Monday, June 8, 2026

Watch the Knicks (and Trump)

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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Mon Jun 8 2026

Nicole Fallert
Newsletter Writer & SEO Editor

Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start the day with these stories:

•	The Israeli military launched strikes on Iran.
•	A reality TV star lost ground in the LA mayoral race.
•	A missing Auburn student was found dead in Japan.

Nicole Fallert here. Catch up with our News Quiz. Then dive into the news to know on Monday, from the Knicks' (and President Donald Trump's) MSG game tonight to sweltering World Cup host cities.

Tickets drop as Trump plans MSG appearance

President Trump plans to attend Game 3 on Monday at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

Why is Trump coming? At a time when he’s deeply unpopular in New York City, Trump is likely going because it presents him with yet another opportunity to build his brand and be seen by more than 10 million people watching at home, presidential historian Matt Dallek told USA TODAY. Due to security concerns, fan watch parties tonight have been canceled, and prices for the cheapest Game 3 ticket have dropped more than 50% in 24 hours.

About the basketball: The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead over the Spurs, and could put themselves on the brink of their first championship in 53 years with a win in Game 3.

More news to know now

•	President cuts interview: Trump abruptly walked away from an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" after moderator Kristen Welker challenged him about unsubstantiated claims of "cheating" in the California primary elections.
•	Can Nancy Mace overcome a Trump snub? In tomorrow's Republican primary for South Carolina governor, Trump has endorsed state Lt. Gov. Sam Evette over Rep. Nancy Mace.
•	He helped rid a river of toxic chemicals. Then cancer came for him. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, spent more than two years following Scot Meisenheimer’s struggle to get Tetra Tech, the company that oversaw his role driving cleanup of the Lower Fox River in Wisconsin, to cover his medical expenses.

Tony Awards 2026

Magical musical theatre

Alex Brightman, Sara Chase and the cast of Schmigadoon! perform onstage.

Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

The Tony Awards were happy to get lost in magical musical “Schmigadoon!” The new Broadway comedy won four statuettes including best musical at Sunday's ceremony. See the full list of winners.

World Cup 2026

Host cities get ready to heat up (literally)

The countdown to the World Cup continues, with Monday marking just three days until the tournament kicks off. The weekend saw a number of World Cup teams in action in friendlies across the globe, while players arrived at U.S. host cities across the country (think Team Spain in Chattanooga). But temperatures across America are heating up as much as the competition, setting the stage for a sweltering tournament for players and fans alike.

Before you go

•	Ariana Grande is back on tour.
•	You're not dreaming: Parenting is getting harder.
•	Dotcups are everywhere.

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

Multiple people injured after stabbings at NYC's Penn Station

NYPD police officers are seen outside Penn Station in New York on June 7, 2026. Six people were wounded Sunday in a stabbing at New York's Penn Station, according to the city fire department, which said all victims were transported to hospital and the attacker was "in custody." The victims were all civilians, including one person with serious injuries, the New York Fire Department said in a statement. (Photo by John Lamparski / AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: 2279831378

Citing Amtrak police, the NYPD said Amtrak police officers responded to "multiple individuals slashed inside of Penn Station" after 7 p.m. local time.

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