Duane Gang
@duanegang.bsky.social
Managing Editor/Nation at USA TODAY | Past, politics and investigations at The Tennessean | Husband, proud dad and New Jersey native.
Love this obit to the humble penny by @typewriterninja.bsky.social for @usatoday.com Please read to the end!
"In the end, plagued by doubts about self-worth, it would finally fade from the spotlight, like a screen star of decades past whose phone had stopped ringing long ago."
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
The penny, America's oldest and most iconic coin in circulation, dies at 232
The penny will be remembered by tycoons and panhandlers alike as an iconic piece of America that stayed in our pockets for over two centuries.
www.usatoday.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Love this obit to the humble penny by @typewriterninja.bsky.social for @usatoday.com Please read to the end!
Reposted by Duane Gang
Pres. Trump says the Smithsonian Institution is too "woke."
My colleagues + I went to several museums + interviewed visitors to assess his concerns.
Here's what we found:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
@chrisquintana.bsky.social @stephenbeard.bsky.social @duanegang.bsky.social @usatoday.com
My colleagues + I went to several museums + interviewed visitors to assess his concerns.
Here's what we found:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
@chrisquintana.bsky.social @stephenbeard.bsky.social @duanegang.bsky.social @usatoday.com
Trump says the Smithsonian is too woke. We visited five of its museums to find out
On Aug. 12, the Trump administration announced a review of the Smithsonian, starting with eight of its most-visited and high-profile museums.
www.usatoday.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Pres. Trump says the Smithsonian Institution is too "woke."
My colleagues + I went to several museums + interviewed visitors to assess his concerns.
Here's what we found:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
@chrisquintana.bsky.social @stephenbeard.bsky.social @duanegang.bsky.social @usatoday.com
My colleagues + I went to several museums + interviewed visitors to assess his concerns.
Here's what we found:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
@chrisquintana.bsky.social @stephenbeard.bsky.social @duanegang.bsky.social @usatoday.com
In New Orleans, Broadmoor and the Lower Ninth Ward tell competing stories of recovery since Hurricane Katrina. One emerged stronger than before. The other remains entrenched in a battle for survival. Rick Jervis reports from New Orleans for @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
In Katrina's wake, one New Orleans community thrives as another still fights for survival
Two New Orleans neighborhoods tell competing stories of recovering from Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.
www.usatoday.com
August 28, 2025 at 11:15 PM
In New Orleans, Broadmoor and the Lower Ninth Ward tell competing stories of recovery since Hurricane Katrina. One emerged stronger than before. The other remains entrenched in a battle for survival. Rick Jervis reports from New Orleans for @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Tomorrow marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast. @usatoday.com national correspondent Rick Jervis covered a lot of the early rebuilding efforts. He went back to see if New Orleans' culture survived Katrina. Here's what he found. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
I went back to see if New Orleans' culture survived Katrina. Here's what I found.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, many wondered whether the city's unique culture - particularly food and music - would survive.
www.usatoday.com
August 28, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Tomorrow marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast. @usatoday.com national correspondent Rick Jervis covered a lot of the early rebuilding efforts. He went back to see if New Orleans' culture survived Katrina. Here's what he found. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by Duane Gang
The LA city council recently banned the N-word and C-word in its meetings, saying the terms have disrupted the proceedings "on many occasions."
But groups like @thefireorg.bsky.social, @facoalition.bsky.social and @aclu.org say the rule violates free speech.
My latest for @usatoday.com:
But groups like @thefireorg.bsky.social, @facoalition.bsky.social and @aclu.org say the rule violates free speech.
My latest for @usatoday.com:
LA banned the N and C words from council meetings. Does the First Amendment allow that?
The council called it a "narrowly focused rule" to curb ongoing disruptions during its meetings. But some First Amendment groups are concerned.
www.usatoday.com
August 13, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The LA city council recently banned the N-word and C-word in its meetings, saying the terms have disrupted the proceedings "on many occasions."
But groups like @thefireorg.bsky.social, @facoalition.bsky.social and @aclu.org say the rule violates free speech.
My latest for @usatoday.com:
But groups like @thefireorg.bsky.social, @facoalition.bsky.social and @aclu.org say the rule violates free speech.
My latest for @usatoday.com:
Reposted by Duane Gang
The Trump admin's memo about fed. employees' right to religious expression says, among other things, they can talk to others about "why (their) faith is correct."
But that's nothing new, experts said. The new memo is, however, less concerned w/ potential harassment, they said.
More @usatoday.com:
But that's nothing new, experts said. The new memo is, however, less concerned w/ potential harassment, they said.
More @usatoday.com:
From Bibles to prayer groups: What Trump's new religion memo for federal workers means
Trump's administration previously touted guidance Clinton's administration issued in 1997 on federal employees' right to religious expression at work.
www.usatoday.com
August 7, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The Trump admin's memo about fed. employees' right to religious expression says, among other things, they can talk to others about "why (their) faith is correct."
But that's nothing new, experts said. The new memo is, however, less concerned w/ potential harassment, they said.
More @usatoday.com:
But that's nothing new, experts said. The new memo is, however, less concerned w/ potential harassment, they said.
More @usatoday.com:
Canadians have pulled American alcohol from the shelves. So how does one make an Old Fashioned without Kentucky bourbon? Kentucky-native and Old Fashioned connoisseur
Michael Collins of @usatoday.com decided to find out. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Michael Collins of @usatoday.com decided to find out. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Wait a bluegrass-pickin’ minute: Canadians are making Old-Fashioneds without Kentucky bourbon?
Canadians are exploring new ways to make a classic cocktail after pulling American booze from their shelves to protest Donald Trump's tariff policies.
www.usatoday.com
August 3, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Canadians have pulled American alcohol from the shelves. So how does one make an Old Fashioned without Kentucky bourbon? Kentucky-native and Old Fashioned connoisseur
Michael Collins of @usatoday.com decided to find out. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Michael Collins of @usatoday.com decided to find out. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Immigration raids and deportations are roiling American farms. For @usatoday.com, @chriskenning.bsky.social talks to farmers about what they see as the path forward. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Farmers are facing a fork on Trump's immigration highway. So what's next?
Across the country, Trump’s immigration raids have roiled farms and farming communities – with cases of worker shortages and fears of unpicked crops.
www.usatoday.com
July 27, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Immigration raids and deportations are roiling American farms. For @usatoday.com, @chriskenning.bsky.social talks to farmers about what they see as the path forward. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
The Trump administration is seeking to dramatically reshape higher education across the U.S. For @usatoday.com, @chrisquintana.bsky.social takes a deep dive looking at the man Trump wants leading the charge. www.usatoday.com/story/news/i...
Trump is seeking to reshape higher education. Meet the man he wants leading the charge.
Trump's pick to oversee higher ed was a vice president for a company that paid $13 million to settle accusations it defrauded the student aid system.
www.usatoday.com
July 27, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The Trump administration is seeking to dramatically reshape higher education across the U.S. For @usatoday.com, @chrisquintana.bsky.social takes a deep dive looking at the man Trump wants leading the charge. www.usatoday.com/story/news/i...
The latest from @brieannafrank.bsky.social on the @usatoday.com First Amendment beat. Reporting from Boston. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Can Trump deport visa holders over their speech? Federal judge will soon decide
U.S. District Judge William Young, who previously blocked the administration's termination of NIH grants, presided over the two-week nonjury trial.
www.usatoday.com
July 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM
The latest from @brieannafrank.bsky.social on the @usatoday.com First Amendment beat. Reporting from Boston. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
From @usatoday.com national columnist @suzyscribe.bsky.social: George Houston was pressured to sell his land in 1968 for a new middle school. It was never built. Now, his family is fighting back -- and changing state law in Washington along the way. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
He signed away his home for a school that was never built. His family is fighting back.
George Houston was pressed to sell his land in 1968. Like many Black Americans, it cost him a chance to build generational wealth for his children.
www.usatoday.com
July 20, 2025 at 2:25 PM
From @usatoday.com national columnist @suzyscribe.bsky.social: George Houston was pressured to sell his land in 1968 for a new middle school. It was never built. Now, his family is fighting back -- and changing state law in Washington along the way. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by Duane Gang
Smoky Hills @pbs.org is a rural station that sits in the heart of Kansas wheat country. It's among the places that advocates fear could be hardest hit if the Senate votes to claw back $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
My latest for @usatoday.com:
My latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com
July 16, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Smoky Hills @pbs.org is a rural station that sits in the heart of Kansas wheat country. It's among the places that advocates fear could be hardest hit if the Senate votes to claw back $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
My latest for @usatoday.com:
My latest for @usatoday.com:
With just word-of-mouth warning, a man raced 25 miles to save guests at his Texas RV park. From @usatoday.com's Rick Jervis on the ground in Center Point, Texas. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
With just word-of-mouth warning, a man raced 25 miles to save guests at his Texas RV park
Center Point, Texas, RV park owner David Chambers said he was stunned not to have had a better warning as floodwaters rose.
www.usatoday.com
July 11, 2025 at 9:25 PM
With just word-of-mouth warning, a man raced 25 miles to save guests at his Texas RV park. From @usatoday.com's Rick Jervis on the ground in Center Point, Texas. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
From the talented @usatoday.com graphics team. How the deadly Texas flooding unfolded. www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...
See how the Texas floods unfolded and why Camp Mystic was in a hazardous location
Maps show how heavy rainfall and rocky terrain helped create the devastating Texas floods that have killed more than 120 people.
www.usatoday.com
July 11, 2025 at 9:24 PM
From the talented @usatoday.com graphics team. How the deadly Texas flooding unfolded. www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...
In 2015, this Texas man lost his entire family in flash flooding. Since then, he has felt called to join search-and-rescue efforts after other deadly natural disasters. Now, he's in Kerrville. Powerful story from @usatoday.com's Rick Jervis. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
A flood killed his entire family in 2015. Now, he's joined search efforts in Texas.
Jonathan McComb was the sole family member to survive a Texas flooding in 2015. Now, he's in Kerrville searching for victims in from the latest flooding.
www.usatoday.com
July 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
In 2015, this Texas man lost his entire family in flash flooding. Since then, he has felt called to join search-and-rescue efforts after other deadly natural disasters. Now, he's in Kerrville. Powerful story from @usatoday.com's Rick Jervis. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by Duane Gang
Brief update, Senate version would cap the college endowment tax at 8% instead of the House's max rate of 21%. Also, only three tax tiers now, instead of four. Religious carveout remains in place, via Senate Finance Committee: www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-ne...
June 17, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Brief update, Senate version would cap the college endowment tax at 8% instead of the House's max rate of 21%. Also, only three tax tiers now, instead of four. Religious carveout remains in place, via Senate Finance Committee: www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-ne...
It's been one month since the brazen jailbreak in New Orleans. With 2 escapees still on the run, @chriskenning.bsky.social in this deep dive takes us inside the escape, the manhunt and the push to fix a broken jail system. @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
A jailbreak, a monthlong manhunt and a push to fix New Orleans’ broken lockup
The 10 men broke out of a New Orleans jail in an escape straight out of Hollywood. Now, with two escapees are still on the run 30 days into the search.
www.usatoday.com
June 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM
It's been one month since the brazen jailbreak in New Orleans. With 2 escapees still on the run, @chriskenning.bsky.social in this deep dive takes us inside the escape, the manhunt and the push to fix a broken jail system. @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by Duane Gang
'No Kings Day' protests planned for June 14 with aim to reclaim the American flag www.usatoday.com/story/news/n... via @usatoday.com
'No Kings Day' protests planned for June 14 with aim to reclaim the American flag
The 1,800 "No Kings" protests across the country are meant to express frustration over President Trump's actions that organizers say are authoritarian.
www.usatoday.com
June 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
'No Kings Day' protests planned for June 14 with aim to reclaim the American flag www.usatoday.com/story/news/n... via @usatoday.com
The US Supreme Court is still to rule on two more cases that could have significant impact on religious liberty and the First Amendment. @brieannafrank.bsky.social explores the issue for @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
How the Supreme Court could still reshape religious liberty with decisions in two cases
The court deadlocked in a case that would have created the first religious charter school, but two other significant religion cases remain.
www.usatoday.com
June 3, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The US Supreme Court is still to rule on two more cases that could have significant impact on religious liberty and the First Amendment. @brieannafrank.bsky.social explores the issue for @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Today for @usatoday.com, @chrisquintana.bsky.social and @brieannafrank.bsky.social explore the religious exemption in the big college endowment tax hike included in the White House spending bill. Will every religious institution qualify? www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
With a war on Harvard raging, religious colleges get big tax break in Trump spending bill
Trump's spending bill, now headed to the Senate, would exempt religious colleges from a big tax increase on endowments.
www.usatoday.com
May 29, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Today for @usatoday.com, @chrisquintana.bsky.social and @brieannafrank.bsky.social explore the religious exemption in the big college endowment tax hike included in the White House spending bill. Will every religious institution qualify? www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
From @chriskenning.bsky.social and @photojmorgan.bsky.social on the ground in New Orleans as the city remains on edge amid the manhunt for five remaining jail escapees. The DA blasts delays in gathering fingerprint and DNA and demands the sheriff preserve documents. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Orleans Parish DA blasts inmate search delays as prosecutors face safety worries
As the search for five remaining escapees continues, Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams says there were delays in evidence gathering at the jail.
www.usatoday.com
May 23, 2025 at 12:59 AM
From @chriskenning.bsky.social and @photojmorgan.bsky.social on the ground in New Orleans as the city remains on edge amid the manhunt for five remaining jail escapees. The DA blasts delays in gathering fingerprint and DNA and demands the sheriff preserve documents. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Wonderful storytelling by @usatoday.com national columnist @suzyscribe.bsky.social. She is embarking on a series about what home means. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
How 'money, power or greed' ripped the Nooksack 306 from their homes - and their tribe
Elizabeth Oshiro was a member of the Nooksack Indian Tribe. A part of the family. Welcome to live on their tribal land. Until she wasn’t.
www.usatoday.com
May 22, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Wonderful storytelling by @usatoday.com national columnist @suzyscribe.bsky.social. She is embarking on a series about what home means. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
This is a good example of looking deep into a nonprofit organization's tax forms. @chrisquintana.bsky.social reports on how much Liberty University paid out to ex-president Jerry Falwell Jr. to end litigation stemming from his resignation back in 2020.
Liberty University and its former president Jerry Falwell Jr. settled years of legal fighting in 2024. At the time, both sides said they reached an agreement without sharing details. But newly filed tax forms reveal Falwell is set to receive roughly $15M.
May 20, 2025 at 11:04 PM
This is a good example of looking deep into a nonprofit organization's tax forms. @chrisquintana.bsky.social reports on how much Liberty University paid out to ex-president Jerry Falwell Jr. to end litigation stemming from his resignation back in 2020.
Really nice storytelling and reporting from @usatoday.com and @chriskenning.bsky.social and @michael-loria.bsky.social about Pope Leo XIV and his early years in Chicago. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
White smoke at Vatican, phones blowing up in Chicago: Their old classmate Robert is pope
Those who knew Pope Leo XIV as a younger man say his path to the papacy has prepared him well for the challenges ahead.
www.usatoday.com
May 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Really nice storytelling and reporting from @usatoday.com and @chriskenning.bsky.social and @michael-loria.bsky.social about Pope Leo XIV and his early years in Chicago. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Some personal news: After 13 years at The Tennessean, I am embarking on a new role as the senior editor for storytelling @usatoday.com where I'll get to work with a talented team of national correspondents telling in-depth stories from across the U.S. 1/
May 5, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Some personal news: After 13 years at The Tennessean, I am embarking on a new role as the senior editor for storytelling @usatoday.com where I'll get to work with a talented team of national correspondents telling in-depth stories from across the U.S. 1/