Search
Menu
Home Blog Page 580

Alaska climbing star dies in Elpitan, Yosemite in California

US-NEA
-
0
Alaska climbing star dies in Elpitan, Yosemite in California

The Alaskan climber was killed in an accident in El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California, his company and family confirmed.

Ballin Miller, 23, died in a “mountain climbing accident” on Wednesday, October 1st, according to her mother, Janine Gillard Mohman.

“The mountains took my Balin today – I will never recover,” Girard Mohman said in a Facebook post.

Miller was live streaming on Tiktok two days before his death, the Associated Press reported.

“He’s been climbing since he was a young boy,” Janine Girard Mohman told the Associated Press. “His heart and soul were just a climb. He loved to climb, and it was never about money and fame.”

Girard Mohman also confirmed the death of his son through an outdoor clothing and design company that he and his brother Dylan Miller began, Virr became outdoors.

“I have a strong heart so I have to tell you that my incredible son, Valin Miller, has passed away in today’s climbing accident,” Virr’s post is an outdoor Facebook read. “My heart is chatting with millions of parts. I don’t know how to get through this. I love him so much. I want to wake up from this horrifying nightmare.”

USA Today contacted the National Park Service on Friday, October 3rd, but did not receive a response.

What happened to Valin Miller?

Miller’s death occurred on October 1st, the first day of the federal government closure. Services are limited, but national parks are generally open during the closure.

Dylan Miller told the Associated Press that the incident occurred while Balin was solo scaling El Capitan’s side.

The climber was on a 2,400-foot route named Sea of ​​Dreams. Ballin was trying to pull the rest of the gear as he was likely to come down from the edge of the rope, his brother told the news outlet.

Many other climbers saw Miller fall. According to Crimbing Magazine, photographer Tom Evans, who was capturing Miller’s Climb, witnessed the incident and called 911. After the call, recovery efforts began.

In a Facebook post, Evans wrote that Miller was “a young man who is highly regarded among the best climbers here. … These things happen from time to time, but the pain is never over.

According to agency data, 205 deaths occurred in the national park between 2014 and 2019.

What is El Capitan?

El Capitan is the iconic granite layer, one of Yosemite’s most prominent features. The mammoth rock wall rises 3,000 feet above the meadow below.

Climbers from all over the world will come to the park to summit El Capitan, according to the National Park Service website.

Alex Honold, known for his free solo ascents in Big Walls, made his first free solo clim b el capitan in 2017 in the documentary “Free Solo.”

Miller rose to prominence after a solo climb on Slovakia Direct, a 9,000-foot climbing route in Mount McKinley, Alaska. The climb took 56 hours to complete and was posted on Miller’s Instagram page in June.

His death follows two other falls this year. In July, a 29-year-old woman passed away after climbing North Carolina Falls. In June, an 18-year-old man also died after falling above a waterfall in Washington’s Olympic National Park.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA Today. Contact her at mdelrey@usatoday.com

Three strategies to close the social security income gap

US-NEA
-
0
Three strategies to close the social security income gap

Savers are deeply concerned that Social Security won’t cover retirement costs, but there are things they can do to close the income gap.

Reuben Greg Brewer
|A miscellaneous fool

play

According to the Nationwide Retirement Institute 2025 Social Security Survey, Americans are deeply concerned about Social Security. That makes perfect sense given that most retirees rely on payments to cover a significant portion of their retirement costs.

But this important government programme doesn’t cover all of them, it’s just a painful fact. Below are three ways that can bridge the gap between costs and social security checks:

How bad is the problem?

A 2025 study from the Institute found that “more than half of US adults who expect to receive or receive Social Security say they can’t survive even half of their monthly payments financially.” This is a big statement. Because an average profit of $2,000 means that only $1,000 can be the difference in financial difficulties for many people.

So it makes sense that the survey also “more than four in five Americans have expressed concern about the long-term viability of the program.” If losing half of your monthly payments is only necessary to bring financial difficulties, then the reliability of the program is a constant concern, as Social Security is clearly crucial for retirees.

Three solutions

That said, this issue has already been brought home due to the impact of inflation, which has dramatically increased the cost of living. In fact, retirees have already cut back on three important approaches. These can also be used if necessary.

1. Reduce spending

The most obvious way to deal with shortages in terms of income is simply to spend less. It is, in fact, the most common adjustment for those collecting social security. That said, there are two different numbers to consider here.

Approximately half of all those surveyed in the national survey say they reduced spending on discretionary things. This is a list that includes activities such as eating out and traveling. It’s a logical move and can easily do the same if you’re facing a cache crunch.

But there’s another, more difficult choice. Almost a third of respondents say they are reducing their needs like groceries and medication. It’s easy to buy store branded potato chips instead of name brands, but if you need medicine, there may not be a cheaper common option.

2. Move to a small place

That might make sense to another strategy. In particular, about 18% of survey respondents said they had reduced the gap to close the gap between cash needs and Social Security.

Before resigning, many people have family and responsibility, meaning a bigger home. However, I hope that after retirement, there will be no need for the same housing needs. A small condo can easily replace a 4-bedroom home, leading to two potential benefits.

The most obvious plus of downsizing is that small homes are likely to involve continuous cost reductions. It’s a decrease in maintenance, a lower tax, and less emotional stress. That last perk has nothing to do with money, but don’t overlook the time and energy needs that you need to maintain your home. If you’re already worried about money, worrying about your home will not make anything better.

The second benefit of downsizing is only useful if you are an owner with home equity. But the logic is very simple. Selling a large house will create more money than you would need to buy a small house. You can save money on the differences and invest, buy instant pensions (effectively create new income streams), put them in your bank account and use them directly to pay for your living expenses.

3. I’m going back to work

One of the last options used by 15% of survey respondents was to return to work part-time. When faced with shortages, these people increased their income instead of cutting costs. It’s clearly a solution for many people, but your job capabilities may be limited by health concerns. Therefore, turning down this path is a risk.

It’s not an ideal outcome for those looking to quit, but it’s a viable strategy. That said, there is an easier alternative here. If you have the opportunity to work longer in front You retire and you can build more savings. These additional savings will help ease you from the social security shortages you may face after retirement.

Big things you need to think about before you retire

If you’re already retired and face a gap between what Social Security offers and what you need to spend, your options are a bit limited. Reducing costs, reducing and part-time tasks are relatively simple solutions. But these are all temporary fixes. If you become more preventive (if possible) before your retirement, you will create a cushion to protect you from the risk of future cash shortages.

But the best thing you can do to protect yourself before you retire is to save as quickly as possible. Of course, it’s about creating a good investment plan for saving. If you have time to build wealth before you retire, Social Security doesn’t have much to worry about leaving. Almost 30% of survey respondents were able to enhance more savings to compensate for the gap between social security and spending needs. Plan ahead and you can have that valuable safety valve too.

Motley Fools have a disclosure policy.

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

Most retirees with the $23,760 Social Security Bonus are completely overlooked

A miscellaneous fool’s offer: If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or even more) behind your retirement savings. However, a few lesser known “social security secrets” can help ensure an increase in your retirement income.

One easy trick can pay you an additional $23,760…Every year! Once we learn how to maximize Social Security benefits, we can retire with confidence in the peace of mind we want. participateStock AdvisorFor more information about these strategies, see

See “Social Security Secrets”»

Supreme Court strips Trump protections for Venezuelan immigrants

US-NEA
-
0
Supreme Court strips Trump protections for Venezuelan immigrants

play

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court handed another victory to President Donald Trump on October 3, allowing his administration to continue deporting Venezuelan immigrants, who are legally protected due to dangerous living conditions in their home country.

An ideologically divided court on October 3 suspended a federal judge’s September ruling that the administration accidentally ended a program that allowed hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants to temporarily live and work in the United States.

The High Court also sided with the administration at the early stages of the case. In May, the judiciary lifted a temporary order from a federal judge in California and maintained the program while the lawsuit was filed.

The October 3 court said the short signature order changed the litigation stance but did not have a balance with legal arguments of potential harm to both sides.

“The same outcomes we reached in May are appropriate here,” the court said.

Three liberal justice in the court said it rejected the administration’s demands.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, calling the decision “another serious misuse in our emergency.”

“Respectfully, I am not able to protect my intervention with cases pending in lower courts while my life is in balance,” she wrote.

Earlier this month, San Francisco Judge Edward Chen announced his final ruling against the administration. Chen and the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to hold off its ruling while the administration appealed.

The Justice Department said the lower courts ignored the Supreme Court’s previous intervention.

“This court order binds the litigators and the lower courts,” Attorney General John Sawhur said when he asked the court to suspend the judge’s decision. “Ignore them – as the lower courts did here – whether these orders are one sentence or extend to many pages – is not accepted.”

The court’s decision did not explain why it allowed the administration to proceed.

“It can only be deduced if no court rationale is provided,” the Court of Appeal said when explaining why the decision did not control the outcome at this stage of the lawsuit.

Additionally, the appeals judge said the court had more evidence to consider, including the Department of Homeland Security’s “barebone process” when it ended the program “in an unprecedented hurry, in an unprecedented way.”

“The case is about whether the federal agency acted outside the scope of the authorities it was commissioned, contrary to the process that Congress called for it to follow,” advocacy groups and Venezuelans, who challenged the administration’s actions, told the Supreme Court.

The lawyer also said when the judge temporarily suspended some of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, the court should engage in the appeal process before intervening, as the judges were not involved during the Biden administration.

“Our existence here is not an emergency, no matter what the government says,” said one Venezuelan, identified as MH, who was married to a US citizen and had two children.

In February, Homeland Security Secretary Christi Noem ordered the end of a program called the temporary protection status for Venezuelans. She said immigrants will pay local governments and some Venezuelans are members of gang Tren de Aragua, whose president Donald Trump declared a foreign terrorist organization.

The advocacy group, National TPS Alliance and a small number of Venezuelans, suing, arguing that it was not safe for them to return to their home country.

Thousands of families were torn apart when the Supreme Court allowed the deportation protections to be temporarily ended in May, a lawyer for the National TPS Alliance told the Supreme Court in September.

“People lost their jobs, were imprisoned and eventually deported to a very unsafe country,” they write.

If the courts were on the side of the administration again, they said, they said.

We kill 4 in a new strike against a suspect drug ship near Venezuela

US-NEA
-
0
We kill 4 in a new strike against a suspect drug ship near Venezuela

play

WASHINGTON – US troops have raided another boat in international waters off Venezuela, killing four people in an ongoing campaign against drug traffickers who have generated bipartisan concerns.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegses announced at least the fourth attack on social media in at least recent weeks, saying, “These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!”

President Donald Trump has determined that the United States is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. However, legal experts have questioned the legality of killing drug traffickers instead of arresting people suspected of killing drug traffickers and their cargo.

Without providing evidence, Hegseth said the Intelligence Report “arguably” confirmed that the vessel was carrying drugs and that the people on board were “narcotolists.” He said the boats carry “a fair amount” of drugs without detailing the amount or type of drugs.

The US military personnel were not injured during the surgery. This was recorded in a video shared by Hegseth, showing that many projectiles move through the water before they appear to hit the water, and move through the water before they explode.

“The President has directed these actions. These strikes against the Venezuelan drug cartels on these boats are consistent with their responsibility to protect the interests of the US overseas and to promote the interests of the US national security and foreign policy.

Republican and Democrats criticized previous strikes over drug ship allegations.

“What a sleazy and thoughtless feeling to praise someone for killing without trial,” Sen. Rand Paul wrote online after Vice President J.D. Vance promoted his previous strike.

Congressional Democrats wrote to the Trump administration on September 10 to ask about the legal basis for such a strike.

“We argue that Congress never declared war or approved the use of military force for similar operations in the future,” the letter reads. “Classifying a clear law enforcement mission as anti-terrorism does not grant legal authority to target and kill civilians.”

Trump promoted the strike in a speech to military leaders this week, claiming he reduced boat traffic in waters off the coast of Venezuela.

“All we want to do is stop the drugs from flowing into our country,” he said.

Three people died in the operation on September 15th. Another drug ship, allegedly killed 11 people in the September 2nd strike.

Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, an international law expert at the University of Notre Dame Law School, said the September 15 strike on a drug ship near Venezuela described as “illegal killings.”

“It just sends a message that compliance with the law is not important to the United States,” O’Connell said.

The strike is a milestone in the efforts of the increasingly militarized US counter-drugs in the region. Trump secretly approved military force against drug cartels in early August.

Contributions: Reuters, Davis Winkey, Josh Meyer

Chicago immigrant Blitz has arrested and criticized

US-NEA
-
0
Chicago immigrant Blitz has arrested and criticized

Federal agents dived into Black Hawk Helicopter apartments in the recent attack. Hundreds of people masked on the truck arrived.

play

Chicago – Federal agents rappelled from a Black Hawk helicopter. We arrived at a moving truck, a hidden face behind the mask. In total, 300 officers stormed the buildings of their apartments on the south side, and Homeland Security officials say the port had criminals.

An agency spokesman said the early September 30th raid was intended to capture members of Tren de Aragua, which Venezuelan gangster Donald Trump, designated as a terrorist organization. Hundreds of agents flocked to apartments in multi-storey buildings, detaining several Americans, including children, for hours, detaining a total of 37 arrests. The outcome of these arrests remains unknown.

The extraordinary attack came almost a month to crack down on White House immigration enforcement in the Chicago area known as Operation Midway Blitz. Federal officials said they have won more than 800 arrests since September 8th.

“Continued target enforcement in Chicago shows that criminals have nowhere to hide,” US Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks said in the X-Post. “It’s not our borders, it’s not our city.”

Overnight apartment building raid

The Trump administration has pledged a flood city run by federal agents and Democrats as part of a nationwide crackdown on immigration. Federal officials are targeting so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Chicago’s Sun Times and News Nations were one of the first to report on the attack in the city’s South Shore area. Historically, black regions have gained a significant Venezuelan population after Texas Governor Greg Abbott made tens of thousands of immigrants buses from the border to the democratic city in 2023.

Video of the attack, shared online by the Department of Homeland Security, shows Border Patrol agents depicting guns approaching the building late at night. The agent led the shirtless man out.

Photos shared with USA Today show that dozens of people were arrested in the attack, leaving the building in a hellish setting. Two “Tren de Aragua members” have been captured, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.

“Federal law enforcement officials can’t wait for and will not allow criminal activity to flourish in our American neighborhoods,” Homeland Security said in a statement. According to the agency, the ones who were captured in particular were “suspecting” Tren de Aragua members. Six people with criminal records ranging from worsening batteries to possession of marijuana. And the two were “suspected of being involved in the shooting investigation.”

The children of four U.S. citizens with local arrest warrants and immigrants were also caught up in the attack, Homeland Security reported. The children were detained to “care for a safe guardian or state,” the agency said.

The Sun Times in Chicago reported that people were taken outside naked. News Nation was reported by a Black Hawk helicopter on the scene.

Video from the scene, filmed around 2am and shared with USA Today, shows Masked Agents, arriving behind the budget, with U-Haul’s mobile van carrying military-style rifles.

The detained migrant was detained in a parking lot, and a crying woman across the street was shown screaming in broken Spanish, “I love you all the time.”

Federal law enforcement agencies, including DHS, ICE, customs and border security, will not say whether the Blackhawks used in the attack are from the U.S. Army, National Guard or non-military sector.

Arrests create widespread fear

It is unclear whether there are actually criminal convictions or pending charges against more than 800 people arrested last month for Illinois businesses who have no criminal history, including children.

The October 1 DHS news release included mugshots of more than 12 immigrants from Eastern Europe and Latin America who were arrested for previous criminal convictions.

One Venezuelan woman was listed as Tren de Aragua’s only gang member. The Trump administration has focused on Venezuelan gangs despite little evidence of widespread existence in Chicago or the United States.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said federal agents have failed to focus on violent criminals. Instead, he said in an October 3 social media post that the business scared residents, violated due process rights and caused panic by detaining citizens.

“Illinois is not a photo opportunity or a Warzone,” he said. “It’s a sovereign nation where our people deserve rights, respect and answers.”

Other large ice attacks

In other large businesses, federal agents primarily detain people with no criminal history.

A highly publicized attack in Southern California in June showed that most people arrested had no criminal history. Immigration and customs enforcement data showed that more than 2,000 people arrested that month, two-thirds of more than two people were not criminally convicted, and more than half were never charged with the crime, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A July attack on a cannabis farm in Camarillo, California found that only four of the 361 people arrested had been found to have been pre-existing criminal convictions, as discovered by a Ventura County star, part of the USA Today network.

In September, federal officials led a massive workplace raid at a modern battery factory under construction in Georgia. The agents arrested about 475 people, including more than 300 Koreans. Many of them were many Koreans on the visa to train American workers.

About 71.5% of the nearly 60,000 people currently in ice custody have not been criminally convicted, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a research group at Syracuse University.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

Taylor Swift’s new song “Wood” about Travis Kelce may make you blush

US-NEA
-
0
Taylor Swift’s new song “Wood” about Travis Kelce may make you blush

play

Knock, knock. Taylor Swift is offering BDE with her new track “Wood.” It can be called “big dance energy.”

The singer looks back at the superstition – stepping on cracks, seeing the black pussy strolling in front of you, flipping them over to a sexual celebration with her funky and playful song. Heck, everyone is blushing.

“Taylor knows what he’s doing,” says Stephanie Burt, a Harvard professor who taught the Taylor Swift English class. Burt wrote a book on Swift’s “Poetic and Musical Genius” on October 7th. Bert analyzes every era and unites the album to be worked with the greats of literature.

“She would have grown up listening to the grumpy men in the countryside and rock explaining the appetite-inducing parts of the women they were captivated. It can be done in a way that is complicit in depression or in a sexually positive way,” Burt said. “We grew up thinking that women shouldn’t talk about sexual pleasure. It’s great that more people talk about our physical feelings and sexual pleasure, especially women in their mid-30s who get married soon.

Taylor Swift 101: From poetry to business, university classes offer insights about “fast”

The song is revealed about Swift’s fiancee, Travis Kelce, referring to her engagement ring, which is likely to be the Gething of his podcasts “New Heights” and “Hard Rock.”

Swift waited until her sixth album until she released her first explicit track, “I Dise Bid Bad.” The same album, “Reputation”, includes the provocative track “Dress”, about buying clothes so that lovers can take it off. She used d — d before in the “Midnight” track “Question” once before. “On her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” Swift uses it again in “Father Figure.”

Superstitions line up in Swift’s “Wood.”

“This topic is superracialized because it’s not new for female rappers and female R&B artists to explain sex,” Burt said. “Swift seems to be trying to embody joy, undo molting, and avoid the idea that you have to be a child forever.”

It’s an atmosphere expanded to album art and promotional photos of her new era, and Swift reveals more skin than ever before. The singer, who once said she didn’t like revealing the buttons on her belly, appears to have left that philosophy on the dressing room floor.

As for track sizes, “Wood” is the shortest “Showgirl” song at 2:30.

“And baby, that’s show business.”

If Swift transforms heartbreak into the “tortured poets division,” she shines a spotlight on glamour, grits and full showbiz from her 12th era, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The pop superstar dropped the album’s announcement on August 13th. Travis Kels’ New Heights podcast has her website updated with amazing fans at the same time, with sparkling cover images of her wearing a corset submerged in bath water.

Taylor Swift’s “New Heights” podcast: The biggest moment about her “showgirl” era

“My day is finished with me in the tub, not usually a wrapped dress,” Swift told Jason Kelse on her podcast about the inspiration behind her gorgeous and lively times. “I wanted to captivate all the different aspects of how (Eras Tour) felt.”

The furious heels and sore joints from her three-hour concert didn’t slow her down as she went in and out of Sweden during European stops and worked with longtime producer Max Martin and Shelbach on 12 tracks. The trio collaborated on her “1989” and “Reputation” albums and some “red” songs.

Travis couldn’t hide his excitement on the podcast.

“It’s a banger,” he said of “It’s been cancelled!”

The other 11 tracks are title tracks such as “The Fate of Ophilia,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Oparite,” “Father Figure,” “Oldest Daughter,” “Substitute Friendship,” “Really Romantic,” “wi $h li $t,” “wood,” and “honey.”

“This album will make you dance,” Travis told Jason. Swift described her fiancé as a “human exclamation point.”

“The Life of a Showgirl” is Swift’s first chapter since she bought her master. “All the music I’ve made so far now belongs to me,” she said in a letter posted to her website after getting the catalogue in full from Shamrock Capital in May.

Don’t miss out on Taylor Swift’s news. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter this quick beat.

Instagram, Tiktok, and x As @bryanwesttv.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness leaves most of the small SUV in its dust

US-NEA
-
0
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness leaves most of the small SUV in its dust

play

  • The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has strong off-road capabilities in its class.
  • The wilderness has added ground clearance, improved approaches, and a departure angle.
  • All-wheel drive is standard.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has sourced off-road qualifications for the popular compact SUV, slotting in alongside the Ford Bronco Sports, with most of the popular vehicles passing by the edge of the driveway and stretching into suburban lawns.

I drove through the well-equipped Forester wilderness, from city streets to heavy-duty trails that mainly draw dirt bikes, ATVs and forest department pickups.

The Forester Wilderness is not a rock scrambler, but it does more than a reasonable owner would likely require.

It is also a comfortable and attractive small SUV with convenient cargo space.

I drove a loaded Forester Wilderness with a $2,200 optional package for Harman Kardon Sound, Navigation, Power Rear Gate and Digital Gauges.

2026 Subaru Wilderness Trim Levels and Prices

  • Base: $29,995
  • Premium: $33,385
  • Sports: $36,105
  • Limited: $37,695
  • Forester Wilderness: $38,395
  • Tour: $41,595

Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude destination charges of $1,450.

What is the wilderness of Forester?

The Wilderness is the most off-road capable version of the Forester Compact SUV.

Subaru Forester’s competitors include Ford Bronco Sports, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sport Aage, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Jeep Compass could potentially join the Forester and Broncosports among compact SUVs with off-road reliability, once new models enter production, which were delayed in 2026.

Forester seats 5. The 2026 model rides the new architecture that supports most of the Subaru model line.

The Forester is located on the small edge of the class, but the front seats have plenty of space and storage. The rear seats are comfortable with 5 adults.

Like most Subaru, the Forester has full-time all-wheel drive. The revised centre differential has improved the system’s functionality by responding quickly to wheel slips.

The wilderness has an additional 0.6 inches of ground clearance, with corrected front and rear fascias for improved approaches and departure angles. The Wilderness adds an upgraded rear differential, a transmission cooler, a Diff Temp sensor, and other functional features.

In case you miss it: How Subaru’s DriverFocus feature is a game changer for safety

Other wilderness exclusives include copper finish badges, raised roof rails and attractive and refined upholstery. There are no animal products in the interior.

Notable features of 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

  • 9.3 inch ground clearance
  • Increased protection of the underbody
  • 3,500 pounds towing capacity
  • Upgraded rear differential
  • Unique front and rear bumpers
  • Unique cladding
  • Startex upholstery
  • Wilderness Badge
  • 17 inch tires
  • All terrain tires
  • Full size spare
  • Led hexagonal fog light
  • All-weather floors and cargo mats

Drive impressions

The Forester Wilderness comes with a 2.5L engine and a continuous variable transmission, or a CVT. Engine – Subaru’s signature Smooth and horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

Its output is suitable for normal cities, highways and off-road driving. The engine and transmission are modest. Most drivers don’t realize that the transmission is a CVT. Electronically controlled and paddle shifters allow you to mimic traditional 8-speed when needed.

The cabin is quiet and charming. Subaru Startex upholstery is clean and comfortable, with no leather surfaces or the karmic discomfort that can accompany animal testing.

The low range of gears in the wilderness is not due to rock climbing or dangerous mud, but my test vehicle climbed rocky, dusty trails and had no difficulty finding scenic perches. Its improved approach and departure angle consistently surprised me with a deep, sudden dive in and out easily.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Key Standard Function

  • All-wheel drive
  • Torque vectorization
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Reverse automatic braking
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Emergency steering and brake assist
  • Blind spots and rear traffic alerts
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Heated front seats and side mirrors
  • Heated windshield wiper
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • 11.6 inch touch screen
  • 10-way power driver seat

What’s good?

The 11.6-inch touchscreen allows Subaru to distribute almost all traditional controls to its disadvantages. The smooth touchpoints of heated seats, fan speed, drive modes and other common features, whether off-road or urban traffic, are not something that drivers pay attention to.

Volume and tuning make the dial easy to use, while slightly raised buttons adjust the internal temperature.

At 3,675 pounds, the wilderness is the heaviest Forester. That off-road intent justifies it and justifies the lower fuel economy of the class, but it helps more horsepower pass, especially on mountain trails.

Why buy the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?

The Forester wilderness can be in and out of places where most compact SUVs can be reached. It’s comfortable, attractive and practical. A wealth of safety features add to its appeal.

Prices are available near the top of the class, but the wilderness of Forester is worth it.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness at a glance

Compact all-wheel drive SUV

5 seats 5

Base price: $38,395, excluding destination charges of $1,450

On sale in autumn 2025

Tested Price: $40,585, excluding $1,450 purpose fee

Power: 2.5L 4-cylinder engine

Output: 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 178 pound-feet of torque @ 3,700.

Transmission: Continuously variable automatic

EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City/28 Highway/26 Total. Regular gasoline

Wheelbase: 105.1 inch

Length: 183.3 inches

Width: 72 inches (81.2 inches with mirror)

Height: 69.3 inches

EPA Interior Volume: 134.1 cubic feet

Cargo volume: 27.5 cubic feet behind Riasia. 69.1 cubic feet with folded seats.

Ground clearance: 9.3 inches

Towing ability: 3,500 pounds

Curb weight: 3,675 lbs

assembled in Lafayette, Indiana

Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.

Hamas says he will accept part of Gaza’s Trump Peace Plan

US-NEA
-
0
Hamas says he will accept part of Gaza’s Trump Peace Plan

play

Hamas, a Palestinian extremist group, said on October 3 that it agreed to release all living or dead Israelite hostages under the conditions of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

In a statement shared with Reuters, the group agreed to hand over control of the Gaza Strip to an independent Arab-Muslim-backed Palestinian body and said it was willing to discuss other aspects of Trump’s proposal as part of the talks.

The response came hours after Trump threatened to hunt down and kill Hamas members and threatened extremist groups to respond to his proposals on Sunday evening, October 5th.

more: Trump announces plans to end the war in Gaza and warns Hamas about rejecting it

“If we reach this last accidental agreement, all hell will break out against Hamas, just as no one has ever seen before,” Trump said in the Society of Truth.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the first to agree to Trump’s peace proposal when he visited the White House on September 29th.

Among the demands of the plan is that Hamas has collapsed and there is no role in governing the enclave. The plan does not explicitly address the future Palestinian state’s thinking that Netanyahu appears to have ruled out.

Hamas killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages on October 7, 2023 during an attack on communities in southern Israel. According to Hamasran Health Ministry, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza, killing more than 65,000 Palestinians two years later. Israel says Hamas numbers are unreliable.

Israel believes Hamas still holds 48 hostages, of which 20 are thought to be alive.

Chi-Chi Mexican restaurants are reopening and reopening

US-NEA
-
0
Chi-Chi Mexican restaurants are reopening and reopening

play

Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurant is back, with its first location in over 20 years scheduled to open in Minnesota next week.

The location will open in St. Louis Park on Monday, October 6th, bringing “refreshing designs” and some original and new menu items, the company announced this week.

Added menu items include items such as restaurant quesavilia tacos, as well as Manchego burgers made up of grilled angus beef, Manchego cheese, pico de gallo, avocado and chipotle mayonnaise, according to a news release.

Michael McDermott, son of Chi-chi co-founder Marno McDermott, said the company has announced that it is “more strong than ever.”

“We bring home the food, energy and fun that people love, and now we’re giving a fresh twist for a whole new generation,” he said in the release. “We are extremely grateful to our supporters and investors who helped make this moment possible, and we can’t wait to experience Chi, welcoming both familiar and new faces.”

In October 2003, Chi-chi filed for bankruptcy. This is according to Mahler Clark, a law firm that represented the family in the lawsuit after multiple people got sick due to green onions at a Cheech location in Pennsylvania.

Four people have died, more than 650 people have become ill, and the company has agreed to pay $800,000 to compensate 9,489 people who have become ill after eating at a restaurant, Mahler Clark reported.

The company closed its last US restaurant in 2004. In December 2024, Chiech announced that it had reached an agreement with Hormel Foods, a Minnesota-based global food company that owns Chiech’s trademark, using its name and opening a future location.

“Special Place”: Cheech’s restaurant, popular in the 90s, will open 20 years after its closure

What’s new about Chi-chi’s?

According to Chi-chi’s, the St. Louis Park location has more modern decor, a “charming atmosphere” and original menu items that may remember, such as the nachos grand made up of customers’ revived beans, ground beef, cheese, jalapeño, original chimichanga and seafood enchiladas.

The new menu items are:

  • Chiki’s Original Chimichanga – Crispy Chimichanga stuffed with beef, chicken, short ribs or red chili peppers, served with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice and beans.
  • Quesabirria Tacos – Three corn tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, Oaxaca cheese, onions, cilantro and consom dipping sauce.
  • Seafood Enchilada – Symptomed shrimp and crab in Kichi’s signature lobster cream sauce. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, beans and rice.
  • Manchego Burger – Topped with Ankego cheese, pico de gallo, avocado and chipotle mayonnaise. Serve with fries.
  • Original Nachos Grande – House tortilla chips topped with rifleika beans, ground beef, melty cheese and jalapeno.
  • El Burro Con Queso – Burrito stuffed with ground beef or shredded chicken, cheese, chili conqueso and ranchero sauce. Choice of beans and rice

Where is the restaurant located?

Chi-Chi’s will open its first location on Monday, October 6th at 11am local time. This restaurant is located at 1602 West End Blvd. in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Diners can make reservations via Opentable.

The restaurant is open:

  • Monday to Thursday from 11am to 10pm
  • Friday to Saturday from 11am to 11pm
  • Sunday – 11am to 9pm

What’s next for Chi-chi?

Chi-chi said the St. Louis Park restaurant will serve as a flagship location for the company’s reboot, with more locations being planned.

More than 2,000 people have invested more than $2.3 million through the stock crowdfunding campaign that the company launched StartEngine, according to the company.

Chi-chi said the campaign will soon be over, but those looking to invest can learn more at www.startengine.com/offering/chi-chis-restaurants.

This story has been updated to add new photos and information.

Contribution: Ahjané Forbes

Saleen Martin is a reporter for the USA Today Now team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Email her to sdmartin@usatoday.com.

Nissan Leaf models recall potential fire hazards

US-NEA
-
0
Nissan Leaf models recall potential fire hazards

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of the 2021-2022 Nissan Leaf model with Level 3 quick charging port

play

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall on October 1st for the 2021-2022 Nissan Leaf model equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port due to the risk of a battery fire.

Nissan North America is based in Franklin, Tennessee, and the vehicles were built at the state’s Nissan Smyrna manufacturing plant. According to NHTSA’s Safety Recall report, lithium-ion batteries “can overheat while charging at level 3.”

The NHTSA asked owners of the affected leaf models not to use Level 3 Quick Charge, saying that the recall notification will be sent on October 24th.

“A second notice will be sent when a remedy becomes available,” the notification states.

what happened?

The agent said the battery could overheat and fire.

“Nissan has determined that the lithium-ion batteries in affected vehicles may experience excessive lithium deposits within the battery cells, increasing electrical resistance and causing fluctuations in charge state,” the release states.

“The vehicle is a Level 3 quick charge, but increased electrical resistance can lead to rapid battery heating. If rapid charging continues, battery fires can occur, increasing the risk of injury.”

Which Nissan Leaf vehicles will be affected?

2021–2022 Nissan Leaf models with Level 3 quick charging ports will be affected.

Owners will be asked to call Nissan at 1-800-867-7669 and refer to recall number R25C8 or search online at nhtsa.gov by vehicle identification number.

October 1, 2025 NHTSA Campaign Number: 25v655000 Fire Risk Quick Rechargeable Battery Overheats Fast Rechargeable Battery Increases the risk of a fire.

NHTSA ID number: 25v655000

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

Component Electrical System

Potential number of affected units: 19077

summary

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) recalls a specific 2021-2022 Leaf vehicle with a Level 3 quick charging port. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat while charging at level 3.

Treatment

Owners are advised not to use Level 3 Quick Charge until the remedy is complete. Dealers will update your battery software for free. A provisional letter informing owners of safety risks is expected to be mailed on October 24, 2025. A second notification will be sent when the remedy becomes available. Owners can contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. The Nissan number for this recall is R25C8. The vehicle identification number (VIN) involved in this recall will be searchable on nhtsa.gov from October 4th, 2025.

Trump issues new deadlines for Hamas to accept the Gaza Peace Contract

US-NEA
-
0
Trump issues new deadlines for Hamas to accept the Gaza Peace Contract

play

President Donald Trump has announced that he will give him a 6pm deadline on October 5th at 6pm and respond to his proposal to “crowd and be killed” the Israeli-Hamas war.

“If we reach this last accidental agreement, all hell will break out against Hamas, as no one has seen it before. There is some form of peace in the Middle East.”

Trump also asked all “innocent Palestinians” to leave the area soon, saying “everyone will be well taken care of by those waiting for help.”

Trump said the deal “is on the lives of all remaining Hamas fighters!”

The war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The subsequent deaths in the Israel-Hamas war claim the lives of more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, run by Hamas.

“More than 25,000 Hamas ‘soldiers’ have already been killed in retaliation for the attack on civilization on October 7th,” Trump wrote. “For the rest, we know where you are and who you are. You’ll be cornered and killed.”

On September 29, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a peace plan during the White House event if Hamas refused to do business, warning that “it would be a very sad end.”

play

Trump says Israel agrees to a plan to end the war in Gaza

President Donald Trump said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reached a contract to end the war in Gaza. Does Hamas agree?

Trump said he was giving Hamas “3-4 days.”

The two leaders proposed the announcement as a major breakthrough in the conflict, where previous ceasefires plunged and regional tensions surged as Israel continues its punishment campaign that sparked international outrage over the deaths of civilians and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Under Trump’s proposal, the war ended and Hamas was released within 72 hours of the remaining hostages in Gaza, filmed almost two years ago during the terrorist attacks on Israel.

Gaza has also been redeveloped and is chosen by Palestinians who want to stay for Palestinians to stay.

Contribution: Zac Anderson

Cracker Barrel cut connections with the Prophet and advised to change the logo

US-NEA
-
0
Cracker Barrel cut connections with the Prophet and advised to change the logo

play

  • Cracker Barrel was the first to announce that it had updated its logo on August 19th, removing the iconic man sitting next to a wooden barrel.
  • The logo was filled with online backlash, sparking a response from President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump encouraged the chain to return to the old timer logo.
  • Cracker Barrel announced on August 26th that it would discard the redesign and return to its old logo.
  • October 2nd. Cracker Barrel shared that it has ended its partnership with the Prophet, a creative agency that encouraged the redesign of the logo.

The “old timer” cracker barrel logo can be found here. The restaurant has ended its partnership with a creative agency that advises changes to its logo and stripped redesign of the restaurant.

In a news release on October 2, Cracker Barrel confirmed that it has ended its engagement with the Prophet, who encouraged cracker barrels to update their logos and restaurant designs.

Although Cracker Barrel did not explicitly state the reason behind the decision, it’s just weeks after the restaurant chain announced a change in logos, sparking online debate and drumming comments from President Donald Trump. However, after much discussion, the restaurant chain put the logo discussion in bed and returned to its traditional logo.

Cracker Barrel also the Prophet responded immediately to a request for comment on October 3rd.

Other Restaurant News: Cracker Barrel Closes 14 Maple Street Biscuit Company Locations

How did you get here? The controversy over the cracker barrel logo explained.

August 19: Cracker Barrel reveals new logo

On August 19th, Cracker Barrel revealed its new logo. Though faithful to the original gold and brown palette, the logo features only the “cracker barrel” name on a simple background, removing the iconic man and wooden barrel.

The logo has led to intense discussion online, with one Instagram user calling the redesign “cold and sterile.”

August 21st: Cracker barrel stock dip

The rebound even affected the stock price of Cracker Barrel.

When the market closed on August 20th, Cracker Barrel’s shares were valued at $59.02. They made a turn on August 21st, and the stock price fell to $50.76 by noon.

August 25th: Cracker barrels accept backlash

Just six days after the logo’s launch, Cracker Barrel issued a statement addressing public comments.

“If the last few days are showing us something, it’s just how deeply people are interested in the barrel of crackers. We’re really grateful for your sincere voice,” the company said on August 25th.

August 26: Trump encourages the logo to be returned to the chain

The logo sparked a response from Trump.

“Cracker barrels need to go back to their old logos and accept mistakes based on customer response (the ultimate poll) and manage the company more than ever,” Trump said in the Truth Social Post on August 26th.

The president suggested that if the cracker barrel returns the logo, they could win “free promotions.”

“They got $1 billion worth of free advertising if they played their cards correctly. It’s a very difficult, but a great opportunity. Put out a massive press conference today. We’ll make the cracker barrel a winner again.”

After the president’s comments, the official White House X account showed weight and posted the logo of Trump and Cracker Barrel as the man leaning against the barrel.

“I wake up and go to break,” the post said.

August 26th: Cracker Barrel announces logo reversion

Hours after Trump’s social media post, Crackerbarle told USA Today it was returning the “old timer” logo.

“We share your voice and thank our guests for their love for cracker barrels. We said we would listen,” the statement said. “Our new logo is gone, and the ‘old timer’ remains. ”

Trump also praised the company’s reversal in the true social post.

“All your fans are very grateful,” he wrote. “Good luck for the future. Earn lots of money, and most importantly, make our customers happy again!”

September 9: Cracker Barrel says there is no restaurant redesign happening

Cracker Barrel said on September 9th it would not redesign the restaurant, as previously announced in March. The chain had planned to “refresh” the restaurant for the young crowd, including cleaning up eclectic wall decorations. Only four of the chain’s 660 restaurants have been updated, but as with the logo change, the redesign was filled with backlash.

“We’ve shared our voices not only in the logo but also in the restaurants over the last few weeks. We’re continuing to listen,” Cracker Barrel said in a September 9 website update. “Today, we are pausing modifications. If your restaurant is not remodeled, you don’t have to worry. It’s not.”

Donation: Joey Garrison, USA Today

Gretacross is a national trend reporter for USA Today. Story ideas? Please email her gcross@usatoday.com.

Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

ICE protests lead to dozens of arrests in Portland, DOJ says

US-NEA
-
0
ICE protests lead to dozens of arrests in Portland, DOJ says

play

Federal authorities say President Donald Trump sent troops to the city.

Arrested amid protests outside the Icefield office in South Portland, opposing Trump’s massive deportation of undocumented immigrants. Mostly peaceful, but in some cases protests include conflicts with law enforcement and the use of tear gas.

The Justice Department said on October 2 that a Portland woman first appeared in court on felony assault on a federal officer, making her 28th arrest at the Ice Office since June 13th. Katherine Megan Vogel, 39, attacked a locked officer at a workplace trapped in a closed mission, accused of applying red paint to the driveway of an ice facility. release.

“Violence and property damage in ice buildings and other federal buildings are unacceptable,” said a US attorney for the Scott E. Bradford area of ​​the Oregon area. “If you assault a federal law enforcement officer or damage federal property, the federal government will be arrested and charged.”

Vogel was released until further court cases were pending, the DOJ said. The federal defense attorney listed as representing Vogel in court records did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA Today on Oct. 3.

As the federal government cracks down on several U.S. cities, Portland’s state and local leaders have accused Trump of exaggerating the amount of anxiety and violence, saying their cities should not appear on the list.

“There are no riots, no threat to national security, and no military needs in our major cities,” said Democrat Gov. Tina Kotek. “We need or want Oregon’s federal forces, fear, create conflict and, frankly, escalate situations under control.”

Other arrests made at the Portland Ice Facility include someone allegedly charged with assault by bringing the lasers into the eyes of ice officers. Someone picked up a smoked hand-ren bullet from the ground and threw it to the officers and accused him of hitting it. And the woman said she was the one who was said to have grabbed the ex-s in the US with her hair.

“We’re going out there and doing quite a few for the people in Portland,” Trump said. He described them as “professional agitators and anarchists.”

Taylor Swift fans thought they knew what to expect. They were wrong.

US-NEA
-
0
Taylor Swift fans thought they knew what to expect. They were wrong.

play

Britton Ray slept for about three hours.

It was early October 3rd, and Taylor Swift’s 12th album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” just fell. After posting her “showgirl” predictions for a few weeks, Ray is still adapting to this new era.

“I was totally shocked by it,” Ray says. Ray has earned thousands of opinions about her content, and all her outfits, color schemes, album covers and details Swift has given her enthusiastic fans for several weeks recently. The album isn’t what Ray expected, but she’s still happy.

Some early listeners aren’t quite sure yet, says Ray. But they need to get used to the new sounds, she adds. And the big reason they may feel the initial disappointment is because they feel that fans know personally quickly several decades after hearing her music.

“I think we’ll forgive us…it tells us what’s going on in her life during the ERAS tour…it’s a very different album. Many forget that she’s such a reinventor.”

How can “Showgirl” put fans in

According to Iona Murphy, a fan culture and Swift researcher at Huddersfield University in the UK, “Showgirl” peels off the curtains of Swift’s life in a whole new way. The album details Swift’s life that we’ve never seen before, from her experiences as a performer, her experiences as a family and her family to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelse.

“I was really surprised that it was a detail,” Murphy says.

“Showgirl” is full of insight into Swift’s relationship with Kelce, and admits in “Wi$h li$t”. Then, she reflects on becoming the wife of the truck “oldest son” and reveals, “When I said I didn’t believe in marriage, it was a lie.” She gives a clear nod to Kelse’s “New Heights” podcast in “Wood,” and dedicates the entire track to her future husband of “Oparite.”

It’s not just the romantic relationships revealed. “The Father Figure” gives a “unprecedented” glimpse of Swift’s feelings about her place in the music business, Murphy says.

“I can’t think of another song that gives us a sense of how women interact in the industry,” Murphy says.

Beyond songs, Swift is uniquely vulnerable through the numerous podcasts, television and radio appearances set for “Showgirl,” says Rae.

“She really wants to talk,” Ray says.

review: Taylor Swift raises her game again with the playful “Showgirl’s Life”

Why some fans feel disappointed

Frog Dance in Salt Lake City, Utah is a content creator and understands that some fans may feel disappointed.

“Some fans are definitely disappointed, but no matter how good each song is because it’s not familiar, they’re probably disappointed,” says Dance (26). “In the coming weeks, I feel like the same fans have a certain experience and have an eye on and understand these songs. It’s Taylor Swift’s magic. Each song will feel like a safe friend and evacuation from this challenging world.”

Disappointment is because “Fan Girl” feels personally aware of the quickness of her song.

“Fans are incredibly shocked to say anything that contradicts the image Taylor has accumulated in her head,” says Dance. “At this point, Taylor Swift’s ideas are much bigger than the real people, and I believe they understand her because of her dedication to music. I don’t think that in reality, many people know her very deeply.”

This is because Swift is becoming more and more persona, says Rae.

“I think people are just building their characters,” Ray says. “We’re growing not only to theorize about the concept of albums, but to actually build on her character and how much she brings us into their lives… People need to retreat and realize that she’s not letting us down. We’re disappointed ourselves.”

“Showgirl” response: Why Taylor Swift’s new song “Wood” about Travis Kelce makes you blush

If you don’t like the album right away, that’s fine, says Murphy. But listen to “Showgirl” another listen and revisit some of your favorite old trucks to find similarities and differences.

“Let her lyrics and her interviews do what she talks about,” says Murphy. “I’m going to continue listening to the music and thank you for what we’ve been given.”

Tesla launches cyber truck sales in Qatar amid slowing down our demand

US-NEA
-
0
Tesla launches cyber truck sales in Qatar amid slowing down our demand

play

Tesla (TSLA.O) has begun selling cybertrucks in Qatar, the US electric car maker said in a post in X on Friday, following the launch of its operations in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

The move underscores Tesla’s willingness to expand its international reach as it faces slower demand and strengthens competition in the US and China’s Chinese markets.

Tesla entered Saudi Arabia in April and unveiled the Cybertruck and Refresh Model Y at an event in Riyadh. The company said it will support local sales through online ordering, pop-up showrooms, supercharger stations and service centers.

Electric car shopping: Do Tesla electric vehicles produce harmful radiation? Here’s what drivers need to know

The Saudi Arabian debut marked a symbolic settlement after a rift between Elon Musk and the Kingdom’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Tesla was launched in the United Arab Emirates in 2017 and first entered the Middle East in 2017. Qatar has now joined the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as part of its first wave of cyber truck sales outside of North America.

The company has not cut off regional sales of its CyberTruck models in its quarterly distribution reports. However, a recall in the US in March showed that 46,096 cybertooks were constructed from November 2023 to the beginning of this year.

Tesla also faces strong regional competition with Chinese automaker BYD.

The Elon Musk-led company posted record delivery in the third quarter driven by a rush of US buyers seeking to get a $7,500 tax credit before it expires on September 30th. However, analysts are hoping for a sharp slump in the fourth quarter as EV purchase incentives disappear.

Reported by Rhea Rose Abraham of Bengaluru. Edited by Mrigank Dhaniwala

Apple removes ice tracking program under pressure from Trump admins

US-NEA
-
0
Apple removes ice tracking program under pressure from Trump admins

Apple removed the program after the Justice Department requested the company to do so, according to a statement from Attorney General Pam Bondi.

play

WASHINGTON – Apple users are no longer able to download apps warning of sightings from immigration agents after they have been pressured by the Trump administration and removed several programs from the App Store.

Ice Block, the most popular ice tracking app, and other services that flagged the presence of US immigration and customs enforcement agents, were removed this week at the request of the Department of Justice.

“We reached out to Apple today by requesting Apple to remove the Iceblock app from the App Store. Apple did,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement to USA Today. “Ice blocks are designed to put ice agents at risk just for their work, and violence against law enforcement is an insurable red line that cannot be crossed.”

In a statement to multiple media outlets, Apple said it had removed “Iceblock and other programs” “about safety risks related to the service based on information received from law enforcement.”

For months, the Trump administration denounced the ice tracking app, saying it could lead to an increase in assault on immigrant agents running a federal deportation campaign.

In July, President Donald Trump said he was indicting CNN after a media outlet reported on Iceblock, a free app with hundreds of thousands of anonymous users.

Authorities recently linked the app to a deadly shooting at an immigration facility in Dallas, Texas, killing and wounding two detainees last month. FBI director Kash Patel said investigators have recovered evidence that gunmen used the ICE tracking app but did not identify any particular programs.

Bondi previously had investigated Ice Block developer Joshua Aaron, and told him to “take care” and he said he was “unprotected” under the Constitution.

Aaron did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding the removal of the app. In an interview with USA Today last week, he defended the application and said he had not been contacted by federal authorities.

Contribution: Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today; Reuters

MLB Playoff Postseason Bracket, Prediction, Q&A

US-NEA
-
0
MLB Playoff Postseason Bracket, Prediction, Q&A

MLB experts will discuss the dramatic baseball postseason as the 2025 division series is underway.

October 2, 2025, 12pm

Major League Baseball’s Top 5 Division Series will begin on Saturday, October 4th, two days after the end of the thrilling wildcard series in each league.

Two teams in each league have won BYE in the Division Series, and now the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies are taking part in the postseason party, facing three wildcard series winners.

Will NL-Best Brewers be able to overcome the Hump this year, as they lost five times in a row in a row in a first round? Will the Phillies revenge their bitter back-to-back postseason exit? The Mariners, led by record catcher Cal Laurie, won the AL West for the first time since 2001. Did this Seattle season win the first AL pennant?

Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Shemmers

US-NEA
-
0
Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Shemmers

play

Taylor Swift, the five-song track to her new album, gives a bold entrance.

“I struggle with the uniqueness of the terminal. I was almost dying trying to make him look cool,” she sings piano chords in “the eldest daughter.”

Of course, the legions of Swift’s followers will scoff at the notion that their heroine is the goddess of pop, that their very own Glinda, a good witch, was sent to comfort in lyrical poems, to help their crumpled minds.

In “The Life of a Showgirl,” on Friday, October 3rd, Swift will not abandon the associated sister vibe that drove her into a tenuous billionaire aviation. However, she also boasts the physical and emotional attributes of her 35-year-old woman, Travis Kelce.

Her 12th The album, Swift, infuses the melancholy of 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department” with the playfulness of “1989” and the velvet intimate knife lyrics of “reputation.”

But she still throws delicious snarks, like “like the toy Chihuahuas barking me from her tiny wallet, how painful it is” (“actually romantic,” Bullseye Smackdown incites internet threes), but Swift floats more than her punch.

She returned to the refined imprint of producers Max Martin and Shelbach, her first album with Swedish pop maestro since 2017.

more: Taylor Swift owns a music catalog following a controversy with Scooter Brown

Taylor Swift is a dreamy and rebellious of the new album

She recorded “Showgirl” in 2024. During his Eras tour, shattering European records, he revealed his candid appearance with Kelse on his New Heights podcast. Swift’s 149 show’s five continental expedition encapsulated the tsunami of her own journey, not only among fans, but also by the love of a very public breakup, escape, engagement to Kelce, and the knee buckling.

The order of the song is intentional of Easter Egg, but as with all the quickest, it is reserved by a romantic declaration of salvation and a tale from the point of view of a tired but rebellious showgirl.

“No longer owns, you will die or be fooled,” Swift whispers during the rising swirls of album opener “The Fate of Ophelia,” accepting her preference for all literature. Swift named it after the song after the character from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” He was driven by madness and death. Meaning of Swift’s state of mind before Kelce arrives as a knight in a glittering helmet (or “Purchase your loyalty to your hands, your team, your vibes”).

more: Swifties turns new movie event “Showgirl” for “Showgirl Official Release Party”

Which Taylor Swift songs about Travis Kelce?

The theme of emotional rescue is passed through the entire “Showgirl.”

With “honey,” roped with clip crop beats, piano and flute dust, Swift explains: She also dreams of “wi$h li$t” idyllic suburban life. She reaches for the upstream register and sings as the song progresses as she plays the synth.

One of the outstanding tracks, “Wood” is clearly directed at Groom To Be-The Grive The Griric “New Heights of Manhood.” Swift Bakes Sly Innuendo swings through the song. This glows like a mirror ball from the 70s, and messes up lines like “Redwood Tree is not hard to see/his love was the key to open thighs”, so the grooves shine with unprecedented guitar riffs.

Musically, Swift stitches the organic sounds of her early records (banjo, pedal steel guitar) with the catchiness of the staccato on a programmed keyboard. The result changes from the incredibly infectious “opalite” with the 60s girl group DNA to a majestic sweep of “Father Figure,” a cinematic gangster story of loyalty and ambition that lightly interpolates George Michael’s sensual 1987 hit (he receives later writing credits).

Naturally, she aces both.

more: Swifties flock to NYC’s “Showgirl Life” pop-up. Please look at the contents.

Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter offer inspirational duets

Only two songs from the efficient album are clocked for more than four minutes. “The eldest son” is captivated by her most introspective spotlight on Swift when she sings quietly on the piano, and her title track cleverly touches the vivid image. Sharing a perfectly balanced harmony with Sabrina Carpenter, who has been exchanging poems and experiencing her own escalation to pop royalty, Swift unleashes Kitty’s ballad.

The song is pushed with intentional booming applause and acoustic guitars before turning it into one of Swift’s patented bridges.

A story with a story raps with a proper Zinger (“Hey, Kitty, I’m a resourceful now”).

It’s a proper final bow and another victory for the ultimate showgirl.

Do you have a job report? Here’s what the economists are tracking instead:

US-NEA
-
0
Do you have a job report? Here’s what the economists are tracking instead:

play

The government closure delayed the Labor Statistics Bureau’s employment report. According to Bank of America’s Global Research Economist, “arguably the most important information” for the Federal Reserve to review before meetings at the end of the month.

The employment report was released on October 3rd. However, the federal government shutdown forced the department to oust its employees and suspended data collection and spread. If the shutdown remains, it could also postpone the Bureau’s next consumer price index report, the main benchmark for inflation expected on October 15th.

The release of BLS is widely seen as a gold standard in economic data, but the Fed and economists rely on a wide range of reports to measure economic health.

“At this point, it’s an incomplete picture, but we’re not completely blind,” Mike Skordeles, head of American Economics at Truist, told USA Today. “Clearly, if the shutdown is drugged for longer than a week, that old data makes it difficult to get an accurate economic situation.”

“About 50,000 jobs have been added to the salary rate, with the unemployment rate remaining at 4.3%,” Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick said in a memo on October 3.

The data delay comes when economists were looking for signs of rebound in the job market after months of disappointing reports, and when the Fed is expected to announce at least one additional fee cut by the end of the year to stimulate growth.

more: As government shutdowns enter day three, threats from mass shootings loom in Trump: Live Update

What other data can an economist consider?

In 2019, a report to the Federal Open Market Committee acknowledged the impact on the release of the massive government closures of the time, saying that “models put more weight” if BLS data is not available.

Still, not having a BLS employment report is “a huge deal,” according to Jobs’ Jobs for future CEO Maria Flynn, who served as a senior Labor Department official between Clinton and the Bush administration.

“We’ve been here before, and that’s very rare,” Flynn said. “I think the fact that it’s happening when I see the role of the Bureau of Labor Statistics is politicized in a way I have never seen personally.

Without new government data, Flynn said companies could rely on reports from job boards such as Zip Recruiter, Endall and LinkedIn, as well as data from LightCast, a real-time labor market information provider.

There are other releases that economists are keeping an eye on, like the ADP’s National Employment Report, which was released on October 1st and announced 32,000 jobs in September.

Skordeles said some private source economists include freight data from ports and railroads, industry group data from organizations such as the National Association of Realtors, and revenue reports from public companies.

The September Main Street Health Report on Homebase’s Small Business Work Trends found that workforce participation fell by 3.6% and working hours fell by 4.7%, closely reflecting the late-late 2023 decline. Meanwhile, HomeBase CEO John Waldmann focuses primarily on small businesses that employ hourly workers.

“We started publishing data during Covid because we were seeing real-time signals early in the pandemic of impact on the local economy, so we were trying to raise alarms everywhere,” Waldmann said. “Small businesses have traditionally provided a large portion of the employment growth in this country. Looking at the changes in technology and labor market before us, I think their role in providing employment in this country will only become more important.”

Why economists are still waiting for government data

Sometimes non-governmental reports are inconsistent with each other, causing the absence of BLS data to be a challenge, Flynn said.

“It’s always good to be able to triangulate the data and compare and contrast between sources of differences,” Flynn said. “If you’re taking one foot out of the equation and it’s the leg of a public sector government sponsored stool, I think it’s starting to open things up for more interpretation.”

According to Skordeles, government-supported data is often available and is the only source of information for others.

“There aren’t many comprehensive inflation data series other than pricing statistics for narrow slices of the economy, such as automated data from Mannheim and existing home prices in NAR,” added Skordeles.

The closure period is unknown, but the longest in US history lasted for 35 days. Flynn pointed out that if economists had no government data for more than three months, they could fundamentally change some of the credibility of the assumptions and decisions behind the analysis.

She added job reporting issues to everyday Americans to inform the Fed’s interest rate decisions and help influence loans, credit cards and other borrowing costs. It also highlights “the important role that federal statistical agencies play in guiding our economy.”

“If they or someone in their family are looking for another job, they need information that really helps them make those decisions about their best next steps,” Flynn said. “Having government-supported data is an important part of that puzzle.”

Contact Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her at x @rachelbarber_

Is the federal government still closed? Get the update.

US-NEA
-
0
Is the federal government still closed? Get the update.

play

The partial federal closure continued to operate, and only important services continued, on Friday, October 3, after much of its operation was closed shortly after midnight on Wednesday, October 3, after Congress failed to enter into a funding agreement.

At this point, the salaries of around 2 million federal workers have been suspended, with around 750,000 people being ordered not to do their jobs, and they will need to work unpaid, including military and border patrol agents.

How to follow the latest information on government closures

USA Today follows the shutdown via its daily live blog. Find stories about the effects of shutdowns and everything you need to know below.

Is the federal government still closed?

Yes, the federal government remains partially closed.

The Senate is expected to be convened later that day, with majority leader John Tune (R-ND) going to make his next attempt to pass another spending bill.

President Donald Trump’s Republicans have a majority in both Congresses, but Senate rules mean that they need at least seven Democrats’ votes to pass the funding bill.

What about Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid?

The Social Security Administration will continue to issue retirement and disability benefits, but it will hit 12% of staff and suspend marketing campaigns, according to agency closure plans.

Similarly, payments will continue under the Medicare and Medicaid health programs.

Will food aid continue under SNAP and WIC?

According to a closure planning plan document issued by the US Department of Agriculture, special supplementary nutrition programs for women, infants and children known as WIC, and special supplementary nutrition programs for women, infants and children known as WIC, will continue with special supplementary nutrition programs known as WIC, and special supplementary nutrition programs for women, infants and children.

Will US email be sent?

USPS said in a statement that the USPS would not be affected because it does not rely on Congress. The post office is open.

How about the airport?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers will continue to work unpaid until the closure ends. Most TSA employees will continue to work, according to the agency’s statement.

What does shutdown mean to the military?

Based on an executive order from Trump, the newly appointed War Department statement reveals that 2 million US military personnel will remain unpaid until the closure ends, but officially the Department of Defense unless Congress officially changes his name.

The National Guard that Trump deployed in American cities must also continue to work.

What about law enforcement, borders, and homeland security?

Agents from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Bureau, the Coast Guard and other federal law enforcement agencies will continue to work.

Department of Justice staff administering the immigration court system will mostly remain at work, as Trump declared illegal immigration as a national emergency.

According to the Department of Homeland Security’s closure strategy, Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents, like most customs officials, will remain in their posts.

Contributors: Saman Shafiq, Melina Kahn, Sarah D. Wire, USA Today;

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter at USA Today. Contact her at nalund @usatoday.com and follow her at x @nataliealund.

1...579580581...1,006Page 580 of 1,006

About us

Stay informed with the latest breaking news, expert insights, and in-depth coverage across USA, Politics, Economy, World News, Technology, Health, Sports, Science, and more. Your trusted source for daily news and trending topics.

Editor's Picks

The latest

When will the Trump administration’s Dulles Airport renovation work begin?

Politics 0
President Trump pressured Senator Schumer to rename Penn Station...

Lindsay Clancy, ex-husband’s testimony and nature of mental illness

USA 0
Massachusetts mother goes on trial for killing her three...

Chili’s announces nationwide restaurant renovations. What you can expect

Economy 0
Server impressed by customer's ketchup portraitWhen Jacqueline Mang realized...

Subscribe

©2025 US-NEA.COM. All Rights Reserved.