Welcome to the daily briefing. Please read the following first.
Nicole Fallato and Jane Onyanga-O’Mara are here. We bring you the news you need to know on Tuesdays.
President Trump touts the Great American State Fair as “packed,” but is that really the case?
The Great American State Fair continues Tuesday on the National Mall.
President Donald Trump said the 16-day event was “filled with happy people,” but during a visit to USA TODAY on Monday, crowds were light, lines were short and there was plenty of space, but it remains unclear what the July 4th holiday will look like. Meanwhile, the heatwave has arrived.
If you want to toast America’s birthday, do so with a free beer.
More news you need to know right now
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fifa world cup
One team advances to the World Cup final 16 with intense penalty shootout
Germany’s Jonathan Tarr almost scored the winning goal in extra time. Instead, Paraguay’s Orlando Gil will be the hero for his home country. Gil saved the first shot of the penalty shootout at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Paraguay defeated Germany 4–3 in the penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.
things to talk about
The wedding the world is waiting for
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey have not yet revealed when or where they will get married. But since news reports linked their big day to July 3 at Madison Square Garden, new details have continued to emerge, from official permits and venue schedules to comments from teammates, city officials and the bride and groom. Here are some of our biggest questions.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
