Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato I’m thinking about Friday night pizza here. From Taylor Swift’s night in the spotlight to young people getting hooked on shopping malls again, we dig into Friday’s news.
TSA employees remain unpaid.
The Senate unanimously passed a late-night bill early Friday that would provide much of the funding for the Department of Homeland Security, clearing the way for an end to weeks of shutdowns that have left airports in chaos.
The late-night agreement came after President Trump said earlier in the evening that he would pay Transportation Security Administration employees with or without help from Congress. But Senate Democrats were ultimately content to end the government shutdown without the concessions they had repeatedly claimed were initially non-negotiable.
The chaos at the airport is not over yet. The bill still needs to pass the House of Representatives before being sent to President Trump’s desk.
More news you need to know right now
- US troops to the Middle East: Thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, which specializes in parachute attacks, are heading to the Iran war. Although the Pentagon has not provided details about the exact destination, Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf has received extraordinary attention because of its strategic importance.
- Democrats have hopes and concerns: Republicans could cede the gubernatorial seat in California’s primary, while Democrats are gaining ground in Maine’s Senate primary.
- The burden on American farms: Farmers are struggling with tariffs and the impact of the Iran war, which has affected the cost of fuel and fertilizer.
taylor swift
Her sky is “opalite”
Taylor Swift caused a stir at the Dolby Theater multiple times Thursday night, starting with her entrance hand-in-hand with her fiancé, Travis Kelce, and ending with her acceptance speech. Swift took home many trophies, including Artist of the Year.
shopping
“Mom, could you please take me to the mall?”
It’s a word I haven’t heard in a while. But Gen Z is increasingly returning to shopping malls, driven by a desire for experience and a break from the isolation of home. There is a return to value-oriented shopping malls, where suburban strip malls also house stores and brands, rather than high-end luxury brands, experts told USA TODAY. Where are the best malls in America?
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
