Latest news with #USAToday
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Todd and Julie Chrisley Set to Return Home After Pardons
Todd and Julie Chrisley Set to Return Home After Pardons originally appeared on WeHaveKids. When Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted and sentenced for their role in a massive tax evasion and bank fraud scheme, the couple's children took the news the hardest. That's because the couple was expected to spend 12 and seven years behind bars, respectively, which meant missing out on so many milestones both big and small. Now, in a flurry of pardons, the Chrisleys seem set to be reunited after Donald Trump issued the pair a pardon. Related: Mom in California Sentenced to 25 Years to Life After Hiding Her 11-Year-Old in the Closet for 3 Years The Chrisley Knows Best couple will be headed home. Grayson Chrisley shared the happy news on Instagram, thanking the president for the pardon. Apparently, Grayson wasn't the first Chrisley to hear the news, even though he was the first to share it, because the president called Savannah Chrilsey to let her know what was coming, according to USA Today. Savannah later shared an update as well, celebrating the fact that her parents would be coming home. "I have shed so many tears. The president called me personally as I was walking into Sam's Club and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both my parents," she said. "So both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow. And I still don't believe it's real." The Chrisley kiddos have petitioned the administration for help with the release of their parents for several years, according to the publication, and they've been working tirelessly to get their mom and dad home so they can be reunited with their children, which includes a combined five children, plus their granddaughter Chloe, who the couple were raising up until the time of they reported to their separate prison facilities. It looks like the Chrisley kids have a lot to be thankful for these days. Hopefully everyone can readjust to their lives together soon, especially young Chloe, who has been shuffled around so much since her birth. Up Next: Todd and Julie Chrisley Set to Return Home After Pardons first appeared on WeHaveKids on May 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by WeHaveKids on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Health
- USA Today
Getting a COVID vaccine this fall might be difficult. Here's what to know
Getting a COVID vaccine this fall might be difficult. Here's what to know Show Caption Hide Caption RFK Jr. says COVID-19 vaccine no longer recommended for some The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says. It may not be that easy to come by COVID vaccines this fall, due to new regulations Getting a COVID shot in the fall could potentially cost you $200 under the new changes What remains unclear ‒ and of much higher concern to pediatricians and infectious disease experts ‒ is whether RFK's new policy covers all shots or just boosters It might not be that easy to get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a social media post on May 27, that the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. These changes, which bypassed the normal scientific review process, may make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including healthcare workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. Will you be able to get a COVID vaccine when fall rolls around? Here's what to know. Will COVID vaccines be accessible this fall? Insurance coverage typically follows federal recommendations, so anyone who is healthy and under 65 is likely to have to pay out of pocket to get the shot ‒ which runs about $200 ‒ if they can get it. It's not clear what insurance companies will do about the new recommendations. What remains unclear – and of much higher concern to pediatricians and infectious disease experts – is whether Kennedy's new policy covers all shots or just boosters. Children between 6 months and 2 years are at high risk for severe COVID-19 because they've not been exposed to it before, just as everyone was at higher risk when the virus was new. Who still needs a vaccine? The federal government has stopped tracking COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, but local data shows they are still happening in every age group, with two-thirds of hospitalizations in people 65 years and older. For example, in Massachusetts data shows that there have been over 61,000 confirmed cases so far in 2025 and 576 confirmed deaths. Of those, the most cases have been in people over 65 years old, though as with the national data there are cases in all brackets. Meanwhile, safety data on the vaccines continues to show that serious side effects are extremely rare, leading many specialists and expert organizations to conclude that it's still worthwhile to get the vaccine. While the vaccine is most important for people in vulnerable groups, such as those over 65 and people with health conditions, a booster remains useful for everyone, even children, several experts and disease organizations told USA Today in a report this week. "By removing the recommendation, the decision could strip families of choice," Dr. Sean O'Leary, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, told USA TODAY. "Those who want to vaccinate may no longer be able to, as the implications for insurance coverage remain unclear." Should children get the COVID-19 vaccine? Healthy kids will no longer be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines, according to Kennedy's policy announcement. Fewer than 5% of children received the COVID-19 vaccine between the fall of 2023 and the fall of 2024, data shows. Yet COVID-19 continues to lead to about as many hospitalizations in children as the flu, at about 100 hospitalizations for every 100,000 kids under 4. USA Today reporter Karen Weintraub contributed to this report.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii Imposes the Nation's First Climate Change Tax for Tourists — And It's Expected to Generate $100 Million Annually
Legislators in Hawaii are implementing a hefty tax on tourism that they believe will help the state government take action against climate change Known as the first ever "Green Fee" in the country, Hawaii's Act 96 will raise the state's current transient accommodations tax (TAT) to 11%, meaning travelers staying in a hotel room that costs $300 per night will have to pay a $2.25 fee The money will then be used for civic projects such as replenishing sand on eroding beaches in Waikiki, implementing hurricane clips to secure roofs, and clearing flammable brush that contributed to the 2023 wildfireLegislators in Hawaii are implementing a hefty tax on tourism that they believe will help the state government take action against climate change. According to the Associated Press and USA Today, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a bill on Tuesday, May 27, that increased a tax on hotel room, vacation rentals and cruise ships to raise money to be used for issues such as eroding shorelines, wildfires and more. Known as the first ever "Green Fee" in the country, Hawaii's Act 96 will raise the state's current transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 0.75%, making the taxes on nightly lodging rates 11%. The tax will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to a press release from Green's office. According to USA Today, travelers will have to pay a fee based on the nightly rate of their travel accommodations. For example, travelers staying in a hotel room that costs $300 per night will have to pay a $2.25 fee. "Once again, Hawai'i is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawai'i," Green said in a statement. "As an island chain, Hawai'i cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action. We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future." Cruise ships were previously able to bypass this fee, according to the outlets, but the new bill hopes to promote "equity across the tourism industry, ensuring that all visitors to Hawai'i contribute to the islands' long-term resilience and well-being," per the press release. Officials estimate that the signing of this bill, which comes nearly two years after the Maui wildfire that more than 100 people and wiped out almost an entire town, will generate nearly $100 million annually. The money will then be used for civic projects such as replenishing sand on eroding beaches in Waikiki, implementing hurricane clips to secure roofs, and clearing flammable brush that contributed to the 2023 wildfire, according to the AP. Green added that other projects will include building more firebreaks and paying a soon-to-be-hired fire marshal — a new position created after the 2023 fire, per the AP. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The governor also said that hotels in Hawaii were largely supportive of the tax. "I mahalo the tourism industry for stepping up and collaborating on this initiative, which will preserve Hawaiʻi for kamaʻāina and visitors alike," Green explained. "The fee will restore and remediate our beaches and shorelines and harden infrastructure critical to the health and safety of all who call Hawaiʻi home, whether for a few days or a lifetime." Hawaii State Senator Lynn DeCoite said that it was "common sense and responsibility" to implement this tax. "I think it's really about our kuleana, to the state, to the people of Hawai'i. Climate change is here and has been a super-huge challenge for all of us," she added in the release. "...The bill shares the responsibility of caring for our home with those who come to visit, to ensure that our natural resources are cared for, for future generations." Read the original article on People
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Starbucks set to unveil new frappuccino flavours in July: Check out the four new drinks
With summer just around the corner, Starbucks is getting ready to cool things down with a fresh lineup of frozen treats. While the official launch is set for July, the coffee giant gave a sneak peek at four new Frappuccino flavors coming soon to menus nationwide, as reported by USA Today. Also Read: This popular ice cream chain is closing more than 500 stores in US The following are the four new flavours Starbucks is launching this summer season for all the frappuccino lovers. The new flavours include: Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino Firework Frappuccino A spokesperson for the coffee giant told the media outlet that the first three drinks on the list are blended beverages with a fluffy layer of foam at the top. Meanwhile, the Fireworker Frappucino is a 'festive twist' to the fan favorite summer drink, Summer-Berry Refresher which was also reintroduced recently in its new summer menu 2025. Starbucks has kept the exact release date in July for these new flavours under wraps, but the company revealed that the Fireworks Frappuccino will arrive 'just in time for the 4th of July,' as revealed by Starbucks to the media outlet. The announcement of new flavours comes after the company exed several frappuccino flavours from its menu in March. Also Read: Haribo recalls its sweets in the Netherlands after cannabis found in children's candies Starbucks kicked off the season by unveiling its highly anticipated summer menu earlier this month, with all items available at locations nationwide starting May 20. Leading the lineup is the brand-new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, along with the return of fan-favorite Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers, perfect for cooling off on hot days. Adding a sweet treat to the mix, Starbucks has also introduced a new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop—an indulgent bite-sized dessert that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. These seasonal offerings are available for a limited time only, while supplies last.
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Dollar General suffers major boycott from customers
Last year, Dollar General (DG) began to join a controversial workplace trend that has corporate America up in arms. The discount retail chain fired its chief diversity officer at a time when large retailers such as Lowe's, Tractor Supply, and Harley-Davidson were cutting their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies amid consumer boycott threats. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Dollar General then quietly removed language from its 10-K filing in March that stated it was investing in its "diverse teams through development, empowerment and inclusion" as one of its "long-term operating priorities." Related: Dollar General CEO flags alarming shift in customer behavior The move from Dollar General came after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January dismantling the federal government's DEI programs. In the executive order, he claimed that the programs enforce "illegal and immoral discrimination." In response to Dollar General's recent cuts to DEI, it is now facing a major boycott from consumers, which has started immediately. The boycott is being organized by the Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, a pastor from Atlanta who organized a 40-day Target boycott earlier this year after the retailer scaled back several DEI initiatives. He said that Dollar General "walked away from DEI and has said absolutely nothing," according to a recent report from USA Today. The Dollar General boycott will involve flooding the retail chain's email and phone lines with requests to reinstate and strengthen its DEI initiatives. The protest will also be promoted through a widespread social media campaign. Related: Target CEO admits a major mistake amid boycotts from customers Bryant specifically wants Dollar General to tackle systemic racism within its corporate culture, expand contracts to Black-owned vendors, and create a community reinvestment fund. "Like other corporations, Dollar General has bowed to pressure from the Trump administration and rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives," said Bryant in an interview with USA Today. "Dollar General also needs to be held accountable for failing to invest in the very Black and low-income communities that make up the backbone of their customer base. This isn't just a corporate retreat − it's a betrayal of the people they profit from." He said that he understands that not all consumers may be able to boycott the company's physical stores due to the fact that Dollar General is present in rural communities that represent "food deserts." The Dollar General boycott follows Target's similar experience - it suffered a significant drop in foot traffic shortly after it scaled back its DEI policies in January and faced boycotts as a result. According to recent data from foot traffic in Target stores started to decline during the week of Jan. 27, and the trend continued over the next two months. More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersKellogg sounds alarm on unexpected shift in customer behavior In February, foot traffic in Target stores shrank by 9% year-over-year. In March, Target's foot traffic showed a slight improvement, but it still declined by 6.50%, compared to the same month last year. When Bryant launched his 40-day boycott of Target in March, he claimed in an interview with CNN that the retailer "turned their back" on the Black community and that Black people deserve "some loyalty, some decency, and some camaraderie," as they spend over $12 million a day. Amid recent boycotts, Target revealed in its first-quarter earnings report for 2025 that its comparable store sales decreased by 3.8% year-over-year. Specifically, the number of transactions in stores dipped by 2.4%, while the average amount of money customers spent per transaction declined by roughly 1.4%. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
