Canceled flight refunds, air quality, and inner monologues.

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Big Stories

Airlines to pay up for canceled flights & lost baggage

The Biden administration has finalized rules that will force airlines to give cash refunds automatically for delayed or canceled flights, disclose hidden fees, and refund customers for lost or late baggage.

• If a flight is delayed significantly—three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights—passengers will be entitled to a refund. Previously, airlines had more flexibility in deciding when to issue refunds, but now the rules are stricter. Passengers can still choose to accept alternative flights or travel credits instead of cash refunds.

• Airlines must also clearly disclose fees for services like checked bags, seat selection, or internet connection upfront. These fees must be visible to customers when they first see the price and schedule. Additionally, if a checked bag isn't delivered within a certain timeframe—12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights—passengers will be entitled to a refund of the checked-bag fee.

• Airlines must inform passengers that they have guaranteed seats without extra charges, though they can still charge for specific seat selections like exit-row seats. The Transportation Department estimates that the rules will save consumers more than $500 million annually. The rules will be implemented gradually over the next two years.

Air quality in the US is getting worse

The American Lung Association's report found a significant increase in the number of people breathing unhealthy air.

• Almost 40% of Americans, translating to 131 million people, now live in areas that exceed safe air quality standards. This is a jump of nearly 12 million people in just one year. Wildfires are emerging as a major culprit, particularly in the West, where all 25 cities with the worst particle pollution are now located.

• The Clean Air Act, a landmark legislation enacted in 1963, has improved air quality by regulating air pollution from factories, cars, and other sources. However, the report suggests that this progress is being eroded by worsening wildfire seasons. The tiny particles from wildfire smoke are especially hazardous as they lodge deep in people's lungs and can even enter the bloodstream, raising the risk for various health problems including asthma, lung cancer, and even pregnancy complications.

• A bright spot in the report is the continued decline in ozone pollution. This suggests that regulations targeting vehicle emissions and other sources are still effective.

US ships long-range missiles to Ukraine

The US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine in a $300 million military aid package approved in March

• This decision was debated within the Biden administration due to concerns that losing the missiles from the American stockpile would hurt US military readiness. There were also fears that Ukraine would use them to attack targets deep inside Russia. However, Russia's use of long-range missiles and targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure led to a change of heart.

• The missiles were used twice by Ukraine. The first strike targeted a Russian airfield in Crimea, about 100 miles from the Ukrainian front lines. The second targeted Russian forces in southeastern Ukraine. Ukraine has promised only to use the missiles inside its borders.

• The US plans to send more of these missiles. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed a "significant number" were sent and "we will send more".

Little Stories

• Home Depot is launching its first-ever "Halfway to Halloween sale" this Thursday, selling select Halloween items earlier than ever before. This includes a new 12-foot skeleton and other large decorations. The sale comes months ahead of summer and even earlier than last year's Halloween product releases. Too early? (More)

• Reggie Bush is getting his 2005 Heisman Trophy back after more than a decade. The Heisman Trust decided to reinstate him due to the "enormous changes" in college athletics, likely referring to the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules allowing players to profit from their work. This comes after USC had to return the trophy due to NCAA sanctions for benefits Bush received while playing for the Trojans. (More)

• A recently passed bill could potentially ban TikTok in the US, but not before the 2024 election. This means the platform will be available for campaigns to reach younger voters. The law gives TikTok's parent company (ByteDance) 9 months to sell its US operations or face a ban. The president can extend this deadline by 90 days if he believes progress is being made toward a sale. (More)

• In an effort to control the spread of bird flu among dairy cattle, the US Department of Agriculture has mandated that all cows being moved between states must be tested for the virus starting next Monday. This comes after inactive traces of the virus were detected in processed milk and store shelves, although health officials assured there's no risk to humans or the milk supply. (More)

• Mortgage rates reached 7.5% in April, the highest since last fall. This is stalling the housing market as many potential buyers are priced out and existing homeowners are locked into their current rates. Experts had predicted a decrease in rates early this year, but that hasn't happened, and mortgage applications have fallen since last week. (More)

Extra Credit

The psychology behind inner monologues. 

The 2024 Food Photographer of The Year shortlist.

Centuries-old cherries were found at George Washinston’s house. 

Belgian man whose body makes its own alcohol beats drunk-driving charges.