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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Thu Mar 13 2025

Nicole Fallert | Newsletter Writer

@nicolefallert

Good morning!🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Follow the path of the "blood moon."

Quick look at Thursday's news:

•	Education Department cuts are here.
•	A total lunar eclipse is set to occur Thursday night.
•	NFL free agency was a blur of moves across the league.

Trump slashed the Education Department. What about your loans?

After the Trump administration moved this week to lay off about half of the U.S. Department of Education's staff, millions of students, families and educators across America may be wondering what this means for federal financial aid.

Still here, but slower: Experts say laws created by Congress should keep federal financial aid safe, but workforce reduction will make it much harder for remaining agency staffers to keep up.

•	Why is Trump gutting the agency? He cited the department's own data on the U.S.'s relatively low academic rankings compared to other countries.
•	But the department doesn't control what gets taught in schools. Trump's goal of sending education "back to the states" is based on a false premise.
•	"I'm sorry, but that is bulls--t": Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers was among some state leaders who sounded off concern for weakened school budgets, inflated class sizes and problems recruiting and retaining teachers.

Total lunar eclipse to be visible in US for first time since 2022

The Earth will make its way between the sun and moon Thursday night, resulting in a total lunar eclipse, also known as the "blood moon." Unlike the more rare total solar eclipse, which had a path of totality through only a portion of the United States last year, the total lunar eclipse will be viewable in all of the lower 48 states. Special equipment isn't necessary to take in a total lunar eclipse.

More news to know now

•	A Texas church school ranked last in state measles vaccination rates. Its pastor rejoiced.
•	SpaceX canceled a launch set to bring Starliner astronauts home.
•	Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance echoes the Natalee Holloway case.
•	Alaska's Mount Spurr could erupt imminently.
•	Strict pet adoption rules are frustrating some wannabe pet parents.

Pause with our crossword. Sally's hint: Rear Ends.

Tariffs loom over eased inflation

Inflation eased more than expected in February, but the reprieve probably will be short-lived, economists say, with President Donald Trump's barrage of import tariffs set to propel prices higher. Some economists say the president's import fees, especially on Chinese shipments, may already be reigniting inflation for products such as household furnishings, apparel and electronics. Here's what this means for your groceries.

American negotiators are headed in Moscow

An American envoy flew to Russia on Thursday, the Kremlin said. The visit is intended for deliberations about a peace initiative crafted between the U.S. and Ukraine. Contact between Washington and Moscow comes after President Donald Trump offered words of warning for Russian leaders that "very bad" things were coming if they did not agree to a ceasefire. Trump added that he doesn't want to inflict harm on Russia.

Today's talkers

•	Watch Auburn baseball's Cade Belyeu hit a home run to honor his late mom.
•	Love true crime? USA TODAY launched WITNESS, a true-crime collection powered by investigative journalism.
•	The "Another Simple Favor" director almost "killed" the sequel.
•	Be quiet on the plane!
•	Eminem wants to see the WNBA in Detroit.
•	Someone get Gabby Windey her "Traitors" money.

Happy New Year, NFL

The NFL's new league year arrived Wednesday with a flurry of free-agent signings and trades. Aaron Rodgers is among the biggest names still available on the free-agent market, and his decision could influence where Russell Wilson ends up. Elsewhere, Cooper Kupp is now a free agent and will join a couple of other veteran receivers – Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs – looking for new homes. USA TODAY Sports has latest updates, signings, releases, rumors.

Photo of the day: The family that looks alright, alright, alright

Texas gets a taste of Hollywood this week during the annual South by Southwest festival. Actors, writers, musicians and influencers have descended on Austin for days of premieres, panels and creativity. The McConaughey family showed up in style.

Matthew McConaughey, his wife Camila Alves and their son Levi Alves McConaughey attend the "The Rivals of Amziah King" premiere at SXSW this week.

SUZANNE CORDEIRO, AFP via 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.