Ford CEO outlines plans for future of Lincolns

Jim Farley explains why automaker is moving some production to United States. In Money

'Lanterns' duo rings in new dynamic in DC series

Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre talk playing relatable space cops in HBO show. In Life

Pegula chases career's 1st major title

Tennis star, ranked No. 3 in the world, reveals why she loves the grind and how she visualizes winning ahead of US Open. In Sports

USA TODAY

THE NATION'S NEWS | $3 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026

MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY IMAGES

Trump dials up pressure on allies

South Korea is latest to be put on notice

Francesca Chambers USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is putting another U.S. ally he says was insufficiently supportive of the Iran war on notice, directing the Pentagon to scale back military exercises with South Korea, a country he has pressed to pay more for its defense.

"We can't go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they're not there to help us," Trump said Aug. 17 in the Oval Office.

South Korea is the latest in a string of close U.S. allies Trump has threatened to penalize with reduced military support since the United States and Israel went to war with Iran earlier this year. The president has ripped nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain and said he's reexamining the U.S. relationship with the NATO alliance, which he has long criticized as a laggard over some members' lackluster defense spending.

As President Donald Trump scales back military exercises with South Korea, he has reached out to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. KOREAN DAILY NEWS/VOICE

Over the past several days, he has lobbed similar allegations at South Korea and made public overtures to Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader with whom he tried to negotiate a nuclear deal in his first term. A day before his missive on the joint military exercises, he posted a photo of himself and Kim, standing together inside the Demilitarized Zone, the 160-mile-long barrier that divides the two countries in half.

The actions toward South Korea, and the accompanying outreach to Kim, prompted some regional experts to ask: Why now?

Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, called it "befuddling and illogical for the president to be reaching out to North Korea with at least partially the intent being to punish South Korea, who is our ally and partner."

"He's not going to be able to convince Kim Jong Un to give up his nuclear weapons. There's no Nobel Prize waiting at the end of this rainbow. So I don't know what the president's up to," said Montgomery, a coauthor of the book, 'Sails of Aggression: Countering the Cooperation of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.'

Sydney Seiler, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies focused on Korea, said Trump has thought of ways to reengage

See ALLIES, Page 4A

WASHINGTON STOCKMAN/GETTY IMAGES A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME A COUNTRY OF CRIME

HOME DELIVERY

1-800-872-0001, USATODAYSERVICE.COM

More than a year after catastrophic LA wildfire, Pacific Palisades is eager to reopen for business

Palisades Village, the landmark shopping center that survived the Los Angeles wildfire in early 2026 but was severely damaged, celebrates its official reopening on Aug. 15. PHOTOS BY HANKO TAMAI/GETTY IMAGES

Beloved town feels its heart beating again

Kathleen Wong USA TODAY

Set between the mountains and coastline of Southern California, the community of Pacific Palisades is at a turning point.

It has been just over a year and a half since powerful Santa Ana winds and a drought fueled the biggest fire in Los Angeles history. Burning for 24 days, from Jan. 7 until Jan. 31, 2025, the fire forced the evacuation of about 30,000 people, destroyed more than 23,000 acres and contributed to the deaths of 12 people. In March 2025, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles estimated the first economic impact at a wage loss of $297 million for local businesses and employees.

Many Los Angeles travelers found in Palisades – a picturesque neighborhood between Malibu and Santa Monica – a respite from the fourth and bustle of the city. Travelers were drawn to the Getty Villa Museum, hiking trails and beaches, and unique boutiques and restaurants.

"The Palisades was definitely a destination for tourism," said Amy Russo, a resident of 15 years who lost her jewelry business in the fire. "People would come to drive

See PALISADES, Page 6A

Homes are still being rebuilt around the newly renovated Palisades Village at the center of the picturesque community, long a tourist destination.

---

2A | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

NEWS

Dems demand answers on USS Lincoln

Reports of poor conditions spark furor

Erin Mansfield

USA TODAY

Sen. Jon Ossoff tipped into President Donald Trump last weekend as “unspung despotists” for “lying caution into war” in Iran and then keeping service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East for nearly nine months amid deteriorating living conditions.

“While the sailors on the Lincoln fight his war – while he fruitlessly drains our munitions and oil reserves – the president sleeps through his meetings,” Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat seeking reduction, said at a campaign event Aug 16.

“He puffs and trades stocks,” Ossoff said. “See, he doesn’t want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with [executive assistant] Natalie [Harp] on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar.”

Stephen Cheung, the president’s top-synderperson, who often decides as his vociferous attack dog, lit up 5 on Aug. 17 with a decisive new rankname for Ossoff and called him the biggest “loser in politics,” using a disreptory term for a man whose wife is unfaithful.

USA TODAY reported in April that sailors aboard the carrier and the USS “Hapik Saleh” received rare packages and weren’t routinely being fed flesh food. The Pentagon denied those reports, while some Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into the conditions.

In August, military-focused news outlets began reporting about deteriorating conditions on the Lincoln, which was stationed in the South China Sea before deploying to the Middle East. The Lincoln has been away from port since December, a lengthy deployment by Navy standards. Among the concerns are poor morale and mental health crises among service members.

All 13 Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee and two other high-ranking Democratic senators are now demanding answers from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, saying their treatment is “a symptom of poor planning by both you and the President and exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran.” They’re requesting answers to 8 questions about natural health resources, hygiene and safety, and asking whether the Pentagon will allow a bipartisan group of lawmakers “to visit the Lincoln to conduct forthand oversight of conditions aboard the ship.”

Trump officials, retired general call reports false

Like Cheung, Hegseth said the reports are false and defended the presi-

Sen. Jon Ossoff, O-Georgia, shown during the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing in March, has assailed the president over the war in Iran and reported poor conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. JOHN MCMGAA/USA TODAY NETWORK

“While the sailors on the Lincoln fight his war – while he fruitlessly drains our munitions and oil reserves – the president sleeps through his meetings.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff, O-Georgia

dent. A retired Army general and commentator, Jack Keane, called the reporting about the Lincoln119. But Republican lawmakers largely remain silent about the conditions on the Lincoln – not harshly criticizing the administration, but not defending it either.

Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, said on CBS’ “Face The Nation” on Aug 16 that Trump used poor phrasing in comments to journalists last week when he dismissed the plight of the sailors and said their deployment was “not long enough.”

“It’s better to acknowledge, ‘Hey, this is hard on the families. It’s hard on the service members,’” Bacon said. “Thank them for being willing to defend our country and being willing to do these 30-month deployments.”

When the moderator asked Bacon whether Congress should investigate what happened on the Lincoln over the past nine months, he said “we should have oversight,” and recommended bringing in the secretary of the Navy or

another high-ranking official and “have them explain to us the truth on that.”

Dem says conditions on carrier ‘national disgrace’

Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and a retired Navy officer, called for an investigation into the conditions in a social media video, citing reports that sailors have tried to jump off the ship to end their lives. “Our service members deserve better than this,” Kelly said.

Responding to Kelly’s description of a sailor who had lost more than 20 pounds while on the ship, Rep. Bo Khanna, a California Democrat, wrote: This is a national disgrace.

Sen. Robert Gallegis, another Democrat from Arizona, said on ABC’s “This Week” on Aug 16 that sailors who return home are going to seriously reconsider whether they want to keep serving in the Navy because of how poorly they’re being treated. He accused the Trump administration of “basically downplaying their sacrifice.”

Amid a flood of reporting on conditions aboard the carrier, Hegseth said Aug. 14 that journalists “intentionally misrepresent the USS Abraham Lincoln.”

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander for U.S. Central Command, issued a statement Aug. 16 saying that the USS Lincoln “has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health” among 11 active aircraft carriers.

“Find any of the nearly 4 million Navy veterans in America today, and they will likely tell you that service at sea for long

periods isn’t for everyone,” Cooper wrote. “It is uniquely challenging and tough, and every single one of us, including me, reacts to stressors in different ways.”

Gallegis characterized the comments as demonstrating “a true lack of leadership” from the Trump administration and an attitude where military leaders “just look at these men and women as being expendable.”

Suicides aboard Navy vessels have happened before, lawmaker says

Bacon, the Republican from Nebraska, suggested during his “Face the Nation” interview that Congress should bring in top Navy officials to testify about the situation. He agreed that long deployments are hard, pointing to his own journeys, deployment to Iraq and time for 9 spent aboard an aircraft carrier.

“We had a couple of members jump overboard and commit suicide while I was on that deployment,” Bacon said. “So these incidents, they’re terrible, they’re sad, but it has happened previously, and understanding likely in the future as well.”

In his campaign stop, Ossoff said the service members aboard the USS Lincoln serve with excellence despite the hardships they face. “God bless” them, he said.

“They don’t expect luxury,” he said. “They’ll endure hardship. But they deserve competent leaders who send them into combat only when necessary . . . not fools who lie about the purpose and progress of war.”

Justice asked to block Ten Commandments in schools

Appeal over Texas law sets up wider legal fight

Maureen Grappe

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – A coalition of multifamily families asked the Supreme Court on Aug. 17 to rule that Texas can’t require public schools to display the Ten Commandments, likely setting up a major battle over the separation of church and school.

The more than two dozen families – whose beliefs include Indiana, Bala-’em, Christianity, Unitarian Universalism and no faith – are appealing a lower court decision backing Texas’ law.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in “An April 6 upheld Texas Senate Bill 10, which was enacted last year and requires a proposal to the Ten Commandments to be displayed in a visible spot in every public elementary and secondary school classroom in the state.

Texas politicians shouldn’t have a seat at the table in deciding how our children receive their religious education. That decision belongs to our fam-

ily,” two of the challenges, Rebekah and Ted Lowe, who are raising their children in the Christian and Jewish traditions, said in a statement. “This law puts one version of religious beliefs above all others in our public schools and sends a message to our children that what we teach from about religion at home is somehow wrong.”

Lawyers for the families argue that the 6th Circuit – the most conservative appeals court in the country – flouted the Supreme Court’s 1980 decision relating down a Kentucky law that’s nearly identical to Texas’ requirement. The court said Kentucky’s law violated the First Amendment’s ban against the government “establishing” a religion.

The appeals court, however, said that the legal reasoning behind the 1980 decision was influenced by the Supreme Court in its 2022 opinion backlog a high school football coach who offered prayers at the 50-grad line after games despite objections from the school district that students felt compelled to take part.

The appeals court also did not agree with the families that their challenge is supported by the Supreme Court’s 2025

ruling in favor of parents who wanted their elementary school children removed from Maryland schools when books with LGBTQ+ themes were being used.

Texas’ requirement “leads no resemblance to the oppressive curriculum” in that situation, Circuit Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan wrote:

But lawyers for the Texas families challenging the law said they have the same First Amendment right to direct their children’s religious upbringing as the parents in Maryland do.

“If the permanent, unavoidable imposition of bilateral scripture in public-school classrooms does not interfere with, or threaten to undermine parents’ ability to direct their children’s religious education and to enroll particular religious beliefs and practices,” they wrote in their appeal. “It is difficult to imagine what would.”

Unless the Supreme Court gets involved, they argued, government officials will feel free “to flood public-school classrooms with an endless array of religious rules, instructions and mandates.”

The justices already have agreed to

bear a case testing a different landmark decision about religious rights and the separation of church and state.

On the 16th day of its next term, which begins in October, the court will debate whether Catholic preschools in Colorado must adopt LGBTQ+ families if they want to participate in the state’s tuition-free program.

The court’s decision could further limit a 1990 ruling much criticized by conservatives because it blocked religious rights challenges to laws that apply to everyone and don’t target a particular religious group.

Groups including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation are representing the Texas families.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued the case before the appeals court, previously called that ruling a “major victory for Texas and our moral values.”

“The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation,” he said in April, “and it’s important that students learn from them every single day.”

USA TODAY

Volume 48, No. 225

Customer service

To view important information related to your subscription, visit above: www.usatoday.com. You can also manage your subscription at contact us at usatoday.com.

Contact Usat TODAY for questions or to report issues. (401) 400-672-0001. Operating hours are: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. EST.

Full access print and digital subscriptions Subscribe and save today by visiting subscribe-usatoday.com

Contact us

Customer Service 1-800-672-0001 Newsroom 7-755-484-5005, ext. 2 Classified advertising 1-800-337-2070 National, regional advertising 755-654-3001

Corrections and clarifications

The grant is a promptly correct service. Contact Standards Editor Michael McCarter at acconsoft.usatoday.com to report a mistake. It would be the error, where you don’t. The date page number or the URL.

Postal information

USA TODAY, ISSN 0734-7493, is published daily except for Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Wednesday, May, June, Day, Thanksgiving, Disbursed, Christmas (Disbursed) and New Year Day (Disbursed), by USA TODAY Media Corp. (The General Media Corp.) 7152 7200 US NW STE 700, Washington D.C., 20003-7152. Periodicals Postage at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send all USA to U.S. Gov. (800) 637-1112, 800-670-0154, 206 AND MAIL DUE TO US. (TBS) Please send address corrections to USA Today, Customer Service, 400 W Main St 8800 Louisville KY 40202.

USA TODAY CO.

---

NEWS

USA TODAY | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 | 24

Federal contractors begin border barrier construction near Santa Elena Canyon, inside Big Bend National Park in Texas on Aug 8. PROVIDED BY NATALIE HEMMING/ENTRE FOR RESOURCES DIVERITY

Border wall work in national park is paused for outcry

Environmental groups say damage is done

Trevor Hughes USA TODAY

Federal officials have paused a controversial construction project linked to President Donald Trump's southeast border wall through Big Bend National Park in Texas.

While federal officials did not plan to build a wall through the park, public lands advocates were outraged when contractors began building access roads through the area in early to mid-August. Videos recorded by activists captured bulldozers and track how cutting through the desert soil and across cliffs.

"Last night I put a pause on all activity in that park as far as construction goes until I can get down there and do a personal evaluation, talk to some stakeholders, talk to local law enforcement in that area," Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott said in an Aug. 17 video statement. "More to follow this week."

Although very few illegal border-crossers currently try to cross the rugged landscape, federal officials said they needed roads to both install surveillance equipment and to permit routine patrol access in case migration policies change. The Trump administration angered public lands groups in June by waiving environmental laws that would have otherwise slowed or prohibited that construction.

Trump campaigned on tough immi-

gnation enforcement and border controls, and he has made expansion of the border wall a key campaign process. Environmental groups argued no wall was needed through Big Bend, a national park that was formally created in 1944 and spun under 600,000 acres of desert and mountains.

Local residents argue that the road construction itself is an environmental catastrophe. They staged an Aug. 12 protest against the project.

In a statement, the National Parks Conservation Association lauded the pause, but said damage has been done.

"Unfortunately, the federal contractors' bulldozers have already inflicted tremendous damage to one of America's most iconic national parks," NPCA President and CEO Teresa Sittendell said. "Their heavy equipment has torn through miles of precious wild landscape, wreaking havoc on sensitive wildlife and zooplanodic habitat. We demand that Customs and Border Protection take accountability for the destruction that has occurred at the park and do better by the American people and by our national parks."

Congress last summer supercharged Trump's border security efforts with $46.5 billion in funding, and federal officials in June waived dozens of environmental regulations to speed up wall construction in or near the park.

"The park's excellent boundary forms about 18 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, including along the Rio Grande. The most against the border wall over the past several years have included some Trump voters, many local elected officials, environmental activists and mi-

gnant rights organizations

On Aug. 13, as the bulldozers began their work, Scott is a statement in USA TODAY reiterated that workers were not building a wall. And he noted that it would be possible to both secure the border and limit work within the park.

"As we strengthen the border across the Southwest, we will not leave Big Bend as an opening for curtails to exploit by shifting their routes and tactics," he said. "We are securing this park to protect its legacy - keeping it safe, secure, and pristine to American families can enjoy the beauty of our country, free from fear of cartel activity, for generations to come."

Earlier in the year, the Trump administration indicated that it would ship building a physical barrier along about 172 miles of the border because of "unfavorable terrain or nonminous or location." Other locations will receive vehicle builders that will be wildlife pass through unimposed, the Department of Homeland Security said.

Speaking to reporters on Aug. 17, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he's confident federal officials can both secure the park and the nation's southern border. Abbott said he talked to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and received assurances there will be no wall or fence through the park. Abbott did not address the construction of access roads.

"They understand that there are other tools to successfully secure that park through technology, through personnel, through other means," Abbott said. "There are technology tools that don't include barriers."

KY governor still seeks update on McConnell

Senior senator remains out of the public eye

Fernando Cervantes Jr. USA TODAY

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he has "based absolutely nothing back from" Sen. Mitch McConnell. If Kentucky, after he requested updates on the lawmakers' health amid his extended absence from Congress.

Beshear said he hoped McConnell's health would improve during an Aug. 16

interview with "Face the Nation," but he called for a response from the former Senate majority leader.

"I wish him no harm," Beshear said. "All he needs to do is call into this show for two minutes, or five hours for two minutes, or do a video for two minutes to the people he's supposed to serve, but you know what? He absolutely refuses to do so."

The Kentucky governor continued, speaking directly to Senate Majority Leader John Tharp, 8 South Dakota, asking him to ensure all of his senators can actually serve in the chamber.

"As the leader of the Senate, you've got a duty to make sure all of your senators have the capacity to serve," Beshear said. "And what is he saying? Not my job. That's not surprising."

Thane and McConnell's offices did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

An ongoing absence

McConnell has not appeared in the Senate since being hospitalized in June

"All he needs to do is call into this show... but ... he absolutely refuses to do so," says Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. ADON BINTON/BETTY HANES

after a fall and a pneumonia diagnosis. He last voted on June 8 and, according to GovTrack US, he has since missed 60 roll call votes, in addition to voters on the annual defense policy bill, legislation related to Iran and confirmation proceedings for several high-profile Trump administration nominees.

Beshear has continued to pressure McConnell to prescribe a verbal update on his conditions. In a July 27 letter to McConnell, Beshear called on the senator to "directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign."

"It has now been 45 days since news of your hospitalization. During that time you have cast zero votes, engaged in no official activities, and aside from two photos and corresponding statements, have made no effort to communicate with your Kentucky constituents or the nation," Beshear wrote.

McConnell announced on Aug. 6 that he had been discharged from a rehabilitation center, and he plans to continue his recovery at home.

"Elaine and I are grateful for the

many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attention care I've received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff," McConnell said in a statement issued by his Senate office.

It is unclear when McConnell will return to Washington, but he said he will "continue to engage with [his] staff and colleagues on important Senate business" while he recovers from home.

How would Kentucky fill vacant Senate seat?

Under Kentucky law, a vacancy in the U.S. Senate is filled through a special election called by the governor. The winner would serve the remainder of the senator's term, while the seat would remain vacant until election results are certified.

The timing of that election has become a central point of debate. Kentucky's law requires the governor to issue a proclamation calling the election, however, legal experts told CME that the statute does not set a firm deadline for when that proclamation must be issued. Once it is, counties and candidates must meet a series of filing details from before voters can head to the polls.

McConnell has not indicated he will leave his seat. And Beshear has suggested the state's 2024 special election only law could conflict with the Kentucky Constitution. He has pointed to the Senate's 2024 election, and he has pointed to the Senate's 2024 election.

Contributing: Melina Klein

Mangione murder trial is postponed

Judge rules after guilty plea in New York case

Theo Murphy USA TODAY

Luigi Mangione's New York state murder trial in the killing of United-Hualthouse CEO Brian Thompson in 2024 has been postponed after he pleaded guilty last week to federal charges and moved to have the state case dismissed, court records show.

Judge Gregory Clare issued a brief order Aug. 17 giving Manhattan prosecutors until Oct. 9 to respond to a defense motion arguing that New York's double jeopardy law bars the state prosecution. Clare also scheduled Mangione's next court appearance for Dec. 10 postponing the trial that had been scheduled to begin Sept. 8.

Mangione's legal team filed the motion shortly after he admitted in federal court Aug. 14 that he shot Thompson outside a New York City hotel in December 2024. Mangione, 35, pleaded guilty to two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

His attorneys argued that the state's double jeopardy law protects him from being prosecuted and punished twice for the same conduct. State prosecutors have objected to the defense's claim.

The killing of Thompson, 50, drew national attention and was widely condemned by public officials. At the same time, he case because a flashpoint in water public debate over frustrations with the U.S. health insurance industry.

'I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan'

Mangione entered his federal plea without a deal with federal prosecutors, and there is no guarantee that taking responsibility will result in any leniency at his sentencing. James McDonald, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said his office would seek the maximum sentence of life in prison.

At his plea hearing Aug. 14, Mangione admitted misleading Thompson outside a Washington hotel in December 2024 after planning the attack. He also told the court for 10-pounded a handgun and traveled to New York with the intention of shooting Thompson.

"I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan," Mangione told the judge.

Federal prosecutors initially charged Mangione with murder through the use of a firearm and sought the death penalty. But earlier this year, a U.S. district judge dismissed the two most serious federal charges, removing the possibility of capital punishment.

Timeline of Luigi Mangione case

Thompson was shot to only on Dec. 4, 2024, and said a hotel where he was not to be in an investment conference, authorities said. The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response and investigation.

Surveillance footage and forensic evidence linked the suspect to the scene, including DNA and hallistics found by investigators. Mangione was arrested five days later, on Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an employee and customer at a McDonald's restaurant recognized Mangione from image-released by the New York Police Department, authorities said.

Police officials said they matched the gun found in Mangione's possession, or, using a felon shot outside the hotel where Thompson was shot. Investigation also matched Mangione's fingerprints to those found on a water bottle and a protein bar wrapper near the scene of the killing, authorities said.

In December 2024, Mangione pleaded not guilty to state murder, weapons and forgery charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Binge. He also faces charges in Pennsylvania.

If convicted in New York state court, Mangione faces a sentence of 25 years to life on the murder charge.

Contributing: Christopher Clare, Niles Yancey-Bragg and Ameliyat Martinez, USA TODAY Network, Reuters

---

4A | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

NEWS

Penn State students face drug ring charges

Suspected operation centered on fraternities

Thos Nguyen USA TODAY

More than a dozen current and former Pennsylvania State University students have been charged in connection with a suspected drug trafficking ring that authorities say operated in and around two fraternities, prosecutors announced.

The operation involved members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Prosecutors said large quantities of cocaine were transported from Philadelphia and New York to State College, Pennsylvania, from 2021 to 2024.

The range from money out and packaged at the two fraternity houses before being distributed to Penn State students, prosecutors said Aug. 17. An investigation identified Agordam Abbotello and Thomas Robinson as the spectators's primary suppliers, whom Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday described as 'the top of the chain' and senior members of the two fraternities.

Abbatello and Robinson were among 12 people charged in the operation, prosecutors said. The only person not a counsel or former Penn State who short was Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson's father.

'We did not hear of any drug packaging happened on Penn State's counsel. Sunday said at a news conference, 'Again, the packaging happened at off-campus fraternity houses, and the actual drug dealing was largely from David to Daniel, Kennedy brother to fraternity brother, acquaintance to acquaintance, and at fraternity houses and/or during parties or social assignments.'

Prosecutors: Operation centered on fraternity members, pledges

Thirteen of the people charged were Penn State students at or around the time of the conduct, and at least four of those are current students, prosecutors said.

Abbatello, Thomas Robinson, Mohammed Shazali and Lars Ziegner were charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other related offenses, prosecutors said. Another student, Robert Zanolia, faces felony conspiracy and criminal use of communication facility charges, and eight others were charged with misdemeanor drug possession and paraphernalia offenses.

Prosecutors accused Abbotello and Thomas Robinson of making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large amounts of cocaine.

'This was a coordinated and highly profitable drug trafficking case revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, either fraternity brothers, and pledges,' Sunday said. 'In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, the federal court ruled that the federal court had some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.'

Prosecutors said investigators used various techniques to track the operation, including monitoring how the cocaine was obtained, processed and sold. Many transactions were conducted in such or through payment applications, prosecutors said.

Paul Robinson was charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension. Prosecutors said he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe continuing drug and cash, and obstructed the investigation.

Penn State University 'horrified' by drug trafficking allegations

In a statement released Aug. 17, Penn State said it was 'horrified' by the allegations. The university said it was cooperating with law enforcement, and it condemned any criminal activity or having had to the allegations.

The school announced it was placing Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while its Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigator, the allegations. Current students charged in the case will be subject to the student conduct process, and Delta Upsilon will face review under the school's organizational conduct procedures, the university said.

Better sleep

Continued from Page 1A

and millennials are shelling out big backs on sleep aids and supplements to need their personal health goals, according to new data from Trumend, an online marketplace that lets consumers use health savings (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) funds on eligible items.

Trumend's analysis of more than 50% of the total of FSA values from January 2025 through May 2026 showed that 2 grand more in sleep-related products than all other categories, except supplements.

Smart has previously used his HSA to buy wellness related items, including a red light therapy device to recover from a torn periosteal muscle. He credited the device for accelerating his recovery.

When Smart and his wife struggled to get adequate sleep after the birth of their son earlier this year, he searched for sleep-related products and discovered a cooling mattress to upper that cost about $2,400. The mattress to upper measures a user's breathing and heart rate and adjusts the temperature throughout the night.

He said the togee has helped his wife to stay cool during occasional postpartum hot flashes.

He might not have bought the togee if he had to spend money budgeted for daily living expenses. But because he accumulated enough in his HSA through corporate plans at Toronto and an artificial intelligence oil and gas startup, he figured why not use those dollars in a product that qualified as an eligible HSA expense.

'There's a whole movement in how can I get the best sleep possible,' said Smart, referring to a vital trend called SleepHastning on social media. 'I want to wake up and feel refreshed, not feel like garbage trying to play catch up all day long.'

Allies

Continued from Page 1A

Kim for some time and appeared to be signaling his doctor to jump start de-nuclearization talks with the hermit nation in his social media parlor.

As part of the 2016 negotiations, Setler said, Kim demanded the United States roll back the joint exercises. In return, North Korea was expected to return from nuclear tests and international ballistic missile launches.

'Some messages have been sent in. Prongyang has not replied. But Trump's had a lot of other things on his plate. He's not necessarily interested in aggressively chasing after Prongyang when there's no evidence that they'll be receptive,' said Setler, the intelligence officer for North Korea at the National Intelligence Council during the Biden administration.

Trump said Aug. 17 that Kim had responded. He did not say when or how the communication occurred, and the White House did not offer details.

The president repeatedly expressed a desire last year to meet with Kim while he was in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit or during a visit to China, where he was a guest of President Xi Jinping this spring.

South Korea, then Prime Minister Kim Min-seok told Trump during the APEC CEO Summit last October. 'I believe that we've been planting good seeds for a better future.'

The two countries are technically still at war over the Korean Peninsula, with neither side declaring defeat since a 2016 scenarios. North Korea's constitution claims the entire peninsula as its own, and North Korea's newly amended constitution categorizes North Korea as a 'horrific state'.

Over the weekend, South Korean President Lee Lee Myung called for talks to end the war. Not long after, Trump posted a photo of 'danned with Kim and said: 'Despite the unfriendly look on this particular picture, there are many where we're ending, Kim Jong Un and I get along (SELECT)'.

Then, on Aug. 16, Trump said the United States was dialing down military exercises with South Korea, which he said was too late to cancel.

'These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual).' he wrote on Truth Social, adding 'but need a squad that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful.'

Trump has always felt that the relationship he built with Kim in his first term, and the United States' alliances

Can you use your HSA?

Because those young adults are often grappling with over of living pressures, many are turning to HSAs as a way to pay for sure or purchase products to bolster their overall health.

HSAs are commonly used among workers who get health insurance through an employer. As of mid-2025, a national survey showed U.S. consumers had 40 million HSAs with 8000 billion in deposits, a 16% margin in savings from a year before.

The results are especially popular among younger generations who estimated the workforce as high-deductible insurance plans became common. About 55% of GSA 2 adults and Millennials have health savings accounts, according to HealthEquity's health care affordability pulse report.

HSAs can save consumers on taxes in three ways: Consumers can accumulate HSA balances through payroll deductions and employer contributions before income taxes. Consumers can invest HSA funds to accumulate tax-free gains. When consumers withdraw funds from an HSA, the proceeds are tax-free if used for qualified expenses.

The IRS details what counts as qualified expenses. Consumers can generally use HSA balances for medical care such as doctor and hospital visits, prescription medications, dental and vision care, menstrual products, mental health services and medical equipment and supplies, according to Plan Scott, HealthEquity's director of compliance.

If consumers want to use HSA balances on exercise equipment, nutrition, or items such as sleep aids, they might need a letter of medical necessity from a doctor before making a purchase. Nutritional supplements might not be an eligible HSA expense unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a diagnosed medical condition, according to Scott.

Before making a purchase, HealthEquity recommends consumers confirm a service or product in HSA-eligible as

detaliated by the IRS or via a letter of medical necessity from a doctor.

What do the experts think?

While some products like a quality mattress can help someone get a better night's rest, sleep medicine experts caution against expecting immediate results from supplements or following trends pitched on social media.

'You have influences and others who are trying to provide medical information for (hate women and)'s because they are not to be a professional,' said Dr. David Kollman, a sleep expert and spokesman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, or AASM.

One popular SleepHastning trend Kollman doesn't endorse - 'aping or placing an adjunct over your mouth to force breathing through your nose. While some smaller studies have explored mouth taping, there's little evidence to suggest it should be standard practice to improve sleep.'

Still, many Americans are looking for ways to get a restful night's sleep. A recent AASM survey found 40% of adults said family responsibilities have a major or moderate impact on their ability to regularly sleep well. The survey said 39% cited job stress, 36% said housing costs, and 35% said work schedules impaired the ability to regularly sleep well.

One in 3 adults get excessive daytime sleepiness, which has been linked to cognitive impairment, work-related accidents, drowsy driving and mental health concerns such as depression, according to the AASM.

AASM recommends the following steps for restful sleep:

• Go to bed when you're sleepy, and wake up at the same time each day.

• Take 30 to 60 minutes before bed to decompose. Avoid screen time, work small and stressful conversations.

• Exercise regularly or stay active to help ease stress, but avoid vigorous workouts right before bed.

• Get a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, grains and protein.

U.S. Army soldiers take part in a U.S.-South Korea river-crossing exercise on March 14, part of the annual Freedom Shield military training near the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South-Korea. DDO-PPDON MAGNITITES

in the region, would make it uniquely possible for him to lead some sort of groundbreaking negotiation, said Alexander Gray, chief of staff at the National Security Council in Trump's first term.

'The president has never changed or devoted from his desire to broken a historic deal that could potentially bring peace to the Korean Peninsula,' Gray said. 'The question is, when would he have the bandwidth, the opportunity - when would the state align for him to pursue that?'

In a statement to USA TODAY, the South Korean Embassy in Washington said it was overloading closely with the United States on the exercises.

It further expressed a desire that 'the friendly relationship between the leaders of the United States and North Korea will lead to meaningful dialogue between them, particularly over by discussions aimed at advancing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.'

Trump believes resolving the isolation of North Korea, and addressing North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons, would be a feather in his cap, Montgomery said.

'We have failed to negotiating in Ukraine. We failed to negotiating with Iran. I think we're going to find the Data deal (Sib agent,' he said). 'The last thing we need is to begin serious negotiations,' I denied U.S. North Korea's serious negotiations, that put the security of Japan and South Korea at risk.'

Asked about Kim in the Oval Office on Aug. 17, Trump brought up the amount of money the United States spends on protecting South Korea and its earlier allegations that South Korea refused to help him with Iran.

'I called him, I said: 'Would you like to give us a little hand? We don't need help with Iran, but if you'd like, give us a

hand with Iran.' He said, 'No thanks,' Trump said, referring to the South Korean president.

Trump said he told Lee: 'We have 39,000 soldiers over there, guarding you, from Kim Jong Un, your next-door neighbor, and you're not going to help us on a very easy military operation in fact.' That's strange.

According to a letter for International Policy study released in July, the U.S. government spends $5.5 billion to $6 billion a year on bases and forces in South Korea.

Gray, the former chief of staff on the National Security Council, said that whether it's in Europe, Asia or the Middle East, the framework is changing for what American allies should expect to put into the partnership on they can receive U.S. military support and favorable trade terms. 'If you're going to get all those things, there needs to be an expectation that when the United States undertakes a major military campaign or undertakes a major initiative globally, that the allies who are supposedly closest to us and benefit the most from the security underalls step up and contribute, even in small ways,' he said.

In its statement, the South Korean government said it had actively participated in discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire in Iran and reopening the 30th of 40 terms and was closely consulting with the United States on ways to contribute militarily.

As of 2024, South Korea spent roughly $47.8 billion, or 2.6%, of its gross domestic product on defense. It has committed to boosting that amount to 3.5%. Last year, South Korea also committed to spending $25 billion on U.S. military equipment. By 2030 and pledged to spend $45 billion to support American forces stationed on the peninsula.

---

NEWS

USA TODAY | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 | 5A

Trump votes by mail in FL primary

Joey Garrison USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida's Republican primary, according to the White House, even as he calls against mail-in voting as an "inbowsdy corrupt" method that is akin to cheating.

Trump returned his mail ballot on Aug. 13 for the Aug. 26 Florida Republican primary, which features the GOP gubernatorial primary that includes Trump-backed candidate Rep. Byron Donalds.

Politics first reported on Trump casting a mail-in ballot in Florida, the president's home state, by citing voting records from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. USA TODAY was unable to access the president's Palm Beach County records online. A search tool said Trump's voting records were "protected from public disclosure."

Trump has voted by mail in the past, including in March for a Florida state House special election. This time comes as Trump is urging the Senate to pass the SAFE America Act, which would limit mail ballots to voters either in the military, disabled, traveling or with illnesses preventing them from voting in person.

Olivia Wales, a White House spokeswoman, confirmed Trump voted by mail in the Florida GOP primary, calling it "a nunsbury."

As President Trump has said, the SAFE America Act has commonsense exceptions for Americans to use mail-in ballots for illness, disability, military, or travel – but universal mail-in voting should not be allowed because it's highly susceptible to fraud," Wales said. "As everyone knows, the President is a resident of Palm Beach and participates in Florida elections, but he obviously primarily lives at the White House in Washington, DC."

Trump last week asked the Supreme Court to intervene to fully implement an executive order that seeks to restrict the use of mail-in ballots before the November midterm elections that will decide control of Congress. Trump's order, which was blocked by a judge in Massachusetts, called on states to provide lists of eligible voters who may receive mail ballots. If states did not comply, USPS would refuse to deliver the ballots under the order.

"Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating. I call it mail-in cheating, and we got to do something about it all," Trump said in remarks in Memphis, Tennessee, in March.

Trump lauded similar baseless claims about mail voting ahead of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and the 2024 election he won over Kamala Harris.

Contributing: Reuters

Maryland officials report third bearer attack in three weeks

Michelle Del Rey USA TODAY

A series of bearer attacks has occurred in Maryland over the summer. The latest is the third such attack of the season.

A news release from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources states that Seneca Creek State Park staff received a report of a bearer that attacked and hit a 10-year-old girl who was swimming and wading in a creek on park property on Aug. 3.

The attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. ET while the child was attending summer camp close to the Potomac River. After the bearer hit the child, counselors intervened and the animal escaped into the water.

Family members transported the child to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda due to laceration wounds on her upper leg, the news release states.

Agency staff are searching for the animal and have closed the area where the attack occurred until further notice.

A canoeing group in the same park also reported a bearer attempted to charge one of their hosts.

No injuries were reported in connection with that incident.

USA TODAY has contacted the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for additional information.

13-year-old called 9B after shooting rampage in Michigan

Family calls wounded lone survivor a hero

Thao Nguyen, Keith Matheny and John Wisely USA TODAY NETWORK

A 13-year-old girl, the lone survivor of a shooting spree in rural northern Michigan, called 9B after being shot multiple times and alerted authorities, according to her family and state police.

The girl was discovered at a home in Lake Township in Missaukee County, where three other people were also found dead when troopers arrived on the morning of Aug. 14, Michigan State Police said in a news release. Authorities launched a manhunt for the suspected gunman, who was identified as Chad Hickman, 36, after he fled the scene before troopers arrived.

Investigators believe Hickman killed 6th people in three locations, according to state police. He was later found dead alongside one of the victims near Whitlock Lake.

The girl was taken to a hospital in critical condition but was listed in stable condition on Aug. 15, state police said. Authorities have not released the names of the victims or said how they were connected to the suspect, but a relative identified his daughter and two grandchildren among the victims.

"The world just lost two beautiful people and one is clinging to life," David Everitt wrote on Facebook. "My daughter Amanda and her two beautiful children were shot in their home yesterday."

Everitt later wrote that his granddaughter, despite being shot four times, "still managed to call 9B and identify the shooter." He added: "She is a hero."

State police spokesperson Lt. Ashley Miller told NBC News that the girl "called 9B to report that she had been shot." The suspect fled before authorities arrived at the scene, but investigators were aware of the suspected shooter's identity. Miller said.

USA TODAY resulted out to Michigan State Police for comment.

What happened in the shooting?

Investigators spent Aug. 14 and Aug. 15 processing three crime scenes and piecing together a preliminary timeline, according to state police.

At about 2:40 a.m. on Aug. 14, troopers responded to a home in Lake Township after receiving a report that a 13-year-old girl had been shot, state police said. She was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later was listed in stable condition.

Inside the home, investigators found three people dead: a 45-year-old man; a 40-year-old woman; and a 16-year-old boy, according to state police.

Authorities launched a search for Hickman, which led investigators to a second home in Missaukee County,

The home of suspected mass shooter Chad Hickman on South LaChance Road on Aug. 10 in Missaukee County, Michigan. ©2020 USDAX RECORDS TODAY NETWORK

where a 53-year-old man was found dead.

Authorities later located Hickman's vehicle in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township. There, state police said investigators found Hickman and a 29-year-old woman dead. Evidence at the scene indicated Hickman died by suicide.

Megan Brown, chief communications officer for Munson Healthcare, confirmed on Aug. 16 that Munson Healthcare Gaillard Hospital treated a victim of what she described as a "magic local incident." After being stabilized, the victim was transferred to another facility outside the Munson system.

Small Michigan community rattled

The killings have corroborated through Missaukee County and nearby communities, where many people knew at least one of the victims.

"This is what everybody is talking about," said Mike Davidson, who lives less than 2 miles from the home where three of the killings occurred. "It seems like everybody knew at least one person involved in it. It's really bad an impact. It's led to a lot of scared people."

Records detail suspect's history

Court records show Hickman was convicted of child abuse and was involved in a contentious divorce that included allegations of domestic abuse.

Hickman was charged in January 2024 in Missaukee County with four felonies and five misdemeanors, including assault with intent to do good bodily harm less than murder by strangulation, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and interfering with electronic communications, according to court records.

The misdemeanor charges included domestic violence, three counts of fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

In August 2024, Hickman pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree child abuse and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges as part of the plea agreement, court records show.

He was sentenced to one year in the county jail.

Thao Nguyen reports for USA TODAY Keith Matheny and John Wisely report for the Detroit Free Press

---

6A | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

NEWS

AOC has no regrets going public with egg-freezing plans

She wants family planning to be a focus

Fernando Cervantes Jr.

USA TODAY

Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez says she has no regrets about publicly sharing her decision to freeze her eggs.

The congresswoman from New York point has command on Instagram. Aug. 15 days after reports surfaced that Ocasio-Cortez and her longtime partner, Mary Roberts, had ended their engagement.

"One question that I received earlier is: Do I regret coming out publicly about this due to all of the political negativity and the larger political context, and especially this idea that for me, I'm quite young in my career, especially when it comes to politics, and so, would the

Ocasio-Cortez

backlash around this have any future impact on my career, and do I regret it for those reasons?" she said.

AOC recently opened up about family planning

Ocasio-Cortez's comments came after she publicly revealed she had frozen her eggs.

The 36-year-old Democrat said she wanted to help normalize conversations about family planning and reproductive health, particularly for working women who are balancing career and personal

goals. Later on ABC's "This Week," she said concerns about access to reproductive care under the Trump administration factored into her decision.

"In this political environment where this administration is denying reproductive care to women across the country, from abortion rights to the ability to carry out a healthy pregnancy, I think it's important for us as leaders to have these conversations and share these processes, especially for working women across the country and normalize them."

'More time to make some of these decisions'

Danielle Muffi, CEO of Reedite, a fertility patient advocacy group, told USA TODAY more women are choosing to freeze their eggs than ever before.

"While egg freezing isn't a guarantee,

it does help women feel like they have more time to make some of these decisions," Muffi said.

Though egg freezing is on the rise, some drawbacks include varying pregnancy success rates, financial barriers and minor precordial risks, according to UCLA Health.

Despite those challenges, more women are considering egg freezing because of technological advances, expanded assistance and employee coverage, and a trend toward starting families better and faster. In a reproductive endocrinologist at Illume Fertility.

"Egg quantity and quality decline with age no matter how healthy or fit women are," Reedite said. "More women understand that now, and a growing number of them want to do something about it while they still have the option."

Contributing Meadolwe Mitchell, In re Moniuszko and James Poser

Palisades

Continued from Page 1A

through it and be like, this town is so cute and different, even though they weren't staying there... It wasn't really like, 'Oh, I'm going to the Palisades.' They would find it as a destination to come to dinner, to walk around, to spend the day."

There's still evidence of the fires throughout Palisades, of burned-down structures and empty dirt lots. But its residents have been finding their own ways to heal and define recovery. Now 20 months later, the time has come to reopen doors and start writing a new chapter.

On Aug. 15, the town celebrated a milestone for recovery: the reopening of Palisades Village, the shopping center in the heart of town. Since 2008, the Village has been home to farmers markets and restaurants, serving as a space for community members.

"We believe Palisades Village reopening can serve as a catalyst for the broader recovery of the city - a signal to other businesses, retailers, and families that this community is coming back," Palisades Village CEO Continue Verdery said in a statement.

It has been a difficult journey for members of the Palisades community, but their deep love for their home has them committed to forging ahead. Travelers play a crucial role in the town's recovery when they support the small businesses that give the Palisades its distinctive charm.

"While important work remains, the Palisades has made significant progress in the months since the fires, thanks to the efforts of residents, small businesses, and local leaders working tirelessly to move the community forward," Adam Ruske, president and CEO of LA Tourism, said in a statement. "Visitors continue to play as important role in that recovery by supporting local businesses, helping sustain jobs, and contributing to economic activity across Los Angeles."

Community comes together

The fires are still surreal to Michelle Murphy, who was born in the San Fernando Valley but moved to the Palisades 21 years ago. Murphy and her family lost their home and all their belongings to the flames. Starting over felt overwhelming.

"Unless you've lived it, you cannot even imagine what it does to yourself to lose," she said. "It's not the possessions."

It's like years of building a life and knowing that this is where my kids go to school, and this is where I go to get my groceries, and just the basics of your life that you've created without even consciously creating those habits and patterns, of all of a sudden, like, boom, that doesn't exist anymore." She remembers going to the store and not knowing where to even begin buying the basic necessities for her family.

In the immediate aftermath of the first, Murphy said the community came together to donate supplies to people in need. Her family said that halfway closer "CVS" for the rows of basics like dental floor.

To this day, she'll be reminded of her love when she looks for something and realizes it's not there because of the fires.

After months of bouncing around in rentals, the family purchased a house in Chervix Hills, about 25 minutes from Palisades, and associated it to look nearly identical to the home that burned down. But it's still not home, and they're putting it up for sale - even planning to take a love - so they can return to Palisades.

Murphy isn't the only one who feels this way. In a January 2026 report by the

Empty lots and new homes under construction dot the landscape in Pacific Palisades, California, in January after a wildfire a year before killed more than 30 people in the area and destroyed thousands of homes. JOHN DIELESTANNY VIA GETTY IMAGES

Michelle Murphy's love for Palisades led her to take a leap by opening her first retail store, Pali Trading Post. PROVIDED BY MICHELLE MURPHY

Amy Russo, left, and Michelle Good lost their jewelry store. Observed, in the flames. Now, Russo says, it's time for a "rebirth." PROVIDED BY ANN RICHIE

nonprofit Department of Angola, 88% of Palisades fire victims said they wanted to rebuilt their home. But insurance claims have been shagged, with nearly 8 in 30 of insurance policyholders having "serious challenges" with their insurers.

Progress for many residents has been slow. More than 635 Palisades homes were destroyed in the fires, and in of Aug. 12, there are 123 building permits issued and only one home fully rebuilt, according to the Los Angeles County Recovery Dashboard.

The devastation scared off tourists, despite many other parts of Los Angeles' West Side remaining open, On the border between Palisades and Santa Monica since 1989 is the Channel Road Inn. On the morning of Jan. 7, 2025, all guests and staff were evacuated as the

Tips to visit Palisades responsibly

• Every dollar counts. Spending at local businesses directly supports the owners and employees of Palisades. It can be as simple as grabbing lunch after a hike, or picking up a souvenir on your way home. 'Every meal, every purchase, every visit supports businesses who have spent months fighting to come back,' Mims said. 'Their support strengthens local businesses and contributes to the vitality of the entire community.'

• Spread the word. Palisades businesses need as much help as possible right now to stay afloat, and support doesn't have to be through a "relocation." If you want to a position to buy or eat, word of mouth - tell a friend about a cute shop that you are somewhere, or post about it on your social media and just give a little bit of exposure," Murphy said. 'Any little bit helps. At the end of the day that's what keeps all the doors open.'

• Focus on the position. As you drive around Palisades and see the remnants of the devastation, it's a reminder that recovery is not over and sensitivity to what happened will go a long way. Many people are still working through their trauma and struggling with insurance payouts. 'There are people that I've met that have to come back to their homes, and they're not ready to come back,' said Russo. Don't gank at the loss, and focus on supporting those trying to rebuild their community.

flames approached the hotel property's northern side. Firefighters stopped the fire from damaging the hotel, but it remained closed for 65 days because of evacuation orders, street closures and water concerns.

As residents dealt with displacement and their own trauma, the inn was quiet. 'Being closed for more than nine weeks bit out bottom line hard, but the bigger battle came in the months that followed,' said Tamara Mims, CEO and president of Four Sisters Issue, parent company to the Channel Road Inn. 'Once reopened, we still faced an uphill climb, because so many travelers were actively avoiding the entire arm, whether or not their destinations had actually been touched by the fire.'

It wasn't until February - 15 months

after the fire - that occupancy numbers hit normal levels. 'That gap between perception and reality has been the hardest thing to overcome, because it directly affects the small businesses, restaurants and into like ours that depend on visitors coming back,' Mims said.

A resolve born of the fire

Murphy's move back to Palisades isn't the only risk she's taking for the town that holds her heart. Her career background is in advertising - "strong her own agony - but she just took the leap to open her first retail store in July 2026. 'I have no experience whatsoever,' she said. 'This is completely created and born from the fire, like 100%.'"

The idea came to Murphy last December when she began to worry about the fate of Palisades, that it would be rebuilt by big corporations and lose its beloved small town character unless residents themselves stepped up.

Rented in love and pride for Palisades, Murphy's gift shop, Pali Trading Post, a stocked with facade that supported fire victims so items made by community members, like hanging artwork made by a Palisades artist who lost her studio in the fires.

Her venture has also given her a new sense of purpose. 'It's the best therapy,' she said. 'Like there is no medical therapy that could do for me, like heal me the way having this store has healed me.'

The new retailers elected to reviving Palisades and the reopened Palisades Village made new spaces for tourists and residents alike to gather - helping inject life back into the town.

Roses were this time as a "rebirth." Her and business partner Michelle Good's jewelry store, Observed, was burned in the fire, and insurance didn't cover the loss of the jewelry inventory. They took their business online for a while but missed a brick-and-mortar space where they could connect with customers face-to-face. They're opening a new retail store called Palisades General Store on Sept. 19. It will still have Observed jewelry but also will evolve to sell other types of goods.

'I look at things in a different way, like [the fires] brought us so much closer to our community,' Russo said. Although she acknowledges many people are still working through the trauma and overcoming insurance challenges to rebuild, she's focusing on the position. 'I keep reminding them, I'm like, but you're here, and we're moving on, and it's going to be better than ever.'

---

NEWS

USA TODAY | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 | 7A

OPINION

WHAT TO COMMENT?

We're an American USA TODAY Sponsor and Instagram and it @wadesdaysprint. You can also comment directly on entire volumes.

I had postpartum psychosis. It's now on trial.

Dr. Barbara Decker Director, U.S. Health

My story was silent and I'm scream in the middle of the night.

Two months after I delivered my daughter, I stopped trusting the world around me – and then my own mind I was afraid to say if not loud. I am a neurologist, but illness does not agree those who study it.

Today, I feel like I'm still screaming, not for myself this time, but for other mothers.

In a Massachusetts courtroom, a jury must decide whether postpartum psychosis overtook Lindsay Clancy's mind when her three children were killed in 2023. But the deeper question extends far beyond this verdict.

Clancy's defense suits on postpartum psychosis, yet the diagnosis manual that American psychiatry rules upon does not recognize it as its own diagnosis. Instead, postpartum psychosis remains folded into broader mood disorders despite growing evidence that it is biologically distinct.

System failed Clancy to go before trial on the deaths of her children

She sought care repeatedly. She saw multiple clinicians. She was prescribed more than a dozen medications.

That failure is not because postpartum psychosis is controversial. It is because our diagnostic framework has not kept pace with the science.

Many of the world's leading experts recently argued in the scientific journal Biological Psychiatry that postpartum psychosis is one of psychiatry's most biologically distinct illnesses. They called for it to become its own diagnosis. They also noted that, ironically, an insanity defense often depends on a formal diagnosis, while postpartum psychosis still lacks one.

A diagnosis is more than a label. It determines what physicians are taught to recognize, what researchers study, what insurers cover and how quickly patients receive treatment.

Lindsay Clancy at her trial in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on Aug. 17. A jury will decide whether postpartum psychosis overtook Clancy when her three children were killed in 2023. (AREA) MARKET IN PATIENT LABORATORY TODAY NETWORK VIA REUTERS CONNECT

Postpartum psychosis can ignite within days of birth, though not every mother follows the textbook timeline. When it strikes, it is a medical emergency. Too often it is misdiagnosed and immunized. Our health system cannot reliably recognize an illness that our diagnostic system still fails to distinguish.

Imagine the child you wanted most in the world. Then imagine that weeks after the arrives, you look at her and cannot tell which or she is real or an object.

This is not weakness, nor evil. It is an illness in the brain. The woman this happens to is someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's mother. She could be someone you love.

I nearly died giving birth to my second daughter and was eventually diagnosed with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychosis.

I'm a neurologist married to a neuro-surgeon, but even as a physician, I could not recognize it as myself.

What save I too wasn't tonight. It was across. Recovery in this country depends too much on geography, timing

and chance. Chance should not be the backbone of a health system.

Postpartum psychosis might be rare, but untried of maternal mental illness is not. About 1 in 5 mothers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, making these conditions the most common complication of childbirth.

We know what works

Mental illness is now the leading cause of maternal death in the first year after pregnancy, and most of those deaths are preventable.

Now ask where a mother incision can actually go.

Fewer than 40 intensive perinatal psychiatric programs exist nationwide, and almost no hospital car admit a mother with her baby together.

For most families, specialized care is hours away, or nowhere at all.

The program that treated it is shown a better future is possible. We know what works: Recognize postpartum psychosis as its own diagnosis. Screen mothers

throughout the first postpartum year, not only at the six-week visit. Expand specialized mother-baby treatment programs so recovery depends on care rather than luck.

Something in no breaks when I know these children are gone, and nothing will soften that.

Still, it breaks again for their mother, and for every woman carrying this illness in silence. A court will decide in no sense to get it. What I'm not of no one is compassion.

I am not here because I was stronger than any other mother. I am here because someone recognized what I could not, while there was still time. Every mother deserves that chance. Until our diagnostic system catches up with the science and our health system known to recognize this illness before tragedy, we will keep screaming.

Dr. Anthony "Bolder" Decker is an adult epidemiologist at Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her work focuses on women's neurology across the reproductive lifespan.

ICE has become a rogue agency. Law enforcement must speak up.

David Myers

Federal agents who killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston on July 7 were not looking for him.

The Department of Homeland Security says its agents spent weeks surveilling a different address after a tip from a law enforcement partner, and had noted two white cars parked there. On the morning of the shooting, agents heading back toward that address saw a white van and thought the driver "reversed the target." They stopped it. The driver was found in Araujo, 52 – a Mexican father of three American citizens, an criminal record, decades in this country, no relationship to their investigation. Within minutes an agent shot him.

BHS has not said who do agree were actually looking for, whether that person was ever found or whether Salgado Araujo's van was even one of the two vehicles agents had watched for weeks. When The Texas Tribune asked directly, BHS declined to answer.

An agency that spent weeks preparing an operation still did a stranger driving coworkers to a construction site – and won't explain how it happened.

Less than a week later, the pattern repeated itself.

On July 15, an immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Biddeford, Maine, who had killed John Johnston-Duran Guerrero. The 25-year-old Colombian man was smittened to work in this country, driving to his job as he did every morning. BHS again said he wasn't the intended target.

Neither shooting has body camera footage, because BHS still doesn't re-

quire its agent's to wear them in the field. Two men. Two mornings. Two commutes ended by an agency that couldn't tell them apart from someone else.

BHS' answer to two dead men who weren't even the right men was not to slow down. It was two press releases, each filed by her in the evidence was in, each using the same description: a "weaponized" vehicle.

But the vehicle damage points the other way. Witnesses and photographs show bullet holes in Duran Guerrero's car, and body damage to Salgado Araujo's van consistent with having been struck by ICE vehicles, not the reverse. There was no independent video. Only grieving families and a federal narrative the facts don't support.

Only after the second killing did ICE order agents to pause most vehicle stops nationwide – the agency's own admission, it its own conduct, that it cannot yet run this operation safely. Border car Tom Homan has already called that paper, 'a short term review.'

What more than three decades in law enforcement taught me

I spent 35 years in law enforcement, retiring as a commander at the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

I have investigated officer-involved shootings.

I have taught use of force. I now serve as a civil rights expert witness in federal and state litigation.

I write this next sentence with the full weight of that experience. What happened to: Incision and its Biddeford is the predictable output of a federal agency that is the first training, the oversight and the settled mission of a real law enforcement organization.

According to a New York Times analysis published July 8, immigration agents have shot at, or shot, at least

A vigil in Houston on Aug. 7 for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, a month after he was fatally shot by an immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. HINAGI/STONENT/UNITY IMAGES

23 people since January 2025. As a result, six people, including three U.S. citizens, have been killed, with nearly every fatal case involving officers firing at people in vehicles.

Buster Good in Minneapolis, killed. Alex Perrin in Minneapolis, killed. Julie Rosa-Colin in Minneapolis, and in the leg – the agent who fired on him was later criminally charged after a medical exam refuted his sworn account.

New Salgado Araujo and Duran Guerrero, six days and roughly 1,000 miles apart, both the wrong men. When the script exists before the evidence does, the process is corrupt.

ICE was built after 9/8 for combatting counterterrorism and too emotional crimes. It is now running down-to-down civil immigration operations with no rigorous, unanalyzed use-of-time training regime, no independent civilian oversight of shooting, a convenient body camera requirement and no coherent mission flow.

That is not law enforcement. That is a militia with a badge.

And the rot is spreading.

The FBI now carries roughly 40% of the Department of Justice's diverted immigration workload. Drug Enforcement Administration agents have been pulled off cartel and fentanyl investigations. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was gutted while extremist violence rose. Joint terrorism took forces – which every serious local police department, mine included, has staffed for two decades – have been repurposed.

Every third and sheriff whose officers still sit at these tables is now professionally attacked to a federal enforcement culture that is producing dead people on neighborhood streets and outside their own front doors. Where is the local position?

How law enforcement responds speak volumes

In Houston, the police department publicly declared that there was "nothing that we can do" with a killing on its own streets. In Minneapolis, elected officials went the other disorders – Hennepin County has criminally charged federal agents this year, local prosecutors claiming jurisdiction over crimes committed in their community.

The Emergency Clause has limits, and those limits exist for exactly this moment.

Every silent chief, every silent sheriff, every silent command officer in this country is teaching the profession that some killings do not count. They are wrong. The public sees it. The families see it. History will see it.

Believe your eyes. Not federal press releases. Silence is not neutrality – silence is authorization.

David Myers, a retired commander of the San Diego Sheriff's Office, is a civil rights and police accountability expert witness.

USA TODAY

"USA TODAY hopes to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation." – Allen H. Neuberth, Founder, Sept. 15, 1982

Chairman and CEO

USA TODAY Co.

Michael Reed

Chief Financial Officer

USA TODAY Co.

Trisha Gesser

President

USA TODAY Media

Kristin Roberts

Senior Vice President

USA TODAY

Monica Richardson

Vice President of News

USA TODAY

Jamie Stockwell

Vice President of Multimedia

USA TODAY

Michael McCarter

---

NEWS

addressUSA

Looking to

Make a Move? Find Your Dream Home Here.

Call, Scan, or Visit

888-620-8813

addressUSA.com

Scan to discover your dream home and start your journey.

---

MONEY

USA TODAY | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020 | SECTION 8

Get more automotive content online at usatoday.com/cars

Find more articles on trends, recalls and news, plus how-to videos and new model galleries.

You can check the headlines from your home state or city

We survey and compile the top news stories from all 50 states plus Washington, DC. Page 38

REVIEW

Mercedes' new EV can go a long way

Top CLA's EPA-rated range is 374 miles

Mark Phelan

Detroit Free Press USA TODAY NETWORK

The number of new electric vehicles hitting the market plummeted when the U.S. government pulled the plug on support for the auto industry's adoption of EVs a year ago, but the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric would be a winner no matter how many fresh competitors it faced.

Exciting performance and handling, driving range that looks like a type, and clean elegant styling make the CLA the best new sedan or coupe I've driven this year - regardless of drive-train: electric, hybrid or solely internal combustion.

Speaking of which, Mercedes understands that EVs aren't right for everybody. A hybrid CLA will go on sale shortly. Also coming in the CLA compact SUV, which also will have both electric and hybrid models.

The new Mercedes Modular Architecture underpins the new CLA, GLA and GLR, another small SUV.

The CLA won me over completely during a recent weeklong evaluation. I look forward to getting acquainted with its siblings.

The CLA 250+ Electric by the numbers

The CLA is a compact sport sedan. Built on a new architecture, it has notably more passenger space than previous generation ICE (internal combustion engine) CLA.

Prices start at $47,950 for a rear-drive model with a single electric motor. All prices exclude $1,350 destination charge.

Rear-drive models are called CLA 250+ Electric because a single motor on their rear side generates 240 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.

See VERTICALS, Page 28

The exterior of a 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ on July 28 in Detroit.

JUSTIN MAN/USA TODAY NETWORK

The 2027 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label is a midsize SUV built in China.

Tariffs lead Ford to build more in U.S.

CEO explains why company pulling Lincolns from China

Jamie L. LaReau Detroit Free Press/USA TODAY NETWORK

Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley said the automaker's decision to move production of its Lincoln Nautilus midsize SUV from China to the United States by the end of the decade was not made lightly, and it centered on two big considerations: Ford will design all-new Lincoln vehicles in the next few years and the present economic burden of tariffs on Ford.

Also, Farley said in an exclusive interview with the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, that with quality improving in Ford's U.S. manufacturing facilities, it was a good time to make the move. On June 25, Ford was ranked No. 1 among mainstream brands on the JD Power's Initial Quality Survey.

"We now have the confidence that we can compete with Genesis or Lexus imported outside the U.S. We made a lot of progress," Farley told the Detroit Free Press. "Now, we're fully confident that we can make these Lincolns in the U.S. and be fully competitive with the global standard that we see for the luxury business."

Analysts, meanwhile, said the decision to move Lincoln production offers Ford the chance to relaunch the luxury brand with a big splash.

"With new models due to hit showrooms around the 2018 model year, Lincoln has a unique opportunity to relaunch the brand in spectacular fashion," Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at Auto-

Forecast Solutions, said "Lincoln has always lagged behind the major players in terms of volume even with a range of excellent products."

The changes coming

The Dearborn-based automaker announced Aug. 12 that starting in 2030, it will increase the production of Lincoln vehicles in the United States, creating thousands of jobs in the process. It means Ford will stop importing the Nautilus, which it makes in China.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press on Aug. 12, Farley declined to specify which U.S. plants would get the

See FARLEY, Page 28

Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley walks near a Ford Mustang GTD display at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, California on Aug. 12 during Monterey Car Week. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FORD MOTOR CO.

"Just like Ford, the Lincolns are made in our North America plants and the quality is going from like 23rd to first in initial quality."

Jim Farley CEO of Ford

Washing your car by hand is a good practice

Keith Laing

USA TODAY

Summer is winding down, but you may still want your car looking good before the season ends.

With new car prices approaching $50,000, many owners want to keep their vehicles looking their best for years to come.

According to Consumer Reports, "frequent washing is also the best way to maintain a new car finish and detect blemishes and other potential issues, such as rust or loosening trim." The website said washing a car by hand can also be therapeutic for some drivers.

The USA TODAY Cars team looked at Consumer Reports tips for handwashing to make sure you don't accidentally damage your vehicle.

1. Choose the right soap

Consumer Reports said owners should avoid household cleaning agents

such as hand soap or dishwashing detergent on car exteriors because they are not formulated for car paint and could strip off the protective wax that is on most cars.

Instead, Consumer Reports recom-

According

to Consumer

Reports,

"frequent

washing is also

the best way

to maintain a

new car finish

and detect

blemishes and

other potential

issues, such as

rust or loosening

trim."

CITIZENS TODAY

NETWORK

2. Don't wash your car when the exterior is hot

It's already hot outside. Don't make it worse by washing your car while its body is still hot.

Consumer Reports advises against washing a car immediately after driving or after it has been parked in direct sunlight because heat can cause soap and water to dry too quickly, leaving behind spots and deposits.

3. Use a separate sponge to clean the tires

Your tires do your car's dirty work. They're rolling on roads nobody would consider clean enough to eat off.

So don't use the same sponge on your car's paint that you put on the wheels. Consumer Reports said tires may be coated with sand and other debris that could mar your car's finish.

See CAR WASH, Page 28

---

28 | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

MONEY

Mercedes

Continued from Page 18

All-wheel-drive CLAAs go by CLA 350 4Matic Electric. '4Matic' is Mercedes-peak for 80ft. The CLA 350 has a motor on each axle for 349 hp and 380 pound fuel.

CLA 350 4Matic prices start at $50,000.

I tested a very well-equipped rear-drive CLA 250+ that strained at $65,500.

• Options on my test car included:
• AMG Line package.
• Night package.
• 19-inch range optimized summer tires.
• Burmester audio.
• CCS charging adapter.
• Sky Control dimmable fixed glass roof.
• 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels.
• AMG black and red MB Tax interior.

You haven't seen this in an EV before

Unlike most EVs, the CLA has a multi-speed automatic transmission. Mounted on the rear axle, it has two gears and helps the car achieve both high efficiency and exciting acceleration. Nearly all EVs have a single-speed transmission. They don't need multiple gear ratios because electric motors produce full torque as soon as they start, unlike internal combustion engines that need to rev up to generate peak output.

The transmission adds some complexity, but pays off in exciting performance and impressive range and energy efficiency.

I expect we'll see more EVs adopting multiapeed transmissions as the technology matures and competition intensifies.

The motor on the 350's front axle has a single-speed direct drive, like the motors in nearly all other EVs.

2027 Mercedes CLA Electric trim levels and prices

• CLA 250+ Electric: $47,950
• CLA 350 4Matic Electric: $50,500 Note: All prices exclude $1,250 decri-nation charge!

Jaw-dropping range

Thanks to the transmission, special tires and other genders, the top CLA's EVs rated driving range on a charge is a whopping 70% miles from a relatively modest 35 kW battery.

My loaded test car was rated at 317 miles because of summer tires and other features. Based on my work driving, I'd guess all but the heaviest-footed

The steering wheel and the dashboard of a 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+. PHOTO BY AUSTIN MIKULSKY TAKER NETWORK

The interior of a 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+.

drivers will do considerably better. Mercedes is cautious with its range figures.

Charging is fast, thanks to an 800-volt electricist architecture. The CLA can charge at up to 320 kW. That allows the battery to go from 35% to 80% range in as little as 22 minutes, or 200 miles range in 10 minutes.

My CLA's projected range consistently exceeded the EPA projection.

Driving impressions

As you'd hope, the CLA 250+ Electric drives like a small German sport sedan. The steering is quick and responsive. Excellent road holding, in part thanks to '39-inch range optimized summer tires'. That's a new one on me, but they work, with plenty of grip and less cabin noise than I'm accustomed to from summer tires.

The brakes are confident, easy to modulate and - unlike many previous MB EVs - offer one-petal driving for max

energy regeneration when decelerating. Passenger ropes is good, particularly fast leg room. Bear seat ingress and egress has improved markedly from the previous CLA, which felt to me like a closed-head injury waiting to happen.

The 10.5-calibr-foot rear trunk is small but usable. It's complemented by a 14-calibr-foot front trunk - where the engine will go in the hybrid.

Attractive synthetic black and red MB Tax material covers the doors and seats. It's comfortable and easy to clean.

The instrument panel features three separate screens under a single car-wide pane of glass: 10.25-inch instrument chutes, 14-inch primary touch screen in the middle and 14-inch passenger touch screen.

2027 Mercedes CLA Electric key features

• Electric power
• 85 kW usable power battery
• 5 kW 25-burging port
• 320 kW max charging
• 800+ electrical architecture
• Rear or all-wheel drive
• Two-speed automatic transmission on rear axle
• EPA rated driving range up to 374 miles
• Heat pump
• Adaptive front lighting system
• 600-watt, 16-speaker Burmester audio

What could be better?

• A fixed glass sunroof stretches above

the passenger compartment. My car had the optional Sky Control glass with tinting that can be transformed from clear to opaque. You also can make portions of the roof clear or opaque. The tinting and thermal insulation are more effective than I've found in many cars with full-calibr sunroofs, but the glass panel still got hot in the touch on summer days. (Wouldn't a $50,000 sticker price cover a fabric shade?)

Some touch screen is one are counter-irritative. Why are the discloths for ambient lighting and interior design. Bumpers features 40-inch in a folder called 'apple' rather than under the car-shaped icon for vehicle features? Some automakers seem to think a button for gaps makes them seem cool and contemporary. I think features that are easy to find and use are cool and contemporary.

Why can't Mercedes's virtual assistant tell me how to adjust vehicle features like those?

Why buy a 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric?

Project electric vs. internal combustion. The 2027 CLA 250+ Electric is the best new car I've driven this year, and a strong contender for the best compact sport sedan, period.

2027 Mercedes-Benz 250+ Electric at a glance

• Compact electric sport sedan

• Rear or all-wheel-drive hybrid or electric luxury sedan

• Seats 5

• 874 on sale now. Hybrid sales begin summer 2026.

• Rear price: $47,900. All prices exclude $1,350 destination charge.

• Model tested: 2027 CLA 250+ Electric (8900)

• Price as tested: $61,530

• Power: Single electric motor on rear axle

• Output: 268 hp, 248 pound-feet of torque

• Gas estimated battery range: Up to 374 miles

• Transmission: Two-speed automatic

• Battery size: 85 kW usable

• Maximum charging speed: DC 320 kW AC 9.6 kW

• Charging time: DC 30%-60% in 22 minutes

• 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds (estimate)

• Tap speed: 200 mph
• Wheelbase: 309.8 inches
• Length: 365.9 inches
• Width: 73 inches (79 with mirrors)
• Height: 375 inches
• Passenger space: NA
• Cargo space: $2.7 cubic feet (30.3 rear trunk; 1.4 front)
• Cash weight: 4,553 pounds
• Assembled: Rastatt, Germany

Farley

Continued from Page 18

extra Lincoln production or where the added plus socialized. He also declined to specify any changes to Lincoln's line-up of vehicles other than to consider that Lincoln will design all-new vehicles in the next few years.

'We won't want to be specific. We want to talk to the United Automobile Workers' about the specifics first,' Farley said. 'Don't would say, just the employment for moving high-volume Lincoln models to the U.S., obviously, will be thousands of}fans for people.'

In the States, Lincoln sells three vehicles: the million Nautilus and Aniator SUVs and the Navigator Saps SUV. It had also sold the compact SUV, Corsair, but discontinued it and the Ford Escape in December. These two vehicles had been built at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky but Ford is retooling that plant to start making an all-electric million pickup called Fathom these early in 2027.

Ford currently builds the Nautilus, its two new SUVs, at its plant in Hangzhou, China, and sells the vehicle in North America and China. Ford also builds the million luxury sedan, Lincoln Z, in China through its unique Ford joint venture. It is sold only in China.

Forced, and had a reimagined lineup built in the United States will allow Lincoln to capture a new buyer.

'A convergence of new vehicles arriving in a 12-month period opens the door to introduce Lincoln to a new generation of buyers, making it an alternative to the better known players,' Fawcett said.

Showcasing redeveloped luxury SUVs and possibly new models, Fawcett said, gives Lincoln 'a chance to move up the ranks of luxury brands, if harnessed properly.'

The making of the decision

Farley said Ford's decision to move Lincoln production to the States took a year and it was brought on by the idea of giving Lincoln an all-new designed line-up - which costs a lot of money in terms of retooling plants and securing suppliers - as well as considering the economy in impact from President Donald Trump's tariffs.

'The Trump administration came in and they were very crystal clear to us that they want, even the most American company like Ford, in terms of production, to build more in the U.S.,' Farley said. 'When they put in the tariffs on automotive, in some cases, they're 50-plus percent higher on those vehicles we're importing (from China), very quickly it became obvious to us that we have to make a tough choice here.'

In March 2025, Trump put 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles and our parts. There were already some tariffs in place on experts from China, which is why the additional 25% tariff could add up to more than a 50% tariff an importer

must pay. A tariff is a tax an importer pays to bring a good over a border. For Ford, its total tariffs amounted to a roughly $2 billion expense last year.

Farley said the Lincoln production move was a tough choice also, in part, because under former USA data-Midally and with Farley's input at the time, Ford refunds that Lincoln in China in 2014 and started manufacturing them in March 2020 at the Changes Ford joint venture factory. 'We decided to position Lincoln on an American brand. For concept was to have American vehicles, like Navigaz, too, sold in China and that allowed us to have one model for both markets,' Farley said. 'It didn't make sense for us to have the same model built in the U.S. and in China. Our quality in China was excellent and... because there were no tariffs, we decided to save money in a way and took up our new or two Lincoln in China, just like GM did with Bruck and other companies did.'

Ford eventually shifted to build the Nautilus in China for sale in the United States and the vehicle is the brand's top seller. In the second quarter, Lincoln sold 10,500 Nautilus vehicles, up 6.4% from the year-ago quarter. It was the strongest second quarter ever for the nameplate and nearly two-thirds of the buyers were compact buyers - those buyers who had previously purchased other premium utility brands.

A new Nautilus

Farley said his team considered the

high cost of tariffs and the fact that vehicle quality in its U.S. plants was 'getting so much more competitive,' so 'why don't we localize (production) because essentially, it will make more sense' So that's what we've done.'

When asked whether Ford plans to dramatically rebuying the Nautilus, Farley again declined to be specific about models, but he said Ford will be investing in a 'pretty more-charge for Nautilus.'

On Aug. 13, Ford put out a media release outlining some of the design changes to the 2027 Nautilus saying it will have a bold new face, more opportunities for personalization and initiative technology designed to make every drive feel more effective, personal and interactive. 'It will also have a more detailed gills, a redesigned hood and offer buyers several wheel options and new exterior paint colors, Ford said.'

Farley said Ford's improving quality story helped make the decision to move your decision to the United States easier.

'Just like Ford, the Lincolus are made in our North America plants and the quality is going from like 23rd to first in initial quality,' Farley said. 'There is four years ago, when we were making those kind of choices, that was less clear. We were working really hard. I love the fact that Ford's quality story is better and we might say that we have two years or four years. The good news is that we've landed pretty well, but it is the first inning of a nine-inning game. You're never done with quality.'

Car wash

Continued from Page 18

4. Move the sponge in straight lines

Car owners of a certain age may be familiar with the phrase 'was on, was off' from 'The Santee Kid.' It turns out, Mr. Miyagi's instructions for his stu-

dent, Daniel, in the classic movie are a bit off.

Consumer Reports said that moving the sponge in circles can create 'light but noticeable scratches' that are called swirl marks. Also, don't keep using a sponge after it is designed on the ground, the magazine recommends.

5. Rinse before washing

Any good wash should start with a

thorough rinse. That's true for human bodies and cars.

Consumer Reports recommends thoroughly rinsing a car first to remove loose dirt and dilute that could cause scratches. If you have one, use an adjusted-lose nozzle. Otherwise, a bucket of water works, too.

6. Use soft towels for drying

Consumer Reports said that air dry-

ing your car will leave watermarks caused by minerals in hard water. Also, drying with an abrasive towel could leave hairline scratches, the organisms instead. The best source is to use a natural or synthetic chamber cloth or soft ivory towel and blot the water instead of dragging the towel across the paint. Consumer Reports said. The group said the drying process can be sped up by using a soft sponge to remove water from the vehicle's body.

---

MONEY

USA TODAY ■ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 ■ 38

50 States

News from across the USA

ALABAMA Montgomery: A New York City man has been sentenced for his role in a debt-cured scheme that an illusions say resulted in more than $324,000 in losses in the River Region area. On Aug. 12, Eric Hendrix Shuler was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison on charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, said Thomas Govan, United States attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

ALASKA Juneau: Gov. Mike Dunleavy permitted an omnibus agriculture bill that names the giant cabbage the Alaska state vegetable, KTOG reported.

ARIZONA Phoenix: School district in rural Asheville, June Procord to the reservations in Pima County, have begun including affordable housing in teachers' contracts to help fill classrooms.

ARKANSAS Little Rock: More than $3,400 residents in Arkansas and Crawford counties, enrolled in Arkansas' AHMHMS Medicaid expansion program, are expected to continue receiving health coverage beyond Jan. 1, 2027, even as federal officials move away from renewing the program in its current form.

COLORADO Denver: A new study adds to the picture of Colorado's roads being among the least safe in the country. Colorado has the 14th most dangerous roads for drivers in the nation, according to the study by Renick Asawulake, a Detroit personal injury law firm.

CONNECTICUT East Windsor: Police said a man in its custody after his 3-year-old son died after being left alone in a car Aug. 30, WFSB reported. Kevin Pol was arrested and charged with risk of injury to a minor and in currently being held on a $1 million bond, according to the news outlet.

DELAWARE Beaver: Arkansas is no longer alerting the public such time water testing at ocean beaches indicates bacteria levels exceed the delivery threshold.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washing-bau: Crows are Every making sure all 37 schools across the DC Public Schools district are ready for the students' return on Aug. 24, DC News New reported.

FLORIDA Jacksonville: The first phase of UT Health St. Johns' new health and wellness campus at Durbin Park, including a $265 million, 99-bed hospital, is expected to open by late September.

GEORGIA Watkinsville: Battillon, a Georgia-based outdoor and survival company, will host the 2020 Battil Games Sept. 19-20 at the Georgia Basketball property in Watkinsville. The two-day competition will feature 30 contractors from across the United States competing as a series of survival-flamed challenges for a $22,000 grand prize.

HAVRE Honolulu: The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division is urging residents to file insurance claims for damage to homes, which said personal property is not to be possible. Hawaii/NewsNew reported. The department also said residents should request a claim number and confirm filing in documentation submission deadlines, the news outlet reported.

IDAHO Boise: Money raised from the sale of the Idaho Women Veterans Medallions will go toward the "continued" pay plan to increase of two state veteran cemeteries, Idaho Capital Sun reported. According to the news outlet, Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries recently received a $47,475 check from Julie Ellsworth, state treasurer.

ILLINOIS Chautauqua: INEOS Styoo-helton announced it will close to polystyrene facility in Chautauqua. The company plans to lay off 94 employees, according to information submitted to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, between Sept. 4 and Dec. 18, according to a WARN report.

INDIANA Muncie: Acculuck Systems Corp. has been named to the Inc. 5000 San Francisco, the fastest-growing private companies for the fifth consecutive time. The recognition by Inc. magazine is part of its annual catalog of privately owned businesses across the United States with the strongest three-year revenue growth, according to a community announcement.

HIGHLIGHT: CALIFORNIA

California Tortioushed butterflies spend summer at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photostats: via cartoons, from camera.

Mineral: It's a mid-summer black and orange butterfly bonanza on Lassen Peak. California Tortioushed butterflies are filling the air — after eating their fill — in Lassen Volcanic National Park. "Tortiousheds are seen in high numbers on type of peaks such as Lassen Peak," the National Park Service said. "Summer breeding takes place in early migration when migrant females lay eggs on new buds of the high-altitude Canadians such as tobacco beard and snowbeads." Hikers reported massive numbers of butterflies on Lassen Peak in late July, with the insects taking to the air in clouds when people startle them.

IOWA Ames: Nathan Schade, 15, was crowned the 2020 Iowa State Fair mullet champion on Aug. 15.

KANSAS Topeka: Washburn University received a major donation for health care education, Jolieton, Manastok, Waddoun University president, announced a partnership and $7.5 million investment from Stomard Hall Health.

KENTUCKY Frankfort: A Kentucky State University student has filed a new lawsuit against the school and several of its officials, alleging the university "handicently induced" students to search in an unaccustomed online Master of Social Work program. The and alleged the program was not accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and seeks class action status to represent other students enrolled in the program during the 2025-26 academic year.

LOUISIANA New Orleans: Louisiana is turning to an alert insect to help control the spread of giant salivinas that's singing many lakes and buryous. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has released nearly 50,000 giant salivinas weevils into the Saline-Latte Complex of lakes and connecting canals in California, LaSalle, Acroydos and Rigoides parishes to eat the invasive aquatic weevils.

MAINE York: Officials were recently told that the ambulance service deficit is far larger than expected. Toms Finance Service Weekly hardness told the board the York Ambulance Association is now preparing a $364,000 deficit, significantly higher than the $500,000 they requested earlier this year to keep operations running through the end of the fiscal year.

MARYLAND Hagerstown: The LUFF Local 3005 Foundation awarded $22,935 to 25 charters and first-responder initiatives following the 2020 Bonanza Extravagance, pushing the organization's community giving total just $2.5 million since the fundraiser began in 2006.

WASHINGTON TV Wauwatosa: The state announced nearly $25 million in funding to help increase early literacy among elementary students, with many districts in Metrolived getting a piece of the funding to help with initiatives aimed at the earliest readers getting up to grade level. Gov. Maura Healey announced $24.7 million would be handed out to 70 school districts to strengthen literacy instruction, with a particular focus on students between first and third grade.

WICHITA Lansing: Leadership at the Eastside Lansing Food Co-op, a community grocery store, told its membership they'll begin the process of shutting the store down if sales don't meet an agreed upon standard in September. In an email to the co-op's members, board President Kelly, in Spada said the company is opening it soon, is "overall, operating at a loss, and it has been for some time."

MINNESOTA St. Paul: Over 11 million Minnesotans voted in the Aug 2 primary election, or a quarter of eligible voters, setting the record for most votes cast in a primary. Secretary of State Steve Simon said.

MISSISSIPPI Jackson: Former Jackson majored candidate, Ruth Arron has said the city nearly 15 months after police received him from a Jackson City Council meeting for wearing a company shirt.

MISSOURI Springfield: The Missouri Department of Transportation will lower the allowable weight for certain vehicles on the eastbound U.S. Route 60 bridge over Lake Springfield, a change that will remain in place until the structure is replaced.

MONTANA Kalispell: Justin Turner, an 8-year witness of the Kalispell Police Department, was recently named Montana Officer of the Year, KPAX reported.

NEBRASKA Lincoln: An event meeting the 800th anniversary of Park Middle School included tours for families and current and former students, KOLN reported.

NEVADA Carson City: A federal judge rejected the Trump administration's demand for unredacted Nevada voter information in an order on Aug. 14.

NEW HAMPSHIRE Brentwood: Around 47 training a "Pratt scheme" through his former Epping construction company, Roldy Saunders has been convicted of felony theft by unauthorized taking.

NEW JERSEY Pompton Lakes: After more than three decades of cleanup work, a plume of cancer-causing solvents left by further remains beneath hundreds of homes in Pompton Lakes, state environmental records show. A settlement approved Aug. 7 in federal court now requires the companies responsible to finish the cleanup job, regardless of the final cost.

NEW MEXICO Las Cruces: The Domenici Public Policy Conference hosted by New Mexico State University is scheduled for Sept. 8-9 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

NEW YORK Poughkeepsie: The "Ave Kula challenge" is the latest social media trend causing issues in Dutchess County, and it has prompted public safety warnings over the potential consequences. Bookman, LaGrange and Poughkeepsie have reported incidents.

NORTH CAROLINA Prader County: A 1,000-house development that would potentially transform a rural area of Prader County for a significant setback. The county planning board voted to recommend denial of the conditional amusing the project requires to proceed.

NORTH DAKOTA Bismarck: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley is urging state Sen. Jeff Margolis to withdraw a proposed legislative resolution seeking president that deanency for brief fuel and Yorle Kidd, who were convicted in connection with the 2003 Medina shootout that killed two U.S. marshals, KOBE reported.

OHIO Cincinnati: A new event aims to make niche sports more popular across the city. The Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission, which is backing the Sec Post Cincinnati, says the event could also open the door to bring niche world championships to the city.

OKLAHOMA Edmond: City council approved FFD out of multifamily housing at Legacy at Covell, the retail-restaurant entertainment hub at Interstate 35 and Covell Road.

OREGON Salem: Salem's switch to city-run emergency service in 2025 resulted in reduced reliance on outside agencies, better response performance and improved ambulance availability during the fire department's busiest year on record. Salem Fire Chief David Gorbeth presented one year of emergency response data to Salem City Council on Aug. 10.

PENNSYLVANIA Erie: A third KFC location has been closed after two others were shattered by the Erie County Health Department in recent weeks. Tallahassee Mountain, who owns all three restaurants, could not be reached for comment.

RHODE ISLAND North Kingstown: The Department of Environmental Management has fined a new asphalt plant to the Epsosier Business Park, $8,500, and ordered it to come up with an odor mitigation plan within 60 days.

SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville: South Carolina has a new hiking trail named after a Greenville native. The 15-mile out-and-back trail, named the Henry Parnage, is a new section of the Palmetto Trail in the Blue Ridge Encarpment, featuring an elevation change of approximately 800 feet.

SOUTH DAKOTA Home Falls: Low-makers, politicians and educators broke ground. Aug. 14 on the future site of the James Abdnor Center for Advanced Natural Ecology at South-east Technical College. The center will link to the current Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center on campus, expanding room for the college's welding laboratory in the process.

**TENNESSEE Nashville: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioners and Deputy Gov. Stuart C. McWhorter and Lyons Fuisenowing officials have announced the company will move its U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge from Seattle.

TEXAS Dallas: Gov. Greg Abbott directed a review of all state grants awarded to entities that operate airports in Texas, after reports outlaced that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport would be adding ablution facilities. In an Aug. 14 letter, Abbott argued Abdnor facilities used for Islamic washing rituals are unconstitutional.

UTAH Tawelr: The Trowelr County Sheriff's office is investigating animal neglect reports at five Acres Farm, KUTV reported. According to a sheriff's office sergeant, the state-vertroator's office was consulted before animals were removed from the getting zoo and placed with other organizations, the news outlet reported.

VERMONT Grove: Fireclins recently released a list of the top 10 destinations for autumn leaf peeping, based on an analysis of October hotel searches. Although no New England destinations made the top three, one Vermont location will made the list. Stores isolated at No. 9.

VIRGINIA Weyers Cave: Blue Ridge Community College Aviation program is expanding, doubling the student cap from 25 to 50 for the upcoming fall class, a significant step toward expanding Virginia's plane maintenance workforce.

WASHINGTON Ames: Elisha Legacy Forests Coalition has raised about $200,000 to protect trees in the Twin Rivers Watershed on the Olympic Peninsula, KENO reported.

WEST VIRGINIA Morgantown: NextEra Energy Transmission granted the Monograph County Fair a $12,000 grant to help complete a new livestock barn, WOTV reported.

WISCONSIN De Pere: Charlotte Pipe and Foundry continued in July its subsidiary, Neenah Foundry, acquired De Pere Foundry, but declined to provide details of the acquisition. State property transaction records indicate Neenah Foundry LLC paid more than $1.5 million for the 7.5-acre property on De Pere's west side.

WYOMING Texas County: County planning commissioners recently voted to approve a family's plan to develop their South Park ranch land with 557 homes., Jackson Hole News & Guide reported.

Press City, TODAY Network and acre reports

---

48 ■ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 ■ USA TODAY

MONEY

Shaq's dream ride is a stretch Corvette Z06

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has a $100,000 Corvette custom built to solve his height problem. PROVIDED BY OREGUE SAFFY, BCH AUTOMOTIVE

Terry Beddoo USA TODAY

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal spent years trying to make a series of exotic cars fit his giant T-foot-5 frame. "I've wasted so much money trying to get these $300,000 luxury cars, stretch them and fit them. Never end up keeping them," O'Neal said.

Now, having finally conceded that modifying normal-size cars doesn't quite work, O'Neal has gone fully custom, having a unique Corvette Z06 built to his specifications by Effortless Motors of Riverside, California.

"[The] Corvette's under $800,000," O'Neal said. "And he made that thing look so good."

The custom Corvette kept the standard mid-engine 5.5-liter LTE V8, but the rest of the car was heavily modified. Shaq was given more legroom, there was custom interior work, a specialized steering wheel,

and the superstar's signature Superman branding was front and center.

It's a car built around O'Neal and his love for all things automotive, which includes an ambition to race.

At the GRIDLIFE Summer Apex motorsports and music festival at Watkins Glen International in New York, he teamed up with his rap partner T-Pain for a ride-along that could lead to something bigger.

"Me and him was drifting in one of his cars," O'Neal said. "So I called him the other day and I said, 'We should do a show where we do a celebrity race.'"

The proposed cross-country event would start and end in Atlanta, and include several legs running through Miami, Dallas, El Paso, Texas, and Los Angeles, with a $2 million prize for the winner.

Whether the race ever happens, the idea is pure Shaq, a celebrity who's renowned for indulging his passions, of which cars are near the top of the list.

Here's where it costs you the most to insure your car

Keith Laing USA TODAY

Car shoppers are paying more than ever for new models, and the cost of insuring them has also been going up in recent years.

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance in the United States in the first half of 2026 was $2,237, according to a study that released by Insurify. The group found that insurance rates rose in 27 states in the first half of 2026, with drivers in seven states plus Washington, DC, paying more than $3,000 annual for full auto insurance.

The finding comes as the average price of a new car rose to $49,855 in July, according to Cox Automotive's Kelley Blue Book. The average June price for new cars was up 0.2% from June's average of $49,757, and it was also a 1.9% increase over July 2025's average, according to the group.

Insurify said drivers can't expect to get any breaks on insurance right now, either.

"In 2025, car insurance prices did something they don't normally do: fall," the group said. "But 2026 trends suggest that this decline is ending."

With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team took a look at the 10 most expensive states, plus the District of Columbia, to insure a car.

Insurify said drivers can't expect to get any breaks on insurance right now, MARKING, OCR/ GETTY IMAGES

1. Washington, DC

• Average annual cost (June): $3,880
• Cost change, first half of 2026: -7%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,955

2. Maryland

• Average annual cost (June): $3,646
• Cost change, first half of 2026: +1% (+846)
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,664

3. Rhode Island

• Average annual cost (June): $3.68
• Cost change, first half of 2026: +2%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,600

4. Michigan

• Average annual cost (June): $3,229
• Cost change, first half of 2026: +2%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,207

5. Georgia

• Average annual cost (June): $3,109
• Cost change, first half of 2026: -1%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,101

6. Delaware

• Average annual cost (June): $3,100
• Projected change, second half of 2026: +2%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,163

7. South Carolina

• Average annual cost (June): $3,075
• Cost change, first half of 2026: 0%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,075

8. Nevada

• Average annual cost (June): $3,039
• Cost change, first half of 2026: +4%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $3,090

9. New Jersey

• Average annual cost (June): $2,923
• Cost change, first half of 2026: -5%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $2,966

10. New York

• Average annual cost (June): $2,840
• Cost change, first half of 2026: -5%
• End of 2026 projected cost: $2,880

---

SPORTS

USA TODAY | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024 | SECTION C

THINKING BIG

Jessica Pegula embraces the grind ahead of US Open

Cydney Henderson USA TODAY

American tennis star Jessica Pegula has dreamed about what it would be like to win the first Grand Slam of her career. She said achieving that milestone at the US Open, her favorite of the four slams, would be even sweeter. • "My goal is to win the tournament," Pegula told USA TODAY Sports ahead of the 2026 US Open. "It is my favorite place to play just purely because I am an American and I'm from New York State, and I do think people get behind me and encourage me a lot more than maybe even some other Americans."

Pegula has experienced both triumph and heartbreak at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. She advanced to the first and only Grand Slam final of her career at the 2024 US Open, but ultimately lost to Aryna Sabelonka in straight sets. "I do feel like it adds a little bit more pressure," Pegula added.

Pegula spoke to USA TODAY Sports ahead of the fourth and final major of the year through her partnership with Vital Proteins, the official collagen partner of the US Open.

Pegula 'visualized' winning US Open

Pegula, 32, is considered a late bloomer in the tennis world. She made her professional debut in 2009, but a string of serious injuries delayed her ascension. Pegula broke through and won her first WTA title at age 25 in 2019. She cracked the Top 50 for the first time in

Jessica Pegula competes against Simona Walters during the Cincinnati Open on Aug. 15. PHOTOS BY AARON DOCTRU IMAGIN IMAGES

2021, made it into the Top 20 by January 2022 and reached the Top 10 five months later at age 28.

Pegula is currently ranked No. 3 in the world, the highest ranking of her career. But there's one accolade missing from her mantel – a Grand Slam title. The thought of winning a major, however, brings her mixed emotions.

"I always like to visualize and see how I would feel or what that moment would feel like. And it's interesting. I have a lot of different reactions to it," said Pegula, who won her third-round match Aug. 17 at the Cincinnati Open. "Of course I'm like, wow ... dream come true since I was a kid having these crazy goals. But then at the same time, I don't think it would change much ... I think tennis is kind of cruel that way where you have to move on really, really quickly."

See PEGULA, Page 7C

Matt Hayes College football's takeover USA TODAY NETWORK

The Game is already breaking people's brains

There's a dance going on here, and I'm not exactly sure what in the world is going on with the greatest rivalry in sports.

But we should all thank the tortured offseason college football gods that we're here for it.

New Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham says he doesn't hate Ohio State, he just wants to win games. Specifically, The Game.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day says it's no big deal, he's just going to change decades of tradition and move Senior Day celebration to the season opener to avoid distractions of preparing for You Know Who in You Know What on the last weekend of the regular season.

Moved the team's easier tackle count from Michigan week, too. Even told The Best Dams Band in The Land its annual practice visit during Michigan week is no longer.

Frankly, the fact that Day has the guts – and the capital – to stand up to TROBITL should be all you need to know about the bizarre twists to The Game, 2026.

Or the game within The Game. "Hate is a strong word," Whittingham said of Ohio State last month during Big Ten Media Days.

And you would have thought a bomb was dropped right onuck in the middle of sacred ground. An impact that oddly left Ohio State Buckeyes fans losing

See HAYES, Page 7C

Tyler Dragon USA TODAY

Von Miller's leadership huge plus for Cowboys

Von Miller has won two Super Bowl titles since he entered the NFL in 2018. The Dallas Cowboys haven't even sniffed an NFC championship game in that span. Miller's experience is what could have the biggest influence on his new team.

"What he's accomplished is incredible. What you hear about him as a

teammate is even more incredible," Cowboys coach Brian Schellenheimer said on Aug. 17. "He's going to add a lot. Not just on the field, but off the field as well."

Miller is undoubtedly one of the best pass rushers of his generation. Miller was the recipient of the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2018. Plus, the veteran has been named to the Pro Bowl eight times and has been a first- or second-team All-Pro seven times. His 138.5 career sucks are the most among active players.

Yet the Super Bowl 50 MVP award and being part of the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl 56 squad are the factors that should make him invaluable to a Cowboys franchise – and an owner – starved for a Super Bowl.

The Cowboys have made no secret of their desire to reach the football mountaintop. Quarterback Dak Prescott wore

See DRAGON, Page 7C

---

2C 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 8 USA TODAY

SPORTS

LIV Golf ends 2026 season this week in Indy

Tim Schmitt

Golfweek USA TODAY Network

On Aug. 14, LIV Golf quietly stopped selling tickets for its team championship event at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort near Detroit, proving that the tournament would not be played amid LIV's ongoing funding crisis. The championship had been scheduled for Aug. 17-30 and was set to serve as the season-ending showcase of the league's team competition.

A new report, however, suggests LIV Golf's handling of the event's apparent cancellation may have been far from transparent. Rather than providing fans with clear communication and timely updates, the league appears to have quietly pulled the plug, raising questions about whether the shutdown was managed more to avoid scrutiny than to deliver an honest customer experience.

No tournament infrastructure was erected at the course that welcomed tens of thousands of spectators for LIV Golf's 2025 Team Championship, the league's first event in Michigan.

Yet as recently as the night of Aug. 12, LIV Golf was still selling tickets for this year's championship. By Thursday afternoon, however, fans visiting the league's website were greeted with a terse message: "The tickets you were looking for are no longer available." No additional information was provided, including whether ticket holders would receive refunds.

Meanwhile, the league confirmed on Monday that this week's event at Indianapolis will mark the end of the season, and potentially, the end of the league as a whole.

"The four-day stroke play event will take place Aug. 20-23, at The Club at Chatham Hills, where 57 players will compete for the Indianapolis individual title and final spots in the League's individual season-long standings," said a memo from the league. "The team competition will count the scores of all four players on each team every day, culminating with one of the 33 teams being crowned the 2026 LIV Golf Team Champion."

Additionally, Golf.com is reporting that the LIV Golf league maintained a non-working tickets page for days because officials were worried about

Laxas Herbert: checks his book standing on the ninth hole during the second round of the LIV Golf New York tournament Aug. 7 at Trump National Bedminster. (DENNIS SCHNEIDLER/WARON WAKES)

"avoiding additional media flags."

This is from a Golf.com social media post.

"LIV's head of ticketing and hospitality, Michael Drobnick, had not a plan for limiting media attention around the cancellation of one of the league's biggest events.

"The ticketing page will remain live, but no inventory will be available," Drobnick wrote to ticket and hospitality staffers. "If a guest visits the page to view tickets, they will see a message that says, 'The tickets you were looking for are no longer available'."

After discussing with [LIV executives] Scott O'Neill, Chris [Neck] and Dana [Fislay], we think this is the best path forward for now," Drobnick's message continued. "It allows us to keep the ticketing page live, hopefully avoiding additional media flags by removing it en-

tirely, while also ensuring guests cannot proceed through the checkout process."

"Hopefully in the next 24-48 hours, we'll have the green light to officially make the announcement. At that point, we will remove the ticketing page entirely."

This all comes as the league is touting major investment on the horizon. On Aug. 5, CEO Scott O'Neill said that the league has reached an agreement with a "lead investor" and has garnered interest from "dozens" of other potential financial backers.

"LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the league's next era, driven by and for the players," O'Neill said. "We're also seeing strong interest from more than a dozen

additional parties to potentially serve as minority investors, creating a multi-partner model built for long-term stability and growth."

And not only is there a new major investor, according to O'Neill, but a deal has been formulated that will make LIV Golf's players equity holders in the league itself.

For content, LIV provided financial details of the league with IndyStar in April.

▲ From 2024 to 2025, LIV Golf grew more than $876 in revenue. In 2026, ticket sales were up 190% year over year.

▲ LIV sold more than $5,000 dollars for Adelaide and more than $90,000 in South Africa. Sponsorships are up 46% year over year.

▲ Through the first five events, the league was pacing $800 million ahead of last year's revenue.

Jeanie Buss opposes bid by family to sell LA stake

Lorenzo Reyes

USA TODAY

The new owners of the Los Angeles Lakers are consolidating their control over the franchise and amplifying their stake in the team.

The Buss family announced it has agreed to sell its remaining 0.9% stake in

the franchise on Aug. 27 to new majority owners, businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger. ESPN was the first to report the cases. "We have decided as a family to sell the remaining Buss Family Trust shares to the Bob Iger group as part of the ongoing transaction," the Buss family said Monday its statement. "We love the Lakers, Lakes fans and will continue to support Los Angeles, but it is time to use this opportunity to move on and exit gracefully while we still can."

But there could be a wrinkle in the family's plans to sell its shares.

In a letter through her lawyer at Sheppard, Midlin, Richter & Hampton, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Jeanie Buss is opposing the sale of the family's minority stake, claiming it would be a breach of the family's trust.

This letter, which was used to lawyers representing Jeanie's siblings, argues that Jeanie remains the controlling owner of the family's stake – citing a 2017 order from the Los Angeles Superior Court – and that any attempt to override that "world constitute a breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty and be in contempt of court."

The opposition from Jeanie complicates the sale of the family's shares and could ignite a legal battle between Jeanie and her siblings.

This announcement that the Buss family intends to sell its shares comes just days after Kushner and Iger returned the NBA world by agreeing to a purchase agreement of the Lakers on a record 812.5 billion on Aug. 12. That happened 10 months after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family.

The Busses had retained a minority position after the June 2025 sale to Walter. According to ESPN, the six children of owner Dr. Jerry Buss held a vote as part of the family trust to consider the sale of the remaining shares to Kushner and Iger's group. The deal required four of six votes.

Monday's decision from most of the Buss children could now end the family's memorable 47-year run with the franchise. Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in May 1979 for $67.5 million, in a deal that also included the NIEA Los Angeles Kings and the arena where both franchises played, the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California.

Under the Buss family's direction, the Lakers ushered to the "Showtime" era and oversaw a stretch of consistent competitiveness. The Lakers won 11 championships during the family's reign as majority owners.

Under the Busses, the Lakers recorded just 10 seasons with a win percentage below .500 and missed the playoffs only nine times in fact. Los Angeles clinched postseason berths in the first 14 years of Buss' ownership of the team. A number of franchise icons and eventual Hall of Fame players – names like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant – started with the Lakers under the Buss family.

With Monday's decision, Jeanie Buss can no longer serve as governor of the Lakers. When Walter first bought the majority stake of the franchise in June 2025, he had agreed to allow Jeanie, the daughter of Jerry, to serve as governor of the Lakers through the 2030 season. On Wednesday, Iger had told the California Post that he and Kushner had "every intention to better" the agreement that Jeanie Buss had made with Walter to remain on as governor.

Yet, NBA rules mandate that a person must retain at least a 15% ownership stake in a franchise to act as governor.

It is unclear who will serve in that role moving forward. With their addition of the 0.9% stake that had belonged to the Buss family, the Kushner and Iger group will now control north of 0.2% of the franchise.

The sale will still need approval from the NBA's board of governors.

LAST CHANCE TO THE NEW YORK KNICKS' CHAMPIONSHIP IN A HARDCOVER COLLECTOR'S BOOK

THE NEW YORK KNICKS' CHAMPIONSHIP IN A HARDCOVER COLLECTOR'S BOOK

THE KNOX GIFT

$35.95

DED. $39.95

$10.00

JOHN BRUNSON and company ripped through the 2026 playoffs, reaching the NBA Finals with 11 consecutive victories that closed out the Hawks, included sweeps of the '76ers and Cavaliers. Then the Knicks grabbed off Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio in five games to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

"Garden Glory" is a 160-page hardcover book covering this entire season, from a 10-win regular season through the Finals showdown with San Antonio. The photos, the stories, the moments that made it real. Published by USA TODAY Sports. Printed on premium matte stock. Reserve your copy today.

PREORDER ONLINE AND SAVE AT NY.Champsbook.com

USA TODAY SPORTS

---

SPORTS

USA TODAY 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 1 2C

WNBA POWER RANKINGS

Early peek at teams' top '27 free agent

Mitchell Northam

USA TODAY

There's still more than a month left in the 2020 regular season for the WNBA, but it's never too early to start thinking about next year.

Organizations like the Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun – which will move to Houston in 2027 – are likely thinking about the future as they have been eliminated from the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries, Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces have already clinched their spots in the postseason.

The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement brought bigger contracts to the league, with salaries topping $8 million for the first time ever. While some players like Al's Wilson and Alzah Boston signed long-term deals this off-season, other players signed one-year deals and will once again be looking for big paydays. With a longer off-season – not a truncated one like this past year due to CBA negotiations – that might make time for free agent bidding wars.

Each team has at least one player they'd like to look up and keep on their team for the 2027 season.

Here's each team's best pending free agent as we take a peek at the upcoming offseason. (Records and stats through Aug. 17.)

1. Minnesota Lynx (29-7)

Previous rank: 1 (-)

Best pending free agent: Napheesa Collier

After signing a one-year deal worth $8.4 million this year to remain with the Lynx while she rehabited from ankle surgery, Napheesa Collier will be one of the most coveted unrestricted free agents on the market this offseason. The former UConn forward will turn 30 next month and the next 30th week. The first 30th week of the year will be the first 30th week of the year. The first 30th week of the year will be the first 30th week of the year.

2. Golden State Valkyries (25-9)

Previous rank: 2 (-)

Best pending free agent: Kayla Thornton

The UTP product will turn 34 in October, but she's played some of the best half of her career in her two seasons with Golden State. Kayla Thornton made her first WNBA All-Star team last season and is second in minutes played and rebounds for the Valkyries this season. The 6-foot 4 forward plays a key role for what is widely viewed as the best defensive unit in the WNBA. While Golden State could find a replacement-level player, there's no doubt Thornton has been crucial to their success.

3. Indiana Fever (23-12)

Previous rank: 5 (+2)

Best pending free agent: Kelsey Mitchell

Like Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Mitchell signed a one-year deal this offseason worth $8.4 million to remain with the Fever of the Fever's Big 3, she's the only one at risk of leaving this offseason with Caitlin Clark still on her rookie deal and Alzah Boston lethal up through 2029. A four-time All-Star, Mitchell made her first All-WNBA team last season and seems to be in the prime of her career. The Ohio State product is scoring a career-high 24.2 points per game while shooting a career-best 50.3% from the floor and 43.7% from 3-point land. It seems to be in the Fever's best interests to keep her, Clark and Boston together for as long as possible.

4. Las Vegas Aces (24-12)

Previous rank: 4 (-)

Best pending free agent: Jackie Young

With Al's Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Lord under contract through 2028, the focus of the Aces' offseason will likely be centered around a deal for Jackie Young, who has been a critical component to three championship-winning teams since she entered the WNBA in 2009. A five-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA selection, Young is averaging a career-high 18.4 points and 6.7 assists per game this season.

The Los Angeles Sparks' Naska Ogoumike, left, works around Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx during the first half of the year. 6 at Target Center in Minneapolis. Both are set to become free agents at season's end. WATT BROWN/GETTY IMAGES

5. Atlanta Dream (21-13)

Previous rank: 6 (+1)

Best pending free agent: Sika Kone The Dream's core of starters and key supporting players are under contract heading into next season. Alisha Gray, Ellyne Howard, Bronna Jones and Nai Hillmon are locked down through 2028, while Angel Reese and Justin Canada have one year left on their deals beyond this season. Young players like Te-Hina Parpura, Marlina Okot and Isobel Borlawe are under contract for multiple years. That leaves Sika Kone who has played an average of 5.4 minutes per game across 28 contests for the Dream this season. She's not a player Atlanta is going to break the bank to keep.

6. New York Liberty (22-14)

Previous rank: 7 (+1)

Best pending free agent: Pauline Astier

In her first WNBA season at the age of 24, Pauline Astier has risen into a starting role with the Liberty and seems to be a strong fit for coach Chris DeMarco's system and style of play. A guard from France, Astier is averaging 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and in the Liberty's top shooter, averaging 55.4% from the floor. With Sabrina Ionescu, Brazena Stewart and Jonqued Jones signed on through 2028 and Leona Farlach on her rookie deal, Astier is the best player who could leave New York via her agency. She is a restricted free agent, so the Liberty will have the opportunity to match any other she gets.

7. Washington Mystics (20-14)

Previous rank: 3 (-4)

Best pending free agent: Betnijah Lanny-Hamilton

Similar to the Dream, the Mystics' top players – Sonia Citron, Shakira Austin, Kiki Itzaki, Michaela Onyekwere and Georgia Amoore – are under contract beyond the 2020 season. The best player on the Mystics roster not signed on for next season is the one they acquired from the New York Liberty off seasons. Betnijah Lanny-Hamilton. How she helps the team and fits into the locker room during the final stretch of this season will likely determine how important she is to the Mystics' offseason plans.

8. Dallas Wings (20-16)

Previous rank: 9 (+1)

Best pending free agent: Jacek Kizer

In her fourth WNBA season, Jacek Kizer seems to be settling into a key role for the Wings under coach Jose Fernandez. She has started in 10 of the 32

games she's appeared in, is shooting a career-best 48.9% from the floor and leads the team in blocks with 12 per game. She's a restricted free agent, so Dallas will have the opportunity to match an offer from another team.

9. Portland Fire (15-20)

Previous rank: 10 (+1)

Best pending free agent: Emily Engelter

On her fourth WNBA team in five seasons, the Louisville product is having a breakout year for the Fire and has established herself as someone who can have a long career in this league as a versatile defender, strong rebounder and serviceable screw. A lanky 6-foot 4 wing, Emily Engelter ranks fourth in the league in blocks with 49 and sixth in ideal percentage. She has started all 35 games for the Fire and is averaging 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game – all career highs. Engelter is a restricted free agent, so the Fire will have the chance to match any offer.

10. Phoenix Mercury (13-23)

Previous rank: 13 (+3)

Best pending free agent: Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum signed a one-year deal this year worth just under $8 million to remain with the Sparks. Amid a disappointing season for the franchise and with Plum's free agency pending, they shipped her off to the Mercury before the trade deadline. If Plum doesn't like a long-term deal to remain in Phoenix, she'll be a highly coveted free agent. The five-time All-Star and two-time champion is averaging a career-high 22.3 points per game this season at the age of 31 and remains one of the best 3-point shooters in the league.

11. Chicago Sky (13-22)

Previous rank: 9 (-)

Best pending free agent: DiJoni Carrington

The WNBA's 2024 Most Improved Player has played with four teams in the past three seasons and could be wearing a different jersey yet again next season if she decides to hit the open market instead of remaining with Chicago. DiJoni Carrington remains a strong defender and is shooting a career-best 38.9% from 3-point land this season. There will be teams interested in her services.

12. Los Angeles Sparks (12-22)

Previous rank: 11 (-1)

Best pending free agent: Naska Ogoumike

The former league MVP's second go-round with the Sparks has not gone as planned. Naska Ogoumike left the Seattle Storm in free agency and signed a one-year deal worth $900,000 to return to Los Angeles where she won a championship and enjoyed the best seasons of her career. The president of the WNBA will be 37 next year, but she's playing at a high level. Ogoumike was an All-Star this season for the 8th time in her career and is averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor and 39.7% from behind the arc.

13. Toronto Tempo (10-23)

Previous rank: 14 (+1)

Best pending free agent: Nyara Saba

The 6-foot 5 forward has battled injuries this season but has started in 20 of the 24 games she's played in for the Tempo and is averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2% from 3 – all of which are career boots.

A restricted free agent, the Tempo will be able to match any offer. Nyara Saba gets, and coach Sandy Brandeis would probably like to keep her around as she continues to establish her culture in Toronto. Saba won a championship playing for Brandeis in New York.

14. Connecticut Sun (8-25)

Previous rank: 12 (-2)

Best pending free agent: Brittany Griner

Brittany Griner signed a one-year deal to join the Sun this year, but all signs point to her trying to remain with the franchise as they move to Houston next season.

Griner is a Houston native and it might be good for the franchise to arrive with a well-known marquee player like Griner – a nine-time All-Star, former champion and the WNBA's all-time leader in blocks. While battling injuries approaching her 36th birthday, Griner is the Saba leading scorer this season.

15. Seattle Storm (7-30)

Previous rank: 15 (-)

Best pending free agent: Jade Melbourne

Despite Seattle's struggles this season, Jade Melbourne has found a role alongside Natasha Hinderman in the backcourt. She has started in 28 of 36 games and is averaging 9.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Seattle could probably find replacement level talent – or even an upgrade at her position with one of the guards mentioned above – but she is a restricted free agent if they want to keep her around.

---

4C 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 8 USA TODAY

SPORTS

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES

Twenty teams set to take center stage

Sharlon Christie

USA TODAY

The bracket for Williamsport is complete.

The 2026 Little League World Series is loaded with greenhouse teams and standard players ready for the spotlight.

From South Korea's dominant West Seoul squad to Canada's Little Mountain team, the International bracket is filled with contenders for the title. Add in Ohio, Alabama, Washington, Massachusetts, Texas, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Jersey and California representing the United States, and the stage is set for unforgettable drama in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Every regional winner fought through previous-packed championship games just to earn this opportunity to end the summer as the Little League World Series champion.

Now that the 2026 LLWS bracket is set, the countdown is officially on until we have the next Little League World Series champion.

Here's everything to know about the 20 teams in contention for this year's LLWS title.

US BRACKET TEAMS

Great Lakes Region Champion

West Side Little League, based in Hamilton, Ohio, is one of the more decorated Little League teams arriving in Williamsport this year. The program has dominated Ohio competition for years and recently won its 23rd state Little League title this summer with a 4-3 win over Football Little League. West Side's Caddo's front had the game winning, walk-off, two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to clinch the state title. You could call West Side Lt. the premier youth baseball program in Ohio, and the team has the resume to back it up. At this year's Little League Midwest Region, West Side went 4-0 and had two shutouts along the way to the regional title. This year will be West Side's sixth LLWS appearance after the squad made previous trips in 1999, 1999, 2007, 2008 and 2022. Despite a lot of success before reaching Williamsport, West Side has an 8-0 record in its five previous LLWS appearances. If West Side can replicate its pre-Williamsport success while in Pennsylvania, it would be the first Ohio team to ever win the Little League World Series.

Metro Region Champion

It's Iowa a historic summer for Bayonne Central Little League (Bayonne, New Jersey). The Hudson County team from the north New Jersey area is going to Williamsport for the first time in the league's history. According to the Record of North Jersey, Bayonne Central Lt. is the 2nd New Jersey charter across ill-different Little League charters in the Garden State to ever reach the global youth baseball tournament. From River East Little League, formerly Toms River East American Little League, was the last New Jersey team to go to Williamsport, in 2023. Bayonne Central defeated Darien Little League from Connecticut, 8-6, in the Metro Regional Championship game in 1999, 1999, 2007, 2008 and 2022. The team will be the 2nd All-Irbanters. As far as LLWS championships, New Jersey has four titles already thanks to Hammerton Little League (1949), Toms River East Little League (1999), Wayne Little League (1970) and Lakewood Little League (1972). Will Bayonne Central continue this legacy with the state's fifth?

Mid-Atlantic Region Champion

East Side Little League, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, is making its first Little League World Series appearance but has the pitching and plate prowess to make a drop run in the tournament. East Side stormed through the Mid-Atlantic Region with three consecutive wins, outcrossing its opponents 21-2, Pimbers Cole Warner and Ryan Donnelly combined for a 3-3 tournament championship victory against Naumans Little League of Wilmington, Delaware. With Warner also flushing power at the plate, East Side's offense has shown it has plenty of pep to support its strong starting rotation. West Chester is a roughly three-hour drive from Williamsport, as expect this team to have a runcount following as they move through play.

Midwest Region Champion

Iowa's Davenport Northwest Little League can be a good having one of the more dramatic ways to clinch a Little League World Series ticket. With Iowa

Brody Hiller (17) of Southeast Region celebrates with team states after hitting a human age of 18. The team is the second inning Aug. 21, 2025, at Howard J. Lamade Stadium. PYLE: RYOLPHANAN IMAGES

The Hamilton West Side Little League team won its 23rd state championship and postshall its ticket to return for a second year to the 2026 Little League World Series. PROVIDED BY TOMY HENRYLIS

trailing 6-4 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, Kamron Kane had a two-run single to tie the game. Team-state Anthony Johnson Jr., who had an incredible relief effort, would eventually come home from third on a wild pitch to beat an attempted leg for a 7-6 win. The star of the game was Iowa's Cooper Thrown, who had an impressive pitching line. 4-5 innings pitched, one hit, one earned run, four walks and 13 strikeouts. He will be a player to watch in Williamsport for both his arm and his bat. And you have to tip your cap to Johnson for hanging in there on the mound and coming up with the play of the game with his feet. Iowa will send a team to Williamsport for the 16th time and the state is still looking for its first Little League World Series championship.

Mountain Region Champion

Paseo Verde Little League from Henderson, Nevada, will be in Williamsport for the second time in three years after making it in 2024. That year, Paseo Verde Lt. went 2-2 in World Series play. This year, Paseo Verde Lt. went 3-0 in the Mountain Region Tournament and defeated Billings Big Sky Little League 9-2 in the championship game to punch its ticket to the Little League World Series. Since the creation of the Mountain Region Tournament in 2022 when Little League International expanded the World Series field from 16 to 20 teams, Nevada teams have dominated the bracket every year except 2022. Before that structural change, Nevada teams competed in the West Region bracket. Now Nevada have a Little League World Series champion? No. The state is still looking for title No. 1 but came close in 2025. In that year, Summerlin South Little League from Las Vegas was the U.S. Champion after being Connecticut 8-2 but finished as the overall Little League World Series runner-up after losing 7-0 to Chinese Taipei.

New England Region Champion

Bridgewater Joe Lazaro Little League (Bridgewater, Massachusetts) is having a summer to remember as the team earned the right to play in Williamsport for the first time in the league's 74-year history. Bridgewater Joe Lazaro Lt. had a dominant showing in the New England Championship game as ace Dominik Mombelevar was tough on the mound and also clutch with the bat in an 8-0 win over Maine's Gray New Gloucester Little League. Mombelevar went five innings, struck out 14 and allowed only

two hits and two walks. He'll be a name to remember for when Massachusetts plays its first game in Williamsport. According to the Enterprise of Brockton, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts-based squad has been on quite a roll since the state tournament by winning two state titles in the last three years and outcrossing teams. 26-1 in regional tournament play. Bridgewater Joe Lazaro will be the Little Massachusetts team to play in Williamsport and the state is still seeking its first Little League World Series title.

Northwest Region Champion

The All-Stars from SoundView Little League (Tacoma, Washington) will enjoy the atmosphere of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the very first time when the team arrives for the Little League World Series. SoundView went 3-1 in the Northwest Region Tournament and became the sixth straight team from Washington to win the Northwest Region Tournament. Overall, SoundView Lt. will be the 18th team from Washington to qualify for the LLWS and the squad is aiming to bring another LLWS championship back to the state. Currently, the state of Washington has only one LLWS title and that's from Kirkland National Little League in 1993.

Southeast Region Champion

Teams from Phenix City, Alabama, haven't been to the Little League World Series often. In fact, the city is making only its second-ever appearance in Williamsport after Phenix City Youth Baseball Little League won the 2026 Little League Southeast Region Tournament, 4-0, over Schenectady Little League from Schenectady, Tennessee, on Aug. 8. If you have a good history of a team from Phenix City making some series in the LLWS before, then you're probably thinking of Phenix City National Little League in 1999 that won the U.S. Championship but last the 1999 Little League World Series championship game to Japan. It is the same Little League team—now under a new name. Speaking of names, you probably remember a few from that 1999 Phenix City National Little League team like Colby and Cory Rannion, who went on to play in Maine League Baseball. Cory's daughter Kinsey Rannion is a stand-up pitcher for the 2026 Phenix City Youth Baseball Little League team and a name to watch in Williamsport.

Southeast Region Champion

Aug. 10, 2026, is a day that Breeze Little League (Breeze, Texas) will not forget. When the day started, Breeze Little League was playing in an all-nation game of the Southwest Region Tournament. A little bit before game time, that scenario changed dramatically in Tulsa National Little League, which had already qualified for the Southwest Region championship game, was removed from the Southwest Region Tournament and its previous game was ruled a birdie! With that ruling from Little League, Breeze Lt. and Ascension Parish Little League were elevated to a one-game championship on Aug. 10. Breeze Lt. won that aforementioned game over Ascension Parish Lt. 4-1 to

claim this year's Southwest Region championship. Now, Breeze will head to Williamsport for the second time in three years after making its last appearance in 2024. In that previous visit to the LLWS, Breeze was the U.S. bracket runner-up and finished with an overall 3-2 record. While Breeze Lt. has never won the LLWS title, the state of Texas has two LLWS winners (Houston National Little League in 1950, Houston Newbury American Little League in 1966).

West Region Champion

Sweetwater Valley Little League (Brook, California) is making its second trip to Williamsport after climbing this year's West Region title. In the regional championships game, Sweetwater Valley Lt. defeated Konaikan Community Little League from Kapa, Hawaii, 8-3, to clinch the final spot in the 2026 Little League World Series field. In Sweetwater Valley Lt.'s first trip to Williamsport in 2020, the team advanced to the U.S. semifinals and finished tournament play with a 3-2 record that year. With the regional championship victory, Sweetwater Valley becomes the 31st team from California to qualify for the LLWS. Dean California have a LLWS title? Yes. The state has the most to U.S. teams with eight championships. One last coming in 2023 when El Segundo Little League defeated Palau Little League from Willerestad, Curaçao, 6-5, on a dramatic walk-off home run in the sixth inning.

INTERNATIONAL BRACKET TEAMS

Asia-Pacific Region Champion

West Seoul (B) Little League (Seoul, South Korea) started its charts in 2009 and the program will be making its second trip to the LLWS this year. Its first appearance came in 2007 in the Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament, West Seoul (B) Lt. coined to a 4-0 record to earn its spot in Williamsport. According to Little League, this one marks the eighth time a team from South Korea will make the trip to Williamsport. Its first appearance dating back to 1984 and last trip coming in 2019. West Seoul (B) Little League is aiming for the South LLWS title for a team from South Korea (Previously, National Little League—Seoul in 1994, 1995 and Seoul Little League 2004) have the country's three other LLWS titles.

Australia Region Champion

Ryde Little League (Sydney, New South Wales) will finally experience the aura of the Little League World Series this year after the program won the Australia Regional Tournament in 2022 but couldn't travel to the United States as that year's LLWS featured only teams from the United States due to the pandemic restrictions at the time, according to Little League. So, the 2026 adventure to the Pennsylvania mecca of youth baseball will be the team's first official trip to the LLWS and the country's 12th overall appearance. Here are some articles facts about Australia's participation in the LLWS: Perth Metro Central Lt. (Perth) became the first Australian team.

Continued on next page

---

SPORTS

USA TODAY 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 | 5C

Bridgewater players earned the New England championship banner Aug. 13. MARK: WASHINGTON, DEPT. THE DOMINATOR

Continued from previous page

to ever qualify for the Little League World Series in 2021. Also, 12 teams, including this year's entry (Bydo L.L.) have qualified for the LLWS but Australia, prior to the 2026 tournament, has never won the Little League World Series.

Canada Region Champion

Little Mountain Little League (Vancouver, British Columbia) is making back-to-back appearances in the LLWS as the Canada Region representative. In fact, Little Mountain L.L. will visit Williamsport for the third time in five years after also earning the berth in 2022. The history of the league's participation in the LLWS goes all the way back to 1953 before Canada get a direct entry in the LLWS field of teams. The league's modern era of success also includes a trip to the international tournament in 2000. Since 2008, Little Mountain L.L. has gone 4-6 in LLWS games. Also, a team from Canada has never won the Little League World Series.

Caribbean Region Champion

Los Nacionales Little League (Santiago, Dominican Republic) punched its ticket to the 2026 Little League World Series after defeating Aruba North Little League 5-3 to capture the Caribbean Region championship. Los Nacionales finished the tournament with a 7-1 record, earning the league's first-ever trip to Williamsport and the Dominican Republic's 10th appearance since 1978, according to Little League. The nation's best finish came with a runner-up showing in 1983.

Curaçao Region Champion

2026 is an important year for the country of Curaçao and especially for the Pacific Little League (Willimstad, Curaçao). According to Little League, 'this year makes the first time a team from Curaçao more direct entry to the International Bracket of the LLWS'. Pacific L.L. earned its fifth berth in the LLWS and the country's 10th appearance for the international tournament.

When a Curaçao team makes the LLWS, it usually performs very well as the country has four runner-up finishes and one LLWS title, which came in 2004 via Pappa Little League (Willimstad, Curaçao).

Europe & Africa Region Champion

South Czech Republic Little League has become a regular participant in the Little League World Series and the league is making its fourth consecutive trip to Williamsport under its current name. However, this will be the league's and also the country's sixth overall appearance as the aforementioned charter was previously called South Moravia Little League from Brno, Czechia, when it qualified for the Little League World Series in 2001 and 2006. Despite all the regional success of South Czech Republic Little League, the charter has a victory in only one game during its history at the

Little League World Series.

Japan Region Champion

Tokyo's Airo Little League is heading back to Williamsport for this year's event after it amassed a 2-2 LLWS debut record in 2025. Joto L.L. clinched its spot after defeating Chiba Little League in the Japan Region Tournament title game. Joto L.L. was undefeated with a 4-0 record in the regional bracket to secure its second consecutive trip to Williamsport and the 33th total entry for Japan. Japan takes third for most LLWS appearances at 35, trailing Canada (6/3) and Mexico (37). Since its first bid in 1992, Japan has set many individual and team milestones, including throwing one of five perfect games (1976) to LLWS history. Gunning direct entry since 2007, Japan has reached the champions' game 16 times, capturing 10 titles overall, with the most recent title coming in 2017 thanks to Tokyo Kinaima Little League.

Latin America Region Champion

Ministerio Sobre Las Ajas Del Aguila Little League (Lyon, Nicaragua) will be the Latin America representative in this year's Little League World Series. Ministerio Sobre Las Ajas Del Aguila L.L. went 7-0 in the regional tournament and earned 'the league's first trip to Williamsport and only the fourth trip for the country (1968, 1970, 2022)', according to Little League.

Mexico Region Champion

Municipal de Tijuana Little League (Tijuana, Mexico) entered its third berth to the Little League World Series with its previous two appearances coming in 2010 and 2023. Mexico's rich Little League tradition continues with its 10th LLWS appearance since 1957, the second most by any international participant after Canada, according to Little League.

Also, Mexico has very impressive LLWS stats: 16-63 overall record, three LLWS titles (1957, 1958 and 1997), four runner-up finishes and three third-time finishes. Another notable fact about Mexico's participation in the LLWS, it was the first international team to ever win the LLWS title back in 1957.

Panama Region Champion

David Deleguita Little League (Chicago, Panama) became the first team to qualify for the 2026 Little League World Series this year. David Deleguita L.L. amassed an 8-3 record after winning a three-game championship review to earn its spot in Williamsport, according to Little League. 'This will be the second time David Deleguita L.L. appears in the LLWS, dating back to the league's first appearance in 1990 when it finished as runner-up to the champion Long Beach (Calif.) Little League.' Also, a team from Panama will be in the LLWS for the 14th time since the country secured its first berth in 1994.

Elite arms of note for all 10 USA squads

Sharon Christie USA TODAY

Who will be the next Little League World Series pitching legend?

The brightest young arms in youth baseball are in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for another Little League World Series. Every year, a handful of pitchers transform from hometown heroes into national sensations. The 2026 tournament could be as different.

From flame-throwing aces to pinpoint control errors, three standout pitchers have already captured attention across regional tournaments. Now they'll take center stage on ESPN with millions watching.

Who will throw the biggest game? Who will deliver a third performance under pressure? And which pitcher will become the headend star everyone is talking about by championship weekend?

As the Little League World Series begins, all eyes are on the mound. One dominant outing can change everything.

Great Lakes Region (West Side Little League, Ohio)

Boone Treadway

■ Region State: Treadway pitched a masterful, one-hit complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts on a highly efficient 62 pitches in the regional championship game against Kentucky. He also struck out six batters while carrying a no-bitter into the throbbing during an earlier 8-0 shut-out against Indiana on Aug. 9.

Metro Region (Bayonne Central Little League, New Jersey)

Mason Rincon

■ Region State: Rincon threw 3-1 scoreless innings early in the bracket with five strikeouts while allowing just one hit against Connecticut (Aug. 8) and New York (Aug. 30) combined. In the Metro championship game against Connecticut, he entered into to pitch 2-1 scoreless innings of relief without giving up a hit and striking out six straight batters (nine total strikeouts in the game) to slam the door on an 8-6 comeback win.

Mid-Atlantic Region (East Side Little League, Pennsylvania)

Cole Warner

■ Region State: Warner started the Mid-Atlantic championship game against Delaware, pitching five-dominant innings while yielding one run and sacking up eight strikeouts to secure a 3-1 victory.

Midwest Region (Davenport Northwest Little League, Iowa)

Cooper Thissen

■ Region State: Davenport Northwest Little League won a 7-6 extra-innings thriller in the final against Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, mainly because of Thissen. He was the star of the game and had an impressive pitching line: 4-0 (P. H. 18, 0 ER, 4 BR, 2 R. He will be a player to watch in Williamsport for both his arm and bat.

Mountain Region (Paseo Verde Little League, Nevada)

Owen Guzman

■ Region State: Guzman shined in

the Mountain Region championship game against Montana. He started and went five innings, gave up two hits. four walks lost struck out 10 as Paseo Verde Little League cruised to a 9-2 win.

New England Region (Bridgewater Joe Lazaro Little League, Massachusetts)

Dominik 'The Dominator' Mombelour

■ Region State: Mombelour had an elite-logical/industrial run, according to total of 26 strikeouts across 9-5 innings pitched in the New England championship game, he tossed five scoreless innings, scattered only two hits and two walks while striking out 14 batters.

Northwest Region (SoundView Little League, Washington)

Frankie McCabe

■ Region State: McCabe had two starts in the Northwest Region tournament, the team's first and last game, and compiled solid stats: 6-1 (P. H. 3, 1 ER, 6 BR, 2 P. K. McCabe ended his outing with two more strikeouts to put him at 10 on the day. McCabe reached the 85- pitch level during the team's region championship game and left to a standing ovation from the crowd in San Bernardino, California.

Southeast Region (Phenix City Youth Baseball Little League, Alabama)

Kinley Rasmus

■ Region State: Rasmus had a complete game shutout to a 4-0 victory over Tennessee in the Southeast Region championship game. Rasmus had a sparkling final pitching line: 4 (P. 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BR, 4 K. She kept the Tennessee batters off balance with her football and curveball, which she attributed to her dad, Cory Rasmus. In a postgame interview on ESPN, She is also an excellent hitter based on her 7/10 batting average and six hits during the region tournament.

Southwest Region (Boerne Little League, Texas)

Boone Blalock

■ Region State: Blalock had one of the best pitching performances for Boerne during the Southwest Region Tournament. On Aug. 9, he started and went 4-5 innings with 8 strikeouts while only giving up five hits, two earned runs and two walks. Overall, he had two appearances during the region tournament and finished with 6-5 innings, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 W and 14 K.

West Region (Sweetwater Valley Little League, California)

Isaac Ramirez Aguirre

■ Region State: Ramirez Aguirre delivered arguably the most dominant individual pitching performance of the entire West Region tournament. On Aug. 16, he busted a masterful, complete game one-hit shutout with five strikeouts and only two walks in a 6-0 victory over Hawaii. In the rematch in the West Region championship game, Ramirez Aguirre went 2-2 for 4 with four 9 hits, two runs scored and a grand slam that helped Sweetwater Valley clinch its ticket to Williamsport with an 8-3 win over Hawaii on Aug. 14.

MARKETPLACE TODAY

For advertising information | 800-397-0070 www.marketplace.com/usat

To view more Classified listings, visit: classifieds.umatoday.com

All classifieds are the property of the marketplace.com, and a copy of which may be obtained from our direct mail. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. All information contained in this survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose. This survey may not be used for any other purpose.

MARKETPLACE	NOTICE
PRODUCT NOTICE	PRODUCT NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose. A copy of this report is not available for any purpose.

WANT TO ADVERTISE? ASK US...WE CAN HELP!

Place your advertisement in USA TODAY's Marketplace!

To advertise, call: 800-397-0070 or email: sales@ruselljohns.com

1

---

6C 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 9 USA TODAY

SPORTS

FOR THE RECORD

All Saves GT

MLB

American League

East Division

Olympics	W	L	RU	GB
Wrestlers	W	W	W	W
All-Stars	W	W	W	W
Ballroom	W	W	W	W
Ballroom	W	W	W	W

Cruskal Division

All-Stars	W	L	RU	GB
Grades	W	W	W	W
Grades	W	W	W	W
Grades	W	W	W	W
Grades	W	W	W	W

Chelsea Division

National League

All-Stars	W	L	RU	GB

Nashville

Nashville

Oakland Division

Oakland Division

Oakland Division

Oakland Division

Oakland Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh Division

San Francisco at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Wednesday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Sparks Bay at Bakers, 14 p.m.

All-Bakers at Bakers, 14 p.m.

All-Bakers at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Fremont at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Cincinnati at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Wednesday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

Thursday at Bakers, 14 p.m.

SOCCAR

ALL-STAR

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

All-Stars

---

SPORTS

USA TODAY 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 1 7C

Where poll voters disagree, who's right?

Blake Tappmeyer

CHAPTER

USA TODAY 8/17/2026

College football coaches and the media who cover them agree – on a lot, apparently at least, they do when it comes to preseason rankings.

The Associated Press (his week released its preseason poll, and the media's rankings closely reflect the US LRM Coaches Poll, published two weeks previously.

The top 10 is nearly identical in the two polls, with just a slight differentiation.

Down ballot, a few differences of opinion emerge, although they're relatively minor. Most teams are ranked within two spots of the same position in each poll.

Here's a look at some of the biggest discrepancies between college football's two major polls, with my ruling on who got it right.

LSU

• AP: No. 11

• Coaches: No. 13

• Who got it right? AP

I'd take it one additional step and put LSU in the top 10. LSU spent big to him (also Kiflin and his offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr.) also spent tens of millions to assemble a very talented roster that can win immediately. So what if a lot of that talent come from the transfer portal? Kiflin proved at the Mass he knows how to blend transfers from all over the country. His latest transfer back includes a who's who of the portal. LSU just needs transfer quarterback Sam Levitt to recover his 2024 form, after a 2025 slump that included a foot injury.

Alabama

• AP: No. 13

• Coaches: No. 11

• Who got it right? Coaches

Stephanie Benson, over Alabama. These Tide are not the indomitable Alabama of old, but the media's ranking comes off as being too heavy handed and overly influenced by Indiana routing Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Don't forget, Indiana smashed Oregon in the College Football Playoff, too. Alabama's secondary overflows with tail, headlining a defense that should rank among the SEC's best. The biggest question centers on an offensive line marked by youth and transfers. That group most pit, Alabama hasn't named a starting quarterback, but the position features upside, particularly in Kevlar, Russell, a former blue-chip recruit.

Washington

• AP: No. 17

• Coaches: No. 19

• Who got it right? Coaches

Dennard Williams Jr. (one of the Big Ten's best quarterbacks, so it's easy to understand why some voters are bullish on the Hawkins. Williams enjoys the luxury of playing both at a familiar location like The defense will determine how high Washington climbs. A strong and helped USA team games last season returned just a few matters. The Hawkins also lost some top-skill position talent to the NFL. Betting, handlighters and Washington's over/under win total at 7-5. I'd take the

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) celebrates his 12 catch in front of LSU defensive back DJ Pickett in 2025. GARY COHEN JR. JONATH IMAGES

over, but it's would come up short of a No. 17 ranking.

Tennessee

• AP: No. 10

• Coaches: No. 18

• Who got it right? AP

Tennessee finished last season unranked and didn't beat any opponent that finished with a winning record. The Vols should be improved, but the coaches poll ranking seems too lofty for a properturacist/strong to a young starting quarterback, whether freshman Fuzan Brandon or sophomore George MacIntyre wins the job. Tennessee made a strong line of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He brought in a wave of transfers. Historically, Knowles' impact becomes particularly noticeable in his second year on staff. Tennessee fits into that category of Top 25 teams that fall short of being playoff contenders.

Clemson

• AP: Unranked

• Coaches: No. 23

• Who got it right? AP

Clemson has no business being ranked. The coaches' ranking for Clemson amounts to lifetime achievement recognition for158. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10. The team's top 10.

Louisville

• AP: No. 14

• Coaches: Unranked

• Who got it right? AP

If Clemson's shouldn't be ranked, then, what he has should replace it in the Top 25? Louisville makes a fine choice. The Cardinals will have transfers starting all over. That's OK, because Jeff Barker signed one of the best portal finals of any ACC team. Louisville boasts a really strong backfield, led by 4-3 at Talladega, Isaac Brown. He ranked for more than 200 yards in Louisville's 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.

Blake Tappmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's senior national college football columnist. Email him at j@tagmeyer@gmail.com and follow him on X @tagmeyer

Michigan players plant their team's flag at midfield following the 13-10 win in 2024 against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium. BRIEMAN J. PERRINO, CFO, US TODAY 8/18/2026

Hayes

Continued from Page 1C

their collective minds, and Michigan fans believing, beyond the sit-alone of a doubt, that Whittingham was playing some chees-bred Jedi mind tricks.

Because don't kid yourself, Whittingham knows exactly what it's like to play and coach in a game that means everything. He was a star footballer at BFU as a player, and worked for Utah as an assistant and head coach for three decades.

The Holy War, everyone, is about as mean and nasty and downright disgusting as it gets in college football rivalries. In 2000, after Whittingham's odometer/club team beat one man left by 2-4 in Salt Lake City, a fan held up a large sign in the middle of 18 or on field chaos of celebration.

It said, "Where's your God?" Earlier this spring, I reminded Whittingham of that moment when he was sitting his office in Ann Arbor, barely three months into the gig.

"Yeah, that deal is correct. That's regional," he said. "This one is national. This one is really big."

He gets it. Just like Day gets it – though in a more eddy invasion way.

I'm not sure any coach in the history of The Game was more impacted by the five-season stretch from 2023 to 2024. It began with the 2020 game, which Michigan eventually was forced to cancel because it said it couldn't hold a team with COVID restrictions.

It was earlier that year. But then-Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh accused

the Ohio State coaching staff of illegal contact with players during the suspension of activities because of the pandemic. You know, the very thing the Michigan staff was accused of, and eventually sanctioned for, by the NCAA.

But probably told his staff they would "hang a hundred on Michigan," and the declaration was looked, and the teams were played – and the most thing you know, Michigan was hanging 42, 45 and 30 on the Bradshaw in successive wins.

There is one that crushed Day and the Bradshaw, and then a fourth straight that brought the program to his home. That was the season in 2024, where Day found his soul about the previous three losses, and how he compared the rivalry to war.

It's not war, it's a game. It's about preparation and execution and, more times than not, who controls the line of swimming.

Players win games. Not Jedi mind tricks or changing tradition or post traumatic Michigan disorder.

Ohio State beat Michigan last season in Ann Arbor because it had the better team, the better basketball, and the better coaching staff. The Bradshaw were better prepared, and made it look easy in the cold and snow.

That doesn't mean we can't enjoy the offseason disavow! I'm The Game will be won. Or lost.

It will have nothing to do with halo or moving Senior Day festivities to the season opener.

For the winner, anyway. Meet Hayes at the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @Matt2Hayes7FB

Dragon

Continued from Page 1C

a Super Bowl 30 T-shirt when he arrived at training camp. A not-so-ukish not to the Cowboys' last Super Bowl victory! 30 years ago (Jan. 28, 1996). Multiple players have talked about the Super Bowl as the Cowboys' payers for the season in Oxnard, California.

"That's important when you're a champion. You can speak to that as we catch this hidden, and we get closer to our main objective which is it @ (Stadiums 2027 on Valentine's Day)," Schottenheimer said of Miller's championship experience.

"The biggest reason is we think he's going to impact on us and off the bottom a player. He's gonna give us great versatility and great depth as a pace maker. And that's the same, but it's experience and the fact that he cares about his teammate."

Miller is the latest addition to what's been a defensive method since the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the

Green Bay Packers a year ago. Dallas named Christian Parker defensive coordinator in January and then supplied him with as many as six new starters on defense.

Don't expect Miller to start. The Cowboys are really about edge rookers. Raskin, Gary, Deanna Ezevriakis and Zilch first would ask Malachi Lawrence. At 37 years old, Miller's not the disruptive edge rooker that is was in his prime. But his nine sacks with the Washington Commodore last season are proof he's still got some pass rush pace left in the back.

Still, Miller's championship experience is what's next beneficial to the Cowboys.

"We're not expecting him to come here and play 40 plays a game. You're 10 great plays round good to me. If it's 10 to 20, don't cool, too, let's a great addition, but that seems really identical. I'm so excited about what we're building that room with these guys," Schottenheimer said. "You're going to make us better on and off the field."

Follow Tyler Deegan on X @TheTylerDeegan

Pegula

Continued from Page 1C

Pegula continued, "So yeah, I don't know I visualized it being of course an amazing achievement. I've then at the same time, I've also seen it as every week's the same. We're out here trying to compete and win no matter what the situation is. So I'm not sure if much would really change, to be honest, besides a really nice trophy, and having that next to my name or whatever it would be."

Instead of focusing on the larger task at hand, Pegula said she's found great success "working fashionable" and having in on the small virtues in that stack over time. It's a mentality she credits with her turnaround that has her enjoying the game more than ever.

"I think what really changed my career from when I was younger a kind of falling in love with that process instead of looking so much at these goals that seem really far away," she added. "I just

responded much better with that way of thinking. Everyone's different, but I loved embracing the grind, embracing that process. In problems of it I mean, that's what tennis is. We play a lot of matches, we play all year round, and it's very individual. So if you don't fall in love with the process, I don't think it's quite as enjoyable."

Top Americans to contend at 85 Open

Pegula isn't the only top contender hailing front; in USA ahead of the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year. Five American women are in the Top 25 – Pegula (15, Cova Graft 16), Amanda Anisianova (20), In a hole (20) and Madison Keys (24) – which "says a lot" about the state of U.S. tennis, Pegula added.

"I think he is able to share that with fellow country women and countrymen that are around very playing makes it more like you're a little bit more on a team," Pegula said. "This sport is so individuals that I think it's kind of nice to have that feeling that we've all kind of in

Jessica Pegula acknowledges fans after defeating Emma Navarro in the third round at the Cincinnati Open on Aug. 17. AARON DOCTRUNNSON IMAGES

it together. And I think it also alleviates some pressure. There's not just one person, one American that has he win the US Open."

Graft was the last American woman to win the US Open in 2023. Pegula

finished runner-up in 2024 and fellow American Amanda Anisianova finished second in 2025, both behind back-to-back champion Lytya Szabolcska. Pegula learned in her finals appearance that you aren't always going to have your best any given day.

"There's a lot of matches where you don't feel great. There's a lot of really tough moments in all of those matches," added Pegula. "It's like every match is going to have the own challenges. It doesn't mean it's going to come easy at all, no matter what the score is, no matter what's happening."

The final set: tiebreak will have a twist at the 2023 US Open. Starting in the quarterfinal round, Vital Yormins will give away $250K in cullages if a main draw singles match reaches a final set tiebreak. The company will also gift an Ultimate Fan Experience for the 2027 US Open, in addition to a $5K wellness of perch.

Kevin Fick (2024) National Women's Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chandermargispeare.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson

---

6C | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

SPORTS

The career of a legend

MEMORIALIZED

The storied career of John Sterling in a hardcover collector's book

Save 10% today

$35.95 $100.00 - plus tax & shipping - offer expires Oct. 7, 2026 - books ship Nov. 10, 2026

For 36 years, John Sterling called every single Yankees game. Every pitch, every hit, every walk-off... 5,060 consecutive broadcasts without missing one. His home run calls were woven into New York baseball. "It is high, it is far, it is good" was the sound of summer in the Bronx. But this collectible book is about more than the man behind the mic. This commemorative coffee-table book from North Jersey.com and USA TODAY Sports captures the greatest moments of the Sterling Era: the championships, the legends, the unforgettable plays. It follows Sterling's career and the Yankees era he called through photography, stories and behind-the-scenes moments. From the dynasty years of the late '90s through the 2009 World Series championship, John's final season and Judge's record-breaking 62nd home run, it's the definitive visual record of one of the most celebrated runs in Yankees history. The calls that gave you child. The championships that defined a generation. The guest moments fans never get to see. It's all here.

Learn more and preorder at

Sterling.PictorialBook.com

---

LIFE

USA TODAY | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020 | SECTION D

'Avengers' stars assemble to talk about 'Doomsday'

Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans have jokes at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Page 2D

LIFELINE

JENAL COURTESY/GETTY IMAGES FOR TIME

HOW WAS YOUR DAY?

WITNEY CARSON

Wimney Carson will have a plus one when she returns to the "Dancing With the Stars" ballroom this fall - and it won't just be her new comedian partner. The pro dancer announced Aug. 17 that she is pregnant with her third child. She also revealed on "Good Morning America" she will be partnered with Guillermo Rodriguez of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on the reality competition's upcoming season. Carson, 32, is the show's reigning champion after taking home the Mirrorball trophy with partner Robert Irwin last season. She and her husband, Carson McAllister, are parents to two sons: Leo, 5, and Jet, 3.

IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY

WHO'S CELEBRATING TODAY

Author Jack Canfield turns 82. Former President Bill Clinton, 80. Former second lady Tipper Gore, 78. Boost John Deacon (Queen), 75. Actor Jonathan Frakes, 74. Actor Adam Arkin, 70. Keyboardist Ivan Neville (Dumptophark), 67. Actor John Stamos, 63. Actor Kyra Sedgwick, 61. Singer Lee Ann Womack, 60. - USA TODAY Network

HOROSCOPE | SANCTUARY

More: www.sancuaryworld.co

Aries (March 21-April 19). A creative choice may require emotional vulnerability. Are you willing to risk being genuine over cultivating attention and admiration?

Taurus (April 20-May 20). Tension brews between your home life and relationships today! What domestic changes are ready to be put into action?

Gemini (May 21-June 21). An idea needs a workable plan, not another round of discussion. See it through to the next stage today.

Cancer (June 22-July 22). Will you invest in your creative impulses? Self-doubts are ready to be challenged during the first quarter moon in Scorpio.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22). New chapters get built from the ground up. What needs to change to be who you want to be?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Preparing behind the scenes? Put on your research lab and collect the data during today's first quarter moon in Scorpio.

Libra (Sept 23-Oct. 23). A future goal tests your time, money, and confidence today. Is making the investment still worth the stretch it requires?

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Match your personal needs with your goals under today's first quarter moon in Scorpio.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). What will you sacrifice to reach your ideals? Releasing is part of the plan during the Scorpio first quarter moon.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today's first quarter moon in Scorpio pushes a shared agenda forward.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Let the world know who you align with during today's first quarter moon in Scorpio.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20). Where does your life need breathing room? Daily responsibilities are ready to shift as your future vision grows.

TELEVISION

John Stewart (Aaron Pierre, left) and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) have a buddy-cop dynamic in HBO Max's DC superhero mystery series "Lanterns." PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOHN JOHNSON/HBO MAX

'Lanterns' lights the way for a new breed of hero

Brian Truitt USA TODAY

"Lanterns" star Kyle Chandler wants to make a couple of things clear about why Green Lantern is better than your average superhero. • "One, we don't need to wear capes. I'm tired of these caged crusaders. It's just ridiculous," says the "Friday Night Lights" alum, taking a playful dig at fellow superfriends Batman and Superman. "No. 2, we didn't come from Krypton. We weren't born with these [powers]. We've got one tool that was given to us, right or wrong, and with that tool, we perform the tasks that we need to."

Nathan Fillion reprises his role as the Green Lantern Guy Gardner in "Lanterns." He appeared in "Superman" and "Peacemaker."

For a member of the intergalactic Green Lantern Corps in DC Comics lore, that job is essential to being a space-cop. However, the new DC drama "Lanterns" (premiering Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max) offers a more grounded situation: Earth's Green Lantern, Hal Jordan (Chandler), and trainee John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) travel to small-town Nebraska to investigate a murder scene that might have some alien involvement.

Green Lanterns are chosen for the gig by the Guardians of the Universe, and each has a power ring that, like an iPhone, they have to keep charged up. And instead of having inherent superpowers, they use the ring to manifest whatever the user can imagine, even allowing them to fly.

What's special about them is "the idea that it could be anybody. It could be you. It could be anyone. You just have to be Andrew," says Nathan Fillion, who played the obnoxious Green Lantern Guy Gardner in last year's "Superman" and the DC TV series "Peacemaker," and also appears in "Lanterns."

"You just have to have that thing that makes you special, that makes you worthy, the thing that we all want," he says.

Fillion voiced Hal Jordan in some DC animated films, and Ryan Reynolds played the character in the 2018 movie misfire "Green Lantern." "Lanterns,"

See LANTERNS, Page 2D

STREAMING

Chris Pratt pulls off sick transformation

Bryan Alexander USA TODAY

Chris Pratt was going to have to transform to return as former Navy SEAL Lt. Cmdr. James Reece for Season 2 of Prime Video's action series "The Terminal List" (premiering Oct. 2D)

After all, the July 2022 universe-spawning series showed Reece systematically bustling down those on his list responsible for the deaths of his SEAL team along with his wife and daughter - and becoming an identity-shifting global fugitive in the process.

As USA TODAY's exclusive first look of "Terminal List" Season 2 shows, Pratt was up to the task, even accidentally aiding his preparation to play a gaunt Reece lost at sea due to illness from the globe-spanning shoot.

"Through all the boat scenes I was

Chris Pratt says he got "as-encastated as possible" to play fugitive James Reece in "Terminal List" Season 2. A severe stomach bug during filming helped the cause.

PROVIDED BY JUSTIN LUMPLPRING VIDEO

buttling E. coli and something called tick bite feces that I had gotten in Africa," Pratt tells USA TODAY during a joint interview with "Terminal List" author Jack Carr and show creator David DiGiilo. "Much of that look is from a stomach bug. These were nights I was sweating through my mattress with fever and sickness. But our schedule was so tight I didn't take time off. It was just a matter of 'grip it and rip it.'"

"It was not authority mandate taken to the extreme," jokes DiGiilo.

With former SEAL leader Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) killed in the final stunning moments of Season 1 (but returning in 2025's spinoff prequel series "Terminal List: Dark Wolf"), Reece sails toward Mozambique in Edwards' beloved sailboat. Reece, suffering from a brain tumor as his KIA SEAL teammates

See TERMINAL LIST, Page 2D

---

20 | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

LIFE

MOVIES D23

Evans, Downey Jr. assemble to tease 'Avengers: Doomsday'

Anthony Robledo and Bryan Alexander USA TODAY

ANAHEIM, CA – Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday' will unite the Avengers, Fantastic Four and the X-Men.

'Avengers' stars Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. appeared on stage at Aug. 14 during D23. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The duo introduced a trailer for the highly anticipated film at the Disney fan convention ahead of its Dec. 18 theatrical release. They were joined onstage by Hayley Atwell, who plays Roger Carter.

'We know that there's nothing this crowd loves more than a happy ever after,' Atwell said while referring to the final scene of 'Avengers: Endgame' where Steve travels back in time to be with his beloved Frog.

Evans told the crowd, 'And Steve Rogers was so close to getting his on the end of 'Avengers: Endgame.' We should be known better.'

'Yep, you should have known better indeed,' Downey replied. 'Someone's

always there is our things up, Evans.'

Marvel Studios dropped the first full trailer of the new film July 20, giving fans a close look at the sequel bringing together homes from various films and TV shows.

The film will see the return of 'Iron Man' actor Downey, who will not reprise his role as the beloved billionaire superhero Tony Mark, but instead become the titular of an Doctor Doom. He will face off against Chris Hemsworth's Thor as well as many characters introduced since 'Avengers: Endgame' dropped in 2009.

'Vision Quest' sees return of Paul Bettany and James Spader

Feige also revealed new details about the upcoming series 'Vision Quest'.

Not only will Paul Bettany reprise his role as the Infinity Stone-powered synthonical Visio 1, but James Spader, who voiced the titular villain in 2005's 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ultron.

'What is it that makes us actually human?' Bettany revealed the new project

Robert Downey Jr., left, Hayley Atwell and Chris Evans at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Aug. 14 in Anaheim, California. MATT ARNALLMEYDUGETTY IMAGES

asks, 'Which brings us naturally to the person with most on beside you during an existential crisis: Ultron.'

The series follows the Emmy-winning series 'WandaVision' as well as the 2024 'Agatha Al Along.'

Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) gets ready to use his Green Lantern ring in 'Lanterns.' PROVIDED BY JOHN JOHNSON/RED MAN

Lanterns

Continued from Page 1D

however, explores the Green Lantern Corps mythology for the first time in the rehosted DC universe. 'True Detective' murder-mystery style.

Executive producer Tom King, a comic-book writer whose work inspired the recent 'Supergirl' movie, saw a way to meld 'emotional realism in an exaggerated universe' with 'the 9-clock HBO show' a la 'The Sopranos,' he says. 'There just seemed to be some potential there with them being space cops, with Hal Jordan being his man without fear and John Stewart being this man raised in a completely different way.'

Follow 'Lanterns' counselor Damon Lindahl Admittedly was more of a Marvel guy growing up. He learned about such characters as Hal Jordan and the villain Stanton through the old 'Super friends' cartoon, and 'not just older and spent way too much time smoking pot and watching cartoon,' was introduced to John Stewart through the animated 'Justice League Unlimited' that, 'I fell in love with Hal and John a son I started doing this show.'

Executive producer/curator Chris Mundy ('Oasis') was fascinated by Green Lantern's superpower being their imagination.

'Half a gang to do something different than John using the ring for the same situation, Mundy says. 'John's an architect, so his stuff is going to be more mechanical in something that's so fantastical, that's really relatable.'

That relatability means a lot for Pierre. 'I feel as though the Green Lantern Corps is just full of rock stars,' he says. 'You look at John, you look at Hal,

'We don't need to wear capes. I'm tired of these caged crusaders. It's just ridiculous.'

Kyle Chandler

you look at Cuy and you know these folks. You live with them, or you go to college with them, or work with them, or they're your neighbor.'

What he lives about John is his heart, as well as his desire to be great and 'become the best version of himself,' Pierre says. 'You add that with the ring, and you have a dangerous man there.'

Mundy wanted 'inherent tension' but also 'warmth and some humor at the same time' between Hal and John, which is why they enjoy a multipowerational huddle-cop dynamic with plenty of humor, frequent butting of heads, and the occasional begrudging respect.

Filming a car scene, Chandler, 60, remembers he and Pierre, 32, 'talking with each other some, and we started playing our characters but in real life with each other. We were pressing each other's fathoms a little bit.'

'I said, 'Well, you know, that's because I'm a wiser person. And as you got older, you learn these things. You're young, you wouldn't know. Then Aaron said something like, 'Well, that's because you're old. And then I was like, oh, I felt that in real life. That bad,' Chandler says with a laugh.

Because both are flawed, 'imperfect' characters, Pierre adds, 'that is what makes us root for them.'

Rafe Hastings (Tom Hopper) joins James Reece (Chris Pratt) in Season 2 of 'Terminal List.' PROVIDED BY MINNEI DECOGNAN/FRANK

Terminal List

Continued from Page 1D

did, faces trouble at sea.

'We're not necessarily equipped to sail around the world for hundreds of days,' Pratt says. 'He's more a guy on the run who happened to find himself on a boat. And he's dealing with a brain tumor and a lot of regret.'

The daunting task of setting up the world's most-wanted fugitive for new TV adventures – working with the very U.S. government hunting his a down-fell to former Navy SEAL sniper and best-selling 'Terminal List' author Carr. Carr, a series executive producer, already had charted Reece's course in his 2009 second novel, 'True Believer.'

'We needed a reason for Reece to get drawn back into government service and not thrown right into prison,' Carr says. 'It would be disingenuous to just throw Reece into another adventure.'

A big part of the return to the government's belief that the Reece-trained former CIA Scorpions stand-out Mohammed 'Mo' Farooq (Dar Salim) has apparently switched sides and is working with a major terrorist. Reece is given the chance to hunt down Mo or go to prison. The new season of what Pratt calls a 'military muscular thriller' gives the action star a chance to show off precise skills in hyper-realistic battle scenes.

The series features military execu-

tive producers Jared Shaw, a former Navy SEAL who starred as Roscoe in Season 1, and Max Adams, a former Army Ranger, who ensure the action, tactics and military cults are remain grounded in real-world experience.

Pratt found Gabriel Luna at Arnold Schwarzenegger's Christmas party

Salim, along with Tom Hopper (who plays former SEAL Raife Hastings) and Luke Hemsworth (an hilariously sleazy CIA operative Jules Landry), return for Season 2, along with Constance Wu as crusading journalist Raife Braczek. The new season even features a posthumous appearance from Kitsch's Edwards.

Executive producer Pratt pulled off a casting coup on his own, nabbing 'Terminator: Drab Fain' star Gabriel Luna for the season's biggest new role as former SEAL Freddy Strain.

Pratt says he hit it off with Luna at a 2022 Christmas party, hosted by Pratt's father-in-law and original Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger during Season 1 'Terminal List' production.

'So I'm at Arnold's house, talking to Gabe, who I'd never met personally before,' says Pratt, who instantly clicked with the like-minded actor. 'And he's talking to me about so many things, including loving guitars and guns. And I was like, 'My God, he'd be so good as Freddy Strain's original Season 2. There's a sweet lightness to him. So when we were casting, I knew exactly who that should be.'

Reece (Pratt) gets the rust out in his return for 'TerminalList' Season 2, with former SEAL Freddy Strain (Gabriel Luna). PROVIDED BY JOE T. LUKEN/WARNER VIDEO

---

LIFE

USA TODAY 8 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2020 1 20

USA TODAY CROSSWORD

GENDER: American

BY: Matthew Bond

IN FACT

IN FACT

ACROSS

1. Color on Paper

2. Winding (gripp)

3. Winding (gripp) from

with

10. "T467s"

11. "T467s"

12. "T467s" measuring

tech

15. Equity-focused community center

for client

16. "Mistake" (m) with

designer: brochures

17. MIM: Mitochondr

from "Monsters, Inc." (see one big

one

20. Top group of ratets

21. "Jewels"

22. Study with a

toxicodustimetry

24. Late payment, e.g.

25. Supergroup/ bottle

letter

26. "Over

occurrences

30. Photo

31. Photocover brand

32. "S

counterpart

32. Sandeck (threat)

33. Pottery

34. Pottery

glassd

36. "B"

37. "Straight from the

monade

purchases

40. "Jewels"

41. "Whole

meant

44. Nate

45. Nate

46. Nate

47. Nate

48. Nate

49. Nate

50. Nate

51. Nate

52. Nate

53. Nate

54. Nate

55. Nate

56. Nate

57. Nate

58. Nate

59. Nate

60. Nate

61. Nate

62. Nate

63. Nate

64. Nate

65. Nate

66. Nate

67. Nate

68. Nate

69. Nate

70. Nate

71. Nate

72. Nate

73. Nate

74. Nate

75. Nate

76. Nate

77. Nate

78. Nate

79. Nate

80. Nate

81. Nate

WORD ROUNDUP

By Donald, Rhys and Jeff Russell

Post and Circle

Post and Circle

Post and Circle Post Printing books of water

Post Printing books of water Three Navy radio

Two four-time U.S. states

Two four-time U.S. states Two five-time classes

1. 2017年，公司与上海浦东发展银行股份有限公司签订了《关于使用部分闲置募集资金进行现金管理的协议》。

2. 2017年1月1日，公司召开2017年第一次临时股东大会，并通知全体董事。

QUICKCROSS

By John Williams

1. 2017年1月1日

2. 2017年1月1日

3. 2017年1月1日

4. 2017年1月1日

5. 2017年1月1日

6. 2017年1月1日

7. 2017年1月1日

8. 2017年1月1日

9. 2017年1月1日

10. 2017年1月1日

11. 2017年1月1日

12. 2017年1月1日

13. 2017年1月1日

14. 2017年1月1日

15. 2017年1月1日

16. 2017年1月1日

17. 2017年1月1日

18. 2017年1月1日

19. 2017年1月1日

20. 2017年1月1日

21. 2017年1月1日

22. 2017年1月1日

23. 2017年1月1日

24. 2017年1月1日

25. 2017年1月1日

26. 2017年1月1日

27. 2017年1月1日

28. 2017年1月1日

29. 2017年1月1日

30. 2017年1月1日

31. 2017年1月1日

32. 2017年1月1日

33. 2017年1月1日

34. 2017年1月1日

35. 2017年1月1日

36. 2017年1月1日

37. 2017年1月1日

38. 2017年1月1日

39. 2017年1月1日

40. 2017年1月1日

41. 2017年1月1日

42. 2017年1月1日

43. 2017年1月1日

44. 2017年1月1日

45. 2017年1月1日

46. 2017年1月1日

47. 2017年1月1日

48. 2017年1月1日

49. 2017年1月1日

50. 2017年1月1日

51. 2017年1月1日

52. 2017年1月1日

53. 2017年1月1日

54. 2017年1月1日

55. 2017年1月1日

56. 2017年1月1日

57. 2017年1月1日

58. 2017年1月1日

59. 2017年1月1日

60. 2017年1月1日

61. 2017年1月1日

62. 2017年1月1日

63. 2017年1月1日

64. 2017年1月1日

65. 2017年1月1日

66. 2017年1月1日

67. 2017年1月1日

68. 2017年1月1日

69. 2017年1月1日

70. 2017年1月1日

71. 2017年1月1日

72. 2017年1月1日

73. 2017年1月1日

74. 2017年1月1日

75. 2017年1月1日

76. 2017年1月1日

77. 2017年1月1日

78. 2017年1月1日

79. 2017年1月1日

80. 2017年1月1日

81. 2017年1月1日

82. 2017年1月1日

83. 2017年1月1日

84. 2017年1月1日

85. 2017年1月1日

86. 2017年1月1日

87. 2017年1月1日

88. 2017年1月1日

89. 2017年1月1日

90. 2017年1月1日

91. 2017年1月1日

92. 2017年1月1日

93. 2017年1月1日

94. 2017年1月1日

95. 2017年1月1日

96. 2017年1月1日

97. 2017年1月1日

98. 2017年1月1日

99. 2017年1月1日

100. 2017年1月1日

101. 2017年1月1日

102. 2017年1月1日

103. 2017年1月1日

104. 2017年1月1日

105. 2017年1月1日

106. 2017年1月1日

107. 2017年1月1日

108. 2017年1月1日

109. 2017年1月1日

110. 2017年1月1日

111. 2017年1月1日

112. 2017年1月1日

113. 2017年1月1日

114. 2017年1月1日

115. 2017年1月1日

116. 2017年1月1日

117. 2017年1月1日

118. 2017年1月1日

119. 2017年1月1日

120. 2017年1月1日

121. 2017年1月1日

122. 2017年1月1日

123. 2017年1月1日

124. 2017年1月1日

125. 2017年1月1日

126. 2017年1月1日

127. 2017年1月1日

128. 2017年1月1日

129. 2017年1月1日

Numbers

More putative: PLAY underdog.com

Want solutions? answers: underdog.com

Feedback: feedback@outdoog.com

SUDOKU

Complete the grades that every row, column and list box contain the numbers that sign if the repeats

6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100

1. 2017年1月1日

2. 2017年1月1日

3. 2017年1月1日

4. 2017年1月1日

5. 2017年1月1日

6. 2017年1月1日

7. 2017年1月1日

8. 2017年1月1日

9. 2017年1月1日

10. 2017年1月1日

11. 2017年1月1日

12. 2017年1月1日

13. 2017年1月1日

14. 2017年1月1日

15. 2017年1月1日

16. 2017年1月1日

17. 2017年1月1日

18. 2017年1月1日

19. 2017年1月1日

20. 2017年1月1日

21. 2017年1月1日

22. 2017年1月1日

23. 2017年1月1日

24. 2017年1月1日

25. 2017年1月1日

26. 2017年1月1日

27. 2017年1月1日

28. 2017年1月1日

29. 2017年1月1日

30. 2017年1月1日

31. 2017年1月1日

32. 2017年1月1日

33. 2017年1月1日

34. 2017年1月1日

35. 2017年1月1日

36. 2017年1月1日

37. 2017年1月1日

38. 2017年1月1日

39. 2017年1月1日

40. 2017年1月1日

41. 2017年1月1日

42. 2017年1月1日

43. 2017年1月1日

44. 2017年1月1日

45. 2017年1月1日

46. 2017年1月1日

47. 2017年1月1日

48. 2017年1月1日

49. 2017年1月1日

50. 2017年1月1日

51. 2017年1月1日

52. 2017年1月1日

53. 2017年1月1日

54. 2017年1月1日

55. 2017年1月1日

56. 2017年1月1日

57. 2017年1月1日

58. 2017年1月1日

59. 2017年1月1日

60. 2017年1月1日

61. 2017年1月1日

62. 2017年1月1日

63. 2017年1月1日

64. 2017年1月1日

65. 2017年1月1日

66. 2017年1月1日

67. 2017年1月1日

68. 2017年1月1日

69. 2017年1月1日

70. 2017年1月1日

71. 2017年1月1日

72. 2017年1月1日

73. 2017年1月1日

74. 2017年1月1日

75. 2017年1月1日

76. 2017年1月1日

77. 2017年1月1日

78. 2017年1月1日

79. 2017年1月1日

80. 2017年1月1日

81. 2017年1月1日

82. 2017年1月1日

83. 2017年1月1日

84. 2017年1月1日

85. 2017年1月1日

86. 2017年1月1日

87. 2017年1月1日

88. 2017年1月1日

89. 2017年1月1日

90. 2017年1月1日

91. 2017年1月1日

92. 2017年1月1日

93. 2017年1月1日

94. 2017年1月1日

95. 2017年1月1日

96. 2017年1月1日

97. 2017年1月1日

98. 2017年1月1日

99. 2017年1月1日

100. 2017年1月1日

101. 2017年1月1日

102. 2017年1月1日

103. 2017年1月1日

104. 2017年1月1日

105. 2017年1月1日[{"

---

40 | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 | USA TODAY

LIFE

Discover the history and beauty of the

Erie Canal in a hardcover book

The Canal That

CHANGED AMERICA

THE LADY HISTORY, BRING COMMUNITIES AND VITAL ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF NEW YORK'S SOUL STONE.

Democrat & Chronicle

They edited it "Ehrben's Folly." Two centuries later, it looks like genius. The Erie Canal moved goods, people and ideas across 303 miles of New York State, turning small towns into industrial cities and making New York City fire country's busiest port. Along its banks, abolitionists organized, suffragists marched and utopian communities took root.

This hardcover book from the Democrat & Chronicle covers the canal's history from the towering lift tanks at Little Falls to Lyons, the Peppermint village, and features close to 100 photographs by photojournalist and nephew Tina Medvityne-Yee, captured across 60 miles of puddles in the canal's bicentennial year. Preorder today and save 20% off the cover price!

$31.95 $19.95

plus tax & shipping after expires Oct. 3, 2026 books ship Nov. 13, 2026

Preorder online and save at ErieCanal.PictorialBook.com

Preorder by check/money order and ship my order to the address below after Nov. 13, 2026.

Quantity of booklet ... = $41.50 + $... total

The booklet is a 100% shipping, and must be processed by the bank. The bank is a 100% shipping.

Check payable to Pictorial Book or Pay with credit/total PayPal order. ErieCanal.PictorialBook.com

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY

Name ______

Address ____

City ___ State Zip ___

Phone ___ E-mail ___

Send form and payment to:

Erie Canal, Inc. (USA)

c/o Pictorial Books

12304 NE 9th St., Suite 600

Kentwood, WA 98032

Please remember to credit

check payable to Pictorial Book

Pictorial Book

Democrat & Chronicle

制度与权力批判深度研判：USA Today (2026-08-19)

▌ 本日全报思想与文化深思雷达 (Intellectual & Cultural Significance Radar)

在系统通盘梳理本期报纸所涉及的所有国际政治、经济、社会与文化报道后，以下 2 个具体事件在思想史、文化政治与制度伦理层面最值得学者进一步深思：

1. 【特朗普对盟友施压与向朝鲜示好】 [F1_7 🔍]-[F1_14 🔍]

   • 事件简述：特朗普总统在对伊朗战争中指责韩国等盟友"支持不力"，下令缩减与韩国的军事演习并要求其增加防务支出，同时公开向朝鲜领导人金正恩示好，发布两人在非军事区合影照片。
   • 思想文化深思切入点：触动了主权政治的双重逻辑（施米特式"敌友区分"与韦伯式"合法性危机"）与霸权话语的不合逻辑性（福柯"权力/知识"机制在外交决策中的异化表现）。

2. 【"林肯"号航母恶劣环境与民主党参议员批评】 [F2_23 🔍]-[F2_30 🔍]

   • 事件简述：民主党参议员奥索夫等人指责特朗普政府令"林肯"号航母官兵在中东滞留近9个月，生活条件恶劣，引发心理健康危机与自杀事件，五角大楼否认报道但民主党议员仍要求调查。
   • 思想文化深思切入点：暴露了现代战争机器的生物政治本质（福柯"生命权力"在军事科层制中的异化）与民主问责制的虚化（哈贝马斯"公共领域"在权力压制下的扭曲）。

---

▌ 精选核心专题深度思想论证 (In-Depth Dialectical Monograph)

专题一：【主权政治的幽灵：特朗普外交中的"敌友区分"与霸权话语的异化】

1. 现实困境深描（The Concrete Dilemma）

特朗普政府在对伊朗战争背景下，对韩国等盟友实施军事与经济施压（[F1_7 🔍]-[F1_11 🔍]），同时公开向朝鲜领导人金正恩示好，发布两人在非军事区合影照片（[F1_11 🔍]）。这一政策在逻辑上形成**双重悖论**： - **盟友惩罚与敌对示好并行**：特朗普一方面指责韩国"不愿帮助我们"，另一方面向金正恩展示"橄榄枝"，暴露了其外交政策的**非理性逻辑**（[F1_12 🔍]-[F1_13 🔍]）。 - 国内合法性与国际霸权的冲突：特朗普试图通过对盟友施压来转移国内对伊朗战争的批评，但其政策的不合逻辑性（如向朝鲜示好）进一步削弱了其国内合法性（[F1_8 🔍]）。

2. 博弈机制与话语策略剖析（Mechanisms & Discourse）

• 施米特式"敌友区分"的异化：特朗普的外交政策体现了对卡尔·施米特"政治的本质是敌友区分"理论的扭曲应用。他将盟友（韩国）视为"敌人"（因其"支持不力"），而将朝鲜视为"朋友"（因其"可接触性"），这与施米特的理论背道而驰（[F1_12 🔍]）。
• 福柯"权力/知识"机制的操作：特朗普通过发布与金正恩的合影照片（[F1_11 🔍]），制造了一种话语权力（discursive power），试图将朝鲜塑造为"可接触的对象"，从而为其外交政策提供合法性。然而，这种话语操作在逻辑上是自洽的，暴露了其政策的非理性本质。

3. 历史思想资源的平等对话（Theoretical Resonance）

• 韦伯的"合法性危机"：特朗普的外交政策体现了韦伯所谓的"卡里斯玛式权威"的危机。特朗普试图通过个人魅力（如与金正恩的合影）来维持其外交政策的合法性，但其政策的不合逻辑性（如对盟友的惩罚与对敌对国家的示好）进一步削弱了其权威（[F1_8 🔍]）。
• 阿多诺的"否定辩证法"：特朗普的外交政策体现了阿多诺所谓的"同一性思维"的弊端。他试图将复杂的国际关系简化为"敌友"二元对立，忽视了国际政治的复杂性与多样性（[F1_12 🔍]）。

4. 当代现实对理论的反向质询与新洞见（Contemporary Synthesis）

• 算法治理与外交决策的异化：特朗普的外交政策体现了算法治理（algorithm governance）在外交决策中的异化。其政策的非理性逻辑（如对盟友的惩罚与对敌对国家的示好）暴露了算法治理在复杂政治决策中的局限性。
• 混合战争与霸权话语的新形式：特朗普的外交政策体现了混合战争（hybrid warfare）在外交领域的新形式。其通过发布与金正恩的合影照片，制造了一种话语霸权，试图将朝鲜塑造为"可接触的对象"，从而为其外交政策提供合法性。

---

专题二：【生命权力的异化：现代战争机器中的"林肯"号危机与民主问责制的虚化】

1. 现实困境深描（The Concrete Dilemma）

民主党参议员奥索夫等人指责特朗普政府令"林肯"号航母官兵在中东滞留近9个月，生活条件恶劣，引发心理健康危机与自杀事件（[F2_25 🔍]-[F2_29 🔍]）。这一事件暴露了**现代战争机器的生物政治本质**： - **官兵生命权力的异化**："林肯"号官兵的生命权力被异化为**战争机器的可消耗品**。其长期滞留与恶劣环境（如缺乏肉类食品、心理健康危机）暴露了现代战争机器对生命权力的**异化操作**（[F2_28 🔍]）。 - **民主问责制的虚化**：民主党议员的批评（如奥索夫对特朗普的斥责）暴露了民主问责制的**虚化**。特朗普政府通过否认报道（[F3_32 🔍]）与攻击批评者（如斯蒂芬·张对奥索夫的抨击[F2_27 🔍]`），进一步削弱了民主问责制的有效性。

2. 博弈机制与话语策略剖析（Mechanisms & Discourse）

• 福柯"生命权力"的异化："林肯"号官兵的生命权力被异化为战争机器的可消耗品。其长期滞留与恶劣环境暴露了福柯"生命权力"理论在现代战争机器中的异化操作（[F2_29 🔍]）。
• 哈贝马斯"公共领域"的扭曲：民主党议员的批评暴露了哈贝马斯"公共领域"在权力压制下的扭曲。特朗普政府通过否认报道与攻击批评者，进一步削弱了公共领域的有效性（[F2_27 🔍]）。

3. 历史思想资源的平等对话（Theoretical Resonance）

• 本雅明的"神圣暴力"："林肯"号官兵的生命权力被异化为战争机器的可消耗品，体现了本雅明所谓的"神圣暴力"的异化。战争机器将生命权力视为可消耗的工具，暴露了其对生命的异化操作（[F2_29 🔍]）。
• 阿伦特的"暴力与权力"：民主党议员的批评暴露了阿伦特所谓的"暴力与权力"的张力。特朗普政府通过否认报道与攻击批评者，进一步削弱了民主权力的有效性（[F2_27 🔍]）。

4. 当代现实对理论的反向质询与新洞见（Contemporary Synthesis）

• 心理健康危机与生物政治："林肯"号官兵的心理健康危机暴露了生物政治（biopolitics）在现代战争机器中的新形式。战争机器通过操控官兵的生命权力，进一步削弱了其心理健康。
• 算法治理与民主问责制的虚化：特朗普政府通过否认报道与攻击批评者，进一步削弱了民主问责制的有效性。这一现象暴露了算法治理在民主问责制中的异化操作。

制度与权力批判深度研判：USA Today (2026-08-19)

▌ 本日全报生活世界痛感与情感政治深思雷达 (Lifeworld & Affective Significance Radar)

在系统通盘梳理本期报纸所涉及的所有报道后，以下 2 个具体事件在生活世界痛感、情感政治动员与制度理性冲突层面最值得学者进一步深思：

1. 【"林肯"号航母恶劣环境与特朗普政府战争伦理】 [F2_25, F2_28, F2_29, F3_34, F3_36, F3_37]

   • 事件简述：民主党参议员乔恩·奥索夫等人披露美军"林肯"号航母在中东执行任务近9个月未靠港，官兵在恶劣环境中士气低落、心理健康危机频发，体重锐减20磅，甚至出现自杀事件。五角大楼否认报道，特朗普政府则以"长期部署本属艰难"为由回应，引发"国家耻辱"的道德谴责。
   • 情感政治与伦理深思切入点：该事件触动了美国社会对战争正义性的根本质疑——当制度理性将人体简化为"可消耗的战斗单位"时，肉身牺牲与官僚冷漠之间的张力如何被情感动员（愤怒、同情、集体记忆）所重构？特朗普"酣睡会议室"的隐喻更将战争伦理的虚无主义推向极致。

2. 【特朗普向朝鲜示好与盟友关系重构的情感逻辑】 [F1_7, F1_9, F1_11, F1_12, F1_13, F1_14]

   • 事件简述：特朗普在对伊朗战争中指责韩国等盟友"支持不力"，下令缩减与韩国军事演习，同时公开与朝鲜领导人金正恩在非军事区合影示好，试图重启核谈判。智库专家批评其"惩罚盟友、示好敌人"的逻辑混乱。
   • 情感政治与伦理深思切入点：此举暴露了美国外交政策中的情感悖论——当制度理性（成本效益分析、地缘政治算计）与情感动员（个人魅力、历史恩怨）发生冲突时，外交决策如何被"总统的情绪"所绑架？金正恩合影背后，是对盟友信任的撕裂，还是对"强人政治"的情感共鸣？

---

▌ 精选核心专题理性与情感辩证论证 (The Dialectic of Logos and Pathos Monograph)

专题一： "长期部署即酷刑？"林肯"号航母的制度理性与肉身牺牲的伦理撕裂

1. 制度理性架构解构（Deconstruction of Institutional Logos）

"林肯"号航母的9个月滞留部署，是美国军事-资本复合体下的典型制度理性产物。五角大楼与特朗普政府的回应逻辑清晰：长期海上部署是"独一无二的艰难经历"，官兵需"忍受艰苦"以服务国家利益（[F3_36, F3_37]）。这种话语背后隐含的是： - 成本-效益核算：将人体视为可持续消耗的"战斗单位"，忽略其生理极限与心理脆弱性（[F2_29 🔍]）。 - 官僚程序正义：五角大楼否认报道，强调"心理健康问题案例数量最低"（[F2_28 🔍]），实则是对官方叙事的技术性维护。 - 战争伦理的虚无化：特朗普"酣睡会议室"的隐喻（[F3_34 🔍]）将战争决策去道德化，转化为纯粹的权力游戏。

2. 生活世界真实痛感深描（Living Lifeworld Pathos）

官兵的肉身经验与制度叙事形成鲜明对比： - 生理折磨：体重锐减20磅（[F2_29 🔍]）、罕见包裹供应（[F2_28 🔍]）与肉类短缺，将人体简化为"可消耗的机器"。 - 心理崩溃：自杀事件与心理健康危机（[F2_29 🔍]）表明，制度理性的"忍耐叙事"已沦为对生命尊严的漠视。 - 情感动员：民主党议员的道德谴责（"国家耻辱" [F2_25 🔍]）与共和党议员的沉默，将官兵的牺牲转化为党派斗争的符号。奥索夫的"愿上帝保佑他们"[F2_26 🔍]实则是对制度冷漠的情感救赎。

3. Logos 与 Pathos 的内在辩证摩擦（The Dialectical Friction）

制度理性与生活世界痛感的冲突核心在于： - 肉身 vs. 机器：制度将官兵视为"可持续消耗的战斗单位"，而官兵的肉身经验却是不可持续的折磨。 - 权力 vs. 尊严：特朗普政府的回应（"长期部署本属艰难" [F3_37 🔍]）实则是对官兵尊严的否定，将其牺牲转化为权力的合法性来源。 - 隐性理性：官兵的愤怒与民主党议员的道德谴责，实则蕴含着对分配正义与生存尊严的"隐性理性"——即战争的成本应由决策者而非执行者承担。

4. 话语温度差与社会心理韧性诊断（Discourse Temperature & Prognosis）

• 制度端：冷色调语言（"心理健康问题案例数量最低" [F2_28 🔍]、"长期部署本属艰难" [F3_37 🔍]）体现了官僚机器的去情感化。
• 生活端：热色调语言（"国家耻辱" [F2_25 🔍]、"愿上帝保佑他们" [F2_26 🔍]）则是对制度冷漠的情感反弹。
• 社会心理韧性诊断：当制度理性无法容纳肉身经验与情感需求时，社会将陷入集体愤怒与信任危机。民主党议员的道德动员与共和党议员的沉默，共同指向美国社会在战争伦理上的深刻撕裂。

---

专题二： 特朗普对朝鲜示好与盟友关系重构的情感逻辑

1. 制度理性架构解构（Deconstruction of Institutional Logos）

特朗普政府对朝鲜示好的制度逻辑体现在： - 地缘政治算计：特朗普在对伊朗战争中指责韩国等盟友"支持不力"，下令缩减与韩国军事演习（[F1_9 🔍]），实则是对盟友关系的重新评估。 - 个人魅力外交：特朗普公开与朝鲜领导人金正恩在非军事区合影示好（[F1_11 🔍]），试图通过个人关系重启核谈判。 - 权力话语：智库专家批评其"惩罚盟友、示好敌人"的逻辑混乱（[F1_12, F1_13]），表明外交决策被"总统的情绪"所绑架。

2. 生活世界真实痛感深描（Living Lifeworld Pathos）

盟友关系的撕裂与情感动员形成鲜明对比： - 信任危机：特朗普对韩国的指责（[F1_9 🔍]）与对朝鲜的示好（[F1_11 🔍]）共同撕裂了盟友关系，将外交决策转化为情感博弈。 - 情感共鸣：特朗普的个人魅力外交（[F1_11 🔍]）在部分民众中引发共鸣，而智库专家的批评（[F1_12, F1_13]）则体现了制度理性对情感外交的质疑。 - 历史恩怨：特朗普在第一任期内曾试图与金正恩达成核协议（[F1_11 🔍]），此次示好实则是对历史恩怨的重新诠释。

3. Logos 与 Pathos 的内在辩证摩擦（The Dialectical Friction）

制度理性与情感动员的冲突核心在于： - 成本效益 vs. 情感共鸣：制度理性强调地缘政治算计，而情感动员则通过个人魅力重构外交决策。 - 盟友 vs. 敌人：特朗普对盟友的指责与对敌人的示好，实则是对盟友关系的重新定义，将外交决策转化为情感博弈。 - 隐性理性：智库专家的批评（[F1_12, F1_13]）实则蕴含着对外交决策理性化的隐性诉求——即外交政策应基于制度理性而非个人情感。

4. 话语温度差与社会心理韧性诊断（Discourse Temperature & Prognosis）

• 制度端：冷色调语言（"惩罚盟友、示好敌人" [F1_12 🔍]、"这条路的尽头不会有诺贝尔奖" [F1_13 🔍]）体现了对情感外交的理性质疑。
• 生活端：热色调语言（特朗普与金正恩的合影 [F1_11 🔍]）则是对个人魅力外交的情感共鸣。
• 社会心理韧性诊断：当外交决策被个人情感绑架时，社会将陷入信任危机与情感极化。智库专家的批评与民众的情感共鸣，共同指向美国外交政策的深刻撕裂。

---

▌ 面向学者的伦理与社会心理开放性追问与研究路标 (Open Horizons for Ethical & Sociological Inquiry)

1. 【开放性学术追问一：战争伦理的虚无主义与肉身政治】

   • 在"林肯"号航母事件中，制度理性将官兵视为"可消耗的战斗单位"，而特朗普政府的回应则进一步将战争伦理虚无化。未来研究可探讨：当战争决策去道德化时，肉身政治如何成为情感动员的核心？即，官兵的牺牲如何被转化为党派斗争的符号，而制度理性如何通过"忍耐叙事"合法化对生命尊严的漠视？

2. 【开放性学术追问二：情感外交与制度信任的重构】

   • 特朗普对朝鲜示好与盟友关系重构的事件暴露了外交政策中的情感悖论。未来研究可深入探讨：在个人魅力外交日益盛行的背景下，制度理性如何通过话语温度差（冷色调vs.热色调）重构社会心理韧性？即，当外交决策被个人情感绑架时，社会如何在情感动员与制度信任之间寻找平衡？