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2026 Emmy Awards to be snubbed – ‘Stranger Things’ excludes Jeremy Allen White

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It’s an honor just to be nominated, but it’s a real pain to miss out completely.

The 2026 Emmy nominations were announced on Wednesday, July 8, and while favorites like “The Pit” and “The Hux” earned promising results with 25 and 24 nominations, respectively, fan favorites like “Stranger Things” and “Landman” were left out, especially when it comes to the top categories.

This year’s Emmy Awards will honor shows that aired or streamed between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025 (so the nominations for “The Bear” are for last year’s fourth season, not the recently released fifth and final season). This also means that recent hits such as HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 3, Prime Video’s “Every Year After” and Paramount+’s “Dutton Ranch,” which didn’t air episodes or had insufficient episodes by deadline, will be considered for the 2027 ceremony, even though they didn’t make this year’s list.

Emmy rules also require that a show be produced at least in part by a U.S. partner, so queer hockey romance and cultural phenomenon Heat Rivalry is entirely ineligible, as it is produced and distributed by Canadian streamer Crave and only licensed by HBO Max.

But while there were plenty of actors and shows that were well-qualified to be nominated for an Emmy, this year they simply didn’t get nominated and stayed home when the ceremony aired on NBC on Monday, September 14 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT), hosted by “Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay.

Here are the biggest detractors of the 2026 Emmy nominations.

Jeremy Allen White “The Bear”

No, chef! Jeremy Allen White is the star of FX and Hulu’s perennial Emmy favorite “The Bear,” earning three nominations for his role as Carmie Belzato, the anxious head chef at the show’s signature restaurant. He previously won the Best Actor in a Comedy Series award twice, in 2023 and 2024. So being completely removed from the 2026 list was a bigger shock than dropping a plate of lamb on the floor. However, her co-star in “Bear”, Ayo Edebiri, received a nomination.

Steve Martin and Selena Gomez “Only Murders in the Building”

What have Steve Martin and Selena Gomez ever done for the Television Academy? Co-star Martin Short has been nominated for lead actor in a comedy series every year since this cozy mystery comedy debuted in 2021, but Martin and Gomez have only earned one nomination each over the show’s long run. In 2026, they were removed from the roles of Comedy Lead Actor and Comedy Lead Actress, respectively.

Paul Anthony Kelly “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette”

Sarah Pidgeon, who played Carolyn Bessette on the FX/Hulu drama about the storied love story of an American icon and a fashion publicist, has been nominated for her role in an anthology series. However, Paul Anthony Kelly, who received positive reviews for his role as JFK Jr., was not selected for Best Actor in the same category.

Comedy series “Comeback”

Lisa Kudrow has made a successful return to lead actress in a comedy series with the on-and-off HBO series about a fading actress and her attempts to regain fame and recognition. However, the show itself failed to make it into the packed category of best comedy series, with nominations instead going to ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” HBO Max’s “Hacks,” Apple TV’s “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This,” Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” Apple TV’s “Shrinking” and Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay.”

Drama series “Stranger Things” and “Euphoria”

Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and HBO’s “Euphoria” both returned for long-awaited final seasons last year, but neither crowd-pleaser made it into the Emmy Awards’ top award, the Outstanding Drama Series category. The two received seven nominations overall, including Zendaya, who won Best Actress for her role in the drama “Euphoria.”

Kathy Bates wins Best Drama Actress

What kind of “misery” is this? Despite being nominated in 2025 for her critically acclaimed role in the CBS reboot of “Matlock,” the legendary Kathy Bates was left out of the nominations entirely for her role in the show’s second season.

Limited series “Death by Lightning” for actors

Netflix’s gritty historical drama about President James Garfield (Michael Shannon) and his assassin (Matthew Macfadyen) was on USA TODAY’s list of the best shows of 2025, but Emmy voters weren’t so convinced. The show received four nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Nick Offerman (as Vice President Chester A. Arthur), but missed out on Best Limited Series and nominations for Shannon and Macfadyen.

‘Landman’ and Sheridan’s show left in the dust

While fans flock to the show from Taylor Sheridan, the power producer behind “Yellowstone” and its many spinoffs, “Tulsa King,” “The Landman” and “Lioness,” the series was never a hit with Emmy voters. Sheridan starred in a number of Emmy-nominated shows last year, including Paramount+’s ratings hits “Landman,” “Tulsa King,” “Madison” and CBS’ “Marshalls,” but “Tulsa” was the only one of his shows to earn a nomination in the comedy stunt coordination category.

Why gold falls as Fed interest rate expectations change

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A common belief among investors is that there is an inverse relationship between gold and interest rates. In other words, when interest rates rise, gold falls, and vice versa.

In reality, gold and interest rates are related, but the relationship is not always simple. In general, the correlation between gold and gold is stronger. genuine The interest rate is the interest rate paid minus the inflation rate. Other influences, such as central bank purchases and the demand for “safe” investments in uncertain times, can also sustain gold prices even as real interest rates rise. In fact, these forces can sometimes outweigh the effects of interest rates.

So what are investors actually seeing now?

Markets are reacting to the possibility that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hold interest rates unchanged or raise them until the end of the year. These shifts in interest rate expectations have contributed to gold’s recent decline, even though other forces continue to support the price.

Here’s what gold prices and interest rates tell us about the current economy, and what it means for precious metals investors.

Now: Gold falls and interest rate hikes expected

Gold prices have fallen since hitting a record high in January. At the same time, many analysts expect the Fed to hold rates steady or raise rates through the end of the year, given continued inflation and signals from Fed officials.

This is a reversal from many investors’ expectations at the beginning of the year, when it seemed more likely that the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue to cut interest rates.

As a result of this change, “institutional investors almost immediately started releasing the money they had stored as insurance against these cuts,” said Evan Mills, MBA, associate financial advisor at Scholar Advising. These developments contributed to the decline in gold prices.

While other factors are at play, this decline shows how the prospect of rising interest rates can weigh on gold prices.

Why rising interest rates usually weigh on gold

Gold does not generate income. As interest rates rise, returns on assets such as bonds, money market funds, and high-yield savings accounts become more attractive. As a result, gold becomes less attractive as it does not pay interest or earn any income.

As such, the prospect of rising interest rates may prompt gold investors to allocate their assets elsewhere. “People tend to look for the highest yielding assets in the dollar. If the dollar is making significant amounts of money in bonds and cash, it’s hard to argue why they should flock to gold,” Mills said.

But this is also why it is important to focus on real interest rates and not just nominal interest rates. Inflation directly affects investors’ actual profits after price increases are taken into account.

When inflation exceeds nominal interest rates, the real rate of return on bonds and other income-producing assets can decline or even become negative. This makes gold even more appealing. Because in this case, gold may be a better store of value for investors who want to preserve purchasing power.

When this relationship breaks down: Demand for safe assets and central bank buying

It’s not all about interest rates. While it’s true that expectations of rising interest rates can drive gold demand and prices down, investors don’t necessarily buy the metal just for its profit potential.

“This relationship breaks down when investors worry about inflation, geopolitical risks, currency depreciation, or when central banks buy gold,” Mills says. “That’s when people start buying gold for different reasons,” he says.

This mirrors the situation seen earlier this year, when gold soared to record highs of over $5,000 per ounce. Investors flocked to gold as a safe-haven asset amid the prospect of lower interest rates, changes in tariff policy and political tensions.

That’s because gold is seen as a powerful store of value during times of economic and market uncertainty. Mills said investors may continue to buy and hold gold even as interest rates rise because they seek protection rather than maximizing profits.

Strong demand for gold from central banks over the past few years has also supported gold prices, offsetting the impact of rising interest rates. “[Central banks]have been purchasing more than 1,000 tonnes each year since 2020, which equates to about a quarter of annual mine supply,” said Eric Croak, CFP, president of Croak Capital.

In such cases, continued demand for gold could weaken or exceed the traditional relationship between interest rates and gold.

The big question now is what will happen if the Fed raises rates later this year.

Rising interest rates can dampen demand for gold, but speculation about future interest rates can have an impact as well.

What’s happening now is that gold prices are falling even though the Fed hasn’t actually raised interest rates yet. One reason for this is that “the anticipated rate hikes will cause most of the damage to occur before they actually occur,” Croke said. “Futures markets tend to price in about 80% of well-communicated rate hikes or rate cuts before the actual event.”

Still, if the Fed decides to raise rates before the end of the year, gold will be under further downward pressure. But Mills explains that the reason behind the rate hike is important.

If the Fed raises interest rates to cool a booming economy, gold prices will likely come under downward pressure. But even if interest rates are raised because inflation remains high, investors could turn to gold as a hedge against uncertainty. “This very geopolitical risk is why people still flock to gold,” he says.

Bottom line: Here’s what to look out for by the end of 2026

After all, while gold and interest rates are closely related, the relationship isn’t exactly aligned. Other factors, such as demand for safe-haven assets and central bank buying, can put upward pressure on gold prices even when interest rates are rising.

Moreover, speculation about interest rates could be more important than the Fed’s actual decisions when it comes to the price of gold.

There is no single data point that predicts the price of gold. Rather, investors should look to inflation data, geopolitical developments, Fed guidance, and central bank purchases to understand gold’s trajectory.

New US passport system makes it easy to take your own photo

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio says it may just be a little easier to get and renew a passport.

On July 2, Rubio said the State Department is developing a more streamlined system to make it easier for Americans to take and upload passport photos using their cellphones or computers.

Americans can already upload passport photos taken from their phones or computers. However, you must meet the State Department’s strict requirements. Rubio said the new system uses real-time, built-in facial recognition technology to further speed up the process.

“Instead of going somewhere, you should be able to take a photo with that device. People at CVS obviously hate this, and Walgreens and other places hate it,” Rubio said. “But you will be able to take a photo from that device and see the facial ID in real time through our security system.”

In addition to simplifying the process of taking and submitting a passport photo from home, Rubio outlined plans to allow passport applicants to complete nearly the entire process online.

“Beyond that, I would say we’re also looking at some technological changes, which we’ll be able to announce in more detail in the coming months. Obtaining a passport will be much easier in terms of its dynamics. You’ll actually be able to access it online,” Rubio said.

Rubio’s comments were made during a reception to celebrate the release of commemorative passports commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Only 25,000 limited edition passports will go on sale starting July 6, according to the State Department.

Controversy over new passports

The new commemorative passport has been shrouded in controversy since President Donald Trump unveiled a rendering of it in late June.

The new passport that Trump shared featured a photo of him standing on a desk of determination, with the original text of the Declaration of Independence in the background and Trump’s signature at the bottom of one of the pages. Meanwhile, another page displays John Trumbull’s painting of the Declaration of Independence.

In a post on Truth Social on June 26, President Trump wrote, “The new American passport says ‘Welcome, but good luck!'” alongside the design.

The new design prompted a backlash from Democrats in Washington, with Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine writing a letter to Rubio saying that including Trump’s face on the document turns “a moment of national unity into a vehicle for personal advancement.”

“To our knowledge, no country carries the portrait of a sitting leader on its passport. Even the most authoritarian and dictatorial governments have avoided equating their national identity with a sitting president in this way,” Kaine said.

USA TODAY’s Saman Shafiq contributed to this report.

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_.

Mitch McConnell’s 20-minute conversation is gaining attention online

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Sen. Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized for undisclosed reasons, and his recent conversations with colleagues have been in the spotlight.

Amid growing questions about Mr. McConnell’s health, two of his colleagues and a longtime confidant recently said they had spoken to the 84-year-old Mr. McConnell while he was in the hospital.

Aides confirmed that Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Senate Majority Leader John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) met with McConnell on July 6 and July 7, respectively. Scott Jennings, a commentator and longtime adviser to Mr. McConnell, also said he spoke with the senator on July 7.

McConnell’s office has disclosed little about his hospitalization, other than to say he was hospitalized on June 14 and that by July 7 he was “continuing to recover.”

The internet is now focused on the mystery surrounding McConnell’s reported conversation and hospitalization, with social media users claiming they too spoke with the senator about the dramatized topic.

McConnell allies detail recent conversations (approximately 20 minutes)

On July 6, Mr. Thune spoke with Mr. McConnell on a variety of topics, including national security, and the conversation was “long and substantive,” a spokesperson for Mr. Thune said in a statement.

The next day, Barrasso met with McConnell for about 20 minutes to discuss upcoming Senate activities, the latest Supreme Court news and the Maine Senate race, among other topics, according to a statement from Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes.

“Senator McConnell is fully committed and eager to return to the Senate,” Noyes said.

Also on July 7, Jennings posted on X that she had spoken to McConnell, who told her he was “still recovering in the hospital.”

“We talked for just under 20 minutes…about the unfolding situation in Iran, Ukraine, and Maine, our visit to the TR Presidential Library, and a little about the history of the Senate. I told him I wanted to see him back to work as soon as possible,” Jennings wrote.

Why a 20-minute conversation with Mitch McConnell went viral

After the conversation between Thune, Barrasso, Jennings and McConnell was reported, many social media users focused on the length of the conversation.

Specifically, some highlighted that the discussion between Barrasso, Jennings and McConnell lasted about 20 minutes.

“Am I the only one who didn’t talk to Mitch McConnell for 20 minutes today?” one social media user wrote to X.

Another user wrote, “It’s crazy how we all spent 20 minutes talking to McConnell this morning. I wonder where he found the time to schedule all of those 20 minute slots.”

Some argued that Mr. McConnell should have provided more information about his health, given his ability to hold long conversations. Experts told USA TODAY that while it’s normal to be concerned about the health of public figures, the desire for information is typically even greater when it comes to elected officials.

Brad Fulton, a professor of business administration, data science and philanthropy at Indiana University Bloomington, previously told USA TODAY that public figures, including political leaders, “are entitled to a certain level of privacy regarding personal health matters.”

“It’s important to balance the public’s right to information with the individual’s right to privacy,” Fulton said.

Thomas Massey and Andy Cohen share a 20-minute conversation

Still, the attention sparked a flurry of posts from people joking about the made-up story with Mr. McConnell.

“Can someone please put me on a 20 minute phone call with Mitch McConnell? I keep getting a busy signal. Apparently everyone in Washington has their own direct number except the taxpayers who foot the bill,” one person wrote to X.

Outgoing Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massey wrote to X: “I spoke with McConnell for about 20 minutes this morning. He said we should end the war with Iran, stop aid to Israel, and stop spying on Americans without a warrant. I am truly disappointed in the outcome of my primary.”

This virality spread to pop culture as well.

Andy Cohen posted in the thread, “Mitch McConnell called me with the scoop on RHOC Season 20. We just happened to talk for 20 minutes!”, referring to The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Lisa Rinna, herself a Real Housewife, also wrote in the thread, “Mitch McConnell called and asked if my lips were real.”

Latest information on Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization

McConnell was hospitalized on the morning of June 14, his spokesman David Popp confirmed at the time. His office did not provide details about the reason for his hospitalization.

On the morning of June 14, audio from an emergency call to the address listed in records as McConnell’s longtime Washington, D.C., address showed someone at the scene unconscious. A few minutes later, another call came in saying someone was in “cardiac arrest.”

When asked for comment about the audio by USA TODAY on July 1, McConnell’s office would not confirm or deny that the longtime senator was involved in the call. It also shared the same statement it later provided again on July 7.

“The senator continues to improve and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate issues while the Senate is out of session,” McConnell’s office said in a statement.

“Senator McConnell is grateful for the tremendous support he is receiving as he continues his recovery in the hospital,” the statement said.

Contributors: Zachary Schermele, Alyssa Goldberg

Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.

Dow drops nearly 600 points on Iran ceasefire report

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Stocks closed mostly lower on July 8 after President Donald Trump hinted that the Iranian ceasefire could end.

The Dow Jones ended the day down nearly 600 points, losing just over 1% of its value. The S&P 500 fell 0.3%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq, already enduring a slide in recent weeks, rose 0.2%.

Markets slumped following new military attacks between the United States and Iran, a development that led President Trump to declare that the ceasefire in the Iran war is likely over.

“I think it’s over for me. I don’t want anything to do with them,” Trump said in Ankara, Turkey, where he was attending a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.

The news sent oil prices higher as conflicts in the Middle East tend to limit supply.

Oil prices have soared to their highest level in recent weeks. Brent crude, the world benchmark, rose 6% to $74.50 a barrel.

Energy stocks rose on the day as higher oil prices accelerated profits for oil companies. However, the stock prices of some consumer goods companies have fallen, and soaring energy prices could hamper their operations.

The stock market had little reaction to the release of the June Federal Reserve minutes, which did not result in a change in the benchmark interest rate. The minutes revealed the inner workings of the central bank and showed that bankers are divided over the future direction of interest rates.

Most traders expect interest rates to rise by the end of the year, according to the CME FedWatch forecasting tool.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributor: Rachel Barber, USA TODAY

President Trump fires at US aircraft carrier, mistakenly says “Islamic Republic of Japan”

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President Donald Trump falsely said that the Islamic Republic of Japan fired 111 missiles at a US aircraft carrier “months ago.”

He made this comment to the press on July 8, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

“We have one of the most beautiful aircraft carriers in the world, the largest aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln,” President Trump said. “And a few months ago, and I talked about this yesterday, 111 missiles were launched from the Islamic Republic of Japan.”

The president went on to say that missiles were fired at the carrier for an hour and were all intercepted.

USS Abraham Lincoln and the Iran War

In February, the United States shot down a drone that approached “aggressively” the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as it sailed in the Arabian Sea, about 500 miles off Iran’s southern coast, USA TODAY previously reported. The incident occurred just before the United States and Israel attacked Iran, beginning what is now a four-month war.

The following month, Iran announced it had attacked the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with a ballistic missile. U.S. Central Command disputed the report in a post on X, writing, “Lincoln was not attacked. The fired missiles were not even close. Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of Centcom’s relentless operations to eliminate the Iranian regime’s threat and protect the American people.”

Japan-US military alliance

The United States and Japan have had a military alliance for nearly 75 years. According to the official US Congress website, the two countries signed the treaty in 1952, seven years after the end of World War II. The two countries have also concluded a mutual defense agreement, and approximately 60,000 US troops are currently stationed around Japan.

Drew Pittock covers trending news from around the country for USA TODAY. He can be reached at DPittock@usatodayco.com.

President Trump-backed Freedom Fuel Stations attract customers looking for cheap gas

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The White House promoted “Freedom Fuel” stations offering $3.47 gas in the Philadelphia area. Customers said they just wanted cheap gas.

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WEST BERLIN, N.J. – Politics aside, $3.47 for gas is a pretty good deal.

That was the message I received one after another from customers at Freedom Fuel stores in the Philadelphia area backed by President Donald Trump.

Few knew that their bargain gas tanks were at the center of a somewhat mysterious project touted by the Trump administration.

The patriotically rebranded gas stations are being touted by the administration as evidence that “President Trump is leading the charge to lower gas prices this summer,” according to a White House social media post.

Gasoline wasn’t the cheapest in the area. At least two nearby stations started selling it for 2 cents less per gallon.

But $3.47 per gallon was still cheaper than many other stations, and customers were happy with the small deal. Many said money was tight and gas prices were hurting.

“I’m a college student about to graduate from college, so it’s nice to save some money,” said Ira Miller, who was filling up at Freedom Fuel in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

The White House said Miller just learned that the station is part of a Trump administration-backed project aimed at “lowering prices to $3.47 for the 47th president.”

But few, if any, customers USA TODAY and USA TODAY Network reporters spoke with knew about the agency’s ties to the Trump administration. A deal is a deal.

Dan Soborowski, who pumps gas in New Jersey, said he doesn’t vote because he’s “not political at all.”

Soborowski was refueling his Dodge Bighorn. This is a work truck used by a traveling mechanic for his business, D&D Mobile Solutions. He typically fills up at least twice a week, spending about $75 each time.

“I’ve added gas costs, especially if I have to travel for work, and I’ve built that into my bill and told my customers, ‘Look, gas is expensive,'” he said.

He wasn’t aware of the White House’s efforts, but said, “Gasoline prices are outrageous, so I’m glad they’re aware and they’re trying to do something about it.”

The national average fuel price on Tuesday, July 7 was $3.79, according to AAA.

What the White House said about gas prices

The White House announced the initiative in a July 7 post to X. The video shows customers thanking President Trump for lower gas prices, and the White House told USA TODAY that the customers are located in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas.

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is “over,” President Trump said in a morning meeting with other NATO leaders on July 8, as gasoline prices have soared due to the war with Iran.

Details of how the Freedom Fuel project will work and how it will raise funds have not been made public. USA TODAY has contacted the White House for additional information.

At the Freedom Fuel Station at Street Road and High Avenue in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, a manager declined to answer questions. But the gas station, which typically appears to be a BP brand, advertises regular gasoline at $3.47 per gallon, nearly 40 cents cheaper than the Sunoco across the street, where regular gas was selling for $3.99 per gallon on July 8th. At the Liberty gas station further down Street Road, regular gas was $3.89 a gallon.

“Gasoline is one of those things that no matter who you vote for or who you don’t vote for, you need gas to get where you’re going,” he said at the Southampton, Pennsylvania, station. “The best thing to do is to buy as cheaply as you can and sell consistently.” He lives nearby but was unaware of President Trump’s connection to gas prices.

“A drop in the bucket”

Many customers at the Freedom Fuel Station expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of living, especially the cost of gas.

“Everything is so expensive. If I can get gas for 50 cents less, I’ll buy it,” Brittany Graham said as she showed her daughter how to pump gas at Warminster Station. She says she’s conservative but not necessarily a Trump supporter, and learning this was a pro-Trump effort didn’t change that.

Another customer, Jim Tunstall from New Jersey, was loading up his small SUV with gas. The Vietnam veteran said he does not support President Trump and has long patronized the gas station because it is close to his home and typically cheaper than Wawa or other nearby gas stations.

Jim Lehman, visiting from South Carolina, filled up his truck and said gas prices in the area are “ridiculous.” While he was at the gas station, most recently using Sunoco (which still had a Sunoco sticker on the pump) because of its lower-than-usual prices, he denied any role the Trump administration might play there.

“This is a drop in the bucket. (President Trump) is not doing at all enough to keep prices low,” he said.

Contributor: Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY

Fees, Gold IRAs, is it legal?

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Money Metals Exchange is a precious metals dealer headquartered in Eagle, Idaho. The company sells gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium and copper to direct ownership and voluntary retirement accounts. Its services are primarily designed for investors who prefer to self-manage their portfolios and purchase physical metals directly.

Below, we explain Money Metals Exchange’s products, fees, customer experience, and how the company compares to other precious metals dealers.

Overview of Money Metal Exchange

Money Metals Exchange operates primarily as an online dealer serving investors seeking physical precious metals through direct ownership or retirement accounts. In addition to traditional bullion products, the company offers subscription plans, buyback programs, financing, and a wide selection of precious metals and specialty products.

Although the company sells physical metals, it does not directly manage retirement accounts. For IRA customers, the company has partnered with New Direction Trust Company and others to offer this option for self-directed retirement accounts. We also operate our own storage facility, Money Metals Depository, which stores metals for both direct purchasers and IRA investors.

Snapshot of Money Metal Exchange

Money Metals Exchange Products and Services

Money Metals Exchange offers a wide range of precious metal purchasing options including coins, bars, and rounds.

Customers can choose courier delivery or secure storage via Money Metals Depository. Money Metals Exchange offers a precious metals IRA program for retirement account investors that includes rollover assistance from existing IRAs and 401(k) plans.

Metals purchased through an IRA must meet IRS purity standards, including:

  • Gold: 99.5%
  • Silver: 99.9%
  • American Gold Eagle: 91.67%

In addition to buying and selling metals, the company also offers monthly accumulation plans, secured loans on stored metals, and buyback programs.

Money Metals Exchange also maintains a state-specific resource directory covering all 50 states, including information on sales tax laws, capital gains treatment, legal tender status, and local coin dealers.

How the money metal exchange process works

A typical Money Metals Exchange IRA customer experience looks like this:

  • Select a custodian and open an account. Choose a self-directed IRA custodian. Money Metals recommends New Direction Trust Company but also works with other companies.
  • Fund your account. Transfer money from your existing retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, to your new self-directed precious metals IRA.
  • Choose your metal and lock in your price. Browse IRS approved bullion products on our website and lock in your price.
  • Organize your storage. The metal will be shipped to a storage location of your choice and stored in insured, isolated storage.

Money Metals Exchange fees and pricing considerations

Money Metals Exchange displays spot prices for the precious metals it sells on its site, allowing customers to compare costs before committing. As with all precious metals dealers, total costs include markups above spot prices.

Additional charges such as storage services (not listed but typically average $50 per setup plus

($125/year) and storage (starting at $96/year) for IRA customers.

Money Metals Exchange Reputation and Customer Experience

Money Metals Exchange has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2011. The platform has an average customer review score of 4.31 stars. On Trustpilot, the company receives an average 2.9-star rating from consumers.

Positive customer reviews often highlight price transparency, customer service satisfaction, product selection, and secure delivery, while negative reviews may mention delivery delays, pricing disputes, or specific transactional disagreements. The company responds proactively to customer complaints and often provides additional context regarding disputed issues.

Advantages and disadvantages of Money Metal Exchange

Before choosing Money Metals Exchange, consider the following:

Strong Points

  • A wide range of products from metals to special products
  • There are no shipping or insurance charges when using Money Metals Depository for storage
  • Provides educational resources covering all 50 states

Cons

  • Limited IRA custodian pricing not available online
  • There is no minimum investment information available online
  • Annual storage fees apply regardless of account value

Money Metals Exchange and competitors

Precious metals dealers typically offer similar products and IRA services. The biggest differences usually have to do with price transparency, product selection, account minimums, and customer support.

Money Metals Exchange operates its own vaults for the storage of precious metals. However, like most dealers, the company relies on third-party platforms for IRA management, and the price for this service may vary.

Here’s how Money Metals Exchange compares with other well-known dealers:

conclusion

Money Metals Exchange stands out for its wide product assortment and company-operated storage locations. This platform may be attractive to self-directed investors seeking a wide selection of metals and related products online. Before investing, compare fees, storage options, corporate partnerships, and account services offered by multiple dealers to see which best fits your goals.

Money Metals Exchange Frequently Asked Questions

Is Money Metals Exchange reliable?

Money Metals Exchange has been in business since 2010 and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for its responsiveness to customer complaints. The company has some low scores on customer review site Trustpilot, but its average BBB score is high.

Who owns Money Metals Exchange?

Money Metals Exchange is a private company and is not listed on the stock market. Stephen Gleason is the company’s CEO and president. Directed by Clint Signer and Mike Gleason.

Does Money Metals Exchange post prices online?

Money Metals Exchange publishes real-time product spot prices online and allows customers to place orders through its website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The customer confirms the price at the time of purchase.

Connor Murphy dies – fitness, “Looksmaxxing” influencer drowns

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American fitness influencer Connor Murphy has reportedly passed away at the age of 32.

Murphy, known for his “Looks Max” and workout content on social media, drowned in a lake near his luxury rental property in Thailand’s Bang Phli district on Tuesday, June 7, according to local media outlets Bangkok Post and Thai Rat.

Around 3pm local time, Samut Prakan police responded to a report of a man who became agitated and acted erratically after Murphy tried to get into a passerby’s car and was refused. When police arrived, the content creator reportedly fled to the village’s lake and swam until he became exhausted and eventually drowned.

After searching for about 30 minutes, rescue divers recovered Murphy’s body about 65 feet away and brought it to shore, according to reports. According to reports, his body showed no signs of assault and was sent to a hospital for an autopsy.

A subsequent search of Murphy’s car revealed two unused syringes and a bag containing several white pills, the Bangkok Post reported.

A rental property where Murphy and his unnamed 22-year-old girlfriend had been living for three months was also destroyed. His girlfriend reportedly told authorities that the content creator covered the entire house, including the appliances, with paint while he was sleeping in the middle of the night.

She said the two had been together for three years but started living together a few months before the incident, and that she had never seen Murphy display any concerning behavior before. Investigation is ongoing.

USA TODAY has reached out to Thai police for comment.

Fitness influencers react to Connor Murphy’s death

Several of Murphy’s friends, including bodybuilder John Skywalker Brannon, Korean bodybuilder Phil, and fitness coach Patrick Lyons, confirmed his death in Instagram tributes.

In a lengthy message, Lyons wrote that Murphy “fundamentally changed the course of my life through the impact he had on my content and my fans.” Additionally, Murphy claimed that he “experimented with illegal and extremely powerful drugs in 2020, which revealed a previously unknown underlying mental illness” and “degenerated into psychosis, transforming Connor into a very different person than the person I once knew.”

Lyons speculated that Murphy’s cause of death was “manic or psychotic, probably due to PEDs and mind-altering drugs.”

Murphy took over social media following YouTube in the 2010s and became part of the “lookmax” trend, where people strive for physical perfection. This includes strenuous exercise, substance use, and surgery.

Murphy’s last upload to his YouTube channel, which had around 2.4 million followers, appeared less than a week before his death and was about death. In the one-minute video, he can be seen dancing, bouncing a basketball and pretending to play a mini violin while rock music plays in the background.

He concluded by saying that people “have an unhealthy relationship with death.” The caption read, “Obituary pending. This is a purely satirical performance. This dramatization is not a depiction of real events. Nothing in this video should be reproduced and everything performed complies with all laws and regulations.”

He also posted multiple videos and skits on his Instagram page in recent days.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health resources or support, call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for access to our free and confidential service 24/7.

New Jersey home for sale at George Washington Overlook, priced at $1,776,000

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A house on a hill once used by General George Washington as an observation post to monitor British troops during the American Revolutionary War is on the market for sale in time for America’s 250th anniversary.

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac at 4 Centennial Court in Totowa, New Jersey, the property was recently listed for $1.776 million by Joseph Charles Jr. of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty. This is an intentional play on the founding year of the country to commemorate the 500th anniversary.

The history of the area dates back to 1717. When Dutch farmer Dirk Day purchased 600 acres of land in the Preakness Valley and established a large farm. It is also believed that a few years later he began construction of an impressive Georgian country house at the foot of one of the hill ridges.

His son, Colonel Theunis Dei, completed construction of the mansion in 1770. Originally known as Bloomsburg Manor, it was officially renamed Day Mansion in 1930.

Shortly after construction of the mansion was completed, in July 1780, it served as Washington’s military headquarters. Washington occupied the east wing of the mansion, and the Day family remained in the west room with Washington’s staff, which they used as a base camp while the troops watched over the British from the top of what is now Day Hill.

He also returned to his home in October and November 1780, in the aftermath of Benedict Arnold’s rebellion.

Although the area remained an orchard and livestock farmland after the American Revolution, it was formally subdivided in 1972, beginning the process of forming a planned residential community. Housing construction began in 1973.

Today, all of the streets on the hill are named after the American Revolution, including Centennial Court, Liberty Ridge, Patriots Trail, and Lookout Point Trail.

The third property from the top of Day Hill, the home at 4 Centennial Court, was built in 2004. The home is located on a lot of nearly 1 acre and has 4,603 sqft of living space.

There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and flexible bonus room space. There is also a dramatic two-story entrance hall. Several formal and informal living and dining spaces. Gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances and large center island. and a partially finished walk-out basement with 11-foot ceilings.

Other amenities include a three-car garage with EV hook-up, and beautifully landscaped grounds with a tranquil pond and deck.

This property is also minutes from the Totowa Community Pool, Preakness Valley Golf Course, local shopping, major highways, and public transportation.

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.

Viral Photos of Black Women, Patriot Front, and First Amendment

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  • Over the Fourth of July weekend, a photo of a black woman surrounded by members of the white supremacist group Patriotic Front on a subway train in Washington, D.C., went viral online.
  • The woman’s brother said the photo “looked like hounds were surrounding her.” The Patriot Front website calls for a “hard reset” of the nation and describes “our people” as people of the “European race.”
  • An ACLU attorney told USA TODAY that the photo symbolizes First Amendment freedoms. He said that while some people may be offended by the group’s beliefs, the First Amendment was created to protect such positions.

A photo of a Black woman surrounded by masked Patriot Front members on a July 4 subway train in Washington, D.C., went viral over the weekend, sparking a debate about the state of the country and freedoms on the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Reuters photographer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Cheney Orr captured the image of a woman, later identified as Bernita Bowling, 33, in a green shirt facing the camera while seated on a train. Two members of a white supremacist group, their identities concealed by masks, sunglasses and baseball caps, sit in front of her, and many others sit behind her or stand beside her.

According to Reuters, Orr and Reuters photographer Nathan Howard continued to document Patriot Front members exiting the train and heading to individual cars in New Carrollton, Maryland. Orr didn’t see where the bowling went.

Her brother, Paul Bowling, told The Washington Post in an interview that the photo “basically looked like hounds surrounding her.”

He described his sister as “amazing” and a “role model,” but outlined her mental health struggles and said he feared she would be targeted because of the photos that went viral, the paper said. He echoed those sentiments in a July 7 Instagram post, also acknowledging that “it’s your support that is making my sister go viral.”

Paul Bowling did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

Patriot Front was founded in the aftermath of the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. “Its mission is a hard reset of the nation we see today – a return to the traditions and virtues of our forefathers,” the group’s website says. It describes “our people” as those “born in this country who are our European race.”

Orr’s photo is a “dramatic” visual representation of First Amendment freedoms, Arthur Spitzer, senior counsel for the Washington, D.C. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, told USA TODAY on July 8.

He said Mr. Bowling and members of the Patriot Front had the right to ride the train as long as they followed applicable regulations, and that Mr. Orr had the right to take photographs.

“I think everyone was doing what they were allowed to do, and…you can look at it as a positive or a negative, but that’s life in a big city,” Spitzer said.

Spitzer acknowledged that the views of some groups, like the Patriot Front, can cause fear and anxiety in others, but said such positions are exactly what the First Amendment was designed to protect.

She pointed to other polarizing but protected forms of expression, such as anti-abortion protesters displaying graphic photos of fetuses near abortion clinics.

Spitzer also mentioned the ACLU of Washington, D.C.’s lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration on behalf of the protest group Accountability Now USA. The group accused the National Park Service of threatening to revoke demonstration permits over signs that referenced sexual misconduct allegations against Trump. A federal judge ruled against the administration in June, saying both the sign and the group’s 8647 flag were protected speech.

“People who exercise their First Amendment rights often make other people uncomfortable,” Spitzer said. “That’s where the rubber hits the road.”

Contributor: Michael Loria

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.

What this year’s U.S. Supreme Court terms mean for state courts

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An important part of understanding state courts and the Constitution is addressing how they interact with federal law. This year’s blockbuster Supreme Court term, which ended last week, has profound implications for how state courts operate and whether and how federal rights gaps can be closed. Here are some highlights.

In some cases, courts have limited federal rights and remedies, almost certainly shifting rights disputes to the states.

Landau v. Louisiana Department of Corrections Although it has received less attention than other end-of-term cases, it has significant implications for the federal government’s civil rights protections. in landerthe court further reduced the availability of damages for certain civil rights violations. Rastafarian inmate Damon Landau claimed that guards forced him to shave his head, knowing it was in violation of his religious beliefs. Such actions are prohibited by the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), which guarantees religious freedom for incarcerated people.

But the court held that under laws like RLUIPA, which impose legal requirements on state agencies as a condition of receiving federal funds, individual employees cannot be held liable unless they consent to a lawsuit. As a result, your remedies if your rights under RLUIPA are violated are significantly limited. lander Many other legal protections rooted in Congress’ spending powers also remain weak.

However, this is an area where state law can help fill in the gaps. Many states already provide stronger religious freedom protections than the U.S. Constitution, either under individual constitutions or state-level religious freedom restoration laws, and these laws exist in some form in 29 states. However, these protections do not necessarily lead to compensation. For example, while federal law provides a cause of action for state employees who violate the U.S. Constitution, only eight states have similar laws for violations of their state constitutions. (Some courts recognize that damages can be obtained even without a statute.) lander There is a new urgency for robust national protection.

on the other hand, State of West Virginia vs. BPJthe court ruled that neither Title IX nor the federal Equal Protection Clause prevents states from preventing transgender female students from playing on women’s sports teams. The ruling follows a court ruling last year. USA vs. Scumettisupported state bans on gender-affirming care for minors.

like Skremti The court addressed the question of whether discrimination against transgender individuals would trigger enhanced constitutional review. however, I shrieked. The court ruled that the challenged law did not discriminate by gender or transgender status. B.P.J. It accepted the classification but concluded that the sports ban had withstood so-called interim scrutiny. of the court B.P.J. The ruling could signal a weakening of federal civil rights protections overall: In a partial dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that the ruling weakened the standards for evaluating gender classification more broadly.

B.P.J. Although it emphasizes that federal protections for transgender people are limited, state courts can still interpret state constitutions to provide stronger protections. In Montana, for example, the state Supreme Court applied strict review, the strictest form of review, to uphold a preliminary injunction blocking the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. A lower court in Kansas also temporarily blocked the state’s ban, and state supreme courts in North Dakota and Ohio are currently hearing challenges. Other states reject such claims.

I wrote about what happened after that before, louisiana vs currythe court’s April ruling that rewrote (and effectively watered down) key parts of the Voting Rights Act. With no federal limits on partisan gerrymandering and few federal protections remaining against discriminatory maps; chalice Pushing state courts into the center of redistricting fights. Your post is already visible –chalice A surge in state redistricting lawsuits.

set of different postschalice The legal battle is connected to the state constitutional reform movement, as several Democratic-controlled states seek to amend their constitutions to facilitate gerrymandering. Just last week, the Colorado Supreme Court blocked five redistricting efforts that proponents were trying to put on the November ballot.

Finally, the Supreme Court also ruled as follows: limited State law or foreclosed state lawsuit. One of the highlights is Wolford vs. LopezIn this case, the court struck down, on Second Amendment grounds, a Hawaii law prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns on private property that is open to the public without the express permission of the property owner.

Under our federal system, the Second Amendment trumps state law violations, but state courts still have a role to play. Notably, the Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that the state constitution does not protect an individual’s right to keep and bear arms, harshly criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court’s use of Second Amendment precedent and unilateralism. For those critical of the Supreme Court’s recent approach to constitutional interpretation, states can model a different path.

Alicia Bannon is the editor-in-chief state court report. She is also the director of justice programs at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Recommended quote: Alicia Bannon the interaction of state courts and federal law; Sᴛᴀᴛᴇ Cᴏᴜʀᴛ Rᴇᴘᴏʀᴛ (July 8, 2026), https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/interaction-between-state-courts-and-federal-law

President Trump claims he can protect E. Jean Carroll from immunity if he pays him $5.8 million

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Carroll has said he will spend the money on “things that Trump doesn’t like” and argues that he would suffer irreparable harm if forced to pay before the lawsuit is over.

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President Donald Trump has argued that a federal judge should not order New York columnist E. Jean Carroll to pay $5.8 million. Because she will be spending the money on something he “hates” and he won’t be able to get it back if he wins on appeal.

Trump claims there is still an appeal pending that could protect him from that lawsuit and an additional $83 million judgment that Carroll won.

Trump maintains that both incidents are intertwined and rely on the president’s public statements. The Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that presidents are immune from prosecution for most official actions, which Trump claims protects him from Carroll’s suit.

Trump’s formal response is the latest wrinkle in Carroll’s efforts to punish her over a 1990s controversy in which she claimed she was sexually assaulted by Trump at a New York City department store.

The small verdict came after a New York jury found Trump responsible for sexually abusing Carroll. The larger verdict came after another jury found Trump to have defamed Carroll when he denied her claims.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered the second jury to accept the previous jury’s verdict and decide only how much Trump owed Carroll for his comments as president.

The Supreme Court on June 29 refused to hear his appeal of the $5.8 million lawsuit. Carroll then asked Kaplan to order Trump to pay her.

However, President Trump said in his July 7 response that he could still appeal the $83 million judgment by July 28. He also asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the $5.8 million lawsuit that the judge had earlier rejected.

Trump has argued that his comments as president were key to the smaller ruling and were an “integral” part of the larger ruling.

“The use of the president’s public statements is important because this court has made clear that the president’s official acts cannot be used as evidence to impose liability for the actions of others,” Trump’s lawyers said in a court filing.

Mr. Trump said that if Mr. Kaplan orders Mr. Carroll to pay, “there is a strong possibility that the funds will never be recovered.” He cited several articles in which she was reported to have said she would spend money on “things Trump doesn’t like.”

Kaplan has not set a deadline for acting on Trump’s application.

2026 Emmy Award Nominations – See the full list of nominees

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We have a doctor, an Emmy-nominated doctor, on board.

HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pit,” directed by star and executive producer Noah Wyle, proves to be just what the doctor ordered. The series, which concluded its second season in April, topped the nominations with 25 honors. (It won three statuettes last year, including Best Drama.)

“Hacks,” also an HBO Max series, received 24 nominations for its fifth and final season. Star Jean Smart has won the Outstanding Lead Actress award four times for her role as the resurgent comedian Deborah Vance, and could win the award for the fifth time. The quirky horror/comedy “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+) received the third-most nominations with 19 mentions.

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” earned nine nominations, including in the variety series category, two months after the CBS late-night talk show was canceled and officially ended in May. “The Late Show” left the venue with a pair of statuettes at last year’s awards ceremony, which recognized outstanding talk series and outstanding production of variety series.

Rob Reiner, who passed away in December, received a posthumous nomination for his work on “The Bear.”

Where can you watch Emmy Award nominees?

On Wednesday, Liza Colon-Zayas (The Bear) and Jeff Hiller (Widow’s Bay) announced their nominations during a ceremony streamed live on the Emmy Awards website.

Who hosts the Emmy Awards?

The 2026 Emmy Awards will be held on September 14th (8pm ET/5pm PT) and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. It has been announced that Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy Award-winning star of Law & Order: SVU, will host the awards ceremony, which will be held on July 7th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Here are the actors, hosts, and shows submitted to the major Emmy categories:

Emmy nominations: complete list

Leading Actress, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Claire Danes “The Beast in Me” (Netflix)

Sally Field “Remarkably Bright Creatures” (Netflix)

Carey Mulligan “Beef” (Netflix)

Sarah Pidgeon “Love Story” (FX, Hulu)

Sarah Snook “All Her Fault” (Peacock)

Leading Actor, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Riz Ahmed “Bait” ​​(Prime Video)

Jason Bateman “Black Rabbit” (Netflix)

Charlie Hunnam “Monster: The Ed Gain Story” (Netflix)

Oscar Isaac “Beef” (Netflix)

Matthew Rhys “The Beast in Me” (Netflix)

Limited series or anthology series

“It’s all her fault” (Peacock)

“The Beast Inside Me” (Netflix)

“Beef” (Netflix)

“DTF St. Louis” (HBO Max)

“Love Story” (FX, Hulu)

Supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie

Linda Cardellini “DTF St. Louis” (HBO Max)

Dakota Fanning “All Her Fault” (Peacock)

Laurie Metcalf, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” (Netflix)

Joy Sunday “DTF St. Louis” (HBO Max)

Yoon Yoo Jung “Beef” (Netflix)

Constance Zimmer “Love Story” (FX, Hulu)

Supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie

Jason Bateman “DTF St. Louis” (HBO Max)

Richard Gadd “Half Man” (HBO Max)

David Harbor “DTF St. Louis” (HBO Max)

Richard Jenkins “DTF St. Louis” (HBO Max)

Charles Melton “Beef” (Netflix)

Nick Offerman “Death by Lightning” (Netflix)

Lead actress, comedy series

Quinta Branson “Abbott Elementary School” (ABC)

Ayo Edebiri “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)

Elle Fanning “Margo’s Money Trouble” (Apple TV+)

Lisa Kudrow “The Comeback” (HBO Max)

Gene Smart “Hacks” (HBO Max)

Lead actor, comedy series

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II “Wonder Man” (Disney+)

Steve Carell “Rooster” (HBO Max)

Matthew Rhys “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Jason Segel “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

Martin Short “Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu)

comedy series

“Abbott Elementary School” (ABC)

“The Bear” (FX/Hulu)

“Hax” (HBO Max)

“Margo’s Money Trouble” (Apple TV+)

“Nobody Wants This” (Netflix)

“Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu)

“Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

“Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Supporting actress, comedy series

Dale Dickey “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Hannah Einbinder, “Hux” (HBO Max)

Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

Kate O’Flynn, “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Michelle Pfeiffer, “Margo’s Money Trouble” (Apple TV+)

Megan Stalter, “The Hux” (HBO Max)

Jessica Williams “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

Supporting actor, comedy series

Colman Domingo “The Four Seasons” (Netflix)

Paul W. Downs “Hacks” (HBO Max)

Harrison Ford “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

Nick Offerman, “Margo’s Got Money Trouble” (Apple TV+)

Stephen Root “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Michael Urie “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

Tyler James Williams “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

comedy guest actor

Michael J. Fox “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

Brett Goldstein “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

Hamish Linklater “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Christopher MacDonald “Hacks” (HBO Max)

Rob Reiner “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)

Connor Story “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

comedy guest actress

Leslie Bibb “Hacks” (HBO Max)

Jamie Lee Curtis “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)

Betty Gilpin “Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV+)

Cherry Jones “Hux” (HBO Max)

Laurie Metcalfe, “Hax” (HBO Max)

Caitlin Olson, “The Hux” (HBO Max)

Lauren Weedman, “Hux” (HBO Max)

Lead actress, drama series

Carrie Coon “The Gilded Age” (HBO Max)

Chase Infinity “Testament” (Hulu)

Keri Russell “The Diplomat” (Netflix)

Rhea Seehorn “More” (Apple TV+)

Zendaya “Euphoria” (HBO Max)

Lead actor, drama series

Sterling K. Brown “Paradise” (Hulu)

Gary Oldman “Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)

Mark Ruffalo “Tusk” (HBO Max)

Rufus Sewell “The Diplomat” (Netflix)

Noah Wyle “The Pit” (HBO Max)

drama series

“The Diplomat” (Netflix)

“The Gilded Age” (HBO Max)

“Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” (HBO Max)

“Paradise” (Hulu)

“The Pit” (HBO Max)

“See more” (Apple TV+)

“Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)

“Your Friends & Neighbors” (Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Taylor Dearden, “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Fiona Dourif, “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Allison Janney “The Diplomat” (Netflix)

Katherine LaNasa, “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Sepideh Moafi “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Julianne Nicholson “Paradise” (Hulu)

Karolina Wydra “Pluribus” (Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Patrick Ball “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show” (Apple TV+)

Sean Hatosy, “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Gerran Howell “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Jack Lowden “Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)

Tom Pelphrey “Tusk” (HBO Max)

Carlos Manuel Vesuga “Pluribus” (Apple TV+)

drama guest actor

Colman Domingo “Euphoria” (HBO Max)

Ernest Harden Jr. “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Jeff Hiller “More” (Apple TV+)

Jeff Kober “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Jonathan Pryce “Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)

Bradley Whitford “The Diplomat” (Netflix)

drama guest actress

Brittany Allen, “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Tal Anderson “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Tina Ivlev, “The Pit” (HBO Max)

Miriam Scholl “More” (Apple TV+)

Merritt Wever “The Gilded Age” (HBO Max)

Shailene Woodley “Paradise” (Hulu)

tv movie

“Head of State” (Prime Video)

“Miss You, Love You” (HBO Max)

“People You Meet on Vacation” (Netflix)

“Surprisingly Bright Creatures” (Netflix)

“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War” (Prime Video)

variety series

“The Daily Show” (Comedy Central)

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC)

“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (HBO Max)

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS)

“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

reality competition program

“Dancing with the Stars” (ABC)

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (MTV)

“Survivor” (CBS)

“Top Chef” (Bravo)

“Traitor” (Peacock)

Contributor: Kalia Richardson, USA TODAY

Silver fell 7.05% on July 8, 2026

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How much is silver worth per ounce today?

As of 12:05 PM ET on July 8, 2026, the spot price of silver is $57.45 per oz., according to the latest market data. The stock fell 7.05%, or $4.36 from the previous closing price of $61.81.

One year ago, silver was trading at $36.79 per ounce. This means that the price has increased by 56.15% in the last 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $36.36

52 week high: $117.39

Silver is trading 51.06% below its 52-week high. It is 58.00% higher than its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of silver?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$57.45 $58.55 $68.10 $36.79

A week ago, silver was trading at $58.55 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 1.87%.

A month ago, silver was trading at $68.10 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 15.64%.

USA TODAY is an independent publisher and not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or trading advice. We recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional regarding any specific financial decisions you may make. Trading commodities, futures, and options involves significant risk of loss. Individual investment results may vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prices change rapidly and unpredictably due to factors such as supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events. Our company assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information.

What is driving the price of silver today?

The price of silver is driven by inflation expectations, central bank policy, global economic conditions, and investor demand. The strength of currencies, especially the US dollar, can influence daily prices, as well as physical and industrial demand. For more on the market, read the latest investment news on USA TODAY Money.

What does XAG/USD mean?

XAG/USD is the ticker symbol used to track the spot price of silver in US dollars.

XAG stands for 1 troy ounce of silver and USD stands for US dollar. The estimated price tells you how many dollars it costs to purchase one ounce.

Prices are usually quoted per troy ounce, which is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

Spot prices reflect real-time market transactions and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs, and retail bullion prices.

how to invest in silver

Investing in silver can be done by buying physical coins and bars, buying ETFs that track its price, or investing in mining stocks. Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs, and risk tolerance before making a decision. The retail price of a coin or bar typically includes a premium over the spot price.

Disclaimer: This USA TODAY Money article was automatically generated using live market data from Alpha Vantage. If you think we made a mistake or have feedback, please use this form.

Hurricane outlook update announces El Nino will disrupt storm development

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A major update to the influential hurricane forecast says the 2026 hurricane season could be the mildest in recent memory due to a strong El Niño phenomenon.

Colorado State University meteorologists announced on July 8 that they expect four fewer storms than originally expected in their outlook for April’s Atlantic hurricane season.

They also say the public should not feel too reassured by the new forecast, as the storm could be destructive if it actually occurs. “Preparations should be made on a seasonal basis, regardless of the anticipated activity,” the new forecast reads.

However, the change means the new forecast is for a “significantly lower-than-usual season.”

In a typical year, there are 14 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean, but only nine are predicted this year. The previous April forecast for the 2026 season had predicted 13 storms.

“We lowered the numbers further to account for the increased likelihood of a strong El Niño event,” Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach said in an email to USA TODAY.

“We don’t expect any major events in the Atlantic, as a strong El Niño is likely to occur this year,” he said.

Low forecasts following busy year

“This is a very low estimate,” Klotzbach said.

But this situation may feel even more unusual, as the past decade has seen above-average activity every year, with a few exceptions.

He said 2015 was the last season in which the team predicted fewer than 10 named storms.

What causes the low predictions?

Wind shear is at the center of the forecast.

Overall, the most prominent feature of El Niño during the hurricane season is a gradual increase in vertical wind shear. “A scissor-like wind pattern that cuts off the top of an organized storm seedling before it develops into a strong hurricane,” WPLG-TV hurricane expert Michael Rowley said in an email to USA TODAY.

The report states that “a strong El Niño is expected to be the dominant driver of the upcoming hurricane season, causing high levels of vertical wind shear in the tropical Atlantic Ocean.”

So far this season, increases in wind shear have been highest in the western tropical Atlantic, particularly across the Caribbean, which also contributes to fewer landfalls in the United States during El Niño, Lowry said.

And looking to the future, Klotzbach said one model is predicting record wind shear from August through October across the major Atlantic hurricane development areas.

What is the current chance of a major hurricane making landfall?

In addition, Colorado forecasters said they “forecast the probability of a major hurricane making landfall along the continental U.S. coastline and the Caribbean region to be well below average.” Currently, the probability of a major hurricane making landfall in the United States is just 17%, far below the average of 43%.

Specifically, the report says there is a 10% chance of a major landfall on the Gulf Coast and an 8% chance on the East Coast.

Which states are most at risk?

Even though the number of predicted storms has decreased, states like Florida and North Carolina are still most at risk from storms. Florida has a 49% chance of a named storm forming within 80 miles of Florida again this year, the highest rate of any U.S. state. North Carolina’s odds are 32%.

However, both states see the chance of storms having decreased significantly. Earlier this year, Florida’s odds were 74% and North Carolina’s 54%.

Klotzbach said this is not unusual, and all states along the East Coast and Gulf Coast are now less likely to experience storms than expected earlier this year.

“The main reason that predicted storms continue to decline is because confidence and strength of the upcoming El Niño is increasing. Signs of the strongest El Niño on record have increased considerably,” he said.

An eerie warning sound echoes

Hurricane forecasters agree that all it takes is one hurricane to be a disaster.

So if you haven’t started preparing for a hurricane yet, now is a good time to start.

Check out this page for tips on preparing your home for a hurricane.

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

Gold fell 2.20% on July 8, 2026

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How much is gold worth per ounce today?

As of 8:05 AM ET on July 8, 2026, the spot price of gold is $4,063.04 per oz., according to the latest market data. This is a decline of 2.20% and $91.23 from the previous closing price of $4,154.26.

One year ago, gold was trading at $3,336.24 per ounce, which represents a 21.78% increase in price over the past 12 months.

Key levels to look out for this week:

52 week low: $3,284.65

52 week high: $5,477.79

Gold is trading 25.83% below its 52-week high. The stock is 23.70% above its 52-week low.

What is the historical price of gold?

today 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago
$4,063.04 $4,008.93 $4,344.02 $3,336.24

A week ago, gold was trading at $4,008.93 per ounce. Since then, the price has increased by 1.35%.

A month ago, gold was trading at $4,344.02 per ounce. Since then, the price has fallen by 6.47%.

USA TODAY is an independent publisher and not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or trading advice. We recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional regarding any specific financial decisions you may make. Trading commodities, futures, and options involves significant risk of loss. Individual investment results may vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prices change rapidly and unpredictably due to factors such as supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events. Our company assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information.

What is driving the price of gold today?

The price of gold is driven by inflation expectations, central bank policies, global economic conditions, and investor demand. The strength of currencies, especially the US dollar, can influence daily prices, as well as physical and industrial demand. For more on the market, read the latest investment news on USA TODAY Money.

What is XAU/USD?

XAU/USD is the ticker symbol used to track the spot price of gold in US dollars.

XAU stands for 1 troy ounce of gold and USD stands for US dollar. The estimated price tells you how many dollars it costs to purchase one ounce.

Prices are usually quoted per troy ounce, which is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

Spot prices reflect real-time market transactions and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs, and retail bullion prices.

how to invest in gold

Investing in gold can be done by buying physical coins and bars, buying ETFs that track the price of gold, or investing in mining stocks. Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs, and risk tolerance before making a decision. The retail price of a coin or bar typically includes a premium over the spot price.

Disclaimer: This USA TODAY Money article was automatically generated using live market data from Alpha Vantage. If you think we made a mistake or have feedback, please use this form.

Georgia judge calls President Trump’s subpoena “unreasonable” after pollster ruling

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A federal judge in Georgia has blocked a subpoena from the Department of Justice to collect personal information from poll workers and volunteers for the 2020 Fulton County election, calling it an “unreasonable” request.

The grand jury subpoena was filed in April and immediately met resistance from Fulton County officials, who argued the request was overreach and based on baseless claims of election fraud from six years ago.

President Donald Trump continues to promote a conspiracy that he won Georgia in 2020, even though multiple investigations led by both Democrats and Republicans have failed to find any allegations of fraud. In Georgia, the conspiracy is also being promoted by Rep. Mike Collins, who is currently running for Senate against incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff. Collins recently said in an interview in June that Trump won the 2020 election.

Federal agents raided a Fulton County election site earlier this year and seized hundreds of boxes of ballots and tabulation forms from election workers. County officials are pursuing legal avenues to get the materials returned, which are in various stages of court proceedings.

The FBI has also been ordered to scrutinize the Fulton County investigation, with 260 analysts poring over investigative materials by a July 17 deadline.

Now, U.S. District Judge William Wray has delivered the latest blow to Trump as he continues to focus on Trump and Fulton County.

Judge says the breadth of grand jury subpoena is ‘staggering’

In the court’s decision, filed July 7, the judge called the “broadness” of the April subpoena “staggering.”

In a May 4 motion, Fulton County officials argued that because Fulton County is Georgia’s most populous county and includes much of the Atlanta metropolitan area, the subpoena applies to thousands of employees and volunteers who worked before and after the 2020 election.

Judge Wray said the Justice Department is “undoubtedly under the control of the current president” and is therefore using it to overstep its grand jury subpoena power. He argues that the statute of limitations for the Justice Department to file suit in Fulton County has long passed and that the subpoena is too broad given that it is seeking information months and years after the election.

“Whether you support the president or not, whether you believe the 2020 election was fair or not, you should be concerned about the Department of Justice’s ability to use its grand jury powers to misappropriate personal information for no purpose,” Judge Wray wrote. “…The Department of Justice cannot circumvent the statute of limitations solely on the theory that someone, somewhere, did something illegal in some way.”

The judge also argued that such a large-scale leak of the personal information of poll workers, many of them volunteers, “could have a chilling effect on participation in future elections” for both workers and voters.

“Is there a chance that the poll worker who asked the question will give in?” some evidence? perhaps. “However, the disclosure of the requested information, even if it would not change anything substantively, would seriously harm Fulton County’s interest in recruiting poll workers and other election volunteers in the future, at least during the current administration, which appears focused on making the 2020 election unfair,” Judge Ray wrote.

Warnock says raid is ‘an excuse to interfere’ in midterm elections

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said during a spotlight hearing in February with Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory that the raids and subsequent lawsuits were part of preparations to “rig the rules for the 2026 midterm elections” and interfere again.

Ivory said she was “concerned about the workers” during the January raid.

When Warnock asked Ivory if she was concerned about how the government would handle such sensitive data from Fulton County voters, she answered unequivocally, “Yes.”

“So what we’re seeing is a harbinger of what could happen across the country, with acquisition attempts from many different angles,” Ivory testified. “I’m worried about election workers. They’re regular people who come to work to support their families, and they’re scared to go to work every day.”

White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson told USA TODAY in February that the president is “committed to ensuring that the American people have complete confidence in our election administration, including a fully accurate and up-to-date voter rolls with no errors or illegally registered non-citizen voters.”

Bottoms calls the decision a “victory for democracy”

Keisha Lance Bottoms, who served as Atlanta’s mayor in the 2020 election and is now a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, celebrated the ruling in a statement Tuesday.

“This decision is a victory for democracy and a rebuke of Donald Trump’s latest attempts to intimidate dedicated election officials,” Bottoms said. “Even after Donald Trump’s lies about the 2020 election forever changed the lives of two Georgia election officials, Rick Jackson chose to work with Trump over the public servants who protected our democracy.”

Jackson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, defeated Georgia’s secretary of state, who oversaw the 2020 election, in the Republican gubernatorial primary and has supported the Justice Department’s investigation into Fulton County throughout the campaign.

“If Fulton County tried half as hard to clean up its voter rolls as it does to keep the truth in the dark, people might actually trust the system,” Jackson wrote in a post to X following Fulton County’s motion to block the subpoena.

Eileen Wright covers Georgia politics and elections as an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

President Trump cuts off trade with Spain, calls NATO ally ‘vain cause’

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has slammed NATO allies for not contributing more financially to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s defense and ordered his administration to cut off trade with Spain.

“Spain is a wasted cause, and by the way, we don’t want to do any trade with Spain anymore,” President Trump said on the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8.

The president also directed his remarks to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, adding: “I want them to cut ties. Spain is a terrible partner for NATO.” “They won’t participate. They won’t pay. I want nothing to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits. Watch them run back. Oh, they’ll run back.”

Trump made the remarks while sitting next to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who remained silent as Trump criticized Spain. President Trump said, “I’m not satisfied with NATO,” citing the NATO alliance’s resistance to the acquisition of Greenland and the refusal of NATO members to support the United States’ war effort against Iran.

President Trump said he had met with the leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Italy to seek support for the Iran war, but he did not bother to contact Spain.

“They’re treating this guy badly,” Trump said, gesturing toward Rutte. “Spain has not agreed to anything, so it should not be brought in.”

Spain, a NATO member since 1982, spends about 2% of its gross domestic product on defense, falling short of President Trump’s demand for 5% to be spent on allies. NATO has set a goal of reducing defense spending to 5% by 2035.

President Trump also hinted at an embargo against Spain in 2025, saying he wanted to end U.S. trade with Spain “immediately.”

The president has broad powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to restrict or block economic transactions involving foreign countries.

But to make such a move, the president would have to prove that the country poses an “unusual or unusual threat” to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States and declare the situation a national emergency.

In 2025, the United States imported $35.3 billion in goods from Spain and exported a total of $39.2 billion in goods.

President Trump said of Spain: “I wish you would stop even talking to them. They are hopeless.” “They’re bad people because they’re paying everyone else to go and work for them. And Spain, especially Spain, there are some others, they’re open about it and they’re hostile. When they call and say, ‘Please, please, we want to do business with you,’ look at how hostile they remain.”

“They’re making a lot of money doing business with us, and we’re going to make a lot less of them. I don’t want to do business with them.”

Contributed by: Reuters

X Contact Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.

Tom Holland’s Vero non-alcoholic beer boasts ‘Odyssey’ cans

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Tom Holland not only has two summer blockbusters in the works, but he’s also launching a new limited edition Vero non-alcoholic beer soon.

Holland, who co-founded Bero in 2024, has appeared in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” starring Matt Damon (released July 17), and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” released July 31.

To celebrate “The Odyssey,” limited edition cans of Belo’s Noon Wheat Non-Alcoholic Beer with special packaging and a can design inspired by the movie are on sale now. The special 6-pack is available exclusively on the Bero website for $20 plus $5 shipping.

The six-pack packaging features a section of Vero can depicting a galley and her crew, reflecting the nautical aspect of the “Odyssey” story. The can depicts a floating ship with clouds above its sails. Below the Bero logo are the words “‘The Odyssey.’ Only in theaters. ”

“Good packaging tells a story. That was our approach from day one. We wanted the can to be unmistakably Vero, while still capturing the sense of adventure and discovery at the heart of Odyssey,” Jacopo Cinti, Vero’s creative director, told USA TODAY in a statement. “Every design choice is intentional and the result gives fans an experience beyond the screen while making both worlds feel authentic.”

In the film The Odyssey, Holland plays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus (Matt Damon). Holland’s partner Zendaya plays the goddess Athena.

A special launch to coincide with Odyssey could encourage more people to drink non-alcoholic beer. According to the Japan Beer Association, the share of non-alcoholic beer in total annual beer sales increased from about 0.6% in 2022 to 1.3% in 2025.

Tom Holland’s Belo brand also has summer shandies

Vero offers four flavors of non-alcoholic beers with less than 0.5% ABV: Kingston Golden Pils, Double Tasty West Coast Style IPA, Edge Hill Hazy IPA, and Noon Wheat. Beer has 70 to 90 grams of calories and 15 to 19 grams of carbohydrates.

In late May, Belo also launched a limited-edition shandy line featuring Kingston Golden Pils, lemonade, and other fruit flavors.

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