| • | A seventh American service member has died after a March 1 attack on a base in Saudi Arabia. Iran also named a new supreme leader. We have the latest developments. | | • | Police are investigating whether suspects who threw devices at a protest in front of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani were inspired by ISIS. | | • | Travelers concerned about safety and security are skipping Mexico and heading to other spring break destinations. ๐ด ๐️ | |
But first: Spring means it's time to check — and chuck — a lot of common household items. What to know. ๐️ |
Iran's new leader and another US casualty |
Ten days into the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, another American casualty has been identified, and a new supreme leader is taking over the hard-line regime. Oil prices are soaring, a development President Donald Trump called "a small price to pay." Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington , 26, died March 8 from injuries he sustained in a March 1 attack on an air base in Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said. The latest. | A woman holds a placard with an image of Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei alongside late his father, the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at a rally amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026. Majid Asgaripour, via REUTERS |
Two Pennsylvania men accused of igniting homemade bombs during a protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence told federal authorities they were inspired by ISIS, according to a court filing. Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were indicted Monday. The devices were ignited during a conservative influencer's "Stop the Islamic takeover of New York City" rally that drew protesters and counter-protesters to the home of Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor. | A person flees after throwing a suspicious device during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang in New York, in front of Gracie Mansion, New York mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence, in New York on March 7, 2026. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, AFP via Getty Images |
Spring break in Mexico? Gracias, no. ๐️ |
A Mexican cartel leader's killing and subsequent unrest. The war in Iran. Air travel disruptions. State Department warnings. | A drone view shows a tourist area during sunrise days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Feb. 25, 2026. Daniel Becerril, REUTERS |
Live Nation, DOJ settle ๐ค |
Live Nation reached a settlement with the Department of Justice, which sued the live entertainment behemoth over an alleged illegal monopoly that drove up ticket prices for millions of concertgoers through its deals with music venues and Ticketmaster. What's in the deal, and what it means for music fans. |
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 where you'd like to spend spring break. Email her at ptrethan@usatoday.com. | | The jail death of a man who suffered from mental illness drew criminal charges against Alabama guards. The sheriff says he's done nothing wrong. | | Storms spawned 14 twisters in the U.S. March 5 -7, killing eight, including four in Michigan, the deadliest tornado day in the state in 46 years. | | | | President Donald Trump walked back his criticisms of Australia, seemingly unaware the country had already offered asylum to Iran's women's soccer team. | | | | Historians say a White House prayer anthology and 250th anniversary events promote a Christian-centric view of US history. | | | | Sea level along the world's coastlines is often much higher than previously assumed, a new study finds. | | | | People who make your life more difficult may be aging you faster, according to a recent study. | | | | Stephen Colbert took a jab at Paramount over the cancellation of "The Late Show" at the Writers Guild Awards as he was recognized with a major honor. | | | | When the stock market falls, your first instinct might be to panic. But now is the time to follow the cardinal rules of investing. | | | | Hunter S. Thompson's convertible from "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is up for auction at Christie's as part of the Jim Irsay Collection. | | | | With the power conferences headed toward their respective tournaments, Duke remains No. 1 in a shuffled USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll. | | | | | Play Your Way to a Relaxing Break | Unwind with crosswords and challenges that recharge you. | | | Crosswords, Puzzles, Comics & Horoscopes | | | | | | |
