it is actually the beginning of Iran’s nuclear program.

barack obama:

Today, after two years of negotiations, our international partners, the United States, have achieved something that decades of hostility failed to accomplish. A comprehensive long-term agreement with Iran to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Ali Baez:

Then fast forward to 2015, and we signed a nuclear deal with Iran, putting their program in a box and imposing very strict oversight. It was the first time since the revolution that the United States and Iran had reached a mutually beneficial diplomatic agreement.

Donald Trump:

It is clear to me that under the corrupt and rotten structure of the current deal, we cannot prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb.

Ali Baez:

Nevertheless, President Trump took office three years later, pulled out of that agreement and reimposed sanctions. Biden came on with a promise to restore that agreement, but he adopted positions that actually contaminated the well, the agreement was not restored, and so on. Every time we have a chance to turn a corner, one of us is not ready or the other is not ready.

Zulekha Natu:

We’ve talked a lot about politics and leadership, and I’m curious how Iranians themselves have viewed the United States over the decades. Do you think that’s consistent with how both governments view the United States, or is it a contrast, or is it a mix of both?

Ali Baez:

What’s so interesting about Iran in the past is that while it has been one of the most anti-American regimes in the world, it has also had one of the most pro-American populations, especially in the region. The United States has done a lot in Iran in terms of supporting the country’s development and helping its universities flourish. There were also many interactions with Iranian students who studied in the United States and returned to help their country develop. So, generally speaking, there was a good perception about the United States.

Now, after the revolution, the new government, the Islamic Republic, made a serious attempt to brainwash the entire population, especially the new generation, against the United States. I grew up in Iran, and every day before I went to class I had to chant “Death to America” ​​and then sit behind the bench. However, my brother was studying abroad in the United States, and I was afraid that telling America that I would die would hurt him in some way, so I couldn’t say much. The largest community of the Iranian diaspora is in the United States, with American culture, satellite networks, American movies, and American music, so there were many other Iranians in a similar position. So even for those of us who are children of the revolution, there was a real cultural influence that the United States had.

Zulekha Natu:

What impact did economic sanctions have on diplomatic relations between the two countries, and how did each country proceed from there?

Ali Baez:

The United States resorted to sanctions immediately after the revolution in response to Iran’s taking of American diplomats hostage. It cut off trade with Iran and then gradually began imposing stifling sanctions. But the sanctions essentially took away a lot of influence over Iran from the United States. Because after a certain period of time, the United States really stopped trading with Iran, and the Iranians adapted and accepted that fact. Iran’s middle class accounted for about 60-70% of society about a decade ago. Currently, 30% of Iranians are below the poverty line. Many of them don’t get the 2,100 calories we all need nutritionally. Finding specialized medical care is extremely difficult. All of this and more, while Iranians decry the regime’s corruption and mismanagement and the policies it has pursued that have produced these sanctions, there is also a sense that the United States doesn’t really care about them.

Zulekha Natu:

To Americans, the conflict may feel far away, but if the U.S.-Iranian relationship continues in a negative direction, what will be the impact on public sentiment, and why would it bother the U.S. in some ways? in

Ali Baez:

Some of these events will come back to haunt us, just as the long story of 1953 led to the trauma Americans experienced in the tragedies and hostage crisis of 1979. The reality is that we have created a situation where there are many failed states in the Middle East. Many countries have suffered greatly as a result of U.S.-backed military actions against their populations, whether state-sponsored or lone-wolf, creating sentiments that lead to acts of terrorism. This will make it difficult to build positive and mutually beneficial relationships with many of these countries in the future.

Zulekha Natu:

Looking ahead, what do you think is the most important thing to do to end the violence and perhaps begin to normalize relations between the two countries? Is that still possible at this point?

Ali Baez:

This requires a mindset of understanding that zero-sum outcomes are, by definition, unsustainable. If we don’t take into account the dignity of other peoples, if we don’t recognize that other countries may have legitimate security concerns, if we only pursue domination without any regard for what people in the region want or what countries in the region want, then by definition we are pursuing unsustainable solutions. Diplomacy is the only thing that has helped us move forward in our relationship with Iran. We are in the middle of a conflict, and many innocent people, not just American military personnel, are losing their lives. And there will also be aftershocks that we will probably have to deal with until the next generation.

Zulekha Natu:

Ali Baez is the Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group. Thank you for your time.

Ali Baez:

Thank you for having me. I’m very happy.

Zulekha Natu:

Thanks to Senior Producer Kaely Monahan for production assistance. Special thanks to Lamar Salter and Ian McDonald. Executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think about this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com. Thank you for your attention. My name is Zulekha Nathu. Tomorrow morning, we’ll be back with another episode of USA TODAY Excerpts.

Miami, Ohio March Mad win makes Bruce Pearl look stupid.

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Miami, Ohio March Mad win makes Bruce Pearl look stupid.

We really needed more evidence, didn’t we? Well, that’s it!

Belongs to Miami (Ohio).

Not only the first four teams, but also within the 64-team bracket, which most of us consider to be the best team. genuine tournament.

The selection committee had Miami in front of them. That’s enough. The Red Hawks moved SMU out of the way and busted down the door en route to the first round.

Miami provided further evidence as they won the First Four game 89-79 with hard shooting. Seriously, why did anyone think they needed more evidence? – The best teams in the mid-majors make it to the NCAA Tournament, even if they don’t win the conference tournament.

A night after Texas State and North Carolina State laid down the bricks, Miami poured in the points and made 3-pointers one after the other. As Miami fans were roaring in the stands after the recent deep bomb, it occurred to me that this might have been the most entertaining game in the 15 years since the birth of the First Four in Dayton, Ohio.

Bruce Pearl pretends he was ‘expecting’ this performance in Miami (Ohio)

And after Miami made 10 3-pointers in the first half, all Bruce Pearl could do was smile and laugh like a cartoon character at halftime.

“This is kind of what we expected,” Pearl said.

That’s true, Bruce.

Some of you may have expected that, you I didn’t. At least Mr. Pearl acted as if he didn’t think much of Miami by paying the city of Auburn, which employs Mr. Pearl and his son, a shilling.

Using the stage set up by TNT as a propaganda pulpit, Pearl shamelessly pretended that an Auburn team (coached by Pearl’s son, no doubt a coincidence) that had beaten Miami multiple times leading up to the tournament and barely finished above .500 deserved to be selected for the tournament, while pretending that Miami might finish last in the Big East.

It was even bigger than what Pearl had previously told the NCAA litigation team.

Pearl couldn’t have believed even half of the pigs she served. He’s a lot of things, but he’s not stupid.

Still, Mr. Pearl’s relentless surveillance of Miami has kicked a hornet’s nest. More loons have come out of the tree wondering if a 31-1 team deserves a bid or if they should give a bid to the 12th place team in a power conference in the midst of a horribly weak bubble.

Well, despite not being able to fend off a Power 4 opponent, Miami went 32-1.

Miami (Ohio) continues its legacy of upsets in March Madness

And we shouldn’t be surprised. We’ve seen this over and over again, not just in Miami. The best mid-majors are in it – of course they are. They don’t always win, but they win these games often enough that no one was supposed to be fooled by Pearl’s nonsense about a Division 1 team with 30+ wins finishing last in the not-so-good Big East.

Miami answered all the naysayers so forcefully that there’s really only one question left. “How far can you go?”

Consider No. 6 Tennessee, which is wary of an upset.

Who can forget VCU going from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011?

Wally Szczerbiak, anyone? Wally World’s RedHawks advanced to the Sweet 16 in 1999 as a No. 10 seed.

Or how about Manhattan? The Jaspers were the last team to join what was then 64 teams in 1995. Fran Frascilla’s team, seeded 13th, defeated the University of Oklahoma.

“The tournament selection committee is not as stupid as people think,” Frascilla told reporters after the game, adding: “It’s great to show people that we deserve to be here and can play with anyone.”

High-achieving mid-career students continue to prove their credentials even as their credentials are questioned.

Power Four teams have been hesitant to play teams like Miami in the regular season, and even the wins have hurt the strength of the diminutive schedule. But no matter what the bobbleheads say, there’s no avoiding the Miamis of the world in March, at least as long as the selection committee continues to recognize that winning nearly every game is worthy of a bid.

The late Billy Packer was on the verge of being eliminated on Selection Sunday in 2006 when George Mason slipped in as the No. 11 seed. In one of the greatest Cinderella stories of all time, Patriots fans chanted Packer’s name as George Mason advanced to the Final Four with four straight wins.

And in the second half of the game, the pro-Miami crowd in the stands chanted, “Let’s go Red Hawks! Let’s go Red Hawks!”

You could also consider chanting something else.

Shut up, Bruce.

Blake Topmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow at X @btoppmeyer.

What is workplace culture? Definition, examples, and why it matters

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What is workplace culture? Definition, examples, and why it matters

“Workplace culture” is a phrase that is used everywhere, including job postings, company mission statements, and everyday conversations about work. However, despite being frequently mentioned, it is not always easy to define.

At the heart of workplace culture is how work actually feels within an organization. It reflects shared values, behaviors, and expectations that shape how people work together within an organization.

Understanding a workplace’s culture helps employees and job seekers determine whether a company aligns with their values ​​and whether it’s a place where they can grow and thrive. It also affects how employees experience collaboration, conflict, and daily work.

What exactly is workplace culture?

Workplace culture isn’t just what the company says it is. It happens every day. Companies often describe their culture online, but employees experience it in real time through their decisions, interactions, and leadership behaviors.

Simply put, workplace culture is the lived experience of how a company operates on a day-to-day basis.

Patrice Williams Lind spent more than 20 years in management consulting before becoming CEO of Career Nomad, a career pivot coaching consulting firm. She explains, “Workplace culture isn’t what a company says in its mission statement. It’s a pattern of decisions leaders make about what they praise, what they tolerate, and what they ignore.”

In fact, culture is manifested in how employees communicate with managers and colleagues, how leaders make decisions, and how an organization responds to moments of stress and change. It also influences whether employees feel supported through awareness, feedback, and clear expectations for work-life balance.

The four drivers of workplace culture

Workplace culture is shaped by the decisions and actions leaders model every day.

Leader behavior under pressure

“If you really want to understand a company’s culture, look at what happens when someone or an organization fails to meet its goals,” says Williams-Lind. “Or when there’s a challenge to leadership, something that they can’t control, they have to respond immediately.”

Moments like these can reveal a lot about leadership style and company values, whether leaders respond with accountability or defensiveness and responsibility.

Workplace policies and flexibility

Culture is also shaped by the policies that guide how work is done. Decisions about hybrid work, expectations for a return to the office, or fully remote structures demonstrate what companies are prioritizing. Clear and consistent policies strengthen expectations, while inconsistent policies create confusion.

Communication and transparency

Communication norms are also a big factor. Transparency, or lack thereof, directly impacts trust.

As Williams-Lind points out, when “decisions are being made behind closed doors, despite claims of transparency,” it can be indicative of a deeper cultural disconnect. The same goes for when companies say they value collaboration but reward individual heroism, or when they say they prioritize diversity but don’t factor that into their decision-making.

Performance, compensation and evaluation

Finally, how employees are recognized and rewarded reinforces what the company truly values. Promotions, appraisals, and performance appraisals are more than just HR processes; they help shape behavior and define culture.

Examples of different workplace cultures

Workplace culture varies greatly depending on the type of organization. Expectations can vary widely in these environments, from speed and adaptability to mission coordination and visibility. Understanding these differences can help employees and job candidates find the right cultural fit.

Here are some common examples and how they appear in practice.

fast paced startup

Startups tend to move quickly, experiment frequently, and pivot when necessary. Risk-taking and adaptability often pay off more than tenure.

Lee Henderson, former HR leader and founder of HR Manifesto, explains, “In a startup, creativity, adaptability, and flexibility are essential to success. Some people love the freedom that a startup provides through ambiguity, while others love the predictable stability of a more established business.”

Highly structured corporate environment

Corporate environments often operate based on clear hierarchies, formal processes, and defined expectations. That stability can be a strength, but major changes like layoffs can feel particularly disruptive when they conflict with stated values.

Williams-Lind points out that in such cases, employees can experience a “broken social contract” if the company’s actions do not match its promises.

mission-driven nonprofit organization

In nonprofit organizations, decisions are often driven by a central mission or cause. This can create strong alignment and purpose, but it can also add pressure.

“Mission-driven workplaces bring together people who care deeply about a cause and make an impact on that cause,” says Henderson. “Such purpose can create strong connections, but because the purpose is always so important, it can also create pressure to deliver more than is sustainable.” The healthiest nonprofit cultures balance impact and employee well-being to prevent burnout.

Remote-first companies:

Remote-first companies create different dynamics. Visibility has become the “new career currency” at some companies, and employees need to find ways to show their contributions even when they’re not physically present, Williams-Lindau said.

At the same time, Henderson emphasizes that a strong remote culture relies on trust, clear communication, and is “focused on results over visibility.”

Why workplace culture is more than just a buzzword

Workplace culture is more than just a buzzword. It has a huge impact on your employees’ day-to-day experience and long-term satisfaction, and whether they stay or leave. At the heart of that experience are relationships.

“Relationships create trust, and trust is maintained on many levels,” says Williams-Lind. “They frame the meaningful support that you give and receive. It’s an ecosystem with give and take, but also accountability for how you show up and advocate for yourself and others.”

How employees are treated, recognized and supported during challenges determines everything from engagement to retention. Culture also plays a huge role in mental health and burnout. Environments where there is unclear communication, inconsistent recognition, or leadership decisions that conflict with stated values ​​can leave employees feeling excluded and undervalued.

Research supports this. According to a Gallup report, 37% of employees who left their company cited engagement and culture as their top reason, rather than pay or benefits.

Jennifer Dalsky, CEO and founder of Rising Team, a leadership training platform, says this will not change even as the workplace evolves: “Even in the age of AI, teams are still made up of humans who need to feel deeply connected, supported, and seen. Those who can’t do that will leave.”

A strong culture not only improves morale but also influences how people contribute. “When employees feel respected and supported, they are more likely to engage and contribute their ideas,” says Henderson. In unhealthy environments, employees tend to withdraw and protect themselves. “This change reduces productivity,” she says.

After all, workplace culture not only influences how work gets done, but also whether people want to stay there.

How job seekers assess workplace culture

Assessing the workplace culture before accepting a job can help ensure that the company aligns with your values, work style, and long-term goals.

Do you research before the interview?

Start by checking the company website, mission, and employee reviews. This initial research can provide early clues about how the organization is expressing itself and whether that is consistent with employee feedback.

Ask questions that reveal real experience

During the interview, ask questions that go beyond the scope of the job. Williams-Lindo recommends asking employees what brought them to the company and what keeps them there. Their answers provide insight into everyday culture and long-term satisfaction.

observe how people interact

Be careful how your employees communicate with each other and with you. Williams Lind describes this as doing a “vibe check” of the organization. Notice whether interactions feel respectful, collaborative, and transparent, and whether actions are consistent with stated values.

Assess leadership behavior

Dalsky makes a similar point: “One of the biggest signals job seekers should look for is whether their prospective manager or senior leader they meet during the interview process shows a genuine interest in them, not just as a candidate, but as a person,” she says.

Details matter: Are leaders listening carefully? Are they transparent about next steps? Are they creating space for conversation? These signals tell you whether your employees feel supported and valued.

What are USA TODAY’s top workplaces?

USA TODAY Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, annually ranks organizations across the United States that excel at creating positive work environments for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winner.

In 2025, more than 1,500 companies were recognized as Top Workplaces. See rankings across the United States. Check out the links below to gain insight into the area’s top-ranked employers.

Frequently asked questions about workplace culture

What are some examples of workplace culture?

Workplace culture varies from organization to organization. For example, startups are fast-paced and often risk-taking, corporate environments tend to emphasize hierarchy and structured processes, nonprofits emphasize mission and social impact, and remote-first companies prioritize flexibility and virtual collaboration.

How can companies ensure a strong culture instills throughout the organization?

A strong workplace culture is strengthened by consistent leadership and manager support. Organizations need to not only define cultural values, but also help managers implement behaviors that reflect them.

As Jennifer Dalsky explains, companies need to go beyond simply demonstrating good leadership to helping managers build habits such as trust, clarity, accountability, and connection so that a positive culture develops across teams.

How do companies build strong workplace cultures?

Companies build strong workplace cultures through consistent leadership behaviors, clear expectations and accountability at all levels. According to Lee Henderson, when leaders model expected behaviors and apply standards consistently, they strengthen culture and help employees trust that the organization’s values ​​are authentic and fairly applied.

Can workplace culture change over time?

Yes, workplace culture can change, but it usually happens gradually and requires intentional effort. As Patrice Williams-Lindau points out, meaningful change comes from consistently adjusting what leaders say, do, and tolerate over time. Without that adjustment, the culture is unlikely to change.

Trump’s approval rating is negative, but not among Republicans. See the poll

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Trump’s approval rating is negative, but not among Republicans. See the poll

President Donald Trump is set to resign from the administration this week in the wake of the Iran war, marking his first resignation less than three weeks after the conflict began.

The war has proven controversial among the American public, with some polls showing that about half of voters have no support for President Trump’s handling of the war or military action in Iran.

The midterm elections are drawing to a close, and as midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the presidency, much attention is being focused on President Trump’s approval rating. The president’s low approval ratings could be a wake-up call for Republicans who want to maintain control of Congress after the November vote.

So, what is President Trump’s approval rating? Here’s what you need to know:

Latest information on the Iran war: Oil prices soar after attack on Iran’s major gas fields

What is Donald Trump’s approval rating?

President Trump’s approval rating has been a net negative since the spring of his first year in office, according to an average calculated by the New York Times and RealClearPolitics aggregators. It was relatively stable from April to November, but then fell sharply.

As of March 18, 42.3% approve of President Trump’s performance, while 55.2% disapprove, according to a graph from RealClearPolitics. The lowest approval rating for term was 42% on February 17th. In addition, his net approval rating was -13.5 percentage points, his worst ever, and reached this approval rating the following week.

As of March 18, 40% of people approve of President Trump’s job performance, according to a New York Times tally, the lowest since reaching that level for the first time on February 12, according to the New York Times. The disapproval rate is 55%. His disapproval rating peaked at 57% on March 1st.

The poll aggregator’s lowest date reflects polls taken over the past few days. In mid-February, President Trump suffered a major blow as tensions with Iran escalated after the Supreme Court ruled to cancel many of his tariffs, continuing the fallout from millions of documents released through the Epstein File Transparency Act.

What do Republicans think about Trump?

Trump has long been a polarizing figure, and his approval ratings have been driven largely by his own party. Below are recent polls and a breakdown of his approval ratings by party.

The Economist/YouGov: The poll was conducted among 1,595 adults between March 13 and 16, and had a margin of error of approximately 3.5 percentage points.

  • Overall approval rating: 37% approve, 56% disapprove
  • Republican approval rating: 84% approve, 11% disapprove
  • Democratic Party approval rating: 4% approve, 92% disapprove

Morning Poll: The poll was conducted March 13-16 among 2,201 registered U.S. voters and had a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

  • Overall approval rating: 43% approve, 54% disapprove
  • Republican approval rating: 86% approve, 13% disapprove
  • Democratic Party approval rating: 10% approve, 88% disapprove

How does President Trump’s approval rating compare to his first term?

President Trump’s approval rating is comparable to his first term. Trump’s net approval rating was -14 points at this point in his first term, compared to -15 points now, according to a New York Times tally. According to RealClearPolitics aggregator, as of March 17, 2018, 41.1% approved and 54.2% disapproved.

Contributor: Katherine Palmer, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact KCrowley@usatodayco.com. follow her X (Twitter)thread, blue sky and TikTok.

March Madness odds, NCAA tournament rankings for 2026 championship.

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March Madness odds, NCAA tournament rankings for 2026 championship.

play

Duke men’s basketball failed to win the men’s NCAA tournament last season under Cooper Flagg, and the Blue Devils lost to Houston in the Final Four.

With Cameron Boozer leading the way in Durham, will the 2026 NCAA Tournament be the year the Blue Devils are the last team standing to make it all the way to the national championship game as “One Shining Moment” plays in the background as they cut through the nets?

Oddsmakers say yes to that question, as the Blue Devils still have the best odds to win it all out of all 68 teams in March Madness. The first step toward the anticipated national championship will be when Duke takes on No. 16 Siena in Greenville on Thursday, March 19 at 2:50 p.m. ET.

Think you can beat our experts? Join USA TODAY’s Bracket Challenge now!

Are you ready to win March Madness? Join USA TODAY’s Survivor Pool now!

But what about the teams that are close to John Scheyer’s program in the betting world? Based on the Las Vegas odds, we think they could be another “all-choke” Final Four in Indianapolis. All four No. 1 seeds make up the best odds for the top four, as Michigan is Duke’s closest “contender” at BetMGM at +350 odds.

Here’s the latest on the men’s NCAA Tournament betting scene.

March Madness 2026 Power Rankings by NCAA Championship Odds

Duke remains the favorite to win the national championship at +300 odds at BetMGM. If the Blue Devils can find the back of the net on April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium, it will be the program’s sixth national title and it will tie for third place nationally behind the University of Florida and UW.

Current odds as of Tuesday, March 17th at 8am ET provided by BetMGM

long shot cinderella

  • Kennesaw State (+500,000)
  • Prairie View A&M (+500,000)
  • Howard (+500,000)
  • Idaho (+500,000)
  • Lehi (+500,000)
  • Pen (+200,000)
  • California Baptist (+200,000)
  • Hawaii (+200,000)
  • McNeese (+200,000)
  • Siena (+200,000)
  • Wright State (+200,000)
  • Furman (+200,000)
  • Troy (+200,000)
  • North Dakota (+200,000)
  • Queens (+200,000)
  • Ryu (+200,000)
  • Tennessee (+200,000)
  • Miami, Ohio (+200,000)
  • Akron (+100,000)
  • Hofstra (+100,000)
  • High point (+100,000)
  • Northern Iowa (+100,000)
  • TCU (+100,000)
  • SMU (+100,000)

potential sleeper

  • South Florida (+75,000)
  • VCU (+75,000)
  • Santa Clara (+75,000)
  • Georgia (+75,000)
  • Texas (+75,000)
  • UCF (+50,000)
  • Texas A&M (+50,000)
  • Missouri (+50,000)
  • Ohio (+50,000)
  • Villanova (+50,000)
  • St. Louis (+35,000)
  • Utah (+35,000)

dark horse team

  • Miami, Florida (+25,000)
  • St. Mary’s (+25,000)
  • Iowa (+25,000)
  • Clemson (+25,000)
  • UCLA (+25,000)
  • North Carolina (+20,000)
  • BYU (+15,000)
  • Texas Tech University (+12,500)
  • Kentucky (+12,500)
  • Nebraska (+10,000)
  • Tennessee (+10,000)
  • Louisville (+10,000)
  • Alabama (+10,000)

Top candidates

  • Virginia (+8,000)
  • Vanderbilt (+6,600)
  • Wisconsin (+6,600)
  • St. John’s (+6,600)
  • Gonzaga (+5,500)
  • Michigan State (+5,000)
  • Kansas (+5,000)
  • Arkansas (+5,000)
  • Purdue (+2,500)
  • University College (+2,200)
  • Illinois (+2,000)
  • Iowa (+1,600)
  • Houston (+1,100)

favorite

  • Florida (+700)
  • Michigan (+375)
  • Arizona (+350)
  • Duke (+325)

Full schedule for March Madness 2026

Here’s the complete breakdown of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament schedule:

  • First four: March 17th-18th
  • First round: March 19th-20th
  • Round 2: March 21st-22nd
  • Suite 16: March 26th-27th
  • Elite Eight: March 28th-29th
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  • National championship match: Monday, April 6 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)

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Live tracker of the next mass layoffs in the US

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Live tracker of the next mass layoffs in the US

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Hundreds of thousands of American workers will lose their jobs in the coming weeks. That includes employees at companies like Amazon, Meta and Pinterest, which announced more than 16,000 layoffs in January.

How do we know?

Federal law requires employers with 100 or more full-time workers to give the state written notice at least 60 days before laying off workers. Experts like Cleveland Fed economist Curt Lunsford say such filings under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act can signal trouble sooner than other employment indicators.

These are not called warning notices for nothing.

“There are signs that layoffs are coming. The data is relatively up-to-date,” Lunsford said, noting that while warning notices are available within days, other official government statistics can be delayed by “weeks, even months.”

Last year’s mass layoffs in the United States reached their highest level since 2020, when the unprecedented pandemic hit, with a tally of notices showing more than 413,000 workers affected by large-scale layoffs, a USA TODAY analysis of WARN notices filed in 44 states showed.

This jump represents a 20% increase from 2024, when more than 345,000 employees lost their jobs in announced mass layoffs. The number of mass layoff notices also increased from nearly 4,000 in 2024 to more than 5,000 last year.

Admittedly, this is not the total amount of layoffs. Warning notices do not apply to small and medium-sized businesses. U.S. employers announced more than 1.2 million total job cuts in 2025, the highest annual layoff total since 2010, according to outplacement and consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

USA TODAY’s data team collects warning notices daily from most state labor departments and the District of Columbia. Seven states do not provide public access or have incompatible data formats: Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The tracker reflects the information reported in the application itself. Because each state sets its own reporting policies, some notification filings can be delayed by weeks after mass layoff announcements, companies may later amend or withdraw their filings, and tracking numbers may fluctuate as data is updated.

Still, the notifications provide a window into what’s going on at big companies.

On October 28, 2025, Amazon cut 14,000 corporate jobs and filed multiple warning notices in multiple states on the same day.

Gordon McCreary, a 28-year-old Amazon software engineer based in Seattle, knew layoffs were coming. In the months leading up to the announcement, the pressure was relentless, with tight deadlines, late nights, and weekend work. He said the day before the layoffs, the entire office was constantly discussing rumors of layoffs.

“I think by the time the layoffs happened, about half of the team was on disability leave or family medical leave,” McCleary recalled. His team was responsible for Rufus, Amazon’s AI shopping assistant.

According to a WARN notice filed by Amazon on Oct. 28, a total of 69 employees were affected in McCleary’s office, and the company reported 2,023 total layoffs across Washington.

Jenna Wright, 30, a Chicago-based Amazon employee, never saw it coming. 27 days before her termination, she had just been promoted to senior program manager overseeing Amazon chatbots for customer service and expansion into new countries.

Wright joined Amazon immediately after graduating from college and worked for the company for eight years.

“I felt a little bit cheated,” Wright said. “I’ve dedicated eight and a half years, almost my entire career, to this company since I just graduated from college. I understand from a business perspective. You know, business is business, but I didn’t expect such a quick and shocking decision.”

USA TODAY’s mass layoff database is updated daily and includes more than 51,000 warning notices from 44 states. The oldest were filed in the 1990s. Users can sort layoff notices by state, company, and notice date to see when, where, and why layoffs occurred.

What will happen to job cuts in 2026?

The first two months of 2026 have seen mixed signals in the U.S. job market.

Employers announced more than 108,000 layoffs in January, according to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This was a 118% increase from the same month last year and the highest January since 2009, but that number had fallen to about 48,000 in February.

“February’s drop is a nice reprieve from the rise in layoff plans at the beginning of the year,” Andy Challenger, the company’s chief revenue officer, said in a recent report.“Further layoff plans could emerge at the end of the first quarter as companies tighten amid uncertainty and higher costs due to U.S. involvement in the growing Iran war.”

Colleen Blumenfeld, the company’s vice president of communications, told USA TODAY in an email that the company’s numbers are significantly higher than the WARN numbers because it tracks not only government filings, but also internal announcements, conference calls and internal customer data.

But federal data shows the opposite trend.

U.S. employers added about 126,000 jobs in January 2026, more than economists expected, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this month. But the U.S. economy shed 92,000 jobs in February, according to the latest report.

California leads the way in mass layoffs

California leads the nation in mass layoffs, with more than 16,000 warning notices recorded in its database. That’s nearly triple the number of notifications in second place Illinois, which has nearly 5,000 notifications.

In 2025 alone, California employers filed more than 1,500 mass layoff notices, impacting more than 86,000 workers. This is far higher than other states.

Top 5 states for WARN notice layoffs in 2025:

  1. California: at least 86,000 workers
  1. Washington: at least 31,000 workers
  1. Texas: At least 26,000 workers
  1. Florida: At least 20,200 workers
  1. New York: at least 20,000 workers

Will AI lead to layoffs?

The technology sector has been a major source of mass layoffs in recent years, with major companies such as Amazon, Meta and Microsoft filing hundreds of warning notices to restructure and cut costs.

Although WARN’s notice does not list artificial intelligence as a reason for layoffs, Challenger Gray & Christmas tracked more than 7,000 layoffs due to AI in January. Although the company’s CEO suggested that AI is a future threat to jobs, the current job cuts appear to be a corrective to overemployment, the report said.

Some technology workers are expressing concerns about career stability and are rethinking their career paths.

“I don’t know if software engineering will still be around in five years, especially given all the changes that AI is going to make and the way we work,” McCreary said. He hopes to find work that feels “more meaningful” or has a “less toxic work culture,” and is looking for work in nonprofits or local government.

Anneliese Gauger, a workforce policy expert at the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, argues that many companies misunderstand how AI will reshape jobs and are quick to resort to layoffs when adapting is the better strategy.

“AI is changing people’s behavior, but it’s not necessarily eliminating their entire role,” Gauger said. “If we can encourage companies to take that route rather than lay people off, it will be better for society as a whole because we will avoid the huge shock of evacuation and all the negative effects that come with it.”

What are the benefits of WARN notifications?

A WARN notice is intended to serve as a financial and psychological buffer by providing advance notice of termination. Jack Reisner, a WARN Law attorney and St. John’s University law professor, said such measures would allow workers to avoid financial commitments they can’t fulfill, start job searches that often take more than two months, and prevent them from “falling off a financial cliff.”

A USA TODAY analysis of WARN notices that include both filing and layoff dates shows that thousands of notices failed to provide the required 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs.

However, states vary widely in how they enforce WARN reporting requirements, and there is no federal agency to monitor compliance.

Reisner said the dates listed on WARN notices may reflect the date companies filed paperwork with the state, rather than the date employees were actually notified, making it difficult to understand the true extent of WARN violations nationwide.

“There’s still a question mark here…because there’s no federal oversight like there is in all other labor laws,” Reisner said. “It’s cloudy.”

Without early warning, job losses can be devastating.

“Sudden job termination is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through, other than divorce or a very painful accident,” Reisner added.

Gouger, a Brookings expert who has studied evacuated workers, said strong early intervention could reduce the damage. “Intervening early and trying to help people will give you the best results,” Gauger said. “Otherwise, layoffs can lead to financial hardship, emotional strain, and family crisis.”

Reisner said it would be unusual today for a large company, such as a Fortune 100 company, to not be compliant with the WARN Act. However, for workers who do not receive proper notice or unpaid wages, litigation may be the only option, and the process can take months or even years.

“Employees are very appreciative and very appreciative when they are notified. Even if they are not notified, someone will file a lawsuit to protect their rights,” Reisner said.

President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commissioner Says Israel Views Got Her Fired

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President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commissioner Says Israel Views Got Her Fired

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  • Carrie Prejean Boller was removed from the Religious Freedom Committee after a Feb. 9 hearing in which she criticized Israel and rejected the idea that anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism.
  • She said there was a months-long “witch hunt” to remove her from the committee because of her public comments about Israel that were inconsistent with the Trump administration’s positions.
  • Prejean Boller said the commission’s chair, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, at one point told her, “Your job on this commission is to protect the president,” and that her social media posts failed to do that.

A member of President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Committee said she was fired for her comments about Israel and for not fully supporting the president, an allegation that led House Republicans to call for a congressional investigation.

Controversy surrounding Carrie Prejean Boller has been swirling for months, including after a February committee hearing on anti-Semitism. But her firing has been brought back into the spotlight in recent days after she posted an open letter to Trump on social media.

Prejean Boller’s March 12

The thread also included an open letter to Trump outlining what it called a month-long “witch hunt” against Trump for speaking out about Palestinian suffering while on the committee.

The commission was established at the start of President Trump’s second term and is designed to “protect and advance America’s founding principles of religious freedom,” according to the White House.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Prejean Boller said the committee’s chairman, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, once told him, “Your job on this committee is to protect the president.”

She accused Patrick of telling her to refrain from posting on social media about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In the same conversation, she said the Rev. Paula White, director and senior adviser of the White House Office of Faith, asked her to post her remarks before posting them on social media.

USA TODAY has reached out to the White House, the Department of Justice, which oversees the Committee on Religious Freedom, and Patrick’s and White’s respective offices for comment.

Prejean Bolaire, a Catholic, described the actions against him as a “cynical” violation of his religious freedom and said he was considering his legal options.

“This all started because, as Christians, we could not deny what we witnessed in Gaza,” she said.

On March 13, Representative Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) sent a letter to the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees asking them to reconsider the circumstances surrounding Prejean Boller’s termination. The letter outlined Prejean-Bollaire’s arguments and asked him to determine whether the committee’s actions complied with the Federal Advisory Committees Act, which requires such bodies to have a balance of viewpoints.

“If the above account is accurate, and the motive for Mrs. Boller’s removal was to refrain from expressing religious views or asking questions reflecting those views, then such actions raise concerns that the federal advisory body charged with upholding religious freedom has engaged in opinion discrimination or retaliation for protected speech,” Massey wrote.

Neither committee responded to USA TODAY’s inquiries about whether they had made a decision on the requests or were considering them.

In February, groups representing various religious traditions sued the Trump administration, accusing the Religious Freedom Commission of violating the Federal Advisory Commission Act, alleging it lacks religious and ideological diversity.

The commission includes Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish members, but no Muslims or members of other minority religious groups. The commission’s advisory committee of lay leaders had three Muslims on it until Samira Mansi, who advocated for a group of Maryland parents seeking the right to prevent children from reading books with LGBTQ characters in public schools, resigned on March 12, in part due to the ouster of Prejean Boller.

Clashes with committee members over Israel

Prejean Boller and Munshi told USA TODAY that the committee’s perceived lack of diversity is “concerning.” But Prejean Boller said she is committed to defending people of faith, regardless of their religious tradition.

Munshi described his decision to join the committee as a “choice to either participate or not.”

Prejean Boller said White House Office of Presidential Personnel Director Mary Sprowls asked him to resign in August, citing concerns about Patrick and White’s criticism of Israel.

She said she was “truly shocked” by the request and refused to resign.

It comes about a week after she said she had a conversation with Mr. Patrick and Mr. White in which she said she was told to protect Mr. Trump and said her public comments about Israel were “contrary to” the administration’s position.

“And he (Patrick) said, ‘So, Carey, from now until the end of your term, you need to stay off social media,'” Prejean Boller said in an interview with USA TODAY.

She pushed back against the directive, saying she uses her social media accounts to discuss issues that are important to her as a person of faith.

In response, Prejean-Boller said White asked her to “make sure I do everything so I can get approval” before posting on social media.

The situation culminated in the Commission’s hearing on anti-Semitism on February 9, during which Prejean Boller rejected the idea that anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism. During her speech, she used abusive language, and the audience was temporarily removed from the audience.

Patrick announced on February 11 that Prejean-Bollaire had been removed from the committee, saying that no member “has the right to hijack public hearings on any issue for personal and political agendas.”

He said the committee has “done an outstanding job” in previous hearings, touching on topics such as religious freedom in public education and the Trump administration’s belief that former President Joe Biden’s administration weaponized laws against religious Americans.

“The president respects all faiths,” Patrick said. “He believes that all Americans are entitled to the great heritage given to us by our Founding Fathers in the First Amendment.”

He also said it was his decision to fire her, but Prejean Boller responded with an X post of his own, saying he did not have the authority to take such an action.

“As the name suggests, this is President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, not yours,” she wrote.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Prejean Boller rejected the idea that she “hijacked” the hearing and said she believed other commissioners had political motives.

“Those who bless (Israeli Prime Minister) Bibi Netanyahu will be blessed, that is their doctrine… They live by it,” she said.

Prejean Boller: “I don’t know you” tells Trump

Prejean Boller said he is “disappointed” in President Trump, both in his lack of direct communication about his removal from the committee and the fact that he was removed in the first place.

The relationship between the two dates back about 20 years.

President Trump defended her during the 2009 Miss USA pageant when she caused controversy by saying that “marriage should be between a man and a woman.” She explained that she has been an avid supporter of Trump throughout her political career, proudly wearing MAGA gear and attending both inauguration ceremonies.

“I don’t even recognize you now,” she wrote in an open letter to the president, who also criticized the president for increasing the U.S. military presence in the Middle East despite declaring himself a “president of peace.”

“He’s betrayed himself, he’s betrayed MAGA, he’s betrayed me, and he’s betrayed the millions of people who voted for him,” Prejean Boller told USA TODAY. “I don’t know how he sleeps at night.”

Lack of confidence in the committee’s future activities

Prejean Boller said he was “appreciated” by the effort to get Parliament to consider Massey’s removal from the committee and hoped it would bear fruit.

Meanwhile, she announced on March 16 that she will direct and produce a documentary, Mandated by Faith, about nurses who were fired for refusing to take the coronavirus vaccine for religious reasons.

As for the report on the state of religious freedom that the commission is expected to produce in the coming months, neither Prejean-Bollaire nor Munshi expressed confidence in its final findings.

“I cannot believe that this commission is legitimate at all,” Prejean Boller said. “I think it was very one-sided and very biased.”

In a March 17 post, she called for what she called a “fake committee” to be “shut down.”

Munshi similarly said the remaining committee members are “more interested in protecting the image of this administration” than in protecting everyone’s religious freedom.

Prejean Boller will receive the Catholic Champion Award from Catholics for Catholics, a social service organization in Washington, D.C., on March 19th. The organization is one of the groups participating in President Trump’s “America Plays” initiative.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations praised both Prejean Boller and Munshi for their courage in the face of what it saw as political pressure by the Commission on Religious Freedom.

“The Trump administration repeatedly pays lip service to free speech and religious freedom, while persistently seeking to denigrate and silence Americans, particularly American Muslims, and even American Catholics like Carrie Prejean Boller, who dare to criticize foreign governments,” the council’s March 13 statement said. “This committee is now clearly aimed at protecting Israel from criticism, not protecting the religious freedom of Americans.”

The Committee on Religious Liberty is scheduled to hold an “apex hearing to discuss the past, present, and future of religious freedom in America” ​​on April 13 in Washington, D.C.

Breanna Frank is USA TODAY’s First Amendment Reporting Fellow. Please contact bjfrank@usatoday.com..

USA TODAY’s coverage of First Amendment issues is funded by the Freedom Forum in collaboration with our journalism funding partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

Where is the USS Tripoli? Tracking the US warship taking Marines to Iran

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Where is the USS Tripoli? Tracking the US warship taking Marines to Iran

At least one US Navy warship carrying more than 2,000 Marines is heading to the Middle East, signaling a further military buildup in the region and increasing speculation that US ground forces are being deployed to Iran.

Satellite images showed the American-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA7) and two destroyers sailing southwest in the South China Sea on March 15. The warship was discovered near Singapore a day later.

Tripoli is transporting personnel from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a rapid response force of approximately 2,200 Marines and Navy sailors based in Okinawa, Japan. The MEU includes ground combat units and air combat units.

Many news sources reported on the deployment, citing anonymous US officials. It is unclear whether Tripoli’s two destroyers will continue sailing to the Middle East.

The Pentagon has not officially announced how many U.S. military personnel are participating in the Iran war. News reports put the number between 40,000 and 50,000.

Where is the USS Tripoli?

If you can’t see the graphic, click here to reload the page.

It could take up to two weeks for Marine units to deploy.

Tripoli will join the carrier strike groups of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, which have participated in the US attack on Iran. The Ford was sent to Souda Bay on the island of Crete for repairs after a fire broke out in the laundry room on March 12th.

Tripoli is similar to an aircraft carrier, but is an amphibious assault ship that can carry dozens of aircraft, including:

  • F-35 fighter jet
  • MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor helicopter
  • MH-60S Seahawk Helicopter

Tripoli is approximately 844 feet long. By comparison, the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), is approximately 1,106 feet.

What is a Marine Expeditionary Unit?

The MEU is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors who are a forward-deployed rapid response force that uses the ship as a mobile base. It consists of four elements.

Instructions: This serves as the headquarters for the entire unit. This allows for a single command to all ground, air, and combat forces.

Ground combat: The combat element is built around Marine infantry battalions. Reinforced with tanks, artillery, amphibious vehicles, engineers, and reconnaissance troops.

Air combat: The aircraft element consists of a helicopter squadron with transport helicopters of various models and capabilities. This includes attack helicopters and fighter jets, air defense teams, and ground support forces.

Logistics combat: This element assists the MEU with assistance such as medical and dental support, motor vehicle transportation, resupply, equipment maintenance, and landings.

What does a Marine Expeditionary Unit do?

Some (but not all) of the missions that the MEU can perform are:

  • peacekeeping
  • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
  • security operations
  • Non-combatant evacuation operations
  • Reinforcement operation
  • Amphibious raids and raids
  • tactical deception operations
  • Seizure of airfields and ports
  • show of force operation
  • reconnaissance and surveillance
  • Seizure and recovery of marine energy facilities

Does this mean American troops will be sent into Iran’s interior?

According to MPR News, the deployment of Marines does not necessarily mean sending troops to Iran. Sending ground forces could rapidly escalate the war.

According to NBC News, President Donald Trump has discussed the use of ground forces, saying they could be used for certain strategic purposes, but not for a large-scale invasion.

Deploying troops may also increase public doubts about war. According to a March 9 Quinnipiac University poll, at least 74% of registered voters oppose sending troops to Iran, while 20% support it.

Contributed by Gabriel Banks

SOURCE USA TODAY NETWORK REPORTS AND INVESTIGATIONS. Reuters; U.S. Naval Research Institute; Naval News; Stars and Stripes; Surf Pack.Navy.Mil; marforpac.marines.mil

How some couples can earn six-figure Social Security incomes in 2026

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How some couples can earn six-figure Social Security incomes in 2026

While it’s possible to receive $124,000 in retirement benefits from Social Security, it’s not very common.

Matt Frankel, CFP
|The Motley Fool

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The average retired worker receives about $2,076 per month from Social Security, according to the latest data from the Social Security Administration. This means the average married couple receives about $4,152 each month.

However, some people receive more than this. More and more. In fact, a couple retiring in 2026 could receive $10,362 per month from Social Security. That’s more than $124,000 in retirement income, adjusted for inflation.

How can a couple earn a six-figure income from Social Security alone?

As previously mentioned, the maximum Social Security benefit for those retiring in 2026 is $10,362 per couple, or $5,181 per individual. This is the maximum amount that the current Social Security benefit formula can generate.

To get this benefit amount:

  • You must have been working for at least 35 years (possibly more).
  • You must have income that exceeds the Social Security tax cap every ($176,100 in 2025).
  • You must wait until age 70 to start collecting Social Security benefits.

The latter two are very rare. In any given year, about 6% of American workers earn at least the maximum Social Security tax levy.

Additionally, the best estimates I’ve seen show that 8% of people wait until age 70 to start collecting benefits.

This is the point. To maximize your Social Security benefits, you need to do something for 35 years that only 6% of people do in any given period. one year. And you have to combine that with another behavior that only 8% of people do. For couples to make the most of their social security benefits, both spouses You have to do these things.

Therefore, while it is mathematically possible for a retired couple to receive more than $124,000 in Social Security benefits per year, very rare.

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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Package found at Florida base contained ‘possible energetic material’

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Package found at Florida base contained ‘possible energetic material’

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A suspicious package found outside the gate of a U.S. Air Force base in Florida earlier this week contained “possible energetic material,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday, March 18.

The suspicious package was reported at around 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday, March 16, at the MacDill Air Force Base Visitor Center near the gate, according to a statement from the base. First responders set up a cordon “out of an abundance of caution” and diverted traffic to another gate, the statement said.

By about 5 p.m., the base announced that “the incident was over and the scene was declared safe.” Normal gate operations resumed and the package was removed from the scene by Special Agent Bomb Technicians from the FBI’s Tampa Field Office.

As a result of a preliminary investigation, the FBI announced that it conducted an on-site investigation of the contents of the package and identified “possible energetic materials.” The FBI did not provide details about the substances contained in the package.

According to the Safety Management Service, energetic materials are materials that store large amounts of chemical energy and rapidly release chemical energy through heat, impact, or friction. Common energetic materials include explosives, propellants, and fuels.

The FBI said in a March 18 statement that “final laboratory analysis has not yet been completed” and that “the investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details can be shared at this time.”

MacDill Air Force Base on high alert during Iran war

MacDill Air Force Base is located on the southwest tip of the Interbay Peninsula in Tampa, Florida. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is headquartered at the base and is responsible for military operations in 20 countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.

Since the Iran war began on February 28, U.S. military bases, including MacDill Air Force Base, and federal counterterrorism agencies have been on high alert for possible retaliatory attacks against the United States. Several military bases have been placed on lockdown in response to the potential threat, including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

Latest information on the Iran war: Oil prices soar after attack on Iran’s major gas fields

On Tuesday, March 17, MacDill Air Force Base announced that it is operating under a Force Protection Charlie referred to as “FPCON CHARLIE.” According to the Defense Logistics Agency, the FPCON level is the second highest alert level, indicating a possible threat.

“This posture allows us to proactively implement intentional safety measures,” the base said in a statement. “All personnel must remain vigilant, follow instructions from security forces, and report any suspicious activity immediately. We are all doing our part to protect the base. If you see something, please speak up.”

“We take all threats seriously.”

In the early morning hours of March 18, MacDill Air Force Base received a threat and was ordered to shelter in place. He said the order has since been lifted, but the base is still operating under FPCON CHARLIE.

“We take all threats seriously and are taking appropriate steps to prioritize the safety and security of our facilities,” the base said in a statement. “As a matter of policy, we do not release details about what security measures have been implemented.”

Centcom confirmed last week that six U.S. service members were killed when a KC-135 tanker plane crashed in midair over western Iraq. Three of the service members were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base.

New York prison staff intercepts drone delivering knife with ‘leafy substance’

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New York prison staff intercepts drone delivering knife with ‘leafy substance’

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Authorities said Wednesday, March 18, that a drone flew over the grounds of an upstate New York prison in an attempt to smuggle contraband, releasing a package that contained, among other things, a knife and a “green leafy substance.”

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said in a news release that at approximately 1 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 14, staff at Mercy Correctional Facility detected a drone flying over the facility’s grounds. The drone released a package between dormitory buildings within the facility’s security fence.

The package was quickly recovered by staff, who then notified the department’s Office of Special Investigations and the New York State Police, according to a news release. There were wires protruding from the package, and the New York State Police bomb squad was called to the scene to “ensure the package did not pose an immediate threat,” the news release said.

A prison death has shocked an Alabama town. The sheriff still holds power.

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said the package was opened after it was determined to be safe and authorities found contraband inside. The items included two 8-inch-long double-edged knives and more than a pound of “green leafy material” that appeared to be wrapped in plastic and balloons.

Police said the package also contained five “pieces of paper impregnated with intoxicating chemicals,” a cell phone, two clippers with chargers and accessories, and four bandanas.

The drone was recovered outside the facility in the town of Mercy, New York, about 54 miles east of Syracuse. The ministry said the investigation into the incident is still ongoing and authorities have not identified the person responsible for sending the contraband.

“Contraband entering correctional facilities incites violence and endangers both staff and incarcerated residents,” Daniel F. Martucello III, secretary of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, said in a statement.

“The use of drones to deliver weapons, drugs, and cell phones is an evolving but pressing threat facing our correctional system as we continue to close down other means of bringing contraband into our facilities,” Martucello added.

Contraband cases raise calls for “criminalizing the use of drones”

In response to the incident, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced that it supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to strengthen the state’s ability to combat illegal drone activity by banning the illegal use of drones and restricting their activity in sensitive areas such as correctional facilities.

The governor’s proposal would also create a new criminal offense for illegal drone activity and expand law enforcement’s authority to detect, intercept and neutralize drones that pose a threat to public safety, the department said. Additionally, the proposal would create a registry to identify approved drones and drone mitigation technologies that the state may purchase.

“The use of drones for illegal activities, such as the smuggling of contraband into prisons, poses a growing threat to the safety of everyone inside our prisons,” Chris Summers, president of the New York State Prison Officers and Police Benevolent Association, said in a statement.

Summers added: “This trend poses a significant risk to the safety of both staff and inmates.” “We fully support the Governor’s proposal to criminalize the use of drones within 500 feet of correctional facilities and urge the Legislature to support this important initiative.”

Using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons is not a new tactic; authorities across the country have been grappling with the problem for years. The National Institute of Corrections says contraband such as drugs and weapons pose a “significant risk in correctional settings where the potential for violence and substance abuse is high.”

The Department of Justice reported 130 drone incidents inside federal prisons between 2015 and 2019, according to a 2023 report from the National Institute of Justice. However, the report notes that the number of documented drone incidents is “almost certainly low.”

Several cases in recent years have made national headlines, including the December 2025 shipment of crab legs, steak, and drugs to a South Carolina prison. In March 2024, Georgia authorities arrested and charged 150 people in connection with an elaborate contraband scheme that used drones to deliver drugs to prisons.

Sepsis is “highly treatable.” For prisoners, it is often a death sentence.

Upstate New York prisons under intense surveillance

Mercy Correctional Facility has come under intense scrutiny in recent years for allegations of rampant abuse by staff, retaliation within the facility, poor conditions, and inadequate medical care and services, according to a New York Correctional Association report.

Surveillance of the facility has been increased following several high-profile incidents, including the death of inmate Robert Brooks in 2024, sparking public outrage and community protests. Hochul then ordered prison reforms and the immediate firing of more than a dozen correctional officers involved in the attack.

Brooks, 43, was assaulted by multiple police officers at Mercy Correctional Facility in December 2024 and died at a hospital. The officers did not activate their body cameras, but video taken while their devices were on standby showed them punching, kicking and choking Brooks, who was handcuffed behind his back.

The Utica Observer-Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that 10 correctional officers were charged in the case, and seven of them pleaded guilty to manslaughter or worse. One was convicted of murder, and the other was acquitted last fall.

The incident has renewed calls for accountability and reform within New York’s prison system. Criminal justice reform advocates also highlighted past incidents of alleged misconduct and abuse by state prison staff.

Brooks joins a growing list of state inmates who have died in confrontations with New York prison guards in recent years, USA TODAY Network’s New York team previously reported. Civil rights attorney Katie Rosenfeld has filed multiple lawsuits against the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision over the past two decades, alleging inmate abuse at Mercy Correctional Facility and other facilities.

In a separate lawsuit filed in 2023, civil rights attorney Amy Jane Agnew said staff at Mercy Correctional Institution retaliated against inmates by assaulting them while they were alone in a van with staff.

Contributor: Casey Pritchard Dispatch of Utica lifeguards;Thomas C. Zambito, USA TODAY Network – New York State Team

On Wednesday, March 18th, a Powerball jackpot worth $101 million is up for grabs.

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On Wednesday, March 18th, a Powerball jackpot worth $101 million is up for grabs.

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The Powerball jackpot has increased to $101 million with a cash value of $46 million ahead of the drawing on Wednesday, March 18th.

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

The top five states with the most recipients include Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The most recent Powerball jackpot winner was on Monday, March 2nd.

A lucky player from Arkansas has won a $251 million jackpot. Once winners receive their prize, they can choose to receive an annuitized payment or a lump sum of $118 million. At this time, no one has won the jackpot.

Here’s what you need to know about Picture Wednesday.

What are the winning Powerball numbers for March 18th?

The winning numbers for the March 18 Powerball drawing are 14, 18, 19, 21, 69, and the Powerball is 1. The “power play” multiplier is 3x.

feel lucky: Which Powerball number should you choose?

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

The short answer is no.

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

Top 10 Powerball Jackpots

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

Where were the tickets sold? We have a Mega Millions jackpot winner!

How to play Powerball

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

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

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

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

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot, the prize continues to rise.

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

Beyoncé’s mother temporarily closes Houston rodeo gumbo stand

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Beyoncé’s mother temporarily closes Houston rodeo gumbo stand

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Mama Tina’s Gumbo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been temporarily shut down by the Houston Health Department, the department confirmed to USA TODAY.

The stand, owned by Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, sells classic versions of the Southern dish, but was closed due to “administrative issues,” according to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Houston Department of Health Director Dr. Teresa Tran told USA TODAY in a statement that the department temporarily closed the stand on March 16 to “investigate complaints.” Tran said the stand was “cooperative with the department’s recommendations” and passed inspection.

Mama Tina’s Gumbo was allowed to reopen on March 17, Tran said. Service was restored by March 18, according to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC.

The health department did not give a reason for the stand closure. USA TODAY has reached out to Tina Knowles’ representative for comment.

What is Tina’s Gumbo?

According to Tina Knowles, the pop-up will be an opportunity for Beyoncé’s fans to try the gumbo that she “absolutely loves.”

When asked about her take on the Louisiana classic, Knowles said, “Everyone wanted to try my gumbo.” “I’ve been making gumbo for 40-odd years, and people have been asking for it and asking me to release it. And I finally found a way to make gumbo at an affordable price. I’m really excited.”

There are two options for gumbo. A seafood version with beef sausage, chicken, shrimp and blue crab costs $25. The chicken and sausage only option is $23.

The stand will be open until March 22, USA TODAY previously reported.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world, said Scott Sosebee, Stephen F. Austin State University professor and executive director of the East Texas Historical Society. In 2025, more than 2.7 million people attended the event.

Should I choose Alleviate Tax Relief or Anthem Tax Services?

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Should I choose Alleviate Tax Relief or Anthem Tax Services?

If you are behind on your taxes or facing an IRS collection action, you may be considering professional help. Tax relief companies work with the IRS on your behalf, but not all companies work the same way. Because the IRS ultimately determines eligibility for relief programs, no company can guarantee the outcome.

This Alleviate Tax Relief vs. Anthem Tax Services comparison details how each company structures their services, the types of IRS tax debt cases they typically handle, and what to consider before signing a contract.

Comparison of tax reduction and anthem tax services

Overview of tax relief

Alleviate Tax was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. The company focuses on helping individuals resolve IRS debts and offers a variety of tax relief services.

Services include:

  • Infringed Offer (OIC)
  • installment agreement
  • reduction of penalties
  • Currently Not Collectable (CNC) Declaration
  • innocent spouse relief
  • Bank collection assistance
  • Refund tax declaration
  • professional tax agent

The company has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot and is accredited with an A rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Positive customer feedback often highlights quick communication and knowledgeable staff, while some negative reviews point out that not all cases are successful in resolving debt.

Like many tax relief companies, Alleviate acts as an agent that deals directly with the IRS on your behalf. This process typically begins with a free consultation and financial analysis to determine which IRS programs may apply.

Alleviate uses a flat-fee model, but costs are not published online and vary depending on the complexity of your case.

Who is it best for:Alleviate Tax may be suitable for individuals who have complex IRS tax obligations and would like assistance in preparing detailed applications, such as offers in compromise. It may also appeal to those who prefer a flat fee structure rather than hourly billing.

Are you interested? learn more: Tax Audit Mitigation: Services, Costs, and What You Need to Know

Overview of Anthem Tax Services

Anthem Tax Services was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Westlake Village, California. The firm represents IRS tax debt cases for clients who owe at least $10,000 in unpaid taxes.

Services include:

  • Tax lien, bank collection, and wage garnishment support
  • installment agreement
  • reduction of penalties
  • Currently Not Collectable (CNC) Declaration
  • Offer In Compromise (OIC) application support
  • Preparation for unfiled declaration
  • Corporate tax preparation service

The company has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot and is accredited with an A+ rating by the BBB. Positive reviews often mention professionalism and structured case management, while negative feedback may point to high fees and slow resolution timelines.

At Anthem, we emphasize access to qualified professionals, such as registered agents, CPAs, and tax advisors, depending on your case.

The firm uses a flat-fee model, and costs vary depending on the scope and complexity of the case and are not disclosed.

Who is it best for:Anthem Tax Services may be a good fit for individuals with large tax obligations or more sophisticated IRS collection issues, especially those who desire structured, full-service representation. Minimum debt requirements and a long track record may appeal to customers seeking a more established company.

Are you interested? learn more: Anthem Tax Services Review: Services, Costs, and What You Need to Know

Tax Relief and Anthem Tax Service: Key Differences

When comparing tax relief companies, the biggest differences often come down to experience, pricing, and customer support rather than the core IRS programs offered.

Both Alleviate Tax Services and Anthem Tax Services offer assistance with common IRS tax debt solutions offered by most tax relief companies, including offers in compromise, installment agreements, and hardship programs. They differ in years of experience, minimum debt requirements, and how cases are managed.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the main features.

Eligibility is determined by the IRS based on your financial situation, so neither company can guarantee your results. Alleviate Tax generally appeals to those looking for flexible support for complex cases, while Anthem Tax Services may be better suited for larger debts or more structured representation.

How tax relief company pricing works

When comparing Anthem Tax Services and Alleviate Tax, understanding how pricing works is just as important as comparing the services.

Most tax relief companies take a step-by-step approach based on the complexity of the case.

  • Investigation stage: The company reviews IRS tax returns, checks filing compliance, collects financial information, and assesses which tax relief options are available.
  • Resolution phase: Our firm will prepare and file IRS documents and liaise with the IRS on your behalf to pursue a resolution.

Pricing typically reflects the amount of work required in each phase. More complex cases, such as multiple years of unfiled returns or large tax delinquencies, generally have higher total costs.

For this reason, most tax relief companies do not publish their exact prices online, but instead provide a quote after an initial consultation.

It is also important to understand that no company can guarantee a specific outcome. The IRS makes all final decisions, and programs such as offers in compromise are only approved if the IRS determines that it cannot reasonably collect the full amount owed.

When should you work with a tax relief company?

If your tax situation is complex or requires aggressive collection efforts by the IRS, you may want to consider professional assistance. You may benefit from working with a tax relief company if:

  • have a large amount of debt that cannot be paid in full
  • The IRS has issued a wage garnishment or collection notice
  • There are multiple years of unfiled tax returns.
  • you are facing financial difficulties

If your situation is relatively simple, such as setting up a basic payment plan, you may be able to work directly with the IRS without paying a third-party agent.

Comparing multiple providers can help you understand differences in pricing, communication styles, and case strategies.

Alternatives to hiring a tax relief company

Before working with a tax relief company, consider whether any of the following options meet your needs.

Ultimately, your eligibility for tax relief will depend on your financial situation and IRS standards. It does not depend on which company prepared or filed the document.

conclusion

Anthem Tax Services and Alleviate Tax offer many of the same core IRS resolution services, including support for offers in compromise, payment plans, hardship programs, and more. The main differences come down to experience, minimum debt requirements, and how each company structures their support.

Alleviate Tax may be suitable for individuals seeking flexible support for complex cases, while Anthem Tax Services may appeal to those with large tax obligations who desire a more established firm with structured case management.

Before choosing either company, compare credentials, pricing structures, and how involved you want to be in dealing with the IRS. Keep in mind that no tax relief company can guarantee results. Ultimately, the IRS will determine eligibility based on your financial situation.

Alleviate Tax vs. Anthem FAQ

Is Alleviate Tax Relief better than Anthem Tax Services?

Both companies offer similar IRS tax relief services, including infringement offers and payment plan support. The better choice depends on the situation. Alleviate Tax may appeal to those looking for flexible support for complex cases, while Anthem Tax Services may be better suited to individuals with large tax obligations or those who prefer a more established firm.

How much does a tax relief company typically cost?

Costs vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, including factors such as the amount of tax owed, the number of unfiled returns, and the level of enforcement by the IRS. Most tax relief companies charge a flat fee that is determined after an initial consultation, rather than posting a set price online.

Can tax-exempt companies reduce their IRS liability?

Not necessarily. Only the IRS can approve reductions in tax debt. Programs such as Offer in Compromise are awarded based on your financial situation and ability to pay. Tax Relief Company will assist you in preparing and filing your application, but cannot guarantee acceptance or any particular outcome.

Do I need a tax relief company to work with the IRS?

no. You can work directly with the IRS to set up a payment plan or apply for relief programs. However, some people choose professional representation in cases involving wage garnishments, collections, multiple years of unfiled returns, or complex financial situations.

Are tax relief companies legal?

Many tax relief companies are legal, but the quality of their services, prices, and results vary. Checking third-party ratings, such as BBB accreditation or Trustpilot reviews, and understanding IRS eligibility rules can help you assess whether a company is a good fit.

Top seeds to avoid NCAA picks

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Top seeds to avoid NCAA picks

Ever since March Madness became part of the sports vernacular, the NCAA Tournament framework pool has become a familiar matchup. Broadly speaking, participants fall into two main categories. There are also more casual fans who only pay attention to men’s college hoops during tournaments. They do some research, but mostly rely on name recognition and seeding to fill in the brackets.

And there are some enthusiasts who have been following the sport since November in hopes of accumulating more knowledge for when the brackets are finally announced.

Bold predictions for March Madness: Best Upset Pick, Final Force Reaper

This is for the latter group, those who have watched certain teams throughout the season and are well aware of how fiercely unpredictable they are. These are the teams that cause the most anxiety for self-proclaimed bracket experts as they consider their selections. They have the talent needed for a deep run and are a team that could probably send out the No. 1 packing. But they’re also unstable and just as likely to go up in flames the first weekend. As we consider what to do with these eight teams, all we can say is good luck.

Kansas

The Jayhawks’ history with Bill Self at the helm suggests their Final Four potential shouldn’t be ignored. However, the Big 12’s performance this season has been mixed, with impressive wins against Arizona and Iowa State mixed in with miserable losses to last-place West Virginia and Arizona State. Not all of KU’s instability can be attributed to Darrin Peterson’s precarious health, but it’s certainly part of the story. Florrie Bidunga is sometimes dominant and sometimes inconspicuous, and Melvin Council Jr. is sometimes sizzling and other times ice-cold.

Purdue

The Boilermakers were picked first in the preseason poll. They also played a role at the beginning and end of the campaign. But during that time, they established themselves as a middling team in the Big Ten, an odd situation for a team with several multi-year stars. When Purdue struggled, they had issues on both ends of the floor, at times being defensively indifferent or making bad decisions on the ball. Did the Boilermakers figure things out in the Big Ten Tournament, or will it happen again at the wrong time?

Regional breakdown and forecast: East | South | Midwest | West

Printable bracket: Please enter your NCAA Tournament pool suggestions

arkansas

There are many reasons to support the Razorbacks in their region. Their SEC Tournament title seemed to indicate they were turning up the heat at the right time, and coach John Calipari led the team to a share going into the final weekend. However, since they no longer have to play against Florida or Alabama, their path to the SEC Championship is a little clearer. As with what Darius Acuff Jr. has done in recent weeks, only a few teams have gone that distance with talented freshman lead guards.

gonzaga

Putting the Bulldogs in the Sweet 16 is usually a safe choice, but it’s hard to predict how far this group will push, especially since they’ll face an equally volatile Purdue if their seeding holds. Gonzaga has always had a necessarily tough non-conference schedule, and results this season were mixed. The team’s defense is usually solid, but if Graham Ike inevitably has to contend with bigger post players, the Zags may not have enough perimeter scoring options to compensate.

university university

A few weeks ago, the Huskies swept St. John’s, putting them on track for the top seed and in good position to win their third national title in four years. Since then, there’s been a loss to Marquette in the Big East finals, a come-from-behind loss to the Red Storm, not to mention a number of other shaky games and another Danny Hurley meltdown. When considering how much to trust a Husky in a highly loaded area, it’s quite a challenge. When Solo Ball is at UCon, they can beat anyone, but when he’s not there, they struggle the rest of the game.

Alabama

The Crimson Tide was slated to join this wild-card list even before news of Aiden Holloway’s legal troubles broke. Either way, Alabama’s “food or starvation” approach from the 3-point arc could continue all the way to the Final Four, just like it did a few years ago. This year’s version lacks rim protection, forcing teams to rely on ball pressure to generate takeaways, and this high-energy approach may not be sustainable in the tournament’s fast turnaround settings. And missing out on one of your best players on the eve of an event may be too difficult to handle.

illinois

In early February, the Fighting Illini were on a 12-game winning streak with veteran guard Kylan Boswell returning from injury and a path to the No. 1 seed in sight. But after that, the University of Illinois finished with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses, with 4 of the 5 losses coming in overtime. All of the losses were against other tournament teams, but the thorny issue of not being able to make winning plays in close games should be on everyone’s mind as the Big Dance begins.

virginia

It’s nothing new for the Cavaliers to appear in the bracket, but this year’s version is built quite differently than Tony Bennett’s teams of recent vintage. First and foremost, fans will see the team play at a much faster tempo under first-year coach Ryan Odom. But the real mystery for UVa is how they stack up against other Power League teams. The Cavaliers played most of their games in a depleted ACC, but other than a win over Texas, their non-conference resume entering the postseason was relatively unremarkable.

Chairman Powell cites ‘uncertainty’ as stock prices fall and oil prices soar

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Chairman Powell cites ‘uncertainty’ as stock prices fall and oil prices soar

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Stocks fell after the US Federal Reserve ended its two-day policy meeting on March 18 without changing interest rates, citing uncertainty from the Iran war and concerns about inflation.

The Dow and S&P 500 fell 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively, to their lowest since November. The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 1.5%.

more: Fed leaves interest rates unchanged as Iran war and oil prices put pressure on economy

Bonds fell, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury note up nearly 6 basis points to about 4.26%. Bond yields and prices are moving in opposite directions, with investors selling bonds as inflation heats up. The overall price inflation rate announced this morning was higher than analysts expected.

Meanwhile, oil and gas prices remain high. As of Wall Street’s close for the day, Brent crude oil was trading around $105 a barrel, up nearly 6%, and the national average for a gallon of gasoline is now $3.86, according to tracking by GasBuddy.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell highlighted the uncertainty caused by the Iran war as the main reason the Fed is keeping interest rates steady.

On Wednesday, Wall Street’s “fear gauge” VIX composite index soared nearly 10%.

Alabama student goes missing in Spain. His family is asking for help.

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Alabama student goes missing in Spain. His family is asking for help.

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The family of an Alabama college student is asking the public for help finding the 20-year-old college student who went missing during a trip to Barcelona, ​​Spain.

James “Jimmy” Gracie of Elmhurst, Illinois, was visiting a friend who was studying abroad during spring break, according to a social media post from his mother, Therese Maren Gracie.

According to the post, the University of Alabama student was last seen by friends at the Choco Barcelona club on Barceloneta Beach around 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday, March 17. Gracie remained at the club after her friend left and did not return to the Airbnb where she was staying. He was reported missing later the same day.

Gracie also doesn’t have a cell phone, but police do.

Gracie was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants, possibly jogging, her mother said. He usually wears a gold chain around his neck with a rhinestone cross.

He is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 175 pounds, according to a statement from public relations firm Heron Agency. A Facebook page called Help Find Jimmy Gracey has been created to assist in the search.

Catalan police Mossos d’Esquadra is investigating the matter, the agency told CNN. The University of Alabama released a statement saying Gracie was traveling on her own, but university officials were “in contact with her family and associates to provide all possible support and assistance.”

Anyone with information regarding his disappearance is asked to call 224-505-3886.

Boycott of Target reignites after pastor abruptly cancels DEI

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Boycott of Target reignites after pastor abruptly cancels DEI

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Atlanta pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant’s announcement sparked fireworks when he called off a year-long targeted fast.

At a hastily convened press conference outside Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis on March 11, grassroots activists denounced Bryant and told the world that a national boycott of the company’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion was not his goal. Targeted shoppers, particularly black women, attacked his Instagram page, claiming he did not represent them.

Two days later, Bryant admitted on the “Let’s Be Clear” podcast that he “looked at the room the wrong way.”

“I was reading a different sheet of music,” he said. “I would like to apologize for being a leader who was out of step with what the community wanted.”

When Target repealed its DEI policy shortly after President Donald Trump took office, it sparked a boycott across the United States. From church pulpits to community meetings, this policy U-turn was widely seen as a betrayal of the black Americans who have supported the retail giant’s wealth.

The national uproar largely subsided until this new controversy thrust the Target boycott back into the public spotlight.

Minneapolis civil rights activist and attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, founder of the Racial Justice Network, launched the boycott in February 2025, along with Minnesota Black Lives Matter co-founder Monique Cullors Doty, Minnesota CAIR Executive Director Jailani Hussein, and others.

Armstrong told USA TODAY that Black shoppers won’t return until Target changes its DEI policies.

“Target’s refusal to reinstate its DEI promise makes clear that it is willing to lose Black consumers and women (many of whom have already left) to appease its MAGA customer base,” Armstrong said. “Target made a conscious choice to align with the Trump administration. We the people made a conscious choice to take our money elsewhere.”

How diverse are American companies? The number of black leaders is increasing, but white men still dominate.

Former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner said her organization, We Are Somebody, which called for a national boycott the day after Target announced cuts to its DEI program, is not giving up either.

“In previous meetings between organizers and Target’s management, the company’s management was hostile to the very idea of ​​diversity, equity and inclusion,” Turner told USA TODAY. “While Pastor Bryant will be stepping back from our efforts, we will not only continue our boycott, but will further escalate our actions to hold companies accountable.”

For Target shoppers, the boycott is personal

Shoppers who haven’t set foot in a Target store in over a year made their feelings known on social media.

“Black women said don’t go to that shitty store,” Gina Meadows, 45, a digital creator from Atlanta who encourages people to read more, said on her Instagram account. “We can renovate, revive, and renew, but we cannot go back.”

Meadows shopped at Target two or three times a week. The reason for this was that the company’s ads featuring black people and black culture, as well as products for and by black people, made them feel seen.

Whether collaborating with actress Tabitha Brown or scouting blenders, she stopped by Target just to check on the latest information. I took my girlfriend to Target on a date and we got to know each other as we strolled down the aisles. “This was one of the best dates I’ve ever been on,” she said. But now the man is history, and so is the target, she said.

The Black community is not monolithic, and many Black people still shop at Target, but Meadows said those angry about the abandonment of DEI “will never turn back.” “We don’t need an apology. We don’t need an HBCU initiative. It’s over. It’s over.”

“They don’t care about us.”

Like Meadows, Karen Jones, 56, a retired National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employee and longtime red card shopper from Severn, Md., used to rely entirely on Target.

It’s her one-stop shop for Christmas and Easter, and it’s been her go-to store no matter where she lives or what’s going on in her life, even when her oldest daughter was murdered last year.

“It was the most devastating thing I’ve ever experienced,” she told USA TODAY. “It seems like a small thing, but when I went to buy clothes for her memorial service, I went to Target. That was the first place I wanted to go.”

Jones said she hasn’t been back since Target’s DEI policy change and has no plans to return to her old shopping destination. Target doesn’t have her trust or her wallet, she says.

“To have them make the decisions that they’ve made since the new administration took office was very hurtful, just very hurtful,” Jones said. “We’re not a community that’s going to throw money at a company that doesn’t care about us. And we feel like they don’t care about us.”

Target declined to comment. In a previous statement to USA TODAY, Target said it is “more committed than ever to creating growth and opportunity for everyone.”

“We will continue to serve as a trusted neighbor while delivering results for our team members, guests and the more than 2,000 communities we serve,” the company said in a statement. “Because when those communities thrive, we thrive.”

From DEI cheerleader to backpedaler

Target was once one of the most vocal supporters of black Americans. It dedicated shelf space to black businesses and promoted collaborations with black businesses. It appeared at the Essence Festival of Culture, an annual celebration of black culture.

Racial justice emerged as an even higher priority after the 2020 killing of George Floyd just a few miles from our headquarters. The company has committed to increasing the number of Black employees across the company by 20% and committed to spending more than $2 billion to Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025.

But when President Trump issued an executive order aimed at eliminating “illegal DEI” in the federal government and private sector, Target joined the flood of DEI efforts.

President Trump wants to end affirmative action. how is he going to do it

Major companies have abandoned DEI programs to avoid scrutiny from the White House. Diversity goals were raised to increase the black workforce. Our supplier diversity program has been rebranded to no longer consider race or gender.

Target said at the time that it was keeping pace with the “evolving external environment.” But that backpedaling has put the company in a difficult position.

For many years, it has been affectionately known as “Tar-zhay” and has benefited from its close ties to the Black community and Black-owned brands. Church pastors and community activists have now taken up arms across the country to protest.

DEI is just one target problem

This was not the first time Target had been targeted culturally. In recent years, when anti-DEI groups launched boycotts over “woke” culture, Target responded by scaling back its Pride Month merchandise, angering LGBTQ+ customers.

Increased pressure from activists on both sides is one of the biggest challenges facing CEO Michael Fidelke, who took over as CEO in August, said David Primo, a political science and business professor at the University of Rochester in New York.

Target has reported 13 consecutive quarters of poor sales. Company officials acknowledged that shopper anger was a contributing factor.

“Target remains a battleground for activists of the right and left, and the new CEO has not yet found a way to extricate the company from this role,” Primo said. “Mr. Fidelke already faces the huge task of turning around a company with serious financial problems. This certainly won’t solve the problem.”

Fidelke recently laid out a $6 billion turnaround plan that calls for new investments in stores, employees and technology. He also reduced prices on more than 3,000 products.

“The reality is that while the boycott has had some financial impact on Target, it is not the primary cause of the chain’s sales decline. That decline started long before DEI became an issue, and is driven by poor execution, particularly in-store pricing, service and out-of-stock issues,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. “However, boycotts are not helpful and create a lot of negative noise.”

This negative noise was picked up in Fidelke’s recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, in which he admitted that Target was “not clear enough about who we are.”

Paul Argenti, a professor of corporate communications at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, said targets need to be clearer and more authentic to customers.

“Stakeholders are testing whether the target’s behaviors, messages, and values ​​are aligned over time,” Argenti said. “At times like these, companies have three options: readjust their strategy, strengthen their position on clear grounds, or retreat.The worst outcome is ambiguity, with no clear indication of which path their actions and messages have taken.”

Dairy Queen will be giving away free cones on March 19th. How to get it

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Dairy Queen will be giving away free cones on March 19th. How to get it

Dairy Queen wants to start spring off right with free ice cream.

The fast-food ice cream and burger chain has been hosting “Free Cone Day” since 2015, celebrating the change of seasons by handing out free vanilla soft serve cones. This year’s giveaway will be on Thursday, March 19th, which falls on Friday, March 20th, the day before the arrival of spring.

Dairy Queen is also giving one customer the chance to earn free cones for a year. For your chance to win, download the DQ app and sign up for the DQ Rewards loyalty program.

“Free Cone Day is all about celebrating the simple joys of warm weather, traditional vanilla cones, and the happiness that comes from sharing smiles,” Maria Håkanson, executive vice president of marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation, said in a news release. “Seeing people light up on free cones is really special. This year, we’re excited to give away more cones than ever and create even more happy moments for our fans.”

Here’s what you need to know about Dairy Queen’s 2026 Free Cone Day and how to get a free ice cream cone.

Pepsi: New Limited Edition Out-of-this-World Flavored Drinks Now Available With Project Hail Mary

How to get free cones at Dairy Queen

Visit any Dairy Queen location outside participating malls on Thursday, March 19th and get a free small vanilla soft serve cone. No need to purchase (one per person) while supplies last. This offer does not apply to delivery or mobile orders. On March 19th, visit DairyQueen.com or use the DQ app to find a DQ restaurant near you.

Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters also appear.

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Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters also appear.

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Eric Dane’s widow Rebecca Gayheart and her two children made their first public appearance in Los Angeles since the Grey’s Anatomy actor’s tragic death on February 19th.

Gayheart, 54, brought her daughters Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14, to the premiere of “The Drama” on Tuesday night, March 17. According to Vogue, the teens hugged their late father’s Euphoria co-star Zendaya (who played opposite Robert Pattinson in A24) at the event’s afterparty.

Dane died on February 19 at the age of 53 from respiratory failure after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS, a rare degenerative disease that can affect the brain and spinal cord.

USA TODAY obtained a copy of his death certificate on March 2 confirming his cause of death.

His attorney, Melissa Banks, said in a Feb. 19 statement that he spent his final days “a dear friend, devoted wife, and the center of his world to his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia.”

How long have Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart been married?

Gayheart and Married Dane tied the knot in 2004.

Following his death, she thanked her friends, family and fans for the “outpouring of love and support” on her Instagram Stories on February 22nd, writing: “There are not enough words to express my gratitude. You are truly supporting us during this difficult time.”

The two filed for divorce in 2018, but Gayheart legally denied the divorce three years later, around the time Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis.

In December, Gayheart wrote about their unusual relationship in an essay for The Cut, sharing that they lived in the same house, although not exclusively, for eight years.

“He has dated other people and I have dated others. It’s a very complicated relationship and one that confuses people. Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love,” she wrote. “Eric knows that I always want the best for him. I’m going to do the best for him, and I know he’ll do the same for me.”

Will Eric Dane appear in ‘Euphoria’ Season 3?

Eric Dane will play troubled father Cal Jacobs in Season 3 of the Emmy Award-winning HBO series Euphoria.

“I feel lucky to be able to continue working and look forward to returning to the set of ‘Euphoria’ next week,” he told People magazine in April 2025.

Since the coming-of-age drama premiered in 2019 with Zendaya, Coleman Domingo, Hunter Schafer and Sidney Sweeney, he played the real estate businessman and closeted bisexual father of Jacob Elordi’s Nate Jacobs.

Contributor: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

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