Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start your morning with these stories:
Nicole Fallert here. Friday’s news includes four more U.S. service members killed in the war with Iran. Plus: A look at the reality of having kids in America today.
Four more U.S. service members have been killed in the Middle East and rescue efforts are ongoing for two more whose military refueling aircraft crashed, officials said on Friday, as the war in Iran approaches the two-week mark with few signs of slowing down.
The military said the incident over Iraq involved another aircraft, but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. An armed group allied to Iran previously claimed responsibility for the incident.
More about the war from USA TODAY: Explosive underwater devices in the Strait of Hormuz are left behind to detonate when a ship passes. Clearing these mines is slow, expensive and dangerous.
98th Academy Awards
Okay now we’re nostalgic: Emma Watson and Macaulay Culkin are among movie favorites gathering in Hollywood this weekend for a slew of star-studded events leading up to Sunday’s 98th Academy Awards. Prep your Oscars watch party with your own glamBOT videos and don’t forget to sign up for USA TODAY’s Style Meter to vote for your favorite red carpet look!
2026 March Madness
In-between watching the Oscars, you’ll be flipping channels to Selection Sunday, when both the men’s and women’s brackets will be officially revealed, giving fans the full 68-team field for this season’s NCAA Tournaments. The men’s tournament tips off Tuesday, March 17, with the First Four games, while the women’s tournament will get going with its own First Four games just a day later. Get your printable bracket.
Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.