Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato here. Take USA TODAY’s News Quiz. From the latest updates on the Iran war to concerns over safe spring break destinations for Americans, we dig into Monday’s news. Plus: We support the U.S. Paralympic Hockey Team.
More deaths in Iran war
The U.S. military announced Sunday that a seventh American service member has died in the ongoing war with Iran, more than a week after the conflict began. According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iranian attacks by the US and Israel. In Lebanon, the Lebanese Health Minister announced on Sunday that Israeli airstrikes had killed nearly 400 people.
In an interview broadcast Sunday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told “60 Minutes” that “there will be many more casualties” in a war with Iran.
Is the end in sight? President Trump has said he is not interested in negotiations. Rather, it raised the possibility that the war could continue until the Middle Eastern country lost its military and leadership. President Trump said Sunday that high oil prices are a “small price to pay” for Americans. Meanwhile, Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as its next supreme leader.
More news you need to know right now
2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Another hockey medal for Team USA?
Team USA’s para ice hockey team defeated Italy 14-1 over the weekend, and the U.S. squad will now take on Germany at the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games on Monday at 12:05 p.m. ET. If the United States advances to Sunday’s final and wins, it will be the country’s third hockey gold medal this year.
trip
spring break scramble
Rising geopolitical tensions have some U.S. travelers worried about spring break. In one example, recent civil unrest in Mexico has also worried some travelers, with travel insurance platform Squaremas reporting a six-fold spike in customer calls specifically about Mexico. Here are some safe spring break destinations for Americans.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.

