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Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- JEFFRIES CHALLENGES JOHNSON TO PRIME-TIME SHUTDOWN DEBATE: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries asked Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a live, prime-time debate on ending the government shutdown, saying voters deserve to hear competing plans directly. In a letter, Jeffries said he’s available “any day this week,” turning the standoff into a messaging battle. Johnson’s allies dismissed it as theatrics, signaling no appetite to share a spotlight with Democrats. The challenge landed as both chambers traded blame without visible progress. Coverage shows the ask—and Johnson world’s quick brush-off.
- TRUMP SAYS HE’S OPEN TO INVOKING THE INSURRECTION ACT: President Trump said he could use the Insurrection Act if unrest escalates in U.S. cities, a law that allows deploying active-duty troops when local authorities can’t restore order. The comment keeps pressure on Democratic mayors and governors while lawsuits over Guard deployments move through courts. Legal experts note the Act’s broad authority but warn applications are politically fraught. The White House framed it as a last resort. Reporting outlines what the Act permits and past uses.
- FBI REVIEWED GOP SENATORS’ PHONE RECORDS IN JAN. 6 PROBE: Newly disclosed documents show the FBI analyzed call records—metadata, not content—of more than a half-dozen Republican senators in 2023 as part of the now-closed special counsel probe into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Names reportedly included Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, and Ron Johnson, among others. The review was grand-jury authorized, according to AP’s account. GOP leaders blasted the move as overreach and vowed oversight. The investigation ended after Trump’s 2024 victory.
- U.S. SENDS MORE DEPORTEES TO ESWATINI UNDER ‘THIRD-COUNTRY’ FLIGHTS: Eswatini confirmed it received another group of deportees from the U.S.—people who are not Swazi nationals—amid rights concerns from advocates. Ten people arrived this week after a first group in July, signaling the policy is expanding. Critics say the practice complicates legal claims and safe return standards; Washington argues it’s lawful under removal authorities. The flights have drawn regional scrutiny as cases filter through U.S. courts.
- MARK SANCHEZ CHARGED WITH FELONY AFTER ALLEGED PARKING-LOT FIGHT: Former NFL quarterback and current TV analyst Mark Sanchez faces a felony battery charge tied to a weekend altercation in Indianapolis that authorities say began over parking. Police say Sanchez was stabbed by a 69-year-old truck driver who claims self-defense; Sanchez was hospitalized, then listed in stable condition. Earlier misdemeanors were upgraded after prosecutors reviewed video and medical evidence. A conviction could carry one to six years in prison. Sanchez was in town for NFL coverage.
- STRAY BULLET TOOK DOWN INTERNET ACROSS PARTS OF TEXAS: Spectrum says a stray bullet pierced a key fiber line on Sept. 26, knocking nearly 25,000 customers offline in North Texas and disrupting service across Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Service returned within hours, but the incident highlighted how fragile physical network infrastructure can be. Local outlets confirmed the bullet explanation with the ISP, and no shooter has been identified publicly. Similar gunfire-related cuts have hit other markets in the past.
- SUPREME COURT REJECTS LAURA LOOMER’S SOCIAL-MEDIA RICO CASE: The Supreme Court declined to hear Laura Loomer’s appeal against Meta and X, letting lower-court rulings stand that dismissed her racketeering claims over deplatforming during her House runs. The denial came with a note that Justice Samuel Alito “took no part.” The outcome leaves Section 230 and platforms’ moderation policies untouched—for now. Coverage frames it as another failed attempt to turn bans into federal liability.
- AMERICAN AIRLINES CHANGES HOW CARRY-ONS ARE POLICED AT GATES: American Airlines confirmed it’s removing metal bag-sizer frames from boarding gates, telling agents to “err on the side of the customer” while size limits remain unchanged. Sizers will still be available in lobbies; oversize items can still be checked at the gate if needed. The tweak aims to speed boarding and reduce confrontations, following a similar United move years ago. Travel outlets and AA’s statement detail what flyers can expect starting Oct. 6.
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