Three NYC firemen, George Johnson and Dan McWilliams and Bill Eisengrein, raise an American flag near the rubble of the World Trade Center. Taken at 5:01 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2001.
Models at Brandon Maxwell's 10th anniversary show during New York Fashion Week carried newspapers down the runway on Sept. 9, 2025.

Good morning! I'm Nicole Fallert. Mental health break: Take in the world's tallest sunflower.

Quick look at Thursday's news:

  • Charlie Kirk's death follows escalated violence in recent years against U.S. political figures.
  • Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
  • Have egg prices recovered?

Charlie Kirk, and the latest case of US political violence

The shooting and killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk shines a spotlight on violence that has engulfed America’s political debate and led to unprecedented threats against public figures.

A surge of political violence nationwide: Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking outdoors at Utah Valley University as part of his "The American Comeback Tour" with the organization he founded, Turning Point USA. The incident was the latest in a series of attacks on U.S. political figures, including two assassination attempts against President Donald Trump last year, that have underscored a sharp rise in political violence.

  • The shooter and motive are still unknown. Police arrested two people in the wake of the shooting, but both have been released and are not believed to be the shooter, authorities said.
  • Kirk's legacy: The conservative phenom built what he called "the largest pro-American student organization in the country," Turning Point USA, over the last decade that helped propel Trump to the White House — and vet his aides after he arrived.
  • Meanwhile, another shooting at another school: A male student who shot two of his peers at a Colorado high school died of self-inflicted injuries hours after the violence Wednesday, authorities said.

Remembering 24 years since the 9/11 terror attacks

On Thursday, 2,983 names, so many familiar to New York's Lower Hudson Valley residents, will be read aloud at what was ground zero on Sept. 11, 2001. Local towns and villages will hold similarly solemn ceremonies remembering residents lost 24 years ago in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Speeches and prayers will include pledges to "never forget."

Read more about 9/11 from USA TODAY:

  • The World Trade Center Health Program is floundering, advocates warn, as 9/11 responders continue to die from the toxic exposures at ground zero.
  • 9/11 families say this U.S. ally helped the hijackers. They're suing to know the truth.
  • From USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page: "It's Trump's world, 24 years after 9/11, and it's a lonelier place."
  • How has teaching about 9/11 changed since 2001? USA TODAY asked educators.
  • These iconic images from 9/11 are truly unforgettable.

More news to know now

  • The UK fired its ambassador to the U.S. because of Epstein links.
  • Kamala Harris refused to tell Joe Biden he should not run for reelection — and now admits it was a colossal mistake.
  • New details were released about a turbulent Delta flight that sent dozens to the hospital.
  • Detroit Tigers executives and former players were accused of misconduct toward women.
  • How big is the gender wage gap now?

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

Is egg-flation over?

Egg prices are down 70% since March, when they reached their highest levels this year, prompting supermarkets to implement rationing policies as suppliers struggled to meet demand. Egg prices rose sharply due to a bird flu epidemic in the laying hen population that spanned from mid-October 2024 through early March, resulting in the depopulation of 50.7 million egg-laying hens. While it’s difficult to predict whether the low prices will last, there is evidence to suggest they might not go back to March highs anytime soon. As long as there are no other outbreaks, shoppers can expect cooler prices heading into the holiday season in addition to an abatement of egg-buying restrictions at grocery stores. But experts believe there may be a bird flu resurgence with the fall migration season approaching.

Poland invoked NATO Article 4

Poland has asked NATO to open consultations under Article 4 of the alliance's treaty after Polish fighter jets, with help from NATO allies, shot down multiple Russian drones that entered its eastern border early Wednesday. It was the first time the NATO member directly engaged with Russian military assets in its airspace since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The number of drones detected — and NATO’s response — raised fears that the Ukraine war could lead to a confrontation between Russia and NATO. And drone and missile attacks from Russia have been increasing.

  • NATO Articles 4 and 5: Could Ukraine war trigger alliance defense obligations?

Today's talkers

  • What is Spotify's new Lossless Listening?
  • These NCAA players bet on themselves. Literally.
  • Why did the "Phillies Karen" spark national outrage?
  • Emma Heming Willis responds to public "judgment" amid Bruce's dementia.
  • Need school lunch inspiration?

Why won't insurance cover this PCOS treatment?

'I'm hoping the insurance policy will change soon, but I'm glad to have that on my record now. It feels like 1 in 10 women having PCOS should be enough to move the needle on what gets covered with insurance, but it is a messy system.'

~ Tahira Adaya, 35, told USA TODAY Zepbound is a "miracle solution" for her decades-long struggle with PCOS and irregular periods. But she pays $350 per month for the GLP-1 drug through an online pharmacy. When the cost of treatment breaks the bank, other PCOS patients are left searching for insurance loopholes or sacrifice treatment.

Photo of the day: USA TODAY's favorite accessory

Newsprint as high fashion?! OK, we're in. Brandon Maxwell's runway show this week, ahead of New York Fashion Week, showcased designs fit to print. Scroll more photos of New York Fashion Week.

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.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daily Briefing: Who killed Charlie Kirk?

Reporting by Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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