A border in crisis

Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY
·4 min read
8

Migrants gathered on both sides of the border as a migration policy known as Title 42 was set to end. And if you're reading this on a Peloton (which is a terrible idea), hit the brakes. The company is recalling millions of its bikes.

👋 Hello! Laura Davis here with Thursday's biggest news.

🤩 But first, if you missed it the northern lights, aka the aurora borealis, last night, there might be another chance to see them tonight! Here's when and where to try and catch a glimpse. (If you get a picture of them, I'd love to see! Email to laura@usatoday.com, or just reply to this email. Happy skygazing!)

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Title 42 comes to an end

More than two years after President Joe Biden started a court battle to end Title 42 − a law that has kept thousands of migrants out of the country − the border is at an inflection point. When Title 42 expires at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, the Biden administration has promised to return to enforcing Title 8, the nation's immigration law. Legal provisions for asylum will be back in force, as will civil penalties for immigration violations and criminal prosecution for unlawful border crossings. Because a wave of migrants seeking to enter the U.S. are expected at the southwest border with the policy's end, the Pentagon is deploying 1,500 active-duty troops to help U.S. Customs and Border Patrol manage the expected surge.

👉 Shelters? Troops? A look at the late efforts underway to fix the border crisis before Title 42 ends.

Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande River try to go through as members of the US National Guard put a barbed-wire fence along the US-Mexico border river, as seen from Matamoros, state of Tamaulupas, Mexico.
Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande River try to go through as members of the US National Guard put a barbed-wire fence along the US-Mexico border river, as seen from Matamoros, state of Tamaulupas, Mexico.

COVID-19: National emergency no more

It's the end of an era we'd probably rather forget. Thursday marks the end of the public health emergency in the U.S., more than three years after it was first declared to combat the novel coronavirus by unlocking powerful tools to detect and contain the emerging threat. But it ain't over 'til it's over. While the official end of the national emergency closes a chapter in history, health experts point out the COVID-19 pandemic is still quite active as the virus continues to claim about 1,000 lives each week. To date, more than 1.1 million people in the country have died. What it means for you.

What everyone's talking about

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Peloton recalls 2.2M bikes

Millions of Peloton bike users are suddenly in need of a new workout mantra. I'm no exercise instructor, but here's a suggestion: "Patience is a virtue." After receiving 35 reports of the seat post breaking, Peloton is recalling 2.2 million exercise bikes, the company announced Thursday. Thirteen reports of injuries, including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises, were reported to Peloton after the seat post detached from the original bike. People who own one of these bikes, which were sold from 2018 through 2023, should immediately stop using it and contact Peloton for a free repair. Here's all the info.

Peloton recalled 2.2 million of their "original" exercise bikes after injuries caused by a faulty seat post.
Peloton recalled 2.2 million of their "original" exercise bikes after injuries caused by a faulty seat post.

Suspect in Natalee Holloway's disappearance faces extradition to US

Peru’s government will allow the extradition to the United States of Dutch citizen Joran van der Sloot, the prime suspect in the unsolved disappearance of American student Natalee Holloway in 2005 on the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba. Van der Sloot will be prosecuted on extortion and wire fraud charges involving promises to lead Holloway’s family to her body. Holloway, 18, who lived in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, vanished after leaving a bar with van der Sloot during a trip with classmates to Aruba. Her body was never found. Here's the full story.

Beth Holloway, mother of Natalee Holloway, said in a statement family remains hopeful for justice for their daughter.
Beth Holloway, mother of Natalee Holloway, said in a statement family remains hopeful for justice for their daughter.

A break from the news

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Send her an email at laura@usatoday.com or follow along with her adventures – and misadventures – on Twitter. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Title 42 ends, COVID-19, Peloton, Joran van der Sloot: Thursday's news