Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
- Abortion death penalty bill failed in the Tennessee General Assembly.
- Why was Katherine Heigl at Mar-a-Lago?
- America survives the World Baseball Classic.
nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know on Thursday. We start with what the Iran war has done to Americans, discuss the latest murder trial plaguing America, and explain how Paralympic wheelchair curling works.
Federal authorities warn California could be targeted by drones
Federal authorities have warned California law enforcement that the state could be a potential target for drone strikes related to the escalating war between Iran, the United States and Israel, but officials have stressed there is no confirmed or imminent threat.
Meanwhile, US lawmakers considered surprising financial estimates from the Pentagon as the Iran war worsens amid attacks on three ships in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The first six days of the Iran war cost U.S. taxpayers at least $11.3 billion, according to Pentagon estimates reviewed by lawmakers. Meanwhile, average U.S. gasoline prices reached $3.59 per gallon on Wednesday.
More about Iran: The video shows what appears to be a US missile attack near an Iranian girls’ school.
More news you need to know right now
Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics
How is wheelchair curling performed?
Wheelchair curling will make its fifth appearance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games. Wheelchair curlers use delivery sticks to propel smooth 42-pound granite stones across the ice. Unlike in able-bodied curling, athletes do not skate on the ice. Instead, the wheelchair remains stationary during the throw.
health and wellness
She thought it was a stomach ache. I was 26 years old and had stage 3 rectal cancer.
Lauren Ver Steeg told USA TODAY that her friend had always had “stomach issues,” or what she described as typical tummy troubles or abdominal pain. She was 26 years old at the time. She shrugged it off. A friend recommended she see a specialist, who immediately ordered a colonoscopy. result? She had a malignant tumor in her rectum.
before going
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.

