It’s another day in 2016 (different!) and welcome to the Daily Briefing. The problems are:
nicole farato here. Predict who will win this weekend’s NFL playoff games? Get the edge with USA TODAY’s exclusive game picks and predictions. The algorithm correctly predicted the winner of five of the six wild-card games to open the postseason (curse you, Aaron Rodgers!).
Well, Friday’s news is the president’s Insurrection Act threat against a Greenland construction project. Furthermore, why did the astronaut crew return home so early?
President Trump threatens Minnesota insurrection law
President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act on Thursday as tensions escalate in Minnesota following a second shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis.
The Department of Homeland Security has dispatched about 3,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area, downplaying the local police presence, defending the actions of the officers and criticizing local officials for failing to assist immigration officials.
Meanwhile, state and local officials in Minnesota, who filed a lawsuit seeking to block federal intervention, called ICE’s actions “unacceptable” and called on protesters to remain peaceful. Demonstrations and clashes between residents and agents continue.
Here we take a closer look at the Insurrection Act and when U.S. presidents have focused on it in the past.
More news you need to know right now
- Greenland’s only US military base is (quietly) undergoing major renovations. Pitafik Space Station is the northernmost deep-sea port managed by the Department of the Army, and President Trump believes control of the entire island is key to U.S. security. Meanwhile, NATO allies Germany and France have begun sending troops to Greenland.
- Verizon outage warns of impending future danger: Verizon’s multi-hour outage on January 14 affected calls and cell phone usage for more than 1.5 million customers, illustrating how delicate internet and cell phone access can be. Experts told USA TODAY such power outages can be dangerous and will continue to occur. If you’ve been affected, here’s how to get credit.
- President Trump’s health care plan: Facing pressure to address affordability concerns, President Trump announced his long-awaited health care plan while also calling on Congress to pass a series of measures aimed at lowering drug prices and health care costs, with few details.
music
“Kiss me forever.” Disco, sometimes.”
Harry Styles loves punctuation. And teasing. After trailing fans with posters, videos, cryptic websites, and intriguing song snippets since the last week of 2025, Harry Styles has announced that his next album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, will be released on March 6th. Here are 12 new Styles songs!
space
Why NASA’s Crew-11 mission returned to Earth early
For the first time in the history of the American space program, an astronaut experienced health problems and NASA had to end the mission early to bring the astronaut home. Crew 11 flew in from the International Space Station off the coast of California early Thursday, leaving behind a skeletal crew at the orbiting outpost. NASA officials said medical experts can now better assess the condition of sick astronauts.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
