Daily Briefing: Murdoch's succession
Lachlan Murdoch congratulated his father for a "remarkable 70-year career" after Rupert Murdoch announced he would be stepping down as chairman of Fox and News Corp. Also in the news: UAW could expand its strike to include more auto plants by midday Friday and what to know about mounting book bans across the nation.
🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Fat Bear Week hasn’t even started but these burly bears are already winners.
This is the news to know on Friday.
Media mogul Murdoch will step aside in November
Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan is set to become the sole chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp after his father makes his official departure from both companies in November. Rupert Murdoch, 92, is transitioning to the title of chairman emeritus and said he was in good health when he announced the move on Thursday. The change comes amid a tumultuous period for Fox's TV network: The company earlier this year settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million right as the case was about to go to trial. A week after the settlement was agreed to, the network and top talent Tucker Carlson agreed to part ways. Read more
Opinion: What does Rupert Murdoch's exit mean for Fox News?
UAW threatens to expand its strike by noon on Friday
The United Auto Workers union is preparing to expand its strike against Detroit’s Big Three unless it sees progress in contract negotiations. UAW President Shawn Fain says workers at more factories will join those already on strike at noon Friday unless there is “serious progress” toward agreements. So far the strike is limited to about 13,000 workers at a Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri, and a Stellantis plant in Toledo, Ohio. However, layoffs are starting to occur at other locations as the strike crimps the industry's supply chain. Read more
Hollywood holds its breath as dual actors, writers' strike drags on. When will it end?
More news to know now
Police arrested a second teen in a Vegas hit-and-run of police chief after a viral video captures moment.
The Senate confirmed two critical military officers despite Tommy Tuberville's abortion protest.
Nearly a half-million Venezuelan migrants who are already in the U.S. will be offered temporary legal status.
Frank James' lawyers asked for a 18-year sentence in a Brooklyn subway shooting.
For subscribers: A college rodeo in Wisconsin ropes the Yellowstone spirit.
On today's 5 Things podcast, how the Supreme Court could influence the government's power to regulate the internet. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your smart speaker.
What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.
House Republicans cancel votes with just eight days to funding deadline
House Republicans have just about a week to avert a government shutdown, after making little to no progress for weeks of negotiations.
That didn't stop House GOP leadership on Thursday from canceling future planned votes for the rest of the week, seemingly sending lawmakers back home as they work to mend divisions.
The prospects of a government shutdown heightened Thursday after hardline conservative lawmakers tanked a procedural vote for a defense spending bill for the second time, in another stunning setback for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as he struggles to unite House Republicans behind a funding deal.
Moderate GOP lawmakers who have increasingly become frustrated with their conservative colleagues have discussed pursuing an archaic legislative process that allows lawmakers to force a bill on the House floor, effectively sidestepping leadership.
The petition may present a rare opportunity for bipartisanship in Washington, as lawmakers seek answers on how to avoid a shutdown for constituents.
Related: What would a government shutdown mean for travel?
Zelenskyy's address to Washington asks for more aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy capped off a daytrip to Washington on Thursday, when he met with lawmakers, military brass and President Joe Biden at the White House. But his visit seems to have done little to change the hearts and minds of lawmakers skeptical of providing additional assistance to Ukraine. Biden in August requested lawmakers to approve another $24 billion in additional aid related to Ukraine. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who has expressed reluctance to include Ukraine aid in a spending package to fund the government, declined to commit to putting Biden's ask on the House floor on Thursday. Read more
''Terrorist state'': Russia's latest barrage brings more death.
Canada says India helped assassinate a Sikh activist: Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Book bans continue to rise in US public schools and libraries
Book bans across the country hit a record high in the last academic school year as public schools and libraries have been targeted by continued efforts to censor books, according to new reports released this week. A majority of the targeted books were written by or about a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or a woman, according to reports released from the American Library Association and PEN America, a free speech advocacy group. And the challenges continue to spread through "coordinated campaigns by a vocal minority of groups," the reports said. Read more
Concerned moms are shaping culture wars —and the 2024 race.
Quick hits
Fired Black TikTok workers alleged a culture of discrimination in a civil rights complaint.
Sophie Turner sued for the return of her daughters as ex Joe Jonas disputed claims.
Are Airbnbs cheaper than hotels?
Milan Fashion Week 2023: Rosalía, Emma Watson, Amanda Gorman glowed at Prada.
''Love Is Blind'' Season 5: Here's the cast, premiere date, trailer and how to watch the new episodes.
Humans harassing and taking selfies with sea lions prompted San Diego to close popular beaches.
Photo of the day: Julie Ertz's farewell to USWNT
The U.S. women gave Julie Ertz the perfect send-off. The U.S. Women's National Team beat South Africa 3-0 on Thursday night and, in the process, found some of that joy they were missing at the World Cup. Read more
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 or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Support journalism like this – subscribe to USA TODAY here.
Associated Press contributed reporting.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Murdoch, UAW strike, government shutdown, Zelenskyy, Ukraine, culture wars, Sophie Turner: Daily Briefing
