Catching fee-lings on this flight
The "bags fly free" era comes to an end at Southwest Airlines. Recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines are changing for some. And some magical casting was announced in the new “Harry Potter” TV series.
👋 Hello! Rebecca Morin here. Can I get drumroll for Tuesday’s news?
But first: How far would you go? 🎤 More than half of concert-goers are catching flights or hitting the road to see their favorite artists.
Catching flights, catching changes
New fees and earlier check-ins. You might need to double-check some new changes with a couple of airlines when getting ready for your flight. Southwest Airlines is introducing its first-ever checked bag fees, applying to tickets booked or changed on or after Wednesday. The airline, which used to offer two free checked bags, will begin charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag on many tickets. It's part of a major slate of changes at Southwest, which will soon also end its unique open seating policy. 🧳 How to keep the free checked bag perk.
New check-in times: United Airlines will begin requiring all domestic passengers to be checked in for their flights 45 minutes before departure starting June 3. Passengers without checked bags had been able to check in just 30 minutes before departure. ✈️ What to know about the new policy.
RFK Jr. drops COVID vaccine recommendations for children, pregnant people
More changes to the COVID-19 vaccine are coming. The vaccine for the virus that killed millions across the globe will no longer be included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and people who are pregnant, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. The Food and Drug Administration said earlier in May that it planned to require clinical trials for approval of the annual COVID-19 boosters for healthy people younger than 65. 👉 What to know about the change.
Real quick
- Hoda Kotb briefly returns to host 'Today' with Jenna Bush Hager.
- Watch out for these scams targeting Joann shoppers, experts warn.
- 'Love is Blind' stars Lauren and Cameron Hamilton are expecting.
- Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island is erupting again.
- Kelly Ripa says 'life becomes nudity' when kids leave home.
Steamy kisses and a Billie Eilish sweep
The American Music Awards had it all: dancing, kissing, and even a family surprise. Host and performer Jennifer Lopez opened the two-hour-long show, held for the first time at the intimate theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with a 23-song, six-minute romp. While dancing to a medley playing last year’s hits ("Birds of a Feather" and "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"), Lopez also laid on passionate kisses to her backup dancer as Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things” played. And Rod Stewart got a shock when his children introduced him to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award. 🎶 Top moments from the award show.
- Winners list: Billie Eilish sweeps with song, album of the year
- AMAs red carpet: See Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rod Stewart and more
Mischief managed for new 'Harry Potter' cast
It looks as if three young actors have received their letters to Hogwarts. HBO has cast three newcomers in the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley for its upcoming "Harry Potter" TV series. Dominic McLaughlin is set to play Harry, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley. HBO's "Harry Potter" series, which will be a new adaptation of the original books by J.K. Rowling, does not have a set premiere date. HBO CEO Casey Bloys said the show probably will arrive in late 2026 or early 2027, according to Deadline. 🪄 See who has been cast so far.
A break from the news
- 🍕 These top grill and pizza oven deals will get you grilling this summer.
- ☕️ Coffee grounds can be good for plants − but be careful.
- 🥔 This chip bag hack will blow your mind!
Rebecca Morin is a newsletter writer at Paste BN. Got thoughts or feedback? Reach out to her at rdmorin@usatoday.com.