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• May Day, or Beltane, is a Gaelic and Celtic festival dating back to the Middle Ages. The festival honors the start of summer, as spring is halfway over.
• International Workers’ Day dates back to the 1880s, when American laborers fought for the eight-hour workday.
• Celebrated in Hawaii, Lei Day honors leis, a type of garland or wreath, often worn as a necklace, that are made up of flowers, leaves, shells or feathers.

Happy May Day!

The first day of May is celebrated across the globe in many different ways. There’s May Day, or Beltane, a Gaelic and Celtic festival that celebrates the transition from spring to summer; International Workers’ Day, which commemorates the struggles and gains of laborers; and Lei Day, a day-long statewide celebration in Hawaii.

Across the U.S., unions, worker groups and laborers are banding together to participating in the National Day of Action on May 1, a culmination of strikes and protests “on wages, on benefits, on dignity itself.” More than 1,100 protests against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are scheduled for Thursday, following several weekends of “Hands Off” demonstrations that looked to voice the harms of the administration’s conservative tactics.

Are you celebrating one of the various holidays or interested in learning more about one? Here’s what to know about the significance of May 1.

What is May Day, or Beltane?

May Day, also known as Beltane, is a Gaelic and Celtic festival that honors the beginning of summer, as the spring season is halfway over. The Pagan festival celebrates fertility and growth, and it is tradition to decorate with flowers.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable May Day rituals centers literally around the maypole, a tall, decorated poll in which participants hold on to attached ribbons and dance around in a circle. While one set of dancers move clockwise, another dances counterclockwise, resulting in a moving pattern of vibrant colors.

The maypole became known in pop culture a few years ago with the A24 release of the movie “Midsommar,” in which Florence Pugh’s character Dani attends a cultish summer festival in Sweden.

Another element of Beltane, which has grown more popular in recent years, is the lighting of Beltane fires. These ceremonial fires represent the power of the sun and provide an opportunity for cleansing and renewal, according to the Beltane Fire Society. While Beltane fires went “dormant” for many decades, groups like the Beltane Fire Society are working to continue the centuries’ old tradition for new generations.

Though the Pagan Beltane is often dated back to the Middle Ages, similar types of festivals go back even further.

Held in Ancient Rome, The Festival of Flora − Floralia − was held between April 28 and May 3, celebrating Flora, the goddess of flowers, fertility and spring, according to the United Kingdom National Trust.

What is International Workers’ Day?

While Beltane celebrate the natural wonders of the world, International Workers’ Day focuses on the industrial achievements of laborers.

On May 1, 1886, more than 340,000 American workers walked out of their jobs in support of the eight-hour work day, which had been proposed by the now American Federation of Labor two years prior, according to the Industrial Workers of the World.

Two days later, activists organized a union action at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Chicago. During this protest, police intimidated and ultimately beat the strikers, resulting the death of at least six people, according to the American Postal Workers Union.

On May 4, 1886, a rally was held at Chicago’s Haymarket Square. Though this protest was meant to be non-violent, violence quickly unfolded. Several civilians were killed at the hands of police and dozens more were injured, the according to the American Postal Workers Union.

In 1889, labor advocates deemed May 1 International Workers’ Day, also referred to as May Day.

What is Lei Day?

Also celebrated on the first day of May, Lei Day honors Hawaiian leis, a type of garland or wreath often worn as a necklace that is made up flowers, leaves, shells or feathers. Deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, leis represent love, respect and celebration.

More: What does a lei mean in Hawaii, can anyone wear one?

Lei Day got its start in 1927. At the time, American poet and journalist Don Blanding was reporting for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin (today, Honolulu Star-Advertiser). As written in his memoir, “Hula Moons,” Blanding said he had the idea of starting a Hawaiian holiday dedicated to leis. His editors liked the idea and the concept of Lei Day was presented to the public. Readers liked it too, in addition to the late Princess Helen Kawananākoa, the official Lei Day website states.

Hawaii’s first Lei Day was held in 1929 and for nearly 100 years, the day of celebration has been held throughout the state of Hawaii.

How can you celebrate May Day in the US?

Depending on what variation of May Day you are honoring, they are different ways to celebrate.

Beltane

Celebrating Beltane at home? Find different ways to honor the natural world around you, whether that be planting flowers or plants, making flower crowns with your family and friends, or making your own version of a maypole.

Each year, the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina hosts a May Day parade and festival for those interested in folk culture. Though this year’s festival has already passed, take a look to see if any organizations near you are planning May Day activities.

International Workers’ Day

Though International Workers’ Day is not a federal holiday in the U.S., there still may be protests and/or other scheduled activities happening near you. Check with local labor groups to learn more.

To learn more about National Day of Action and see if a demonstration is happening near you, visit maydaystrong.org.

Lei Day

If you’re not in Hawaii this Lei Day but still want to celebrate, you sure can. Lei Day is all about celebrating the history, creation and importance of leis. Local cultural centers and botanical gardens may be hosting Lei Day activities for all ages.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

CNN
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Protests under the “50501” movement – short for 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement – in response to the Trump administration’s flurry of moves over its first 100 days are set to take place across the country Thursday for May Day.

“Join us in the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach,” the movement’s website states. “National Day of Solidarity. Stop the Billionaire Takeover. We are the Many. They are the Few.”

The 50501 movement sprang out of a Reddit forum and has held multiple national days of action the last few months. The most recent came on April 19 when crowds of people attended over 80 protests at state capitols, courthouses and city halls in several states to oppose what organizers describe as President Donald Trump’s executive overreach, including deportations without due process, the dismantling of federal agencies and threats to higher education.

The protests Thursday are part of a partnership with the group May Day Strong, according to Gloriann Sahay, the co-founder and digital director of Political Revolution PAC, who responded to a CNN message sent to 50501’s “Press” email.

“We will not stand by as this administration kidnaps our neighbors, tramples our rights, jails judges, harms people in our marginalized communities, and turns the evil Project 2025 into a reality. When the government attacks even one person, they are attacking every American,” Sahay said.

“On May 1st, we’re gonna step up to bat for our communities and our unions, because we know they would do the same for us.”

May 1 marks May Day, which shares a date with International Workers’ Day and is often a day for protests and civil action for labor rights. However, most Americans do not have the day off of work, and planning a protest for the middle of the workweek is a tricky proposition for mass attendance.

“Despite it being a weekday, we still expect a large turnout because the American people are committed to defending the rights of their communities,” Sahay said.

50501 describes itself as “decentralized” and says all its events are organized by independent volunteers. A map on its website lists over 1,000 events in communities across the country.

The planned protests come two days after Trump marked 100 days in office. In that short period, he has moved to upend the world order by cracking down on immigration and immigrants’ rights; instituting tariffs that threaten global trade; dismantling the administrative state under the Department of Government Efficiency’s slapdash cuts; rolling back protections for transgender people; and exercising executive power with disdain for checks and balances.

Trump’s 41% approval rating is the lowest for any newly elected president at 100 days dating back at least to Dwight Eisenhower over six decades ago – including Trump’s own first term, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS. Approval of Trump’s handling of the presidency is down 4 points since March, and 7 points lower than it was in late February. Just 22% say they strongly approve of Trump’s handling of the job, a new low, and about twice as many say they strongly disapprove (45%).

The first Trump presidency was met with immediate mass protests in the form of the Women’s March on the day after the inauguration in January 2017.

The second time around, protests were slower to develop on a significant scale until more recently.

The “Hands Off” protests on Saturday, April 5, targeted both Trump and billionaire Elon Musk in response to what the organizers called a “hostile takeover” and attack on American rights and freedoms. The organizers said they had three demands: “an end to the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration; an end to slashing federal funds for Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs working people rely on; and an end to the attacks on immigrants, trans people, and other communities.”

Nearly 600,000 people had signed up to attend the events, some of which took place in major cities like London and Paris, according to Indivisible, one of the organizations leading the movement. In Washington DC, several Democratic members of Congress, including Democratic Reps. Jamie Raskin, Ilhan Omar and Maxwell Frost, spoke to the crowds to criticize the Trump administration.

Then on Saturday, April 19, the “50501” protests gathered across the US in a similar show of disapproval for the Trump presidency’s actions. A key focus of that protest was the plight of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man wrongfully deported to an El Salvador prison.

Further, there have been hundreds of “Tesla Takedown” demonstrations in the US, Canada and Europe as activists ramp up their opposition to Musk’s efforts to slash federal government staffing and budgets through DOGE.

Quick-thinking neighbors helped a man leap from a burning building.

Arian was sitting at his computer in Teningen, Germany, when he smelled smoke. He opened his door to find his stairwell filled with black fumes.

Watch these quick-thinking neighbors rescue a man from a burning building.

Unable to get downstairs, Arian climbed out of his third-story window, desperate to escape. Thankfully, his neighbors had rushed to the rescue. Grabbing a kids’ trampoline, they maneuvered it beneath the windowsill, and Arian was able to drop to safety.

The apartment was damaged by fire, smoke, and water. But thanks to the heroics of his neighbors, Arian escaped with no injuries!

Humankind is your go-to spot for good news! Click here to submit your uplifting, cute, or inspiring video moments for us to feature. Also, click here to subscribe to our newsletter bringing our top stories of the week straight to your inbox. 

LONDON — King Charles III is opening up about the impact of his cancer diagnosis in an emotional new statement.

The British monarch, 76, used the message to share his experiences of the disease, which he said showed him “the very best of humanity.” The statement was issued to attendees of an April 30 reception that Charles and wife Queen Camilla hosted to highlight the work of cancer support groups and charities.

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” he said in the message published by Buckingham Palace. “But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”

King Charles is skipping pope funeral, but Prince William will be there. Why?

Charles also thanked charities for their work to raise funds for research and reflected on the value of the human connection they offer patients in times of need.

“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organizations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years,” Charles said.

“And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits — that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”

Buckingham Palace said in February 2024 that Charles had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, detected in tests after a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.

King Charles and Queen Camilla step out with royal family for Easter

He has been receiving treatment since and returned to public duties a year ago. Although updates on his condition have been rare, a Buckingham Palace source said in December 2024 that the treatment had been moving in a positive direction.

On March 27, the palace revealed Charles had spent a short time under hospital observation after experiencing side effects from his cancer treatment, although he returned to his home, Clarence House, the same day. The king traveled to Italy the following month with Queen Camilla for a four-day state visit that saw Charles deliver an address to the Italian parliament.

December is more than half a year away, but President Donald Trump just acknowledged that it could be tighter for families this holiday season.

“Somebody said, ‘Oh, the shelves are gonna be open,’” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more.”

But what does that actually mean?

Economists worry Trump’s sweeping tariffs will drive up prices and lead to shortages — two things that could make buying gifts and preparing for the holidays more difficult.

Reaction to Trump’s on-again off-again tariffs have rocked the stock market, consumer confidence, and GDP, but their impact on the costs and availability of goods has yet to be fully felt. On Wednesday, Trump appeared to acknowledge the tariffs will force consumers to cut back.

Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from most countries on April 2. Although he later announced a 90-day pause on some of them, orders on imports to the U.S. have declined, according to James Knightley, chief international economist at Dutch bank ING.

An April report released by Apollo Global Management lays out a timeline explaining when consumers could begin to feel the tariffs’ effects. The report estimates it takes 20 to 40 days for a containership to reach U.S. ports and one to 10 days for goods to travel to cities. It predicts by the middle of May, containerships to U.S. ports will come to a stop and by late May, consumers will start to see “empty shelves.”

But will shelves really be vacant and how expensive will products be? Here’s what we know now:

More: Is America’s economic slip temporary? Trump, Biden allies divided over GDP report

‘Pandemic-like shortages’ if nothing changes

Whether U.S. consumers will face shortages depends largely on what happens over the next few weeks. 

Trump said the 145% tariff on goods imported from China will eventually “come down substantially” and his administration says it is negotiating with dozens of other countries over tariffs. 

Robert Handfield, professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University, doesn’t think we will see empty shelves for a month or two. 

But issues could arise if Trump doesn’t pivot soon. 

“Shortages aren’t imminent, but we could see some in the months ahead,” Knightley said.

Major retailers including representatives from Walmart and Target met with Trump on April 21 to discuss how tariffs would affect their imports. 

“There has been reporting that the leadership of those companies told the president that by mid-May they would be running out of inventory and Americans would need to prepare for pandemic-like shortages if policy did not adjust,” said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading. 

O’Rourke said that appeared to be a reason why Trump said he might act to lower tariffs on goods imported from China shortly after the meeting. 

Steve Blitz, chief U.S. economist at GlobalData, said in an investor note that “the empty cupboards tale is simply nonsense.” He said sellers make money by turning their inventory into cash, and called businesses deciding to hold no inventory “business malpractice.” 

Handfield said Walmart and Target took in “a lot” of advance shipments when they saw the tariffs coming. 

“Their warehouses are full of product because they planned ahead,” Handfield said. “When they’re depleting inventory and need to restock, that’s where problems are, potentially.”

Will prices go up?

Trump’s comments Wednesday addressed the toy industry, which could be one of the hardest hit by tariffs. As much as 75% of toys sold in the U.S. are imported from China, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department. 

But Handfield says “just about everything” will be affected. 

“Shoes, apparel, toys,” Handfield said. “Kitchen appliances and knick knacks, baskets, storage, almost everything’s made in China.” 

Without a pivot in trade policy, Knightley said people are likely to start noticing price hikes when it’s time for back-to-school or Black Friday shopping. 

Some prices have already increased. In the three weeks following Trump’s April 2 announcement, Amazon prices rose 4.2% on 50 products, according to a sample conducted by MoffettNathanson Research, an equity research firm. Prices on the same products at Walmart and Wayfair had risen 2% and 1.3%, respectively.

O’Rourke noted that the major retailors’ meeting with the president came only a few weeks after Walmart executives said the company remained confident about its business strategy despite the new tariff environment. Walmart Chief Financial Officer John Rainey reminded investors on April 9 that more than two-thirds of what it sells is made in the U.S.  

“CEOs will paint a bleak picture for the president, but it is not a great look to tell your investors a notably different story at roughly the same time,” O’Rourke said.

For those who were hoping to get a jump on holiday gifts by shopping on Amazon Prime Day in mid-July, tariffs are also causing some sellers to rethink their participation.  

Reuters reported some third-party sellers who previously offered goods made in China during the premier online shopping day are considering reducing the amount of discounted merchandise they’ll offer this year or sitting out the event entirely.

Contributing: Medora Lee and Andrea Riquier

Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her on X @rachelbarber_ 

• Starting May 7, 2023, air travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, or other acceptable identification for domestic flights.
• Travelers without a REAL ID may undergo an alternative identity verification process, but this doesn’t guarantee access to the security checkpoint.
• The TSA may deny access to those who refuse to provide acceptable identification or cooperate with the verification process.

The REAL ID deadline is May 7, and starting then, it’s going to be harder to travel if you don’t have the right documents at the airport.

REAL ID is a new standard for state-issued identification documents that includes more stringent requirements for verifying a person’s identity and right to residency. Federal identification documents, like passports, are also compliant.

However, even for a domestic flight, if you show up at the airport without a REAL ID driver’s license, a passport, or another acceptable document to present at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, you could face delays or even be prohibited from traveling.

According to the TSA, there is an alternative compliance mechanism if you show up at the airport without a REAL ID.

“The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity,” the agency’s website says. “If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.”

But, the TSA warns, the alternative compliance process does not guarantee your ability to travel, even if you have TSA PreCheck.

“Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint,” the website says. “You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.”

According to a TSA spokesperson, this alternative compliance mechanism will be available indefinitely and mirrors the agency’s existing procedures for screening passengers who arrive at the airport without proper identification.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

Two men have been arrested and charged for allegedly playing key roles in operating “one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises” federal authorities have ever encountered, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, and Prasan Nepal, 20, are accused of leading “764 Inferno,” a core subgroup of a U.S.-based criminal online network known as “764,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The group targeted vulnerable people, specifically children, online and used violent tactics that were designed to induce self-harm, a criminal complaint states.

“764 is a network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct in the United States and abroad, seeking to destroy civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, which often include minors,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release April 30. “The 764 network’s accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government.”

Varagiannis, who is known online as “War,” is a U.S. citizen residing in Greece and was arrested in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki on April 28, prosecutors said. Nepal, known as “Trippy,” was arrested on April 22 in North Carolina.

The two men allegedly conspired with and directed at least half a dozen other members or prospective members of “764 Inferno” to commit malicious crimes, according to the criminal complaint. They face a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.

These young men were being blackmailed. Then, they lost more money.

Federal authorities have referred to “764” as a “nihilistic violent extremist” network that operates within the United States and across the world. The group is one of several online-based cybercrime networks within a broader network known as “the Com,” which includes violent and cybercriminal activity, according to Reuters and CyberScoop.

In March, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned in a public service announcement that there has been a “sharp increase” of “764” activity and other related violent online networks.

“These networks methodically target and exploit minors and other vulnerable individuals, and it is imperative the public be made aware of the risk and the warning signs exhibited by victims,” the FBI said. “These networks exist on publicly available online platforms, such as social media sites, gaming platforms, and mobile applications commonly used by young people.”

According to the agency, these networks threaten and manipulate victims into producing and sharing acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit acts, or suicide. Footage of these acts is then shared among members of these networks to extort victims and control them.

‘Facilitated the grooming, manipulation, and extortion of minors’

The criminal complaint alleged that members of “764 Inferno” operated through encrypted messaging applications, in which they made and distributed child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors said the group’s activities occurred from late 2020 to early 2025, during which “core leadership roles” were assigned to both Veragiannis and Nepal.

The material was used with “other gore and violent material to create digital ‘Lorebooks,’” according to prosecutors. The group’s “Lorebooks” were used as digital currency within “764,” which members traded, archived in encrypted “vaults,” and used to recruit new members or maintain status within the network, prosecutors said.

The complaint detailed how Veragiannis and Nepal provided step-by-step instructions for other members on how to groom and extort a potential victim. The two also set production expectations, which were based on the quality and notoriety of content for new recruits, the complaint alleged.

What is sextortion? This fast-growing crime targets teen boys. Here’s what to do about it.

According to the complaint, Veragiannis and Nepal exploited at least eight victims under the age of 18 across multiple jurisdictions, and some content was traced to children as young as 13. The complaint also alleged that both Veragiannis and Nepal threatened and coerced their victims to engage in self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts and threats of violence, and suicide.

“The defendants facilitated the grooming, manipulation, and extortion of minors,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “Veragiannis and Nepal allegedly ordered their victims to commit acts of self-harm and engaged in psychological torment and extreme violence against minors .. This content includes ‘cut signs’ and ‘blood signs’ through which young girls would cut symbols into their bodies.”

Allison Nixon, chief research officer for cybersecurity company Unit 221B, told Reuters that Varagiannis and Nepal are “major actors,” and that their arrests are a positive development.

“Com-related crime waves are driven by a small number of highly prolific actors,” Nixon added. “Arrests really are a winning strategy.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Contributing: Reuters

A fan is in critical condition after he fell out of the outfield stands and onto the warning track at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park during the April 30 game between the Pirates and Chicago Cubs.

The incident occurred during the bottom of the seventh inning.

Per a video shared on social media, the fan appeared to be sitting in the front row of seats in right before he tumbled over the top rail and fell to the dirt below. The scary fall was from one of the highest stretches of seats in the outfield — the tallest fence in the outfield is right field at 21 feet, per the Pirates, in honor of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, who wore the number and manned right field.

The fan received medical attention on the field and was placed on a backboard and taken off on a cart, per social media videos.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said on social media that “Pittsburgh EMS field medics treated him on scene until he could be transported to the hospital in critical condition.”

Pittsburgh Police VCU detectives are investigating after a male fell ~20 feet from the bleachers at PNC Park onto the field of play during the @Pirates game.

Pittsburgh EMS field medics treated him on scene until he could be transported to the hospital in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/fjDHHrfTHy

— Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) May 1, 2025

The Pirates released a statement about the incident after the game, which was restarted after a brief delay (the Pirates won 4-3):

“Tonight, during the seventh inning of the game at PNC Park, an adult male fell from the right field bleachers onto the field of play. Pittsburgh EMS, as well as the Pirates and Cubs athletic training teams and other PNC Park personnel reacted and responded immediately and administered care. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital.

“No further information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Pittsburgh Public Safety said “VCU detectives are investigating” the incident.

In the past 15 years, at least two fans have died as the result of significant falls that occurred at MLB stadiums. One occurred at the Texas Rangers’ old stadium in 2011; another took place at Turner Field, the former home of the Atlanta Braves, in 2015. 

This story has been updated with new information.