The nation's first death from measles in a decade has been reported. More mass layoffs are going to hit the federal workforce. And an iconic 2000s-mainstay actor has died. |
👋 Hello! Rebecca Morin here. Step outside with me today as I walk you through Wednesday's news. |
But first: How about them apples. 🍎 A once-run down 50-acre New Jersey farm has transformed in an orchard and cider-making facility – and it's now for sale. |
Texas measles outbreak turns deadly |
A school-age child from Texas died from measles amid an outbreak of the highly contagious disease in the state. It's the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak is believed to have begun in rural West Texas in an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County, where 80 cases have been identified. |
How many have been infected? So far, 124 people are known to have been infected by the disease, most among those who weren't vaccinated or had no known vaccination status, state data showed. Eighteen people have been hospitalized. The child died in the last 24 hours and was unvaccinated. 👉 Where the outbreak has spread to. | A sign reading "measles testing" is seen in Seminole, Texas as an outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has raised concerns over its spread to other parts of the state. Sebastian Rocandio, REUTERS |
More (and larger) DOGE layoffs |
President Donald Trump's goal to cut the federal workforce isn't slowing down – and it's only getting more aggressive. The Trump administration ordered heads of federal departments and agencies to prepare to initiate "large-scale reductions in force" by March 13. Federal departments are also being instructed to eliminate positions and produce reorganization plans for their agencies by the same deadline, according to a memo sent by the Personnel Management and Management and Budget offices. |
Musk's efforts: Mass firings have been focused primarily on eliminating recently hired or promoted probationary workers, an effort guided by billionaire Elon Musk, a senior adviser to Trump who heads the Department of Government Efficiency. During Trump's first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Musk said if a job is not essential, "they obviously should not be on the public payroll." 👉 See what the memo said. | Elon Musk attends the first cabinet meeting hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., U.S., Feb. 26, 2025. Brian Snyder, REUTERS |
The wild west – for Nikes |
It looks like the wild west hasn't lost its ways. At least 10 train heists happened in California and Arizona in less than a year, with about $2 million worth of Nike shoes stolen in the robberies. More than 60 people are being charged in federal court in connection with the heists, in addition to other thefts in 2023 and 2024. |
How'd they do it? The robberies work like a "human conveyor belt," passing goods from the train to the ground, to a truck, said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at CargoNet, a private company that provides supply chain theft intelligence to law enforcement. 🚂 See the timeline of the heists. |
RIP Michelle Trachtenberg |
Michelle Trachtenberg, who graced our screens in "Harriet the Spy," "Gossip Girl," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," was found dead at age 39 on Wednesday morning in New York City. Police said no criminal involvement is suspected, and a medical examiner will determine her cause of death. For me, Trachtenberg was the "Ice Princess." Despite living in South Texas where it rarely dipped below 50 degrees (and also being extremely uncoordinated), I remember wishing I could lace up some ice skates and learn to do a triple salchow jump, just like her character. 👉 Trachtenberg's health questioned in recent years. | Michelle Trachtenberg at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on Feb. 9, 2020, in West Hollywood, Calif. Michael Tran, AFP via Getty Images |
Rebecca Morin is a senior national news reporter at USA TODAY. Got thoughts or feedback? Reach out to her at rdmorin@usatoday.com. | | | | Consumers are encouraged not to spend any money on Feb. 28 and if an emergency arises, shop local. | | | | Police killed more than 1,300 people in the U.S. last year, a slight uptick that made 2024 the deadliest year for police killings, a new report found. | | | | The Department of Agriculture said in a report Tuesday that egg prices are predicted to rise by more than 40% in 2025. | | | | New tensions between Israel and Hamas are raising doubts about prospects for second phase of cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza. | | | | Thanks to a wild Oscar cycle, best picture, actor and actress are still up for grabs. Here are our predictions for Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. | | | | Millennials now make up the largest generation seeking debt counseling, according to data from a national nonprofit agency. | | | | Here's what MS is, what causes it and how you can expect the condition to be treated if it impacts you or someone you love. | | | | The "Real Housewives of Potomac" star Karen Huger has been sentenced to a year in jail after the show's "Grande Dame" was found guilty of a DUI. | | | | "I find it disgusting that these fraudulent tow operators exploited fire survivors during their time of distress," one LA County official said. | | | | More details on Liam Payne's state of intoxication before his death have been revealed, with information on two people accused of supplying him drugs. | | | | | | | Brighten your day with one of our games. | | | | | |
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