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Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- TRUMP SIGNS BILL ENDING THE LONGEST U.S. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: After 43 days, President Donald Trump signed a funding package that reopens the federal government. The House passed the bill 222–209 after the Senate approved it earlier in the week. The deal funds agencies into January and leaves some health-care disputes for later talks. Agencies will restart services, but travel delays and other backlogs may take time to clear. Federal workers are set to receive back pay.
- EMAILS TIED TO EPSTEIN ALLEGE TRUMP “KNEW ABOUT THE GIRLS”: Newly released emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s files, published by House Democrats, include claims that Trump was aware of Epstein’s misconduct and spent time with a victim. One 2011 note references a young woman later identified by outlets as Virginia Giuffre. The White House and Trump’s team deny any wrongdoing, pointing to past statements that Trump banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago. The messages add to the political fight over what the public should make of Epstein-related records.
- U.S. MINT ENDS PENNY PRODUCTION AFTER MORE THAN 230 YEARS: The Mint struck the final batch of one-cent coins in Philadelphia, ending routine penny production to save money. Officials say the coin costs far more than one cent to make and isn’t needed for commerce at current volumes. Pennies already in circulation remain legal tender, and limited collector issues may continue. Retailers can still price to the cent, with some businesses testing rounding policies.
- YOUTUBE TV SAYS DISNEY BLACKOUT CENTERS ON ABC, NOT ESPN: As negotiations dragged on, YouTube TV said ABC’s price—rather than ESPN’s—was the main sticking point. The carriage dispute has left Disney networks dark on the service in many markets. Sports fans have been anxiously watching to see if ESPN would be next, but both sides signal ESPN terms are not the issue. Customers have been offered bill credits during the outage.
- AKON ARRESTED IN GEORGIA OVER SUSPENDED LICENSE, OFFICIALS SAY: The singer was booked near Atlanta after authorities said he missed a court date tied to a suspended license citation. He was released shortly after processing. A representative said the suspension stemmed from a clerical error and will be addressed in court. The arrest followed an earlier incident involving his vehicle.
- TIKTOK INFLUENCER ORDERED TO PAY $1.75M OVER AFFAIR THAT ENDED A MARRIAGE: A North Carolina jury found an influencer liable in an “alienation of affection” case tied to an affair with her manager. The verdict includes compensatory and punitive damages totaling $1.75 million. The plaintiff said the relationship destroyed his marriage; the influencer has not publicly commented on the jury’s decision. The case highlights how a handful of states still allow these lawsuits.
- JFK’S GRANDSON JACK SCHLOSSBERG LAUNCHES 2026 RUN FOR CONGRESS: Jack Schlossberg announced a bid for Rep. Jerry Nadler’s New York seat, following Nadler’s decision not to seek reelection. Schlossberg, a lawyer and the son of Caroline Kennedy, framed his campaign around public service. The race is expected to draw national attention given his family name. A formal campaign launch is planned in the district.
- CHINA ORDERS APP STORES TO PULL TWO MAJOR GAY DATING APPS: China’s internet regulator directed Apple’s App Store and several Android marketplaces to remove Blued and Finka, two of the country’s largest gay dating apps. Existing users appear able to keep using the apps for now. The move fits a broader tightening of online content rules in China. Apple confirmed the removals followed a government order, according to reporting.
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