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Magnetic games sold on Amazon recalled due to risk of serious injury

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The magnetic chess game is being recalled due to the risk of serious injury or death from magnetic ingestion, according to a recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

According to the CPSC, the Kluster Fun Tabletop Magnet Chess Game was recalled on March 12 because the game violates mandatory toy standards because a strong magnet that fits inside the agency’s small parts cylinder is loose and poses a risk of ingestion to children.

The game includes magnets that are approximately 0.5 to 1 inch wide and 0.3 to 0.4 inch tall. The unit will be sold in a black box with the word “Kluster” on the front.

According to the notice, the game includes approximately 24 magnets, an orange string, an instruction manual and a black storage pouch with “Kluster” printed on the front. The game was sold in a white pouch with gameplay instructions on the back.

If ingested, the magnets attract each other and can become stuck in the digestive system, causing perforation, twisting or obstruction of the intestines, sepsis and death, the notice states.

Approximately 151,600 games are affected.

What to do if you have a recalled game

Stoney Games is advising purchasers to immediately stop using the recalled magnet games, keep them away from children, and contact the company for instructions on how to dispose of the recalled magnets and how to receive a replacement magnet that does not have small parts, the notice states.

No injuries or incidents related to the recall have been reported.

These games were sold for $15 to $20 from October 2018 to September 2025 at independent game stores nationwide and online at Klustermagnets.com, Amazon.com, and Etsy.com.

The game was manufactured in China and the recall number was 26-319.

How to contact the manufacturer

For more information, contact Stoney Games Monday through Friday at 800-362-0977, email klusterrecall@gmail.com, or online at www.klustermagnets.com/recall or at www.klustermagnets.com by clicking “Recall” at the top of the page.

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

White House concedes to Democrats to end DHS shutdown

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The Trump administration made several promises in exchange for funding to the Department of Homeland Security. All of these come with caveats.

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WASHINGTON — In an effort to end a rapidly worsening Department of Homeland Security shutdown, the White House has proposed expanding the use of body-worn cameras for federal immigration enforcement agents and limiting their operations in churches, schools and hospitals.

But a month into the crisis, the Trump administration remains opposed to any mask ban for law enforcement officers, one of the most contentious parts of the debate over 9/11 Cabinet Office reform.

The concessions were detailed in a March 17 letter from senior Trump administration officials to Senate Republican leaders regarding the status of negotiations between the White House and Congressional Democrats.

The letter underscores growing pressure on the Trump administration and lawmakers to end the government shutdown that has come under widespread scrutiny since the killing of two Minnesotans by Homeland Security officials earlier this year, as terrorist threats grow and airport security lines grow longer across the United States.

He also emphasized how Republicans and Democrats continue to hold firm on their respective political positions even as the effects of the government shutdown increase day by day. The letter does not mention banning face coverings, which Democrats say is a priority. And even its most important concessions included caveats (or were already agreed to otherwise or enshrined in federal law).

Still, the letter’s authors, Border Czar Tom Homan and White House Legislative Director James Braid, insisted the administration was trying to negotiate in good faith to resolve the funding crunch.

“Democrats should really be ashamed of themselves for putting our country and so many federal employees in this position,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, told reporters on March 17.

Democrats placed the blame on Republicans. They have indicated that while they support President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, they want larger policy changes.

“Personnel changes alone are not enough,” House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said on March 16. “We need policy changes. We need dramatic, bold, meaningful changes to ensure that ICE behaves like any other law enforcement agency in the country.”

What else did the White House propose?

In a letter to Congress, White House officials pledged to limit immigration enforcement operations in so-called “sensitive locations” such as churches and schools. But that promise included “narrow carve-outs that address pressing needs such as national security, flight risk, and public safety.”

There was no statement supporting a mask ban, but the administration said it would require federal employees to identify themselves upon request (“undercover agents are not subject to these requirements,” according to the letter).

Officials also pledged not to deport or knowingly detain U.S. citizens “unless in violation of a state or federal law under which they may be arrested.”

Democrats seek to force piecemeal legislation on TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard

In recent weeks, Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass legislation that would support other important parts of the Department of Homeland Security, including the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. More than 300 TSA employees have retired since the shutdown began, and deployment rates have risen rapidly, raising security hurdles for airports and raising the risk that smaller airports could be closed down in the future.

But Democrats have intentionally left out funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection from these proposals while negotiations with the White House continue.

“Fund FEMA, not ICE,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, wrote on social media last week. “It’s pretty clear.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson says a funding bill that ignores ICE and CBP is not a start for Republicans.

“As one of the key agencies responsible for protecting the homeland, Customs and Border Protection plays an irreplaceable role in the national security framework. This is not a game,” he told reporters on March 17.

On March 18, House Democrats plan to move forward with a second vote to only fund the less controversial parts of DHS. With a razor-thin Republican majority, they hope to take aim at at least some Republicans whose voters may be dissatisfied with the TSA’s woes and the impact of the shutdown.

The House-passed bill still requires Senate approval, which is unlikely to happen until Democrats reach a deal with the White House.

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

Miley Cyrus fights back with a Hannah Montana song. Does she tour?

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Hannah Montana is ready to roll out in her limousine and have the whole world say “ooh!”

The March 17 trailer for Disney+’s Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special shows Miley Cyrus incarnating her blonde alter ego for the first time in decades, performing two songs that took fans back to the early 2000s.

Of course, this included “Best of Both Worlds,” the theme song for the Disney Channel sitcom that aired from 2006 to 2011. She also performed the powerful ballad “The Climb,” which was featured in the 2009 feature film “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”

The trailer also included old footage of the “Flowers” singer as a character in the series, several magazine covers in which she appeared, a convertible with the license plate “HM 20,” and the studio grounds of the house where her character lived.

“We have a lot of common memories. We actually grew up together,” Cyrus Cyrus tells the audience in the trailer. “I loved being Hannah then, and now I live for it.”

Miley Cyrus told her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, “I love you” both in real life and on TV, to which he responded, “The best of both worlds.” The trailer also features an interview between the Grammy Award winner and “Call Her Daddy” host Alex Cooper.

Will Miley Cyrus tour as Hannah Montana?

Cyrus and Disney have not announced any plans for a Hannah Montana tour.

The “Party in the USA” singer previously explained why she hasn’t toured since her 2014 “Bangers” world tour.

In a May 2023 interview with British Vogue magazine, she said that while she enjoys performing for friends, “singing in front of hundreds of thousands of people is not something I really like.”

“There’s no connection. There’s no safety,” Cyrus told the show. “It’s not natural either. When you’re in front of 100,000 people, you’re all alone, so it’s very isolating.”

Watch the trailer for “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special”

Where can I watch “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special”?

“Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” will be released on Disney+ on March 24th.

The streaming service is home to “Hannah Montana” Collectionoffers all four seasons of the TV series, “Hannah Montana the Movie” and “Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Concert.”

Contributors: Amaris Oaks, Edward Segarra, Brendan Morrow

Taco Bell is adding two new chicken items to its menu. what are they?

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Why did the chicken cross the road? To go to Taco Bell, of course!

On Tuesday, March 17th, Taco Bell announced two new chicken-centric menu items that will be available starting Thursday, March 19th. Available for a limited time, the brand new Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders combine Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets and Crunchwrap Sliders. And coming to the full-time menu is the Cantina Chicken Rolled Quesadilla.

The announcement comes a day after the fast food chain announced that the popular Nacho Fries will be a permanent fixture on the menu, in addition to Flamin’ Hot Nacho Fries.

Want a bite? Here’s what you need to know about the new Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders and Cantina Chicken Rolled Quesadillas.

What’s the new chicken menu coming to Taco Bell?

Two new items are coming to Taco Bell’s menu this month.

  • crispy chicken crunchwrap sliders ($2.49): Chicken nuggets are marinated, coated in tortilla chip breadcrumbs and folded into flour tortillas with your choice of three-cheese blend, pico de gallo, creamy chipotle sauce or jalapeño honey mustard sauce. Wrap each slider one by one and bake.

  • cantina chicken roll quesadilla ($6.69): Cantina chicken layered with a three-cheese blend and creamy chipotle sauce, wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled. Serve with reduced-fat sour cream and avocado verde salsa.

Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders are also available in the $9 Discovery Luxe Cravings Box. These include Cheese Gordita Crunch, Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos, Chips and Nacho Cheese Sauce, and a Medium Fountain Drink.

When will new chicken items be added to Taco Bell’s menu?

Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders and Cantina Chicken Rolled Quesadillas will be available starting Thursday, March 19th. The Crunchwrap sliders will be available for a limited time, while the rolled quesadillas will be permanent, according to a Taco Bell news release.

Taco Bell launches stationery inspired by Crunchwrap

In addition to the new menu items, Taco Bell is launching a limited edition Junk Journal Stationery Kit inspired by Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders to 500 people. The kit includes a journal, Crunchwrap Slider sticker sheet and washi tape, according to a news release.

This kit will be available on April 7th from 5pm to 6pm ET on the Taco Bell mobile app’s Tuesday Drop page.

Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

What Illinois Election Day Means for America

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Today is Election Day in Illinois, and the Midwestern state’s primary campaign is featuring some troubling made-for-TV scenes that could predict how the election will pan out later this year.

Jesse Jackson Jr., the son of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, is back on the ballot after years of controversy. Rep. Chuy Garcia’s legislative chief of staff is expected to succeed her after her former boss bypassed a state filing deadline to make way for her. And the heated Democratic primary to replace U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is nearing its end.

Particularly in Senate races, political observers sit on the edge of the seat. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has a significant spending advantage over Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly. But in recent months, Stratton has touted his support from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and released viral ads featuring expletives targeting President Donald Trump.

The St. Patrick’s Day vote will take place about eight months after Election Day, as both parties seek a majority in the House and Democrats remain bullish on their chances of retaking the Senate later this year despite the difficult climate.

Groups linked to AIPAC spend huge sums of money in parliamentary elections

The race in the 9th Congressional District could signal a potential shift in how Democratic voters view Israel and in spending from the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Groups affiliated with AIPAC participated in the race, running ads critical of the front-runners, Evanston Mayors Daniel Biss and Kat Abu-Ghazaleh. State Sen. Laura Fine is also considered a possible candidate in the district, which includes parts of Chicago and nearby suburbs such as Evanston (home of Northwestern University) and Glenview.

Mr. Fine has supported Israel without Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Mr. Abu Ghazaleh and Mr. Bis, both Palestinian Americans, have taken a harder line, according to a position paper obtained by Jewish Insider. The race is expected to replace Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who backed Biss and retired.

Mr. Abu Ghazaleh, a Gen Z influencer with more than 650,000 followers, has led the campaign with more than $3 million in funding since its launch, while Mr. Bis is leading the polls, according to interactive data from The New York Times. Abu Ghazaleh has pleaded not guilty to charges brought in connection with protests against the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign.

Jesse Jackson Jr. returns to polling place in Illinois after father’s death

After his father passed away a month ago, Mr. Jackson Jr. plans to return to the Chicago ballot for the former congressman’s seat in the state’s 2nd District, which he held from 1995 until he resigned in 2012. Jackson Jr. was convicted of campaign finance crimes in August 2013 and subsequently served time in federal prison, according to his government resume.

At the time of his resignation from Congress, he was on medical leave and had twice been treated for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic. He was the subject of two separate misconduct investigations. One from the House Ethics Committee and the other from the U.S. Department of Justice.

His fiercest opponents include Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and state Sen. Robert Peters.

Senate race tests Democrats’ message on Trump and ICE

Tuesday night’s Illinois Senate race will likely be the most complicated primary in Illinois. The race to replace Durbin, the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate, is centered around Kelly, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Mr. Stratton and Mr. Pritzker, the No. 2 presidential candidate in 2028. and prolific fundraiser Krishnamoorthi.

In a January debate, the three leading candidates called for an overhaul of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but their styles differed depending on their position. Stratton called for the abolition of ICE, and Kelly said it should be “dismantled.” Five-term Congressman Krishnamoorthi has been less than enthusiastic about abolishing or dismantling ICE, blaming Trump for ICE’s recent PR woes.

If either Kelly or Stratton wins, she would likely become the sixth Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, and only the second Black woman from Illinois, after former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun. Mr. Stratton has received financial and political support from Mr. Pritzker in this race.

Currently, there are only two black women serving in the U.S. Senate, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Allsbrooks of Maryland, making up only a small portion of the chamber given that the Democratic voting base is made up of black women. Stratton’s supporters have criticized the fact that pro-Krishnamoorthi organizations are backing Kelly, including the Indian American Impact Fund and groups connected to the crypto industry, including a super PAC called Fairsake.

Contributor: Catalina Camia, Philip M. Bailey

USA vs. Venezuela WBC Score Live, Championship Baseball Match TV Channel

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The United States will face Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic Championship game in Miami on Tuesday, with Team USA looking to win its second championship of the tournament.

The United States defeated the powerful Dominican Republic team in the semifinals, and Venezuela defeated Italy, who had already eliminated defending champion Japan. New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean will start for Team USA in the championship game after only eight starts in MLB.

“Honestly, I think you’d be crazy not to want to do this,” McLean said the day before the start. “I just had the opportunity to go out there and compete honestly against the best players in the world with America as a country in my heart.”

Follow us for live updates:

  • time: 8pm ET
  • TV Channel: Fox
  • live stream: FoxSports.com // Fubo

Watch America’s WBC title fight on Fubo!

Leading off in the top of the fifth inning, Wylier Abreu hit a solo home run to center field off Nolan McLean, doubling Venezuela’s lead.

Up to 4: Venezuela 1, America 0

Eduardo Rodriguez held the strong American batting lineup to four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Venezuela leads 1-0 through the fifth inning at Lawn Depot Park. American starting pitcher Nolan McLean pitched four innings, striking out four and allowing just one run.

Salvador Perez singled, Ronald Acuña Jr. walked, and Nolan McLean’s one-out wild pitch advanced runners to second and third base. Michael Garcia hit a long sacrifice fly to center field, and Perez scored to give Venezuela a 1-0 lead. McLean grounded out Luis Arraez and the top of the third inning ended without further damage.

Nolan McLean was hit with a two-out single by Ezequiel Tovar in the top of the second inning, but Wylya Abreu popped out to shortstop and the game remained scoreless until the bottom of the second inning. The right-hander had two strikeouts on just 18 pitches.

Ronald Acuña Jr. dived on Nolan McLean’s first pitch of the game and singled to center field, but right-hander Michael Garcia grounded into a 5-4-3 double play and Luis Arraez flied out to center field to end the top of the first inning. McLean, 24, needed just five pitches to finish the inning.

starting pitcher:RHP Nolan McLean (Mets)

  1. bobby witt jr. – SS (Royals)
  2. bryce harper – 1B (Phillies)
  3. aaron judge – RF (Yankees)
  4. Kyle Schwarber – DH (Phillies)
  5. alex bregman – 3B (Cubs)
  6. roman anthony – LF (Red Sox)
  7. Will Smith – C (Dodgers)
  8. Bryce Turan – 2B (Brewmaker)
  9. byron buxton – CF (Twins)

Starting pitcher: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

  1. Ronald Acuña Jr. – RF (Braves)
  2. Michael Garcia – 3B (Royals)
  3. Luis Arraez – 1B (parents)
  4. Eugenio Suarez – DH (Diamondbacks)
  5. Gleyber Torres – 2B (Yankees)
  6. Ezequiel Tovar – SS (Rockies)
  7. Wylier Abreu – LF (Red Sox)
  8. Salvador Perez – C (Royals)
  9. Jackson Cholio – CF (Brewers)

Eduardo Rodriguez stats

  • 2025 (ARI): 9–9, ERA 5.02, IP 154.1, SO 143
  • 2024 (ARI): 3–4, ERA 5.04, IP 50.0, SO 47
  • 2023 (that): 13–9, ERA 3.30, IP 152.2, SO 143
  • 2022 (that): 5–5, ERA 4.05, IP 91.0, SO 72
  • 2021 (BOS): 13–8, ERA 4.74, IP 157.2, SO 185
  • 2020 (BOS): didn’t play
  • 2019 (BOS): 19–6, ERA 3.81, IP 203.1, SO 213
  • 2018 (BOS): 13 wins, 5 losses, ERA 3.82, IP 129.2, SO 146
  • 2017 (BOS): 6–7, ERA 4.19, IP 137.1, SO 150
  • 2016 (BOS): 3–7, ERA 4.71, IP 107.0, SO 100
  • 2015 (BOS): 10–6, ERA 3.85, IP 121.2, SO 98

nolan mclean statistics

Surprisingly, he performed better in the National League than the International League. He allowed just 34 hits in 48 innings, posting a 2.06 ERA, 57-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 1.04 WHIP.

The Mets won seven of McLean’s eight starts, his only setback being a 1-0 loss to the division champion Phillies. Not that Philadelphia got the best of him. He also pitched eight shutout innings against the Phillies at Citi Field, allowing just four hits in his third major league start.

  • bob nightengale: USA 8, Venezuela 3
  • Gabe Lux: USA 8, Venezuela 6
  • steve gardner: USA 5, Venezuela 2
  • Jesse Yomtov: USA 7, Venezuela 6

USA vs Venezuela betting odds

(Odds by BetMGMas of 3:00 p.m. ET)

  • Venezuela:+200
  • US:-250

USA Baseball is trying to get a glimpse of the men’s hockey team, from the championship team to another team with a chance of winning, ahead of the World Baseball Classic title game against Venezuela.

These are game-worn sweaters by the U.S. men’s hockey team, the same team that won gold at the Milan-Cortina Olympics less than a month ago. Team USA is coming to Lawn Depot Park in style. You could call it golden yellow.

– John Hoefling

The role has proven to be very fluid during Team USA’s checkered 20-year history in the World Baseball Classic.

The player became the manager. After playing for their fathers, the stars became coaches themselves and eventually became team photographers. And getting the right board structure is an ever-evolving process.

Until now, maybe. Mark DeRosa will lead Team USA in the WBC for the second year in a row, becoming the first captain to lead the team for the second time.

His WBC history goes even deeper. DeRosa was a valuable utility player during his major league career, going 6-for-19 with seven runs scored for the 2009 team, which lost to Japan in the semifinals. He will have to lead the U.S. to a finals appearance in 2023 and manage what is currently considered the most talented of the U.S.’s six WBC entries.

– Gabe Lux

pitcher

  • RHP David Bednar
  • LHP Matthew Boyd
  • LHP Garrett Cleavinger
  • LHP Tim Hill
  • RHP Jeff Hoffman
  • RHP Clay Homes
  • RHP Griffin Jacks
  • RHP Brad Keller
  • RHP Nolan McLean
  • RHP Mason Miller
  • RHP Tyler Rogers
  • RHP Paul Skeens
  • LHP Gabe Speier
  • RHP gets rights

catcher

  • Will Smith – Dodgers
  • Cal Lowry – Mariners

infielder

  • Alex Bregman – Red Sox
  • Ernie Clement – ​​Blue Jays
  • Paul Goldschmidt – Yankees
  • Bryce Harper – Phillies
  • Gunnar Henderson – Orioles
  • Bryce Turan – Brewers
  • Bobby Witt Jr. – Royals

outfielder

  • Roman Anthony – Red Sox
  • Byron Buxton – Twins
  • Pete Crowe Armstrong – Cubs
  • Aaron Judge – Yankees
  • Kyle Schwarber – Phillies

American WBC History vs. Venezuela

Tuesday’s final was the sixth WBC competition between the United States and Venezuela, with Team USA winning three of the first five meetings.

  • 2023 Quarterfinals: USA 9, Venezuela 7
  • 2017 2nd round: USA 4, Venezuela 2
  • 2009 Round 2: Venezuela 10, USA 6
  • 2009 1st Round: Venezuela 5, USA 3
  • 2009 1st round: USA 16, Venezuela 6

Who is Nolan MacLean?

It wasn’t that long ago that McLean dreamed of following in Shohei Ohtani’s footsteps. The Mets drafted him in the third round as a two-way player out of Oklahoma State in 2023 and kept him at bat through the 2024 season.

As MacLean racked up an impressive starting record at Syracuse, posting a 2.78 ERA in 16 games, the demand for him to anchor the Mets’ struggling rotation grew louder. He finally arrived on August 16th and became perhaps the most reliable cog on a Mets team that couldn’t stop its free fall.

McLean’s arm made contact a problem when he moved up to Class AA. He had 74 strikeouts in 143 at-bats in Class A and Class AA. It was pitching.

On that front, he was averaging strikeouts per inning, which was good. And in 2025, he graduated from Class AA Binghamton to AAA Syracuse in just five starts, where he excelled even more.

– Gabe Lux

  • 2023: Japan
  • 2017: America
  • 2013: dominican republic
  • 2009: Japan
  • 2006: Japan
  • time: 8pm ET
  • TV Channel: Fox
  • live stream: Fubo

Watch the WBC Championship on Fubo

Where is the World Baseball Classic held?

Tuesday’s WBC Championship Game will be held at Lawndepot Park in Miami, home of the Marlins.

Billiards games were held in Tokyo, Miami, Houston, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with quarterfinals held in Houston and Miami. Both semi-finals were also held at Lawndepot Park.

The finals are scheduled on the following dates:

  • date: March 17, 2026
  • time: 8:00 PM (Eastern Time)
  • site: Lawn Depot Park, Miami

Watch USA vs. Venezuela on Fubo!

Explaining the difference between single-hung windows and double-hung windows

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Whether you’re building your dream home or upgrading your current home, make sure to invest in the right windows for your home. Ventilation, natural light, and design aesthetics are all important home features that are affected by the type of windows you choose.

When it comes to window types, the two most common styles are single-hung and double-hung. Although similar in appearance, each style has its pros and cons, which we have explored and highlighted below.

To find out the real difference between the two, the USA TODAY team turned to Nicole Willits, Pella’s Design Trends, Product and Sustainability Manager.

Here’s everything you need to know about single-hung and double-hung windows, including price, installation, and the pros and cons to consider.

Single-hung and double-hung windows: an overview

The main difference between double-hung and single-hung windows is the sash, which is the frame-like part of the window that holds the glass panels in place.

For single sliding windows, only the bottom sash moves, but for double-hung windows, both the top and bottom sashes move. When double-hung windows are open, air can flow from the top and bottom of the frame, whereas single-hung windows only have one opening for air to move through.

Features hanging window double hung window
lower sash move up move up
top sash Doesn’t move move down
Fee cheap more expensive
Airflow options 1 section two sections

Single-hung windows: cost, dimensions, usage

Advantages of single-hung windows

Single-hung windows with only one movable sash are more affordable and require less maintenance. This type of window has a simple design and is therefore cheaper to install.

This window design works in many homes and is especially suitable for small spaces where you don’t want the window glass to protrude outward or inward, or for ground floor rooms for added security.

From an energy efficiency standpoint, Willits explains, “Single-hung windows may have a slightly better seal and may offer slightly better energy performance, but depending on the material and glass technology, the difference in performance between the two types is often minimal.”

Window manufacturers can offer upgraded energy efficiency and sealing options if that is important to the homeowner.

Disadvantages of single-hung windows

One of the biggest drawbacks to single-hung windows is that they provide limited ventilation. Since the top sash is fixed, air can only enter and exit from one section.

Single-hung windows can also be difficult to clean, especially on the top floors, which require the use of a ladder to reach the upper panes. In the same area of ​​safety risks, single-hung windows can only open from the bottom, which can pose a danger to small children and pets.

Single-hung window cost

The cost of single-hung windows varies widely depending on material, size, design, additional features, and installation price.

Frame materials like vinyl and aluminum are cheaper options, but prices increase when it comes to wood and fiberglass. And, of course, the larger the window and the more materials required, the higher the price.

Some major home improvement stores sell single-hung windows for less than $150, and that doesn’t include installation. Homeowners should expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more per window, depending on the factors listed above.

Standard dimensions for single-hung windows

We researched standard window sizes and put together this comprehensive guide. Standard sizes for single-hinged windows are:

Standard width: 24, 28, 32, 40, 44 or 48 inches

Standard height: 36, 44, 48, 52, 54, 60, 62 or 72 inches

Which rooms are best suited for single-hung windows?

Single-hung windows can be installed in any room in the house, but some rooms are better than others.

Limited ventilation can be a drawback with single-hung windows, so secondary rooms such as bathrooms, guest rooms, basements, and garages may be better rooms than primary areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, where ventilation is more important.

Single-hung windows are also easier to reach and clean if they are on the ground floor.

Double-hung windows: costs, dimensions and uses

Advantages of double glazed windows

Casement windows have two sashes that can be opened and closed, allowing for better ventilation. “Homeowners can open the bottom sash to let in cool air while lowering the top sash to release warm air that naturally rises, creating a natural convection cycle,” says Willits.

Design-wise, double-hung windows are versatile and fit into many home styles, from colonial to farmhouse, Willits explains.

“Historically, these preferences evolved before the advent of air conditioning, when double-hung sashes could control the airflow in a home,” she says. “However, double-hung windows are still a traditional facade feature, and many split light grill patterns are a style highlight of the home.”

Disadvantages of double glazed windows

Casement windows are more expensive than single casement windows because they have two sashes, which means more mechanical parts. Maintenance can be more expensive, especially if latches, springs, or weatherstripping need repair.

Another concern is leakage, as the two double slashes provide more opportunity for air to penetrate. However, as Willits mentioned above, the difference in energy efficiency between casement and single-hung windows is minimal.

double glazing cost

Double-hung windows are more expensive than single-hung windows, with the price of a single window starting at about $300 (without installation) and up to $2,000 or more, depending on style, material, and installation fees.

Casement windows have more size options than single casement windows, and because they are often larger, they cost more.

Standard dimensions of double hung windows

Usually, the standard sizes for double-hung and single-hung windows are the same:

Standard width: 24, 28, 32, 40, 44 or 48 inches

Standard height: 36, 44, 48, 52, 54, 60, 62 or 72 inches

Large window companies like Renewal by Andersen, Pella, Marvin, and Window Nation offer custom double-hung window options so homeowners can order specific sizes to fit their home and window needs.

Which rooms are best suited for double glazed windows?

Major rooms in your home that can benefit from double-hung windows include the living room, bedroom, and kitchen or dining room. These rooms are typically rooms where natural light and flexible ventilation are desired. In bedrooms and upstairs rooms, double-hung windows often have tilt-in sashes to make cleaning easier. Also, if you have small children or pets, you may prefer casement windows with sashes that open from the top.

Who can install single-hung and double-hung windows?

Single-hung and double-hung windows must be installed by professionals at a window company, general contractor, remodeler, or retail store such as a home improvement store or Lowe’s.

Although it is possible to install a DIY window, we do not recommend it. It’s worth the expense to have your windows professionally installed, as improperly installed windows can void your warranty.

Conclusion: Single-hung windows and double-hung windows

Both single-hung and double-hung windows have advantages and disadvantages that homeowners should consider before making a purchase. Homeowners must consider cost, ventilation needs, maintenance requirements, and home design to decide which windows are best for them.

FAQ

Which is better: single-pane windows or double-hung windows?

Combining both window styles can benefit different parts of your home. Single hangs are the best option if cost is a concern, while double hangs provide the best ventilation if flexible ventilation is required.

Willits says homeowners don’t have to choose just one style of windows. “The two styles are so aesthetically similar that many homes actually use both.

You can also combine styles, often without being noticed from the outside. ”

Are single-hung windows outdated?

Single-hung windows are far from outdated and are best known as a budget-friendly option for homes. The design is simple, effective and cost-effective, making it ideal for new homes and rental properties.

Which type of windows will add more value to your home?

Double-hung windows with energy-efficient upgrades are the best option for increasing the value of your home. Depending on the quality of the materials and the aesthetics of your home, adding windows with energy efficiency and curb appeal can be helpful.

What is the cheapest window style?

Single-hung windows are usually the least expensive option.

Record-setting heat wave forecast for southwestern California

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A record-setting “scorching” heat wave is underway in Southern California on March 17, forecasters said, with dangerous heat reaching up to triple digits expected to spread across much of the Southwest.

The heat is expected to continue into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, and several daily records and even records for the entire month of March could be challenged or broken.

On the morning of March 17, heatwave warnings were issued for more than 18 million people in Southern California, southern Nevada, and parts of Arizona. Millions more people in the region are under heat advisories. The Los Angeles Weather Bureau warned of “dangerously hot.”

“The risk of heat stroke is high this week, and as warm conditions continue overnight, the risk of heat stroke will further increase,” the Japan Meteorological Bureau said.

Forecasters say what makes this heatwave so unusual and dangerous is not just the heat level, but also the timing. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s and triple digits in some major cities, weeks or months earlier than normal.

“The effects of this heat will extend beyond daily temperature records, including accelerated snowmelt, drier vegetation, and increased stress on water resources across the West,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Elizabeth Danko.

Here’s what we know about the Southwest heatwave.

How long will the heat wave last?

An “unusually early” heatwave is expected in Southern California on March 17, with highs potentially reaching nearly 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Los Angeles is under heat warnings and advisories until March 20th. Temperatures this week are expected to be 15 to 30 degrees above average for this time of year, local forecasters said, with daily and even monthly records likely to be set in many areas. The heat in Los Angeles is expected to peak between March 17 and March 19, with highs in the coastal plains, valleys and inland areas expected to reach between 90 degrees and 103 degrees. Coastal areas can get hot in the 80s to 90s.

Forecasters in Los Angeles say next week will be a little cooler, but temperatures will still be 10 to 15 degrees above normal.

Temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees in much of the desert southwest by the afternoon of March 18, the weather bureau said.

The heat dome will spread to multiple states and affect as many as 70 million people over the weekend and possibly early next week, according to AccuWeather.

These major cities could break heat records

Some parts of the southwestern states could break daily heat records and even March records. According to AccuWeather, record high temperatures are possible from California to the Rocky Mountains, including cities such as Salt Lake City, Albuquerque and Denver.

The Bureau of Meteorology said, “If temperatures are this high early this year, the record high temperature could be broken by as much as 10 degrees.”

Los Angeles could break the March record high of 99 degrees, and if the heat wave lasts five days, it would be the longest ever recorded in the region (the current record is a four-day heat wave in March 2015), AccuWeather reported. Downtown Los Angeles could break daily heat records, according to the National Weather Service.

  • March 17th: 1914, 94 years old
  • March 18th: 1997, 87 years old
  • March 19th: 1997, 97 years old
  • March 20th: 1997, 93 years old

According to AccuWeather, Phoenix could reach up to 106 degrees from March 19 to March 21, about 20 to 30 degrees above historical average temperatures. The earliest recorded temperature in Phoenix to reach 100 degrees was March 26, 1988, but on average Phoenix does not reach 100 degrees until May.

According to the National Weather Service, the records in question in Phoenix are:

  • March 17th: 99 degrees
  • March 18th: 95 degrees
  • March 19th: 96 degrees
  • March 20th: 97 degrees

Las Vegas could also reach 100 degrees this week, weeks earlier than the usual triple-digit season. If temperatures exceed 93 degrees, Las Vegas will break its March record, which was last set in 2022.

California’s Coachella Valley, which includes Palm Springs, could reach highs of 105 or 110 degrees this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Record-breaking heat continues in Northern California. On March 16, Redwood City broke its March temperature record, according to the San Francisco Weather Bureau. High temperatures in San Francisco could reach the low 80s, breaking daily records that have stood for decades, according to AccuWeather.

Heat wave could bring early fire season

Southern California’s heatwave comes after average temperatures in the region were up to 8 degrees above normal in December and January 2025.

The combination of recent Santa Ana winds and heat will accelerate the process of drying out green vegetation, known as “hardening,” which usually doesn’t happen until May or June, said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s chief long-range expert.

This means we could see an increase in wildfires early this year as dry vegetation acts as fuel. Cal Fire Chief Brent Pascua said there is still moisture in the vegetation, but officials are closely monitoring the situation and the current lack of rainfall. Click here for details.

Contributor: Paris Barraza

Trump administration files suit to halt subway expansion support “Democratic Project”

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The Second Avenue subway expansion has been planned for a century. Federal authorities suddenly withheld funding from what President Trump called a “Democratic project.”

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NEW YORK – New York officials are suing the administration over the sudden withholding of federal funding for a century-old subway expansion project after President Donald Trump said he was freezing “Democratic projects.”

In a lawsuit filed March 17, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the U.S. Department of Transportation has withheld $58 million contracted under federal law to help complete the $7 billion Manhattan Second Avenue Subway Extension. Almost half of the total cost of the 1.76-mile extension will be paid for in federal dollars.

“We all know that the Trump administration is withholding funding from infrastructure projects in New York,” MTA Chairman and CEO Jano Lieber said at a New York City Council hearing. “We’re going to get every penny of what we’ve been promised.”

The MTA’s 46-page lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., said the federal government has not honored its grant agreement for the second phase of the project, which would extend the Q train to Manhattan’s East Harlem neighborhood.

In October, the federal government suspended funding for the Second Avenue subway and Gateway tunnel projects over issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which the president said was due to political battles with Congressional Democrats. The March 17 lawsuit comes after New York and New Jersey officials successfully sued the Department of Transportation to recover more than $200 million in funds withheld for the Gateway Tunnel, a rail expansion project below the Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan.

Department of Transportation spokeswoman Danna Almeida said in a statement that the agency is “committed to ensuring that hardworking taxpayers’ money is spent responsibly. We are considering all legal options.”

The White House referred to the Department of Transportation’s comments. The Justice Department did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

Democrats claim Trump is using infrastructure funding as a ‘bargaining chip’

Trump, a former New York real estate mogul who calls himself the “Building President,” said he froze infrastructure funding for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) during the 2025 federal government shutdown. According to the complaint, President Trump told Fox News he would “stop” the Gateway Tunnel project and said he would stop “Democratic projects” including Manhattan in an attack on Schumer.

Schumer said in a March 17 X post that East Harlem has been waiting more than a century for a subway. “These projects are not political bargaining chips; they are the lifeblood of New York’s economy and union members,” he said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said the subway expansion is on schedule and on budget, but the funding cut puts that at risk.

“We told Donald Trump that if he did not restore funding to this project, we would see him in court,” she said in a statement. “Today, we are doing just that.”

Under the bipartisan Federal Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Biden administration has committed more than $3.4 billion under the Capital Investment Grant Program to the Second Avenue Subway project.

The administration withheld the funds on the first day of the federal government shutdown in the fall.

In an Oct. 1 post, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said funding for the Second Avenue Subway and Gateway Tunnel projects is being held up over New York City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, an equity initiative aimed at expanding participation in federally aided contracts.

Vought said the hold is “to ensure that no funds flow based on unconstitutional DEI principles.”

Subway plans shelved due to Great Depression

The expansion has been planned since at least the 1920s, but was first shelved during the Great Depression, according to the complaint. The second phase is expected to be completed by September 2032, according to the MTA.

“DOT’s actions impeded the MTA’s ability to rely on federal funds for the timely completion of the Second Avenue subway and undermined the MTA’s reasonable expectations of the outcome of the agreement,” the complaint states.

Lieber told City Council members that the moratorium has not caused any delays yet, but that the MTA plans to award contracts worth about $1 billion for excavation. The project’s progress may be in jeopardy as compensation has not been returned by the federal government.

“We need to know that funding is available,” Lieber said. “That’s why we had to take this action.”

Gateway tunnel workers resumed construction in late February. The Gateway Tunnel is the largest infrastructure project in the country.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Contact us via email (emcuevas1@usatoday.com) or Signal (emcuevas.01).

Here’s why Microsoft can outlast flashy AI stocks

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This Magnificent Seven stock is a great long-term strategy for conservative investors.

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microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)is one of the world’s largest technology companies and a major player in the artificial intelligence (AI) market. The company owns 27% of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and is blending the startup’s generative AI tools with other models across cloud-based services. We also integrate our proprietary Copilot AI assistant into most of our products and services.

But Microsoft’s stock has only risen about 6% over the past 12 months, even as many other AI stocks have posted double-digit gains. Let’s take a look at why this is so, and why Microsoft is one of the safest AI stocks to own into 2026 and beyond.

Microsoft has a balanced strategy in the AI ​​market

Over the past decade, Microsoft has aggressively expanded its cloud and mobile ecosystem to reduce dependence on locally installed desktop software. We’ve turned Azure into the world’s second-largest cloud infrastructure platform after Amazon. (NASDAQ:AMZN) It adopted Web Services (AWS) and transformed its productivity software into cloud-based services and mobile apps.

This transformation established a solid foundation for the deployment of additional AI services and expansion of first-party cybersecurity services and developer tools. We also continued to launch new first-party hardware devices and expanded our Xbox gaming business to attract more customers. With this scale and diversification, Microsoft has established a balanced path to benefiting from growth in the cloud, AI, consumer electronics, and gaming markets.

How fast will Microsoft grow in the next few years?

Analysts expect Microsoft’s revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 16% and 18%, respectively, from fiscal year 2025 (ending last June) to fiscal year 2028. This growth should be driven by increased use of Copilot across services, deployment of more advanced AI agents to replace human workers, and monetization of those advanced AI capabilities.

Microsoft plans to spend tens of billions of dollars annually to upgrade its AI infrastructure (new data centers, GPUs, and custom AI chips) to support these new features for the foreseeable future. This increased spending has spooked some investors, but Microsoft can easily offset the pressure with steady growth in its high-margin software and cloud businesses.

Microsoft’s stock price is $405, but at 21 times next year’s earnings, it still looks like a good value. May not garner as much attention as high-growth AI efforts like Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)But it’s one of the safest ways to increase your exposure to the expanding AI market.

Leo Sun has a position at Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. 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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Why does President Trump want Cuba? Power outages, what you need to know about tensions in the US

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President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric on Cuba on March 17, saying the country was in talks with U.S. leaders and was in “bad shape” due to the oil blockade and now-resolved blackouts that left 10 million people without electricity.

Reuters reported that President Trump told reporters that Cuba was in contact with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and suggested the US government would do “something with Cuba” soon.

The comments came a day after President Trump said he believed in the “honor of occupying Cuba” and claimed he could “do whatever you want” to the country. The United States and Cuba have both confirmed that they are in negotiations, and Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview on March 13 that Havana was in “serious” and “deliberate” negotiations with the U.S. government.

Cuba and the United States have begun talks aimed at defusing the most urgent crisis since 1959, when Fidel Castro ousted a US ally from power in Cuba.

Neither side has disclosed details of the ongoing negotiations, but President Trump has portrayed Cuba as eager to reach a deal.

Why does President Trump want Cuba?

Cuba, located about 90 miles south of Florida, has long been a point of contention for President Trump and the United States Cuba and the United States have had tense relations for nearly 70 years, dating back to 1959 when Cuban leader Fidel Castro overthrew the U.S.-backed government.

The Obama administration took steps to normalize bilateral relations, including restoring diplomatic relations and expanding travel and trade between the two countries. President Trump rolled back many of these normalization measures during his first term.

Cuba has been a close ally of Russia for decades since the 1959 communist revolution that brought Castro to power. Reuters recently reported that Russia has been supporting the island with both money and supplies.

President Trump has taken aim at the island nation in recent months and weeks, calling Cuba a “weakened nation” and saying the country is “ready to collapse” in the wake of U.S. sanctions and tariffs on Cuba following a January U.S. military operation that detained Cuba’s ally, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Additionally, the Trump administration declared a national emergency against Cuba in January, saying Cuba posed an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security.

Cuba’s oil blockade, explanation of power outage

After Maduro’s arrest on January 3, the United States cut off oil supplies from Venezuela to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply fuel to Cuba, in many cases leaving planes, cars and people on the island without oil.

Economic struggles have intensified in recent months as oil shortages have put pressure on the island. Cuba’s national power grid collapsed on March 16, leaving 10 million people in the dark amid a blockade that worsened the island’s already outdated power generation system. It was the latest in a series of blackouts, including one over the weekend that sparked rare violent protests in the communist-controlled country.

According to Reuters, Cuba restored power to most of its power grid on March 17, including the country’s largest oil-fired power plant, but parts of the country remain without power. Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, remains offline but is expected to be reconnected to the grid by the end of the day, reports said.

Power was restored to nearly half of the capital, Havana, according to Cuba’s midday state news. However, most Cubans still suffer from power shortages, with Reuters reporting that even before the recent power grid collapse, many were experiencing power outages of more than 16 hours a day.

The cause of the failure is still under investigation, but Cuban officials said they were looking into a power transmission problem rather than a major power plant failure. However, Cuba has experienced large-scale power outages before, including in 2024, and in many cases the country’s outdated power generation system, which relies on aging thermal power plants from the former Soviet Union, is believed to be the culprit. The system uses approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day for essential services.

Cuts to Cuba’s oil imports from Mexico and Venezuela in 2025, as well as problems paying for oil on the spot market, are already putting pressure on the system. President Trump’s oil blockade reduced imports to almost zero as of mid-March.

In a statement shared with USA TODAY on March 17, U.S. State Department officials said large-scale power outages are common and “a sign of the incompetence of a fallen regime unable to provide even the most basic goods and services to its people.”

“This is the tragic result of more than 60 years of communist rule. This island, once the jewel of the Caribbean, has fallen into extreme poverty and darkness,” the official said. “As President Trump has said, the regime’s remaining forces, with U.S. support, must reach a deal that will ultimately give the Cuban people freedom and prosperity.”

Contributed by: USA TODAY kim helmgaard, Janet Rourke, George Petras, Francesca Chambers; Reuters

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

Oscar producer breaks silence over ‘KPop Demon Hunter’ speech debacle

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Producers of the Oscar ceremony are responding to backlash for cutting one acceptance speech short.

During the Academy Awards ceremony on March 15th, the lyricists of “Golden,” the hit song from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, were stopped from finishing their acceptance speech for Best Original Song because the allotted time had run out. After speaking, singer EJAE stepped aside to thank his fellow artists, but the music picked up and the broadcast cut to a commercial.

Although it is common practice to exclude speakers who exceed the allotted time for their acceptance speeches, viewers largely derided the Oscars for what they saw as a particularly abrupt cutoff. Now, the people behind the high-profile award ceremony are paying attention.

Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television’s executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment, told Variety in a March 16 interview that “when we do the autopsy for next year, we’ll be looking at how we handle the speech.” “I don’t know what the most elegant solution is, but it’s clearly something we need to think about really, really long and hard.”

Mills went on to acknowledge how “difficult” it is to cut someone off, and that it’s fleeting for them.

“I looked at that and said, okay, do I need to nominate one person to speak?” he continued. “Maybe we keep it going backstage and we have a feed on social or something like that.”

“KPop Demon Hunters” won the Oscar for Best Animated Film as well as Best Song. This is the most watched movie in Netflix history.

“When I was a kid, I was teased for liking K-pop, but now everyone sings along,” EJAE said in a tearful speech from the stage. In the press room afterwards, other award winners also responded and shared the feelings they wanted to express from the stage.

“I want to thank my family,” said Yu Han Lee. “This is an incredible honor.”

Director Mark Sonnenblick expressed his gratitude, saying, “My family…my husband…everyone who worked on this movie…it was a true collaboration across the board…and the fans who loved this movie and made this movie…A movie is like a village. I’m lucky to be here right now.”

Contributor: Charles Trepany, USA TODAY

Duchess Kate explains why she hardly drinks alcohol

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Duchess Kate has revealed that her relationship with alcohol has changed since she was diagnosed with cancer.

During a visit to a beer hall with Prince William on March 12, the 44-year-old Princess of Wales said she’s not much of a drinker.

“Since I was diagnosed, drinking is no longer a thing. I just have to be more conscious now,” the royal said in a video filmed at the event.

Duchess Kate revealed in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would undergo abdominal surgery followed by preventive chemotherapy. Her treatment ended in September, and in January 2025 she announced that her cancer was in remission.

alcohol and cancer risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing several types of cancer.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults not drink alcohol or drink it in moderation. This means no more than 2 drinks per day for men and no more than 1 drink per day for women.

“The recommended limit for women is lower because they are smaller and tend to break down alcohol more slowly,” the American Cancer Society explains.

Alcohol during and after cancer treatment

The CDC added that it’s important to ask your doctor if it’s safe to drink alcohol when taking prescription medications, including cancer treatments.

During cancer treatment, alcohol can interact with some medications and increase the risk of harmful side effects, according to the American Cancer Society.

“For people who have completed cancer treatment, it is unclear whether drinking alcohol after treatment increases the risk of cancer recurrence or secondary cancer, but it is possible,” the organization said.

Gold price per ounce on March 17, 2026

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How much is gold per ounce today?

As of 9:15 AM ET on March 17, 2026, the spot price of gold was $5,016.51 per oz., according to the latest market data. It was up 0.34% and $16.77 from the previous closing price of $4,999.75.

One year ago, gold was trading at $2,989.94 per ounce. This means the price has increased by 67.78% over the past 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $2,979.29

52 week high: $5,477.79

Gold is trading 8.42% below its 52-week high. It is 68.38% higher than its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of gold?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$5,016.51 $5,144.09 $5,042.44 $2,989.94

A week ago, gold was trading at $5,144.09 per ounce. Prices fell 2.48% compared to a week ago.

A month ago, gold was trading at $5,042.44 per ounce. The price decreased by 0.51% from the previous month.

USA TODAY is an independent publisher and not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or trading advice. We recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional regarding your specific financial decisions. Trading commodities, futures, and options involves significant risk of loss. Individual investment results may vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prices can change rapidly and unpredictably due to factors such as supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events. Our company assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information.

What is driving the price of gold today?

The price of gold is driven by inflation expectations, central bank policies, global economic conditions, and investor demand. The strength of currencies, especially the US dollar, can influence daily prices, as well as physical and industrial demand. For more on the market, read the latest investment news on USA TODAY Money.

What is XAU/USD?

XAU/USD is the ticker symbol used to track the spot price of gold in US dollars.

XAU stands for 1 troy ounce of gold and USD stands for US dollar. The estimated price tells you how many dollars it costs to purchase one ounce.

Prices are usually quoted per troy ounce, which is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

Spot prices reflect real-time market transactions and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs, and retail bullion prices.

how to invest in gold

Investing in gold can be done by buying physical coins and bars, buying ETFs that track the price of gold, or investing in mining stocks. Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs, and risk tolerance before making a decision.

Disclaimer: This USA TODAY Money article was automatically generated using live market data from Alpha Vantage. If you think we made a mistake or have feedback, please use this form.

Cesar Chavez faces ‘troubling’ allegations, UFW speaks out about late founder

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This story has been updated to add new information.

The United Farm Workers announced it would not participate in any Cesar Chavez Day activities, citing “deeply disturbing” allegations by the union’s co-founder, a civil rights activist.

“The UFW has learned of deeply disturbing allegations that one of our union’s co-founders, Mr. Cesar Chavez, has acted in ways that are inconsistent with our organization’s values,” the union said in a statement on Tuesday, March 17. “Some of the reporting is a family matter and is not our story or place to comment. Far more troubling are the allegations regarding the abuse of young women and minors.”

The union said it had no direct knowledge of the allegations and had not received any first-hand reports. But the allegations are “severe enough that we feel we must take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for those who may have been affected to find support and, if they wish, to share their stories.”

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Revealed: How President Trump’s immigration policies are hurting American farmers

Wisconsin dairy farmer Hans Breitenmoser explains how ICE raids on immigrant workers threaten his livelihood.

Mr. Chavez, whose legacy was long admired and whose name was on the streets and schools of California and the United States, died in 1993. The following year, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Bill Clinton. He is celebrated on March 31st every year.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation also released a statement on March 17 acknowledging the allegations.

“The Cesar Chavez Foundation has become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual acts with women and minors while president of the United Farm Workers (UFW),” the foundation said.

United Farm Workers and the Cesar Chavez Foundation did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Network’s requests for comment or additional questions about the allegations against labor leaders.

The foundation said it was “shocked and saddened” by the news.

“The Foundation is working with leaders in the farmworker movement to respond to these allegations, to support those who may have been harmed by his actions, and to ensure that we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment,” the foundation said.

Who is Cesar Chavez?

Cesar Chavez was a labor organizer and civil rights activist who became one of the most influential figures in the modern farm worker movement, particularly in California and the American Southwest.

Born in Yuma, Arizona, in 1927, Chavez grew up in a family of migrant farm workers and had first-hand experience of poverty and unstable housing. These experiences shaped his subsequent activism and efforts to improve working conditions for agricultural workers, many of whom were immigrants and people of color, with few legal protections.

Chavez rose to prominence in the 1960s after co-founding what became the United Farm Workers organization. He advocated nonviolent protest, drawing inspiration from figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. His organizing efforts included strikes, marches, boycotts, and long fasts that drew national attention to the treatment of farm workers.

Among the most notable movements associated with Chávez was the Delano grape strike and subsequent grape boycott, which helped push growers to recognize unions and negotiate labor contracts. The movement brought issues such as low wages, exposure to pesticides, and unsafe working conditions into the national conversation.

History of UFW

The roots of the United Farm Workers movement date back to the early 1960s. At the time, farmworkers, many of them immigrants and people of color, were excluded from basic labor protections and worked in harsh conditions with little political power.

Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and other organizers founded an organization that began as the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the UFW. The union focused on organizing agricultural workers who face low wages, exposure to pesticides, and limited access to health care.

The UFW gained national attention through nonviolent campaigns that included strikes, marches, boycotts, and public fasts. The Delano Grape Strike and Grape Boycott brought national attention to the conditions of farm workers and drew support from labor, religious, and civil rights groups.

Over time, the union won contracts that improved wages, working conditions, and protections for farm workers, and began to work closely with President Chávez and his leaders. Although the UFW’s influence subsequently waned amid legal, political, and domestic challenges, it remained a powerful symbol of farmworker advocacy.

Today, the UFW continues to represent farmworkers and engage in political organizing, even as it reevaluates how its history and the legacy of its founders are understood.

Although Chavez is widely admired, historians and former members of the farm worker movement have long debated aspects of his leadership, including internal union practices and decision-making.

Chávez believed that undocumented workers were undermining strikes, and based on this view, the UFW took aggressive measures in the late 1960s and 1970s, such as so-called “wet lines” aimed at deterring border crossings and “illegality campaigns” that encouraged undocumented workers to report them to federal authorities. Historians, including biographer Miriam Powell, have documented claims that some encounters included intimidation and violence. Chávez also described the strikebreakers in terms that critics say would draw harsh criticism today.

Cesar Chavez Day, Landmark

Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated in California every March 31st.

The Golden State also has numerous landmarks honoring his legacy, most notably the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument in Keene. This monument, located on the grounds known as Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz, commemorates Chávez’s final resting place. This site was also the former headquarters of the UFW.

Other dedicated sites in California include the Cesar E. Chavez Monument in San Fernando; The monument is a 23,000-square-foot park-like monument featuring a bronze statue of Chavez, a 100-foot-tall mural, a fountain, and sculptures of farm workers. Additionally, the Cesar Chavez Statue at California State University, San Marcos includes a bronze statue of Chavez that was unveiled in March 1997 on campus in what is known as Chavez Plaza.

In addition to the physical dedication, numerous schools, parks, libraries, and streets in California have been named in Chavez’s honor, including streets in Coachella, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.

There are multiple Cesar Chavez Elementary Schools in San Jose and elsewhere, and Perris is also home to the Cesar E. Chavez Library.

Several facilities have been established in Chavez’s home state of Arizona, including the Cesar Chavez Community Center and Cesar Chavez Park in Phoenix, and the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center in San Luis.

Outside of California and Arizona, there is a statue of Chavez at the University of Texas.

Chavez’s portrait is in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. He is also in the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.

There are also streets, schools, and parks named after him across the country, including Albuquerque, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Salt Lake City.

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

If the SAVE Act passes, you will need these documents to vote

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Do you have a passport, birth certificate, enhanced driver’s license, or other government-issued photo identification that proves you are a U.S. citizen?

Without such documentation, people will not be able to register to vote in federal elections if the controversial American Voter Eligibility Protection Act (also known as the SAVE America Act or SAVE Act) is enacted.

Senate Republicans are preparing to begin a lengthy debate on the bill this week. President Donald Trump is pushing hard for that.

The SAVE Act stalled in the Senate after the House passed it twice, in April 2025 and February 2026. Republicans agree. Democrats are against it.

President Trump has said he will not sign any legislation until the Senate passes it, but the bill could automatically become law if he does not veto it. The highly controversial bill would require people to submit documentation proving they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in federal elections for president and Congress.

If passed, this bill would be one of the biggest changes to voter rights since the Voting Rights Act. Opponents say tens of millions of voters could be disenfranchised, USA TODAY previously reported.

  • 21 million According to the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan legal policy organization often associated with liberal and progressive legal positions, Americans do not have easy access to citizenship documents.
  • 2.6 million According to the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland, Americans do not have government-issued photo IDs.

If passed, this bill would require:

What you need to register to vote

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

An enhanced driver’s license indicates that you are a U.S. citizen. Currently, only five states offer this: New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. (Driver’s licenses that allow REAL ID holders to fly domestically without a passport are not eligible under the SAVE Act.)

A valid signed, unexpired, unrevoked U.S. passport or passport card.

An official U.S. military ID card indicating U.S. birthplace and U.S. military service record.

A federal, state, or tribal-issued photo ID card that indicates U.S. citizenship.

Federal, state, or tribal issued photo ID cards:

What are the chances that the Senate will pass the SAVE Act?

That seems unlikely, at least for now. Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) said Thursday that he will begin the process of bringing the SAVE Act to a vote on the Senate floor this week. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but would need 60 votes to avoid the filibuster, a Senate procedure that allows lengthy debates to delay or ultimately block a vote on a bill.

President Trump has called on Senate Republicans to end the filibuster, but Senate Republicans are reluctant to do so because it would become an obstruction if Democrats regained the Senate majority.

Is the SAVE Act necessary?

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, elections are controlled by the states, and most states do not require documentation of citizenship.

  • 36 states There are laws that require or require voters to show identification at polling places.
  • 14 states Washington, D.C., uses other methods to verify voter identities.

Congressional Democrats and voting rights groups say the bill would introduce voter suppression. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a centrist think tank, says non-citizen voting is rare and the bill would create barriers to voting.

The White House argues that the bill is necessary and cites several polls on the percentage of Americans who support voter ID requirements.

81% | Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll

83% |Pew Research Center

84% |Gallup

75% |Rasmussen Report

Republicans argue that the SAVE Act will help prevent noncitizens from voting by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.

Contributed by Dana Taylor, Zach Sharmell, america today

Source USA TODAY Network reporting and research. Reuters; Congressional Government; Senate Government; Department of Homeland Security. National Conference of State Legislatures. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Transportation Security Administration

Silver rose 2.03% on March 17, 2026

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How much is silver worth per ounce today?

As of 9:15 AM ET on March 17, 2026, the spot price of silver is $80.96 per oz., according to the latest market data. The stock is up 2.03%, or $1.61 from its previous closing price of $79.35.

One year ago, Silver was trading at $33.79 per ounce, which represents a 139.62% increase in price over the past 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $28.67

52 week high: $117.39

Silver is trading 31.03% below its 52-week high. It is 182.38% higher than its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of silver?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$80.96 $87.74 $77.43 $33.79

A week ago, silver was trading at $87.74 per ounce. Prices fell 7.73% compared to a week ago.

One month ago, silver was trading at $77.43 per ounce. The price increased by 4.56% from the previous month.

USA TODAY is an independent publisher and not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or trading advice. We recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional regarding your specific financial decisions. Trading commodities, futures, and options involves significant risk of loss. Individual investment results may vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prices can change rapidly and unpredictably due to factors such as supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events. Our company assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information.

What is driving the price of silver today?

The price of silver is driven by inflation expectations, central bank policy, global economic conditions, and investor demand. The strength of currencies, especially the US dollar, can influence daily prices, as well as physical and industrial demand. For more on the market, read the latest investment news on USA TODAY Money.

What does XAG/USD mean?

XAG/USD is the ticker symbol used to track the spot price of silver in US dollars.

XAG stands for 1 troy ounce of silver and USD stands for US dollar. The estimated price tells you how many dollars it costs to purchase one ounce.

Prices are usually quoted per troy ounce, which is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

Spot prices reflect real-time market transactions and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs, and retail bullion prices.

how to invest in silver

Investing in silver can be done by buying physical coins and bars, buying ETFs that track its price, or investing in mining stocks. Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs, and risk tolerance before making a decision.

Disclaimer: This USA TODAY Money article was automatically generated using live market data from Alpha Vantage. If you think we made a mistake or have feedback, please use this form.

Chief Justice Roberts denounces hostility to the judiciary amid Trump attacks

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“Hostility directed at individuals is dangerous,” Chief Justice John Roberts said in his first public appearance since President Trump attacked the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling.

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Chief Justice John Roberts has a simple but powerful message about attacks on the judiciary.

“Personal hostilities are dangerous and must stop,” Roberts said on March 17 in a rare public appearance, his first since a court last month overturned President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

The chief justice’s comments during an appearance at Rice University also came days after President Trump continued to make broadsides against the courts that ruled against him.

“This totally incompetent and embarrassing court is nothing like the Supreme Court of the United States that our nation’s great founders established,” President Trump said on social media on March 15.

In introducing Roberts, David M. Satterfield, president of the Baker Institute, called the chief justice “a thoughtful voice in a sea of ​​social media and political agitation, too often coming from the most senior levels of the executive branch itself.”

However, Roberts was not asked directly about Trump’s comments during his conversation with U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal.

Instead, Rosenthal asked questions generally about how to deal with criticism.

As before, Roberts said the court’s decision should be scrutinized.

“Sometimes the problem is that the focus of criticism shifts from legal analysis to individuals,” he said.

Roberts added that attacks can come from “anywhere” and are not limited to one “political viewpoint.”

But his comments came after President Trump criticized not only the Customs Court ruling but also the specific votes of two of the three judges he nominated, Justices Neil Ghosh and Amy Coney Barrett.

Hours after the decision, President Trump called Gorsuch and Barrett’s votes against tariffs a “disgrace to our family.”

In a March 15 social media post, President Trump complained that judges appointed by Republican presidents “openly disrespect” the president and go out of their way to prove their independence.

“All I can do as president is condemn their bad behavior!” he wrote.

President Trump previously complained that courts “will find a way to reach the wrong conclusion” about his executive order ending birthright citizenship for some children born in the United States, and the case was argued in April.

A decision is pending on Mr. Trump’s efforts to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board and exercise control over other independent institutions.

When asked if there were any serious misconceptions about the court, Roberts brought up the idea that he and other justices are representing the presidents who are on the court.

“The idea that we take on the opinions of the people who appointed us is ridiculous,” he said. “History is full of examples of presidents appointing people and being really surprised by the results.”

Jaylen Waddle trade: Broncos acquire Dolphins WR

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The Denver Broncos are making big moves to improve their receiver room for the 2026 NFL season.

The Broncos are acquiring Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, according to multiple reports. In exchange for the veteran receiver, Miami will receive a package of draft assets, including Denver’s 2026 first-round pick.

Waddle spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Dolphins after being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Alabama native began his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and paired with Tyreek Hill for four seasons to form one of the fastest wide receiver duos in the NFL.

Waddle appeared in 16 games during the 2025 NFL season. The 27-year-old caught 64 passes for a team-high 910 receiving yards and six touchdowns while catching passes from Tua Tagovailoa and Quinn Ewers.

Now, Waddle will likely be just as productive while catching passes from Bo Nix and providing a much-needed speed supplement opposite Courtland Sutton.

Here’s what you need to know about the Waddle trade between the Dolphins and Broncos.

Jaylen Waddle trade details

Broncos get:

  • WR Jaylen Waddle
  • 2026 4th round pick

dolphin got:

  • 2026 first round pick
  • 2026 3rd round pick
  • 2026 4th round pick

Waddle hasn’t recorded a 1,000-yard season since 2023, but the 27-year-old speedster has averaged more than 1,000 yards a season over the past five years of his career.

Waddle has never made a Pro Bowl, but he led the NFL in average yards per reception (18.1 yards) during the 2022 season. Below are details of Waddle’s career statistics.

  • game:78
  • target:544
  • reception:373
  • acceptance yard: 5,039
  • Receiving TD:26
  • Yards per reception:13.5
  • carry:14
  • rush yards:81
  • Rush TD:1

Waddle was rated by Pro Football Focus as the 10th best receiver for the 2025 NFL season, posting a passer rating of 85 when targeted.

Waddle is in the first season of a three-year, $84.75 million extension he signed with the Dolphins during the 2024 NFL offseason. Below are the full terms of his contract.

  • semester:3 years
  • Total value: $84.75 million
  • Annual average value (AAV): 28.25 million dollars
  • Security deposit: $76 million

According to Spotrac.com, the Broncos will pay Waddle just over $68.6 million in cash over the remaining three years of his contract. He has a cap hit of just $4.9 million in 2026, but trading him would give the Dolphins a dead cap hit of $23.2 million, costing the team just under $11.6 million in cap space.

Waddle will likely be used immediately as Denver’s No. 2 receiver across from Sutton, and his size and physicality should be a good match for the smaller, faster Waddle.

Below is a look at the expected pecking order within Denver’s receiver room.

  • Cortland Sutton
  • Jaylen Waddle
  • troy franklin
  • pat bryant
  • Marvin Mims Jr.
  • Lil Jordan Humphrey
  • michael bundley

Miami’s wide receiver room is in flux after the team traded Waddle and cut both Hill and Nick Westbrook-Iquine during the 2026 NFL offseason. Below is the current status of the receiving room.

  • Malik Washington
  • jalen tolbert
  • tutu atwell
  • Terrace Marshall Jr.
  • theo weese jr.
  • Taj Washington
  • AJ Hennig

Malik Washington was the only player to suit up for more than 50% of the team’s offensive snaps last season.

The Dolphins plan to add to their receiver room during the 2026 NFL Draft. They currently have 11 picks in April’s draft, including two first-round picks. Here’s a complete list of Miami’s top picks:

  • Round 1, Pick 11
  • Round 1, Pick 30
  • Round 2, pick 43
  • Round 3, pick 75
  • Round 3, pick 87
  • Round 3, pick 90
  • Round 3, pick 94
  • Round 4, pick 130
  • Round 5, pick 151
  • Round 7, pick 227
  • Round 7, pick 238

(This story will be updated as more information becomes available. )

America is exempt from rent

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good morning! I’m Daniel de Visé from Daily Money.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here are some great food and drink deals.

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