Happy Friday! Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know on Friday, from it taking a little longer to avoid a government shutdown to more winter weather hitting the East Coast this weekend. 🎤And the biggest night in music is this weekend.
Closure could still happen
Republicans and Democrats struck a deal Thursday night to provide two weeks of funding to the Department of Homeland Security. The deal represented a major victory for Democrats, who have pushed across the board for far-reaching reforms to President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement campaign.
However, it is still unlikely that this compromise will avoid a partial closure. The funding measure would have to go back to the House, which is in recess and the narrow margin could pose an survival challenge for conservative hardliners.
In an interview with USA TODAY Thursday night, House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the “logistical challenges” in avoiding a complete shutdown.
🔊On USA TODAY’s The Excerpt podcast, USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele breaks down the latest information from Capitol Hill.
More news you need to know right now
- It’s called “Bombo Genesis.” That’s the name of the weather process heading toward much of the East Coast this weekend, causing a “rapidly strengthening mid-latitude cyclone,” meaning a rapid drop in air pressure, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This creates a “bomb cyclone.” The expected amount of snow is as follows.
- President Trump is expected to name a new Fed chair on Friday. President Trump has spoken publicly in recent months about finding Jerome Powell’s replacement, but has narrowed his field down to four finalists.
- Why did Tulsi Gabbard participate in the Georgia FBI raid? Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was participating in an FBI raid seeking materials related to the 2020 election in Fulton County. Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said her presence means one of two things.
Let’s take a look
first lady of the movie world
Melania Trump arrived at the newly named Trump Kennedy Center on Thursday for the premiere of her much-talked-about documentary, which opens in theaters Friday. Alongside President Trump, the first lady appeared on the red carpet wearing a sophisticated buttoned skirt suit by Dolce & Gabbana and a slim belt. Nicki Minaj was also in attendance.
music
It’s Grammy Awards weekend!
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the awards ceremony scheduled to begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Trevor Noah will once again anchor this award and is expected to break records. Kendrick Lamar, who devoured wins in all five categories in 2025, leads the nominations with nine (among the Grammys’ prestigious recognition of rap music). Justin Bieber is returning to the stage. And we predict that Bad Bunny could be one of the winners.
before going
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
