United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1982
Ownership
USA Today was launched in 1982 by Al Neuharth and is published by Gannett. In 2019 Gannett was acquired by New Media Investment Group (parent of GateHouse Media), and the merged company retained the Gannett name; the deal was financed with a roughly $1.79 billion loan from Apollo Global Management. Gannett is now a publicly traded company controlled by institutional shareholders, with Apollo, Alta Fundamental Advisers and BlackRock among the largest holders.
Funding
Funded by advertising, print and digital subscriptions, and circulation across Gannett's large national newspaper network. It is a commercial, for-profit operation.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is broadly mainstream with a modest center-left lean and no party or state ties. Because it is owned by a publicly traded commercial publisher with no party or government control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 194
68/100
Factual
67/100
Objective
496
Articles
496
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Christa Pike survived lethal injection. How your state carries out executions
Christa Pike, a woman convicted of murdering a classmate over three decades ago, survived two lethal injection doses during her scheduled execution in Tennessee, sparking renewed debate over execution protocols across the United States. This incident has raised questions about the reliability and safety of lethal injection, which accounts for approximately 89% of all executions since 1976. While lethal injection is the most commonly used method, other states employ alternatives such as electrocution, lethal gas, and firing squads. Tennessee’s case highlights variations in execution procedures, with some states allowing inmates to choose their method. The Supreme Court mandates that the death penalty be reserved for the most severe crimes, yet the controversy surrounding Pike’s survival underscores ongoing concerns about the ethics and effectiveness of capital punishment.
Eli Drinkwitz Earns National Spotlight After Missouri Humbles Florida
Eli Drinkwitz, the head coach of the University of Missouri football team, has gained national attention following Missouri's dominant 45-17 victory over Florida. The win propelled the Tigers higher in the AP Top 25 rankings, highlighting Drinkwitz's coaching impact and the team's strong performance. The game showcased Missouri's offensive prowess and defensive strength, contributing to their improved standing in the national polls. This result reflects the team's progress under Drinkwitz's leadership and positions them as a rising force in college football.
How did the Cornell rape case go so wrong?
In October 2024, a student at Cornell University reported a sexual assault by multiple men at a fraternity house, which was initially treated as a campus matter. Two years later, the victim, referred to as 'Jane Doe,' filed a civil lawsuit against the university, fraternity, sorority organizations, and a local bar, alleging they failed to protect her. The accused men's lawyers denied the claims, while Cornell stated disciplinary actions resulted in suspensions and expulsions. When Doe reported the incident to campus police, the district attorney's office determined the allegations did not meet the criteria for criminal charges. Despite reopening the investigation, the district attorney defended his initial decision. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor, expressing loss of confidence in the district attorney. Legal experts like Lauren Hersh discuss the handling of such cases, limitations of consent laws, and potential reforms.
2 dead, including student, in Central Florida school bus crash, sheriff says
On October 5, 2026, a school bus in central Florida overturned during a multi-vehicle crash, resulting in two fatalities, including a 10th-grade student, and multiple injuries. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on a Winter Haven road when an oncoming car crossed the center line and collided with the bus near its rear wheels. The impact caused the bus to flip onto its roof and crash into a burning Jeep, leading to one additional fatality. Emergency responders worked through the morning to evacuate passengers, identify individuals, and reunite students with their families. This marks the second school bus-related incident in Polk County within a month, though the previous crash did not involve students. Local officials expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of safety protocols, noting that students are trained to exit buses safely during emergencies.
Christa Pike execution failure spares murderer who bailed victim out just to kill him
Tennessee's prison chief resigned and executions were temporarily halted after a botched lethal injection attempt on death row inmate Christa Pike left her critically injured. The incident occurred during the attempted execution of Pike, who was convicted of torturing and murdering 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Governor Bill Lee postponed all executions until 2026 while an independent review is conducted. The article highlights the controversial nature of the execution process and raises questions about the justice system's handling of capital punishment. It also references unrelated past events involving another convicted murderer, Gary Wayne Sutton, whose case includes claims of innocence and a history of violent acts.
Chris Sale wanted the ball, but Braves said no. Now comes the payoff.
The article discusses the ongoing situation involving pitcher Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves regarding his potential trade. It mentions that despite Sale's desire to remain with the team, the Braves have been hesitant to offer him a contract extension. The piece suggests that this impasse could lead to significant consequences for both parties, potentially affecting the team's performance and Sale's career trajectory.
Disgraced Former House Speaker Dead At 84
Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), known for his long tenure as the longest-serving Republican Speaker, has passed away at age 84. He died at his home in Kendall County, Illinois, according to the county coroner. Hastert faced significant personal and legal challenges later in life, including admitting to sexually abusing boys during his time as a high school wrestling coach. He served prison time for illegal financial activities aimed at paying hush money to one of his victims, becoming the highest-ranking elected U.S. official to serve a prison sentence. Prior to his political career, Hastert was a teacher and wrestling coach, earning recognition as Illinois Coach of the Year in 1976. He entered politics in 1986 and held various roles in Congress before becoming House Speaker in 1999. His leadership ended in 2007 after Republicans lost their majority. Following his release from prison in 2017, Hastert lived privately until his death.
US Marine arrested in Japan over suspected killing of woman as Tokyo lodges 'strong protest'
A U.S. Marine stationed in Japan, Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 39-year-old woman, Anna Yagi, at a hotel in Okinawa. According to Japanese police, Ballard allegedly robbed Yagi and left her unresponsive before being found by authorities. Ballard denies the allegations, and he remains in Japanese custody while the Marine Corps cooperates with the investigation. Senior Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, have condemned the incident, lodging a 'strong protest' with the United States and calling for greater accountability from U.S. military personnel. The case highlights ongoing tensions related to the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, which has faced local opposition due to past incidents involving American troops.
Karoline Leavitt Reveals Next Career Move After White House Exit
Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News as an on-air contributor starting in November, following her departure from the Trump administration in August. Leavitt, who previously worked closely with President Donald Trump during his campaign and presidency, will provide commentary on the White House's policies and achievements. Her transition aligns with a pattern of White House press secretaries moving to legacy media outlets, including previous moves by Kayleigh McEnany and Dana Perino. Leavitt cited family reasons for leaving her role, stating she could not fully dedicate herself to the demands of the position while raising her children. The White House has not yet appointed a new press secretary, and Leavitt remains one of Trump's 'top outside' advisors.
Injury update for Bills DT Ed Oliver
The article provides an injury update regarding Ed Oliver, a defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. It references 'Bills Wire' as a source, though no specific details about the nature of the injury or its impact on the team are provided in the excerpt. The information likely includes updates on whether Oliver is expected to play in upcoming games or if there are any long-term implications for his season. Such injury reports are common during the sports season and provide fans with important insights into player availability.
She's 35, a grandmother and working to make ends meet
The article highlights the life of a 35-year-old woman who is both a grandmother and actively working to support her family financially. It focuses on her personal struggles with balancing childcare responsibilities and earning a livelihood, reflecting broader societal challenges faced by women in similar situations. The piece emphasizes her resilience and determination in navigating these dual roles. While the article does not provide specific details about her employment, financial situation, or community support systems, it underscores the economic pressures many families face in contemporary society.
Police raided ex-Prince Andrew's home and arrested him. Now he's suing
The article reports that police conducted a raid at the former Prince Andrew's residence and arrested him. Following this action, Prince Andrew has filed a lawsuit against the authorities involved. The incident appears to be related to ongoing legal investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct, though the specific details of the raid and the nature of the lawsuit are not elaborated upon in the provided text.
Cornell Jane Doe has received multiple threats, her lawyer says
The article reports that Cornell Jane Doe, a victim of a high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University, has received multiple threats, according to her lawyer. The threats come amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the case, which has drawn significant public attention. Jane Doe's attorney has raised concerns about her safety and the potential impact of these threats on her well-being. The situation highlights the broader issues surrounding campus sexual violence and the challenges faced by survivors in such cases.