Search
Menu
Home Blog Page 273

Raiders must acquire ace in NFL free agency and draft

US-NEA
-
0
Raiders must acquire ace in NFL free agency and draft

play

John Spytek probably has a lot of work to do to get the Las Vegas Raiders house in order before the arrival of Fernando Mendoza.

While he didn’t specifically name the Heisman Trophy winner and expected No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the general manager spent last week at the NFL Scouting Combine pondering all the fundamentals to have in place before drafting a rookie quarterback.

“You want to limit the amount of pressure on that guy from the beginning,” Spytek said. “…Obviously a great offensive line, run game. All of those things could limit his chances of really getting done. And there’s also a great defense. Because I think it helps if he doesn’t have to feel like he has to score 35 points every week.”

So… about that…

After agreeing to trade five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens on Friday night, the Raiders now have an unparalleled resource to change their long-term fortunes. Not only does Las Vegas now boast 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the team’s spending power has increased to a league-high $121.7 million, according to Over the Cap.

But despite all the potential for change that awaits the franchise over the next seven weeks, the move also cemented the Silver and Black as the least entrenched roster in the league entering NFL free agency next week. And after last year’s failed attempt at returning to relevance, Spytek and co-owner Tom Brady will need to prove they can put the right pieces together for a pretty impressive build going forward.

Brady, in particular, needs to make the same second-year leap in the personnel world as he did in the broadcast booth.

It’s too early to judge last year’s draft class, but it’s clear that Spytek and Brady had a disastrous first offseason at the helm of an NFL franchise. According to The Athletic, Brady resisted the idea of ​​signing Sam Darnold, who would go on to win Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks. The Raiders’ trade for Geno Smith initially raised hopes that the new system would establish at least some baseline ability, but the veteran signal-caller continued to pace the NFL in interceptions (17) and sacks (55). No. 6 overall pick Ashton Giunty was left with little room after a disappointing rookie season, and the team’s other first-year players also struggled to find their way.

This dynamic resulted in head coach Pete Carroll being fired after just one year, and the organization embarking on another serious reset. The Raiders tore through defenses in releasing Crosby, whose performance and dedication set a bar that no one else in the organization came close to. Spytek and Brady have extra ammunition to shore up Mendoza’s offensive support, but the quarterback may find himself in too many high-scoring situations where his team is ill-suited to keep pace.

And the Raiders have plenty of experience getting burned by flashy offseason moves.

Spending on big names has never been an issue for a team that has whiffed on players like Christian Wilkins, Chandler Jones and Jimmy Garoppolo. But his draft record is even scarier than his run into free agency. Former general manager Mike Mayock’s whiffs in 2020 (Henry Ruggs III, Damon Arnette) and 2021 (Crelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Abram) served as a reminder that having multiple first-round picks doesn’t guarantee a difference-maker. And perhaps no other organization has profited less from as many top-100 prospects as Mark Davis’ crew.

So where do Brady and Spytech go from here, and how does the Crosby trade change offseason plans? Let’s take a look:

Raiders’ NFL free agent plans: Which top players should they sign?

Due to the wide range of needs, the Raiders are expected to be linked with just about every big name on the open market. But two players stand out above the rest: center Tyler Linderbaum and wide receiver Alec Pierce.

Linderbaum, the top true free agent on Nate Davis’ Top 100 rankings, should command market-setting compensation after earning his third straight Pro Bowl berth last season with the Baltimore Ravens. While some teams may not be willing to splurge at the position, equipping Mendoza with a savvy pivot could be one of the quickest ways to ease his adjustment to the NFL. There are so many weaknesses on the Raiders’ front that they may need to double-bottom a high-priced veteran.

Meanwhile, Pierce led the NFL in yards per catch for the second year in a row and appears to be on track to earn a significant amount of money. His proven downfield ability will certainly appeal to offenses struggling to get by amidst rampant protection issues. But he’s also thought to be leading a serious bidding war, and the Raiders will have to consider what price range they’re comfortable with. Reuniting first-year coach Clint Kubiak and speedster Rashid Shahid could also be considered. But with another early pick, the Raiders might not need to be so aggressive here.

Now that Crosby is gone, will the Raiders try to sign a big name off the cliff? It won’t be possible to replace him with a free agent, but there are some interesting options in a seriously underpowered front seven. Jaylan Phillips is the most appealing prospect, and Las Vegas could afford to pay a high price for the extremely talented 26-year-old. With the defense switching to a 3-4 format, Odafe Oweh and Boye Mafe could also be catalysts.

With Crosby gone, it could become even more important for the team to bring in a few solid starters, as the Raiders don’t have a position on defense that can shake off additional help.

And while the team’s future will be built through the draft, performing well in free agency will be critical to building the framework for the kind of success that was lacking for last year’s rookies.

Raiders’ NFL Draft Picks: Where could the team potentially go after the Crosby trade?

With the No. 14 overall pick, the Raiders could be in the best position to address the aforementioned challenges at receiver and along the offensive line.

Las Vegas is slated to take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in USA TODAY Sports’ latest NFL mock draft. He would certainly be a smart weapon to pair with tight end Brock Bowers, as well as Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. And the possibility of Mendoza reuniting with Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is sure to at least be talked about.

But if the Raiders are still frustrated before the draft, they may find a solution early on. The team could be ready to pounce if Miami’s Francis Mauigoa or Utah’s Spencer Fano go down, and either player would be valued at right tackle or guard. On the other hand, Penn State’s Olaiba Vega-Ioane could solidify a shaky interior and could easily end up at No. 14 overall.

However, finding a replacement for Crosby may be difficult. The top three edge rushers in Arbel Reese, David Bailey and Reuben Bayne Jr. will all be gone by the time the Raiders make the No. 2 pick, and there may not be any worthy replacements at that point in the draft. Oklahoma State’s R. Mason Thomas, Missouri’s Zion Young and Illinois’ Gabe Jacus could all draw attention on Day 2.

How long will each state’s $1 million retirement benefit last?

US-NEA
-
0
How long will each state’s $1 million retirement benefit last?

play

$1 million is an ambitious goal for retirement savings, celebrated in articles about 401(k) millionaires and threads on Reddit.

But $1 million is not what it used to be. According to a 2025 study by Northwestern Mutual, only 36% of American billionaires currently consider themselves wealthy.

“$1 million sounds like a nice number,” says Rudri Bhatt Patel, a certified financial health counselor and retirement expert at GOBanking Rates. But, she said, “We’re not living in the 1950s.”

A new report from personal finance site GOBankingRates tallies how long $1 million in retirement savings will last in each U.S. state in 2026.

Simply put, it’s not long enough.

The analysis found that the average retiree in each state will spend $1 million within 20 years, based on average annual spending for retirees in each region.

And longevity studies show that many Americans will live at least 20 years after retirement.

How much money do you need to save for retirement to be “wealthy”?

Whatever “wealthy” means today, research shows that it means having assets of $1 million or more. In the latest Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey, starting in 2025, consumers set their wealth threshold at a net worth of $2.3 million.

Most retirees don’t have that much savings. The average household between the ages of 65 and 75 has about $200,000 in retirement accounts, according to the 2022 Federal Consumer Finance Survey.

GOBankingRates suggests that if you want your money to last, it’s wise to retire in the Southeast or Great Plains. The most affordable retirement states are Oklahoma and Mississippi, where $1 million lasts about 19 years, followed by Alabama, where it lasts 18.5 years.

“People generally don’t think of Oklahoma or West Virginia or Kansas as places of interest for retirees,” Patel said. However, all three states rank among the five least expensive states for retirement benefits, the study found.

The report uses average annual spending for people 65 and older based on federal survey data and adjusted for each state based on local cost of living. To find out how much $1 million is, the researchers divided that total by each state’s average annual spending.

From an investor’s perspective, this estimate is conservative. That doesn’t take into account the $1 million you could earn in your IRA by investing in stocks and bonds. If your investment return exceeds the rate of inflation, your $1 million will last longer than this report estimates.

It’s also worth noting that many retirees can get by with less than $1 million in the bank. Many households make ends meet solely on Social Security.

Where will Americans retire? According to AARP’s 2025 report, the top five destinations for Americans moving to retire in 2024 are Massachusetts, followed by Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and North Carolina.

Here’s how long $1 million lasts in the top retirement states

If you’re planning on retiring in one of these states, here’s how long $1 million could last you in each state.

  • Massachusetts: 10.8 years. The annual cost of living in Massachusetts is $92,639, making it the second most expensive state for retirees.
  • Florida: 16.4 years. Retirees in Florida face annual costs of $61,125, ranking 31st among the most affordable states.
  • Illinois: 17 years. Illinois ranks 24th in affordability, with an annual cost of living of $58,913.
  • Kentucky: 17.7 years. Kentucky’s annual cost of $56,456 ranks it 16th among states with affordable retirement living costs.
  • North Carolina: 16.7 years. North Carolina ranks 26th in affordability, with annual costs of $59,835.

Here are the 10 states where $1 million in retirement lasts the longest

According to GOBankingRates, here are the 10 states where $1 million lasts the longest in retirement, along with each state’s average cost of overall annual expenses and typically the largest category: housing.

  1. Oklahoma: $1 million lasts 19.3 years. Annual expenses average $51,849. Annual housing costs average $8,824.
  2. Mississippi: $1 million lasts 19 years. Annual expenses average $52,524. Annual housing costs average $9,122.
  3. Alabama: $1 million lasts 18.5 years. Annual expenses average $53,999. Annual housing costs average $9,239.
  4. West Virginia: $1 million lasts 18.5 years. Annual expenses average $54,122. Annual housing costs average $9,200.
  5. Kansas: $1 million lasts 18.3 years. Annual expenses average $54,613. Annual housing costs average $10,071.
  6. Missouri: $1 million lasts 18.3 years. Annual expenses average $54,674. Annual housing costs average $10,110.
  7. Arkansas: $1 million lasts 18.2 years. Annual expenses average $54,859. Annual housing costs average $10,123.
  8. Iowa: $1 million lasts 18 years. Annual expenses average $55,473. Annual housing costs average $10,032.
  9. Tennessee: $1 million lasts 18 years. Annual expenses average $55,473. Annual housing costs average $10,786.
  10. Indiana: $1 million lasts 18 years. Annual expenses average $55,657. Annual housing costs average $9,902.

Here are the 10 states with the highest cost of living for retirees

Here are 10 states with $1 million in retirement benefits for the shortest distance.

  1. Hawaii: $1 million lasts for 9.1 years. Annual expenses average $110,393. Annual housing costs average $38,803.
  2. Massachusetts: $1 million lasts 10.8 years. Annual expenses average $92,639. Annual housing costs average $30,265.
  3. California: $1 million lasts 11.9 years. Annual expenses average $83,978. Annual housing costs average $23,625.
  4. Alaska: $1 million lasts 12.8 years. Annual expenses average $78,449. Annual housing costs average $16,387.
  5. New York: $1 million lasts 12.9 years. Annual expenses average $77,773. Annual housing costs average $23,209.
  6. Maryland: $1 million lasts 13.7 years. Annual expenses average $73,043. Annual housing costs average $19,168.
  7. New Jersey: $1 million lasts 14.2 years. Annual expenses average $70,401. Annual housing costs average $18,141.
  8. Main: $1 million will last 14.3 years. Annual expenses average $70,155. Annual housing costs average $18,141.
  9. Connecticut: $1 million lasts 14.3 years. Annual expenses average $70,094. Annual housing costs average $16,127.
  10. Washington: $1 million lasts 14.3 years. Annual expenses average $69,971. Annual housing costs average $15,607.

Here’s how long $1 million lasts in every other state

And here’s how far a million dollars would reach in the remaining 30 states, from longest to shortest.

Texas: 18 years

North Dakota: 18 years

Nebraska: 17.8 years

Georgia, South Dakota, Kentucky: 17.7 years

New Mexico, South Carolina, Louisiana: 17.6 years

Ohio: 17.5 years

Minnesota: 17.3 years

Michigan: 17.2 years

Wyoming: 17.1 years

Illinois: 17 years

Pennsylvania: 16.8 years

North Carolina and Wisconsin: 16.7 years

Nevada: 16.5 years

Idaho, Utah, Florida: 16.4 years

Virginia: 16.3 years

Colorado: 15.9 years

Delaware: 15.8 years

Arizona: 15 years

New Hampshire: 14.9 years

Montana: 14.8 years

Oregon: 14.6 years

Rhode Island: 14.4 years

Vermont: 14.3 years

Why did Trump attack Iran? He posted that he wanted “unconditional surrender!”

US-NEA
-
0
Why did Trump attack Iran? He posted that he wanted “unconditional surrender!”

play

  • The Trump administration has cited several reasons for its military attack on Iran.
  • Stated goals include eliminating immediate threats, destroying missile and nuclear capabilities, and annihilating naval forces.
  • President Trump expects the war to last several weeks. Casualties in the first week include more than 1,200 Iranians and at least six U.S. troops.

A week into the Iran war, the Trump administration has cited several reasons for its attack alongside Israel.

President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they had moved to eliminate the immediate threat, crush missile capabilities and deter nuclear capabilities. Also, although they did not call it a regime change war, they seemed to support regime change.

President Trump said the United States would continue military operations until all objectives were achieved, which he expected would take several weeks. As of March 6, the death toll includes more than 1,200 Iranians, 10 Israelis, and at least six U.S. military personnel.

Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on March 3, “This is a war that Donald Trump has chosen, and we have four different explanations of what our goals are.” However, after the War Powers Resolution was rejected in both houses of Congress this week, Congress chose not to end U.S. involvement in the war.

Live updates: President Trump demands “unconditional surrender” from Iran

Why are we at war with Iran? there are many answers

President Trump and Press Secretary Caroline Levitt have set four goals: 1) destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles; 2) Withdraw the navy. 3) Preventing “terrorist proxies” from destabilizing the region. 4) Ensure that Iran never has nuclear weapons.

However, it took a few days for the messages to integrate around that list of goals, and it appears to be still evolving. Here’s what President Trump and some in his administration have said throughout this week.

  • Feb. 28 video update: “Our purpose is to protect the American people by eliminating the immediate threat from the Iranian regime, which is a very tough, very frightening, and evil group of people,” President Trump said. He also said Iran had worked to rebuild after last summer’s attacks. “For these reasons, the U.S. military has embarked on a large-scale, sustained operation to prevent this deeply evil and radical dictatorship from threatening the core national security interests of the United States and our country. We intend to destroy their missiles and completely destroy their missile industry. It will be completely wiped out again… We will guarantee that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons. This is a very simple message: They will never have nuclear weapons.” President Trump also called on the Iranian people to take over the government once American rule ends.
  • March 1 video update: “The Iranian regime, armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons, would pose a terrifying threat to all Americans. We cannot allow a nation that breeds a terrorist army to possess such weapons, allowing them to usurp the world to their evil will,” President Trump said.
  • In remarks at the Medal of Honor ceremony on March 2, President Trump listed four goals, echoed by Levitt later that week: “An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would pose an intolerable threat not only to the Middle East, but also to the American people. Our country itself would be threatened, and it was on the verge of being threatened.”
  • “This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime has certainly changed, and the world is better off because of it,” Hegseth said on March 2.
  • Rubio told reporters on March 2 that Israel was planning to attack Iran first. “We knew there was going to be an Israeli move. We knew it would provoke an attack on U.S. forces. We knew there would be more casualties if we didn’t get ahead of the attack and pursue it,” Rubio said. “And we will all be here answering the question, why did we know that and not act?”
  • On March 3, President Trump refuted Rubio’s statements, saying that the United States thought Iran would strike first, saying, “If we didn’t do it, they were going to attack, they were going to attack first… So, if anything, I’m not going to let Israel get away with it.” (“The bottom line is that the president decided we weren’t going to get hit first, it’s that simple, folks,” Rubio said in a press conference, according to Reuters.)
  • On March 4, Mr. Levitt reiterated the four goals that President Trump outlined on March 2 at a press conference, saying, “Iran has rejected a path to peace because the terrorists in charge of this regime want to build nuclear weapons to use against Americans and our allies.” “President Trump made the courageous determination and determination that there was only one outcome for the United States to pursue with Iran: mass death and destruction at the hands of a nuclear-armed terrorist regime. That death, destruction, and blackmail against Iran.” The American people met their end with Operation Epic Fury. ”
  • On March 6, President Trump posted on Truth Social: “There is no agreement with Iran other than unconditional surrender! Then we will elect a great and acceptable leader, and we and our many wonderful and very brave allies and partners will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction and make it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”

According to Reuters, Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and claims it was an unprovoked attack. National security analysts and experts have previously told USA TODAY that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities are either false or greatly exaggerated.

Contributors: Francesca Chambers, Zachary Schermele, Michael Collins, Michael Loria, america today

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

Satellite images and videos reveal clues

US-NEA
-
0
Satellite images and videos reveal clues

The disturbing images quickly spread on social media, first distributed by Iranian state media and republished by news agencies. USA TODAY is not publishing many of these images due to the graphic nature of the content.

It showed destroyed classrooms, bloody backpacks and colorful school supplies strewn across the grounds. Dust covering every surface. Remains of the playground, including a slide, were scattered among piles of concrete rubble. Some of the children’s bodies were found buried under the rubble.

A video taken by a bystander showed a chaotic scene where fires, believed to have been caused by an airstrike, were burning in an adjoining property. After a while, pan to the right and you’ll see a school filled with smoke.

Iranian authorities said that up to 175 people were killed in the airstrike, most of them elementary school girls. This may be the worst known mass casualty incident involving civilians of the war, but USA TODAY was unable to independently verify many details about the incident, including the exact death toll, the identities of those involved, and who was responsible for the attack.

Farzin Nadhimi, an analyst at the Washington Institute who specializes in security and defense issues in Iran and the Persian Gulf region, said the adjacent facility appears to have been associated at some point with an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval base.

Nadimi said the Shajareh Tayebeh school, which translates into “sacred tree” in English, is part of a network of 32 schools across southern Iran with ties to the Revolutionary Guards. A clinic and cultural center were also located on the premises. Nadimi said the compound appears to have been used at one point as a support base for the Assef Brigade, a naval unit of the Revolutionary Guards, but has since partially or completely changed its purpose.

The New York Times and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that bystander video and signs on Google Street View link the facility to Iran’s Naval Medical Command. USA TODAY confirmed this using Google Translate.

Historical satellite imagery shows that the school building may have been part of the site in 2013, and the walls were constructed by 2016.

Determining exactly what happened at the school is hampered by the absence of identifiable weapon fragments and the fact that independent journalists have no access to the scene.

However, open source researchers worked quickly to confirm the authenticity of images and videos related to the strike. And a visual investigation by The New York Times, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Al Jazeera revealed key details. Satellite images taken by Planet Labs PBC and Vantor confirmed damage to the school, buildings on nearby grounds, and other locations.

Reuters and the Wall Street Journal reported that US military investigators believe it is “likely” that a girls’ school in southern Iran was attacked by US forces. The report cited anonymous US sources.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said of the report: “This investigation is ongoing. No conclusions have been reached at this time. Reuters’ assertion otherwise is irresponsible and false.” “As we have stated, unlike the terrorist regime in Iran, the United States does not target civilians.” U.S. Central Command declined to comment.

Minab is more than 900 miles from Tehran and close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key commercial shipping route, especially for oil. U.S. officials suggested in public statements that they were attacking the area on the day the school was attacked. In addition to the Minab site associated with the Revolutionary Guards, satellite images show the destruction of neighboring military sites in Bandar Abbas and Konark.

play

175 people killed in school strike in Iran. doubts remain

Investigators are looking into whether the building’s proximity to other nearby facilities may have played a role in the deadly explosion.

As more information about the attack emerged, Iranian officials blamed the United States and Israel. U.S. defense officials said they were investigating the incident. Israel said it was not aware of any attacks in the area and was also investigating what happened.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine suggested in a press conference on March 4 that the United States carried out attacks in the neighborhood. Shining a laser pointer on a map showing the regional impact, Kaine explained that U.S. forces are concentrated in Israel in southern Iran and northern Iran.

“Along the southern axis, the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group continues to provide pressure from the sea along the southeast side of the coast, draining naval capabilities along the straits to the Arabian Gulf,” Cain said. Satellite images from Planet Labs show damage to other IRGC naval bases in the region.

An analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies said U.S. efforts are focused on southern and central Iran, while Israel is focused on the north.

On March 3, funerals for those killed in the attack were held, with hundreds of mourners filling the streets. It was broadcast on Iranian state television. Drone video showed rows of new graves being dug at a nearby cemetery.

Video footage from the funeral showed a coffin draped in the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran being carried through the crowd. A portion of the video’s narration, which was translated into English, described the grief of the parents as they mourned their daughter.

Iranian state media reported the names of the 57 victims, but did not reveal their ages or their relationship to the school.

  • Hana Deghani
  • Fatemeh Sarali
  • Reza Habeshian
  • aliya bahadri
  • Ali Asghar Zayeri
  • Zahra Bahrami
  • Ahmad Soltani
  • Hamed Palash Nezad
  • Mahdis Nazari
  • Athena Chamani Nezad
  • Amir Kasem Zayeri
  • Fatemeh Deraj
  • Arad Ahmadzadeh
  • saman karimzadeh
  • Fatemeh Shadadi
  • nadia shamiri
  • parham ranjibari
  • Mahmoud Gholamiani
  • Fatemeh Radar
  • Amirhossein Rassouli Soleimani
  • Zahra Belugi
  • Mohammad Khatam Raisi
  • Asuna Raishi
  • Benjamin Jungu
  • Mohammad Sadra Zarei
  • Mariam Pazarak
  • Liana Mohammadi
  • mandana salary
  • Sarah Scheiste
  • Zoha Pasand
  • Asli Zakeri
  • Salma Zakeri
  • Fatemeh Taherifard
  • Zahra Ansari
  • Fatemeh Fadavi
  • mana zaray
  • Atare Zarei
  • Alireza Zaray
  • Mohammadreza Shahasavari
  • Samira Besarde
  • Ethan Salemi Near
  • Fatemeh Zahra Karimi
  • Zeinab Bahrami
  • mohammad shah dosti
  • Reza Barani
  • Athena Ahmadzadeh
  • Khadija Darvisi
  • Rogai Karimi
  • Reza Ranjibar
  • marzi basili fur
  • Mohammad Mahdi Cheghini Nia
  • Muhammad Baharami
  • Ali Akbar Kriyani Pak
  • Hanane Madika
  • Fereshte Sangarzadeh
  • muhammad ali kriyani pak
  • Partha Mokhtari Nasab

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Contributors: Josh Meyer, Camille Fine, Shawn J. Sullivan

Why Americans are cutting trade, cutting spending, and rethinking

US-NEA
-
0
Why Americans are cutting trade, cutting spending, and rethinking

play

Rising prices are a reality for many Americans, and it’s hitting them hard.

Shoppers are becoming increasingly fatigued by inflation and tariffs, and are changing where and how they spend their money, according to new research.

In Simon-Kucher’s survey, only about one-third of respondents said they understood the impact of tariffs. But “the main benefit for consumers remains simple: prices are rising and households are paying the price,” the study said.

Another study from the Kearney Institute found that shoppers aren’t just shopping less. They are reallocating spend across categories, price points, and channels.

For example, 54% have reduced eating out and 44% have reduced their clothing purchases, with 21% purchasing recycled or resale apparel and 37% substituting cheaper brands.

Shoppers are exhausted by soaring prices

Since the start of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, U.S. consumers have experienced what Shikha Jain, partner and head of North American consumer at Simon Kuchar, calls a “permanent crisis,” or a state of permanent crisis and constant economic fluctuation. First there’s supply chain uncertainty, then tariffs, and now more geopolitical events that can impact costs, including oil and gas prices, Jain told USA TODAY.

“After years of continued pressure, consumers are not only adapting to high prices, they are becoming exhausted by them,” the commercial strategy consulting firm’s report said. “Even a modest increase can seem heavier than it really is because of the added financial burden that has accrued over the years.”

In the 2025 U.S. Consumer Tariff Market Survey, conducted monthly from February through 2025, 78% of consumers said they had been affected either somewhat or overwhelmingly by inflation over the past three years.

The report, which surveyed 2,000 people, also consistently said women felt price pressure more acutely than men.

The report said consumers will notice further price increases in the second half of 2025, with 60% of shoppers saying electronics cost more. The report said shoppers also noticed increases in prices for food, clothing and household goods throughout the year.

Shoppers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive

Jain said 80% of consumers surveyed by Simon Kuchar were concerned about continued inflation and said they were “starting to feel that prices are too high.”

“People are most accepting of a 5% price increase,” Jain said. “They then begin to evaluate their purchase decision by either reducing the price to a cheaper alternative, waiting for a promotion, or not purchasing at all.”

Jain said retailers tend to hold prices steady for essential items, such as pantry staples, while raising prices on items and categories that are less price-sensitive to shoppers.

Some people may want a particular type of peanut butter or chocolate, and may buy those “favorites” regardless of the price increase, Jain said.

At the same time, some brands and products will become more willing to compromise on brand, price, and quality as consumers reduce prices to private labels and lower-priced versions.

Coronavirus, inflation and tariffs reshaping behavior

Jain said consumer behavior often changes during times of macroeconomic crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic and shutdowns pushed consumers to order and deliver online, first out of necessity and second out of convenience, she said.

Meanwhile, tariffs are increasing prices for products, especially from heavily tariffed countries in East Asia, Jain said. As a result, consumers are starting to embrace the idea of ​​upcycling, recycling and saving more, Jain said.

Only time will tell whether the new shopping behavior sticks, she says.

Are you living a “comfortable” life?: Many consumers say otherwise.

Consumers may seem “confused” but are dissatisfied

For more than a year, consumers have been told that they are “selective, cautious, and discerning,” and that they splurge selectively, writes Katie Thomas, director of the Carney Consumer Research Institute, in a recent study titled “Consumers in Disarray: Managing a Fragmented Consumer Base.”

Research shows that the fragmented behavior of “shopping as a form of comfort, consistency, and control” while struggling financially can be disruptive.

The study surveyed 24,000 consumers worldwide and 2,000 in the United States for the latest quarterly report.

“While consumers have a variety of views on tariffs and their specific impact, nearly all consumers are dissatisfied with prices that appear to continue to rise. 57% of consumers cited inflation and affordability as their top economic concern,” Thomas told USA TODAY.

Another recent study from the Kearney Institute investigated how consumers in both legs of the K-economy, typically used to represent both economically well-off and needy households, behave erratically.

Low-income consumers are splurging selectively while cutting back on necessities, while high-income consumers are slashing food prices while splurging on experiences.

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her at @blinfisher on X, Facebook and Instagram and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky.. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, breaking down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

How much can seniors save with new tax credits?

US-NEA
-
0
How much can seniors save with new tax credits?

That could make a noticeable difference in your tax refund this year.

Kylie Hagen, CFP
|The Motley Fool

If you’re 65 or older, you could potentially get an even bigger tax refund this year thanks to the new senior tax credit. While not everyone is eligible, those who qualify could see their tax bill reduced by $6,000 this year ($12,000 for married couples), which could lead to significant savings.

The exact amount you can save will depend on your income and what other deductions you qualify for, but we already have a rough idea of ​​what a difference this new senior tax credit will make to the average person’s retirement taxes.

How much will the new senior tax credit save you?

According to a June 2025 report from the Council of Economic Advisers, the new $6,000 senior tax credit would add an additional $670 to after-tax income for the average eligible senior. If both spouses qualify for the deduction, the final amount would double to $1,340.

Note that this deduction is in addition to the standard deduction based on your tax filing status and the additional standard deduction for seniors. For the 2025 tax year, the latter is worth $2,000 per single adult and $1,600 per married senior.

Along with other tax credits and credits you qualify for, a significant portion of your annual income can be exempt from taxation. As a result, your tax bill may be reduced or your refund may be larger.

But without filing a return, it’s hard to say exactly how much savings the new deduction will provide. Your accounting or tax preparation software will do the calculations and apply the appropriate deductions.

Not everyone is eligible for the new elderly deduction

The new senior citizen tax credit is only available to people age 65 and older with a valid Social Security number. Married couples must also file jointly to claim the deduction.

more: Social Security faces early depletion, report finds

There are also income limits. In 2025, single adults may not earn more than $75,000 to claim the full credit. For married couples, this limit is $150,000. For every $1,000 you earn above these amounts, your deduction will be reduced by $60. It will be phased out completely for single adults with incomes of $175,000 or more and married couples with incomes of $250,000 or more.

It’s also worth noting that, at this time, the new senior citizen deduction is only valid through the 2028 tax year. The government may extend it or make it permanent, but it remains to be seen whether that will happen. Otherwise, seniors may need to prepare for tax increases starting in 2029.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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

Offers from the Motley Fool: If you’re like most Americans, you’re several years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. However, there are only a few that are not well known. “Secrets of Social Security” It may help ensure that you increase your retirement income.

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

View “Social Security Secrets” »

Inside President Trump’s plan to win over Cuba with American oil

US-NEA
-
0
Inside President Trump’s plan to win over Cuba with American oil

President Trump’s strategy is different in that it involves coercion and comes at a time when Cuba is struggling to survive.

play

  • The Trump administration has changed its Cuba policy, aiming for economic influence rather than direct regime change.
  • Following the suspension of Venezuelan oil supplies, the United States is now allowing direct sales of petroleum products to Cuba’s private sector.
  • This new strategy uses Cuba’s economic crisis to encourage market reforms and dependence on the US economy.

Aldo Alvarez’s van sat abandoned in the Cuban sun for three weeks.

He couldn’t find fuel to run his delivery company’s 10 trucks and vans in the capital.

The power outage lasted 15 hours a day. The airline canceled the flight because it could not refuel. The hotel shutters were closed. Class has been canceled. Tourism has dried up.

After U.S. special forces dramatically captured Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela on January 3, President Donald Trump cut off oil flows to Cuba. An island with a population of 10 million people is enveloped in darkness.

Cuba appeared to be the next target of the Trump administration’s regime change. It fulfills the dream of Cuban exiles and many Republicans seeking a U.S.-backed blow to end the enduring communist regime.

But despite the White House’s call for Cuba to “make very dramatic changes immediately,” the administration’s aims for the island nation appear to be more subtle.

President Trump, in concert with Secretary of State and longtime pro-Cuba hawk Marco Rubio, is rolling out moves aimed at making Cuba dependent on the U.S. economy. This is a stunning shift from decades of U.S. policy toward Cuba.

On February 25, the Trump administration began allowing U.S. petroleum products, including diesel, to be sold directly to Cuba’s private sector, bypassing a long-standing 1960 U.S. embargo.

And he expects executives like Alvarez to play a key role.

Alvarez was heartened by recent news that U.S. companies will export diesel directly to small and medium-sized businesses in Cuba, something that hasn’t happened in more than 60 years. Fuel was delivered to a nearby gas station.

The van revved up again.

“This is transformational,” Mercatoria founder Alvarez told USA TODAY from Havana. “We can guarantee (fuel) supply in a stable way…that’s definitely good news.”

President Trump has not shied away from using military force in countries such as Venezuela and Iran, but bringing about change in Cuba’s repressive regime may be more like a slow and steady economic dependence on Caribbean-style American products. perestroikaor the gradual allowance of market-like reforms that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

more: Why did the US launch a military operation in Ecuador? Here’s what we know

“Friendly Takeover of Cuba”

The change in approach is significant.

“The Trump administration recognizes Cuba’s private sector as both an active sector and an important strategic partner on the ground to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis,” said Rick Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, a Washington-based nonprofit policy and advocacy group. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

Reports also surfaced that Rubio and his aides held behind-the-scenes meetings with the grandson of Cuba’s aging dictator Raul Castro.

President Trump acknowledged on February 27 that Rubio was speaking with Cuban officials at a “very high level” and warned that Cuba was a weakened nation. “Perhaps we will have a friendly occupation of Cuba,” he mused to reporters.

On March 6, the president reiterated his focus on Cuba, telling CNN that the communist island “will soon fall apart.” Federal prosecutors are also considering the possibility of bringing charges against members of the Cuban regime or Communist Party, as they did against President Maduro before his ouster, according to NBC News.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Rubio are scheduled to meet with leaders of like-minded Latin American countries, including Argentina and El Salvador, at a summit on March 7 at the Doral Golf Club, where Cuba will also be included in the discussion.

President Trump focuses on Cuba: As the US puts pressure on Cuba, President Trump says there is a possibility of a “friendly takeover”

Then a gunfight on the high seas.

Last week, a murky gunfight between a boat carrying Cuban-Americans and the Cuban Coast Guard near Cuba’s northern coast resulted in four people on the boat (including at least one American) being killed, six others injured and captured. Although the incident has made headlines and sparked conspiracies online about the militants’ motives, it is not expected to change U.S. strategy toward Cuba.

It is unclear how U.S. officials intend to use direct economic contact with Cuba’s private sector as a means to encourage change. At the Feb. 25 summit in St. Kitts and Nevis, Rubio reiterated that U.S. officials do not expect radical changes in Cuba.

“The status quo is unacceptable…Cuba needs to change,” he told reporters. “You don’t have to change everything all at once. You don’t have to change from one day to the next…But Cuba needs to change. It needs to change dramatically.”

Gunfight on the high seas: Florida boat stolen in Cuba high seas shootout, with Americans on board

Eric Jacobstein, a former assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs in the Biden administration, has repeatedly visited the island, meeting with Cuban entrepreneurs and encouraging them to connect with American companies.

For President Trump’s strategy to take hold, he said, more support from U.S. companies from Cuba’s private sector, especially the banking sector, will be needed.

“It’s important to involve the private sector in this independent Cuba,” Jacobstein said. “They are independent and entrepreneurial…a group that has embraced capitalism in a failed communist system.”

President Obama’s opening

Ever since Fidel Castro led a battalion to attack Havana, bearded Since declaring allegiance to communism in 1959, the US president has sought to coerce, detain, and even kill Cuba’s leaders. An embargo imposed by the United States in 1960 prevented most American companies from doing business in Cuba.

Former President Barack Obama began attempting to normalize relations with Cuba in 2014, encouraging U.S.-Cuban business ventures and even reopening the U.S. embassy in Havana. In a historic visit to Cuba, the first by a sitting U.S. president since Calvin Coolidge 90 years ago, President Obama met with activists and entrepreneurs and supported the island’s emerging private sector.

But John Cavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, a trade group that has done business with Cuba since 1994, said these efforts were largely cosmetic because no conditions were attached.

Under the Obama administration, several U.S. companies explored operations on the island, and cruise ships and airlines began ferrying tourists to the island. But the Cuban government has largely refused to reform the island’s stagnant economic system or allow foreign direct investment, he said.

Trump’s strategy is different in that it includes coercion and was developed at a time when Cuba was struggling to survive, Cavulich said.

“The Cuban government doesn’t have the resilience to play the game like it did under President Obama,” he said.

“Everyone is scared to death.”

A key question is how Cuban exile communities in Miami and elsewhere would react to such direct U.S. contact with officials and entrepreneurs on the island, something they have long strongly opposed, said Michael Bustamante, a professor of Cuban and Cuban American studies at the University of Miami.

He said a recent exchange between Rubio, who as a U.S. senator had been a strong critic of President Obama’s visit to Cuba, and Raul Castro’s grandson was a shocking turn of events.

“I think this is a surprise to a lot of people,” Bustamante said. “Perhaps it will be a surprise to him.”

Learn more about Rubio: Marco Rubio, who dreamed of overthrowing Venezuelan President Maduro, takes office.

As the U.S. strategy for Cuba emerged, Cavulich said members of the Trump administration contacted the council and asked if any executives were willing to publicly support the president’s strategy to deal directly with Cuba’s private sector. They proposed creating a CEO Council for a Free and Democratic Cuba, or something similar.

Mr. Cavulich surveyed members. No one would agree.

“Everyone is scared to death that the regime will be supportive in the morning and then critical by noon,” Cavulich said. “So they’re just taking a ‘wait and see’ attitude.”

He said the strategy the White House has put forth is not that great. perestroika And more bankruptcy filings.

“They’re not liquidating, they’re reorganizing,” Cavulich said of the Cuban government. “The government’s version of Chapter 11 reorganization will continue.”

11,000 Cuban businesses poised to thrive

So far, Cuban officials appear to be paying attention, including images taken aboard a U.S. amphibious assault ship just weeks after President Maduro, handcuffed and blindfolded, boarded the ship after its main oil supply was cut off.

At a meeting of senior officials in Havana this week, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stressed the importance of “implementing the most urgent and necessary changes to the economic and social model,” according to the Cuban Communist Party’s official Granma newspaper. This is a stark reversal from the communist island, which has historically shied away from economic reform.

He added that these efforts are “fundamentally related to corporate autonomy, municipal autonomy… leveraging economic partnerships between the state and the private sector, especially at the municipal level, and promoting business with Cubans living abroad.”

Díaz-Canel and other Cuban officials have promised reform in the past but failed to deliver, but Cavulich said President Trump’s belligerent intimidation and the escalating Cuban Missile Crisis may force them to take real action this time.

There are an estimated 11,000 small to medium-sized independent businesses in Cuba, many of which are known as family restaurants, mainly in Havana. palate Go to online delivery service.

“It was easy to see that President Trump intended to prioritize commercial, economic and financial engagement, rather than focusing on eliminating communism from Cuba,” Cavulich said. “I don’t think anyone should be surprised to eventually see (U.S. envoy) Steve Witkoff and (Trump advisor) Jared Kushner negotiating with the Cuban government in Havana.”

Robert Muse, a Washington lawyer who specializes in assisting U.S. companies in Cuba, said most business leaders are still cautiously watching developments.

For years, he said, many people have been waiting for Cuba to evolve into something like Vietnam or China, countries that maintain communist ideology but open up their economies to allow for trade and foreign investment. But that never happened, despite pressure from China and Russia, Cuba’s biggest benefactors.

The dying embers of the revolution

Today, most vestiges of the 1959 Cuban revolution have disappeared or are disappearing. Fidel Castro died in 2016, and his brother Raul Castro, the island’s de facto dictator, and Ramiro Valdez, a former deputy prime minister and close ally of the Castro family, are both in their 90s.

Muse said that in addition to the suffering population and the oil embargo, the Trump administration creates an ideal opportunity to bring meaningful change to the island. Doing it through the private sector is a wise choice, he said.

In Cuba, “there is a growing sense that this is a year of decisions,” Muse said. “This is fundamental economic reform in Cuba.”

Alvarez, a Havana-based entrepreneur, said he recognizes the importance and scarcity of receiving U.S. fuel directly from U.S. companies.

He said the situation in Cuba was dire, with many businesses dormant and people struggling to make ends meet due to the oil crisis.

But he feels Cuba is entering a period of reform, and executives like him are at the forefront of it.

“They gave us a lot of responsibility,” Alvarez said. “And the private sector will take on that responsibility.”

Follow Jarvis on X: @MrRJervis.

Costco has announced that it will refund tariffs to members. Here’s how:

US-NEA
-
0
Costco has announced that it will refund tariffs to members. Here’s how:

play

Tariffs have had a major impact on U.S. businesses since early 2025, and while some executives may have the possibility of refunds in mind, Costco appears to be putting its customers first.

Costco CEO Ron Vacris said in an earnings call on March 5 that the company will return the collected tariffs to members “through lower prices and better value.”

“If, as we have done in the past, fees passed on to our members in any way are recovered through a legal challenge, our approach is to find the best way to return this value to our members,” Vakris added.

Despite this promise, Valkis warned that “the future impact of the tariffs remains very fluid” and that “it is not yet clear what the process will be, what refunds, if any, will be received and when they will be made.”

On the same conference call, Costco executives said the company is not passing on the full amount of the tariffs to consumers through price increases. Instead, it absorbed much of the tariff costs.

Costco’s CEO’s comments came just days after a U.S. Trade Court judge ordered the government to begin paying billions of dollars in refunds to importers who paid tariffs that the Supreme Court last month ruled were illegally levied.

Costco and others sue for refunds

In addition to Costco, other companies such as Walmart, FedEx, Staples, and L’Oréal are suing the federal government for back taxes they have already paid.

Costco’s lawsuit, filed Nov. 28 in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York and reviewed by USA TODAY, asks the court to find President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs illegal.

Costco, the largest U.S. warehouse club operator, said it was the “importer of record” for products affected by the tariffs, but did not specify the amount it was seeking in damages.

Costco said in court records that the lawsuit against the federal government was necessary because importers are not guaranteed a refund even if the Supreme Court cancels the tariffs, a move it made last month.

Contributed by: Reuters

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_.

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

US-NEA
-
0
Saks Global will close 15 more stores. See where the shutters are installed.

play

Saks Global announced on March 6 that it will close 15 more stores as the luxury retailer continues to seek restructuring after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year.

In a March 6 news release, Saks Global announced that it will close 12 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and three Neiman Marcus stores in 13 states. The latest closure follows the announcement of nine store closures across the United States.

“This strategic optimization is part of our ongoing transformation and is rooted in our long-term view of our business,” Sachs Global CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck said in a release.

According to the company, the process of closing unprofitable stores is almost complete. However, we are still working with landlords to determine which other stores may close in the future.

more: Will Saks close? What we know amidst CEO turnover and bankruptcies

What stores are closing?

The following Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores are scheduled to close, according to a news release Friday.

  • 26100 Cedar Road, Beachwood, OH
  • 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase Village, MD
  • 700 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
  • 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, California
  • 3200 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV
  • 230 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, New York
  • 73555 El Paseo, Palm Desert, California
  • 7700 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC
  • 7400 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, Texas
  • 120 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, Florida
  • 1 Plaza Frontenac St., St. Louis, Missouri
  • 2051 International Dr., McLean, VA
  • 1450 Ala Moana Blvd Honolulu, HI 3rd Floor – Neiman Marcus
  • 6550 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, California – Neiman Marcus
  • 2 Maple Ave, White Plains, New York – Neiman Marcus

more: Saks is closing eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores. See list.

Sachs Global’s recent management crisis

It’s only been two months, but 2026 has been a tough year for Saks Global.

On January 14, the company announced it had filed for bankruptcy, changed management (again), and secured a $1.75 billion financing package that “strengthens the company’s balance sheet and positions it for a strong and stable future.”

Saks Global announced in February that the company was “reviewing our Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus store footprint to focus on profitable locations with the greatest growth potential.” The company attributed the closure to factors such as business performance and the “lease economy.”

USA TODAY’s Saleen Martin contributed to this report.

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_.

Check your zodiac sign by month, date, and characteristics. What does that say about you?

US-NEA
-
0
Check your zodiac sign by month, date, and characteristics. What does that say about you?

play

“What is your sign?”

You’ve probably been asked this at some point in your life. Some people may like this question, others may roll their eyes. However, many people believe that their zodiac sign or zodiac sign gives them real insight into their personality, love interests, friendships, and even professional goals. Whether you’re a faithful horoscope reader or not, knowing your zodiac sign can at least be a fun way to connect with others and think about how you interact with the world.

Your “Sun Sign” is based on your date of birth and is associated with traits that help shape your approach to life.

Here we will introduce an overview of the 12 constellations.

zodiac date

Zodiac compatibility 101: Which zodiac sign am I most compatible with?

What does my zodiac sign say about me?

Aries: March 21st to April 19th

Aries is a fire sign and is the first in the zodiac. Known for their competitive nature, Aries natives are courageous, strong-willed, and carefree. Appropriately, that sign is symbolized by a ram.

Taurus: April 20th to May 20th

Taurus is an earth sign and is commonly associated with stubbornness. Fittingly, its symbol is a bull. Taurus is also generous, devoted, unafraid to take their time, and resilient.

gemini:May 21st to June 21st

Gemini is an air sign and is symbolized by a set of twins. People with this zodiac sign are communicative, intelligent and curious, and often keep their plates full with their busy lives.

cancer: June 22nd to July 22nd

Cancer is a water sign and rounds out the four elements. Crab represents this. Despite their hard exterior, Cancers are very emotional creatures. They often experience high levels of sentimentality and compassion.

leo: July 23rd to August 22nd

Leo is a fire sign and is symbolized by the lion. They are born leaders and are driven by a courageous spirit. Leos are also considered to be hardworking, confident, and loyal.

Virgo: August 23rd to September 22nd

Virgo is an earth sign and is symbolized by the Virgin (who is also seen holding wheat). Virgos are said to be analytical, detail-oriented, and very practical. This can sometimes lead to perfectionism. Although they love to help, they are fierce self-critics.

Libra: September 23rd – October 23rd

Libra is an air sign. It is not surprising that this sign of the zodiac, represented by the scale, loves harmony. Libras are said to be creative and idealistic. People born under this sign tend to be indecisive and often have a hard time considering and implementing their options.

Scorpio: October 24th to November 21st

Shocker: Scorpio is represented by a scorpion. Water signs are known to be determined, passionate, and competitive. People born under the sign of Scorpio are also considered to be mysterious and intense.

Sagittarius is a fire sign and symbolizes the archer. This sign is very adventurous and free-spirited, always looking for travel and change. However, this easy-going nature can lead to contradictions.

Capricorn: December 22nd – January 19th

The last earth sign, Capricorn, is represented by the Sea Goat. People born under this sign are considered ambitious, practical, and focused. They can be lean, but they can also be pessimistic or callous.

Aquarius: January 20th to February 18th

Despite its symbol as a water bearer, Aquarius is not a water sign, but an air sign. They tend to be forward-thinking, smart, creative, and intelligent. They may also be distant and have difficulty expressing their emotions.

Pisces: February 19th to March 20th

Pisces is symbolized by two fishes and is the last of the water signs. People born under this sign are thought to be empathetic and intuitive. They easily read the emotions of others and are dominated by their own emotions. Pisces are understanding and romantic, and experience the world with sensitivity.

What does my sign say about love?

Certain signs are more compatible with others. It’s not as simple as “Does my signature match other signatures?”

Who you’re attracted to and what you need in a romantic relationship also depends on your full zodiac chart, including your Sun, Moon, and rising sign. These are the complete zodiac sign of your astrological being and what could be the best match for your life partner.

There are some guidelines when considering who is on the stars you should love. For example, Aries is compatible with Leo, characterized by their direct energy. But it’s not a safe bet. Two fire signs can burn out instead of balancing each other out.

If you want to know your astrological compatibility, check out our guide.

Guide to fire, water, earth and air signs: Understand the elements of the zodiac.

Learn more about each constellation

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces

Astrology’s “Big 3”: What the Sun, Moon, and Rising Zodiac Signs Say About You

Contributor: Anna Kaufman

Waymo ambulance incident raises new questions about robotaxis safety

US-NEA
-
0
Waymo ambulance incident raises new questions about robotaxis safety

Are self-driving cars safe, or do they lack the nuanced decision-making of human driving?

play

  • Recently, a Waymo self-driving car was seen on video blocking an ambulance responding to a mass shooting in Austin.
  • This is not an isolated incident, as Waymo vehicles are also being investigated for illegally passing school buses and driving through police activity scenes.
  • Despite their advanced technology, we know that these self-driving cars are not perfect and can malfunction in real-world scenarios.

Recent incidents have just revealed why Waymo’s self-driving cars could have a bigger impact on traffic and safety than some Americans expected.

TMZ has obtained footage of a Waymo self-driving car blocking the path of emergency workers in Austin who were responding to a tragic mass shooting on March 1st.

According to Fox News, Austin police officers arrived on the scene and were able to gain entry to the car, which they then moved to a garage out of the way. Did this accident expose a major flaw in the design of self-driving cars, or was this an isolated incident?

Does the Waymo incident in Austin point to a larger underlying problem?

Waymo’s recent incident in Austin is not the only accident the company’s self-driving cars have encountered thus far.

On March 3, Reuters reported on a National Transportation Safety Board investigation into a January incident involving a Waymo vehicle that was suspected of illegally passing a school bus. According to Reuters, Waymo was recalled in December 2025 “after Texas officials say it illegally passed school buses at least 19 times since the start of the school year.”

In case you missed it: Waymo to recall software after robotaxis overtake school bus

In December 2025, a Waymo driverless vehicle drove through a busy and potentially dangerous Los Angeles police scene, according to an NBC News article. In recent months, there have been multiple reports of Waymo vehicles doing dangerous things that could have been avoided by normal drivers.

Some of these incidents, like the recent ambulance issue, require immediate human intervention.

How do Waymo vehicles drive themselves?

Waymo’s self-driving cars “leverage AI to predict the behavior of other road users, leveraging information collected in real-time and experience built with over 20 million miles of real-world driving and over 20 billion miles of simulation,” the company’s website states.

These vehicles use cameras, remote sensing, advanced imaging radar, and AI-powered perception to understand their geographic location. Waymo cars use this advanced technology to navigate riders to their destinations while anticipating the movements of drivers and pedestrians.

Like human drivers, Waymo drivers are not foolproof and can malfunction in some real-world scenarios, based on recent accidents.

Where will Waymo operate in 2026?

Waymo operates “24/7” in major cities including San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. According to Google’s support page, it will also be available through the Uber app in Austin and Atlanta.

The global autonomous vehicle market size is estimated to be approximately $364 billion in 2026, according to data from Precedence Research, a global market insight firm. Companies like Waymo and Tesla are aiming to roll out their “robotaxis” services nationwide over the next few years.

Waymo and Tesla Robotaxi vehicles can learn from data and real-world driving situations to improve over time. However, neither service is immune to software and AI errors that create awkward, illegal and potentially dangerous situations for passengers and pedestrians on the road.

The Best Movies That Didn’t Win an Oscar – 10 Movies That Didn’t Win an Academy Award

US-NEA
-
0
The Best Movies That Didn’t Win an Oscar – 10 Movies That Didn’t Win an Academy Award

The Academy Awards recognize the best movies. However, sometimes they strike out. From “Psycho” to “Taxi Driver,” these classics were shut out at the Oscars.

play

Citizen Kane is considered by many to be the greatest film of all time, but it only won one Academy Award, the same number as the much-maligned Suicide Squad.

These two films demonstrate how interestingly idiosyncratic the Oscars, which honor best films each year, are. Over the years, while movies like “Titanic,” “Ben-Hur,” and the original “West Side Story” have come home with numerous awards, the Academy has let some heavy hitters come up short. Maybe it’s because of the competition, or maybe it’s because of the voting bloc that year, but there are some very cold classics that completely missed out on the trophy.

Below are the top 10 Oscar losers from that group that deserved nominations and more recognition.

USA TODAY Movie Meter: Please help us choose this year’s movies!

1. “The Great Dictator” (1940)

Silent film star and director Charlie Chaplin’s first sound film was this great political satire that featured Chaplin in dual roles on screen as an anti-Semitic fascist leader and his look-alike Jewish barber. Timing may have been everything for the Hitler parody. At the ceremony, held less than 10 months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Chaplin lost out to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca for Best Picture and Jimmy Stewart (The Philadelphia Story) for Best Actor.

2. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

Frank Capra’s classic Christmas movie is a much-loved film, starring Jimmy Stewart as a man who tries to end everything until he learns that the world would be worse off without him. But the Academy’s favorite? There aren’t that many. In case you were wondering, “It’s a Wonderful Life” lost four of the five Oscars (including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director) to “The Best Days of My Life,” but it’s not a holiday classic.

Join the watch party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY’s movie and TV recommendations in your inbox

3. “Seven Samurai” (1954)

Perhaps the most influential film on this list, director Akira Kurosawa’s action-packed Japanese epic has been superseded in terms of theme, visuals, and narrative by works like The Magnificent Seven and Star Wars. Samurai missed two chances at the 1957 Oscars, for black and white art direction and costume design, and was eliminated from the Best Foreign Language Film nomination in its first year as a competitive category. (Previously, one film was selected for the honorary award each year.)

4. “Twelve Angry Men” (1957)

As with “A Few Good Men,” the Oscars are guilty of dropping the ball on this important courtroom drama that stars Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Jack Krugman, and E.G. Marshall as jurors who decide the fate of a teenager accused of murder. “Angry Men” lost all three awards – Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay – to the war film “Bridge on the River Kwai,” which, to be fair, was also pretty good.

5. Psycho (1960)

Perhaps Academy voters found the infamous shower scene odd, or maybe they were just sentimental about her mother. Alfred Hitchcock’s finely crafted psychological horror film received just four nominations, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actress for Janet Leigh’s chilling performance. It would be 30 years before a horror film won Best Picture (The Silence of the Lambs).

6. “A Clockwork Orange” (1971)

In the annals of greats without an Oscar, Stanley Kubrick could have his own wings. “The Doctor’s Abnormal Love” was also a complete success, and “The Shining” did not even get a nod. However, given that “Orange” was initially rated X for its graphic violence and explicit sexual content, winning Best Picture is something of a miracle, and shows how much the film was in touch with its times.

7. “Taxi Driver” (1976)

“Are you talking to me?” Yes, we’re talking about Martin Scorsese’s gritty noir and one of the most iconic films of the ’70s. Robert De Niro plays an unstable New York cab driver best avoided at night. Unfortunately, it lost out to Rocky in the Best Picture category, with De Niro and supporting actress Jodie Foster losing out to Network stars Peter Finch and Beatrice Straight.

8. “Blade Runner” (1982)

Granted, science fiction movies have never completely usurped the Oscars. But Steven Spielberg’s “ET” won four Academy Awards. exactly the same year Ridley Scott’s futuristic story won best visual effects and art direction. The adorable candy-loving alien trumped Harrison Ford at the time, but “Blade Runner” ended up becoming a cult classic and beloved piece in the canon.

9. “Field of Dreams” (1989)

A personal choice, but still a favorite for this discerning critic. A fantastical ode to baseball, fathers and sons, dreams (obviously), and the famous ghosts of the cornfield, this Kevin Costner masterpiece missed out on three Oscars, including Best Picture, and somehow went to Driving Miss Daisy in a heady year when Do the Right Thing and Glory weren’t even nominated.

10. “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

The critically acclaimed prison drama, based on Stephen King’s novel and starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, went 0-0 for 7 at the Oscars, with Forrest Gump taking home Best Picture and Forrest himself, Tom Hanks, replacing Freeman as Best Actor. But that’s okay. Because “The Shawshank Redemption” has been a staple of cable TV movies ever since and has captured the hearts of many.

Mega Millions winning numbers for March 6th drawing: $496 million jackpot

US-NEA
-
0
Mega Millions winning numbers for March 6th drawing: 6 million jackpot

play

The Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow and is currently estimated at $496 million ahead of the March 6 drawing, with a cash option of $232.6 million.

Friday’s drawing came just days after a lucky person in Arkansas took home a $251 million Powerball jackpot. Meanwhile, Mega Millions has been a bit sluggish of late, 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 the latest Mega Millions paintings.

What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for March 6, 2026?

Here are the winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions lottery. 8, 19, 26, 38 and 42. mega ball is twenty four.

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

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: The Powerball jackpot winner will win $251 million. Find out where tickets are on sale.

When is the Mega Millions drawing?

The Mega Millions drawing is held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Friday’s drawing will take place a few hours after ticket sales end.

How much do Mega Millions tickets cost?

Mega Millions tickets cost $5 per play. Multipliers are automatically included and applied to non-jackpot prizes.

What are the chances of winning?

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336.

How do you play Mega Millions?

Players choose:

  • Five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and
  • Mega ball number 1-24 1 piece

Players can also choose Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated.

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_.

Kurds and other ethnic groups could shape Iran’s future

US-NEA
-
0
Kurds and other ethnic groups could shape Iran’s future

play

As the United States and Israel continue to attack Iran with bombs and missiles, recent reports suggest that Iranian Kurdish militias on the Iran-Iraqi border may be preparing attacks on Iranian security forces in hopes of supporting a popular uprising that President Donald Trump has expressed hope for.

The Trump administration has denied direct involvement in such an effort, but the president told Reuters that such a scenario would be “great” and that he was “totally in favor of it.”

The situation highlights the role Iran’s ethnic dynamics may play in shaping the country’s future as the war progresses, although some believe ethnic conflict could be disastrous. Since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, more than 1,000 people have been killed, including six US military personnel.

Iran has long been a multi-ethnic, pluralistic society made up of Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs, and other groups. The country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed in the February 28 attack, is Azerbaijani, and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian is half Azerbaijani and half Kurdish.

As a result, stoking ethnic divisions could prove to be a dangerous tactic, said Alex Shams, editor-in-chief of Ajam Media Collective, a platform dedicated to Iranian culture, society and politics.

“The idea that Iran is ruled by Persians is not accurate,” Shams said. “Different ethnic groups are all part of the political equation. The idea that ethnic groups can be separated and turned against each other is not only dangerous, but I don’t think it will succeed.”

Nevertheless, some ethnic groups in Iran may be looking to gain greater global recognition as the situation progresses, said Brenda Shafer, a lecturer at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and author of “Iran is More than Persia: Iran’s Ethnic Politics.”

“Just as the Soviet Union collapsed and people who were talking about Russians discovered Latvians and Georgians, we’re seeing a similar situation in Iran,” Schafer said.

What are the main ethnic groups in Iran?

Iran is a self-proclaimed Islamic republic whose state religion is Shia Islam. Persians make up about half of Iran’s 85 million people, but several large ethnic groups also live within Iran and mostly along its borders.

Iran’s minority groups have often advocated for more equal treatment and recognition, Shafer said. For example, the right to speak and teach one’s native language in a country dominated by Persian culture.

The largest ethnic group is the Azerbaijanis, who make up about one-quarter to one-third of Iran. Kurds make up about 10% of the population, with Arabs and Balochs forming notable forces as well.

Schafer said most of Iran’s ethnic minorities live in provinces bordering neighboring countries, with Arabs living near Iraq, Kurds near Iraq and Turkey, Azerbaijanis near Azerbaijan, and Baloch near Pakistan.

But unlike other groups, the Kurds “have separatist tendencies” that can sometimes put them in sharp conflict with the clergy, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan Washington, D.C., think tank.

What kind of people are Kurds?

According to the CIA’s World Factbook, Kurds are an ethnic minority in West Asia with a population of 30 to 45 million people. Kurds are the indigenous people of Kurdistan, a geographical region that includes southeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, and northeastern Syria.

According to author Ofra Bengio’s book “The Awakening of the Kurds: Nation Building in a Collapsed Homeland,” the Kurds are the world’s largest group without a state. This situation has been a source of increasing political tension for many years as a result of French and British land distribution after World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

Some Kurdish groups have been fighting for autonomy in eastern Turkey for decades, while a Kurdish militia called the YPG forms the bulk of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting ISIS in Syria.

An armed uprising by Iranian Kurds could seriously damage Iran’s stability, and could fuel a separatist movement among Iran’s Baloch ethnic minority, which has ties to separatists in Baluchistan province, which borders Pakistan. Islamabad is unlikely to tolerate any move toward Baloch independence.

The government is ‘in a precarious situation’

Iran responded to the Feb. 28 attack by violently attacking U.S. military bases and other targets across the region, including friendly countries. Azerbaijan announced Thursday it would retaliate after an Iranian drone injured four people in the country.

“Two weeks ago, Turkey and Azerbaijan were genuinely concerned about the stability of Iran and did not want the regime to collapse,” Schaefer said. “But they are becoming impatient with Iran after it attacked all the countries it is friends with. There is a growing realization that the regime is collapsing.”

Schafer said ethnic resistance movements continue, with Baloch, Kurdish and Arab ethnic groups carrying out regular attacks.

“Something is blown up almost every week in Baloch areas,” she says. “The government is in a precarious situation. I think this is all going to come to a head as the centrists lose more and more power.”

Schaefer said this is especially true in sparsely populated border areas with large concentrations of ethnic minorities. That’s because state officials there don’t have the anonymity of the walled facilities enjoyed by government officials in Tehran.

“In rural areas, people know where they live and where their children go to school,” she said.

Schafer said this moment is similar to November 1991, the month before the Soviet Union collapsed.

“These geopolitical earthquakes are hard to imagine, but they are possible,” she says. “It is unlikely that the people of these provinces would agree to be placed under new rule from Tehran.”

Ethnic conflict is a recipe for death

However, relying on ethnic conflict as a strategy is unwise and could be detrimental to Iran’s future, Shams said.

“All ethnic groups in Iran have participated in the struggle for freedom,” Shams said. “Kurdish Iranians were a central figure in the 2022 Women’s Life Freedom protests. The idea that Kurdish Iranians are not part of Iran or that they could be hostile to Iran is not only naive and wrong, it is dangerous.”

That is not to say that discrimination does not exist in Iran or that groups are not fighting for greater rights, but weaponizing such grievances is “a path to death and destruction,” he said.

“There is reason to fear and oppose the United States, which is trying to cause ethnic division,” Shams said. “Iranians were busy fighting for their freedom before the US attack. Now instead of continuing the fight for freedom, they are running away from bombs.”

Reporting by Reuters and USA Today reporter Kim Hjelmgaard.

President Trump’s college sports roundtable turns into a dog and pony show

US-NEA
-
0
President Trump’s college sports roundtable turns into a dog and pony show

Trump University sports roundtable turns into dog and pony show

play

While the fate of college sports was being debated in the White House with some of the biggest and best sports and political figures, the silent partners in the free-spending, free-fall framework were largely ignoring it.

ESPN, Fox, NBC, and CBS, which together spent more than $2 billion a year on college sports, were more interested in televising the NFL, college basketball, and talk and reality shows.

Guys, please don’t mess with Judge Judy.

Once again, what happened in Washington DC wasn’t too different from Judy’s reality show.

Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961: Click here for the latest bipartisan proposal to “stabilize” college sports.

Academic correction: Looking for the college football magic bullet? It’s academic qualifications

In between ideas from various participants (some good ones), President Donald Trump (who, to his credit, somehow brought together all of these iconic figures) rambled about “going back to the old ways.”

President Trump said, “I would like to return to the exact situation we had and thoroughly refute it in court.”

Excuse me, Mr. President? That’s what got us here in the first place.

It wasn’t long before the two-hour event devolved into a voice of dissatisfaction and an opportunity for the over-50s at the table to voice their opinions. That is, until Trump has heard enough.

Soon, it was his show again.

He is issuing a second executive order (the first one accomplished nothing) that calls for college sports to be “restored to normalcy, the universities and the players alive, and everyone happy.”

He said the order is expected to be completed within a week and while it may not pass in court, “we won’t get anything (in Congress).”

And then the most powerful man in the free world decided to punt.

Look, I don’t blame him. This is an out-of-control mess, and there will be no help from Congress, the only institution on earth that is more tribally dysfunctional than the NCAA.

So let’s start with the non-negotiable part of the process. Change in college sports cannot begin without some kind of antitrust protection for universities.

Of course, this is like saying you want to protect the fox while the fox is guarding the chicken coop.

For the past five years, these universities have been complaining about the system they have built, and have repeatedly argued that it is unsustainable. And yet this damn thing keeps printing money. There are many.

But you need a starting point, so perhaps this is it. Perhaps, as Yankees president Randy Levine has said, it might start with a two-year antitrust waiver to see if the university can honor the agreement. Or if they mess it up.

In the latter case, the entire process starts again from step 1.

Antitrust immunity is a huge advantage for universities, allowing those with money to set the rules for those without. Or in this case, for players, it’s about 20%.

If universities receive antitrust exemptions, the first thing that will be implemented is a return to restrictions on player travel. (That voice you just heard was President Trump declaring, “Go back to the great system.”)

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has said his conference is asking for one free transfer and that’s it. You know, it was a long time ago.

They argue that free movement of players leads to structural and financial instability. This will unlock important clues that make college sports unique and different from the NFL. Like that’s what’s important right now.

Forget that the “old days” were terrible for players and economically equivalent to traversing a long, lonely desert. Eventually someone just offers you a box of cotton balls to quench your thirst.

Which brings us back to former coach Urban Meyer. He had an impeccable reputation (he had a disastrous year in the NFL at both Florida State and Ohio State). Today’s gift from him: “Eliminate the group. That’s cheating!”

Cheating. Imagine that.

He then tried to explain that group conspiracies and their cash are President Trump’s biggest tenets. Insert joke here.

It’s all so rich.

And when it came to money, little was said about Cody Campbell’s idea to use the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 to allow conferences to pool media rights to make more money, allowing everyone to share in the wealth.

The SEC and Big Ten don’t want to pool their television media rights, and they don’t want a billionaire businessman — who also happens to be the chairman of the Texas Tech University Board of Trustees — to tell them how to financially structure their scams. I mean, it’s their system.

Early in the meeting, before all the men and women turned to themselves, the football coach said the most important thing. It’s no surprise that it was Alabama legend Nick Saban, who grew up in Mononga, West Virginia.

Saban’s father, Big Nick, once took Saban to a coal mine after Little Nick got lost one day when he was a teenager.

Get an education, Big Nick said in a threatening tone, or you’ll end up here.

Saban began his talk at Trump’s event by saying he was just a football coach and was honored to be in the room with you. You see, his big dilemma has always been finding answers beyond the third.

Then he said: Those were the sharpest words of the entire two-hour ordeal.

“What are the guiding principles for college athletics?” Saban said. “My goal as a coach was to help (athletes) create value for themselves in life and prepare them for a future beyond athletics.”

Oh wait, players. Yes, the people at the center of this quagmire were not invited to the event. Why do we do that?

They now have the law (and free movement of players) on their side, thanks to a federal judge in West Virginia.

No need to punt on third-and-long.

Matt Hayes is a senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X @MattHayesCFB.

Ravens acquire Raiders star in blockbuster deal

US-NEA
-
0
Ravens acquire Raiders star in blockbuster deal

play

Apparently what happens in Las Vegas doesn’t stay in Las Vegas, at least when it comes to Max Crosby.

The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, according to multiple reports. According to a report from ESPN, Vegas will receive first-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Draft from Baltimore in exchange for the star pass rusher.

The deal will not become official until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 11th at 4:00 pm ET.

This comes just one year after Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension to extend his stay in Sin City. Loyalty was never an issue for the Eastern Michigan product. The Raiders lost multiple times from Oakland to Las Vegas, but made just one playoff game in seven seasons.

From Baltimore’s side, acquiring the star pass rusher is an important opening statement for new head coach Jesse Minter. Minter, who coached against Crosby in 2024 and 2025 as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator, will begin his first season with the Ravens in 2026.

The Ravens struggled to land a quarterback in 2025, resulting in Travis Jones recording a team-high five sacks. Baltimore recorded just 30 sacks as a team last season, tied for third-fewest in the NFL.

Rumors have been floating around for the past few years, but Crosby has refrained from pursuing the matter with a trade request. That started to change this offseason, when Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported on Feb. 4 that the star player was done with the series.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on February 9 that there was a feeling around the league that Crosby wanted to be traded.

Although Crosby was particularly dissatisfied with the end of the 2025 season, general manager John Spytek told reporters on February 24 that he expects the pass rusher to remain with the team through the 2026 season. However, the GM did not rule out the possibility of a trade and added that he will always listen.

As it turned out, the ears that were listening were able to finally hear something good enough to seal the deal.

Now he will be hoping to be on the winning side a little more in his new city. Let’s take a look at what it took for the Raiders to part ways with Crosby.

Maxx Crosby trading details

The Ravens will receive:

Raiders receive:

  • 2026 1st round pick (14th overall)
  • 2027 first round pick

max crosby stats

Crosby was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 106th overall, from the then-Oakland Raiders. He has appeared in 110 games since entering the league, recording 69.5 sacks and 164 quarterback hits in seven seasons.

The pass rusher has been one of the league’s best players since breaking out in his rookie year in 2019 with 10 sacks. Crosby, who has appeared in five Pro Bowls and was named second-team All-Pro twice, appears to be continuing to grow as he prepares for new challenges.

Surrounded by better defensive talent and a more positive game script, the sky is the limit for Crosby’s game going forward.

Maxx Crosby Trade Grade

Who won the contract? USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis says both teams are big winners.

2026 NFL Draft Order

Order your first round via Tankathon.

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: 3 wins, 14 losses. .538 Strength of schedule
  2. New York Jets: 3 wins, 14 losses, .552
  3. Arizona Cardinals: 3 wins, 14 losses. .571
  4. Tennessee Titans: 3-14, .574
  5. New York Giants: 4 wins, 13 losses. .524
  6. Cleveland Browns: 5-12, .486
  7. Washington Commander: 5 wins, 12 losses. .507
  8. New Orleans Saints: 6 wins, 11 losses. .495
  9. Kansas City Chiefs: 6 wins, 11 losses. .516
  10. Cincinnati Bengals: 6 wins, 11 losses. .521
  11. Miami Dolphins: 7 wins, 10 losses. .488
  12. Dallas Cowboys: 7 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw. .438
  13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): 8-9; .495
  14. Las Vegas Raiders (via Baltimore): 8-9; .507
  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8 wins, 9 losses, .529
  16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): 8-9; .540
  17. Detroit Lions: 9 wins, 8 losses. .490
  18. Minnesota Vikings: 9 wins, 8 losses. .514 SOS
  19. Carolina Panthers: 8-9, .522 SOS
  20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): 9-7-1. .483
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 wins, 7 losses. .503
  22. Los Angeles Chargers: 11 wins, 6 losses. .469
  23. Philadelphia Eagles: 11 wins, 6 losses. .476
  24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): 13-4; .478
  25. Chicago Bears: 11 wins, 6 losses. .458
  26. Buffalo Bills: 12-5, .471
  27. San Francisco 49ers: 12-5, .498
  28. Houston Texans: 12 wins and 5 losses. .522
  29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): 12-5, .526
  30. Denver Broncos: 14 wins and 3 losses. .422
  31. New England Patriots: 14 wins and 3 losses. .391
  32. Seattle Seahawks: 14 wins and 3 losses. .498

Reviews of Lifeproof flooring from The Home Depot

US-NEA
-
0
Reviews of Lifeproof flooring from The Home Depot

Dan Sims
|America Today

The Home Depot’s hybrid resilient plank flooring represents the best of modern flooring technology. That means it’s extremely scratch resistant, dent and gouge resistant, has an interlocking waterproof surface, and is wrapped in ultra-realistic wood-look planks.

This hybrid resilient flooring is easy to install, adaptable to any room, and durable enough for homes with children and pets or where the risk of spills is high. What’s not to love?

Here’s everything you need to know about Lifeproof flooring from The Home Depot.

What is hybrid elastic flooring?

Hybrid resilient flooring is in a class of its own. A durable, easy-to-maintain flooring option, it improves the scratch resistance of standard laminate flooring with waterproof interlocking surfaces and a rigid core that resists warping even during extreme temperature changes. It is becoming increasingly popular because the required prep work and installation are easy for DIYers to tackle, while still providing the look and feel of real hardwood.

Even though hybrid resilient flooring is a new option on the market, contractors are already recommending it for various types of projects.

“Hybrid (resilient flooring) is higher quality, thicker and performs better than basic vinyl plank, especially in large rooms with potential for expansion and contraction or where moisture is a concern,” said Greg Canter, president and CEO of San Diego-based home improvement firm Murray Lampert Design Build Remodel.

Lifeproof, a brand available exclusively at The Home Depot, has released its own hybrid elastic plank flooring. The dense core and extremely durable top layer resist dents, stains, scratches, and spills, and comes with a lifetime residential warranty to back up these claims.

read more: home depot flooring reviews

Advantages and disadvantages of durable hybrid elastic flooring

Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring has some impressive benefits, especially for homeowners who want to do a DIY installation.

Strong Points

  • Matches any room including the kitchen and bathroom
  • Click-lock mechanism makes DIY easy
  • Minimal preparation required before installation
  • High resistance to physical damage
  • Great aesthetics that mimics real wood
  • Made from recyclable materials (PVC-free)
  • Comes with a lifetime residential warranty (30 years commercial).
  • No maintenance required
  • Stable product that requires no acclimatization before installation

Cons

  • New product with little track record
  • Shorter lifespan than hardwoods

Lifeproof hybrid resilient floor features

Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring has several great features that make it a great choice for your next flooring project.

  • 100% waterproof surface: Hybrid elastic floors have interlocking waterproof surfaces and a stable core that will not warp or swell due to humidity changes or direct contact with water on the surface. This makes it a good option for bathrooms and kitchens where spills and leaks are possible.
  • Stable composite core: The stiff composite core is highly stable and does not react to temperature changes. It can also be installed in sunrooms and over certain types of radiant flooring systems.
  • Durable top layer: The top layer of this flooring product utilizes Scratchdefender technology, making it extremely scratch resistant. Home Depot also touts it as dent and gouge resistant, making it a good choice for households with children and pets.
  • Pre-installed underlayment: Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring comes with a pre-installed foam layer that reduces subfloor preparation work and also improves underfoot comfort.
  • Clicklock mounting system: The flooring features a click-lock system commonly found in laminate flooring, making it easy to DIY without special tools or experience.
  • Low VOC emissions: Lifeproof’s hybrid elastic flooring is PVC-free and UL GREENGUARD certified. This means it has proven low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
  • Nice appearance: Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring has a similar look to LVP flooring, making it similar to hardwood without the cost or maintenance requirements.

Which rooms are best suited for hybrid resilient flooring?

“In most cases, hybrid resilient flooring is a good option,” Kanter says. “Perfect for families, children and pets with heavy traffic.”

One of the biggest benefits of hybrid resilient flooring is that it is suitable for any room. It’s waterproof, so you can safely use it in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where there’s a chance of water leaks or spills. It also has good resistance to physical wear, so you can install it in your living room, bedroom, or even playroom without worrying too much about damage.

This high level of adaptability throughout your home is not available with most other flooring materials. Hardwood and engineered wood can warp when exposed to water or moisture. Laminate may not be the look you want for your main living area, and vinyl may not provide enough cushioning under your feet for comfort throughout your home.

Hybrid resilient flooring is a great versatile solution that can be adapted to any room or space, but most homeowners prefer the look of more traditional options such as wood flooring or real stone flooring.

How to choose waterproof flooring from Home Depot

Lifeproof makes five types of flooring available from The Home Depot, including hybrid resilient flooring, laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, and carpet. Here’s how to decide which type of flooring is best for your space.

  • Resistance to physical wear: Consider the material’s resistance to physical abrasion, especially if you have children or pets.
  • Water and moisture resistance: For bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, prioritize materials that won’t warp due to moisture or mold.
  • Comfort and warmth: Carpets are comfortable underfoot, and unlike flooring options, they add warmth to your bedroom and also reduce noise.
  • Upfront costs: Flooring prices start at $2.25 per square foot, and installation can easily double that cost, so consider your budget and the long-term value you want to get.
  • exterior: Most homeowners choose visually appealing materials for the main living areas, but some may choose functionality in low-traffic rooms.
  • Maintenance and lifespan: Consider maintenance requirements and the lifespan of the floor before it needs to be replaced.
  • Room features: The room in which you are installing your new flooring will determine which option is right for you. Use the table below to understand which floors are suitable for different spaces.
Types of waterproof floors suitable room not ideal
carpet Bedroom and low-traffic living area High-traffic living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements
artificial wood living area and bedroom kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, basement
Hybrid resiliency All rooms including living area, kitchen, bathroom and basement Not applicable
laminate High traffic area Main living area
Vinyl (LVP, LVT) All rooms including living area, kitchen, bathroom and basement Not applicable

Should I install Lifeproof Hybrid Resilient myself or hire a professional?

One of the main appeals of hybrid resilient flooring is its easy DIY installation. Like laminate flooring, hybrid resilient flooring does not need to be glued or nailed, and a pre-installed underlayment reduces preparation work. Lifeproof brands are also widely available.

“One of the biggest benefits of Lifeproof is how common it is,” said Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, a California-based small home construction company. “Not only is it available at almost every home improvement store, but many competitors have designed products specifically to be compatible with it.”

However, hiring a professional is still a good idea for several important reasons. Professional installation can increase your property value by providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A professional will be able to identify any underlayment issues that cannot be covered by the included foam underlayment alone. This may avoid further damage and resolve existing mold issues. Although hybrid resilient flooring is waterproof, it can trap moisture underneath, which can encourage mold growth. A professional can install a vapor barrier to reduce the risk of this happening.

Home Depot Waterproof Flooring Reviews

Lifeproof’s hybrid elastic flooring is a relatively new product, so there aren’t as many reviews and general opinions about the flooring compared to other options. But to find out what real customers think, we read dozens of reviews on The Home Depot’s website and looked at customer comments on Reddit.

As for the floor itself, customers are satisfied with the quality and also with the appearance. DIYers rave about the ease of installation, and homeowners comment on how easy it is to clean and maintain. Contractors note its durability and high-quality appearance.

Many of the negative reviews we read were about damage to the floor from shipping, rather than the quality of the product itself. Most of The Home Depot’s hybrid resilient flooring is only available for delivery to your home or local store, so this will continue to be an issue and can lead to more waste and costs than necessary.

How does USA TODAY rate flooring companies?

When evaluating flooring manufacturers such as Lifeproof, there are a few important things to consider.

  • Types of flooring available
  • flooring quality
  • Warranty coverage offered
  • cost per square foot
  • Installation is easy
  • Customer reviews and general opinions

Your home’s flooring is likely to wear the hardest of any household material, so we especially value reviews from customers who report a lack of problems or defects even years after installation.

Bottom line: Is The Home Depot Lifeproof flooring right for you?

Home Depot’s Lifeproof hybrid resilient flooring is a widely available and affordable option, so you can keep your flooring project within your budget while enhancing your home.

Lifeproof hybrid resilient flooring is especially suitable for whole-home use and boasts high levels of visual appeal, durability and water resistance. This means you can keep your space looking great while keeping pets, children, spills, leaks, and foot traffic out.

FAQ

Which is better: hybrid flooring or laminate?

One is not better than the other, and each has its benefits, but when cost is not a consideration, hybrid flooring is often the better option. This flooring is more resilient to foot traffic, scratches and dents, and resembles real hardwood, giving your home a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is more affordable, so it could be a better option if you’re on a tight budget.

What is the difference between laminate flooring and vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring has a long lifespan, is resistant to physical abrasion, and has excellent resistance to water and moisture. Because the core of laminate flooring is high-density fiberboard, it can swell and warp if moisture or water reaches the core. Laminate flooring is more affordable and may be suitable for low-traffic areas, especially where the appearance of the flooring is not the main concern.

How much does hybrid flooring cost?

Lifeproof hybrid resilient flooring costs between $2.99 ​​and $3.70 per square foot, with an additional charge of $3 to $7 per square foot for professional installation. Installation costs can vary widely, so check with your local The Home Depot.

FDA vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad resigns from regulator in April

US-NEA
-
0
FDA vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad resigns from regulator in April

Kamal Chaudhry and Michael Arman
|Reuters

play

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the controversial head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine and biologics division, will retire from the agency at the end of April.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty McCulley posted about his departure on social media platform

The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Makary said a successor would be named before Mr. Prasad’s retirement.

Before joining the hospital, Prasad, an oncologist, was an outspoken critic of U.S. drug and vaccine policies, particularly those related to the novel coronavirus. His tenure included a series of high-profile controversies over product reviews of vaccines, including Moderna MRNA.O’s coronavirus vaccine, gene therapy drugs and other rare disease drugs.

He was appointed director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research last May. Shortly after, he resigned, citing issues with his treatment of muscular dystrophy, and returned to the role just a few weeks later.

Most recently, Prasad’s division at the FDA engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Dutch pharmaceutical company UniQure over disagreements over the future direction of the company’s Huntington’s disease gene therapy.

U.S. drug regulators have asked for new research to support approval of the company’s gene therapy for rare brain disorders, but the company and patient advocates have argued that the FDA’s request is too lengthy and burdens patients.

Pharmaceutical company stocks rise

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA, accused the company of misleading the public about what regulators are looking for.

UniQure’s U.S.-listed shares rose 57% in after-hours trading following the news of Prasad’s departure.

A Feb. 24 Wall Street Journal op-ed said the FDA had gutted several rare disease drugs under the Prasad administration, contradicting McCurry’s stated goal of flexible review of these treatments and calling into question the health regulator’s control.

The article cited the latest denial of Disc Medicine IRON.O treatments, which received Secretary’s National Priority Vouchers, a program launched by McCurry to fast-track breakthrough treatments.

Disk said the agency concluded that the trial did not show a clear link between biological improvement and clinical benefit.

Disc’s stock price rose about 10% in post-market trading.

Prasad’s resignation is the latest personnel change at the Department of Health, which recently replaced National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharyya to head the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following the resignation of Jim O’Neill.

(Reporting by Kristi Santosh and Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Michael Arman in New York; Editing by Shriraj Kalvira, Shinjini Ganguly and Caroline Huemer)

Tornado hits southern Michigan, 3 dead, 12 injured

US-NEA
-
0
Tornado hits southern Michigan, 3 dead, 12 injured

play

Storms and tornadoes in southern Michigan on March 6 left three people dead and more than a dozen injured, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.

Three of the 12 injured people were taken to local hospitals after the storm in the Lake Union area of ​​Branch County, Michigan.

“Our thoughts are with those who lost family, friends, and property in this incident,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

The National Weather Service office in northern Indiana will conduct a storm survey in parts of Michigan’s Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties in connection with damage caused by severe thunderstorms that moved from Edwardsburg to Three Rivers and Union City on March 6.

Officials say more severe weather is likely to continue into March 7. Residents should evacuate immediately and continue to monitor reliable weather and news sources for the latest information.

A “large and extremely dangerous tornado” initially struck Three Rivers, Michigan, causing significant damage, according to preliminary reports from NWS offices in northern Indiana.

play

Tornado hits Three Rivers, Michigan on March 6th

St. Joseph County was under a tornado warning when the storm hit.

The tornado occurred amid severe thunderstorms moving through the area. St. Joseph County storm trackers and emergency management staff reported to the National Weather Service that multiple tornadoes touched down before damaging the southwest side of Three Rivers just before 4 p.m. local time.

Local authorities also reported to the weather service that people were trapped in debris between Niles and Edwardsburg in neighboring Cass County, Michigan, and needed to be rescued. A tornado warning was issued for parts of Cass and St. Joseph counties around 3:14 p.m. local time, and continued at 3:52 p.m.

The storm that spawned the tornadoes that hit Three Rivers continued to show signs of organization and potential strengthening as it moved into central Michigan, within the boundaries of the Grand Rapids National Weather Service region, the weather service reported.

Social media videos posted from St. Joseph and Cass counties showed part of the roof of a Menards store in Three Rivers peeling off, sending debris flying into the air.

The weather service also reported a “large debris ball” on radar over Union City, Michigan. Reports of damage were received along a roughly 90-mile strip between Niles and Union City, but it was not immediately clear whether it was caused by one tornado or multiple tornadoes.

At 5 p.m., the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office shared a Facebook post asking people to “stay away from the north end of the county” until further notice. “Emergency personnel are currently responding to active situations in the area, and it is important that firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and other first responders have clear access,” the office said.

The Three Rivers tornado was one of several tornadoes to hit the United States since March 5th.

In Oklahoma, a woman and her daughter were killed when their van was caught in a tornado on March 5th. Bureau of Meteorology meteorologists were still assessing the damage caused by the storm on the afternoon of March 6.

tornado warning

Forecast of danger for storms on the afternoon of March 6th

Tornado warning issued for Three Rivers

This warning was issued just after 3pm on March 6th. The 3:52 p.m. update warned of “particularly hazardous conditions” as a large and extremely dangerous tornado moved northeast over Three Rivers at 40 mph.

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.

Common dimensions for all window types

US-NEA
-
0
Common dimensions for all window types

amy deyoung
|America Today

Whether you’re buying new windows for your home, renovating it, or buying a new build, understanding standard window sizes will help you make the most informed decision. Although many homes use common window dimensions, not all windows fit into these “standard” sizes.

Window type, size, and age of your home all play important roles when calculating dimensions. As you research what size you’re likely to find in your home, here’s what you need to know about standard window sizes, how to measure windows, and how much it costs to install them.

What are standard window sizes?

Most types of windows have standard sizes, so they can be mass produced and easily installed in any home. Manufacturers prefer windows in common size ranges because they can produce windows in large quantities, streamline production, and create products for both builders and homeowners (for later replacement).

Standard window sizes vary depending on the type of windows in your home. Below we break down each type of window and its standard dimensions.

Common standard window sizes by type

Single-hung and double-hung windows

  • standard width:24, 28, 32, 40, 44, 48 inches
  • standard height:36, 44, 48, 52, 54, 60, 62, or 72 inches

Single-hung windows have a fixed upper sash and a lower sash that moves to let in fresh air. In contrast, double-hung windows have both the top and bottom sashes open. These rectangular windows are a convenient choice for homeowners who want a functional, easy-to-maintain window that provides adequate ventilation.

casement window

  • standard width: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 inches
  • standard height:24, 36, 48, 54, 60, 72, 84 inches

A casement window is a narrow window that, like a door, has hinges on the side and is opened by turning a crank from the side. These windows open very wide and are selected functionally for ventilation. Casement windows are locked with a latch hook on the inside, making it difficult for people to break in from the outside and providing excellent security.

double sliding window

  • Standard width: 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 inches
  • Standard height: 24, 36, 48, or 60 inches

Sliding windows feature a movable window sash that slides horizontally and are ideal for areas where you can’t easily access the window and push it up, such as over a kitchen sink. These durable windows have two or three panels and offer unobstructed views and natural light.

picture window

  • standard width:34, 36, 48, 60, 72 inches
  • standard height:36, 48, 60 inches

Picture windows “frame” the outdoor view. These windows are rail-free and fixed, giving you a clear, unobstructed view of the outside world, making them ideal for living rooms and other rooms that need more natural light.

Awning and hopper windows

  • standard width: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 inches
  • standard height:24, 36, 48, 54, 60, 72, 84 inches

One of the small window types on the market is an awning window (also known as a hopper window). It has a rectangular shape with a hinged top that opens like a sunshade. If you live in an area where it rains or snows frequently, awning windows can let fresh air in during inclement weather without forcing it into your home.

How to measure window size

Windows are measured in height and width. Manufacturers typically list window sizes as four-digit notations, such as 3030. This means the window is 3’0″ wide by 3’0″ high.

You can have your windows professionally measured, or you can measure them yourself at home using a tape measure. Standard window height is measured as width x height, so start with the width. As with any home measurement, you should run this process twice (ideally three times) to ensure you get the correct numbers.

How to check if a window is square

Before you can measure your window, you’ll first need to determine if it’s square (or has 90 degree corners). Measure with the tape measure to the top right corner of the window, then to the bottom right corner and write down the numbers. Repeat this process for the opposite corner and compare the numbers. Windows are square if they are within 1/4 inch of each other.

How to measure window width

You will need to measure the width of your window in three different places: at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom. Place the starting point of the tape measure inside the left window frame (this is the white part on the side of the window pane). Starting at the top, extend the measuring tape to the edge of the right frame. Record that number. Repeat measurements to the center of the window, then to the bottom.

There should be three numbers. The smallest number is the width.

How to measure window height

You will need to measure the height of your window in three places: left, right, and center. Start your tape measure at the bottom of the window (but not the trim or any part of it that sticks out from the base of the wall the window sits on). Hold it straight up to the top of the window and write down the measurements. Repeat the same steps for the center and right side of the window.

The smallest of these three measurements will be the window height.

How to roughly measure the window opening

Measure again the same way you measured the width and height, but measure the opening where the contractor will install the window. Typically, the rough dimensions of the opening are 1/2 inch larger than the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the window.

Recommended rough opening sizes vary by window type, so have a professional double-check your measurements. Even the slightest mistake can result in poorly installed windows that leak air and increase your utility bills.

Finally, don’t rely on old plans when determining window dimensions. Many areas require building permits to replace or widen windows, or to add new windows where none existed before. However, if work was previously carried out without permission, it will not be noted on the old plans of the house.

Do standard window sizes vary by room?

Although window sizes do not necessarily vary from room to room, you may find that certain types of windows are more common in certain spaces based on the window’s function and appearance. For example, your bedroom should have large windows that allow you to escape in case of a fire or emergency. The required size varies by location, but is usually at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high.

In most regions, no specific windows are required in the kitchen. Nevertheless, it is practical to have windows in this area for ventilation and natural light, so casement windows, double-hung windows, garden windows and sliding windows are common. Similarly, bathrooms typically don’t require specific windows per code, but ventilation is important. Bathroom windows are often at least 2 feet wide and 3 feet high. Popular choices include casement windows, sliding windows, casement windows, and awning windows.

As a rule of thumb, these standard window sizes also depend on the age of your home.

When standard window sizes don’t apply

Some homes and windows may require custom sizing due to unique window shapes, features, age, etc. Older or historic homes often have window shapes and sizes that were popular at the time but are no longer standard. This is a distinctive part of your home that deserves to be respected with a custom replacement to maintain the home’s appearance and energy efficiency.

“A common misconception is that homes have ‘standard’ window sizes that can be easily replaced,” says Yuri Pearl, owner of Nealon Insulation. “However, we find that many older homes have custom or slightly irregular openings, so forcing a standard size can lead to air leaks and trim issues. Accurate measurements and a good fit are more important than finding a ‘standard’ size.” ”

Special windows, such as bay windows or bow windows, or windows with unusual shapes, such as arched windows or geometric windows, are visually interesting but are not standard sizes. Instead, these windows are customized to fit the outside of your home. Another consideration is structural changes during home renovations.

How window size affects cost and installation

Window size affects cost and installation in a number of ways. First, larger windows require more materials and are more expensive.

Custom windows have a big impact on the cost of a renovation project because you’ll pay a premium to have them manufactured to your home’s specifications. You should also consider the time it takes for the manufacturer to create your custom windows.

When it comes to installation, custom windows or larger windows will cost more. Some of these windows require creating and framing new rough openings, which is extra work for the contractor. Other locations, such as bay and bow windows, require additional home reconstruction during the process, increasing the labor hours and skills required for the project.

conclusion

When looking for replacement windows, standard window sizes are a good starting point. However, accurate measurements and recommendations from a professional window installer are important to avoid ordering the wrong window size or experiencing installation issues.

Take the time to carefully measure your windows, shop around, and then check the size with a reputable window installer or contractor.

FAQ

Is there really a standard window size?

No, there is actually no standard window size, but there is a range of standard window sizes that are built into many homes. You can measure the size of your windows at home, but if you are considering replacing your windows, it is safer to have a professional measure and confirm the size of your windows.

Is the replacement window smaller than the original opening?

Replacement windows are usually slightly smaller than the original opening to ensure a secure fit. Full frame replacement windows are an option and can improve the energy efficiency and appearance of your home. However, full frame replacements are expensive.

Does your older home have non-standard window sizes?

Older homes often feature non-standard window sizes because they are unpopular in today’s market and feature non-standard window sizes and shapes. Another consideration is that before modern technology, people relied on windows for natural light and airflow, so older homes usually have large windows.

1...272273274...1,006Page 273 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.