Weather is hitting extremes in much of the country. In the West, a smothering heat dome moved east after almost two weeks of record March temperatures; four spots in Arizona and California hit 112 degrees, and dozens of locations set heat records all the way to Pennsylvania and South Carolina. "Basically, the entire U.S. is hot," said Gregg Gallina of the National Weather Service. In Hawaii, islanders were struggling to recover from catastrophic flooding after back-to-back "kona storms," or intense, subtropical low-pressure systems, swept through homes, washed away roads and threatened a major dam.
Severe weather continues to wreak havoc
Taliban free American held in Afghanistan
Dennis Coyle, an American who was held for more than a year in Afghanistan, isback on U.S. soil, welcomed home withthe embraces of loved onesat Joint Base San Antonio. The researcher from Colorado, 64, was detained in January 2025 by the ruling Taliban, who said it decided to free him after a request by his mother and after its high court decided his time in detention was "sufficient." His family, ina statement to the USA TODAY Network, thanked the Trump administration for winning his release after "the most challenging and uncertain 421 days of our lives."
Welcome home:See the moment Taliban captive Dennis Coyle reunites with his family
Meet the 'Dirty Dozen' of the produce aisle
The "Dirty Dozen" listof fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides and"forever chemicals"is out, and it's not pretty. Among them: spinach, kale, potatoes, strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, grapes, peaches and plums, according to the nonprofitEnvironmental Working Group, which releases the annual report. On the positive side, the group also lists the "Clean Fifteen," or the produce items with the least residue. They include sweet corn, sweet peas, mushrooms, onions, avocados, cauliflower, carrots, watermelon, bananas and mangoes. So what's a shopper to do? Stick to the 15, the group advises, or buy frozen or organic. And, of course, wash everything real good.
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Nicholas Brendon, the actor beloved by fans as Xander Harris on seven seasons of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died March 20. His family said in a statement that star, 54, died in his sleep of natural causes.
"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son," the family wrote on Brendon's official Facebook page, asking for privacy "as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart."
The actor was nominated for several Saturn Awards during his "Buffy" run and also appeared as FBI technical analyst Kevin Lynch on "Criminal Minds."
After "Buffy," Brendon had numerous health difficulties and struggled with substance abuse. He was in treatment to manage his diagnosis and "he was optimistic about the future," his family wrote.
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Chuck Norris, the action icon whose martial arts skills became his springboard to a Hollywood career, died March 19 at 86, his family confirmed on Instagram. No cause of death was given. To the world, he was "a symbol of strength," the statement read. "To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family."
Norris, a martial arts teacher and karate champion, was cast by Bruce Lee as the villain Colt in Lee's 1972 film "The Way of the Dragon." From there, he starred in a lengthy run of box office hits, including "Missing in Action," "Code of Silence" and "The Delta Force," and became a huge TV star in nine seasons of "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993 to 2001).
On his birthday – nine days before his death – he posted video of himself sparring. "I don't age," he wrote. "I level up."
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Kiki Shepard, the longtime co-host of "Showtime at the Apollo," died March 16 at age 74, her representative confirmed to TMZ and Variety. No cause of death was given.
Shepard co-hosted the long-running show filmed at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem from 1987 to 2002. Known as the "Apollo Queen of Fashion," the actress and Broadway dancer flaunted her style onstage alongside hosts including Steve Harvey and Sinbad. On TV, she appeared on shows like "Baywatch," "Sirens" and "Thunder in Paradise."
In 2006, Shepard launched the KIS Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness for sickle cell, and said she carried the gene for the disease.
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Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, who spent three decades in the hard rock band, died at 64, his family shared March 14 on social media accounts for his band Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. His family said he died peacefully after "a complex major operation."
Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 and went on to be the longest-serving member other than founder Lemmy Kilmister. He recorded 16 albums with Motörhead, including "Orgasmatron," and the group disbanded after Kilmister's death in 2015.
"You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy," his band Bastard Sons posted. "The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated."
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Rapper and longtime radio host Lord Sear has died,
SiriusXM confirmed on March 11. He was 52.
"He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us," the caption of a tribute post on Sears' Instagram page reads. "Lord Sear's legacy in hip hop runs deep."
Sear established a legacy for himself, tracing back to his involvement with the group Kurious in the 1990s and with the underground hip-hop radio show, "The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show."
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Tommy DeCarlo, a singer who made the leap from fan to touring lead vocalist for the
rock band Boston, has died. He was 60.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dad, Tommy DeCarlo, on Monday, March 9th, 2026. After being diagnosed with brain cancer last September, he fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end,"
a message shared on his social media accounts — signed by Annie, Talia and Tommy DeCarlo Jr. — read.
Boston founder Tom Scholz paid homage to his bandmate in a statement shared with USA TODAY, which read, "This morning Tommy lost his fight with cancer. Everyone who has heard Tommy sing on stage, or on BOSTON albums, knows what a gifted artist he was, but few know how hard he worked to fill that role of BOSTON's lead vocalist, and to turn himself into a top-tier live performer – or more importantly, what a dedicated father he was to his children."
Scholz noted DeCarlo "appeared out of nowhere to rescue BOSTON in 2007" after singer Brad Delp's death." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
"Country Joe" McDonald, who became a Woodstock festival legend and fronted the band Country Joe and the Fish, has died at age 84.
The singer, born Joseph Allen McDonald, died March 7, in Berkeley, California, from complications from
Parkinson's disease, according to a
statement from the band that was shared on Facebook.
McDonald served as the lead singer and co-founder of the 1960s psychedelic folk-rock group Country Joe and the Fish, and he wrote the group's most enduring songs, including the protest song against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, titled
"I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag." That track became a battle cry and was immortalized, along with an infamous f-word cheer during his 1969 Woodstock performance." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Oliver "Power" Grant, a founding member of the hip-hop group the
Wu-Tang Clan, died at 52. The Staten Island-based hip-hop collective
confirmed his death in a Feb. 25 X post. "Rest in Power, Power," the group wrote alongside a video showing interview clips of the foundational member.
Born in Jamaica in the early 70s, Grant grew up in the Park Hill Projects in Staten Island with what would later become the Wu-Tang Clan. He was a childhood friend of Wu-Tang co-founder RZA's older brother Divine, and became a key part of the group's inception and successful run. Though Grant didn't perform in the group, he played a critical role in driving success not only in the music genre but also in transcending the culture into the world of fashion." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Katherine Hartley Short,
Martin Short's eldest daughter, was found dead at her home on Feb. 23. She was 42.
The following day, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the licensed clinical social worker's manner of death was determined to be suicide.
Hartley Short was a licensed clinical social worker operating a private practice in Los Angeles and specialized in adoption, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties. Her mother, Short's late wife Nancy Dolman, died in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
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Neil Sedaka, the legendary singer-songwriter behind tracks like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Oh! Carol," has died at 86, his representative Victoria Varela confirmed on Feb. 27.
"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the family said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The Brooklyn, New York, native grew up to become a beloved pop and rock musician with over 700 songwriting credits, including long-lasting, recognizable hits, such as "Laughter in the Rain" and "Calendar Girl."
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"Revenge of the Nerds" and "
Lizzie McGuire" actor Robert Carradine died Monday, Feb. 23, by suicide after living for two decades with bipolar disorder, his brother Keith Carradine confirmed to
Deadline. He was 71. "In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him," the family said in a statement.
Carradine starred as Bob Younger in "The Long Riders" alongside his actor brothers Keith and David, as Private Zab in "The Big Red One," and dorky underdog Lewis Skolnick in his breakout role, 1984's "Revenge of the Nerds," as well as its three sequels. Two decades later, he would go on to play Sam McGuire, dad to
Hilary Duff in Disney Channel's "Lizzie McGuire."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
"
Grey's Anatomy" and "
Euphoria" star
Eric Dane died 10 months after he revealed
his ALS diagnosis. He was 53.
Dane's representative, Melissa Bank,
confirmed the news in a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, Feb. 19. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," the statement read. "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight."
Dane was best known for playing the charismatic and flirtatious Dr. Mark Sloan – aka "McSteamy" – on "Grey's Anatomy" from 2006 to 2012. He continued working in Hollywood after he went public with his diagnosis,
playing a firefighter with ALS on NBC's "Brilliant Minds," and reprised his role of Cal Jacobs on HBO's "Euphoria" in
the upcoming third season, due April 12, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Tom Noonan, the character actor known for roles in "Heat," "Manhunter" and "The Monster Squad," has died at 74, according to a
social media post from Fred Dekker, Noonan's "Monster Squad" director.
Noonan became accustomed to playing antagonists on camera after his breakout role in "Manhunter," which was based on Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon," the first of his Hannibal Lecter novels. Noonan also played the main villain, Cain, in 1990's "Robocop 2" and the Ripper in 1993's "Last Action Hero."
Off-screen, Noonan was also a playwright and director who adapted his stage production, "What Happened Was…," into a 1994 indie film costarring Karen Sillas, which received acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival that year." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Frederick Wiseman, the prolific documentary filmmaker behind the controversial 1967 film "Titicut Follies" and 2017's "Ex Libris," has died. He was 96.
The director "
passed away peacefully at his home" in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the morning of Feb. 16, a representative for his film distribution company Zipporah Films confirmed to USA TODAY.
Wiseman was well into his 30s when he started his filmmaking career, which kicked off with his directorial debut "Titicut Follies" and continued into his 90s. Wiseman's most recent project was 2023's "Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Hollywood classics such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died at 95.
Duvall died "peacefully" at home on Feb. 15 in Middleburg, Virginia, a representative for the actor confirmed. He was with his wife, Luciana Duvall.
During a seven-decade stage, TV and screen acting career, Duvall disappeared into a stunning range of strong-willed characters, leading to seven Oscar nominations and a best actor win for his role as a down-and-out country singer in 1983's "Tender Mercies."
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Drummer Timothy Very, who performed with the Atlanta indie rock band Manchester Orchestra since 2011, has died, his bandmates
shared on social media Feb. 14.
"The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We've all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief," the band's post read.
"The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family. You'd be pressed to find a more joyful dad. We love you Tim, thank you for loving us. You are a force of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died on Feb. 11 at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.
"He met his final days with courage, faith and grace," read a post on the actor's official Instagram page. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Catherine O'Hara, the legendary actress known for "Home Alone," "Best in Show" and "Schitt's Creek," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71, O'Hara's manager confirmed to People magazine. A cause of death was not given.
A veteran in the entertainment industry, O'Hara has been one of the most lauded and respected actors of her generation, winner of two career Emmy awards, a Golden Globe and two Actor Awards (formerly Screen Actors Guild Awards). She was nominated for two Emmys at the 2025 ceremony. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Chuck Negron, founding member of "One" and "Til the World Ends" rockers Three Dog Night, has died. He was 83.
The singer died Feb. 2 at his home in Los Angeles' Studio City neighborhood from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complications, publicist Zach Farnum confirmed to USA TODAY.
Singers Danny Hutton and Cory Wells invited the New York City native to found Three Dog Night in 1967, going on to lead a successful run through the early '70s. Their 21 Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit singles include "Til the World Ends" and "Joy to the World." But the band is perhaps best known for their covers, popularizing Leo Sayer's "The Show Must Go On," Eric Burdon's "Mama Told Me," "Easy to Be Hard" from the musical "Hair" and Harry Nilsson's "One."
Negron embarked on a solo career, releasing the albums "Am I Still in Your Heart?," "Long Road Back" and the Christmas record "Joy to the World."
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Rafael Pineda, known to countless viewers as the familiar face of
Univision 1, has died. He was 88.
Univision 41 announced the news with
a story on its website, confirming Pineda died Jan. 25, in Florida.
Pineda anchored WXTV, or Univision 1, in New York for more than 40 years from 1972 to 2013, when he retired. When he left the network, he was the longest-serving
news anchor in the New York market and a pioneering Spanish-language voice." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Kim Vō, the celebrity hair colorist behind the blond tresses of stars such as Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Pamela Anderson and Goldie Hawn,
has died.
Vō died following a seven-year battle with colorectal cancer that saw him "exceeding all medical expectations," his husband, Adeel Vo-Khan, wrote in a Jan. 24
social media post.
Aside from working with celebrity clients, Vō also appeared on shows like Bravo's "Shear Genius" and the 2022 Paramount+ show "Blowing LA," which featured his flagship salon in West Hollywood, California.
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Rob Hirst, the Australian rock drummer best known for cofounding the band Midnight Oil, has died at age 70 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Hirst's bandmates revealed on social media on Jan. 20. Hirst had been diagnosed in 2023.
The musician released 13 studio albums with Midnight Oil from 1978-2022, including 1987's platinum-selling "Diesel and Dust." He was also a member of the bands Ghostwriters and Backsliders." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.
A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram
by his foundation and
his own @realmrvalentino account reads, "Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones." His cause of death was not given.
The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as "Valentino Red."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Roger Allers, the Oscar-nominated animated filmmaker who co-directed Disney's
1994 blockbuster hit "
The Lion King," died on Jan. 17, the company's CEO announced. He was 76.
Allers died following "a short illness," a Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told
The Hollywood Reporter and
Animation Magazine. USA TODAY reached out to the studio and his family for additional information.
Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about Allers' death in
a Jan. 18 social media post, calling the director a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip,
has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."
Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead,
died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues."
"For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at age 69,
representatives confirmed to USA TODAY.
Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Grammy-nominated country songwriter
Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.
Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8.
"Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.
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Hungarian director Béla Tarr, best known for dark dramas such as "Damnation," "Satantango" and "The Turin Horse," died on Jan. 6 following a "long and serious illness," the
European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.
2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Passages 2026 – Chuck Norris, Nicholas Brendon, more stars we lost
Nicholas Brendon, the actor beloved by fans as Xander Harris on seven seasons of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died March 20. His family said in a statement that star, 54, died in his sleep of natural causes.
"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son," the family wrote on Brendon's official Facebook page, asking for privacy "as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart."
The actor was nominated for several Saturn Awards during his "Buffy" run and also appeared as FBI technical analyst Kevin Lynch on "Criminal Minds."
After "Buffy," Brendon had numerous health difficulties and struggled with substance abuse. He was in treatment to manage his diagnosis and "he was optimistic about the future," his family wrote.
Chuck Norris, master of mayhem, dies at age 86
Chuck Norris,the toughest of Hollywood tough guys, is gone. The martial arts legend and star of TV's "Walker, Texas Ranger" died March 19 at age 86, and tributes have poured in from fans and famous friends as diverse asSylvester Stallone and Benjamin Netanyahu. But still alive and kicking is the internet meme"Chuck Norris Facts"(sample: "When Chuck Norris does push-ups, he doesn't push himself up, he pushes the Earth down"). Just nine days before his death, Norris himself added to his legend with an Instagram video: "I don't age. I level up."
"A good, tough cookie"President Trump remembers Chuck Norris
Baseball's 'robot umps' are in play for 2026
Baseball is back for 2026 with a new umpire on the field − one players can't argue with. For the first time in the major leagues, the Automated Ball-Strike System − ABS, or "robot umps," some may call it – will allow a pitcher, catcher or batter to challenge, on a limited basis, a human umpire's ball or strike call. Managers are already strategizing on who should use it, how and when. "All I know is that we won't let our pitchers challenge," the Cincinnati Reds' Terry Francona said. "They think everything is a strike."− Compiled and written by Robert Abitbol
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:U.S. captive freed, baseball's back, Chuck Norris dies: Weekly recap
Weather is hitting extremes in much of the country. In the West, a smothering heat dome moved east after almost two weeks...
The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
