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Why did the real conspiracy start in 5th place?

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Why did the real conspiracy start in 5th place?

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Editor’s note: See all first-round picks for the 2026 NBA Draft.

NEW YORK — The common thread in the first round of this draft was that it started after the No. 4 pick.

And while certainly AJ Divanza, Darrin Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson were widely seen as the top four players in the 2026 NBA Draft, this was still projected to be one of the deepest classes seen in the past decade, especially at the guard position.

All of this means there are a lot of implications to sort out before the first round concludes on Tuesday 23rd January.

Here are the winners and losers of the 2026 NBA Draft.

winner

AJ Divantha and the Wizards

Washington acquired that talent, and suddenly the Wizards were a team with young, dynamic talent and veteran leadership. Granted, it will take some time for Washington to integrate Trae Young and Anthony Davis into the program, considering they only played a combined five games with the Wizards despite acquiring them in January and February.

Either way, Dybantsa is built for the modern NBA. He is tall, athletic, and can create his own shot. As long as coach Brian Keefe can pull all these pieces together, the Wizards could be in for the first sneaky tough battle in a while.

BYU Cougars

For the first time in Brigham Young history, a player was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA draft. The Cougars’ previous top draft pick was Shawn Bradley, who went No. 2 to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993.

Tanks are rewarded with jazz

It turned out that all the losses were worth it. With the Jazz blatantly attempting to self-sabotage and substituting their best player late in games, Utah has quickly emerged as the team most likely to make a big jump next season.

Rookie guard Darin Peterson will join Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and last year’s No. 5 overall pick, Ace Bailey. Peterson is the most naturally gifted scorer in this class, and the Jazz, who tied for the worst record in the West at 22-60, should contend for a playoff spot next season.

Los Angeles Lakers pick #1 in the draft

Although they reportedly had to trade one spot to acquire him, former Baylor guard Cameron Carr should be a great fit for a Lakers team that could always use another scoring threat to pair with Luka Doncic. That’s especially true now that Austin Reeves is very likely opting out of his player option and testing the market as an unrestricted free agent.

Carr is a dynamic athlete who tested very well during the NBA Combine, but he drained 37.4 percent of his threes last season at Baylor. Act decisively and give it to LA, who took advantage of Kerr’s mini-slide.

michigan wolverines

Not only did the national champions draft three players in the first round, but all of them were selected in the lottery with four picks.

New Mavericks coach Dusty May, who led the Wolverines to a win over U.C. in the title game, will coach former player forward Mores Johnson Jr. (9th overall pick). Johnson will be named as a first-round pick for Michigan, along with Jaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 to the Warriors) and Aday Mara (No. 12 to the Thunder).

Post Giannis Bucks begins to lay the foundation

Milwaukee won’t replace Giannis Antetokounmpo with a single draft pick, but they took steps to replenish their roster after a blockbuster trade with the Miami Heat.

The Bucks drafted guard Brayden Burries with the 10th pick and added former Tennessee forward Nate Ament, acquired from Miami, with the 13th pick. For the Bucks, it’s all about drafting players who can not only start contributing, but develop consistently.

Ament will need reinforcements and could be more of a project, but Berries is a strong guard who can score from all over the floor.

Considering Antetokounmpo was leaving the franchise, and considering this was a necessary trade for Milwaukee, the Bucks took several steps to rebuild.

The Warriors need help now. Jaksel Lendeborg offers just that

With Golden State rebuilding itself at least once more with coach Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry in place, the Warriors need to give Curry another spot on offense.

Jaksel Lendeborg, 11th, was the obvious plug-and-play option. He will be 24 years old before the start of his rookie season and will be NBA ready from the moment he steps into the facility. The Warriors need perimeter shooting, and Lendeborg has worked on his threes, shooting 37.2% against Michigan. He will contribute from day one.

loser

Draft surprises and drama

Picks 1 through 4 went basically as everyone expected them to. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it didn’t make sense to draft fans who were looking for drama. More than anything, it’s a testament to the quality of Divanza, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson as players and how they differentiated themselves from the rest of the field.

However, the overall theme of this draft was pretty predictable and pretty chalky. All things considered, there were no drastic reaches or head-scratching picks. This tends to be the case when there is an abundance of human resources overall.

Labalon Fillon Jr.

In a very deep draft, one player who noticeably slipped off the board was guard LaBaron Fillon Jr. He averaged 22.0 points in his second year at Alabama and was a unanimous third-team All-American selection.

The 76ers certainly drafted Philon at No. 22, joining a deep backcourt that already includes Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecomb, so he enters the organization with a little less pressure and an advantage. But no player wants to stay in the green room waiting for their name to be called.

Isaiah Hartenstein may be OKC’s odd man out.

The Thunder are stocking up on bigs.

Oklahoma City selected Adei Mara, a 7-foot-3 center from Michigan, to join Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and last year’s first-round pick Thomas Sober, who missed this season due to an ACL repair.

The Thunder have a $28.5 million team option on Hartenstein and will need to make a decision on his future, but OKC will likely get over a tight salary cap. So Mara, who shines on defense, could be more than an insurance policy. Hartenstein was extremely valuable against Victor Wenbanyama, so it will be a tough call. But at some point, the Thunder will have to let a good player walk. Hartenstein may be one of them.

NCAA continues to see top talent move on to the next level

It wasn’t just your imagination. A large number of freshmen were selected early in the first round of the NBA Draft. The first eight picks made Tuesday night were college freshmen, tying the record for most freshmen selected in the draft. That record…was set last year.

While the one-and-done path remains the preferred path for top players, holes continue to remain in college hoops. This trend is expected to continue even as NIL funds flow to prospects.

Target plans to open 11 stores in 10 states in July. See here

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Target plans to open 11 stores in 10 states in July. See here

Summer is here and the retail giant plans to open 11 new stores in 10 states in July, along with new Target stores, according to the company.

These store openings are part of 30 store openings Target has planned for 2026, the company confirmed to USA TODAY on Jan. 8. Target says each store is “designed to deliver Target’s superior guest experience and differentiated style, design and value, while strengthening local communities through good-paying jobs.”

Eleven stores are scheduled to open in July in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Utah.

But Target won’t stop at 30 stores in 2026. The company plans to open more than 300 stores over the next 10 years as part of its long-term growth strategy.

“Our continued commitment to opening new stores is to physically show up for our customers and communities, and that starts with our amazing store team members,” Adrian Costanzo, Target’s chief store officer, said in a news release.

This is where Target will open a store in July.

Where will Target open new stores?

These 11 stores are scheduled to open on July 26, according to Target’s upcoming stores page.

  • 1517 S Signal Butte Rd., Mesa, Arizona.
  • 1688 N Perris Blvd., Perris, California.
  • 4358 City Center Rd., Firestone, Colorado.
  • 6065 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, Florida.
  • 3000 Vandalay Dr., Frankfort, Kentucky.
  • 1655 Boston Road, Springfield, MA.
  • 1810 Sandifer Blvd., Seneca, South Carolina.
  • 801 Lefevre Dr., Brookings, South Dakota.
  • 11520 E US 80, Forney, Texas.
  • 26550 E University Dr. Aubrey, Texas.
  • 1300 Main St., Logan, Utah.

Contributor: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY

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

Mamdani defeats Democratic establishment in New York primary: 5 points

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Mamdani defeats Democratic establishment in New York primary: 5 points

The Democratic Socialist mayor expanded his influence over the Democratic Party, winning the Congressional primary 3-3.

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  • The candidate endorsed by New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has won three Democratic congressional primaries against mainstream candidates.
  • This victory shows the growing influence of the democratic socialist faction within the National Democratic Party.
  • In South Carolina, President Trump supported both candidates in the Republican gubernatorial runoff, with Alan Wilson ultimately winning.

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani expanded his influence on June 23 by overwhelmingly winning all three Democratic primaries for Congress that had favored more mainstream liberal candidates.

The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist’s choice will be pitted against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also of New York, and is likely to be seen as a hugely successful early test in establishing a new faction within the National Party.

“The old politics that got us into this crisis are not the politics that will get us out of this crisis,” Mamdani said at Valdez’s victory celebration.

Other Democratic primaries to replace longtime incumbents, such as Jerry Nadler in New York and Steny Hoyer in Maryland, drew attention as further evidence of generational change in the party, including the declining importance of the Kennedy family aura.

All of these elections were intra-congressional referendums in liberal districts on how to combat the affordability crisis, billionaire interests and President Donald Trump’s administration.

The president was also a key figure in the South Carolina gubernatorial runoff, saving the favorite from an embarrassing defeat by endorsing his opponent at the last minute.

Mamdani defeats Democratic establishment

Mamdani’s candidates include Brad Lander, Daliaza Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez, who all supported abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide.

Lander, a former New York City comptroller who does not identify as a democratic socialist, was the first to win on Tuesday. He defeated Rep. Dan Goldman, a former prosecutor who led one of President Trump’s impeachment trials.

But like many mainstream Democrats, his fortunes have become increasingly tied to his past support for Israel.

Mr. Goldman came under fire for refusing to endorse this race from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has been a major divisive force in various Democratic primaries this year. Preliminary results show Mr. Lander won by a 2-1 margin in the district, which covers lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

“It’s time for Democrats to move away from dark money – PACs funded by crypto, Wall Street, AI and AIPAC,” Lander said in his victory speech on Tuesday. “People can see through this. They’ve been able to see through it for a long time.”

Valdez, a first-term councilman, defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the district, which covers trendy, gentrifying areas in northwest Brooklyn and Queens that were once mostly working-class and Latino. The seat is vacated by retired councilwoman Nydia Velasquez, who supported Reynoso, as do many local elected officials.

Although the two candidates agreed on most issues during the primary, Valdez argued that Reynoso had not been outspoken enough during the campaign.

Perhaps the most impressive victory was that Avila Chevalier, a doctoral student and community organizer, defeated Rep. Adriano Espaira (D-N.Y.), the chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus, by about 4 percentage points in a district that covers northern Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.

Avila Chevalier survived a flood of attacks over past social media posts calling for the abolition of police and prisons. She also called veterans “war criminals” and former President Joe Biden a “rapist,” but apologized during the campaign.

“The same billionaire who attacked Zoran Mamdani is now spending millions of dollars against me,” Avila Chevalier said in an ad responding to the attack. “They know that unlike Adriano Espaillat, I will not be bought and I will not bow to Mr. Trump.”

Mr. Valdez and Mr. Avila Chevalier are both members of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Jeffries: ‘Agrees to strongly disagree’ with Mamdani

When Mamdani won last November’s New York mayoral election, Republicans signaled early on that the growing influence of democratic socialism would become a line of attack for the party in 2026.

Mr. Jeffries supported the incumbent and sought to downplay the proxy war, telling reporters on Capitol Hill that he did not consider himself “on the opposite side” of Mr. Mamdani.

“We have 215 members in the House Democratic Caucus, and just because a handful of primaries go one way in a particular state or two states doesn’t change who we are,” Jeffries said.

But it is clear that some on the left see this as a repudiation of Jeffries and the party leadership. Hasan Piker, a popular left-wing influencer, mocked Jeffries in a profanity-laced video from Valdez’s election night victory party.

Democratic socialism is gaining momentum in Democratic primaries in urban areas across the country. Janice Louise George, a self-described democratic socialist, won the Washington, D.C., mayoral primary in early June.

Pro-Trump candidate defeats pro-Trump candidate in South Carolina

President Donald Trump avoided endorsing the loser in South Carolina’s Republican runoff election by endorsing both candidates.

He initially supported Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a longtime supporter, but also announced his support for Attorney General Alan Wilson ahead of the June 9 gubernatorial primary.

“They both have had great careers and have been with me from the beginning,” Trump said in a June 19 social media post.

Mr. Wilson, a National Guard veteran and the son of Rep. Joe Wilson, R.S.C., was declared the winner less than an hour after voting closed. He will face Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the general election, which is widely expected to be a Republican victory.

But the president’s choice to support both candidates bothered Republican voters.

Opinion polls leading up to the run-off showed Wilson in the lead. The president hedged his bets after his gubernatorial candidates lost in Iowa and Georgia.

Utah likely to send Democrats to Congress

In the midst of national redistricting wars and as President Trump began to take control of Congress, it may have been overlooked that Utah’s court-ordered map created a deep blue seat.

Four Democrats competed for a new, compact district centered around Salt Lake City, but divisions arose between different ideological factions.

In the end, former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams came out on top, defeating state Sen. Nate Bruin, backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and former TikTok and meta public policy analyst Liban Mohammed, who was supported by 51% of delegates at the Utah Democratic convention in April.

McAdams was the last Democrat sent to Congress when Utah won by fewer than 700 votes, but his more conservative approach that helped him in 2018 (he once described himself as anti-abortion) has become a lightning rod in this race.

The seat is considered solidly Democratic by forecasters, and McAdams will face Republican Riley Owen, who ran unopposed in November.

Is Camelot nearing its end? JFK’s grandson loses primary election

The race to replace Mr. Nadler, who spearheaded President Trump’s impeachment trial, has featured many interesting figures, but one that has garnered the most attention is Jack Schlossberg, the eccentric grandson of slain former President John F. Kennedy.

That pedigree has drawn attention and been a source of scorn for the 33-year-old first-time candidate, who has created a persona criticized by critics as an at times outlandish social media personality seeking attention.

more: JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg expected to lose New York City primary despite Kennedy’s aura

But that wasn’t enough to propel the Kennedy scion into Congress, as the results showed the Kennedy scion decisively losing to state Rep. Micah Lasher. But after reminding supporters of his grandfather’s most famous speech, Mr. Schlossberg pumped his fist and left the stage.

“We’re all asking not what the country can do, but what we can do to help the city,” he said.

Contributor: Terry Collins

More than 30 states restrict election gambling on apps like Polymarket

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More than 30 states restrict election gambling on apps like Polymarket

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More than half of U.S. states have taken steps to water down markets that allow citizens to bet on election results, according to a new analysis from Pew Research.

A Pew review of data from the National Conference of State Legislatures in June found that lawmakers are increasingly trying to regulate “prediction markets” — platforms that allow people to buy and sell “contracts” based on predicted outcomes of future events, from sports matches to the outcome of wars.

Prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket have exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years, attracting the attention of economists, public investors, legislators, and more. Proponents say it’s a new way for people to direct their money without relying on “households” or self-interested “experts” for probabilities and opinions. In a series of lawsuits, critics raised concerns about the risks, lack of regulation and the behavioral impact of betting on real-world events. Chief among these concerns is election gambling, which will be newly legalized federally in 2024. Previously, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) had rejected requests to open elections to gambling.

Since then, the majority of U.S. states have taken some action to regulate the practice, according to a Pew analysis. Here’s what you need to know about you.

States where election gambling is prohibited

According to a Pew analysis, nearly half of all U.S. states have outright bans on election gambling, and nine more have some kind of law that bans or restricts election gambling under certain circumstances.

Only 18 states and D.C. do not have specific election gambling laws, but some states have broader regulations that may apply. For example, Idaho already has an 1887 law that makes election gambling a misdemeanor.

States with situational regulations, such as Oregon and South Dakota, have rules about who can participate. For example, candidates running for public office are prohibited from betting on their own elections. Other states differentiate between felonies and misdemeanors based on factors such as the amount of money involved.

States with full-scale prohibition handle deterrence and penalties in different ways. Iowa, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island penalize people who conduct or conduct election gambling operations, but not those who participate. Meanwhile, in Delaware and New York, those convicted of participating in election gambling can be stripped of their right to vote.

Most states that have outlawed prediction markets make violating the law a misdemeanor, but some, including Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota, can charge it as a felony.

Countries proposing legislation on prediction markets

Lawmakers are proposing a variety of bills to regulate prediction markets, from outright bans on services like Polymarket to imposing age restrictions and taxes on the platforms, in a bid to address the burgeoning market.

Some attempts to regulate markets at the state level are complicated by the federal government’s position that prediction markets are subject to federal regulation and exempt from state gaming laws because people trade or “exchange” financial instruments rather than place bets or wagers.

The CFTC has sued several states to prevent regulation of prediction markets.

In May, Minnesota became the first state to completely ban Kalshi, Polymarket, and similar platforms, with a few exceptions (trading based on weather forecasts, anyone?), making it a felony to create, operate, manage, promote, advertise, or market a prediction market. The CFTC filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to enact the law, calling it a “blatant and unprecedented violation of the Commission’s exclusive regulatory domain.”

Dusty Ray Spencer to be executed in Florida for brutally murdering his wife

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Dusty Ray Spencer to be executed in Florida for brutally murdering his wife

In the weeks leading up to her murder, Karen Spencer’s husband violently attacked her twice and promised to finish what he started from prison. Now Florida is about to execute Dusty Ray Spencer.

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This story talks about domestic violence. If you or a loved one is suffering from domestic violence or an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).) Or visit www.thehotline.org. Callers can remain anonymous.

Less than a month before he brutally stabbed and bludgeoned his wife to death in front of their terrified teenage son, Dusty Ray Spencer called her from a Florida prison and promised her he would finish what he started when he got out, according to court records.

Two weeks before Christmas 1991, Spencer was being held in the Orange County Jail. He was jailed because, in a fit of rage, he covered Karen’s nose and mouth with one hand and strangled her with the other, according to court records and archived news reports.

Within days of Spencer’s arrest, a judge set his bail at just $5,000 and he was released.

On January 18, 1992, Spencer kept his promise to Karen. He returned to her home and brutally stabbed and beat her in front of her son. Now, 34 years later, Florida is scheduled to execute Spencer on Thursday, June 25th.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office said in court records that executions “have been a given for many years.” Meanwhile, Spencer’s lawyers are fighting over the method of execution, with other supporters arguing that the 74-year-old is now a “sick old man” and should be spared.

Here’s what you need to know about this case and how it forever changed the way Orange County approaches domestic violence.

When will the execution take place?

The state of Florida is scheduled to execute Dusty Ray Spencer by lethal injection on Thursday, June 25th at 6pm ET at the state prison in Lyford.

What was Dusty Ray Spencer convicted of?

According to court records, on January 18, 1992, Karen Spencer’s son, 40, was sleeping when he heard her screaming.

A 17-year-old boy frantically followed his mother’s voice until he found her in the backyard with his stepfather, Dusty Ray Spencer. According to court records, the boy witnessed Spencer hit his mother in the head with a brick.

The boy runs and gets a shotgun to shoot Spencer, but it jams. Spencer then struck Cullen in the head with the gun, breaking the butt, but Spencer continued to attack, slamming Cullen’s head into the concrete of the house, according to an archived Orlando Sentinel report.

“All I saw was blood. She was covered in blood,” the boy testified at Spencer’s trial, according to the newspaper. “He kept saying my mother wasted her life.”

The boy tried to pick up his mother to carry her to safety, but Spencer attacked them with a knife. The boy ran for help. By the time police arrived, Spencer had fled and Karen had bled to death. Court records say the injuries were catastrophic, including head trauma, two stab wounds to the chest and deep cuts to the face and arms.

Spencer’s lawyer argued at trial that the murder was an unplanned crime of passion, but prosecutors argued that Spencer intentionally and painfully killed Karen.

“He didn’t just go there to kill her,” prosecutor Dorothy Sedgwick told jurors, according to the Sentinel. “He went there to make her feel it.”

The jury found Spencer guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and both aggravated assault and aggravated assault for the injuries to Ms. Cullen’s son. The jury recommended the death penalty in a 7-5 vote.

On direct appeal, the Florida Supreme Court reversed the death sentence and remanded the case for reconsideration of the trial court’s treatment of the aggravating and mitigating factors in the case. Spencer was executed in an outrage in 1996.

domestic violence laws

Like most victims of domestic violence, this was not Karen Spencer’s first attack at the hands of her husband.

The first attack on his wife by Dusty Ray Spencer took place on December 10, 1991, when he began choking her and threatened to kill her. “When I get out, I’m going to finish what I started,” the defendant told Karen Spencer in a phone call from prison, according to court records.

Spencer was briefly jailed for the assault, but was released on $5,000 bail despite repeatedly threatening to kill his wife.

On January 4, 1992, Spencer attacked Karen again, hitting her in the face with an iron until her 17-year-old son found her and intervened. Detectives did not arrest Spencer at the time because they could not find him, but Karen gave a tip as to where he might be, according to court records and archived news reports.

The fatal attack occurred 16 days later.

Karen Spencer’s murder showed how the criminal justice system can ignore victims of domestic violence and brought attention to the crisis in Orange County. According to a 1992 report in the Orlando Sentinel, arrests and prosecutions for domestic violence cases increased by 80 percent after her death.

In the years that followed, the Florida Legislature strengthened domestic violence laws and penalties, including making threats of violence a first-degree misdemeanor, requiring law enforcement to provide details on why arrests were not made, and requiring those accused of domestic violence to make an initial court appearance before being released on bail, as reported by Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network.

When is the next execution?

The next scheduled execution in the United States is that of Dennis Sochol in Florida on July 14th. Sochol was convicted of raping and strangling 18-year-old Patricia Gifford after he met her at a New Year’s party in 1981.

Contributed by CA Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida

Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter covering capital punishment, cold cases and breaking news for USA TODAY. Follow @amandaleeusat on X.

Mega Millions jackpot reaches $467 million for June 23 drawing

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Mega Millions jackpot reaches $467 million for June 23 drawing

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The Mega Millions jackpot has risen ahead of the drawing on Tuesday, June 23, reaching $467 million with a cash value of $211 million.

If someone is lucky enough to win the jackpot on Tuesday, they have two options. Take home one-time cash or receive an instant payout, followed by an annual check each 5% larger than the previous year.

It’s been more than three months since the last Mega Millions jackpot was hit. The last big winner was back on St. Patrick’s Day, when an Ohio State player took home $60 million.

With Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing just hours away, here’s what you need to know.

What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for June 23, 2026?

The winning numbers for Tuesday, June 23rd’s Mega Millions drawing are 48, 51, 60, 63, 66 and the Mega Ball is 20.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, June 26th at 11:00 PM ET.

Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots

  • August 8, 2023, $1.602 billion in Florida.
  • $1.537 billion in South Carolina on October 23, 2018
  • January 1, 2023, $1.348 billion in Maine
  • July 29, 2022, $1.337 billion in Illinois
  • December 27, 2024, $1.269 billion in California
  • $1.128 billion in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
  • January 22, 2021, $1.05 billion in Michigan
  • $983 million in Georgia on November 14, 2025
  • $810 million in Texas on September 10, 2024
  • March 30, 2012, $656 million in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland

What is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is a lottery that is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each ticket costs $5, and players can choose six numbers from two different number pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball), or choose Easy Pick/Quick Pick.

If you match all six winning numbers in the drawing, you win the jackpot. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the jackpot prize will be shared.

Which state has the most lottery winners? What you need to know.

How to play Mega Millions

To play Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket. This can be done at several locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores.

In some states, you can purchase Mega Millions tickets online.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 70. Gold Mega Balls range from 1 to 24.

If you’re feeling particularly unlucky or don’t want to go through the hassle of picking, you can request a “quick pick” or “easy pick.” When you use these options, your computer randomly generates numbers.

Mega Millions tickets have built-in multipliers that increase your non-jackpot prize by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add a “Megaplier”.

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

Who got Eli Lilly’s new obesity drug? White House: ‘Not Trump’

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Who got Eli Lilly’s new obesity drug? White House: ‘Not Trump’

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Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. has given an unidentified 79-year-old man exclusive access to the company’s experimental obesity and diabetes drug, according to a report from life science media organization STAT.

The practice was so unusual that the magazine asked the White House whether President Donald Trump was the only person to receive the coveted drug, according to clinicians, bioethics experts and current and former government health officials interviewed by STAT. Trump was 79 years old when the drug was requested (in April) and previously told the New York Times that he “probably should” take the GLP-1 drug.

However, after not directly answering STAT’s questions, the White House denied reports that the request for special access to the drug was for the president.

An Eli Lilly spokeswoman said the company does not respond to questions about individual applications.

“In the rare event that an individual is unable to participate in a clinical trial and treatment options are exhausted, Lilly may work with the referring physician to provide an investigational drug,” said Michael Jamison, Lilly’s communications director for litigation and special products. “We make these decisions in accordance with all applicable regulations.”

Here’s what we know:

What is medicine?

Eli Lilly’s new drug, letratortide, is a triple hormone receptor agonist currently in Phase 3 clinical trials to treat a variety of conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea.

In other words, it’s a more powerful version of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, which are expected to revolutionize weight loss and create a $100 billion market by 2030.

Weight loss results from the latest phase of clinical trials of letratortide show that the drug has a level of efficacy comparable to bariatric surgery. This breakthrough led to the creation of a black market for the drug, which has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

How did the individual gain access?

The drug was requested through the FDA’s “compassionate use” program, a process that makes drugs available to patients with life-threatening conditions before they reach the market, STAT said.

STAT reported that the drug was requested by a senior clinician at the National Institutes of Health for a patient with refractory obesity who has obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension.

Experts STAT spoke to said it was unusual for Eli Lilly to give just one person exclusive access to an obesity drug that could help millions. STAT’s report also suggested that the individuals who received the drug were well-connected, especially since one public post about the drug’s compassionate use program did not provide information about which patients or conditions were eligible.

Spokespeople for the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to STAT’s questions about the patient’s identity, but the publication pointed to Trump’s most recent medical exam in May, which said Trump was in “excellent health.”

President Trump has expressed interest in weight loss drugs in the past, but told the New York Times in January that he had never taken them. But sources who spoke to STAT said the unnamed patient had been treated with another Lilly obesity drug for a year.

Speculation surrounding President Trump and the mysterious drug application stems from the president’s close relationship with Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks.

For example, Trump dined with Ricks at Mar-a-Lago and praised his talents as a CEO. The president bought $680,000 in Lilly stock earlier this year, and his administration has promoted initiatives that benefit the company.

How common is it to get exclusive access?

According to Lilly’s website, Lilly offers three primary avenues for patients who urgently need access to investigational medicines: clinical trial participation, expanded cohort access, and expanded individual patient access.

Lilly provides expanded access (another term for compassionate use) under certain conditions.

  • The person has a serious or life-threatening illness and there is no alternative treatment.
  • That person cannot participate in clinical trials.
  • There is evidence that taking experimental drugs provides benefits to a person that outweigh the risks.
  • The requested drug is currently undergoing human testing.
  • The provision of medicines does not interfere with clinical trials.

Once a company has a good understanding of how a new drug works, expanded access may be offered to certain groups of people. But access by individuals is even rarer, according to Lilly’s website.

“In the absence of a cohort expanded access program, and in rare cases where local regulations permit and our expanded access criteria are met, Lilly may decide to provide individual patients with access to investigational medicines at the request of their physicians,” the website’s expanded use policy states.

Contact political news reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@indystar.com or find her at X (@marissa_meador).

Federal judge blocks ICE arrests in U.S. courts

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Federal judge blocks ICE arrests in U.S. courts

U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts of the Northern District of California also limited the length of time the Trump administration can hold noncitizens in temporary detention facilities.

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A federal judge in California issued an order on Tuesday, June 23, blocking the Trump administration from arresting non-Americans in immigration court and limiting the length of time non-Americans can be held in short-term facilities.

U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts’ order comes in response to a lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California over Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arresting noncitizens participating in immigration court proceedings. The lawsuit challenges authorities’ practice of holding noncitizens in facilities without beds or other suitable accommodations, sometimes for days.

In his 71-page order, Pitts criticized the Trump administration’s policy of making arrests in immigration courts as having a “chilling effect” that could weaken the nation’s immigration system. He rejected arguments that immigrants with solid legal cases need not fear the Trump administration’s directive to arrest them in court.

“The proper functioning of the immigration system depends on the participation of such noncitizens in scheduled removal proceedings,” Pitt wrote. “Thus, the chilling effect of court arrests can undermine the proper enforcement of immigration law, even if it only affects noncitizens who are likely to be removed at the end of the process.”

Pitt also noted that witnesses testified that President Trump’s policy of holding immigrants in facilities intended only for 12-hour detention resulted in “inhumane” conditions. Noncitizens have testified about similar conditions in presumably temporary ICE detention facilities across the country.

A top lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security called the judge’s order “judicial activism.”

“When a judge sentences a defendant, the defendant is detained. The same thing should happen when an alien is ordered deported by an immigration judge. For a district judge to order otherwise is a naked judicial exercise in anti-American, open-borders politics,” James Percival, general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement.

ICE under the Trump administration has widely used the practice of arresting noncitizens who regularly appear in immigration court. The case, filed in California, said the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration Enforcement Division had turned “immigration courts and routine reporting check-ins into dragnet arrest operations.”

The regime also widely holds noncitizens in facilities that lack beds and have limited access to food and toilets, sometimes for several days.

Immigration advocates across the country praised Pitt’s ruling.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) called it “great news.”

“Immigrants who come to court the ‘right way’ are being targeted by this administration,” El Paso area representatives said in a statement. “I am very happy to see this blatantly illegal and cruel policy abolished.”

JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg expected to lose in New York City primary

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JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg expected to lose in New York City primary

A new day dawns in Democratic politics, and the Kennedy family no longer has the fame and fortune to defeat their seasoned opponents.

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Being a Kennedy was once a surefire path to success in Democratic politics. But that’s no longer the case.

Jack Schlossberg, the eccentric grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is expected to lose the congressional primary in New York’s heavily Democratic 12th District, despite his typical Kennedy hair and Ivy League pedigree.

With most votes counted shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m. ET on June 23, The Associated Press and NBC News showed Schlossberg leading Democratic state Reps. Alex Boaz and Mika Lasher by a wide margin. The Democratic candidate is expected to advance to victory in November and replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), a longtime liberal lawmaker from an affluent district in central Manhattan.

The race was not expected to be called immediately, but with more than 82% of votes counted, Mr. Schlossberg received less than 11% of the vote. According to preliminary results, Mr. Lasher received 39% of the vote and Mr. Boas received 35%.

Previous polls had shown Boas and Lasher in the lead, with Schlossberg trailing them.

Mr. Schlossberg, a 33-year-old lawyer, began his campaign by pledging not to accept any money from corporations or super PACs, promoted himself heavily on social media and previously attracted attention for bizarre antics, such as asking whether second lady Usha Vance was more attractive than her grandmother, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Before that, she had posted a video of herself reading Lord Byron’s lyric poem “She Walks Beautifully” while wearing Lipstick.

Mr. Schlossberg faced criticism for his thin resume for running for office. Like many other descendants of East Coast elites, he holds degrees from Yale and Harvard but has never held elected office, although he spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Mr. Schlossberg’s work history was short. He spent several months at the State Department while his mother, Caroline Kennedy, served as ambassador. He also held temporary jobs at an e-commerce company and a distillery.

Nothing has ever hindered the Kennedy family. After John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960, his younger brother Ted, barely old enough to qualify, waltzed into the veteran Senate seat from Massachusetts. Two years later, Robert F. Kennedy claimed a U.S. Senate seat in neighboring New York.

Younger Kennedys have achieved positions ranging from lieutenant governor of Maryland to members of the House of Representatives in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

But a new day has dawned.

Schlossberg sought to tap into her family’s history by talking about her family’s legacy of public service.

A survey commissioned by his Democratic opponents also showed him leading in early polls, with a 9-point lead from late February to early March.

He also gained attention for his uncle’s conflict with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the failure of his 2024 presidential campaign a “disgrace.”

Kennedy-friendly neighborhoods weren’t enough.

Young voters and those disillusioned with the party may no longer be excited about the Kennedy connection, but it still carries some weight on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, which has a large population of older, committed liberal voters.

“Voters are still often drawn to names that they know,” said Basil Smickle, a New York City-based political consultant and Columbia University professor. “They also want guys who are going to be fighters in Washington, D.C.”

The problem is that Schlossberg wasn’t the only one with high-profile, high-ranking friends.

Mr. Boaz and Mr. Lasher have previously appeared on Manhattanite ballots in state elections.

Mr. Lasher, who represents the Upper West Side, has attracted a long list of endorsements from prominent New York Democrats. In addition to incumbent Nadler, he has the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

Mr. Boaz, of the Upper East Side, is backed by Our Revolution, a progressive organization founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. More importantly, Bolles, who has a degree in computer science, has made a name for himself as an advocate of AI regulation, and millions of dollars have been funneled to the district for and against regulatory issues. The AI ​​issue appears to have changed the race, with Boas jumping into the lead in some polls.

Mr. Schlossberg had the support of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, an 86-year-old Democratic icon who met Mr. Schlossberg’s grandfather. Other celebrities also supported Schlossberg’s campaign, including “Saturday Night Live” executive producer Lorne Michaels, musician Paul Simon and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to election filings.

As the campaign progressed, Schlossberg came under intense media scrutiny from The New York Times, which reported on high turnover within the campaign and allegations of erratic behavior.

In New York City, Mayor Zoran Mamdani, voting from his official residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, did not endorse a candidate for the 12th Ward.

Instead, Mamdani focused his energy on helping challenge the Democratic establishment from left-wing candidates in younger, less wealthy and more progressive districts in the June 23 primary.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Contact us via email (emcuevas1@usatoday.com) or Signal (emcuevas.01).

Dairy Queen adds Blizzard flavor, Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float

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Dairy Queen adds Blizzard flavor, Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float

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Dairy Queen is adding more treats to its menu with new Blizzard flavors and patriotic slushies.

According to a June 23 news release, Blizzard’s three new products will be released as “historic celebrations take center stage across America this summer,” including the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and the excitement of international soccer on home soil.

The full lineup of Blizzard Treat Cups is as follows:

  • Strawberry Mango Mochi Blizzard: Topped with mango flavored mochi pieces and strawberries, blended with soft serve ice cream.
  • Biscoff Cookie Blizzard: Made with crunchy caramelized Biscoff cookies blended with soft serve ice cream.
  • Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate with Abuelita Blizzard: Made with Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate mix, chocolate chunks, fudge-covered marshmallows, and cocoa fudge blended with soft serve ice cream.

The obsession of World Cup fans TSA-compliant ranch dressing is now available

Dairy Queen also adds patriotic slashes

DQ will also launch new themed frozen desserts to commemorate the 250th anniversary celebrations.

Dubbed the Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float, this patriotic float includes layers of cherry misty slush, world-famous soft serve ice cream, and blue raspberry misty slush with festive star sprinkles.

Dairy Queen says the $2.50 float will be available at participating stores beginning Monday, June 29, and will be available in smaller sizes.

Dairy Queen offers new treat-related deals

From “Sweet Sale” to the Globe sweepstakes DQ Go, Dairy Queen is offering customers the opportunity to earn bonus DQ points and sweepstakes entries.

DQ Rewards members can enter the DQ Go for the Globe sweepstakes through the DQ app from June 29 to July 6 for a chance to win a “dream vacation.”

DQ Rewards members can earn up to three sweepstakes entries for each flavor of the Blizzard Cup lineup purchased, and fans can earn up to 15 bonus entries when they purchase all three Blizzards.

Then, from June 29 to July 5, customers can purchase a small Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float for $2.50 to earn 250 bonus DQ points and three sweepstakes entries.

A deadly heatwave is hitting Europe. Will America be next?

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A deadly heatwave is hitting Europe. Will America be next?

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A deadly sweltering heatwave engulfing parts of Europe has broken temperature records and is believed to have killed dozens of people in recent days. And Americans are wondering: Are we next?

Britain, Italy and Spain are experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures in some parts of France expected to reach at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit on June 23.

Chad Merrill, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said there may be some connection between the heat wave in Europe and the weather in parts of the United States, particularly on the East Coast, in the coming days. In fact, temperatures are expected to rise in parts of the east next week, potentially leading to heatwave conditions, he said. And this summer, he said, there will be more days of extreme heat that could develop into heat waves.

Forecasters said the summer outlook across the United States shows a widespread chance that temperatures will exceed historical averages in much of the country.

The first few days of full-fledged summer, which began on June 21, have already seen above-average temperatures from parts of the Western United States to the Southern Plains, according to the National Weather Service. On June 23, heat advisories were issued for more than 26 million people in the Pacific Northwest and parts of New Mexico and Texas. Millions more people are under heat warnings across Arizona and California.

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing its second heatwave in June, AccuWeather reports. Cities like Seattle and Portland experienced temperatures in the 90s from June 13 to 15, the paper said.

more: European tourists face extreme temperatures under ‘heat dome’

40 people die in France due to heat wave

According to Reuters, Europe’s heat wave is coming from what is known as the “omega block,” so-called because its shape resembles the Greek letter omega. An area of ​​high pressure between two low pressure systems.

Around 40 people have drowned while trying to cool off in canals and rivers since mid-June, according to French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Two children, aged 2 and 4, died in a hot car in the country’s southeast.

Transport cancellations are occurring in France due to the heat. Dozens of schools in England have announced they will close early because old buildings are not suitable to accommodate enough children during the hot months.

Heatwaves in Europe are particularly dangerous due to the relatively low heat mitigation capacity. Only about 20% of European homes have air conditioning. In contrast, nearly 90% of American homes have some type of air conditioning. Reuters reports that residents in Paris are spending sleepless nights in apartments without heating.

Will there be a heat wave in America this summer?

If a large high-pressure ridge sinks over Europe and brings record-breaking heat, a similar phenomenon could occur along the U.S. East Coast, Merrill said. That’s due to the wavy pattern of the jet stream, which rises north up the East Coast, sinks into the Atlantic Ocean, and rises again in that part of the world, he said.

The heatwave coming in the East next week could be what meteorologists know as a teleconnection with the European heat wave, Merrill said.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a heat wave is defined as a period of unusually hot weather lasting two or more days in a specific area. Merrill said the eastern United States, including Philadelphia and other cities, was already experiencing a heat wave in June.

Merrill said a heat wave could hit the Midwest in July, stretching from the Dakotas to Nebraska and west to Washington state. He said the areas most susceptible to heatwaves in August will include the Northwest, Northeast and parts of the Gulf Coast.

The Pacific Northwest, like Europe, is not as well prepared for the heat.

The Pacific Northwest is similar to Europe, but is less prepared for sweltering heat than other parts of the United States. Axios, citing census data, reported that about half of homes in King County, Washington state, which includes Seattle, have air conditioning.

“They’re not really used to the intense heat of the Pacific Northwest, especially Seattle and Portland,” Merrill said.

The heat dome that hit parts of the Pacific Northwest and Canada in June 2021 highlighted the danger. Hundreds of deaths were reported in the region, with some of the most vulnerable people without air conditioning.

Merrill said the Pacific Northwest is more susceptible to heat waves this summer than many other parts of the U.S. due to drought and El Niño conditions. He added that heatwaves and temperature fluctuations could cause a “shock to the system” in the region in the coming months.

Contributed by: Reuters

McDonald’s has brought back fried apple pie. we tasted it

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McDonald’s has brought back fried apple pie. we tasted it

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What is McDonald’s current popular menu item? Fried apple pie.

Earlier this month, McDonald’s announced that fried apple pie would be back on the menu for a limited time starting Tuesday, June 23rd.

Once a staple on the fast food chain’s menu, fried apple pie was first served at McDonald’s locations in East Tennessee in the 1960s. McDonald’s discontinued fried apple pie in 1992 and replaced it with a healthier baked apple pie.

The original fried apple pie was born from a family recipe. “When Ray Kroc, who built McDonald’s into an international brand, was trying to come up with a dessert for McDonald’s, his grandfather, Lytton Cochran, suggested fried apple pie as a beloved classic,” said Eric Cochran. Like his grandparents, he is the owner and operator of a McDonald’s restaurant in Tennessee.

Starbucks: Introducing the adorable pink Bearista Cup

“My grandmother, Joe Cochran, spent months perfecting the recipe, and it seems only fitting that we bring back fried apple pie for our fans this summer to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” Cochran said in a news release.

McDonald’s is bringing back the iconic dessert to select restaurants nationwide for a limited time in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The pie will be available all day and will feature McDonald’s signature filling made with 100% American apples, the company said. You can get one pie or two packs.

We got fried apple pie at the drive thru and ate it right away. It was hot, but not uncomfortably so. The pie crust was flaky and there were plenty of apple chunks in the sweet and savory cinnamon filling.

Fans online seemed pretty excited about the fried apple pie. “Yesterday I took my dad to buy it. It was delicious, just like in the old days!” wrote one commenter on social platform X.

“Please make it permanent!” one person wrote on Instagram. However, another Instagram poster was less impressed, writing: “Not the same pie!! They don’t even look alike.”

Nutritional information for McDonald’s fried apple pie

The new limited-time fried apple pie actually has 10 grams fewer calories and 2 grams less fat than the current baked version, according to the restaurant chain.

  • calorie: 220 (11% of daily intake for a 2,000 calorie diet)
  • Total fat: 9 grams (approximately 14%).
  • cholesterol: 0mg
  • sodium: 125mg (5%)
  • Total carbohydrates: 33g (11%)
  • protein: 2g (approx. 3%)

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

Marjorie Taylor Greene joins Tucker Carlson in Republican split

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Marjorie Taylor Greene joins Tucker Carlson in Republican split

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Marjorie Taylor Greene declared on Monday, June 22, that she is “no more” supporting the Republican Party, joining Tucker Carlson and his dramatic departure from the Republican Party months before the midterm elections.

Carlson said on a recent episode of the “Cannot Censor” podcast that there is “no chance” he would support the Republican Party, citing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s direction. Within days, the former Georgia lawmaker publicly endorsed him, hinting at a widespread revolt among once-loyal allies and raising new questions about how deep the rifts within the Republican Party now run.

more: ‘I’m done with it’: Tucker Carlson says he’s done supporting Republicans

In a post to X after Carlson’s podcast, Green said he would be joining the former Fox News host.

“Tucker is not the only one who is done with the Republican Party,” Greene said. “Many of us are completely fed up and will not support a party that betrays our voters and our country. That doesn’t mean we’re going to become Democrats either. But we are no longer the last Republican Party in America.”

ongoing feud

Greene’s comments come against the backdrop of a growing rift between the Republican Party and President Donald Trump. In an April interview with Politico, she said she wasn’t sure if she still considered herself a Republican.

“I’m not sure I consider myself that person right now,” Green said. “I definitely think I’m leaning more toward calling myself an independent. … I haven’t changed yet. But I’d probably think pretty deeply about doing so.”

The conflict worsened when Ms. Greene criticized the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein file and clashed with Mr. Trump and other Republicans.

The conflict further escalated as President Trump began calling her “Marjorie Traitor Greene.” She then chose not to seek re-election to her U.S. House seat and resigned from Congress earlier this year.

USA TODAY’s Saman Shafiq and Irene Wright contributed to this report.

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

Bipartisan housing bill passes Congress as living costs rise

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Bipartisan housing bill passes Congress as living costs rise

Lawmakers touted this as a major step towards solving the housing affordability crisis.

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WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives on June 23 passed a bipartisan bill aimed at alleviating the growing housing crisis by streamlining building regulations, fostering local innovation, and restricting investors from purchasing homes.

The bill was a major priority for both Republicans and Democrats heading into this fall’s midterm elections, and ultimately passed by an overwhelming vote of 358-32. The vote comes a day after the Senate passed the bill 85-5. The bill will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he is expected to sign it.

The bill gained broad support in an election year after breaking deadlocks in the White House and the House, but both parties are increasingly aware that voters say they are fed up with the high cost of living.

twenty onecent The Century Road to Housing Act was more than a year in the making and spurred a national discussion about why housing is so unaffordable and what can be done to fix it.

“This is a very significant bill,” said Dennis Shea, executive vice president of the Terwilliger Housing Policy Center, a bipartisan policy center. “This shows that members of both parties are working together to address housing affordability challenges. They are hearing from their constituents that rising housing costs are a real problem.”

The bill was sponsored primarily in Congress by Representative French Hill (R-Arkansas). Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina).

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Hill characterized it as “one of the most important bipartisan housing reforms in recent memory.”

In his speech, he called the bill an example of “Congress doing what it does best to address the challenges of the American people, offer solutions, and pass them into law.”

Waters, the top Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, said this is a “first step” in addressing the nation’s affordable housing crisis.

“This bill speaks to the real change that voters have been demanding,” she said.

Why is there a housing crisis in America?

There are many reasons for the housing shortage, but one of the most important is the sharp drop in development after the 2008 financial crisis. New home construction fell and remained sluggish for more than a decade. Economists currently believe the United States is millions of homes short.

With supply so low, prices have soared, putting both renting and buying a home out of reach for many Americans. The median price of existing homes sold in May was $429,300, up 52% ​​from just before the pandemic, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Meanwhile, more Americans are feeling the pinch as housing continues to be unaffordable. A quarter of all owners and half of all renters are “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than a third of their income on housing. The number of people living with family and friends is also increasing, with a report released in early June showing a sharp decline in household formation since the pandemic.

What’s included in the housing bill that just passed Congress?

Because the crisis is so deeply entrenched in the economy, housing experts believe it needs to be tackled on multiple fronts.

Shea believes one of the key elements of the bill is changes to federal regulations for manufactured housing that will streamline the construction of homes. Factory-built homes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars less than site-built homes.

The law also seeks to limit home purchases by large investors (those who own at least 350 properties). While the idea has wide support from lawmakers, most housing experts disagree that such measures are necessary.

The bill “doesn’t solve the affordability challenge,” Shea told USA TODAY. “It’s going to take action in collaboration with the state, local level and the private sector. But it’s very meaningful.”

This is one of the biggest retirement withdrawal mistakes.

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This is one of the biggest retirement withdrawal mistakes.

How you deal with this could determine how you spend the rest of your retirement.

Kylie Hagen, CFP®
|The Motley Fool

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Even if your investments are going well, retirement can be stressful. Volatile markets can turn low-level background anxiety into a recipe for sleepless nights. You’re worried that your savings will be gone quickly, but you’ll also need to sell your investments to pay your bills.

How well you handle these situations, especially in the early stages of retirement, depends largely on your retirement strategy. There is no best option, but there is one mistake that is almost guaranteed to cost you.

flexibility is key

There’s no need to create a rigid retirement withdrawal strategy when market volatility becomes an issue. You need a plan that allows you to adapt to your circumstances and grow your savings over the rest of your life.

Sticking to a strict schedule may feel effortless at the moment. But if you strictly follow the 4% rule, for example, you could end up withdrawing more money than is prudent while your investments are down. This can leave you with less money to invest to cover future expenses, and you could run out of money quickly.

When your investments are down, you may want to cut back on your spending some. For example, you might only withdraw 3% or 3.5% for a while instead of 4%. Once your investment recovers, you can increase your withdrawal rate again if that’s what’s best for you.

Also consider using a bucket strategy

A bucket strategy for saving for retirement involves investing your money in different ways over different time periods. Funds that you don’t plan to use for more than 10 years remain invested, so they can continue to grow until you need them.

Any savings you plan to spend within the next three to 10 years should go into low-risk investments, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market accounts. This way, your money will still grow little by little, but you will not be at risk of big losses.

The money you plan to spend over the next year or two remains in flux. A high-yield savings account is a good option for this. This will give you access to your money. It also gives you some flexibility in when to sell your investments.

If your investments are down, but you already have a year or two worth of cash saved, you can afford to wait a bit for your investments to recover before selling your stocks. That may be just what you need to ease your worries about covering costs in the short term.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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

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Ken Paxton leads James Talarico in Texas Senate poll

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Ken Paxton leads James Talarico in Texas Senate poll

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Nearly a month after clinching the Republican nomination in a tight primary race against Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has a narrow lead over his Democratic challenger in the U.S. Senate race, according to a new poll.

The November general election is still months away, but a new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll released Tuesday shows Paxton leading Democratic Texas Rep. James Talarico (43% to 42%) by several percentage points.

The new poll results also come after a previous poll by Texas Poll showed Paxton trailing Talarico in late May despite winning the Republican primary runoff, with Paxton winning the support of President Donald Trump and securing 63% of the vote for Cornyn.

Internal poll numbers show how each party’s support base is strengthening.

Republicans rally behind Paxton as Senate race remains close

The poll, conducted among 1,200 self-reported registered voters from June 5 to 12, has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percentage points, or a weighted adjustment of 3.47 percentage points.

In the Texas Politics Project’s last poll, conducted in April, only 63% of Republicans said they would support Paxton in a hypothetical matchup with Talarico. But a June poll found that 84% of Republicans said they would support Paxton if the election were held today.

The poll also found that 5% of Republicans support Talarico, 2% support Libertarian candidate Ted Brown, another 2% support an unspecified “someone else,” and 7% have no opinion.

Among Democrats, 88% support Talarico, 1% support Paxton, 3% choose the Libertarian candidate, 2% choose “someone else” and 6% have no opinion.

Independents, who made up 9% of the weighted poll sample, supported the Democratic candidate by a wide margin.

  • 40% chose Talarico.
  • 12% preferred Paxton.
  • Seven percent said they would support a Libertarian candidate.
  • 8% said they would vote for “someone else.”
  • So far, 34% of independent voters have no opinion about the contest.

Mateo Rosiles is a Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and local Texas newspapers. Do you have any news tips for him? Email us at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

Ronaldo ignores Messi’s question after Portugal’s second World Cup match

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Ronaldo ignores Messi’s question after Portugal’s second World Cup match

After scoring two goals against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo was not in the mood to talk about Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups with his first-half goal in Houston, and added another late in the first half as Portugal won 5-0.

It was an emphatic response to the 41-year-old’s critics, many of whom said he should not have started after his below-average performance in Portugal’s opening game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ronaldo is the latest in a long line of sporting icons to score twice at the World Cup, including Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

Messi has already scored a hat-trick and two goals, while Mbappe and Haaland have each scored twice in their first two games.

After Tuesday’s match, reporters in the mixed zone started asking Ronaldo questions about Messi, but the Portuguese star quickly cut them off before enough questions could be heard.

“Yesterday, Lionel Messi scored two goals,” a reporter asked in Spanish, and Ronaldo suddenly turned away and asked another question.

“Go ahead,” Ronaldo said to the next reporter.

Ronaldo and Messi are widely considered to be two of the best players of their generation and have been closely linked throughout their careers. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, while Ronaldo has won it five times.

This duo has already made history in this tournament. Ronaldo and Messi became the first two players to appear in six World Cups. Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups, while Messi became the highest scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.

Hurricane window description

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Hurricane window description

Hurricane season has arrived. Are you doing everything you can to protect your home?

Anyone who lives along the coast knows the power of hurricanes and tropical storms. Strong winds can break glass, peel off exterior walls, and tear off roofs. And then there are the disasters caused by water damage and flooding.

One thing is for sure: Windows is vulnerable. That’s where impact windows, also known as hurricane windows, can make a big difference, even if they cost a lot of money.

Are hurricane windows worth the cost? Experts shout “Yes!” Danny Niemela, vice president and chief financial officer of ArDan Construction, LLC in Scottsdale, Arizona, says this is “especially (true) if you live near water.” “If you live in Florida, impact windows are recognized by home appraisers as an upgrade. When you sell, you can expect to get back 60% to 75% of your investment.”

USA TODAY covers technology, costs and expert opinion in this guide to hurricane windows.

Important points

  • Hurricane windows are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris by cracking without breaking.
  • In addition to storm protection, impact windows offer benefits such as noise reduction, energy efficiency, and UV filtering.
  • Although more expensive upfront than shutters, hurricane windows provide ongoing and easy protection.

What is a hurricane window?

Hurricane windows are designed to withstand high winds (over 100 miles per hour) and debris blown by the wind. Impact windows, designed similar to car windshields, feature special laminated glass with a polymer layer that cracks rather than shatters when impacted. Unlike regular windows, they can protect your home during extreme weather.

Replace the window. 8 Best Window Installers Ranked by Cost, Quality, and Value in 2026

How hurricane windows work

“The core purpose[of impact windows]is to keep the exterior walls of a building intact in the event of glass impact,” says Nicole Willits, design trends, products and sustainability manager at national window manufacturer Pella Corporation. If a window breaks, the entire house is at risk of collapsing or being blown away.

“Think of it like heavy-duty bubble wrap,” says ArDan Construction’s Niemela. Rather than shattering the window, the debris simply bounces off the glass without breaking through the opening. Glass can become “spider-webbed” but will not break. The house and everything in it will remain intact. “This is important because if a window breaks, the wind can put pressure on the house and literally lift the roof from the inside,” he says.

The core technologies that distinguish hurricane windows from standard windows include:

  • Laminated glass technology: Hurricane windows work thanks to a 0.09-inch-thick laminate interlayer that joins the two panes of glass together. “In testing, these windows were able to withstand impacts at speeds up to 34 mph using a 9-pound 2×4,” Niemela explains.
  • Pressure resistance and debris impact test: “The windows themselves are also more specifically tested and rated based on a specific design pressure (DP rating) measured in pounds per square foot,” Willits says. Standard windows have a DP of 15 to 35, while impact windows often have a DP of 50 to 100 and can withstand winds of 140 miles per hour or more. “Standard windows are not held to the same standards or ratings,” says Pella Corporation’s Willits. Impact windows are designed to protect against hurricane force winds.
  • Frame strength: Impact windows are strongly fixed and reinforced in rough openings in the exterior. “The frame itself is usually reinforced aluminum or heavy vinyl and is fixed to the house,” Niemela added.

Advantages of hurricane windows

Homeowners are often interested in impact windows for storm protection, but impact windows have benefits beyond just protecting your home.

“Impact-resistant windows not only help protect your home from hurricanes and coastal storms, they also provide year-round benefits such as noise reduction, energy efficiency, UV protection, and enhanced safety,” says Willits. “Many homeowners appreciate that they are investing in a product that provides value every day, not just when inclement weather is expected.”

  • Storm protection and safety: Impact windows are designed to not shatter or shatter when hit by debris, protecting your home during hurricane season.
  • Energy efficiency and insulation: Impact windows often feature cutting-edge window energy efficiency technologies, such as low-emission (Low-E) coatings and argon filling.
  • UV filtering: Impact windows block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
  • Noise reduction: Multiple layers of glass reduce noise and create a more peaceful home.
  • Possible insurance discounts: Installing hurricane windows can save you hundreds of dollars a year on home insurance.

How much do hurricane windows cost?

For basic casement or slider windows, expect to pay a fee. Between $500 and $1,200 for materials and labor. However, for more complex projects or custom windows, a single hurricane window can cost up to $4,000.

“The price of a full house with 12 to 15 windows is $12,000 to $35,000 “When you factor in installation, the cost goes up or down for a glass-sized drive, and then there’s the frame material,” says Niemela. Anything that is difficult to install will be layered on top of it. ”

materials or labor average cost
Individual impact windows (double hung) $500 to $1,200 each
custom window $1,500 to $4,000 each
labor $100 to $300 per window
Full home installation Total $12,000 to $35,000

Where to buy hurricane windows

Most of the top window replacement and installation companies, such as Renewal by Andersen, offer impact windows and hurricane windows. The main options for hurricane windows include:

Read our review: 2026 Champion Windows Review

hurricane windows and shutters

window type average cost Ideal for these people
hurricane window Installation prices range from $500 to $1,200 Easy storm protection
shutters $15 to $50 per square foot budget cuts

Both storm shutters and hurricane windows serve the same purpose, but in the end, convenience and cost matter. “We actually found this question to be split down the middle,” Niemela says. Although installing storm shutters is cheaper upfront, the work required after each storm may not be worth the money saved, especially if your home in the tropics is only a part-time residence.

“This is the one with the shutters,” Niemela says. “When a storm is coming, someone has to go outside and close the windows. Hurricane windows are always there. If you travel a lot for work, live in a hurricane-prone area, or just don’t like climbing on ladders, hurricane windows tend to be a winner, despite the sticker shock.”

Investing in hurricane windows is often a better option. “Shutters protect the glass, but if the shutters fail or don’t open, the window itself is often vulnerable,” says Willits. “Impact windows protect the entire assembly and do not require a deployment method.”

Conclusion: With impact windows, homeowners no longer have to worry about closing shutters every time a storm is predicted.

Do hurricane windows increase the value of your home?

Hurricane windows do more than just protect your home. If you live in a storm-prone area and offer home insurance benefits, your home will be more attractive to buyers.

“In the active hurricane market, impact windows are becoming less of a premium feature and more of a baseline expectation and can be considered a key selling point,” says Willits. Buyers expect impact windows and some form of storm protection and are willing to pay for it.

Depending on where you live, “the most tangible financial benefits are often tied to insurance savings,” Willits says. In areas where home insurance premiums are two to three times higher than homeowners in more geographically stable areas, installing impact windows is an obvious choice.

Home insurance premiums are high in hurricane-prone areas, but you can lower your premiums by installing hurricane windows.

“Insurance companies that write policies on Hurricane Street often give credits ranging from 10% to 45% if there is an impact assessment window from wind mitigation testing,” Niemela says. “Imagine taking a $3,200 annual policy and reducing it by $300 to $1,400.”Additionally, claims tend to be processed more quickly when there is an impact period.

Are hurricane windows worth it?

If you live in a coastal area, impact windows are worth the cost every time. It saves you money on insurance, protects your home from storm damage, and gives you the peace of mind that your home is protected if a weather event occurs while you’re away.

If you live in an area where you can escape extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, you don’t need impact windows.

“It all depends on where you are and how long you plan to stay,” says Niemela. “If you plan to stay for more than five years and live on the storm side of town, Hurricane Windows is always a great option.”

New poll shows Trump approval rating at record low

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New poll shows Trump approval rating at record low

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A recent American Research Group poll found that President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen to an all-time low, with only 30% of Americans approving of his job performance as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

The poll, conducted June 16-20 among 1,100 respondents (plus or minus 3 percentage points), found that 66% disapproved of President Trump, the highest disapproval and lowest approval ratings ever recorded by pollsters during both presidential years.

Economic pessimism is widespread among those who disapprove of President Trump, with polls showing 82% expect the situation to worsen next year.

White House press secretary Davis Ingle rejected the findings in a statement to USA TODAY, pointing instead to Trump’s 2024 re-election victory as the “ultimate poll.”

Approval and financial hardship

The poll numbers released on June 22 came just days after President Trump scored similarly low in a June 18 PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. According to Marist, the poll showed the president’s approval rating at 39%, the lowest in his second administration.

The American people also remain dissatisfied with President Trump’s economy. According to the latest poll, only 26% of Americans approve of President Trump’s economic policies, while 70% disapprove.

The same economic dissatisfaction was evident in a June 18 Marist poll, in which 60% of Americans said they disapproved of President Trump’s economic performance.

more: A majority of people think the Iran war has caused more problems than it solved, according to a poll

Earlier this month, President Trump dismissed concerns about sharp rises in consumer prices across the country, saying, “I love inflation.”

His comments were in response to a question about the Labor Department’s latest consumer price index, which showed prices rose 4.2% in May from a year earlier. This is the first time the inflation rate has exceeded 4% since 2023, and the largest increase in three years.

“No, I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love inflation. You know why?” President Trump said on June 10. “Because as soon as this war is over, I can say now, I can tell you things you didn’t know.”

What is President Trump’s average approval rating?

President Trump’s approval ratings have been net negative for more than a year, and have fluctuated but become increasingly negative over the past few months. According to the aggregator, President Trump’s average approval rating is:

Kinsey Crowley contributed to this report.

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

The Shelley Winter Show host switches to supporting Democrats in Senate race

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The Shelley Winter Show host switches to supporting Democrats in Senate race

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A conservative Georgia radio host is keeping his word and endorsing Democrat Jon Ossoff in the U.S. Senate race, a major ideological shift.

Shelley Winter, host of the Shelley Winter Show on 95.5 WSB in Atlanta, endorsed Ossoff in an interview with the senator on June 17, the day after U.S. Rep. Mike Collins defeated former college football coach Derek Dooley in the Republican runoff, after the host had publicly supported Dooley throughout the primary season.

“I’m here to tell you live on the radio for the rest of the summer that I’m Team Ossoff, and I’m going to do everything I can on this show to get re-elected,” Winter said after speaking with Ossoff. “I look at re-election as a job interview. In my humble opinion, I haven’t seen anything from Sen. Jon Ossoff that would warrant firing him.”

The Senate race is in the spotlight across the country because of President Trump’s vocal endorsement of Collins, and Republican control of Congress could extend to seats currently held by Democrats.

Why did the persona of a “never fearful black conservative” turn his back on the Republican candidate? Mike Collins is a moral compass, Winter says.

“If[Derek Dooley]is not the candidate, I will vote for Jon Ossoff.”

Georgia’s Republican Senate primary was a closely contested race, with Collins and Dooley the top two candidates as of election night in May. Collins had been leading in the polls for weeks, but as the former coach said, the Kemp-backed Dooley had made significant gains in the fourth quarter of the race.

As the pair prepared for a June run-off, Collins faced mounting criticism from his own party over comments he made about a woman who took her own life by one of his staffers (who was later fired) and for repeatedly saying he was proud of his staff and the campaign they were running. The staffer previously joined Mr. Collins at the center of the House ethics investigation after he was accused of paying a staffer’s girlfriend despite there being no evidence that she worked in his office.

In late May, Winter told Collins that he had “lost his moral center” and was a “person at the bottom of society”.

He said Collins’ campaign tactics were untenable and that if Dooley lost the June race, Winter would switch his support from the Republican candidate to the Democratic candidate.

“If[Derek Dooley]is not the candidate, I will vote for Jon Ossoff…that kind of action, that kind of campaign…will never get my vote,” Winter said on the air.

Mr. Dooley was mired in his own scandal, with accusations of paid politics dating back to his first days in the Governor’s Mansion, leading to his loss in the Republican runoff.

Collins was also endorsed by President Donald Trump in the days before the runoff, directing his Georgia MAGA base to support central Georgia legislators who opposed the election.

Winter interviews Ossoff, supports candidate on air

The day after the runoff, Mr. Ossoff spoke with Mr. Winter by phone to discuss the results and his strategy for the November general election.

“I think character matters. I think integrity matters. And in an age where these words are thrown around so casually, it’s no exaggeration to say that Congressman Mike Collins is a notorious bigot, a notorious anti-Semite, a notorious extremist, and on the wrong side of many issues,” Ossoff said. “He’s pro-war, pro-tariff, pro-health care cuts. And to be honest, he’s only a congressman because his father was a congressman.”

Ossoff pitched to voters, pledging to stop Georgia’s rural hospitals from closing, expand peanut farmers’ access to global markets, reform Georgia’s foster care system, stop the development of AI data centers and fight rising costs across the state.

Mr. Winter said he had not heard from any candidates about these issues during the campaign and pressed Mr. Ossoff to explain why his campaign focused on issues that may not impact Georgia voters.

“The honest answer is that this Republican primary runoff was all an audition for the president’s favor,” Ossoff said. He criticized the race as “Washington-centric” and unsubstantive.

By the end of the conversation, Winter kept his promise to support Ossoff against Collins, saying, “I agree with everything I’m hearing, everything you’re doing, everything you’ve done. We have some small disagreements on some small issues, but when it comes to the big things, I’m on your team.”

“The Shelley Winter Show is endorsing Sen. Jon Ossoff’s re-election,” he concluded.

You can watch the full 22-minute interview here.

In response to the endorsement, Ossoff’s campaign denounced it as a “major blow to Mike Collins’ efforts to unite the coalition,” but Ossoff followed suit shortly after the May primary by appearing at a campaign event alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. Mr. Collins and Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson have not yet appeared together, and Mr. Trump endorsed Mr. Jackson’s opponent, Bert Jones.

Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team, covering midterm races in Georgia. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

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