Search
Menu
Home Blog Page 224

Ranking of Most Likely First Round Surprises

US-NEA
-
0
Ranking of Most Likely First Round Surprises

Nothing characterizes the men’s NCAA basketball tournament as anything like an upset, not even the champions cutting the nets on the first Monday night in April.

The 68-team event is designed to give teams from the sport’s smallest schools and conferences a spot and an opportunity to compete against college basketball’s powerhouses on the brightest stage the sport has to offer.

While a good percentage of these games are explosive, others produce results and moments that are only possible in March Madness. Over the next three weeks, a Cinderella story will be created and an unlikely hero will be introduced.

March Madness experts pick: 2026 NCAA Tournament standings prediction

March Madness Cinderella Prophecy: VCU, Akron named top NCAA Tournament upset

One of the many difficulties facing the millions of people filling out their brackets across the country this week ahead of the 2026 NCAA Tournament is identifying those underdogs and trying to guess exactly which seemingly dominant team will defeat a favored opponent.

To help you with that challenge and provide advice that is sure to not backfire, here are the eight most likely upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

March Madness upset predictions

This exercise did not take into account 7v10 and 8v9 matches. This is because the seed line difference in these matchups is relatively negligible.

1. No. 11 South Florida vs. No. 6 Louisville

This is a trendy choice for a reason. Louisville and South Florida are similar stylistically, with both teams employing up-tempo, 3-point-heavy offenses. That would seem to favor the more talented Cardinals, but there are a number of factors that make us bullish on the Bulls. For example, questions remain regarding Louisville’s star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr., who has been dealing with chronic back pain this season and his playing status in the NCAA Tournament is uncertain. With Brown, the Cardinals are 16-5. Without him, they’re just 7-5. Even if he gets his expected NBA draft lottery pick — and even if he does, it’s unlikely he’ll get 100 percent — Louisville’s dominant group of big men could struggle with 6-10 South Florida forward Isaiah Nelson, the American Conference Player of the Year, who averages 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

The Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the country, riding an 11-game winning streak heading into the tournament. There’s a good chance this trend will continue even as the level of competition increases.

2. No. 11 VCU defeats No. 6 North Carolina.

Another ACC program in North Carolina is dealing with an injury to a superstar freshman, but the Tar Heels’ outlook is more definitive. They will be without standout forward Caleb Wilson, who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a broken thumb. Since Wilson’s injury, coach Hubert Davis’ team is 5-4 after starting 19-4. They have had impressive wins over tournament teams like Louisville and Clemson during that time, but will face a formidable challenge in the Big Dance from a VCU team that has won 16 of their past 17 games — their only loss coming on the road at St. Louis, where the Rams led for much of the night.

3. No. 11 Texas vs. No. 6 BYU

BYU still has transformational freshman AJ Divanza healthy and available, but is missing another key piece in standout guard Richie Sanders, who has been out for the season and has scored 18 points per game. The Cougars are 5-5 since Sanders went down, but even before he tore his ACL on Feb. 14, the team had begun to slump to 2-5 after starting 16-1. This is a group that could struggle against Texas, and it falls into the old mold of talented power conference teams that underperform in the regular season before getting hot in March. The Longhorns have a true stud in guard Daylene Swain and a coach in Sean Miller who has made it through Week 1 of the tournament.

Of course, this upset would require Texas to beat North Carolina State in a play-in game. And while Divanza has the talent and drive to single-handedly lead BYU to a strong tournament run, his team is one of the most vulnerable top-six seeds heading into March Madness.

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!

4. No. 13 Hofstra defeats No. 4 Alabama.

The upset pick, which had already garnered attention as soon as the slot was revealed, has become even more trending after Alabama’s No. 2 leading scorer, Aiden Holloway, was arrested on Monday and charged with two felony drug offenses. The university announced that Holloway has been expelled from campus and will not be part of the team pending an investigation and is unlikely to return for Friday’s game. The Crimson Tide is an explosive team offensively, shooting 3s at a higher rate than any other player in Division I, but upsets are more likely on nights when shooting is off, and things are even more precarious without Holloway, the team’s leader in 3s.

Meanwhile, Hofstra has two road wins against power conference opponents Pitt and Syracuse this season and features guard Cruz Davis (20.2 points per game), one of the nation’s top scorers. According to KenPom, the Pride is also third in the nation in two-point field goal percentage, which means they can neutralize Alabama from behind the arc and hope their deep shots don’t connect.

5. No. 12 Akron vs. No. 5 Texas Tech

The Red Raiders have been a top-20 team all season and were a favorite to be a Final Four contender just a month ago, but Texas Tech’s outlook changed dramatically when All-American forward JT Toppin was lost for the season with a torn ACL. The Red Raiders are 3-4 since Toppin went down, and to make matters worse, injury concerns have been heightened after star guard Christian Anderson suffered what appeared to be a groin injury in the Big 12 Tournament (the program says Anderson will be available for the NCAA Tournament).

It’s a less-than-ideal situation going into the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in the last five years and against a battle-hardened Akron team that boasts one of the nation’s top scorers in guard Tabari Johnson (20.1 points per game). If the Zips, who have won 19 of their last 20 games and rank 32nd in the nation in tempo according to KenPom, can dictate the pace of the game, watch out.

6. No. 11 SMU vs. No. 6 Tennessee

As with Texas vs. BYU, this is more of a matchup-dependent prediction, and if Miami (Ohio State) continues its magical season with a First Four win, it will have a much tougher battle against a bigger, more talented Tennessee team. However, SMU can cause some problems for Vol. The Mustangs have one of the best backcourts in the nation in Boopy Miller, Jaron Pierre Jr. and B.J. Edwards, who combine to average 49.5 points per game and could win a track meet against a Tennessee team that sometimes struggles to score.

7. No. 13 Troy defeats No. 4 Nebraska.

Nebraska is the only program in the power conference to never win in the NCAA Tournament, and with a team that went 26-6 in the regular season, it seems likely that the drought will end this year. But the Cornhuskers could face some problems against a stout Trojans team that stumbled early, going 6-6 in their last 12 games, coming off a road win over San Diego State and a one-point road loss to USC in triple overtime. The Trojans are holding opponents to 31.3% on 3s this season, but that could be a problem for a Nebraska team that makes its living from beyond the arc.

8. Wisconsin High Point No. 12 over No. 5

This game has the least chance of an upset of all the games listed, if only because the Badgers are 15-5 since Jan. 6 and have one of the best guards in the nation in Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, who combine to average 39.6 points per game. Still, High Point is far from a typical team from a one-bid conference, with a roster reportedly worth more than $4 million. The Panthers are 30-4 and have won their last 14 games, the longest active winning streak in the country. At the very least, this won’t be the first time in recent years that the University of Wisconsin has lost in the first round of the tournament as a No. 5 seed to a mid-major team wearing purple.

How much do Americans save for retirement? See the average by age

US-NEA
-
0
How much do Americans save for retirement? See the average by age

You may not be as far from average as you think.

Kylie Hagen, CFP
|The Motley Fool

play

It’s normal to want to know how you stack up financially compared to others, especially when it comes to saving for retirement. There are so many variables when it comes to retirement planning that it can be hard to know which goals to aim for, but it may be reassuring to know you’re not far behind others.

However, knowing where you stand compared to the average saver doesn’t tell you everything you need to know. Here’s a closer look at how much assets the average retirement saver has and what that tells you, and what it doesn’t, about your position.

Median retirement savings balance is $87,000

According to the Federal Reserve, the median retirement savings balance in 2022 was $87,000. Although the average was significantly higher at $333,940, the median is usually a better indicator of the typical saver’s level. The average is easily skewed by a small number of high-income earners.

When analyzed by age, a predictable trend can be seen. Older generations tend to have more savings than younger generations, at least until they start living with that money. The following table shows the median amount saved by age group.

age group

Median retirement savings (2022)

less than 35

$18,880

35～44

$45,000

45～54

$115,000

55～64

$185,000

65～74

$200,000

Over 75 years old

$130,000

Data source: Federal Reserve System.

What this data doesn’t show is that the majority of families (over 45%) have no savings for retirement. Many, many people do far worse than the table above shows.

What these numbers don’t tell us

If you’re above the median age group, that’s a sign you’re off to a pretty good start. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on track to reach your retirement goals. To find out, you need to compare your savings balance to your personal savings goals.

Instead, use this as a benchmark and make adjustments where possible to keep moving in the right direction. That might mean increasing your savings rate if you can afford it. If that’s not possible, you may need to delay your retirement date a bit. This may not be ideal, but it’s better than spending your savings too quickly.

As you approach retirement age, keep an eye on your progress. Check your account balance at least once a year and always look for new opportunities to increase your contribution rate.

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.

The $23,760 Social Security bonus that most retirees completely overlook

Offers from the Motley Fool: If you’re like most Americans, you’re several years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But there are some lesser known ones “Secrets of Social Security” It may help ensure that you increase your retirement income.

One Easy Trick Could Pay You Up to $23,760…every year! By learning how to make the most of your Social Security benefits, we think you can retire confidently with the peace of mind we all desire. participate stock advisor To learn more about these strategies,

See “Secrets of Social Security” »

It’s easier to get into a conflict than to resolve it

US-NEA
-
0
It’s easier to get into a conflict than to resolve it

play

Hard truth for presidents: It’s easier to get into a war than get out of one.

Ask Harry Truman about Korea, Lyndon Johnson about Vietnam, and George W. Bush about Iraq.

And now Donald Trump talks about Iran.

When President Trump announced in a social media video on February 28 that the United States and Israel were attacking Iran, he vowed that the overwhelming military superiority of both countries would shatter the Islamic republic’s naval, missile capabilities, and nuclear potential, and possibly overthrow the government itself, in a war he suggested could last four to five weeks.

Now in its third week, the US has destroyed most of Iran’s military and missile stores. Its supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed.

But the ayatollah’s son took over, and Tehran managed to effectively paralyze the vital Strait of Hormuz through the threat of mines and small boat attacks. This has led to higher energy costs around the world and across the United States, including at gas pumps.

For Trump, that will not only make it harder to declare victory, but also make it increasingly costly to continue the fight.

“Frankly, I think the president is stuck,” State Department veteran Aaron David Miller told MSNOW.

All of his options have drawbacks.

Ask your allies for help – and hear “no”

First, President Trump found himself in the unfamiliar role of asking allies to help send warships that could escort ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz. This may be the clearest message yet that he sees troops now deployed in the region as a long-term operation, not one that will end within a few weeks.

Also unfamiliar: many allies declined.

Some pointed out that President Trump started the war without seeking their advice or support. “This is not our war,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be “drawn into a wider war”. The European Union refused. Japan said it would consider the request.

Their illegal actions prompted a rebuke from an enraged President Trump. “We don’t need anyone. We are the strongest nation in the world,” he told reporters at the White House on March 16.

Meanwhile, he rejected the idea that the United States had underestimated Iran’s ability to toy with a more powerful enemy. “I knew about this strait. I predicted for a long time that it could be used as a weapon,” he shrugged.

He reiterated the importance of halting nuclear ambitions once and for all. “We cannot afford to allow the most violent and vicious country in the last 50 years to have nuclear weapons, because the Middle East will disappear,” he said.

But he did not explain how or if the United States could control the uranium that Iran had processed to near-bomb quality and is now buried deep underground near Isfahan. That could include deploying special operations teams and ground forces, a dangerous mission that carries the risk of higher casualties and serious complications.

He ordered an additional expeditionary force of 2,500 Marines to the Middle East. When a reporter on Air Force One asked Trump to explain the deployment, Trump responded, “Shh, you’re a very obnoxious person,” and asked another reporter to ask a question.

Most Americans do not believe that the first attack was a good idea or that the war would make America safer.

A Quinnipiac poll conducted March 6-8 found that 53% of voters opposed a U.S. attack, and three in four (74%) opposed sending in ground troops. Nearly two-thirds (62%) said the White House did not provide a clear explanation of military actions.

The poll of 1,002 registered voters had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

Only one in five predicted the war would last days or weeks. More than seven in 10 people expected this situation to last for months, a year or more.

What defines the presidency?

Another history lesson: Big wars tend to displace presidents.

LBJ is remembered more for his misadventures in Vietnam than for the Great Society Act, which created Medicare and Medicaid. George W. Bush’s presidency was defined by America’s two longest wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, which lasted longer than his tenure.

During his second term, President Trump has focused on his accomplishments, claiming he solved wars from Armenia to Rwanda, campaigning for a Nobel Peace Prize, and adding his name to the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center.

But peace now seems far away in Iran.

Retired US Air Force major general missing for weeks: What we know

US-NEA
-
0
Retired US Air Force major general missing for weeks: What we know

play

Authorities in New Mexico are conducting an extensive search for a retired U.S. Air Force general who disappeared from his home about three weeks ago.

Retired Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland, 68, was last seen on the morning of February 27 at his residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to a statement from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Later that day, when his wife returned home from a doctor’s appointment, she noticed that her cell phone, glasses and other personal items were missing, and she reported them missing.

Local authorities issued a Silver Alert after McCasland’s disappearance, according to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. This is a recommendation for missing persons over the age of 50 who have an “irreversible decline in intellectual capacity.” The sheriff’s office initially reported that the alert was issued for McCasland because of an unspecified “medical issue.”

At a March 16 press conference, the sheriff’s office said the Silver Alert remained in effect because McCasland had previously reported experiencing “mental fog.” However, Lt. Kyle Woods of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that investigators do not believe McCasland was cognitively impaired at the time of his disappearance.

“There is no indication, and we do not allege, that Mr. McCasland was disoriented or confused,” Woods said. “He remains probably the most intelligent person in any room we would be in. Very intelligent, very capable, but that information was given to us early on and out of an abundance of caution, we escalated it to a Silver Alert to get as much public attention as possible and help us locate him as quickly as possible.”

The sheriff’s office said there are no confirmed sightings of McCasland and reiterated there is no evidence of criminal activity at this time. This case is still being investigated for missing persons.

Nancy Guthrie case: Evidence so far in the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, from DNA to video

Timeline of William McCasland’s disappearance

According to a timeline released by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, a mechanic spoke with McCasland at his home around 10 a.m. local time on February 27.

McCasland’s wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, left for a medical appointment at about 11:10 a.m. and returned shortly after noon to find McCasland missing, the sheriff’s office said. He left behind his cell phone, prescription glasses and wearable devices at the mansion.

According to the sheriff’s office, McCasland-Wilkerson was reported missing around 3:07 p.m. after attempting to contact family and friends, and an immediate investigation began.

The sheriff’s office said investigators later found multiple items believed to be missing from the residence, including hiking boots, a wallet and a .38 caliber revolver with a leather holster. Investigators believe he may have been wearing a light green, long-sleeved outdoor shirt at the time of his disappearance.

A gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt was found about 2.25 miles east of the home on March 7, prompting additional search efforts in the area, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities said the sweatshirt has not been confirmed to be McCasland’s and initial tests did not detect any blood.

FBI joins search for missing retired US Air Force general

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said investigators conducted a massive search operation using drones, helicopters, K-9 teams and volunteer search teams.

Investigators also expanded the search to more than 700 homes in the neighborhood and asked for security camera footage that could help show whether McCasland left the area or what direction he was heading, the sheriff’s office said.

Despite these efforts, investigators have not seen any confirmed sightings or footage of McCasland “leaving the area or indicating direction,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said McCasland is an avid outdoorsman who frequently hikes, runs and bikes in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights and the Sandia foothills. McCasland is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He has white hair and blue eyes.

Investigators are asking residents and local businesses to review security camera footage from February 27 and February 28, particularly from 9am to 2pm on February 27th, and to come forward with any sightings. They are also asking hikers and others who were at the base of Sandia Mountain at the time to review GoPro or cell phone recordings that may have captured McCasland.

Officials are asking anyone who may have seen McCasland to call 911 immediately. The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office is also assisting in the investigation, but the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead agency in the case.

New research: SETI believes there may have been a missed call from aliens. The reason is as follows

McCasland’s Air Force career and Wright-Patterson’s role

According to his Air Force history, McCasland was director of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. He managed $2.2 billion in science and technology programs and $2.2 billion in additional customer-funded research and development.

He joined Wright Patterson in 2011 and left in 2013, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network. According to The Air Force Investigation into UFOs, published by Ohio State University, Dayton Air Force Base was the home of Project Blue Book in the 1950s and 1960s.

During that time, 12,618 UFO sightings were recorded, of which 701 remained “unidentified.” The U.S. government launched the project because of Cold War-era security concerns and Americans’ obsession with aliens.

McCasland held a leadership role at Wright-Patterson, and his disappearance has sparked online speculation about a possible connection to the classified program, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Earlier this month, McCasland-Wilkerson shared a statement on social media to “dispel some of the misinformation that is being spread” about her husband and her disappearance. After retiring, McCasland briefly worked on a UFO-related project with Tom DeLonge, a UFO researcher and guitarist for the band Blink-182, she said.

“It is true that Neil had a brief interaction with the UFO community through Tom DeLonge, former frontman of Blink-182 and founder of the group To the Stars,” McCasland-Wilkerson wrote. “Shortly after Neil retired from the Air Force, he worked briefly with Tom as an unpaid consultant (of Neil’s choice) on military and technical/scientific matters to lend authenticity to Tom’s novels and media work.”

She also said that Mr. McCasland had no “special knowledge of the ET bodies or debris from the Roswell crash stored at Wright-Pat” and that “it seems highly unlikely that he was taken to extract very old secrets from him.”

Contributor: Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer

Illinois Democrats push anti-Trump boundaries in Senate race

US-NEA
-
0
Illinois Democrats push anti-Trump boundaries in Senate race

Aggressive stances, including calls to abolish ICE, have led to a surge in the polls for Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and a recent swing between her and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthy.

play

  • Illinois’ Democratic Senate primary will test whether the party’s base wants a more confrontational approach to Republicans.
  • The race pits Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy against each other, with immigration policy being a key dividing point.

Democrats looking to strengthen their party’s stance against President Donald Trump will learn just how much their base wants it if deep blue Illinois voters choose a Democratic candidate to replace retiring incumbent Sen. Dick Durbin.

Unlike the recent Texas Senate primary, where Democrats publicly weighed the issue of electability, Prayer’s March 17 primary focuses on the broader aspirations of liberal voters.

“I think Democrats should do everything possible to thwart Republicans,” Jacob Rosenbacher, a Chicago technology executive who voted early for Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, one of the front-runners, told USA TODAY.

He said Illinois voters need to send a message to Washington in response to President Trump’s aggressive use of executive power, including sending thousands of immigration enforcement agents and 300 National Guard troops to Chicago last year as part of Operation Midway Blitz.

That’s why he is backing Stratton, a close ally of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, one of President Trump’s fiercest opponents, over his well-funded rival, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, who was leading in early polls.

Mr. Krishnamoorthi would not be considered a conservative in most states. He voted against the Iran war and is focused on affordability.

But Mr. Rosenbacher, 32, cited reports that President Trump’s advisers and other conservative activists were among Mr. Krishnamoorthi’s donors, and described him as “a Republican who sued the Democrats.”

Stratton has strongly voiced his support for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and in February he gained national attention for a profanity-laced campaign ad in which several voters said “fuck Trump” directly to the camera.

Her aggressive style has helped her soar in the polls, and she has recently wavered between the two candidates.

At least 16 candidates are running, with 10 Democrats and six Republicans vying to replace Mr. Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate.

Illinois’ Senate race is rated by forecasters as a solidly blue state for the 2026 midterm elections, meaning the Democratic candidate is likely to win the general election.

On the Republican side, former state party chairman Don Tracy led by about 6% in the only poll that found 84% of Illinois Republicans remained undecided two months before the election.

John Mark Hansen, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, said the race recently turned into a referendum on reforming or dismantling ICE, whose popularity has declined dramatically across the country following the killings of two Americans by federal agents earlier this year.

“Mr. Stratton’s political patron is our governor, so she seems beholden to Governor Pritzker,” Hansen said. “She saw him benefiting locally and abroad by taking a more confrontational stance against the Trump administration than many other Democrats, and that was her stance.”

Mr. Pritzker fiercely opposed the Trump administration’s ambitious deportation campaign in Chicago, which saw federal authorities spray protesters and journalists with chemical agents outside a local immigration enforcement facility. They rappelled from a Black Hawk helicopter and raided a South Side apartment building in the middle of the night. A Mexican man, Sillio Villegas Gonzalez, was shot and killed in the northwest suburbs after federal authorities say he hit a police officer with his car.

Hansen said smaller policy differences or questionable campaign contributions could be important given the presence of Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) in the race. She has the support of the Congressional Black Caucus, and some political observers have speculated that divisions among black voters could hinder Stratton’s rise. Both Stratton and Kelly are black.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Krishnamoorthi, a five-term congressman born in New Delhi, India, acknowledged that the campaign reflects the direction of the party.

“We must hold the Trump administration accountable and fight for our principles, not necessarily by arguing and shouting at the other side, but rather by standing up for our principles,” he said.

Abolition or reform? Candidates clash over ICE

In a debate on January 26, the three leading candidates each called for a review of ICE, but their opinions differed on the extent. Mr Stratton called for the agency to be “abolished” and Mr Kelly said it should be “dismantled”.

Mr. Krishnamoorthi took a more moderate approach, suggesting that President Trump’s leadership was to blame for the agency’s misconduct. He said regulations need to be regulated through concrete reforms, such as banning employees from wearing face coverings. Visible ID and body camera required. Establish an inspector general within ICE to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

But during the debate, Stratton jumped in and accused the lawmaker of accepting donations from executives at Palantir, a data company that contracts with ICE.

The lieutenant governor also criticized Mr. Krishnamoorthy for supporting a House bill that would provide funding for government agencies and for voting on a resolution to “express gratitude” to law enforcement, including ICE officers, among other things.

“This is not an example of someone willing to stand up to Donald Trump and fight for all of our communities,” Stratton said during the Jan. 26 debate. “I want to abolish ICE because this agency cannot be reformed. It doesn’t matter whose ICE it is.”

The congressman’s campaign, which released a March 12 ad highlighting Mr. Krishnamoorthi’s immigrant roots, was quick to point out that CoreCivic, the company that runs the immigrant detention facility, had donated more than $135,000 to the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, a political action committee that supports Mr. Stratton.

Krishnamoorthi told USA TODAY that ICE had “earned the ire” of voters, but added that some of Stratton’s attacks were disingenuous. For example, he said, the House resolution was a broader measure condemning anti-Semitism rather than thanking government agencies.

“Listen, I’m an immigrant too, okay? This is a personal issue for me, and I don’t need someone to lecture me on how to stand up to ICE and Border Patrol like I do,” he said.

Activists on the left have been demanding stronger action to control ICE’s actions for more than a year, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has come under intense criticism, especially as party officials weigh whether it’s best to focus on confronting Trump or courting MAGA-leaning voters.

Several Democratic voters in Illinois who spoke with USA TODAY praised Senate Democrats for withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing calls for reform of ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies.

Christian Michel, 30, a software developer from Chicago and the son of Haitian immigrants, said he worries about being “snatched” every time his family comes to visit. He said Stratton’s fierce reaction and stance on ICE removal represented how many people felt about Trump’s operations and led to a change in his decision.

“If you look at the positions of the other candidates, it looks like we’re going to continue to maintain the status quo and move backwards,” Michel said. “Getting rid of it is probably the best way to start, because if you leave it in place, it can potentially hold back people who were involved and people who don’t have the best track record.”

Illinois faces historic choice and potential for division.

If there is a wild card in the Illinois Senate derby, it will be the role Kelly, who was first elected to the House in 2013, could play in the campaign.

If either Kelly or Stratton wins, she would likely become the sixth black female senator in history. with Democratic Party members. In the case of Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks and Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester, the three senators would be the best of all time.

If elected, Krishnamoorthi will become the second Indian-American senator in history.

Prominent black members of Congress, including Representative James Clyburn (D.C.), have expressed support for Mr. Kelly. He traveled to Illinois last week to host a fundraiser for her.

“If you look at how local politicians line up, like state legislators and city councilors, they line up as you would expect,” said Hansen, a professor at the University of Chicago. “They’re competitors in the same tier, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if it’s probably Kelly who messes with Stratton in the pick.”

By most metrics of the campaign, he is a distant third. Public Policy Poll’s March 10 poll, for example, showed Mr. Stratton’s approval rating at 32%, Mr. Krishnamoorthi’s approval rating at 30%, and Mr. Kerry’s approval rating at just 13%. The person with the most votes wins the primary, regardless of whether they receive a full majority or not.

Some of Mr. Stratton’s supporters are quick to point out that Mr. Kerry is backed by organizations aligned with Mr. Krishnamoorthi, including the Indian American Impact Fund and groups connected to the crypto industry, including a super PAC called Fairsake.

For example, one of the Indian American Impact Fund’s digital spots features former President Barack Obama, who has not endorsed the Senate race, praising Kerry as an “outstanding” lawmaker.

Krishnamoorthi told USA TODAY he doesn’t need anyone else to boost his candidacy for Congress, adding that he has “a lot of respect” for Kerry.

Kelly’s campaign did not respond to repeated requests for comment, but he addressed the issue on the campaign trail, telling voters at a March 10 event, “A vote for Robin Kelly is a vote for Robin Kelly. Always.”

She also hasn’t spared Krishnamoorthy from criticism, saying in a March 11 post on the X Show that while Krishnamoorthi is “known as a fundraiser” in Washington, she is “known for getting things done.”

Kelly added, “I’m doing the job I was elected to do.” “I put people before profits every day, all day long, and the same goes for the Senate.”

Democratic Myra Macias, a Chicago-area candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives, said the lack of diversity in the Senate is a problem and could lead to historic turnout in these communities. But he said racial tensions are not as pronounced as in other Democratic races, such as Texas.

“We have an opportunity to put a Black woman in the U.S. Senate, which is huge and frankly necessary given the lack of diversity in the U.S. Senate,” Macias said. “But I will also say that we are past the days when just having someone’s identity was enough for voters to support them.”

Contributions: Tom Ackerman, Brenden Moore

Afghan ally dies in Texas ICE custody, family demands answers

US-NEA
-
0
Afghan ally dies in Texas ICE custody, family demands answers

play

A 41-year-old Afghan husband and father of six who served with the U.S. military in Afghanistan died a day after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. An advocacy group is calling for an “immediate and transparent investigation” into his death.

Mohommad Nazir Pakchawal, a resident of Richardson, Texas, died on March 14 while in ICE custody, according to an agency news release, adding that Pakchawal had no reported medical history at the time of his arrest or processing.

Pakchawal was taken into custody in Richardson on the morning of March 13 “during a targeted enforcement action,” the statement said, describing him as a “criminal alien from Afghanistan.” The agency said Pakchawal was arrested twice in 2025 on charges of SNAP fraud and theft, but did not say whether he had been convicted.

According to the paper, on the night of March 13, Pakchawal complained of shortness of breath and chest pains in the processing storage room of the ICE field office in Dallas, and was immediately taken to Parkland Hospital in the city for treatment. According to the agency, doctors advised him to stay overnight for observation.

The next morning, as Pakchawal was eating breakfast, medical staff noticed that his tongue was swollen, the agency said. Despite medical attention and multiple life-saving efforts, Pakchawal was pronounced dead at 9:10am.

Pakchawal’s family described him as a “strong and healthy person” and said they were “heartbroken” over his loss.

“Our family is in deep shock and pain,” the families said in a statement shared by AfghanistanEvac, a San Diego-based coalition of organizations and individuals that helps relocate and resettle Afghan refugees considered at risk. “We still don’t understand why this happened.”

Afghanistan Ebak said in a separate statement that it was “deeply disturbed” by Pakchawar’s death.

Sean Vandiver, the group’s founder and president and a U.S. Navy veteran, said Pakchawal had served with U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan’s dangerous Paktika province since 2005. The United States evacuated Pakchawal and his family in August 2021 after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, Vandiver said.

Pakchawal had children ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years old and worked at a market and bakery in Dallas. Vandiver said his humanitarian parole ends in August 2025 and his asylum case is pending.

“We came here hoping for safety and a better life,” the family said in a statement, adding that Pakchawal “tried to build a peaceful life after everything his family had been through.”

Pakchawal was detained on the morning of March 13 as she prepared to take her children to school, her family said.

“That moment will stay in their hearts forever,” their statement reads.

Later that night, while in custody, Pakchawal told his brother that he didn’t feel well, Vandiver said.

The next morning, “his family was informed that he had died,” he said. “I’m not saying ICE killed him. But it’s very strange that a healthy 41-year-old man was taken into ICE custody and died 24 hours later.”

ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request for details from USA Today.

A news release from the agency says Pakchawal’s death is under active investigation, but Vandiver’s group is calling for the probe to include oversight from Congress and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security inspector general.

“Mr. Pakchawar survived the war in Afghanistan and trusted the United States enough to build a life here,” the Afghanistan Evac statement said. “His family demands answers…The United States made a promise to the Afghan people who stand with us, and we need transparency to keep that promise.”

A Powerball jackpot worth $88 million is up for grabs on Monday, March 16th.

US-NEA
-
0
A Powerball jackpot worth $88 million is up for grabs on Monday, March 16th.

play

The Powerball jackpot has increased to $88 million with a cash value of $40 million ahead of the drawing on Monday, March 16th.

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.

With just hours left until Monday’s drawing, here’s what you need to know.

What are the winning Powerball numbers for March 16th?

The winning numbers for the March 16th Powerball drawing are 7, 10, 20, 47, 52 and the Powerball is 20. The “power play” multiplier is 2x.

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

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

How to play Powerball

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

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

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes.

“Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

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

Venezuelan baseball team hopes to ‘celebrate’ country at WBC

US-NEA
-
0
Venezuelan baseball team hopes to ‘celebrate’ country at WBC

MIAMI — It wasn’t personal, but sorry Venezuela couldn’t follow the script.

Venezuela stepped into Italy’s glass slipper and celebrated on the field Monday night in front of all its adoring fans, earning a come-from-behind 4-2 victory and advancing to the World Baseball Classic’s first championship game.

Venezuela and Team USA will face off for the WBC title at Lawn Depot Park starting at 8 p.m. ET.

And, oh, the US government recently arrested the president of Venezuela and is selling off the country’s oil reserves.

But Venezuelan coach Omar López had no intention of delving into politics. He is particular about baseball.

“I think it’s more important for us to keep the country happy and celebrating and making noise,” Lopez said. I’m ready. ”

Miami’s die-hard fans are no different, and they want Venezuela to be at the top of the baseball world.

“I was looking forward to coaching a team that would allow our country to celebrate moments like this,” Lopez said. “They come together with the same slogan, the same goal, support us and pray for us…

“As God pleases, we want to give that joy to people. Then we can contribute to the mental health and lives of the people of Venezuela, so that makes us very happy.”

But on Monday, for the longest and most uncomfortable moment, it looked like Venezuela might become the latest team to lose to Italy.

Italy completely dominated the crowd of 35,382 all night, getting just two hits from pitchers Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen, leading 2-1 heading into the seventh inning.

However, they came back roaring back, just as they did in the quarterfinals against Japan, coming from behind 5-2 to win 8-5.

When it all started, Gleyber Torres was at first base with two outs. No. 9 batter Jackson Cholio singled to center field, sending Torres to third base. Ronald Acuña Jr. hit an infield hit to tie the game. Michael Garcia then hit an RBI homer, and three-time batting champion Luis Arraez hit another RBI homer for a 4-2 lead.

Venezuela’s bullpen did the rest, limiting Italy to just two harmless singles after the second inning.

Italy’s national team had a ‘humiliating’ experience with the WBC

This team, whose members were mostly American-Italians, certainly played some great baseball throughout the WBC. They did everything they could to remain undefeated, and rather than rely on their beleaguered bullpen, they piggybacked on Nola and Lorenzen and went for broke.

It backfired, but when Italy left that night, they drank wine and put away the espresso machine, knowing they were still shocking the world.

They introduced baseball to the world in Italy, and someday there will be kids who want to play professional sports using their arms instead of their legs.

“It’s a very humbling feeling to know that we were able to achieve this position in the Italian Baseball and Softball Federation,” said first baseman Vinny Pascantino. “We had a pretty good feeling about reaching the quarter-finals in 2023, but this is a completely new experience.

“To the children of Italy, please know that we are doing this for you. We hope that in 20 years’ time the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic will be full of Italians, like Italian speakers from Italy. That is the goal of this project.”

Ladybug chocolate sold at Lidl is recalled due to ‘undeclared allergens’

US-NEA
-
0
Ladybug chocolate sold at Lidl is recalled due to ‘undeclared allergens’

play

Lidl is recalling “entire batches” of its chocolate ladybugs due to labeling errors.

A German-owned discount supermarket chain has launched a recall after discovering that products containing nuts were distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of hazelnuts. Consumers have not yet reported any illnesses related to the recall.

Fabolina Chocolate Ladybugs contains an “undeclared hazelnut allergen,” which puts customers who purchase this product at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they ingest German-style nougat.

According to a March 12 notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration, Favolina chocolate ladybugs were distributed and sold in Lidl stores in the District of Columbia and nine states, including Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.

“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused in connection with this voluntary recall,” Lidl US said in a statement. “Our quality assurance department is constantly working to ensure that every product on our shelves meets the high quality standards we expect when feeding our own families.”

“We are grateful to all Lidl US customers who choose to shop with us every day,” Lidl US added.

Here’s what you need to know:

Which Ladybug Chocolate products are being recalled?

Product details related to affected products include:

  • Product name: Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs – German style nougat, boxed in 3.52 oz size
  • Universal Product Code (UPC): 20304492
  • Distribution period: January 28, 2026 – March 11, 2026
  • Affected states/territories: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

What to do if you keep a recalled chocolate ladybug

Lidl US is advising customers with affected products to return them to their local Lidl store “immediately” for a full refund. A receipt is not required for returns.

Customers with questions about the voluntary recall should contact the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at (844)-747-5435, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Kuri Richens found guilty in Utah trial of poisoning death of husband

US-NEA
-
0
Kuri Richens found guilty in Utah trial of poisoning death of husband

After deliberating for just over three hours, jurors found Kuri Darden Richins guilty of first-degree aggravated murder of her husband, Eric Richins.

play

A Utah jury has convicted a mother of three of poisoning her husband with a fentanyl-laced cocktail, a crime that gained national attention after the woman wrote a children’s book about grief and the loss of a loved one.

After deliberating for just over three hours on Monday, March 16, jurors found Khouri Darden Richens guilty of first-degree aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery and insurance fraud in the death of her husband. Eric Richens, 39, died of a fentanyl overdose on March 4, 2022, at the couple’s home in Camas, Utah, a small mountain town about 40 miles east of Salt Lake City.

Just before the jury entered, Richins, 35, was visibly shaken and was taking deep breaths. Richins bowed his head but showed little emotion as the judge read the murder verdict.

“We, the jury, unanimously agree that the prosecution has proven the following circumstances…beyond a reasonable doubt, the murder was committed for financial gain, and the murder was committed by the administration of a substance administered in any quantity, quantity, or amount that was lethal,” read aloud by Judge Richard Mrajczyk on behalf of the jury.

Eric Richins’ family members in the courtroom wiped away tears and clasped hands.

“Honestly, I feel like we’re all in shock,” Eric Richins’ sister, Amy Richins, told The Associated Press. “It’s been a while.”

She told The Associated Press that her family can now focus on honoring her brother and supporting their three sons. “I’m so happy that justice has been served for my brother.”

In his closing statement to jurors, lead prosecutor Brad Bloodworth described Cori Richens as a “very ambitious” woman who built a semblance of success even as her business was in a “downward financial death spiral.” She wanted to break up with Eric Richens, but the couple’s prenuptial agreement meant she would receive little money in the divorce, Bloodworth said.

Bloodworth said Cori Richens forged Eric Richens’ signature on life insurance documents and collected benefits. And on the day of his death, he said, she began building an alibi while calling 911.

“The first moment is not the sound of a wife becoming a widow,” he says. “That’s the sound of a wife becoming a black widow.”

Defense attorney Wendy Lewis argued that prosecutors had little evidence that Kuri Richens killed her husband. She claimed Eric Richins was in pain and may have brought back illegal drugs after a recent trip to Mexico.

Mr Lewis acknowledged that Kuri Richens’ business was struggling. But given her husband’s six-figure income, Lewis said, “He is worth far more to Khouri alive than dead.”

Here’s what else you need to know about this case, including when Cori Richins will be sentenced and what punishment she faces.

Prosecutors say ‘black widow’ poisoned her husband twice

Lead prosecutor Brad Bloodworth told jurors that Khouri Richens asked a house cleaner to buy “illegal street drugs” and left a poisoned sandwich in an attempt to kill her husband for money on Valentine’s Day 2022.

When that didn’t work, within a month Cori Richens gave her husband a poisoned celebratory drink, Bloodworth said. It killed him within hours.

When Cori Richens learned that police were investigating him, he deflected suspicion by asking him to write a children’s book, Are You With Me? – will be written, Bloodworth said.

Prosecutors called dozens of witnesses during the trial, including Khouri Richins’ former house cleaner, who told jurors that he had bought drugs for the widow on multiple occasions, but the dealer claimed she had bought them from the disputed section on the stand.

“Please tell me these drugs weren’t meant for him,” house cleaner Carmen Lauber reportedly told Kuri Richens after learning Eric Richins had died.

“No, that’s not true. Eric died of a brain aneurysm,” Cori Richins replied, Lauber said.

Defense lawyer denies grieving widow killed husband for money

Defense attorney Wendy Lewis argued that what happened to Eric Richens on Valentine’s Day 2022 was an allergic reaction, not attempted murder, and there was no evidence to show how he ingested the fatal dose of fentanyl.

Mr. Lewis also attacked the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses, noting that two of them, private investigator Todd Gabler and forensic accountant Brooke Carrington, were initially hired by Eric Richens’ family to investigate related civil cases. She said Carmen Lauber was an unreliable witness who told a false story given to her on the stand by police to avoid serving time in prison.

She said infidelity may have been one of the reasons Cori Richens deleted incriminating text messages from his phone, but it was not a motive for the murder. The state also failed to prove that Kuri Richins signed her husband’s life insurance documents or did not have his permission to do so, she said.

“They have no evidence that Kuri Richens murdered her husband,” she said. “Instead, they tried to present as much evidence as possible to convince you that she was that person.”

Witnesses speak of illegal drug purchases, financial gain and concealment

During the trial, a forensic accountant allowed jurors to review financial records, showing that Kuri Richins’ financial situation had “fallen apart” around the time of her husband’s death. She had borrowed millions of dollars to support her real estate business before his death. She then spent $1.3 million on life insurance payments in just three months.

A man who said he was in a relationship with Kuri Richens at the time told prosecutors that she asked him if he had ever killed someone and what it felt like.

The lead detective on the case testified that Cori Richens hired a ghostwriting company during the investigation to write a children’s book about grief and appeared on television to promote it about a year after her husband’s death. Prosecutors also presented a trove of evidence, including cell phone data showing hundreds of deleted text messages and that Kuri Richins’ phone was searched for information about whether police could recover the messages.

Search history also revealed queries about life insurance payments and a women’s prison in Utah. “If someone is poisoned, what does it say on the death certificate?” one searcher asked.

The defense tried to poke holes in the prosecution’s case by cross-examining witnesses, but on March 12, the case was called off without calling any witnesses of its own. Cory Richens spoke briefly in court and declined to testify.

When will Cory Richens be sentenced?

Sentencing for Kouri Richins is scheduled for May 13th. She faces a possible 25 years to life in prison.

Eric Richins’ birthday is May 13th, and he would have turned 44 this year if he hadn’t been killed.

Lack of bank information significantly delays tax refunds

US-NEA
-
0
Lack of bank information significantly delays tax refunds

play

  • Taxpayers who did not include bank information on their tax return to receive a direct deposit refund may have to wait several months for a paper check to arrive.
  • On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the issuance of paper checks to the extent permitted by law.
  • According to the National Taxpayer Advocate, more than 10 million individual taxpayers received refunds via paper checks last year as well.

Taxpayers expecting a federal income tax refund end up using the wrong type of paper when they want a paper tax refund check. Instead of seeing cash refunded, they receive an IRS notice.

By mid-March, the Internal Revenue Service planned to send more than 830,000 notices, formally known as IRS Notice CP53E, to individual taxpayers who failed to include bank account information on their tax returns. That’s according to a March 9 letter from two Democratic Congressional leaders, Rep. Danny Davis of Illinois and Rep. Terry Sewell of Alabama, to Scott Bessent, the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.

The letter expressed concerns about new rules regarding the elimination of paper tax refund checks during the 2026 tax season.

“After reviewing the IRS notice and calling the IRS line, we found that there is no easy process for these taxpayers to request immediate release of their refund via paper check without waiting at least 10 weeks,” Davis and Sewell wrote.

“In effect, the President, through his executive order, has unilaterally delayed paper refunds for months, causing undue hardship to millions of Americans. This delay is not required by the Internal Revenue Code,” the March 9 letter said.

The IRS does not allow you to update your bank account information by calling a toll-free number. Instead, taxpayers who receive these letters are asked to take several steps and are currently told that they can only update their bank account information by accessing their IRS online account within 30 days of receiving the CP53E notice.

And the IRS says, “If you don’t respond to the notice, we’ll issue you a paper check after six weeks. For the most up-to-date information on your refund status, see Where’s My Refund?” ” states.

Yes, there’s a big headache ahead for people who are expecting a refund but don’t provide their bank account information when filing their 2025 federal income tax return.

To make matters worse, some taxpayers in this situation may be financially vulnerable or have few support systems.

In some cases, online banking, apps, and websites can be difficult for non-tech-savvy people to use. Some people may not trust financial institutions and may not want to open a bank account.

Davis and Sewell noted that some taxpayers who want paper refund checks may not have access to direct deposit because they don’t have bank accounts.

The National Taxpayer Advocate raised concerns about people without bank accounts during the transition from paper checks. “According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s 2023 report, 4.2% of U.S. households, or approximately 5.6 million people, do not have a checking or savings account,” the National Taxpayer Advocate wrote last October.

“Without a bank account or other facilities, it is impossible to receive a direct deposit. For these people, a paper check is not a priority, but a lifeline.”

or “have a disability or face a systemic or geographic issue that prevents them from creating an online IRS account or receiving an electronic tax refund.”

In case you missed it: IRS warns taxpayers about dangerous refund claims spreading online

The National Taxpayer Advocate also noted that some religious communities, including some sects of the Amish and Mennonites, avoid using electronic financial systems altogether based on deeply held religious beliefs.

Additionally, the National Taxpayer Advocate noted that domestic violence victims may be unwilling or unable to share banking information with the IRS due to safety, control, and privacy concerns. “In some cases, abusers may monitor the victim’s financial transactions, such as savings, which may reveal the victim’s whereabouts and financial activities, leading to further abuse or stalking,” the advocate’s blog states.

Matt Heatherwick, chief program officer at the nonprofit Fiscal Assistance Association in Detroit, said he recommends that taxpayers have their direct deposit information ready and accessible before they prepare their tax return.

Several free or low-cost account options exist. For tips, see FDIC: GetBanked and MyCreditUnion.gov.

Heatherwick noted that CP53 notices are sent when there is a problem with the direct deposit information provided to the IRS. “Taxpayers should always review and double-check their tax returns before the preparer files them to avoid mistakes,” Heatherwick said.

On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end the issuance of paper checks to the extent permitted by law, suggesting that issuing paper checks “imposes unnecessary costs, delays, fraud, risks of lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies.”

As a result, the IRS is phasing out paper checks this tax season.

Most people already receive their tax refund through direct deposit into their savings or checking account. According to a National Taxpayer Advocate blog posted in October, about 94% of individual taxpayers provided direct deposit information on Form 1040 during the 2025 filing season.

Still, more than 10 million individual taxpayers still received their refunds in paper checks last year, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

The IRS previously announced that it will send a letter to individuals asking them to update their bank information if they do not provide it on their 2025 federal income tax return. Or, if your direct deposit is rejected by your financial institution, you’ll receive a letter.

If your bank information is missing when you file your tax return, the IRS will still accept and process your return. It will only cause further delays in receiving your federal income tax refund.

“When filing electronically, taxpayers may receive a warning notifying them that bank information is missing and outlining next steps if a refund is due,” the IRS said.

If you receive a notice, you should take immediate steps to get your tax refund.

“Once you receive a CP53E notice, you must update or add a new bank account within 30 days,” the IRS says online.

The IRS says the following steps are required.

  • To add or update your bank account information, you must access your account and establish an online account. The IRS says taxpayers will receive a message indicating that their bank account update was successful. “If there is a problem with your changes, you will receive an error message. Read all messages carefully and promptly follow any instructions given,” the IRS says.
  • Once the process is successfully completed, please allow 2-5 days for your refund information to be updated online.
  • Please use the refund tool to check your refund status.
  • If you encounter a system issue that prevents you from updating your bank account information, please read the message carefully and try again later.

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

Affordable price and dynamic appearance

US-NEA
-
0
Affordable price and dynamic appearance

play

  • When I first drove the new Kicks, I noticed that it had a more upright and imposing appearance than the ’24 model, which had only front-wheel drive and resembled a small wagon.
  • After driving it for the second time, I came to the conclusion that this is Nissan’s best offering and a strong contender in a segment crowded with great cars.

Let’s take another look at the Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV that we drove for the first time in October 2024.

First impressions are great, but nothing beats getting to know a person, place, or vehicle better. As makes and models evolve, that’s why I’m sharing my experience after driving the car for a week or so.

This week’s car: 2026 Nissan Kicks SR AWD

What is it? 5-seater subcompact all-wheel drive SUV

how much? Pricing for the 2026 Nissan Kicks starts at $22,430 for the front-wheel drive base model. All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge.

I drove an all-wheel drive Kicks SR AWD with a standard price of $28,160. My test vehicle sold for $33,220, thanks to options that included Bose audio, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, front seats, and mirrors.

How are sales going? Nissan sold 103,575 Kicks in 2025. The Kicks is the brand’s third best-selling vehicle, behind the Nissan Rogue compact SUV and Sentra compact sedan.

What will it compete with? Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue and Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, VW Taos.

why do you want it? Kicks is a great value product with a distinctive, muscular look and attractive features.

What I thought when I drove for the first time

After a day of driving the Kicks around the suburbs surrounding Nissan’s Oakland County Technical Center, I wrote:

  • The new Kicks has a more upright and impressive appearance compared to the 2024 model, which was front-wheel drive only and more like a small wagon.
  • Kicks’ distinctive new design and low base price should help it gain attention in the competitive subcompact SUV market.

What I think about Nissan Kicks now

  • The Kicks is the best argument for Nissan’s survival ever since the company was mired in management infighting and financial troubles.
  • This is Nissan’s best offering and a strong contender in a segment packed with great cars.
  • The optional Bose 10-speaker audio is a nice surprise in an entry-level vehicle.
  • With its bold rear fender and 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the Kicks has a presence despite its small size.

what could be better

force. The Kicks’ naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder engine makes less torque than the smaller turbo engines that power its leading competitors. It becomes obvious when accelerating onto the highway or passing through a busy intersection.

2026 Nissan Kicks key numbers and features

  • Front wheel drive or all wheel drive
  • 5 passengers
  • 2.0L naturally aspirated engine
  • 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque
  • EPA fuel economy estimates: 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined. Regular gasoline. Estimated annual fuel cost: $1,450.
  • Continuously variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: AWD 104.9 inches. FF104.6 inch
  • Length: 171.9 inches
  • Vehicle weight as tested: 3,253 lbs.
  • Passenger volume: 95.7 cubic feet
  • Cargo Space: AWD: 23.9 cubic feet behind rear seats. 50.1 with the seats folded. FWD: 29.2 after rear seats; 58.5 with seats folded
  • Assembled in Aguascaliente, Mexico

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.

Create your 2026 NCAA March Madness bracket with these tips

US-NEA
-
0
Create your 2026 NCAA March Madness bracket with these tips

Filling out March Madness slots can be a scary task, but don’t worry. The data is on your side. Many people fall into this pattern when trying to build a team that wins the men’s NCAA Tournament. Pick a bunch of favorites, pick a few upsets, and cross your fingers.

No matter how much research you do, the odds of picking all 63 games correctly except for 4 of the play-in games are incredibly high. Perhaps that’s why we give you a million dollars to do it.

Here are some trends based on its 39-year history (1985-2024) since the tournament has grown to 64 teams. Our tips can get you started, but along the way you’ll have to make some assumptions, both informed and uneducated.

Printable 2026 NCAA March Madness Bracket

Here’s another way to look at the traditional NCAA Tournament bracket. The first round consists of four sets of these eight pairs. The 2,496 squares below represent all teams (excluding play-in teams) that competed in the tournament from 1985 to 2024.

1a. The first-round winner of the NCAA Tournament is usually the top seed

Don’t see the graphic? Click here to view it.

If you just choose the highest seeded team throughout the tournament, your odds will improve significantly, especially in the first few rounds. This makes the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds particularly favorable bets in almost all tournaments.

The NCAA has hosted its own online bracket contests during the past 10 tournaments. They found that when players made choices based on “likely outcomes,” they got two-thirds of their choices correct. This method increases the odds of a perfect bracket to 1 in 120.2 billion.

That’s 70 million times better than flipping a coin, but probably not good enough to win among your friends and colleagues.

1b. Upsetting the lowest-seeded team may not be a good idea.

The No. 15 and No. 16 seeded teams have won a total of 13 times from 1985 to 2024, or once every three years. The last time a No. 15 and No. 16 seed won was in 2023, when No. 15 Princeton University and No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson University both clinched the championship, so this year will likely be the year.

Perhaps we’re seeing the beginning of a new trend, or perhaps we can pick all the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds with relative confidence. If you want to get a flyer (which you need to do to win), try some seeds. On average, a 13 seed beats a 4 seed about once per tournament.

Which seeds are performing best in the Round of 32?

Unsurprisingly, over 47% of players seeded 4 or higher make the Sweet 16. What’s surprising is that if the 10th, 11th, and 12th seeds win their first-round games, they have a 40% chance of making the Sweet 16.

3. How many upsets do you need to pick in the NCAA tournament bracket?

The guessing game begins with step 3, where you will probably differentiate your bracket from the others.

According to the NCAA, from 1985 to 2024, there were an average of 8.5 upsets per tournament, or about 13% of all 63 games. However, depending on the year, it is inevitable that the brackets will break. There were a total of 14 upsets in both 2021 and 2022.

The NCAA’s upset numbers do not include 8-9 games. That’s probably the best time to consider flipping a coin and making your choice. That said, the majority of this year’s 8-seed winners could make a case for this, as the 9-seed currently has a six-game lead over the 8-seed.

Upset percentage for the first four rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

The 39-year average is just over eight upsets per year, but upsets are becoming a bit more common. According to the NCAA, lower seeds have won at least 10 games in nine of the past 13 years. There were 10 upsets in 2023 and nine in 2024.

4. Choosing the final four will be even more difficult.

In last year’s tournament, all No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four, but this result is unusual. With the exception of last year and 2019, at least one No. 7 seed or lower has reached the Final Four since 2011.

5. No. 1 seed is still the best choice for tournament champions

The data suggests there shouldn’t be four No. 1 players in the Final Four, but they have amassed more than 20 championships in nearly 40 years, including 10 of the last 12 tournaments. Since 2005, the No. 1 seed has won at least every other year.

NCAA Men’s Tournament Winner

What is the longest time the brackets have remained in perfect condition?

An Ohio State man predicted the entire 2019 Men’s NCAA Tournament to the Sweet 16, setting a record for the longest winning streak of 49 games verified in the March Madness bracket, according to the NCAA. (Starting in 2016, the NCAA began tracking brackets for the men’s and women’s bracket challenge games, as well as major online platforms such as ESPN, CBS, and Yahoo.) Learn more about the perfect March Madness bracket.

Note: This story was originally published in 2024 by Jim Sargent.

Hyundai Palisade to be discontinued and recalled after child death

US-NEA
-
0
Hyundai Palisade to be discontinued and recalled after child death

Palisade owners should use extreme caution when using the power-folding second- and third-row seat features.

play

  • Hyundai is recalling more than 60,000 Palisade SUVs due to an issue with power-folding seats.
  • This recall affects the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trim levels.
  • Hyundai advises owners to avoid using power seat buttons and to check that there are no obstructions in the area before operating them.

Hyundai has decided to discontinue sales and plans to recall more than 60,000 Palisade SUVs following a fatal accident that is currently under investigation, a news release from the company announced.

The Palisade is a popular mid-size family SUV model, similar to the Kia Telluride. This is the Korean automaker’s largest SUV and one of the few models with three rows of seats.

Hyundai’s Palisade has received a lot of attention from car critics and fans of the brand after its redesign for the 2026 model year. Why is it recalled and what should Palisade owners do to avoid accidents?

Why is Hyundai recalling the Palisade?

According to a Hyundai release regarding the issue, Hyundai is recalling the Palisade because “in certain circumstances, the second- and third-row power seats may not detect contact with occupants or objects as intended.”

Powered second and third row seats experiencing this detection issue may continue to fold regardless of whether or not someone or an object is sitting in the seat row.

The tragic death of a 2-year-old girl in Ohio on March 7th is under investigation in connection with the Palisade, according to the company’s cease-and-desist notice.

“While Hyundai does not yet know the full story and the incident is still under investigation, a young child lost her life. Hyundai extends its deepest condolences to her family,” the company said in a statement.

Which Hyundai Palisade models are recalled?

One model year and two trims were recalled.

  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited
  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

These upper trims come standard with a power-folding third-row seat. Hyundai Motor North America has announced the discontinuation of sales of the 2026 Palisade Limited and Palisade Calligraphy models in the United States and Canada.

What should I do if my Hyundai Palisade is recalled?

“Hyundai urges owners to use caution when operating second- and third-row power seat features and to ensure that there are no people or objects, including children, in the seats or seat folding area before operating the power seats,” the company said in a statement.

If you own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited or Palisade Calligraphy, “avoid pressing the seatback button when getting in or out,” Hyundai advised.

The safest course of action if you need to use the second and third row electric folding feature is to only use it when the vehicle is completely empty. This allows owners to adjust seating and cargo space to suit their needs without causing injury to passengers.

Owners who are aware of this recall should use extreme caution when using these features before the fix is ​​issued and implemented.

What is Hyundai doing to address the problem of power folding seats?

Hyundai has submitted final recall details to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recall repairs are “currently under development” and Hyundai plans to provide rental cars to customers “until a complete remedy is available.”

An over-the-air software update is also being developed that will “enhance the system’s response to contact with occupants or objects.” Hyundai says the update will be available by the end of March. While it may not solve the recall, it can help prevent tragedy until all affected vehicles are repaired.

Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer support center with questions regarding the recall.

Charles Singh is an Autos Connect reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Please contact CSingh@Gannett.com.

Outspoken Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino plans to retire

US-NEA
-
0
Outspoken Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino plans to retire

play

Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol agent who became the face of the Trump administration’s controversial immigration crackdown, plans to retire at the end of March, multiple news outlets reported on March 16.

Bovino, currently the chief patrol agent along California’s El Centro area on the U.S.-Mexico border, announced in an interview with Breitbart Texas that he would be retiring from the agency in the coming weeks, but he has not yet filed the required paperwork. CBS News, NBC News and CNN also reported, citing anonymous sources, that Bovino is retiring after nearly 30 years with the Border Patrol.

“The greatest honor of my life has been working alongside Border Patrol agents at the U.S. border and in the interior of the United States, in some of the most difficult conditions Border Patrol has ever faced,” Bovino told Breitbart Texas.

He added that it was humbling to watch the agents “do their best in the most dangerous environment they have ever faced.”

USA TODAY has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment.

His retirement plans coincide with the departure of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, whose final term at the department ends March 31. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump fired Noem and appointed her special envoy for America’s Shield, his initiative to police drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.

Mr. Bovino has emerged as the primary public face of the Trump administration’s immigration operations over the past year, spearheading the military approach to immigration enforcement that has come to characterize the administration’s efforts. His aggressive tactics and handling of operations in Minnesota, Chicago and Los Angeles have drawn criticism from lawmakers and civil rights activists.

SCOTUS considers: Can President Trump deport immigrants from dangerous environments?

Immigration services in Minneapolis and Chicago

Mr. Bovino first gained national attention when he led Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago. His high-profile incidents in the nation’s third-largest city include using a Black Hawk helicopter to raid an apartment building. Using chemical irritants on protesters in clear violation of a judge’s order. He was then ordered to appear in federal court and was reprimanded by a federal district judge for the tear gas incident.

Further attention was focused on him after two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Preti, were shot and killed during an immigration check in Minnesota. Mr. Bovino has repeatedly defended the tactics of immigration officials in Minneapolis, arguing that they face angry masses on the streets, which is thwarting immigration enforcement efforts.

Mr. Bovino joined Mr. Noem in determining that Mr. Pretti’s killing was an act of self-defense by a federal officer and said Mr. Pretti intended to harm the officer without providing evidence to support the charge.

“It appears to be a violation of criminal law”: Democrat asks Justice Department to investigate whether Kristi Noem lied to Congress

In late January, the White House announced that Border Patrol agent Tom Homan would be sent to the state as the Trump administration’s new immigration enforcement officer. Mr. Bovino returned to his previous position as Border Patrol Division Chief in El Centro, California.

Mr. Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to defuse the confrontational atmosphere. Homan announced in February that hundreds of staff members would be sent home, but said immigration enforcement would continue in the state.

Contributors: Katherine Palmer, Fernando Cervantes Jr., James Powell, Trevor Hughes, Michael Loria, Terry Collins, USA TODAY. Reuters

Taylor Frankie Paul, Dakota Mortensen under police investigation

US-NEA
-
0
Taylor Frankie Paul, Dakota Mortensen under police investigation

Police are reportedly investigating a domestic incident involving “Mormon Wives” star Dakota Mortensen and his ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul, whose season of “The Bachelorette” begins in a week.

The Draper Police Department in northern Utah confirmed to People that a “domestic assault investigation” into Paul and Mortensen is ongoing, and both suspects have reportedly admitted to the charges. Law enforcement contacted the parties on February 24 and 25, a spokesperson told the outlet.

In response to USA TODAY, the Draper Police Department released a statement saying it “respects the rights and privacy of all citizens.”

It continued: “It is the Department’s practice not to release details related to active investigations unless there is an immediate impact on public safety.”

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for “Mormon Wives” and “The Bachelorette” for comment.

TMZ first reported the news of the incident involving Paul and Mortensen, which reported that production on season 5 of “Mormon Wives” was paused due to the incident.

Paul, the first Bachelorette star to take the helm of the series despite never appearing on The Bachelor, will date 22 men on the upcoming season 22, which premieres on Sunday, March 22. Paul, 31, is the mother of eight-year-old Indy and five-year-old Ocean from his marriage to Tate Paul, and has son Ever, almost two, with Mortensen.

The two had an on-and-off relationship, which was documented on “Mormon Wife” and was shown to be close until just before she began filming her season of “The Bachelorette.”

When the show premiered on Hulu in 2024, it began with Paul’s legal troubles stemming from his 2023 incident with Mortensen. She was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child, police said.

According to People, local news outlet KSL, and the Salt Lake Tribune, Paul has since filed a motion to suspend the aggravated assault charge. The other criminal charges were dropped, but the aggravated assault charge will reportedly remain for three years until she meets the terms of her guilty plea.

According to KSL, Paul’s case is scheduled to be heard in August. If she complies with the terms of the agreement, which include supervised probation and avoiding breaking the law for 36 months, the felony will be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor.

In a September interview on Call Her Daddy, an emotional Paul called the alleged assault “the worst night of my life.”

“I think I was very selfish, and I accepted that I was selfish at the time,” she said. “But I’ve learned from it and tried to make up for it,” she said.

Contributor: Melina Khan, USA TODAY

Ross Dress for Less will open 13 stores. Look where.

US-NEA
-
0
Ross Dress for Less will open 13 stores. Look where.

play

Discount retailer Ross Dress for Less is opening new stores in 10 states, as well as opening stores for its DD’s discount brand in three states, the company announced this month.

According to the company’s website, 13 Ross and four DD’s Discount stores are already open, including in states where the brand is based, such as Texas, Colorado and California. Ross said in a press release that the store opened between February and March.

This store opening is part of the company’s expansion plan to open 110 stores in 2026. The plan includes 85 Ross stores and 25 DD’s discount stores, the company said, adding that it had strong performance in 2025. Both stores carry footwear, clothing, and household goods.

Last year, Ross opened 90 new stores. As of mid-March, Ross had 1,917 stores in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, and 366 DD’s discount stores in 23 states, the company said.

“We have expanded Ross Dress for Less in the Mountain, Midwest and Northeast regions, as well as strengthened our presence in key Sunbelt states,” Richard Lietz, Ross Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development, said in a press release. “We added new stores (due to DD discounts) in our core markets of California and Texas, as well as our first store in Utah.”

The company said it will commemorate each opening by donating to a local Boys & Girls Club or First Book, which helps teachers get affordable books in areas of need.

retail: Saks Global will close 15 more stores. See where the shutters are installed.

Where can I find the latest Ross and DD discounts?

The new stores are in 11 states, according to the Ross and DD discount website.

California

  • Alhambra – 600 E. Valley Blvd. (Ross)
  • Los Angeles – 11750 Wilmington Ave. (DD discount)
  • North Hollywood – 12711 Sherman Way (DD discount)
  • Union City – 1650 Decoto Road (Ross)

colorado

  • Parker – 11435 Twenty Mile Road (Ross)

illinois

  • Belleville – 5878 Belleville Crossing St. (Ross)

maryland

  • Capitol Heights – 1731 Ritchie Station Court (Ross)

missouri

  • Bridgeton – 11978 Paul Mayer Ave., Suite 400 (Ross)
  • Cape Girardeau – 3049 William St., Suite 270 (Ross)

new jersey

  • Iselin – 675 US Highway 1, Suite 1 (Ross)

new mexico

  • Hobbs – 2220 N. Grimes St., Suite 400 (Ross)

new york

  • Lake Grove – 3210 Middle Country Road (Ross)
  • Riverhead – 1080 Old Country Road (Ross)

ohio

  • Akron – 432 E. Waterloo Road (Ross)

texas

  • Amarillo – 3510 E. Interstate 40, Suite 200 (DD discount)

Utah

  • St. George – 801 South Bluff St., Suite A50 (Ross)
  • West Valley – 3595 S.Constitution Blvd. (DD discount)

Reitz, Ross’ executive vice president of real estate development, said in a press release that the company plans to open more stores.

“We remain confident in our long-term growth potential and see a clear path to 2,900 Ross stores and 700 (DD Discount) stores across the United States,” he said.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trends team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia (757). Email sdmartin@usatoday.com.

How many soldiers were seriously injured in the Iran war?

US-NEA
-
0
How many soldiers were seriously injured in the Iran war?

play

The number of U.S. soldiers injured in the Iran war has risen to 200, a total of 60 more than the Pentagon last announced six days ago, said Col. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command.

Hawkins said 10 service members are currently seriously injured. The majority suffered minor injuries, and more than 180 of them have returned to duty.

After the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on February 28, Iran retaliated with sustained drone and missile attacks on U.S. allies and U.S. military bases hosting them in the region.

On March 12, a KC-135 refueling plane crashed in Iraq, killing six crew members, bringing the number of U.S. soldiers killed in the war to 13.

Three of the soldiers on board were from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., and Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Captain Arianna G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington. And technology. Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky. Three are from Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, and two are Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio. And technology. Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.

more: Alabama pilot among six killed in KC-135 crash. what we know

Seven other service members were killed in Iranian attacks on U.S. military bases. Six soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait. Sergeant 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska. Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Sergeant Declan J. Cody, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa. and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan (age 54, resident of Sacramento, California). All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa.

Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, was killed in an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia. According to the Department of Defense, he was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Families of soldiers killed in the KC-135 crash criticized the Iran war in interviews over the weekend. “This could have been prevented,” Stephen Douglas, a cousin of the slain 28-year-old technical sergeant Simmons, told NBC affiliate WCMH in Columbus, Ohio. “We didn’t have to be in this war. This is inevitable and this is what we get.”

The war, now in its third week, has killed around 2,000 people across the Middle East, including at least 1,330 Iranians, according to the country’s ambassador to the United Nations. Israel has stepped up attacks on Lebanon, killing at least 800 people. According to Reuters, an Iranian missile attack killed nine Israelis and two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

E. coli outbreak linked to cheddar cheese. See Affected Products, Conditions.

US-NEA
-
0
E. coli outbreak linked to cheddar cheese. See Affected Products, Conditions.

play

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to cheddar cheese made from raw milk.

In a notice shared on March 15, both agencies advised consumers not to eat Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese. The outbreak of E. coli, a foodborne illness, has been traced to cheese products and has sickened at least seven people in three states, researchers said.

The cheese has not yet been removed from the market because Law Farm, which has been implicated in multiple high-profile infectious disease outbreaks, has refused FDA requests to recall the product, the agency said. The FDA is awaiting further sample testing to confirm the source.

Here’s what you need to know about the outbreak.

Which cheeses are affected?

The cause of this outbreak has been traced to a cheddar cheese product sold by a brand called Raw Farm. This includes:

  • Original flavored raw farm cheddar cheese.
  • All size packages of raw farm block and shredded cheese.

In which states are E. coli cases occurring?

As of March 14, seven people in three states were sick, including two people, two of whom were hospitalized. Four of the cases involved children under 3 years of age.

  • California (5 results)
  • Florida (1 item)
  • Texas (1 item)

What to do with affected cheddar cheese

Law Farms has denied the FDA’s request for a voluntary recall of its cheese products.

While the investigation is ongoing, the FDA and CDC recommend that affected cheeses not be eaten or thrown away. Surfaces that may have come into contact with cheese should be washed and disinfected with hot, soapy water.

What is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC? Is it more dangerous?

The outbreak strain of E. coli associated with this cheese was identified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, also known as STEC. According to the FDA, this type of E. coli is known to cause a serious kidney disease called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

According to the Mayo Clinic, children are more likely to get HUS, which damages blood vessels. This destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia and blood clots in blood vessels. These blood clots can damage the kidneys and other organs, causing kidney failure and death.

According to the FDA, as of March 14, no deaths or cases of HUS have been reported.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning

According to the CDC, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These include:

  • Diarrhea and fever above 102°F
  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days
  • bloody diarrhea
  • I’m vomiting so much that I can’t keep fluids down
  • Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, decreased urination, and dizziness.
  • Abdominal cramps, pain, and bloating.

According to the Mayo Clinic, additional symptoms of HUS include:

  • Pale skin or loss of color.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Bruises easily.
  • Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose or mouth.
  • Decreased urination or blood in the urine.
  • Swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles called edema.
  • Confusion, seizures, or strokes.
  • High blood pressure.

What you need to know about raw/unpasteurized dairy products

Raw Farm is a seller of dairy products that are raw or unpasteurized, or that are not heated to kill harmful bacteria.

The process of pasteurization became routine in the U.S. commercial milk supply in the 1920s and became widespread by the 1950s. As a result, the spread of diseases commonly spread through milk has been reduced.

Misinformation about the process has led some people to believe that pasteurized milk is less nutritious or better for people with lactose intolerance, but pasteurization does not significantly compromise milk’s nutritional value or content. In some states, it is illegal to sell raw milk directly to consumers.

Raw milk can contain many harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are known to cause many diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barre syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis, and death.

Judge blocks President Kennedy’s vaccine policy changes

US-NEA
-
0
Judge blocks President Kennedy’s vaccine policy changes

play

In a March 16 ruling, a federal judge in Massachusetts blocked part of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s restructuring of federal vaccine policy.

District Judge Brian Murphy ruled in favor of the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups, alleging that the Trump administration acted illegally to carry out what he called President Kennedy’s plan to overturn vaccination policy.

Murphy wrote that for decades, the United States has focused on using vaccines to eradicate and reduce disease. He said that under Kennedy, the government “ignored these techniques, thereby undermining the integrity of its actions.”

The Trump administration’s actions on vaccinations have drawn warnings from leading medical institutions and public health experts, some of whom warn that more Americans, including children, could die from preventable diseases as a result. President Kennedy has said vaccines will continue to be available to anyone who wants them, and supporters have hailed the move toward a more individual rights-based approach to public health.

The judge also blocked 13 Kennedy appointees to the main vaccine advisory committee from continuing in their positions ahead of a meeting scheduled for March 18-19.

President Kennedy fired all 17 original members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the panel of health experts that guides the CDC’s vaccine use, and replaced them with members who critics said were unqualified. Some members, like Kennedy, are anti-vaccine advocates and have a history of involvement in anti-vaccine groups.

HHS confirmed to USA TODAY that the ACIP meeting has been postponed.

What you need to know now: RFK Jr., CDC and confusing vaccine recommendations

Vaccine vote ruled invalid

Murphy said earlier committee votes to broadly lower recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines and COVID-19 vaccinations for newborns are also invalid because they were illegally constituted.

In May 2025, President Kennedy announced that the coronavirus vaccine would not be included in the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that goes against expert guidance.

This angered the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which went so far as to issue its own schedule in August 2025, saying the federal government’s process could no longer be trusted.

It is recommended that all children between the ages of 6 and 23 months receive an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the chance of serious illness. According to the guidance, children and adolescents ages 2 to 18 without other high-risk factors, such as immunosuppression, can and should be vaccinated if they have not previously been vaccinated.

In a response posted on social media, President Kennedy hit back at the pediatric society’s criticism and suggested that its views were influenced by corporate pharmaceutical funders.

President Kennedy led several changes to the U.S. vaccine schedule and recommendations, including removing four people from the pediatric eligibility list and splitting the MMR vaccine, a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, into two separate vaccines. Kennedy, backed by President Donald Trump, said reducing the number of vaccinations would bring the U.S. in line with other developed countries.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the updated recommendations will maintain vaccinations against 11 diseases, including measles, mumps and chickenpox, while others will be categorized as either targeting high-risk groups or subject to the discretion of the parent’s doctor.

Policy in image: Under new CDC guidelines, children may receive fewer vaccinations

“This is an important victory for public health, evidence-based medicine, the rule of law, and the American people,” Richard Hughes, an attorney for the medical groups, said in a statement. “The government may appeal this decision and there is still much work to do to achieve a complete victory on the merits. But for now we can celebrate a rare piece of good news.”

The judge issued other high-profile blocks.

Murphy has drawn the ire of the Trump administration and president for repeatedly blocking efforts that include core elements of the president’s hardline immigration policies.

“HHS expects this judge’s decision, as well as his other attempts to stop the Trump administration from governing, to be overturned,” HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement to USA TODAY.

In another lawsuit filed against the Trump administration, Murphy issued and enforced court orders restricting the administration’s efforts to deport immigrants of other nationalities to countries such as South Sudan, Libya and El Salvador.

President Trump derided Murphy as “out of control,” and White House adviser Stephen Miller called Murphy a “lunatic.” At the regime’s request, the Supreme Court intervened twice early in the case, lifting Murphy’s injunction and paving the way for the deportation of several men to South Sudan.

In his final judgment on February 25, Murphy again ruled against the “third country” expulsion policy. The same day as Murphy’s ruling against Kennedy, a federal appeals court suspended that order while the government pursues an appeal. The administration has said it is willing to take the case back to the Supreme Court.

The judge also ruled against the Pentagon over research funding and temporary deportation protection for more than 5,000 Ethiopians, and allowed an offshore wind project to continue over the government’s objections.

Contributed by: Reuters

1...223224225...975Page 224 of 975

About us

Stay informed with the latest breaking news, expert insights, and in-depth coverage across USA, Politics, Economy, World News, Technology, Health, Sports, Science, and more. Your trusted source for daily news and trending topics.

Editor's Picks

Leo Messi praises Argentina teammates for ‘crazy’ comeback against Egypt

USA 0
Messi, Argentina lead to come-from-behind victory over EgyptLionel Messi...

Rob Gronkowski talks about what Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey’s wedding...

USA 0
Rob Gronkowski is praising fellow NFL star Travis Kelce...

Economy 0
problem solved .

The latest

Lindsey Graham’s death leaves one key Senate job open

USA 0
Mr. Graham died while serving as chairman of the...

Arrow Exterminators Homeowner Pest Control Review (2026)

Economy 0
Pests don't wait for a convenient time to appear,...

Lindsey Graham’s sudden death shocks Congress

Politics 0
The longtime South Carolina state senator had just returned...

Subscribe

©2025 US-NEA.COM. All Rights Reserved.