Welcome to the daily briefing. Start your morning with the following story.
nicole farato here. Friday’s news includes the deaths of four more U.S. military personnel in the war with Iran. Plus: A look at the realities of having children in America today.
US soldier dies in plane crash
Four more U.S. service members have been killed in the Middle East and rescue efforts continue for two more after a military tanker crashed, officials said Friday, as the war in Iran reaches its second week with little sign of slowing.
The military said the incident over Iraq involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly artillery fire. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. Armed groups allied with Iran had previously claimed responsibility for the attack.
More about the war from USA TODAY: Explosive underwater devices in the Strait of Hormuz are left to explode when ships pass. Clearing these mines is time-consuming, expensive, and dangerous.
More news you need to know right now
98th Academy Awards
Oscar weekend kicks off in Hollywood style
Now, I feel nostalgic. This weekend, movie stars including Emma Watson and Macaulay Culkin will be in Hollywood for a star-studded event ahead of Sunday’s 98th Academy Awards. Prepare your Oscar viewing party with your own GlamBOT video, and don’t forget to sign up for USA TODAY’s Style Meter and vote for your favorite red carpet look.
2026 March Madness
Selection Sunday is approaching!
In between watching the Oscars, tune in to Selection Sunday, where the men’s and women’s brackets will be officially announced and fans will learn the field of all 68 teams for this season’s NCAA Tournament. The men’s tournament will have its first four games played on Tuesday, March 17, and the women’s tournament will have its own first four games a day later. Get your printable brackets.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
