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Tennessee calls special session to redistrict maps at behest of Trump

May 1, 2026, 11:43 p.m. ETAt the behest of President Donald Trump, Tennessee’s Republican supermajority is returning to Nashville next week to redraw the state’s congressional maps, carving Memphis into multiple safe-Republican seats.The session is made possible by the Supreme Court's decision ending protections in the Voting Rights Act, made April 29.Gov. Bill Lee issued a call for a special legislative session to approve new redistricting maps on the evening of May 1, one day after Trump announced on social media that Lee had promised to do so.Lawmakers will return to Nashville on May 5.“We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters,” Lee said.“After consultation with the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to review the map and ensure it remains fair, legal, and defensible.”Once in Nashville, the Republican supermajority legislature will have the votes to crack Memphis and draw nine new safe-Republican congressional seats in Tennessee and eliminate the last remaining Democrat-held seat.Candidates are already campaigning in the 9th Congressional District — which will likely be redrawn during the special session. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen,

Raptors force Game 7 thanks to miracle bounce on RJ Barrett game-winner

Updated May 1, 2026, 11:25 p.m. ETThe Toronto Raptors had to scrap after blowing a 15-point lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half, but guard RJ Barrett got the friendliest of bounces off the back rim on Toronto’s game-winning 3-pointer in overtime that extended the season to a Game 7.With the Raptors facing a one-point deficit with 10.9 seconds left in overtime, Toronto inbounded the ball to forward Scottie Barnes, who brought it up the floor. Barnes faced a double-team when Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley collapsed on Barnes in the paint, leaving Barrett wide open at the top of the key. Barrett hoisted a 3-point attempt that hit the back rim and then bounced high in the air, reaching to the top of the shot clock above the basket, before it fell through the net.The shot gave the Raptors a two-point edge, and Mobley missed the would-be, game-winning attempt on the other end to give Toronto a 112-110 victory.The shot was reminiscent of another back-rim bounce from last season’s playoffs, when Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton tied Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals when his shot bounced high off the back rim.The USA TODAY app gets you to

Vanessa Bryant honors late daughter Gianna on her birthday

May 1, 2026, 9:43 p.m. ETVanessa Bryant posted a photograph of her daughter, Gianna, on Instagram Friday on what would have been Gianna's 20th birthday.“Happy birthday to my sweet baby angel, Gianna," Vanessa said in the post. "Words can’t express how much I love and miss you mamacita. Mommy loves you so much!"Gianna Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash six years ago along with eight other passengers, including her father, Kobe Bryant.The crash happened en route to Kobe Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy in Newbury Park, California, where he was scheduled to coach his daughter's team.Vanessa Bryant's post had comments with heart emojis from basketball players such as Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu.Other notable names such as Olivia Munn, Ciara and Kelly Rowland also left comments of support.Kobe and Gianna have been honored with a statue that sits in front of Crypto.com Arena, which was unveiled in August 2024.Vanessa Bryant founded the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation in memory of Kobe and Gianna. In honor of Gianna’s birthday, the non-profit announced its scholarship recipients, which were made up of 20 student-athletes from Los Angeles and Orange County.

Big Ten’s reign pays off with record $1.37 billion distribution to schools

May 1, 2026, 9:18 p.m. ETIt's good to be the king.The Big Ten has won three straight football national titles, claimed the women's basketball championship and finally broke its 26-year drought in men's basketball.The good news keeps coming.On May 1, the conference announced a $1.37 billion distribution to its 18 member schools for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 ($72 million per school, though Washington and Oregon will earn reduced shares as the conference's newest additions). It's the largest distribution in league history and a $490 million increase from last fiscal year."The distributions provide meaningful support to institutions in their continued effort to provide broad-based athletic opportunities to more than 14,000 Big Ten student-athletes," a league-issued statement read.This reflects the first full year of the Big Ten’s new TV deal, plus added shares for Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon's appearance in the expanded 2024-25 College Football Playoff.The men's and women's basketball NCAA tournaments are likely expanding to 76 teams and the Big Ten is pushing for a 24-team CFP, so don't expect the financial spigot to turn off any time soon.

Pickleball, protests and MAGA. Trump stirs FL retirement community

May 1, 2026Updated May 2, 2026, 2:02 a.m. ETTHE VILLAGES, FL - They skipped pickleball matches, softball practice and regular Friday card games, broke out their MAGA hats and “No Kings” signs, hopped into golf carts and gathered in one of the largest senior communities in America to make their voices heard.President Donald Trump was in town, and The Villages – a retirement mecca in Central Florida – was abuzz.Thousands of Trump-loving seniors waited for hours to show their appreciation, packing into a school gymnasium for a boisterous rally where they cheered on the president as he promoted a tax break and other policies aimed at older Americans. Nearby, a crowd of a few hundred Villagers lined a roundabout with protest signs and colorfully decorated golf carts.Trump and his party are in perilous political waters as polls show large majorities of voters dissatisfied with his handling of the economy and the Iran war. The president’s trip to The Villages – in an area where Republicans vastly outnumber Democrats – offered an opportunity to rally his base and speak to an important constituency of older voters who will be critical in the upcoming midterm election.“I like everything about him,” said Jackie

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani: Time, stream and how to watch epic fight

May 1, 2026, 9:00 p.m. ETThe Tokyo Dome was the site of one of boxing greatest upsets, when Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in 1990.A sellout crowd of 55,000 is expected to pack the building yet again for what could be another stirring upset – or Monster-like destruction.The super bantamweight fight will pit Naoya “Monster’’ Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) against Junto Nakatani (32-0, 24 KOs) Saturday, May 2.Once, losing seemed almost unthinkable for Inoue. But the 33-year-old superstar has shown vulnerability.During a yearlong stretch between 2024 and 2025, he got knocked down twice. And although known for his power, Inoue has failed to knock out his last two opponents.Nakatani, the 28-year-old challenger, developed a streak of invincibility during a string of stoppages. But he took serious from Sebastian Henandez Reyes in his last fight before agreeing to the super fight against Inoue.What time is Inoue vs Nakatani?The Inoue vs Nakatani fight will take place in the early hours of Saturday, May 2.Time: 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT)Main event (estimate): 8 a.m. ET (5 a.m. PT)How to watch Inoue vs NakataniThe Inoue vs Nakatani fight is available to watch via DAZN. Fans can subscribe monthly for $30.99 or access

Which Michigan schools are best for athletes? According to one study, here are top 25

May 1, 2026, 8:57 p.m. ETMichigan's rich history of athletic legends who first began on the state's numerous courts, fields, rinks and tracks shaped the state into what it is today as one of the best in the country for any number of sports.College and professional sports may steal the spotlight but there's no denying just how important the high school sporting scene is to the state. Legends like Magic Johnson, Jerome Bettis, Gail Goestenkors and John Smoltz first earned their status as local legends before becoming nationally known.They set the stage in the past and set the path for today's modern athlete to follow in their footsteps. So, which high schools in Michigan are considered the best for athletes today? According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.25. Northville High SchoolTotal number of sports: 3224. Chelsea High School (Chelsea)Total number of sports: 2723. East Kenwood High School (Grand Rapids)Total number of sports: 4122. Hartland High SchoolTotal number of

Jacob Misiorowski injury scare: Why Brewers ace was removed from no-hitter

Updated May 1, 2026, 11:14 p.m. ETWASHINGTON — Jacob Misiorowski did not realize he had a no-hitter intact. Only that he was finding his groove against the Washington Nationals − just as his right hamstring began to grab in the sixth inning.Misiorowski, perhaps the premium fireballer in this era of unprecedented velocity in Major League Baseball, exited his Friday, May 1 start at Nationals Park with a right hamstring cramp, a malady the Milwaukee Brewers hope is just a mild detour during what's shaping up to be a special season.Misiorowski struck out eight Nationals in 5⅓ shutout innings of their 6-1 victory, a night that took a very dark turn for Brewers fans when The Miz paused his dominant outing and motioned for head athletic trainer Brad Epstein to come to the mound.Misiorowski had just struck out the last four batters − needing only 11 pitches to punch out the side in the fifth − and was sitting on a reasonable 85 pitches when he was removed. His season high was 101 pitches, so a solo no-hitter was possibly out of the question at that point.So a night that was undeniably dominant teetered on a spectrum between historic and disastrous

US will withdraw 5K troops from Germany, Pentagon says

Updated May 1, 2026, 9:06 p.m. ETPentagon officials have decided to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, a major logistical hub for American troop movements around the world, including the Middle East.The move comes in response to "theater requirements and conditions on the ground," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.But the drawdown announcement lands amid the White House’s growing rift with European allies and Germany in particular. The country’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, earlier this week said Iran had "humiliated" the United States over the course of the war. After the remarks, President Donald Trump on April 29 said in a statement that the United States was studying a "reduction of Troops in Germany.""The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany," said Parnell, referring to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. "This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground."Parnell said the withdrawal will happen over the course of six to 12 months.Germany has served as a hub for U.S. troop movements around the globe for decades and American soldiers have been stationed in the country dating back to

Post Malone cancels Texas shows as stadium tour is delayed

Updated May 1, 2026, 8:29 p.m. ETPreviously announced Post Malone concerts appear to be canceled, including two in Texas, after the artist delayed his upcoming stadium tour and shared an updated poster that removed multiple Texas dates from the schedule.Post Malone announced on Instagram that he is pushing back his "Big Ass Stadium Tour" by about three weeks, citing the need to finish new music before heading out on the road.In a statement shared to his Instagram Stories on Friday, May 1, the artist said that after reviewing the tour schedule following Stagecoach, a country music festival held in California, it became clear that the timeline “isn’t really lining up.”“We ain’t ready for tour just yet, so I’m making the decision to push the tour back about three weeks to get this music done,” Post Malone wrote.Along with the message, the artist shared an updated tour poster for the stadium run featuring Jelly Roll and Carter Faith. The poster reflects significant changes — including the removal of multiple Texas dates that had appeared on earlier versions of the tour schedule circulating online.Canceled Post Malone tour stopsBased on a comparison between the original tour announcement and the updated official poster, the

Man, woman accused of $3.5M scam impersonating NBA, NFL players

May 1, 2026, 7:39 p.m. ETA man and woman were recently indicted in connection with a multimillion-dollar scheme, in which federal prosecutors allege they posed as professional athletes and took out loans in the players' names.Albert Paul Weber, 42, and Cyntrelle Lash, 39, were arrested for allegedly impersonating athletes who were "on the cusp of being drafted by NBA and NFL teams and paid multimillion-dollar contracts," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.The scheme, beginning as early as 2016, involved the two and their unidentified coconspirators stealing the identities of professional athletes, their family members and others to defraud "businesspeople and lenders who believed they were dealing with the athletes themselves," the federal prosecutors allege.According to court records obtained by USA TODAY, the couple is alleged to have laundered about $3.5 million through multiple bank accounts.On April 24, Weber and Lash were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Weber also faces an additional six counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of interstate transmission of a threat.Lash, on the other hand, faces an additional count of aggravated identity theft.According to the U.S. attorney's office, each of the

Rousey vs. Carano odds: Why Ronda Rousey is big favorite against Gina Carano

May 1, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ETMMA trailblazers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are coming out of retirement to put on what they suggest will be a highly entertaining, maybe even epic, fight.But oddsmakers suggest there’s little doubt about the outcome of their bout May 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, that will be livestreamed by Netflix.Rousey is a massive favorite based on the opening moneyline, with BetMGM installing her as a -650 favorite and Carano as a +425 underdog. That indicates Rousey has an 86.7% probability of winning the fight.Why is Rousey such an overwhelming favorite? There’s more than one factor.Name recognition: Ronda Rousey has massive followingMost Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Jake Paul, is promoting this fight. At the first press conference, Paul mispronounced Carano’s name, as if he'd never heard it.Much of the public still knows and adores Rousey, who has retained the brand name. To some degree the former UFC champion still is regarded as a heroic figure. By contrast, Carano fought in relative obcurity, before the UFC welcomed female fighters.All of the above likely will drive bettors to wager on Rousey.Risk: Sports books reducing it with Ronda Rousey as odds favoriteTaking too many wagers on

Court blocks access through the mail to mifepristone abortion pill

Updated May 1, 2026, 9:58 p.m. ETA federal appeals court on May 1 issued a ruling barring people from getting mifepristone abortion pills through the mail, a move that’s expected to significantly limit abortion access in states where it has been banned. The ruling by the U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeals based in New Orleans comes in response to a lawsuit brought by Louisiana over federal regulation allowing abortion providers to send mifepristone, one of two abortion pills, through the mail. State Attorney General Liz Murrill argued the regulation "had resulted in numerous illegal abortions in Louisiana" and "thousands in Medicaid bills for women harmed."On Friday, a three-judge panel for the appellate court issued its ruling granting Murril’s request to block the federal rule from the Food and Drug Administration that allowed the pill to be sent by mail."By ending the in-person dispensing requirement, FDA opened the door for mifepristone to be remotely prescribed to Louisiana women. The record shows that the policy now facilitates nearly 1,000 illegal abortions in Louisiana per month," the judges wrote in an opinion published Friday. "A decision in Louisiana’s favor would redress this injury because mifepristone could no longer be remotely prescribed to Louisianans."The

Who is the Illinois girls high school basketball GOAT? Vote now!

May 1, 2026, 6:52 p.m. ETIllinois has a history of churning out some incredible girls basketball talent - but who would make a list of the top 10 products?As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, that's a question USA TODAY Sports is looking to answer in celebration of the greatest American sports figures of all time, including the high school athletes and sports figures who shaped communities and defined their states.These are our selections for the basketball players who defined Illinois. The 10 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standout players at the high school level before playing at the next level.Did we miss someone? There's a spot for you to write in your own candidate who wasn't included on our list of 10.Tyra Buss, Mount CarmelThe Illinois high school record books belong to Buss. During her time at Mount Carmel she set still-standing state records for points, career scoring average and most free throws made, among others. That career scoring average was a whopping 38 points per game – and 45.8 her senior year – before she headed to Indiana University and became their all-time leading scorer. Tamika Catchings, StevensonCatchings split her high school years between Illinois

USPS releasing Barbie stamps this summer. See how to get them

May 1, 2026, 6:42 p.m. ETStamps will don a new, never-before-seen shade: Barbie Pink.The U.S. Postal Service has collaborated with Mattel Inc. to release a set of Barbie stamps "featuring Barbie dolls through the years, dressed for 10 iconic careers" this summer.From soccer player to astronaut, the designs aim to encourage Barbie fans to "dream big" and "explore a huge range of possibilities."According to a May 1 news release from USPS, Barbie, aka "the best-selling doll of all time," has represented more than 250 careers since 1959.Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, worked closely with the global play and family entertainment company on both the design of the stamps and pane.To best showcase the dolls and their career attire, the team employed a rarely used format, a third taller than the usual vertical commemorative stamp.The team approached the project “with a spirit of fun,” using bright, energetic shades — predominantly the famous “Barbie Pink” — to evoke a feeling of joy, Kessler said in a statement.Here's everything we know about the Barbie stamp set, including when it will be available.When are they available?Barbie commemorative stamps will be released July 11, the last day of the 2026 National Barbie Doll

Warriors, Steve Kerr had 'productive' meeting. What will happen next?

Updated May 1, 2026, 6:43 p.m. ETGolden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. met with Steve Kerr about the status of his job earlier this week.Kerr's coaching contract is expiring and there hasn't been any indication whether he would want to return, or whether the Warriors want him back at the helm. According to ESPN, the three had a two-hour meeting Monday that was described as "productive."Following their meeting, the consensus is that the parties are at a standstill. Although discussions are expected to continue into the upcoming week, there is seemingly no urgency to come to a decision. As one source told ESPN, "It's April. We don't need to rush."According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole, the drawn out process isn't a matter of a contract negotiation over dollars, but instead about "professional and personal principles."“From what I understand, (Kerr) in those meetings didn’t sound like someone who didn’t plan on coaching next season,” one league source told NBC Sports Bay Area.Another league source told NBC Sports Bay Area: "I think it’s more like 50-50 that he comes back. When the season ended, I would have said it was at least 60-40 that

Texas cold front to bring storms, possible freeze. See where, forecast

May 1, 2026, 6:10 p.m. ETJust as Texans were about to break out their swim gear, a cold front is rolling in, with a "light freeze" possible in parts of the state.The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center is forecasting temperatures falling below seasonal averages across the Lone Star State as it heads into the first week of May."Some record low maximum temperatures may be set in the Southern states, with highs in the 40s and 50s in some locations, compared to historical averages in the 70s to near 80," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. "That's 20 to 30 degrees below average."The cold snap is part of a long list of severe weather conditions the state is facing this week, including tornadoes and storms in North Texas, drought in South Texas, and prime wildfire conditions in the Texas Panhandle.Here's a look at the temperatures across the state's major cities throughout the weekend.Austin, San Antonio and Houston to see cool and rainy weatherAccording to NWS San Antonio, the State Capitol will see highs in the high 60s to mid-70s over the weekend, with lows in the 50s.Just over an hour away, San Antonio will see similar weather, with highs in the

Texas voters decide Senate District 4 seat in Saturday special election

May 1, 2026, 6:03 p.m. ETA special election is being held on May 2, 2026, to fill the vacant Texas Senate District 4 seat.The seat was previously held by Republican Brandon Creighton, who is now the chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.Republican Brett Ligon and Democrat Ron Angeletti are the two candidates on the ballot for the position.The winner will represent parts of five counties, including Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson, and Galveston.Voters in Texas Senate District 4 will head to the polls Saturday, May 2, to choose between Republican Brett Ligon and Democrat Ron Angeletti in a special election to fill the seat vacated by former state Sen. Brandon Creighton.The district, which includes more than 950,000 residents, lies north of Houston and Galveston and spans portions of Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson and Galveston counties.The seat had been held by former Republican State Sen. Brandon Creighton for over 10 years before he vacated it to become the new chancellor of the Texas Tech University System in October 2025, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that a special election would be held on May 2 for the seat.Creighton, a Republican, held the seat for more than a decade before stepping down

DK Metcalf won't face criminal charges for altercation with Lions fan

Updated May 1, 2026, 6:20 p.m. ETThe incident occurred on Dec. 21 during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.Metcalf was previously suspended for two games following the altercation.Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf won't face criminal charges following an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field, Wayne County Prosecutors announced in a statement on May 1.The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Lions' game on Dec. 21. It involved Metcalf taking a swing at Ryan Kennedy, a Lions fan, behind the Steelers bench. The altercation resulted in the receiver being suspended for the final two games of the regular season and later became the motivation behind Kennedy's lawsuit filed on Feb. 3.Prosecutors concluded they will not charge Metcalf after reviewing the evidence, which they told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, in a statement."At approximately 5:30 p.m., it is alleged that [Kennedy] left his seat holding a Metcalf jersey to get an autograph. As he approached the front railing of the stands, he said something to Mr. Metcalf. As Mr. Metcalf approached the stands, there was a brief interaction where Mr. Metcalf grabbed his shirt and pushed him back. The

Do you want NYC rent freeze? Mamdani calls for New Yorkers to testify

May 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m. ETZohran Mamdani is bringing out New Yorkers to begin canvassing in a direct parallel to his campaign tactics as he attempts to freeze the rent.The mayor, whose grassroots campaign surpassed three million doors knocked across the city, is asking New Yorkers for help once again. This time, with upcoming Rental Guideline Board meetings which will be part of the decision to freeze the rent.Here's his new effort, and what to know about the hearings.Can Mamdani freeze the rent?Mamdani has proposed a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, where millions of New Yorkers call home."As Mayor, Zohran will immediately freeze the rent for all stabilized tenants, and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need and bring down the rent," his campaign website says.But the Rent Guidelines Board has the ultimate power to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized units. In February, Mamdani appointed six members to the nine-member board.The board decides annually if the rent should go up, and by how much. This summer, a vote is expected on if an increase should take place, putting the mayor's campaign promise to test.New efforts by Mamdani admin to meet campaign promiseThis week, the mayor announced

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza gets vote of confidence. Yet, how safe is he?

Updated May 1, 2026, 7:08 p.m. ETThe New York Mets are returning to the scene of their last in-season firing of a manager. Yet, it appears Carlos Mendoza will survive this three-game series in Anaheim, California, unlike Willie Randolph.Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told MLB.com that the 10-21, last-place Mets "don't view this as a manager problem, and don't intend to make a change."That will surely come as at least a temporary relief for Mendoza, their third-year manager who has parried numerous inquiries about his job security as the Mets' season continues deteriorating. The club lost six of nine games against Minnesota, Colorado and Washington, a homestand that figured to serve as a referendum on Mendoza, given the opponents' mediocrity.But no, Mendoza made the flight to California and figures to accompany the club through the rest of its nine-game trek to Arizona and Colorado.Yet what about after that?The dreaded "vote of confidence" from management has often served as a death knell for a manager, most recently in Philadelphia, where club president Dave Dombrowski gave manager Rob Thomson the dreaded upvote in the midst of what became an 11-game losing streak.He fired him a week later.Mendoza would be the

Support for workers marks May Day protests in California

Updated May 1, 2026, 11:08 p.m. ETA familiar scene played out in Los Angeles on Friday, May 1: Hundreds of people protesting and cheering on the calls made by labor and community leaders as part of May Day demonstrations across California and nationwide.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leave. No war in Iran. But on May 1, a particular kind of message was emphasized — dignity for workers.The MacArthur Park area was flooded with people before noon, the same area where community and labor organizers gathered to call for people to come out for a rally and march on May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day.“We the people are the power that will ensure that our elected representatives respond to our needs, our vision for a better life: good paying jobs, affordable housing and ICE and Border Patrol out of our communities,” said Angelica Salas, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights executive director.CHIRLA was among the organizations present. So were other unions and community organizations — and a California governor hopeful, Xavier Becerra.Salas said that people are marching for the scores of people in the nation without legal status.“They need protection, and the only protection that they need is permanent residency

NHL has 'best playoff first round in any sport.' But at what cost?

May 1, 2026, 5:13 p.m. ETThe Stanley Cup playoffs are well underway, with what has been an exciting first round.There's been a lot of very good hockey so far. And while the first round of the NHL playoffs promises strong matchups and divisional showdowns, it raises the question: Is it too much of an early glut, and do the later rounds suffer under the current playoff format?The postseason in the NHL is structured as follows:The division winner with the best record plays the second wild card teamThe division winner with the second-best record plays the first wild card teamThe second- and third-place finishers from both divisions play each other in the first roundThis structure has been in place since 2014, and commissioner Gary Bettman has dug his heels in on it time and time again."More than comfortable," Bettman told reporters last month with regards to the format. "It gives us a sensational first round. Probably the best playoff first round in any sport. We get more games and longer series as a result of the format. And you can always pick at certain situations in any given year and say, 'Well, I'd like it to be different that year.' But

NEO humanoid robot company plans to release 100,000 units by late 2027

May 1, 2026, 5:11 p.m. ETThe company behind NEO, last year’s viral humanoid robot, says it’s ramping up production — aiming to build 100,000 units annually by the end of 2027.1x, the Palo Alto, California-based company that manufactures the robots, said the machines will be built at its Hayward factory about 27 miles from San Francisco, according to a news release on Thursday, April 30.The company launched NEO for $20,000 a pop in October. In five days, the company booked its entire production capacity for the year — 10,000 units.The first NEOs will be delivered to owners this year, 1x said, warning that the timeline might take longer than expected."Some of you will get your NEO this year, some will get them later," the company said. "We promised the first NEOs would ship in 2026, and we’re keeping that promise."By combining capabilities at its Hayward factory and San Carlos facility, set to open later this year, 1x expects to produce 10,000 NEOs per year. The company's release said "planned increases in automation" will expand production "toward 100,000+ units annually by the end of 2027."How will the robots get built?And who will be building those robots? In some cases, the company

This new treatment could help French bulldogs breathe easier

Updated May 1, 2026, 5:18 p.m. ETFlat-faced dog breeds like French bulldogs are at high risk for a serious breathing condition called BOAS.Australian researchers are testing a new injectable therapy, Snoretox-1, as a less invasive alternative to surgery.The new treatment uses a modified tetanus toxin to strengthen throat muscles and open the dog's airway.Snoretox-1 is still in early trials but may become available in the U.S. after further studies and FDA approval.French bulldogs are one of America’s most popular dog breeds. But their signature flat faces can come with serious breathing risks, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). If left untreated, bulldogs and similar breeds can struggle with physical activity, experience sleep disruptions, and have a shorter life expectancy.Surgery is currently the standard treatment for BOAS, but another option may soon be available. Australian researchers are currently testing a new injectable therapy, Snoretox-1, that may provide a safer alternative. Why do flat-faced dogs face breathing difficulties?BOAS is a serious respiratory condition caused by anatomical abnormalities, including nasal airway narrowing and a long soft palate. It can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties, snoring, easy overheating, exercise intolerance and, in some cases, collapse.Treatment is important because severe BOAS can shorten a

Trump tells Congress hostilities in Iran 'have terminated' amid 60-day deadline

Updated May 1, 2026, 5:40 p.m. ETWASHINGTON – President Donald Trump, facing the end of a 60-day deadline for Congress to declare war, told lawmakers in a May 1 letter that U.S. military hostilities in Iran "have terminated," even though U.S. forces remain in the region."On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended," he wrote in the letter, which was obtained by USA TODAY."There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump wrote. "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated."Amid the 60-day mark, the missive didn't really mark an official end to the conflict, especially with troops still stationed in the Middle East. It was more so part of the White House's efforts to assuage the concerns of Capitol Hill lawmakers, many of whom believe the president's ongoing actions now need congressional approval under the War Powers Act.Slight cracks in Republicans ranks were starting to show April 30, as the Senate considered advancing a resolution to halt American involvement in the war. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, defected from her party and voted with Democrats.Before the vote, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth tried

Zayn Malik cancels US tour dates. What happens to purchased tickets?

May 1, 2026, 4:45 p.m. ETZayn Malik has canceled all of the dates on the upcoming leg of his U.S. tour.The former One Direction star, in an Instagram Story on May 1, shared that due to ongoing health concerns, he is reducing the number of shows on his upcoming Konnakol Tour, including the cancellation of all of his shows scheduled in the United States.The news comes weeks after Malik shared he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed health issue, but was "unexpectedly recovering." The 33-year-old shared the health setback on the same day of the release of his fifth studio album, "Konnakol.""I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before," Malik said in the May 1 post. "I want to make sure I still get out and see as many of you as I possibly can. I’m really looking forward to playing these shows for you, and I hope to see the rest of you around the world very soon. Big Love, Z."USA TODAY contacted Malik's team for more information.Automatic refunds will be issuedAccording to Malik's tour website, tickets purchased through Ticketmaster for any of the canceled shows will be automatically refunded

Opioid maker Purdue Pharma shuts down as part of $7.4 billion deal

May 1, 2026, 4:40 p.m. ETPurdue Pharma, the bankrupted drug manufacturer at the center of the nation’s yearslong opioid epidemic, shut down May 1.The closure is part of a $7.4 billion deal reached after Purdue and the Sackler family, which privately owned the company, settled thousands of lawsuits filed by victims and several states to try to address harm caused by the drugs. Between 1999 and 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated about 806,000 people died from opioid overdoses, using prescriptions such as Purdue's OxyContin and illegal opioids, seen prominently with fentanyl.Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019, and the company's bankruptcy plan went into effect May 1, nearly six months after a federal judge approved the settlement. The bankruptcy plan requires Purdue cease operations to form a new public benefit corporation called Knoa Pharma, which is run by a nonprofit foundation.“Under the Sacklers’ control, Purdue developed, manufactured, and then misleadingly marketed its deadly opioids, destroying lives and communities across the country,” New York Attorney Letitia James, a Democrat, said in a statement. “This company that put profits over people for decades is now shut down forever.”All members of the Sackler family are barred from selling opioids in

Lost Oscar to be returned after TSA says trophy could be a weapon

May 1, 2026, 4:35 p.m. ETAn Oscar statuette confiscated by airport security will be returned to its owner, Russian educator Pavel Talankin, after TSA staff determined the trophy was a safety risk.The best documentary feature category winner, who took home his first Academy Award in March for his film "Mr Nobody Against Putin," tried to bring his trophy home to Europe but was stopped at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City.In an April 30 Instagram post, the film's co-director, David Borenstein, revealed Talakin's trophy had been lost, writing that a "TSA agent stopped him and said the Oscar could be used as a weapon. She wouldn’t let him carry it on board." He explained that Pavel didn’t have a checked bag where we could put the Oscar, so the TSA agent placed the trophy in a box and sent it to the bottom of the plane."It never arrived in Frankfurt," Borenstein wrote in the post. "I’ve looked and I can’t find a single other case of someone being forced to check an Oscar. Would Pavel have been treated the same way if he were a famous actor? Or a fluent English speaker?"Lufthansa Airlines replied to the post saying:

Footage captures K-9 appearing to sniff suspect before WHCD shooting

Updated May 1, 2026, 4:20 p.m. ETVideo released on Thursday, April 30, appears to show a police dog sniffing White House Correspondents' dinner accused shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, moments before shots were fired on Saturday, April 25.The 33-second video shared by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, captures Allen, dressed in a long coat, walking down a hallway in the Washington Hilton Hotel in D.C., where the dinner was held. As he approaches a security checkpoint with side-by-side magnetometers that look similar to walk-through metal detectors, he turns into an open doorway off the hallway.A vested and leashed K-9 unit crosses the hallway to follow Allen, its handler trailing behind. The dog follows Allen into the room. Both remain off-camera for about three seconds, at which point the K-9 officer seems to direct the dog away from Allen, pulling its leash.The K-9 officer's role at the event is unclear. Police dogs can assist in a variety of tasks, including detecting illegal substances, electronics, or explosives. Some are trained to track down missing persons or help officers detain suspects. Anthony Guglielmi, spokesman for the Secret Service, did not immediately respond to questions from USA TODAY about the