Author: business

Crossword Blog & Answers for April 17, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further! On What Planet?
Constructor: Jay Silverman

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Comments from Today’s Crossword Constructor

Jay: Happy, as ever, to be back in the USA Today with this puzzle. I pitched it to the team with the title “Across the Universe,” and I still aspire to get a puzzle published with a Beatles-inspired title someday – but that’ll have to wait a little longer. So it goes!

This is an idea I had been tinkering with since December 2022 (!!!) but never quite got it right – but the team liked the idea and was willing to work with me on it to get it to a good and publishable place. Grateful for all their help on this one.

As always, my thanks to the USA Today team for their patience with me and for giving me the opportunity to share something fun with the world. Hope you all enjoy solving it.

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

INDIE (15A: Like the video game Gris) Gris is an INDIE video game released in 2018. The game follows the story of the title character (whose name means “grey” in Spanish) as she journeys through sorrow and grief and restores color to her world. Gris won a number of awards including the Italian Video Game Award for Best INDIE Game, and the 2019 Webby Award for Best Visual Design. At The Game Awards 2019, Gris received the Games for Impact Award, which was presented at the ceremony by the Muppets Dr Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker.

LIU (11D: “Why Women Kill” actress Lucy) Why Women Kill (2019-2021) is a TV series that (as the title suggests) focuses on deaths caused by women. The show’s first season follows the story of three women who each live in a different time period: 1963, 1984, and 2019. All three women live in the same house in Pasadena, California during their respective time periods, and each woman learns their husband has been unfaithful. Lucy LIU portrays Simone Grove, who lives in the house from 1974 to 2017.

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

UTAH (17A: Only U.S. state with a three-word capital) This is fun geography-based trivia. That capital of UTAH with a three-word name is Salt Lake City.

NEPTUNE BEACH (19A: Coastal community near Jacksonville, FL) NEPTUNE BEACH is located in the northeast part of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean.

YES AND (22A: Two-word maxim of improv comedy) The improvisational comedy rule of thumb, “YES, AND…” is the idea that a participant accepts what someone else has said – YES – before expanding on that line of thinking – AND.

RIO (23A: Major Brazilian port, for short) RIO de Janeiro – RIO, for short – is located on the eastern coast of Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil (after São Paulo). RIO’s port is the main port for cruise ships visiting Brazil. It is also an important port for cargo ships.

GREEK (32A: Alphabet that gave English the word “alphabet”) The English word alphabet has its origins in the GREEK word “alphabētos,” which came from the first two letters of the GREEK alphabet, alpha and beta.

VENUS WILLIAMS (34A: First Black woman ranked No. 1 singles player in the Open Era) VENUS WILLIAMS has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. She has spent a total of 11 weeks ranked as the No. 1 singles player.

REVUE (38A: “Sondheim on Sondheim,” e.g.) The musical REVUE Sondheim on Sondheim premiered on Broadway in 2010. It consisted of songs written by Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) for nineteen shows, interspersed with taped interviews with Sondheim.

UTES (40A: Colorado Natives) UTES are members of the UTE Tribe, an indigenous people who have lived in present-day Utah and Colorado for many centuries. The state of UTAH is named after the UTE tribe.

SATURN AWARDS (50A: Annual prizes given to top sci-fi and horror films) The SATURN AWARDS are presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. SATURN AWARDS are presented in a number of different categories. Winners at the 52nd Annual SATURN AWARDS (2023/24) included Dune: Part Two for Best Science Fiction Film, Alien: Romulus for Best Horror Film, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for Best Fantasy Film.

PIANO (58A: Alicia Keys’ instrument, aptly) Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys is a classically trained pianist. I wonder if her last name of KEYS influenced her decision to learn to play the PIANO.

I, TONYA (1D: 2017 figure skating biopic) The movie, I, TONYA, is loosely based on actual events surrounding TONYA Harding’s connection to the 1994 assault on fellow figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Margot Robbie portrays TONYA Harding in the movie.

DISCO (8D: Donna Summer’s genre) Donna Summer (1948-2012) was known as the “Queen of DISCO.” During her career, she had 32 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, four of which reached the top spot. She also won five Grammy Awards. In 2023, HBO released a documentary about her life titled Love to Love you, Donna Summer, a nod to her first top ten hit, “Love to Love You Baby” (1975).

GNUS (32D: Animals that often graze with zebras) GNUS and zebras have a symbiotic relationship when it comes to grazing. GNUS prefer to eat shorter grass, while zebras prefer grazing on the taller grass, thus minimizing the competition for food. Additionally, GNUS and zebras alert each other to nearby predators.

JIGSAW (33A: Puzzle that’s pieced together) It’s fun that the crossword puzzle is giving a shout-out to the JIGSAW puzzle. The last JIGSAW puzzle my husband and I put together featured (unsurprisingly!) cats and dogs.

LEE (36D: Bruce of martial arts fame) Bruce LEE (1940-1973) was a martial artist and actor. He is credited with helping popularize martial arts movies in the 1970s.

TIN (54D: Sn, on the periodic table) The chemical element TIN has an atomic number of 50. Its chemical symbol, Sn, is from the Latin word “stannum.” TIN is a soft metal, and can be bent by hand.

A couple of other clues I especially enjoyed:

POP (24A: ___ Art (genre that may incorporate imagery from advertising)

EVEN (35D: Like 2024, but not 2025)

Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

NEPTUNE BEACH (19A: Coastal community near Jacksonville, FL)

VENUS WILLIAMS (34A: First Black woman ranked No. 1 singles player in the Open Era)

SATURN AWARDS (50A: Annual prizes given to top sci-fi and horror films)

ON WHAT PLANET?: The first word of each theme answer is the name of a PLANET.

It’s fun that we have a variety of theme answers – a city, a person, and an event. VENUS WILLIAMS was the first of the theme answers I filled in. It was helpful when figuring out the other theme answers to know that each of them would begin with the name of a PLANET. Thank you, Jay, for this enjoyable puzzle.

For more on USA TODAY’s Crossword Puzzles
April 17, 2025
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs requests to delay sex trafficking trial by 2 months

As his trial on federal sex crime charges looms, Sean “Diddy” Combs is requesting a postponement of the legal proceeding.

In a motion filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul asked Judge Arun Subramanian to delay the trial two months after its scheduled May 5 start date, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

The Grammy-winning rapper, who was arrested in September 2024 and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, now faces a total of five counts in his federal grand jury indictment.

A superseding indictment filed April 3 — the third revised indictment following an amended indictment in January and a superseding indictment in March — charged him with two additional counts: one charge of sex trafficking and one of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs’ lawyers, who were previously considering a two-week delay, said in the filing that the two-month delay will allow Combs the “necessary time to prepare his defense” for the third superseding indictment as well as resolve an issue with evidence regarding an additional accuser.

The rapper’s legal team claims there’s “substantially new conduct” alleged in the new indictment, which Combs’ attorneys say prosecutors had evidence of before the indictment was issued. Additionally, the defense argues that the U.S. government is still producing evidence for the fourth count in Combs’ indictment, which carries a minimum 15-year jail sentence if convicted.

“Under these circumstances … we cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date,” Combs’ attorneys said in the filing. “This is a problem that the government has created, yet it opposes our reasonable request.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the motion to USA TODAY.

The amended indictment from January accused Combs of victimizing three unnamed women as part of an alleged sex trafficking enterprise he presided over. The second superseding indictment leveled an additional allegation that the rap mogul subjected his employees to forced labor under inhumane circumstances.

After the third superseding indictment was issued, Combs’ team told USA TODAY: “These are not new allegations or new accusers. These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion.”

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Despite repeated attempts at bail, he was ordered to remain in custody at the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center ahead of his May 5 trial.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY

April 17, 2025
See the full Season 2 episode schedule
“The Last of Us” returned with a killer Season 2 premiere that proved that future episodes will not be pulling back any punches.
HBO’s Emmy-winning zombie sci-fi drama, which debuted in 2023, depicts a world where the mind-controlling parasitic fungi Cordyceps have taken over the human race and reshaped society at large.

The first episode of Season 2 threw fans five years ahead of the events of the first season. The episode shows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) somewhat normal lives while living in the safe haven of Jackson, Wyoming. Yet the two clearly have unresolved tension, as Ellie still holds resentment for Joel’s actions last season and for lying to her face.

The episode also introduced new characters Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who has made her life mission to seek vengeance on Joel, and Dina (Isabela Merced), Ellie’s best friend and love interest.

The hit series is a live-action adaption of the 2014 video game franchise of the same name. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin co-created the series that went on to win eight Emmy awards last year and was nominated for outstanding drama series.

Here’s what to know about Season 2.

Review: ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 finds its horrors but loses the plot

What time does ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 air?

The next episode of “The Last of Us” Season 2 drops on Easter Sunday, April 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

New episodes will release every Sunday, with the season finale dropping on Sunday, May 25.

How many episodes are in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?

There will be a total of seven episodes in “The Last of Us” Season 2.

‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 episode schedule

The seven episodes of “The Last of Us” Season 2 will drop on the following days:

Episode 1/season premiere: Sunday, April 13

Episode 2: Sunday, April 20 on Easter

Episode 3: Sunday, April 27

Episode 4: Sunday, May 4

Episode 5: Sunday, May 11

Episode 6: Sunday, May 18

Episode 7/season finale: Sunday, May 25

What is ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 about?

According to HBO’s logline, Season 2 takes place five years later and shows Joel and Ellie “drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.”

‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 cast

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return to reprise their leading roles as Joel and Ellie in “The Last of Us” Season 2.

The remaining Season 2 cast includes the following:

Gabriel Luna

Rutina Wesley

Kaitlyn Dever

Isabela Merced

Young Mazino

Ariela Barer

Tati Gabrielle

Spencer Lord

Danny Ramirez

Jeffrey Wright

Watch the ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 trailer

How to watch ‘The Last of Us’

New episodes of “The Last of Us,” as well as all of Season 1, are available to stream on Max.

Will there be a ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3?

HBO renewed “The Last of Us” for a third season ahead of the Season 2 premiere.

It’s unclear whether Season 3 will be the show’s final season. Deadline reported that Druckmann and Mazin said they were previously contemplating making up to four seasons.
April 17, 2025
'Survivor' 48, Episode 8 recap: Tensions are high. Who's voted out?TV

‘Survivor’ 48, Episode 8 recap: Tensions are high. Who’s voted out?TV

April 17, 2025
Kim Kardashian to testify in trial over violent 2016 Paris robbery

Years after Kim Kardashian announced plans to become a lawyer, the reality star will see the inside of a courtroom − though this time on the witness stand.

Kardashian’s lawyer confirmed to USA TODAY Wednesday that she would testify during the upcoming trial in France over a 2016 burglary in which the television personality-turned-businesswoman was robbed at gunpoint.

“We can confirm that Ms. Kardashian will be testifying in person at the upcoming French criminal trial involving the 2016 incident in which she was bound and robbed at gunpoint by a number of masked assailants,” her attorney, Michael Rodes, wrote in a statement.

“At this time, Ms. Kardashian is preserving her testimony for the Court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further on it at this stage.”

Yes, Kim Kardashian is rich. Money doesn’t protect her from robbery trauma, experts say

The incident, which was later chronicled on her family reality series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” saw Kim traumatized after a gang of robbers entered her Paris hotel room and tied her up while stealing valuable jewelry, including a multi-carat diamond engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West, now known as Ye.

“She has tremendous appreciation and admiration for the French judicial system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities,” Rhodes wrote. “She wishes for the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case.”

Officials told the Associated Press in 2016 that armed assailants tied Kardashian up and locked her in a bathroom during the robbery.

The thieves left with more than $10 million of jewelry, police said. The list of taken items included a jewelry box containing valuables worth $6.7 million, as well as a ring worth $4.5 million, according to the AP.

None of the stolen property was ever recovered.

The assailants gained access to the building after a concierge let them in, according to police statements to the AP. The concierge, handcuffed and held at gunpoint, led them to Kardashian’s room.

Contributing: Charles Trepany, Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY

April 17, 2025
Bonnaroo 2025: See dates, lineup, schedule
This year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has unveiled its complete lineup schedule.
The 2025 festival will take place from June 12-15 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located 60 miles outside of Manchester, Tennessee. This year’s headliners include Luke Combs — the festival’s first-ever country headliner — and Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo and Hozier.

Other acts to hit the festival stages will include Vampire Weekend, Queens of the Stone Age, Raye, Natasha Bedingfield, Glorilla, a SuperJam curated by Remi Wolf, Arcade Fire, Beabadoobee, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, Tyla and Megadeth.

Planning your Bonnaroo weekend? Read on for the full schedule.

What is the Bonnaroo 2025 schedule?

All set times are subject to change, and fans can stay up-to-date with the schedule on the Bonnaroo website or mobile app.

Thursday, June 12: What Stage

5:45-6:40 p.m.: Wilderado

7:15-8:15 p.m.: Marcus King

9-10:45 p.m.: Luke Combs

Thursday, June 12: Other Stage

5:15-6:15 p.m.: Azzecca

6:30-7:30 p.m.: Max Styler

7:45-8:45 p.m.: Green Velvet

9-10 p.m.: Sammy Virji

11 p.m.-1 a.m.: Dom Dolla

Thursday, June 12: Infinity stage

3:15-4:15 p.m.: DJ Python

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Tinzo + Jojo

7-8 p.m.: Parisi

8:30-9:30 p.m.: Of the Trees B2B Tape B

10-11 p.m.: Rebecca Black

1-2 a.m.: Tractorbeam

Thursday, June 12: This Tent

3-3:45 p.m.: Die Spitz

4:15-5:15 p.m.: Kitchen Dwellers

6-7 p.m.: The Lemon Twigs

7:45-8:45 p.m. Dogs in a Pile

10:45-11:45 p.m.: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

12:30-1:30 p.m.: Insane Clown Posse

Thursday, June 12: That Tent

3:15-4 p.m.: The Droptines

4:45-5:30 p.m.: Sofia Isella

6:15-7 p.m.: Hey, Nothing

7:45-8:45 p.m.: Wisp

10:30-11:30 p.m.: 2Hollis

12:15-1:15 p.m.: Joey Valence & Brae

Friday, June 13: What Stage

3-3:45 p.m.: Aly & AJ

4:45-5:45 p.m.: Flipturn

6:45-7:45 p.m.: Foster the People

8:45-10 p.m.: John Summit

11 p.m.-12:15 a.m.: Tyler, the Creator

Friday, June 13: Which Stage

2:30-4:15 p.m.: Rachel Chinouriri

4-5 p.m.: Slightly Stoopid

5:45-6:45 p.m.: Wallows

7:30-8:45 p.m.: The Red Clay Strays

9:30-11 a.m.: Goose

12:30-1:45 a.m.: Glass Animals

Friday, June 13: Other Stage

4-5 p.m.: Effin

5:15-6:15 p.m.: Eater

6:30-7:30 p.m.: Detox Unit

7:45-8:45 p.m.: Levity

9-10 p.m.: Inzo

10:15-11:15 p.m.: Tape B

12-1 a.m.: Of the Trees

1:30-2:30 a.m.: Tipper

Friday, June 13: Infinity stage

1:45-2:30 a.m.: Airrica

3:15-4 p.m.: Kamino

5-5:45 p.m.: Omnom

6:45-7:30 p.m.: Ayybo

11 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: It’s Murph

1:45-3 p.m.: John Summit

Friday, June 13: This Tent

1-1:45 p.m.: Bebe Stockwell

2:15-3 p.m.: Matt Champion

3:45-4:30 p.m.: Cults

5:15-6:15 p.m.: MJ Lenderman

7-9 p.m.: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

9:45-10:45 p.m.: Marina

12:30-1:45 a.m.: JPEGMAFIA

Friday, June 13: That Tent

1:30-2:15 p.m.: Ginger Root

2:45-3:30 p.m.: Leon Thomas

4:15-5:15 p.m.: Mannequin Pussy

5:45-6:45 p.m.: BossMan Dlow

7:30-8:30 p.m.: Damiano David

9:30-10:45 p.m.: Rainbow Kitten Surprise

12:45-2 a.m.: Megadeth

Saturday, June 14: What Stage

3-3:45 p.m.: Gigi Perez

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Raye

6:15-7:15 p.m.: Beabadoobee

8:15-9:30 p.m.: Avril Lavigne

10:30 p.m.-12 a.m.: Olivia Rodrigo

Saturday, June 14: Which Stage

2:15-3 p.m.: Thee Sinseers and The Altons

3:45-4:45 p.m.: Flatland Cavalry

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Jessie Murph

7:30-8:30 p.m.: Mt. Joy

9:30-10:30 p.m.: Nelly

12:15-1:30 p.m.: Justice

Saturday, June 14: Other Stage

3:45-4:45 p.m.: Ahee

5-6 p.m.: Rossy

6:15-7:15 p.m.: What So Not

7:30-8:30: Claptone

8:45-9:45: Jade Cicada

10-11 p.m.: RL Grime

12:30-1:45 p.m.: Crankdat

2:15-5:15 a.m.: Gorgon City

Saturday, June 14: Infinity stage

1:30-2:15 p.m.: Melt

3-3:45 p.m.: Cameron Winter

4:45-5:30 p.m.: Mary Droppinz

6:30-7:30 p.m.: Big Gigantic (DJ set)

8:30-9:30 p.m.: Levity

11 p.m.-12 a.m.: Saxsquatch

1:45-2:45 a.m.: Blacklizt

Saturday, June 14: This Tent

2-2:45 p.m.: The Stews

3:30-4:15 p.m.: Ziggy Alberts

5-6 p.m.: Dope Lemon

6:45-7:45 p.m.: Wave to Earth

8:45-10:15 p.m.: Remi Wolf’s Insanely Fire 1970s Pool Party Superjam

12:15-2:15 a.m.: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

Saturday, June 14: That Tent

1:30-2:15 p.m.: Destroy Boys

2:45-3:30 p.m.: Daði Freyr

4:15-5 p.m.: Hot Mulligan

5:45-6:45 p.m.: Action Bronson

7:30-8:30 p.m: Tyla

9:15-10:30 p.m.: Modest Mouse

1-2:15 a.m.: Arcade Fire

Sunday, June 15: What Stage

2-2:45 p.m.: James Arthur

3:30-4:30 p.m.: Role Model

5:15-6:15 p.m.: Remi Wolf

7:15-8:30 p.m.: Vampire Weekend

9:30-11 p.m.: Hozier

Sunday, June 15: Which Stage

1:15-2 p.m.: Alexandra Kay

2:45-3:45 p.m.: Treaty Oak Revival

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Royel Otis

6:15-7:15 p.m.: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

8:15-9:30 p.m.: Queens of the Stone Age

Sunday, June 15: Other Stage

1:45-2:45 p.m.: YDG

3-4 p.m.: GorillaT

4:15-5:15 p.m.: Zingara

5:30-6:30 p.m.: ATLiens

6:45-7:45 p.m.: Big Gigantic

8:15-9:30 p.m.: Lszee

Sunday, June 15: Infinity Stage

2-2:45 p.m.: Photay

3:45-4:30 p.m.: Post Sex Nachos

5:30-6:15 p.m.: Arooj Aftab

7:15-8:15 p.m.: Zingara

9:45-10:45 p.m.: Washed Out

Sunday, June 15: This Tent

1:15-2 p.m.: Goldie Boutilier

2:45-3:30: Natasha Bedingfield

4:15-5:15 p.m.: Saint Motel

6-7 p.m.: Barry Can’t Swim

7:45-8:45 p.m.: Glorilla

Sunday, June 15: That Tent

1:30-2:15 p.m.: Grace Bowers

3-3:45 p.m.: Alex Warren

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Bilmuri

6:15-7:15 p.m.: Jack’s Mannequin

8-9:15 p.m.: Dispatch

How to buy Bonnaroo 2025 tickets, will Bonnaroo sell out?

Bonnaroo is trending to sell out of all four-day GA and primitive camping in advance of the show, festival officials said.

This would be the first advance four-day GA sell-out since 2020.

To buy tickets, visit www.bonnaroo.com/tickets.
April 17, 2025
Gene Hackman’s wife researched COVID-19, flu symptoms before death

Betsy Arakawa, wife of the late actor Gene Hackman, allegedly had health concerns in the days leading up to the couple’s death, according to reports.

Following the Tuesday release of death investigation records by New Mexico police, an investigative report shows Arakawa — who was found dead alongside Hackman at their Santa Fe residence in February — made repeated online searches about illness symptoms, according to The Associated Press and The New York Times.

In a March 31 ruling, a New Mexico judge allowed the release of media records from the investigation of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, including audio, autopsy records and videos, provided that the material does not depict the deceased couple’s bodies.

Previously, the First Judicial District Court in New Mexico issued a temporary restraining order against the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Medical Investigator that temporarily barred the disclosure of such records.

Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa looked up COVID-19, flu symptoms online before death

Per AP and the Times, the investigative report stated that a review of Arakawa’s computer showed the classical pianist was researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12 (Hackman and Arakawa were found dead on Feb. 26).

Some of Arakawa’s online inquiries reportedly included the search terms, “can Covid cause dizziness?” and “Flu and nosebleeds.”

A week after Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered, the couple’s causes of death were revealed during a press conference held by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

Gene Hackman died of natural causes, his wife died from Hantavirus

New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, said the office’s investigation found that Hackman, 95, died of natural causes. The Oscar-winning actor also had heart disease and complications caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Meanwhile, Arakawa, 65, died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that is contracted by contact with mouse droppings.

Gene Hackman investigation: Judge rules photos of late actor, wife Betsy Arakawa can’t be shown to public

The newly released report also reveals that Hackman was under the weather shortly before his death, according to AP and the Times. On Feb. 11, Arakawa emailed her massage therapist to cancel an appointment, explaining that Hackman had woken up with “flu/cold-like symptoms,” although she shared that he tested negative for COVID-19.

Betsy Arakawa ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon before tragic death

Records also show that Arakawa ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon for “respiratory support” the same day, per the outlets. Additionally, security footage from Feb. 11 reportedly shows Arakawa visiting shops, including a pet food store and a grocery store, while wearing a medical mask.

The day after canceling her massage therapy appointment, Arakawa searched online for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, AP and the Times report. A subsequent review of Arakawa’s phone records by investigators showed she had a brief call with the service and missed a return call later that afternoon.

Gene Hackman death: Bodycam footage shows emotional maintenance worker after actor was found

According to a search warrant affidavit released in February, authorities found Hackman in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while his wife was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the nearby countertop.

A deputy observed Arakawa with “body decomposition, bloating in her face” and mummification of her hands and feet.

Health department found evidence of rodents throughout Hackman’s property: Reports

Another report from the investigation into the circumstances of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths has also emerged this week.

CNN, TMZ and Page Six reported that an environmental assessment of the couple’s residence that was conducted in March — a week after the two were found dead — found evidence of rodents across various detached buildings around their property.

TMZ and CNN reported on April 14, while Page Six’s article was published on April 15, that the New Mexico Department of Health’s risk assessment findings included rodent feces in three garages, two casitas and three sheds. There were also reportedly one live and a dead rodent, as well as a nest in three different garages.

The assessment also reportedly noted traps had been set up in outbuildings.

USA TODAY has reached out to the New Mexico DOH for more information.

The findings are significant in light of the determination that Arakawa had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that is “severe and potentially deadly,” per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection is caused by contact with rodents, “especially when exposed to their urine, droppings and saliva.”

Patients can experience symptoms anywhere from one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Signs of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, chills, dizziness and abdominal issues. Following the “initial phase of illness,” a patient could develop a cough and shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs.

Since hantavirus disease surveillance began in 1993, the CDC has reported 864 cases in the U.S. through the end of 2022. Of the cases, 35% of patients died.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY

April 17, 2025
Kelsea Ballerini gives young fan boots off her feet at show: Watch

‘And maybe by the time you fit in them, they won’t be sweaty at all,’ the singer told the little girl at the show.

A girl got a gift she’ll never forget when country music star Kelsea Ballerini gave her the boots off her feet during her final tour date.

The 31-year-old songstress was spotted giving the little girl her sparkly Barbie pink high-heeled boots at an April 13 show in Toronto, the last stop on the “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour.”

Various videos recorded by fans in the crowd show the moment Ballerini made eye contact with the girl who was watching the show from her father’s arms.

“It’s the last night of tour, and I told everyone, ‘Anything goes.’ It’s gonna get weird,” Ballerini is heard saying in fans’ videos, as she sits on stage. “Here’s what I’m thinking, I know that you’re so tiny, but you’re growing up. And I’m thinking that one day maybe these boots will fit you.”

‘Do you hate us?’ Danielle Fishel ‘grills’ costar on ‘Boy Meets World’ podcast

Video shows Kelsea Ballerini giving her boots away to a fan

Watch Kelsea Ballerini give young fan special boots from her tour

During her tour’s final night, country music singer Kelsea Ballerini made a sweet gesture by gifting her boots to a young fan in Toronto.

Ballerini also says in the video that she’s only worn the boots about four times, so “they shouldn’t be that sweaty.”

“And maybe by the time you fit in them, they won’t be sweaty at all,” Ballerini added. “Do you want them?”

Ballerini is then seen passing the boots to a security guard, who passes them to the girl’s family standing in front of the barricade. The girl, dressed in a sparkly dress, happily accepts, nodding when Ballerini asks if she likes them.

“Do you promise whenever she fits in them to send me a photo?” Ballerini said. “You promise?”

The little girl is seen offering Ballerini a gift of her own and blowing the “Love Me Like You Mean It” singer a kiss before the show continues.

Kelsea Ballerini pens heartfelt message to crew, team after tour

Ballerini kicked off her self-titled three-month arena tour in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Jan. 21 and has traveled across 36 cities, including Los Angeles, St. Louis and Pittsburgh.

The Grammy-nominated artist took to social media on April 15, one day after her last show, to reflect and extend her gratitude to all the people who made the tour possible.

“We made it home,” Ballerini wrote in an Instagram post. “First of many end of tour emo posts, but the BIGGEST thank you to the team of people that made this come to life and executed the show every night so smoothly and beautifully. It has been a labor of love from so many, and I’m beyond grateful to share this first with such talented and kind humans.”

Ballerini, who is also a coach on the singing contest “The Voice,” will probably be taking some time off before she hits the stage again to headline the CMA Fest, a three-day country musical festival, on June 6.

April 17, 2025
Michelle Trachtenberg cause of death revealed as diabetes mellitus

Nearly two months after Michelle Trachtenberg’s death at 39 years old, officials have issued a ruling on her cause of death.

On Wednesday, New York City’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner released a statement announcing the cause and manner of the “Gossip Girl” actor’s Feb. 26 death as complications of diabetes mellitus. The manner was determined to be natural.

The office previously said in February that the cause and manner were “undetermined.”

Trachtenberg was found dead in a New York City luxury apartment building at 8 a.m. Feb. 26, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department previously confirmed to USA TODAY. Upon arriving at her unit, officers found a 39-year-old woman unconscious and unresponsive; EMS officials responded to the scene and found the actress dead.

Michelle Trachtenberg tributes: Blake Lively, Kenan Thompson, more stars mourn actress

The New York City-born star started her career at 3 in television commercials and rose to fame as a child star. She later found success in television and movie roles throughout the aughts and beyond.

Trachtenberg was a 2000s TV mainstay with memorable roles in “Gossip Girl,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

What is diabetes mellitus?

There are several categories of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, Neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

Diabetes mellitus, the full name for the disease characterized by inadequate control of glucose levels in a person’s blood, affects around 38 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This equates to around one in 10 people, and approximately one in five people do not know they have the chronic illness.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that “occurs when some or all of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed,” Harvard Medical School’s website explains. In the absence of insulin, “sugar accumulates in the bloodstream rather than entering the cells” and causes “excessive urination and dehydration” and also causes tissue damage.

The CDC estimates that between 5-10% of people with diabetes are diagnosed with Type 1. People of all ages can receive a diagnosis, and there are no known prevention methods.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning cells resist “the normal effect of insulin, which is to drive glucose in the blood into the inside of the cells,” per Harvard Health Publishing. This causes glucose to build up in the blood. Type 2 diabetes, which affects around 90-95% of diabetes patients, can also develop at any age.

Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include family history, having prediabetes or gestational diabetes, being over the age of 45 and being overweight or having obesity.

Contributing: Jay Stahl, USA TODAY

April 17, 2025
George Clooney says Biden op-ed was his ‘civic duty’

George Clooney is sticking by his once-controversial call for former President Joe Biden to exit the 2024 presidential race.

The actor reflected on his July New York Times op-ed, in which he argued the Democratic party needed a new nominee.

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper discussing his Broadway debut in the anti-McCarthyism play “Good Night, and Good Luck” – recreated from his Oscar-nominated film – Clooney, 63, reflected on the “courage” shown by journalist Edward R. Murrow, with Tapper taking the moment to draw comparison.

“You yourself did something that a lot of people would call brave when you wrote your op-ed,” said the CNN lead Washington anchor.

“Well, I don’t know if it was brave, it was a civic duty,” Clooney said. “I’m a Democrat in Kentucky, so I get it. When I saw people on my side of the street not telling the truth, I thought that was time to (say something).”

Clooney wrote in New York Times piece: “We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate. This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly.”

When Biden – pressured by others including, reportedly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – did eventually drop out less than two weeks later, Clooney said he “did the most selfless thing that anybody’s done since George Washington,” according to a video shared by Deadline.

When Tapper asked if people were still angry with him, Clooney said, “Some people, sure. You have to take a stand if you believe in it. Take a stand, stand for it and then deal with the consequences. That’s the rules.”

‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ review: George Clooney preaches to the choir in Broadway debut

The filmmaker compared the backlash to his stance on the Iraq War. “Good Night” was released in 2005 as a response of sorts to the now-widely criticized war.

“When people criticize me – they’ve criticized me because of my stance against the war 20 years ago, and some people picketed my movies,” he said. “I have to take that. I’m okay with criticism for where I stand. I defend their right to criticize me as much as I defend my right to criticize them.”

Trump slams ‘puff piece’ from ’60 Minutes’ where George Clooney encourages free press

Clooney continues to be an outspoken Hollywood A-lister. Last month, the actor warned Americans in a “60 Minutes” interview about the government’s increasing encroachment on journalism, a move that riled President Donald Trump.

Contributing: Patrick Ryan and Jay Stahl

April 17, 2025