The Short List

Tue May 7 2024

Laura L. Davis | Audience Editor

@lauradavis

Stormy Daniels took the stand in Donald Trump's hush money trial. TikTok fights back against a potential ban in the United States. And Israel's military seized a key border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

👋Hey y'all! It's your old pal Laura Davis here. And it's time for Tuesday's news.

But first: No FLiRT-ing, please! 😷 There's a new COVID-19 variant on the scene. What to know about "FLiRT."

Stormy Daniels testifies in Trump trial

A central figure in Donald Trump's hush money trial, adult film actress Stormy Daniels, took the stand Tuesday. The former president faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a deal to buy Daniels' silence during his presidential campaign.

What she said: Daniels recounted her alleged sexual encounter with Trump, including details such as his pajamas and the gold tweezers in his hotel suite bathroom. Daniels is also testifying about the heart of the case against Trump: a $130,000 payment to her to remain silent before the 2016 election. Just before Trump's team began cross-examining Daniels, the judge denied their request for a mistrial.

👉 Everything that happened in court.

Also Tuesday: A federal judge indefinitely postponed Trump's trial on charges he hoarded classified documents after leaving the White House. What we know.

•	'Oh my god:' What Daniels said about spanking Trump, gold tweezers, silky PJs.
•	Guilty? By nearly 3-1, Americans predict Trump will be convicted.

In a courtroom sketch, Stormy Daniels is questioned by prosecutors during Donald Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Jane Rosenberg, REUTERS

TikTok sues over sell-or-ban law

Alleging First Amendment free speech violations, TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block a new law that would force the sale or ban of the popular video app.

What they're saying: TikTok's petition said that a law would amount to "silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere." The lawsuit also cites commercial, technical and legal hurdles – as well as opposition from Beijing. 📲 What to know about the lawsuit.

Real quick

•	Why Pamela Anderson's natural Met Gala look is a big deal.
•	This college ran afoul of Title IX for years. Its leaders shrugged.
•	Feud at Drake's Toronto home leads to shooting.
•	The 2025 Real ID deadline for new licenses is really real this time.
•	Was there a hidden message in Miss USA's resignation statement?
•	How 'Baby Reindeer' shines a light on complicated aspects of sexual abuse.

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Rafah crossing seized by Israel

Israel's military said it took control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Tuesday as leaders vowed to push ahead with a plan to target Hamas in the city and as new cease-fire talks resumed in Cairo. Hamas said Israel's incursion sought to undermine cease-fire talks and called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt the "escalation." The Rafah crossing is a crucial gateway for humanitarian aid between Gaza and Egypt. 📍 Here's the latest.

•	How Republicans have latched onto the college protests.

Israeli military vehicles operate in the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing in this handout image released on Tuesday.

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES, via REUTERS

💃💐 Met Gala in full bloom

The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, lined with white roses and greenery to match the colors of the carpet itself, came to life on Monday for fashion's biggest night. From Zendaya's two dresses and Usher's "romantic" look to Lana Del Rey's ethereal ensemble, stars took the gala's "The Garden of Time" dress code to heart. 📸 See photos: Met Gala highlights – and what you didn't see.

Zendaya attends the 2024 Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday in New York City.

Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images

📚🍎 Round of applause for teachers! It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and we want to know about the teachers in your life. Did you have a favorite? Maybe you know a super special one. I know I do! We're looking to hear about a special memory or ways a teacher has impacted your life. We'll feature some of our favorite responses in the Short List. 👉 Go here to submit.

A break from the news

•	🌌 What would happen if you fell into a black hole?
•	💝 On Foster Care Day, this dad has a message.
•	🐾 Treat your pet! Shop the best Amazon Pet Day deals.
•	😱 How an adrenaline rush could be a good thing – and when it's not.

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hi: laura@usatoday.com. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.

Tornado watch issued in Chicago as severe weather threatens central US

The Hampton Inn in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, was damaged during a confirmed tornado on May 6, 2024. The building is shown on May 7 with roof debris stuck in the side.

Thunderstorms capable of spinning up tornadoes were forecast to hit the Midwest on Tuesday evening after at least 17 tornadoes hit the Plains late Monday.

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