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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Tue Sep 9 2025

Nicole Fallert | Newsletter Writer

@nicolefallert

It's a new day!🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. When are fall leaves coming near you?

Quick look at Tuesday's news:

•	A war of words is escalating between Trump and Illinois leaders.
•	Are TheoBros really separate from the manosphere?
•	Some parents are giving their teens ketamine therapy.

An immigration crackdown in Chicago

The Department of Homeland Security said it is launching Operation Midway Blitz, a new initiative targeting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes across Chicago and Illinois.

What happens now? Hundreds of Homeland Security officials are expected to operate from a naval base outside Chicago. DHS said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation will target people in the country illegally who commit crimes.

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Chicagoans are taking action. The Illinois immigrant rights group have set up a hotline for Chicagoans to report sightings of ICE agents. The White House vehemently argues that the Chicago operation is aimed at targeting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, but local community members say it's causing fear among law-abiding neighbors.

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Then in a win for Trump, the Supreme Court lifted restrictions on LA immigration stops. A divided Supreme Court on Monday said the Trump administration can resume for now the indiscriminate immigration-related stops in Los Angeles that sparked protests and charges of racial profiling. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the ruling "unconscionably irreconcilable with our nation's constitutional guarantees."

Two elections are happening today

Two early autumn elections have America's attention Tuesday: A mayoral primary in Boston and a Congressional special election in Virginia. While far from major election dates, the races serve as yet another signal of voters' feelings for the current administration.

•	In Boston: Mayor Michelle Wu is facing off against Josh Kraft, a fellow Democrat and the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, in the Massachusetts city's mayoral primary election Tuesday. But her biggest opponent may well be President Donald Trump.
•	Virginia special election: Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw, a Democrat, is expected to win Tuesday's special election to fill the late Rep. Gerry Connolly's (D-Va.) seat. If he were to be sworn in, things could get trickier for Trump and Speaker Johnson to get their work done on the GOP agenda.

More news to know now

•	Video of a "heartbreaking" deadly stabbing on Charlotte's light train was released.
•	Could the Supreme Court strike down Trump's tariffs?
•	"Kissing bug" disease is endemic in the U.S.
•	Civil Rights veterans are crafting these college courses.

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

What's in the Epstein 'birthday book'?

A House committee released a slew of documents about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, including a "birthday book" with messages purported to be from President Trump and former President Bill Clinton, among others. The book is filled with lewd pictures, with many faces blacked out, and messages both handwritten and typed from well-wishers for Epstein's 50th birthday. The book lists notable figures such as Clinton and Dershowitz as contributors and "friends," but neither has been charged in association with Epstein. Trump has denied contributing to the book.

How segments of Christianity overlap with the manosphere

The manosphere — a movement encompassing hypermasculinity, male supremacy, misogyny and traditional gender roles and driven by podcasters, bloggers and social media warriors — has become increasingly mainstream. And now, it is converging with a segment of conservative Christianity. Aspects of the manosphere woven through American culture, from Silicon Valley "TechBros" to the largely evangelical "TheoBros," typify a number of high-profile Christian pastors and podcasters. One preacher's rise illustrates the phenomenon.

Today's talkers

•	What will we watch after "The Summer I Turned Pretty"?
•	Ayo Edebiri had this response when she heard the #MeToo, BLM movements are "done."
•	Our Sports journalists unpacked the Chicago Bears' awful night.
•	Emily Blunt and John Krasinski had a jumbotron moment.

Parents are quietly trying ketamine therapy for teens

Ketamine therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years and, in select cases, has been used to treat young people. Doctors say it can provide life-saving support in instances where other medications have failed, but there are risks involved, including the potential for dependence when improperly administered. Despite the potential dangers, some young users and their families say trying the controversial therapy is preferable to being stuck in the status quo. Dozens of commenters on Reddit talk about seeking out care for minors, but most USA TODAY spoke with declined to go on the record for fear of stigma. Here's why ketamine therapy isn't a cure-all.

Photo of the day: Justice strikes

British street artist Banksy painted a new mural on London's High Court depicting a judge beating a protester.

People look at a new mural by anonymous artist Banksy on the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Britain, September 8, 2025.

Simon Gardner, REUTERS

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.