NEWS

5 things you need to know Monday

Editors
USA TODAY
Abigail Fisher, who sued the University of Texas, walks outside the Supreme Court after her original case was heard three years ago.

1. Supreme Court kicks off new term

The Supreme Court begins its new term Monday — and it's deja vu when it comes to the cases on the high court's docket. Among the issues the justices will take up: affirmative action, public employee union fees and, as always, class-action lawsuits and death penalty appeals. The court is also likely to make a decision on the Affordable Care Act's "contraceptive mandate." "It's kind of a term of sequels," appellate lawyer John Elwood said. "There are many cases or questions presented from past terms ... that weren't decided the first time, and they're back now to be answered, hopefully, this upcoming term."

The Supreme Court opens its 2015 term on Monday.

2. Philly universities face threat

Universities in Philadelphia are on guard Monday after officials warned that threats of violence had been made against an "unspecified" institution in the area. According to Drexel University, the threat came from a social media post after last week's shooting at Oregon's Umpqua Community College. Schools will operate normally, according to media reports, but students and faculty are urged to report suspicious activity.

A statement on the University of Pennsylvania's website warns of an "unspecified" threat to Philadelphia universities on Monday

3. Coast Guard gives update on freighter search

The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday will share its most recent information on the ongoing search for the freighter El Faro. The vessel disappeared Thursday in the midst of Hurricane Joaquin, after its captain reported it disabled and that it had taken on water. The crew is made up of 28 Americans and five Polish nationals. On Sunday, officials said searchers had spotted debris near the area where the ship went missing, including life jackets, life rings, containers and an oil sheen. The objects were not confirmed to be from the freighter.

4. Google becomes Alphabet

Hello, Alphabet. Google's new corporate identity takes effect Monday. As Alphabet, the company will continue to have two classes of public shares, allowing founders to maintain control. The name change is a part of a restructuring at the company in response to investors' growing dissatisfaction with "moonshot" opportunities that are often costly but not lucrative.

5. Buy your holiday plane tickets now

Traveling for the holidays? Then it's time to whip out your credit cards. According to Orbitz, Monday through Oct. 12 is the best time to buy fares for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. It might seem a little early, but think of the savings.

And the essentials:

Weather: After a weekend of rainfall that reached up to 2 feet and led to mass flooding, North and South Carolina can expect more rain well into Monday, as well as the coastal regions of Georgia and Florida. It will be dry and milder in the Northeast.

Stocks: U.S. stock futures were higher Monday, after weak U.S. jobs data prompted expectations that the Federal Reserve might postpone an interest rate hike.

TV tonight: Wondering what to watch Monday? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Alana de la Garza's recurring role on Scorpion.

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