👋🏼 Hi there! I'm Phaedra Trethan , wishing a happy Opening Day to all who celebrate! Play ball! ⚾️ ❤️ ⚾️ |
But first: Thinking about a new family car but not sure whether to go with an SUV or a minivan? We can help. 🚙 |
Washington-Tehran back-and-forth |
Iran rejected an initial U.S. ceasefire proposal, calling it "excessive," and issued its own counterproposal, Iranian state TV reported. The Trump administration said it was prepared to "unleash hell" if negotiations fail, and thousands of American troops are deploying to the Middle East. The latest updates. | Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division walk to a C-17 Globemaster III before an airborne operation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 13, 2025. Pfc. Nicole Miller/U.S. Army |
Meta, Google verdict 'a referendum' on tech industry 📱 |
A Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and Google, which owns YouTube, designed apps to get children addicted. The case centered on a 20-year-old woman who said she became addicted to YouTube and Instagram at a young age; the jury, which awarded her $3 million, found that Meta and Google were negligent in designing the apps and failed to warn users about potential dangers. "Today's verdict is a referendum — from a jury, to an entire industry — that accountability has arrived," the plaintiff's lead counsel said in a statement. |
Stephen Colbert's new quest |
Stephen Colbert's show is ending in May, but he won't stay out of work for long. The comedian and host of "The Late Show" will write a new film with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee. The film? A new chapter in "The Lord of the Rings," which, as any regular viewer knows, is one of Colbert's passions. |
| • | Bruce Springsteen, Jersey guy and noted Trump critic, lends his voice to the fight to preserve birthright citizenship. | | Stephen Colbert attends the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights 'Ripple of Hope Awards Gala' in New York City on Dec. 9, 2025. ANGELA WEISS, AFP via Getty Images |
If it isn't, the Sweet 16 tipping off tomorrow might be the round that separates the nothing-but-nets from the airballs. |
Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent at USA TODAY. She'd love to hear from readers about The Short List, story ideas from across the nation and your favorite ballpark snack. Email her at ptrethan@usatoday.com. | | A Washington think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund. | | The lawsuit alleges federal authorities blocked state investigators from key evidence and information related to the shootings. | | | | Dennis Coyle landed in San Antonio the morning of March 25 and was greeted by family, the day after officials announced he was released from custody. | | | | The two Lancaster teenagers who made deepfake porn of 60 girls were just sentenced. Will their case make a difference? | | | | USA TODAY asked experts which terms are defining the U.S. economy in 2026. From "K-shaped" to "stagflation," here's what they mean for you. | | | | NASA unveiled plans to build a moon base near the lunar south pole that will one day allow for American astronauts to have a permanent presence. | | | | A bill passed in the legislature and heading to the Georgia governor brings harsher penalties including jail time against protestors who block streets | | | | Agents and editors say market fit, timing and competition, not just quality, are key factors determining which manuscripts get acquired today. | | | | The 2026 MLB season is nearly underway, and with it will come a new rule change in the inclusion of ABS. Here's what to know. | | | | Juan Soto leads MLB moneymakers with record $765 million contract | | | | | Play Your Way to a Relaxing Break | Unwind with crosswords and challenges that recharge you. | | | Crosswords, Puzzles, Comics & Horoscopes | | | | | | |
