A ruptured pipeline in suburban Washington, DC, has spilled at least 200 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, leading to neighborhood wariness, health warnings, a political squabble and complaints from PresidentDonald Trumpthat the stink could linger into the summer and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. Pumps have been installed to divert the flow, but authorities say a full repair could take weeks. Trump has blamed Democrats in Maryland for the collapse; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's office pointed the finger at the Trump administration and said the river "isn't a talking point."
Sewage spill raises a stink in DC
Friends, colleagues remember Jesse Jackson
Americans were honoringthe life and legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Feb. 17. President Donald Trump described the civil rights icon as a "force of nature."Kamala Harrisdescribed how Jackson became a mentor to her;Joe Bidensaid his longtime friend was"a man of God and of the people."Barack and Michelle Obama celebrated their families' close friendship, and Bill and Hillary Clinton gave thanks "for his long, good life." Jackson was 84. "I think people who learned to survive apart must now learn to live together," he once said."I want to be remembered as a soldier in that struggle."
Jesse Jackson's life in images:Memorable moments in the civil rights icon's career
Kids catch the sports betting bug
Kids will always find ways to skirt age restrictions, and gambling is no exception.Children and teens were "scaling the walls"to bet on Super Bowl 60 on sites like DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel, according to the age verification vendor Socure, by manipulating birthdates and other information in an effort to create new accounts. In a single hour on Feb. 8, said Socure's Rivka Gewirtz Little, more than 50,000 minors were blocked. "The Super Bowlwas a pressure test," Little said. "It shows that minors are relentlessly going to attempt to challenge the systems, and they're a formidable force."
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"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."
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."
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.
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.
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 – Eric Dane, Robert Duvall, more stars we lost
"Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" starEric Danedied 10 months after he revealedhis ALS diagnosis. He was 53.Dane's representative, Melissa Bank,confirmed the newsin 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 ALSon NBC's "Brilliant Minds," and reprised his role of Cal Jacobs on HBO's "Euphoria" inthe upcoming third season, due April 12, 2026.
Robert Duvall, an American treasure, dies at 95
Hollywood lost one of its giants whenRobert Duvall, known for unforgettable characters like Mob consigliere Tom Hagen in 1972's "The Godfather" and Lt. Col. Bill"I love the smell of napalm in the morning"Kilgore in 1979's "Apocalypse Now," died Feb. 15. He was 95. His career spanned seven decades and included an Oscar for best actor in 1983's "Tender Mercies"; he also memorably portrayed retired Texas Ranger Augustus "Gus" McCrae in the acclaimed TV miniseries "Lonesome Dove." He was always searching for the next, perfect role, he once told Esquire: "You always wish there was one more."
He turned down the lead in "Jaws":Robert Duvall's final USA TODAY interview
New Olympic event: Restocking condoms
Safe sex joined triple Salchows as the talk of theOlympic Villages in Italyafter reports that the complex was running out of condoms less than a week into the Milan Cortina Games. Organizers confirmed to USA TODAY that the supply indeed was depleted"due to higher-than-anticipated demand"but has now been replenished. Olympic Villages have long distributed free condoms to athletes. "I already knowa lot of people are using some condoms, or maybe taking them to give to their friends," said Madagascar skier Mialitiana Clerc. "Maybe they are using them as gifts."− Compiled and written by Robert Abitbol
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Remembering Jesse Jackson; sewage raises a stink in DC: Week in review