Latest news with #NicoleFallert
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Trade whiplash
Trade whiplash Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Ask a friend if they can spell "éclaircissement." Close out the week with Friday's news: An appeals court allowed President Donald Trump to keep tariffs while an appeal plays out. Former government workers are running for public office — and winning. A Swiss glacier collapsed in a dramatic display of the impact of climate change. Illinois toys and Trump's tariff reprieve The Trump administration won temporary reprieve Thursday after an appeals court ruled the White House can keep up tariffs while challenging a court order that had blocked them. Trade whiplash: The quick reversal came a day after the United States Court of International Trade invalidated Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose tariffs. The administration quickly appealed and won a short-term break. Trump attacked the judges who blocked his tariffs, a ruling later temporarily paused on appeal, and blamed a conservative legal group for giving him bad advice on judicial picks. Trump attacked the judges who blocked his tariffs, a ruling later temporarily paused on appeal, and blamed a conservative legal group for giving him bad advice on judicial picks. No tariff on Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog: Adding to the mix, a second federal court blocked Trump tariffs Thursday — this time for Illinois companies that import Spike, among other kids' toys. Adding to the mix, a second federal court blocked Trump tariffs Thursday — this time for Illinois companies that import Spike, among other kids' toys. White House officials have vowed to keep pressing the issue in court. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the Trump administration expects the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the issue. Former federal workers are running for public office Itir Cole tried to take some time off after quitting her job with the federal government early in the Trump administration. Then her husband mentioned offhand that there was an open seat on her New Jersey town's governing body. No one else like her was running, so she did — and won her mid-May race by 49 votes. Cole is among a flood of federal workers looking to run for public office. Many say they want to continue serving Americans after leaving the government either voluntarily or through mass layoffs, as Trump dramatically downsizes the federal workforce. More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. Trump temporarily backs down on Harvard international student ban A Boston federal judge said at a hearing Thursday that she planned to issue a preliminary injunction that blocks the Department of Homeland Security from revoking Harvard's ability to enroll foreign exchange students. The comments from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs came as the Trump administration attempted to walk back its May 22 directive that immediately revoked Harvard's participation in a federal exchange student program. Students from around the world attended commencement at the Ivy League on the same day as the hearing. The White House wants women to have more babies. They're ignoring part of the problem — men. America's birth rate has been on a steady decline since 2007, and pronatalists − both in and outside the White House − are determined to raise it. But when partners struggle to conceive, the burden is rarely distributed evenly between men and women. Fertility experts say we're missing a key component of the conversation – male infertility. Experts say male and female infertility factors often coexist, yet a high number of men do not undergo testing before their female partner begins IVF. Advocates say characterizing fertility solely as a woman's issue is part of a 'broader cultural misunderstanding." Today's talkers How understaffed is air traffic control at your airport? Air traffic controller staffing has been a major issue for the Federal Aviation Administration for years. As a result, it's been a major issue for travelers, too, even if it's not always as top of mind for the average passenger when there are delays. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the FAA is short about 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide, but those shortages aren't spread evenly throughout the system. This map shows the disparity between staffing in different facilities across the country. Photo of the day: Swiss glacier collapses, burying village Reuters reports that 90% of Blatten, Switzerland, is engulfed by ice, mud and rock after a glacier collapsed on a nearby mountain. These photos capture how the disaster unfolded.
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
Daily Briefing: Don't be late to the airport
Daily Briefing: Don't be late to the airport Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Congrats to Lauren and Cameron! Quick look at Wednesday's news: Best to get to the airport at least two hours before departure. The Black faith community continues to put pressure on major U.S. retailers over anti-DEI policies. A botched SpaceX flight initially went off without an issue. If you're reading this on the way to the airport ... ... Better make sure you're getting in the habit of being on time. A cushion matters more than ever after United Airlines announced it will require all domestic passengers to be checked in for their flights 45 minutes before departure starting June 3. If you're used to cutting it close: Airlines like United reserve the right to deny boarding to passengers who don't manage to check in before the cutoff, so it's best to leave a little breathing room. Why the change at United? The airline told USA TODAY the change "brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines." The airline told USA TODAY the change "brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines." Meanwhile, no more overpacking if you're flying Southwest : Starting Wednesday, the airline will introduce its first-ever checked bag fees, which will apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28. : Starting Wednesday, the airline will introduce its first-ever checked bag fees, which will apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28. Planning budget-friendly summer travel? Less may be more this year. Experts told us Wednesdays are generally the cheapest day to travel and the cheapest week to travel is Aug. 25 through 31. Or better yet, save money and play tourist in your town. Black church leader calls for electronic protest of Dollar General over DEI retreat "Target is canceled since they have betrayed and walked away from our community, and we've gone on from there. We're done with Target, and then our next focus will be around Dollar General." ~ Jamal-Harrison Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY about his efforts spearheading a consumer boycott of Target as the retailer has retreated from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Now, Bryant is expanding his group's efforts to pressure another retailer: Dollar General — starting immediately. More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. A break from CDC guidance on COVID-19 Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women — a move that breaks with previous expert guidance. Traditionally, the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices would meet and vote on changes to the immunization schedule or recommendations. The committee has not voted on the changes Kennedy announced. Meanwhile, a new COVID variant is sweeping through China. Union leaders allegedly mishandled over $100,000 A chapter of the second-largest union representing federal employees allegedly mishandled more than $100,000 in union funds− the highest amount in 25 years − USA TODAY has learned. A former Food and Drug Administration employee named Brandon Bruce says he uncovered the scheme after digging into his chapter's books. And Bruce's allegations have put him at odds with the national union headquarters. Today's talkers SpaceX Starship rocket breaks up — again SpaceX's latest unmanned Starship launch at first went off without a boom Tuesday, but eventually broke up almost an hour after it took off. After two test flights ended in dramatic explosions earlier this year, SpaceX's ninth test of its Starship vehicle experienced a "rapid unscheduled disassembly" Tuesday, SpaceX confirmed on X. That's the same language used when Starship's January and March flight tests unexpectedly exploded in the sky. Photo of the day: Spelling is e-m-o-t-i-o-n-a-l There were highs and lows, vowels and consonants Tuesday in the second round of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland. From shock to relief, see the many emotions of the spellers.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Trump's tax bill and your wallet
Trump's tax bill and your wallet Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert, I'll have an Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, please. Quick look at Tuesday's news: The more you make the better Trump's "big, beautiful bill" looks. More bouts of severe weather are possible in Kentucky. Every second matters in Karen Read's second murder trial. Will President Trump's tax bill help all Americans? President Donald Trump's tax bill won approval from a key congressional committee over the weekend. He claims it would lower taxes for all Americans. While it's true that certain Americans will see after-tax income gains if the bill passes, analyses from nonpartisan organizations suggest top earners stand to gain the most from these tax cuts, with some of the lowest earners losing income when accounting for spending cuts to programs like Medicaid. Increased prices from tariffs would only make matters worse for low-income households. Supreme Court lets Trump strip Venezuelan migrants of protected status for now In an unsigned order, the Supreme Court said the Trump administration can move to strip more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants of temporary protected status. The background: In March, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen in Northern California blocked the administration from abruptly ending a program that allowed a population of Venezuelan migrants to live and work temporarily in the United States due to living conditions in their country. The lower court said the government had failed to identify any real harm in keeping the program in place while the migrants are challenging its termination. But now the lower court's order is lifted. Advocates for the migrants say now many could be deported before the case is fully litigated. Advocates for the migrants say now many could be deported before the case is fully litigated. Why it matters for Americans: An attorney for the migrants described the order as "the largest single action stripping any group of non-citizens of immigration status in modern U.S. history." An attorney for the migrants described the order as "the largest single action stripping any group of non-citizens of immigration status in modern U.S. history." What this means for Trump's strategy: Judges have stepped in and blocked a range of Trump's most aggressive policies. The unresolved question is how − or whether − presidential policies could be blocked if the Supreme Court limits or abolishes nationwide court orders. More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. Storms continue in the Midwest and South after a deadly weekend Another round of severe weather is possible in Kentucky during the afternoon and evening hours of Tuesday, and communities impacted by tornadoes just days ago may be hit with more strong storms. The forecast comes as a wave of tornadoes and furious storms left at least 28 people dead and dozens more injured as the storms passed through multiple states over the weekend. More than 80 tornadoes had been confirmed as of Monday morning, according to AccuWeather, with areas of Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Virginia reporting some of the worst damage. The storms left a trail of destruction, including flattened houses and downed power lines in wake of the devastating storms and tornadoes. Here's how to help Kentucky residents impacted by deadly tornadoes. American women are about to inherit trillions Many young adults are pinning their hopes on the Great Wealth Transfer, a generational exchange of riches that could pass $84 trillion from older Americans to their children and other beneficiaries. But first, trillions of dollars will transfer from one spouse to the other within the same generation: In most cases, from a dying husband to a surviving wife. Between 2024 and 2048, an estimated $54 trillion will pass from one spouse to another, rather than to children or grandchildren. If you're banking on an inheritance, you may have to wait. Today's talkers Seconds count in the Karen Read trial As the case entered it's fifth week of witness testimony, prosecutors brought out digital forensics expert to lay out a timeline that potentially ties Karen Read to the death of her police officer boyfriend. It relied on clock data from Read's vehicle and John O'Keefe's phone — and a timeframe of about 10 seconds. The timeline suggests Read's Lexus could have struck O'Keefe while backing up. But Read's lawyers contend she was framed for the death in an elaborate conspiracy contrived by Massachusetts police officers. Photo of the day: Fallout and a Fever foul During the third quarter of Indiana's 93-58 win over Chicago on Saturday, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark got into a brief fight after Clark committed a flagrant 1 foul on Reese, who was attempting to make a rebound. According to IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, the foul is not involved in a new WNBA investigation over Reese's claim fan made racially insensitive comments to her during the game.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daily Briefing: Keys, phone ... REAL ID
Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Get free Krispy Kreme with your REAL ID today. It's a big news Wednesday: The REAL ID deadline is here. A conclave begins today to select a new pope. Economists expect Fed officials to hold rates steady. Wondering what happens if you don't have a REAL ID? You're not alone. Travelers flying within the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternative – like a passport – to pass through airport security as of today, May 7. This comes after years of deadlines and delays: The REAL ID Act was signed into law 20 years go ... so why are we just making a big deal about this now? Why was the REAL ID created? The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It aimed to create a unified national standard for states to issue more secure identity documents. Why did REAL ID take so long ? The short answer: many states were slow to implement their Real ID programs for a variety of reasons, and then COVID hit, which interrupted things even further. Look for the star: You can tell if your state-issued ID is compliant because it will have a gold or black star, or a gold or black circle with a star cutout typically in the upper right-hand corner (see photo below). What happens if I don't have a REAL ID?! TSA-approved alternatives include a U.S. passport or other federally issued ID cards, among this list of acceptable documents. A few states use the shape of the state, and California uses a bear shape, all with a star cutout, as their REAL ID designator. Historic conclave commences Roman Catholic cardinals enter a secluded conclave in the Vatican to select a pontiff to replace Pope Francis, a beloved figure whose 12-year reign ended with his death April 21 at age 88. Now, the gathering of 133 voting cardinals must decide whether to continue in the direction of Francis or elect a pope likely to choose a more traditional path for the church: A pope willing to confront world leaders in defense of the marginalized or a pope who confines his commentary to strictly church matters. How will the voting for pope take place? USA TODAY will stream coverage of the papal conclave on its YouTube channel. More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. What the Fed is (likely) waiting for before lowering interest rates If you're hoping a first-quarter contraction of the nation's economy will spur the Federal Reserve this week to hint that it could soon resume its market-friendly interest rate cuts, you may want to curb your enthusiasm. Economists expect Fed officials to repeat that they're in no hurry to lower rates after a two-day meeting starting Wednesday. They're likely to say they'll wait for further clarity as they struggle to navigate the effects of President Donald Trump's tariffs on their two key missions: keeping inflation low and employment high. Inflation is still moderately above the Fed's 2% goal, with Trump's import duties set to propel prices higher. Congressional Democrats attack Donald Trump's 'corrupt' crypto connections Congressional Democrats are increasingly concerned about President Trump's personal connections to the cryptocurrency industry, and that's throwing a wrench in bipartisan efforts to regulate the digital currency. In one case, two of the cryptocurrency investments owned by Trump-affiliated entities have made at least $300 million in trading fees alone on sales of his meme coin and other digital currency since January. Nine Democrats withdrew support for regulatory crypto legislation last week, citing concerns that the legislation doesn't do enough to prevent money laundering and protect national security. At least seven Democrats would be needed to pass the legislation in the Senate. Today's talkers Oil well spews thousands of gallons into Louisiana marsh After a week of uncontrolled spillage, a leak pouring more than 70,000 gallons of oil into a Louisiana marsh has been contained, according to the Coast Guard. However, cleanup of the area surrounding the 83-year-old oil well at the heart of the spill is still ongoing. The World War II-era well was capped over a decade ago, according to local outlets WWNO and While the Coast Guard announced the leak had been contained, its cause has yet to be determined. An overflight displays the affected area of marsh environment near Garden Island Bay, Louisiana, on May 5, 2025. Photo of the day: Just a touch away The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup hits an inflection point in this year's tournament as Major League Soccer teams enter the competition. The Round of 32 — which will take place May 6 to 7 — features teams from four different leagues, with 16 of those teams representing MLS. Here's what to know about the Round of 32 games and which teams are involved. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Anthony Fontana (21) fields the ball ahead of New York Red Bulls defenders on Tuesday in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@ . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: REAL ID, travel, conclave, pope, Trump, inflation, interest rates, India, crypto, Diddy, Met Gala, MLS, NBA: Daily Briefing
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Keys, phone ... REAL ID
Keys, phone ... REAL ID Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Get free Krispy Kreme with your REAL ID today. It's a big news Wednesday: The REAL ID deadline is here. A conclave begins today to select a new pope. Economists expect Fed officials to hold rates steady. Wondering what happens if you don't have a REAL ID? You're not alone. Travelers flying within the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternative – like a passport – to pass through airport security as of today, May 7. This comes after years of deadlines and delays: The REAL ID Act was signed into law 20 years go ... so why are we just making a big deal about this now? Why was the REAL ID created? The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It aimed to create a unified national standard for states to issue more secure identity documents. The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It aimed to create a unified national standard for states to issue more secure identity documents. Why did REAL ID take so long ? The short answer: many states were slow to implement their Real ID programs for a variety of reasons, and then COVID hit, which interrupted things even further. ? The short answer: many states were slow to implement their Real ID programs for a variety of reasons, and then COVID hit, which interrupted things even further. Look for the star: You can tell if your state-issued ID is compliant because it will have a gold or black star, or a gold or black circle with a star cutout typically in the upper right-hand corner (see photo below). What happens if I don't have a REAL ID?! TSA-approved alternatives include a U.S. passport or other federally issued ID cards, among this list of acceptable documents. Historic conclave commences Roman Catholic cardinals enter a secluded conclave in the Vatican to select a pontiff to replace Pope Francis, a beloved figure whose 12-year reign ended with his death April 21 at age 88. Now, the gathering of 133 voting cardinals must decide whether to continue in the direction of Francis or elect a pope likely to choose a more traditional path for the church: A pope willing to confront world leaders in defense of the marginalized or a pope who confines his commentary to strictly church matters. How will the voting for pope take place? USA TODAY will stream coverage of the papal conclave on its YouTube channel. More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. What the Fed is (likely) waiting for before lowering interest rates If you're hoping a first-quarter contraction of the nation's economy will spur the Federal Reserve this week to hint that it could soon resume its market-friendly interest rate cuts, you may want to curb your enthusiasm. Economists expect Fed officials to repeat that they're in no hurry to lower rates after a two-day meeting starting Wednesday. They're likely to say they'll wait for further clarity as they struggle to navigate the effects of President Donald Trump's tariffs on their two key missions: keeping inflation low and employment high. Inflation is still moderately above the Fed's 2% goal, with Trump's import duties set to propel prices higher. Congressional Democrats attack Donald Trump's 'corrupt' crypto connections Congressional Democrats are increasingly concerned about President Trump's personal connections to the cryptocurrency industry, and that's throwing a wrench in bipartisan efforts to regulate the digital currency. In one case, two of the cryptocurrency investments owned by Trump-affiliated entities have made at least $300 million in trading fees alone on sales of his meme coin and other digital currency since January. Nine Democrats withdrew support for regulatory crypto legislation last week, citing concerns that the legislation doesn't do enough to prevent money laundering and protect national security. At least seven Democrats would be needed to pass the legislation in the Senate. Today's talkers Oil well spews thousands of gallons into Louisiana marsh After a week of uncontrolled spillage, a leak pouring more than 70,000 gallons of oil into a Louisiana marsh has been contained, according to the Coast Guard. However, cleanup of the area surrounding the 83-year-old oil well at the heart of the spill is still ongoing. The World War II-era well was capped over a decade ago, according to local outlets WWNO and While the Coast Guard announced the leak had been contained, its cause has yet to be determined. Photo of the day: Just a touch away The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup hits an inflection point in this year's tournament as Major League Soccer teams enter the competition. The Round of 32 — which will take place May 6 to 7 — features teams from four different leagues, with 16 of those teams representing MLS. Here's what to know about the Round of 32 games and which teams are involved.
