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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Wed May 28 2025

Nicole Fallert | Newsletter Writer

@nicolefallert

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."
•	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.
•	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

•	Boos and jeers over Trump's big tax bill filled a Nebraska town hall.
•	Trump will pardon "Chrisley Knows Best" stars Todd and Julie Chrisley after two years in prison.
•	The crypto industry may get some much-needed rules.
•	All federal agencies were directed to explore ways to cut remaining contracts with Harvard University.
•	Legendary gymnast Mary Lou Retton was charged with a DUI in West Virginia.

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

•	Diddy trial recap: Capricorn Clark alleges Sean Combs kidnapped and threatened to kill her.
•	Why are fans freaking out over Justin Bieber and SZA's performance?
•	This time, the New York Knicks dug themselves a hole too big.
•	The WNBA could not substantiate reports of racism directed at Angel Reese
•	The Edmonton Oilers are one win away from a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
•	Do you have a "living room kid" or a "bedroom kid"?

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.

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft atop its Super Heavy booster ahead of launch in Starbase, Texas, on Tuesday.

Joe Skipper, REUTERS

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.

Kunal Patel, 12, a 7th grade student from Branson Junior High School in Branson, Missouri, reacts to answering the correct meaning of juxtapose in the second round of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on May 27, 2025.

Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

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.