Lifestyle

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: What It Is, What the Research Actually Shows, and What to Know Before Trying It

Published

6 days ago

July 22, 2026

Introduction

Lion’s mane mushroom has gone from a niche ingredient in Asian cooking to one of the most talked-about supplements on shelves and social media, often marketed around focus, memory, and brain health. That popularity raises a fair question: does the science actually back up the claims, or is this another supplement trend that’s outrunning the evidence?

This article walks through what lion’s mane mushroom is, what happens in the body when people take it, and what current clinical research does and doesn’t support. It also covers side effects, common misunderstandings, and the practical questions people usually have before adding a new supplement to their routine.

Direct Answer: What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible, shaggy white fungus that grows on hardwood trees and gets its name from its cascading, fur-like spines. It’s used both as a food and as a supplement, most often for potential brain and nerve support. Early research suggests it may support nerve growth factor activity and reduce inflammation, but human clinical trials remain small, short, and mixed, so it should be considered a supplement with promising but unproven benefits rather than a treatment for any medical condition.

What Exactly Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s mane is a fungus known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus, and by other names including yamabushitake in Japan and hou tou gu in China. It grows wild on decaying or damaged hardwood trees across North America, Europe, and Asia, and it’s also cultivated commercially.

Visually, it doesn’t look like a typical mushroom at all. Instead of a cap and stem, it forms a round white cluster of long, hanging spines, which is where the “lion’s mane” name comes from. It has a mild, slightly seafood-like flavor when cooked and has long been used in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.

The compounds researchers focus on most are hericenones, found in the fruiting body, and erinacines, found mainly in the mycelium (the root-like network the fungus grows from). Both groups of compounds have been studied in lab and animal research for their potential effects on nerve cells.

Background: Why Lion’s Mane Became Popular

Lion’s mane has centuries of use in East Asian traditional medicine, generally for digestive health and general vitality. Its recent surge in Western popularity is a more modern story, tied to the broader rise of “functional mushroom” products marketed for focus, stress, and cognitive performance.

Interest accelerated as preliminary research linked lion’s mane compounds to nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth and maintenance of neurons. That single mechanistic link became the basis for a wave of marketing around memory, focus, and brain aging, often outpacing what the clinical evidence has actually confirmed. Human trial data has expanded meaningfully over the past couple of years, but the overall body of research is still considered early-stage by most independent reviewers.

How Lion’s Mane Is Thought to Work

The proposed mechanism behind lion’s mane’s effects on the brain centers on nerve growth factor. NGF supports the survival, growth, and maintenance of certain neurons, and reduced NGF activity has been associated with cognitive decline in some research models.

Laboratory and animal studies suggest that hericenones and erinacines may cross into the nervous system and help stimulate NGF-related activity, which in theory could support neuron health and repair. Some preclinical studies in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease have shown reduced buildup of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of the disease, after treatment with lion’s mane extracts.

It’s worth being precise about what this does and doesn’t show. Animal and cell studies can identify a plausible biological mechanism, but they don’t confirm that the same effect happens reliably in humans, at practical supplement doses, over realistic timeframes. That gap is exactly where lion’s mane research currently stands.

What Human Research Actually Shows

This is the section most people searching for lion’s mane mushroom actually want, so it’s worth being direct about both the encouraging findings and the limitations.

Cognitive function and memory

A frequently cited 2020 trial involved older adults with mild cognitive impairment who took approximately 1 gram of lion’s mane daily for around a year, and it found improved scores on cognitive tests compared with a placebo group. Similar smaller trials using 250-milligram tablets over 16 weeks in adults with mild cognitive impairment have reported comparable results, but the improvements have tended to fade after participants stopped taking the supplement, suggesting the effect may not be lasting.

More recent research complicates the picture rather than simplifying it. A 2025 randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy young adults found no significant overall effect on cognition or mood after a single dose, though it did find a specific improvement in motor dexterity on one test. A 2026 trial in adults aged 40 to 75 with self-reported cognitive difficulty tested eight weeks of daily supplementation, adding to a small but growing set of human data in this middle-aged population.

Taken together, the pattern in the literature is consistent: trials are still small, often short in duration, and use varying doses and preparations, which makes it hard to draw firm conclusions. A 2025 systematic review pooling results across several randomized controlled trials described the evidence as generally supportive of neuroprotective and cognitive benefits, while also calling for larger and longer trials before any strong claims are justified.

Mood, stress, and anxiety

Some smaller studies have looked at lion’s mane’s potential effects on mild anxiety and low mood, proposing that its anti-inflammatory properties might play a role, since inflammation has been linked to some mood disorders in other research. The evidence here is preliminary and mostly limited to small trials, so it shouldn’t be treated as an established use.

Digestive and gut health

Traditional use of lion’s mane has centered partly on digestive health, and some modern research has examined its effects on gut inflammation and the gut lining. This is an active area of study, but again the human evidence base remains limited compared with more established digestive treatments.

Heart health and metabolism

A smaller body of research has explored whether lion’s mane compounds might support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, largely through animal studies. Human data on cardiovascular effects is thinner than the data on cognition, so this remains a more speculative area.

Who Considers Taking Lion’s Mane, and Why

People typically try lion’s mane supplements for one of a few reasons:

Cognitive support, especially as a preventive or general wellness measure rather than for a diagnosed condition
General nervous system support, often as part of a broader “functional mushroom” stack alongside reishi or cordyceps
Digestive comfort, tied to its traditional use
Curiosity about a food ingredient, since fresh or dried lion’s mane is also used simply as a cooking mushroom

It’s genuinely used both as whole food and as a concentrated supplement (capsules, powders, or tinctures), and the amount of active compound can vary significantly between those forms.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Misconception: “Lion’s mane is a proven treatment for memory loss or Alzheimer’s.” Current human trials are small, short, and mixed. Some show promising short-term improvement in specific groups, but none establish lion’s mane as a proven treatment for any diagnosed cognitive disease.

Misconception: “More research always means stronger proof.” The amount of published research on lion’s mane has grown quickly, but volume isn’t the same as strength of evidence. Many studies remain preclinical (cell or animal-based) or involve small human samples, which limits how confidently the findings can be generalized.

Misconception: “All lion’s mane supplements are equivalent.” Fruiting body extracts and mycelium-based extracts contain different concentrations of hericenones and erinacines, and products vary widely in dose and standardization. A capsule labeled “lion’s mane” doesn’t guarantee a specific level of active compound.

Misconception: “Natural means automatically safe for everyone.” Lion’s mane is generally well tolerated in available studies, but people with mushroom allergies, those taking blood-thinning medication, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be cautious, since safety data in these groups is limited.

Real-World Examples

A home cook using it as food: Someone sautéing fresh lion’s mane as a meat substitute is consuming it the way it’s been used traditionally for centuries, at food-level amounts, which carries a very different risk and benefit profile than a concentrated supplement extract.

Someone trying it for daily focus: A person taking a standardized lion’s mane capsule hoping for a noticeable boost in daily mental clarity should understand that the clinical trials showing benefit generally involved weeks to months of consistent use in specific populations, not a one-time “nootropic” effect, and results in healthy young adults so far have been modest at best.

An older adult considering it alongside existing cognitive concerns: Someone with diagnosed mild cognitive impairment who is interested in lion’s mane based on the more established trials in that population should still discuss it with a doctor, both because of interactions with other medications and because it isn’t a substitute for evaluated medical care.

Key Facts

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) contains two main groups of bioactive compounds: hericenones in the fruiting body and erinacines in the mycelium.
Most proposed cognitive benefits are linked to a theorized effect on nerve growth factor (NGF) activity, based mainly on lab and animal research.
The most encouraging human trials have involved older adults with mild cognitive impairment, not healthy younger adults.
A 2025 trial in healthy young adults found no overall cognitive or mood benefit from a single dose, aside from a specific improvement in motor dexterity.
Cognitive improvements seen in some trials have tended to fade after participants stopped supplementation.
Lion’s mane is generally well tolerated, with allergic reaction being the most commonly reported concern.
Supplement forms and doses vary widely, and there’s no single standardized dose established across the research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lion’s mane mushroom used for?

It’s used both as a food and as a supplement, most commonly marketed for cognitive support, nervous system health, and general wellness, based on early research into its effects on nerve growth factor and inflammation.

How does lion’s mane mushroom work?

Research suggests its compounds, hericenones and erinacines, may support nerve growth factor activity and reduce inflammation, potentially supporting neuron health, though most of this mechanism is based on lab and animal studies rather than confirmed human outcomes.

Why is lion’s mane mushroom considered important in supplement research?

It’s one of the more heavily studied “functional mushrooms” for cognitive and nervous system effects, and it has generated more human clinical trial data in recent years than many comparable supplements, even though that data remains limited overall.

Is lion’s mane mushroom safe?

Available research generally shows it’s well tolerated, with mild digestive upset or allergic reaction being the main reported issues. People with mushroom allergies, those on blood-thinning medication, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk to a doctor first, since safety data for these groups is limited.

Is lion’s mane mushroom legal?

Yes, it’s legal and widely available as a food and dietary supplement in the United States and most countries. It is regulated as a supplement rather than a drug, meaning it hasn’t been evaluated by regulators for treating any specific disease.

What are the alternatives to lion’s mane for cognitive support?

Other researched options include getting consistent sleep, regular exercise, and a nutrient-dense diet, all of which have stronger and more consistent evidence for cognitive health than lion’s mane currently does. Other supplements like omega-3 fatty acids also have a larger evidence base, though comparing supplements directly is complicated by differences in study design and populations studied.

What should someone know before trying lion’s mane mushroom?

It’s worth knowing that the strongest human evidence so far comes from older adults with mild cognitive impairment, not healthy adults looking for a general boost, that products vary in concentration and form, and that it isn’t a substitute for medical evaluation of any cognitive or mood concern.

Key Takeaways

Lion’s mane mushroom is an edible fungus studied mainly for potential effects on brain and nerve health, largely through its hericenone and erinacine compounds.
Human research is growing but remains limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and mixed results.
The clearest short-term benefits in trials have appeared in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with effects that may fade after stopping use.
Newer trials in healthy adults have shown weaker or more inconsistent effects.
It’s generally well tolerated, though allergy risk and limited safety data in certain groups are worth considering.
Supplement forms and doses vary significantly, so there’s no single confirmed effective dose across the current research.

Conclusion

Lion’s mane mushroom sits in an interesting spot: it has more human research behind it than many trending supplements, but that research still falls well short of proving the broad cognitive claims often attached to it in marketing. The honest summary is that early results are promising enough to justify continued study, particularly in older adults with mild cognitive concerns, while the case for healthy adults using it as a daily mental performance booster remains thin. Anyone considering it is better served by looking at what the actual trials measured, rather than the claims built around them, and by checking with a doctor if they take other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Lifestyle

NuNaturals Sweetener Recall FDA Warning: What Happened and What to Check

Published

3 days ago

July 25, 2026

Bryce cotton

Introduction

If you keep a bottle of NuNaturals sweetener in your kitchen, a recent recall notice might have caught your eye. A labeling mix-up led to a NuNaturals sweetener recall FDA warning that’s worth understanding, especially if you manage food allergies, follow a specific diet, or just like knowing exactly what’s going into your coffee or baking.

The short story is that two different sweeteners ended up with each other’s labels. That sounds minor at first, but for people with sensitivities or allergies, grabbing the wrong bottle without realizing it can actually matter. Here’s what happened, why the FDA got involved, and what you should do if you have one of the affected products at home.

Direct Answer: What Is the NuNaturals Sweetener Recall About?

NuNaturals, Inc. voluntarily recalled specific lots of its Organic Pure Stevia and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener on July 14, 2025, after discovering the products’ labels had been swapped. Bottles labeled Stevia actually contained monk fruit, and vice versa. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall on August 1, 2025, meaning the mix-up could cause temporary or reversible health effects for some people, though no illnesses have been reported.

What Exactly Went Wrong

The issue traces back to a packaging error at NuNaturals, a sweetener company based in Eugene, Oregon. During production, the labels for two of its best-known products got mixed up. Bottles marked as Organic Pure Stevia were actually filled with monk fruit sweetener, and bottles marked as Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener actually contained stevia powder.

Both products are plant-based, zero-calorie sugar substitutes, so at first glance a mix-up might not sound like a big deal. But stevia and monk fruit come from different plants, have different levels of sweetness, and affect people differently depending on individual sensitivities. That’s exactly why the FDA stepped in with a formal warning rather than treating this as a simple packaging typo.

The Products Affected by the Recall

The recall applies to two specific items, identified by UPC code and lot number:

Organic Pure Stevia, 1-ounce bottle, UPC 7 39223 00204 0
Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener, 0.71-ounce bottle, UPC 7 39223 00187 6

Both products share the same lot number, 25104S, and the same best-by date of April 2028. They were sold in small plastic bottles with white caps. In total, 156 bottles were affected, split evenly at 78 bottles of each product, and they were distributed to retailers and consumers nationwide.

If your bottle doesn’t match this lot number and best-by date, it isn’t part of this recall, even if it’s the same product line.

Why the FDA Classified This as a Class II Recall

The FDA sorts recalls into three risk categories, and understanding where this one lands helps put the situation in perspective.

Class I recalls involve a reasonable chance that using the product will cause serious health problems or death. Class II recalls, which is where this NuNaturals situation falls, involve products that may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, or where the chance of serious harm is remote. Class III recalls involve products unlikely to cause any adverse health consequences at all.

The Class II classification here reflects a real but limited risk. The bigger concern isn’t that stevia or monk fruit are inherently dangerous ingredients, since both are considered safe for most people in normal amounts. The concern is that someone with a specific sensitivity might unknowingly consume the wrong one because the label told them otherwise.

Who Should Be Most Concerned

Most people who accidentally use the wrong sweetener from this recall likely won’t notice anything beyond a difference in taste or sweetness level. But there are groups who should pay closer attention.

People with ragweed allergies are sometimes also sensitive to stevia, since the plant is part of the same botanical family. If someone avoided stevia specifically because of that cross-sensitivity, unknowingly consuming a monk fruit bottle that’s secretly filled with stevia could trigger a reaction.

Monk fruit allergies are considered rare, but they aren’t impossible, and the same logic applies in reverse. Anyone managing a known monk fruit sensitivity would want to confirm what’s actually in their bottle rather than trusting the label alone.

For most other households, this recall is more about ingredient accuracy than acute danger. If you’re tracking macros, managing blood sugar, or following a recipe that depends on the specific sweetness profile of one product over the other, the mix-up could throw off your results even without any health risk involved.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Have a NuNaturals Sweetener

Check the product name on the bottle. Only Organic Pure Stevia and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener are involved in this recall.
Check the lot number. Look for 25104S printed on the packaging.
Check the best-by date. Affected bottles are marked with an April 2028 best-by date.
If your bottle matches all three details, stop using it as a precaution, particularly if you or someone in your household has a stevia or monk fruit sensitivity.
Contact NuNaturals directly for guidance on next steps, including any replacement or refund options, since the company has not published detailed disposal instructions publicly.
If your bottle doesn’t match, no action is needed. Products outside this specific lot number and date are not part of the recall.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Assuming any NuNaturals product is affected. This recall is limited to two specific products with a matching lot number and best-by date. Other NuNaturals sweeteners, flavors, or sizes aren’t part of it.

Assuming the ingredient inside is unsafe. Both stevia and monk fruit are approved, widely used sweeteners. The issue is that the label doesn’t match the contents, not that either ingredient is contaminated or hazardous on its own.

Assuming illness has already occurred. As of the most recent updates, no adverse reactions or illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. The Class II classification reflects potential risk, not confirmed harm.

Ignoring the recall because you don’t have allergies. Even without an allergy concern, using the wrong sweetener than what you intended can affect recipes, blood sugar tracking, or dietary plans that rely on precise ingredient information.

Real-World Example

Picture someone who avoids stevia because they’ve noticed it triggers seasonal-allergy-like symptoms during ragweed season. They specifically buy monk fruit sweetener instead. If their bottle happens to be one of the mislabeled ones, they’d actually be consuming stevia while believing they’re avoiding it entirely, without any obvious warning sign until symptoms appeared. That’s the exact scenario this recall is meant to prevent by getting the word out before more mislabeled bottles are used.

Key Facts

NuNaturals voluntarily recalled the products on July 14, 2025.
The FDA elevated the recall to Class II status on August 1, 2025.
Affected products: Organic Pure Stevia (1 oz) and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener (0.71 oz).
Both share lot number 25104S and an April 2028 best-by date.
156 total bottles were affected, 78 of each product.
Products were distributed nationwide, though specific retail locations haven’t been disclosed.
No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date.
NuNaturals is based in Eugene, Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NuNaturals sweetener recall about?

It involves two products, Organic Pure Stevia and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener, that had their labels accidentally swapped during packaging, meaning some bottles contain a different ingredient than what’s printed on the label.

Is it dangerous to use the wrong sweetener?

For most people, no. Both stevia and monk fruit are generally considered safe. The risk applies mainly to people with specific sensitivities to one of the two ingredients who might unknowingly consume the other.

How do I know if my bottle is part of the recall?

Check for lot number 25104S and a best-by date of April 2028 on either the Organic Pure Stevia or Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener bottle. If both details match, your bottle is affected.

What should I do if I have an affected bottle?

Stop using it as a precaution and contact NuNaturals directly for guidance on a replacement or refund.

Has anyone gotten sick from this recall?

No illnesses or adverse reactions had been reported as of the most recent updates on this recall.

Why did the FDA get involved if it’s a voluntary recall?

The FDA reviews and classifies voluntary recalls based on potential health risk. In this case, it assigned a Class II classification, reflecting a real but limited risk to certain individuals.

Key Takeaways

The NuNaturals sweetener recall FDA warning covers two specific mislabeled products: Organic Pure Stevia and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener.
The root cause was a label swap during packaging, not contamination or spoilage.
The FDA classified it as Class II, meaning limited but real potential health risk.
Only bottles with lot number 25104S and an April 2028 best-by date are affected.
No illnesses have been reported, but people with stevia or monk fruit sensitivities should check their bottles.
Contacting NuNaturals directly is the recommended next step for anyone with an affected product.

Conclusion

The NuNaturals sweetener recall FDA warning is a reminder that even routine kitchen staples can carry unexpected mix-ups, and that label accuracy matters more than it might seem at first glance. For the vast majority of households, this recall won’t translate into any noticeable problem. But if you have a bottle that matches the affected lot number and best-by date, taking a few minutes to check it, and reaching out to NuNaturals if needed, is a reasonable precaution worth taking.

Lifestyle

USA Today Games and Puzzles: A Complete Guide to What’s Available and How It Works

Published

5 days ago

July 23, 2026

Bryce cotton

Direct Answer

USA Today Games and Puzzles is an online hub, hosted at puzzles.usatoday.com, where readers can play daily crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Quick Cross, 7 Little Words, and other word and logic games. A limited number of puzzles are free each week, while a USA TODAY Play subscription unlocks unlimited puzzles, hints, an ad-free experience, and a full crossword archive.

Why People Search for USA Today Games and Puzzles

Most readers land on this topic for one of two reasons. Either they’ve heard about USA Today’s crossword and want to try it, or they’re already a fan of the daily crossword clue and want to know what else the site offers. There’s also a smaller group looking for something more specific, like whether Jumble still lives there or what the difference is between the free and paid versions.

This guide covers all of that. Rather than skimming the surface, it walks through the actual games on offer, how the subscription model works, and what to expect if you’re trying it for the first time.

What Is USA Today Games and Puzzles?

USA Today Games and Puzzles is the puzzle and brain-game section of the USA Today website, built around a mix of classic word puzzles and casual logic games. It’s aimed at readers who want a quick mental break, not a research project, so most puzzles are designed to be finished in a few minutes.

The section includes the newspaper’s well-known daily crossword, along with companion features like a shorter Quick Cross puzzle and daily Sudoku. It has also added newer additions over time, including 7 Little Words, a clue-based word puzzle that’s become one of the more popular games in the lineup.

What Games Are Actually Included

Here’s a rundown of the core offerings people ask about most:

Crossword. The flagship daily crossword puzzle, updated every day with new grids and clues.
Quick Cross. A smaller, faster crossword meant for a shorter mental workout.
Sudoku. The classic number-placement logic puzzle, available daily.
7 Little Words. A newer word puzzle where players use short clues and letter groups to build out answers.
Word and arcade games. The broader site also features casual games like word-search style puzzles, matching games, and strategy games for players who want variety beyond word puzzles.

One common point of confusion is Jumble. USA Today has, at various points, pointed players toward its partner site, the Chicago Tribune, to play Jumble online, so it’s worth checking directly on the site if that specific game is what you’re after, since game lineups shift periodically.

How the Subscription Model Works

This is where a lot of readers get tripped up, so it helps to break it down plainly.

Free access: Anyone can play a limited number of puzzles each week without paying anything. This gives new users a real feel for the crossword and other games before committing to anything.

USA TODAY Play subscription: Paying for a subscription unlocks a few specific upgrades:

Unlimited puzzles, hints, and reveals across Crossword, Quick Cross, and Sudoku
Access to newer games like 7 Little Words
A searchable archive filled with hundreds of past crossword puzzles
The ability to track personal stats and daily streaks
An ad-free experience while playing

For someone who solves the crossword every single day, or wants to go back and try puzzles from previous weeks, the subscription removes the weekly cap that limits free users. For a casual player who just wants an occasional puzzle, the free tier is often enough.

Why the Crossword Gets So Much Attention

The USA Today crossword has built a loyal following partly because of its accessible difficulty level. It tends to sit on the easier end of the crossword spectrum compared to some other major newspaper puzzles, which makes it a popular entry point for people newer to crosswords.

The puzzle also comes with editorial support. Crossword editor and columnist Sally Hoelscher writes a companion column called “Off the Grid,” which breaks down each day’s puzzle with hints and context for solvers who get stuck or just want a deeper look at the clues and theme. That kind of behind-the-scenes explanation is fairly unusual for a daily crossword and adds a layer of value beyond just solving the grid.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Mistake: Assuming everything is free. The free tier only includes a limited number of puzzles per week. Readers who try to solve every puzzle every day without subscribing will eventually hit that cap.

Mistake: Expecting Jumble to always be on the main site. USA Today has redirected Jumble players to a partner site before. If a specific game isn’t where you expect it, it’s worth checking whether it’s been moved rather than assuming it’s gone for good.

Misconception: The crossword is only for serious puzzle enthusiasts. Because the USA Today crossword tends to be easier than some other major newspaper puzzles, it’s actually a reasonable starting point for people who find other crosswords too difficult.

Misconception: A subscription is required just to try it out. New users can sample the crossword, Sudoku, and other games for free before deciding whether unlimited access is worth paying for.

A Realistic Example of How Someone Might Use It

Picture someone who wants a quick mental break during a coffee break. They open puzzles.usatoday.com, solve the day’s Quick Cross in under five minutes, then move to Sudoku while finishing their coffee. If they get stuck on a crossword clue, they check the “Off the Grid” column for a hint rather than giving up. After a few weeks of enjoying the free puzzles regularly, they hit the weekly limit and decide a subscription is worth it so they can also dig into the archive and try 7 Little Words.

That’s a fairly typical path: start free, get familiar with the format, and upgrade only if daily play becomes a habit.

Key Facts

USA Today Games and Puzzles lives at puzzles.usatoday.com.
Core games include Crossword, Quick Cross, Sudoku, and 7 Little Words.
Free users get a limited number of puzzles each week.
A USA TODAY Play subscription adds unlimited puzzles, hints, reveals, an archive, stat tracking, and an ad-free experience.
Crossword editor Sally Hoelscher writes a daily companion column called “Off the Grid.”
Jumble has been directed to a partner site rather than hosted directly at times, so game availability can shift.

FAQ

What is USA Today Games and Puzzles?

It’s the puzzle section of the USA Today website, offering a daily crossword, Sudoku, Quick Cross, 7 Little Words, and other casual games for readers to play online.

Is USA Today Games and Puzzles free?

Yes, to a point. A limited number of puzzles are available for free each week. Unlimited access requires a USA TODAY Play subscription.

How does the subscription work?

Subscribing to USA TODAY Play removes the weekly puzzle cap, adds hints and reveals, unlocks the crossword archive, lets you track daily streaks, and removes ads from the puzzle pages.

Is the USA Today crossword hard?

It’s generally considered more approachable than some other major newspaper crosswords, which makes it a common starting point for newer solvers.

Where did the Jumble game go?

USA Today has at times pointed players to its partner site, the Chicago Tribune, to play Jumble online, so it may not always appear directly on the main USA Today puzzle site.

What should someone try first if they’re new to the site?

Quick Cross or Sudoku are good starting points for a short, low-pressure introduction before moving to the full daily crossword.

Do I need an account to play? Basic free play is generally accessible without a deep commitment, though creating an account or subscribing is what unlocks streak tracking, the archive, and unlimited access.

Key Takeaways

USA Today Games and Puzzles combines a daily crossword, Sudoku, Quick Cross, 7 Little Words, and other casual games in one online hub.
Free access covers a limited number of puzzles weekly; a subscription removes that cap.
The subscription also unlocks an archive, hints, stat tracking, and an ad-free experience.
The crossword is paired with a daily explainer column from editor Sally Hoelscher.
Game availability, like Jumble’s location, can shift, so it’s worth checking the site directly if a specific game seems missing.

Conclusion

USA Today Games and Puzzles gives readers a straightforward way to fit a daily mental workout into a short break, whether that’s a quick Sudoku grid or the full crossword with expert commentary alongside it. The free tier is generous enough to get a real sense of the games before deciding whether unlimited access and the archive are worth paying for.

Lifestyle

Trump Assassination Attempt: What Happened, When, and What It Means

Published

6 days ago

July 22, 2026

Bryce cotton

Introduction

The phrase “Trump assassination attempt” refers to two separate incidents in 2024 in which gunmen tried to kill then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Both attempts became major national news, shaped the final months of the 2024 election, and led to congressional investigations into serious security failures.

People searching this topic usually want to know what actually happened, who was involved, how Trump survived, and what has changed since. This article lays out the confirmed facts from law enforcement, court records, and government reports, without speculation about details that remain unclear or disputed.

Direct Answer

There were two Trump assassination attempts in 2024. The first happened on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman fired shots that grazed Trump’s ear, killed one rally attendee, and injured two others. The gunman was killed by Secret Service snipers. The second attempt happened on September 15 at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, when a Secret Service agent spotted an armed man before he could fire. Both attackers acted alone, and no connection between the two has been established.

The Butler, Pennsylvania Attack (July 13, 2024)

What Happened

On July 13, 2024, Trump was speaking at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Butler County, Pennsylvania, when a gunman opened fire from a rooftop roughly 130 meters away. A bullet grazed Trump’s right ear as Secret Service agents rushed him off the stage.

The shooting killed Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former volunteer fire chief who was attending the rally with his family. Two other attendees, James Copenhaver and David Dutch, were critically injured but survived.

The Gunman

The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was killed at the scene by a Secret Service counter-sniper team within seconds of opening fire. Investigators have not established a clear political motive, and the FBI has treated the case as both an assassination attempt and a possible act of domestic terrorism.

Security Failures

A congressional task force later investigated the events leading up to the shooting. Its findings pointed to serious breakdowns in communication between the Secret Service and local and state law enforcement. Investigators found that no unified command post existed in the security room that day, and that local officers were not clearly brought into the coordination process. These gaps meant that concerns about a suspicious individual near the rally site were not acted on quickly enough.

The West Palm Beach, Florida Attack (September 15, 2024)

What Happened

Roughly two months after Butler, a second Trump assassination attempt took place while Trump was golfing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. A Secret Service agent sweeping ahead of Trump’s group spotted a rifle barrel pointing through a fence near the course and opened fire. The gunman fled without firing a shot and was arrested a short time later on a nearby highway.

The Suspect

The man arrested was identified as Ryan Routh, who had reportedly monitored Trump’s movements and the golf course for weeks beforehand. He was charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate along with several federal firearms offenses. A jury convicted Routh on all charges in 2025, and he was later sentenced to life in prison.

Why This Attempt Played Out Differently

Unlike the Butler shooting, the West Palm Beach attempt was stopped before any shots were fired at Trump. Law enforcement officials noted that because Trump was a candidate rather than a sitting president at the time, security around locations like the golf course was not as extensive as it would be for an incumbent president’s protection detail.

Why These Events Matter

Impact on the 2024 Campaign

The Butler shooting became one of the defining moments of the 2024 presidential race. It occurred just days before the Republican National Convention, where Trump appeared on stage with a bandage over his injured ear. Within 48 hours of the shooting, Trump announced Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Political analysts widely viewed the event as reshaping the tone and intensity of the final months of the campaign.

Impact on Secret Service Practices

Both incidents led to significant scrutiny of Secret Service protocols. Following Butler, the agency acknowledged operational failures and stated it had made changes to prevent similar gaps in coordination. Congress created a bipartisan task force specifically to investigate both assassination attempts and issued a detailed report identifying the specific breakdowns that occurred.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Mistake: Assuming there was only one assassination attempt. There were two separate, unrelated incidents in 2024: the July 13 shooting in Butler and the September 15 incident in Florida.

Mistake: Assuming the two attackers were connected. Investigators found no evidence linking Thomas Matthew Crooks and Ryan Routh. They acted independently, with different backgrounds and different levels of planning.

Mistake: Assuming a clear political motive was confirmed for Crooks. Despite extensive investigation, authorities have not publicly confirmed a definitive motive for the Butler shooter.

Mistake: Assuming the second attempt involved shots being fired at Trump. In the Florida incident, the suspect was spotted and the Secret Service agent fired first. Routh did not fire his weapon before fleeing.

Real-World Examples of the Aftermath

Example: Changes to Rally Security Following Butler, campaign events for both major presidential candidates saw visibly increased security measures, including additional perimeter checks and closer coordination between federal and local law enforcement.

Example: Congressional Investigation The bipartisan task force led by Representative Mike Kelly held multiple hearings, questioned Secret Service leadership, and released a public report detailing specific recommendations for protecting candidates during campaign travel.

Example: Legal Proceedings The Routh case moved through the federal court system in Florida, ending in a conviction on all charges and a life sentence, illustrating how attempted political violence is prosecuted under federal law even when no one is physically harmed.

Key Facts

Two separate assassination attempts targeted Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign.
The first occurred July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania; the second occurred September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Butler shooting killed one rally attendee, Corey Comperatore, and injured two others.
The Butler gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed at the scene by Secret Service snipers.
The Florida suspect, Ryan Routh, was arrested without firing a shot and later convicted on all federal charges.
A congressional task force found significant coordination failures between the Secret Service and local law enforcement ahead of the Butler shooting.
No connection has been established between the two attackers.

FAQ

How many times was Trump the target of an assassination attempt in 2024?

Two confirmed assassination attempts occurred in 2024: one in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, and one in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15.

Was Trump injured in the assassination attempt?

Yes, during the Butler shooting, a bullet grazed his right ear. He was treated and released from a local hospital that day.

Who died in the Trump assassination attempt?

Corey Comperatore, a rally attendee and former volunteer fire chief, was killed during the Butler shooting. Two other attendees were injured but survived.

Who was the shooter in Butler, Pennsylvania?

The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old who was killed at the scene by Secret Service counter-snipers.

What happened with the second assassination attempt?

On September 15, 2024, a Secret Service agent spotted an armed man, later identified as Ryan Routh, near Trump’s golf course in Florida before he could fire. Routh was arrested and later convicted on all charges.

What changes came out of these events?

A bipartisan congressional task force investigated both incidents and identified specific Secret Service coordination failures, leading to recommendations for improved protective security protocols.

Key Takeaways

Two separate 2024 attacks targeted then-candidate Donald Trump: Butler, Pennsylvania, in July and West Palm Beach, Florida, in September.
The Butler shooting killed one bystander and injured two others, and grazed Trump’s ear.
The Florida attempt was stopped before any shots were fired at Trump.
Both attackers acted independently, with no confirmed connection between them.
Congressional investigations identified serious Secret Service coordination failures tied to the Butler shooting.
Ryan Routh was convicted on all charges in the Florida case and sentenced to life in prison.

Conclusion

The two Trump assassination attempts in 2024 remain significant events in recent American political history, both for what happened and for what they revealed about gaps in protective security. The Butler shooting resulted in a death and serious injuries, along with a wound to Trump himself, while the Florida attempt was stopped before it escalated further. Congressional investigations and court proceedings have since documented much of what went wrong and what has changed as a result, giving a clearer picture of both incidents based on confirmed facts rather than speculation.