Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Here’s what’s breaking this morning:
Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Thursday. We’ll begin with what the war in Iran costs Americans, discuss the latest murder trial gripping America and explain how paralympic wheelchair curling works.
Federal authorities have warned California law enforcement agencies that the state could be a potential target of a drone attack tied to the escalating war between Iran, the U.S. and Israel — though officials stress there is no confirmed or imminent threat.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers reviewed startling financial estimates from the Pentagon as the Iran war spiraled amid attacks on three ships in the pivotal Strait of Hormuz. According to Pentagon estimates reviewed by lawmakers, the first six days of war in Iran cost U.S. taxpayers at least $11.3 billion. Meanwhile, U.S. average gas prices hit $3.59 a gallon on Wednesday.
More on Iran: This video shows an apparent U.S.-made missile strike near an Iran girls’ school.
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics
Wheelchair curling makes its fifth appearance at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina. Wheelchair curlers use a delivery stick to propel the smooth, 42-pound granite stone across the ice. Unlike able-bodied curling, athletes do not slide on the ice. Instead, the wheelchair remains stationary during the throw.
Health & Wellness
Lauren Ver Steeg told USA TODAY she was always the friend who had “stomach problems,” symptoms that she described as typical tummy troubles or a stomachache. She was 26 at the time. She brushed it off. A friend encouraged her to see the specialist, who quickly ordered a colonoscopy. The results? A malignant tumor in her rectum.
Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.