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Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- SHUTDOWN FIGHT TARGETS FEDERAL JOBS AND GRANTS, RAISING NUCLEAR CONCERNS: The government shutdown is spilling into a battle over which programs get cut, with billions in federal grants—and some nuclear-related funding—on the line. The White House has floated broad personnel reductions if talks stall, while congressional leaders remain dug in. Agencies warned of delayed research, paused contracts, and disrupted services in states that rely heavily on federal dollars. Analysts say targeted cuts could outlast the shutdown if they get written into any stopgap. Negotiators return this week with little public progress so far.
- NEWSOM MOVES TO BLOCK TRUMP’S GUARD DEPLOYMENT TO OREGON—AND WINS PAUSE: California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued to stop the federal government from sending California National Guard troops to Oregon. A federal judge issued a temporary order blocking the deployment through at least Oct. 19, saying the administration hadn’t justified the move. California officials called the deployment an abuse of power; the Pentagon said some personnel had already been reassigned. Oregon leaders also opposed the plan, noting protests there were limited. More court action is expected this week.
- BORDER PATROL SHOOTS WOMAN ACCUSED OF RAMMING ICE CARS IN CHICAGO: Federal officials say an armed woman rammed vehicles that were carrying immigration personnel in Chicago’s Brighton Park, boxing them in with several cars. Border Patrol agents opened fire and the woman later sought treatment at a hospital; her condition wasn’t released. Local outlets report two people now face charges tied to the ramming. The incident unfolded alongside protests over stepped-up federal enforcement. Authorities said additional special-operations teams were sent to the area.
- TRUMP DECLINES TO BACK VIRGINIA GOP NOMINEE AMID ‘TOO MAGA’ ATTACKS: Coverage of Virginia’s governor race noted that President Trump did not endorse Republican Winsome Earle-Sears during a high-profile Virginia appearance, even as she’s labeled “too MAGA” by critics. The moment was widely described as a snub that complicates GOP unity. Trump has instead focused on blasting Democrats over a separate AG-race controversy. The governor contest remains volatile heading into the final stretch.
- HUNDREDS RESCUED AFTER DEADLY BLIZZARD HITS EVEREST REGION IN TIBET: A sudden blizzard trapped close to 1,000 trekkers on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest during China’s national holiday. Authorities say more than 350 people have reached safe areas, while hundreds remain stranded as crews clear deep snow. Evacuations continued Monday, with state media and rescuers reporting crushed tents, hypothermia cases, and blocked mountain roads above 16,000 feet. The storm followed days of deadly floods and landslides elsewhere in the Himalayas. Officials suspended ticket sales to the scenic area.
- RITE AID SAYS ALL STORES ARE NOW CLOSED AFTER YEARS OF TURMOIL: Rite Aid confirmed it has shuttered all remaining stores nationwide, thanking customers after more than six decades in business. The closures follow multiple bankruptcy filings and a wave of location sell-offs. Consumers are being directed to transfer prescriptions and seek refunds for gift cards and unused services. Industry analysts say rivals will absorb much of the foot traffic, but pharmacy deserts could widen in some areas.
- TEXAS AND PENN STATE FALL OUT OF AP TOP 25; MIAMI CLIMBS TO NO. 2: The latest AP Top 25 saw Texas and Penn State—this year’s preseason Nos. 1 and 2—drop completely out after upset losses. Ohio State remains No. 1, while Miami jumped to No. 2 ahead of Oregon. Texas Tech cracked the top 10 for the first time since 2008, and Georgia moved to No. 10. The SEC leads all conferences with nine ranked teams.
- UNC FANS SOUR ON BILL BELICHICK AFTER ROUGH START: North Carolina fell to 2–3 with a lopsided loss to Clemson, and fans vented frustration at first-year coach Bill Belichick. Reports describe early exits from the stadium and players bristling at talk of a long rebuild. Belichick urged patience, saying execution, not effort, is the problem. The Tar Heels face Cal next as pressure mounts to steady the season.
- BURGER KING RETIRES THE ‘CREEPY KING’ MASCOT, PIVOTS TO FAMILY-FRIENDLY IMAGE: Burger King executives said the polarizing “King” character is being phased out again as the chain leans into a more kid-friendly brand. Leadership acknowledged the mask-wearing mascot alienated families, a key customer base. The shift pairs with new playground concepts and store refreshes. Marketing analysts note BK has periodically shelved and revived the character, but this move appears broader.
- ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ SINGERS SURPRISE SNL WITH FIRST-EVER ‘GOLDEN’ PERFORMANCE: In a sketch with host Bad Bunny, vocalists Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna appeared as the fictional group HUNTR/X and performed parts of “Golden.” It was the song’s first live TV performance, ahead of a full rendition slated for The Tonight Show on Oct. 7. The cameo fed the film’s ongoing soundtrack momentum and dominated social chatter after the broadcast. Music trades say awards campaigns for the track are underway.
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