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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Mon May 19 2025

Nicole Fallert | Newsletter Writer

@nicolefallert

Good morning!🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. If you eat these foods, don't freak out.

Here's a rundown of Monday's news:

•	President Donald Trump wished his predecessor Joe Biden "a fast and successful recovery" from prostate cancer diagnosis.
•	Storms and severe weather killed at least 19 people in Kentucky.
•	Trump's sweeping tax-cut bill won approval from a key congressional committee.

Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to the bone, a spokesperson said in a statement Sunday. While the diagnosis indicates the former president has one of the worst forms of the disease, it "appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," the spokesperson said. The news comes amid renewed questions about Biden's physical and mental fitness when he ran in 2024 to serve a second term.

•	Kamala Harris also had well-wishes for Biden.
•	Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men.

At least 19 dead in Kentucky after weekend storms

Kentucky's governor announced the state would look into emergency housing options after storms and severe weather killed at least 19 people in Kentucky. Buildings and cars were destroyed, homes are missing entire walls and upper levels of houses and buildings are gone. Tornadoes also downed trees and power lines. Photos of the disaster show the aftermath of the barrage of severe weather that hit the Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia over the weekend.

Deadly tornadoes strike Kentucky, Missouri

All 19 weather-related deaths over the weekend were adults, ranging in age from 25 to 74, according to the Kentucky Governor's Office's press release.

Reuters

More news to know now

•	Israel airstrikes killed at least 100 in Gaza as negotiators seek a ceasefire.
•	ICE adopts a new tactic: Deport before court.
•	Reward increases as the search for escaped New Orleans inmates intensifies.
•	A Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing suspect had "nihilistic" ideas, the FBI said.
•	Read about a young mom's relentless battle for life after colorectal cancer.

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Trump's tax bill passes in key US House committee vote

President Donald Trump's sweeping tax-cut bill is set to advance toward possible passage in the House of Representatives later this week.

Movement on the bill is a big win for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson after hardline Republican conservatives blocked the bill from clearing the House Budget Committee last week.

•	Lawmakers held a rare Sunday session: Four hardline members of the committee's 21 Republicans allowed the legislation to advance by voting "present" Sunday. All Democrats voted against it.
•	How Trump swayed hold-outs: The White House pivoted over the weekend to sell the bill as a key part of Trump's immigration enforcement efforts.
•	What it would mean for Americans: Families of four making as little as $35,365 would see new costs for going to the doctor, some unemployed people would become ineligible for Medicaid, some seniors would lose access to long-term care coverage, and states would lose a portion of federal dollars that help them cover those just above the poverty line.

What caused a fatal Brooklyn Bridge crash?

Officials are investigating what caused a Mexican navy tall ship to veer off course and strike the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, killing two sailors and injuring more than a dozen others on board. Videos shared online captured the training vessel Cuauhtémoc sailing toward the iconic bridge, which connects the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The ship's 147-foot masts, which were shining bright with decorative lights, couldn't clear the arched bridge and were sheared off upon impact. Naval cadets dressed in white uniforms could be seen dangling from the ship's crossbeams. Meanwhile, bystanders fled in terror.

Today's talkers

•	Despite a shaky start, Scottie Scheffler won the PGA Championship.
•	The Who's drummer Zak Starkey claims he was fired a second time.
•	Who won "American Idol"?
•	Beyoncé's robot finally understood the assignment.
•	Liberty is first team to knock off the national No. 1 seed in the history of the NCAA softball tournament.

Monday money matters

•	Emergency savings are crucial in a recession. Here's the dollar figure to aim for.
•	U.S. car buyers are rushing to get in front of tariffs — pushing new vehicle prices even higher.
•	These are the best ways for Americans to access home equity.
•	Here's the benefit some workers are job hopping for as employers are try to keep up.
•	Here are 13 jobs that don't require a college degree — and won't be replaced by AI.

Photo of the day: Leo takes the popemobile

Pope Leo XIV formally assumed his role as the first American-born leader of the global Catholic Church with a Mass in St. Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday that drew tens of thousands of people. Leo said the church must confront modern challenges while maintaining its traditions, and rejected what he called "religious propaganda" and the misuse of power.

Pope Leo XIV waves to the audience as he arrives ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Christopher Furlong, Getty Images

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@usatoday.com.