World News: The generation keeping faith alive

Thursday, September 24

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The Daily Briefing

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Good morning! It's Thursday, Sept. 24, and today you should know: A federal judge ordered President Donald Trump to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The Presidents Cup begins today. And the Falcons play the Packers tonight!

I'm Mallorie Sullivan, and I envy those who live in states that are ready to make daylight saving time permanent. Let's get to the news:

🍽️ It's state dinner time

Following a grand arrival ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping will join Trump this evening for a closely watched state dinner, during which the two are expected to discuss topics such as Iranian oil imports, the U.S. ban on Chinese auto imports and — perhaps the most-watched topic — the AI arms race that has tech leaders calling to slow down the speed of development.

•	This is Xi's first state visit in a decade. See photos from his arrival and his last state visit.
•	Trump referred to "AI" as "superintelligence." But there's a difference between the two.

🌀 Hawaii braces for a new storm

The approaching system, named Tropical Storm Nolo (not to be confused with Polo ), is forecast to bring heavy rain to the eastern Hawaiian islands through the weekend. The storm, expected to gain hurricane strength later today, could potentially bring "catastrophic flooding and mudslides" to areas still recovering from Hurricane Lala.

•	El Niño could fuel a hurricane season record for Hawaii. See why.
•	Where's Polo? The storm is bringing powerful winds to Mexico ahead of making landfall.
•	In the Northeast: A nor'easter is expected to slam the region this weekend.

🙏 Gen Z is more religious than you think

With America in a steady religious decline, each generation of adults less faithful than the one before it, it was thought that Gen Z would continue that pattern, with one study labeling the age group "the least religious generation yet." But that is far from the truth, according to a new study: Younger people are not only more religious than previously believed, but more so than any of their elders.

•	Speaking of: More than half of Gen Z daters say they've ghosted over a bill.

👀 A look at my browsing history

•	Aldi is cutting prices on a third of its products. Here's when.
•	Trump is pushing for a ban on diesel exports. It could raise gas prices.
•	The world's best airlines of 2026 have been unveiled. See who made the list.
•	You may be owed money if you've paid an ATM fee or shopped at CVS.
•	If you have this meat or this pasta in your fridge, throw it out.

Keep scrolling for more news. And do the crossword here! I'll see you tomorrow 👋

Have feedback for me? Shoot me a message at msullivan@usatoday.com, I'd love to hear from you! Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it in your inbox daily.

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DON'T MISS

Navy says 8 sailors attempted suicide aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln

The U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is docked at Laem Chabang Port for a rest stop following a lengthy deployment in the Middle East, in Chonburi province, Thailand, Sept. 3, 2026. Chalinee Thirasupa, REUTERS

The Navy revealed that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its Middle East deployment.