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King Charles breaks silence about Prince Andrew’s inclusion in Epstein’s file

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King Charles breaks silence about Prince Andrew’s inclusion in Epstein’s file

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King Charles has spoken out for the first time since further documents linking his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Jeffrey Epstein were recently released.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on February 9: “The King has made clear through his words and unprecedented actions his deep concern about the allegations that continue to come to light regarding Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.”

“While the specific allegations in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to deal with, should Thames Valley Police contact us, as you can imagine, we stand ready to assist them,” the statement continued. “As I have said previously, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies are with those who have been and continue to be victims of abuse in all its forms.”

Thames Valley Police said communications issues between Mr Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly known as Prince Andrew) and Mr Epstein had been reported to police for more than a decade and they were considering whether to formally investigate.

Emails between Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor and Mr. Epstein suggest that the member of the British royal family shared official British trade documents with Mr. Epstein in 2010, leaking information from his role as a government envoy at the time, according to the latest files released by the Department of Justice on January 30. This would have been done after Epstein was convicted of child sex crimes.

King Charles’ statement follows comments from his brother Prince Edward, son Prince William and daughter-in-law Princess Kate. Members of the royal family continued to convey the same message as the king by focusing their comments on Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking victims.

In a statement on October 30, when King Charles began the formal process of stripping him of his Mountbatten-Windsor titles, the palace said: “These accusations are deemed necessary despite the fact that the King continues to deny the allegations against him.”

“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathy are and remain for victims and survivors of all forms of abuse,” the statement continued.

What do Epstein’s files reveal about former Prince Andrew?

The documents appear to show that Mr. Andrew forwarded Mr. Epstein’s reports on Vietnam, Singapore and other countries, which were sent in connection with official visits.

One of several photos included in the 3 million new files shows Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman on the ground.

What’s in the new Epstein files? King Charles’ brother is pictured crouching over a woman

Mountbatten-Windsor renounced her royal title in October, despite “strongly” denying sexual abuse allegations linked to Epstein (including claims by the late Virginia Giuffre that Epstein trafficked her to Mountbatten-Windsor and that members of the royal family raped her when she was a minor).

Following Giuffre’s earlier lawsuit in September 2021, his mother (the late Queen Elizabeth II) revoked her second son’s military connections and royal patronage in 2022, and later settled the case for an undisclosed amount. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.

Contributors: Michael Holden, Sarah Young, Sam Tabahriti, Reuters

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish to survivors and their loved ones: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.

Here’s what you need to do to maximize your Social Security benefits

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Here’s what you need to do to maximize your Social Security benefits

It’s never too early to start thinking about this.

kylie hagen
|The Motley Fool

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The maximum Social Security check amount looks about to get better in 2026. The wealthiest recipients currently take home $5,251 a month, or more than $63,000 a year. And thanks to cost-of-living adjustments, their checks will only increase over time.

If you want to join this elite group, there are three boxes you need to check before applying. Achieving this requires considerable effort.

1. Work for at least 35 years before retiring

The Social Security Administration calculates your monthly retirement benefits by adjusting for inflation your most earned 35 years of income. You can apply before you reach 35 years of service, but doing so will reduce the size of your check because any period of zero income will be included in your benefit calculation.

But there are no downsides to working for 35+ years. If your income is higher than in previous years, your most recent high-earning years will begin to exclude previous, low-income years from benefit calculations, increasing the size of your check.

2. Pay the maximum amount of Social Security taxes

To take home the biggest check, you must pay the highest amount of Social Security taxes in all 35 years of your highest earnings. In 2026, that means earning at least $184,500 at work. In the past, the limit was much lower.

This is a measure that prevents most people from claiming the maximum Social Security check. You may not earn enough to receive the maximum benefit, but you can do your best to increase your income starting now. Working overtime, securing a raise, or finding a higher-paying job elsewhere can all help increase your future Social Security benefits.

3. Apply for benefits when you turn 70

You can claim Social Security starting at age 62, but if you want the biggest check possible, you’ll have to wait until age 70. Each month you delay your application, your benefits will increase gradually, and the rate of increase will accelerate over time.

Many people receive the maximum lifetime benefit by filing at age 70, but that’s not the right strategy for everyone. If you don’t have much time left to live or if you don’t have any other sources of retirement income to cover your expenses until you’re ready to file, it’s a good idea to enroll in Social Security early.

Even if you don’t secure the maximum Social Security benefit, you can use the tips above to receive a bigger check. Do everything you can to increase your income and carefully decide when to apply for Social Security based on your financial situation and life expectancy. You should also save as much as possible yourself to supplement your benefits.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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

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President Trump excludes two Democratic politicians from White House dinner with governors

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President Trump excludes two Democratic politicians from White House dinner with governors

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will exclude at least two Democratic governors from a dinner with the nation’s governors at the White House this month, in a break from the annual meeting’s historically bipartisan nature.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, both regular Democratic targets of President Trump, have been disinvited from the White House dinner with the National Governors Association.

Additionally, President Trump has only invited Republican governors to the White House and NGA winter meetings, which traditionally include all governors of both parties.

The meeting and dinner will be held during the NGA in Washington, DC, from February 19th to 21st.

“The bipartisan White House Governors Conference is an important tradition, and we are disappointed in the administration’s decision to make it a partisan event this year,” Brandon Tatum, CEO of the National Governors Association, said in a statement. “Not inviting individual governors to the White House meeting undermines an important opportunity for federal-state cooperation.”

more: President Trump says “I didn’t make a mistake” about post comparing President Obama to a monkey

The New York Times first reported President Trump’s changes to events at the White House. It was not immediately clear why Moore and Polis were excluded from the dinner and not other Democrats who Trump has criticized.

“While many Democratic members of Congress were invited to the White House dinner, some were not invited,” a White House official said in a statement. “These are White House events, and the president reserves the right to invite whomever he wishes.”

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

more: President Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado

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

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

“As the nation’s only black governor, I cannot ignore that being chosen to be excluded from this bipartisan tradition carries added weight, whether intentional or not,” Moore, who serves as NGA’s vice president, said in a post on X.

He said being excluded from the meeting with governors was “particularly disconcerting” given that he was part of a bipartisan group of governors who met with President Trump three weeks ago to discuss reforms to lower energy costs.

“I’m ready to work with the administration wherever I can get results. But I promised the people of this state that I’ll work with anyone, but I won’t bow to anyone,” Moore said. “And the president probably doesn’t like that.”

more: ‘See you in court’ Trump and Maine governor clash in tense White House exchange

The reason Polis was excluded from the dinner was not disclosed. “This is an unfortunate decision for a traditionally bipartisan event between the governor and the occupant of the White House,” Eric Maruyama, the governor’s deputy press secretary, said in a statement.

During his 2025 meeting with state governors, President Trump had a memorable confrontation with Democratic Gov. Janet Millsmain over her threat to withhold federal funding from states that allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports.

A heated exchange occurred between Trump and Mills as the president addressed the group. It ended with the governor telling President Trump, “I’ll see you in court.”

X Contact Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.

Catherine O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism. What you need to know.

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Catherine O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism. What you need to know.

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Catherine O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism, according to her death certificate obtained by USA TODAY on February 9. TMZ was first to report the news.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to an artery in the lungs.

The Cleveland Clinic added that this is considered a medical emergency because it causes problems with blood flow and oxygen levels in the lungs.

O’Hara, 71, died within hours of developing symptoms, the document said, according to the report. She was also diagnosed with rectal cancer, according to the death certificate.

Here’s what you need to know about health complications.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is one of the most common heart and blood vessel diseases in the world, with approximately 900,000 people in the United States experiencing a pulmonary embolism each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Symptoms vary depending on the size of the blood clot and underlying medical conditions, but common signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Other symptoms include:

  • Cough with bloody mucus
  • fast or irregular heart rate
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • excessive sweating
  • heat
  • Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the back of the lower leg
  • sticky or discolored skin

What causes pulmonary embolism?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism occurs when a “clump of material, most often a blood clot, becomes lodged in an artery in the lungs, blocking blood flow.” And in many cases, multiple blood clots are involved.

The clinic notes that blood clots most often originate in deep veins in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.

Clogged blood vessels can also be caused by other substances, such as fat from a fracture, part of a tumor, or air bubbles, the clinic added.

“Without prompt treatment, pulmonary embolism can cause damage to the heart and lungs, and even death,” notes the Cleveland Clinic. “About 33% of patients with pulmonary embolism die before receiving diagnosis and treatment.”

Deep vein thrombosis: 8 ways to treat

Who is at risk for pulmonary embolism?

The Mayo Clinic says anyone can develop a blood clot that causes a pulmonary embolism, but certain factors can increase your risk.

These factors include a history of blood clots. Medical conditions such as heart disease, certain cancers, surgery, clotting disorders, and COVID-19. Prolonged periods of inactivity, such as bed rest or long-distance travel, can also increase risk.

Other factors include smoking, being overweight, estrogen replacement, and pregnancy.

Prevention and treatment of pulmonary embolism

To prevent blood clots from forming, you should be physically active and use compression devices or elevate your legs if necessary. People at risk of blood clots should take blood thinners.

Medical professionals can diagnose pulmonary embolism using blood tests and other scans, and depending on the severity, pulmonary embolism can be treated in a variety of ways, including blood thinners and other treatments and procedures, the clinic added.

Searches for GM, Toyota, and VW skyrocket after qualifying for the Super Bowl

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Searches for GM, Toyota, and VW skyrocket after qualifying for the Super Bowl

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  • Automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors saw a significant uptick in online search interest after their Super Bowl ads.
  • Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz saw a 1200% increase in research activity, and Toyota RAV4 search traffic increased by 77%.
  • The cost of a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl 60 was approximately $8 million, a notable increase over the previous year.

According to Cox Automotive, Toyota, Volkswagen and General Motors saw a significant increase in shopping and search interest after their Super Bowl ads aired this year.

The group said the hotspot led to a more than 50% jump in shopping for some Toyota brands and a 445% increase for Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric vehicle. Similarly, Toyota saw a 77% increase in search traffic for the RAV4, while the RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid saw increases of 50% and 200%, respectively. According to Cox, Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz has increased in-game research activity by 1200%.

According to Sporting News, the two companies aired the commercial during the National Football League’s Super Bowl LX in front of an expected television audience of 127.7 million viewers.

Each automaker has taken a different approach to advertising, with Toyota and Volkswagen evoking 1990s nostalgia and GM unveiling a new livery for one of its Cadillac F1 formula race cars. GM also aired a new Chevrolet commercial during the Super Bowl pregame show that quoted a 1950s song memorializing the brand.

What did the automaker’s Super Bowl ad show?

toyota

Toyota ran two 30-second commercials during the Super Bowl. “We bring to life Toyota’s long tradition of human-centered storytelling, and in the process shine a spotlight on the moments, relationships, and dreams that shape who we become,” the company said in a press release.

Toyota said the first ad, called “Superhero Belt,” was about “the relationship between a doting grandfather and his grandson, and how that relationship grows stronger over time.” The ad depicts a grandfather in a 1997 Toyota RAV4 riding with his young grandson, who later recreates the grandfather moment in a 2026 RAV4.

Check your ad meter: See how readers can participate in the USA TODAY Super Bowl Commercial Spotlight

The second Toyota ad, titled “Where Dreams Began,” featured Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. “This spot rewinds the clock to a time before trophies and glory, when every champion was a kid with a dream,” Toyota said.

volkswagen

Volkswagen ran a 30-second ad called “The Great Invitation: Drivers Wanted” during the second half of the Super Bowl.

The brand said in a press release that the ad is an update of its 1995 Super Bowl commercial, “Drivers Wanted.” The company says the slogan “has long represented Volkswagen’s human-centered approach to design, performance and culture.”

Volkswagen’s new ad is set to a classic hip-hop song from the early 1990s, and the company said it offers “a positive invitation to a new generation to say yes to possibility, originality and optimism by living life in the driver’s seat.” The ad also included an invitation for viewers to send a text message or visit a website to enter a drawing to win a 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The automaker released a 90-second version of the ad online.

general motors

GM unveiled the first Cadillac F1 team car livery in a TV commercial that aired during the Super Bowl.

The vehicle was unveiled in a 30-second spot broadcast from LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The car is scheduled to make its racing debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

Additionally, Chevrolet aired a new commercial during pregame coverage that GM said was a “modern take” on the brand’s ad “See the USA in Your Chevrolet,” sung by the late legendary entertainer and television host Dinah Shore.

How much did the 2026 Super Bowl commercial cost?

A 30-second commercial during Super Bowl 60 cost about $8 million, but some companies paid more than $10 million for the spot. That’s up from $4.5 million for a 30-second ad during Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and $37,500 for a commercial during Super Bowl I in 1967.

Total costs tend to vary depending on when commercial time is purchased.

“Sunday’s Super Bowl car ads show that when people see a car they want or want to learn more about, they take direct action online,” Cox Automotive said in a statement. But the group said automakers needed to think about “where we go from here.”

“Here, OEMs and dealers need to ensure that good advertising is rewarded by providing a personalized experience, whether completely online, in the showroom, or a hybrid of the two,” Cox said.

USA TODAY NFL Trends Reporter Nick Brinkerhoff contributed to this report.

Will DHS be shut down? Reform talks underway between Democrats and White House

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Will DHS be shut down? Reform talks underway between Democrats and White House

Lawmakers have just days to avert a shutdown of the closely monitored government agency, but ICE will continue to operate.

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WASHINGTON – As the deadline to shut down the Department of Homeland Security approaches this weekend, Congress and the White House are in full swing in negotiations over possible reforms to the department.

Lawmakers have until the end of the day on Friday, February 13, to reach an agreement or the 9/11 Cabinet Office departments, including the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard, could be hit by another loss of funding.

Unlike during the record government shutdown in the fall, Trump administration officials have been in serious talks with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in recent weeks. The ongoing debate reflects bipartisan unease over the tactics of federal agents in President Trump’s surge in immigration enforcement nationwide, particularly since the killing of 37-year-old nurse Alex Preti by Border Patrol agents in Minnesota in January.

read more: Shutdown has ended. President Trump’s race to reform ICE is now underway.

Last week, Democrats in the House and Senate released a list of 10 demands aimed at reining in DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The demands included a ban on federal employees wearing masks, stricter standards for the use of force, and a ban on immigration enforcement activities in “sensitive locations” such as schools and churches.

Since then, Democrats have been trying to broker a deal with their Republican opponents and the White House, which has offered a counter-proposal, administration officials said.

The outline of the White House’s proposal was not immediately widely known among members of Congress. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told reporters on February 9 that he was aware of the counterproposal but had not seen the details. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said it was unclear what progress had been made among party negotiators in recent days.

read more: Alabama Republican Party leads ICE talks

“I hope people are working towards getting something done,” she said.

Even if Friday’s deadline passes, the impact will likely be limited. That’s because the rest of the government’s funding has already been funded through the remainder of the financial year. Even ICE, the division of DHS whose strategy is at the center of reform negotiations (it received $75 billion in funding over the next few years under President Trump’s signature bill, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), will continue to operate.

Still, the clock is ticking. It’s unclear whether a deal can be reached before TSA employees’ salaries are threatened. There is also no guarantee that Republicans and Democrats will pass another short-term DHS funding extension to buy time for compromise.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the Republican chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said on Feb. 9 that she was unsure whether such a bill would be possible in the coming days.

Contributor: Joey Garrison

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

Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother pleads for her return in new video

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Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother pleads for her return in new video

Savannah Guthrie has released her fourth video addressing the apparent kidnapping of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.

In a video posted to Instagram on Feb. 9, the “Today” anchor said he wanted to share “some thoughts as we move into another nightmare week.”

“We believe our mother is still there,” she said. “We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock to bring her home and find her. She has been taken and we don’t know where she is. We need your help.”

Guthrie urged his followers, even if they don’t live in Tucson, to contact law enforcement “if you see anything, hear anything, anything seems strange,” adding, “We are in a desperate situation and we need your help.”

She also thanked supporters for their prayers, saying that she and her family believe that her mother “feels this prayer and somehow believes that God is lifting her up in this moment, in this darkest place.”

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, February 1st, and has not been seen since the evening before. Arizona authorities said they believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, but no suspects or persons of interest have been identified.

Several media outlets received ransom notes apparently connected to Guthrie’s disappearance. On February 5, the FBI announced that it was investigating a memo containing two deadlines, one on February 5 and one on February 9. Authorities also confirmed on February 6 that they were investigating “new messages regarding Nancy Guthrie.”

The Guthrie family has released three videos on social media featuring their mother’s alleged abductor. In the first video posted on February 4, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings said they were “ready to talk” with the person behind the ransom note.

“But we live in a world where sounds and images are easily manipulated,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We absolutely need to know that she is alive and that you are carrying her. We want and are ready to hear from you. Please contact us.”

The second video, posted on February 5, features only Savannah’s brother, Camron Guthrie, who said the family is still “waiting to hear back” from their mother’s abductor.

“If there are any of you who are holding our mother, we would like to hear from you,” he said in a short message. “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need to reach you and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”

In a third video posted on February 7, Savannah Guthrie once again spoke alongside her brother and sister. The video was posted a day after authorities announced they were examining “new messages regarding Nancy Guthrie.” Details regarding this latest message were not disclosed. Authorities also did not say whether this message was written by the same person as the previous note.

“We received your message and we understand it,” Savannah Guthrie said in a Feb. 7 video. “We now ask you to return our mother to us and celebrate with us. This is the only way we can have peace. This is very precious to us and we will pay the price.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Heiss Janke previously confirmed that the FBI consulted with the Guthrie family about releasing the original video of their mother’s kidnapper.

“While we are advising and recommending from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on the ransom is ultimately the decision of the family,” he said at a Feb. 5 briefing, adding, “It’s the family’s decision as to what to film and what to make public.”

Powerball winning numbers for Monday, February 9, 2026

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Powerball winning numbers for Monday, February 9, 2026

The Powerball jackpot continues to rise ahead of Monday, February 9th’s drawing, now at $113 million, with a cash value of $51.8 million.

According to Powerball, the jackpot has been won almost 200 times since the lottery game began in 1992. Currently, 48 lotteries participate in Powerball, but five states do not offer Powerball: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

Of the 48 states, the top five with the most awards include Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. However, if you are not a resident of these states, there is no need to worry. All you need to do to win the lottery is buy a ticket.

With that in mind, here’s what you need to know as Monday’s Powerball drawing is just hours away.

more: Which Powerball number should you choose?

What are the winning Powerball numbers for February 9th?

USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers at 11pm ET after the lottery drawing.

Top 10 Powerball Jackpots

  • $2.04 billion in California on November 7, 2022
  • December 24, 2025, $1.817 billion in Arkansas.
  • $1.787 billion in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion in California on October 11, 2023
  • January 13, 2016, $1.586 billion in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  • April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion in Oregon.
  • $1.08 billion in California on July 19, 2023
  • $842.4 million in Michigan on January 1, 2024
  • March 27, 2019, $768.4 million in Wisconsin
  • August 23, 2017, $758.7 million in Massachusetts

Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?

The short answer is no. You do not need to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball. Anyone visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may purchase lottery tickets from authorized and licensed retailers, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18 years old) at the time of purchase.

How to play Powerball

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

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers allow you to increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

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

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.

Winning Lottery Numbers is sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery delivery company of the USA TODAY Network.

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

Can I get Powerball tickets online?

You can also order tickets online Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythese states and territories in the United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.

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

Compound fracture of the tibia, multiple surgeries

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Compound fracture of the tibia, multiple surgeries

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CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn has a compound fracture in her tibia that will require multiple surgeries.

Vonn made her first comments since her tragic Olympic downhill accident on Sunday, February 8, saying in an Instagram post that she was aware of the risks involved.

“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.”

Bon: Olympic accident: “I have no regrets” despite pain from tibia fracture

Vonn clarified that the torn ACL had nothing to do with the accident. She injured her left knee on January 30 in another accident on the final downhill before the Milan-Cortina Olympics, which also left her with a bone bruise and a torn meniscus.

Skiing with a torn ACL is not unheard of, and Vonn said her knee is stable and strong. She underwent intensive rehabilitation between the accident and the Olympics, as well as pool training and plyometrics. She completed two training runs without any problems, recording the third fastest time on the second.

“In downhill ski racing, the difference between a strategic line and a catastrophic injury is only 5 inches. When I overtightened my line by 5 inches, my right arm got caught on the inside of the gate and twisted, resulting in my crash,” Vonn wrote. “My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash.”

Vonn’s arm got caught in the fourth gate of the Olimpia delle Tofane course, and she was spun and thrown onto the hard, snow-covered track. She then fell several times before coming to a stop.

more: The moment Lindsey Vonn crashed at the Olympics and the silence that followed

After being treated on the hill for about 13 minutes, Bong was loaded onto a helicopter and airlifted to a local hospital five minutes later. After tests there, she was transferred to Cafoncello Hospital in Treviso, about two hours away. She underwent surgery later that day, and the hospital and U.S. Ski Association announced her condition as stable.

“Just like ski racing, we take risks in life. We dream. We love. We jump. And sometimes we fall. Sometimes our hearts are broken. Sometimes we don’t achieve the dreams we knew were available. But that’s the beauty of life: We can try,” Vonn wrote in an Instagram post.

“I tried. I dream. I jumped,” she said. “I hope you take away something from my journey, and that is that you have the courage to try big and bold. Life is too short not to give yourself a chance, because the only failure in life is not trying.”

Vonn is one of the greatest skiers of all time, a three-time Olympic medalist and 84 World Cup winners behind Mikaela Shiffrin and Ingemar Stenmark. Vonn was forced to retire in 2019 due to physical pain from a series of injuries to her right knee.

However, after undergoing partial knee replacement surgery in April 2024, Vonn felt so much better that she began thinking about returning.

“I retired in 2019 not because I didn’t want to continue racing, but because I thought my body couldn’t take it anymore,” Vonn told USA TODAY Sports in October. “So I feel like this could be a great moment to close this chapter of my life and move forward in a really exciting and peaceful way.”

Cortina was a big part of that.

Cortina has always been one of Bon’s favorite places. She won bronze in downhill in 2004, reaching her first World Cup podium, and 12 of her 84 World Cup wins came here. Skiing there in the Olympics seemed like a fitting end, even though it might be her last race.

more: Lindsey Vonn’s father says Olympic accident was ‘career ending’

“This is a very special place to me,” Vonn said in October. “If the Olympics weren’t in Colina, I don’t think I would have attempted this comeback. If it had been anywhere else, I would probably say it’s not worth it.”

“But for me, there’s something special about Corinna that always draws me back.”

Vonn returned to the World Cup circuit in 2024 with mixed results, but finished the season with a silver medal in the super-G at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. After spending a full offseason training and fine-tuning his equipment, the 41-year-old Vonn continues to hit the ground running.

She won the first downhill of the season in St. Moritz and also won in Sauchensee. She was on the podium in all five downhill races and in two of the first three super-G races.

Vonn topped the downhill rankings, joining Mikaela Shiffrin as the only skiers to win nine titles in a single event in a season. Vonn also finished second in the super-G rankings and sixth overall.

What is a compound tibial fracture?

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.

Los Angeles area loses $1 billion due to immigrant attacks and protests

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Los Angeles area loses $1 billion due to immigrant attacks and protests

Los Angeles area officials decried the raids as unnecessary and unwanted in a community that has long welcomed immigrants as an important part of its economy.

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California officials say last summer’s immigration raids and subsequent protests around Los Angeles, some of which turned violent, cost the state more than $1 billion in lost productivity, sales and wages.

A new report commissioned by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also found that businesses disclosed nearly $200,000 in losses due to vandalism. In addition to extensively spray-painting graffiti, participants set several vehicles on fire, including at least one police SUV.

President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement sparked protests in early June. These small protests around federal facilities prompted President Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines, sparking even larger protests.

President Trump campaigned on the promise of carrying out the largest mass deportation in history, and last summer, immigration enforcement officers enforcing Trump’s orders were captured on video chasing suspected illegal immigrants through car washes and hardware store parking lots.

Los Angeles area officials decried the raids as unnecessary and unwanted in a community that has long welcomed immigrants as an important part of its economy.

Businesses closed, customers stayed at home and 17,000 people stopped using public transport, the report said. Officials say undocumented workers generate more than $250 billion in annual economic output, support more than 1 million jobs and contribute $80 billion in labor to the county’s economy.

“A climate of fear prevailed throughout the affected regions, fundamentally changing consumer behavior, with customers staying at home, avoiding certain areas, and reducing spending across immigrant communities,” the report concluded.

Los Angeles officials say ‘out of control’ ICE raids hurt economy

Mr. Trump and his allies argue that illegal immigrants harm American society by consuming housing, jobs and other resources that would otherwise go to citizens and legal residents, and that removing millions of immigrants will ultimately improve the country’s economy and improve public safety.

Immigration enforcement officials say they have expelled more than 657,000 illegal immigrants from the United States since January 2025 and voluntarily deported another 2.2 million. The Department of Homeland Security said those statistics include more than 40,000 potential national security risks, nearly 1,4000 “known or suspected terrorists,” and more than 7,000 gang members.

Los Angeles city officials said the immigration raids did not focus on criminals, but instead wiped out law-abiding people who have long called Los Angeles home.

As part of an aggressive crackdown, the White House has ended legal protections for tens of thousands of people living in the United States and begun detaining people who had previously been allowed to live and work in the country.

“Out-of-control ICE raids are causing senseless and devastating harm to our country, and we are seeing it here in Los Angeles County,” Los Angeles County District 4 Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement. “They are tearing families apart and treating our neighborhoods like war zones. And now we have hard data about the damage they are doing to our economy.”

According to the nonpartisan Immigration Policy Institute, nearly 14 million illegal immigrants were living in the United States in 2023. More than 4 million of them were married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents without a clear path to legal status.

After an immigration officer in Minneapolis shot and killed two Americans last month, President Trump, who is closely monitoring public opinion polls, fired controversial Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and began softening his message. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Preti sparked massive protests across the country.

“I’ve learned that maybe we could use a little bit more of a soft touch, but we still have to be tough,” Trump said in an interview with NBC Nightly News from the Oval Office on Feb. 4.

Nissan will be the cheapest midsize pickup truck in 2026.

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Nissan will be the cheapest midsize pickup truck in 2026.

The most affordable new medium-duty truck models cost less than $33,000.

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  • Several midsize pickup trucks, including the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, will start under $35,000 in 2026.
  • Although Nissan models are the cheapest, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma often rank higher overall on car review sites.

The cheapest light pickup truck on the market is undoubtedly the Ford Maverick, but what about the midsize segment?

Ford’s Maverick compact pickup truck shocked the nation when it first debuted in 2022. Although its price has increased since its debut, it remains the most affordable new pickup truck, starting at $28,145.

Although new midsize pickup trucks cost significantly more than the Maverick, there are still models that sell for less than the average new price of about $50,000.

What is the most affordable midsize pickup truck model for American drivers in 2026?

Nissan will be the cheapest mid-size pickup truck in 2026

2026 will see several new affordable midsize pickup trucks, but the Nissan Frontier takes the top spot as this year’s most affordable truck. Pricing for the 2026 Nissan Frontier starts at $32,150, excluding taxes and surcharges.

Nissan’s Frontier medium-duty truck uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower. It gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

Crew cab models seat five people, and king cab models seat four. Frontier’s standard bed length is 59.5 inches, which is just about 5 feet long. Maximum towing capacity is 7,150 lbs.

Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier a good truck?

According to Edmunds’ vehicle reviews, the 2026 Nissan Frontier offers a “smooth ride,” as well as “stable and safe handling” and “convenient storage space for small items.” Benefit from mid-cycle refresh.

According to a vehicle review on car review site The Car Connection, Nissan’s mid-sized pickup truck also features “strong V6 power” and “advanced safety features.” Although a solid truck, the Frontier does have its drawbacks.

Crew cab models may feel cramped in the back row of seats. Additionally, some rivals have better interior quality than the Frontier.

What is the cheapest medium-duty truck in 2026?

There are several brand new mid-size trucks with starting prices under $40,000.

Cheapest mid-size truck under $40,000

  • 2026 Nissan Frontier ($32,150)
  • 2026 Toyota Tacoma ($32,245)
  • 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ($32,400)
  • 2026 Ford Ranger ($33,350)
  • 2026 GMC Canyon ($38,900)
  • 2026 Jeep Gladiator ($39,300)

Four of the six mid-size pickup trucks listed above have a starting price of less than $35,000 before taxes and surcharges. Each has trim options that add even more features for an additional cost.

What are the best new medium-duty trucks for the money?

While the Nissan Frontier is appealing as the most affordable new midsize truck, there are several alternatives that have higher overall ratings on car review sites. Edmunds lists the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline as its top three best midsize pickup trucks of 2026.

Digital auto marketplace TrueCar.com also named the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma as two of the best midsize trucks of 2026. The Ford Ranger is known for its durability and versatility. Toyota’s Tacoma has earned a reputation for its high value retention and off-road ability.

If you’re in the market for an affordable brand new midsize pickup truck in 2026, there’s no shortage of competitive options.

President Trump’s Religious Liberty Committee holds hearing on anti-Semitism

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President Trump’s Religious Liberty Committee holds hearing on anti-Semitism

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  • The commission’s Feb. 9 hearing included a discussion of anti-Semitism on college campuses and the role of state and local authorities in protecting religious freedom.

President Donald Trump’s Religious Freedom Commission discussed anti-Semitism during a hearing in Washington, D.C., on February 9, the same day the commission was charged with violating a federal law that requires anti-Semitic groups to balance their viewpoints.

The hearing at the Museum of the Bible focused on anti-Semitism on college campuses and the role of state and local authorities in protecting religious freedom.

Members of the audience were briefly removed from the audience during a statement by Commissioner Carrie Prejean, who rejected the idea that anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism. She also sparred with Seth Dillon, a witness defending Candace Owens and CEO of Babylon Bee, rejecting his suggestion that Owens had made anti-Semitic remarks.

Other witnesses include Liat Cohen Rees, founder of the Jewish Christian Union, who said anti-Semitic incidents were occurring “all over the country,” and Moshe Glick, who was pardoned in January on charges stemming from pro-Palestinian protests that turned violent at a New Jersey synagogue in 2024. Glick was accused of hitting a protester in the head with a flashlight, according to the New York Times.

At the hearing, Glick said the country’s “extraordinary success” was due to its embrace of Judeo-Christian values, and that societies could prosper or decline depending on the support and protection of Jews.

The hearing also referenced the Free Clinic Admissions Act, which federal prosecutors used to indict journalists who covered an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church in January.

The law prohibits conduct that “intentionally harms, intimidates, or obstructs” anyone seeking or seeking services at a reproductive health facility or place of worship. However, it specifies that the law should not be used to “prohibit any expressive conduct, including peaceful picketing and other peaceful demonstrations,” which are protected by the First Amendment.

President Trump’s White House claims that past administrations have weaponized the law against religious Americans.

Leo Terrell, a civil rights attorney who heads the Justice Department’s anti-Semitism task force, said this is largely a local issue given the federal government’s “invaluable” protections for religious freedom.

He added that anti-Semitism should not be seen as a “Jewish problem.”

“This is a question of right and wrong, and it’s wrong to have anti-Semitism in this country,” he said.

Anti-Semitism was also discussed at the Committee on Religious Freedom in Public Education’s September 8 hearing. The hearing included President Trump’s announcement on February 5 regarding the Department of Education’s future guidance on the right to pray in public schools.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the number of anti-Semitic incidents nationwide has skyrocketed in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

more: President Trump announces event to ‘rededicate America as one nation under God’

President Trump established a commission in 2025 tasked with advising the government on religious freedom issues. The commissioners’ terms, and the commission itself, will end on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence, unless extended by President Trump.

The executive order establishing the commission states that Americans “need to be reminded of our nation’s great experiment in religious freedom to protect it from new threats.”

A Feb. 9 lawsuit filed by groups including the Interfaith Alliance and Hindu Human Rights Group accused the commission of lacking religious and ideological diversity and of violating federal law that requires such groups to have a “fair balance of viewpoints represented.”

The committee includes Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, but no Muslims or members of other minority religious groups. According to the complaint, member states “broadly support the view that the United States is a ‘Judeo-Christian’ nation and that there are limited, if any, limits on instilling religious values ​​in government.”

Breanna Frank is USA TODAY’s First Amendment reporter. please contact her bjfrank@usatoday.com.

USA TODAY’s coverage of First Amendment issues is funded by the Freedom Forum in collaboration with our journalism funding partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

Paulina Porizkova exposes sexual harassment by releasing Epstein files

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Paulina Porizkova exposes sexual harassment by releasing Epstein files

Former supermodel and actress Paulina Porizkova has opened up about the pattern of sexual harassment she witnessed in the industry when she was a teenager.

The Czech-born model, 60, posted a video on Instagram on Thursday detailing some unpleasant incidents she experienced when she was just 15 years old, just beginning her career.

“Sometimes the people I was meeting were in offices, well-dressed, but other times they were middle-aged men who lived in messy apartments and wanted to take a few casual photos of me, you know, preferably topless,” she said of the “tour” calls she received from modeling agencies. “I lost count of the number of men in open-necked bathrobes who greeted me in hotel rooms and apartments sent by agencies and clients.”

Worn by Paulina Porizkova (60) Video of her in lingerie tells her followers to embrace their ‘imperfections’

“I took everything for granted,” Ms. Porizkova continued, “and my job was to learn how to take off my clothes, put them back on, and creatively fend off the horny men without pissing them off and losing my job.”

The storied Sports Illustrated model said it wasn’t until the 1990s, after watching an Oprah segment about sexual harassment in the workplace, that she realized what was happening to her.

Connecting her experience to the ongoing controversy surrounding the release of new investigative documents on Jeffrey Epstein, a former financier convicted of trafficking underage girls, Porizkova hashtagged the video with the phrases “Epstein,” “Epstein Files” and “justice.”

“You take a child and no matter what situation you put them in, they adapt. That’s the great thing about children. They’re infinitely adaptable, and they’re also completely self-involved. So it’s easy to blame them for everything you want and for them to blindly accept that,” she said. “Sure, it can be hurtful and it can be bad. But if an adult tells you this is how it’s supposed to be, then who are you, a child, to protest?

Paulina Porizkova, model, author An advocate of embracing aging and a Woman of the Year award winner

“This makes children the easiest targets,” she continued. Porizkova, who spoke squarely to the camera, seemed to condemn anyone who suggested that teenagers are at an age where they are not considered children.

“If you don’t know exactly how old your child is, you either don’t have children or you don’t have the humanity to remember that you were a child,” she concluded.

Here are four strategies to reduce your tax payments in 2026 and beyond.

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Here are four strategies to reduce your tax payments in 2026 and beyond.

Behavioral economist Alex Smith believes we spend too much time worrying about this year’s taxes and too little planning for next year.

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Alexander Smith wants you to view your tax return as an opportunity, not a chore.

If you do the math and track your money, you’ll know how to get the taxes you owe from the income you earn. Armed with that information, you can change your behavior and reduce your taxes next year.

Smith is a behavioral economist at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. He hopes taxpayers will become more excited about the prospect of lowering their taxes in the future simply by changing how they spend their money now.

more: IRS tax refunds are expected to be huge. Here’s when you can expect it

“What they don’t realize is that they could potentially save a lot of money by learning how the tax system works,” he says. “It’s important to see this process as a learning opportunity.”

Smith believes taxpayers spend too much time looking for tax breaks and loopholes on income earned last year and too little time thinking about how to change their behavior now to reduce their tax bill later.

“Given the decisions we made last year, there’s not much we can do,” he said.

Would you like to have more fun saving tax?

Smith said people don’t get excited about saving money on taxes, they don’t get excited at the thought of getting a $2,000 tax refund check or finding a $20 bill on the sidewalk.

“If I dropped a bunch of hundred dollar bills on the street, people would run after them,” he said. “But if you say you can make some decisions about tax cuts that will save you the same amount of money, you don’t get the same elementary response.”

People treat money differently depending on where it comes from. Behavioral economists call this “mental accounting.” Smith holds up a $100 bill during class to prove his point. Students are gasping at the sight of such a large sect.

Smith believes taxpayers should spend more time talking with their tax professionals about next year’s taxes. Tax accountants agree.

“We try to get our clients to contact us early in the year, talking about next year,” said Scott Dobbs, a certified public accountant in Rockford, Illinois.

“Being a good client of your accountant means asking great questions,” says Larry Johnson, senior tax manager at Sikich in Springfield, Illinois. “This question can lead to an answer that leads to another question that suddenly reveals significant tax savings.”

Understand tax classifications

Smith said the main reason to study tax returns is to learn more about your marginal tax rate.

Our progressive “tax bracket” system means that you are taxed at progressively higher rates depending on your income level. The lowest income bracket pays the lowest tax rate, and the next highest income bracket pays a higher rate. The higher your taxable income, the higher your tax rate, but the top tax rate applies only to the highest income brackets.

more: Tax season is here. Tax filing deadlines and other important dates for 2026

Let’s say you earn $75,000 in taxable income in 2025 and are single. On the first $11,925 of that income, you’ll pay the lowest federal tax rate of 10% in 2025. For income brackets from $11,926 to $48,475, you’ll pay a 12% tax rate. On all income above $48,475, you’ll pay taxes at a much higher rate of 22%.

Smith has some favorite strategies for lowering your taxes. To fully understand them, you need to understand the tax classifications.

Here are four strategies to lower your taxes.

retirement contributions

Contributing funds to a tax-advantaged retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, reduces your taxable income. Smith believes people don’t realize how much they’re saving.

For the 2025 tax year, you can contribute up to $23,500 to your 401(k). Older Americans have higher limits.

more: Social media influencers? The IRS still wants you to pay your taxes on time.

Let’s say the top federal tax rate is 22%, and you pay an additional 3% of your income in state and local taxes. Contributing $1,000 to your 401(k) can provide tax benefits on top of your income. That’s a $250 savings on $1,000, Smith said.

Many of us would cringe at the thought of losing $1,000 of income that we could spend now. Smith challenges us to focus more on the value we create for the future.

“Everything becomes a lot more enjoyable if you can think long-term,” he said.

Contributing to HSA

The same argument applies to health savings accounts.

Like a traditional 401(k), an HSA is funded with pre-tax dollars. In the example above, depositing $1,000 into your Health Savings Account would save you $250 in taxes. And if you follow the rules, you won’t have to pay taxes on the money you spend.

For the 2025 tax year, families will be able to contribute up to $8,550 to a health savings account.

Just like money in a 401(k), you can save and invest your HSA dollars for years and watch their value grow. You can use it whenever you want.

“The future profits are worth it,” Smith said.

charitable donation

Smith believes taxpayers need to better understand the tax implications of charities.

The IRS generally allows taxpayers to deduct up to half of their adjusted gross income as contributions to charity.

You can donate money, household goods, cars, and anything else. Tax experts urge donors to read the rules, collect receipts, take photos and carefully determine the fair market value of donated items. The Salvation Army offers a handy donation value guide.

To capture the full amount of your charitable giving on your 2025 tax return, you’ll need to itemize your deductions. Otherwise, you claim the standard deduction, which is $15,750 for a single filer in 2025.

Itemization is helpful if your deductions exceed the threshold. You can generally deduct donations, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, and some medical and dental expenses.

Recovery of loss

This strategy is a staple of tax season for the wealthy. You sell an investment at a loss, exchange it for a similar one, and use the loss to offset gains on sales of other investments on your tax return.

Justice Department seeks to overturn Steve Bannon’s contempt conviction

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Justice Department seeks to overturn Steve Bannon’s contempt conviction

The Justice Department told the Supreme Court that dismissing the criminal case against Mr. Bannon was “in the interest of justice.”

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WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is seeking to overturn former Trump aide Steve Bannon’s conviction for contempt of Congress.

The Justice Department said in filings with the district court and Supreme Court that the government determined that “justice would be served by dismissing this criminal case.” The filing does not provide further details.

Bannon did not respond to a Congressional subpoena to testify about the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. President Donald Trump has criticized the prosecution of Bannon and others, including the roughly 1,600 people he pardoned on charges related to the attack, as political.

If Bannon’s lawsuit is dismissed, President Trump will no longer need to pardon him. At the end of his first term as president, Trump pardoned Bannon as he awaited trial in Manhattan on fraud charges related to another case, a border wall fundraiser.

Bannon has already completed a four-month prison sentence after being convicted in 2022 of contempt of Congress after the Supreme Court rejected his bid to remain free pending appeal in 2024.

Bannon now wants the Supreme Court to overturn his conviction.

In response to Bannon’s appeal, the Justice Department said it had asked the Supreme Court to ask the district court to overturn the conviction. Therefore, the Supreme Court should remand the case to the district court to consider dismissal, the Justice Department said.

Barbara McQuaid, a University of Michigan law professor and former U.S. attorney, said the move sounds political because there is no reason to think the conviction will be overturned in an appeals court.

“I think this is a purely political move,” McQuaid told USA TODAY. “The Trump administration continues to use the Department of Justice to reward allies and punish critics, an abhorrent abuse of the rule of law.”

Bannon said he was relying on the advice of his lawyers not to respond to a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Capitol attack until another issue – whether the former White House aide is protected by President Trump’s executive privilege claims – is resolved. This principle allows the president to keep some executive branch communications confidential.

House lawyers argued that Mr. Bannon thumbed his nose at the committee and ignored subpoenas.

The committee sought to question Bannon, Trump’s political strategist, in part because he told officials from China on Oct. 31, 2020, that even if he lost the election, Trump would falsely declare victory and there would be “massive chaos.”

Bannon said on his podcast that former Vice President Mike Pence “spit on him,” meaning he no longer supports President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The committee described the comments as increasing pressure on Pence.

Bannon called President Trump at least twice on January 5, 2021, and predicted on a right-wing talk radio show that “all hell is going to break loose tomorrow.”

A jury found Bannon guilty of contempt of Congress, and an appeals court affirmed the conviction.

Contributor: Aisha Bagki

When will the weather get warmer?

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When will the weather get warmer?

People in the frigid Northeast could finally get relief from the worst of the cold as early as Tuesday, February 10, forecasters said.

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People in the frigid Northeast could finally get relief from the worst of the cold as early as Tuesday, February 10, forecasters said.

“The last bit of arctic air in a long line of cold waves will circulate through the Northeast through Monday (Feb. 9),” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said in an online forecast. “But then the warm air that is already forming in the west and highlands will move eastward.”

In an online forecast discussion, the National Weather Service said, “After a particularly cold weekend in the eastern United States and a particularly severe weekend in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, a moderate trend is expected through midweek.”

How warm does it get?

“Well-above-average temperatures will extend from the Mississippi Valley/Southeast on Monday (Feb. 9) to much of the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley and into the mid-Atlantic on Tuesday (Feb. 10), bringing at least near-normal temperatures to New England,” the weather service said in an online forecast.

Expected high temperatures through Tuesday, Feb. 10, are in the 20s to 30s in New England, 30s to 40s in the Great Lakes and northern Mid-Atlantic, 40s to 50s from the eastern Mississippi Valley through the Ohio Valley to the southern Mid-Atlantic, and 60s to 70s in the Lower Mississippi River Valley/Southeast, the National Weather Service said.

Temperatures in the central United States are expected to be well above normal starting Tuesday, Feb. 10, and into next weekend, the National Weather Service said in a discussion of the extended forecast. “Daytime high temperatures could be more than 20 degrees above normal in some areas of the north-central Plains. Both the East and West Coast states should be near or within a few degrees of normal.”

Warm-up is carried out in stages

Warming will be gradual, Sosnowski said, due to the lack of widespread snowpack, frozen lakes and rivers, colder ground and strong winds associated with Pacific air.

By mid-to-late week, the February sun will bring temperatures to below freezing or slightly above freezing. Ice accumulation on the region’s rivers, lakes, and bays will cease. However, reversal may take more days.

What about a snowstorm?

AccuWeather says temperatures could be much warmer than they have been in recent weeks, but still likely cold enough to bring snow, sleet or freezing rain across the Midwest and Northeast.

“Storms are likely to form with the Pacific air, and the nature and timing of the precipitation the storms will bring will become clearer in the coming days,” Sosnowski said. “After several weeks of severe cold, as many areas in the Northeast and Midwest are experiencing, the pattern almost always changes and storms with wintry precipitation occur,” he said.

First, a clipper system moving along the U.S.-Canada border is expected to bring wintry precipitation to parts of the Upper Great Lakes on Monday, February 9, with the possibility of light snow and freezing rain, the National Weather Service announced.

This system will continue eastward on Tuesday, February 10th, bringing more moderate snow to parts of upstate New York and central New England.

The National Weather Service said another storm could bring rain and snow to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by next weekend, but details are still unclear by when that event will occur.

Doyle Rice is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, focusing on weather and climate.

How to invest in gold on a small budget. Click here for the beginner’s guide

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How to invest in gold on a small budget. Click here for the beginner’s guide

nick perry
| USA TODAY Special Feature

Gold can be a very attractive investment, especially for novice investors. It provides stability and a way to diversify your investments. However, like any investment, there are always risks involved. To invest safely in gold, you need to start small and understand that cost is more important than market timing.

This beginner’s guide will help you get started investing in gold without overdoing it.

Can I invest in gold with a small amount of money?

According to the World Gold Council, gold prices surpassed $5,000 per ounce in early 2026, but you don’t have to spend that much money to start investing in the precious metal. You can buy small amounts of physical gold or invest in stages through gold ETFs and mutual funds.

However, purchasing gold may have minimum investment requirements. While it may not cost per ounce, investing in gold can require more upfront investment than your average penny stock.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The stability of gold can provide greater security to your investment than “cheap” investments. If you are interested in investing in precious metals, but feel that gold is too expensive, you may also consider investing in silver.

How much gold is enough to start?

There is no universal minimum or ideal amount to purchase gold. Every investor has different goals and risk tolerance. Long-term investors may purchase smaller amounts of gold and expect greater returns over many years. Those looking for short-term gains may buy larger amounts to maximize profits one or two years from now.

No matter your goals, always start small and consider gold as part of a broader investment strategy. Think of gold as a useful asset diversification tool, rather than a single investment vehicle.

Different ways to invest in gold

There are many ways to invest in gold, including purchasing physical gold and investing in gold without the need for physical storage. You can do both on a budget.

physical gold options

The easiest way to buy physical gold coins and bars on a budget is to buy smaller denominations, such as 1 gram or 1/10 oz bars, bullion coins valued for their precious metal content, or historic collectible coins. You can save money by purchasing less pure products and by purchasing gold from private mints rather than government-minted products that serve as legal tender. Gold dealers such as American Hartford Gold and Thor Metals offer both types of products.

One of the most effective ways to manage your physical gold purchases is with a Gold IRA. Through this arrangement, the custodian manages purchasing, transportation, physical storage, and tax compliance requirements. You are still the one directing the purchasing decision. A custodian acts as an intermediary between you and a reputable dealer.

Set up a new account or roll Convert the cash value of your retirement savings into gold. Gold IRAs have pros and cons, so be sure to understand how they work before setting one up.

Gold investment without physical storage

Storage costs and dealer fees can quickly add up to an investment in physical gold. Low-cost gold investments do not require physical storage. These options include:

  • Gold ETFs and mutual funds: Gold ETFs and mutual funds buy pools of assets in exchange-traded funds. These funds track spot prices and invest in mining stocks, making them a good way to invest in the gold industry as a whole.
  • Gold stocks: Investing in publicly traded individual gold producers, miners and royalty companies is riskier, but can offer higher returns.
  • Gold Savings Account: These savings accounts tie your deposit to the price of gold, so you get value based on the spot price.
  • Mining funds: Mining funds invest a certain percentage of their total assets in shares of precious metal mining companies. Similar to ETFs and mutual funds, they spread your risk across a variety of stocks, bonds, and products that can potentially exceed gold.

Each of these options comes with different cost structures and risks. These funds and stocks can be quickly converted into cash, so they are usually cost-effective for beginners. Transaction costs are also typically lower and may be limited to brokerage fees for certain trades or annual expense rates charged by mutual funds.

Investing in gold stocks is often more attractive to beginners because they have fewer fees and complications. If you already have a brokerage account, it may be as easy as searching for and buying stocks and ETFs.

Gold IRAs and cost considerations for beginners

Gold IRAs can be an attractive option for retirement savers because the price of gold is relatively stable. However, they are significantly more complex than traditional IRAs and may require more active monitoring.

Gold IRAs typically require higher upfront costs due to the cost of moving and storing the gold. (Not to mention the higher price per ounce compared to traditional securities.) There are setup fees, custodian fees, and transaction fees on every purchase.

If you’re just starting to save for retirement, high initial setup costs probably don’t make sense to you. However, if your portfolio is in good shape, a Gold IRA rollover can be a good way to diversify your asset holdings and gain additional protection against market volatility.

Why beginners often spend too much gold

When just starting out, several pitfalls can cause investors to overspend their gold. These may include:

  • Not understanding markup, storage, and fees: Purchasing gold is not as simple as entering a transaction on an intermediary website. “New investors tend to overspend on gold due to the premium over gold’s spot price and gaps in knowledge about the costs associated with investing,” said Peter Regan, financial markets strategist at Birch Gold Group, a precious metals IRA firm. While the spot price is the price per ounce of gold, the total cost of purchase includes dealer markups, storage costs, and transaction fees.
  • Overpaying for “premium” products: Beginners may purchase collectible coins. This is typically a rare historical coin that can be more expensive than bullion coins, but it cannot be held in a gold IRA. When a product is effectively marketed, its true value can easily be misunderstood. While collectible coins may have some sentimental value, the actual gold content may not be worth the price paid.
  • Emotional or fear-based purchases: Regan said novice investors “tend to overbuy at unfavorable prices because of their emotional attachment to gold as an investment option.”

How to avoid overspending and common money scams

Like any investment, investing in gold involves risks. Several precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of overspending and avoid fraud.

  • Compare prices between sellers. Dealers add a markup to the price of gold. Always compare prices and fees to find the best deal.
  • Request full disclosure of fees: Before you buy, ask for an itemized receipt so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
  • Avoid urgent or guaranteed claims. Reputable dealers want to win your business through service and pricing. Be wary of marketing tactics that promise value or insist you buy early.
  • Validate credentials individually. If you’re unsure of a dealer’s legitimacy, check the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) dealer directory for credentials and search the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​for complaints.

conclusion

Despite the high price per ounce, investing in gold does not require a large initial investment. You can acquire physical gold or invest in low-cost gold securities without spending a lot of money. Before you start, understand your costs and develop a diversification strategy to avoid over-committing to a single asset. Over time, you can continue to buy more gold and gradually increase your gold holdings.

Frequently asked questions about gold investment

What is the cheapest way to start investing in gold?

Generally, the lowest cost way to invest in gold is through gold ETFs or gold mining stocks. You can often purchase fractional shares for less than $50.

Is it better to buy physical gold or gold ETFs within your budget?

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s much more cost-effective to buy a gold ETF than physical gold. Physical gold requires storage costs and additional transaction fees, which makes it more expensive to purchase.

Can I invest in gold for less than $100?

Yes, with a digital gold savings account, you may be able to invest grams of gold for as little as $1. Fractional purchases of ETFs, individual stocks, and physical gold can also be worth less than $100.

Jake Paul retracts criticism of Puerto Rico during Bad Bunny halftime show

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Jake Paul retracts criticism of Puerto Rico during Bad Bunny halftime show

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Jake Paul had to explain why he called Bad Bunny a “fake American citizen,” but on Monday morning, Feb. 9, he appeared to backtrack on his criticism completely, declaring his “love” for the Super Bowl 60 halftime show performer in a series of social media posts.

Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, was one of the biggest voices online urging fans to boycott the NFL’s halftime show on Sunday afternoon, less than two hours before the start of the game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

“Halftime, no. Fake American citizens who openly hate America will perform. I can’t stand that,” Paul first wrote on Sunday.

Who else was there: Cardi B makes cameo in Super Bowl 60 as Stefon Diggs’ Patriots lose

Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio) is a native of Puerto Rico, an American territory, and is an American citizen. Paul’s original tweet eventually received a community note from X correcting him to say that people living in Puerto Rico have been identified as American citizens since 1917.

Jake Paul made his position clear Monday morning after the Super Bowl and Bad Bunny halftime show. The show received significant political attention after the Puerto Rican star voiced public opposition to ICE and the Trump administration’s tactics to crack down on illegal immigration. Paul, a Puerto Rican resident and outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, previously criticized Bad Bunny’s halftime show on Sunday night, calling it “absolutely awful.”

“The problem with my tweet is that the word fake is misunderstood,” Paul wrote on social media on Monday. “He is clearly not a fake citizen who is Puerto Rican and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans who support Puerto Rico. Moreso Bunny is a fake citizen in his values ​​and criticism of our great country.”

Adding further context, Paul said that representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics would evoke “mixed emotions,” bringing up the story of Hunter Hess, the American freestyle skier who drew criticism from President Trump and his supporters. Paul’s fiancée is American speed skater Jutta Lierdam of the Netherlands, who will compete in the race on Monday.

“To be clear, I did not call anyone a ‘fake national’ because they are from Puerto Rico,” Paul wrote. “I live in Puerto Rico and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform many times to support Puerto Rico, and I will continue to do so. But when you’re doing your job in public and publicly criticizing ICE, which hates America, I don’t want to talk about it. That’s the same reason I called out Hunter Hess. If you benefit from the country and the platform it gives you, but at the same time you publicly disrespect it, that’s it. I agree that love is stronger than hate. ”

Leading up to Bad Bunny’s performance at halftime of the Seahawks’ 29-13 win over the Patriots, Paul’s initial controversial tweets and subsequent fact-checks garnered widespread attention, with even Paul’s older brother having to publicly take sides with the family in the aftermath of the show.

“I love my brother but I don’t agree with this,” WWE star Logan Paul wrote about his brother’s original post on social media. “Puerto Ricans are Americans, and we are pleased that they are being given the opportunity to showcase their island-born talent.”

By 10 a.m. ET, Jake Paul sounded even more remorseful considering the backlash he received. He changed his profile on X to “Benito’s #1 Fan” and claimed in a new tweet, “I love Bad Bunny, what happened on my Twitter last night???”

2026 Honda Pilot adds new features to stay competitive

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2026 Honda Pilot adds new features to stay competitive

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  • The Pilot competes with three-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-70, Toyota Grand Highlander, and VW Atlas.
  • The Pilot is the brand’s fourth best-selling model.
  • Prices start at $42,195.

The 2026 Honda Pilot has some welcome new features, including a standard 12.3-inch touch screen. The Pilot is one of America’s favorite family cars, a three-row SUV that seats seven or eight people.

The Pilot competes with three-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-70, Toyota Grand Highlander, and VW Atlas.

Honda sold 142,209 Pilots in 2025. It was the brand’s fourth best-selling model after the CR-V. Civic, Accord, HR-V. Honda has sold 2.5 million Pilots since production began in Alabama in 2006.

The 2026 Pilot updates a model that has been on sale for several years with interior upgrades and visual tweaks. Currently on sale.

Pilot pricing starts at $42,195 (excluding $1,495 destination charge).

2026 Honda Pilot trim levels and prices

  • Sports: $42,195
  • EX-L: $44,495
  • Trail Sport: $50,395
  • Tour: $52,295
  • Elite: $53,495
  • Black edition: $54,994

Source: Edmunds

what’s new?

In addition to a standard 12.3-inch touch screen on all trims, key changes include:

  • Indoor noise reduced by 2-3 decibels
  • AWD available on all trims
  • large grill
  • new exterior color
  • 10.2 inch instrument cluster
  • Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

In case you missed it: Why the 2026 Honda Prelude lives up to its iconic name

Driving impression

The Pilot is a runabout suitable for city and highway driving. Honda tweaked the steering to provide more feedback and stability.

There are no changes to the drivetrain, but performance remains the same. The 3.5L V-6 engine Honda tested is sturdy and unobtrusive. A 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to competitive fuel economy and acceptable oomph.

The AWD system can transfer up to 70% of the torque to the rear wheels, all of which can be sent to either side. This is far more capability than most Pilot owners require.

The interior benefits from sound insulation added this year. Handsome diamond pattern upholstery adds a luxurious feel to the upper trim.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen and attractive 10.2-inch gauge cluster come standard, further increasing the appeal of lower trim levels.

Honda does not offer a hybrid version of the Pilot.

2026 Honda Pilot Standard Safety Equipment

  • Blind spot detection
  • forward collision warning
  • forward emergency brake
  • Lane departure warning and assist
  • adaptive cruise control
  • automatic high beam
  • driver attention monitor

Why buy a 2026 Honda Pilot?

Pilot’s new standard features enhance the SUV’s value.

Updates like a larger touchscreen and quieter interior should keep the Pilot on shopping lists even in the face of new competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

2026 Honda Pilot Overview

3-row midsize SUV with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

7 or 8 seats

Now on sale

Base price: $42,195 All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge

Model tested: Pilot Elite AWD

Price as tested: $53,495

Power: 3.5L V6 engine.

Output: 285 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm; 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm

Transmission: 10 speed automatic

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. Regular fuel.

Wheelbase: 113.8 inches

Length: 200.1 inches

Width: 78.5 inches

Height: 71 inches (including antenna)

Ground clearance: 7.3 inches

Vehicle weight: 4,513 lbs.

Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.

Passenger volume: 158.4 cubic feet

Cargo: 18.6 cubic feet behind third row. 2nd row rear 48.5. 87th place behind the front row

Assembled in Lincoln, Alabama

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

Bad Bunny vs. Turning Point Super Bowl halftime audience. what we know

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Bad Bunny vs. Turning Point Super Bowl halftime audience. what we know

After the second quarter of Super Bowl 60 concluded in Santa Clara, California, two different Super Bowl halftime shows began. How many people watched each?

The main halftime show took place on the field at Levi’s Stadium. Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny headlined the show and had just won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year a week earlier. Bad Bunny’s live show also featured surprise guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, with the former singing “Die with a Smile” and the latter singing a line from Bad Bunny’s “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.”

In addition to the Bad Bunny show, Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization co-founded by the late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, put on its own alternative halftime show, dubbed the “All American Halftime Show.” The pre-recorded performance featured Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert and Gabby Barrett.

Here’s what you need to know about each show’s ratings.

Seahawks Championship Page, Buy Gear

How many people saw the Bad Bunny halftime show?

Nielsen ratings for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 60 halftime show have not yet been released. USA TODAY Sports will update this article as media audience measurement companies release data.

How many people watched the Turning Point USA halftime show?

Turning Point USA’s Alternative Halftime Show had approximately 5 million concurrent viewers during its pre-recorded broadcast on February 8, just after 8pm ET, according to YouTube viewership statistics.

Super Bowl Halftime Show: The sports world reacts to Bad Bunny’s performance

Most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history

According to Billboard, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 59 halftime show became the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history, drawing 133.5 million viewers. This surpassed the previous record holder, Michael Jackson’s 133.4 million viewers for Super Bowl XXVII in 1993.

According to last year’s Billboard, the top 10 most-watched Super Bowl performances of the 21st century so far are:

  1. Kendrick Lamar, Super Bowl 59: 133.5 million viewers
  2. Usher at Super Bowl 58: 123.4 million
  3. Rihanna, Super Bowl 57: 121 million viewers
  4. Katy Perry, Super Bowl 49: 121 million
  5. Lady Gaga, Super Bowl 51: 117.5 million viewers
  6. Coldplay, Super Bowl 50: 115.5 million viewers
  7. Bruno Mars, Super Bowl XLVIII: 115.3 million viewers
  8. Madonna, Super Bowl 46: 114 million
  9. Beyoncé, Super Bowl 47: 110.8 million viewers
  10. Black Eyed Peas, Super Bowl 45: 110.2 million viewers

How many people watch the Super Bowl?

Nielsen ratings for Super Bowl 60 have not yet been released, but estimates for the past five years show that viewership has steadily increased year over year. Last year’s Super Bowl 59 set a new record for the most-watched Super Bowl in Super Bowl history with 127.7 million viewers, surpassing Super Bowl 51’s 126.3 million viewers.

Here are the ratings for the past five Super Bowls leading up to this year’s big game.

  • Super Bowl 59: 127.7 million
  • Super Bowl 58: 123.7 million
  • Super Bowl 57: 115.1 million
  • Super Bowl 56: 112.3 million
  • Super Bowl 55: 101.6 million
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