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Howard Lutnick: ‘I have nothing to hide’ about Jeffrey Epstein

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Howard Lutnick: ‘I have nothing to hide’ about Jeffrey Epstein

Mr. Lutnick is one of several influential business and political leaders whose ties to Mr. Epstein were revealed by the release of Justice Department documents related to the Epstein investigation.

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WASHINGTON – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told a Senate committee that he has nothing to hide about his meetings with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, but senators said previous evasive explanations have hurt his credibility.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said Lutnick previously told Congress that he cut ties with his New York townhouse neighbor in 2005 after Epstein used sexual innuendos to describe the massage table in his room.

But documents released by the Justice Department show about a dozen emails mentioning Lutnick, including a reference to a lunch on Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean where minors have accused him of abusing them.

“Mr. Secretary, that calls into question your fitness for your current job and your credibility on this committee and in Congress,” Van Hollen said.

According to the new files, Lutnick met with Epstein on the island on December 23, 2012. But Lutnick said his wife, four children and their nanny were also in attendance. He said he could not remember why they were on Little St. James Island but saw no inappropriate behavior.

“I have nothing to hide,” Lutnick said.

Lutnick said a year and a half later, he had an hour-long meeting with Epstein at 5 p.m., but that was it. He said the emails mentioning him were insignificant among the millions of documents released.

“I had nothing to do with him,” said Lutnick, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein. “I had little to do with that person.”

The documents mentioning Lutnick are among 3.5 million documents released by the Justice Department under recent legislation. But the department is withholding an additional 2.5 million documents, which some lawmakers and those who have accused Epstein of abuse say could cover up accomplices.

Mr. Lutnick is one of several influential business and political leaders featured in the record, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

American Maxim Naumov overcame the unspeakable death of his parents to compete in the Olympics

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American Maxim Naumov overcame the unspeakable death of his parents to compete in the Olympics

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MILAN — After Maxim Naumov finished fourth in the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships for the third year in a row, his father Vadim wanted to come up with a strategy.

Vadim and Maxim’s mother, Evgenia Shishkova, a two-time Olympic pairs skater who represented Russia, knew next year was a big year for Maxim, with the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner.

The patriarch made plans for the rest of the season. It’s time to change your mindset and approach. Increase consistency and increase resilience. He explained in detail what they were going to do, how they would do it, and when it would happen. It was an emotional and productive 45 minute conversation.

It ended up being one of the last conversations they had together.

Days later, Vadim and Shishkova were among 67 people killed in a mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. They were among figure skating coaches, young athletes, and 28 parents returning from a training camp. It was an unimaginable tragedy, and Naumov didn’t know if he would ever be able to skate again.

“At that moment, all I wanted to do was basically lie in bed or on the couch and just rot,” Naumov said.

he thought about what to do. After a few months, he decided to return to the ice. He had hoped to play in the 2025-26 season.

His main support system and coach were gone and he had to start from scratch. How can we overcome such a sense of loss?

He remembered his father’s words. “Have the strength to bounce back.”

Naumov continued. He is currently representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics. After a whirlwind year, the 24-year-old from Norwood, Massachusetts, will be living in Milan Cortina, fulfilling a family dream that began when he was 5 years old. He carries the memories, love, and guidance of his parents with him on his journey.

back to skating

Naumov did not compete until eight months after the crash. He finished 9th in the 2025 Copa Lombardy event and had the same position at the French Grand Prix. He then received a big boost by winning the 2025 Ice Challenge and taking first place at the senior level for the first time in his career.

It gave him the confidence to go into the 2026 U.S. Championships with a spot in the Olympics on the line. Ilya Marinin was already considered to be on the national team, and Naumov was considered for one of the final two events, but was not the favorite.

Everyone at the national convention knew his story and wanted him to succeed. That’s why there was a roaring cheer when he took to the ice to warm up for his short program. He gave a moving performance that night. And while he admitted it wasn’t perfect, it was pretty and Naumov earned a standing ovation.

When he got off the ice, he held up a photo of himself at about 3 years old, holding hands with his mom and dad, the first time he put on his skates and stood on the ice. She kissed the photo and broke down in tears when she received the provisional first place score.

“I really wanted them to be part of Kiss and Cry,” he said. “So it’s a very important moment.”

Listen to “Milan Magic” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the full episode on YouTube or USA TODAY.

He ended up taking fourth place heading into the free skate, giving him a chance to not only finish in the top three but also make the Olympic team.

Naumov brought many photos of his parents to the national competition, and the night before the free skate, he picked one up and sat with it in his chair for nearly 20 minutes. It was a heart-to-heart moment with his parents before the biggest night of his life.

“It’s not like, ‘Look how far we’ve come, look at what we’ve done, look at all the sacrifices we’ve made.'” Everything we’ve been through, everything we’ve planned is coming true, and tomorrow is the day we accomplish it, he said. “It was an emotional night for me.”

Naumov needed a strong performance in the free skate. Although he did what he needed to do, there were three skaters left and he fell short of Andrew Trogashev. Then everything unraveled for the others. Jason Brown, who was thought to be the favorite to win the Olympics, had a disastrous result that ruined his chances. Second place Tomoki Hiwatari struggled. Naumov was guaranteed a top-three finish, but his dream was just hours away.

“I needed some time to myself. I took a step back and just sobbed. I cried like my eyes were peeled out,” he said.

He felt he had done everything he could to qualify for the Olympics, and it paid off, with Naumov making the squad along with Marinin and Tolgashev.

This year, the U.S. Figure Skating Association directly informed skaters of their place on the Olympic team, so the joy was even greater when USFS Chief Performance Officer Justin Dillon was the one to deliver the news.

“I know that for Max, this was a year where he really worked towards making that dream a reality,” Dillon said. “There are going to be a lot of memories about the selection of the people that were selected for the team.”

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Father of late figure skater remembers her achievements one year later

Andy Beyer, whose 12-year-old daughter Brielle and wife died on Flight 5342 a year ago, remembers the impact his daughter had on his life and the lives of others.

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Telling stories “until I literally can’t tell anymore”

Naumov brought back to Milan many memories with his parents. He said he tries to allocate 30 minutes to an hour each week to have some space and reconnect. It has been exactly over a year since Naumov was on the ice for the short program on February 10th and the free skate on February 12th.

Now on the world stage, Naumov knows he will be asked many times about his parents. It can be annoying or upsetting to talk about it too much. It can be painful to have to relive and remember what happened. But this is not the case with Naumov.

Yes, there are some parts that are difficult to talk about. But in the end, Naumov considers it a privilege. He wants people to be moved by his story, and he plans to share it until he can’t anymore.

“It’s such a blessing to have the opportunity to share this story…It has to be like my voice comes out until I literally can’t speak any more,” he said. “My intention is to share it as much as possible, because not only do they deserve all the praise and recognition, but the fact that I wouldn’t be here without them. It’s also about being an inspiration to other athletes and other people in general.”

Naumov’s programs are emotional and will touch the hearts of his audience. As Tolgashev said, you can see Naumov “fighting for everything, just putting blood, sweat and tears into every performance, giving it his all.”

The year started with loss and ended with parents living the dream they wanted for their son. And it all started with my last conversation with my mom and dad.

“All the sacrifices, time and dedication my parents and I put into this dream,” Naumov said. “We really, really pulled it off together.”

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Audrey Weisiger talks about the skaters of Flight 5342

Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weissiger spoke to Christine Brennan at Milan Magic about the children who lost their lives on Flight 5342 last year.

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Conversation with Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Melissa Long

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Conversation with Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Melissa Long

In November, state court reportBrennan Center for Justice, and Northwestern University Law Overview He hosted a symposium on the state constitution. Several state Supreme Court justices who participated in the program agreed to brief interviews. state court report” is published as a series.

Judge Melissa Long was appointed to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in 2021, becoming the state’s first Black high court judge. She previously served as an associate judge on the Rhode Island Superior Court. Before joining the bench, Mr. Long held several positions in the Rhode Island government, including deputy secretary of state.

In an interview, Mr. Long talked about how state courts can educate and serve the public, increase trust in democratic institutions, and seek innovative solutions.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

When you were in law school, what did you think your career as a lawyer would look like?

When you think about it, it’s very interesting because it’s completely different from what I imagined.

My parents were once in the military, and public service was part of my DNA. I wanted to live in the Washington, DC area and do some kind of public service work. I had a five-year plan. Immediately after graduating from law school, I worked as a clerk in a state court and gained litigation experience handling civil litigation at the Fairfax County Attorney’s Office before thinking about changing direction. My dream was to work for the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Protection Bureau. At the time, they were trying to get around the misleading Joe Camel ads about encouraging kids to smoke, and I thought that’s what I wanted to do.

But I met a really nice guy from Rhode Island in a law school class (and we ended up getting married). Then, about four years into that five-year plan, we decided to move to Rhode Island. When I was a child, I moved around the world (due to my parents’ military service). I thought I’d go to Rhode Island and live there for a couple of years and see how it goes. Obviously, it took.

This move forced me to think deeply about what I wanted to achieve through my work in public service. If you think about the values ​​that are important to you and the jobs that serve those values, you might be surprised at where you end up.

What advice do you wish you had received when you were a law student?

One of the things I often tell undergraduates is to take some time between undergrad and law school to understand the world and the context of what you’re going to learn. I went straight from undergrad to law school. I was the first generation in my family to go to law school, and when I came to law school in the early ’90s, a lot of people were getting great jobs and doing all sorts of incredible things. For me, fresh out of undergrad, it felt a little scary.

And to all law students: Believe in yourself, you will get through this. Especially if you entered law school on the younger side without previously having a job. Are you okay. You don’t need to know everything.

How are the challenges faced by law students different from those you have experienced?

A report from Tufts University, Protect Democracy, and the Center for Information Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows that Gen Zers experience democracy today and share a deep skepticism about it. I think this is a great challenge because our work, legal institutions in constitutional democracies, and norms of professional responsibility depend on public participation and support to maintain authority. So if you have a generation of young people who are skeptical of democracy, that poses a challenge for the legal institutions that these young lawyers belong to.

We must restore and strengthen our lost faith in the rule of law. One of the report’s recommendations is that we need to learn from Gen Z and Millennials what works, what helps them believe in democracy, believe in the rule of law, and believe in the legal system. They are the experts of their generation.

What are some of the challenges facing state courts?

It’s the feeling of people who don’t necessarily think that the courts are going to help them. Not only young people but also people’s trust in our country’s democratic system is being shaken. Data also shows that women and people of color do not believe courts are accountable and transparent. Here, I want to return to the roots of my education at George Mason University. George Mason was one of the Founding Fathers and there is a great quote he wrote in 1776. “In times like these, it is everyone’s duty to contribute their interests to the public service.” This is true today. You need to figure out how to roll up your sleeves. I am a strong believer in public engagement.

I believe that judges are educators. That’s our opinion. But I can’t just stay on the court and expect people to read all my opinions and understand democracy that way. We need to go out and educate because only a certain few people read our opinions. That’s absolutely something that state judges can do because we come from these communities and we know these communities.

This also ties in with the fact that Rhode Island judges have lifetime terms. If we are not elected or re-elected by the people (which is a check on the accountability that exists in other states for judges facing voters), we have a greater responsibility to go out and participate in the sharing of knowledge about what state courts are doing.

More than 95% of all lawsuits are filed in state court. We are committed to innovating to solve people’s problems. That kind of person comes to court, right? People with problems. I don’t know if people realize that we innovate to solve problems. How can we help them understand that? We have to do our part to educate them.

The good news for state courts is that the situation is better than in federal courts. The National Center for State Courts has been surveying court users going back to probably 2014. In the 2010s, that number was much higher than it is now, but then it started to decline around 2020. And now we’re seeing an increase again. So it’s great news that we’re working to help people trust our organization.

What do you enjoy about being a state judge?

Oh, I feel so lucky to be able to go to work and do my job every day. It goes back to my desire to become a civil servant. People who come to court are often at the lowest point in their lives. We are a forum for them to tell their stories. Our job, ultimately, is to listen to people’s stories, apply the rule of law to those stories, and explain to people why the law prescribes certain outcomes.

That’s a huge responsibility. I have always been interested in public service, so I feel that this is a job I could never have imagined when I was a law student. I used to be a judge, and I certainly feel that way in cases like this because there are people in front of me. It’s a little bit more difficult at the appellate level because there’s so much paper, but one of the things I would say to law clerks is that you have to remember that this is people’s stories. These are not abstract concepts or constructs.

What is the most memorable opinion you have attended?

What I am saying is that every case is important to the litigants. Must remember that.

That being said, one of my more memorable observations was an agreement in which I wrote: State vs. Garciaa 2024 lawsuit focused on jury selection. Over the past almost 40 years, we have Batson It refers to a framework for determining whether peremptory challenges to strike people of color from jurors is discriminatory, but it doesn’t work.

In general, a lack of jury diversity is a problem. How can we get a diverse group of people to attend the jury system? I also wrote a consent form in How do I ensure a diverse jury once the jury is present? garcia I don’t know what the solution is, but I need to think of a solution.

I was really fascinated by the number of state courts and judges thinking about state law issues. Batson framework. Our sister state, Connecticut, is working hard to find a solution, working with the administration’s task force on jury selection, which is studying this issue. inside me garcia I’ll tell you what a great idea it is.

This is memorable to me because it’s an important problem that we need to solve as a country, and there are states that have interesting ideas that are worth pursuing.

What do you wish more people understood about state courts and the Constitution?

Justice in this country is administered in state courts. The huge numbers speak for themselves. So, get to know your state courts. Learn about state courts, find out what happens there, and find ways you can get involved. And attend jury service!

Gabriela Sanchez is a staff writer and editor at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Recommended citation: Gabriela Sanchez Conversation with Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Melissa LongSᴛᴀᴛᴇ Cᴏᴜʀᴛ Rᴇᴘᴏʀᴛ (February 9, 2026), https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/conversation-rhode-island-supreme-court-justice-melissa-long

How gum health relates to overall health and longevity

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How gum health relates to overall health and longevity

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From anti-aging skin treatments to diets optimized for longevity, longevity is all the rage. But while you may be paying attention to the food you put in your mouth, are you paying enough attention to your mouth itself?

Experts say your gums (yes, that often-overlooked part of your dental hygiene routine) can have a big impact on your overall health and may be aging you faster than you think.

Dr. Jason Auerbach, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon known on social media as @bloodytoothguy, told USA TODAY, “More and more people are viewing the mouth as the gateway to the body and are understanding that oral health and overall health are not only correlated, but actually cause and effect.”

What is periodontal disease? How does it relate to health?

Periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontitis, is a systemic inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth.

“It’s basically an infection, but it’s causing a significant amount of inflammation, and it’s that inflammation that’s really of concern,” Auerbach said. “We know that patients with Alzheimer’s disease and chronic soft tissue inflammation are at increased risk for cognitive decline.”

Auerbach explained that as inflammation progresses, blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow to organs such as the brain and heart.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees that untreated periodontitis can worsen chronic conditions such as diabetes. Other symptoms associated with periodontal disease include an increased risk of heart disease, respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, and even certain cancers, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

“Researchers found that men with periodontal disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancer,” the organization’s website states.

A recent study conducted in Japan also showed a correlation between the number of restored and healthy teeth and a significantly longer lifespan compared to edentulous patients.

“In other words, the health of your entire mouth, not just the health of your gums and soft tissues, determines the health of your entire body,” he says.

How to prevent oral inflammation

It may seem obvious, but proper oral hygiene prevents oral inflammation that can lead to overall health problems. This includes cleaning your teeth regularly, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing. Auerbach calls this step “very important,” but says patients don’t do it “as much as they should.” “These are strategies that most patients can and should use to catch it really early and stay healthy as long as possible,” he said.

When it comes to oral hygiene habits, “consistency is much more important than perfection,” he added.

Don’t give up because of bleeding gums (a sign that you’re not flossing enough) or concerns about technique.

“The key is to get started and keep doing it every day,” he said. “Pick up some floss or use a water flosser.”

Can introverts really be effective leaders?

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Can introverts really be effective leaders?

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
| USA TODAY Special Feature

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, and author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.

Have a question? Please submit here.

question: I’m an introvert and prefer quiet work and one-on-one interaction. I’ve been encouraged to pursue a supervisor role, but I’m not sure if my personality fits into the traditional mindset of a manager. Can introverts really be effective leaders? – Jordan

answer: In short, yes! Introverts can be highly effective leaders, and many already are. One of the most persistent myths in the workplace is that managers must be loud, visible, or the most vocal person in the room.

There is no single personality type that defines great leadership. Anyone who says otherwise clearly hasn’t spent much time in leadership. It’s not about how much you talk, it’s about how well you listen, how clearly you set expectations, and how consistently you follow through.

I say this from personal experience. I’m an introvert. Leadership didn’t change that, and it didn’t require me to become someone I wasn’t. What was needed was self-awareness. That means knowing how you recharge, knowing your limits, and managing your energy intentionally. Leaders who ignore this reality, especially introverts, are more likely to burn out. People who respect them tend to be successful.

Equal treatment: Does your employee’s disability warrant special treatment? Ask Johnny

Strong managers, regardless of their nature, share the same core strengths. They provide clarity. They give timely feedback. They address the problem directly. They create an environment where people know what success looks like and believe they can achieve it. None of that depends on where you fall on the introversion/extroversion spectrum. It’s all about consistency, accountability, and follow-through.

In fact, introverts often excel at one-on-one leadership, one of the most important aspects of management. Employees are more likely to open up when they feel heard rather than talked to. Quiet leaders often build trust faster because they ask thoughtful questions and listen without rushing to fill the silence.

That being said, there are demands for leadership. It requires emotional energy, decision-making under pressure, and a willingness to have uncomfortable conversations. Introverts are not given these responsibilities. The key is to learn how to manage the load. Build recovery time into your schedule. Set boundaries whenever possible. Don’t confuse availability with effectiveness.

I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that ignoring these personal needs comes at a cost. Burnout doesn’t make you a better leader. It’s important to respect your limits.

Also, if you choose to move into a management position, don’t try to take on a leadership role like everyone else. Be intentional and be yourself. Organizations don’t need a universal leadership style. They need leaders who know who they are, understand their impact, and take responsibility for how they act.

Introversion is not a hindrance to effective leadership. It’s a lack of self-awareness.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

Self-promotion: How do you deal with employees who exaggerate their accomplishments? Ask Johnny

Judge blocks California ban on mask wearing for federal employees

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Judge blocks California ban on mask wearing for federal employees

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A federal judge has blocked a new law in California that would prohibit federal immigration agents and other law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings.

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to rescind the ban in November 2025 after it was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September. In a Feb. 9 ruling, U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder preliminarily invalidated that law and upheld another California law that requires federal employees to show identification while performing their official duties.

The Trump administration hailed the ruling as a victory, with Attorney General Pam Bondi calling it “an important victory for the court.” The Justice Department argued in its lawsuit that immigration officials “face a real threat of criminal charges from state authorities who have demonstrated an intent to target federal employees and obstruct federal law enforcement operations, including federal immigration enforcement.”

“These federal employees are routinely harassed, compromised, obstructed, and attacked just doing their jobs, and we cannot tolerate this,” Bondi said in a Feb. 9 statement.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also called the ruling upholding the ID law a “clear victory for the rule of law,” saying, “No badge, no name means no accountability.”

more: Safety measures? Or intimidation tactics? Masked ICE agents spark controversy

Snyder said in his ruling that the federal government would likely prove the mask ban unconstitutional because it treats state employees differently than federal employees. The law included local law enforcement officers and federal employees, but not state employees.

The ruling comes amid heightened political tensions over President Donald Trump’s surge in immigration enforcement in primarily Democratic-led states and cities. The administration recently announced the resignation of hundreds of immigration officials following weeks of protests across the country after federal agents shot and killed two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Preti, in Minneapolis. In videos and photos, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents are routinely seen wearing face coverings while conducting operations, making arrests, and clashing with protesters.

Los Angeles has also been the target of increased immigration enforcement, with protests erupting last summer that sometimes turned violent.

more: White House negotiating with Democrats on DHS reform as deadline approaches

State Sen. Scott Wiener, who introduced the mask ban, said in a statement that he would introduce a new bill targeting state employees, saying the ruling shows California has the right to prevent employees from wearing face coverings when state employees are involved.

“Today’s federal court ruling is a huge victory. The court has ruled that the courts have the authority to protect our communities by prohibiting employees, including federal employees, from wearing masks, thereby instilling fear and evading accountability,” said Weiner, a Democrat whose law enforcement district is San Francisco.

“ICE and Border Patrol are maximizing their terrorist activities and covering their faces to avoid accountability. We are not going to let them get away with it,” Wiener said.

Contributed by: Reuters

Today’s Winter Olympics live updates, schedule and where to watch

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Today’s Winter Olympics live updates, schedule and where to watch

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MILAN — The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature some high-profile competition on Tuesday, with cross-country skier Ben Ogden winning silver in the men’s sprint classic, Alex Hall winning silver in the slopestyle skiing final, Jackie Wiles and Paula Molzan taking bronze in the alpine team combined, and curling mixed doubles team Corey Dropkin and Corey Teece competing in the gold medal match against Sweden.

Elsewhere, figure skating will advance to the men’s singles competition, with Ilya Marinin, Maxim Naumov and Andrew Tolgashev scheduled to skate the short program.

In the preliminary round game, USA women’s hockey will face bitter rival Canada in what is expected to be a prelude to the gold medal game.

USA TODAY Sports brings you the latest information and highlights from all the action in Italy. follow me.

Watch the Winter Olympics on Peacock

Mikaela Shiffrin had money in her hand, and suddenly it disappeared.

After teammate Breezy Johnson put the U.S. team in front with a spectacular downhill run that left the women’s alpine team in last place in skiing, Shiffrin relinquished her advantage and finished fourth.

Shiffrin and Johnson’s disappointment meant that for the lesser-known American duo of Jackie Wiles and Paula Molzan, they took the bronze medal by less than a second over their fellow Americans.

The German team of Kira Weidl-Winkelmann and Emma Eicher won the gold medal.

Team USA won its first medal in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

American cross-country skier Ben Ogden won the silver medal in the men’s Sprint Classic, finishing within a second of Norwegian star Johannes Hesfrot-Klaevo in a time of 3:40.61. Norway’s Oskar Opstad Wike won the bronze medal with a time of 3:46.55.

Ogden’s silver medal ended a nearly 50-year lack of Olympic medals for American men. He became the second American man to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing, and the first to reach the podium since Bill Koch won silver in the 30 km at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck. — sidney henderson

Lindsey Vonn is feeling well enough to text with friends.

Italian ski star Sofia Goggia, one of Vonn’s close friends, said on Tuesday that she and Vonn had exchanged text messages the day before.

“I feel really sorry for her. She didn’t deserve this,” Goggia said after falling during the downhill portion of the team combined event. Goggia won bronze in the individual downhill two days earlier and lit the cauldron in Cortina during the opening ceremony.

Vonn suffered a compound tibia fracture in Sunday’s Olympic downhill accident and will require multiple surgeries, she said. Goggia said Bong subsequently underwent a second surgery.

“I feel really sorry for her,” Goggia said. “I feel the pain she carries within herself.” − Nancy Armor

American cross-country skier Jesse Diggins was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Sprint Classic, the same event in which she won a medal at the 2022 Beijing Games.

Diggins finished fourth out of six competitors in his quarterfinal heat with a time of 3:59.33. In the Sprint Classic, the top two finishers from five different quarterfinal rounds advance to the semifinals, plus two “lucky losers” with the fastest times who did not qualify to qualify. Julia Kahn of the United States was one of the “lucky losers” who made it through, but she finished in last place as Sweden dominated the podium.

The result ended Diggins’ streak of finishing in the top 10 in all six women’s events in 2018 and 2022. − Sidney Henderson

The first gold medal in short track speed skating goes to the host nation.

The Italian team won the mixed team relay, defeating favorites Canada in the final and extending their silver medal win in 2022. The Chinese team had an early lead, but Italy made a comeback near the midfield, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Canada was far behind and was able to close the gap as the final lap approached, but the Italians were unable to take the lead and crossed the finish line strongly.

Italy won the gold medal, Canada the silver medal and Belgium the bronze medal. China, which won gold in this event in 2022, failed to reach the podium. — jordan mendoza

Even though the Olympics are different, the U.S. results in the short track speed skating mixed team relay are the same. In the semi-finals, he suffered a fall and did not advance to the finals.

In fact, the U.S. took an early lead thanks to some quick work from Kristen Santos-Griswol. However, just like in the quarterfinals, Corinne Stoddard crashed on lap 12 and was not bailed out this time. It set the team back far too far to recover.

The finish is similar to what happened at the first edition in 2022, when the U.S. received a penalty in the semifinals, preventing them from competing for a podium spot.

The U.S. team finished last in the event and will be skating in Final B, meaning they have no chance of winning a medal, just competing for position. — jordan mendoza

LIVIGNO, Italy — Two American athletes advanced to the finals during the first stage of men’s moguls qualifying at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, with Nick Page (fifth, 77.50) and Dylan Walczyk (seventh, 76.67) topping the top-10 cut line.

The two other American skiers in the field, Charlie Mikel (11th place, 75.31 seconds) and Landon Wendler (12th place, 75.08 seconds), narrowly missed qualifying initially but could still advance to the second stage.

Japan’s Ikuma Horishima took first place in the qualifying round with a score of 85.42 points, giving him a lead of nearly six points over the rest of the competitors. Of the 30 qualifying players, Team USA had four of the top 12.

The men’s mogul final will be held in Livigno on February 12th. — gentry estes

Let’s talk about last moments of hope.

It looked like the United States was finished in the short track team relay when Corinne Stoddard’s tag mistake sent them to last place. Fortunately, Japan and France each experienced late crashes, paving the way for Team USA.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, they jumped to second place and advanced to the semi-finals behind Korea. — jordan mendoza

The U.S. team is in a good position to win multiple medals in the women’s team combined event, which pairs two skiers, one downhill and one slalom.

Breezy Johnson, who won the women’s downhill two days ago to give the United States its first medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, will set the fastest time today, handing the lead to superstar Mikaela Shiffrin.

Johnson finished in 1:36.59, topping the leaderboard by 0.06 seconds over Austria’s Ariane Laidler. Italy’s Laura Pirovano posted the third downhill result, 0.27 behind Johnson, pushing the hosts into the medal range.

American Jackies Wiles dropped 0.45 seconds back to fourth place and will be replaced by Paula Molzahn, a very strong technical skier. Keely Cashman finished 21st, making way for AJ Hart. Bella Wright’s crash means she and Nina O’Brien are done. — nancy armor

The United States will send an athlete to the quarterfinals of the men’s short track speed skating 1,000 meters, with Clayton DeClemente advancing.

The first-time Olympian had a close race in the heat and looked like he might miss the cut, but a tangle between Stephen Dubois (Canada) and Niall Treacy (Great Britain) resulted in a fall. This paved the way for Declemente and Japan’s Kazuki Yoshinaga to run the rest of the way, with Declemente finishing second.

Another American skater, Brandon Kim, was unable to advance. He maintained a slight lead towards the end of the race, but suddenly fell back to 4th place and was eliminated. He was then penalized for hitting another skater. — jordan mendoza

Today’s Olympic schedule

  • 2am: Luge – Women’s Doubles Official Training 5th and 6th | Cortina Sliding Center (Cortina)
  • 2:53am: Luge – Men’s Doubles Official Training Runs 5 and 6 | Cortina Sliding Center (Cortina)
  • 3am: Nordic Combined – Normal Hill Official Training 2 | Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium (Predazzo)
  • 4:30am: Short Track Speed ​​Skating | Milan Ice Skating Arena (Milan)
    • Women’s 500m heats, 4:30 a.m.
    • Men’s 1000m heats, 5:08am
    • Mixed Team Relay Quarterfinals + Semifinals, 5:53am & 6:23am
    • Mixed Relay Final B, 6:48am
    • Mixed Relay Final A, 6:56am | medal event
  • 4:30am: Alpine Skiing – Women’s Team Combined Downhill | Tofane Alpine Ski Center (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
  • 5am: Skeleton – Women’s Official Training Heats 3 & 4 | Cortina Sliding Center (Cortina)
  • 5:15am: Freestyle Skiing – Men’s Moguls Qualification 1 | Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park (Livigno, Valtellina)
  • 6:10am: Ice Hockey – Women’s Qualifier | Japan vs. Sweden | Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
  • 6:30am: Freestyle Skiing – Men’s Slopestyle Final | medal event |Livigno Snow Park (Livigno, Valtellina)
  • 7:30am: Biathlon – Men’s 20km Individual | medal event |Anterselva Biathlon Arena (Antholz)
  • 7:30am: Skeleton – Men’s Official Training Heats 3 & 4 | Cortina Sliding Center (Cortina)
  • 3:15am to 7:45am: Cross-Country Skiing – Sprint Classic Preliminaries, Rounds and Finals | medal event |Tezero Cross-Country Ski Stadium (Val di Fiemme)
    • Women’s Sprint Classic Final, 7:13 a.m.
    • Men’s Sprint Classic Final, 7:25 a.m.
  • 8am: Alpine Skiing – Women’s Team Combined Slalom | medal event |Tofane Alpine Ski Center (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
  • 8:05am: Curling – Mixed Doubles Bronze Medal Match | GBR vs ITA | Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
  • 8:15am: Freestyle Skiing – Women’s Mogul Qualification 1 | Livigno Snow Park (Livigno, Valtellina)
  • 10:40am: Ice Hockey – Women’s Qualifier | ITA vs GER | Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
  • 11am: Luge – Women’s Singles 3rd and 4th runs | medal event |Cortina Sliding Center (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
  • 11:30am: Ski Jumping – Mixed Team Final | medal event |Cortina Sliding Center (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
    • Mixed team trial round, 11:30 a.m.
    • Round 1, 12:45 p.m.
    • Final round, 2 p.m.
  • 12:05pm: Curling – Mixed Doubles Gold Medal | USA vs Sweden | medal event |Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
  • 12:30pm – 4:45pm: Figure Skating – Men’s Short Program | Milan Ice Skating Arena (Milan)
  • 2:10pm: Ice Hockey – Women’s Preliminaries | USA vs. Canada | |Milan Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena
  • 3:10pm: Ice Hockey – Women’s Qualifier | Finn vs. Sui | Milano Raw Ice Hockey Arena

today’s olympics tv show

Peacock is live streaming every event.

Watch Olympic figure skating at Peacock

Number of Olympic medals

Going into Tuesday, Italy led the way with nine medals (one gold, two silver and six bronze). Japan has seven medals, Norway has six, Switzerland has five, Germany and Austria each have four, and the United States is tied with seven other countries with two medals.

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show sparks Randy Fine FCC complaint

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Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show sparks Randy Fine FCC complaint

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A Florida Republican says someone should pay for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance.

Randy Fine posted on social media that he is warning the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission about the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican musician’s “disgusting halftime show” at Super Bowl 60.

Bad Bunny made history as the first solo Latin artist to headline the show. USA TODAY described the performance as a celebration of Puerto Rican and Latin American culture, and as expected, it was all in Spanish and filled with cultural references, numerous moving parts, a real wedding, and even one of the new Grammys handed out to a little boy.

Fine focused on another aspect of the show.

“You can’t say those words on live TV,” Fine wrote on Program

“If he had said these lyrics and other offensive and pornographic obscenities in English live on air, he would have been stopped and fined a hefty sum,” wrote Fine, a former state lawmaker who was elected to Congress in April 2025 to replace Mike Walz, now the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

“Puerto Ricans are Americans and we all live by the same rules. We are writing to @BrendanCarrFCC asking for drastic action against @NFL, @nbc, and ‘Bad Bunny,’ including fines and broadcast license review.” Lock them up. ”

Carr, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, is known for his staunchly conservative stance and for promoting policies aligned with Trump.

USA TODAY Network reporters who are fluent in Spanish listened to a replay of the performance. They stated that many of the explicit lyrics Fine shared were authentic translations of the songs, but were not part of the performance.

Transcripts of Super Bowl performances translated online by Genius Lyrics Database included sexually explicit lyrics and abusive language. However, one reporter said Bad Bunny frequently muttered curse words or stopped speaking completely during the February 8 show.

In his post, which was not immediately available for comment, Fine shared explicit lyrics from other songs translated through Genius.

Yet another network reporter pointed out that not all of the songs were played. Bad Bunny’s performance was clocked at approximately 13 minutes.

Donald Trump Jr. echoed similar sentiments, writing to X, “Here are the lyrics. Please explain the sanity here. Maybe WAPO’s 30% layoffs weren’t enough.” Those lyrics were also incorrect or incomplete.

He was reacting to a Washington Post article that said, “In general, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has a healthy, traditional family value vibe that would fit in nicely with some of the more sentimental commercials shown during the game.”

Home office tax credits only benefit some workers. Are you one of them too?

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Home office tax credits only benefit some workers. Are you one of them too?

Have you ever noticed that on reality shows like House Hunters, which focus on residential real estate and home renovations, everyone wants a home office? There’s a good reason for that.

Additional home office space is tax deductible each year as long as you meet all filing requirements.

There are many rules about what you can and cannot deduct as a home office expense, and how you can deduct it, but first you need to know if you qualify. The IRS has a clear line where if you receive a W-2 for your work, you are not eligible.

Hannah Cole, an IRS-registered employee and author of Taxes for Humans, said that at the federal level, the work-from-home deduction “doesn’t apply to[company]employees who are remote workers.” Hybrid workers are also emerging.

Some states, such as Pennsylvania, allow W-2 employees to deduct some work-related expenses that are not reimbursed by the company. Check your state’s regulations.

However, the federal government typically reserves the Internal Affairs deduction for people who receive 1099s for work. This typically includes people who are self-employed, freelance, or work on contract. If you have a side job in addition to your W-2 job, you may be able to take a home office deduction.

Last year, about 72.9 million Americans managed their own businesses in some way as self-employed freelancers, consultants or contractors, according to MBO Partners, which provides tools for independent workers.

How does the home office tax deduction work?

The rules are strict and calculating deductions can be complicated.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to understand what to consider in your calculations: (Remove if you qualify for the home office deduction:)

If you are self-employed and use your home office exclusively and regularly for your work, you may be able to deduct some of your housing-related expenses, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utilities, from your federal taxes.

However, experts say pay attention to the details.

“If you work at your dining table, you can’t deduct it because it’s not dedicated to work,” said Therese Tippy, tax manager and financial planner at EP Wealth Advisors. “But if you buy a desk and put it in a corner of your home and it’s used exclusively for work and on a regular basis, you can deduct that space.”

There are two ways to deduct your home office space: simplified deduction and standard deduction.

Simple home office deduction

For your own home office space, you can deduct $5 per square foot for annual use, up to $1,500 or 300 square feet. If you only use the space part of the time, you’ll prorate the amount, Tippy said.

Normal home office direct deduction

If this happens, the amount deducted may become larger. However, you should keep track of all your home office expenses, including the costs of repairing and maintaining your space.

“If you have a spare bedroom and renovate it to turn it into an office, adding built-in shelving or painting it for Zoom meetings can all be included in your home office expenses,” says Tippy.

You can also claim deductions for some of your other expenses, such as rent and property taxes, home depreciation, and utilities, based on the proportion of your space to the rest of your home.

For example, if your office is 250 square feet and your home is 1,000 square feet, you will deduct 25% of your allowable expenses (250/1,000 = 0.25). If you have $10,000 in qualifying home-related expenses, you can claim a deduction of up to $2,500. There is no limit to the amount that can be deducted.

Can I deduct consumables?

Yes, if they are common in your industry, needed to help your business, and you have receipts.

Deductible items include cell phones, laptops, printers, and other office supplies.

“Given the value of these items, you can write off the entire amount as an expense,” Tippy said. “You don’t have to capitalize it. It’s recorded as an office or supplies expense in the other expenses section of Schedule C.”

However, keep in mind that if you also use any of these items for personal purposes, only the percentage used for work will be deducted. For example, if you buy a $2,500 laptop but use it for work 40% of the time, you can write off $1,000.

Business lunch and entertainment tax deduction

From January 1, 2023, companies had to migrate to Dutch. The business lunch deduction will return to 50% of its pre-pandemic level in 2023.

According to the IRS, entertainment expenses are not deductible and have not been applicable since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law in 2017. If you take someone to a facility that provides entertainment and meals, you must separate the food and beverage expenses from the entertainment expenses and deduct only that portion.

What if my side job is driving?

If you use your car for business purposes, you may be eligible for a deduction based on the mileage you use for that purpose. There are two ways to calculate your deduction:

  • Actual usage situation: Workers should separate their expenses into business and personal expenses to determine how much it really costs to drive. “Keep receipts for all oil changes, insurance, repairs, etc.,” Cole said. Look at your mileage to determine how often you use your car for work and personal purposes, then apply that to all your expenses to calculate your deductions. For example, if you drive 2,000 miles and 1,000 miles were used for work, you can deduct 50% of your expenses, she said.
  • Standard mileage rate: Workers track the miles they use for work and multiply those miles by the IRS’s 2025 tax rate ($0.70 per mile) to determine their deductions. “It’s much easier to book and allows for better deductions,” Cole said. “It’s a very generous rate and includes things like depreciation, repairs and insurance. Also, if you own an electric car, the rate is based on the cost of gas, not gas.”

Is there a way for W-2 wage earners to get some money back for business expenses?

It’s not a tax, but you may be able to ask your employer.

“If you’re required to work from home, you can try to get your company to pay for it,” Tippy says. “We can refund it and deduct it, but in some cases we might just require the employee to come to work.”

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

Best Super Bowl commercials of 2026, complete USA TODAY Ad Meter rankings.

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Best Super Bowl commercials of 2026, complete USA TODAY Ad Meter rankings.

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Budweiser’s patriotic 2026 Super Bowl commercial combines a Clydesdale and a bald eagle to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, earning it a record 10th title for the beer brand on the USA TODAY Ad Meter.

Rounding out the top five were Lay’s, Pepsi, Dunkin’ and Michelob Ultra, each providing a memorable spot in the big game. The NFL also earned two Super Bowl spots in the top 20, with “Champions” coming in at No. 8 and “You Are Special” coming in at No. 16.

Meanwhile, Coinbase rolled out another polarizing commercial, with the cryptocurrency company finishing in last place for the second time in the past five years. Other brands in the bottom five were Svedka, Ro, SalesForce, and Wix.

Here are the full 2026 USA TODAY Ad Meter rankings.

9. Bud Light – “Keg” (3.35)

t-10. Amazon Alexa – “Alexaaaa+” (3.33)

16. NFL – “You’re Special” (3.23)

17. Blue Square Alliance Against Hate – “Sticky Notes” (3.22)

18. Bosch – “Justa Guy” (3.12)

19. Universal Orlando Resort – “Lil Bro” (3.09)

21. Levi – “Backstory” (3.02)

22. Pringles – “Pringle Leo” (2.97)

t-23. Google – “New house” 2.94

t-23. Toyota – “The beginning of a dream” (2.94)

25. Hellman’s – “Sweet Sandwich Time” (2.92)

26. T-Mobile – “Tell Me Why (T-Mobile version)” – (2.85)

t-27. Liquid IV – “Let’s take a look” (2.77)

t-27. TurboTax “Expert” (2.77)

29. Kinder Bueno – “Jesus Bueno 2026” (2.75)

T-30. Ritz – “Ritz Island” (2.74)

T-30. Instacart – “Banana” (2.74)

32. Group – “The Fest” (2.71)

33. He Get Us – “More” (2.70)

T-34. MAHA Center Inc. – “MAHA Real Food by Mike Tyson” (2.64)

T-36. Apartments.com and Homes.com – “You can’t live there” (2.63)

39. Squarespace – “Unavailable” (2.59)

40. Fanatics Sportsbook – “Bet on Kendall” (2.55)

43. DraftKings – “DraftKings Live Style Super Bowl LX” (2.50)

44. Oakley Meta – “Athlete Intelligence Is Here – Part 2” (2.49)

45. OpenAI – “Just build things” (2.48)

T-46. Anthropic – “Can I get a six-pack now?” (2.45)

t-46 Oakley Meta – “Athlete Intelligence is Here – Part 1” (2.45)

T-46. Novo Nordisk – “A new way to Wegovy” (2.45)

49. Poppi – “Make it Poppi” (2.44)

50. Wix – “Wix Harmony: A new way to create” (2.38)

52. Ro – “Be healthier with Ro” (2.23)

53. Svedka – “Shake Your Bot Off” (2.18)

Here are 10 high-paying jobs you can get without a college degree.

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Here are 10 high-paying jobs you can get without a college degree.

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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.

Job seeker site Resume Genius examines the best new-collar jobs in a new report. Here are 10 fields that offer high pay and don’t necessarily require a four-year degree.

And what is a new collar job? Resume Genius is defined as a career that emphasizes work experience and non-traditional educational courses, such as academic credentials or online training.

The U.S. Department of Labor lists a bachelor’s degree as a requirement for most or all of these 10 jobs. However, Resume Genius claims that you can often get around that prerequisite with certifications and on-the-job training.

Here are the 10 best “new collar” jobs

Marketing manager. As of 2024, the median annual salary is $161,030. Resume Genius says a four-year degree is not required, but the Department of Labor says a bachelor’s degree is “usually” required.

The Department of Labor report says marketing managers “plan programs to generate interest in products and services.” According to Resume Genius, you can get the job after gaining experience in the field of social media management or search engine optimization.

Human resources manager. Median salary is $140,030. The Department of Labor says a bachelor’s degree is usually required. However, you can also earn an HR certification such as Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR), according to Resume Genius.

Resume Genius states that human resources managers “determine how a company hires, supports, and manages its employees.” You can also move into human resources management from other jobs in management or customer service.

Sales manager. The median salary is $138,060. Resume Genius reports, “While some companies value degrees, a strong track record and deep product knowledge are often more important when hiring.”

According to the Department of Labor, sales managers “plan, direct, or coordinate the delivery of products or services to customers.”

Computer network architect. The median salary is $130,390, with the top 10% of earners pulling down $198,030. Although many job postings require a bachelor’s degree, “it is possible to enter the field without a bachelor’s degree,” Resume Genius reports.

According to the Department of Labor, these are workers who build computer networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

General and Operations Manager. The median salary is $129,330. Resume Genius reports that employees typically take on the role “after gaining experience in project management, team leadership, or operational support.” A four-year degree is not necessarily required.

These employees keep companies running smoothly and often oversee multiple teams, the report said.

Information security analyst. The median salary is $124,910, with the top 10% of earners receiving $186,420. Employment growth is projected to be steady at 29% from 2024 to 2034.

The job typically requires a bachelor’s degree, according to the Department of Labor. However, Resume Genius reports that you can also pursue “self-study, online courses, or IT certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Google’s cybersecurity certificate.”

These workers “plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems,” the Labor Department said.

Sales engineer. The median salary is $121,520, with high earners receiving $202,670. Typically requires a BA. “You can become a sales engineer without a degree, but it usually takes time and effort to gain the right experience,” Resume Genius reports.

According to the Department of Labor, these employees “sell business products and services, such as software and support, that require technical expertise.”

Health services manager. The median salary is $117,960, with top earners earning $219,080. Employment growth is estimated to increase by a significant 23% between 2024 and 2034. Educational requirements vary. According to Resume Genius, one pathway is certification in healthcare management or electronic medical record systems.

These workers “are responsible for the business side of healthcare,” Resume Genius reports.

Art director. The median salary is $111,040, with the top 10% of earners receiving $211,410. The Department of Labor says a bachelor’s degree is usually required. However, Resume Genius reports that “a polished portfolio, consistent creative output, and the ability to give clear, actionable feedback are more important than where you went to school.”

According to the Department of Labor, art directors oversee the images and “visual style” of newspapers, magazines, Hollywood productions, etc.

Construction manager. The median salary is $106,980, with top earners earning $176,990. These workers oversee construction projects. According to Resume Genius, workers are typically hired on construction sites “after many years of experience as a foreman or crew leader.” “Project management and safety qualifications are helpful, but leadership and organizational skills are most important.”

Federal workers gather in cities across states after being fired

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Federal workers gather in cities across states after being fired

By 2025, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been laid off or resigned. Many found new purpose, and fewer bureaucracies worked in state and local governments.

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In March 2025, Meghan Burns was busy working for the Department of Education when her computer restarted just after 5 p.m., and she learned her job as a civil rights lawyer had been terminated.

In the blink of an eye, she and her colleagues in seven of the department’s 10 civil rights offices were shut out and no longer federal employees.

But Burns’ only career was in the civil service. She wasn’t ready for it to end.

“When I graduated from law school, I specifically moved to Washington, D.C., because I wanted to work in public service and in civil rights. That’s all I’ve done,” she said.

More than 317,000 employees will no longer work for the federal government in 2025 as part of President Donald Trump’s drastic downsizing of the government, according to the Office of Personnel Management. According to the agency, the majority of employees chose voluntary buyouts or early retirement. Tens of thousands of employees were laid off.

Layoffs and intentional attrition have led to a nationwide scramble for skilled federal employees to take jobs in the private and nonprofit sectors.

But some former federal employees, like Burns, have found they can continue their service by working at another level of government.

“The federal government’s loss is definitely a gain,” said Burns, now deputy director of the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.

After federal job cuts were announced, states including California, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, New York and Virginia encouraged federal employees to apply for local jobs, and several states offered to streamline the process and ease the transition.

“This is a huge opportunity for communities to get long-term, high-quality talent that they wouldn’t have access to in other scenarios,” said Caitlin Lewis, co-founder of Work for America, which helps people find public sector jobs.

I find it rewarding to work for my hometown

After 25 years as a diplomat around the world, 51-year-old Mark Shaw was ready to return home to Kansas City, Missouri.

He entered the civil service immediately after graduating from graduate school. Shaw oversaw arms control and compliance efforts, monitored compliance with the Biological and Chemical Weapons Convention, and served as Director of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division in Afghanistan. He was serving as deputy assistant secretary of state at the U.S. Department of State when he retired in April after working under six presidents.

“The question is… what do you do with this career? Who wants you?” he said.

He applied to nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and universities, telling them, “I’ll mop floors. I’ll do anything to get back home.”

It was his mother who encouraged him to consider working in city government, but he wasn’t sure how well suited his skills were.

But Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas knew how useful these skills, developed while working for the federal government, would be to the city. He jumped at the chance to hire a federal employee like Shaw.

“They understand how to navigate the bureaucracy. They understand the core mission of what we’re trying to do. They just have extraordinary expertise,” Lucas told USA TODAY. “Having that level of experience and being able to make it available on a mass scale is something local governments typically don’t have the ability to do.”

Lucas said he took office in 2019 hoping to lure federal employees to work for the city, but found most employees were unwilling to move away from the stability and security traditionally associated with federal employees.

He said Kansas City is currently competing with other cities for former federal employees with decades of experience who the city considers job security.

“For the rest of the country, this is a benefit and I think it’s a strong opportunity to really attract talent that in the past few years has been focused solely on Washington, but now is necessarily looking for opportunities across the country,” he said.

Shaw, who currently serves as Kansas City’s interim city auditor, said he likes the lack of the level of bureaucracy that he had working at the State Department. Instead, he and his team report to City Council, giving them more flexibility to act quickly when they identify problems. He said the position allows him to immerse himself in the community and see the direct impact of his work.

And that gives mothers more time to pamper their grandchildren, he said.

“I’m really satisfied,” Shaw said.

“I never imagined there would be such a need.”

Most of the country’s more than 3 million federal employees are nonpartisan civil servants and remain in their roles no matter which party is in power.

When Trump was elected president in late 2024, Lewis expected to focus on helping about 4,000 political appointees who would soon be out of work find jobs in the public sector.

But she said: “We could never have imagined in January and February last year, when so many civil servants were laid off, that there would be this much demand.”

Work for America’s hastily launched Civic Match program organized job fairs, resume reviews, and mental health seminars for newly laid-off federal employees. We also sought to help both applicants and employers understand how national or international work experience translates to local and state needs.

Local governments have many vacancies in key positions such as human resources, finance, procurement and operations, as well as mid-level staff who can eventually become leaders, she said.

It’s unclear how many former federal employees have found new public sector jobs, but more than 250 state and local governments use Civic Match, and 187 people have used Civic Match to secure state and local government positions since January 2025.

He felt “called” to work for the federal government

Austin Holland, 39, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, went to law school primarily because he wanted to work for the federal government. He began working in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of General Counsel during President Trump’s first term.

He resigned in May 2025 after the government stopped allowing employees to work from home from time to time. He said commuting from Lancaster every day was not sustainable and traveling with two young children was too much work.

“I really love what I do and really felt called to what I do,” he said. Holland considered work in nonprofits, cities and states before landing as assistant general counsel at the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Although he worked in administrative law and wrote regulations at HUD, he was also exposed to a wide range of policy issues, two things that he said helped him at the state level and allowed him to work on a more diverse set of programs.

“Even in a large state like Pennsylvania, state-level agencies are still much smaller than federal agencies,” he said.

Now, Holland said, he can see for himself how he helps people.

“I’m getting pretty close to the direct impact of my work,” he says. “That’s amazing.”

Sarah D. Wyer is USA TODAY’s senior national political correspondent. Contact her at swire@usatoday.com.

Lindsey Vonn’s injury history after compound tibia fracture at Olympics

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Lindsey Vonn’s injury history after compound tibia fracture at Olympics

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MILAN — Lindsey Vonn’s long list of injuries just got longer.

Vonn was airlifted from the mountain and taken to hospital after falling 13 seconds into the Olympic downhill on Sunday, February 8th. Vonn revealed on February 9th that she suffered a compound fracture in her tibia and would require multiple surgeries. She shared the update in an Instagram post, saying she was aware of the risks involved.

Nine days after another accident, Vonn suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, bone bruises and a torn meniscus in her left knee. This is not to be confused with the partial right knee replacement surgery she underwent in April 2024.

“Yesterday didn’t end the way I wanted it to, but despite the intense physical pain it caused me, I have no regrets,” Vonn said. “I’ll never forget the feeling of disbelief when I stood in the starting gate yesterday. To stand there with a chance to win was a victory in itself.

“We also knew that racing comes with risks. Racing has always been and continues to be an incredibly dangerous sport.”

Lindsey Vonn’s injury history

  • February 2026: Her tibia has a compound fracture and will require multiple surgeries.
  • January 2026: He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, bone bruises and a torn meniscus in his left knee when he crashed during a downhill run at the World Cup in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
  • January 2019: Impact injury to the peroneal nerve.
  • November 2018: A crash during training at Copper Mountain, Colorado tore the collateral ligament and meniscus in his left knee and fractured the tibial plateau in three places.
  • November 2016: Fractured the humerus of his right arm in a collision during training at Copper Mountain, Colorado.
  • August 2015: Broken ankle in an accident during training in New Zealand.
  • February 2016: Multiple fractures in left knee due to collision in super-G at the World Cup in Andorra.
  • December 2013: MCL sprain in right knee.
  • November 2013: Torn his right ACL in a crash during training at Copper Mountain, Colorado.
  • February 2013: Due to a collision in the super-G at the World Championships, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament and MCL of his right knee, and fractured the tibial plateau of his right leg.
  • February 2010: Fractured his right little finger in a giant slalom collision at the Vancouver Olympics. (This is where she previously won gold in downhill.)
  • December 2009: Collisioned during a giant spin in Lienz, Austria, resulting in a small fracture in the left forearm.
  • February 2009: At the World Championships in Val d’Isere, France, he severed the tendon in his right thumb and opened a champagne bottle.
  • February 2007: During training for the World Championships in Åre, Sweden, I fell and sprained my right anterior cruciate ligament.

A tibia fracture is a fracture of the shin bone that requires urgent treatment.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “The tibia is some of the strongest bones in the body, and it typically takes significant force to break it.” “If you fracture your shin bone, you probably won’t be able to stand, walk, or put any weight on your foot.”

According to Yale Medicine, a compound fracture involves the fracture of multiple bones and damaged soft tissue. Symptoms include extreme pain, numbness, and in some cases, bones may protrude through the skin. Treatment includes stabilization and surgery.

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Israel wants to limit ballistic missiles. Iran will not be deterred. Is it war?

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Israel wants to limit ballistic missiles. Iran will not be deterred. Is it war?

Israel wants President Donald Trump to push for limits on Iran’s ballistic missiles. Experts say Iran will not be deterred.

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With the United States on the brink of a military attack on Iran as it negotiates a nuclear deal to avert an attack, Israel wants the Trump administration to insist on limits on Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile and funding for armed groups, a demand that experts say could stall negotiations and lead to war.

President Donald Trump told reporters on February 6 that a deal in which Iran commits only to eliminating its nuclear weapons and makes no other concessions would be “acceptable.”

President Trump added, “To be clear, nuclear weapons are prohibited.”

Iran has expressed its willingness to accept an agreement that concerns only the nuclear issue.

“We will not discuss other issues with the United States,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi said after the first day of talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Oman on February 6, calling it a “good start.”

This red line could put high-stakes negotiations on a collision course with Israel. Israel insists that Iranian ballistic missiles and military support for regional proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah must also be on the table.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington, D.C., on February 11 to urge President Trump to impose these additional conditions on Iran. “Prime Minister Netanyahu believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis,” his office said in a statement on February 8.

In June 2025, the United States dropped more than a dozen penetrating bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump has renewed his threat of another attack in recent weeks as the government’s brutal crackdown on Iran’s biggest protests in decades leaves thousands dead.

Ballistic missiles are key to Iran’s defense

The problem with these non-nuclear demands, experts say, is that they require Iran to completely restructure its national security strategy and decades-old defense doctrine.

“The ballistic missile program is a key pillar of Iran’s defense strategy,” said Brian Carter, research manager for the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project, which focuses on Iran and its regional partners. “For the Iranians to agree to (restrictive) conditions would amount to a complete rethinking of Iran’s security policy over the past decade or longer.”

“We don’t know what the U.S. specifically wants in terms of restrictions, but that’s an unrealistic expectation,” he said.

It is not clear what kind of limits Israel wants to impose on Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile, including how many missiles it can maintain and how far they can reach. Iran has both intermediate-range ballistic missiles with ranges of about 620 to 1,860 miles, and short-range ballistic missiles with shorter ranges.

more: US military shoots down Iranian drone that approached ship ‘aggressively’

From Iran’s perspective, missile range limits “are like taking away our ability to retaliate and deter, when there is no limit to Israel’s ability to attack us,” said Jim Lamson, a senior fellow at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute.

Capping the range of Iranian intermediate-range ballistic missiles that can reach Israel does not address the risks posed to U.S. military bases in the region that Iran can reach with short-range missiles. At least 40,000 U.S. troops were stationed in the region as of June last year, and if attacked they would be a prime target for Iranian retaliation.

“We cannot attack the mainland United States, but if we are attacked, we will target bases in the region,” Arakuchi said on February 6.

Iran’s reliance on ballistic missiles as a central pillar of its military strategy dates back to the Iraq War in the 1980s. “They learned the hard way,” Lamson said.

In the years since, Carter said, Iran has developed an “asymmetric” military strategy centered on ballistic missiles and regional forces, “exploiting our defense posture and attacking where there is an opening.”

Both Mr. Carter and Mr. Lamson likened demands that the United States give up its ballistic missiles to Iran to asking the United States to give up its aircraft carriers, a central aspect of its military and defense strategy. As President Trump threatened to attack Iran, he dispatched one of the country’s aircraft carriers, the Abraham Lincoln, and three accompanying warships to the Middle East.

Ramson said that even if Iran agreed to limits on its ballistic missile capabilities, there would be additional challenges in verifying compliance.

He added that it was “impossible” that Iran would accept “the intrusive monitoring and verification of its ballistic missile development and production facilities” that would be required to oversee the restrictions.

Iran’s missile force has deteriorated, but it is unclear to what extent

Israel’s attack on Iran during the 12-day war last June significantly reduced its stockpile of ballistic missiles, but it is not clear how much Iran has been able to replenish its arsenal.

Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, then commander of U.S. Central Command, told senators in 2022 that Iran had more than 3,000 ballistic missiles. Israel estimates that Iran fired 370 missiles at Israel during the war last June, about half to a third of its stockpile, and has about 1,500 missiles remaining.

Chapel Lawn dumps Casey Wasserman over relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

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Chapel Lawn dumps Casey Wasserman over relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

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Chappell Lawn announced that he has left CEO Casey Wasserman’s sports and entertainment agency, Wasserman, following the influence of executives mentioned in the latest Jeffrey Epstein filing.

“Artists, agents, and employees should not be expected to defend or overlook conduct that is deeply inconsistent with our own moral values,” the Grammy winner said on his Instagram Story on Monday, February 9. “I have deep respect and gratitude for the agents and staff who work tirelessly on behalf of artists, and I refuse to stand by.”

“Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values,” Roan said, adding that the decision “reflects my belief that meaningful change in the industry requires leadership that is accountable and trusts.”

The agency, founded by Wasserman, 51, counts Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt and Katie Ledecky among its high-profile clients in sports and entertainment. USA TODAY has reached out to Wasserman for a response and to Rohn’s business representatives for further comment.

Other artists also demand Wasserman’s resignation

Roane’s decision came as other artists within the agency either left the agency or asked Wasserman to leave.

Best Coast singer Bethany Cosentino published an open letter on Instagram on February 5th, calling for Wasserman’s resignation, saying, “The position that Casey Wasserman has put his agent in is unacceptable.” The band Beach Bunny posted a statement on social media on January 8, calling Wasserman’s actions “abhorrent and disturbing on every level.”

The band announced their departure from Wasserman in a statement on Wednesday, January 9th.

“Last week, we were among the hundreds of artists stunned to learn of the interactions between Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell exposed in the latest release of The Epstein Files,” a statement on Instagram read. “We find Casey’s attempts to deflect and ignore this situation to be extremely concerning.”

Jeffrey Epstein case: Los Angeles Olympic Committee Chairman Casey Wasserman regrets emails included in Epstein file

How did Wasserman appear in the Epstein file?

Wasserman acknowledged in a Jan. 31 statement that he exchanged a series of flirtatious and sexually suggestive emails with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for her role in a scheme with the disgraced financier over a 10-year period to sexually exploit and abuse multiple underage girls.

“I have never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein,” Wasserman said in a statement. “As has been well-documented, I went on a humanitarian trip on Epstein’s plane as part of a Clinton Foundation delegation in 2002, and I deeply regret having been associated with any of them.”

He has not been charged in the criminal case against Epstein and Maxwell.

Epstein fallout: New email spells downfall for wellness guru

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, California State Sen. Lena Gonzalez and a trio of City Council members were among those who called on Wasserman to resign as LA28 Olympic Committee chair, the Los Angeles Times reported earlier this month.

“Having him representing us on the world stage will distract our players and distract them from the hard work needed to prepare for 2028,” Hearn told the newspaper.

Contributor: Mark Giannotto, America today. Reuters

87,000 vehicles at risk of fire

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87,000 vehicles at risk of fire

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More than 87,000 BMW and Toyota vehicles will be recalled by BMW, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced.

The recall for both brands is due to a defect in the cars’ starter motors, which the notice states “may overheat” and pose an increased risk of fire. Officials said the problem was caused by wear on internal components.

According to Cars.com, the recall was initiated by BMW, but some Toyota Supra vehicles are included because their powertrains were developed by the German automaker.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters on March 24, according to the notice. Affected vehicles can have their engine starters replaced free of charge at dealers.

Here’s what you need to know:

more: Chrysler is recalling more than 450,000 vehicles. See affected models.

Which BMW and Toyota cars are affected by the recall?

According to the notice, the following BMW and Toyota models and years are subject to the recall:

  • 2022-2023 BMW 230I
  • 2021-2024 BMW 330I
  • 2021-2024 BMW 430I
  • 2021-2024 BMW 530I
  • 2021-2023 BMW X3
  • 2021-2023 BMW X4
  • 2021-2022 BMW Z4
  • 2021-2023 Toyota Supra

How to search for car recalls

Vehicle owners can search NHTSA’s database for recalls based on their vehicle identification number (VIN).

USA TODAY’s recall database also includes information on recalls for automobiles, food, medicine, and other products.

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_.

IRS tax breaks for freelancers and self-employed people

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IRS tax breaks for freelancers and self-employed people

Being self-employed or freelancing gives you flexibility, but it can also make taxes more complicated. Quarterly estimated payments, irregular income, self-employment taxes, and more can result in unexpected balances and penalties, even if you’re trying to stay compliant.

Tax Relief for Freelancers is not a single program, but a set of IRS tools that can help you if you’ve missed a payment or need more time to pay. Understanding how these tools work and their limitations will help you decide what to do next.

What tax cuts mean for self-employed taxpayers

Tax relief for self-employed individuals refers to IRS programs and regulations that can reduce penalties, adjust payment methods, and, in limited cases, resolve tax debts for less than the full amount. However, this does not necessarily mean that the tax liability will disappear.

Being self-employed changes how and when you pay taxes in several ways.

  • estimated tax: Taxes are usually not deducted from your paycheck but must be paid quarterly.
  • self-employment tax: In addition to income taxes, you pay both the employer and employee’s share of Social Security and Medicare (more on this later).
  • business deduction: Regular and necessary expenses can reduce your taxable income, but they must be properly documented.
  • irregular income: Fluctuations in revenue make it difficult to predict how much you’ll owe each quarter.

“The big difference is that self-employed taxpayers have to pay their own taxes throughout the year,” explains Lawrence Sprung, CFP, CEPA, wealth advisor and founder of Mitlin Financial.

Common tax issues faced by freelancers

Freelancers often face timing and cash flow issues that can affect when and how they pay their taxes.

“The IRS values ​​the timing and consistency of cash flows more than errors,” Sprung says. “Changes in income will not disqualify you from receiving relief, but you may need to provide clear documentation.”

Estimated tax payment

Estimated tax penalties typically occur when you pay too little or don’t pay at all. If you qualify for a first-time exemption or can show reasonable cause, you may be entitled to relief, but the penalty will not be automatically lifted.

irregular income

Fluctuations in income can make it difficult to estimate quarterly payments. Generally, you should pay your estimated tax payments in four installments to avoid penalties. However, if you have irregular income throughout the year, you may be able to take advantage of it. Annual rate installment method You may be able to change the amount you pay and avoid or reduce penalties. Payment plans can help spread out your balance, but they can’t stop interest from accruing.

Self-employment tax surprises

Many new freelancers are caught off guard by self-employment taxes that cover Social Security and Medicare. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, Social Security is 12.4%, and Medicare is 2.9%. Since you don’t have an employer, you’re responsible for both parts, increasing your total tax bill compared to a W-2 job.

Preventive relief: Self-employed deduction

If correctly claimed, deductions can reduce your taxable income and taxes owed. Common examples are:

  • self-employment tax deduction
  • Self-employed health insurance premium deduction
  • home office deduction
  • Retirement contributions to a SEP IRA or solo 401(k)
  • Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

These benefits apply during the filing process, not after the tax bill is issued, and are subject to eligibility and documentation requirements.

IRS tax relief options for freelancers and independent contractors

The IRS offers several relief programs that freelancers and independent contractors can apply for if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility depends on your income, expenses, assets, and filing history.

IRS penalty reduction

If you fail to pay the scheduled amount or file your return late, the IRS may reduce or eliminate certain penalties. Two common forms of estimated tax penalty relief include initial penalty relief and reasonable cause relief.

  • First reduction If you have a track record of filing and paying on time and would otherwise have incurred penalties during the compliance period, they may be considered.
  • Reasonable cause relief This is more subjective and may apply if you are unable to meet your obligations due to circumstances such as illness, natural disaster, or unavoidable disruption.

IRS payment plan

IRS payment plans (also known as installment agreements) allow you to pay the amount you owe over time instead of all at once. These plans won’t reduce your tax liability, but they can make your payments more manageable even if your income is uneven. Both short-term and long-term plans are available depending on the payment period.

If your income changes, you may be able to request an adjustment to your monthly amount. The IRS may ask for evidence of changes in your financial situation. However, penalties and interest typically continue to accumulate while on a payment plan, so this is an important trade-off to understand.

offer of compromise

An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax liability for less than the full amount, but the qualifications are strict and based on a formula. The IRS will evaluate how much money it believes it can realistically collect within a reasonable period of time.

To do this, the agency will review your current income, assets, living expenses, and overall ability to pay. This explains why settlement amounts can vary widely and why advertised reductions are never guaranteed.

According to Sprung, many offer-in-compromise requests are denied because the IRS determines that the taxpayer is able to pay, even if it means paying over time.

How the IRS assesses eligibility

When considering IRS relief for independent contractors, the IRS considers the complete picture of your financial situation. This typically includes:

  • income from any source
  • business and personal expenses
  • Assets such as bank accounts and real estate
  • Compliance history, including whether required returns have been filed
  • Ability to pay over time

When tax relief from experts makes sense

Although you can handle IRS issues on your own, you may need professional help to deal with issues such as:

  • large or growing tax liability;
  • Unfiled returns for multiple years
  • IRS notification or collection activity
  • Business closure or sharp decline in income

In these situations, some freelancers turn to tax professionals and tax relief companies to evaluate their options and handle their interactions with the IRS.

Companies such as Optima, Anthem Tax Services, Alleviate Tax, BC Tax, and Priority Tax Relief are examples of companies that assist in the case evaluation and resolution process. However, keep in mind that working with a company does not guarantee a specific outcome and IRS approval is always required.

How to find out what tax breaks a freelancer is eligible for

To figure out how much tax relief you’re eligible for, you can start on your own by checking your IRS notices and account records, using IRS online tools like Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), and consulting with a certified public accountant or enrolled agent who understands self-employment income.

conclusion

Tax relief schemes exist for freelancers and the self-employed, but they are not universal. Eligibility depends on your income, filing history, and ability to pay. Self-employed individuals typically have access to the same IRS relief programs as employees, but fluctuating income and business expenses can affect how these options apply. Understanding the rules will help you choose realistic next steps.

Frequently asked questions about tax relief for freelancers

Can freelancers receive IRS tax relief?

yes. Freelancers and self-employed individuals can qualify for many IRS relief programs if they meet the eligibility rules. Your income, assets, and compliance history are all taken into account.

What happens if I can’t pay my self-employment tax?

You may be able to set up a payment plan or request penalty relief. Ignoring your balance may result in additional penalties and collection actions.

Are estimated tax penalties waived?

sometimes. An initial reduction or reasonable cause relief may apply, but the penalty will not be automatically removed.

‘Wuthering Heights’ Review – Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s brilliance

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‘Wuthering Heights’ Review – Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s brilliance

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as Cathy and Heathcliff in a frenetic adaptation of Wuthering Heights that doesn’t adhere to Emily Bronte’s novel.

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  • Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi play destined lovers Cathy and Heathcliff in the new film Wuthering Heights (released Friday, February 13th).
  • Filmmaker Emerald Fennell takes liberties with Emily Bronte’s 1847 novel.
  • The 2026 movie’s soundtrack is packed with original songs by Charli XCX.

Emerald Fennell’s take on the literary classic “Wuthering Heights” isn’t exactly a Valentine’s Day cheer. But when viewed with all sorts of toxic obsessions, forbidden desires, and gothic sass, it’s deeply surprising.

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are friends, lovers and adversaries in a fierce rivalry in the gorgeous and raucous “In the Heights” (★★★ 1/2 out of 4, rated R, in theaters February 13th). Fennell’s adaptation takes some liberties with Emily Bronte’s 1847 Victorian original novel, but unless you’re a die-hard fan, you probably won’t be too upset. The Oscar-winning British filmmaker has crafted a sumptuous bad romance that’s supremely arrogant, darkly hilarious, and ultimately heartfelt.

After an opening in which the crowd inexplicably heats up and is bothered by a hanging (an auspicious choice to begin a tragic love story), alcoholic farmer Mr. Earnshaw (Martin Clunes) takes home a street urchin (Owen Cooper) as part of his “charity.” He tells his young, selfish daughter Cathy (Charlotte Mellington) that the boy can be her “pet.”

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She names the child Heathcliff, and the two children become very close, although Cathy’s servants, including her best friend Nelly (Vi Nguyen), are reluctant to take care of another child. Cathy even says to Heathcliff one night, “I will never leave you.”

Years later, their hometown of Wuthering Heights is devastated when Mr. Earnshaw runs out of money gambling. Cathy (Robbie) and Heathcliff (Elordi) enjoy a friendship filled with tricks and jokes, and although they love to annoy each other, Heathcliff develops strong feelings for his friend.

Kathy is also a woman who feels pressure to get married, and her ideal is to marry a man with money. When wealthy velvet tycoon Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) moves in next door to the luxurious Thrushcross Grange, Cathy awkwardly introduces herself, Edgar is smitten, and his young protege Isabella (Alison Oliver) is delighted to have a new girlfriend.

Heathcliff is not too happy and is furious when Cathy and Edgar become engaged, but he returns five years later and is now wealthy and ready to cause chaos. Cathy has always admired Heathcliff, and the two begin a secret relationship that develops into a brutal battle.

Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is a wonderful sensory overload with ostentatious costumes and production design, and interestingly leans into the thoroughly bizarre The Wealthy. (Edgar installed walls in Cassie’s bedroom made to resemble her skin, complete with veins and moles.) The film also includes many original songs by Charli XCX, creating a much better soundtrack than the singer’s own lackluster mockumentary.

But it’s the director’s filmmaking that is surprising, showing new depths for the woman who made the delicious “Promising Young Woman” and the whimsical “Saltburn.” She uses England’s misty moors and impending thunderstorms to symbolize the brooding, electric couple and their complex emotions. And Fennell creates visual callbacks that hauntingly reflect Cathy and Heathcliff’s childhoods in adulthood, a nod to their rapid growth but also the kind of raw, solid bond that only children can have.

Fennell’s focus on Bronte’s favorite books is bound to lead to discussion of Heathcliff’s mysterious ethnicity (he is described in the novel as a “dark-skinned gypsy”) and his and Cathy’s development from their teenage years. But when it comes to oozing love, hate, and everything in between, there’s no arguing with Robbie and Elordi’s chemistry.

Cathy can be selfish and infuriating, and Heathcliff can be aloof and mean, but they are by no means unlikable. And while their steamy, sweaty dalliances are hot and heavy (albeit mostly clothed), it’s the little moments, like when Heathcliff gently cups Cathy’s hand to keep the rain out of her eyes, that are most swooning.

Hong Chau is perfect as Nelly, the quietly exasperated type of adult who causes further friction in Cathy and Heathcliff’s heated situation. Latif gives Edgar an innate goodness that not only makes him a foil to Heathcliff, but also makes him a better man for Cathy. Cooper, who won an Emmy for “Adolescence,” is just as important to the character’s story as Elordi. But the only supporting character you might get hooked on is Oliver, who is captivatingly eccentric as a sexually repressed innocent who gets caught up in Heathcliff’s revenge quest.

Fennell uses her talent and bombast to reach such great heights that this feels like the first must-see film of 2026. This is a captivating retelling of the greatest love story of all time through an accessible modern lens.

Has snow or ice hit your home? There are three post-storm winter tasks.

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Has snow or ice hit your home? There are three post-storm winter tasks.

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Snow and ice may provide beautiful scenery, but they also present many challenges for homeowners. And no matter how long you’ve been active, it can be hard to remember all the maintenance you need to do after a winter storm.

From scraping snow off your home’s roof to melting a stubborn layer of ice on your sidewalk, cleaning up your property after a storm can help ensure it’s safe and risk-free. Here are three things that are often overlooked after a snowstorm and how to deal with them.

Should I remove snow from the roof of my house?

We are often told to remove all the snow from the roof of a car, but is it necessary to remove all the snow from the roof of a house?

The amount of snow your roof can safely support depends on the type, age, and condition of your roof, so it’s not always necessary. However, as a general rule of thumb, Traveler Insurance recommends that if the snow is heavy and wet and more than a foot deep, homeowners should remove it to prevent damage.

You can also remove snow yourself using a roof rake. This is a long-handled tool with a wide blade that allows you to stand on the ground and remove snow from your roof. There are several variations of this tool, but we recommend getting one with rounded edges, wheels, or bumpers to prevent damage to your shingles.

You can also hire a professional to remove the snow if you feel it’s unsafe to remove it yourself or if you can’t get to it with a roof rake.

Snowstorm forecast: Parts of the country will get a break from winter weather. Look where.

Need to remove snow from trees and shrubs?

Snow can damage trees and shrubs on your property, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be removed.

According to Aspen Arborist and Tree Service, if the snow is light and fluffy, you can gently brush it off with a broom. However, if the snow is heavy and wet, or if there is a layer of ice, it is best to leave trees and shrubs alone.

“Heavy snow and ice can make tree branches brittle,” said Davie Tree Expert Company. “So shaking a weak limb can actually cause the branch to snap or break.”

What to do if you shovel a show and there is ice underneath

If you don’t apply enough salt before a winter storm, or not at all, you can get stuck in a layer of ice after clearing snow from your sidewalk.

According to Curti’s Landscaping, one of the most effective ways to remove it is to use a deicer such as rock salt, calcium chloride pellets, or calcium magnesium acetate. You can also try a DIY method using a mixture of rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and warm water.

For faster results, you can try using a heavy-duty shovel or ice chopper to gently break up the ice once it begins to melt.

Maddie McGay is a real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering everything that’s worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay or X @maddiemcgayy and sign up for the North Jersey Living newsletter. Have a tip, trend, or great home she should know about? Email MMcGay@gannett.com.

President Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening

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President Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening

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President Donald Trump said he won’t allow the bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, to open until the U.S. “compensates everything in full,” further expressed displeasure about a potential Canada-China trade deal, and made an unsubstantiated prediction that China would “stop all ice hockey being played in Canada.”

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a $4.6 billion, 1.5-mile infrastructure project that was approved in 2014, connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The six-lane bridge is scheduled to open in early 2026 and will be one of North America’s largest ports of entry, designed to improve traffic flow and border security.

“Canada is building a huge bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canadian and American sides, and of course they built it with virtually no American content,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday, February 9, “Barack Husse… President Obama foolishly gave them a waiver so they could circumvent the Buy American Goods Act and not use any American products, including steel. Now the Canadian government expects me, as President of the United States, to just allow them to ‘take advantage of America’! ”

President Trump also sought 50% ownership of the bridge.

“We will begin negotiations immediately. With everything we gave them, we should probably own at least half of this asset,” he wrote.

The president then expressed continued dissatisfaction with a potential trade deal between Canada and China. Following a series of insults against the neighboring country during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump last month threatened to impose 100% tariffs on imports from Canada if it went ahead with a trade deal with China.

Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “Governor Carney” and citing his oft-stated desire to annex Canada and absorb it as the 51st U.S. state, Trump wrote that if Carney “thinks Canada is going to be a ‘drop-off port’ for China to send goods and products to the United States, he is sorely mistaken.”

Canada has not yet reached a trade agreement with the United States, and the 2020 Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement is subject to review this year.

“Prime Minister Carney wants a deal with China. China will eat Canada alive and we’ll just get the leftovers! I don’t think so,” President Trump said on February 9. “The first thing China will do is cancel all ice hockey in Canada and eliminate the Stanley Cup forever.”

President Trump continued: “The tariffs that Canada has imposed on our dairy products have been unacceptable for years and are exposing our farmers to significant economic risk.” “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States fully compensates us for everything we have given, and importantly, until Canada treats us with the fairness and respect that we deserve.”

“Great powers have begun to use economic integration as a weapon.”

The president has been furious with Carney since he spoke at Davos of a “rupture” in the world order, and has made it clear that Canada opposes tariffs imposed by the United States to further Trump’s claims for Greenland and firmly supports Denmark regarding sovereignty over the island.

“We are in the midst of a discontinuity, not a transition,” Carney said on January 20. “Great powers are starting to use economic integration as a weapon.”

President Trump’s second term: President Trump slams Davos speech and cancels invitation to Carney

Carney added: “The question for middle powers like Canada is not whether we will adapt to this new reality; we must.” “The middle powers have to work together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.”

President Trump quipped that Canada should be “thankful” to the United States.

Trump announced on Truth Social that Carney would be removed from the peace commission he created to help rebuild Gaza, but the commission has since expanded to include other conflicts.

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