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Here are the top 10 most expensive zip codes in the United States

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Here are the top 10 most expensive zip codes in the United States

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Seven of the 10 most expensive zip codes in the United States are in California, which probably comes as no surprise to many Californians.

But the most expensive zip code in the country, 33109, is located on Fisher Island, just a stone’s throw from Miami Beach.

A new ranking of the top 100 ZIP codes, measured by home sales price, reaffirms the pedigree of Silicon Valley, Newport Beach and the Hamptons. But most of all, it shows that waterfront addresses are here to stay.

Fisher Island, an ultra-luxury enclave that cannot be reached by car, had a median home sale price of $9.5 million in the first nine months of 2025, according to PropertyShark rankings.

The second highest zip code, 94027, is located in Atherton, California, a Silicon Valley community home to tech giants. Just a year ago, it was the most expensive ZIP in the nation.

America’s most expensive zip codes: Is it all about water?

Rounding out the top 10: zip codes in the Hamptons and California’s Newport Beach, Santa Barbara, Los Altos, and Marin counties. All addresses are on or near the coast.

“The list isn’t just about water, but many of the most expensive ZIP codes are in coastal and island locations,” said Doug Ressler, manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix, a sister company of real estate data website PropertyShark.

Newport Beach in Orange County, California ranks as the most expensive city in this ranking, with all residential zip codes in the top 100.

Only 15 states had at least one zip code in their rankings. As the report notes, the most expensive housing markets are “overwhelmingly coastal.”

Real estate values ​​continue to rise on parts of the coasts of California, New York, and Florida, even though sea levels are also rising.

Ressler said climate risks are “becoming increasingly recognized” but “are not yet fully reflected in real estate prices.”

These are the top 10 most expensive zip codes in the US

  1. Miami Beach, FL, 33109. With a median sales price of $9.5 million, this Fisher Island zip code is the most expensive in the country in 2025. PropertyShark reports that prices have increased 65% in the past year. The cheapest home sold for $1.4 million and the most expensive home sold for $23.7 million.
  2. Atherton, California, 94027. 94027 was America’s most expensive ZIP code for eight years, but this year it slipped to second place. The median sale price in this Silicon Valley “billionaire enclave” was $8.3 million, PropertyShark reports. The cheapest home sold for $3.2 million, and the most expensive home sold for $51.5 million.
  3. Sagaponack, NY, 11962. The Southampton ZIP code has ranked as New York’s most expensive ZIP code for a decade, supporting the state’s “most expensive coastal corridor,” according to a report from PropertyShark. Median sales price: $5.9 million.
  4. Newport Beach, California, 92661. This is the highest ranking ever for 92661 ZIP located on the Balboa Peninsula. Prices have increased 20% this year to a median price of $5.7 million.
  5. Water Mill, New York, 11976. According to a report from PropertyShark, Watermill owns the second most expensive ZIP in the Hamptons, with a median sales price of $5.5 million. Prices have fallen since last year, but have doubled in the past 10 years.
  6. Santa Barbara, California, 93108. This ZIP is located in Montecito, a celebrity mecca on the California coast. Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande have purchased property there. Median sales price: $5.24 million.
  7. Stinson Beach, California, 94970. The median sales price in this Marin County ZIP has increased 38% in one year and is now $5.23 million.
  8. Newport Beach, California, 92657. The zip code is located within a master-planned community that attracts “high-end buyers seeking privacy, scale, and coastal views,” according to a report from PropertyShark. Median sales price: $5.19 million.
  9. Los Altos, California, 94022. The Silicon Valley post office is one of 15 in the top 100 in Santa Clara County, PropertyShark reports. Median sales price: $5.1 million.
  10. Newport Beach, California, 92662. This Balboa Island ZIP ties with the Los Altos ZIP above for ninth place on the list, with a median sales price of $5.1 million.

The most expensive zip codes in the other 12 states are:

The 10 most expensive zip codes in the United States are all located in California, New York, and Florida. Here are the most expensive ZIP codes for the other 12 states in the top 100 (including ties, the complete list is actually 120 ZIP codes):

new jersey: 07620, in the Bergen County community of Alpine, Rank 13, median sales price $4.4 million.

georgia: 31561, located in the Glynn County community of Sea Island, with a rank of 15 and a median sales price of $4.2 million.

washington state: 98039, located in the King County community of Medina, with a rank of 16 and a median sales price of $4.2 million.

south carolina: 29482, located in the Charleston County community of Sullivan’s Island, with a rank of 18 and a median sales price of $4 million.

arizona: 85253, in the Maricopa County community of Paradise Valley, rank 23, median sale price $3.5 million.

nevada: 89413, located in the Douglas County community of Glenbrook, with a rank of 26 and a median sales price of $3.4 million.

maryland: 21056, in the Gibson Island Anne Arundel County community, rank 32, median sale price $3.2 million.

colorado: 81611, in the Pitkin County community of Aspen, rank 42, median sale price $2.8 million.

connecticut: 06878, located in the Fairfield County community of Greenwich, with a rank of 43 and a median sales price of $2.8 million.

new hampshire: 03854, in the Rockingham County community of New Castle, rank 50, median sale price $2.7 million.

Massachusetts: 02199, Boston, Rank 54, Median Sales Price $2.6 million.

Hawaii: 96754, located in the Kauai County community of Kilauea, with a rank of 62 and a median sale price of $2.5 million.

Mariners vs. Blue Jays Game 7 live score, highlights, channels

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Mariners vs. Blue Jays Game 7 live score, highlights, channels

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TORONTO — The 10th American League Championship Series heads to Game 7. And the Seattle Mariners can only hope for a historic result.

The Mariners bounced back from a 6-2 loss in Game 6 to win the game on the second of the two tries needed to advance, and will aim to win the American League pennant and advance to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

But for now, the Toronto Blue Jays maintain momentum in a series where the concept is elusive. The team is aiming to advance to the World Series for the first time since back-to-back championships in 1992-93, and will start with trade deadline winner Shane Bieber.

George Kirby will be Seattle’s starting pitcher, but both starting pitchers will almost certainly be reduced to footnotes in a winner-take-all game in which nearly the entire pitching staff from both clubs will be available.

Looking for an ALCS MVP? It could be Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hit his third home run of the series in Game 6, going 9-for-22.

For Seattle, Cal Lowry, the man with 60 home runs, will look to shake off a Game 6 in which he was grounded out into a key double play, struck out in another key spot, and committed a throwing error that led to Toronto’s sixth run.

Follow us for live updates:

Which channel is Game 7 of Mariners vs. Blue Jays on? How to watch, live streaming

Monday’s game is being broadcast on Fox and can be streamed on Fubo.

Watch ALCS Game 7 live on Fubo

Julio Rodriguez hit a lead-off double against Shane Bieber and, with one out, Josh Naylor’s RBI hit gave the Mariners an early lead in Toronto.

  1. Julio Rodriguez (R) CF
  2. Cal Lowry (S) C
  3. Josh Naylor (left) 1B
  4. Jorge Polanco (S) DH
  5. Randy Arozarena (R) LF
  6. Eugenio Suarez (R) 3B
  7. JP Crawford (L) SS
  8. Leo Rivas(S) 2B
  9. Victor Robles(R) RF
  1. George Springer (R) DH
  2. Nathan Rooks (left) LF
  3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
  4. Alejandro Kirk (R) C
  5. Dalton Varsho (left) CF
  6. Ernie Clement(R) 3B
  7. Addison Berger (L) RF
  8. Isaiah Kinner Children(R) 2B
  9. Andres Jimenez (left) SS

TORONTO – George Springer stood out in this American League Championship Series with two home runs and a .960 OPS through six games.

Except when he was on the ground, a 95 mph pitch from Seattle Mariners right-hander Brian Wu hit him in the right knee. Or two nights later, he came back for a game the Toronto Blue Jays had to win, pitched safely in his fourth at-bat, but flinched, jumped, and grimaced in his fifth at-bat.

And now he’s here, in a place that’s foreign to almost every major leaguer but a second home to him. Game 7 will be the fifth Game 7 of his career as he looks to win his second World Series.

“This is what you want. If you said to me during spring training, ‘Hey, you’re going to be playing in Game 7 of the ALCS,’ I don’t think there’s anyone in the league who would say, ‘Oh, no,'” Springer said.

  • bob nightengale: Blue Jays 4, Mariners 3
  • Gabe Lux: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 4
  • Jesse Yomtov: Blue Jays 5, Mariners 1

Blue Jays Win: Toronto World Series Win

The Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series in 1992 and 1993.

They won their first title in 1992 by defeating the Atlanta Braves in six games, then defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games, clinching the championship on Joe Carter’s walk-off home run.

  • game 1: October 24th (Friday)
  • game 2: October 25th (Sat)
  • Game 3: October 27th (Monday)
  • Game 4: October 28th (Tuesday)
  • *Game 5: October 29th (Wednesday)
  • *Game 6: October 31st (Friday)
  • *Game 7:Saturday, November 1st

ALCS Game 7 begins on Monday, October 20th at 8:08 PM ET/5:08 PM PT.

Shane Bieber will take the mound for the Blue Jays and George Kirby will start Game 7 for the Mariners in Toronto.

Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez has two home runs, five RBIs, and five walks so far in the ALCS.

“This is my first time participating in a Game 7, and they say there’s no better word in the sports world,” Rodriguez said before Game 7.

“We’ve gotten this far by being who we are and playing our baseball, and I think we’ve got to step up to that. We don’t need to do any more,” Rodriguez told reporters.

“I feel like everyone’s been doing it all year. We’ve been playing baseball all year, we’ve been preparing all year. And at the end of the day, it’s just one game and the same thing over again.”

Game 7 of the ALCS between the Mariners and Blue Jays begins at 5:10 p.m. PT.

Game 7 of the American League Championship Series is being played at the Rogers Center in Toronto, home of the Blue Jays. The stadium opened in 1989.

ALCS Game 7 is broadcast on Fox and available to stream on Fubo on Monday nights.

The Blue Jays acquired Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians before the trade deadline, but the former Cy Young Award winner is returning from Tommy John surgery in 2024.

He started seven games during the regular season for the Blue Jays, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA. In the postseason, Bieber pitched twice, including the win in Game 3 of the ALCS, posting a 4.15 ERA (4 earned run in 8.2 innings).

His first appearance is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET in Toronto.

Your car maintenance checklist should include the following tools

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Your car maintenance checklist should include the following tools

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  • Learn the tools you need to start maintaining your own cars
  • Understand the nuances of different types of wrenches and their functions

If you want to maintain your car yourself, you need the right gear. There’s no one-size-fits-all tool, so you’ll need a checklist of what you need.

You may already have simple hand tools, such as screwdriver sets, sockets, and wrenches. More advanced power tools can be useful and make your job easier if you know how to use them.

Here we will discuss the essential tools you need to perform your own car maintenance.

Start with basic tools

Everyone should have a simple toolset with basic tools such as a screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, and hammer. No matter how big or small your project, these basic tools will always come in handy.

Car maintenance will get your hands dirty, so consider bringing work gloves. Nitrile gloves are the most effective and are the type worn by many mechanics. Portable work lights allow you to better see your vehicle’s components and greatly improve visibility.

Wrench suitable for various scenes

There are many types of wrenches, and it may be difficult to remember them all. It’s always useful to have the standard wrench that comes with your tool set, but you’ll also need specialized wrenches.

A ratchet is a type of wrench used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts of various socket sizes made for the tool. A torque wrench is used to apply a specific torque to a nut or bolt. A breaker bar is also a type of non-ratcheting wrench that can loosen very tight nuts or nuts that are stuck in place. Adding an extension bar to your wrench allows you to access bolts in hard-to-reach places.

You can never have too many wrenches, but these three different types are a great starting point for doing your own maintenance.

Wide variety of sockets available

A set of sockets of various sizes is perfect for pairing with a wrench. The average set includes socket and ratchet wrenches in various sizes. A small set may contain about 10 sockets, while a large set may contain 100 or more sockets.

Please make sure the measurements are correct before choosing your set. If you have a car made in the United States, use SAE measurements, and if you have a car made in another country, you may need metric measurements for the socket.

Tools for diagnostic testing

You will need an OBD-II scanner to digitally read any problems your car may have.

Plug your device into the OBD port and press the button on the screen to scan your vehicle and it will report any issues. If there is a problem, the device will notify you of the error code it receives. Scanners don’t solve problems, but they tell you what you need to work on.

car battery maintenance

If the battery is not working, you will not be able to turn on the vehicle.

With proper maintenance, batteries can last for many years, depending on the model. You can use a multimeter to test your battery voltage to ensure it is operating at optimal levels. A battery jump starter is a must-have in emergencies, as it allows you to restart your car if your battery dies.

Get a good jack to lift your car

To work on tires or access under your car, you’ll need a floor jack to lift your car and jack stands to safely support your car while you lift it.

Make sure the jack you choose can support the weight of your vehicle. If your car weighs 4,000 pounds, get a jack that can support a little more weight for added stability. Always use jack stands when working under a car.

How to maintain tires: The ultimate guide to wheel care

What you need for an oil change

If not done properly, changing your oil can be a hassle for both you and your car. Changing your own oil may sound scary, but it’s much easier with the right tools.

It’s important to make sure you’re using the recommended oil for your car. If you’re not sure which type you need, check online or your owner’s manual. An oil drain pan and funnel to catch the old oil that drains from the engine, and a mechanic creeper like a sled that rotates so you can easily get under the car are all very important.

Oil catch containers can be used for recycling at auto parts stores that accept used oil. Filters can be difficult to remove, so an oil filter wrench is very helpful in loosening and removing the filter and tightening the new filter. Changing your oil yourself saves you money and you don’t have to purchase other services like you would at an oil change shop.

Tire care

For wheels, you will need some tools. If you’re replacing a tire, a lug wrench or tire iron are the best tools to loosen the lug nuts.

When changing tires, you want to keep your car in place with wheel chocks. These are placed behind unworked tires to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. To inflate your tires, you can go to a gas station or do it yourself using a tire inflator. A hand-held tire pressure gauge allows you to check the exact pressure in your tires and deflate them if they are overinflated.

more expensive tools

These basic tools take a long time to use, but if you’re willing to spend the extra money, you can get some of the best gear available.

An impact wrench allows you to remove nuts and bolts almost instantly, without straining your arm. There are also tool and socket sets that contain hundreds of parts and can be expensive. These more expensive tools are a great option if you work on your car frequently, but they aren’t that important for the average car owner.

If you want to save money on repairs and learn more about your car, DIY maintenance is the way to go. You’ll need to invest in some tools to get started, and some items can be a little pricey. But knowing the right tool for the right job, when to do it, and what to do will help you do it better.

Construction begins on President Trump’s White House Ballroom project

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Construction begins on President Trump’s White House Ballroom project

President Trump said at an event in the East Room on October 20 that construction work on the ballroom began earlier in the day.

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Construction has begun on President Donald Trump’s new $250 million White House ballroom, with workers demolishing part of the east wing ahead of a 90,000-square-foot addition, one of the biggest changes to the presidential mansion in decades.

Images show a backhoe tearing apart the side of the east wing facing the Treasury building, despite President Trump’s pledge in July that the ballroom would not affect the existing White House structure.

“It doesn’t interfere with the current building, it’s close but it doesn’t touch it, it’s completely respectful of the existing building, and I’m the biggest fan of that,” Trump said. “This is my favorite place. I love it.”

disturbing story Unraveling past paranormal phenomena that occurred at the White House

President Trump announced at an event in the East Room on October 20 that construction work had begun earlier in the day. He said one of the walls in the East Room will be removed, calling it a “knockout panel” and providing direct access to the ballroom.

“There’s massive construction going on on the other side,” Trump said, adding, “It just started today.”

President Trump later posted on social media that the East Wing “is being completely modernized as part of this process and will be more beautiful than ever when completed!”

According to a July White House press release announcing the new ballroom, the East Wing was built in 1902 and “subsequently underwent numerous renovations and changes, including the addition of a second floor in 1942.” It includes a formal entrance, first- and second-floor offices, and an underground bomb shelter, according to the White House Historical Society. This was traditionally the location of the First Lady’s office.

Trump, a real estate developer turned president, has moved quickly into his second term to assert his authority over the physical landscape as well as policy. He tore out the White House Rose Garden to install a patio, completely renovated the Oval Office with gold ornaments, erected an 88-foot flagpole on the White House’s north and south lawns, and is working on a bathroom in Lincoln’s bedroom.

President Trump has for years pushed for a ballroom in the White House that could accommodate large gatherings such as state dinners. He lamented the fact that many of the extravaganzas of the past took place inside tents. The ballroom is funded by private donors.

“We’re going to see social gatherings like we’ve never seen before, and I don’t think we’ll ever surpass that,” Trump said on October 20. “It’s going to be the best.”

Contributor: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

Michigan woman says ChatGPT picked her winning Powerball numbers

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Michigan woman says ChatGPT picked her winning Powerball numbers

“My husband and I couldn’t believe it at all,” winner Tammy Carvey told the Michigan Lottery.

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Thanks to ChatGPT, this Michigan woman won a $100,000 lottery prize.

According to an Oct. 16 news release from Michigan Lottery Connect, Wyandotte resident Tammy Carvey bought a Powerball ticket from the Michigan Lottery website and asked the artificial intelligence software for the numbers to be drawn in the Sept. 6 drawing.

Carvey was surprised to find that he had four white balls and a red Powerball.

Lottery winner: What is this lottery player’s winning formula?The age of his grandchildren, he says.

“When I checked the winning numbers, I saw that the four white balls matched the Powerball, so I knew I must have won something,” Carvey, 45, told lottery officials.

“Google told me the prize was $50,000, so I thought I won,” she said. “It wasn’t until I logged into my Michigan Lottery account that I realized I had added a power play to my ticket and actually won $100,000. My husband and I couldn’t believe it at all.”

What does Carvey plan to do with his winnings?

The Michigan Lottery said Carvey would take a chance on Powerball under special circumstances.

“The only time I play Powerball is when the jackpot is high, and the jackpot was over $1 billion, so I bought a ticket,” she told lottery officials.

Mr Carvey plans to use his winnings to pay off his home and save the rest. She lives in Wyandotte, about 25 miles from Detroit.

Where to buy lottery tickets

Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythese states and territories of 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 select your lottery games and numbers, place your order, view your tickets, and claim your winnings, all from your mobile 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). visitjackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.

Taylor Eardley is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact tardrey@gannett.com.

Trump has diversified. Let’s take a look at what kind of business they are currently working on.

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Trump has diversified. Let’s take a look at what kind of business they are currently working on.

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Most people know about President Donald Trump’s massive real estate empire, which boasts luxury hotels and resorts like Mar-a-Lago, golf courses, commercial buildings, and other properties. But that’s not all.

The Trump Organization is the company for which Trump and his family are best known. It owns most of the real estate, but also licenses Trump’s name. According to the Trump Organization’s website, it has been run by his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., both executive vice presidents, since 2017.

But the Trump empire has expanded significantly since the Trump family entered the political scene. The most notable movement is in the cryptocurrency industry, where the family operates its own memecoins, stablecoins, Bitcoin mining companies, and more. A July study by the left-wing watchdog group Accountable US estimated that up to 73% of Trump’s personal wealth, or about $11.6 billion, came from his cryptocurrency business.

Below is a list of some of the crypto businesses and other businesses that members of the Trump family have entered into over the past few years. Sources include Accountable.US, World Liberty Financial, Lara Trump Shop, Trump Winery, GetTrumpGuitars, and Trump Sneakers. MGX, Binance, Amazon MGM Studios, TrumpMeme, MelaniaMeme, American BTC, Trump Organization, Trump Media & Technology Group, and news organizations.

Finance and Cryptocurrency

real estate

pharmaceuticals

media

gift

retail sales items

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

Will James Comey go to trial? Former FBI director asks court to throw out case

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Will James Comey go to trial? Former FBI director asks court to throw out case

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Former FBI Director James Comey is asking a federal court in Virginia to dismiss charges against him by a former Trump aide who recently became the state’s attorney general.

“President Trump ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute Mr. Comey out of personal malice and because Mr. Comey has frequently criticized the President for his actions while in office,” Comey’s lawyers argued in an Oct. 20 motion.

The defense team argued that the evidence showed that the case against Comey amounted to a “vindictive prosecution,” which is why it was thrown out entirely.

more: What will be James Comey’s next legal move? His team plans to argue to have the charges dismissed.

Comey was indicted on September 25 by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing the proceedings of Congress during testimony before a Senate committee in 2020. This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, but federal sentences are usually less than the maximum penalty.

The charge that Mr. Comey lied to Congress is tied to a charge that he knowingly told senators that someone at the FBI had not authorized him to anonymously divulge information about the investigation to the media. At the Oct. 8 hearing in which Comey pleaded not guilty, his lawyer, former Justice Department official Patrick Fitzgerall, said: He and Comey said they still don’t know who the alleged authorized leaker is.

Meanwhile, Lindsay Harrigan took over around September 20 after Eric Siebert, who until September was the head of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed skepticism about a potential case against Comey and another potential case against New York Attorney General Letitia James, another target of President Donald Trump.

Harrigan on Oct. 9 secured an indictment against James, who filed a civil lawsuit against Trump in 2022 for alleged financial fraud.

Harrigan previously served as a White House aide in the Trump administration and worked as his personal attorney.

Around the time President Trump appointed Harrigan to lead his Virginia office, he posted on social media that Comey was “extremely guilty” and that a delay was not an option. September 30th marks the five-year deadline for charges against Comey. A grand jury evaluated the indictment five days before that deadline.

more: Politicization of the Department of Justice? Comey’s accusations take Trump’s threats to a new level

Why did Mr. Comey insist that the charges be dropped?

Fitzgerald indicated during an Oct. 8 court hearing that his defense plans to make a series of arguments challenging the charges, including that they amount to retaliatory prosecution.

Defense attorneys kept that promise in an Oct. 20 motion, accusing the Justice Department of seeking charges against the former FBI director at the president’s behest.

The defense team called for Mr. Comey’s indictment, noting that around the time Mr. Harrigan was appointed, Mr. Trump had posted a post calling Mr. Comey “extremely guilty.”

The lawyers also described Comey’s history of urging Americans not to vote for Trump and Trump’s history of publicly attacking Comey.

In August 2020, Comey wrote a Washington Post op-ed in which he urged Americans to vote for Joe Biden, saying, “If Trump’s style of justice becomes our tradition, no one will be safe.” The following month, President Trump reposted a message from Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Jordan that said Comey and others “should be in jail.”

On MSNBC in May 2024, Comey claimed that a second Trump administration would have a “profound” impact on the Justice Department and FBI, arguing that “Trump is coming for these agencies.” Days later, President Trump posted on Truth Social that Comey had committed “horrors” and was “spreading lies.”

“Mr. Comey has proven that his prosecution was ‘motivated by an actual sense of revenge,’ and the charges should be dismissed,” the defense team argued.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Which piece of jewelry was stolen from the Louvre?View item

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Which piece of jewelry was stolen from the Louvre?View item

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Authorities are investigating after thieves stole eight pieces of jewelry from Paris’s iconic Louvre museum on October 19th.

At around 9:30 a.m. local time, the thieves arrived on a crane at the Galeries d’Apollon, the first-floor wing of the museum that houses the treasures of the French crown. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told France Inter radio that after breaking a window, they smashed two display cases and took nine items from the collection before fleeing on motorbikes.

One of the gold crowns encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was discovered on the ground outside the museum. Paris prosecutor Laure Becuaux said authorities believe the robbers dropped the fragments while fleeing.

As of Monday, October 20, authorities said an investigation was underway into the four people who carried out the daring daylight robbery, according to Reuters.

The Louvre Museum will be closed all day on October 19th and all day on October 20th.

Here’s what we know about the stolen goods.

Which jewel was stolen from the Louvre?

According to the Ministry of Culture, the following items were stolen from the French Crown Jewels collection at the Louvre Museum:

  • Queen Marie Amélie and Queen Hortense’s birthday tiara
  • Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense’s sapphire parure necklace
  • Earrings from a pair of sapphire parures of Queen Marie Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Marie Louise Bride’s Emerald Necklace
  • Marie Louise parure emerald earrings
  • A brooch called a holy relic brooch
  • Empress Eugenie’s tiara
  • Empress Eugénie’s large bodice ribbon (brooch)

Check out the video section at the top of this story.

The stolen jewels were from a gallery built by Louis XIV

The Apollon Museum, where the stolen works are kept, is France’s first royal museum.

The Louvre says it was built and inspired by Louis XIV, the French monarch who ruled from 1643 to 1715 and identified himself with the sun god Apollo.

This gallery houses the royal collection of hardstone vessels, including a variety of treasures carved from minerals such as agate, amethyst, and jade. They were owned by the King of France. According to the Louvre, there were over 800 works by Louis XIV alone.

The collection also includes French royal jewelry such as diamonds, tiaras, and crowns worn by the French royal family.

Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

Contributed by: Reuters

Doug Martin’s cause of death to be investigated after being taken into police custody

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Doug Martin’s cause of death to be investigated after being taken into police custody

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Doug Martin died in police custody, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) confirmed after multiple news outlets first reported the news.

The former NFL running back and Boise State standout was 36 years old. His acceptance was confirmed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 19th.

OPD identified Martin as “Douglas Martin of Stockton.”

“Prior to his death, Mr. Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland,” authorities said in an update Monday afternoon. “A brief struggle occurred while responding officers attempted to detain him. Once in custody, Martin became unresponsive.”

The incident related to Martin’s death occurred on a street near the Oakland Zoo just after 4:15 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 18, according to a previous social media post by Oakland, Calif., police.

“Officers were dispatched to the scene in response to a person breaking into a nearby residence,” the advisory said. “At the same time, officers received a call regarding an individual experiencing a medical emergency, believed to be the same individual involved in the break-in.”

Officers located the individual inside the residence and “a brief struggle ensued.” After being taken into custody, the man became unresponsive and died despite assistance from paramedics and transport to a local hospital. The police officers involved in the incident were placed on paid administrative leave, as is customary.

The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Division and Internal Affairs Division are investigating the incident, as well as the Oakland Police Commission, the Regional Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

The Oakland Police Department says no additional details will be provided until the investigation is complete.

Martin’s family has not confirmed the cause of his death, and the Bucks released a statement calling Martin’s death “sudden.” The family referred to this statement in an interview with the media.

Martin played in the NFL from 2012 to 2018 and was a Northern California native.

More shrimp have been recalled due to concerns about radiation exposure. See list.

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More shrimp have been recalled due to concerns about radiation exposure. See list.

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Seattle-based Aquastar Inc. has recalled more frozen raw shrimp, some sold at Publix, due to potential exposure to radioactive chemicals.

In a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 17, the company announced a voluntary recall of a limited amount of shrimp products imported from Indonesia.

The company said the recall was caused by the products being “prepared, packaged, or stored under conditions” that could have exposed them to “very low levels” of cesium-137.

Shrimp I remember: Possibility of radioactive contamination. See complete list.

Have any illnesses been reported?

Officials said the recall was announced as a precautionary measure because no products on the list tested positive for cesium-137.

Also known as Cs-137, it is a radioactive isotope of cesium, meaning it is a chemical element that emits radiation when it decomposes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is man-made and produced by nuclear fission. In the United States, it is used in measurement gauges such as medical equipment and industrial equipment that measures the thickness of materials.

Because it is widespread around the world, trace amounts may be present in the environment, including in soil, food, and air, the FDA said. Agencies such as the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection test, monitor, and regulate the presence of this substance because of the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Which products are subject to the recall?

The products included in the recent shrimp recall were sold under the brand names AquaStar, Publix, Best Yet, and Waterfront Bistro.

A list of recalled items, including brand name, product code, expiration date, and more, can be found embedded below or on the FDA website.

Images of the recalled products can be found embedded below or on the FDA website.

Other shrimp recalls

The Oct. 17 recall comes after other shrimp brands sold at major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger were also recalled over similar radioactive chemical contamination concerns.

Which products have been previously recalled? See the full list of recalled shrimp items

What should consumers do?

The FDA advises people not to consume the product and to throw it away if possible. Additionally, consumers can return the shrimp to the facility where they purchased it.

Aquastar can be reached at 1-800-331-3440.

Contributor: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY

Taylor Eardley is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact tardrey@gannett.com.

President Trump says ‘great’ trade deal with China will end tariff dispute

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President Trump says ‘great’ trade deal with China will end tariff dispute

China has restricted exports of rare earth minerals, key to electronics, after President Trump imposed a 57% tariff on imports from China. President Trump has threatened to raise tariffs to 157% if a trade deal is not reached.

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump predicted a “great” trade deal with China would be reached by the end of this month despite ongoing tariffs and a trade war over rare earth minerals.

“I think ultimately we’re going to have a great trade deal with China,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

His optimism stood in contrast to China’s trade war over tariffs and threats to withhold rare earths from the rest of the world. President Trump met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on October 20 to announce an agreement to invest $1 billion in joint projects to process rare earth minerals, which are essential for electronics and military equipment.

Their announcement came after China announced restrictions on rare earth exports on October 9th. In response, President Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 157% if a trade deal is not reached by November 1.

In addition to rare earth regulations, China’s retaliatory tariffs have all but eliminated imports of U.S. agricultural products from the country. China is the largest importer of U.S. soybeans, and farmers are concerned about soybean sales this year.

“They stopped buying our soybeans because they thought it was a punishment,” Trump said of China. “This is a punishment for our farmers, but we will not allow that to happen.”

Despite the trade war, President Trump said China treats the United States with “tremendous respect” and expects the two countries to resolve their differences. He will visit South Korea on October 31st and November 1st, and is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his tour of Asia.

“I think we’ll come to an agreement,” President Trump said. “They threatened us with rare earths, and I threatened us with tariffs.”

Military issues are also expected to be discussed. But Trump declined to comment on tensions over the Taiwan Strait, where mainland China wants to regain control of the island it has declared independent.

“I’m not going to talk about that right now,” Trump said.

Prince Andrew makes bombshell statement in Giuffre, Virginia book

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Prince Andrew makes bombshell statement in Giuffre, Virginia book

The late Jeffrey Epstein’s accuser Virginia Giuffre’s new book, Nobody’s Girl, sheds light on the hidden secrets of shocking allegations against Prince Andrew.

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A new book sheds light on a shocking cache of allegations against Prince Andrew.

Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, will posthumously publish her memoir “Nobody’s Girl” on October 21, detailing her encounters with the royal family. This comes in the wake of new reports that Prince Andrew asked police to help dig up the dirt after he accused her of sexual abuse.

Reports of the book’s attempted defamation and revelations come on the heels of Buckingham Palace’s announcement that Andrew, King Charles III’s younger brother, will no longer use his royal title after years of criticism for his actions and relationship with Epstein.

Take a look at Giuffre’s accusations against Andrew in this book.

The Palace declined to comment beyond Friday’s statement.

Giuffre recalls Prince Andrew guessing her age

In an excerpt from the book, Giuffre recalls a night she spent with then-divorced Andrew, who joined Epstein’s incarcerated colleague Ghislaine Maxwell for dinner.

“Just like Cinderella, I meet a wonderful prince!” Giuffre wrote, recalling how Maxwell took her shopping before dinner. “She said her old friend Prince Andrew was going to eat with us that night, so I had a lot of work to do to get ready.”

When Andrew arrived, Maxwell asked Andrew to guess her age, and he estimated her to be exactly 17, Giuffre claims.

“‘My daughters are just a little bit younger than you,’ he told me, and explained how accurate that was. As always, Maxwell quickly joked, ‘We’re going to have to trade her soon,'” Giuffre recalled.

Virginia Giuffre claims Prince Andrew licked her feet because he felt he had a ‘right’ to have sex with her

Giuffre wrote that Maxwell instructed her to “do to him what you did to Jeffrey,” and said Andrew acted as if he was obligated to have sex with her.

“In the years since then, I have thought often about how he acted,” she wrote. “He was friendly enough, but still entitled, as if he believed it was his birthright to have sex with me.” Giuffre then described an encounter in which the two shared a hot bath and then had “sexual intercourse” that lasted “less than 30 minutes.”

“He paid special attention to my feet, stroking my toes and licking the arches of my feet,” she claimed.

Virginia Giuffre says she felt like she had to have sex with Prince Andrew, but Epstein paid her for it

In the aftermath of the incident, Ms. Giuffre said Mr. Epstein paid her for the meeting.

“Soon Epstein will give me $15,000 for my services to this man the tabloids call ‘Randy Andy’. That’s a lot of money,” she wrote, adding: “I said I didn’t want to have sex with the prince, but I felt I had to. In part, our livelihood depended on it, but I truly believed there was no way to free myself from Epstein and Maxwell’s control.”

Virginia Giuffre talks about her second encounter with Prince Andrew

Detailing another alleged assault by Andrew, Giuffre recalled the prince’s return visit to Epstein’s home in 2001.

“Maxwell, as always when the prince was around, was a brash flirt,” she wrote. Giuffre wrote that Maxwell bought a doll she thought looked like Andrew as a joke and took it with her when the prince arrived.

“Maxwell placed the doll on my lap and placed one hand on my chest,” she wrote. “It was impossible to ignore the symbolism. Joanna and I were Maxwell and Epstein’s puppets, pulling the strings.” Johanna Sjoberg was also one of Epstein’s alleged victims.

Virginia Giuffre accused of promiscuity with Prince Andrew

Recalling her third sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, Giuffre writes that it turned out to be an orgy.

“I don’t know exactly when I had sex with Prince Andrew for the third time, but I do know where: Little St. Jeff’s,” she wrote of the private island owned by Epstein. “I also know that this time it wasn’t just the two of us, it was an orgy.”

“I had sex with Epstein, Andy, and about eight other young girls,” Giuffre wrote, citing a deposition she gave in 2015. “The other girls all looked under 18 and didn’t speak much English. Mr. Epstein laughed that they couldn’t really communicate and said they were the easiest girls to get along with.”

Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew, the story behind Epstein’s photo

Recalling her decision to share her story with the press, Giuffre writes about how in early 2011 she delivered a photo of Epstein and Prince Andrew side by side to British journalist Sharon Churcher, which later published it in a tabloid newspaper.

“I met her at the door with an envelope I had hidden in one of the bookshelves,” she wrote. “Inside were several snapshots from my time with Epstein and Maxwell, including one of Prince Andrew with his arm around me.”

“Churcher called and asked her to write down as much as she could of her time with Prince Andrew, so when she arrived I gave her the handwritten page,” she continued, later detailing her shock over tabloid photos of Prince Andrew walking with Epstein.

“When Maxwell first arranged for me to have sex with Prince Andrew in London in 2001, Epstein was still largely hiding his penchant for young women behind closed doors and on his private island,” she wrote. “But by 2011, everyone knew that Epstein was a convicted sex offender, albeit one who received a light sentence. This new photo of Prince Andrew by Epstein’s side makes ‘Randy Andy’ seem even more arrogant to me.”

Virginia Giuffre says Prince Andrew went into hiding in response to lawsuit

Giuffre, who detailed how she sought a legal reprieve after being “trafficked” by Prince Andrew, claimed the royal family fled to a royal retreat estate in 2020 to avoid responsibility.

“Initially, the prince made it difficult for my lawyer to produce the documents and fled to Queen Elizabeth II’s Balmoral Castle in Scotland, hiding behind heavily guarded gates,” she wrote. “But in late September, a judge reprimanded Prince Andrew’s lawyers for playing ‘hide-and-seek behind palace walls’ and ruled that they could be served through the prince’s US-based lawyers.”

Giuffre went on to accuse “Prince Andrew’s camp” of planting negative stories about Ghislaine Maxwell in the Telegraph in the midst of her 2021 trial and questioning the legitimacy of her claims. She detailed being stalked by paparazzi, claiming that “Prince Andrew’s team even tried to hire internet trolls to embarrass me.”

Virginia Giuffre’s disastrous book release date

Giuffre’s account, published in “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice,” published several months after Giuffre died by suicide, will be in stores on October 21st.

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

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.

Natural Spoonfuls’ Stacey Hatfield dies after birth of first child

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Natural Spoonfuls’ Stacey Hatfield dies after birth of first child

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Stacey Hatfield, an Australian-based nutritionist and social media influencer, passed away due to complications after giving birth to her first child, her husband announced on Sunday, October 19th.

“I am so saddened to share with everyone the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soulmate and best friend, Stacey Warnecki (Hatfield),” her husband Nathan Warnecki wrote in an Instagram post on October 19th.

Hatfield is a businessman and content creator for Natural Spoonfuls, a website that features recipes for low-toxicity eating and natural living.

The popular tastemaker, based in Victoria’s capital Melbourne, died on September 29 “shortly after giving birth to a beautiful baby boy,” her husband told USA TODAY.

“This was an absolutely terrible tragedy and a shock to our family that we never thought possible,” Warnecke wrote in an email Monday, Oct. 20. “Her work was a great part of her life and she took great pride in her work.”

She was 21 years old and voted class clown. Her family is still processing her death.

How did Stacey Hatfield die?

Warnecke said in a statement that his wife died after giving birth “safely at home” to the couple’s first son, Axel.

“Sadly, shortly thereafter, an unexpected and extremely rare complication occurred and she passed away after being taken to the hospital,” her husband wrote. “The staff at the hospital were amazing and tried their best, but in the end, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done.”

Warnecke declined to elaborate on the date of her birth or any complications. USA TODAY also reached out to Hatfield’s family and friends.

“Words cannot express how devastating this is to myself and everyone who knew and loved her,” Warnecke wrote. “She was my lighthouse in the storm, and the world wouldn’t be any brighter without her.”

According to her husband, Hatfield was “most at home in nature, surrounded by trees and sand under her feet. Throughout her life, she was grateful for everything she had and lived without worrying about material possessions. Her (most) joy was reading a book with a mug of green tea and our French bulldog, Winter, by her side.”

Fundraising for Stacey Hatfield

An online fundraiser set up by the baby’s uncle, John Downey, said the couple were excited about the birth of their child, but the mother was “only able to enjoy the joy of her new baby boy for a short time”.

“On what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, the unimaginable happened,” Downey wrote in an Oct. 19 post. “Shortly after the birth of their son Axl, Stacey passed away due to childbirth complications.”

“We sincerely ask for help so Nathan can focus on what matters most: his grief, healing, and bonding with his son Axel,” Downey wrote.

In addition to funeral costs, the funds can also be used to pay for baby supplies and child care.

As of Monday, October 20, the page has raised more than A$33,400, or approximately $21,743, to help Mr Warnecke’s family.

This story has been updated to add new information And the video.

Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund

President Trump threatens to ‘eradicate’ Hamas if ceasefire is not respected

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President Trump threatens to ‘eradicate’ Hamas if ceasefire is not respected

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has threatened to “eradicate” Hamas if it continues to violate a cease-fire agreement that the United States helped broker between the militant group and Israel.

President Trump made the comments on October 20, as fighting escalated over the weekend and threatened to upend a 10-day-old agreement. Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on October 19 in retaliation for what Israeli authorities said were two soldiers killed in a Hamas attack.

In response to a question from a reporter, President Trump said, “We have made an agreement with Hamas that they will behave well and be kind to us.” “If they don’t, we’re going to go and eradicate them if necessary. They will be eradicated. And they know it.”

more: Israel launches attack on Gaza Strip after accusing Hamas of violating ceasefire

President Trump said his threat did not refer to U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.

“As you know, there is no need for that because many countries have signed this agreement,” he said. “Countries that have seen killings by Hamas have called me and said, “We would love to go there and take control of the situation.”

Vice President J.D. Vance will head to Israel on October 20th to promote implementation of the second phase of the fragile peace agreement. In the days after the peace deal was signed, Hamas quickly regained control of Gaza but did not release the remains of all the deceased hostages as previously promised.

The second phase of Trump’s peace plan includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners of war, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, increased aid to Gaza, and the long-term rule of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas, following the first phase, which centered on a ceasefire between the two sides.

President Trump’s Gaza agreement is in a delicate situation. Will JD Vance be able to save it?

The Israel Defense Forces announced on October 19 that it had targeted dozens of Hamas targets across Gaza, after carrying out an initial attack in the Rafah area in southern Gaza in response to an attack on Israeli soldiers. Israel also temporarily suspended the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

At least 28 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, according to Reuters.

The Hamas militant group, which has refused to commit to disarmament, said it was not aware of any clashes in Rafah and had not been in contact with groups in Rafah since March. Hamas also accuses Israel of committing a series of violations, killing 46 people and blocking essential supplies from reaching the enclave.

President Trump said of Hamas: “This is a violent group. We’ve probably realized this over the last 100 years.” “They got very rowdy and did things they shouldn’t have done. If they continue to do that, we’re going to step in and make it right.”

“And unfortunately, it’s going to happen very quickly and quite violently,” the president added.

Contributor: Reuters; Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY

X Contact Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.

Voting measures to watch in 2025

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Voting measures to watch in 2025

Voters in six states will consider ballot measures this November, including California’s redistricting proposal, as part of a nationwide battle over who controls the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 election.

Colorado, Maine, New York, Texas and Washington also have measures on the ballot this year. Seventeen of the 26 total measures will appear on Texans’ ballots.

Unlike in 2024, when access to reproductive health care was given to voters in 10 states, no single issue will dominate the entire country. But some voters will likely see proposals similar to those popular on the 2024 ballot, including adding language that would constitutionally limit people’s right to vote and efforts to require voter ID. Below are some of the issues that are resolved by the measures.

redistricting

California‘s Proposition 50 is a constitutional amendment that would allow the use of new congressional district maps until 2030, and the maps are designed to favor Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. Drawing a new map was supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) after Texas Republicans, encouraged by President Donald Trump, initiated debate and later passed a new congressional map for the state that is expected to favor Republicans and flip five current Democratic seats. If Proposition 50 passes, five seats in California’s state legislature are expected to be competitive or easily won by Democratic candidates.

Congressional maps are typically redrawn only after the decennial census results are released. Redraws in the middle of a cycle, like in Texas, are rare. Proposition 50 also calls for returning the authority to draw congressional boundaries to the state’s nonpartisan redistricting commission after the 2030 election and, by extension, the 2030 Census.

vote

voters texas Texas will decide whether to amend the constitution to say that “persons who are not citizens of the United States” cannot vote in Texas. The amendment is similar to one considered by voters in eight states in 2024. All eight approved the language. State and federal laws already restrict voting to citizens only, making it extremely rare for non-citizens to vote in elections.

in maineThrough one citizen-initiated question, voters will decide whether to amend state law to make several voting-related changes. Many of the changes relate to restrictions on absentee voting, including eliminating two-day absentee voting, banning prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, ending the current absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, and requiring voters to provide photo identification before voting absentee. The bill would also require a photo ID to vote in person.

Maine had the second-highest level of absentee voting in 2024 (behind the 2020 election during the pandemic). Restricting access to mail-in voting is a focus of the Trump administration. The League of Women Voters called on Maine residents to vote no on this question.

gun control

Regarding question 2 maineThe vote is related to firearms regulation. The citizen-led measure asks voters whether state law should be amended to “temporarily prohibit a person from possessing a dangerous weapon if law enforcement, a family member, or a household member shows that the person poses a significant danger to themselves or others.”

Maine Gov. Janet Mills (Democratic) opposes the measure. She argues that gun regulations already in place allow law enforcement to take the necessary steps to remove firearms from dangerous individuals, and that any removal process should begin by contacting law enforcement and not leave court proceedings to family and friends. She writes that the difficulties that families may face if they choose the court process, such as confusion about what is needed and feelings of intimidation, can deter them from receiving the support they need in the end.

parental rights

The constitutional amendment bill is texas The title of the ballot would assert that “Parents are the primary decision makers for their children.” of texas tribune He said the amendment would codify in the state constitution a right that is currently defined primarily in federal court cases.

judicial act

Another suggestion texas The proposed amendment would change the composition of the state Judicial Conduct Commission, giving the governor the power to appoint a majority of its 13 members, including increasing the number of citizens elected by the governor from five to seven. The amendments would also change how the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court selects the tribunals that review the commission’s recommendations regarding the removal or retirement of judges, and limit the commission’s ability to take private disciplinary actions in certain circumstances. Current Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) previously fired the acting chief justice over his 2019 decision to discipline judges who rejected same-sex marriages.

environment

Texas The ballot also includes an amendment that would direct a portion of certain tax revenues to the Texas Water Fund and provide for the distribution of that tax revenue. The proposed amendment comes after estimates suggest that the state could be unable to meet its water supply needs as early as 2030 due to a severe drought. If the amendment passes, the money could be used to repair aging infrastructure and develop new water sources.

Amendments proposed in new york It would allow the development of winter sports facilities on more than 300 acres of the Adirondack Mountain Sports Complex, but would also require that more than 2,500 acres of land in the area be conserved.

criminal law

Texas Proposition 4 would make several changes to the state constitution’s provisions regarding certain criminal offenses, such as the death penalty, aggravated sexual assault, and child molestation, to deny bail to a defendant if the state shows “by a preponderance of the evidence” that bail is insufficient to prevent the defendant from appearing in court or to ensure the safety of the community.

taxes and national investment

Most of the voting measures texas related to taxes. Some of the Texas measures include banning capital gains taxes on individuals and real estate, exempting taxes related to “border security infrastructure,” exempting seniors from school taxes, and expanding property tax exemptions that allow Texas homeowners to pay lower taxes to fund public schools.

a colorado The proposal would lower tax credit limits for some citizens to generate funding for healthy school meals for all programs. Amendments proposed in washington Allows certain state funds to be invested in stocks. Currently, the state constitution prohibits investing public funds in private stocks, limiting state investments to low-risk options such as government bonds. The amendment received bipartisan support in the state Legislature.

• • •

Most of the bills scheduled for a vote next month would amend the state constitution and were sponsored by state legislators who voted to pass them on to the public. However, Maine’s bill is not a constitutional amendment, but a citizen-initiated legal reform. This bill requires a simple majority of the people to pass.

Erin Geiger-Smith is a writer and editor at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Mia Roque, intern at the Brennan Center for Justice, provided additional research.

Recommended Citation: Erin Geiger Smith, Voting measures to watch in 2025Sᴛᴀᴛᴇ Cᴏᴜʀᴛ Rᴇᴘᴏʀᴛ (October 17, 2025), https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/2025-ballot-measures-watch

Lexus will be the best-selling luxury car in 2025

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Lexus will be the best-selling luxury car in 2025

Lexus’ SUVs are lagging behind competitors in terms of sales and aren’t even the most affordable models.

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  • Lexus is the leader in luxury car sales.
  • This Lexus model checks several boxes for thousands of American car buyers.

The luxury SUV vehicle segment offers spacious vehicles that come standard with comfortable comfort and the latest technology. Fortunately for Americans, there are several luxury brands that still offer affordable luxury SUV models. Some luxury cars outperform their rivals by thousands due to their features, affordability, and extensive list of standard features.

One Lexus SUV outperforms popular models from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Buick.

What is the best-selling luxury car of 2025 so far? Here’s what you need to know.

Lexus RX is the most popular luxury car in 2025 (so far)

Lexus’ RX nameplate is a mid-size SUV model similar to the popular Toyota Highlander. The 2025 Lexus RX 350 starts at $50,575 and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

There are six trims, with the final configuration, F Sport Handling AWD, starting at $59,425.

The Lexus RX costs slightly more than the average new car price in America (about $50,000, according to CNBC). Based on its sales numbers, American car buyers are willing to buy a Lexus RX model over a more affordable luxury car like the smaller Lexus NX or Buick Envision. According to the company’s third quarter sales report, Lexus has sold 80,427 units of the luxury mid-sized SUV “RX” as of September 2025.

BMW, one of the most popular luxury brands on the market, sold 51,870 units of its luxury midsize SUV, the BMW X5, by 2025, according to its third quarter sales report. Lexus’ luxury midsize SUV outsold the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLC, BMW X3, Cadillac Escalade and Audi Q5, according to luxury brands’ third-quarter sales report data.

Luxury car model: Lexus IS returns in 2026 with sleek redesign and performance upgrades

Is the 2025 Lexus RX a good SUV to get?

There are several reasons why the Lexus RX is selling like hotcakes.

In terms of affordability, it’s one of the most affordable models in its particular segment, as the luxury model has a higher sticker price than the mainstream model. RX is also synonymous with reliability and longevity. Automotive research site iSeeCars.com lists Lexus as one of several brands with “a longer-than-average lifespan.”

The 2025 Lexus RX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It boasts a fair amount of power for its size. This luxury midsize SUV gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 49 miles per gallon on the highway. According to MotorTrend.com’s review of the vehicle, it not only has an attractive exterior design, but also an “upscale, high-tech interior.”

2025 Lexus RX standard equipment

  • proximity keyless entry
  • Lexus NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery
  • With front seat heater
  • power liftgate
  • indoor ambient lighting

The RX comes standard with a wealth of equipment that makes the SUV more convenient and more luxurious. Lexus offers value in a segment where cars under $55,000 are hard to find.

What Q3 luxury car sales tell us about the broader luxury car market in 2025

The Lexus RX may not be the most affordable luxury SUV on the market, but its starting price is on the lower end for a luxury midsize SUV. In fact, it’s more affordable than rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Genesis. American car buyers are looking for reliable, value-oriented luxury models based on the high sales numbers of the Lexus RX and NX SUVs.

Since its founding in 1989, Lexus has established its own brand identity separate from Toyota. Although drivers will notice the obvious similarities in reliability, Lexus models feature a unique, upscale design language that appeals to thousands of drivers across the country.

As 2025 draws to a close, will the RX be dethroned as the best-selling luxury car of 2025?

Anthony Hopkins reveals Hannibal Lecter’s secrets – Exclusive

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Anthony Hopkins reveals Hannibal Lecter’s secrets – Exclusive

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Dr. Hannibal Lecter receives special attention in Anthony Hopkins’ upcoming memoir.

In We Did OK, Kid: A Memoir (Summit Books/Simon & Schuster, November 4), the 87-year-old Hopkins admits that when he first heard the title of Silence of the Lambs, he thought it was a children’s movie. But just 15 pages into the script, the esteemed actor of stage and screen felt such a primal longing to play the character of an outwardly civilized, cannibalistic serial killer that he could read no further.

“I called my agent and said, ‘Is this an offer?'” Hopkins told USA TODAY. “He said, ‘It’s not that big of a part.’ I said, ‘I’d like to do it.’ It’s life changing. ”

Hopkins’ life changed forever after his iconic performance in a cat-and-mouse game with FBI agent trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) in Jonathan Demme’s 1991 psychological thriller, Hannibal the Cannibal. Dr. Lecter still rules Hell, earning him the top spot on the American Film Institute’s “100 Greatest Villains” list (sorry, third place goes to Darth Vader).

In this special excerpt from the chapter “Fava Beans and Lovely Chianti,” Hopkins talks about his real-life inspiration for the dark Dr. Lecter. This chapter begins with the proud Welsh actor’s first Silence of the Lambs encounter with Demi, a producer who supported Hopkins’ casting and was surprisingly skeptical.

Exclusive excerpt from Anthony Hopkins’ memoir ‘We Did OK, Kid’

“Don’t you want an American actor?” I asked Jonathan Demme.

He laughed and said, “Don’t you want to do it?”

“Yes, I am,” I said. (Don’t ask questions, dummy! i said to myself. ) “I really think so.”

A producer who was present confessed, “I certainly had doubts about a British actor playing this American assassin.”

“Well, that’s fine,” I said. “I’m not English, I’m Welsh.”

I knew they didn’t have to worry because I had an instinctive sense of exactly how Hannibal should be played. There’s a devil inside me. We all have demons within us. I know what scares people. The key is to simultaneously embody two inner attitudes that often do not coexist. He was far away and awake at the same time.

I encountered these two things as one entity once, very early in my life, and it became part of my childhood subconscious. I had an extreme phobia of spiders. Unfortunately, our house was old and there were crawling and jumping creatures all over the place. One night when I turned on the light in my father’s bakery, there was a huge black spider right next to the switch. Patient, yet completely alert. I almost jumped off the roof.

That was the effect I wanted as Hannibal. I wanted to be a spider in my father’s bakery. That way, as soon as the camera was pointed at my father, it would be obvious that he was ready and still. Staring at people for long periods of time makes me very anxious. Remoteness draws the witness, or victim, forward and into the circle of the predator’s persona.

I remembered what I had learned about psychological gestures and intuited the inner workings of Hannibal Lecter’s head. Blueprint: Remove the moving elements of weight and sensing, or intention, into the background. Lecter’s main power was his insight and persistent intuition. This can be seen in the perfect clarity of his speech.

After I started acting in movies, I tried really hard to stay still. Because I’m not very good at direct, sustained attention for long periods of time. And for this role, I had to cultivate that temperament to the extreme. Hannibal needed to be both awake and remote in order to create a captivating charisma. The way there is through stillness.

The day of the first table read, I didn’t have a chance to talk to Jodie Foster before we started. We jumped in there. I don’t usually give my best performance during Omoteyomi, but I wanted to show what I can do, so I made it as scary as possible.

As it turns out, this was pretty scary. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. A few seconds after I started speaking as Lecter, I could see Jody tense up. She later confirmed that she had been petrified. And the small distance between us remained throughout the filming.

In my first meeting with Clarice, Jonathan Demme asked me what I wanted to do when she came down that dark hallway to interview me in my cell.

“Do you want to draw? Do you want to read?” Demi said. “Are you sleeping? Are you sitting on your bunk?”

“No,” I said, thinking of the spider on the wall of the bakery. “I want to stand quietly and wait for her.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Because I can smell her coming from the hallway.”

“Oh my god, you’re so sick, Hopkins,” Deme said, and he laughed.

He thought it was very creepy, but that’s exactly how it was.

I went on to explain that Lecter had to act like a very civilized person. For example, I insisted the costume designer give me a slim-fitting prison jumpsuit instead of baggy clothes. I said Lecter would pay someone to do it for him because he was concerned about that.

So when Clarice comes down a hallway full of lunatics screaming and throwing things at her, here is Dr. Lecter at the end of the hallway, standing politely in a tailored jumpsuit and greeting her with unblinking concentration. He’s a monster, but he’s a monster who moves silently through the night.

He also evoked his childhood experience of impersonating Bela Lugosi at boarding school. When I was a kid, I went to see his “Dracula.” It was one of the first thick books I ever read. In this book, the main character, Jonathan Harker, cuts himself with a razor and feels Dracula’s infatuation. The sounds I imagined Dracula making in that moment, craving Harker’s blood, were a very specific combination of hissing and slurping.

This is where the sounds I made with my lips as Hannibal, the sounds that are often imitated, came from. Thank you, Dracula.

Copyright © 2025 Anthony Hopkins. From the upcoming book WE DID OK, KID: A Memoir by Anthony Hopkins, published by Summit Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC. Printed with permission.

Cadillac unveils next-generation CT5 gasoline sedan amid EV shift reversal

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Cadillac unveils next-generation CT5 gasoline sedan amid EV shift reversal

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  • The U.S. Department of Energy is considering revoking the restructuring subsidies the Biden administration gave last year to GM and Chrysler’s parent company Stellantis for EV production.
  • GM said its decision to introduce the next-generation gasoline-powered CT5 to the Lansing-Grand River Council was unrelated to the potential loss of federal funding.

The next-generation gasoline-powered Cadillac CT5 midsize sedan will be built at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan, General Motors confirmed to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, on October 15.

The change comes after the company invested $1.25 billion in a Michigan factory to continue producing internal combustion engine vehicles, and also confirmed it was reversing previously stated plans to spend $1.4 billion renovating its electric vehicle assembly plant.

The Cadillac CT4 four-door sedan will also be discontinued after the 2026 model year, but it won’t be coming back. CT4 will continue until June 2026, and the current CT5 will continue until the end of 2026.

Cadillac notified dealers, employees and other stakeholders of the change on October 14 through a letter sent by global vice president John Ross.

“As Cadillac evolves, we will continue to make necessary adjustments to our portfolio to meet customer demand,” Ross’ letter said. “We are excited to confirm that the CT5 legacy continues with the next generation of ICE vehicles, which will be proudly manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant using parts sourced from the United States and around the world.”

Purchasing a luxury car: What is the cheapest Cadillac you can buy in 2025?

Additional details regarding next-generation vehicles and features will be shared at a later date, the letter said.

Cadillac spokesman Joseph Singer said the decision to build gas-powered cars in Lansing had nothing to do with the potential loss of government funding for electric vehicle production.

The Biden administration last year pledged more than $1 billion in grants to help 11 auto plants retool or restart for electric vehicle production, including more than $650 million for two plants in Michigan.

However, Reuters reported on October 7 that the U.S. Department of Energy is considering revoking the restructuring subsidies that the Biden administration gave last year to GM and Chrysler’s parent company Stellantis. These projects are among a list of $12 billion in grants that could be canceled as part of the ongoing partial government shutdown.

GM said in a statement: “At this time, we have not received any new information regarding previously approved Department of Energy grants. Our decision to bring the next-generation CT5 to the Lansing-Grand River Council is unrelated to that process.” “Although gas-powered vehicles are not eligible for previously approved manufacturing transformation grants, we look forward to working with DOE on next steps to support American innovation, jobs, and manufacturing.”

On the same day GM told stakeholders about the changes at its Lansing plant, the Detroit automaker said in a government filing that it would incur a $1.6 billion loss in the third quarter from unused EV production equipment and supplier termination fees.

Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Detroit Free Press. Contact me at jcharniga@freepress.com.

Eric Trump reacts to book signing on whether to run for president

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Eric Trump reacts to book signing on whether to run for president

President Donald Trump’s second son Eric Trump did not rule out running for president in the future, but he didn’t seem thrilled with the idea.

During a book talk on Oct. 19 about his recently published book, “Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save the Nation,” Eric Trump was asked if he or his siblings had any future political ambitions. The 41-year-old has helped run the Trump Organization with his brother since their father was elected to the White House. Along the way, he helped his father with his campaign, but seemed ready to leave the world of politics behind.

“It’s a terrible job. It’s a terrible career. We’ve seen the best and we’ve seen the worst,” he replied. “I’m not saying never, but I hope we can avoid the political nightmare just a little bit more.”

more: Trump Mobile crickets when the T1 Phone was scheduled to be released. what happened?

Eric Trump says California is where he bought the most MAGA hats

The book signing and lecture took place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

“We love California,” Eric Trump said. “More MAGA hats were sold to California than any other state in the nation. We will take it back and we will take back our state.”

California is a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections, and it was unclear whether Eric Trump was referring to conservatives, his father (who is toying with a third term despite being prohibited by the constitution), or someone else in the Trump family.

As Eric Trump considers his political future, he said he called his father the day after the 2024 election to tell him he was retiring from politics.

He said he hopes his father will have a lasting positive impact on the Republican Party. But Eric Trump said his answer about whether to run is the same answer Donald Trump gave long before he entered politics.

“In a 1988 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she asked him if he would consider running for president,” Eric Trump writes in his book. “His response? ‘If it gets this bad, I’m not going to completely rule it out.'”

What you need to know about Eric Trump’s mother, family and children

Who is Eric Trump?

Eric Trump, the son of President Donald Trump and the late Ivana Trump, is executive vice president of the Trump Organization. Eric Trump holds the same title as his brother Donald Trump Jr. Eric Trump has spearheaded several recent Trump family companies, including Trump Mobile, World Liberty Financial, and the Trump Organization golf resorts.

In his book, Eric Trump described his family’s upbringing as one of tough love. He writes that his mother was a strict woman who spanked him frequently. When Eric Trump was in first grade, his father told him before he went to school, “Remember, don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, and never trust anyone.”

Eric Trump is also a podcast host and former television personality. When her father appeared on NBC’s hit reality show The Apprentice, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and her future stepmother Melania Knauss also made frequent guest appearances.

Eric Trump is married to FOX News’ Lara Trump

The book deals with some of the Trump family’s legal issues that have put them under “siege” as “legal issues.” Eric Trump wrote that he is “probably the most subpoenaed person in American history.”

Eric Trump and his wife, Fox News host Lara Trump, moved from Westchester, New York to Jupiter, Florida in May 2021. The couple purchased a home in the gated community of Trump National Golf Club for $3.2 million. Eric Trump wrote in his book that pandemic restrictions at his son’s school were the “last bit of madness” that led to his move to Florida.

Eric Trump and Lara Trump have two children, Carolina and Luke.

Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky (@kinseycrowley.bsky.social).

Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage recorded impressive stats in ALCS Game 6 vs. Mariners

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Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage recorded impressive stats in ALCS Game 6 vs. Mariners

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  • Trey Yesavage won Game 6 of the ALCS, making his sixth career MLB start.
  • The 22-year-old right-hander is a first-round pick in 2024.
  • Yesavage has received rave reviews from veteran teammates Max Scherzer and Kevin Gausman.

TORONTO — Julio Rodriguez received the No. 4 ball in the Seattle Mariners’ dugout, threw down his bat, clapped twice and encouraged his teammates. Indeed, in the third inning of Game 6 of this American League Championship Series, he was facing a two-run hole, but Cal Lowry, the likely AL MVP, came to the plate and the bases were loaded.

It was certain that the score would be overturned with one swing from the man who hit 64 home runs throughout the playoffs. A dangling splitter, a misplaced fastball or a cement-mixer slider from the 22-year-old rookie, who started in Class AAA a month ago, could put the Mariners on track for their first World Series appearance.

But the Toronto Blue Jays had something completely different in mind. Trey Yesavage, who has started all six games in the major leagues, is no ordinary rookie.

“When he gets the ball, we all believe in him,” future Hall of Fame right-hander Max Scherzer, 41, told USA TODAY Sports.

And Yesavage threw just one split-finger fastball to MVP, and Lowry hit a 160 mph worm burner to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., starting what was essentially a gorgeous 3-6-1 double play that ended with Yesavage blindly finding the bag with his right foot.

It ended the threat and started an almost ridiculous sequence of three double-play grounders in three innings, leading the Blue Jays to a 6-2 victory, tying the series at 3-3 and setting the stage for one of the most uplifting joys in sports.

In Game 7, the winner went on to the World Series, while the loser spent a winter full of regrets.

So far, that loser isn’t the Blue Jays, who survived a disastrous Game 5 loss to keep the season alive.

Congratulations to Guerrero and Addison Berger’s home runs, Berger’s three RBIs, and closer Jeff Hoffman’s two near-perfect innings of relief.

But know this. The Blue Jays came close to winning their first World Series since 1993 thanks to the player they drafted 20th overall just over a year ago. He started the year in the lowest Class A, climbed the ladder to Toronto in September, faced his biggest demon in October and earned the trust of the veteran clubhouse, and in Game 6, the trust of Canada’s entire baseball-watching population.

But how?

“He has a quiet confidence,” Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman said. “He jokingly said he pitched in a lot of big games before (turning pro), and it’s funny that he thinks they were super big games. But he really looked back on those games and how he handled it with bigger crowds.”

“He’s not afraid of anyone. Maybe he’s a little young and naive, but he’s just going to go after the guy.”

That was the only way to avoid the trouble that befell him in Game 6.

The one-out play came back in the inning following Lowry’s double play, and Seattle loaded the bases again with a single walk. Now let’s talk about going right towards them. Yesavage jumped ahead of JP Crawford with two quick strikes, the splitter returned, and Crawford hit a one-hopper grounder to Isaiah Kinner-Falefa, who hooked it and threw to second base, already pointing to the air before shortstop Andres Jimenez turned.

“His splitter is next level,” Scherzer says. “He makes the best hitters in the game look stupid. He throws so big that it gets him out of a lot of dangerous situations.”

Want one more? In the fifth inning, Dominic Canzone singled and Leo Rivas struck out on a split, but the lineup turned upside down. Yesavage’s pitch numbers were in the 70s, and he suffered from slow velocity in his first playoff start against the Yankees (historic) and Game 2 against the Mariners (terrible).

Additionally, Rodriguez hit a three-run homer off Jesavage in Game 2.

So, what was your mental state at that time, John Schneider?

“I can’t say it’s great,” the Blue Jays manager said.

No need to worry. Rodriguez swung his first fastball, and it was Jimenez’s turn to start, with the 6-4-3 DP holding the emotional edge and momentum in the third-base dugout.

From the Blue Jays’ perspective, this is no small thing in the ALCS, where they have lost, lost, won, won, lost, won. Lower-ranked players may feel dizzy from such a whirlwind.

After three spectacular double plays, the Blue Jays’ dugout went wild, and the 2-0 lead quickly became a 4-0 advantage when Ernie Clement’s two-out triple preceded Berger’s two-run laser into the right-field seats.

“That’s what it’s all about. It’s a very strong game,” said Clement, who had two more hits to give him eight hits in the series. “As you can see from the last few games, players with momentum ride the momentum and play until the end.

“For (Yesavage) to make a pitch like that in that situation shows a lot of poise and maturity.”

He set the tone by pitching 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs, striking out seven, and giving up six consecutive batters, and was able to avoid a pinch in the middle of the inning.

And with each run, the 44,764 fans packed into Rogers Center roared, and with each inning the tension of the night eased.

It’s a far cry from the East Carolina where Yesavage was pitching a year ago. He wasn’t trying to block out the noise.

“It wasn’t something I really had to deal with,” he says. “It was a way to use that to my advantage.”

It’s a way to deal with stress, and since the Blue Jays brought him back in September, he’s hoping his far more veteran teammates can tap into this ability and hone their October weapon from a player who has moved up to A, AA and AAA ball in just a few months.

“What strikes you right away when you meet him is that he’s very calm, very level-headed,” Hoffman says. “He has a great presence and the fact that he maintains that in a big game like this is a really good sign and really great for the Blue Jays going forward.

“You can see the makeup, and he has what it takes. And he’s got great guys around him that will help him in any way they can to help us move forward.”

Yesavage’s work for this year is finally over. While the entire Blue Jays pitching staff expects to be available for Game 7, Yesavage is simply able to watch and learn, marveling at this incredible opportunity to earn a championship ring after less than a month in the major leagues.

At the same time, it is thanks to him that they are still alive.

“I’m very proud of him. He’s 22 years old, he’s young, he’s got a hungry spirit, and you can see that he’s doing everything he can to win the game,” Guerrero said.

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