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Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- CHARLIE KIRK MEMORIAL DRAWS THOUSANDS, TRIBUTES FROM GOP LEADERS: A public memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Speakers praised his campus organizing and digital reach, and several Republican figures, including President Trump, attended. The program featured prayers, testimonies from Turning Point USA colleagues, and video montages of Kirk’s work. Security was tight as investigators continue to pursue leads in the killing. Organizers framed the event as a call to continue Kirk’s activism.
- MAN ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO KILL TRUMP WILL CALL ONLY THREE WITNESSES: Ryan Routh, on trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump during a 2024 golf outing, is representing himself. Prosecutors have presented dozens of witnesses, but Routh says he’ll call only a firearms expert and two character witnesses. He has not decided whether to testify. The judge previously ruled the case could proceed after finding sufficient evidence for a jury to consider. Closing arguments could come soon once the defense rests.
- TRUMP RAISES H-1B VISA FEE TO $100,000 AS PART OF NEW LIMITS: The administration announced a sharp fee increase for new H-1B petitions, setting the required payment at $100,000 effective Sept. 21. A proclamation restricting the entry of some nonimmigrant workers accompanied the change. Agencies say the move targets abuse and prioritizes U.S. workers, though business groups warn of talent shortages. Legal and policy challenges are likely as details are implemented across USCIS and State. Employers are reviewing hiring plans ahead of the 2026 lottery.
- TALIBAN REJECT TRUMP’S PUSH TO RETAKE AFGHANISTAN’S BAGRAM AIR BASE: Taliban officials publicly dismissed the idea of allowing a U.S. return to Bagram, calling it a violation of Afghan sovereignty. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid cited commitments in the 2020 Doha Agreement. The statement follows Trump’s recent comments suggesting the U.S. should reestablish a presence at the strategic site. The rejection underscores the deep diplomatic rift and the limits of leverage over Kabul. Analysts say any U.S. move would face enormous legal and military hurdles.
- GERMAN, SWEDISH JETS TRACK RUSSIAN SPY PLANE OVER BALTIC SEA: Germany scrambled two Eurofighters to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft flying without a flight plan over the Baltic, then handed monitoring to Sweden’s Gripens. The intercept occurred in international airspace and ended without incident. The episode follows other recent tensions, including Russian airspace violations near Estonia and drone incidents cited by allies. European capitals urged vigilance and coordination under NATO procedures. Berlin said its jets returned to base after the handoff.
- TAYLOR SWIFT TO HOST AMC RELEASE PARTIES FOR ‘THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL’: AMC Theatres announced official release-party screenings for Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl the weekend of Oct. 3–5. Events include a new music-video premiere and tie-in merch, with AMC distributing to 100+ countries. The campaign mirrors last year’s concert-film rollout, tapping premium formats and fan dress-up nights. Ticketing is through AMC’s site and app, with staggered global showtimes. Theaters expect high demand given Swift’s recent run of record-setting events.
- CARDI B DROPS ‘AM I THE DRAMA?’ WITH STAR-PACKED FEATURES: Cardi B released her second studio album, Am I the Drama?, her first since 2018’s Invasion of Privacy. The tracklist includes collaborations with Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, Megan Thee Stallion, and others. Early coverage highlights a pop-rap blend aimed at radio and streaming playlists. Fans and critics are watching first-week numbers after several high-profile singles. The rollout included coordinated videos and social campaigns.
- CLIPPERS SAY BALLMER WAS ‘DUPED’ AMID NEW KAWHI/ASPIRATION TWIST: As the NBA probes whether an Aspiration deal improperly paid Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers contend owner Steve Ballmer was misled by the company. Reports detail a $28 million “no-show” endorsement arrangement linked to prior Ballmer investments, which he denies coordinating. Commissioner Adam Silver says the league needs hard evidence before any punishment. Media timelines show multiple payments and partnerships now under scrutiny. The club maintains it followed league rules.
- CAITLIN CLARK FINED $200 FOR INSTAGRAM COMMENT ABOUT REFS: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark said the WNBA fined her $200 after she commented on officiating following a playoff win. She joked online that the penalty would only make the bench louder next game. The league did not announce further discipline. Clark remains sidelined with injury but has been active supporting teammates. The Fever advanced to the semifinals after beating the Dream.
- ‘HARRY POTTER’ ACTRESS SAYS ONLYFANS LED TO FAN-CONVENTION BAN: Jessie Cave, who played Lavender Brown in the films, said a convention barred her because she launched an OnlyFans page. Organizers reportedly told her the platform conflicted with their family-friendly standards. Cave said her content isn’t sexual and that conventions have long been part of her income. She added that she’s ready to move on to new roles and projects. Coverage notes she won’t appear at upcoming franchise events.
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