5 things you need to know Tuesday
Parents of Trayvon Martin tell their story in new book
When Trayvon Martin was killed, he became "a symbol, a beacon and a mirror" in the nation's debate over race and justice, his parents say. In their new book, Rest in Power, out Tuesday, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin recount Trayvon's upbringing and how the tragedy unfolded in their lives, from his 2012 shooting death to the street protests to the trial of his killer. Fulton and Martin told USA TODAY they are worried President Trump may reverse the national conversation on race that Trayvon's death sparked and that they are considering running for office.
Petition to stop Trump visit could get its day in Parliament
An online petition seeking to prevent President Trump from making a state visit to the United Kingdom will be discussed by parliamentarians Tuesday after it received more than 1 million signatures. The measure saw a surge in support after Trump's travel ban affecting millions of Muslims. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced Friday that Trump had accepted an invitation to visit. But the petition says Trump's "well-documented misogyny" would “cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen.” May's office said there would be no dis-invitation.
Senate expected to confirm Chao as Transportation secretary
The Senate votes Tuesday on the nomination of Elaine Chao as secretary of Transportation, and she is expected to be confirmed — a move viewed favorably by the airline industry. Aviation executives are hoping the Trump administration will support the curtailing of competition from state-owned Middle East airlines, shift air-traffic control to a private corporation from the Federal Aviation Administration and fund airport construction. While Chao didn't take positions on several contentious issues during her confirmation hearing, she said she would work with lawmakers and the industry to resolve them.
Trump plans to announce Supreme Court pick
After almost a full year with only eight justices, the Supreme Court may finally get its next member after President Trump is set to announce his nominee for the nation’s highest court in a prime-time address Tuesday night. Trump told reporters that the person is “unbelievably highly respected," and many expect his pick to emulate the late Justice Antonin Scalia. However, the nominee will likely face opposition from Senate Democrats who are frustrated after a Republican-led effort blocked former president Barack Obama’s pick, Merrick Garland. The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to defend a travel ban from seven majority-Muslim countries that may face legal battles.
It's the last day to sign up for Obamacare
Although there is lack of clarity into what the Trump administration will do about Obamacare and drug prices, one thing is clear: Tuesday is the deadline to sign up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office ordering federal agencies to allow more flexibility in enforcing the provisions of Obamacare until Congress can repeal it. But the order contained the phrase "to the maximum extent permitted by law," three times, suggesting that its effects are yet to be determined. Signups for Obamacare gained steam last month with more than 4 million people choosing 2017 plans on the federal exchange through Dec. 10., according to released data.
Bonus: Longtime sportscaster says goodbye ... sort of
Brent Musburger will call his final game on ESPN Tuesday, closing out a broadcasting career that has spanned nearly 50 years. Musburger, who captured and sensed sports moments as well as anyone of his era, came under fire earlier this month for comments on Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon’s attack on a woman. After Tuesday's game, Musburger, 77, will move to the Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN), a new streaming network dedicated to sports gambling.
And the essentials:
Weather: Tuesday's forecast calls for snow across the Great Plains and New England, while mild weather is in store for the South.
Stocks: Global shares were mixed Tuesday, with gains in early European trading.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch? USA TODAY's Robert Bianco looks at The Flash and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Be inspired: Strangers help bloody 73-year-old cross marathon finish line.
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