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Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- SHUTDOWN SNARLS U.S. AIR TRAVEL; ONE CONTROL TOWER GOES DARK FOR HOURS: As the government shutdown drags on, air traffic controller shortages triggered widespread delays at major hubs from Chicago and Dallas to Boston and Houston. Hollywood Burbank Airport’s control tower was left unstaffed for several hours on Oct. 6, with a remote facility helping manage traffic and departures facing multi-hour delays; operations resumed the next day. The FAA has flagged more facilities for “low staffing” than at any point since 2022, and unions warn the situation could worsen as unpaid essential workers face missed paychecks. Nashville’s approach-control (TRACON) was temporarily closed and handed off to a regional center, illustrating how gaps are being patched in real time. Transportation officials say safety systems remain in place, but delays and cancellations are likely until funding is restored.
- TRUMP WEIGHS REFUGEE CAP OF 7,500, WITH PRIORITY FOR WHITE SOUTH AFRICANS: The administration is considering cutting U.S. refugee admissions to as low as 7,500 this year, the lowest level on record. Officials have floated prioritizing white South African applicants (Afrikaners), a proposal already drawing criticism from refugee advocates. Supporters say the shift focuses on groups facing persecution; critics call it discriminatory and politically driven. The talks come alongside stepped-up immigration enforcement. A final ceiling and criteria could be set in the coming days.
- TESLA UNVEILS CHEAPER MODEL 3 AND MODEL Y TO CLAW BACK MARKET SHARE: Tesla rolled out lower-priced versions of its Model 3 and Model Y, aiming to boost sales after a tough year. The trims sacrifice some range and features to hit more affordable price points. Analysts say the move pressures rivals but also highlights Tesla’s margin squeeze. Investors are watching whether discounts revive deliveries without eroding profitability. The announcement follows months of uneven demand and intensifying competition.
- POPE LEO XIV STARTS ROLLING BACK PARTS OF FRANCIS’ FINANCIAL PLAN: Pope Leo XIV revoked a Francis-era law that centralized money controls at the Vatican bank, signaling a broader rethink of recent financial reforms. Vatican reporters say departments will regain some authority over their funds, with new guardrails promised. Supporters call it a practical fix after years of turbulence; critics worry about transparency. More changes are expected as the new pontificate reviews procurement and oversight rules. The Vatican has not released a full timetable.
- ZACH BRYAN TEASES SONG BLASTING ICE, SPARKING QUICK BACKLASH: Country star Zach Bryan previewed lyrics criticizing ICE raids in a new track, igniting a political flare-up online. ABC reports the snippet came via Instagram stories, with lyrics referencing agents “busting down your door.” DHS officials pushed back publicly, saying the portrayal is unfair. Fans are split, with some praising the stance and others urging him to “stick to music.” No release date for the full song was announced.
- LEBRON’S ‘DECISION OF ALL DECISIONS’ WAS… A HENNESSY AD: LeBron James teased a dramatic announcement, sending retirement rumors—and ticket prices—soaring. The reveal turned out to be a cognac partnership ad that spoofed his 2010 TV special. Fans alternated between relief and annoyance at the marketing fake-out. Reporters note LeBron remains active and has not hinted at leaving the Lakers. Limited-edition bottles tie into the campaign.
- NFL FINES JERRY JONES $250,000 FOR OBSCENE GESTURE AT METLIFE: The league docked Cowboys owner Jerry Jones $250,000 after cameras caught him flashing an obscene gesture during a win over the Jets. Jones says it was a mistaken “thumbs up” in the excitement after a touchdown. He has appealed the fine. The NFL has penalized owners for similar conduct in the past. The incident went viral within minutes of the game.
- RUSH ANNOUNCES 2026 REUNION TOUR HONORING NEIL PEART’S LEGACY: Rock band Rush will reunite for a 2026 tour, their first since drummer Neil Peart’s death. German drummer and composer Anika Nilles will sit in behind the kit. Dates include Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and a finale in Cleveland. The band frames the trek as a tribute rather than a full-time return. Fan demand is expected to be intense when tickets go on sale.
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