Airlines sue over 'hidden junk fees' rule, Michael Cohen claims Trump approved hush money payments and the WNBA season begins
The Yodel newsletter: Get caught up on this morning’s news
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Good morning, everyone. Get a head start on breakfast this week with one of these overnight oats recipes. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Airlines sue over “junk fees” rule
Major U.S. airlines sued the Biden administration yesterday over a rule set to go into effect July 1 that would give people booking flights greater transparency around so-called hidden junk fees.
The rule: It’d require airlines to show additional fees, including for checked bags and flight cancellations, when the airfare is first provided. The Transportation Department says it could save people more than $500 million a year. [Washington Post]
The lawsuit: Airlines argue the Transportation Department is going beyond its authority to “regulate private business operations,” and that they already go to “great lengths” to inform consumers about these fees. [AP]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
🏈 NFL season opener
The NFL announced that the Chiefs and the Ravens will play the league’s season opener on Sept. 5. It’ll be a rematch of last season’s AFC championship game. [Yahoo Sports]
⚖️ Cohen’s testimony
At Donald Trump’s hush money trial, his former lawyer Michael Cohen testified that Trump personally approved the plan to send money to Stormy Daniels to bury her story. [Yahoo News]
➡️ Canadian wildfires
Wildfires in western Canada triggered air quality alerts in four U.S. states — Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota — as wind carried smoke over the region. [NBC News]
🥩 Lab-grown meat ban
Alabama became the second state to ban lab-grown meat. Supporters say the law protects cattle ranchers and farmers, while critics argue it reduces consumer choice and contributes to climate change. [USA Today]
🎵 Avril’s greatest hits
Avril Lavigne announced her first Greatest Hits album, which will be released on June 21 and include 20 tracks. It’ll accompany her Greatest Hits tour, which kicks off on May 22. [People]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🗳️ It's primary day in three states. See who’s eligible to vote and when polls open in Maryland, Nebraska and West Virginia. [AP]
🏒 In the NHL playoffs, the Bruins and the Panthers play at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Panthers lead the series 3-1. [NBC Sports]
🏀 The Fever and the Sun kick off the WNBA season at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. (More on that below.) [Yahoo Sports]
📺 Jimmy Fallon celebrates 10 years on The Tonight Show with a primetime special at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. [People]
🏀 In the NBA playoffs, the Timberwolves and the Nuggets play at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT. The series is tied 2-2. [Star Tribune]
✨ And don’t forget to play the Crossword and read your daily horoscope: Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1973, NASA launched Skylab, the first U.S. space station. It paved the way for U.S. operations on the International Space Station. [Space]
3 QUESTIONS
...about the 2024 WNBA season
The 2024 WNBA season kicks off tonight with Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever debut against the Connecticut Sun. I talked to long-time WNBA reporter Cassandra Negley about what to look for.
Lily: How does tonight's season tip-off represent a paradigm shift for the WNBA?
Cassandra: I think there’s a newfound, full-throated passion. Games are more readily available on national TV (and even Disney+) and attendance is expected to break records.
Lily: What should we expect from Caitlin Clark’s debut tonight?
Cassandra: A lot of excitement and fun, but maybe not a lot of points. The Sun, led by MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas, remain one of the league’s best defenses.
Lily: I’m attending my first WNBA game ever. What should I know before I go?
Cassandra: I’d say get there early! You can often watch warm-ups from seats near the court. I like to get a feel for the arena and check out any special merch offerings.
What’s in store for this WNBA season? Read Cassandra’s in-depth preview.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Cody Andrew and his six adult siblings recently surprised their elderly parents with a sleepover when they heard that their mom and dad missed having all their children in the house. “It felt like we were kids again,” said Andrew. [Today]
Have a wonderful day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: “Spaving,” aka spending money to save it with deals like free shipping, could result in overspending. Here’s how to avoid it. [CBS News]
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