Monday’s Olympic schedule | Medal count | Ilia Marin’s meltdown
morning! Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato Is it already spring here? From the Department of Homeland Security shutdown to concerns over school photos linked to Jeffrey Epstein, here’s the news you need to know on Monday. Plus: Why you should watch USA Women’s Hockey tonight.
How to read early and medium-term indicators
Believe it or not, we are in an election year. The 2026 midterm elections are approaching in November, and whether the Democratic Party wins an overwhelming victory or the Republican Party’s current resilience will be tested.
Some statistics give early indications of how these elections will go. Older women voters are worried about the economy, meaning a key voting group could go either way in the 2026 midterm elections, a new study says. This means candidates from both major parties will be creating ads and speeches to reach this demographic.
Consumer sentiment about the economy has fallen 20% since President Trump took office again a year ago. And new report shows American consumers and businesses paid nearly 90% of the cost of President Trump’s tariffs through late 2025
Another notable figure is President Trump’s approval rating. If the current rate of 36% continues, it would be the lowest level for a mid-term president in 70 years and would be a red flag for Republicans.
More news you need to know right now
- How the DHS Closure Will Affect You. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire, potentially threatening critical government services such as airport security and disaster relief.
- School photos and Epstein links: Concerns that school photography company LifeTouch may be included in the Justice Department’s file on Jeffrey Epstein sparked widespread social media posts and school districts across the country responded to the voices of upset parents. However, the company refutes this claim.
- Millennial women are diagnosed with cancer. The website Jadey is especially helpful for young women facing cancer. We’ll provide you with everything from answers to medical and lifestyle questions on topics like infertility treatments to recommendations on skin care items to use during chemotherapy.
NBA All Star Game
courtside former president
Barack and Michelle Obama cheered on the best players at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night as a new format called “America vs. the World” took to the court. USA TODAY sports analysts wrote that the revised All-Star Game format worked because the players bought in and chose to push themselves.
2026 Winter Olympics
The next generation of American women’s hockey is here.
Milan-Cortina is a changing of the guard for U.S. women’s hockey, which faces Sweden in Monday’s semifinals. The Americans enter tonight’s game undefeated, with a plus-25 goal differential, the best of the remaining four teams. Meet the team.
before going
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
