Nicole Fallert’s USA TODAY Newsletter: News Roundup
Good morning! I’m Nicole Fallert, and I’ve got a collection of important updates and interesting stories for you today.
Free Krispy Kreme with Your REAL ID!
Here’s a sweet deal to kick things off. Get a free Krispy Kreme donut today with your REAL ID! This is especially relevant because of an important deadline.
REAL ID Enforcement Begins
Travelers planning to fly within the United States will now need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an approved alternative like a U.S. passport to get through airport security. Today, May 7th, marks the official start of this requirement.
It may seem like this is coming out of nowhere, but the REAL ID Act was signed into law 20 years ago. It’s understandable to wonder why it’s suddenly such a big deal now. The government has delayed the enforcement of this law multiple times over the years.
So, what happens if you don’t have a REAL ID? Don’t panic! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts alternatives. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and other federally issued identification cards. A complete list of acceptable documents can be found on the TSA website.
Papal Conclave Commences
In Vatican City, Roman Catholic cardinals have entered a secluded conclave. Their mission: to select a new pontiff to replace Pope Francis. Pope Francis, a widely beloved figure, recently passed away at the age of 88 after a 12-year reign.
This is a critical moment for the Catholic Church. The 133 voting cardinals face a significant decision. Will they choose a successor who will continue Pope Francis’s progressive direction, or will they elect a pope who favors a more traditional path?
The cardinals will debate and deliberate on which qualities are most important in the next pope. Will the new pope be one who is willing to confront world leaders in defense of the marginalized, or will he confine his commentary to strictly church matters? The voting process involves a series of ballots conducted in secrecy.
Economic Outlook and Federal Reserve Decisions
If you’re hoping that the recent contraction of the nation’s economy will push the Federal Reserve to hint at upcoming interest rate cuts, you might be disappointed. Economists generally expect Federal Reserve officials to maintain their current stance.
After a two-day meeting, economists are expecting Federal Reserve officials to repeat that they’re in no hurry to lower rates. 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 remains moderately above the Fed’s 2% target, and Trump’s import duties are expected to further drive up prices. The Federal Reserve is caught between controlling inflation and maintaining economic growth.
Cryptocurrency Concerns and Political Fallout
Congressional Democrats are increasingly concerned about President Trump’s connections to the cryptocurrency industry. These concerns are impacting bipartisan efforts to regulate digital currency.
Cryptocurrency investments owned by Trump-affiliated entities have generated substantial trading fees. Specifically, they’ve made at least $300 million in trading fees alone on sales of his meme coin and other digital currency since January.
Due to these concerns, nine Democrats recently withdrew their support for regulatory crypto legislation. They argue that the legislation doesn’t adequately address money laundering and protect national security. Passage of the legislation in the Senate requires the support of at least seven Democrats.
Louisiana Oil Spill Contained
After a week of uncontrolled spillage, a leak that poured more than 70,000 gallons of oil into a Louisiana marsh has been contained. The Coast Guard confirmed the containment.
Cleanup efforts are still underway in the area surrounding the 83-year-old oil well at the center of the spill. The World War II-era well was capped over a decade ago. The Coast Guard is still investigating the cause of the leak.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is reaching a key stage as Major League Soccer (MLS) teams enter the competition. The Round of 32, taking place May 6-7, features teams from four different leagues. Sixteen of the teams are from MLS. It’s an exciting time for soccer fans.
Weather Forecast
Don’t forget to check your local weather forecast. You can find it here.
Contact Nicole Fallert
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY. You can sign up for the email here. If you want to send Nicole a note, you can email her at [email protected].
