Search
Menu
Home Blog Page 266

FDA limits leucovorin use to rare diseases despite promoting autism

US-NEA
-
0
FDA limits leucovorin use to rare diseases despite promoting autism

play

The Food and Drug Administration has sharply narrowed the approved use of leucovorin, limiting the drug to rare genetic disorders, a major setback after President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touted leucovorin as a promising treatment for autism.

The agency announced on Tuesday, March 10, that leucovorin is currently approved only for patients with cerebral folate deficiency, a rare disease that includes features of autism. The decision marks a major shift from the broader framework laid out by the Trump administration last fall, when officials touted the drug as a potential way to address autism, despite a lack of scientific consensus to support such claims.

At a White House briefing in September, Trump, Kennedy, and other officials outlined plans to find what they called “the answer to autism,” linking the rates to Tylenol use during pregnancy without evidence and touting leucovorin as a way to treat autism symptoms.

The administration has repeatedly touted its plans to uncover the “causes” of autism. Decades of medical and scientific consensus indicate that there is no single cause, including drugs, for autism, but that it is likely the result of multiple factors, including genetics.

President Trump said in September that leucovorin’s label change would give “hope to many parents of children with autism that their lives may be better.” And while the new approval mentions “autistic traits,” it applies to significantly fewer demographics than the one first offered a few months ago.

USA TODAY has reached out to the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services for comment.

Here’s what you need to know about how leucovorin works and who it’s approved to treat.

“We have gone way back”: Autism groups respond to Trump administration’s Tylenol claims

What is leucovorin?

Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, is a type of essential B vitamin called folic acid. According to the Mayo Clinic and Drugs.com, it mimics the effects of folic acid in the body, which helps generate and maintain new cells.

It is primarily prescribed to cancer patients to counter the negative effects of chemotherapy drugs and can also be used in conjunction with other drugs that target specific types of cancer.

What did the FDA approve leucovorin for?

On March 10, the FDA approved a brand of leucovorin tablet, called Welcovorin, for the treatment of receptor 1 gene cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) (FOLR1 deficiency). This rare genetic disorder affects how folate is transported to the brain and can cause neuropsychiatric and developmental symptoms.

CFD is an umbrella term. CFD-FOLR1 is a specific subtype designated by FDA approval. According to the FDA, this condition is thought to affect about 1 in 1 million people.

The FDA says it can cause some symptoms that are also common in people with autism, including language and motor skill difficulties, developmental delays, and seizures. Due to the rarity of the disease, approval was based on a review of published literature rather than clinical trials.

“Today’s approval marks an important milestone for patients with cerebral folate transport deficiency due to mutations in FOLR1, a rare genetic disease for which, to date, there have been no FDA-approved treatment options,” FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry said in a news release.. “This measure may benefit some individuals with FOLR1-related cerebral folate transport defects who have developmental delays with autistic features,” he added, marking the only mention of autism in the statement.

Previously, McCurry told manufacturers in September to ramp up production of the drug as a treatment for some autism patients in anticipation of further FDA approval.

Doctors are aware of the following effects: Pregnant ER patients reduced their Tylenol intake after President Trump’s autism claims

What did Trump and RFK Jr. say about leucovorin and autism?

At a White House briefing on Sept. 22, Trump and his advisers touted leucovorin as a “cure” for autism, and Kennedy was reported to be rushing FDA approval. Kennedy called the drug “a wonderful treatment that has the potential to benefit large numbers of children suffering from autism.”

Experts and medical groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Child Neurology were quick to counter both unsubstantiated claims. In the months following the briefing, emergency rooms across the country saw a 10 percent drop in Tylenol orders for pregnant patients, and a 71 percent increase in leucovorin prescriptions for children, at one point soaring to more than 90 percent, according to a study published March 5 in the medical journal The Lancet.

What does science say about leucovorin and autism?

Currently, there is no widely accepted evidence to support the therapeutic use of leucovorin in people with autism.

“At this point, we don’t have enough data to say we can establish efficacy in broader autism,” an FDA official told Reuters. “The review team did an excellent job of sifting through the available autism data across the board and demonstrating why there is currently no evidence for widespread approval.”

Small studies have shown that some children with autism may experience cerebral folate deficiency or symptoms similar to it, where folate does not enter the brain correctly and can affect functions such as language and coordination. These findings show some promise and pique interest in leucovorin.

Learn more about leucovorin: Researchers disagree on potential answers to President Trump and RFK Jr.’s autism

In the largest double-blind, placebo-controlled study of its kind, Indian researchers studied folinic acid in a small group of children. One group of 39 children received folinic acid and a second group of 38 children received a placebo.

A November 2024 study, which has since been retracted, found that children who received the drug had improved scores compared to a placebo group on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, which is used to assess verbal and nonverbal communication.

This study was retracted due to data errors.

“The evidence is very limited, very narrow and inconclusive,” Dr. Sara Rodriguez, executive director of the Balanced Learning Center, a nonprofit that serves autistic and neurodivergent people, told USA TODAY. “It is important to recognize that treatment is not actually directed at autism itself, but at other underlying needs. Current research does not establish or widely recommend leucovorin as an autism treatment.”

Contributor: Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY. Reuters

Testimony focuses on drugs and money

US-NEA
-
0
Testimony focuses on drugs and money

play

Suspect of poisoned sandwich. The mistress became a witness for the prosecution. Conflicting testimony regarding illegal drug trafficking. A children’s book about grief written by a widow who was later accused of murdering her husband. And the judge won the hearts of the social media audience by battling with lawyers on both sides.

The murder trial of Khouri Darden Richens is the latest true crime case to shock the nation.

Richens, 35, is on trial for the murder of her husband, Eric Richens, who was found dead of a fentanyl overdose in the early hours of March 4, 2022, at their home in Camas, Utah, a small mountain town about 40 miles east of Salt Lake City. Kuri Richens was charged with first-degree aggravated murder, attempted criminal murder, forgery and two counts of insurance fraud in connection with her husband’s death, according to court records.

Prosecutors have so far presented a mountain of evidence, including cell phone data and financial documents, to prove that Kuri Richins owed millions of dollars and killed her husband for the money. Dozens of witnesses, including a private investigator hired by Eric Richens’ family and a man who claimed to have had an affair with Kuri Richens, all took the stand and gave sometimes emotional testimony.

Kuri Richins’ lawyers are currently preparing their defense.

Here’s what you need to know so far about this case.

What happened to Eric Richins?

Lead prosecutor Brad Bloodworth said in his opening statement that Cori Richens tried to kill her husband on Valentine’s Day and succeeded a short time later.

Cori Richens was asked to buy illegal drugs by her housecleaner, and a few days later, on February 14, 2022, she bought her husband a sandwich and left the house to meet her boyfriend an hour away, Bloodworth said. Meanwhile, Bloodworth said Eric Richens sent a message to his wife saying, “If things don’t get better, I’m going to lie down for a little bit. I’m going to go to the hospital.”

Bloodworth then said Cory Richens asked the house cleaners to buy him “something stronger,” and Eric Richens died of a fentanyl overdose a few days later. Bloodworth said Cori Richens had borrowed more than $4.5 million from more than 20 lenders on the day her husband died and “needed Eric Richens’ money to start her life anew.”

Ms Bloodworth said she published a children’s book about how to cope with the loss of a parent when she learned the police were investigating.

But defense attorney Kathryn Nester said what happened on Valentine’s Day was not an attempted murder but an allergic reaction. Nester said Cori Richens fell asleep next to his son on the night of March 3, 2022, and at some point Eric Richens ingested a fatal dose of fentanyl and “got into bed and fell asleep and died in his sleep.”

Nester said there was “zero evidence” of how the fentanyl got into his system, but told jurors that Eric Richins had recently traveled to Mexico before his death. “Where do you think fentanyl comes into this country? Mexico,” she said.

Nester and a spokesperson for the Summit County Attorney’s Office declined interview requests from USA TODAY.

Housekeeper says she bought drugs for Kuri Richins

Carmen Lauber, a former house cleaner who testified after receiving waivers from multiple law enforcement agencies, said Kuri Richins asked her to buy illegal drugs on four separate occasions.

After the first treatment, she said, Cory Richens asked for something stronger, like “the Michael Jackson thing.” Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.

Lauber told Kouri Richins that she had a friend who had access to fentanyl pills, and that Kouri Richins told her to get them. Ms. Lauber said she had purchased drugs from Robert Crozier many times, but testified that she clearly remembers only one time when he met her and sold her oxycodone, not fentanyl. Mr. Crozier was also granted immunity prior to testifying.

Lauber became emotional as she described what happened when she learned Eric Richens had died.

“Please tell me these drugs weren’t meant for him,” Lauber said she told Khouri Richins.

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

What was found on Cory Richins’ cell phone?

Chris Kotrodimos, owner of a digital forensics company, said there was evidence that “hundreds” of text messages were deleted from Kuri Richins’ phone before and after her husband’s death.

Kotrodimos said he recovered three “ghost” or “orphan” images that appeared to be memes or GIFs and were thumbnails of deleted images that were accessed on Khouri Richens’ phone around 8:30 a.m. on March 4, 2022. That was the day her husband was found dead. Images displayed by prosecutors showed President Donald Trump with the caption “I’m really rich,” actor Kevin Spacey with the caption “Idiots. Idiots everywhere,” and someone shoving dollar bills in his face.

Kotrodimos said it was unclear whether Kuri Richins sent or received the image because it has been deleted.

Prosecutors also displayed the search queries Kotrodimos said were made on Khouri Richens’ phone, asking for information such as whether deleted text messages could be recovered, whether life insurance benefits could be paid if a death certificate was still pending, and whether wealthy people would go to prison.

Wife was in “financial hardship” before receiving her husband’s life insurance proceeds

Forensic accountant Brooke Carrington said Kuri Richins’ financial situation was “falling apart” around the time her husband died.

Carrington said Khouri Richens borrowed heavily to support her real estate business, including $3.2 million to buy a mansion. She said the purchase agreement for the mansion, which reportedly needed another $3 million worth of repairs, was scheduled to close on the day Eric Richins’ body was discovered.

Cullington said Kuri Richens put the house under contract and tried to sell it about a week later. But Mr Carrington said all potential deals fell through and Mr Kuri Richens did not have enough money to pay for renovations and debts.

“Kuri Richins was in financial trouble and her financial business was collapsing,” Carrington said. “And without a significant injection of cash and capital, the collapse would have continued.”

Carrington said Khouri Richens did receive a large amount of cash, about $1.3 million, in life insurance proceeds after her husband’s death. Carrington said she spent all her money within three months, including sending $25,000 to her boyfriend.

Boyfriend says he asked Cory Richens if he had ever killed anyone

Around the time the deal was supposed to close on the mansion, Robert Josh Grossman told Cori Richins he wanted to celebrate with him, according to text messages displayed by prosecutors. Then she told him that her husband was dead.

“They think it’s an aneurysm,” Khouri Richens allegedly wrote, according to the message.

Grossman, who said he began a romantic relationship with Kuri Richens in 2020, hung his head and appeared emotional as prosecutors showed loving messages between the two. He said this trial was the first time he and Kuri Richens had met since breaking up.

Grossman said their relationship changed after Eric Richens’ death, and they met a few weeks later in the mountains to talk. Grossman said that during a wide-ranging conversation, Kuri Richens asked if he had ever killed anyone while serving in Iraq and what it felt like.

He testified that she eventually ended the relationship with him and went some time without speaking. He said he contacted her family and their private investigator after hearing Eric Richens interview her about her book and learning she had been arrested.

“After I found out, I was overwhelmed with the guilt, the sadness, the fact that you knew about my cheating, and you knew about the affair,” Grossman said.

The defense turned to private investigator Todd Gabler to determine whether Eric Richens had been unfaithful. Mr. Nester repeatedly asked Mr. Gabler whether he had found any evidence that Eric Richens was “sexting” with another man.

Gabler said he didn’t remember, but when he looked at the messages posted on the stands, he said they appeared to be a joke. He read out one of the messages, believed to be from Eric Richins. “Kori and I are starting an open relationship tonight, so I told her I would take her home.”

“I don’t understand that this is sexting. I think you’re wrong about that. I resist your characterization,” Gabler told Nestor.

Courtroom drama erupts between lawyers, judge and spectators

In addition to dramatic testimony, the case also featured drama among lawyers. At one point early in the trial, prosecutors objected to Nestor’s choice of words. She said it’s a Southern thing, but said she’s trying to stop using “you guys” in questions.

Later, Mr Nestor told Judge Richard Mrazik that people watching the trial on television reported that members of the prosecution team were “facing the jurors during cross-examination”. Mradzik interrupted her by saying, “With all due respect, I know this situation better than any camera. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

After the prosecution took issue with the defense asking hypothetical questions of certain witnesses, Mradzik asked that only one lawyer from each side speak in a sidebar conversation, calling it the “one horse, one rider” rule.

That afternoon brought another surprising development. Mradzik read handwritten notes from jurors and asked if anyone in the audience had sketched the jurors. He said court officials acknowledged the incident, the person was permanently barred from the courtroom and the sketch was “deleted” from the sketchbook.

“You can’t make someone do anything to identify a juror in any way,” he said.

contribution: natalie nesa alland

Donor-advised funds save you money on taxes, but can cost you later. Know the risks

US-NEA
-
0
Donor-advised funds save you money on taxes, but can cost you later. Know the risks

play

It may sound like gossip, but some financial advisors warn that it can be the case when it comes to funds recommended by donors.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are like charitable investment accounts that allow donors to donate cash, securities, and other assets to a DAF and claim an immediate tax deduction without having to distribute them to a charity. Instead, the funds can be invested for growth tax-free until the donor is ready to make a gift.

In most cases, DAFs work well. But if not, many may wish they had read the fine print more carefully.

“Under DAF rules, you’re relinquishing 100% control over the funds,” said Patrick Simasko, an attorney and financial advisor with the Simasko Law Firm. This means that once the organization sponsoring your DAF receives your funds and assets, it has no obligation to make the contributions you requested or even to speak to you again, he said.

A cautionary tale?

Philip Peterson, 63, learned the pitfalls of DAFs the hard way. he submitted Lawsuit filed in January He filed a lawsuit in federal court in Colorado against the nonprofit Christian Community Foundation, also known as Waterstones, over the family’s DAF, which was established by his late father.

Mr. Peterson alleges that Waterstones, which manages his family’s DAF, has refused to communicate with him and failed to award him the charitable grants he has recommended since early 2024, contrary to his father’s written statement of purpose. Peterson also said he doesn’t know how much the DAF is worth because the nonprofit stopped providing account information after 2023, when the DAF was worth $21 million.

Waterstone told USA Today in an email that “the donor-advised fund at issue has consistently carried out the donor’s express wishes since its inception. The plaintiff in this lawsuit is not a donor.”

Due to the pending litigation, Waterstones said it would not be commenting further, adding: “Any further position on this matter will be made through Waterstones’ submissions to Mr. Peterson’s complaint, which will be filed in due course.”

What are DAF rules and why are they so strict?

According to the National Association of Real Estate Planners and Council, a nonprofit industry group, DAF laws are clear.

  • Donations are irrevocable and non-refundable.
  • The organization that sponsors the DAF exclusively owns and controls the donated assets and proceeds.
  • DAF Sponsors will approve or reject grant recommendations in their sole discretion.
  • Donors have no legally enforceable rights to compel grants, control investments, or directly determine timing.
  • Sponsor may limit, suspend, or terminate advisory privileges.

The reason donors have to relinquish control of their assets to sponsoring organizations is because the IRS requires it in exchange for an immediate tax deduction, Simasko said.

“It’s like donating money to the Red Cross, and the Red Cross uses that money to pay the board,” he says. “There are no restrictions and you can spend your money on whatever you like. You have to consider the pros and cons when using this system to get (tax) relief.”

Could the Peterson v. Waterstone case lead to a loosening of the rules?

History has shown that courts have typically sided with DAF sponsors in disputes. Examples include:

  • In 2009, a court upheld the National Heritage Foundation’s use of $25 million from 9,000 DAFs to pay creditors after it filed for bankruptcy.
  • In 2021, a couple lost a lawsuit against the Fidelity Charitable Donor Advised Fund. They accused the DAF of selling $100 million in stock in publicly traded companies it donated, despite promising not to sell the stock unless the donor directed it.
  • In 2021, a court ruled that the Schwab Charitable Foundation (SCF) cannot be sued by donors over SCF’s investment choices, even if they result in increased fees to DAFs. When a donor donates assets to a DAF, they relinquish legal control of those assets.

However, the Peterson case may not fall within these categories of disputes. Unlike previous court decisions, the Peterson case focuses on DAF agreements that include advisory privilege, or the right for representatives of donors or successors to make recommendations, said George Beup, senior legal trust advisor at Greenleaf Trust.

“Most DAF sponsors are good at respecting advisory privileges because they have a business incentive to do so,” he said in the post. “It will be interesting to see how enforceable, if any, the federal courts will give donor advisory privileges.”

Is DAF still worth using?

DAFs remain the preferred tool among Americans for streamlining their charitable giving and managing their tax burden, and the total number of DAF accounts will reach an all-time high of 3.56 million in 2024, according to the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative, a nonprofit academic organization.

However, donors should be careful and fully understand their rights.

“Transparency regarding the pros and cons of various philanthropic efforts is critical,” Alex Delcolo, a financial advisor at Diamond State Financial Group, wrote on LinkedIn. “Although it is not common for sponsors to deny requests, it is important to notify donors of this possibility before setting up a DAF.”

Medora Lee is USA TODAY’s money, markets and personal finance reporter. Please contact us at mjlee@usatoday.com. Subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.

Snow or drought? How the U.S. looks at two different winters in 2025-2026

US-NEA
-
0
Snow or drought? How the U.S. looks at two different winters in 2025-2026

play

There are two distinct winters in the United States.

So far this season, millions of people in the Northeast are enduring frigid temperatures and falling snow. But much of the West experienced a different winter. High temperatures and a lack of snow are causing a drought that is impacting ski resorts and raising concerns about water shortages.

Explore: Find snow depth in your area using this unique USA TODAY snowfall tracker.

From October 2025 to February 2026, areas of the continental United States that received less snow than usual far outnumbered areas that received more snow, according to a USA TODAY analysis of snow records. Comparing this season’s snowfall to the average seasonal totals from winter 2008-2009 to 2024-2025, the analysis found that for every square mile of excess snow, there is a deficit of three square miles.

Among the regions recording surpluses was New York City, which is 182% of its historical average. During the February storm, Central Park recorded 19.7 inches of snow. USA TODAY previously reported that it is alone in the top 10 largest snowstorm dumps in the park’s history.

Another place with a large surplus is Charlotte, North Carolina, at 357% of the average. Early in the winter, the Carolinas experienced a snowstorm that caused a fatal traffic accident.

The storm that hit the east disrupted flights, closed schools and left many people without power.

Meanwhile, cities that are in the red compared to historical averages include Denver at 32% and Salt Lake City at 19%.

Washington’s mountains had the largest accumulation ever, reaching an estimated height of 664 inches, or more than 55 feet. Montana is a close second with 373 inches, followed closely by California with 372 inches. despite this, Snowfall across the West is below normal.

Every state in the continental United States has recorded snowfall so far this season, although mountainous states lead the way, according to NOAA’s dataset. For example, parts of Florida and Alabama received about 1 inch of damage, while parts of Louisiana received an estimated 4 inches of damage.

Check out the USA TODAY map below to see snowfall amounts near you over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours.

Pizza Hut is looking for a “dough connoisseur” who can eat pizza for a year

US-NEA
-
0
Pizza Hut is looking for a “dough connoisseur” who can eat pizza for a year

play

Ahead of Pi Day on March 14, Pizza Hut is offering pizza lovers can’t-miss deals and employment opportunities.

Pizza Hut is launching a new platform called Hut Crust on March 11th. The company says it celebrates the “famous crust that has defined the brand for generations.” As part of the celebration, Pizza Hut is offering new deals on large three-topping pizzas.

Priced at $10, pizza fans can choose to pair any three ingredients with one of three iconic Pizza Hut crusts: new and improved hand-tossed, tavern-style, or thin and crispy.

“Featuring the new Garlic Palm Hut Blend™, this new and improved hand-tossed pizza marks the brand’s first recipe update in more than 10 years,” Pizza Hut said.

Aside from the new pizza deal, Pizza Hut is also looking to reward one lucky American with free pizza for a year.

Here’s what you need to know about the “Hut Crust Appraiser” position at Pizza Hut.

What is Pizza Hut’s “Hat Crust Appraiser”?

According to Pizza Hut, the “Hut Crust Appraiser” is a real position where people are paid to eat pizza crusts. Specifically, Pizza Hut has announced that it will pay $31,415.92 (the first seven digits of Pi) to anyone who eats pizza for one year.

Apart from the dough, the ‘Hut Crust Connoisseur’ also offers free pizza for a year.

“The Hut Crust Connoisseur will be the official guardian of the Hut Crust Platform and will be responsible for tasting and testing all new crust innovations,” Pizza Hut said in a statement.

To enter, people are asked to submit a review of Pizza Hut’s new hand-tossed pizza at www.pizzahutcrust.com.

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_.

District 14 race updates

US-NEA
-
0
District 14 race updates

play

The race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene is reaching a climax.

After a special election on Tuesday, March 10, Republicans and Democrats will face a spring runoff election for a northwest Georgia congressional seat. Whoever wins the April runoff will fill the seat vacated by Greene, who left Congress in January after months of conflict with President Donald Trump.

Here’s what you need to know about the 14th Congressional District special election, the results, and why it matters from a national perspective.

Why was this special election held?

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has called an election to replace Greene’s U.S. House seat in January 2026. The former congressman is a leader of the Make America Great Again movement and vowed during the 2024 campaign that Trump’s return to power would “make us wealthy again.” But that relationship gave way to public hostility between Greene and the president before she left office.

Since this was not a primary election, all candidates were listed on the same ballot, according to Ballotpedia. Either Republicans or Democrats could win the seat, and the race could have potential implications for the slim Republican majority in the House. A shift in the balance of power in the House could have a negative impact on Trump’s legislative agenda in the second half of his second term.

Who are the candidates?

Dozens of names appeared on Tuesday’s ballot to replace Greene. Most of the candidates were Republicans, but three Democrats, one independent, and one liberal joined the fight.

Here are some names you should know.

  • Clay Fuller (R): Mr. Fuller is a state prosecutor with military experience and a supporter of Mr. Trump.
  • Sean Harris (Democrat): A former Marine who now lives on a farm is building on job growth and affordability.
  • Nikki Lama (R): Entrepreneur, small business leader, and Dalton City Council member, he is promised to be the “next generation of conservative leaders.”
  • Colton Moore (R): A former Georgia state senator, he also works as an auctioneer and dump truck driver. He was arrested in January 2025 while attempting to enter the state Capitol, which had previously been off limits.
  • Brian Stover (R): A conservative businessman and “loyal supporter of President Trump” who touts his accomplishments in reducing county taxes during five years on the Paulding County Commission.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Harris entered the day as a leader in campaign fundraising, having raised about $4.3 million as of February 18. Stover is the second most expensive, at about $3 million. In comparison, Mr. Fuller’s total income amounted to $786,797.09.

Fuller supports Trump in runoff election with Democratic candidate

Harris received 37.3% of the vote, according to CNN and the Associated Press. He won 2,853 votes over Trump supporter Fuller, who came in second place with 34.9% of the vote. Moore, another Republican, finished the day with 11.6%.

Mr. Fuller’s lead among a crowded list of Republican competitors shows that Mr. Trump’s support stands out in conservative districts.

“I think this is a reaffirmation that voters (here) support the president (and) that the president is listening to their ideas about the people he wants to implement his policies,” Fuller told USA TODAY in a one-on-one interview shortly after the results were announced.

Because neither Fuller nor Harris received more than 50% of the vote needed for an outright victory, Georgia law requires them to face a runoff election on April 7.

GA Candidates Opinion on Iran War: “Go to hell, you monster.”

What does Trump think?

The president has focused his efforts on this special election. He traveled to Georgia on February 19th to lead a rally in the 14th District to show his support for Fuller.

The election comes close to the start of the 2026 midterm primaries, and Mr. Trump is at war with his detractors within the Republican Party, hoping to remain the party’s kingmaker with a dominant performance from his preferred candidate, state prosecutor Mr. Fuller.

The president also wants to keep allies in the House of Representatives to ensure passage of his policy agenda during the remaining two years of his second term.

U.S. stock futures slump as investors focus on oil prices and inflation

US-NEA
-
0
U.S. stock futures slump as investors focus on oil prices and inflation

play

March 11 (Reuters) – U.S. stock index futures were subdued in choppy trade on Wednesday as investors assessed the outlook for oil prices and looked forward to a major inflation report as tensions in the Middle East continued to rise.

Energy prices soared as traders weighed reports that the International Energy Agency is considering releasing oil reserves to stabilize supplies as airstrikes intensify in the Middle East and shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz is likely to be halted for some time.

Still, President Donald Trump’s comments earlier this week provided some reassurance to markets that the war might not drag on for months. Oil prices have fallen to less than $90 a barrel from near $120 at the beginning of the week.

Later in the day, a report is expected to be released saying consumer prices likely rose in February as tariffs were applied to individuals, potentially adding to concerns about higher gas prices in coming months. The levy was deemed unconstitutional late last month.

Expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates by 25 basis points from July to September have faded on concerns that rising energy costs could fuel price pressures, data compiled by LSEG showed.

more: Stock prices are stunned by the sudden rebound. The market thus ended.

Signs of a softening job market are likely to further complicate the central bank’s monetary policy decisions.

“The big concern for the market is how much this supply shock will lead to higher inflation, slower growth, higher interest rates and lower profitability,” said Kyle Rodda, senior financial markets analyst at Capital.com.

As of 4:57 a.m. ET, the Dow E-mini YMcv1 was down 131 points, or 0.27%, and the S&P 500 E-mini EScv1 was down 9.75 points, or 0.14%. NASDAQ100E Mini NQcv1 fell 38.5 points (0.15%).

The CBOE Volatility Index .VIX, Wall Street’s fear gauge, rose 0.72 points to 25.65.

Meanwhile, Oracle predicted that the boom in AI data centers will drive its revenue above expectations through 2027, pushing its stock up 10% in pre-market trading.

more: Iran war latest: Ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Semiconductor stocks such as Nvidia Inc NVDA.O , Broadcom Inc AVGO.O and Advanced Micro Devices Inc AMD.O rose slightly.

Travel stocks sensitive to energy prices were mixed Wednesday. American Airlines AAL.O rose 0.3%, while cruise liner Carnival CCL.N fell 0.6%.

Later in the day, Michelle Bowman, the Fed’s vice chair for oversight, is scheduled to make remarks, and the direction of policy will be scrutinized.

Investors were also monitoring developments in the private credit sector.

more: Why did oil prices reverse and fall below $100 per barrel?

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has written down the value of some loans held by private credit groups and ramped up lending to the sector, according to the report.

In particular, defense company Aerovironment AVAV.O fell 9.6% after the company said its adjusted profit for 2026 would be lower than expected.

Nike NKE.N rose 1.8% after Barclays upgraded the sportswear maker from “equal weight” to “overweight.”

(Reporting by Johan M. Cherian in Bangalore; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Focus on Rome, Georgia

US-NEA
-
0
Focus on Rome, Georgia

Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:

nicole farato I wish I could have frolicked here in this super full bloom. Wednesday’s headlines start with the Georgia special election, then talk about Team USA’s loss in the World Baseball Classic.

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Clay Fuller, a former prosecutor and Republican backed by President Trump, finished second among more than a dozen candidates in Tuesday’s Georgia special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned from the House of Representatives in January after months of conflict with the president.

Retired Brigadier General Sean Harris, one of only three Democrats on the ballot, topped the vote count after consolidating much of his party’s support. However, neither candidate met the 50% or higher threshold required for an outright victory under Georgia law. That means both candidates will head to a runoff election on April 7th.

And this begs the question: Can President Trump run a war and campaign for midterm elections at the same time?

More news you need to know right now

  • Should we worry about Iranian sleeper cells? President Trump said his administration was “aware” of sleeper cells that Iran may be operating in the United States, offering few details about their existence or the level of potential threat.
  • Don’t miss your flight! Americans are enduring long wait times as the partial federal government shutdown strains Transportation Security Administration staffing. Before you wait too long to leave for the airport, check out these resources.
  • Six years have passed since the start of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Let’s now look back on what happened after that.

Dunk!

high scorer

Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat scored 83 points on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards. Yes, it’s 83 points. This is the second-most points scored in an NBA game, surpassing the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.

I want to talk to you about something.

Italy just turned American baseball on its head.

The U.S. team suffered the most embarrassing loss in World Baseball Classic history Monday, 8-6, to Italy in front of a stunned crowd at Daikin Park. Now they have to rely on Italy to beat Mexico on Wednesday night or hope the tiebreaker goes in their favor.

before going

Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.

Kilauea volcano erupts in Hawaii

US-NEA
-
0
Kilauea volcano erupts in Hawaii

play

Hawaii’s Big Island’s Kilauea volcano began erupting on March 10, spewing rock fragments the size of soccer balls, threatening nearby communities and closing nearby highways.

“Active fountains have begun,” Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said on its Facebook page.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the fallout has created hazardous conditions in downwind areas, with some residents reporting more than an inch of tephra (a mixture of magma, rock and volcanic glass) on roads in golf course sections.

The eruption began at 9:17 a.m. Hawaii time, and the plume eventually reached a height of 25,000 feet above sea level, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

USGS video from the scene showed dramatic footage of orange lava spewing from the volcano’s Halemaumau crater and plumes of black smoke drifting skyward.

Park officials said Kilauea’s summit was closed due to “significant ashfall,” while ash also forced the closure of a 26-mile section of nearby Highway 11.

“Please avoid the area,” officials warned on the park’s Facebook page.

Large debris fell in nearby areas, according to the USGS Observatory.

“Residences on the golf course and Highway 11 are experiencing up to 5 inches of tephra,” observatory observers wrote.

Kilauea Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has been rekindling sporadically since December 2024. This eruption is the 43rd since December 23, 2024.

An eruption in late 2025 produced lava spews that lasted for five hours, fountains reaching heights of 1,100 feet, and a wind vortex of ash known as a Vornado in the caldera in November.

Reporter Kathleen Wong contributed to this report.

How many points did Bam Adebayo score tonight? Heat star sets record

US-NEA
-
0
How many points did Bam Adebayo score tonight? Heat star sets record

play

Only one player in NBA history has scored more points in a game than Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo did on Tuesday night.

Adebayo broke the record with an incredible performance of 83 points against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, March 10th.

Adebayo scored 31 points in the first quarter, 12 points in the second quarter, 19 points in the third quarter and 21 points in the fourth quarter.

Only Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the NBA record for 100-point games, has scored more points in a single game.

In the process of scoring 83 points, Adebayo broke Chamberlain’s record for most free throws made in a game, which was held by Adrian Dantley. The duo sank 28 shots from the free throw line. Adebayo made 36 free throws Tuesday night.

Adebayo’s 83 points were the most in the NBA since Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a single game in 2006.

more: Highest scoring game in NBA history: Where does Bam Adebayo’s 83 points rank?

The Heat defeated the Wizards 150-129.

Bam Adebayo stats against Wizards

  • point: 83
  • FG: 43 to 20
  • 3PT: 7 out of 22 times
  • FT: 43 vs 36
  • rebound: 9
  • assist: 3
  • Sales: 5
  • Things to steal: 2
  • block: 2
  • foul: 3
  • Minutes: 42

  • Wilt Chamberlain: 100 (March 2, 1962)
  • Bam Adebayo: 83 years old (March 10, 2026)
  • Kobe Bryant: 81 years old (January 22, 2006)
  • Wilt Chamberlain: 78 years old (December 8, 1961)
  • Luka Doncic: 73 years old (January 26, 1961)
  • David Thompson: 73 years old (April 9, 1978)
  • Wilt Chamberlain: 73 years old (November 16, 1962)
  • Wilt Chamberlain: 73 years old (January 13, 1962)
  • Wilt Chamberlain: 72 years old (November 3, 1962)
  • Damian Lillard: 71 years old (February 26, 2023)
  • Donovan Mitchell: 71 years old (January 2, 2023)
  • David Robinson: 71 years old (April 24, 1994)
  • Elgin Baylor: 71 years old (November 15, 1960)
  • Joel Embiid: 70 years old (January 22, 2024)
  • Devin Booker: 70 years old (March 24, 2017)
  • Wilt Chamberlain: 70 years old (March 10, 1963)

Bam Adebayo sets Heat records for points in a quarter, half and game

Adebayo scored a team-record 31 points in the first quarter, toying with Washington’s defense and becoming the most points scored in a first quarter in Heat history.

Adebayo played the entire first quarter. He made 10 of 16 field goals, including 5 of 8 from long range. He also got to the line making 6 of 8 free throws.

Adebayo scored a franchise-record 43 points in the first half on 13-of-24 shooting, 5-of-11 from 3-point range and 12-of-14 free throws. He added five rebounds, two steals and one block.

At midway through the game, Miami led the Wizards 76-62.

Named among Miami’s greats

The three-time All-Star broke the team record held by LeBron James, who scored 25 points in one quarter against the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in 2014. James scored a career-high 61 points in that game, a Heat franchise record.

Behind James, Kyle Lowry and Tyler Johnson were tied for second with 22 points in the quarter for the Heat.

Bam Adebayo Age and Statistics

So far in the 2025-26 regular season, Adebayo is averaging 18.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

Adebayo is 28 years old. In July 2024, he signed a three-year contract extension with Miami worth up to $161.35 million, including a player option for the 2028-29 season.

He was selected by the Heat with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Kentucky.

Tornadoes hit the Midwest, destroying homes and causing extensive damage.

US-NEA
-
0
Tornadoes hit the Midwest, destroying homes and causing extensive damage.

Tornado watches and warnings were issued across the central United States from the night of March 10 into the early morning hours of March 11, as meteorologists tracked a line of severe thunderstorms moving across the country.

Communities in Illinois and Indiana were hit by tornadoes as the storm passed through. Heavy hail was reported from Texas to Illinois, and flash flooding was reported in Michigan.

More than 4 million people were under tornado watches as of midnight ET, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.

As of 10:30 p.m. Pacific Time, the Prediction Center said a small number of tornadoes, including some severe tornadoes, were possible overnight, as well as large hail and strong winds. Tornado watches remained in place for parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, and Indiana.

Lake Village, Indiana receives a ‘direct hit’

At an evening news conference in Newton County, Indiana, authorities confirmed multiple homes were destroyed in Lake Village.

“Lake Village took a direct hit. Please stay away from that area,” said Lake Township Fire Chief Rob Churchill.

“Let the first responders do what they have to do,” said Sheriff Shannon Cothran. He described it as “tremendous damage.” North Newton Middle School has been opened for those in need of immediate evacuation, and school officials are dispatching a bus to the fire department to provide transportation, he said.

More than 2,300 customers, or about 44% of the county, were without power, according to USA TODAY’s outage tracking. In neighboring Jasper County, about 23% of customers were without power.

Tornado hits Kankakee County, Illinois

A large tornado was reported in Kankakee County, Illinois, about 85 miles south of Chicago. The tornado appeared to have started near the Kankakee Fairgrounds and moved northeast, where it crossed the Kankakee River and into Aroma Park, where widespread damage was reported, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

Sheriff’s deputies and other emergency responders were patrolling the area checking for injuries and assessing the damage. The sheriff’s office urged area residents to “limit movement as much as possible due to damage to trees, power lines and roads.” It said the county’s 911 call center was “busy with emergency calls.”

Later in the evening, the sheriff’s office posted that there were no reports of injuries or deaths from the storm, denying social media rumors.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology report, observers reported seeing “significant damage” near Aroma Park, with the entire roof of a house ripped off and a 12-inch-tall tree uprooted. More than 7,000 electricity customers in Kankakee County (approximately 14% of the county) lost power.

Development status:

  • A tornado was also reported in Wheatfield, Indiana. To the east, in Knox, Indiana, the National Weather Service issued a “tornado emergency” and announced that a “large and destructive tornado” was moving eastward at 30 mph over Knox.
  • In Illinois, possible tornadoes were also reported in Hopkins Park and Pontiac. Damage was reported to a garage and dock near Pontiac, Illinois.
  • A tornado was reported near Clyde, Texas, producing hail the size of baseballs.
  • Flash flooding was reported in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A trained observer told the weather service that the entire stretch of road at Exit 76 of Interstate 196 was covered in 6 to 10 inches of water, stranding multiple vehicles.

huge hail stone

Alan Gerrard, a meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, which publishes the Balanced Weather Substack, said the storm was “bringing huge hail”, with reports of hail the size of grapefruit. “Very significant damage will be reported,” Gerard said.

Other reports included:

  • In Kankakee, Illinois, storm trackers shared photos of 5.2-inch hail with the weather service.
  • 4.5 inches of hail was reported near Campwood, Texas.
  • Tornadoes larger than baseball-sized hail (3.5 inches) fell near Lake Waukomis, Missouri, and Aroma Park, Illinois.
  • More than 3 inches of hail was reported near the Illinois campus, about 130 miles southwest of Chicago.

unseasonably warm

Temperature records were set in several locations throughout the day, heating the air and increasing the risk of severe weather.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the following records were achieved on March 10:

  • The 80 degrees in New York City’s Central Park was the earliest 80 degrees on record, dating back to 1869. This beats the existing record set in 1990 by three days and beats the first 80-degree daily average by nearly six weeks.
  • According to records dating back to 1926, Bangor, Maine, broke its record for high temperatures of 70 degrees by eight days.
  • Additionally, sea surface temperatures are rising in the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico, further increasing sea surface temperatures and contributing to moisture available for storms.

Tornado Safety Tips

Tornadoes at night are the most dangerous. Here’s how to protect yourself.

  • Please pay attention to local weather warnings.
  • Protect yourself from flying and falling debris, the number one life-threatening hazard.
  • Evacuate to the nearest safe place indoors or in the basement.
  • Avoid windows. Do not go to the window or door and look outside.
  • Cover your body with thick protective coverings such as mattresses, sleeping bags, thick blankets, and other protective coverings.
  • Wear a helmet if you have one to protect your head from debris.

What should I do if I am in a building far from my home?

  • Find a bathroom, storage room, or other indoor space without windows.
  • Go to a small central room on the bottom floor, such as a bathroom, a closet, or an internal hallway. Indoor hallways and stairs are suitable evacuation areas.
  • Cover yourself with thick pads, mattresses, and blankets.
  • Squat as low as possible to the floor and turn your face downward.
  • Cover your head with your hands or wear a helmet if you have one.

Dinah Boyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writes about violent weather, climate change and other news. Contact dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or dinahvp.77 on X or Signal.

WBC loss, tie-break, and American baseball faces Italy’s advantage

US-NEA
-
0
WBC loss, tie-break, and American baseball faces Italy’s advantage

play

HOUSTON — They all wear suits to the game.

They chug espresso shots after home runs.

There is parmesan cheese and olive oil in the dugout for snacks.

And this Italian team may have single-handedly defeated the American Dream Team.

In one of the biggest upsets in World Baseball Classic history, Italy shocked the United States 8-6 on Tuesday night, leaving Team USA to wait and see if the result between Mexico and Italy would clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.

If Italy beats Mexico on Wednesday night, the U.S. would advance to the quarterfinals, but a win for Mexico would move Mexico, Italy and the U.S. to 3-1, and a tiebreaker would be needed to determine the two quarterfinalists.

The first tiebreaker is goals allowed divided by defensive outs.

If Mexico wins on Wednesday and Italy keeps them within four goals, Mexico and Italy will advance to the quarterfinals.

And America will return home.

Oh, what a difference 24 hours can make!

It was just Monday night, when the Americans defeated powerhouse Mexico 5-3, and as they celebrated in the clubhouse for hours after the game, U.S. national team manager Mark DeRosa joked that “some of the players might have had a lot of fun.”

“We have some guys dragging us today,” DeRosa said.

On this night, they dragged themselves off the field at Daikin Park, wondering if they needed to go back.

The U.S. team will have Wednesday off, but most will be glued to their TVs, eagerly rooting for Italy to beat Mexico and potentially secure a spot in the quarterfinals against Canada, Puerto Rico and Cuba. If Mexico wins, they will be using the calculator.

The most surprising aspect of Italy’s victory was that they didn’t get a single hit from their top five batters, relying instead on damage from down the order, including home runs by Kyle Thiel, Jack Carianone and Sam Antonacci.

Italy had an 8-0 lead before America knew what hit them, and yet slowly America’s power show came to life. It started with a solo home run by Gunnar Henderson in the 6th inning, and with two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning, the USA started fighting back to save their gold medal dreams.

Paul Goldschmidt became the first American player to start three consecutive WBC tournaments, hitting a single to center field. For Italy, Alek Jacob was a pinch hitter, and pinch hitter Ernie Clement greeted him with a double into the right field seats. Jacob was led off by No. 9 batter Pete Crowe Armstrong with one out and second base, but he left his changeup above the plate, and Crowe sent it 377 feet up, just over the right-field wall.

Then, America fell behind 8-4 and suddenly regained momentum.

In the 8th inning, singles by Kyle Schwarber, Will Smith, and Roman Anthony led to a two-out rally, scoring one run and bringing pinch hitter Bryce Harper to the plate. Harper advanced the count to 3-and-2 and hit a changeup to left field from Ron Marinacio to end the inning.

Then, with one out in the ninth inning, Crowe Armstrong hit another homer, knocking out Marinaccio, and Greg Weissert came on to end the game.

And just like that, Italy finished his espresso and prepared to pop the wine cork.

The U.S. still has a chance to survive and make it to the championship game, but the real concern is that New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean is scheduled to pitch. He looked like Nolan Ryan in the first inning, striking out after just 11 pitches, but then looked like an inexperienced rookie.

“As I said before, on paper anything can happen. People can think of so many things. The United States is a very strong team. But we are here to play ball,” Italy manager Francisco Cervelli said.

It was a night Italian baseball fans will never forget.

“Well, it’s going to affect us in a lot of different ways,” Cervelli said. “For us, we’re trying to change the mentality in Italy. And playing against America is a dream for a lot of players. It’s good for the Italian players. When they go back to Italy, they can see us playing and know that they are playing against the best players in the world. And some of the Italian players who are here, who are Italian-born, can say that.”

“So I want to change the culture. We called it the Italian Way last year. Let’s create an identity. Let’s not just show up. Let’s create an identity every time we show up so people know how we respect others and play baseball our way.”

“What we’re doing is real.”

But as long as Italy dreams, Cervelli says it must be realistic no matter what it achieves with the WBC. Baseball will never be the number one sport in Italy, even with soccer, even if it struggled in the recent World Cup.

“Italian football is a religion. We intend to bring a different kind of joy,” Cervelli said. Winning it all can be great. I dream of it.

“But soccer is a very serious thing. You’re talking about Italy, the four-time world champions.”

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

Which small SUV is better? Comparison of Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5

US-NEA
-
0
Which small SUV is better? Comparison of Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5

Is Hyundai’s compact SUV the best choice, or should you buy a CX-5 instead?

play

  • The 2026 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Mazda CX-5 are two top competitors in the small SUV market.
  • Hyundai’s Tucson prioritizes price and practicality, with a slightly more affordable price tag and better fuel economy.
  • Mazda’s CX-5 offers a more upscale design and a sportier driving experience with standard all-wheel drive.

Choosing a small SUV in 2026 isn’t always easy since there are so many great options.

Car brands such as Toyota, Honda, Tesla, Hyundai, and Mazda all produce competitive models for the small SUV segment. These compact SUVs tend to be more affordable and are often available in upper trims that offer increased performance and more standard features.

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is one of the best small SUV options on the market. How does it compare to Mazda’s compact SUV model, the 2026 CX-5?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson prioritizes value over performance.

South Korean automaker Hyundai may not sell as many small SUVs as rivals like Toyota, but the Tucson is a competitive, value-oriented option in the segment that can compete with best-selling models like Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V.

Pricing for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson starts at $29,450. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. The Tucson gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Hyundai’s small SUV has an “extremely smooth ride” and “a wealth of standard technology,” says an Edmunds review of the vehicle.

2026 Mazda CX-5 is a family SUV for driving enthusiasts

This is Mazda’s mainstream compact SUV model with the dignity and sophistication of a luxury SUV. While its base engine may not be impressive, the CX-5 has plenty of performance-oriented trim options for drivers looking for extra oomph in their daily driver.

Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,990. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower (same as the Tucson). Mazda’s small SUV earns 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

MotorTrend praises the CX-5’s “elegant exterior and interior design,” as well as improved rear seat and cargo space for the 2026 model.

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: Which is better?

The Tucson and CX-5 may seem similar as two small SUVs with roughly the same power output, but from a design standpoint, there are some fundamental differences between the two models.

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price horsepower MPG Combine
2026 Hyundai Tucson $29,450 187 29
2026 Mazda CX-5 $29,990 187 27

One of the main differences between the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 is that the two models are built for different demographics. The Tucson is aimed at the average small family SUV buyer, while the CX-5 is aimed at drivers who want a sportier SUV with more upscale styling and a refined cabin.

The Hyundai Tucson is slightly more affordable and more efficient than the CX-5. Mazda’s small SUV, on the other hand, comes standard with all-wheel drive and has better traction than the Tucson. The CX-5 also makes about 7 pound-feet more torque than the Tucson, making it slightly more powerful.

U.S. News & World Report ranks the Tucson and CX-5 as the Best Compact SUVs of 2026. If you’re a driver who values ​​engaging driving dynamics, Mazda’s SUVs are a better choice. If you’re looking for a more practical, traditional small family SUV, the Tucson is for you.

FBI finds ‘explosive residue’ linked to New York attack near Gracie mansion

US-NEA
-
0
FBI finds ‘explosive residue’ linked to New York attack near Gracie mansion

play

The FBI announced on Tuesday, March 10, that it had found “explosive residue” in a storage facility in Pennsylvania as part of an investigation into two teenagers accused of throwing homemade bombs during a protest in front of New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s official residence.

In a federal complaint unsealed on March 9, authorities said teens Ibrahim Qayumi, 19, and Emir Barat, 18, told police after their arrest that they were inspired by Islamic State. The two were taken into custody on March 7 after New York City police said they attempted to ignite two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a dueling demonstration near the Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mamdani, Manhattan’s first Muslim mayor.

The teens, all from Pennsylvania, were indicted on March 9 on federal charges of attempted support of ISIS and use of a weapon of mass destruction, according to court records. According to authorities, Barratt and Qayumi traveled to Manhattan from suburban Philadelphia to carry out an “ISIS-inspired” attack.

Barratt, a high school senior, told investigators he wanted an “even bigger attack” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, which killed three people and injured hundreds, according to the complaint. The indictment states that Qayumi claimed to be affiliated with ISIS.

The FBI discovered the explosives while executing a search warrant at a storage facility in Middletown Township, a Philadelphia suburb, the USA TODAY Network’s Bucks County Courier Times reported. The FBI and Middletown Township Police Department confirmed late March 9 that the explosives had been safely detonated.

“Yesterday’s search of a storage unit believed to be related to the Gracie Mansion incident revealed explosive residue,” the FBI’s New York Field Office said in a post on X. “FBI Special Agent Bomb Disposal Technicians and a local bomb squad conducted a controlled detonation to ensure the safety of law enforcement and others in the area.”

New York metropolitan area: Love him or hate him, why Americans are obsessed with Zoran Mandani

Improvised explosive device ignited during clash between anti-Islam demonstrators and counter-protesters

Police said the March 7 incident occurred during a clash between anti-Muslim demonstrators led by conservative influencer Jake Lang and a large number of counter-demonstrators. Tensions between the two groups escalated, and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said two IEDs were ignited outside Gracie’s residence.

Tisch said one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a “dangerous and highly volatile homemade explosive used in IED attacks around the world.” Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD’s deputy chief of intelligence and counterterrorism, said the potential damage from the explosives could have been substantial.

Mamdani said both Barrat and Qayumi, who authorities initially described as counter-protesters, were seen on video throwing explosives at protesters. The mayor said the explosives were designed “to injure, maim, or worse.”

The mayor and New York City’s first lady, Rama Duwaj, were not at home at the time of the incident.

Tisch noted that investigators “have no information” linking the explosives to the United States and Israel’s ongoing war with Iran. After the incident, New York state authorities increased patrols of places of worship and deployed National Guard troops to transportation hubs in response to the “heightened threat environment.”

Latest information on the Iran war: US destroys minelayer in ‘heaviest day’ of Iranian attack

Another suspicious device near Gracie’s mansion deemed ‘not a threat’

As part of the investigation, NYPD discovered a third “suspicious device” in a vehicle near the scene on March 8. Police froze the area around the vehicle and used robots to secure the scene while officers evacuated a limited number of nearby buildings.

Authorities said the car was associated with Barratt and Kayumi, and the devices matched two other homemade explosive devices. Police ensured the equipment was safely removed and those who had been evacuated were allowed to return to their homes.

The New York Police Department said in a series of posts on Police later determined the device was “not a threat” and left the scene.

Contributors: Christopher Cann and Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY. Joe Chavaglia and JD Mullane, Bucks County Courier Times

Mega Millions winning numbers for March 10th drawing: $533 million jackpot

US-NEA
-
0
Mega Millions winning numbers for March 10th drawing: 3 million jackpot

play

The Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow ahead of the drawing on Tuesday, March 10, and now stands at $533 million, with a cash value of $244.2 million.

If someone is lucky enough to win the jackpot, they have two options. Take home one-time cash or get paid instantly, then receive an annual check each 5% larger than the previous year.

Mega Millions has been on a bit of a slump lately, as no one has won the jackpot since December, when a New Jersey ticket holder won a $90 million jackpot.

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing.

What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for March 10, 2026?

Here are the winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions lottery. 16, 21, 30, 35, 65 and the mega ball 7.

more: Mega Millions jackpot winners can remain anonymous in these states

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, March 13th at 11:00 PM ET.

Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots

  • $1.602 billion in Florida on August 8, 2023
  • $1.537 billion in South Carolina on October 23, 2018
  • $1.348 billion on January 1, 2023 in Maine
  • July 29, 2022, $1.337 billion in Illinois
  • December 27, 2024, $1.269 billion in California
  • $1.128 billion in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
  • $1.05 billion in Michigan on January 22, 2021
  • $983 million in Georgia on November 14, 2025
  • $810 million in Texas on September 10, 2024
  • March 30, 2012, $656 million in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland

more: Which states have the most lottery winners? What you need to know.

What is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is a lottery that is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each ticket costs $5 and allows players to choose six numbers from two different number pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball), or choose easy pick/quick pick.

If you match all six winning numbers in the drawing, you win the jackpot. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the jackpot prize will be shared.

How to play Mega Millions

To play Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket. This can be done at several locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Mega Millions tickets online.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered 1-70. The golden mega ball ranges from 1 to 24.

If you’re feeling particularly unlucky or don’t want to go through the hassle of picking, you can request a “quick pick” or “easy pick.” When you use these options, your computer randomly generates numbers.

Mega Millions tickets have built-in multipliers that increase your non-jackpot prize by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add a “Megaplier”.

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

Timothée Chalamet was roasted on “Jeopardy!” Ballet and Opera Department

US-NEA
-
0
Timothée Chalamet was roasted on “Jeopardy!” Ballet and Opera Department

play

The 30-year-old actor apparently came under fire for comments he made about classical performing arts on a TV trivia game show.

Who is Timothee Chalamet?

The episode of “Jeopardy!” aired on March 9th. This included an indirect dig at the “Marty Supreme” actor in the “ballet and opera” category. This category included questions about the operas “The Fairy Queen” and “Madama Butterfly,” as well as the ballet “The Nutcracker.”

The category arose after members of the ballet and opera communities criticized Chalamet for comments he made about the current popularity of the arts during a CNN and Variety town hall with actor Matthew McConaughey posted on February 24th.

He made the controversial remarks while discussing Hollywood norms and the expectation that movie actors defend the movie theater business. “I don’t want to do ballet or opera or something like, ‘Hey, let’s keep this going even though no one cares about it anymore.'”

“I salute everyone involved in ballet and opera,” he added. Immediately after making these comments, he quipped, “The ratings just went down by 14 cents. They just filmed it for no reason.”

Chalamet is one of five actors nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards, which will be held on Sunday, March 15, for his performance in Marty Supreme.

Commenters praise Jeopardy shades for Timothée Chalamet

Chalamet’s indirect roast was praised in the comments section of “Jeopardy!” Instagram post. “A crisis for the arts. I’ve got your back,” one user wrote.

Another commented, “When Jeopardy is throwing shade at you, you know you were wrong.”

Social media users pointed out that he answered all five questions correctly, rebutting Chalamet’s statement that “nobody cares about art.” Another user praised the trivia game show as a “reminder that intelligence is political.”

Opera and ballet performers react to Timothée Chalamet

In an Instagram video for Variety that shared Chalamet’s comments, opera singer Isabelle Leonard commented that she was shocked that Chalamet would consider himself an artist and yet express “a very taciturn and narrow-minded view of art.”

“Those words that cheaply criticize a fellow artist say more than anything else he could say in this interview. It shows a lot about his character. You don’t have to like all art, but only weak people and artists feel the need to actually cut down on the very art that inspires those interested in slowing down. That’s exactly what needs to happen,” wrote Leonard, who has a residency at Carnegie Hall and a three-time Grammy Award winner.

Berlin-based opera performer Dean Murphy refuted Chalamet’s claims that he had no interest in writing opera scripts. “Opera has been around since the 16th century and is still going strong,” he wrote. “I think that speaks volumes. What a shame that you don’t have respect for other art forms…which of course has a huge influence on movies…”

Brazilian ballet dancer Víctor Caixeta also criticized the actor, defending the legacy of ballet and opera that has “survived through the centuries,” adding: “Let’s see if your films will still be watched in 300 years.”

A representative for Chalamet did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

Timothée Chalamet said he grew up watching ballet

In a December interview with USA TODAY, Chalamet revealed that he grew up watching ballet, as his sister, mother and grandmother were all ballerinas, and that he once compared the dance form to table tennis.

“The more I watched table tennis, the more I realized how ballet-like the movements were and how graceful they were,” he said. “I grew up watching a lot of ballet, and I feel like I incorporated my family’s dance background into this production more than ever before, even in productions like ‘Wonka,’ which I dance in.”

He drew this comparison while preparing for his role in “Marty Supreme.” He researched real-life table tennis greats, including the late Marty Reisman, on whom the film is loosely based.

“I felt it was a great combination, having the spirit of Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan, but the physicality of George Balanchine and Mikhail Baryshnikov.”

Who are the richest people in the world? See Forbes’ 2026 list.

US-NEA
-
0
Who are the richest people in the world? See Forbes’ 2026 list.

play

South African-born businessman and technology mogul Elon Musk is once again the world’s richest person, according to Forbes magazine’s latest list of the world’s richest people.

Forbes released its annual ranking of the world’s richest people on March 10th, and the total number reached a record high of 3,428 people, an increase of 400 people from last year. The total wealth of billionaires this year reached a record $20.1 trillion, which is $4 trillion more than their total income last year.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk remains at the top this year, with an estimated $497 billion increase in wealth from 2025, nearly doubling his wealth to a record $839 billion. The 54-year-old is more than three times richer than Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who are listed by Forbes as the second and third richest people in the world, respectively.

The top 50 on this year’s rich list are as follows:

More news about masks: Elon Musk says SpaceX Starship rocket launch will be postponed to April

Forbes magazine’s top billionaires in the world in 2026

According to the magazine, Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s richest people in 2026 is based on stock prices and exchange rates as of March 1.

The top 50 are:

rank name net worth year country sauce
1 Elon Musk $839 billion 54 US Tesla, SpaceX
2 larry page $257 billion 52 US google
3 Sergey Brin $237 billion 52 US google
4 jeff bezos $224 billion 62 US Amazon
5 mark zuckerberg $222 billion 41 US facebook
6 larry ellison $190 billion 81 US oracle
7 Bernard Arnault and family $171 billion 77 France LVMH
8 jensen fan $154 billion 63 US semiconductor
9 warren buffett $149 billion 95 US Berkshire Hathaway
10 Amancio Ortega $148 billion 89 Spain Zara
11 rob walton and family $146 billion 81 US walmart
12 jim walton and family $143 billion 77 US walmart
13 Michael Dell $141 billion 61 US Dell Technologies
14 alice walton $13.4 billion 76 US walmart
15 steve balmer $12.6 billion 69 US microsoft
16 Carlos Slim Herr and family $125 billion 86 Mexico telecommunications
17 Zhao Changpeng $110 billion 49 Canada cryptocurrency exchange
18 michael bloomberg $109 billion 84 US bloomberg LP
19 bill gates $108 billion 70 US microsoft
20 Françoise Betancourt Meyers and family $100 billion 72 France loreal
twenty one Mukesh Ambani $99.7 billion 68 India Diversification
twenty two Giancarlo Devasini $89.3 billion 61 Italy cryptocurrency
twenty three thomas peterphy $82.9 billion 81 US discount intermediary
twenty four Julia Koch and family $81.2 billion 63 US Koch Co., Ltd.
twenty five Charles Koch and family $73.8 billion 90 US Koch Co., Ltd.
26 Zhang Yimin $69.3 billion 41 China TikTok
27 Zhong Shanshan $68.1 billion 71 China Beverages, medicines
28 Jeff Yass $67.4 billion 67 US trade, investment
29 dieter schwarz $67.2 billion 86 Germany retail
30 Germán Larrea Mota Velasco and family $67.1 billion 72 Mexico mining
31 Gautam Adani $63.8 billion 63 India infrastructure, daily necessities
32 Tadashi Yanai and family $61.8 billion 77 Japan fashion retail
33 Ma Huateng $53.8 billion 54 China online games
34 robin zen $53.2 billion 57 Hong Kong battery
35 Iris Fontbona and family $52.6 billion 83 Chile mining
36 Masayoshi Son $51.5 billion 68 Japan communication, investment
37 ken griffin $49.8 billion 57 US hedge fund
38 Jacqueline Mars $49.1 billion 86 US candy, pet food
38 john mars $49.1 billion 90 US candy, pet food
40 Lucas Walton $48.9 billion 39 US walmart
41 Giovanni Ferrero $48.8 billion 61 Italy nutella, chocolate
42 Li Ka Shing $47 billion 97 Hong Kong Diversification
43 Mark Mateschitz $45.8 billion 33 Austria red bull
44 Gianluigi Aponte $44.5 billion 85 Switzerland delivery
44 Raffaella Aponte Diamant $44.5 billion 80 Switzerland delivery
46 Andrea Pignataro $42.6 billion 55 Italy financial software
47 Klaus Michael Kuehne $41.9 billion 88 Germany delivery
48 Thomas Frist Jr. and family $41.1 billion 87 US hospital
49 Alan Wertheimer $39.4 billion 77 France chanel
49 Gerald Wertheimer $39.4 billion 75 France chanel

See Billionaire: Forbes releases list of America’s richest people

To view the complete list, please visit https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/.

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

Which metal could be better in 2026?

US-NEA
-
0
Which metal could be better in 2026?

Gold and silver have long been the go-to investments for people looking to diversify beyond stocks and bonds. Demand for gold will reach an all-time high for the first time in 2025, according to the World Gold Council, and silver recorded its best price performance in decades, according to the Silver Institute.

Both serve as stores of value and financial cushions during times of uncertainty, but they do not always move in lockstep or serve the same purpose within a portfolio. Here’s how the two metals compare across price trends, market demand, and investment use cases.

Gold and silver at a glance

Before we explain how each metal fits into your portfolio, let’s quickly compare gold and silver investments.

how gold is used as an investment

According to Ekenna Anya Gough, a certified financial planner and founder of Pacific Canyon Investments, a fiduciary asset management firm operating in Arizona and California, investors are turning to gold for several reasons:

  • Store of value: Even as currencies fluctuate, gold has maintained its value over time.
  • Portfolio diversification: Gold and the stock market often move in opposite directions, so adding gold to your portfolio can offset risk and soften the blow during economic downturns.
  • Inflation hedge: As the cost of living increases, gold retains its purchasing power better than many other investment types.
  • Central bank demand: Governments and central banks are accumulating gold reserves, adding a new layer of institutional demand to the market.

How silver is used as an investment

Silver plays a dual role in financial markets that gold does not. “Its value often increases or decreases based on whether economic and industrial activity is expanding or slowing down,” Anya Gough explains. Investors buy it for the same reasons as gold, but industrial demand greatly influences its price.

That demand comes from several areas.

  • Electronics and industrial manufacturing: Circuit boards, semiconductors, mobile phones, and computers rely on silver for their production, as do industrial applications such as medical devices and water purification systems.
  • Solar panel: The expansion of renewable energy is increasing demand for solar-powered silver.
  • Electric vehicles and EV infrastructure: The rapid adoption of EVs has added another source of demand for silver alongside electronics and solar power.

Silver prices tend to be more sensitive to economic cycles than gold, as they are heavily tied to industrial activity.

Gold and silver price trends

Gold is traded in a much larger global market than silver. Some estimates put it around eight times as large. This scale makes gold more stable. Larger markets tend to absorb buying and selling activity more smoothly, helping to stabilize prices.

The small size of the silver market means it can “move fast in both directions,” Anya Gough said. “Historically, it tends to fall faster than gold during economic downturns, but it can also rise sharply during boom cycles for commodities.”

In fact, silver can fluctuate 4% to 6% in a single day, and fluctuations can exceed 10%, said Jeremy Mullin, an equity strategist at wealth management firm Zacks Investment Research in Chicago. A typical daily movement for gold is closer to 2% to 3%.

gold and silver ratio

The gold-to-silver ratio tells you how many ounces of silver one ounce of gold can buy. For example, if gold is $5,000 and silver is $50, the ratio is 100:1. Some investors use this as a signal. A high ratio may suggest that silver is undervalued relative to gold, and vice versa.

However, Anya Gough believes this ratio has lost some of its usefulness. “In the past, both metals functioned primarily as monetary assets,” he says. “There are now far more industrial uses for silver than there used to be. Because of that change, the ratios don’t necessarily have the same meaning as they once did.”

Physical gold and silver considerations

“Many investors think that buying physical metals works the same as buying something in a brokerage account,” says Anya Gough. “In reality, it’s more complicated.” Dealers charge fees for transfer, storage and security, and can use up part of the purchase price before an investor owns it.

Storage is also a practical consideration. The high price per ounce of gold means that a large amount of gold takes up relatively little space. A lower price for silver means that investors need much more physical metal to reach the same dollar value (and as a result, it costs more to store silver).

Premium and liquidity are also worth considering. Marin said dealers charge up to 5% of the spot price for gold (the metal’s current market price), whether for coins or bars, while premiums for silver can be two to three times that amount. And in a declining market, there’s no guarantee you’ll sell for full price right away. “Spreads can widen during times of volatility, especially in the silver market,” warns Anya Gough.

Gold or Silver: Which is Right for You?

Generally, “gold is a good choice for investors looking for an inflation hedge or a low-volatility asset,” Anya-Gough said. “Silver has typically attracted investors who are more speculative about economic growth or who seek exposure to industrial products.”

The right choice depends on your goals and how much risk you can tolerate.

Where investors typically buy gold and silver

Investors can purchase gold and silver through several channels, each with its own tradeoffs.

conclusion

Gold and silver both exist in the precious metals market, but they are not advantageous to all investors. If you’re considering adding either metal to your portfolio, a financial advisor can help you weigh the risks, associated costs, and how each fits into your diversification goals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Silver vs. Gold Investing

Why is silver more volatile than gold?

Silver is more volatile than gold because it has a smaller investor base and also serves as an industrial material used in everything from electronics to solar panels. When the economy slows down or heats up, the price of silver tends to change quickly and sharply.

Is silver a cheaper investment than gold?

Yes, silver is cheaper per ounce than gold. This is a more accessible entry point for new investors. However, that low price comes with high price volatility and a high dealer premium compared to the spot price.

Should investors own both gold and silver?

Owning both precious metals will help balance your portfolio. Gold offers stability and wealth protection, while silver offers the potential for growth tied to industrial demand. That said, both metals have risks, and neither is a foolproof hedge against loss.

Georgia takeaway. He took a big step forward as Marjorie Taylor Greene’s successor.

US-NEA
-
0
Georgia takeaway. He took a big step forward as Marjorie Taylor Greene’s successor.

play

On Tuesday, March 10, President Donald Trump’s dominance over the Republican Party was reaffirmed as the front-runner to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene moved a step closer to becoming the “Make America Great Again” patriarch in Congress.

Republican Clay Fuller, a former prosecutor, finished second among more than a dozen candidates in the Georgia special election to replace Greene, who resigned from the House in January after months of conflict with the president.

Fuller defeated all other Republican candidates to win the seat, which stretches from Atlanta’s northern suburbs to the Appalachian-Tennessee border in the mountainous Peach State.

Trump’s endorsement in early February made Fuller, 44, a former Air National Guard member, stand out among other conservatives in the race who say they are better suited to carry the torch.

“I think this is a reaffirmation that voters (here) support the president (and) that the president is listening to their ideas about the people he wants to implement his policies,” Fuller told USA TODAY in a one-on-one interview shortly after the results were announced.

“Obviously, given that he’s in this race, it’s important for him to get someone who can be a MAGA warrior on Capitol Hill.”

Here are the key takeaways from Tuesday’s election.

Fuller has an advantage in runoff election against Democratic candidate

Retired Brigadier General Sean Harris was one of only three Democrats on the ballot and was the top overall vote-getter on March 10 after consolidating much of his party’s support.

However, neither candidate met the 50% threshold required for an outright victory under Georgia law, meaning they will head to an April 7 runoff.

Given the district’s conservative leanings, Fuller is expected to win. Harris faced Green in 2024, but lost by about 30 points.

Although Mr. Trump’s support does not wipe out the Republican base, and some observers see it as a sign of weakness, Mr. Fuller’s loss of votes among conservative candidates underscores that Mr. Trump remains in top position among MAGA-leaning voters despite growing tensions with his populist base.

Whether it’s trying to calm ongoing affordability concerns, especially among young men, or demanding the release of all investigative files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump is facing more criticism than ever from the political right.

He is also battling other detractors within the Republican Party, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who the president hopes to oust from Congress in the state’s May 19 primary. With what is expected to be a tough midterm election, Trump’s recognition as the undisputed kingmaker will be crucial if he is to maintain his grip on the Republican Party.

Iran didn’t come up much among Republican candidates.

Georgia’s special election was one of the first to be called after President Trump launched an offensive against Iran, a move that has led to poor poll numbers and soaring gas prices.

The war has hit raw nerves among MAGA supporters, especially activists and online influencers who argue that entering into a conflict with a foreign country violates President Trump’s previous commitments. But that rift did not emerge among the Republicans running to replace Greene.

“Bloodthirsty Ayatollah Khamenei, who caused countless deaths to the American people and our allies around the world, is finally dead. Rot in hell, you monster,” Fuller said in a Feb. 28 post on the X show.

Republican Colton Moore, a former Georgia congressman who was considered the party’s next best choice, criticized Fuller on several issues but did not explicitly support or criticize the attack on Iran.

Fellow Republican candidate Nikki Rama quoted from the Bible and prayed for fallen American soldiers, but did not elaborate on her stance on the Iranian airstrike.

Greene could be troubled by Trump and potential successor

Greene was once one of Trump’s staunchest allies and defenders. That was until months of bitter public exchanges over various differences, including last year’s attack on Iran, ended the two countries’ political partnership.

She never warned voters of her endorsement in the special election, and several Republican operatives in the state told USA TODAY that such an endorsement would be even more damaging given her break with the president, who regularly calls Greene a “traitor” in public.

The former congressman returned the favor by adding his voice to the anti-war drumbeat of MAGA officials in the face of President Trump’s escalating actions against Iran.

“Trump has betrayed his campaign promise of no more foreign wars,” Greene said in a March 8 post on X, lamenting that the conflict had caused soaring gas prices, cost $1 billion a day, and left about 175 people dead at an all-girls elementary school in Iran.

Experts say it is unlikely that Greene will be involved in the runoff.

Some speculate that she might use that influence to shake up the MAGA base in the 2028 presidential election. Greene recently voiced her support for former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Charles Bullock, a political science professor at the University of Georgia and a veteran political observer, said Greene could serve more as a conscience for MAGA voters this fall, who have doubts about whether the president will stay true to his promises and causes.

“If others do come to the conclusion that Mr. Trump is not living up to his campaign rhetoric, that could pose broader risks for the Republican Party and Mr. Trump going forward,” he said.

Trump, House Republicans need help in Congress

The vacancy is also important in another way: how Republicans control Congress by the end of the year.

House Speaker Mike Johnson entered office in 2026 with a razor-thin Republican majority in the House that continues to be chipped away. Shortly after Greene resigned, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) passed away in January, and Rep. Kevin Kiley, also of California, left the Republican Party, citing “bipartisanship” on Capitol Hill.

Kiley said he would continue to caucus with House Republicans, but did not commit to supporting any future policies as he wants to project his newfound independence.

This reduces the official Republican majority to 217 voters to the Democrats’ 214.

Adding Mr. Fuller to the caucus would give the chairman, and Mr. Trump, a little more cushion on close votes.

Buttigieg stumbles over Democratic candidate

Most experts believe Democrats have no chance in 2024 in these deep red congressional districts, which Trump won by about 36 percentage points.

However, support for the Democratic Party is increasing in elections across the country, including in areas where the president had an advantage in past elections. Many who have criticized progressives for avoiding hostile political and media outlets are watching closely, hoping to expand the party’s electoral appeal this fall and beyond.

For example, the Harris campaign announced on March 14 that it would invite former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, a frequent guest on Fox News, for a “conversation on service and leadership.”

Buttigieg, who is rumored to be a 2028 presidential candidate, endorsed Harris’ candidacy last month, saying, “There are no permanently red states or districts.”

Contributor: Eileen Wright

Taco Bell releases new menu for 2026. The upcoming menu is as follows:

US-NEA
-
0
Taco Bell releases new menu for 2026. The upcoming menu is as follows:

play

Taco Bell announced more than 20 upcoming menu items at the Live Mass Live Gala.

New dishes coming in 2026 include Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Cheese G Sliders, and for dessert, Creme Brûlée Crunchwrap and Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Pie, the successor to last year’s Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie.

Upcoming new beverages include Salt & Straw Tacoreto Chiller, a drink inspired by 2005’s Tacoreto Ice Cream Taco. This drink is made with Salt & Straw, a chocolate-dipped waffle shell filled with cinnamon ancho ice cream.

The fast food franchise also announced that nacho fries will be a permanent addition to its menu.

McDonald’s: Crocs’ new Happy Meal. What’s inside?

Learn more about the new menu items that will appear on the Taco Bell menu in 2026.

What new products will be coming to Taco Bell this year?

Here are the new items coming to Taco Bell’s menu this year, according to a news release:

  • Flamin’ hot nacho fries: Nacho fries with spicier flamin’ hot nacho cheese.
  • Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets: The pure white meat chicken nuggets are sprinkled with Diablo’s spicy seasoning.

  • Doritos Cool Ranch Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Doritos Cool Ranch Dipping Sauce: Nuggets coated with Doritos Cool Ranch seasoning are dipped in Doritos Cool Ranch-flavored dipping sauce.
  • Flamin’ Hot Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets: The third Dusted Nugget dish is served with Flamin’ Hot seasoning.
  • Cheesy G slider: Two pieces of soft flatbread wrapped in a white corn husk are layered with mozzarella, pepper jack, cheddar cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and creamy chipotle sauce. Pair with grilled marinated steak or slow roasted chicken.

  • Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza with Jalapeno Citrus Salsa: Slow-roasted chicken and black beans are layered between crispy tortillas and topped with green chile sauce, three-cheese blend, cabbage, and pico de gallo, and served with our new Jalapeño Citrus Salsa and Avocado Verde Salsa.

  • Mexican pizza empanada: Three to six bite-sized, crispy empanadas are stuffed with seasoned beef, a three-cheese blend, and Mexican pizza sauce for dipping.
  • Fire queso sauce packet: The hot sauce is packaged in crunchy edible sauce packs, allowing fans to create more flavor combinations.

  • Cracked Cantina Bowl of Queso: This new bowl is made with seasoned rice, slow-roasted chicken, black beans, lettuce, purple cabbage, reduced-fat sour cream, pico de gallo, and cotija dip, and is topped with chili lime seasoning and crispy cheddar cheese chips.
  • Flamin’ hot mini taco salad: Seasoned beef, Fritos Flamin’ Hot corn chips, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and refried beans are served in a tortilla bowl bordered with Flamin’ Hot seasoning.

  • Firecracker burrito: A red flour tortilla shell is stuffed with seasoned rice, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned beef, fiesta tortilla strips, creamy chipotle sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, and a sprinkle of cayenne poppin crystals.
  • Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Pie: This new pie uses Mountain Dew Baja Midnight’s passion fruit flavor for a sweet, citrusy taste.

  • Milk Bar Birthday Cake Empanadas: Crispy empanadas filled with birthday cake batter and topped with pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
  • Chocolate Fudge & Caramel Empanadas (now on sale nationwide): Served in pairs, each order includes one chocolate fudge and one caramel empanada.
  • Creme Brulee Crunchwrap Sliders: Crispy cinnamon sugar tostadas with a creamy vanilla filling baked in a caramelized cinnamon sugar crust and wrapped in a warm tortilla.

  • Strawberry & Cream Mexican Pizza Bites: A dessert tostada with a scoop of cheesecake filling is stuffed with chopped strawberries dipped in cinnamon sugar and topped with white chocolate shavings.
  • Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Zero: This drink blends the flavor of passion fruit with the tropical lime flavor of Mountain Dew Baja Blast, now with zero sugar.
  • Refreshing Strawberry Horchata: A creamy sweet drink inspired by traditional Mexican horchata. Made with cinnamon and vanilla, drizzled with strawberry syrup, topped with real freeze-dried strawberries, and served chilled over ice.
  • Cold Brew with Purple Horchata Cold Foam: Cold Brew topped with our signature purple cold foam – cool and creamy with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes.
  • Mountain Dew Baja Blast Under Eyepatch: Infused with a refreshing boost of caffeine and citrus, the patch cools and energizes skin.

Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s global chief brand officer, said that through the Live Mass Live event, Taco Bell demonstrated that it is “constantly pushing the boundaries, not just in our menu, but in our attitude across culture and entertainment.” He appeared on stage at the Live Más Live event alongside CEO Sean Tresvant and Global Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews.

“From timeless fan favorites to productions no one expected, this free night of Hollywood was built around the energy that our fans bring every day,” he said. “If this is the undercard, 2026 will be our boldest year yet.”

Menu items decrease throughout the year. Follow Taco Bell on social media platforms, download the Taco Bell app, and sign up for the Taco Bell Rewards loyalty program for the latest menu updates.

How to watch Taco Bell Live Mass Live

The Taco Bell Live Mass Live event will be recorded live-to-tape at the Hollywood Palladium on Tuesday, March 3rd, and will be available to stream on Peacock until April 9th.

The event, hosted by actor and rapper/singer Vince Staples, featured appearances by Jason Sudekis, Fernando Mendoza, Ariana Madix, Ashley Park, Benson Boone, Ciara Miller, Davante Adams, Devon Walker, DJ Pee Wee (aka Anderson .Paak), Doja Cat, Ego Nwodim, Mike Towers, and Yate.

“We harnessed the energy of our fans on stage and turned it into a must-see moment, and we’re excited for you to feel it at Peacock,” Staples said in a news release.

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

1...265266267...1,006Page 266 of 1,006

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

The latest

When will the Trump administration’s Dulles Airport renovation work begin?

Politics 0
President Trump pressured Senator Schumer to rename Penn Station...

Lindsay Clancy, ex-husband’s testimony and nature of mental illness

USA 0
Massachusetts mother goes on trial for killing her three...

Chili’s announces nationwide restaurant renovations. What you can expect

Economy 0
Server impressed by customer's ketchup portraitWhen Jacqueline Mang realized...

Subscribe

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