Is the Great American State Fair 'packed'?
Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start with these reads:
- Trump called a housing affordability bill a "yawn."
- Kentucky floods inundated homes and streets.
- The Strawberry Moon peaked last night.
Nicole Fallert and Jane Onyanga-Omara here, bringing you the news to know on Tuesday.
Trump touts 'packed' Great American State Fair, but is it?
The Great American State Fair continues Tuesday on the National Mall.
President Donald Trump said the 16-day event was “packed with happy people,” but a USA TODAY visit Monday found light crowds, short lines and plenty of open space, though it remains unclear what the July 4th holiday weekend will bring. Meanwhile, extreme heat is coming.
If you're looking to toast America's big birthday, do so with a free beer.
More news to know now
- The wave of progressive candidates challenging mainstream Democrats may drown Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper in Colorado's primaries today.
- What the Lisa Cook ruling means: The Supreme Court ruled Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — a decision seen as a loss for the president.
- Exclusive: The landmark housing bill that Congress approved last week will become law with or without President Trump's signature, House Speaker Mike Johnson says.
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FIFA World Cup
Wild penalty shootout sends one team to World Cup round of 16

Germany's Jonathan Tah nearly had the go-ahead goal in extra time. Instead, Paraguay’s Orlando Gill will be a hero in his homeland. Gill saved the first shot of a penalty shootout at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Paraguay defeated Germany following a 1-1 draw, 4-3 on penalty kicks.
Things to talk about
The wedding the world is waiting for
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce still haven't confirmed when or where they'll get married. But since reports linked the couple's big day to Madison Square Garden on July 3, new details have continued to emerge — from public permits and venue schedules to comments from teammates, city officials and the bride and groom. Here are some of our biggest burning questions.
Before you go
- Amanda Batula is out from "Summer House."
- Shop Sephora's "quiet hours."
- Oh, to be Bad Bunny at Wimbledon.
Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at [email protected].