The U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday that it has processed a record 2.5 million disability benefits and pension claims so far this fiscal year.
VA Secretary Doug Collins highlighted the impressive statistic during an interview with Scripps News, calling it "exciting news about the VA putting the veteran first."
What changes at the VA have led up to this?
"I've always had a philosophy: what gets measured gets done," Collins said. "And for the longest time we had a backlog claim of over 125 days that was over 260,000 when I was sworn in on February 5th. We now know it's under 160,000 that's over 37%, over 100,000 because what we did is we put more time and attention on it, we put more people on it, we detailed people, we used overtime, and we're continuing that process. It's not over yet."
"What was said was 'these people are waiting on a decision from VA. A veteran should not have to wait that long,'" Collins added. "And this is something that we have been prideful in looking at and saying 'we are gonna do better.'"
What percentage of these claims were approved?
"It depends," Collins told Scripps News. "And those are all dependent on what the instance is and how they go about it. Some are approved maybe not in full some are approved partially. There's other ways that we go about this, getting it. But what they're getting is an answer. And then if they don't like, or they have an issue with the decision they got let's say they were told 'no' then they can always appeal those claims and that is a process that we have in place."
"We're not the agency of just simply saying 'no,'" he added. "And I think our agency, there's times when we have to say 'no' because there's not a statutory benefit applied to that. But what we're trying to do is make sure that we give the benefit of the doubt to the veterans so that they can apply and make sure they get every possibility to be heard."
Watch Scripps News' full interview with VA Secretary Doug Collins in the video player above.
In todays Health Alert, the countdown to the first day of school is on. But along with the excitement, many kids are feeling those back-to-school jitters.
My own kids are starting school soon. Theyre excited, but a little nervous too, and thats completely normal.
So how can parents help? First of all, dont avoid anxiety or sweep it under the rug. Instead, ask your child how theyre feeling and really listen. Let them know their feelings are valid. While it might seem like a good idea to say, dont worry, this can actually make things worse and shut the conversation down.
Instead, try saying, I hear that youre feeling nervous, lets talk about what might help. You can tell them its a cope ahead plan - then have them think through small steps for handling worries at school. For example, they might take deep breaths, talk to a teacher, or reach out to a close friend.
Also, I recommend a practice run of a school day. Wake up, eat breakfast, pack their bag, and even drive to school. And, if possible, visit open houses or meet-the-teacher events. This helps make the first day feel more familiar and less overwhelming.
Lastly, dont forget to praise brave moments, even small ones like saying hi to a new classmate. It really helps build confidence.
One sign that your child is anxious is when they repeatedly ask the same questions. For example, What if I dont have friends in my class? or What if I get lost? or What if no one sits with me at lunch? This shows your child is having a hard time calming their mind.
Another sign is physical complaints with no real medical cause, such as headaches, stomachaches, or simply feeling drained and tired.
And speaking of fatigue, watch for changes in sleep patterns. Anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep or cause them to wake up in the middle of the night, worrying about school.
Also, avoidance is another signal, such as skipping school events that they would usually be excited for.
If anxiety starts keeping your child from school, interfering with friends or activities they normally enjoy, its time to reach out to a pediatrician or a child mental health professional. Getting help early can make a big difference.
For most kids, though, a little anxiety is normal and just part of getting back into the school routine.
This Week on the Dr. Nandi ShowDr. Partha Nandi discusses some of the latest techniques being used to help protect and improve eyesight. Dr. Sandeep Randhawa discusses how to slow the degenerative process of the eyes as we age. Amada Gates speaks on how the Feng Sui of a home can strengthen eyesight. Dr. Gabriel Sosne informs on a new treatment for dry eyes. And Dr. Sally Hoey talks about how to protect the eyes at an early age. Tune in this Saturday, August 16th, at 12:30 pm.
Half of Americans now say food costs are a major source of stress, according to a recent Press-NORC Center poll. With inflation lingering and sweeping tariffs taking effect against dozens of countries, many consumers say the pressure on household grocery budgets is rising.
Last week, long-delayed tariffs went into effect, ranging from 10 to 50 percent. Items like seafood, fruit, and olive oil are among the food imports most likely to see price hikes. Some experts say consumers could initially pay 7% more for fresh produce before prices stabilize, according to Budget Lab.
But is there a way to bypass the instability?
For shoppers like Gino Meriano, the answer is simple: buy local.
I probably save around $10 to $15 a week, Meriano, a regular at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, said. Even though its more expensive here, I get better quality. If you plan your meals, you save money.
Beyond the value, Meriano says its also about predictability. He avoids impulse buying, sticks to his shopping list, and supports local farms all while sidestepping the uncertainty of global price pressures.
If you keep, you know, sort of jacking up the prices, and you're adding tariffs, you're adding taxes, whatever, then the more times that people start to realize you've got places like this, Meriano said.
Laura Mudd, a vendor selling produce on behalf of Crooked Sky Farms, says local pricing is often more stable than what consumers find at chain grocers.
Tariffs can affect everything, but you dont have to worry about that affecting your produce bill if you're shopping at the farmers market, Mudd said.
Still, no farm no matter how local operates in a vacuum.
EverKrisp Vegetables Inc., a third-generation Arizona farm, supplies produce to grocery chains like Sprouts and Kroger. Co-owner Abbie Etchart Fraser says buying local does help consumers avoid certain costs, particularly those tied to transportation often referred to as "food miles.
When you buy something grown close to you, that product doesn't have to travel hundreds of miles, Etchart Fraser said. That saves on fuel and freight costs.
However, she says her business hasnt been immune to tariff-related challenges. EverKrisp partners with growers in Mexico to produce green onions, which need a particular climate. When tariffs were reinstated, they created confusion and financial strain.
It was nerve-wracking, Etchart Fraser said. We had to take on extra costs ourselves, to support our growers and pay for compliance.
Tariffs have also driven up operational costs.
"We have a lot of supplies that we need, from cartons to twist ties, fertilizers, Etchart Fraser said. Due to the uncertainty, their prices have been raised, whether it's directly related to tariffs or it's just the unknown costs that they see coming, we have noticed those changes with the incoming tariffs."
Jim Rounds, President of Rounds Consulting Group, explains that while companies have absorbed most of the burden so far about 64% of companies have absorbed most of the burden so far, according to Goldman Sachs the load is shifting. Economists project that by fall, two-thirds of the cost will fall on consumers.
Even local farms still buy fertilizer, tools, and packaging that may be impacted by tariffs, said Rounds. Its difficult to say whether buying local will save money in the long term.
Still, the situation could present an opportunity. Rounds notes that if domestic growers gain a competitive advantage over imports, they may be able to scale up. Thats something EverKrisp is already considering.
We certainly have land we could expand on, Fraser said. Were hoping to grow more items or increase volume on what we already sell, like cabbage.
There is an appetite for the shift.
No tariffs, no nothing. Pay that little extra and they're good to go, Meriano said.
Shopping local is something that many consumers, like Meriano, are hungry for.
This story was reported on-air by Jane Caffrey with the Scripps News Group station in Phoenix and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Southfield's third annual Rock the Block event brings community together to help homeowners in need.
Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: Volunteers build connections while beautifying Southfield homes
The focus isn't just on fixing buildings; it's about building connections. Volunteers say this year's event is about much more than pulling weeds and touching up homes; it's about hope, pride and a stronger Southfield.
"They give you that boost that you need owning a home. Especially if you are an older person, if you are a single person, it has it's challenges," Carmen Harrison said.
Harrison is a homeowner who benefited from Rock the Block. Volunteers gathered at the city building before heading out for a day of tree trimming, weeding, mowing and trash removal.
The impact runs deep for both homeowners and those who donate their time.
"Not only are we beautifying the neighborhood and helping the houses, but we're also adding value for the homeowner, we're helping them feel better about their situation," Robert Machon said.
For some participants like Shavon McCoy, it's a chance to pay it forward.
"I had a chance to even meet other awesome volunteers too like Nissan, and I was able to show my gratitude and how grateful I am to have them out and come help me build my own home," McCoy said.
Though he's been volunteering for years, Michael Evola says the mission is simple.
"They just need a helping hand," Evola said. "It makes me feel good. It's good outside. I'm getting exercise and I've been along with Habitat (for Humanity) because of the skills that I've learned."
Volunteers find the experience personally rewarding as well.
"Sometimes, it feels like you're just running through the motions, just on auto pilot, but doing something like this, it breaks you out of that and it almost transforms you into somebody who's got a higher purpose for a day," Machon said.
Harrison says this act of kindness from the volunteers isn't just easy on the eyes; it's community showing up for each other.
"They kind of inspire you to do what you can on your own and what you can't do, they're just kind of like that helping neighbor, which is just a godsend I believe," Harrison said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
The Detroit Pistons have announced their 2025-26 schedule, with the season kicking off on the road on Oct. 22.
According to the Detroit Pistons, they will start the season against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. The home opener will be Sunday, Oct. 26 against the Boston Celtics at 3:30 p.m.
The full schedule includes back-to-back games against the Celtics on Oct. 26 and then Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 27, and then the game in Mexico City on Nov. 1.
The Pistons will welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to town on Dec. 6, the New York Nicks on Jan. 5 and Feb. 6, and face the Celtics on MLK Day on Jan. 19.
This year, the 313 Day matchup features Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Detroit is expected to have 16 national TV games during the regular season.
The team also released theme night games for the season. Those games are:
A New York man has been arrested and charged with cyberstalking the family of slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan building in December 2024 in what authorities say was a targeted attack. The suspected gunman, Luigi Mangione, was arrested days later and is awaiting trial.
In the days after the shooting, federal prosecutors say Shane Daley, 40, placed multiple calls to a work phone line used by a member of Thompsons family and left voicemails using threatening and harassing language. According to prosecutors, Daley said Thompsons children deserved to meet the same violent end as their father.
Brian Thompson was gunned down in midtown Manhattan. Daley, as alleged, gleefully welcomed this tragedy and did all that he could to increase the Thompson familys pain and suffering, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said in a statement.
If convicted, Daley faces up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000, according to the Department of Justice.
"The recurrent calls and messages in the days following Brian Thompsons murder were more than callous and cold-hearted harassment they were threatening and terrified a family already suffering following the violent death of their loved one," said Christopher G. Raia, assistant director in charge of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
At least 13 people have died and 50 others required medical treatment after being poisoned by methanol-tainted alcoholic drinks in Kuwait, the country's health ministry said on Wednesday.
51 of the victims required urgent kidney dialysis, 31 patients received artificial ventilation, and 21 victims suffered permanent blindness or visual impairment as a result, according to the Kuwait Ministry of Health.
All of the victims were Asian nationals, officials said.
The Middle Eastern country banned alcohol consumption in the 60s before later criminalizing it, resulting in the illegal production of beverages in an unregulated environment.
Unlike some of the countries in the region, there are no exceptions to the alcohol ban for tourists or non-Muslims.
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a highly toxic industrial chemical that is colorless but has a distinct odor. It's often illegally used as a substitute for ethanol in alcoholic drinks.
Washington, D.C.'s police chief has issued a directive to boost collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities as part of President Donald Trump's federal crackdown on crime and homelessness in the nation's capital.
The Executive Order, signed by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, was announced on Thursday. It permits MPD officers to exchange information with immigration officials regarding individuals not in custody, potentially affecting people stopped during routine traffic checks or checkpoints.
It comes just days after President Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C., and took control of the local police. Officials have indicated that as many as 800 National Guard troops could be stationed in D.C. to aid law enforcement efforts.
The White House reports that there have already been multiple arrests under this new initiative. A defense official informed Scripps News that the National Guard will remain in place until the "mission is complete" which is a fairly amorphous objective.
President Trump said he will seek cooperation from Republican lawmakers to extend the Guard's deployment as he deems necessary.
"We're going to need a crime bill that we're going to be putting in. It's going to pertain initially to D.C. It's almost we're going to use it as a very positive example. And we're going to be asking for extensions on that long term extensions, because you can't have 30 days," President Trump said. "I don't want to call a national emergency. If I have to, I will. But I think the Republicans in Congress will approve this pretty much unanimously."
It is not clear if there is enough support in Congress to secure an extension, which may require Democratic support to pass.
Washington. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, meanwhile, has so far struck a somewhat conciliatory tone with President Trump, but has commented that his actions are unprecedented and a breach of governmental norms. Scripps News learned that Bowser has briefly left the city for a "family commitment" but is planning to return on Friday.
Airbnb is launching a new payment option that allows travelers to book accommodations without paying the full amount upfront.
"Reserve Now, Pay Later" is now available to customers in the U.S. booking eligible domestic stays on the Airbnb website or app.
The company said you can use this payment option for listings with flexible or moderate cancellation policies. The full rental amount won't be due until shortly before the end of the listing's free cancellation period.
Host cancellation policies remain unchanged, and Airbnb said, because the payment from guests is always due before the free cancellation period ends, hosts have time to secure another booking even if a guest cancels.
Airbnb said it hopes this new payment option will generate more reservations for U.S.-based hosts by making bookings more accessible to travelers.
The company recently partnered with Focaldata to survey U.S. travelers and found that 60% of the respondents said having flexible payment options is important when it comes to booking a vacation.
One in 10 survey participants said they always use a flexible payment option when it is available.
The new feature will be available alongside Airbnb's other payment options like "Pay Part Now, Part Later" and "Pay Over Time with Klarna."
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
President Donald Trumps highly anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is being closely supported by the American intelligence community.
President Trump initiated the talks in an effort to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which have been at war since 2022, when Russia launched its invasion.
A former National Security Council official told Scripps News that President Trump was likely briefed on the meeting during his presidential daily briefing on Thursday. That report typically provides U.S. analysis on what to expect from the summit, what Putin is likely to request, and assessments of the Russian leaders aims and objectives. The official noted that such briefings do not include policy recommendations, only information and analysis.
Ned Price, a former CIA analyst and senior State Department official during the Biden administration, spoke about the unusual nature of the meeting. It has been described as more of a listening session, and Price noted that meetings of this nature rarely occur unless both sides believe a viable solution is within reach. He echoed concerns voiced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying it is a victory for Putin simply to be invited, especially after President Trump didn't follow through with additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia last week.
The White House said President Trump and Putin will meet one-on-one. A Secret Service agent confirmed they will remain outside the room if both countries agree, with Russian security doing the same. Price warned that such arrangements create risks, as intelligence agencies will lack a clear record of what was discussed. Typically, a memcon or memorandum of conversation is shared afterward with intelligence leadership.
Price also raised security concerns about Putins plane being on the ground in Alaska, citing Russias aggressive intelligence operations. He said it is safe to assume they will attempt to collect as much information as possible while on U.S. soil. That could pose challenges for the U.S. military base hosting the talks, though measures such as disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi could help mitigate risks. Still, he said, senior White House staff will be prime targets for Russian intelligence gathering during the summit.
He added that intelligence services worldwide will seek clues about the meetings outcome by targeting emails, phone calls, faxes and other communications. The stakes are high, he said, not only for Europe as it grapples with a land war but also for Taiwan, where leaders are watching for signs of how the conflict might influence Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The NFL can be put on trial over civil claims that Brian Flores and other Black coaches face discrimination, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, rejecting the league's attempt to force Flores into arbitration with Commissioner Roger Goodell as the arbitrator.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld Judge Valerie Capronis ruling that Flores can proceed with claims against the league and three teams: the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans.
In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, the appeals court said the NFL's arbitration rules forcing Flores to submit his claims to arbitration before Goodell do not have the protection of the Federal Arbitration Act because it provides for arbitration in name only.
The 2nd Circuit said the NFL constitution's arbitration provision contractually provides for no independent arbitral forum, no bilateral dispute resolution, and no procedure.
Instead, it offends basic presumptions of our arbitration jurisprudence by forcing claims to be decided by the NFL's principal executive officer, the appeals court said.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said: "We respectfully disagree with the panels ruling, and will be seeking further review.
Douglas H. Wigdor and David E. Gottlieb, lawyers representing Flores, said in a statement that the NFL has relied on a biased and unfair arbitration process for too long.
This ruling sends a clear message: that practice must end, they said.
In February 2022, Flores sued the league and several teams, saying the league was rife with racism, particularly in its hiring and promotion of Black coaches.
Two other coaches later joined the lawsuit, which seeks to proceed as a class action, although Caproni ruled that their claims could go to arbitration based on the language in contracts they signed with teams.
After filing his lawsuit, Flores said he believed he was risking the coaching career he loves by suing the NFL, but he said it was worth it for generations to come if he could succeed in challenging systemic racism in the league.
Flores is currently the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings after working previously as a coach for the New England Patriots from 2008 to 2018, the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. He joined the Vikings in 2023.
Caproni said in a March 2023 decision that descriptions by the coaches of their experiences of racial discrimination in a league with a long history of systematic discrimination toward Black players, coaches, and managers are incredibly troubling.
Although the clear majority of professional football players are Black, only a tiny percentage of coaches are Black, she said.
LIV Golf is coming to Michigan next weekend for its team championship, the final event of the season with some major golfers playing in metro Detroit.
The three-day team championship kicks off Friday, Aug. 22 at The Cardinal at St. John's in Plymouth and wraps up on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Here's everything you need to know about the event.
Team Championship format
There are 13 teams consisting of four golfers each on LIV. The Wednesday before the team championships, the 12th-ranked and 13th-ranked teams will face off for a play-in match to see who will advance to the weekend.
According to LIV, on Friday, the captains of the top-seeded teams will choose what team they want to face. There will be six head-to-head matchups among the 12 teams.
Those teams will compete in two singles matches and one alternate-shot foursomes match with three points up for grabs.
"That ensures that fans will see all 48 players compete in the quarterfinals," White said. "So those three points up for grabs; you win two of them, you advance to the semifinals."
On Saturday, there will be two brackets with everyone playing: The Championship bracket with the six teams who won, and the rankings bracket for the other six. Then, the top captains will pick the teams they want to compete against, and the three winning teams will go to the finals. Then, on Sunday, it's all stroke play. All four scores count for each team.
Tickets
Tickets are still on sale for the tournament. There are grounds tickets and grounds plus tickets, which have an exclusive grounds plus viewing platform. There are also hospitality tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with a grounds ticket, and one adult ticket admits one child.
Schedule
Friday, Aug. 22
10 a.m. - Gates open, hospitality and fan village open 12:05 p.m. - Shotgun start for round 1 5:30 p.m. - Gates and fan village close
Saturday, Aug. 23
8 a.m. - Gates, hospitality and fan village open 10:05 a.m. - Shotgun start for round 2 After golf (around 2:30 p.m.) - Imagine Dragons at the concert stage 4:30 p.m. - Gates close
Sunday, Aug. 24
11 a.m. - Gates open, hospitality and fan village open 1:05 p.m. - Shotgun start for final round After golf - Podium ceremony After play (around 7 p.m.) - Swedish House Mafia at the concert stage
Parking
Parking for ticketholders is located at Lot GP (15000 Ridge Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170) and shuttles will be provided to and from the venue. Lots open one hour before gates each day. There is no parking at Saint John's Resort.
Taxies and rideshare drop-off will be at USA Hockey Arena (14900 Beck Rd.) and shuttles will take you to the course
Course map
You can see an entire course map below
LIV Golf Fan Village
LIV's fan village will include food and drinks, golf experiences, music and more. It will also include a Slide Down Motown, Slapshot challenge, dunk tank and treasure hunt.
Dustin Johnson Thomas Pieters Patrick Reed Harold Varner III
Cleeks
Martin Kaymer Richard Bland Frederik Kjettrupt Adrian Meronk
Crushers
Bryson DeChambeau Paul Casey Charles Howell III Anirban Lahiri
Fireballs
Sergio Garcia Abraham Ancer Josele Ballester David Puig
HyFlyers
Phil Mickelson Andy Ogletree Brendan Steele Cameron Tringale
Iron Heads
Kevin Na Yubin Jang Jinichrio Kozuma Danny Lee
Legion XIII
Jon Rahm Tyrrell Hatton Tom McKibbin Caleb Surratt
Majesticks
Henrik Stenson Sam Horsfield Ian Poulter Lee Westwood
RangeGoats
Bubba Watson Ben Campbell Peter Uihlein Matthew Wolff
Ripper
Cameron Smith Lucas Herbert Matt Jones Marc Leishman
Smash
Brooks Koepka Talor Gooch Jason Kokrak Graeme McDowell
Stinger
Louis Oosthuizen Dean Burmester Branden Grace Charl Schwartzel
Torque
Joaquin Niemann Sebastian Munoz Carlos Ortiz Mito Pereira
Entry and prohibited items
Guests are permitted to carry an opaque bag, measuring no larger than 6" x 6" x 6" (small sized handbag) and/or a clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" (30.5 cm x 15.25 cm x 30.5 cm), in their natural state such as a Ziploc gallon freezer bag. There will be no storage offered for oversized bags. No buckles, grommets/hardware or decor can be concealing any part of the bag. Guests may bring food into the tournament for individual consumption in a clear, resealable plastic bag not to exceed the size of a (1) gallon bag. Apples, oranges, pears and other whole fruit must be cut in half. Outside beverages are not permitted. One reusable plastic water cup/bottle per person that is empty or factory sealed, which cannot hold more than 32 oz / 1 L is allowed. Exceptions are made for Guests will medical needs and for glass baby bottles at the sole and absolute discretion of management. Bags and their interiors will be visually inspected by security personnel at a screening table. Guests' belongings will be in their sight throughout the screening process, and Guests can pick up their belongings at the end of the table once they have completed the bag checks. Medically necessary materials, mobility assistance devices, strollers, and small diaper bags are allowed and are subject to search. Any item that could affect the safety of the Tournament, its attendees, or property shall not be permitted onto the grounds. Any person that could affect the safety of the Tournament, its attendees, or property shall be denied entry. LIV Golf management reserves the right to prohibit or require the removal of any items at its sole and absolute discretion.
PROHIBITED ITEMS include, but are not limited to:
Firearms, knives, electronic "stun" devices, chemicals, or other weapons of any kind (regardless of license or permit). Lounge chairs, over-sized chairs with extended footrests or rigid type chairs (such as solid metal lawn or folding chairs). Chairs and/or seat cushions must not be stored in a bag. Small folding chairs are permissible. Briefcases, suitcases/luggage of any kind, or other hard-sided bags or containers. Any plastic water cup/bottle exceeding 32 oz / 1 L, or that is not empty or factory sealed. Coolers, metal or glass bottles/cups of any kind unless medically necessary. Anything (including, but not limited to, flags, flyers, banners, clothing, etc.) that would facilitate ambush marketing or other commercial activity is not permitted. Golf clubs or any size, brooms, poles, periscopes, staffs, or sticks. Golf shoes with metal spikes. Video cameras or other equipment designed for the sole purpose of video and/or audio recording, except for media personnel with proper credentials. TVs, computers, laptops, or tablets to include wireless devices that emit radio waves (such as cell phone signal jammers, radio scanners and walkie talkies, Wi-Fi routers (wireless local networking devices), except for personal mobile phones and wireless receivers (such as radios). Alcohol and illegal drugs or recreational drugs of any kind. Animals (except service animals to aid guests with disabilities) Air horns, fireworks, confetti, streamers, glitter, and other distracting devices that may interfere with and/or distract an event participant or impede audio or audio/visual telecast or recording of the event, or any technology-related service provided at the Tournament. Stepladders, stools, buckets, milk crates, or raised platforms of any kind. Projectiles (e.g. golf balls, Frisbees, or beach balls) Drones, remote-controlled aircraft, or other unmanned devices. Bicycles, segways, scooters, skateboards, or other personal transportation devices (motorized or self-propelled) allowed inside admission gates (other than used for individuals with mobility disabilities or medical purposes) Aerosol cans (e.g. mace, pepper spray, hairspray, or sunscreen). Cream sunscreen is allowed. Visibly obscene, indecent, or inappropriate clothing, masks, or costumes. Banners, boards, symbols, flyers, clothing, insignias, or propaganda-type material of an extreme religious, racist, or xenophobic nature or constituting an incitement to violence. Objects that might compromise or disrupt the experience and enjoyment of other spectators, such as large flags, banners, signs, oversized hats, large umbrellas (golf umbrellas allowed), whistles, vuvuzelas, musical instruments, horns, etc. Laser pointer pens, selfie sticks, mono/tripods, or other professional camera equipment Small pocket-sized digital cameras with a zoom lens 6 inches or shorter are permitted. Larger 35mm cameras cannot exceed 3 inches in length. Any other objects deemed dangerous or inappropriate at the sole discretion of LIV Golf or its representatives that might compromise or disrupt the experience and enjoyment of other spectators, broadcast, or LIV Golf sponsored or endorsed activity will be allowed.
The average lunch a parent sends with their child to school is expected to be 3% higher this year compared to last year, according to a new survey from Deloitte. The report states that the average packed school lunch will be $6.15 this school year, up from $5.99 a year ago.
The report indicates that costs for popular school lunch foods slightly outpaced the rate of inflation over the last year.
The report found that a classic school lunch one that includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, baby carrots, an apple, cookies, and milk would cost about 6% more than a year ago, averaging about $4.84 per meal. A more contemporary school lunch meal consisting of a chicken and avocado quesadilla, salsa, mango, a brownie, and juice might run a family about $7.30 per meal.
The report indicates that lunches provided by schools are typically about half the price of the average packed lunch. According to the report, school lunches typically cost about $2.99 per meal, but about half of schools provide a free lunch regardless of income.
Deloitte reports that about 90% of respondents said their child would be more likely to have a school-provided lunch than a packed lunch if the school supplies a free lunch. Additionally, about 4 in 10 respondents said they generally pack their child's lunch, a figure that tends to increase with income.
Of those who pack their child's lunch, 69% say it is because the food tastes better than school lunch. About 63% also believe they get a better value by packing lunch compared to buying the meal provided by schools.
Brian McCarthy, a principal in Deloitte's strategy and analytics practice, noted that figuring out what to pack is one of the biggest pain points parents face. He stated that retailers should focus on convenience and affordability.
"Solve for stress, not novelty," he said. "Help parents get through the week and they'll keep coming back. For retailers who can make lunch planning easier and more affordable, there's a chance to really stand out this season and help families feel a little less stressed."
During the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, the federal government provided funds for universal school lunches.
Some states have made school lunches universal, but most have not.
The federal free and reduced-cost lunch program is based on family income. For children to qualify for a free school lunch, their family must earn less than 130% of the federal poverty level. A family must earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level for a reduced-cost meal.
In 2025-26, the cutoff for free school lunches for a household of four is $41,795. For reduced-cost lunches, the cutoff for a household of four is $59,478.
An adult Missouri resident is hospitalized in intensive care with a rare and often deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, state health officials said.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the patient has primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM, which occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nose. While the source is still under investigation, health officials say preliminary information indicates the person may have been water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks days before becoming ill.
Naegleria fowleri is naturally found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers and ponds, but infections are extremely rare. Fewer than 10 PAM cases are reported in the United States each year. From 1962 to 2024, there have been 167 known cases nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms typically appear within days of infection, and include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status and hallucinations.
Health officials say people can protect themselves by holding their nose shut or using a nose clip when in warm freshwater.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may not renew its authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine approved for children under the age of 5 ahead of the peak season, according to multiple outlets.
Pfizer's vaccine is the only shot approved for all children Moderna's vaccine is approved for children with certain health conditions and Novavax's shot is approved for children ages 12 and older.
The Guardian reported Tuesday that it had obtained an email from national health agencies sent earlier this month that specified the FDA would not renew the emergency use authorization for Pfizer's pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
The email obtained by The Guardian also said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was in talks with Moderna about increasing its supply of the COVID vaccine for young children.
These would be the latest changes in recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine by the Trump administration.
The latest language published by the CDC says people in those groups no longer "should" but instead now "may" receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Children and pregnant women may receive the shot in consultation with the clinical opinion of a doctor.
The following month, Kennedy "retired" a 17-member vaccine policy advisory panel and replaced the members with his own picks, including a COVID vaccine critic.
Last week, HHS announced it would be ending funding for vaccine development projects that used mRNA technology the method credited for creating the COVID-19 vaccine.
Doctors and public health experts have said the move will hinder groundbreaking research toward things like a universal cancer vaccine and will ultimately put lives at risk.
Chronic absenteeism is a problem that still plagues the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Now, district leaders are using incentives from money to two wheels to get students in their seats at school.
Watch Carolyn's full report in the video player below: From money to bikes, the inventive ways Detroit public schools is fighting chronic absenteeism
Michelle Davis is a maverick when it comes to thinking out of the box to motivate her students at Davis Aerospace Academy, part of DPSCD, and she is making traction when it comes to curbing chronic absenteeism.
"Our absenteeism rate decreased by 14%. We were at 56% last year and this year we are at 41.6%," said Davis.
Davis, honored as principal of the year, was elated when Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti created the monetary incentive program last year, giving students $200 every 10 weeks for perfect attendance.
"Parents who may not have gas to get their students to school, now they can, maybe they can buy clothes now," said Davis.
The districts overall chronic absenteeism rate has dropped from 70% in 2017 to 60% this past school year but its still double the state average.
"We still have a lot of work to do, but you know, we also know what the average Detroit student faces as far as challenges. As a city, we have the highest concentration of poverty in the country," said Dr. Vitti.
Missing 18 days is the threshold for chronic absenteeism. Vitti says when students are in school, they are three to four times more likely to be at or above grade level and college-ready.
For Maria Montoya and her two sons, the monetary incentives have helped tremendously.
"I've never seen him so motivated to go to school," said Maria.
Maria says some kids are forced to miss school to work and help pay bills or to care for younger siblings because child care is so expensive.
But money alone is not the answer. Some of Davis' students were still chronically absent, so she thought, why not put kids on two wheels.
"I just remember how I felt when I had a bike, your bike is your first form of transportation. It gives you a sense of freedom," said Davis.
A third of Detroit residents dont own cars, and DPSCD doesnt provide yellow bus service for high school students only city bus passes. Transportation remains one of the biggest barriers to attendance. Davis reached out to Darryl Woods, who partnered with Mitch Albom at Say Detroit.
"I got on the phone and called the executive director over at Say Detroit, which we know we have the My Cycle Program to be able to meet the needs of those who have transportation barriers," said Woods.
Davis needed 100 bikes, and Say Detroit delivered brand-new $300 bikes, and Davis raised funds to purchase new helmets and locks.
"I think she's on to something with the bikes. We are exploring philanthropic partnerships to try and scale that in our high schools throughout the district," said Dr. Vitti.
Other school systems nationwide have used bikes as incentives, with some reporting drops in absenteeism. Bikes in Michigans winters wont work, but in warmer months, it could be a game-changer.
For one young man, two wheels made the difference.
"He was chronically absent. He was not able to get the $200, but he started riding his bike to school, and when I asked him how long it took for him to get to school, he said on his bike, it took 28 minutes, on the bus, it took an hour and a half," said Davis.
And while bikes are a plus, Dr. Vitti says monetary incentives will continue this school year and may be extended to elementary and middle school as well.
In addition, the district is paying for East English Village and Henry Ford High Schools to bring back yellow bus service to and from school.
Dr Vitti says it will be safer, more reliable, and will improve attendance rates at those schools as well.
President Donald Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, saying they would start small but could increase by up to 250%, a move critics say would be a major blow, especially for cancer patients.
Mariana Socal, an associate professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University, said 30% of cancer patients already do not fill their prescriptions because they cant afford them.
Affordability of prescription drugs is a problem for U.S. consumers, even those who do have insurance, she said.
There has also been a shortage of important chemotherapy drugs, and Socal warned that the tariffs could make matters worse.
We are actually exposing patients to perhaps higher costs and deeper affordability problems or shortages because some manufacturers may choose to not sell to the United States or to send in lower quality products, she said.
Brand-name drugs already cost three to four times more in the U.S. than in other developed countries. Even generic drugs, which are more likely to be imported from Europe, could see price increases if the tariffs are enacted.
Trump says his goal is to lower prescription costs by forcing drugmakers to produce in the United States. But Socal believes there are better approaches.
We learned that other countries, they do either tax policies to strengthen and incentivize manufacturers or countries like Austria have done direct grants to help manufacturers build new facilities, build new production plants, she said.
The Trump administration is promoting the plan as a way to lower drug costs in the long run, but Socal fears it could have unintended consequences for drug development.
There is a possibility that the uncertainty in these markets can discourage investors from investing in these industries, she said. And of course, drug makers without that investment, they will have to make difficult decisions where they want to continue to pursue drug development.
In May, Trump signed an executive order mandating that drugmakers provide most favored nation pricing. At the end of July, he sent letters to 17 manufacturers demanding they lower drug prices by Sept. 29.
The NCAA has informed Michigan that the organization will announce the results of its sign-stealing investigation on Friday, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The person spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the details.
Watch below: Sherrone Moore suspended two games by U-M after Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, per report
Sherrone Moore suspended two games by U-M after Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, per report
The NCAA alleged last year in a notice that current coach Sherrone Moore violated rules as an assistant under former coach Jim Harbaugh, who served a three-game suspension in exchange for the Big Ten dropping its investigation into the allegations after the two ended up in court. Moore also was accused of deleting text messages with sign-stealer Connor Stalions before they were recovered and provided to the NCAA.
Watch below: Michigan football staffer at center of sign-stealing investigation resigns
Michigan football staffer at center of sign-stealing investigation resigns
Moore has previously said he has and will continue to cooperate with the NCAAs investigation, but recently declined to say much about the issue looming over the college football program with the most victories.
"Today, not tomorrow, that's all Im worried about," he said on Monday.
The NCAA investigation surfaced early in the 2023 season amid allegations that Michigan used a robust in-person scouting and sign-stealing operation conducted by Stalions, a former a low-level staffer. He was suspended by the school and later resigned. Stalions, who did not participate in the NCAA investigation, recently said he knew almost every signal opponents used in seven games over two seasons.
Michigan has been prepared to suspend Moore for two games during the coming season as part of self-imposed sanctions. The NCAA will announce soon whether that punishment is enough to address allegations that Moore failed to cooperate in an investigation.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti sent a letter to the NCAA Committee on Infractions last month, suggesting that Michigans football program should not face more sanctions related to the sign-stealing saga.
After winning the 2023 national championship, Harbaugh left to coach the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Wolverines open the season on Aug. 30 at home against New Mexico State and then play at Oklahoma, where Moore was an offensive lineman, on Sept. 6.
Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten, three weeks after an investigation by the NCAA into the allegations began. Hours later, Michigan asked a court for an injunction and temporary restraining order and the two sides narrowly avoided a court hearing.
Harbaugh has repeatedly denied any involvement in Stalions apparent scheme.
The NCAA does not have rules against stealing signs, but does prohibit schools from sending scouts to the games of future opponents and using electronic equipment to record another teams signals.
Multiple Big Ten schools had records showing ticket purchases under Stalions name and video surveillance footage of people in those seats with cell phones pointed toward the field.
When the Big Ten did suspend Harbaugh, Michigan claimed the commissioner overstepped his authority and acted outside the conferences bylaws.
Athletic director Warde Manuel released a scathing statement just before Michigan kicked off at Penn State and won 24-15 without Harbaugh on the sideline.
The NCAA previously put Michigan on three years of probation, fined the school and implemented recruiting limits after reaching a negotiated resolution in a recruiting case and banned Harbaugh from coaching college football for four years.
Getting your kids ready for the new school year can be expensive. From buying school supplies to new clothes, laptops, and headphones, the list goes on.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with students in elementary through high school are planning to spend an average of $858 on clothing, school supplies, electronics and more. So, how do you not overextend yourself financially?
Watch Alicia Smith's report below Tips for saving money and budgeting for Back To School shopping
I asked a Financial Center Manager with Bank of America for some advice. Meaghan Madison said you should create a budget.
Sit down and create a plan first. Don't just go out there and go for what you know. Get actually get in a seat, sit down, create a strategy, right? See exactly what's needed, write that down. So, then when you get out there and you make these different purchases, it will make sense," Meagan said. Tap into that cash back credit card. So, it won't seem like such a big stretch to get that college kid off the college, or the high school student, or the middle school, or the elementary. You know, make your money work for you, cash back."
Meaghan also recommends you shop only for the fall season, or what the kids need first, at the start of school. That way, you can take advantage of deals in September or October. Also, compare prices at your favorite retail stores before you head out to shop. Consider apps that can help you find deals or rebates, including individual apps for each retailer.
You can find more resources on how to budget or save money at this link.
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