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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Fri Sep 26 2025

Nicole Fallert | Newsletter Writer

@nicolefallert

Happy Friday!🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Paint your living room Hazelnut Crunch.

News to close out the week:

•	Some federal workers fear for their jobs.
•	Migrants are in the crosshairs of escalated security threats at U.S. immigration enforcement.
•	These kids grew up in the shadow of the opioid crisis.

Job losses could come amid government shutdown

Federal workers have been paid traditionally after temporary furloughs while Congress resolves funding disputes. But with no solution in sight and a partial shutdown looming Oct. 1, the Office of Management and Budget asked federal agencies to prepare plans for mass firings.

Why this is happening: The battle over government funding is the latest clash in the high-stakes confrontation between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats.

•	Where things stand now: House Republicans approved legislation Sept. 19 that aimed to extend current funding until Nov. 21. Senate Democrats have blocked approval of the bill — seeking to reverse looming cuts to Medicaid and lapsing Obamacare subsidies.
•	Another hit to federal workers: Next week's potential layoffs would come on top of about 300,000 federal workers leaving their jobs already this year.
•	Maybe rebook that national park visit: Air traffic and benefits like Medicare, Medicaid and Society Security wouldn't be disrupted by a shutdown — but here's everything potentially affected (including national parks).

Former FBI director indicted

'My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn't imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn't either.'

~ FBI Director James Comey spoke via Instagram video after he was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury. Comey faces charges of lying to Congress and obstruction, allegations leveled after a years-long tumultuous relationship with President Trump, who fired Comey for investigating his 2016 campaign's contacts with Russia.

More news to know now

•	A new Gallup poll finds Republicans are souring on state of the U.S.
•	These advocates want stricter gun laws. Now, they'll also teach you to use one.
•	One year after Hurricane Helene, some Florida residents feel forgotten.
•	Heavy trucks, drugs and kitchen cabinets face fresh tariffs.

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Migrants collateral in immigration system threats

Across the country, protests at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, aggressive tactics by masked agents in the field and heated political rhetoric on both sides have created a dangerous environment. The day after a sniper opened fire on an ICE field office, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to beef up security at ICE facilities. It was the latest in a string of violent attacks on the nation's immigration system that are raising serious security concerns for ICE agents, attorneys, judges and migrants themselves.

Hegseth's Quantico meeting invite

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered about 800 senior military leaders stationed around the world to come to a last-minute meeting Sept. 30 in northern Virginia. The Pentagon declined to disclose the reason for the meeting, which will occur at Quantico, a Marine Corps base around 30 miles south of the Pentagon. Senior military officials, in some cases, command thousands of troops. Most have detailed schedules weeks in advance, which have now been upended. A meeting with such senior leadership would normally be planned months in advance.

Today's talkers

•	These people have tattoos to prove their love for Costco.
•	Can't wait for my Anthropologie rock.
•	Expand your vocabulary by 5,000 words.
•	Here's how to prep for a "Rocky Horror" screening.

Meet the kids opioids left behind

Comfort Zone Camp launched Overdose Loss Camp in 2022 — the first overnight camp of its kind in the country — after seeing a growing need for overdose-specific support at its general grief camps. Campers come into the weekend with different stories — a lot of kids had close relationships with the person they lost, others barely knew them. Some wound up in foster care because of their family member's addiction. USA TODAY went to the overdose-specific grief camp.

•	PHOTOS: See where these kids go to talk about loss to an overdose.

Volunteer Wally Brown says camp's big buddy program is "the magic ingredient" of the weekend. His little buddy Miles, 8, lost his sister to overdose four years ago.

Rachel Hale

Photo of the day: Team USA huddle

Golf fans all over the world are buzzing about the 2025 Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley leads Team USA into round one Friday ( here's how to watch) in Farmingdale, New York. See which golfers highlight Team USA's roster

Team United States huddles on the 18th hole green during a practice round prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 on Thursday in Farmingdale, New York.

Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here . Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.