Monday, May 25, 2026

Wet Memorial Day weather

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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Mon May 25 2026

Nicole Fallert
Newsletter Writer & SEO Editor

Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start your day off with these reads:

•	Trump lowered expectations of an Iran peace deal.
•	Jaxson Dart was called out for introducing Trump at a rally.
•	Here's our NCAA baseball tournament bracket projections.

Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Memorial Day Monday, from what's open and closed today and an emotional tribute to late NASCAR legend Kyle Busch.

A rainy Memorial Day expected

As Memorial Day observances take place on Monday, participants in parts of the eastern half of the country could be dodging showers and thunderstorms, while the west remains mostly dry and hot.

You may need to move your picnic indoors: Much of the Central and Southeastern U.S. face a risk of showers and thunderstorms on Memorial Day, the National Weather Service said in a May 24 forecast. If you need extra supplies, most national retailers, grocery stores and restaurant chains will be open on Memorial Day, but banks and post offices will be closed. If you're stuck indoors, explore our guide to Memorial Day sales.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is expected to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday as part of the nation's annual Memorial Day observance.

More news to know now

•	Kyle Busch's cause of death explained: A family statement read, "severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications." Meanwhile, the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600 remembered Busch.
•	California officials are racing to avoid a chemical tank explosion. After sending in a specialized team of firefighters overnight to examine a chemical tank at risk of leaking or exploding , California emergency officials said they could be changing their strategy as they race to resolve an "unprecedented situation."
•	A Texas race to watch this week: Early voting continues as four-term Sen. John Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002, faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a Texas GOP Senate runoff this week.

NCAA Sports

Lacrosse on the lake

Ncaa Womens Lacrosse Division I Womens Lacrosse Championship

The Northwestern Wildcats celebrate National Championship against the North Carolina Tar Heels on May 24, 2026 in Evanston, Illinois.

David Banks, David Banks-Imagn Images

Northwestern University's women's lacrosse team won the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship on Sunday 14-11, against the North Carolina Tar Heels, making them the only team to topple the ACC powerhouse this season.

Health & Wellness

Should I put the AC on yet?

As outdoor temperatures rise, what is the best temperature setting for the thermostat during the warmer months? And what are some ways to keep the ever-growing electricity bill down? You can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day − raising it in the summer and lowering it in the winter.

Before you go

•	See Miley Cyrus unveil her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
•	Read an escapist book on your day off.
•	"Fjord" won the top prize at Cannes Film Festival.

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.

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