Melina Khan is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY, covering the day’s most talked‑about stories with a focus on entertainment and politics.
She reports on fast‑moving news at the intersection of Hollywood and D.C., from celebrity happenings and reality TV updates to explainers on policy and finance.
Previously, Melina covered breaking and trending news for the USA TODAY Network’s New England publications. Her byline has appeared in publications including CNBC, NBC and POLITICO. A Massachusetts native, she holds a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University.
Outside of work, Melina can usually be found rapt in a good book, trying a new restaurant or binge-watching a Bravo show. True to her New England roots, Melina loves a Dunkin' iced coffee all year round and will always let you know when there's a deal to be found.
From chicken tenders to the US Senate
This senator-elect’s grandfather invented chicken fingers
Alaska Senate election still neck-and-neck. See live results
Mississippi Senate race still too close to call. See live results
Georgia governor-elect makes history. Meet Keisha Lance Bottoms' family
See live Alaska Senate results in Sullivan vs. Peltola
See live results in Colorado House District 4 election
Mississippi Senate race too tight to call yet: Live results
'A clear message': Obama reacts to midterm election results
Election Day results: See what happened in key Senate states
See Old Farmer's Almanac's Christmas weather prediction around country
24-year-old NYC Marathon runner collapses miles from finish line, dies
See latest Texas Senate race polls before midterms
Photos, videos show aftermath of deadly Florida plane crash
Savannah Chrisley married private spouse before revealing pregnancy
Hear harrowing moments before deadly Florida plane crash
Popular toddler snack bars recalled after reported choking incidents
Tarek El Moussa defends this $150,000 purchase for teen daughter
Chili's worker mistakes chemical for sugar, puts it in margaritas
Todd Chrisley reacts to daughter's 20-year age gap with fiancé
‘I voted’ stickers get creative
Will Lindsay Clancy testify in civil case? Lawyers disagree
'I voted' stickers are an Election Day staple. See 2026 designs
‘I voted’ stickers across America
Looking to save? See what all comes with Walmart's holiday meal basket
Heckler slams Trump over ballroom. See his response
You can get a cute Pickle Pal at Jimmy John's with 'Picklewich' meal
Savannah Chrisley announces pregnancy, engagement to Jason Galanis
White House reacts to Obama Cheesecake Factory jab Obama’s Cheesecake Factory jab at Trump
Vanessa Trump reveals she's cancer free in new health update
Rick Devens reveals wife has cancer weeks after 'Big Brother' win
Vivek Ramaswamy attack ad controversy explained
Barbara Palvin shares 'postpartum reality' after Victoria's Secret runway return
Danica Patrick: 'There will never be another Donald J. Trump!'
'Below Deck' star Gael shares emotional tribute to abuse victims
Oregon teacher says playing dead was the 'only thing I could do'
Update: $200 Amazon Prime refund check now automatic in $2.5B settlement
Dunkin' giving away 1 million free coffees. See code
Social Security database gets major cleanup. What that means
This is the best street for Halloween, nationwide search finds
Jimmy John's brings back pickle sandwich. When to get it
How to file a claim in Apple Siri settlement
Photos, videos show fiery France protests
See the riots breaking out in France
Elon Musk: 'Every kid in America' to receive SpaceX share
Chick-fil-A CEO dodges LGBTQ+ question, reigniting debate
'DWTS' pro Val Chmerkovskiy suspended after Will Smith Oscar slap remark