Jay Stahl is an award-winning senior reporter for USA TODAY covering the confluence of power, pop culture and American politics.
He previously covered the Grammys, the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards as part of USA TODAY's entertainment team.
He contributes to USA TODAY's coverage of the 2026 midterms and writes profiles of public figures. His features delve into the lives of newsmakers – from TV hosts and radio royals to political heirs and celebrity CEOs.
Jay, a native Midwesterner, holds a bachelor's degree in journalism, advertising and media studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Our journalists adhere to the USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct For Newsrooms.
My Recent Work
Supreme Court ruling fuels Black voter support for Democrats
The historic firsts of Election Day 2026, from Atlanta to Capitol Hill
This Democrat loves to hunt. Can he flip Paul Ryan's old district?
South Carolina Senate contest gets unexpectedly tight
Young men have turned on Trump: Can frat bros revive support?
Former red state Republican governors are backing Democrats. See whom
'You gotta stop': Todd Blanche pushes Alaska lawsuit in fiery interview
Obama blasts Trump, Ramaswamy in midterm campaign rallies
Abdul El-Sayed hits podcast circuit and bench press in Senate bid
Trump announces plans to close, renovate DC-area golf course amid legal fight
Americans say they don't believe they'll get $5K from Trump
Nearly 3 in 4 Americans say country is on the wrong track, poll says
Trump's approval rating hits record low in poll as midterms near
Guns, F-bombs and alpacas: The wild campaign ads of 2026
Latest on Pope Leo after cancer diagnosis
Rep. Ilhan Omar decries DHS search on home as 'political intimidation'
A senator, unpaid medical debt and the case of the $700 cookie bill
El-Sayed walks back Obama criticism, apologizes for synagogue shooting comment
Pope Leo to undergo surgery this week
Can Dems expand the Senate map?
Will Kansas find faith in a Democratic pastor running for Senate?
Giant pandas sent by China arrive in Atlanta
Trump says he expects Iran talks to continue: 'They want to make a deal'
Monica Lewinsky reclaimed her life. Her podcast tries to help others do the same
Exclusive: Barack Obama addresses 'toxic masculinity' in new podcast
Trump, Mamdani to meet in New York
Raphael Warnock says Democrats' Georgia hopes could change 'quickly'
Top Senate Republican says 'we need to do more' on economy, affordability
Trump's approval rating drops, more voters say he's hurt the economy: new poll
Trump says triumphal arch will also serve as 'military complex' with snipers
Her Black dad couldn't go to the Capitol. Will she be a senator?
Cornyn condemns Texas Republican candidate Bo French over UT post