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How does USA TODAY rate precious metals companies?

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February 10, 2026

How does USA TODAY rate precious metals companies?

Purchasing precious metals is more complex than purchasing most financial products. Pricing structures vary by dealer, retirement account transactions often require coordination with a custodian or custody provider, and purchases often require direct interaction with a company representative.

To help readers compare companies with more confidence, USA TODAY has developed a weighted scoring methodology that focuses on transparency, investor protection, pricing clarity and customer experience. Price transparency and business confidence are particularly important in precious metals trading, so our methodology focuses on cost clarity, compliance signals and customer experience rather than product selection alone.

Our rankings are based on independent company research, public information, and customer feedback from third-party review platforms. Each dealer receives a composite score based on the following categories:

Pricing transparency and value (28%)

Prices for precious metals are not uniform across dealers, so cost clarity is one of the most important evaluation factors. Dealers that clearly disclose prices and maintain competitive buy-sell price differentials receive higher scores.

We evaluate:

Premium over spot price
Transparency of buy/sell spreads
IRA setup, storage, and administration fees
Minimum purchase requirements
Clarity of repurchase price

Compliance, trust and reputation (20%)

Precious metals dealers operate differently than banks and brokerages, which makes reliability metrics especially important. This category evaluates a company’s business practices, transparency, and long-term stability. Dealers that demonstrate strong reliability signals and responsible business practices receive higher scores.

We evaluate:

Years of establishment
industry membership
legal career
marketing practice
Risk disclosure
business transparency

Customer experience, support, and satisfaction (18%)

This category evaluates dealer friendliness and how customers rate their experience throughout the purchase and account setup process. Because purchasing precious metals often involves direct interaction with company representatives, responsiveness and quality of service are important indicators of trustworthiness.

We evaluate:

Customer support responsiveness and accessibility
IRA Account Setup Guide
Order tracking and delivery notification
Clarity in the overall purchasing process
Better Business Bureau ratings and complaint history
Trustpilot, Google, and ConsumerAffairs reviews
complaint resolution pattern

Companies that provide clear communication, prompt support, and receive consistently positive feedback receive higher scores.

Product selection and service (14%)

This category evaluates the investment options available to customers. The wider the range of services and products, the higher the dealer’s score.

We consider:

IRA eligible metals
Availability of gold, silver, platinum and palladium
Direct shipping options
Storage partnership with an approved depository
IRA account setup support

Strength of buyback program (12%)

Repurchase policies are an important but often overlooked aspect of precious metals investing. Companies with clear and investor-friendly stock repurchase programs receive higher scores.

We evaluate:

Is there a buyback program?
Clarity in repurchase pricing policy
Easy to sell metal back to dealer
Processing transparency

Investor education and transparency (8%)

Investing in precious metals can be complicated, especially when retirement accounts are involved. Companies that clearly explain their processes and risks rank higher.

We assess whether dealers:

Demystifying Gold IRA rules
Differentiate between dealer, custodian and storage roles
Provide accessible educational resources
Disclose risks appropriately
Avoid misleading investment-related claims

Methodology notes

Precious Metals Dealer is not a bank, broker-dealer, or investment advisor. The rankings evaluate dealers’ transparency, service, and customer experience, rather than investment performance or future metal prices.

All data is verified and regularly checked for accuracy through dealer websites, customer review platforms, and publicly available business information.

Congress plans to bury 250 American time capsules

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February 10, 2026

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Congress plans to bury 250 American time capsules

Lawmakers are already joking about burying their political opponents. But can we agree on what to save?

WASHINGTON – A lot will have changed in the United States by 2276. But at least one should survive from our time. It’s a time capsule buried deep beneath the U.S. Capitol.

Lawmakers are planning to fill a memorial box to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Senate passed a bill to create the capsule on January 27, and the House passed it on February 9, sending it to the president’s desk for his signature.

The bill provides for the capsule to be buried in the Capitol Visitor Center on July 4 of this year. However, there are some rules. Cannot exceed 50 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 48 inches high. All items included must be made of materials that can be stored until the same date in 2276., It’s the 500th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Other than that, there aren’t many regulations about what goes inside.

Lawmakers told USA TODAY they have several proposals.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) joked, “I know some guys I’d love to have in this.”

After thinking for a few seconds, he said, “I think I’ll include Meatloaf’s greatest hits,” referring to Rockstar.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin proposed filling the halls of the Capitol with fist-sized balls of his autographs. The Oklahoma Republican has been walking around with a bouncy ball since middle school, which he says helps him relax.

However, rubber may be a no-no. According to the law, items inside the capsule must be made of “materials with a low risk of deterioration, such as metal or archival paper.” Ultimately, Congressional leadership will work together to decide on the contents of the capsule.

Lawmakers who introduced the bipartisan bill, dubbed the Half-Century Time Capsule Act, said the effort would serve as a reminder of America’s perseverance and democracy.

“None of us will be here when this capsule is opened, and that’s important,” Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) said in a statement. “Our responsibility is to the generations who will inherit the results of our choices. What we do every day in this chamber is history.”

The time capsule is just one of several bills Congress is considering as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, and the House of Representatives on February 9 sent a separate bill to the Senate to create a $2.50 commemorative coin, while also introducing a bill that would encourage research into the possibility of producing such coins for everyday use.

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) said in a statement that the idea is a way to unite Americans around a shared history.

“America’s 250th anniversary is a rare moment of reflection and celebration, and Congress has a responsibility to celebrate this birthday in a way that brings people together.”

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

President Trump to retract study showing greenhouse gases threaten public health

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February 10, 2026

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President Trump to retract study showing greenhouse gases threaten public health

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to reverse Obama-era scientific findings that have been the legal basis for federal regulations targeting greenhouse gases for more than a decade.

In a Feb. 10 briefing with reporters, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said the Environmental Protection Agency would take steps to withdraw the so-called “endangered designation” on Feb. 12, in a major blow to federal efforts to combat climate change.

The EPA’s endangerment report, signed in 2009 during the Obama administration, said current and projected concentrations of six major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere “threaten the public health and well-being of current and future generations.” A related EPA study signed at the same time cited new vehicles and engines as the cause of greenhouse gas pollution.

The move, a potential boon for the fossil fuel industry, is the most drastic step the Trump administration has taken to roll back federal regulations targeting climate change, which President Donald Trump has regularly labeled as a “hoax” and a “fraud.” President Trump also withdrew the United States from global efforts to combat climate change.

This endangerment finding is the basis for EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. However, if this regulation is repealed, the Trump administration will effectively be abolishing the regulation. The EPA “lacks legal authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions based on concerns about global climate change,” the agency said in a proposal filed in August 2025 to reverse the findings.

Levitt said the repeal would be the “largest deregulatory move in American history” and would save Americans $1.3 trillion. She points to the cost savings of new vehicles, which the EPA predicts will result in future savings of more than $2,400 per vehicle purchased.

“This week, we will make history,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin wrote in a post about X.

Environmental groups condemn EPA reversal

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the administration’s repeal plan. Environmental and public health advocates have been campaigning for weeks to oppose the study’s retraction, saying carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health. On February 10, the group learned that despite their efforts, the findings would actually be retracted, and they immediately condemned the administration.

“The Trump administration is abdicating its core responsibility to protect us from extreme weather events and accelerating climate change, sacrificing our health, safety, economy and future,” said Abby Dillen, president of the environmental law group Earthjustice.

Environmental groups opposed to the measure argue that retracting the findings is inconsistent with the EPA’s legal and science-based requirements.

“This is a slap in the face for all the millions of Americans who are experiencing the devastation of heat waves, wildfires, floods, and storms,” Dillen said on February 10. “Earthjustice and our partners will see the Trump administration in court.”

Climate Power, an advocacy group focused in part on holding fossil fuel interests accountable for their role in environmental policy, said the decision would bury “decades of research” and strip government agencies of their ability to protect the public from dangerous pollution.

“This decision not only puts the health of Americans at risk, but will cost us billions of dollars every year,” said Alex Witt, a senior adviser at Climate Power. “This decision makes it abundantly clear that President Trump intends to make our families sicker and less safe to benefit a few billionaire polluters.”

Climate change advocacy groups pointed to statistics and studies that concluded that rising greenhouse gas emissions are causing extreme weather events, leading to heavier rainfall and more severe droughts.

After first proposing the measure in August 2025, the EPA received more than 570,000 public comments regarding its decision and published approximately 30,000 of them in federal documents. The American Lung Association was among the groups that opposed the proposal.

The Texas Vegetable Association is among the groups supporting the decision, saying lower prices will directly benefit both growers and consumers. Jed Murray, the association’s director of government relations, wrote that this would “relieve Texas producers from onerous costs, restore competitiveness, and ensure the reliable movement of fresh produce throughout the supply chain.”

The reversal of the endangered designation comes as President Trump is expected to announce new executive action on February 11 directing the Department of Defense to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants. On the same day, the Senate Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a closed-door conference with Energy Secretary Chris Wright about Venezuela’s oil development.

In 2025, Wright commissioned five carefully selected scientists to conduct a “critical review” of the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, prompting widespread criticism from many climate scientists. The report, compiled in just two months, challenged previously published climate science and was cited in the department’s decision. Dozens of mainstream climate scientists in the United States disputed the group’s report.

Irish man and American wife detained by ICE despite applying for green card

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February 10, 2026

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Irish man and American wife detained by ICE despite applying for green card

EL PASO, Texas – An Irishman married to an American has been held in an immigration detention center for five months despite his pending application for a green card, according to court records.

Seamus Culleton’s detention is part of a pattern of increasingly stringent enforcement by the Trump administration, involving not only people who crossed the border illegally, but also those who overstayed their visas and legal immigration documents.

Culleton is being held at Camp East Montana, a detention facility built on the Fort Bliss Army base that is expected to hold 5,000 people.

While in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, Culleton missed at least two scheduled interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to confirm his green card, his attorney Ogor Okoye told USA TODAY.

USCIS and ICE are sister agencies under the Department of Homeland Security.

“ICE, you have the authority to have him appear for an interview,” Okoye said. “This is an interview to confirm the position you say he doesn’t have.”

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of Homeland Security, said in an email response to questions that Culleton “subjected full due process” and was ordered removed by a judge.

“Pending green card applications and work permits do not confer legal status to remain in our country,” she said.

Irish citizens do not require a visa to travel to the United States. Culleton arrived in 2009 but stayed longer than the allowed 90 days and has lived here for 15 years, his lawyer said. He started plastering and met his wife, Tiffany Smith. They got married in 2025.

People like Mr. Culleton who entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program legally waive their right to challenge their expulsion if they violate the terms of the agreement.

However, a long-standing policy that began in 2013 made an exception for “immediate relatives” of U.S. citizens. As long as the applicant does not have a deportation order or criminal record, he or she can apply for immigration benefits such as lawful permanent residence.

Culleton was applied. His attorney says he has no criminal history or even a traffic ticket. In court documents, Mr. Culleton disputes the government’s claim that he received a final order of dismissal. He said he never received or signed the purchase order.

Immigration authorities picked up Culleton in September after he ran his license plate in a Home Depot parking lot in Massachusetts, according to court records. He was briefly detained in New York and then transferred to a facility in Texas.

The Trump administration is flying detainees from Democratic-leaning jurisdictions such as Massachusetts to ICE detention centers in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, including Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, where it is difficult for immigrants to obtain bail or be released.

Okoye said Culleton’s wife, Smythe, posted $4,000 bail to secure his release, but ICE appealed the judge’s decision and it was overturned.

A federal judge rejected a habeas corpus petition seeking his release because of his long detention, ruling that the petition was premature. Immigration detainees may apply for release after being held for six months beyond a judge’s release or release order.

Detainees and immigrant advocates are sounding the alarm over conditions at Camp East Montana. Three detainees held there since December have died. One person was ruled a homicide.

Lauren Villagran covers immigration for USA TODAY. Contact him at lvillagran@usatoday.com.

Analysis of FBI video reveals new clues

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February 10, 2026

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Authorities have released security footage showing a person approaching Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning she disappeared. NBC’s Today host Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother has been missing since February 1st.

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that an image had been recovered showing “an armed individual who appears to have tampered with the camera.” Patels asked anyone with information about this incident to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit http://tips.fbi.gov.

Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far.

The video contains a Nest watermark. An empty mount was later seen attached to the door frame and appears to match one designed for Google products. It was previously reported that Guthrie did not have access to the footage because he did not have a subscription.

In a social media post, Patel said the video footage was discovered following an ongoing effort with “private sector partners” to “recover images from within the home that may have been lost, corrupted or otherwise inaccessible due to a variety of factors, including the removal of recording devices. The video was recovered from residual data on back-end systems.”

Authorities said the doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m.

He announced that he had discovered “new, previously inaccessible images showing an armed individual who appears to have tampered with Nancy Guthrie’s front door camera the morning she disappeared.”

Google, the maker of Nest cameras, did not respond to a request for comment. Google Nest’s help page explains how to record video with different plans.

The suspect, wearing disposable gloves and a backpack, can be seen fiddling with the camera before walking away.

Kelly Bergin, dean of cybersecurity at Montreat University in North Carolina, said the images and videos released by the FBI were likely part of a recording caused by the move that was temporarily uploaded to Google’s servers.

“Often the camera is triggered by movement and only records snippets. Unless there is further movement, the camera will not continue recording,” she said.

For users to access such cameras, data is sent to a Nest Google cloud server via a WiFi connection, she said. “If you have a (storage) plan, it will be stored and categorized for users to access,” she said.

Even if a user doesn’t have a storage plan (authorities say Guthrie didn’t have one), they can watch the live stream on the phone app, which requires the data to be sent to a cloud server first. However, they are typically overwritten after a certain period of time and are “not stored or categorized by subscriber, so they are considered inaccessible.”

He said Patel’s statement that the video was on a “back-end system” was likely referring to a cloud server rather than on a phone or device.

Eric O’Neill, a former FBI counterintelligence officer, cybersecurity expert, and author of the book “Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime,” said that even without a subscription, doorbell videos can reside temporarily on a company’s servers in so-called temporary storage for processing, behavioral analysis, and distribution to apps.

Cloud systems are also built for reliability, which means data is frequently replicated, recorded and buffered to avoid accidental loss, he said. When a company says a video has been “deleted,” it usually means that the video is no longer visible to users, rather than immediately deleted. The underlying data may continue to exist until it is overwritten, and that short period of time is often sufficient for investigators working with the provider to recover or reconstruct the footage.

Kyungsik Choi, director of cybercrime and cybersecurity at Boston University Metropolitan College, said this residual data can still remain on server systems that store, process, or temporarily cache video files and metadata.

“With the appropriate legal authority, law enforcement can recover this residual data from these back-end systems, and that’s what appears to have happened here,” Choi said.

That it took the FBI more than a week to identify the footage comes as no surprise to Morgan Wright, a senior fellow at the Digital Government Center who previously worked in law enforcement. He said scrutinizing data using digital tools takes time.

“It’s not as easy as people think,” he says.

Still, Bergin said digital forensic tools can find data even after it has been deleted. She said she once recovered data from a hard drive that was accidentally formatted.

“Digital information typically remains there, even if it’s deleted or temporarily stored, because it’s there until it’s overwritten,” she says. “That’s something that a lot of people don’t understand. And with the right forensic tools, you can recover large amounts of data from hard drives and servers that aren’t necessarily accessible through normal routes.”

Wright, who previously worked as a detective, said the video contains obvious facial features, such as a mustache, and investigators should be able to calculate his height, shoe size and clothing brand.

Police say there are multiple cameras in the home, so additional video may be discovered, Bergin said.

“I hope that by putting that video out there, they get a break and maybe somebody realizes something,” Bergin said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters at a Feb. 5 press conference that doorbell cameras helped authorities piece together a new sequence of events in Guthrie’s kidnapping. Guthrie was first reported missing on Sunday, February 1, after concerned church officials called her family to let them know she was not attending morning services.

Nanos said it was working with a technology company to recover the video but was unsuccessful. “We know that the technology company has run out of ways to restore that video,” he said. Asked if police had a doorbell camera in their possession, Nanos said: “We don’t have it and we couldn’t find it.”

The full timeline provided by authorities is below.

January 31st 5:32pm Guthrie traveled to his family’s home for the night of the game.

January 31st 9:48pm When her family dropped her off at home, the garage door opened.

January 31st 9:50pm The garage door is closed.

February 1st 1:47am The doorbell camera in front of Guthrie’s home was disconnected.

February 1st 2:12am The smart home software has detected a person on the camera, but video is not available.

February 1st 2:28am Guthrie’s pacemaker app shows it has been disconnected from her phone.

February 1st 11:56am Her family is checking on her.

February 1st 12:03pm Her family called 9-1-1 to report her missing.

February 1st 12:15pm A police car arrives.

Video analysis of Nancy Guthrie reveals new details

The FBI has released new security camera footage from the night Nancy Guthrie went missing. Let’s take a closer look at what the video shows here.

Rivian’s new R2 SUV could change affordable EVs

Economy

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February 10, 2026

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Rivian’s new R2 SUV could change affordable EVs

Rivian has unveiled a prototype of its new electric SUV, the R2, which is expected to start at around $45,000.
The five-seater vehicle is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2026 and will have an estimated battery range of 300 miles.
Company officials say the R2 is critical to Rivian’s long-term goal of becoming a mass-market electric car maker.

Rivian has unveiled a prototype of its upcoming $45,000 R2 electric SUV, which company officials say will be critical to its long-term future as a viable automaker.

The Irvine, Calif.-based company said in a post on its website that the R2 seats five people and has an estimated battery range of about 300 miles.

The wait is almost over. The first R2 variant, featuring dual motors and all-wheel drive, will go on sale this spring.

Further details, including pricing and options, will be announced on March 12th. Just 4 weeks and 2 days from today. But who’s counting?

*The exhibited vehicle is a prototype vehicle. final… pic.twitter.com/YB59GLEXG8

— Rivian (@Rivian) February 10, 2026

“We listened and learned how to build vehicles suitable for all kinds of adventures, and the R2 has everything you need to go out and say yes to something new,” Rivian said of the new electric SUV.

What you need to know about R2

The vehicle will be priced from around $45,000 and is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2026.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe appeared on the podcast “On with Kara Swisher” on January 29 and said R2 is important to the company’s plans to scale up to become a mass-market electric car maker.

“Rivian isn’t just designed for R1,” Scaringe said. “If the goal was to build a company that only produced 15,000 cars a year, it would be a very different business. But we have invested seriously in the business and have thought and planned for Rivian to become a much larger company. So R2 needs to be successful in supporting the speed of capital construction of the business, depending on how much technology we develop and how much infrastructure we build.”

What are people saying about R2?

“Equipped with a permanent magnet electric motor on each axle, it delivers a total output of 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque,” Car and Driver said in its review of the R2 prototype it recently drove.

“The ride quality is a bit more refined than the R1S; the tires don’t have to operate at as high pressures to support the mass, and the lower body height reduces the feeling of how much the vehicle rolls in corners,” the website says. “And yes, turn the corner.”

The website InsideEVs.com said in its own review after driving the R2 prototype that the electric SUV has “more than 300 miles of range, 656 horsepower, 609 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.”

“This is a serious situation for a family SUV that not only competes with the ubiquitous Tesla Model Y, but also potentially competes with mainstream gas-powered crossovers,” the website says.

President Trump touts bill that could make it harder for married women to vote

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February 10, 2026

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President Trump touts bill that could make it harder for married women to vote

President Donald Trump is urging lawmakers to pass a voter ID bill that includes provisions that voting rights groups warn could lead to the disenfranchisement of voters, including married women.

The SAVE America Act, which passed the Republican-led House last year but stalled in the Senate, is once again at the center of debate on Capitol Hill after returning to the House floor. Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the bill on February 11th, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and require voters to present a government-issued photo ID proving citizenship to vote.

Supporters call the effort a security measure and say it seeks to strengthen laws barring non-citizens from voting. But voting rights advocates say it is extremely rare for noncitizens to vote, and such anomalies are not widespread enough to affect election results. Those groups, including the Brennan Center for Justice, argue that the law could make it more difficult for millions of Americans, especially young voters and voters of color, to vote.

Millions of women without married names on their birth certificates or passports will also face additional hurdles to registering and voting.

According to a 2023 Pew Research study, nearly 80% of women in heterosexual marriages take their spouse’s last name. Most married men (92%) continue to use their last names.

Over the past year, Republican lawmakers in more than 20 states have introduced measures requiring proof of citizenship, requiring people to submit documents such as birth certificates and passports when registering to vote, according to the nonpartisan Voting Rights Lab.

The bill recently came back into the public eye after the president made controversial comments on a Feb. 3 podcast calling for the federal government to “get involved” in election oversight.

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said President Trump mentioned the passage of the SAVE Act during a conversation with host Dan Bongino, former deputy FBI director. But Trump did not mention the SAVE Act when asked about his comments on a podcast during an Oval Office event, doubling down on his comments about federal involvement in elections as his administration ramps up investigations into the 2020 election he lost to former President Joe Biden.

President Trump posted about the bill on social media in recent days ahead of the vote, repeating his long-standing and baseless claims that American elections are “rigged” and calling on “every Republican” to support the bill.

contribution:

Kathryn Palmer is USA TODAY’s political reporter. She can be reached at the following address: kapalmer@usatoday.com And to X@Kathryn Purml. Sign up for her daily politics newsletter here.

McDonald’s McNugget caviar kit sold out in minutes

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February 10, 2026

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McDonald’s McNugget caviar kit sold out in minutes

McDonald’s launched a McNugget caviar promotion that quickly sold out, and some users complained that the website crashed.

Many hopeful McNugget lovers may be disappointed after the fast food chain’s latest promotion sold out within minutes of its launch on February 10 at 11 a.m. ET.

USA TODAY tried to get some of the free McNugget caviar kits, but when the countdown timer reached zero, it got an “HTTP error 429” message. Within 10 minutes of receiving the error code, McDonald’s website displayed that the caviar was sold out.

McDonald’s McNugget caviar kits were not sold in physical stores and could only be purchased on the website McNuggetCaviar.com. It was set to be available while supplies last.

Sold out immediately

The free McNugget caviar kits sold out instantly, and within minutes the website announced that all kits had been taken.

“Unfortunately, our McNugget® Caviar has disappeared from store shelves this Valentine’s Day,” the website states.

USA TODAY reached out to McDonald’s for more information about the sold-out caviar kits and whether they plan to run the promotion again in the future.

Why McNuggets and caviar?

This unlikely pairing was inspired by the viral dish New York-based Korean fried chicken restaurant COQODAQ served during the 2025 U.S. Open. The restaurant sold six chicken nuggets topped with Petrossian caviar, heavy cream and chives for $100 at the tennis championships.

What does the McNugget Caviar Kit include?

McDonald’s McNugget caviar kit includes a 1-ounce can of McNugget caviar, a $25 McDonald’s gift card, crème fraîche and a mother-of-pearl caviar spoon, according to a news release. McDonald’s has partnered with Paramount Caviar to offer this delicacy.

How much does the McNugget Caviar Kit cost?

McNugget caviar kit is free. Customers can sign up to get their kit starting Tuesday, February 10th at 11 a.m. ET at mcnuggetcaviar.com.

What is caviar?

Considered a luxury item, caviar is made from salted unfertilized fish roe. According to Britannica, the majority of caviar is produced from sturgeon eggs, or eggs. Depending on the fish, caviar will look and taste a little different.

Julia Gomez is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering popular toys, scientific research, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com.

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

Epstein file disclosure sparks investigation, sparks controversy in Europe

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February 10, 2026

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Epstein file disclosure sparks investigation, sparks controversy in Europe

The tentacles of the Jeffrey Epstein saga have spread beyond the United States to the upper echelons of several European countries, especially since the Justice Department released millions of additional pages, prompting increased scrutiny of powerful figures connected to the asset manager.

The latest set of documents reveals that Mr. Epstein’s network of friends and associates extends beyond Caribbean islands and the East Coast to the gilded palaces of two European royal families and some of the highest offices of foreign governments.

Inclusion in the file does not indicate that the person is a criminal suspect, but in some cases it does indicate that the person had social or business connections. Several powerful figures in Europe are under investigation and investigation, and others have resigned from various professions.

Mr. Epstein’s ties to leaders in business, academia and government have long been known, but the Justice Department’s January 30 deletion of documents provides a broader picture of the relationships cultivated by Mr. Epstein, who died awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Many maintained contact with him after he was convicted in Florida in 2008 of soliciting prostitutes and procuring children for prostitution. His plea required him to register as a sex offender in 2009.

British government comes under fire over Epstein emails

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls from within his own party to resign over the Epstein file after appointing Epstein’s friend Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. (Mr. Starmer himself is not included in any of the documents released.) Details of Mr. Mandelson’s friendship with the late wealth manager became public after the latest documents from the Department of Justice revealed that Mr. Mandelson corresponded with Mr. Epstein after he registered as a sex offender in 2009.

More than a week after the document was destroyed on January 30, two of Mr Starmer’s top aides have resigned. Tim Allan, communications director, and Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s top aide, said they had taken responsibility for advising on Mandelson’s appointment as Britain’s top diplomat. Mr Mandelson also resigned from his seat in the House of Lords.

Mandelson is suspected of passing market-sensitive information to Epstein more than a decade ago when he served as business secretary under former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and British police are investigating him for “misconduct in public life.” Mr. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Mr. Epstein.

Two royal families embroiled in Epstein controversy

Among the most famous European figures whose documents show they had long-standing friendships with Epstein are two members of the royal family: Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of Britain’s King Charles III.

The relationship between Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and Mr Epstein has been known for years, but the destruction of the documents in January was the first time the Norwegian princess’s correspondence became public.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles and evicted from his vast Royal Lodge home in October 2025 after reports of an affair with Mr Epstein heated up. He was ousted from his position as senior royal three years ago. Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser who died by suicide in 2025, claimed that she was sexually abused multiple times by the former royal when she was 17 years old. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor denies the allegations.

The announcement has only increased scrutiny of the former prince, with the country’s prime minister urging him to testify to US lawmakers and forcing Prince William and Princess Kate to speak out on the controversy after years of silence. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on February 9, Britain’s King Charles said the palace stands ready to assist police investigating allegations against his brother.

Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, exchanged dozens of emails with Mr. Epstein in 2014. The emails contradict the palace’s 2019 comments that it had cut off contact with Epstein in 2011, according to Norwegian tabloid VG.

Mette Marit, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne, has apologized for her poor judgment in continuing to communicate with Epstein. In her latest statement, released on February 6, she apologized again “to the Royal Family, especially the King and Queen, for the situation I found myself in.”

Norway’s prime minister said on February 9 that Mette Marit and other prominent Norwegians named in the recently released Epstein documents should provide more details about their involvement with Epstein.

Norway launches investigation into former leader and diplomat

Norwegian authorities have announced that they are investigating two former ambassadors and a former prime minister over corruption related to the Epstein file. All are known to have had ties to Mr. Epstein, but new files reveal more details about their relationships and dealings with the late wealth manager.

The country’s economic and environmental crime prevention unit announced in a statement on February 9 that it had carried out searches in two locations associated with former ambassador Mona Gyul and her husband Terje Rod Larsen. Both men are being investigated on suspicion of aggravated corruption and involvement in aggravated corruption. A few days earlier, authorities had launched a separate corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Torbjorn Jagland, who is suspected of having ties to Mr. Epstein.

In addition to serving as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, Jagland also held other important positions, including Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

Diplomatic couple Jules and Rod Larsen helped facilitate contacts between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Israeli government that led to the Oslo Accords of 1993-1995. Juul resigned from his post as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq at the time of the release of the latest Epstein files. Rod Larsen is a former deputy prime minister.

The files suggest that the couple and their children visited Epstein’s island and are named in a version of his will published in Epstein’s documents. According to Reuters, the two children will each inherit $5 million from her husband.

Close scrutiny by French and Slovak officials

Former French culture minister Jacques Lang has resigned from his post as director of a cultural center in Paris following allegations that he had financial ties to Epstein. This complaint led to a tax investigation. Lang denies any wrongdoing and says the allegations against him are “unfounded.”

Lang was the director of the Arab World Institute, an organization that promotes exchanges between France and Arab countries. In a letter to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault seen by AFP, Lang said he intended to submit his resignation at the next Arab World Institute board meeting. Mr. Lang served as France’s Minister of Culture from 1981 to 1993, and then as Minister of Education.

Miroslav Lajcak, an ally of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Roberto Fico and his national security adviser, resigned after documents from Epstein’s files revealed that he had exchanged text messages with Epstein about women and foreign affairs. The document dates from 2018, when Lajčák was Slovakia’s foreign minister.

Lajčak said in a statement that he was resigning to avoid causing political damage to Fico. He denied any wrongdoing. He also condemned Epstein’s alleged crimes.

Contributor: Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY. Reuters.

Kathryn Palmer is USA TODAY’s political reporter. She can be reached at the following address: kapalmer@usatoday.com And to X@Kathryn Purml. Sign up for her daily politics newsletter here.

ISO is the highest-paying “entry-level” job

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February 10, 2026

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ISO is the highest-paying “entry-level” job

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

The job market is depressed. Wages are not keeping up with inflation. Many Americans question the value of a college degree. But America is still full of high-paying jobs, and not all of them require a college degree.

Can I take the telecommuting deduction?

The IRS allows a valuable deduction for home offices. But does this also apply to full-time W-2 employees who happen to be working from home?

Medora Lee explains the concept.

📰 Other stories you can’t miss 📰

📰 great read 📰

Here are some popular stories from 2025 that you may have missed. Please read it! share!

A 20-year-old Canadian set social media on fire after winning the lottery in the summer of 2025 and (gasp!) choosing to receive his winnings in an annuity rather than a lump sum.

Her choice highlights the long-standing question of whether lottery winners should receive a lump sum or an annuity, and how that decision is made.

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

FDA to review food preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

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February 10, 2026

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FDA to review food preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Siddhi Mahatoor
|Reuters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday launched a major review of synthetic preservatives long used in packaged foods as it ramps up efforts to reevaluate chemicals long allowed in the U.S. food supply.

The FDA has issued a request for information on how manufacturers use butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and whether current scientific evidence supports its safety in food and food contact materials.

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that prevents oils and fats in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed from spoiling and extends product shelf life.

The review is part of an FDA program announced in 2025 to reevaluate chemicals that have been in use for decades.

Health advocates have long called for increased oversight of BHA, and the FDA warned that it should be reevaluated during an overhaul of its postmarket chemical review process.

“This reassessment marks the end of the ‘trust us’ era in food safety,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement.

He added that BHA remains on the market despite being listed in the National Toxicology Program as “reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen” based on animal studies.

Health regulators listed BHA as “generally recognized as safe” in 1958 and approved it as a food additive in 1961.

This preservative is found in foods such as cereal, frozen foods, cookies, candy, ice cream, and some meat products. Although usage has declined, it remains common in foods marketed to children, regulators said.

FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry said similar investigations will be conducted for other chemicals, including the preservative butylated hydroxytoluene and azodicarbonamide, a chemical also used in yoga mats and as a fabric conditioner.

The FDA said it is also working to strengthen GRAS regulations to increase transparency and oversight of chemicals added to food without prior FDA approval.

Pride flag removed from Stonewall monument in Trump’s park

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February 10, 2026

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Pride flag removed from Stonewall monument in Trump’s park

“We cannot allow the government to erase historical facts,” said Stacey Lentz, one of the bar’s current owners. She had not received advance notice from the government that the flag would be removed.

WASHINGTON – First, we removed the “T” from LGBTQ+.

Now they have lowered the rainbow flag.

The Trump administration has removed the large Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. It comes just weeks after the government released federal guidance on the types of flags allowed to be flown in national parks.

Volunteers caring for the monument noticed that the rainbow flag had been removed on Monday, February 9th. The flag was flying from a pole in a park across from the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village.

“Removing the rainbow flag from Stonewall National Monument once again targets what is a sacred site to our community and is yet another attempt at erasure by an administration that has relentlessly attacked the LGBTQ+ community since taking office,” said Kathy Lena, spokesperson for the National LGBTQ Task Force.

The National Park Service said in a statement provided to USA TODAY that, with limited exceptions, only the U.S. flag and other approved flags are allowed to fly on flagpoles managed by the service. Exemptions may include flags that provide historical context, flags of current military branches, and flags of federally recognized tribal nations.

“Changes to the flag display are made to ensure consistency with that guidance,” the statement said.

The removal of the flag, internationally recognized as a symbol of the gay rights movement and its hard-fought victories through years of struggle, outraged activists as well as city and state leaders.

“New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and no act of erasure will ever change or silence that history. Our city has an obligation not only to honor this heritage, but to live up to it,” New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani said in a statement posted to X.

New York Governor Cathy Hochul called the decision a “shameful attempt to erase LGBTQ history.”

“I will not let this administration roll back the rights we fought so hard to win,” she said in a message posted to X.

Stonewall National Monument commemorates the early morning clashes between police and members of the LGBTQ+ community on June 28, 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn. For six days, gay men and women, transgender people, bikers, street kids and others were tired of police harassment and fought back. The riot is believed to be the spark that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

The Stonewall Riots are considered such an important chapter in American history that President Barack Obama designated the bar’s exterior, adjacent park, and surrounding streets as a national monument in 2016, ensuring that what happened there and the people involved in it would never be forgotten. The bar itself remains privately owned.

The Stonewall Memorial is the only site in the national park dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, making its preservation even more meaningful to activists and historians.

“This is a sacred space,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Segal. He recalled that when he moved to New York City 30 years ago, the first place he visited was Stonewall. “Its importance to generations of LGBTQ people around the world cannot be overestimated.”

Stacey Lentz, one of the bar’s current owners, said she was not notified in advance by the government that the flag would be removed.

“We cannot allow the government to erase historical facts,” she said. “This isn’t even about politics as a whole. This is about history, and that history has to be preserved.”

“Stonewall taught us that our history will not survive if we do not protect it,” she added.

The flag’s removal marks the second time the Trump administration has targeted the monument in the past year.

Early last year, just weeks after President Donald Trump took office for the second time, his administration removed all references to transgender people from the monument’s website, angering LGBTQ+ activists. The administration said the change was in line with Trump’s broader campaign to recognize the existence of just two genders, male and female, and combat what he called “gender ideology.”

Following the decision, more than 1,000 protesters took part in a rally to support the transgender community and challenge the government’s actions. Another rally is scheduled for Tuesday night, February 10, to send a message to the administration not to mess with the park and its history.

Hoylman-Segal and other state and community leaders are also planning another event for Thursday, February 12, when they will once again raise flags in parks in defiance of the Trump administration.

“Just like in 1969, this is a flashpoint for standing up for what you believe is right,” Hoylman-Sigal said.

Michael Collins writes about the intersection of politics and culture. He is a veteran reporter who has covered the White House and Congress. Follow him on X: @mcollinsNEWS

Consumers were concerned about President Trump’s tariffs and inflation crisis. Will it ever come?

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February 10, 2026

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Consumers were concerned about President Trump’s tariffs and inflation crisis. Will it ever come?

Many U.S. consumers are bracing for President Donald Trump’s tariffs to cause a dramatic rise in consumer prices and push inflation into dangerous waters.

they are still waiting.

Annual inflation stood at 2.7% in December, the upper end of a year in which the indicator fluctuated between 2% and 3%.

Prices are rising. However, many Americans expected the tariffs to cause inflation to rise further.

“The good news is that the economic impact of the tariffs is less than we expected,” Bill Adams, Comerica Bank’s chief economist, told USA TODAY in December.

President Trump’s tariffs raised serious inflation concerns

Back in May, a consumer survey conducted by the University of Michigan predicted that prices would rise 6.6% over the next year.

A survey of businesses conducted by the Philadelphia Fed in the third quarter of 2025 predicted that prices would rise 4.7% next year.

These dire predictions hinged on tariffs. Tariffs are taxes, and businesses typically pass on at least some of the cost to consumers.

When President Trump announced significant tariffs in April, many business leaders braced for a wave of punitive inflation.

“The scale and the speed with which these prices are coming to us is unprecedented in history,” Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal in May.

Here’s how much Americans were costing in tariffs

Almost a year later, the tariffs are placing a huge burden on American families.

A Feb. 6 report from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation found that President Trump’s tariffs would amount to a $1,000 tax increase per household in 2025. In 2026, households will pay an additional $1,300.

The Trump tariffs would be the largest tax increase since 1993, according to an analysis by the Tax Foundation.

Despite these costs, the much-feared tariff inflation crisis has not yet arrived and probably never will.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell suggested in a Dec. 10 press conference that the United States has little to fear from tariff inflation in the coming months.

Powell said tariff-related inflation should peak in early 2026. And the impact “should not be large,” he says. “It should be a few tenths of a percentage point, or even less.”

In other words, the Fed chairman expects that tariffs will have little to no effect on consumer prices in 2026.

3% inflation is not that high. The Fed is aiming for an inflation target of 2%. But it’s not particularly bad either. Economists say that when policymakers talk about an inflation “crisis,” they are usually talking about annual inflation of 5% to 10% or more.

Is an inflation crisis still a possibility? How much have tariffs already increased prices? Will tariffs cause more inflation in 2026? Why didn’t they cause more inflation in 2025?

Let’s answer those questions in turn.

Is an inflation crisis still a possibility?

When it comes to inflation, anything can always happen. But at this point, few observers expect consumer prices to rise in 2026.

Consumers are calming their worst inflation fears. The average shopper currently expects prices to rise 3.1% next year, according to a January New York Fed survey.

Economists expect inflation to fall to 2.6% by 2026, according to a November poll from the National Association for Business Economics.

Most economists have never feared an inflation crisis. In April, at the peak of the tariff war, the same NABE survey predicted that inflation would reach a relatively modest 3.4% by the end of 2025.

Currently, most forecasts have been revised downward.

“Recent numbers suggest that inflation has peaked,” Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, said in a speech in January.

How much have tariffs already increased prices?

Tariffs increased U.S. inflation by about 0.7 percentage points through the second half of 2025, according to a November paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

In other words, without the tariffs, inflation in late 2025 would have been closer to 2% instead of 3%.

“It’s a pretty big difference,” Alex Jacques, director of policy and advocacy at the left-leaning nonprofit Groundwork Collaborative, told USA TODAY in December.

Will tariffs cause more inflation in 2026?

Many forecasts suggest that tariffs will continue to drive up prices in the first few months of 2026, but not by much.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told reporters on Dec. 10 that he expects tariff inflation to peak “in the first quarter or so” of 2026, with little further impact on inflation.

Some other economists agree.

“Tariff-driven inflation continues to impact the entire supply chain,” Comerica Bank’s Adams said. “And that process is likely to be completed in the first half of 2026.”

But Adams expects inflation to “stay at around 3%” in the coming months.

But other forecasters warn that the impact of the tariffs is far from over.

Forward Bonds Chief Economist Chris Rapkey told USA TODAY in December. “But in 2026, the story may change.”

Why didn’t the tariffs cause more inflation?

Some dire predictions about tariffs and inflation assumed that American consumers would bear the brunt of these taxes.

That didn’t happen. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, only about 20% of President Trump’s tariffs were “passed through” to consumers.

Its influence weakened every step of the way as imported products passed from the country of origin to American retailers to consumers.

Exporters accepted lower prices for products they sold to U.S. manufacturers and distributors, Adams said. He said the downturn in China’s economy has pushed down the prices of Chinese exports.

Meanwhile, U.S. retailers are “unable or unwilling to pass on the full cost of tariffs to consumers,” partly due to concerns about losing business, said Jack of the Groundwork Collaborative. Some companies sought cheaper versions of the same products from countries with lower tariffs.

Finally, President Trump reversed some of his own tariffs, blunting the impact on consumers.

Between carve-outs, trade agreements and other exclusions, about half of all U.S. imports now enter the country tariff-free, Politico reports.

Catherine O’Hara was diagnosed with rectal cancer. What you need to know.

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February 10, 2026

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Catherine O’Hara was diagnosed with rectal cancer. What you need to know.

Catherine O’Hara died of pulmonary embolism, but her death certificate also revealed that she had been diagnosed with rectal cancer.

O’Hara’s death certificate was obtained by USA TODAY on February 9, and TMZ first reported the news.

According to the Mayo Clinic, rectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the rectum, the last few inches of the large intestine.

Because rectal and colon cancers are similar in many ways, they are often referred to together as colorectal cancer. However, the clinic added that the treatments are completely different.

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

Symptoms of rectal cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of rectal cancer usually occur when the disease is advanced and may include:

changes in bowel movements
Feeling like your bowels aren’t completely empty
abdominal pain
rectal bleeding
narrow stool
weight loss
weakness or fatigue
lump in rectum

“Bleeding associated with hemorrhoids is typically bright red and occurs during or after a bowel movement, while bleeding associated with cancer is dark red or bright red and can occur at any time,” the clinic notes, but adds that if you have bleeding, it’s important to see a medical professional to determine what’s going on.

If someone actually has rectal cancer, talking about it can be embarrassing or stigmatizing. It’s important to look into resources like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance that advise you on how to combat such feelings.

Rectal cancer risk factors and prevention

The American Cancer Society notes that risk factors for rectal cancer are the same as those for colon cancer, including:

Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age
Racial and ethnic background. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and African Americans make up the highest percentages in the United States.
Personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
Previous radiation to the abdomen or pelvis
Family history or certain genetic syndromes

The organization adds that while these risk factors are unavoidable, there are others that can be changed or improved through lifestyle, such as excess weight, smoking, alcohol use, type 2 diabetes, and a diet low in vegetables and high in red and processed meat.

According to the ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2024 report, approximately 55% of colorectal cancers can be caused by preventable risk factors such as diet, weight, smoking, and physical inactivity.

Rectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under age 50 in the United States, according to new evidence from the ACS released in January.

But the good news is that rectal cancer is often curable, especially if caught early, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“Treatment may begin with surgery to remove the cancer. If the cancer grows or spreads to other parts of the body, treatment may begin with drugs or radiation instead,” the clinic said, adding that treatment plans may also include chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy and palliative care.

Depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors, different types of treatments can be used in combination or in sequence, according to the ACS.

Nancy Pelosi supports JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg in House race

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February 10, 2026

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Nancy Pelosi supports JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg in House race

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Jack Schlossberg for the New York City House seat.
Mr. Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is running to replace retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler.
Pelosi praised Schlossberg as a leader who can serve the people and help Democrats regain the House majority.
Schlossberg announced his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District in November.

Mr. Schlossberg announced his support for President John F. Kennedy’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, in the intense race for a seat in the New York City House of Representatives.

After days of speculation, the Honorable Speaker is endorsing Schlossberg, the candidate said in a Feb. 10 post about X that expressed Pelosi’s long support.

“Speaker Pelosi is a national hero and an outstanding lawmaker. I am proud to have her support. She is the backbone of the Democratic Party. No one understands Congress like she does,” Schlossberg wrote. “I sat down with her and talked about NY12’s campaign and policy plans. She believes we can win.”

Pelosi said in a statement that she was proud to support Schlossberg.

“This is a critical moment for this country. Trust in our politics has been shattered and trust in our government has been weakened. This moment demands leaders who understand the stakes and how to serve our people,” Pelosi said. “Jack Schlossberg is that kind of leader. He’s a candidate for Congress that we’re all excited about and someone I’m proud to support.”

Schlossberg announced his candidacy in November and is seeking to replace retiring New York State Representative Jerry Nadler. Mr. Schlossberg, the only son of Caroline Kennedy, will serve parts of New York City if elected to succeed Mr. Nadler, the former chairman of the influential House Judiciary Committee, which currently represents New York’s 12th Congressional District.

Nadler is backing his former aide, Democratic New York Congressman Mika Lasher, to succeed him. Nadler said in a Feb. 9 video posted to X that Lasher is “better than the other players in every way.”

Mr. Schlossberg is also an estranged cousin of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a key ally of President Donald Trump. Schlossberg urged RFK Jr. to resign over his long history of promoting health misinformation and called his cousin a “threat to public health and America’s scientific leadership.”

Pelosi says Schlossberg is ‘the best representative of his generation’

Pelosi, who announced in a statement on February 10 that she would step down from her seat in Congress in January 2027, said Schlossberg represents “the best of my generation” and is smart, creative and driven.

Pelosi became the first woman to become Speaker of the House in 2007. The Democrat, who has led Democrats in the House for 20 years, added that a victory could help Democrats regain the House majority. Republicans currently hold a slim majority of 218 to 214. There are 3 empty seats.

“He has a deep sense of duty and a love for New York City and the 12th Ward where he grew up,” Pelosi said. “Jack is not only campaigning for Congress, he is reminding us of America’s Greatest Generation, once again calling us to public service and charting a new path forward.

“He’s connecting with people in new ways that really matter, so his candidacy will help Democrats win nationally and help flip the House,” Pelosi continued.

Pelosi says Schlossberg has the ability to bring all sides to the table

Pelosi praised Schlossberg, saying she understands that progress is not an abstract concept.

“I announced concrete policies to address the local challenges facing my district, including cost-cutting plans for grocery stores and families, housing policy, security measures for houses of worship, and tackling the flow of illegal guns at the federal level,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi said Schlossberg has the “grit and persuasion” to get policy passed in Congress and has “the ability to bring all sides to the table.”

Former House speaker says the country’s future depends on a new generation of leaders

Pelosi added that Schlossberg represents a new generation of leaders who bring “dynamic energy and optimism” and are “willing to do the hard work” to turn values into results.

“Jack has a unique ability to move between the digital world and the world of classic politics in a way that gets things done for people and holds President Trump accountable,” Pelosi said. “Those skills are very important right now, but they’re also very rare.”

Why do Olympic medals disappear? The list of athletes is long.

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February 10, 2026

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Why do Olympic medals disappear? The list of athletes is long.

Several Olympians have broken medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and the list is getting longer.

Within the first week of competition, at least six athletes broke their medals after winning an event. The list includes Americans Breezy Johnson, Alisa Liu and Jackie Wiles, Swedish cross-country skier Eva Andersson, Dutch skater Jutta Lierdam and German biathlete Justus Strelow.

“It’s definitely heavy. It’s heavier than I expected,” Johnson said after winning the Olympic downhill title. “I think that’s probably what caused it to break.”

On Tuesday, Wiles, one of the most recent Olympic athletes to be stripped of her medals, was asked if she would relinquish her medal after winning bronze in the women’s team combined event. “Probably to fix it,” Wiles said.

The increase in accidents points to a larger question: why so many medals are suddenly breaking.

According to guardiana detachment mechanism is attached to the cord of the medal. Apparently it’s required by law. The medal’s built-in system is designed to release when pulled with some force. Ultimately, this design is intended to prevent athletes from choking.

The Olympic Committee also appears to be aware of this problem.

“Following reports of an issue affecting a small number of medals, the organizing committee worked closely with the state mint where the medals were produced and immediately reviewed the issue,” an Olympic spokesperson recently told the media.

“A solution has been identified and a targeted fix has been implemented. Athletes whose medals were affected are encouraged to return them through the appropriate channels to ensure prompt repair and return.”

The payment deadline for 23andMe classes is February. Are you eligible?

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February 10, 2026

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The payment deadline for 23andMe classes is February. Are you eligible?

The deadline to submit a claim form for a settlement with 23andMe is approaching.

Millions of customers will receive a $50 million settlement over 23andMe’s customer data security breach in October 2023, with payments expected to be sent within weeks.

Here’s what you need to know about upcoming application deadlines and how to qualify.

When is the deadline to claim my portion of the 23andMe settlement?

The last day to submit a settlement claim form is Tuesday, February 17, according to the settlement website.

Eligible customers received an email this month from the class action settlement administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration LCC. Some customers may be eligible for payments of up to $10,000 if their charges are “abnormal.”

What is the origin of the 23andMe settlement?

23andMe’s database was breached and the personal information of approximately 6.4 million U.S. residents was stolen. The company announced the breach on October 6, 2023.

This Class Notice was originally filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and is currently pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

23andMe’s settlement website states that the company denies wrongdoing. Still, 23andMe agreed to a settlement to avoid a trial. The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 and is currently undergoing Chapter 11 proceedings. The company later changed its brand name to “Chrome.”

Who is eligible for the 23andMe settlement?

Anyone who was a customer between May 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023, resides in the United States, and receives a notification from 23andMe that their personal information has been breached during that period will be considered a member of the Settlement Class.

A class action lawsuit settlement could make people eligible for cash payments and other benefits. This includes up to $10,000 for special claims, up to $165 for health information claims, an estimated $100 for statutory cash claims, and five years of privacy, medical shield and genetic monitoring.

How do I file a claim?

Claims can be made from the payment site.

Michelle Del Rey is a popular news reporter. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.

Democratic governor to boycott White House dinner after refusing invitation

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February 10, 2026

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Democratic governor to boycott White House dinner after refusing invitation

Democratic governors plan to boycott the White House dinner after two of their colleagues were excluded.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis were not invited to the National Governors Association event.
White House officials said the president reserves the right to invite anyone he wishes to the dinner.

WASHINGTON – Democratic governors across the country announced they would boycott a meeting at the White House after President Donald Trump signaled he would exclude two of their colleagues from the historic bipartisan annual gathering.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis were not invited to a dinner sponsored by the National Governors Association, a bipartisan group of leaders from all 50 states, scheduled to be held in Washington from February 19-21.

In a statement to USA TODAY, more than half a dozen Democrats slammed President Trump’s decision, calling it the latest example of an administration in disarray.

“Democratic governors have a long track record of working across the aisle to get results, and we remain fully committed to this effort,” the group of 18 governors said. “But it is unfortunate that the current administration does not seem to share the same goals. President Trump is creating chaos and division at every turn, and the American people are hurting as a result.”

“If reports are true that not all governors have been invited to these events, which have historically been opportunities for productive and bipartisan cooperation, then there will be no White House dinners this year. Democratic governors remain united and will never stop fighting to protect the people of their states and improve their lives.”

Democratic governors boycotting the event include a number of rumored 2028 presidential candidates, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. So do leaders like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the group’s vice chair, and California’s Gavin Newsom. JB Pritzker of Illinois and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

Some other state leaders who have been at odds with the Trump administration on a variety of issues, including sending the National Guard and immigration agents to their states, also signed the statement, including Minnesota’s Tim Walz.

Others who announced they would not attend the White House dinner include Tony Evers of Wisconsin, Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Kathy Hochul of New York, Laura Kelly of Kansas, Ned Lamont of Kansas, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Dan McKee of Rhode Island, Matt Meyer of Delaware, Janet Mills of Maine, and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey.

Democratic congressmen Moore and Polis, who were removed by President Trump, are also boycotting.

A White House official told USA TODAY earlier this week that many Democratic members of Congress were invited to the dinner, but “no other members were invited,” adding that the president has the right to “invite whomever he wants.”

Trump clashed with Moore last year over the president’s threat to send the National Guard to Baltimore, and at one point suggested he might withhold funds to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

President Trump has repeatedly attacked Polis and punished Colorado over the state’s incarceration of Tina Peters. A former county clerk in Colorado has been convicted of multiple charges for allowing someone to access secure voting system data for the purpose of proving a baseless 2020 election conspiracy.

In recent weeks, President Trump has blocked completion of a major water pipeline in Colorado, pulled state subsidies and moved to dismantle a major climate research center.

This story will be updated.

Six more suspects identified in redacted Jeffrey Epstein documents: Lawmakers

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February 10, 2026

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Six more suspects identified in redacted Jeffrey Epstein documents: Lawmakers

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said the department found the name among millions of unreleased records that lawmakers authorized to begin an investigation on Feb. 9.

WASHINGTON – The two congressmen who led the effort to force the Justice Department to release more documents about suspected sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein say they have discovered at least six more alleged accomplices.

On February 9, the department began allowing lawmakers to review millions of records that remain classified. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said they had discovered additional suspects among the names left blacked out in published records.

“What we want are the men that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women to. We want their names to be made public,” Massey told reporters. “Within two hours, we discovered six men whose names had been redacted who were involved in the way the files were presented.”

The revelation is part of the latest standoff between Congress and the Justice Department over the release of millions of documents about Epstein that remain classified. Future Congressional hearings and depositions will focus on what has been kept secret for years.

In November, Congress approved legislation directing the department to release all files on Mr. Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Lawmakers and associates who accused Epstein of abuse are aiming to go after his colleague Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence, as well as other powerful businessmen and political leaders who may have colluded with him.

The ministry released 3.5 million out of 6 million documents. Lawmakers are pressing the department to find out why names other than those who have accused of abuse are blacked out in the records, and why the remaining 2.5 million people are not made public.

The six men Massey said were “probably guilty” for inclusion in the records (some with photos) had been redacted for no apparent reason.

“There’s no explanation as to why,” Khanna said. “That’s really concerning.”

Lawmakers said part of the problem with the lingering redaction issue is that FBI or grand jury documents arrive at the department in a redacted state. But lawmakers said the department is required by law to release those records without redactions.

“They need to do their homework,” Massey said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on February 11, and Massey said she plans to ask about the secrets on the record.

One previously redacted 2019 FBI document named Les Wexner, Epstein’s financial client and former CEO of Victoria’s Secret, as a possible co-conspirator. Massey questioned why Wexner’s name was redacted, but Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche removed the redaction.

Blanche said the documents listed the names of numerous people who accused Epstein of abuse.

“We just removed Les Wexner’s name from this document, but his name already appears thousands of times in the file,” Blanche said on social media. “The Department of Justice is not hiding anything.”

Mr. Wexner has not been accused of wrongdoing and has not spoken publicly about his relationship with Mr. Epstein. However, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee scheduled his deposition for February 18th.

Massey found another document with four of the 18 redacted names of men born before 1970. Ms Massey said the department needed to explain why the names were hidden.

Blanche said the documents contained the names of numerous people who had accused Epstein of abuse.

“We have just removed all names other than the victim from this document,” Blanche said on social media. “The Department of Justice is committed to transparency.”

Michael Bay sued for $1.5 million over Cadillac F1 Super Bowl ad

Economy

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February 10, 2026

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Michael Bay sued for .5 million over Cadillac F1 Super Bowl ad

GM unveiled the livery version last month at a packed Detroit Free Press Breakfast Club event at its New World headquarters in Detroit.
The livery reveal was GM’s second ad during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

General Motors unveiled the livery of the Cadillac F1 team’s first car in a television commercial that will air during the Super Bowl, one of the most expensive times of the day. However, before the broadcast, the team was hit with a lawsuit.

Cadillac has spent a lot of money to make its long-awaited F1 debut as the 11th expansion team at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this year.

The one-minute spot unveiled the vehicle during a 60-minute broadcast from LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Tolis said in an interview that the brand spent up to $20 million for the slot.

On the other hand, advertising costs could be even higher. Within 24 hours of airing, the commercial was sued by Hollywood director Michael Bay. As first reported by The Athletic and Rolling Stone, the “Transformers” and “Armageddon” director filed a $1.5 million breach of contract and fraud lawsuit in Los Angeles on February 6, alleging that his ideas were used without compensation in advertising.

The commercial appears to liken the creation of the F1 vehicle to the Space Race by highlighting an image of the F1 vehicle and a portion of a 1961 speech given by President John F. Kennedy discussing plans to land Americans on the moon by the end of 1961.

Watch the commercial here:

A statement from a Cadillac F1 Team spokesperson emailed to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, said the creative team behind the ad was in fact in talks with Bay to coach.

“However, after two meetings, it became clear that he would not be able to fit into our schedule and ultimately there was no way forward. It is unclear why he would bring this allegation forward as the concept and creative had already been developed and we were only exploring him as a director,” the statement said.

The ad had not yet been published at the time of the lawsuit, but the Cadillac F1 team called it “unusual.”

“We are confident that this matter will be resolved appropriately. Nevertheless, we still admire Michael Bay’s creative talent and welcome the opportunity to work together in the future,” the statement concludes. The ad was instead directed by Sam Piring, the company said.

According to GM, this year’s Super Bowl was expected to draw more than 130 million viewers. A replica of the Cadillac F1 team car was unveiled in Times Square on Sunday night as the black-and-white livery was unveiled on television.

The team released an updated statement purportedly from Torris, saying the team has great respect for Bey and is disappointed in the lawsuit.

“Indeed, all the creative was completed long before we spoke to him. We wanted to discuss with him his role as director rather than extracting creative ideas from him. The group we worked with did a great job in developing everything, so we are confident that everything will be resolved amicably,” he said. “But from our standpoint, last night was a great success. We’re very proud of the work that was done. That’s all I can say about it.”

The Detroit automaker ramped up excitement for its first-ever F1 car by unveiling a livery version last month at a sold-out Detroit Free Press Breakfast Club event amid a drizzle of fog at its New World headquarters in Detroit.

The vehicle, which GM’s F1 team called “shakedown livery” on the X, was a preliminary rendering of the brand’s actual F1 car.

This was the second ad GM ran during Sunday’s Super Bowl. During pregame coverage, Chevrolet aired a new commercial that is a “modern take” on the brand’s ad, “See the USA in Your Chevrolet,” sung by the late legendary entertainer and television host Dinah Shore.

The updated commercial features the same song, but sung by up-and-coming country singer Brooke Lee, known for her songs “Dandelion” (featuring Lukas Nelson) and “So Beautiful.”

Broadcasting during the pregame show is cheaper than the actual show. A 30-second commercial during Super Bowl 60 averaged about $8 million, said Mike Marshall, head of global advertising at NBCUniversal, who cited that number on a podcast last month.

Staff Writer Liam Rapley cContributed to this report. Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Contact me at jcharniga@freepress.com.

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Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said the department found the name among millions of unreleased records that lawmakers authorized to begin an investigation on Feb. 9.

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