World News: Measles is spreading. Is your state at risk?

Wednesday, October 7

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The Daily Briefing

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Good morning! It’s Wednesday, Oct. 7, and today you should know: Christa Pike is conscious and talking after her botched execution. A system in the Gulf is now a tropical depression. And the Israel-Hamas war began 3 years ago.

I’m Mallorie Sullivan, and I guess I know where I'll be trying to get a reservation for the next several months. Let's get into the news.

🚨 Measles has been declared an emergency

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with nearly 4,000 cases reported so far this year. The outbreak has grown serious enough for New York to declare a statewide disaster emergency this week as infections climb. And while the virus isn't spreading evenly, officials say many states remain vulnerable. See where cases are rising and whether your state is at risk.

•	The outbreak has turned vaccines into a midterm election issue.
•	Also: Here are top doctors' recommendations for COVID, flu and RSV vaccines.

📺 Your next political ad may be AI-generated

As November gets closer, you've probably noticed the political ads working overtime to get your vote. But have you noticed how many are using AI-generated content? Campaigns are increasingly turning to the technology to create and enhance ads, a move critics say could mislead voters. While digital manipulation tactics aren't new, the rules governing AI's use may be murkier than you realize.

•	AI-generated posters are also everywhere, and graphic designers are fed up.
•	Not sure what's real or fake? Here are tips for spotting AI-generated content.

🛍️ Secondhand shopping is having a moment

Growing up, I was always a little embarrassed most of my clothes were thrifted. But—don't tell my mom—I was apparently ahead of my time: A new report found 76% of people have shopped secondhand in the last year, and nearly half do so at least monthly. And guess who's driving the trend? Younger generations. So, what changed? Here's what's behind the secondhand boom.

•	With the holidays coming up: 'Thriftmas' gifts can save you serious money.
•	Looking for more deals? Here are 10 sales competing with Prime Day deals.

📲 What I've texted people this week

•	My husband, who can finally stop hearing me complain about it: Topo Chico is coming back.
•	The group chat, the second I bought tickets: Nathan Fielder's Elizabeth Holmes doc is the wildest movie in years.
•	My sister, the most anxious person I know: Should Americans be worried about the suspected plague death in Russia? We asked the experts.

Continue scrolling for more news. And make sure to do the crossword! 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

'Uncharted territory': Will Tennessee try to kill Christa Pike again?

Convicted Job Corps killer Christa Gail Pike returned to court in Knoxville, Tenn. on Feb. 27, 2006 for a second chance at appealing her conviction -- a legal maneuver she once rejected. Her mother, Carissa Hansen of Texas, was the first of seven witnesses scheduled to testify today before Criminal Court Judge Mary Beth Leibowitz. Pike listens to her mother detail Pike's difficult childhood, including her premature birth, marijuana and cocaine use and abortion. Michael Patrick, USA TODAY Network

So far, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has not responded to repeated calls from Pike's attorneys and death penalty observers to commute her sentence from the death penalty to life in prison.